Nice Ashes: Cigars and Culture

Mike & Nate
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Join Mike and Nate, your friendly aficionados of budget-friendly cigars, as they ignite conversations that go beyond the smoke. Whether you're a seasoned cigar enthusiast or simply curious about the world of affordable smokes, Mike and Nate invite you to kick back, light up, and join the conversation. "Nice Ashes" is where camaraderie meets culture, where the pleasure of puffing enhances the exploration of diverse topics. Tune in for a laid-back and flavorful journey through the realms of literature, media, and society, one budget-friendly cigar at a time. Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram Opening music: Coma-Media from Pixabay

  1. Primeros: Missing Children

    6D AGO

    Primeros: Missing Children

    In this intense and eye-opening episode, Nate and Mike dive deep into the disturbing reality of missing children in the United States. After a brief and humorous start with a disappointing cigar review of the Primeros, they expose jaw-dropping government statistics revealing hundreds of thousands of children—both American and undocumented—who have disappeared, many reportedly lost in ICE custody or to trafficking with minimal follow-up. They also highlight the disproportionately high numbers of missing Indigenous children, systemic reporting changes that obscure the true scale of the problem, and the glaring failure of governmental agencies to protect these vulnerable populations. The hosts emphasize that this crisis transcends politics and demands urgent attention. Tune in for a detailed breakdown of the data, controversial insights, and a call to action on an often overlooked national tragedy. Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram

    1h 5m
  2. Cohiba Red Dot: Thomas Harriot

    MAR 18

    Cohiba Red Dot: Thomas Harriot

    In this episode, hosts Nate and Mike enjoy smoking the Cohiba Red Dot cigar while diving into the fascinating yet lesser-known story of Thomas Harriot, a 16th-17th century English mathematician, astronomer, and early scientist. They discuss Harriot’s pioneering contributions—such as his early telescopic moon sketches preceding Galileo, advancements in algebra, and detailed, respectful ethnographic observations of Native American societies during the Roanoke expeditions. The conversation explores Harriot’s role as a scientific employee under the patronage system of the time, his limited publication leading to historical obscurity, and contrasts with more celebrated contemporaries like Galileo and Descartes. The hosts also reflect on the colonial and scientific context of Harriot’s era, including Elizabethan England’s rivalry with Spain, the early colonization of Virginia, and the cultural impact of New World crops like tobacco and maize. Alongside historical insights, Nate and Mike share candid remarks on cigars, pairings, and their evolving palates. The episode blends detailed historical storytelling with humor and casual banter, highlighting how curiosity and access to information today allow listeners to discover overlooked figures like Harriot. They tease future episodes about the Roanoke colony and other history-making individuals who, despite their achievements, didn’t receive widespread recognition. Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram

    48 min
  3. Tatiana Cinnamon: 1st and 2nd Ammendment Laws

    MAR 11

    Tatiana Cinnamon: 1st and 2nd Ammendment Laws

    In this episode, hosts Mike and Nate begin with a casual cigar tasting of flavored Tatiana cigars, sharing their impressions of cinnamon and vanilla varieties, including nostalgic references and pairing choices. They briefly mention Jordan's Be The Club is now fully launched. The discussion quickly pivots to a detailed and extensive examination of current political issues surrounding First and Second Amendment rights across the United States. Specifically, they analyze state-by-state legislation related to: BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) laws: Many states have laws restricting contracts with companies that boycott Israel. These laws often extend beyond Israel-related boycotts to cover industries like fossil fuels, gender-affirming care, reproductive health, and diversity initiatives. The hosts highlight concerns about these laws restricting free speech and corporate expression.Firearms legislation: The hosts review assault weapons bans, magazine capacity restrictions, permit requirements, gun storage laws, and pending bills aimed at further restricting gun ownership in various states. They draw attention to particularly stringent laws in California, Hawaii, and Minnesota, where some proposed legislation includes felony classifications and warrantless home inspections—measures the hosts criticize as both unconstitutional and unenforceable.Ongoing court cases and ballot initiatives: Some firearm bans and BDS laws are in legal challenge or subject to ballot measures aimed at repeal.Political and social commentary: The hosts share their perspectives on government overreach, bureaucratic abuses, racial and cultural tensions (notably regarding Somali communities and law enforcement in Minnesota), and political distractions. They also comment humorously on cultural topics such as nail styles and driving habits.Overall, the episode blends cigar culture with a deep dive into the complex landscape of freedom-related legislation in the U.S., urging listeners to stay informed and politically active regarding encroachments on constitutional rights. Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram

    1 hr
  4. La Gloria Cubana 8th Street Toro: Butterfly Effect Theories

    MAR 4

    La Gloria Cubana 8th Street Toro: Butterfly Effect Theories

    In this kickoff episode for Season 5 of Nice Ashes, Nate and Mike light up a La Gloria Cubana 8th Street Toro to ease back into cigar talk, sharing their honest impressions of its bold spice and flavor journey. Alongside their cigar review, they dive deep into fascinating butterfly effect theories, connecting historical dots in unexpected ways—from the Romanovs’ fall leading to 9/11 and Ellen DeGeneres’ career unraveling, to Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination sparking global conflicts, and even how Star Trek indirectly influenced Barack Obama’s presidency. They also explore the invention of penicillin, quirky pop culture tidbits, and political what-ifs, all while rambling about the evolution of movies, sci-fi tropes, and the current state of the entertainment industry. Plus, they share season plans, invite listener cigar suggestions, and reflect on their journey as a podcast hitting Season 5. Expect plenty of humor, surprising insights, and plenty of smoke-filled camaraderie in this wide-ranging episode. Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram

    58 min
  5. Joya Red Robusto: 9/11

    12/31/2025

    Joya Red Robusto: 9/11

    Season 4 finale of Nice Ashes takes a deep, candid dive into the culture-shaking events of September 11, 2001. Hosts Mike and Nate share their personal memories of that day and examine the official 9/11 Commission Report alongside popular conspiracy theories, balancing skepticism with heartfelt reflection. Over cigars (The Joya Red) and fine Glenlivet 12 whiskey, they explore timelines, government responses, and controversial questions surrounding the attacks, all while honoring the lives lost. This unfiltered episode blends history, politics, and personal narrative with humor and raw honesty, ending the season on a sober yet thoughtful note. Join them as they confront a pivotal moment in American history—and what it means for the country’s future. Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram

    1h 23m
  6. Hesitant Pirate: EDC 2.0

    12/24/2025

    Hesitant Pirate: EDC 2.0

    In this episode of Nice Ashes, hosts Mike and Nate dive deep into the world of everyday carry (EDC) gear while enjoying cigars (including the notoriously bad Hesitant Pirate) and Oktoberfest beer from a local street festival. They share stories about their personal EDC setups—from minimalist daily essentials to extended gear for travel and outdoor work—highlighting tools, knives, tech gadgets, first aid kits, and even dog care essentials. The conversation also touches on dog training ethics, with a passionate critique of public figures mistreating their pets. Toward the end, they geek out on watches, contrasting practical affordability with high-end precision and style. Expect candid banter, practical tips, and plenty of humor as they explore the gear that keeps them ready for anything. Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram

    1h 27m
  7. Ave Maria Reconquista: NPL & FLP

    12/17/2025

    Ave Maria Reconquista: NPL & FLP

    In this episode of Nice Ashes, hosts Mike and Nate light up the Ave Maria Reconquista cigar and dive deep into a fascinating piece of Midwest history: the rise and impact of the Nonpartisan League and the Farmer Labor Party. They explore how two farmers’ secret winter meeting in 1915 sparked a progressive political movement that transformed North Dakota and Minnesota with groundbreaking reforms like the state-owned Bank of North Dakota, progressive income tax, labor rights, and environmental conservation—many of which still benefit the region today. Along the way, they reflect on the power of community, perseverance, and inter-generational change, offering thoughtful insights into how rural values and collective action can shape society. Plus, enjoy candid conversation, cigar reviews, and a fresh perspective on history, politics, and culture. Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram

    1h 31m
  8. La Diferencia Cubana: John Titor

    12/10/2025

    La Diferencia Cubana: John Titor

    In this episode of Nice Ashes, hosts Mike and Nate dive into the fascinating and mysterious story of John Titor, the alleged time traveler from the year 2036 who posted on internet forums in the early 2000s. They explore the origins of the legend, the technical claims about his time machine, his predictions, and the follow-up narrative of John Titor II. Along the way, they discuss pop culture references, the plausibility of the story, and touch on broader topics like AI and societal changes — all while enjoying cigars and whiskey in person. Join them for an engaging blend of history, conspiracy, tech talk, and good humor, as they separate fact from fiction and ponder what the future might hold. Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram

    1h 13m
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About

Join Mike and Nate, your friendly aficionados of budget-friendly cigars, as they ignite conversations that go beyond the smoke. Whether you're a seasoned cigar enthusiast or simply curious about the world of affordable smokes, Mike and Nate invite you to kick back, light up, and join the conversation. "Nice Ashes" is where camaraderie meets culture, where the pleasure of puffing enhances the exploration of diverse topics. Tune in for a laid-back and flavorful journey through the realms of literature, media, and society, one budget-friendly cigar at a time. Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram Opening music: Coma-Media from Pixabay

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