Burn and Learn: The Cigar Lifestyle Podcast

Steve Mann
  • 5.0 (3)
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A new cigar aficionado-focused podcast dedicated to the cigar lifestyle and general discussions about important topics that impact our lives every day.

  1. 20H AGO

    Burn & Learn Episode 16: Chat With Joshua Habursky, CEO of the Premium Cigar Association (PCA)

    In this episode of Burn & Learn: The Cigar Lifestyle Podcast, I had an opportunity to sit down with Joshua Habursky, CEO of the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) at After Dark Cigar Company, located in Ocoee, FL.Widely regarded as the ambassador for the US cigar industry, Josh shared his perspective on a number of important issues, including premium cigar growth trends, domestic and international policies governing premium cigars, house blends and things that cigar aficionados might look forward to over the next several years.

    58 min

  2. 2D AGO

    Burn & Learn Episode 15: All Things Cigars With Industry Veteran Alec Rubiera

    In this episode of Burn & Learn: The Cigar Lifestyle Podcast, I had an opportunity to chat with industry veteran Alec Rubiera. As a result of Alec's twenty-one (21) years of industry experience, we had a wonderful chat about current cigar trends, how technology has impacted the sector, the changing cigar flavor profiles, as well as indications of where things are headed. If you have an interest in cigars and the aficionado lifestyle, this is an episode that you won't want to miss. Special thanks to Alec for joining the show, as well as Rebellion Whiskey & Cigar Lounge for the beautiful venue!

    52 min

  3. 12/09/2025

    Burn & Learn Episode 14:Bourbon, Cigars, Private Equity, Entrepreneurship and Community Service

    Join me and co-host, Ray Solano, as we chat with Joel Griffin, Founder & CEO of Riphean, a growth management firm with a diversified investment portfolio consisting of private companies, venture capital and real estate holdings. We spent time with Joel chatting about his love of bourbon and cigars, as well as the many hats he's worn during his illustrious career, including being a military veteran, entrepreneur, investor, restauranteur, philanthropist and community volunteer. If you love cigars and are an entrepreneur, or thinking about starting your own company, you won't want to miss this discussion!

    51 min

  4. 10/22/2025

    Burn & Learn Episode 13: Burn & Learn Sits Down With Dr. Ray Solano

    Dr. Ray Solano, founder of Solano Spine & Sport, joins Burn & Learn: The Cigar Lifestyle Podcast to talk about his world-class sports chiropractor practice based in Falls Church, VA. During our discussion, Dr. Solano walks us through his career and how he decided to pursue medicine as his way of giving back to his community. As we discuss how he has treated quite a few athletes from DC's professional sports teams, I reminisce about my early days at Georgetown, throwing the javelin on the track & field team. Of course, we enjoy some great cigars and engage in a discussion about the evolution of the modern cigar lounge. Grab a cigar, click in and enjoy this episode!

    1h 5m

  5. 07/31/2025

    Burn & Learn Episode 9: Brivado Cigars: A Great Boutique Cigar Lineup & Absolutely Beautiful Cigar Lounge!

    In a pivot from our usual venue at Rebellion, I was honored to have a wonderful conversation with Dr. Brian D. Agnew at Brivado Cigars, his beautiful cigar lounge in Orange, NJ. During our conversation, Brian and I discussed his growth strategies for his boutique cigar line, as well as his cigar lounge. Marvin Pettus and Paul Murdock, Brian's long time friends and business associates, were also key contributors to the conversation. While smoking the Brivado double wrapped Barber Pole, we delved into how data analytics inform Brian's real time business decisions and how Brivado's members take advantage of everything that Brivado has to offer, especially an inviting space to build relationships, network and have a great time!

    58 min

  6. 07/31/2025

    Burn & Learn Episode 10: Conversation With Surpassion Cigars Co-Founder Manny Riaz

    In this edition of Burn & Learn: The Cigar Lifestyle Podcast, we sat down with Manny Riaz, co-founder of Surpassion Cigars. While lighting up the Surpassion Valor, Manny walks us through the creation of his new company, including the blending process and the key relationships that he leveraged to bring his vision to reality. We also had an opportunity to discuss Manny’s plans for future Surpassion offerings.

    51 min

  7. 06/30/2025

    Burn & Learn Episode 8: Royal Robustos and a Chat With Cigars With M

    Joining us on this episode of Burn & Learn: The Cigar Lifestyle Podcast is Mechelle Merkerson, a certified cigar sommelier, a cigar-focused content creator and a pioneer in the cigar education space through her educational series called Cigars With M. Sit back, light a cigar and join us as we chat about her focus on cigar education, her curated cigar events and general industry happenings.

    1h 4m

  8. 06/11/2025

    Burn & Learn Episode 7: Bentleys & Maseratis, Escurio 10th & Current Cigar Sector Trends

    In this episode of Burn & Learn: The Cigar Lifestyle Podcast, my long-time friend and mentor, Sid Fuchs, joins me as co-host. We were very excited to be joined by Teresa Wessling, Tobacconist extraordinaire at Georgetown Tobacco and a board member of the Premium Cigar Association (PCA). Check out this episode as we light up a couple of great cigars, delve into cigar sector trends, chat about the recent PCA show and discuss StogieHub’s evolution. We wrap up with a chat about PCA’s ongoing efforts to protect the premium cigar industry against overreaching legislation at the state and federal levels.

    1h 3m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

A new cigar aficionado-focused podcast dedicated to the cigar lifestyle and general discussions about important topics that impact our lives every day.

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