Hot Ashes Podcast

Lee and TK

The Hot Ashes Podcast is where cigars, conversation, and camaraderie come together. Hosted by veterans and longtime friends, the show blends sharp humor, real talk, and storytelling straight from the cigar lounge. One week it’s swapping war stories, the next it’s debating music, movies, leadership, or life’s big questions—no script, no filters, just unfiltered conversation and good bourbon. Whether you’re lighting up a cigar or just looking for a seat at the table, Hot Ashes delivers laughs, insight, and the kind of banter you’d expect from a crew that’s seen a little of everything.

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 42 (Ghost Pepper, AI, Pilot Stories)

    Send us Fan Mail We’re back in the lounge with cigars lit and drinks poured for another laid‑back Hot Ashes hang. In this episode, Lee, TK, and Ed bounce from camping trips and casinos to AI, tick-borne illnesses, brutal hot pepper challenges, and even small-plane flying. In this episode: Moving the Hot Ashes podcast release day and upgrading the studio setup TK’s upcoming New York State camping trip & Jared’s solo Shenandoah adventure Movie talk: Ex Machina, Her, Idiocracy, and a rant on modern superhero flicks Real talk on AI, YouTube university, and how tech is changing everything Casino stories, free drinks, and why some places won’t comp you at all Ticks, Lyme disease, Alpha-gal syndrome, and outdoor horror stories The legendary 9 million Scoville ghost pepper gummy bear challenge Nostalgia: book fairs, Walkmans, iPods, He-Man, Thundercats, and old-school toys Deep dive into music & instruments – learning guitar, sax, drums, banjo, and why kids should still pick up an instrument Lee’s flying stories, renting Cessnas, and what it takes to stay current as a pilot Tech talk: smartphones, streaming overload, VR with the Oculus Quest 3, and smart home life Shout-outs in this episode: Candy Edventure – spicy challenges & gummy bears at 640 West Corbett Ave American Graphics – helping solve our studio backdrop/brightness problem Local music spots like Swansboro Music & Pawn and Musicians Toy Store If you’re into cigars, camping, off-the-rails stories, nostalgia, and unfiltered barstool-style conversations, you’re in the right place. 👍 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment if you’ve: Done the one-chip or gummy bear challenge Had a wild tick / camping story Learned something crazy from YouTube or AI #HotAshesPodcast #Cigars #Camping #AI #SpicyChallenge #Podcast Support the show

    2h 6m
  2. Jun 29

    Episode 41 (Cigars, Service, Survival)

    Send us Fan Mail Episode 41 of the Hot Ashes Podcast comes in hot. Lee, TK, Jarrad, and Chris light up at George’s Cigars and dive into everything from cigars and beer to customer service, AI, solo camping, bands, books, and even the moon landing. We kick things off with what everyone’s smoking and drinking, then revisit TK’s legendary “drunk episode” and how it felt from the inside vs. how fans saw it. From there we move into a big chunk on customer service and leadership—Walmart horror stories, how (not) to train employees, mock job interviews with high schoolers, and why real human connection still beats AI phone trees every time. Jarrad breaks down his upcoming solo camping trip in Shenandoah: gear loadout, food plan, water strategy, heart/ICD concerns, and his goal of slowing down and actually enjoying the views. Lee talks about his band Heart Stop, new 90s/2000s rock covers (Weezer, Everclear, Rage Against the Machine), and the upcoming show at the White Gazebo Pavilion behind George’s Cigars in Swansboro, NC. We also hit Lee’s books (fiction and nonfiction), using AI to tighten writing, the Carolina Museum of the Marine, movie and book nerdery, and a late‑episode dive into conspiracies like the moon landing. If you like cigars, shop talk, leadership, camping, bands, books, Marines, movies, and a healthy dose of unfiltered brotherly banter, this one’s for you. #HotAshesPodcast #Cigars #CigarLounge #GeorgesCigars #HeartStop #LiveMusic #CustomerService #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #ChatGPT #MuseumOfTheMarine #USMC #Camping #Backpacking #SoloCamping #Shenandoah #Hiking #OutdoorLife #BookTalk #IndieAuthor #BecauseISaidSo #ThePrincessBride #PodcastClips #ComedyPodcast #Storytelling #ConspiracyTheories #MoonLanding #SpicyFood #HotOnes #CarolinaReaper #NorthCarolina #Swansboro Support the show

    2h 13m
  3. Jun 22

    Episode 40 (Fitness, Tribe, Relationships)

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Hot Ashes Podcast, we’re back at Georgia Cigar Shop in Swansboro, NC talking cigars, fitness, sobriety, veterans, mental health, and what it really means to have a tribe. We kick things off with what we’re smoking and drinking (or not drinking), then dive deep into: Health, Fitness & Self-ImprovementCutting back on booze, quitting soda, intermittent fastingBuilding new routines, early bedtimes, and chasing big goalsHotworx, 1000 workouts in 100 days, half-Ironman training, and TK’s pull-up / running journeyVeterans, Irreverent Warriors & Finding Your TribeWhat Irreverent Warriors is really about: humor, camaraderie, and preventing veteran suicideThe power of a honest, no‑BS community at the cigar shop tableLife after the military, finding purpose, and why civilians absolutely belong at the table tooMasculinity, Emotions, Journaling & Relationships“Am I doing good enough?” – mid‑life doubt, pressure, and self-worthHow journaling becomes a pressure release valve (and why it often holds our darkest thoughts)Communication with spouses and kids, emotional intelligence, MCCS classes, and dropping the stigma around counselingWe also get into: Beards and the “best beard” competitionLeadership, vulnerability, and not just being a “yes man”Books from Marines and veteran supporters on leadership, business, and purposeIf you’re into cigars, veteran culture, personal growth, and real talk about mental health, this one’s for you. Timestamps (rough): 00:00 – Intro, cigars & drinks at Georgia Cigar Shop 05:00 – Health kicks, quitting booze & soda, working out again 13:30 – Hotworx, 900+ days of workouts & 1000-in-100 challenge 16:30 – Irreverent Warriors, veteran tribe & sobriety 20:30 – The cigar shop table as community & support 32:30 – Military vs civilian paths, leadership & purpose 47:30 – Journaling, “am I enough?” and emotional pain on the page 1:03:30 – Communication with spouses & kids, MCCS classes, counseling 1:11:30 – TK’s fitness journey, running, lifting & consistency 1:20:30 – Aging, injuries, recovery, and still pushing the limits 1:22:20 – Heartstop / band updates & upcoming shows Follow / Support: Hot Ashes Podcast – subscribe for more cigars, stories, and real talkIrreverent Warriors – find a hike and your tribeLocal spots mentioned: Georgia Cigar Shop, Augment (Jacksonville, NC), Hotworx#HotAshesPodcast #Veterans #MentalHealth #Cigars #Sobriety #Fitness #IrreverentWarriors #Podcast Support the show

    2h 8m
  4. Jun 15

    Episode 39 (Travel, Fitness, SanDiego)

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to the Hot Ashes Podcast from George’s Cigars in Swansboro, NC! In this episode, Lee, TK, and Solange light up some great sticks and dive into cigars, travel, fitness, and a whole lot of small-town coastal life. We kick things off with the My Father Blue and a Monte Cristo White Series, talk through our new Hot Ashes hats and upcoming swag (shirts, sweatshirts, stickers), and lay out how you can win free gear just by subscribing and commenting. From there, Solange recaps her three‑week run through: Cody’s retirement & Franklin, TennesseeRain‑soaked high school graduationQuarry swims in KnoxvilleHostels and barcades in AshevilleHelping her brother’s Turo car rental hustle in San DiegoThat gorgeous vintage‑vibe Lafayette HotelFamily time in Bozeman, MontanaWe also get into: Meal prep, saving money, eating cleaner, and avoiding fast‑food trapsWorking out, intermittent fasting, and stretching (motion is the lotion!)Beards and a beard competitionLocal Swansboro life: SwanFest, George’s Cigars, Yana’s, By the Bridge, 34° North, Gaffers, Yanis, Mack Daddies, and moreGuns, ranges, and why the internet is FULL of “experts” in the commentsArcades, barcades, live music, and random nights out that turn into great storiesIf you like cigars, road trips, music, small‑town hangouts, and trying to stay a little healthier without turning into a robot, this one’s for you. 📚 Books Mentioned in This Episode Lee's leadership book: I talk about my book in this episode – you can check it out here: https://a.co/d/09hURs2Z Frank V. Tursi – Tar Heel Boys of Summer: North Carolina’s Major League Baseball Players Grab Frank’s incredible baseball history book here: https://a.co/d/0gXalHiJ 🧢 Hot Ashes Swag & Giveaways We’re feeling out how many Hot Ashes Podcast hats to order (Richardson 112), and planning future shirts, hoodies, and more. To get in on giveaways and help us grow: Subscribe to the channelLike this videoComment on THIS episode – especially if you want a hatShare it with a friend who’d dig cigars, travel stories, and shop‑table banterWe’ll be doing swag bundles (hat, sweatshirt, sticker, etc.) for random subscribers at milestones like 500 and 1,000 subs, and we may even invite a local winner to be on the show. 📍 Recorded at: George’s Cigars – Swansboro, North Carolina 🎙 Podcast: Hot Ashes Podcast 💨 Cigars, conversation, and coastal Carolina vibes. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, hit the bell, and drop a comment so we know you’re part of the crew. #HotAshesPodcast #Cigars #Swansboro #Travel #SanDiego #Bozeman #MealPrep #Fitness #CigarPodcast Support the show

    2h 5m
  5. Jun 8

    Episode 38 (Opus X Dubai, Guns, Boats)

    Send us Fan Mail Dakota rolls in with a Dubai‑exclusive Opus X “Amor del Desierto” box, and this episode does not let up. The crew unboxes a $1,500+ box of cigars, talks pairings with Dalmore King Alexander III, swaps range day stories (6.5 Creedmoor, .357 mag, 1911s, AKs, EDCs, concealed carry), hits boats and sandbars on the Carolina coast, and gets into bowling near‑perfect games and what real brotherhood around “the table” looks like. Host Lee Butt also breaks down his new leadership book, “Because I Said So, and Other Things Weak Leaders Say” – built on his Marine Corps experience, civilian leadership roles, and doctoral research. 👉 Grab Lee’s book on Amazon: Because I Said So, and Other Things Weak Leaders Say – Lee Butt https://a.co/d/0ebo0tIe  ⏱ Timestamps 0:00 – Cold open chaos & the running “are we ever actually ready?” joke 0:29 – Intro: Hot Ashes Podcast, carousel of chairs, what everyone’s drinking 1:52 – Dakota’s back & hints at a special “tasty present” 2:44 – Scotch talk: Dalmore King Alexander III & Poor Man’s Pappy 5:00 – Opus X Amor del Desierto Dubai unboxing begins 6:30 – First reactions to the box: craftsmanship, photos, cigar nerding 7:56 – Lighting up the Opus X & first flavor impressions 9:40 – Dakota explains the Dubai‑only Opus X release & 2025 limited U.S. drop 11:31 – Price talk: $1,500 box, size differences, and “you’re paying for the box” 13:40 – Opus X access: shop qualifications, God of Fire, boutique blends 15:22 – Canada rant: plain packaging, 300% markup & why Fuente won’t send Opus there 18:03 – “Go to your local Dubai duty free…” & payday jokes 19:02 – Range day recap – handguns, rifles, group size, who can actually shoot 20:06 – 6.5 Creedmoor headshots & steel vs paper targets 21:23 – .357 mag talk, recoil, custom grips, barrel lengths & jokes around the table 22:20 – More pistols: Ruger .45, 1911 smoothness & Springfield Operator 23:31 – Shooting games, friendly roasting, and shared targets 25:09 – ARs, suppressors, zeroing rifles & working back from 25 yards 26:20 – Kayak day recap & Memorial Day weather on the coast 27:06 – Big Rock tournament, Morehead City traffic & Rock the Dock shout‑outs 29:08 – Dueling pianos, local bar talk, Ducks, neighborhoods & housing 30:27 – Taxes, housing prices, and the “you never really own your house” mini‑rant 31:45 – Hammond, Indiana, Chicago, Bears stadium, and naming controversy bit 32:56 – Gurkha slander, favorite cigars & viewer comments 36:10 – First cigars ever: Kuba Kuba, Swisher Sweets, Chicago lounge days 41:01 – Early cigar mistakes, Man O’ War Maduro, getting sick, learning to smoke 43:31 – The Dubai story: cigar lounge, pairing discovery, hotel on the Palm 44:40 – $3,000 Scotch upsell vs $399 at home & vacation spending traps 46:49 – Viral shorts: future cars writing tickets, tech rants & algorithms 47:59 – Audience comments, chambered rounds debate, Yeti cups & hot topics 49:37 – Carolina Museum of the Marine ribbon cutting & veteran shout‑outs 50:30 – Veteran community, Irreverent Warriors, hikes & local events 52:00 – Dalmore + Opus X pairing on camera 53:32 – New guest on mic: Canadian coffee, maple syrup & iced coffee 56:40 – Caspers Marina, boat plans, sandbars, Surf City, Wrightsville ideas 58:50 – Kayaks vs boats, budget pedal kayaks & Titanic jokes 59:37 – Lee’s book reveal: “Because I Said So, and Other Things Weak Leaders Say” 1:00:31 – Why Lee wrote a leadership book: Marine Corps, bad leaders, good leaders 1:01:32 – Chapter overview: lazy responses, discomfort, followership, promotions 1:03:02 – Emotional intelligence as a leadership superpower 1:05:11 – Applying EI in counseling, performance reviews & real conversations 1:06:00 – Flag presentation – U.S. flag flown over Embassy Baghdad for Lee 1:07:02 – Story of the flag getting stuck in Iraq mail during war & finally arriving 1:08:10 – Brotherhood, cigars, and what “the table” really means 1:09:06 – Bowling stories: 269 scores, 300s, 299 heartbreaks & trophy 10‑pins 1:12:20 – Two‑hand vs one‑hand bowling, house balls, custom drills & averages 1:18:00 – Gun talk again: .357 mag with 6" barrel, AKs, Mosins & surplus prices 1:23:01 – EDC: Hellcat Pro, chambered vs un‑chambered carry & open carry debate 1:26:20 – Podcast growth: 51k‑view reel, 19k on TikTok & organic viral moments 1:27:20 – The crew thanks listeners: likes, subs, shares & what’s coming next 🔗 Connect & Support 📕 Lee’s Leadership Book: Because I Said So, and Other Things Weak Leaders Say – Terry Butt https://a.co/d/0ebo0tIe  🎙 Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube: Hit Subscribe and tap the bell so you don’t miss upcoming episodes (including the big 50th). https://www.youtube.com/@HotAshesPodcast  📸 Follow Hot Ashes on socials: Clips, shorts, behind‑the‑scenes, and more cigar/boat/range chaos. #HotAshesPodcast #OpusX #DubaiExclusive #Cigars #CigarPodcast #ArturoFuente #Dalmore #WhiskeyAndCigars #SecondAmendment #Guns #EDC #ConcealedCarry #RangeDay #BoatLife #NorthCarolina #Veterans #MarineCorps #Leadership #SelfImprovement #Bowling #Brotherhood #Podcast Support the show

    2h 15m
  6. Jun 1

    Episode 37 (Bourbon, Travel, USMC life)

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to the Hot Ashes Podcast, recorded live at George’s Cigar Shop in Swansboro, North Carolina. In this episode we fire up George’s house cigars, crack a rare bottle of Pappy Van Winkle 12 Year (Lot B), and get into everything from Tesla road trips and insane tolls to the new Carolina Museum of the Marine, AI, and life in and after the United States Marine Corps. If you’re into cigars, bourbon, Marines, road trips, and real talk – you’re in the right place. ⏱️ Chapters 0:00 – Cold open, false start, getting settled1:13 – Intro at George’s Cigar Shop; cigars & drinks roll call2:25 – Non‑alcoholic beers & TK’s Lowe’s NA beer story5:51 – Internet “experts,” gun debate trolls, missing context on shorts6:56 – Four‑day cruise recap & gambling strategy8:51 – 650‑mile Tesla road trip, charging time, and delays10:25 – Self‑driving, lane assist, and future automated tickets13:11 – Tolls vs. flying; cost of driving to New England; airport hacks15:17 – Plane speeds, takeoff/landing, small planes vs. jets17:16 – Weed‑smelling passenger kicked off flight & attention‑seekers18:23 – Negativity, “The Secret,” energy, and Bruce Lee on self‑talk19:24 – Bruce Lee ping‑pong clip & early fake videos19:55 – How we use AI for podcast transcripts & design21:49 – Customer service vs. chatbots and automation22:38 – Automated golf ball picker and fewer human jobs23:50 – Flower business, order‑gatherer websites, and SEO dominance26:37 – Carolina Museum of the Marine tour overview30:09 – Memorials, pricing, field trips, and events at the museum33:06 – Funeral of a retired Master Guns & Marine brotherhood34:34 – Future guests & Marine friends coming on the show36:01 – Dakota arrives; maple bottle fake‑out; Pappy Van Winkle 12 reveal40:55 – First sips of Pappy; taste reactions & Pappy background46:23 – Bourbon vs. beer; late‑night drinking stories52:37 – 80s movies: Big Trouble in Little China, Mannequin, Kim Cattrall54:32 – Surfing, Paddle Out Project, Cape Hatteras, and aging bodies56:44 – Memorial Day kayaking & boat wake problems58:05 – Cognac, Hennessy days, and sipping vs. slamming liquor1:02:01 – Carlos Perez intro: Colombian‑born infantry Marine & career path1:03:49 – SgtMaj Zek Fews as a mentor & battalion legend1:06:08 – Choosing First Sergeant over Master Sergeant; staying with Marines1:09:40 – Retirement timing, family, and son joining 1/6 Alpha1:14:47 – Artie intro: retired Sergeant Major, now teacher & football coach1:20:56 – AMOI, OCS, university duty & “don’t make stuff up”1:23:35 – SDAs (recruiting, drill field) & being treated like a LCpl again#HotAshesPodcast #Cigars #Bourbon #PappyVanWinkle #GeorgeesCigarShop #Tesla #ElectricVehicles #MarineCorps #USMC #Veterans #CarolinaMuseumoftheMarine #CampLejeune #CigarLounge #Podcast Support the show

    2h 3m
  7. May 25

    Episode 36 (Podcasting, Memorial Day, Guns)

    Send us Fan Mail We’re back inside the lounge for a Memorial Day episode of the Hot Ashes Podcast from Georgia’s Cigars in Swansboro, NC – tighter setup, cold AC, great cigars, and some heavy (and hilarious) conversations. In this episode, Lee, TK, Roger, Zach, and crew dive into: 🎙️ Podcasting & Content Creation Running a multi‑camera setup and the pain of audio drift and flaky editing tools YouTube Shorts, weird algorithm wins (15k views on a random clip!), and dealing with trolls Using AI tools for editing, thumbnails, and covers – and where it starts to get sketchy 🤖 AI, Deepfakes & Integrity AI‑generated videos and voices, fake “Meryl Streep” health rants, and why the inflection still sounds off College papers, doctors “cheating” with AI, tarot readers and horoscopes using ChatGPT Where we actually like AI (editing and polishing your own writing) vs. where it crosses the line 🎖️ Memorial Day, Service & Mortality The real difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day Remembering fallen friends, sudden loss, palliative care, and what it feels like to face the end Talking about regret, acceptance, DNRs, and how families remember their loved ones 📚 Leadership, the Marine Corps & Lee’s New Book Lee’s book: “Because I Said So, and Other Things Weak Leaders Say” (out June 2) Servant leadership, taking care of your people, and why “because I said so” is lazy leadership Bad bosses, good mentors, and how continuous learning changes how you lead 🔫 Concealed Carry, Holsters & Everyday Carry TK’s concealed carry class and the legal/moral weight of using a gun in self‑defense Carrying with one in the chamber, trusting your firearm, and holster choices (appendix vs. small-of-back, tier one, Alien, etc.) 1911s vs. modern carry guns, plus expensive Japanese pocket knives and sharpening gear 🎵 Community, Music & Local Life Seaside Arts Council and Swan Fest – free Sunday concerts in downtown Swansboro Playing live on the Pug Pavilion, Motown, The Temptations, and local bands Why local arts funding matters for keeping this stuff alive 🔔 If you dig cigars, real talk, and a cigar‑shop atmosphere in podcast form, hit Subscribe and turn on the bell so you don’t miss future episodes. 👍 Like the video if you enjoyed the conversation 💬 Drop a comment: What’s your take on AI in creative work? Do you carry? What’s your preferred EDC holster? Who are you remembering this Memorial Day? 📍 Recorded at: Georgia’s Cigars, Swansboro, North Carolina 🎧 Listen on audio: (add your platforms/links here) 📘 Lee’s book: “Because I Said So, and Other Things Weak Leaders Say” – available June 2 (add link when live) Support the show

    2h 5m
  8. May 18

    Episode 35 (Cody's retirement, Cigar family, Conspiracy talks)

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Hot Ashes Podcast, Lee, TK, Amy, Dakota, and Roger light up some great sticks, pour serious bourbon, and dive into one of the most emotional and unfiltered conversations yet. We kick things off recapping our brother Cody’s retirement from the Marine Corps after 27 years of service — from Lee putting the uniform back on and giving a heartfelt speech, to the powerful moments with Cody’s kids and the community that showed up for him. We talk about what it really feels like to take the uniform off for the last time, the struggle of transition, and what “thank you for your service” means from both sides of the table. From there we get into: The cigar-shop family vibe: how this crew always shows up for each other — moving houses, honoring friends we’ve lost, and throwing a retirement party that went way too late.Cody’s insane bourbon haul and everyone’s drinks & smokes for the night (My Father Blue, Drew Estate Sweet Jane, George’s box-pressed, Basil Hayden, Eagle Rare, Jefferson’s Ocean, and more).A sobering moment about a neighbor collapsing while breaking up a dog fight and how fast life can change.Then the conversation takes a hard turn into: 9/11, NASA, the moon landing, aliens, and flat earth–adjacent theoriesMoney, power, and why celebrities and politicians drive us crazyThe NFL, college football, NIL money, and why pro athletes make more than the people we send to warIt’s raw, it’s honest, it’s emotional, and it’s absolutely not scripted. As always, this is entertainment and opinion, not “official” anything — just a group of friends around a table, cigars in hand, talking about life, service, and the crazy world we’re living in. ⏱ Chapters (suggested): 0:00 – Lighting up & drink/cigar roll call 1:00 – Cody’s Marine Corps retirement & Lee back in uniform 6:30 – Gifts, plaques, and emotional moments at the ceremony 10:00 – The party recap: cigars, bourbon, and 4 a.m. bedtimes 14:30 – A neighbor collapses breaking up a dog fight 18:00 – Cigar shop “family” and how the crew always shows up 22:30 – Amy’s COVID-era retirement with no proper ceremony 27:00 – What “thank you for your service” really means 35:00 – Veterans, Vietnam stories, and perspective on hardship 39:00 – 9/11 questions, Building 7, and conspiracy talk 43:00 – Did we go to the moon? NASA, Artemis, and space skepticism 50:00 – NFL scripts, team names, and the Redskins/Commanders rant 1:00:00 – College football, NIL, and money in sports 1:15:00 – Politics, term limits, and the “world is a stage” 1:25:00 – Closing thoughts & switching back to cigars 💨 Featured Cigars: My Father BlueGeorge’s box-pressed (and torpedo)Drew Estate Sweet JaneRed Meat Lovers (Tatuaje collab) …and more we probably shouldn’t smoke all in one weekend.🥃 Featured Spirits: Tennessee Standard blended bourbon (Kings Family Distillery)Mictors 10Eagle Rare, Buffalo Trace, Basil HaydenRussell’s single barrel & 10-yearJefferson’s OceanE.H. Taylor small batch and other heaters from Cody’s new shelfIf you’re into cigars, bourbon, veterans’ stories, and unfiltered barbershop-level conversation, you’re in the right place. Like, subscribe, and drop a comment: What’s your go-to cigar & pour?Are you a vet? Tell us where you served and how your transition went.Which topic in this episode hit you hardest?#HotAshesPodcast #Cigars #Bourbon #Veterans #MarineCorps #MilitaryRetirement #ConspiracyTalk #NFL #CollegeFootball Support the show

    2h 20m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Hot Ashes Podcast is where cigars, conversation, and camaraderie come together. Hosted by veterans and longtime friends, the show blends sharp humor, real talk, and storytelling straight from the cigar lounge. One week it’s swapping war stories, the next it’s debating music, movies, leadership, or life’s big questions—no script, no filters, just unfiltered conversation and good bourbon. Whether you’re lighting up a cigar or just looking for a seat at the table, Hot Ashes delivers laughs, insight, and the kind of banter you’d expect from a crew that’s seen a little of everything.