Simply Stogies

James Giehm
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  • HOBBIES
  • VARANNAN VECKA

A podcast for both new cigar smokers and veteran cigar aficionados.

  1. −17 H

    Episode 174: Mike Szczepankiewicz of Powstanie Cigars

    James and Nick welcome Mike Szczepankiewicz from Powstanie Cigars, Pospiech Cigars, Cigar Hustler Lounge in Florida, and  ⁨A Cigar Hustlers Podcast.  Mike talks about getting into the cigar industry, working with Mike "BDP" Palmer, and doing a daily podcast. He talks about how important his family is to him and how he's able to juggle podcasting daily, Powstanie Cigars, his lounge, and coaching while still prioritizing "family first." The trio discuss cigar media, Halfwheel's importance to the industry, and cigar media. We ask Mike about Powstanie Cigars' San Andres being named Halfwheel's number 2 cigar of 2025 (only .079 behind number 1), before he talks about his thoughts on cigar lists. We hope you enjoy the conversation with one of the most positive guys in the cigar industry as much as we did.

    1 tim 29 min

  2. 20 FEB.

    72 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

    Tim, James, and Jimmy discussed the career and controversial opinions of industry veteran Dave Garofalo. The conversation focused heavily on Garofalo's bold business moves, specifically his decision to close profitable stores in Massachusetts and relocate to New Hampshire to escape a 12% tax—a gamble he took after competitors refused to unite against regulations.    The hosts also explored Garofalo's specific philosophies regarding retail strategy and media content. Key topics included the psychology behind his rule of placing price tags on every open box to avoid customer embarrassment and his "needs assessment" sales approach, illustrated by a story about upselling a golfer. Finally, they addressed his criticism of podcasting norms, specifically his pet peeve regarding excessive "banter" and his belief that industry media should avoid negative reviews to protect the cigar world from external attacks

    1 tim 37 min

  3. 13 FEB.

    Episode 173: David Garofalo of Two Guys Cigars, United Cigars & The Cigar Authority

    James and Nick welcome entrepreneur, author, and podcaster David Garofalo to the show. The trio discuss Dave's 40 years of experience with Two Guys Cigars, his reason for moving his stores from Massachusetts to New Hampshire, and how he has fought against raising taxes on cigars at the state level. We dive in to the retail side of the business as Dave talks about competition and working with them instead of against them, selling cigars vs being an "order taker," collaborating with cigar manufacturers, and much more. We ask Dave about starting United Cigars, The Cigar Authority podcast, and The New England Cigar Expo. This is a great conversation that you do not want to miss!

    2 tim 3 min

  4. 6 FEB.

    71 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

    In this episode of Clear the Air, the crew celebrates Simply Stogies’ seven-year anniversary of the show , reflecting on its massive growth from a monthly hobby to a major industry voice. The conversation transitions into a deep dive on boutique cigar culture, comparing the different entrepreneurial paths taken by Lou Cross of Lure Cigars and recent guest Alex Martinez of Exile Cigars. A major theme of the discussion is the role of legacy and family, specifically focusing on how Martinez honors his father's Cuban immigrant story by naming his cigar lines after his father’s shoe stores. Finally, the hosts share a personal and introspective look at how the cigar industry fosters generational traditions and deep personal connections, all while giving a special shoutout to the Fat Ash Cigar Lounge family and celebrating several community birthdays.

    1 tim 12 min

  5. 30 JAN.

    Episode 172: Alex Martinez of Exile Cigars

    James and Nick welcome Alex Martinez of Exile Cigars to the show. We find out how Alex got into cigars, as he discusses his 25yrs as a cop. Alex talks about how retirement led to his managing a cigar shop and eventually to owning his own cigar brand. Alex discusses his love for his family, his desire to build a legacy, and lessons learned in both the retail and manufacturing sides of the business. You do not want to miss this episode!

    1 tim 16 min

  6. 24 JAN.

    70 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

    Industry titans collide as James, Nick, and Jimmy step into the arena to dissect the fallout from their explosive sit-down with PCA CEO Joshua Habursky. Representing the powerhouse trio of Manufacturer, Retailer, and Media, they bring perspectives that rarely align—and the tension is palpable. Just as the debate threatens to spiral out of control, a surprise return from an old friend shifts the energy, but the peace is short-lived. Nick pulls back the curtain on the manufacturing world with a revelation that changes the context of the trade show, while Jimmy pulls no punches, voicing the raw, unfiltered concerns of a brick-and-mortar retailer fighting to survive. The episode culminates in a high-stakes interrogation of the media's true role: are they industry watchdogs, or just part of the machine? Clear the air. Find the truth. Listen now.

    1 tim 54 min

  7. 16 JAN.

    Episode 171: Joshua Habursky, CEO of the PCA

    We welcome CEO of the Premium Cigar Association, Joshua Habursky, back to the program. We catch up with Joshua and find out how 2025 went for the cigar industry. We also take a look ahead and discuss some of the legal challenges facing the industry and how the PCA stays on top of 50 individual states. Josh talks about how the PCA collaboration with author Nick Hammond came about, as well as the PCA working with cigar organizations around the world. Of course, no conversation with Joshua would be complete without talking about the upcoming trade show in New Orleans later this year.

    1 tim 1 min

  8. 9 JAN.

    69 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show

    Tim returns for another edition of Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show. Joined by James and Jimmy, the crew breaks down the latest episode featuring Law Ream, Ambassador for Zino Cigars (now with Camacho brand...thanks LAW!). But there is a major plot twist: Tim enlists a friend—Drew Estate Territory Manager Dave Payne—to facilitate a "conversation" regarding James' recent rants. All hell breaks loose, and you won't want to miss the fallout.

    1 tim 36 min
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Om

A podcast for both new cigar smokers and veteran cigar aficionados.

Information

  • Skapad av
    James Giehm
  • Aktiva år
    2019 - 2026
  • Avsnitt
    246
  • Åldersgräns
    Vuxet innehåll
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019 All rights reserved.
  • Programmets webbplats
    Simply Stogies

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