Holy Smokes Podcast Holy Smokes®

Welcome to the Holy Smokes podcast. In this emotional episode of Holy Smokes, our host, Steve Reiter, sits down with guest Mark Bendorf for a profound and heartfelt conversation. Mark shares his experiences with cigars, his love for family, and his challenges. From growing up near Camp Randall in Madison, Wisconsin, to serving in the Marine Corps and losing his son, the conversation delves into moments of joy, sorrow, and the celebration of life. Join us as Mark opens up about his son's passing, the simple joys of life, and his journey of faith, all while enjoying a cigar with Steve. This episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of finding joy amidst pain.
 
Outline:
(00:05) Childhood car parking business in Christian households.
(08:12) Madison's free zoo is meant for the community.
(11:50) Sister's friend leads to union apprenticeship at 27.
(16:39) Mother shocked and alarmed by son's death.
(22:13) Embraced and comforted a grieving group of kids.
(27:58) Respect individuality and give space for growth.
(36:38) Enjoying coffee and cigars, memorable moments shared.
(41:42) Christian artists, 60s/70s rock, some Michael Jackson
(45:13) The Family had a dog and a cat.
(49:43) Thankful for kids, family, friends, and parents.
(56:00) Dave presents the Bible in a disarming, loving way.
(01:00:24) Enjoy life, appreciate Christ's sacrifice, and keep it simple. 
 
About the Guest:  Mark Bendorf grew up just blocks away from where he would later become an entrepreneur. As a kid, he would park cars in his backyard for a small fee, which was a lucrative business for a young boy in the 1980s. Despite his early success, Mark was raised in a Christian home, with his father being Free Methodist and his mother Lutheran. When his family moved to Madison, they attended a Presbyterian church. This early experience of entrepreneurship and strong family values would shape Mark's future endeavors.

Welcome to Holy Smokes, the podcast where faith, friendship, tobacco, and drinks come together in meaningful and thought-provoking conversations. In this episode, our host, Steve Reiter, sits down with the inspiring Dave Bechtold and the engaging Mark Bendorf. Together, they delve into a wide range of topics, from childhood memories and personal growth to faith, community engagement, and the unique Holy Smokes gatherings. Journey with us as we explore the depth of Jesus, the mission of going beyond the church building walls, and the power of spreading hope and love in a world divided by politics and ideologies. Get ready for an episode filled with stories, insights, and a shared passion for cigars and pipes in the cozy setting of the Holy Smokes headquarters at Dave Bechtold's home lounge in Madison, Wisconsin.
Outline:
(00:00) Madison: a liberal town with unique politics.
(06:32) Relevance of God and hope in politics.
(16:07) Divine intervention led to successful kids ministry.
(19:02) Former churchgoer shares experience and impact of prayer.
(24:59) Rebellious teenagers become the center of attention.
(30:52) Expect the inevitable and maintain a positive attitude.
(38:17) A Young couple prioritized relationship grappled with religion.
(41:39) Dave was known for connecting with people.
(51:17) Sow seeds, build relationships, and spread good news.
(56:22) Neighbors connected over the fire, shared cigars and welcomed.
(59:09) Enjoying pipe smoking, trying Colorado blends, supporting local business.
(01:07:03) Not into Star Trek, but likes sports.
(01:12:25) Son perfected steak; now it's my favorite.
(01:17:21) Overcoming negativity through obedience to Jesus.
(01:22:45) Thankful for friends, wife, and gifts.
(01:29:32) Celebrating influential figures in spirituality and ministry.
(01:34:15) Christ's faithfulness is beautiful and often unnoticed.
 
About the Guest:  Dave Bechtold is known for his love and passion for people, especially families and children. He is often described as having a heart for others and a genuine love for throwing parties to bring joy to those around him. Dave truly believes in the saying, "If you can find a job that you love to do, you'll never work a day in your life," and he exemplifies this through his work. His parties bring happiness and serve as a way for him to share God's love and show that the Lord is good. Dave's dedication to serving others and spreading joy through his work is a testament to his caring and compassionate nature

Welcome to Holy Smokes, where we delve into the compelling stories of faith, community, and personal growth. In this episode, we feature Dave Bechtold and Mark Bendorf, who share their experiences in Madison, Wisconsin, organizing events such as Holy Grounds and "Burgers and the Bible" with a mission to spread joy, hospitality, and the message of Jesus. They reflect on the impact of their work, from meaningful conversations to witnessing the transformative power of faith in people's lives. Moreover, they discuss their vision for a community of cigar smokers and bourbon enthusiasts as a platform to share spiritual growth and purpose. Stay tuned as we explore stories of hope, resilience, and the profound impact of faith in everyday lives.

Welcome to a sizzling new episode of Holy Smokes! In this electrifying installment, we're joined by the illustrious Tobin Arthur, who regales us with riveting tales from his high school baseball triumphs to his dynamic career in business and healthcare. Grab your favorite Crossfire cigar and a piping hot cup of coffee as we delve into Tobin's journey from USC to co-founding Innovation for Alpha, blazing a trail through the realms of entrepreneurship, healthcare, and community building. Get ready to be captivated by Tobin's fascinating anecdotes, insights on the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, and his passion for creating meaningful connections. So sit back, relax, and prepare for a Holy Smokes experience like no other!
Outline:
(00:00) Grind consistency varies for different brewing methods.
(20:03) Pitching speed expectations create strain on arms.
(28:08) Started window washing business with friends, struggled.
(32:24) Starbucks adapted to long lines with innovations.
(43:39) Legacy technology caused problems storing outdated data.
(53:53) Health insurance companies reject claims to avoid payment.
(01:07:17) Venture capital challenges and youth in Bay.
(01:21:42) Consumers using ER as primary care is costly.
(01:31:08) The Healthcare system struggles to shift towards value-based care.
(01:37:30) Educational tools and online community for business.
(01:45:21) Met cool people through cigars, and Norris is a favorite.
(01:58:23) Family's faith and worldwide prayers for brother. Complex, unique surgery watched by global medical professionals.
(02:07:12) Legacy as a coach helping others succeed.

About the Guest:  Tobin Arthur is a coffee connoisseur with a deep knowledge of coffee making. He is well-versed in different coffee types, particularly espresso-based and drip coffee. Tobin understands the intricacies of making espresso, emphasizing the need for high pressure and a fine grind to extract the true flavor of the coffee. While he appreciates the option to add flavors and milk, Tobin believes that a true coffee aficionado should be able to enjoy the pure flavor of espresso. His expertise in the world of coffee has made him a respected figure in the industry

Welcome to another exciting episode of Holy Smokes with Steve Reiter and Mitch Smith! Mitch shares his journey from resigning from his job to starting his own business and finding success in the learning management platform industry. He discusses his experiences, including meeting influential individuals, building strong client relationships, and the impact of faith in his life. Mitch also dives into his current projects, including creating innovative assessments for children and his involvement in a men's group. Stay tuned for an inspiring and insightful episode of Holy Smokes with Mitch Smith.

Outline:
(04:23) Mom stayed home, played sports, had fun.
(10:23) Rebellion, excessive drinking, college disappointments, dissatisfaction.
(13:18) The fortunate guy finds a new trustworthy friend group.
(19:22) The Agency said it could take 5 years. Resigned, played golf, and met Dean Witter's manager.
(22:04) Moved to Columbia for business, found wife.
(30:45) Great bible study, mentorship, and discipleship journey.
(32:59) CD ROM video, tracking software, Herx Selenis. Safety training online. $660,000 contract in 1994.
(37:40) Successful learning platform, landed big clients. Experienced in a young industry.
(46:35) Writing a diary to share faith and family importance. Meeting Chalmers Culbreth, battling cancer.
(49:43) The book uncovers junk in life and friendship.
(54:56) Designed an iPad learning platform for a pharma company. The youngest daughter asks for a digital curriculum. Homeschool companies refuse due to IP concerns.
(1:02:15) Consulted after unsuccessful company venture, kept RootLoud.
(1:08:57) "Guarantee change, reduce fees, create engagement in business."
(1:14:34) Loved cutting grass on a tractor.
(1:17:02) Country football nights, catfishing, cigars at Citadel.
(1:22:02) Facebook post leads to a thriving men's community.
(1:28:15) Tired of news, watches YouTube, enjoys history.
(1:34:38) DNA test reveals dad is not a real dad.
(1:37:34) Thriving community fosters connections, enabling ministry.
About the Guest:  Mitch Smith is the son of a hardworking paper mill mechanic who taught him the values of generosity and a strong work ethic. Growing up, Mitch's father worked at Springs Mills before seizing the opportunity to work at new paper mills near Rock Hill. This decision turned out to be the greatest thing that ever happened to him. Despite being in a seemingly ordinary role, Mitch's father was known for his godly character and his willingness to give generously, challenging the perception that only the wealthy can be generous givers. Inspired by his father's example, Mitch learned valuable lessons about investing in the kingdom and considers himself incredibly blessed to have been raised by such a remarkable man.

Welcome to Holy Smokes, a gathering place where faith, friendship, excellent tobacco, and good drink collide to spark meaningful conversations. Caleb Allen, a preacher from Denison, Kansas, joins host Steve Reiter on this episode. They delve deeply into Caleb's personal path, from being a conscientious youngster to his atypical career goals and spiritual change, culminating in his impactful community engagement. Caleb offers a unique peek into the interface of faith and life by sharing insights on theology, personal growth, and managing diversity in faith beliefs. Explore Caleb's journey to learn about the heartwarming and thought-provoking incidents that molded his faith. Only on Holy Smokes will you find an enlightening debate on faith, community, and the power of conversation.

Outline:
(00:05) Create a community for faith-based individuals through fellowship.
(05:06) Podcast mix-up leads to confusion and humor.
(14:32) Questioning morality and conscience amid childhood disobedience.
(19:33) The Family moved to Hawkinsville, Georgia in 2005.
(23:47) Changed degree from youth ministry to theology.
(25:55) New understanding of Corinthians 11's message.
(33:50) Disagreements can arise due to sin's influence.
(38:15) Attracted to serious Christianity, influenced by reformation.
(43:13) The Reformed Presbyterian Church follows regulative principle worship.
(48:36) Offer unblemished animals, sell if blemished, temple.
(57:21) Jesus called out legalistic behavior, especially Pharisees.
(1:03:09) Moved to Pittsburgh, prolonged study, but successful.
(1:04:04) Five years brought significant maturing and growth.
(1:10:47) The new pastor engages parking lot workers conversationally.
(1:19:21) Introduced to Lagavulin, I love its peaty taste. Memorable cigar experience: chatting with elders.
(1:24:32) Encountered strange figures in the yard and rushed inside.
(1:28:37) Encouraging books on church antagonists and intentions.
(1:33:04) Inspiring testimonies about Paul's character and impact.
(1:37:18) High-quality apparel and accessories are available for purchase.

About the Guest:  Caleb Allen is a member of a small congregation who enjoys fine tobacco and drink as a way to connect with others. He recently recommended a Christian podcast to his fellow group members, which features interviews with people from various backgrounds and includes discussions about fine tobacco and drink. Caleb is passionate about using these interests as a means for fellowship and connection within his community.