Smoke and Oak Podcast

Markus Bryant
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

Laid-back, unfiltered conversations on life, lessons, and stories—set in the rich aroma of cigars and smooth whiskey. With your host Markus and Greg.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    BLACK LEAF CIGARS

    Step inside Black Leaf Cigar & Wine Lounge as we sit down with owner Christian to discuss the vision behind one of the most unique cigar destinations around and the story behind Rena Negra, Black Leaf's exclusive house blend.More than just a cigar lounge, Black Leaf is a destination where premium cigars, fine wines, handcrafted cocktails, live entertainment, and luxury experiences come together under one roof. From the lounge atmosphere to the culture they're building, Christian shares what inspired Black Leaf and how Rena Negra was created to reflect that same commitment to quality and sophistication.In this episode, we discuss:• The story behind Black Leaf Cigar & Wine Lounge• What inspired the Rena Negra house blend• Building a luxury cigar experience• The evolution of cigar culture• Creating a community through cigars, conversation, and lifestyleWhether you're a seasoned cigar smoker or new to the culture, this conversation offers insight into the passion, craftsmanship, and vision behind a lounge that's redefining the cigar experience.🔥 Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more conversations with cigar brand owners, lounge operators, industry leaders, and cigar enthusiasts.

    1h 16m

  2. Jun 11

    BELLA DAMA CIGARS

    What happens when a childhood memory, a world champion mindset, and a passion for premium cigars come together?In this episode of Smoke & Oak, Markus and Greg sit down with the founder of Bella Dama Cigars to explore the story behind the brand. From watching her father enjoy cigars as a young girl to witnessing his journey to becoming a World Series of Poker champion, she shares how perseverance, excellence, and beating the odds shaped both her life and her company.The conversation dives into the inspiration behind Bella Dama Cigars, the pursuit of quality in boutique cigar blending, and the lessons learned from a father who proved that big dreams can come from small towns. It's a story about legacy, determination, and celebrating life's victories—one cigar at a time.Light up and join us for a conversation about family, ambition, cigar culture, and what it truly means to earn your success.

    1h 12m

  3. May 18

    THE BLACK HOUSE EXPERIENCE

    Cigar culture has no limits—and this episode proves it.Markus and Greg pull up to The Black House, an elevated self-care speakeasy redefining what recovery and wellness can look like. From contrast therapy and compression therapy to red light therapy, Carlos—the founder of The Black House—has created a space designed not just for athletes, but for everyday people looking to recover from the physical and mental demands of life.Tune in as the conversation blends cigar culture, wellness, entrepreneurship, and intentional living. This episode breaks the stereotype of where cigar culture belongs and highlights how relaxation, recovery, and meaningful conversation can all exist in the same space.Good cigars. Real conversations. Elevated experiences.

    59 min

  4. May 11

    INSIDE THE CHAMBERS CIGARS

    Greg and Markus link up with Chris Chambers at the The Tampa Club for a conversation elevated in every sense.Chris breaks down the vision behind launching a luxury cigar club—where premium experiences meet true cigar culture. From the atmosphere to the details, it’s built different.Old Fashioneds made with Buffalo Trace in hand, overlooking downtown Tampa… the setting speaks for itself.Real conversations. Premium smokes. No shortcuts.Tap in.

    1h 21m

  5. Apr 21

    OUR OWN VIBE 2

    Our Own Vibe 2 is setting the tone in Ybor—an exclusive, members-only cigar club that’s been buzzing for all the right reasons.Tap in as Greg and Markus sit down, light up, and talk with one of the owners, @thesmokeandstrategy (Tameeka), about the vision behind the space, what makes their membership experience different, and why sweet tip cigars aren’t making the cut.Real conversation. Real culture. No shortcuts. 🔥💨

    1h 29m

  6. Apr 14

    ORDERED TO BE FUNNY

    Comedian Clay Miles pulls up to the Smoke & Oak Podcast and brings nothing but stories, laughs, and real talk. From his upcoming cigar tour across the Tampa Bay area to his journey from D.C. to Tampa, Clay breaks down how he got his start in stand-up comedy and what it really took to chase the craft.We dive into the transition from everyday life to the stage, the grind behind the jokes, and the moments that shaped his voice as a comedian. And of course… it wouldn’t be Smoke & Oak without cigars—Clay shares the wild story of his first cigar experience that had him seeing his dead relatives.Light one up, pour a drink, and tap in for another laid-back, unfiltered conversation.

    1h 50m

  7. Mar 31

    2ND AMENDMENT CIGARS

    The guys sit down with Bryan from 2nd Amendment Cigars for a real conversation you don’t want to miss. From the foundation of 2nd Amendment Cigars to life after serving in the Marines, Bryan shares his journey, lessons learned, and the mindset that carries over from military life into business and brotherhood.We dive into the deeper side of cigar culture—how cigars create space for connection, conversation, and community—while also unpacking the camaraderie, discipline, and lifelong friendships built through military service.This episode is about more than cigars… it’s about purpose, transition, and the bonds that never break.Light one up and tap in.

    1h 12m

  8. Mar 31

    REAL DJs STILL MATTER

    This week on the Smoke & Oak Podcast, AD pulls up to the lounge to talk about the state of today’s DJ industry — the new wave vs. the old school, how the game has evolved, and what separates real DJs from the rest.We also dive into the story behind Red Lady Rendezvous — how the event came together, the vision behind it, and why it’s becoming a staple experience in the culture.From music and nightlife to branding and legacy, this episode is a real conversation about staying relevant, respecting the craft, and building something that lasts.As always — it’s good smoke, great drinks, and even better conversation.Light one up and tap in.

    1h 45m

  9. Mar 31

    INSIDE TAMPA CIGAR WEEK

    In this episode, Markus and Greg pull up to Tampa Cigar Week and kick things off inside the iconic J.C. Newman Cigar Factory for the official kickoff party.They break down their first day at Tampa Cigar Week — the energy, the culture, and what makes this event a must-attend for cigar enthusiasts.The fellas also sit down with special guests throughout the night. Richard from DelaCruz Cigars taps in to talk about the brand, and Tim from Real Azul Tequila joins the conversation to share how he built his tequila brand, why he chose this path, and the real-time feedback he’s getting from the crowd during the tasting.Good smoke, great drinks, and even better conversation — this is Smoke & Oak Podcast.

    39 min

  10. Mar 31

    MONIQUE "MOJO" JONES

    This week on the Smoke & Oak Podcast, we’re honored to sit down with our first Lady of the Leaf — Monique, a true force in the cigar industry.With over a decade of experience, Monique has helped cigar lounges grow, build stronger communities, and create meaningful spaces within the culture. She’s also played a pivotal role in developing a powerful network of women in the industry and stands as one of the pioneers behind Women of the Leaf at PCA.

    1h 47m

  11. Mar 31

    INFLUENCE VS REFLECTION

    Whether you’re tapped into hip-hop, sports media, or cultural commentary, this episode breaks down how influence really moves—who’s setting the tone, who’s driving the narrative, and why these conversations matter now more than ever.

    1h 20m

  12. Mar 28

    NEW YEAR, NEW DIRECTION

    A new year brings new goals—and this episode marks a major turning point for the Smoke & Oak Podcast.In this episode, Greg and Markus reflect on the journey so far and break down what’s coming next for the podcast. From leveling up the conversations and expanding the guest list to sharpening the vision behind the brand, this is an honest conversation about growth, consistency, and building something meaningful—one slow burn at a time.

    1 hr
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Laid-back, unfiltered conversations on life, lessons, and stories—set in the rich aroma of cigars and smooth whiskey. With your host Markus and Greg.

Information

  • Creator
    Markus Bryant
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Markus Bryant
  • Show Website
    Smoke and Oak Podcast