Holy Smokes Podcast

Holy Smokes®
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Holy Smokes Podcast

Holy Smokes® is the world's largest private cigar club and now we've taken the message of Faith, Friendship, Fine Tobacco & Drink from our 'secret' Facebook group to the world! Listen to host Steve Reiter as he interviews Holy Smokes members, cigar manufacturers, lounge owners, theologians, influencers, and much more.

  1. 11/12/2024

    Jim Lavelle on Holy Smokes Career Shifts and Resilience

    In this episode of "Holy Smokes," host Steve Reiter interviews Jim Lavelle, delving into his diverse career journey from the mortgage industry through financial services to tech and finally establishing a pizzeria in Colorado Springs recognized among the top Neapolitan spots in the U.S. Jim opens up about overcoming significant financial hurdles during the 2008 crisis, the influential books that guided him, and his experiences with cigar smoking and pairing, which have enriched his personal and social life. They also discuss their shared appreciation for tobacco, spiritual growth, and meaningful relationships cultivated through the Holy Smokes group, touching on the importance of community support, particularly amid Lavelle's own family's challenges and his ongoing spiritual reawakening. The episode weaves through varied topics—from Jim's favorite cigars and high-end rums to his passion for music and connections with sports teams—culminating in a reflective and compelling narrative about resilience, faith, friendship, and the pursuit of contentment. Outline:  00:00 Childhood memories: Catholic school, church, community, pancakes. 08:05 Helping Fort Hood community through STEM and sports. 13:07 Fell in love with the beautiful Colorado landscape. 16:08 Struggled with finances; wanted to help others. 22:21 Coaching journey prepares for future blessings. 26:56 Deal fell through; Roberto sold due to family. 37:14 Tobacco varieties are likened to wine pairings. 41:51 Holy Smoke pipe smell evokes Grandpa's memories. 47:20 Traveling for work benefits cigar purchases. 51:05 Cigar lounge opens conversations with strangers. 58:02 Athletes remain competitive despite age-related challenges. 59:14 Olympians' achievements require extraordinary teamwork and sacrifice. 01:08:13 "How to Win Friends" enhances self-awareness. 01:11:45 Frustrated with Catholicism, embarked on the spiritual journey. 01:17:32 Law of attraction brings needed people gratitude. 01:21:57 Grateful for lifelong friends and support. 01:27:10 Seeking more rainfall, peacefulness, mountains, undecided location. 01:36:46 Friendships and shared spirituality enrich my life. 01:41:56 Cover area for more inclusive gathering experiences. 01:43:00 Creating experiences, not just dining, with friends.

    1 h 45 min

  2. 27/11/2024

    Harley Tessman - Against the Odds from Military Challenges to Renewed Faith

    In this episode of Holy Smokes, host Steve Reiter talks with guest Harley Tessman, exploring Tessman's transformative journey through military service, mental health battles, and his current life on the road. Tessman shares his profound spiritual experiences and faith struggles during his deployments, punctuated by near-death encounters and the warmth of familial support, particularly from his wife, Britney. The conversation also delves into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics like ketamine for PTSD, Tessman's work and leadership reflections, and the nostalgic ties to their Wisconsin small-town roots. The episode further highlights Tessman's passion for cigars and music and the meaningful connections he's made while traveling full-time in an RV across the United States. So grab your favorite cigar, sit back, and join us for an enlightening conversation with Harley Tessman on Holy Smokes! Outline:  00:00 Farming provided food despite financial struggles. 17:23 Choose Northwestern for Bible coursework, double major. 23:48 Worked long hours but had weekends off. 40:39 False sense of invincibility in combat zone. 51:27 Married at DMV, self-officiated in Colorado. 58:56 Neck injury leads to potential military retirement. 01:04:32 Left brewery, church focus; faced challenges, conflicts. 01:14:47 Indianapolis has welcomed Holy Smokes groups. 01:28:44 Excited about psychedelics helping mental health issues. 01:39:43 Outnumbered Americans watch Taliban factions battle. 01:49:00 Uncertain about getting more dogs after Emma. 01:58:02 Weakness: Compassion. Strength: Remembering names, faces.

    2 h 7 min

  3. 13/11/2024

    Devin Christensen - A Journey Through Cigars, Faith, and Life

    Host Steve engage in a conversation with guest Devin Christensen, exploring his journey from farm life to a vibrant spiritual path. Devin recalls his introduction to cigars and his appreciation for the Holy Smokes community, his spiritual transformation through deliverance and repentance, and the significant impact of dreams and divine guidance on his life choices, including giving away all possessions and traveling to Africa on faith. They discuss his background, family life, personal preferences, and aspirations, highlighting Devin’s commitment to helping others, particularly military personnel through Operation Restored Warrior. The episode underscores the intimate connections forged through shared interests like cigars and faith, painting a rich portrait of Devin’s life and beliefs. Outline:  00:00 Worked hard young; one childhood memory: Waterworld. 04:43 Childhood events led to creative shutdown. 09:08 Traditional religious parents, spiritually dead church upbringing. 11:29 God guided Devin through transformative repentance journey. 17:05 Beliefs persist but can be changed. Rejection impacts. 20:58 Successful career, internal emotional struggle persisted. 23:49 Man discovered dead; I felt compelled to pray. 27:49 Dreamt of Victoria Falls, received travel offer. 32:14 Lands safely, meets Jesus, plays with kids. 33:45 Traveling to Livingston with limited funds. 38:30 Encountered unusual house, Simon barked orders aggressively. 41:04 Met Zambia's Minister of Information; surprising encounter. 43:17 Teach spirituality, travel for seminars, retreats. 47:19 Pipe aroma preferred; nostalgic and airy. 48:52 First whiskey experience with Holy Smokes blend.

    58 min

  4. 30/09/2024

    Matt Heard - Embracing God's Abundance

    Matt Heard chats with Steve Reiter. Welcome back to Holy Smokes, the podcast where we discuss faith, friendship, fine tobacco, and drink. I'm your host, Steve Reiter, and in this episode, we have a special guest joining us, Matt Heard. Matt emphasizes the importance of engaging in biblical community and shares personal stories highlighting communion's power. We'll hear about his grandson's birth, upcoming speaking engagements, and the significance of the Conclave event in Colorado Springs. Matt encourages us to embrace the abundance of God's love and grace, even in the face of life's challenges, and to extend that grace and love to others. So grab your favorite cigar and drink, and let's dive into an enlightening conversation about the power of communion and the embrace of God's abundance. And don't forget to check out the Holy Smokes website for some exclusive gear to enhance your experience. Outline:  (00:03) Umbrella of the gospel, connect journey, gather, the cigar. (04:55) Thrive in the gospel for God's glory, not happiness. (08:24) Grateful for work, serving as instruments of God. (12:57) Overcoming obstacles, finishing strong with determination. (13:51) Nehemiah rebuilds Jerusalem's walls with great effort. (19:46) Overcoming despair through faith and perseverance. (22:19) Communion as a reminder of Jesus's sacrifice. (26:36) Excited about following Jesus, then facing challenges. (28:47) "God's grace is abundant, don't give up." (31:55) Embrace enoughness and engagement and keep moving forward. (34:07) Share communion and bond with fellow believers. (37:49) Prayer before meal, acknowledging sin, seeking courage. About the Guest:  Matt Heard is a passionate advocate for the gospel, finding inspiration in the ways that community allows us to ebb and flow and connect with one another. He cherishes the beauty of gathering together and sharing stories and experiences. Matt has been involved in podcast recordings and is known for expressing how he lights up in the presence of others, always valuing the connection that comes from sharing a cigar with a friend. His belief in the power of togetherness and mutual support has led him to prioritize building and uplifting those around him on their spiritual journeys.

    40 min

  5. 16/09/2024

    Mike Mears - Finding Compromise in Life, Politics in a Complex World

    Mikes Mears chats with Steve Reiter, a long-awaited guest on the show for three years. Mike, who has quite the journey from a political campaign to faith engagement at the Republican National Committee. Mike is smoking a nica rustica cigar, and despite not being a cigar aficionado, he brings a wealth of experience and intriguing stories to share. From growing up in a faith-filled Roman Catholic home to a career in politics and his unique spiritual journey, Mike's perspective on faith, politics, and the intricacies of life is sure to captivate you. So sit back, light up your favorite cigar, and join us for an inspiring and insightful conversation.  Outline:  (00:04) Nuns predicted future, led to religious journey. (08:49) Stephanie's different upbringing caused family tension. (11:45) Helped friend get elected; aided in campaigns. (18:46) Ignored phone calls, National Right to Work Committee. (23:20) Reluctant conservative liaison for Republican National Committee. (29:53) Promotion, politics, and gender rule confusion. (35:31) Pro-life community lacks agreement, needs discipleship. (38:04) Security personnel's quick thinking prevents tragedy. (46:43) Preferring mixed whiskey drinks, especially with Coke. (52:07) Supporting the Orange County and Los Angeles teams. (58:23) Seeking wisdom, finding God in unusual places. (59:58) Considering moving to be close to politics. About the Guest:  Mike Mears was raised with the belief that he was destined to either become a priest or president of the United States. At the age of 17, he began to take his faith more seriously after being introduced to Jesus Christ through a campus ministry called Campus Life. This pivotal moment led to a commitment to his faith and a lifelong journey with Christianity.

    1 h 9 min

  6. 10/09/2024

    Bradley Chaddick - Navigating Grief and Finding Fellowship

    Bradley Chaddick chats with Steve Reiter. He opens up about navigating grief and supporting his wife through their journey, finding purpose and involvement in the church after a tragic loss, and the positive transformation they've experienced. Tune in to hear about Bradley's journey to finding authentic community and fellowship, including his involvement with Holy Smokes. Steve and Bradley also talk about Cigars, pipe tobacco preferences, and some memorable smoking experiences. Grab your favorite cigar, sit back, and join us for an episode. Outline:  (00:03)Church elder introduces believer to Holy Smokes. (04:16) I joined singing groups Inspired by my brother's choir. (08:11) After college, they married and changed careers multiple times. (10:25) Introduced to cigars early and got really into it. (15:14) Challenging parenting without family support in Phoenix. (16:35) Finding community is crucial for personal fulfillment. (21:50) 12-step programs showed true church community vision. (25:17) Authentic community, deep scripture study, and growth. (28:36) College dating, marriage, spiritual connections, and bonding. (29:33) Remembering lost loved ones through Holy Smokes. (34:19) Finding purpose in faith, supporting each other. (36:21) Fellowship can exist outside church institutions. (42:10) Unexpected encounter sparks faith and connection. (46:03) Haunted Knocking in Black Forest: Wife's Encounter (49:43) Thankful for the community and wife's support. (52:57) Striving for unity, needing more communication skills. (53:59) Spiritual fathers shaped the faith and provided guidance. (57:11) Seeking authentic fellowship, discipleship, and following God. About the Guest: Bradley Chaddick is a member of a church who found a passion for cigars and authentic conversations. He discovered the Holy Smokes fellowship movement and was thrilled to find a group where he could enjoy cigars and whiskey while discussing Christ and deepening his faith. After meeting an elder from his church in a cigar lounge, he was introduced to the Arizona group and the main fellowship and was excited to be part of a community that shared his interests and beliefs. This experience fulfilled a dream he had been harboring for years.

    1 h

  7. 01/03/2024

    Holy Smokes Presents: Mark Bendorf's Coffee, Cigars, and Spiritual Reflections

    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.

    1 h 1 min

  8. 20/02/2024

    Faith, Fellowship, and Fresh Starts: A Conversation with Dave Bechtold on Holy Smokes

    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

    1 h 39 min
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À propos

Holy Smokes® is the world's largest private cigar club and now we've taken the message of Faith, Friendship, Fine Tobacco & Drink from our 'secret' Facebook group to the world! Listen to host Steve Reiter as he interviews Holy Smokes members, cigar manufacturers, lounge owners, theologians, influencers, and much more.

Informations

  • Création
    Holy Smokes®
  • Années d’activité
    2019 - 2024
  • Épisodes
    118
  • Classification
    Tous publics
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Holy Smokes®
  • Site web de l’émission
    Holy Smokes Podcast

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