Tim, James and Nick sit back and give a behind the scenes view of their experience at 2023 PCA Trade Show. We did experience some internet issues so you'll have to excuse the audio drift. We are still working on delivering PCA content covering the PCA Trade Show. Thanks for following. Thanks for listening. Thanks for watching our content. We look forward to bringing you content throughout the year.

Tim, James and Nick sit back and give a behind the scenes view of their experience at 2023 PCA Trade Show. We did experience some internet issues so you'll have to excuse the audio drift. We are still working on delivering PCA content covering the PCA Trade Show. Thanks for following. Thanks for listening. Thanks for watching our content. We look forward to bringing you content throughout the year.

13 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

This episode is made up from some of our favorite interviews from this year's PCA 2023 Trade Show. For part 1 we start off with Scott Pearce, the Executive Director of the Premium Cigar Association as he talks about the trade show and some of what's in store for next year. We then talk with Dr. Gaby Kafie of Kafie 1901 Cigars and founder of the Boutique Cigar Association, and then Armen Caprielian of DAV Cigars and President of the BCA. James then visits Micallef Cigars and speaks with Dan Thompson. Nick and James interview Rick Rodriguez from West Tampa Tobacco before we head over to the Casdagli booth.

This episode is made up from some of our favorite interviews from this year's PCA 2023 Trade Show. For part 1 we start off with Scott Pearce, the Executive Director of the Premium Cigar Association as he talks about the trade show and some of what's in store for next year. We then talk with Dr. Gaby Kafie of Kafie 1901 Cigars and founder of the Boutique Cigar Association, and then Armen Caprielian of DAV Cigars and President of the BCA. James then visits Micallef Cigars and speaks with Dan Thompson. Nick and James interview Rick Rodriguez from West Tampa Tobacco before we head over to the Casdagli booth.

Episode 108: The 2023 PCA Trade Show pt. 1

Tim does some time traveling with Nick and James to discuss the latest Simply Stogies Podcast Episode with Luciano Meirelles of Luciano Cigars. This episode also brings to you the newest place to enjoy your cigar, the CTA Temple, as Nick, James, and Tim discuss what they believe cigar smoking is all about. We realize life is short and it's important to enjoy the finer things in and about life.

Tim does some time traveling with Nick and James to discuss the latest Simply Stogies Podcast Episode with Luciano Meirelles of Luciano Cigars. This episode also brings to you the newest place to enjoy your cigar, the CTA Temple, as Nick, James, and Tim discuss what they believe cigar smoking is all about. We realize life is short and it's important to enjoy the finer things in and about life.

12 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Luciano Meirelles

Nick and James sit down with Master Blender and owner of Luciano Cigars, Luciano Meirelles. Luciano tells us why the Maria Lucia is so special to him and how it fulfills his promise from the 2022 PCA Trade Show. We talk about what's real in the cigar industry and how Luciano Cigars is helping mentor new brands and blenders. Luciano discusses hi "a ha!" moment when it comes to cigars, some of what he has in store for everyone at this year's trade show, and much more. This is an interview you can't miss!

Nick and James sit down with Master Blender and owner of Luciano Cigars, Luciano Meirelles. Luciano tells us why the Maria Lucia is so special to him and how it fulfills his promise from the 2022 PCA Trade Show. We talk about what's real in the cigar industry and how Luciano Cigars is helping mentor new brands and blenders. Luciano discusses hi "a ha!" moment when it comes to cigars, some of what he has in store for everyone at this year's trade show, and much more. This is an interview you can't miss!

Episode 107: Luciano Meirelles of Luciano Cigars

Tim welcomes Nick and James back to dissect their conversation with Greg Free of Fuerte Y Libre. The conversation leans heavily into trademarks, protecting them, and how the cigar industry seems to have jumped the shark when it comes to them. The conversation turns to how the sausage is made in the cigar industry.

Tim welcomes Nick and James back to dissect their conversation with Greg Free of Fuerte Y Libre. The conversation leans heavily into trademarks, protecting them, and how the cigar industry seems to have jumped the shark when it comes to them. The conversation turns to how the sausage is made in the cigar industry.

11 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Fuerte Y Libre

Greg Free

James and Nick sit down and chat with the owner of Fuerte Y Libre Cigars, Greg Free. We find out how Greg got started in the cigar industry and he has more than a few surprises in store for us. We talk about his karaoke prowess (copyrights prevent me from sharing the footage with all of you) and how he got his work ethic from his father and growing up on a farm. We also discuss trademarks within the cigar industry and how that has impacted Greg and Fuerte Y Libre.

James and Nick sit down and chat with the owner of Fuerte Y Libre Cigars, Greg Free. We find out how Greg got started in the cigar industry and he has more than a few surprises in store for us. We talk about his karaoke prowess (copyrights prevent me from sharing the footage with all of you) and how he got his work ethic from his father and growing up on a farm. We also discuss trademarks within the cigar industry and how that has impacted Greg and Fuerte Y Libre.

Episode 106: Greg Free of Fuerte Y Libre

Tim is joined by Nick and James and the trio dissect the latest Simply Stogies Podcast episode that features William "Cigar Coop" Cooper. There's a lot of talk around what is "cigar media" and what isn't. Who should be allowed to cover the trade show? What's an influencer? What is the "job" of cigar media? They try to cover all of it, and do so poorly. Tim also gets a big head as they talk about Will's comment of Clear the Air being the "secret sauce" of Simply Stogies Podcast. 

Tim is joined by Nick and James and the trio dissect the latest <a href="https://youtu.be/GlXeo3_HA8k" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Simply Stogies Podcast</a> episode that features William "Cigar Coop" Cooper. There's a lot of talk around what is "cigar media" and what isn't. Who should be allowed to cover the trade show? What's an influencer? What is the "job" of cigar media? They try to cover all of it, and do so poorly. Tim also gets a big head as they talk about Will's comment of Clear the Air being the "secret sauce" of Simply Stogies Podcast.

10 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

James and Nick welcome William "Cigar Coop" Cooper back to the show. This time we pick Coop's brain about what exactly constitutes "cigar media" and their role in the industry. We also discuss the upcoming PCA 2023 Trade Show in Las Vegas, Coop tells us what his theme is this year, and he gives Simply Stogies some tips to make the most of the trade show. Coop also gives Tim and our after show, Clear the Air, some love and James breaks his mic arm.

James and Nick welcome William "Cigar Coop" Cooper back to the show. This time we pick Coop's brain about what exactly constitutes "cigar media" and their role in the industry. We also discuss the upcoming PCA 2023 Trade Show in Las Vegas, Coop tells us what his theme is this year, and he gives Simply Stogies some tips to make the most of the trade show. Coop also gives Tim and our after show, Clear the Air, some love and James breaks his mic arm.

Episode 105: Cigar Coop on Media & the PCA Trade Show

Tim welcomes the Simply Stogies Podcast hosts, James and Nick, back for another Clear the Air. This time the trio discuss Episode 104: Catching Up with Jeremy Casdagli. The discussion starts with some of what Jeremy Casdagli had to say before winding up discussing the logistics of on location recording. Once we get done bemoaning the pitfalls of podcasting, we turn our attention to price, the Cuban market impact on New World cigars around the world, and Tim has some issues with his garage door.

Tim welcomes the Simply Stogies Podcast hosts, James and Nick, back for another Clear the Air. This time the trio discuss <a href="https://youtu.be/jt_u9reVKoM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Episode 104: Catching Up with Jeremy Casdagli</a>. The discussion starts with some of what Jeremy Casdagli had to say before winding up discussing the logistics of on location recording. Once we get done bemoaning the pitfalls of podcasting, we turn our attention to price, the Cuban market impact on New World cigars around the world, and Tim has some issues with his garage door.

09 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

Jeremy Casdagli

Our first time on location (for video), and James is at the Humidor of Lisle, in Lisle, Illinois, to sit down with Jeremy Casdagli of Casdagli Cigars. The pair discuss everything from upcoming releases and cigar reviews, to the Casdagli themed room at the Humidor of Lisle and the FDA. There might be a few surprises talked about as well.

Our first time on location (for video), and James is at the Humidor of Lisle, in Lisle, Illinois, to sit down with Jeremy Casdagli of Casdagli Cigars. The pair discuss everything from upcoming releases and cigar reviews, to the Casdagli themed room at the Humidor of Lisle and the FDA. There might be a few surprises talked about as well.

Episode 104: Catching Up with Jeremy Casdagli

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

Tim welcomes James and Nick back to Clear the Air and the trio talk a little bit about everything. The trio discusses Simply Stogies Podcast Episodes 102 &amp; 103, the interview with Zev Kaminetsky of Toscano and the My Old Kentucky Herf interviews.. Starting with Zev, the conversation starts to get political before pulling back and bringing it home to My Old Kentucky Herf. 

Tim welcomes James and Nick back to Clear the Air and the trio talk a little bit about everything. The trio discusses Simply Stogies Podcast Episodes 102 &amp; 103, the interview with Zev Kaminetsky of Toscano and the My Old Kentucky Herf interviews.. Starting with Zev, the conversation starts to get political before pulling back and bringing it home to My Old Kentucky Herf.

08 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

James visits the crew of FatAsh Cigar Lounge in Ashland, Kentucky for the third annual My Old Kentucky Herf! James talks with Dwight Adkins, owner of FatAsh Cigar Lounge and founder of MOKH, to discuss what's new this year. During the event, James speaks with Riste of JSK, Greg Free of Fuerte Y Libre, Oscar Valladares of OV Cigars, Rick Rodriguez from West Tampa Tobacco Co., Luciano Meirelles of Luciano Cigars, David Blanco, from Blanco Cigars, Andy Yaffee of Micallef Cigars, and we find out about the Ohio Cigar Mafia and their charitable work.

James visits the crew of FatAsh Cigar Lounge in Ashland, Kentucky for the third annual My Old Kentucky Herf! James talks with Dwight Adkins, owner of FatAsh Cigar Lounge and founder of MOKH, to discuss what's new this year. During the event, James speaks with Riste of JSK, Greg Free of Fuerte Y Libre, Oscar Valladares of OV Cigars, Rick Rodriguez from West Tampa Tobacco Co., Luciano Meirelles of Luciano Cigars, David Blanco, from Blanco Cigars, Andy Yaffee of Micallef Cigars, and we find out about the Ohio Cigar Mafia and their charitable work.

Episode 103: My Old Kentucky Herf 2023

Zev Kaminetsky

Nick and James are joined by Zev Kaminetsky of Toscano Cigars. We get Zev's take on a litany of cigar issues: brokers, manufacturers, the PCA, the CRA, and cigar media. Zev doesn't hold back and has hilarious takes on the cigar industry as a whole. We enjoyed his perspective and the conversation; we hope you do too!

Nick and James are joined by Zev Kaminetsky of Toscano Cigars. We get Zev's take on a litany of cigar issues: brokers, manufacturers, the PCA, the CRA, and cigar media. Zev doesn't hold back and has hilarious takes on the cigar industry as a whole. We enjoyed his perspective and the conversation; we hope you do too!

Episode 102: Zoom with Zev Kaminetsky

Tim is joined by James and Nick as they discuss Episode 101 with Dr. Oscar Rodriguez of GTO Cigars. The trio discuss the interview and hit the highlights while adding their opinions and expanding on topics talked about by Dr. Rodriguez. This includes "coming out of the hole and smelling for vagina," flavored cigars, short filler, and the FDA. While we try to stay away from discussing politics, this discussion definitely touched on it. 

Tim is joined by James and Nick as they discuss <a href="https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-3278y-13f6c1f" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Episode 101</a> with Dr. Oscar Rodriguez of <a href="https://www.gtodominicancigars.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GTO Cigars</a>. The trio discuss the interview and hit the highlights while adding their opinions and expanding on topics talked about by Dr. Rodriguez. This includes "coming out of the hole and smelling for vagina," flavored cigars, short filler, and the FDA. While we try to stay away from discussing politics, this discussion definitely touched on it.

07 Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies After Show

James and Nick are joined by the CEO of GTO Dominican Cigars, Dr. Oscar Rodriguez. Dr. Rodriguez gives us the history of growing tobacco on the family farm in the Dominican Republic and some family history. He also lets us in on how and why he got into practicing medicine. Dr. Rodriguez talks about why he, a medical doctor, supports premium hand rolled cigars, and the benefit of smoking them. The FDA comes into the discussion, as does the lack of respect for the industry from some newcomers to the business. It was an interesting and fun conversation that we hope you all enjoy as much as we did.   Visit GTO Cigars here!

James and Nick are joined by the CEO of GTO Dominican Cigars, Dr. Oscar Rodriguez. Dr. Rodriguez gives us the history of growing tobacco on the family farm in the Dominican Republic and some family history. He also lets us in on how and why he got into practicing medicine. Dr. Rodriguez talks about why he, a medical doctor, supports premium hand rolled cigars, and the benefit of smoking them. The FDA comes into the discussion, as does the lack of respect for the industry from some newcomers to the business. It was an interesting and fun conversation that we hope you all enjoy as much as we did. Visit GTO Cigars <a href="https://www.gtodominicancigars.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>!

Episode 101: Dr. Oscar Rodriguez of GTO Cigars

Tim, Nick, and James discuss the 100th episode of Simply Stogies. The trio discuss Micallef Cigars and Andy Yaffee's  appearance, and what it takes to be a sales person in the cigar industry. They also discuss the industry as a whole, media, Simply Stogies role, the work that goes into making a podcast, and much more!

Tim, Nick, and James discuss the 100th episode of Simply Stogies. The trio discuss Micallef Cigars and Andy Yaffee's  appearance, and what it takes to be a sales person in the cigar industry. They also discuss the industry as a whole, media, Simply Stogies role, the work that goes into making a podcast, and much more!

06 Clear the Air: The Simply Stogies After Show

Andy Yaffee

James and Nick welcome our friend Andy Yaffee, the National Sales Director for Micallef Cigars, to the show. For our 100th episode, we ask Andy about the new sizes of the Micallef Leyenda that are releasing soon and what Andy has learned in his role as National Sales Director for Micallef. We talk about how Micallef pulled their product from large online retailers to not only support their brick and mortar retailers, but also how that helps combat devaluation. We ask Andy about why Micallef runs the business differently than other premium cigar companies and how that helps them build their brand. We discuss the change in dates for the PCA Trade Show next year, Micallef Ambassadors, and much more.   To join the Micallef Ambassador program, click here!

James and Nick welcome our friend Andy Yaffee, the National Sales Director for Micallef Cigars, to the show. For our 100th episode, we ask Andy about the new sizes of the Micallef Leyenda that are releasing soon and what Andy has learned in his role as National Sales Director for Micallef. We talk about how Micallef pulled their product from large online retailers to not only support their brick and mortar retailers, but also how that helps combat devaluation. We ask Andy about why Micallef runs the business differently than other premium cigar companies and how that helps them build their brand. We discuss the change in dates for the PCA Trade Show next year, Micallef Ambassadors, and much more. To join the Micallef Ambassador program, <a href="https://www.micallefcigars.com/ambassadors" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">click here</a>!

Episode 100: Micallef Cigars’ Andy Yaffee

Tim welcomes both hosts from Simply Stogies, James and Nick, to Clear the Air this week. The trio discuss the Festival del Habano and Cuban cigars in general. Nick gets the full Clear the Air treatment as he finds out that he'll be paired with Tim during the upcoming PCA Trade Show...his disappointment is palpable. James also tells you what you should be smoking instead of Cubans! Spoiler: LH Cigars is not a sponsor! 

Tim welcomes both hosts from Simply Stogies, James and Nick, to Clear the Air this week. The trio discuss the Festival del Habano and Cuban cigars in general. Nick gets the full Clear the Air treatment as he finds out that he'll be paired with Tim during the upcoming PCA Trade Show...his disappointment is palpable. James also tells you what you should be smoking instead of Cubans! Spoiler: LH Cigars is not a sponsor!

05 Clear the Air: The Simply Stogies After Show

James and Nick discuss the 2023 Festival del Habano that was held in Cuba from Feb. 27 - March 3. Nick battles through the lingering cough from the "Commie Corona" to walk us through the good, bad, and the ugly of the festival. From swag to cigars and from long lines to overall costs, Nick takes us through what the 2023 Festival del Habano looked like. 

James and Nick discuss the 2023 Festival del Habano that was held in Cuba from Feb. 27 - March 3. Nick battles through the lingering cough from the "Commie Corona" to walk us through the good, bad, and the ugly of the festival. From swag to cigars and from long lines to overall costs, Nick takes us through what the 2023 Festival del Habano looked like.

Episode 99: Festival del Habano 2023

Tim and James have no show to discuss. Is it really an after show? Regardless, the pair discuss proposed rules for cigar factories by the FDA and how that will impact both mainstream and boutique cigars. That leads into a discussion of chewing tobacco vs vape vs cigarettes vs cigars and who chews/smokes what. Then the dysfunctional duo briefly touch on cigar festivals and where you might find them.

Tim and James have no show to discuss. Is it really an after show? Regardless, the pair discuss <a href="https://halfwheel.com/15-thoughts-fda-proposes-regulating-cigar-factories-other-tobacco-manufacturing-facilities/421083/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">proposed rules for cigar factories by the FDA</a> and how that will impact both mainstream and boutique cigars. That leads into a discussion of chewing tobacco vs vape vs cigarettes vs cigars and who chews/smokes what. Then the dysfunctional duo briefly touch on cigar festivals and where you might find them.

04 Clear the Air: The Simply Stogies After Show

Big fan of the show! A show that keeps things simple and all about cigars and the cigar life. You won’t be disappointed.

Fantastic Listen

Simply Stogies

I get to sit down with Freddy Allan, owner of the brand new Habano Cigar Lounge in Davenport, Iowa. We talk about what it takes to open a cigar lounge, the hurdles that have to be overcome, and his vision for Habano Cigar Lounge. Freddy also owns four other cigar shops in Chicago and the Chicagoland area; he brings his years of experience and knowledge to Davenport. Freddy also tells us how he became friends with Jonathan Drew of Drew Estate. When you visit Habano Cigar Lounge in Davenport, mention Simply Stogies Podcast and get 10% off your purchase!!! And check out the review of Habano Cigar Lounge Davenport; a first in our new series of lounge reviews coming to SimplyStogies.com!

I get to sit down with Freddy Allan, owner of the brand new Habano Cigar Lounge in Davenport, Iowa. We talk about what it takes to open a cigar lounge, the hurdles that have to be overcome, and his vision for Habano Cigar Lounge. Freddy also owns four other cigar shops in Chicago and the Chicagoland area; he brings his years of experience and knowledge to Davenport. Freddy also tells us how he became friends with Jonathan Drew of Drew Estate. When you visit Habano Cigar Lounge in Davenport, mention Simply Stogies Podcast and get 10% off your purchase!!! And check out the review of <a href="https://simplystogies.com/habano-cigar-lounge-davenport/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Habano Cigar Lounge Davenport</a>; a first in our new series of lounge reviews coming to <a href="http://SimplyStogies.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SimplyStogies.com</a>!

Episode 23: Habano Cigar Lounge Davenport, Iowa

Lee Marsh

I had the opportunity to spend some time chatting with Lee Marsh of Stolen Throne Cigars. We talked about how Stolen Throne came to be and where the name "Stolen Throne" came from. Lee gives a unique perspective of the industry, its internal politics, and what it's like navigating them. We also discuss Crook of the Crown and what other projects Stolen Throne Cigars has in the works. I hope you all enjoy this chat as much as I did.  I am also pleased to announce that Simply Stogies Podcast is now part of the Creative Brain Candy media cooperative. Please check out https://creativebraincandy.com/ for other great content from our creators!

I had the opportunity to spend some time chatting with Lee Marsh of Stolen Throne Cigars. We talked about how Stolen Throne came to be and where the name "Stolen Throne" came from. Lee gives a unique perspective of the industry, its internal politics, and what it's like navigating them. We also discuss Crook of the Crown and what other projects Stolen Throne Cigars has in the works. I hope you all enjoy this chat as much as I did.  I am also pleased to announce that Simply Stogies Podcast is now part of the Creative Brain Candy media cooperative. Please check out <a href="https://creativebraincandy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://creativebraincandy.com/</a> for other great content from our creators!

Episode 24: Chatting with Lee Marsh of Stolen Throne Cigars

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