Simply Stogies

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.

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.

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.