Nice Ashes: Cigars and Culture

In this episode, Mike and Nate enjoy a budget-friendly Hoya del Jefe cigar while diving into a fascinating history topic: some of the shortest-lived countries in history. From quirky frontier republics like the Great Republic of Rough and Ready to the Republic of Ezo in Japan, the brief Palmetto Republic of South Carolina, and the modern tale of the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ), they explore colorful attempts at independence...

In this episode of "Nice Ashes," hosts Nate and Mike enjoy the Schizo Toro Maduro cigar while diving into the fascinating topic of minced oaths—phrases that replace swear words or blasphemies to soften their impact. The discussion starts with the hosts sharing their cigar pairings and expressing their enjoyment of the Schizo Toro. As they move through the episode, they explain the history of minced oaths, highlighting examples from...

In this episode of the podcast, hosts Nate and Mike dive into the controversial death of Johnny Ringo, a notorious figure from the Wild West. As they enjoy cigars and drinks, they explore various theories about how Ringo met his end in 1882. Beginning with their thoughts on a mediocre Don Rafael cigar paired with local brews, the discussion quickly shifts to historical details about Ringo's violent past as a member of the Cochise C...

In this podcast episode, Mike and Nate discuss their latest cigar, the Schizo Toro, admiring its impressive packaging and label design while also exploring its flavor profile. They delve into a quirky conversation about the art and design of cigar labels, hinting at their past experiences with lower-quality cigars. Transitioning from cigars to conspiracy theories, Mike introduces the topic of Mussolini's death, which serves as the ...

In this episode, hosts Nate and Mike dive into the world of underground bunkers, inspired by a controversial claim that the U.S. government has spent $21 trillion to construct an extensive network of doomsday shelters for the elite. As they smoke a troubled cigar, they discuss the assertion made by former housing official Catherine Austin Fitz, who alleges that these bunkers were created between 1998 and 2015. The duo shares insigh...

In this episode of "Nice Ashes," hosts Nate and Mike revisit the Chillin' Moose cigar, trying its Maduro version despite previously swearing off it after a disappointing experience. The duo discusses the cigar's design and hopes for a better flavor profile, comparing it to coffee and discussing their drink pairings. The episode includes a fun guessing game where Mike attempts to identify various sins based on clues related to diffe...

In this episode of "Nice Ashes," Mike and Nate discuss their experiences smoking the Chillin' Moose cigar while diving into the controversial documentaries by Matt Walsh, "What is a Woman?" and "Am I Racist?" Mike is skeptical about the Chillin' Moose cigar, describing it as having an odd flavor but adequate for an everyday smoke.

The conversation quickly shifts to the documentaries, where Mike, having watched "What is a Woman?", sh...

In this episode of "Nice Ashes," hosts Mike and Nate are joined by a special guest, Keith—their sole listener—who is launching his own podcast, "Life After the Military: Now What?" The episode features lighthearted banter, cigar discussion, and personal narratives about transitioning from military life to civilian careers. Keith shares insights on his experiences and the unique challenges faced by veterans after service, as well as...

Welcome to this week's episode of Nice Ashes! Join hosts Nate and Mike, along with special guest Dawn from Patriot Assistance Dogs, as they dive into a blend of cigars, conversation, and impactful stories. Today, they're smoking the M by Macanudo, a sweet coffee-flavored cigar, while Dawn shares the inspiring work her organization does to provide service dogs to veterans struggling with PTSD and other mental health challenges.

Disco...

In this episode of Nice Ashes, Mike and Nate dive into the polarizing topic of fluoride, exploring its history, benefits, and controversies. They start with a cigar review of the Tatiana Vanilla, sharing their thoughts on its flavor profile while sipping on Lagunitas IPA and Guinness Draft Stout. The discussion quickly shifts to fluoride's role in public health and its recent resurgence in the news, particularly due to RFK Jr.'s ca...

In this episode of "The Nice Ashes," hosts Nate and Mike smoke a Cuban Delights premium cigar while discussing a controversial topic: Project Esther, a national strategy to combat anti-Semitism developed by the Heritage Foundation. The discussion begins with light banter about their cigars and drink pairings, leading into a deeper conversation about current events surrounding protests related to Israel and Palestine. The hosts exam...

In this episode of "Nice Ashes," hosts Nate and Mike taste the Tatiana Nightcap cigar, discussing its aroma and flavor profile, which they liken to hot chocolate with marshmallows and nostalgic campfire memories. They reflect on their previous experience with the Tatiana Waking Dream and talk about the value and quality of these cigars, particularly for price-sensitive consumers.

As they smoke, they dive into a lively discussion abo...

In this episode of "Nice Ashes," hosts Mike and Nate continue their "punishment series," discussing the cigar "Raji's Untimely Demise." They share their initial thoughts on the cigar's appearance, composition, and draw, with both expressing concerns about its quality from the outset. As they light up, the hosts dive into a broader conversation about the UN's 2030 Agenda, a comprehensive framework aimed at addressing global challeng...

In this episode of "Nice Ashes," hosts Nate and Mike dive into their latest smoke, the Tatiana Waking Dream, a sweet and aromatic cigar that surprises them in flavor. As they light up, their conversation flows from the joys (and challenges) of parenting to the complexities of workplace dynamics, including the curious notion of "verbal assault."

Join Nate and Mike as they humorously explore what verbal assault really means, discuss p...

Join Mike and Nate in this fiery episode as they dive deep into the second book of Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson's Dune prequel trilogy, Machine Crusade. With a cigar in hand—the Alec Bradley Project 40—they spark a heated discussion about the book's plot, character arcs, and a myriad of inconsistencies that leave them shaking their heads. Mike shares his hopes for a great cigar experience, while Nate critiques the overly ver...

Welcome back to Nice Ashes! In today's episode, Mike and Nate light up the Erin Go Bragh, an Irish whiskey-flavored cigar that's gained a mixed reputation in the online community. As they share their candid first impressions of this cheap stogie—complete with gas station cigar vibes—they dive into a broader discussion about the implications of AI and deep fakes in our society.

With topics ranging from the uncanny valley effect to th...

In this episode of "Nice Ashes," hosts Mike and Nate participate in the 3rd annual Podcast-a-Thon, where over 1,500 podcasts highlight charities. This week, they smoke a Deadwood Crazy Alice with special guest Zach Johnson, CEO of Roger Up, a nonprofit focused on providing outdoor adventures for veterans, first responders, and their families, emphasizing mental health support. The episode features an engaging discussion on Zach's j...

In this episode of "Nice Ashes," hosts Mike and Nate dive deep into the sci-fi classic, "The Fifth Element." They share their thoughts on the film's unique world-building, humor, and unforgettable visuals, as well as its standout performances from Bruce Willis, Gary Oldman, and Mila Jovovich. The duo discusses their personal experiences watching the film in theaters, the cultural significance of its characters, and the impact of it...

Join Mike and Nate for the premiere of Season 4 of Nice Ashes! In this episode, they light up the Rocky Patel Edge A-10, a stunning barber pole cigar that combines a Connecticut wrapper with a Maduro leaf. With rich flavors and engaging conversation, they discuss the complexities of the stick while pairing it with Guinness and coffee.

The duo also dives into a spirited debate about Gladiator 2, sharing thoughts on its historical acc...