Nice Ashes: Cigars and Culture

In this episode, Mike and Nate enjoy the Rocky Patel The Edge Barrel Aged Toro while diving deep into the Younger Dryas—a dramatic climatic event from the end of the last Ice Age. They explore its environmental impact, megafaunal extinctions, and various hypotheses surrounding its cause, including the controversial impact hypothesis and the provocative ideas of Graham Hancock about lost advanced civilizations. Along the way, ...

In this episode, Nate and Mike light up a Rocky Patel The Edge Connecticut Toro as they dive deep into the life and legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte. They unpack the myths and realities surrounding the French leader—from his average height debunking the “Napoleon complex” to his complex political maneuvers, including reinstating slavery and reshaping Europe’s legal landscape with the Napoleonic Code. Along the w...

In this episode, the hosts dive deep into the controversial topic of Flock Safety cameras, an Atlanta-based company specializing in automated license plate readers and surveillance technology. They explore how these cameras work, their widespread deployment across the U.S., and the company’s claims of aiding law enforcement in locating stolen vehicles and missing persons. The discussion critically examines serious privacy con...

In this special 200th episode, the hosts dive deep into a comprehensive discussion of numerous 9/11 conspiracy theories, examining and debating each claim alongside available evidence and official reports. From inside job allegations and controlled demolitions to remote control theories and suspicious foreknowledge, they analyze the most popular and controversial ideas with critical insight and personal commentary, all while enjoyi...

In this episode, Nate and Mike dive into a detailed review of Age of Disclosure (2025), a documentary exploring government secrecy surrounding unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) and alleged extraterrestrial technology. They discuss the film’s credible interviews with former military and intelligence officials, its thorough historical context from Roswell to recent congressional hearings, and the challenges posed by limited ...

Mike and Nate dive into the gripping case of Tom Phillips, a New Zealand father who disappeared with his three children for nearly four years amid a contentious custody battle. They explore the complexities of parental abduction, media framing, and societal biases by comparing Phillips’s story with high-profile cases involving mothers, highlighting the gender disparities in public perception and legal outcomes. Alongside thou...

In this episode, Nate and Mike delve into the tragic and complex case of Lindsay Clancy, a mother on trial for the deaths of her three children. They explore the details of the case, including Lindsay’s extensive mental health treatment, the disputed diagnosis of postpartum psychosis, and the legal arguments surrounding her criminal responsibility. The hosts also discuss public reactions, gendered perspectives on filicide, an...

In this episode, Nate and Mike smoke and review the Oliva Cain Straight Ligero Maduro Nub cigar, exploring its flavors and smoking experience. Their conversation then delves deep into a serious discussion sparked by a 2026 news event: the tragic stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Irina Zarutska on Charlotte’s Lynx light rail. They examine the incident's circumstances, media coverage disparities, mental health issues, repeat offend...

In this episode, Nate and Mike light up the Oliva Cain Straight Ligero Maduro Nicaragua Robusto and dive deep into the politically charged life and career of Ted Cruz. From Cruz’s early education and legal rise to his deep ties with the Republican machine and controversial political maneuvers, the hosts unpack the influence of Cruz’s family, including his wife Heidi’s connections to deep state circles and Wall Str...

In this episode, Nate and Mike continue their Monte Cristo cigar series with the Monte Toro, paired with craft beer and Crown Royal cherry cacao bitters. They embark on a deep dive into the life and family background of Ted Cruz, exploring his Cuban-Canadian heritage, CIA connections within his family’s corporate and political ties, and the religious networks that shaped his upbringing. The hosts unravel contradictions in Cru...

In this episode, Nate and Mike share their thoughts on smoking the Monte Cristo Classic Series Toro and dive into a deep, often humorous discussion of the 1999 live-action film Dudley Do-Right. They explore its origins as a parody of Northern adventure serials and Rocky and Bullwinkle shorts, analyze the film’s mix of slapstick and adult humor, and compare it to the Barbie movie in terms of layered storytelling and cultural c...

Content warning: discussions of rape, mentions of pedophilia, abuse, suicide. Nice Ashes and affiliates do not condone any behavior that injures another party.

This week on Nice Ashes, Nate and Mike light up the Tatiana Sweet Euphoria cigar while welcoming underground filmmaker Bill Zebub as a special guest. The conversation explores Bill's recently re-edited film Age of Lead, the inspiration behind its title, the challenges of adap...

This week on Nice Ashes, Mike and Nate are lighting up the Montecristo Platinum Series Toro and taking a nostalgic trip through Mel Brooks' 1987 sci-fi comedy classic, Spaceballs. They discuss how the film holds up nearly four decades later, revisit its most memorable jokes and quotable lines, explore behind-the-scenes trivia—including George Lucas' surprising involvement—and compare it to other Mel Brooks classics like...

In this episode, Nate and Mike kick off with a casual review of the sweet Tatiana Rum cigar before diving deep into medieval society’s complex social hierarchy. They unpack the rigid class structure—from monarchs and nobles to serfs and itinerants—highlighting how 85% of the population were serfs bound to the land and stripped of rights. The hosts explore the interplay between church, state, and economics, includi...

In this episode, Nate and Mike light up the Rocky Patel Box-Pressed ITC Super Fuerte Maduro and dive into a tough but important topic: the ongoing issue of group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse in the UK. They unpack multiple official reports and inquiries dating back to 1997, revealing systemic failures by authorities, challenges with data transparency, and the complex interplay of race, class, and bureaucracy. Alongside...

In this episode, Nate and Mike smoke the Oro Cubano Anniversario, a surprisingly fancy-labeled yet very budget-friendly cigar. While the first half starts off as perfectly serviceable, the second half sours significantly, leaving much to be desired. Alongside sipping on their drinks, they dive deep into a critical discussion on current U.S. legislation impacting voting rights and the controversial 2027 National Defense Authorizatio...

In this special episode celebrating the upcoming 4th of July and the 250th anniversary of American independence, Nate and Mike dive into the history, contributions, and lesser-known facts about the United States. Along the way, they share poignant quotes from Langston Hughes and Mike Huckabee, discuss major moments from the Revolution to space exploration, and highlight influential American figures across politics, science, culture...

In this episode, Nate and Mike kick things off by reviewing an unexpectedly excellent budget cigar—the Don Smith Series Dee—before diving deep into the mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke. They explore the historical context of English colonization in the late 1500s, the key figures involved like John White and Sir Walter Raleigh, and the elusive fate of the settlers, including the iconic Virginia Dare. The discussion...

In this episode, Nate and Mike light up the Tatiana Cherry cigar and dive deep into the fascinating origins of the Canaanite religion, exploring its profound influence on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. They unpack ancient mythology, religious practices—including human sacrifice—and archaeological challenges in the Middle East. Along the way, they discuss the evolution of biblical texts, symbolism that persists into m...