Smoke and Oak Podcast

On this episode of Smoke & Oak, Bryan Baiss from Cigar TV’s *Burn Rate* pulls up for a conversation about cigars, rugby, and the road that brought the two together. Bryan takes us back to where his cigar journey started, how his professional rugby career introduced him to cigar culture, and how that eventually led to years of smoking, reviewing, and talking cigars. Grab a cigar, pour a drink,...

On this episode of Smoke & Oak, we’re reviewing the Conquest I from Familia Real Cigars. This box-pressed cigar features a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, Dominican binder, and Dominican & Brazilian long fillers. Familia Real was founded by two brothers inspired by their family’s roots in the Dominican tobacco tradition. Now we’re putting the Conquest I to the test. Does it earn a spot in the...

Ash Noir is creating its own lane in cigar culture. On this episode of Smoke & Oak, we sit down with the three women behind Ash Noir, a cigar lifestyle brand created for women who love the leaf, the conversation, and the community that comes with it. We talk about what pushed them to start Ash Noir, what they felt was missing for women in cigar spaces, and why they wanted to create accessories...

We sat down with Mike Palmer, National Sales Manager for Powstanie Cigars, for a conversation about the brand, the business, and what it really takes to make a name in the cigar industry. Mike takes us inside the world of Powstanie, from the cigars and the people behind them to what goes into getting a boutique brand into shops and in front of smokers across the country. We also talk about his jou...

The Mayfin Platino is in the hot seat. 💨On this episode of the Smoke & Oak Podcast, we light up the Mayfin Platino and put it through a full review. We’re talking construction, draw, burn, flavor, strength, and whether this is a cigar we’d reach for again. Mayfin Cigars brings together the names Mayorga and Duffin, with the idea of creating cigars meant for slowing down, having a conversation...

Tune in as we sit down with Richard and Kim of Delacruz Cigars for an honest conversation about resilience, purpose, and the legacy they're building one cigar at a time. In this episode, they reflect on the anniversary of the life-changing event that ultimately inspired the creation of Delacruz Cigars, sharing how adversity became the foundation of their brand. We also discuss the challenges o...

On this episode of the Smoke & Oak Podcast, we're joined by the team behind **Auremio Cigars** for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a boutique cigar brand. We dive into the challenges of growing a cigar company in Tampa, debate where to find the best black coffee, and talk about their decision to relocate to Texas—and the opportunities that led them there. If you&...

Here's a version that's more optimized for a YouTube description—more conversational, SEO-friendly, and designed to encourage viewers to watch:Before the episode, here's a quick intro you can use:In this episode of **Smoke & Oak Podcast**, we sit down with **Ke'Shay Love**, the founder of **Éclat Noir Cigars**, to explore the story behind one of the industry's emerging bout...

Step inside Black Leaf Cigar & Wine Lounge as we sit down with owner Christian to discuss the vision behind one of the most unique cigar destinations around and the story behind Rena Negra, Black Leaf's exclusive house blend. More than just a cigar lounge, Black Leaf is a destination where premium cigars, fine wines, handcrafted cocktails, live entertainment, and luxury experiences come to...

What happens when a childhood memory, a world champion mindset, and a passion for premium cigars come together? In this episode of Smoke & Oak, Markus and Greg sit down with the founder of Bella Dama Cigars to explore the story behind the brand. From watching her father enjoy cigars as a young girl to witnessing his journey to becoming a World Series of Poker champion, she shares how persevera...

Cigar culture has no limits—and this episode proves it. Markus and Greg pull up to The Black House, an elevated self-care speakeasy redefining what recovery and wellness can look like. From contrast therapy and compression therapy to red light therapy, Carlos—the founder of The Black House—has created a space designed not just for athletes, but for everyday people looking to recover from the physi...

Greg and Markus link up with Chris Chambers at the The Tampa Club for a conversation elevated in every sense. Chris breaks down the vision behind launching a luxury cigar club—where premium experiences meet true cigar culture. From the atmosphere to the details, it’s built different. Old Fashioneds made with Buffalo Trace in hand, overlooking downtown Tampa… the setting speaks for itself. Real con...

Our Own Vibe 2 is setting the tone in Ybor—an exclusive, members-only cigar club that’s been buzzing for all the right reasons. Tap in as Greg and Markus sit down, light up, and talk with one of the owners, @thesmokeandstrategy (Tameeka), about the vision behind the space, what makes their membership experience different, and why sweet tip cigars aren’t making the cut. Real conversation. Real cult...

Comedian Clay Miles pulls up to the Smoke & Oak Podcast and brings nothing but stories, laughs, and real talk. From his upcoming cigar tour across the Tampa Bay area to his journey from D.C. to Tampa, Clay breaks down how he got his start in stand-up comedy and what it really took to chase the craft. We dive into the transition from everyday life to the stage, the grind behind the jokes, and t...

The guys sit down with Bryan from 2nd Amendment Cigars for a real conversation you don’t want to miss. From the foundation of 2nd Amendment Cigars to life after serving in the Marines, Bryan shares his journey, lessons learned, and the mindset that carries over from military life into business and brotherhood. We dive into the deeper side of cigar culture—how cigars create space for connection, co...

This week on the Smoke & Oak Podcast, AD pulls up to the lounge to talk about the state of today’s DJ industry — the new wave vs. the old school, how the game has evolved, and what separates real DJs from the rest. We also dive into the story behind Red Lady Rendezvous — how the event came together, the vision behind it, and why it’s becoming a staple experience in the culture. From music and...

In this episode, Markus and Greg pull up to Tampa Cigar Week and kick things off inside the iconic J.C. Newman Cigar Factory for the official kickoff party. They break down their first day at Tampa Cigar Week — the energy, the culture, and what makes this event a must-attend for cigar enthusiasts. The fellas also sit down with special guests throughout the night. Richard from DelaCruz Cigars taps...

This week on the Smoke & Oak Podcast, we’re honored to sit down with our first Lady of the Leaf — Monique, a true force in the cigar industry. With over a decade of experience, Monique has helped cigar lounges grow, build stronger communities, and create meaningful spaces within the culture. She’s also played a pivotal role in developing a powerful network of women in the industry and stands a...

Whether you’re tapped into hip-hop, sports media, or cultural commentary, this episode breaks down how influence really moves—who’s setting the tone, who’s driving the narrative, and why these conversations matter now more than ever.

A new year brings new goals—and this episode marks a major turning point for the Smoke & Oak Podcast. In this episode, Greg and Markus reflect on the journey so far and break down what’s coming next for the podcast. From leveling up the conversations and expanding the guest list to sharpening the vision behind the brand, this is an honest conversation about growth, consistency, and building so...