Nice Ashes: Cigars and Culture

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...

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 figure...

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 Virgin...

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, symboli...

In this episode, Nate and Mike smoke a Punch Knuckle Buster shade cigar, paired with a cold IPA and coffee, while diving into a detailed, myth-busting discussion about Christopher Columbus. They explore Columbus’s true voyages, motivations, historical context, and the many misconceptions surrounding him—such as the notion he discovered mainland America or proved the Earth was round. The hosts also...

In this episode, Nate and Mike light up a notoriously rough cigar and dive deep into the controversial rise and rule of Javier Milei, Argentina’s polarizing president. They unpack Milei’s unconventional background—from his working-class roots and tumultuous youth to his education under U.S.-backed neoliberal institutions. The hosts examine his radical economic policies, alleged corruption scandals...

In this episode, Nate and Mike light up the Mark Twain memoir cigar while diving deep into the mysterious cases of a cluster of missing and deceased scientists linked to aerospace, nuclear research, and defense sectors between 2022 and 2026. They explore the backgrounds of these individuals, consider possible connections, and analyze various conspiracy theories—from foreign intelligence hits to se...

In this episode, Nate and Mike light up budget-friendly Old Havana Stogies cigars and pair them with drinks as they dive deep into the complex history and cultural practices of monogamy and cheating. They explore everything from prehistoric pair bonding and polygamy to ancient laws and punishments surrounding infidelity, and discuss how definitions and societal attitudes toward cheating have evolv...

Join Nate and Mike as they light up a Tatiana chocolate cigar and welcome back special guest Bert —aka "The Main Event"—to talk about his new hip-hop album, TMNT: The Rise of Zach Mamba , inspired by 80s and 90s pop culture, especially Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. They dive deep into nostalgia, discuss Bert’s creative process and favorite Turtle characters, share hilarious behind-the-scenes stori...

In this episode, Nate and Mike dive into the world of eco-terrorism and wildfire arson, exploring radical groups like the Earth Liberation Front (ELF), the Puerto Rican FALN, and notable lone arsonists. They break down the controversial government infiltration and entrapment tactics used against these groups, highlighting how some fires appeared orchestrated or exploited by authorities and industr...

In this episode, Nate and Mike light up the Romeo y Julieta Medallas de Oro Vintage Toro and pair it with craft brews while diving into a fun, multi-tiered Victorian slang guessing game. They explore the colorful language of Victorian England—from polite society expressions to streetwise slang and criminal cant—testing Mike’s knowledge of old-timey words and phrases. Along the way, they discuss Vi...

In this episode, Nate and Mike dive into the complex world of international fires and land exploitation, exploring cases from Patagonia to Brazil, Australia, Argentina, and Israel. They uncover patterns of state-enabled arson, illegal land grabs by billionaires, and the devastating impact of corporate agribusiness on rainforests, all intertwined with political corruption and global power plays. Al...

In this episode, Nate and Mike enjoy a robust Bolivar Cofradia Robusto cigar while diving into the complicated legacy of H.P. Lovecraft—a pioneering cosmic horror writer whose vivid mythos remains hugely influential despite his overt racism and white supremacist beliefs. They discuss Lovecraft's life, his troubling views, and how his work has been embraced, adapted, and reinterpreted by many creat...

In this episode, Nate and Mike kick things off with a cigar review of the Tatiana Fusion Frenzy, sharing their smoky thoughts and pairing selections before diving into a heavy, multi-part investigation into suspicious and often deliberate large-scale fires around the world. They explore Greece’s troubling wildfire fraud scheme involving arson to clear protected forest lands for development, the al...

In this episode, Nate and Mike light up a Cohiba Blue Robusto and dive into the stories of remarkable but often overlooked historical figures who shaped science, exploration, and technology. From Henrietta Swan Leavitt’s role in cosmology and Rosalind Franklin’s crucial DNA photo to the pioneering work of Oliver Heaviside in electromagnetism and Margaret Hamilton’s Apollo software engineering, the...

In this intense and eye-opening episode, Nate and Mike dive deep into the disturbing reality of missing children in the United States. After a brief and humorous start with a disappointing cigar review of the Primeros, they expose jaw-dropping government statistics revealing hundreds of thousands of children—both American and undocumented—who have disappeared, many reportedly lost in ICE custody o...

In this episode, hosts Nate and Mike enjoy smoking the Cohiba Red Dot cigar while diving into the fascinating yet lesser-known story of Thomas Harriot, a 16th-17th century English mathematician, astronomer, and early scientist. They discuss Harriot’s pioneering contributions—such as his early telescopic moon sketches preceding Galileo, advancements in algebra, and detailed, respectful ethnographic...

In this episode, hosts Mike and Nate begin with a casual cigar tasting of flavored Tatiana cigars, sharing their impressions of cinnamon and vanilla varieties, including nostalgic references and pairing choices. They briefly mention Jordan's Be The Club is now fully launched. The discussion quickly pivots to a detailed and extensive examination of current political issues surrounding First and Sec...

In this kickoff episode for Season 5 of Nice Ashes, Nate and Mike light up a La Gloria Cubana 8th Street Toro to ease back into cigar talk, sharing their honest impressions of its bold spice and flavor journey. Alongside their cigar review, they dive deep into fascinating butterfly effect theories, connecting historical dots in unexpected ways—from the Romanovs’ fall leading to 9/11 and Ellen DeGe...

Season 4 finale of Nice Ashes takes a deep, candid dive into the culture-shaking events of September 11, 2001. Hosts Mike and Nate share their personal memories of that day and examine the official 9/11 Commission Report alongside popular conspiracy theories, balancing skepticism with heartfelt reflection. Over cigars (The Joya Red) and fine Glenlivet 12 whiskey, they explore timelines, government...

In this episode of Nice Ashes , hosts Mike and Nate dive deep into the world of everyday carry (EDC) gear while enjoying cigars (including the notoriously bad Hesitant Pirate) and Oktoberfest beer from a local street festival. They share stories about their personal EDC setups—from minimalist daily essentials to extended gear for travel and outdoor work—highlighting tools, knives, tech gadgets, fi...

In this episode of Nice Ashes , hosts Mike and Nate light up the Ave Maria Reconquista cigar and dive deep into a fascinating piece of Midwest history: the rise and impact of the Nonpartisan League and the Farmer Labor Party. They explore how two farmers’ secret winter meeting in 1915 sparked a progressive political movement that transformed North Dakota and Minnesota with groundbreaking reforms l...

In this episode of Nice Ashes , hosts Mike and Nate dive into the fascinating and mysterious story of John Titor, the alleged time traveler from the year 2036 who posted on internet forums in the early 2000s. They explore the origins of the legend, the technical claims about his time machine, his predictions, and the follow-up narrative of John Titor II. Along the way, they discuss pop culture ref...

In this episode, Mike and Nate dive into the complexities of Minnesota culture—especially the infamous "Minnesota Nice"—and how it impacts Somali immigrant integration. They explore the polite yet passive-aggressive communication style, cultural clashes around social expectations, and the invisible barriers that create challenges for newcomers. The discussion also covers historical immigrant group...

In this episode, Nate and Mike dive into their experience smoking the Tatiana Honey cigar—sharing honest and unfiltered reviews, which aren’t exactly glowing. They’re joined by returning guest Jordan, who introduces his new lifestyle brand “Be The Club,” inspired by golf culture but designed to be universal and fun. Jordan talks about his upcoming product launch, creative apparel ideas, and engagi...