Nice Ashes: Cigars and Culture

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, h...

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...

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...

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 ne...

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 I...

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, th...

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...

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 ve...

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,...

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...

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 feature...

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 i...

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 , s...

Join Mike and Nate in this special Christmas Day episode of Nice Ashes as they light up a unique Asylum 13 Ogre cigar in the Gordo size—a rare choice for the show. Not only is this episode a holiday celebration, but it also serves as the Season Three finale, with the duo set to return in March. In a festive discussion, they delve into the rich history of the so-called "War on Christmas," tracing i...

Welcome to this week's episode of Nice Ashes! In this installment, Mike and Nate dive into the CAO L'Anniversaire Cameroon Robusto, hoping for a better experience than its disappointing Toro counterpart. While their initial expectations aren't high, the cigar surprises them with a flavor profile that's nutty and spicy, leading to an in-depth discussion on cigars and pairings. As they smoke, the du...

Join hosts Nate and Mike as they welcome Mike's longtime friend Jordan for a candid conversation about life, mental health, and, of course, cigars! They light up the CAO Anniversary Cameroon Toro cigar while reminiscing about college days filled with laughter and embarrassing stories. In this episode, Jordan shares his recent mental health journey, discussing his experiences with anxiety and depre...

In this episode of "Nice Ashes," hosts Nate and Mike dive into their ongoing four-cigar tour featuring the highly touted Rico Borado line. Today, they tackle the Maduro Robusto, which leads to plenty of laughter and strong opinions, as the duo recount their previous experiences with the brand, expressing just how much they loathe the previous cigars they've tried, including the Connecticut series....

Welcome to this week's episode of Nice Ashes! Join Mike and Nate as they tackle the much-anticipated Rico Barato Robusto Connecticut cigar, which may just take the crown for the worst they’ve ever smoked. Listen in as they express their distaste for the flavor and reminisce about past traumatic smoking experiences. They dive into a lively discussion about recent ballot measures, including the nuan...

Join Mike and Nate on this episode of Nice Ashes as they indulge in the Rico Barato Torpedo Maduro. They dive into their initial impressions of the cigar, discussing its troublesome construction and unexpected flavors, including a few unfortunate construction defects that lead to some humorous moments. As they light up, the discussion shifts from cigars to the ever-controversial topic of cigar rat...

In this episode of "Nice Ashes," hosts Nate and Mike light up a Rico Barato Connecticut Torpedo and dive deep into the controversial topic of "transmaxxing." As they explore the nuances of this internet-born phenomenon, they discuss real-life cases, including individuals who have transitioned or identified as transgender for personal gain, such as to win custody battles or improve dating prospects...

In this episode of "Nice Ashes," hosts Mike and Nate dive into their smokey experience with the Flor de Oliva Original cigar. They explore its unique flavors, contrasting it with previous variations like the Maduro and Gold. The duo then shifts gears to discuss the book “Sparked,” a collection of essays about race and resilience in Minnesota following the George Floyd incident. Their candid critiq...

In this episode of Nice Ashes , hosts Nate and Mike dive into the complexities of race and the impact of George Floyd’s legacy in their review of the book Sparked: George Floyd, Racism, and the Progressive Illusion . As they light up a Flor de Oliva Gold cigar—distinctly lighter than the Maduro—they engage in a candid conversation about the book's essays written by elites discussing race relations...

Mike and Nate smoke a Flor de Oliva Madura,a budget-friendly cigar that brings standard Maduro flavors without any surprises. As they enjoy their smokes, the duo dives deep into a lively discussion on the darker, original versions of beloved fairy tales, tracing the rich history behind classics like Pinocchio , Rapunzel , and Snow White . They explore the morbid twists in these stories and debate...

Join Mike and Nate on this special episode of Nice Ashes as they welcome musician Bert Badger to the show. The trio dives into a lighthearted conversation about cigars, music, and memories, all while enjoying a unique Acid Blondie cigar. Bert shares his journey, including the release of his new album, French Toast (All Bangers) , highlighting standout tracks and the creative process behind his mus...

Mike and Nate smoke an Espinosa The Dude, courtesy of Matt, and discuss The Big Lebowski . Throughout the conversation, they explore the film's quirky characters, memorable scenes, and its blend of comedy and absurdity, all while sharing personal anecdotes and fun trivia. They also discuss the cigar's impressive flavor profile, which features unexpected spice and fits perfectly with the laid-back...