The Burn Down Podcast

At just 25, Anthony Raimo has already lived through three failed businesses, personal battles with trauma and depression, and the grind of starting over. Today, he’s the owner of Trident Corporate Housing and Raimo Renovations, building real estate solutions for traveling professionals and construction crews. In this episode, he shares the failures, lessons, and mindset shifts that shaped his path...

This week we sit down with serial entrepreneur Dominick DiFilippo — Leader of the Empire Team with Keller Williams, Founder of AccountaBuddy, and Owner of Empire Sound. From real estate success in Hudson Valley, NY and Fairfield County, CT to building multiple businesses and Dominick shares the mindset and work ethic behind the hustle. Instagram: @Domdifilippo Website: https://www.empireteam.com/a...

On this episode of The Burn Down Podcast, we sit down with General Manager Thomas Esposito and Assistant General Manager Vinston Joy of VIP Country Club — one of Westchester’s award-winning venues recognized for its luxury atmosphere, top-tier service, and unforgettable events. We dive into the vision behind the brand, the leadership and teamwork required to operate a high-end country club, and wh...

This week on The Burn Down Podcast, we’re joined by brother duo Elias and Brandon Lebron of Silverback Contracting. They break down their journey from the ground up and what it truly takes to build, grow, and succeed as a general contractor in New York City. From hard-earned lessons in the field to navigating the challenges of the industry, they share real, unfiltered insight for anyone pursuing s...

After 15 years in NYC's Local 3 Electricians Union, Mike Lelia made the kind of move most people only talk about. In this episode, he breaks down how he walked away from union stability and a guaranteed paycheck to bet on himself and build Lelia Electric Corp. from the ground up. Six years later, Mike leads his electrical firm proudly serving Westchester & Fairfield counties commercial, reside...

In the BDP studio we’ve got the one‑of‑a‑kind Seth Stahlmann, a 23‑year‑old style consultant who somehow manages to be both wildly talented and mature for his age. He dives into his backstory, how he grew up, the wins that pushed him forward, the setbacks that tried to slow him down, and the twists that brought him to where he is today. Seth Instagram : @sethwithtweeds Tweeds NY Location/Website:...

We cover it all in this weeks episode! Comedian Druski mocking the mega church pastors, Eric's lucky day, the Buffalo Bills questionable call and Eric & Justin even discuss some dad life topics! We hope you enjoy!!   Order The Blueprint & The Diligent Cigars Here!   https://www.flyingcigars.com/brands/the-burn-down-podcast/   https://getyourcigars.com/products/the-burn-down-podcast-sampler...

Hailing from Staten Island, NY, in the studio we have professional wrestler Vinny Pacifico—wrestling since age 14 and debuting at just 16—now a standout independent star known as “The Energy Drink King.” He’s competed in over 15+ countries, appeared across top indie promotions, and stepped onto AEW, WWE NXT, and NJPW, while also branching into film and media. Instagram: ​⁠@vinnypacifico I MDB : ht...

In the studio we have Jerry Sayegh owner of JS Concealed Carry and former BDP guest Francis Volpe from Y Not You Media and Snacktime. JS Concealed Carry provides high-quality concealed carry training and firearms education. He equips everyday people with practical skills and respect for the responsibility of firearm ownership. He guides each client through the entire certification and paperwork pr...

PLEASE DONATE HERE: https://www.gofundme.com/f/christmas-for-kids-2025   Christmas for Kids is a fundraiser created to provide children in need with Christmas gifts. Whether that's donating toys to children's hospitals and foster homes, or sponsoring struggling families.   Our goal is to raise $10,000 to spend as follows: Purchasing gifts to donate to children's hospitals and foster homes Sponsori...

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Zakotiria a certified health and performance coach, accomplished race car driver, and driving coach. Nick shares his unwavering commitment to fitness and the disciplined routines that keep him at peak performance. We explore the intense focus required behind the wheel, the thrill of racing, and how he balances it all with his deep faith. A devoted man of God,...

In the BDP studio we have Scott Anthony he shares his unbelievable journey from growing up poor in Chicago and leading a street gang at age 14, dealing cocaine in 80's which lead to him being fugitive on the run for five years while the DEA, FBI, and even Interpol were after him. By the 90's he became one of the biggest Cuban smugglers. Selling Cuban cigars to Michael Jordan, Richard Dent, Shaun G...

In this episode, we're discussing how artificial intelligence it taking over and is everywhere!, ChatGPT writing better emails than us, AI thinking for us, and how the reality of iRobot is closer then we think?! Order The Blueprint & The Diligent Cigars Here!   https://www.flyingcigars.com/brands/the-burn-down-podcast/   https://getyourcigars.com/products/the-burn-down-podcast-sampler-pack htt...

This episode was inspired by the recent event of Justin finding MOLD on his 2014 Arturo Fuente BBMF, $100+ cigar, you hate to see! We’ve all heard it — “That’s not mold, it’s plume!” But how do you really tell the difference? In this episode, we dive into one of the most debated topics in the cigar world. We break down what each one actually is, how to identify them, and whether that white dust on...

In the studio we have Gil Monge, founder of GCD Auto Studio and Gillin Auto Interiors. Growing up in the South Bronx as the youngest of four brothers, Gil’s passion for cars started early. In 2006, he launched Gillin Auto Interiors, turning that passion into a business. By 2019, he expanded with GCD Auto Studio in Florida, NY—a boutique, state-of-the-art shop for high-end custom builds. His work g...

In this episode, just before we started recording, we heard the news that Charlie Kirk had been assassinated. It makes us ask—what is happening to our society? No matter what side of the political spectrum you’re on, and no matter how much you disagree with someone’s views, it should never justify taking a life over. We must do better!   Order The Blueprint & The Diligent Cigars Here!   https:...

Inside the BDP studio, we sit down with carpenter union foreman and owner of Blaise Construction, Blaise Ridulfo! He shares what it’s like balancing life in the union while running his own business, how he still finds time to enjoy cigars, and why he believes men are the biggest cry babies. All that and more in this episode!   Order The Blueprint & The Diligent Cigars Here!   https://www.flyin...

(Audio Technical Difficulties Until 25Mins 18 Sec We Apologize) Meet Lisa Stramiello better known as Luminisa a vibrant force of nature with unmatched authenticity and electric energy! Born and raised in the heart of Brooklyn, NY, Lumi brings a bold blend of tradition and flair to the world of cigars. Trained by master roller Francisco Almonte of DBL Cigars, she’s a true artisan, handcrafting ciga...

In the studio this week, we’re joined by Joe Cosentino who brought us delicious food from the famous Bronx G & R Deli! Joe, a Bronx native who built his real estate empire from the ground up. Known as the King of Bronx Realty, Joe shares how two decades of hustle and dedication shaped his journey to the top. As the Broker and Owner of Morris Park Realty Group and Westchester Realty Consultants...

In this episode, we’re joined by Blanca Biede, who flew all the way from Iowa to be on the podcast! Blanca is a columnist for Humo Latino Magazine, a cigar lover, a bikini division bodybuilder, and a proud member of the women’s motorcycle group The Litas. She shares her story of how she became fascinated with the cigar industry, how her passion for writing landed her a spot with Humo Latino, what...

We sit down with Adam Vohra — founder of ARV Enterprises and Director of Partnerships for Greenwich, Upper Westchester, and Darien/New Canaan Lifestyle Magazines. Adam shares his inspiring journey of sobriety, being 3 years alcohol-free, and how that led him to launch The Finding Purpose Podcast, now with over 65 episodes. From planning high-end events to helping others find meaning through recove...

In the BDP studio, we’re joined by JD Summa, the founder of Kings Capital Construction, one of New York’s prominent construction firms. JD takes us through his incredible journey of building a $60M business defying the odds and proving doubters wrong when he launched during the 2008 real estate crash. From overcoming industry challenges to the leadership principles that fueled his success, JD’s st...

Since our very first episode back in July 2019, The Burn Down Podcast has been on an incredible journey—bringing people together one cigar at a time. In this special 300th episode, we take a reflective walk down memory lane, celebrating six unforgettable years filled with meaningful conversations, memorable interviews, laughter, lessons, and the deep connections we've built with our guests and eac...

This week at the BDP studio a Burn Down FIRST, we had the pleasure of hosting the amazing Chef Matt Wasson, known from Food Network’s Chopped and Ciao House! He cooked live, dazzling us with rosemary focaccia, his signature spicy rigatoni, and bone marrow polpette. The creamy vodka sauce was perfection, and the meatballs melted in your mouth with every bite. Joining us as well was Adrian from NY C...

This week we ask ChatGPT to put its tinfoil hat on and start asking questions. Why did the government turn against tobacco after centuries of widespread acceptance? The tangled web of politics, profit, and public health narratives in real-time. Could it be a battle between Big Tobacco and the pharmaceutical industry? A shift in addiction economics? Or a calculated move to keep the population stres...