By Holy Smokes®
4.9
4545 ratings
The podcast currently has 115 episodes available.
Mikes Mears chats with Steve Reiter, a long-awaited guest on the show for three years. Mike, who has quite the journey from a political campaign to faith engagement at the Republican National Committee. Mike is smoking a nica rustica cigar, and despite not being a cigar aficionado, he brings a wealth of experience and intriguing stories to share. From growing up in a faith-filled Roman Catholic home to a career in politics and his unique spiritual journey, Mike's perspective on faith, politics, and the intricacies of life is sure to captivate you. So sit back, light up your favorite cigar, and join us for an inspiring and insightful conversation.
Outline: (00:04) Nuns predicted future, led to religious journey. (08:49) Stephanie's different upbringing caused family tension. (11:45) Helped friend get elected; aided in campaigns. (18:46) Ignored phone calls, National Right to Work Committee. (23:20) Reluctant conservative liaison for Republican National Committee. (29:53) Promotion, politics, and gender rule confusion. (35:31) Pro-life community lacks agreement, needs discipleship. (38:04) Security personnel's quick thinking prevents tragedy. (46:43) Preferring mixed whiskey drinks, especially with Coke. (52:07) Supporting the Orange County and Los Angeles teams. (58:23) Seeking wisdom, finding God in unusual places. (59:58) Considering moving to be close to politics.
About the Guest: Mike Mears was raised with the belief that he was destined to either become a priest or president of the United States. At the age of 17, he began to take his faith more seriously after being introduced to Jesus Christ through a campus ministry called Campus Life. This pivotal moment led to a commitment to his faith and a lifelong journey with Christianity.
Bradley Chaddick chats with Steve Reiter. He opens up about navigating grief and supporting his wife through their journey, finding purpose and involvement in the church after a tragic loss, and the positive transformation they've experienced. Tune in to hear about Bradley's journey to finding authentic community and fellowship, including his involvement with Holy Smokes. Steve and Bradley also talk about Cigars, pipe tobacco preferences, and some memorable smoking experiences. Grab your favorite cigar, sit back, and join us for an episode.
Outline:
About the Guest: Bradley Chaddick is a member of a church who found a passion for cigars and authentic conversations. He discovered the Holy Smokes fellowship movement and was thrilled to find a group where he could enjoy cigars and whiskey while discussing Christ and deepening his faith. After meeting an elder from his church in a cigar lounge, he was introduced to the Arizona group and the main fellowship and was excited to be part of a community that shared his interests and beliefs. This experience fulfilled a dream he had been harboring for years.
Welcome to the Holy Smokes podcast. In this emotional episode of Holy Smokes, our host, Steve Reiter, sits down with guest Mark Bendorf for a profound and heartfelt conversation. Mark shares his experiences with cigars, his love for family, and his challenges. From growing up near Camp Randall in Madison, Wisconsin, to serving in the Marine Corps and losing his son, the conversation delves into moments of joy, sorrow, and the celebration of life. Join us as Mark opens up about his son's passing, the simple joys of life, and his journey of faith, all while enjoying a cigar with Steve. This episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of finding joy amidst pain.
Outline:
(00:05) Childhood car parking business in Christian households.
(08:12) Madison's free zoo is meant for the community.
(11:50) Sister's friend leads to union apprenticeship at 27.
(16:39) Mother shocked and alarmed by son's death.
(22:13) Embraced and comforted a grieving group of kids.
(27:58) Respect individuality and give space for growth.
(36:38) Enjoying coffee and cigars, memorable moments shared.
(41:42) Christian artists, 60s/70s rock, some Michael Jackson
(45:13) The Family had a dog and a cat.
(49:43) Thankful for kids, family, friends, and parents.
(56:00) Dave presents the Bible in a disarming, loving way.
(01:00:24) Enjoy life, appreciate Christ's sacrifice, and keep it simple.
About the Guest: Mark Bendorf grew up just blocks away from where he would later become an entrepreneur. As a kid, he would park cars in his backyard for a small fee, which was a lucrative business for a young boy in the 1980s. Despite his early success, Mark was raised in a Christian home, with his father being Free Methodist and his mother Lutheran. When his family moved to Madison, they attended a Presbyterian church. This early experience of entrepreneurship and strong family values would shape Mark's future endeavors.
Welcome to Holy Smokes, the podcast where faith, friendship, tobacco, and drinks come together in meaningful and thought-provoking conversations. In this episode, our host, Steve Reiter, sits down with the inspiring Dave Bechtold and the engaging Mark Bendorf. Together, they delve into a wide range of topics, from childhood memories and personal growth to faith, community engagement, and the unique Holy Smokes gatherings. Journey with us as we explore the depth of Jesus, the mission of going beyond the church building walls, and the power of spreading hope and love in a world divided by politics and ideologies. Get ready for an episode filled with stories, insights, and a shared passion for cigars and pipes in the cozy setting of the Holy Smokes headquarters at Dave Bechtold's home lounge in Madison, Wisconsin.
Outline:
(00:00) Madison: a liberal town with unique politics.
(06:32) Relevance of God and hope in politics.
(16:07) Divine intervention led to successful kids ministry.
(19:02) Former churchgoer shares experience and impact of prayer.
(24:59) Rebellious teenagers become the center of attention.
(30:52) Expect the inevitable and maintain a positive attitude.
(38:17) A Young couple prioritized relationship grappled with religion.
(41:39) Dave was known for connecting with people.
(51:17) Sow seeds, build relationships, and spread good news.
(56:22) Neighbors connected over the fire, shared cigars and welcomed.
(59:09) Enjoying pipe smoking, trying Colorado blends, supporting local business.
(01:07:03) Not into Star Trek, but likes sports.
(01:12:25) Son perfected steak; now it's my favorite.
(01:17:21) Overcoming negativity through obedience to Jesus.
(01:22:45) Thankful for friends, wife, and gifts.
(01:29:32) Celebrating influential figures in spirituality and ministry.
(01:34:15) Christ's faithfulness is beautiful and often unnoticed.
About the Guest: Dave Bechtold is known for his love and passion for people, especially families and children. He is often described as having a heart for others and a genuine love for throwing parties to bring joy to those around him. Dave truly believes in the saying, "If you can find a job that you love to do, you'll never work a day in your life," and he exemplifies this through his work. His parties bring happiness and serve as a way for him to share God's love and show that the Lord is good. Dave's dedication to serving others and spreading joy through his work is a testament to his caring and compassionate nature
Welcome to Holy Smokes, where we delve into the compelling stories of faith, community, and personal growth. In this episode, we feature Dave Bechtold and Mark Bendorf, who share their experiences in Madison, Wisconsin, organizing events such as Holy Grounds and "Burgers and the Bible" with a mission to spread joy, hospitality, and the message of Jesus. They reflect on the impact of their work, from meaningful conversations to witnessing the transformative power of faith in people's lives. Moreover, they discuss their vision for a community of cigar smokers and bourbon enthusiasts as a platform to share spiritual growth and purpose. Stay tuned as we explore stories of hope, resilience, and the profound impact of faith in everyday lives.
Welcome to a sizzling new episode of Holy Smokes! In this electrifying installment, we're joined by the illustrious Tobin Arthur, who regales us with riveting tales from his high school baseball triumphs to his dynamic career in business and healthcare. Grab your favorite Crossfire cigar and a piping hot cup of coffee as we delve into Tobin's journey from USC to co-founding Innovation for Alpha, blazing a trail through the realms of entrepreneurship, healthcare, and community building. Get ready to be captivated by Tobin's fascinating anecdotes, insights on the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, and his passion for creating meaningful connections. So sit back, relax, and prepare for a Holy Smokes experience like no other!
Outline: (00:00) Grind consistency varies for different brewing methods. (20:03) Pitching speed expectations create strain on arms. (28:08) Started window washing business with friends, struggled. (32:24) Starbucks adapted to long lines with innovations. (43:39) Legacy technology caused problems storing outdated data. (53:53) Health insurance companies reject claims to avoid payment. (01:07:17) Venture capital challenges and youth in Bay. (01:21:42) Consumers using ER as primary care is costly. (01:31:08) The Healthcare system struggles to shift towards value-based care. (01:37:30) Educational tools and online community for business. (01:45:21) Met cool people through cigars, and Norris is a favorite. (01:58:23) Family's faith and worldwide prayers for brother. Complex, unique surgery watched by global medical professionals. (02:07:12) Legacy as a coach helping others succeed.
About the Guest: Tobin Arthur is a coffee connoisseur with a deep knowledge of coffee making. He is well-versed in different coffee types, particularly espresso-based and drip coffee. Tobin understands the intricacies of making espresso, emphasizing the need for high pressure and a fine grind to extract the true flavor of the coffee. While he appreciates the option to add flavors and milk, Tobin believes that a true coffee aficionado should be able to enjoy the pure flavor of espresso. His expertise in the world of coffee has made him a respected figure in the industry
Welcome to another exciting episode of Holy Smokes with Steve Reiter and Mitch Smith! Mitch shares his journey from resigning from his job to starting his own business and finding success in the learning management platform industry. He discusses his experiences, including meeting influential individuals, building strong client relationships, and the impact of faith in his life. Mitch also dives into his current projects, including creating innovative assessments for children and his involvement in a men's group. Stay tuned for an inspiring and insightful episode of Holy Smokes with Mitch Smith.
Outline:
(04:23) Mom stayed home, played sports, had fun. (10:23) Rebellion, excessive drinking, college disappointments, dissatisfaction. (13:18) The fortunate guy finds a new trustworthy friend group. (19:22) The Agency said it could take 5 years. Resigned, played golf, and met Dean Witter's manager. (22:04) Moved to Columbia for business, found wife. (30:45) Great bible study, mentorship, and discipleship journey. (32:59) CD ROM video, tracking software, Herx Selenis. Safety training online. $660,000 contract in 1994. (37:40) Successful learning platform, landed big clients. Experienced in a young industry. (46:35) Writing a diary to share faith and family importance. Meeting Chalmers Culbreth, battling cancer. (49:43) The book uncovers junk in life and friendship. (54:56) Designed an iPad learning platform for a pharma company. The youngest daughter asks for a digital curriculum. Homeschool companies refuse due to IP concerns. (1:02:15) Consulted after unsuccessful company venture, kept RootLoud. (1:08:57) "Guarantee change, reduce fees, create engagement in business." (1:14:34) Loved cutting grass on a tractor. (1:17:02) Country football nights, catfishing, cigars at Citadel. (1:22:02) Facebook post leads to a thriving men's community. (1:28:15) Tired of news, watches YouTube, enjoys history. (1:34:38) DNA test reveals dad is not a real dad. (1:37:34) Thriving community fosters connections, enabling ministry.
About the Guest: Mitch Smith is the son of a hardworking paper mill mechanic who taught him the values of generosity and a strong work ethic. Growing up, Mitch's father worked at Springs Mills before seizing the opportunity to work at new paper mills near Rock Hill. This decision turned out to be the greatest thing that ever happened to him. Despite being in a seemingly ordinary role, Mitch's father was known for his godly character and his willingness to give generously, challenging the perception that only the wealthy can be generous givers. Inspired by his father's example, Mitch learned valuable lessons about investing in the kingdom and considers himself incredibly blessed to have been raised by such a remarkable man.
Welcome to Holy Smokes, a gathering place where faith, friendship, excellent tobacco, and good drink collide to spark meaningful conversations. Caleb Allen, a preacher from Denison, Kansas, joins host Steve Reiter on this episode. They delve deeply into Caleb's personal path, from being a conscientious youngster to his atypical career goals and spiritual change, culminating in his impactful community engagement. Caleb offers a unique peek into the interface of faith and life by sharing insights on theology, personal growth, and managing diversity in faith beliefs. Explore Caleb's journey to learn about the heartwarming and thought-provoking incidents that molded his faith. Only on Holy Smokes will you find an enlightening debate on faith, community, and the power of conversation.
Outline: (00:05) Create a community for faith-based individuals through fellowship. (05:06) Podcast mix-up leads to confusion and humor. (14:32) Questioning morality and conscience amid childhood disobedience. (19:33) The Family moved to Hawkinsville, Georgia in 2005. (23:47) Changed degree from youth ministry to theology. (25:55) New understanding of Corinthians 11's message. (33:50) Disagreements can arise due to sin's influence. (38:15) Attracted to serious Christianity, influenced by reformation. (43:13) The Reformed Presbyterian Church follows regulative principle worship. (48:36) Offer unblemished animals, sell if blemished, temple. (57:21) Jesus called out legalistic behavior, especially Pharisees. (1:03:09) Moved to Pittsburgh, prolonged study, but successful. (1:04:04) Five years brought significant maturing and growth. (1:10:47) The new pastor engages parking lot workers conversationally. (1:19:21) Introduced to Lagavulin, I love its peaty taste. Memorable cigar experience: chatting with elders. (1:24:32) Encountered strange figures in the yard and rushed inside. (1:28:37) Encouraging books on church antagonists and intentions. (1:33:04) Inspiring testimonies about Paul's character and impact. (1:37:18) High-quality apparel and accessories are available for purchase.
About the Guest: Caleb Allen is a member of a small congregation who enjoys fine tobacco and drink as a way to connect with others. He recently recommended a Christian podcast to his fellow group members, which features interviews with people from various backgrounds and includes discussions about fine tobacco and drink. Caleb is passionate about using these interests as a means for fellowship and connection within his community.
Welcome to another episode of Holy Smokes. In this episode, our host, Steve Reiter, sits down with a very special guest, Steve Van Diest. Steve opens up about his journey from ministry to joining a missional order called Project Revive. He shares the challenges he faced when 60% of his donors left him after making the shift. He tells us how he infused kingdom principles into the mattress retail industry and transformed it by focusing on loving and caring for employees, as well as hiring refugees and felons. We also dive into the sleazy reputation of the mattress retail industry and how Steve Van Diest is changing the game.
Steve Van Diest recounts his personal struggles, including a breakdown in his business partnership. He opens up about his experience with COVID-19 and the impact it had on his family, as well as the challenging topic of divorce that surfaced during a dinner conversation. But amidst the hardships, Steve and his wife share how the gospel transformed their lives and their perspective on marriage.
We also have an exciting discussion about Acumen, a community for business owners looking to grow their businesses without sacrificing their family life. Steve Van Diest and his wife coach couples through a marriage course and emphasize the importance of women having dreams and achieving them.
Join us as we delve into the inspiring and transformative journey of Steve Van Diest. He shares his experiences, his faith, and how Holy Smokes played a significant role in his spiritual growth. Don't forget to check out Holy Smokes gear on our website, and stay tuned for an episode filled with laughter, introspection, and a whole lot of holy smoke!
Outline
04:19 Convenient drive-through grocery with teenagers. 07:28 Unexpected encounter at Billy Graham event. 15:26 Feeling called to Mexico City, leaving successful job. 16:10 Canceled meeting, flipped ministry, left in 2006. Pregnant. Fight. She left. Collapsed. Called friend. 24:20 Raised funds, moved to Mexico City, no prayers. 30:56 Bakke Graduate University: Impacting cities through education. 32:22 Freedom to love, hire and succeed in business. 39:12 Letting go after counseling, finding inner strength. 46:36 Former GM starts nonprofit to employ marginalized. 50:44 He made changes, documented, and had a vision for transformation. 55:43 Parenting with brokenness; children need grace. 01:00:32 Front range, business owners with $2M+ revenue, 10+ employees, seeking a supportive community for growth without sacrificing personal life. 01:08:00 Four years sober, selling store, growing company. 01:12:08 Memorable cigar experience: Brazilian party with Sama girls. 01:17:53 Grief getaway leads to unforgettable street tacos. 01:23:13 Lion, leadership, tattooed woman, tenderness in eyes. 01:25:52 Son's concern over dad's smoking habits.
Welcome back to another episode of Holy Smokes! In today's episode, a very special guest is joining us - the incredible Jimmy Graham. Jimmy opens up about his admiration for George Washington's leadership, thoughts on Jordan Peterson's impact, and the importance of setting boundaries for his children. He shares his vision of creating a safe space that empowers both men and women and discusses his plans to publish a book and launch a podcast and TV show. Jimmy also talks about the significance of learning and growing from the media we consume. Plus, we have exciting news about Holy Smokes merchandise! So, stay tuned as we dive deep into Jimmy Graham's extraordinary life and inspiring journey. Let's get started with the Holy Smokes episode.
Outline: (04:49) Pleaded deal, scared straight, restitution, graduated late. (08:55) Recruiter quotas, lifeguard, intrigued by SEAL teams. (16:03) Summary: Grit is essential, but I can trigger it. (20:34) Praying for family's support, lack of trust. (21:50) Turned down a promotion, became a sniper, and left the company. (31:29) Limited control; faith fuels; time is now; battle for kids. (34:58) Attack on Benghazi: Ambassador lost, CIA saves Americans. (41:51) Marriage issues, reunions, and pondering life's purpose. (43:41) Preaching experience felt surreal, like an invasion of privacy. (49:20) Working, living, commitment, recovery, pursuing security. (57:38) 4-day dirt bike adventure with family. (01:02:20) Controversial drag shows for children near the community. (01:04:28) "Don't fumble the football, stand with me." (01:10:05) DC stuff is hard to watch, especially Aquaman. Kids love, and Wolverineine is relatable. (01:18:01) Family, baggage, communication, kids - an amazing journey (01:22:26) Unfortunate past, but valuable teaching ability prevails. (01:27:33) Reflecting on life's purpose, posing existential questions. (01:33:37) Celebrating book, community, protection, modeling, and creativity.
The podcast currently has 115 episodes available.