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On this episode of the Hot Ashes Podcast from Georgia Cigars in Swansboro, NC, Lee and TK are joined by Evan for cigars, bourbon, and some wild conversations.

We kick things off with what we’re smoking and drinking, then dive into:

TK’s upcoming wedding – planning stress, pre‑game jitters, and why he’s giving his fiancée 100% of the credit
Evan’s first Marine Corps deployment and homecoming – forgetting to call his parents, UTV horror stories, and what he missed most while overseas
The insane story of a Florida doctor indicted for second‑degree manslaughter after removing the wrong organ in surgery, and a heated talk about medical accountability and malpractice
Customer service rants – from VA phone hell to fast‑food attitudes and why good service feels rare these days
A surprisingly deep (and funny) debate on showers, bar soap vs. loofahs, and hygiene
Gym etiquette & fashion trends we hate – broccoli hair, mullets, massive eyelashes, and the “influencer” gym crowd
Swimming, Marine water survival, and pool stories – underwater games, CWS quals, AMP training, and overcoming fear of the water
Future travel and family trip plans, plus thoughts on fatherhood, aging, and making time for the people who matter
If you like cigars, real talk, dark humor, and unfiltered opinions, you’re in the right place.

Hit like, subscribe, and drop a comment with:

Your take on the Florida doc story
Your biggest customer service horror story
Where you stand on the great bar‑soap vs. loofah debate
Timestamps (you can tweak these to your actual edit):

0:00 – Intro, cigars & drinks
2:30 – TK’s wedding countdown
6:30 – Evan’s deployment & homecoming
12:00 – The Florida “wrong organ” doctor story
36:00 – VA & customer service rants
50:00 – Bar soap vs. loofah, hygiene talk
58:00 – Fashion trends and gym etiquette
1:15:00 – Swimming, Marine stories & AMP
1:30:00 – Travel, family, and wrapping up

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We’re back at Georgia Cigar Shop in Swansboro, NC for Episode 30 of the Hot Ashes Podcast. Lee, TK, Ed, and Roger light up and settle in for a long-form hang that covers way more than just cigars.

In this episode:

What we’re smoking & drinking
Avo Caribe, George’s Nicaraguan special blend, Fat Bottom Betty
Yingling, Schweppes ginger ale, vodka + ginger ale, Negroni, Old Fashioned, Manhattans, mojitos, rum & Coke, red blends & more
Guns, training & raffles
Glocks, 1911s, Canik TTI, AR vs. AK, .22s, compensators, dry-fire systems
Range stories, safety, and Masonic/Shriner gun raffles (plus winning streaks and fundraising for kids’ hospitals)
Movies, sequels & shows
Spaceballs (and fears about Spaceballs 2), History of the World Part II, Superman movies, John Wick, Urban Cowboy, Jerry Maguire, The Pit, Lord of the Rings
Dogs, deployments & family
Ed’s son coming home from deployment, homecoming plans, dogs reuniting with their owners, Great Danes, boxers, golden retrievers
Nostalgia: games, books & arcades
NES/SNES, Duck Hunt, Time Crisis, DDR, book fairs, Saturday morning cartoons, newspaper comics (Calvin & Hobbes, The Far Side, etc.)
Small-town life & Georgia Cigar Shop vibes
How the shop looks like a house, regulars at the table, welcoming new people, and Penny the shop pup roaming around
If you like cigars, good drinks, guns, movies, and old-school nostalgia with a laid-back shop-table vibe, this one’s for you.

Timestamps (approx):

0:00 – Intro, what we’re smoking & drinking
2:30 – Ed’s son’s deployment & dog reunion stories
9:00 – Mixed drinks, beer, wine, and changing tastes
25:00 – Sequels, remakes & movie rants (Spaceballs, Superman, etc.)
31:00 – Guns, training, dry fire systems & range talk
46:00 – Raffles, Shriners, fundraising & kids’ hospitals
54:00 – Western wear, weddings & small-town Swansboro
1:01:00 – Books, cartoons & 80s/90s nostalgia
1:18:00 – Golf, simulators & the love–hate relationship with the game
1:20:00 – Classic games, NES/SNES, Duck Hunt & VR
Connect with us:

Drop your favorite cigar + drink pairing in the comments
Tell us your all-time favorite old-school video game or 80s/90s movie

 #HotAshesPodcast #Cigars #CigarLoungeTalk #WhiskeyAndCigars #GunTalk #MovieTalk #Nostalgia #SwansboroNC #GeorgiaCigarShop

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We’re back at Cedro de Azmar / George’s Cigars in Swansboro, North Carolina, doing what we do best: sitting in a cigar shop talking about everything and nothing at the same time.

On this episode of the Hot Ashes Podcast:

• Cigars & drinks on the table
  San Cristobal, George’s box-press Maduro, EP Carrillo Encore, plus Old Forester 1920, Minor Case rye, and more.
• Whiskey, bourbon, and Scotch talk
  Old Forester vs. Knob Creek vs. Woodford, Johnny Walker Black vs. Blue, Jameson, peat vs. smooth, and how to figure out what flavor profile you actually like (including a quick breakdown of Scotch regions like Islay and Highland).
• Fast food & comfort food debates
  Bojangles vs. Red Lobster, Bo-Berry Biscuits vs. Cheddar Bay biscuits, McDonald’s hotcakes and McGriddles, Chick-fil-A, Dunkin sweet tea, and some unholy “cheat code” breakfast combos.
• Smoking culture & etiquette
  From smoking/non-smoking sections in the 90s to modern cigar bars, being considerate with cigars and cigarettes, and the people who wander into cigar-friendly spaces and get mad about smoke.
• Medicine & residency stories
  Roger talks about his time on transplant surgery at UCLA—flying out on jets and helicopters for organ procurement, holding a liver in place during transplant, and what residency really does to your sleep and sanity.

Pull up a chair, light a cigar, pour a drink, and hang out with us for a laid-back Sunday in Swansboro.

Question of the episode:
Are you Team Bo-Berry Biscuit or Team Cheddar Bay—and what’s your go-to cigar + whiskey combo?

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In this episode of the Hot Ashes Podcast, we’re back at George’s Cigar Shop in Swansboro, NC talking about a little bit of everything that makes this place home.

We start with cigar shop vibes and morning coffee, then get into a special moment: a surprise Irreverent Warriors plaque thanking George’s and the podcast for supporting veterans and raising awareness around mental health and preventing veteran suicide. Huge shoutout to Chris, Irreverent Warriors, and the crew who made that happen.

From there we go full hangout mode:

• Kayaks, fishing, and DIY food – pedal vs. paddle kayaks, sketchy anchor setups, Hammocks Beach, and why caring for your catch (bleeding, icing, ikejime) matters more than the species.
• Dry‑aged steaks & wagyu – aging meat at home, cast‑iron steak tips, brisket, and why “there are no trash fish, only trash cooks.”
• Chickens & eggs – bumping up egg production, predators, and raising your own food versus just grabbing it from the store.
• Dog dad life – Penny Lane at the shop, boxer puppies, training styles, taking dogs to shows and the beach, and what actually makes a “good” dog owner.

It’s classic Hot Ashes: cigars, coffee, friends dropping in, and conversations that wander from veterans and community to kayaks, cooking, and puppies.

⏱ Chapters (rough)
00:00 – Intro, what we’re smoking & drinking
08:30 – Irreverent Warriors plaque & St. Paddy’s Day show
25:20 – Kayaks, fishing, and anchor horror stories
31:00 – Dry‑aged steaks, wagyu, and cooking nerd talk
38:00 – Chickens, eggs, and raising your own food
41:00 – Fish care, “trash fish,” and field dressing
49:00 – Dogs, puppies, and training stories
1:13:00 – Boxer puppies, litters, and dog dad life

👍 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment:
What should we do a full episode on – Irreverent Warriors & vet stories, kayak fishing & catch‑and‑cook, or dog training & puppy chaos?

#HotAshesPodcast #Cigars #IrreverentWarriors #KayakFishing #DryAgedSteak #BoxerPuppies #SwansboroNC

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Welcome back to the Hot Ashes Podcast – recorded live from Georgia Cigars in Swansboro, North Carolina. In this episode, Lee, TK, and Solange light up some new sticks, crack a few cold ones, and go way down the rabbit hole.

We kick things off with cigar talk – from Blind Man’s Bluff Maduro and Camachos to flavored Tatianas – plus favorite drinks, Peroni mysteries in the shop fridge, and a first look at our Hot Ashes merch (hats, polos, and an embroidered hoodie with a flag on the sleeve).

From there, we dive into some wild “small world” stories: chance run‑ins in Georgia and Hawaii, an India wedding adventure that starts with a last‑minute flight, and a surprise reunion on the streets of Vail, Colorado. That all leads into a late‑night style hang about religion, near‑death experiences, aliens, conspiracies, Scientology, and what happens when you die – nothing is off the table.

If you like cigars, bar‑stool philosophy, dark humor, and longform hangs with friends, this one’s for you.

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe to help us grow this tiny, smoky corner of the internet.
Tell us in the comments:

• Your go‑to cigar & drink combo
• Your best “small world” coincidence story
• Where you land on the afterlife / nothingness / aliens debate

Chapters:

• 0:00 – Getting set up, cigars & drinks of the night
• 1:06 – Welcome to the Hot Ashes Podcast at Georgia Cigars
• 9:18 – New merch: hats, polos & embroidered hoodie
• 24:13 – “Small world” stories begin (Georgia Burger King)
• 27:05 – Last‑minute trip to India & wild airport coincidence
• 41:32 – Hawaii, Afghanistan, and another unexpected connection
• 1:00:31 – Vail, Colorado reunion & Florida follow‑up
• 1:17:27 – God, nothingness, and what happens when you die
• 1:22:04 – Scientology, Hollywood, and conspiracy tangents
• 1:26:47 – Feeling small in a big universe

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Welcome back to the Hot Ashes Podcast! In this episode, Lee TK and Danny Webster light up some killer sticks, crack open a few cold ones, and dive into everything from football and podcasting to business, leadership, and building a strong community.

We kick things off with the usual “What I’m Smoking / What I’m Drinking” segment—featuring sticks like H. Upmann 1844 Nicaragua, My Father, and flavored options like Macanudo vanilla bourbon and Deadwood / Drew Estate favorites. From there, the conversation flows into:

The evolution of Pregame Prediction into The Lockdown Show
How they use AI tools (like Otter, Opus, Vizard, etc.) to cut clips, name episodes, and speed up content creation
Danny’s football journey from Pop Warner and Havelock High to playing at ECU and Shaw University
The real work behind doing a sports show: prep, notes, and still keeping it fun and off‑the‑cuff
How a tight local crew—friends, small businesses, and cigar shop regulars—keep each other accountable and motivated
Side hustles and passion projects: woodworking, new podcasts, leadership and business books, and even training for a half Ironman
If you love cigars, football, podcasting, and good shop talk, you’ll feel right at home.

🔥 In this episode you’ll hear about:

Cigar talk: H. Upmann, My Father, Drew Estate / Deadwood, flavored smokes
Turning a football background into a media & content game
Using AI to clip long-form podcasts into shorts
Leadership, mindset, accountability, and surrounding yourself with the right people
Local shoutouts: cigar shop family, Pong Woodworks, Candy Adventure, American Graphics & more
👍 Like, comment, and subscribe to support the show and help us keep bringing you long-form conversations from the lounge.

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Welcome back to the Hot Ashes Podcast!

This episode feels like you just pulled up a chair at the table — Lee and TK are joined by Lee’s brother Jarrad and sister Taylor for cigars, laughs, and completely uncensored family banter.

In this episode:
• Cigars, drinks, iced coffee, and Yeti debates
• Growing up with the last name Butt (yes, we go there)
• Oversharing in relationships (how much is too much?)
• Great Danes, puppies, parenting, and dog-poop gadgets
• USA vs Canada hockey conversations
• Creative work — including Taylor’s photography business

If you like real conversations, comedy, and hanging with people who don’t hold back — you’re in the right place.

👉 Subscribe and comment with your favorite moment!

Connect with Taylor:
📸 Website: https://www.taylorhershyphotography.com/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taylorhershyphotography

#HotAshesPodcast #CigarPodcast #FamilyPodcast #ComedyPodcast #Hockey

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In this episode of the Hot Ashes Podcast, Lee, TK, Chris, and Ed light up some cigars, crack a few beers (and Liquid Death), and dive deep into veteran community, mental health, and the power of tribe.

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• Irreverent Warriors (IW)
  • Their mission: “Bring veterans together using humor and camaraderie to improve mental health and prevent veteran suicide.”
  • What a Silkies Hike actually is (pace, vibe, who can join)
  • Upcoming hikes: Crystal Coast, Jacksonville’s 11th anniversary hike (April 11), DC night hike, and even Normandy 2027
  • The meaning behind “22” (push-ups, texts, and awareness)
• Mental Health, Sleep & Staying Alive
  • Why quality sleep, CPAP, and brain health matter more than people think
  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and other non‑pharma options
  • How a simple text or phone call can literally save a life
• Community, Tribe & Getting Out of the House
  • How a cigar shop becomes a community center and support network
  • Other groups: Honor Foundation, Vector, Veteran Business Collective, Canines for Service, local veteran coffee meetups, and more
  • Stories about camping trips, shooting range days, rock climbing, golf, and just finding “your people”
• Fitness & Big Personal Challenges
  • Ed’s journey toward a half Ironman and what real training looks like
  • Chris’ 22 workouts in 22 hours at Hotworx to raise awareness
  • The importance of accountability, support, and being pushed by your circle
• Plus plenty of:
  • Cigar and beer talk (George’s Box Press, Warsteiner, Liquid Death)
  • Dogs, family calls mid‑podcast, and the usual Hot Ashes banter

If you’re a veteran, active duty, or just someone who needs a tribe, this episode is for you.

Like, subscribe, and share this with someone who might need to hear it.

Resources & Links from this Episode

Irreverent Warriors & Events

• Irreverent Warriors:
  www.irreverentwarriors.org
• 21 Mar – Irreverent Warriors Crystal Coast Hike
  https://irreverentwarriors.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=register.start&eventID=670
• 28 Mar – Irreverent Warriors Washington DC Night Hike
  https://irreverentwarriors.donordrive.com/dcnight26
• 11 Apr – Irreverent Warriors Jacksonville Hike
  https://irreverentwarriors.donordrive.com/jacksonville26

Career & Transition Support

• Honor Foundation:
  www.honor.org
• North Carolina for Military Employment (NC4ME):
  https://www.nc4me.org
• Vector Accelerator:
  https://www.vectoraccelerator.org

Service Dogs & Support

• Canines for Service:
  https://www.caninesforservice.org

Contact

• For more info about Irreverent Warriors and related events, contact Chris Rabassi:
  [email protected]

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In this episode of the Hot Ashes Podcast, the crew settles in at the cigar table for a wide‑ranging hang that hits all the best parts of cigar‑shop life.

We kick things off talking cigars and drinks – what everyone’s smoking, from Camacho Broadleaf to Deadwood Sweet Jane to rum‑flavored Gurkhas – plus beer pairings, flavor notes, and why shop conversations are half the fun.

From there we dive into Valentine’s Day and the flower game. Ed breaks down how Valentine’s is the “Super Bowl” for florists, what it’s like ramping up Blue Men in Swansboro (thousands of roses, Teleflora, quality vs. grocery‑store flowers), and we debate whether Valentine’s is a Hallmark cash grab or a chance to actually show up for your people.

In the back half, Ed makes a big announcement: he’s officially committing to a Half Ironman. We talk training, age, aches and pains, accountability, and how chasing a massive goal can change how you feel about yourself, your health, and your day‑to‑day life.

Along the way you’ll also hear:

• Rants about AI art, labels, and deepfake‑ish media
• Cigar pet peeves (bad draws, busted wrappers, resin bombs)
• Gratitude, discipline, and our accountability challenge

If you love cigars, small business stories, and real talk about getting your life together (one smoke and one rep at a time), you’re in the right place.

Timestamps (rough):

• 0:00 – Intro, cigars, and drinks of the night
• 11:40 – Valentine’s Day, flower shop “Super Bowl,” business talk
• 42:30 – Ed’s Half Ironman decision & training mindset
• 1:04:00 – Accountability, habits, and getting older without giving up

👉 Subscribe if you vibe with cigar‑table conversations and want to help us push this thing to 1,000 subs.

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Welcome back to the Hot Ashes Podcast! In this episode, the crew settles into the new indoor setup with cigars, drinks, and a blizzard supposedly on the way. We place our bets on the “snowpocalypse,” talk Southern snow culture, and swap dog stories that somehow turn into full-on weather and survival prep.

The heart of this episode is Ed’s dilemma: should a 54-year-old who hasn’t done competitive endurance sports jump into a half Ironman? We dive deep into training smart vs. training hard, pacing strategies, injury worries, accountability, and the mental battle of actually hitting “submit” on the race registration. There’s tough love, real vulnerability, and a lot of laughs.

Along the way we hit:

• Cigars, beer, and what everyone’s smoking & drinking
• Dog parents, sedatives, and snow-day chaos
• Training plans, brick workouts, and “old man” pacing
• Peer pressure, self-doubt, and unlocking a new level of confidence
• A late-game detour into Bill Belichick, Hall of Fame politics, and how “everyone gets a trophy” thinking is creeping into sports

If you’re into cigars, bourbon/beer, endurance training, dad stories, or just real table talk, this one’s for you. Drop a comment:
Should Ed sign up for the half Ironman?

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment to support the show and help us grow the Hot Ashes community.

Timestamps (approx):
0:00 Cigars, drinks, and snow weekend hype
5:30 Southern snow panic & grocery store chaos
19:40 Ed vs. the Half Ironman: age, doubt, and commitment
33:00 Training smart, pacing, and avoiding burnout
55:00 Gym intimidation, coaches, and failing on purpose
1:10:00 Bill Belichick, Hall of Fame drama & participation trophy culture
1:20:00 Clowns at the door, safety, and how times have changed

#HotAshesPodcast #CigarPodcast #HalfIronman #EnduranceTraining #MidlifeFitness #CigarLounge #Snowstorm #Snowpocalypse #MarathonTraining #TriathlonTraining #FitnessOver50 #DadTalk #BourbonAndCigars #PodcastClip #LongFormPodcast

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