This past Sunday's Gospel reading is often used to discuss vocations. In this archived episode, Mark is joined by Patrick Norton, a pipe smoker and mead maker. During their Holy Smoke, they discuss the meaning of vocation and how it applies to the laity.

It's summer time and vacation and side projects have Mark and Don unavailable for a new episode. We did some hunting and digging around and uncovered the original episode one. Over the 9 years the podcast has existed, we had lost content because of platform changes. Thankfully the old Internet Archive has many of the originals. We cleaned up the raw audio. In this short, first outing Mark and Don talk about how the idea of the podcast came to be. Missing from the audio is that one of the guys who had popped in on their week "holy smokes" said you guys should be recording this. We hope you enjoy our travel back in time.

In this episode from the archives of the early days of the podcast, hosts Don Gonzalez and Mark Connolly delve into the world of cigars, specifically the Monte Cristo #2 and the Arturo Fuente Work of Art, discussing their experiences with different cigar and drink pairings (Glen Moray scotch and Pyrat Rum).

The conversation transitions into a deeper discussion on fatherhood, exploring themes of sacrifice, duty, and the importance of being present for one's children. They reflect on personal experiences, the impact of fatherly love on self-esteem, and the ongoing journey of parenting, emphasizing that it's never too late to be the father one aspires to be.

This is a lost file from the early days of the podcast. Neither Mark nor I can figure out how it came to be. Mark and I start ournormal cigar talk and delve into our Catholic EDC (every day carry). Suddenly I am no longer present and it's a whole new episode with just Mark and my son Kevin.

We discussed the pairing of tequila with cigars. Kevin and Mark speak about prayer and struggle to commit daily and the other challenges we face in speaking with God.

We hope you enjoy.

In this conversation, we explore the importance of experiencing literature rather than just analyzing it, and the implications of Pope Leo XIII's teachings on labor rights and human dignity (cf. Rerum Novarum). We discuss the relevance of these teachings in today's context, particularly in relation to unbridled capitalism and the treatment of workers. The conversation culminates in reflections on the potential direction of the Catholic Church under Pope Leo XIV, emphasizing the need for a focus on human dignity and the common good.

What Ya Drinkin

• Benromach 10Yr Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Woodford Reserve Bourbon

What Ya Smokin

• Rocky Patel Renaissance 
• Arturo Fuente Hemingway Work of Art

What Ya Readin

• An Experiment in Criticism by C.S. Lewis
• Saxum by John F. Coverdale
• A Man Who Knew How to Forgive by Francisco Faus

We explore the significance of prayer in our lives, recounting miraculous experiences and the impact of faith on our journeys. The discussion highlights the importance of community, intercessory prayer, and the belief that God answers prayers in various forms, ultimately emphasizing the power of faith in overcoming life's challenges.

Mark and Don discuss their reactions and thoughts about the election of Pope Leo XIV.

We explore the art of cigar and whiskey pairings, delve into literary discussions about imagination and poetry, and critically examine the role of AI in modern life. We discuss the importance of intentional reading, and reflect on how AI can enhance creativity and productivity.

In this conversation, we discuss various applications of AI in education, writing, and spirituality, while also addressing ethical concerns and the role of AI in creativity and art. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of understanding AI as a tool that can be used for both positive and negative purposes, depending on the user's intentions. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of AI and its interaction with human creativity and ethics.

We return from a 6 month hiatus/sabbatical with a discussion on the death of Pope Francis. We then discuss whether it is fair to call Thomas doubting. Are we in fact identifying him with his worst day?

What Ya Smokin'

• Nameless Williams' Cigar
• Arturo Fuente Hemingway Work of Art

What Ya Drinkin'

• Benromach 10 Year Single Malt Scotch
• Glen Fohdry Fion Frangach

What Ya Readin'

• An Experiment in Criticism, C.S. Lewis
• Friends of God, St. Josemaria Escriva
• Jesus at the Door, Scott McNamara
• Saxum: The Life of Alvaro del Portillo, John F. Coverdale

The conversation delves into various themes including philosophical concepts like the veil of ignorance, personal reflections on cigars and drinks, and a deep exploration of discipleship and apostolic work within the Catholic faith. The speakers discuss the importance of intentional discipleship, the distinction between ministry and apostolate, and the transformative power of a relationship with Christ. They also touch on personal growth, the significance of community, and the cyclical nature of faith development.