Nice Ashes: Cigars and Culture

In this episode, Nate and Mike light up budget-friendly Old Havana Stogies cigars and pair them with drinks as they dive deep into the complex history and cultural practices of monogamy and cheating. They explore everything from prehistoric pair bonding and polygamy to ancient laws and punishments surrounding infidelity, and discuss how definitions and societal attitudes toward cheating have evolved over time. The hosts also examine modern consensual non-monogamy, gender differences in cheating rates, and the role of communication and personal responsibility in relationships today. Wrapped with candid reflections and plenty of humor, this episode offers a thorough yet entertaining look at human relationship dynamics through the ages.

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Join Nate and Mike as they light up a Tatiana chocolate cigar and welcome back special guest Bert —aka "The Main Event"—to talk about his new hip-hop album, TMNT: The Rise of Zach Mamba, inspired by 80s and 90s pop culture, especially Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. They dive deep into nostalgia, discuss Bert’s creative process and favorite Turtle characters, share hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, and debate classic movies and TV shows. Plus, enjoy casual banter about cigars, music, and quirky childhood memories in this fun, laid-back episode.

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In this episode, Nate and Mike dive into the world of eco-terrorism and wildfire arson, exploring radical groups like the Earth Liberation Front (ELF), the Puerto Rican FALN, and notable lone arsonists. They break down the controversial government infiltration and entrapment tactics used against these groups, highlighting how some fires appeared orchestrated or exploited by authorities and industries. Alongside heavy topics, they share personal banter, including their impressions on the La Aurora y León Maduro cigar paired with aged rum and craft beer, and a humorous look at drinking culture. Expect insightful discussion on radical activism, conspiracy, and the complex interplay between government, environment, and law enforcement — all wrapped up with their signature laid-back vibe.

Hayman Fire Case Study

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In this episode, Nate and Mike light up the Romeo y Julieta Medallas de Oro Vintage Toro and pair it with craft brews while diving into a fun, multi-tiered Victorian slang guessing game. They explore the colorful language of Victorian England—from polite society expressions to streetwise slang and criminal cant—testing Mike’s knowledge of old-timey words and phrases. Along the way, they discuss Victorian culture, literature, and unique insults of the era, all while sharing their thoughts on the cigar’s flavor and experience. Join them for history, humor, and a smoky adventure through language and lore!

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In this episode, Nate and Mike dive into the complex world of international fires and land exploitation, exploring cases from Patagonia to Brazil, Australia, Argentina, and Israel. They uncover patterns of state-enabled arson, illegal land grabs by billionaires, and the devastating impact of corporate agribusiness on rainforests, all intertwined with political corruption and global power plays. Along the way, they also review a disappointing cigar while discussing the environmental and geopolitical fires burning far beyond the smoke. Tune in for an eye-opening journey into fires, fraud, and forestry around the globe.

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In this episode, Nate and Mike enjoy a robust Bolivar Cofradia Robusto cigar while diving into the complicated legacy of H.P. Lovecraft—a pioneering cosmic horror writer whose vivid mythos remains hugely influential despite his overt racism and white supremacist beliefs. They discuss Lovecraft's life, his troubling views, and how his work has been embraced, adapted, and reinterpreted by many creators who reject his bigotry. The hosts also explore the challenge of separating art from the artist, recommend various Lovecraftian stories and modern takes, and reflect on the continued popularity of Lovecraft’s mythos in literature, games, and culture today. Plus, they wrap up with their detailed cigar review.

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In this episode, Nate and Mike kick things off with a cigar review of the Tatiana Fusion Frenzy, sharing their smoky thoughts and pairing selections before diving into a heavy, multi-part investigation into suspicious and often deliberate large-scale fires around the world. They explore Greece’s troubling wildfire fraud scheme involving arson to clear protected forest lands for development, the alleged Russian-backed arson campaign across Europe targeting critical infrastructure, and the devastating 2023 Lahaina fire in Hawaii, highlighting corporate negligence and the exploitation of victims. The hosts discuss the broader implications of fire-related corruption, real estate profiteering, political cover-ups, and global conflict, mixing detailed research with their candid, conversational style. Tune in for a deep dive into fires, fraud, and the players benefiting from disaster, with some cigar commentary to lighten the mood.

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In this episode, Nate and Mike light up a Cohiba Blue Robusto and dive into the stories of remarkable but often overlooked historical figures who shaped science, exploration, and technology. From Henrietta Swan Leavitt’s role in cosmology and Rosalind Franklin’s crucial DNA photo to the pioneering work of Oliver Heaviside in electromagnetism and Margaret Hamilton’s Apollo software engineering, they explore how institutional bias, social norms, and lost narratives have kept these geniuses out of the spotlight. Along the way, they touch on the complexities of history, the cultural context of scientific discovery, and the enduring impact of these unsung heroes. Plus, enjoy their candid cigar reviews and lively banter on everything from politics to keyboard layouts. Join them for a thoughtful and engaging conversation about the power of forgotten contributions.

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In this intense and eye-opening episode, Nate and Mike dive deep into the disturbing reality of missing children in the United States. After a brief and humorous start with a disappointing cigar review of the Primeros, they expose jaw-dropping government statistics revealing hundreds of thousands of children—both American and undocumented—who have disappeared, many reportedly lost in ICE custody or to trafficking with minimal follow-up. They also highlight the disproportionately high numbers of missing Indigenous children, systemic reporting changes that obscure the true scale of the problem, and the glaring failure of governmental agencies to protect these vulnerable populations. The hosts emphasize that this crisis transcends politics and demands urgent attention. Tune in for a detailed breakdown of the data, controversial insights, and a call to action on an often overlooked national tragedy.

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In this episode, hosts Nate and Mike enjoy smoking the Cohiba Red Dot cigar while diving into the fascinating yet lesser-known story of Thomas Harriot, a 16th-17th century English mathematician, astronomer, and early scientist. They discuss Harriot’s pioneering contributions—such as his early telescopic moon sketches preceding Galileo, advancements in algebra, and detailed, respectful ethnographic observations of Native American societies during the Roanoke expeditions. The conversation explores Harriot’s role as a scientific employee under the patronage system of the time, his limited publication leading to historical obscurity, and contrasts with more celebrated contemporaries like Galileo and Descartes.

The hosts also reflect on the colonial and scientific context of Harriot’s era, including Elizabethan England’s rivalry with Spain, the early colonization of Virginia, and the cultural impact of New World crops like tobacco and maize. Alongside historical insights, Nate and Mike share candid remarks on cigars, pairings, and their evolving palates.

The episode blends detailed historical storytelling with humor and casual banter, highlighting how curiosity and access to information today allow listeners to discover overlooked figures like Harriot. They tease future episodes about the Roanoke colony and other history-making individuals who, despite their achievements, didn’t receive widespread recognition.

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