Nice Ashes: Cigars and Culture

Join hosts Mike and Nate on Nice Ashes as they light up cigars soaked in tequila and dive into their candid takes on cult-favorite cigars. Special guest Al returns to test his palate with the infamous Cult Blood Red Moon cigar, sparking plenty of laughs and honest reviews. Along the way, the trio shares nostalgic movie chats, debates Hollywood’s firearm inaccuracies, and critiques recent sci-fi and fantasy hits. Tune in for cigars, culture, and unfiltered banter beyond the smoke!

Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram

In this podcast episode, hosts Nate and Mike enjoy smoking a well-aged Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Dark Knight Toro cigar while diving into a deep and detailed true crime discussion. They focus on the 1983 murder of Barbara Grams in Tampa, Florida, exploring the investigation, trial, and wrongful conviction of Robert DuBoise, who spent 37 years in prison due to flawed bite mark forensic evidence and unreliable jailhouse informant testimony.

They provide historical context around the 1980s Tampa crime climate, the pressure on law enforcement to close cases quickly, and how forensic odontology—widely accepted at the time but now discredited—played a key role in DuBoise’s conviction. The episode highlights the role of the Innocence Project and modern DNA testing in overturning wrongful convictions, culminating in DuBoise’s exoneration in 2020. The hosts discuss the broader implications of wrongful convictions, the importance of legal reform, the challenges exonerees face upon release, and the inadequate compensation in Florida.

Interspersed with candid cigar commentary and personal reflections on the justice system, wrongful convictions, and how cultural and technological changes affect forensic science, the episode ends with a call to support organizations like the Innocence Project and engage critically with criminal justice processes.

Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram

In this episode, hosts Nate and Mike smoke the Peloto Cubano cigar, sharing candid impressions of its inconsistent quality and unusual labeling. Nate recounts a recent trip to Chicago to meet longtime friend Simcha and experience a traditional Jewish Shabbos (Sabbath) with him and a guest named Thomas, an incoming convert to Judaism. They discuss the cultural and religious practices observed during Shabbos, including the unique restrictions and rituals around lighting fires, using electronics, and kosher food traditions.

Nate also explores Chicago’s rich architectural history, taking a detailed tour of the historic Rookery Building and reflecting on the city’s connection to the 1894 World’s Fair and famous figures like Daniel Burnham and Frank Lloyd Wright. The episode touches on philosophical debates about free will that arose during the visit, as well as the myth and cultural significance surrounding Noah’s Ark.

Additionally, Nate shares humorous stories about the challenges of finding a budget-friendly cigar called "Level" at Binny’s liquor and cigar store in Chicago, as well as discussions about regional drinking cultures and liquor laws in the Midwest versus other parts of the U.S.

The episode blends cigar reviews, personal travel anecdotes, cultural exploration, and philosophical musings, all delivered with a casual, conversational tone. Listeners get a mix of cigar insights, experiences with Jewish traditions, and reflections on friendship and discovery.

Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram

In this episode, Mike and Nate enjoy smoking the Nest Maduro Toro cigar while diving into an extensive, candid review of the 2025 Disney live-action remake of Snow White. They discuss their expectations, the film’s heavy emphasis on modern, feel-good messaging over traditional storytelling, and its notable departures from the original animated classic. They critique the overly polished visuals, questionable costume design, excessive and mostly forgettable songs, and the diluted characterization—particularly of the Evil Queen, who comes off as far less menacing than expected. The hosts also analyze casting choices, with Rachel Zegler’s performance deemed adequate but not standout, and question Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen due to her youthful appearance.

Mike and Nate humorously unpack plot inconsistencies, such as the convenience of major events, the underwhelming “evil” actions of the Queen, and the surreal but lifeless tone that blurs the line between realism and fantasy. They poke fun at the politically correct changes, like the renaming of dwarves to “miners” or “they/thems,” the sanitized depiction of the forest and castle life, and the consensual “non-kiss” scene replacing the iconic true love’s kiss.

Despite numerous criticisms—from uneven pacing to uninspired magic effects—the duo ultimately finds the film “serviceable” and not the disaster many online claim it to be, giving it a middling rating. They recommend viewers stick to the original animated Snow White for a better experience but admit this remake can be passably entertaining if approached with low expectations. The episode ends with a note on comparable recent films, reflections on casting diversity, and candid thoughts on modern Hollywood storytelling trends.

Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram

In this experimental episode, Mike and Nate light up a unique Dominican Sumatra cigar and chat about their flavor notes before diving into a lively discussion on classic movies getting re-released in theaters in 2025. They cover the enduring cult status and legal battles surrounding Kevin Smith’s Dogma, share personal takes on films like The Sound of Music, Brokeback Mountain, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Jaws, and Rocky Horror Picture Show, and reflect on changes in movie-going experiences and home theater setups. Tune in for cigar tasting, movie nostalgia, and offbeat insights on film, literature, and more.

Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram

In this episode, Nate and Mike enjoy the Nest Blackbird Cigar Company Connecticut Toro while diving deep into the controversial and tangled world of healthcare in America. They discuss the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, the company's practices of denying claims, whistleblower allegations, shareholder lawsuits, and the broader systemic issues in for-profit health insurance. Alongside candid debates about work personas, socialized insurance, and modern healthcare challenges, they reflect on personal experiences and the moral implications of profiting from sickness and death. Plus, they wrap up with their impressions of the cigar and a note about the upcoming trial. Tune in for an unfiltered conversation blending cigars, beer, and hard-hitting healthcare realities.

Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram

In this episode, Nate and Mike smoke the visually striking Marco V Dieci X cigar while joined by special guest Ryan Burns — a leading DB Cooper expert and top contributor to the DB Cooper subreddit. They dive deep into the legendary airplane hijacking case from 1971, revealing fascinating insights from recently released FBI files, witness accounts, and new theories about the mysterious hijacker's identity and fate. Plus, they discuss Cooper’s meticulous planning, surviving the infamous parachute jump, and the intriguing discovery of ransom money years later. Tune in for a captivating blend of cigar chat and one of America’s greatest unsolved mysteries!

Ryan's website: https://norjak.org/

Ryans YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dbcoopersleuth

Recommended watching:

Was D.B. Cooper's Accomplice Drunk?

Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram

In this episode, Mike and Nate enjoy a budget-friendly Hoya del Jefe cigar while diving into a fascinating history topic: some of the shortest-lived countries in history. From quirky frontier republics like the Great Republic of Rough and Ready to the Republic of Ezo in Japan, the brief Palmetto Republic of South Carolina, and the modern tale of the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ), they explore colorful attempts at independence, revolutions, and political experiments that lasted anywhere from hours to a few months. Along the way, they share lively banter, historical anecdotes, and personal stories, wrapping up with their honest cigar review and a teaser for next week’s episode featuring a special guest expert on the D.B. Cooper hijacking case.

Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram

In this episode of "Nice Ashes," hosts Nate and Mike enjoy the Schizo Toro Maduro cigar while diving into the fascinating topic of minced oaths—phrases that replace swear words or blasphemies to soften their impact. The discussion starts with the hosts sharing their cigar pairings and expressing their enjoyment of the Schizo Toro. As they move through the episode, they explain the history of minced oaths, highlighting examples from literature and historical figures that have influenced modern language.

From euphemisms like "gosh" for God and "fudge" for a more profane expletive, to the playful banter about the origins of phrases like "by George," the episode mixes humor with insights into how language evolves and the context of swearing. Nate and Mike argue about the effectiveness of using minced oaths versus straightforward swearing, with Mike emphasizing the importance of genuine expression. Listeners can expect a blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and engaging discussions about the colorful ways society navigates cursing and expression.

Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram

In this episode of the podcast, hosts Nate and Mike dive into the controversial death of Johnny Ringo, a notorious figure from the Wild West. As they enjoy cigars and drinks, they explore various theories about how Ringo met his end in 1882. Beginning with their thoughts on a mediocre Don Rafael cigar paired with local brews, the discussion quickly shifts to historical details about Ringo's violent past as a member of the Cochise County Cowboys and his infamous confrontations with lawmen like Wyatt Earp.

The hosts dissect the widely accepted narrative of Ringo's death, which suggests he may have taken his own life, alongside multiple conspiracy theories that propose different scenarios, including potential involvement by Earp or Doc Holliday, retaliatory violence from a fellow gang member, or even a random passerby seeking revenge. Throughout the conversation, Nate mixes humor and critical analysis, while Mike provides historical context, leading to an engaging exploration of the complexities surrounding Ringo's story.

As they wrap up, Mike leans toward the theory that Ringo was most likely killed by an unknown assailant, while Nate humorously posits that Big Nose Kate, Doc Holliday's lover, might be involved. The episode highlights the uncertainty of historical narratives and the allure of the Wild West. Don't forget to like and subscribe for more thought-provoking discussions and insights into history.

Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram