Nice Ashes: Cigars and Culture

In this podcast episode, Mike and Nate discuss their latest cigar, the Schizo Toro, admiring its impressive packaging and label design while also exploring its flavor profile. They delve into a quirky conversation about the art and design of cigar labels, hinting at their past experiences with lower-quality cigars. Transitioning from cigars to conspiracy theories, Mike introduces the topic of Mussolini's death, which serves as the main theme for the episode. He details the official account of Mussolini's execution by Italian partisans as he attempted to flee to Switzerland after his government fell, before touching upon various conspiracy theories surrounding his death. The duo shares insights into Mussolini's historical significance, his role in Italian fascism, and the various claims made by political figures about their involvement in his assassination. As they smoke and sip their drinks, they strike a balance between light-hearted banter and deeper discussions about history and politics.

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In this episode, hosts Nate and Mike dive into the world of underground bunkers, inspired by a controversial claim that the U.S. government has spent $21 trillion to construct an extensive network of doomsday shelters for the elite. As they smoke a troubled cigar, they discuss the assertion made by former housing official Catherine Austin Fitz, who alleges that these bunkers were created between 1998 and 2015. The duo shares insights on various known underground facilities, including the Greenbrier bunker, Cheyenne Mountain Complex, and other private luxury shelters built for the wealthy. Along the way, they reflect on the feasibility of such bunkers, speculating about the kinds of amenities they would include if they had unlimited budgets, from bowling alleys to extensive libraries. Despite the cigar's poor quality—a source of comedic frustration throughout the episode—they manage to explore the topic with humor and a healthy dose of skepticism. Listeners are cautioned against the featured cigar while enjoying a humorous and engaging discussion about conspiracy theories and survival preparations.

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In this episode of "Nice Ashes," hosts Nate and Mike revisit the Chillin' Moose cigar, trying its Maduro version despite previously swearing off it after a disappointing experience. The duo discusses the cigar's design and hopes for a better flavor profile, comparing it to coffee and discussing their drink pairings. The episode includes a fun guessing game where Mike attempts to identify various sins based on clues related to different religions, including Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Jainism. As they navigate through tricky questions and humorous banter, they share insights about the overlap in religious beliefs and moral teachings. Despite mixed reviews on the cigar, they emphasize the enjoyment of thoughtful discussion over drinks while providing a light-hearted exploration of the complexities of spirituality and ethics. Throughout, there's a commitment to keeping the mood lively, even in the face of serious topics. Tune in for an engaging mix of humor, cigar critique, and philosophical musings.

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In this episode of "Nice Ashes," Mike and Nate discuss their experiences smoking the Chillin' Moose cigar while diving into the controversial documentaries by Matt Walsh, "What is a Woman?" and "Am I Racist?" Mike is skeptical about the Chillin' Moose cigar, describing it as having an odd flavor but adequate for an everyday smoke.

The conversation quickly shifts to the documentaries, where Mike, having watched "What is a Woman?", shares that Walsh's film addresses the complexities of gender identity through interviews with various experts, highlighting the evasive nature of some individuals when faced with straightforward questions. Nate, on the other hand, watched "Am I Racist?" and critiques Walsh’s abrasive style and comedic approach, suggesting that it often detracted from meaningful discourse. He expresses disappointment with Walsh's tendency to interject, arguing that the people he interviewed often presented irrational viewpoints that would have been more effective to let stand on their own without interruption.

Both hosts reflect on the nature of Walsh's film-making, comparing it to Michael Moore's style, characterized by an overt political agenda. They ultimately find both films lacking in terms of balance and insight, criticizing Walsh for not allowing authentic conversations to unfold while nonetheless acknowledging that they contain moments of significant commentary on societal issues. In the end, they both agree that there are better cigars to enjoy and more effective documentaries to watch.

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In this episode of "Nice Ashes," hosts Mike and Nate are joined by a special guest, Keith—their sole listener—who is launching his own podcast, "Life After the Military: Now What?" The episode features lighthearted banter, cigar discussion, and personal narratives about transitioning from military life to civilian careers. Keith shares insights on his experiences and the unique challenges faced by veterans after service, as well as his plans for future podcast episodes featuring fellow veterans. The trio enjoys cigars from La Gloria Cubana while discussing topics ranging from military life to craft beer, and the importance of structure for veterans entering civilian life. The episode wraps up with personal reflections and a lighthearted rating of the cigars smoked during the show. Listeners can find Keith's podcast and more information at 28 April Productions or email keith[at]28aprilproductions[dot]com.

*note, due to a mistake Nate made during recording, Keith's audio is lesser quality than it should have been*

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Welcome to this week's episode of Nice Ashes! Join hosts Nate and Mike, along with special guest Dawn from Patriot Assistance Dogs, as they dive into a blend of cigars, conversation, and impactful stories. Today, they're smoking the M by Macanudo, a sweet coffee-flavored cigar, while Dawn shares the inspiring work her organization does to provide service dogs to veterans struggling with PTSD and other mental health challenges.

Discover how these canine companions not only enhance the lives of veterans but also create a supportive community that promotes healing and hope. Dawn talks candidly about the transformations she's witnessed, including heartwarming anecdotes of dogs saving lives and helping veterans regain their independence.

In addition, the group discusses the importance of community support for veterans and the various ways individuals can get involved—from fostering dogs to volunteering, or participating in fundraising events.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder of the bonds between humans and their furry friends, and the collective effort to help those who have served their country. Whether you’re a veteran seeking assistance or someone wanting to support the cause, you'll find valuable insights and how to make a difference.

Tune in for a blend of engaging conversation and heartwarming stories, and don't miss the links in the description for more information on how you can contribute to Patriot Assistance Dogs!

Visit their website here: Patriot Assistance Dogs

Send them an email: [email protected] or call 218-844-6003

Watch them on YouTube!

Donate here!

Check out their upcoming events!

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In this episode of Nice Ashes, Mike and Nate dive into the polarizing topic of fluoride, exploring its history, benefits, and controversies. They start with a cigar review of the Tatiana Vanilla, sharing their thoughts on its flavor profile while sipping on Lagunitas IPA and Guinness Draft Stout. The discussion quickly shifts to fluoride's role in public health and its recent resurgence in the news, particularly due to RFK Jr.'s campaign against it.

Nate shares insights on the origins of water fluoridation in the U.S., its effectiveness in reducing cavities, and the backlash from communities and individuals against mandatory fluoridation. They touch on scientific studies, concerns about the potential neurotoxic effects of fluoride on developing brains and possible links to health issues, including dental and skeletal fluorosis.

The conversation weaves through historical anecdotes, cultural perceptions, and contemporary debates, all while encouraging listeners to consider both sides of the fluoride argument. The episode wraps up with reflections on personal experiences with fluoride exposure, including differing views on whether it’s beneficial or harmful, and ends with their ratings of the cigar they smoked.

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In this episode of "The Nice Ashes," hosts Nate and Mike smoke a Cuban Delights premium cigar while discussing a controversial topic: Project Esther, a national strategy to combat anti-Semitism developed by the Heritage Foundation. The discussion begins with light banter about their cigars and drink pairings, leading into a deeper conversation about current events surrounding protests related to Israel and Palestine. The hosts examine the implications of Project Esther, including its aim to equate anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism, and the potential consequences for free speech on college campuses. They stress the importance of being critical thinkers amid prevailing narratives and encourage listeners to engage in dialogue about complex geopolitical issues. The episode concludes with a review of the cigar, which surprises both hosts with its quality.

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In this episode of "Nice Ashes," hosts Nate and Mike taste the Tatiana Nightcap cigar, discussing its aroma and flavor profile, which they liken to hot chocolate with marshmallows and nostalgic campfire memories. They reflect on their previous experience with the Tatiana Waking Dream and talk about the value and quality of these cigars, particularly for price-sensitive consumers.

As they smoke, they dive into a lively discussion about changing beauty standards throughout history, beginning with ancient times and moving chronologically to contemporary ideals. They touch on various cultural expectations related to beauty for both women and men, from the voluptuous figures celebrated in the Renaissance to the athletic body shapes prized in more recent decades.

The hosts also share personal anecdotes and humor, making the episode both informative and entertaining. They conclude with ratings of the cigar, emphasizing its affordability and enjoyment value for casual smoking, especially during activities like fishing.

Listeners can expect a blend of cigar appreciation and a thought-provoking exploration of societal standards of beauty, wrapped in the laid-back camaraderie characteristic of the podcast.

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In this episode of "Nice Ashes," hosts Mike and Nate continue their "punishment series," discussing the cigar "Raji's Untimely Demise." They share their initial thoughts on the cigar's appearance, composition, and draw, with both expressing concerns about its quality from the outset. As they light up, the hosts dive into a broader conversation about the UN's 2030 Agenda, a comprehensive framework aimed at addressing global challenges such as poverty and climate change, which they argue is a troubling manifestation of modern fascism.

Mike highlights the potential implications of the agenda, critiquing its underlying philosophy and the involvement of powerful corporations and individuals. The two hosts elaborate on various aspects of the agenda, discussing how it seeks to consolidate power among elites while diminishing personal freedoms, particularly related to land and resource ownership.

Throughout the episode, they weave in personal anecdotes and humor while lamenting the poor quality of the cigar. The hosts conclude by expressing their disdain for both the cigar and the philosophies tied to the 2030 Agenda, encouraging listeners to educate themselves on such subjects. In doing so, they spotlight the intersection of personal liberty, corporate influence, and global governance. Ultimately, the episode serves as a blend of casual cigar talk and serious political commentary, infused with their signature wit and camaraderie.

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