Nice Ashes: Cigars and Culture

In this episode of "Nice Ashes," hosts Nate and Mike dive into their latest smoke, the Tatiana Waking Dream, a sweet and aromatic cigar that surprises them in flavor. As they light up, their conversation flows from the joys (and challenges) of parenting to the complexities of workplace dynamics, including the curious notion of "verbal assault."

Join Nate and Mike as they humorously explore what verbal assault really means, discuss personal anecdotes from their work experiences, and share thoughts on the generational differences in handling conflicts—everything from name-calling in school to navigating today’s politically correct office environments.

As they enjoy the cigar’s unique flavor profile—despite a surprising amount of tobacco debris—they also reflect on the subjective nature of both smoking and communication. Expect witty banter, relatable stories, and the occasional absurdity that only "Nice Ashes" can deliver.

Tune in for insights, laughter, and good vibes—no verbal assaults here!

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Join Mike and Nate in this fiery episode as they dive deep into the second book of Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson's Dune prequel trilogy, Machine Crusade. With a cigar in hand—the Alec Bradley Project 40—they spark a heated discussion about the book's plot, character arcs, and a myriad of inconsistencies that leave them shaking their heads. Mike shares his hopes for a great cigar experience, while Nate critiques the overly verbose storytelling and ridiculous plot holes, including why machines wait to attack and the odd decisions of key characters.

As they navigate through the chaos of the Jihad, machine hierarchies, and human rebellion, the duo finds themselves both entertained and frustrated by the narrative's twists and turns. They'll examine if this sequel lives up to its predecessor, Butlerian Jihad, and whether the characters are worth rooting for. Will the machines ever truly overwhelm the humans, or does laziness plague the storytelling?

It's a passionate episode filled with laughter, critiques, and a touch of absurdity, making for an engaging listen. Grab your favorite stick and tune in for this unique take on the Dune universe, and prepare for the next chapter as they gear up for the final book in the trilogy, Battle of Corrin!

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Welcome back to Nice Ashes! In today's episode, Mike and Nate light up the Erin Go Bragh, an Irish whiskey-flavored cigar that's gained a mixed reputation in the online community. As they share their candid first impressions of this cheap stogie—complete with gas station cigar vibes—they dive into a broader discussion about the implications of AI and deep fakes in our society.

With topics ranging from the uncanny valley effect to the nuanced legal status of deep fakes, the duo examines critical issues including copyright concerns, political ramifications, and even the dangers of deep fake scams targeting unsuspecting individuals and businesses.

Join Mike and Nate as they navigate the smoke-filled world of cigars and technology, all while providing a humorous critique of their chosen cigar. Expect anecdotes, insights, and a lighthearted approach to deep topics that will keep you entertained and informed. Plus, don’t miss their unfiltered reviews—will the Erin Go Bragh earn a spot in your humidor?

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In this episode of "Nice Ashes," hosts Mike and Nate participate in the 3rd annual Podcast-a-Thon, where over 1,500 podcasts highlight charities. This week, they smoke a Deadwood Crazy Alice with special guest Zach Johnson, CEO of Roger Up, a nonprofit focused on providing outdoor adventures for veterans, first responders, and their families, emphasizing mental health support. The episode features an engaging discussion on Zach's journey, the importance of mental health in the military community, and diverse therapies offered by Roger Up. The trio also enjoys a unique cigar, the Deadwood Cigar Crazy Alice, sharing their thoughts about flavor and experience. Listeners are encouraged to check out Roger Up's website for more information and ways to support the organization. Tune in for compelling stories and insights on advocating for veterans and mental health awareness.

This episode is part of the 2025 Podcasthon.

Please spread the word and consider supporting and/or donating to Roger Up.

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In this episode of "Nice Ashes," hosts Mike and Nate dive deep into the sci-fi classic, "The Fifth Element." They share their thoughts on the film's unique world-building, humor, and unforgettable visuals, as well as its standout performances from Bruce Willis, Gary Oldman, and Mila Jovovich. The duo discusses their personal experiences watching the film in theaters, the cultural significance of its characters, and the impact of its eccentric style. They also enjoy a flavorful cigar, the Partagas Cifuente Maduro Toro, reflecting on how it complements their cinematic experience. Expect a blend of humor, film analysis, and casual banter as they explore both the movie and its broader implications. Tune in for a fun and insightful discussion on a beloved classic!

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Join Mike and Nate for the premiere of Season 4 of Nice Ashes! In this episode, they light up the Rocky Patel Edge A-10, a stunning barber pole cigar that combines a Connecticut wrapper with a Maduro leaf. With rich flavors and engaging conversation, they discuss the complexities of the stick while pairing it with Guinness and coffee.

The duo also dives into a spirited debate about Gladiator 2, sharing thoughts on its historical accuracy and character development compared to the original Gladiator. With various tangents through film history, they explore lost films and their rediscoveries, highlighting the cultural significance behind these cinematic gems.

Expect laughter, insights, and a deep dive into cigars and cinema! Don’t forget to check out their Instagram for some visuals and updates. Enjoy the show!

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Join Mike and Nate in this special Christmas Day episode of Nice Ashes as they light up a unique Asylum 13 Ogre cigar in the Gordo size—a rare choice for the show. Not only is this episode a holiday celebration, but it also serves as the Season Three finale, with the duo set to return in March.

In a festive discussion, they delve into the rich history of the so-called "War on Christmas," tracing its origins from the Puritans of the 1640s to modern-day controversies over holiday greetings. Expect humorous banter and insightful commentary as they uncover historical anecdotes, including the role of influential figures like Henry Ford and cultural shifts throughout the decades.

Listeners will be treated to fun statistics about Christmas traditions, the economics of holiday spending, and a thoughtful conversation on the commercialization of the season. As Mike and Nate enjoy their cigars, they reflect on what Christmas means in today’s world while sharing their own holiday traditions and gift-giving philosophies.

So grab your favorite holiday beverage and join in this lively discussion that blends the spirit of Christmas with an exploration of its modern-day implications. Merry Christmas from Nice Ashes, and see you in March for more cigar adventures!

Outro Music by u_98o9hlkn7r from Pixabay

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Welcome to this week's episode of Nice Ashes! In this installment, Mike and Nate dive into the CAO L'Anniversaire Cameroon Robusto, hoping for a better experience than its disappointing Toro counterpart. While their initial expectations aren't high, the cigar surprises them with a flavor profile that's nutty and spicy, leading to an in-depth discussion on cigars and pairings.

As they smoke, the duo shifts gears to explore the dynamics of the modern job market, particularly how companies are prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in hiring practices. They tackle controversial topics like "reverse discrimination" and the implications of AI-driven recruitment processes, sharing personal anecdotes and insights from their own job searches. Tune in for a lively debate on the balance between qualifications and diversity in hiring.

Before wrapping up, Mike and Nate share their final thoughts on the featured cigar and offer words of encouragement to listeners navigating their own job searches. Plus, stay tuned for a sneak peek at the exciting Season 3 finale dropping on Christmas Day! Don’t forget to follow them on social media and support the podcast on Patreon. Enjoy the episode!

The resume site Nate mentioned is Resume From Space.

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Join hosts Nate and Mike as they welcome Mike's longtime friend Jordan for a candid conversation about life, mental health, and, of course, cigars! They light up the CAO Anniversary Cameroon Toro cigar while reminiscing about college days filled with laughter and embarrassing stories.

In this episode, Jordan shares his recent mental health journey, discussing his experiences with anxiety and depression, along with the stigma surrounding mental health treatment. He opens up about the importance of understanding mental health, the challenges of coping mechanisms, and the need for support in rural areas where access to care can be limited.

The trio dives into the connections between leadership, personal development, and mental health, while also tackling the cultural conversations around habits, addiction, and societal pressures.

Tune in for a blend of thoughtful conversation, humor, and insight, all while enjoying the relaxing ritual of cigar smoking!

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In this episode of "Nice Ashes," hosts Nate and Mike dive into their ongoing four-cigar tour featuring the highly touted Rico Borado line. Today, they tackle the Maduro Robusto, which leads to plenty of laughter and strong opinions, as the duo recount their previous experiences with the brand, expressing just how much they loathe the previous cigars they've tried, including the Connecticut series. Expectations are high, but soon they're confronted with a cacophony of burnt plastic and rubber tire notes, setting the stage for what turns out to be a hilariously rough episode.

As the conversation unfolds, the topics shift to a more serious note as Nate discusses bullying in his daughter's pre-K class, sharing his conflict resolution steps with listeners while recounting a particularly frustrating confrontation with school authorities. The duo navigates the challenges of fostering resilience in children, touching on the need for boundaries and consequences in the face of bullying.

Tune in to hear their cigar reviews, the absurdities of school policies, and Nate's thought-provoking take on how to handle childhood bullying—all while trying not to gag on their latest cigar experience. Buckle up for an engaging mix of humor, insight, and raw honesty as they tackle both cigars and social issues in this episode!

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