In this episode of Clear the Air, the crew celebrates Simply Stogies’ seven-year anniversary of the show , reflecting on its massive growth from a monthly hobby to a major industry voice. The conversation transitions into a deep dive on boutique cigar culture, comparing the different entrepreneurial paths taken by Lou Cross of Lure Cigars and recent guest Alex Martinez of Exile Cigars. A major theme of the discussion is the role of legacy and family, specifically focusing on how Martinez honors his father's Cuban immigrant story by naming his cigar lines after his father’s shoe stores. Finally, the hosts share a personal and introspective look at how the cigar industry fosters generational traditions and deep personal connections, all while giving a special shoutout to the Fat Ash Cigar Lounge family and celebrating several community birthdays.

James and Nick welcome Alex Martinez of Exile Cigars to the show. We find out how Alex got into cigars, as he discusses his 25yrs as a cop. Alex talks about how retirement led to his managing a cigar shop and eventually to owning his own cigar brand. Alex discusses his love for his family, his desire to build a legacy, and lessons learned in both the retail and manufacturing sides of the business. You do not want to miss this episode!

Industry titans collide as James, Nick, and Jimmy step into the arena to dissect the fallout from their explosive sit-down with PCA CEO Joshua Habursky. Representing the powerhouse trio of Manufacturer, Retailer, and Media, they bring perspectives that rarely align—and the tension is palpable. Just as the debate threatens to spiral out of control, a surprise return from an old friend shifts the energy, but the peace is short-lived. Nick pulls back the curtain on the manufacturing world with a revelation that changes the context of the trade show, while Jimmy pulls no punches, voicing the raw, unfiltered concerns of a brick-and-mortar retailer fighting to survive. The episode culminates in a high-stakes interrogation of the media's true role: are they industry watchdogs, or just part of the machine? Clear the air. Find the truth. Listen now.

We welcome CEO of the Premium Cigar Association, Joshua Habursky, back to the program. We catch up with Joshua and find out how 2025 went for the cigar industry. We also take a look ahead and discuss some of the legal challenges facing the industry and how the PCA stays on top of 50 individual states. Josh talks about how the PCA collaboration with author Nick Hammond came about, as well as the PCA working with cigar organizations around the world. Of course, no conversation with Joshua would be complete without talking about the upcoming trade show in New Orleans later this year.

Tim returns for another edition of Clear the Air: A Simply Stogies Podcast After Show. Joined by James and Jimmy, the crew breaks down the latest episode featuring Law Ream, Ambassador for Zino Cigars (now with Camacho brand...thanks LAW!). But there is a major plot twist: Tim enlists a friend—Drew Estate Territory Manager Dave Payne—to facilitate a "conversation" regarding James' recent rants. All hell breaks loose, and you won't want to miss the fallout.

Law Ream, the Zino Brand Ambassador, closes out 2025 with James and Jimmy D. The trio look back at the highlights of the year and look ahead at what 2026 may have in store. We talk about cigar media, are "best of" lists good, do food reviews belong in cigar media, who got it right this year, and who is poised to take over the space in 2026. We discuss the trade show, Davidoff, Law's huge road trip, and much more!!

In this episode of Clear the Air, the Simply Stogies crew breaks down their interview with industry legend Pete Johnson of Tatuaje Cigars. They dive into Pete's genuine nature, his thirty-two-year journey in the cigar world, and his unique perspective on limited editions and supporting brick-and-mortar shops. The conversation gets lively as the hosts debate Pete's take on self-regulation and marketing in the industry, offering their own unfiltered opinions on the state of cigars today.

Beyond the serious cigar talk, expect plenty of laughs as the guys share stories about double entendre , bass guitars, and Tim's new "Simple Tim" nickname. They also answer listener questions (originally meant for Nick) in hilarious fashion. Tune in for a mix of insightful industry analysis, candid commentary, and the usual Simply Stogies banter.

We celebrate Petemas with Pete Johnson. Rebel? Student? Teacher? Historian? We find out how Pete sees himself and his place in the industry. We ask Pete what changes he's seen in the cigar industry over the past 32 years and what he would change if he could. Pete talks about the "unusual suspects," cigar pricing, and how the industry truly is relationship driven. We talk a little about cigar media, cigar reviews, and the "craft" cigar industry.

This episode of Clear the Air features the Simply Stogies crew reflecting on Matt Booth's transformative role in the cigar industry, from his bold Room 101 brand to his provocative marketing that redefined premium cigars. They discuss how Booth and similar trailblazers injected irreverent energy, driving innovation in blends and branding that elevated the culture.

James and Nick welcome Matt Booth of Room 101 Brand. Recorded LIVE for our Patreon supporters, Matt fields questions from them as well as discussing several topics with James and Nick. Matt talks about his time in the Marine Corps and how it shaped his career. Matt discuses being "on" all the time and whether or not it's a grind. Matt keeps James on his toes throughout the delightful and in-depth conversation.