Tim, James, and Jimmy return to Clear The Air to unpack the latest Simply Stogies Podcast with guest Brian Desind of Privada Cigar Club, taking on free speech in cigar artwork and the myth that edgy designs are marketed to kids. They dig into Privada’s collectible info cards, debate the good and bad of gatekeeping in cigar culture, and make the case for why cooler-dors still deliver despite industry pushback. Stick around for bonus questions that keep the conversation candid and fun.

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James and Jimmy welcome Privada Cigar Club owner and founder, Brian Desind, back to the podcast. The two catch up with Brian and find out what he, Privada Cigar Club, and the LCA have been up to. Brian discusses being passionate about cigars and the industry, as well as being good at marketing. Brian talks about working with factories and blenders as they are the true force and artists in the industry. Brian tells us he's more "seasoned" and how that's help him face some of the changes that 2025 brought to Privada Cigar Club.

James, Jimmy, and Tim opine on the recent news of How Bout That Cigar, a cigar media outlet, closing their business. What does this mean for the cigar industry? What is "cigar media?" Who's responsibility is it to define "cigar media?" The three give their opinions and thoughts on what all of this means for the industry.

Tim, James, and Jimmy return for another episode of Clear the Air to dive deeper into the last episode of Simply Stogies Podcast with guest Zack Van Ginkel of HDA Cigars. The crew dive into a range of topics from their conversation with Zack — including how brick-and-mortar shops can better support homegrown brands, why HDA chooses to maintain consistent pricing by avoiding discounts and sticking to MSRP, and what really separates micro cigar brands from boutique ones. Tune in for an insightful discussion on authenticity, brand identity, and the evolving cigar market.

James and Nick welcome Zack Van Ginkel of HDA Cigars to the program. The trio discuss how Zack and his business partner, Andray, got into the cigar industry. We find out that Zack is a good 'ole Iowa boy who is making his way in the cigar industry. We discuss Iowa retailers and retailers in general, we also find out about Zack's military background. Zack talks about working with James and Angela Brown at Oveja Negra and wanting to blend their own cigars that stand on their own. Zack then touches on milestones for HDA, the cigar industry, and retailers in general.

In this episode of Clear The Air, Tim, James, and Jimmy return to the microphone for another engaging discussion. This time, they take a closer look at the latest episode of Simply Stogies. Tim handles the intro and outro with a bit of self-deprecating humor. James and Jimmy step in to guide the conversation, diving deeper into the content and themes presented. The episode ultimately shifts into a thoughtful discussion about the need for greater transparency and knowledge across the entire cigar industry, from consumers to manufacturers. The hosts argue that fostering this openness can help the industry not only survive but thrive in the future.

With Nick Syris on vacation, James welcomes Jimmy Dailing to the show. In addition to being a reviewer at simplystogies.com, James announces that Jimmy is a new host at Simply Stogies Podcast. Jimmy also manages a brick & mortar called The Drawing Room in Davenport, Iowa. The duo discuss the cigar industry, cigar lounges, the proper etiquette while at a cigar lounge, cigar media, and much more. Join us in welcoming Jimmy to the roster of hosts at Simply Stogies Podcast!

Tim, James and Nick are back for another installment of Clear The Air, this time about Aaron Paoletta of LaVega Cigars. The three talk about creative types in the industry, the hardships in starting a new cigar company, and much more all at Tim's expense. James and Nick try their best to make Tim cry the entire time.

James and Nick welcome Aaron Paoletta of LaVega Cigars to the show. Aaron tells us how he went from culinary school, to chef, to music producer, to a heavy metal band, and then the cigar industry. We discuss LaVega Cigars, The LaVega lounge, the industry, and Aaron's views on all of it. We find out what skills Aaron brought to the cigar industry from each of his previous careers.

In an unusual episode of Clear The Air, Tim and James are back to dive a little deeper into the stories told by Sean Brown and Jillian Hinton of Dogs Inc from the latest episode of Simply Stogies Podcast. The conversation jumps through a few other key points from the episode including how service members may look at companies that say they are all about the veterans, cigar communities that support causes such as Dogs Inc, and much more.

To donate to Dogs Inc. please go here: https://dogsinc.org/

To purchase the Dogs In. Cigador ($20 of every purchase goes to Dogs Inc.) please go here: https://thecigador.com/pages/dogs-inc-cigador