Sticks and Stories

Sticks: 

• Purple Pledge, by Casa Carillo (aged almost a decade). Tina highly recommends and argues its largely underrated, Carlos gives it an “good, not exciting” and Gary a "just ok". 
• Blood Medicine by Crowned Heads. Rated good-great by Gary and Carlos. Tina rated it a full-bodied bold cigar w/slight after taste and an acquired stick. 

Stories: 

• Carlos discusses his history with cigars, PCA and more! 
• Revisited: We discuss cigar facings and the dynamics which collide to bring them to consumers.
• We discuss the importance of fully utilizing the rep to bring the cigars to local markets while maintaining a virtuous relationship within the cigar ecosystem.
• Uh, oh.. what if there is a problem with your cigar? We discuss that and the importance of speaking up!   

This episode was recorded at the new venue, Aria Lounge at Puro in Chandler, AZ. 

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Special Feature celebrating Women's Day (3/8) and Women's History Month (March).  In this Feature we host Christine of Ambassador Fine Cigars in Phoenix, Arizona (PV). 

The Sticks:

• Classic, Aladino (Lancero) - Tina
• Undisclosed, Aladino (Lancero) - Christine

The Story: Within this episode, Christine of Ambassador Fine Cigars talks about the origin of the store in the late 90's (tune in to see who named the store!). She also discusses her recent visit to the Aladino cigar operation in Honduras and highlights some unique features of the operation which stand out among others. We discuss wrapper, binder, filler and finding that sweet spot within a lancero.  There are hints toward possible future events that are inclusive to women who smoke as well as additional cigar rolling events. Stay connected via social or website. 

Also check out our latest podcast on major outlets: buzzsprout, apple podcasts, or Spotify today. 

Although the story of Julio Eiroa is listed in brief on their website, a more in-depth version exists HERE. 

Location of Event:  

This episode was recorded at Ambassador's in Phoenix, AZ in March 2026

Lounge / Cigar Shop Mentions:  

Ambassador Fine Cigars

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For audiences 21 and older. 

The Sticks:

• Anejo, Fuente - Tina
• CT Reserva, My Father - Kay
•  CT, Trevors - Lonnie (from Cigar rolling event)

The Story: Within this episode, Kay discusses more about her cigar experience in the Valley discussing the beginning of "Ladies Nite" at Fox in Old Town; while Tina and Lonnie also comment on their experiences with cigar culture. Kay introduces us to Smoke in the Desert . The panel discusses the basic advantage of cigar culture which helps to break down barriers, allowing folks to relate on levels unlike any other. Tune in now! 

Location of Event:  

This episode was recorded at Fumar in Phoenix, AZ in February 2026

Lounge / Cigar Shop Mentions:  

• Fumar: traditional, quiet (has 1 location but hosts many events nationwide)
• Churchills: traditional (there are 2 other locations)
• Trevor's : has food and lively (has 4 locations)
• Magnum’s: Speakeasy (off 101 at 7th)
• Fox's:  entertaining and lively (has 2 locations and 1 coming soon)
• Ambassador's: traditional-upscale (has 2 locations)

Out of State Mentions (on part 1) 

• La Casa (Detroit, MI and other locations)
• Boozilla Cigar Lounge (Detroit, MI)
• Boston Cigar Club (Charlestown, MA)
• Stanza's (the one I could not remember...lol) Boston, MA
• Cuban Creations (New Orleans, LA)
• listen to the podcast for more.... 

Cigar Education….

• The IACS’ Cigar Sommelier Certificate
• Certified Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist (CCST)

Wine we had during this podcast 

Caravan Collection by Darioush

**We have not rec'd sponsorship pay but its welcomed! Click the Support the Show Button or HERE**

Other Mentions: 

• Haus of Health w/Kody who discusses health & smoking HERE
• Wrapped in Smoke
• Previous episode with Kyree HERE 
• Cigar & Coffee Meet 

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For audiences 21 and older. 

The Sticks: 

• Anejo, Fuente - Tina
• CT Reserva, My Father - Kay
•  CT, Trevors - Lonnie (from Cigar rolling event)

The Story: Within this episode, Kay discusses her origin story of smoking cigars (15+ years) after a solo trip to NY. Tina and Lonnie also share their origin stories. Kay recommends next steps to Lonnie as he navigates mild to medium to full bodied cigars. Kay introduces us to Smoke in the Desert (42:12) and invites Lonnie and Nick to share Ladies Nite at Fox's in Old Town (Wednesdays). 

Location of Event:  

This episode was recorded at Fumar in Phoenix, AZ in February 2026

Lounge / Cigar Shop Mentions:  

• Fumar: traditional, quiet (has 1 location but hosts many events nationwide)
• Churchills: traditional (there are 2 other locations)
• Trevor's : has food and lively (has 4 locations)
• Magnum’s: Speakeasy (off 101 at 7th)
• Fox's:  entertaining and lively (has 2 locations and 1 coming soon)
• Ambassador's: traditional-upscale (has 2 locations)

• Out of State Mentions
  • La Casa (Detroit, MI and other locations)
  • Boozilla Cigar Lounge (Detroit, MI)
  • Boston Cigar Club (Charlestown, MA)
  • Stanza's (the one I could not remember...lol) Boston, MA
  • Cuban Creations (New Orleans, LA)
• listen to the podcast for more.... 

Cigar Education….

• The IACS’ Cigar Sommelier Certificate
• Certified Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist (CCST)

Wine we had during this podcast 

Caravan Collection by Darioush

**We have not rec'd sponsorship pay but its welcomed! Click the Support the Show Button or HERE**

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

For audiences 21 and older. 

The Sticks: 

• Padron 1926 Serie - Kyree
•  Norteno, Esteli Herrara (discontinued) -Tina (not mentioned but it's what I smoked during this episode). Available at select shop across the valley including Churchills, Cigar King and Trevor's (while supplies last)
•  Esteban Carreras 211 - Gary

The Story: Within this episode, Part II we continue our discussion on valley cigar lounges / shops.Kyree tells his origin story in learning from "life stories" beginning at 19, amassing a collective of over 43,000 years of knowledge, wisdom and experience from his interviews. He's talked to a range of individuals from monks to  the ultra wealthy at the end of their journeys and there is something common in those experiences. Check out the podcast for more details. 

Location of Event:  

This episode was recorded at Churchill's in Scottsdale, AZ in February 2026

Lounge / Cigar Shop Mentions:  

• Churchills: traditional (there are 2 other locations)
• Cigar King: shop 
• Cedar Room: traditional, great patio space (has 2 additional locations opening soon)
• Trevor's : has food and lively (has 4 locations)
• Magnum’s: Speakeasy (off 101 at 7th)
• Fox's:  entertaining and lively (has 2 locations and 1 coming soon)
• Ambassador's: traditional-upscale (has 2 locations)
• Fumar: traditional, quiet (has 1 location but hosts many events nationwide)
• Puro: (listen to podcast for details), 1 location
• Out of State Mentions
  • Boston Cigar Club (Charlestown, MA)
  • Stanza's (the one I could not remember...lol) Boston, MA
  • Cuban Creations (New Orleans, LA)
• listen to the podcast for more.... 

Cigar Education….

• The IACS’ Cigar Sommelier Certificate
• Certified Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist (CCST)
  
  

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

For audiences 21 and older. 

The Sticks: 

• Padron 1926 Serie - Kyree
•  Norteno, Esteli Herrara (discontinued) -Tina (not mentioned but it's what I smoked during this episode). Available at select shop across the valley including Churchills, Cigar King and Trevor's (while supplies last)
•  Esteban Carreras 211 - Gary

The Story: Within this episode, we learn more about the beginnings of when Kyree started his cigar journey and why. He talks to Rocky Patel for an hour before he learns his true identity. Gary discusses his preference for larger gauges and where Waste Management or Valley guests can smoke. Tina discusses her cigar beginnings and staring at Anthony Mackie in New Orleans at Cuban Creations but too blasted to know… Fun times. 

Location of Event:  

This episode was recorded at Churchill's in Scottsdale, AZ in February 2026

Lounge / Cigar Shop Mentions:  

• Churchills: traditional (there are 2 other locations)
• Cigar King: shop 
• Cedar Room: traditional, great patio space (has 2 additional locations opening soon)
• Trevor's : has food and lively (has 4 locations)
• Magnum’s: Speakeasy (off 101 at 7th)
• Fox's:  entertaining and lively (has 2 locations and 1 coming soon)
• Ambassador's: traditional-upscale (has 2 locations)
• Fumar: traditional, quiet (has 1 location but hosts many events nationwide)
• Puro: (listen to podcast for details), 1 location
• Out of State Mentions
  • Boston Cigar Club (Charlestown, MA)
  • Stanza's (the one I could not remember...lol) Boston, MA
  • Cuban Creations (New Orleans, LA)
• listen to the podcast for more.... 

Cigar Education….

• The IACS’ Cigar Sommelier Certificate
• Certified Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist (CCST)
  
  
• Google for more!!!

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Support the show

For audiences 21 and older. 

The Sticks: 

• Esteban Carreras 211 - Sam
• Meat Lover's (Dunbarton & Trust) -Tina 
• JFR, Aganorsa Leaf - Gary
• Decade, Rocky Patel - Lonnie

The Story: Within this episode, we learn more about Sam's knowledge on cigars as he recommends the next smoke to the panel. He says his goodbye's and announces his event set for Feb 24th! Tina compares cigars to a steak meal, Lonnie discusses 5K races and who has the fastest feet while we express our love for Gary. 

Location of Event:  

This episode was recorded at Churchill's in Scottsdale, AZ in January 2026. 

. 

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For audiences 21 and older. 

The Sticks: JFR and Plasencia 

The Story: Within this episode, we learn more about the airplane sales business from co-host Gary and the importance of situational awareness. 

Location of Event: https://www.hotelangleterre.ch/en/home (Gary's most memorable cigar lounge, the Leopard Lounge , and hotel experience while employed as an airplane salesman). 

Fact Check: Men in Morocco do in fact have to serve at least 12 months in the military as part of the citizenship (between ages 19-25). 

In case you are curious, folks can check out the map: https://communitycrimemap.com/

This episode was recorded at Churchill's in Scottsdale, AZ in June 2025. 

Also, when AI lies, they call it hallucinations. 

-Check out the animation on YouTube-

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For audiences 21 and older. 

Sticks: 

• BattleBorn, by EP Carrillo  now Casa Carrillo, limited production (@trevorsliquor). Also they are at @churchillsaz
• Padron Black label series, limited production (@fumarcigars)
• Gatekeeper, by Alec Bradley (@fumarcigars)

Stories: 

• Carlos discusses his history and introduction to cigars
• We discuss cigar facings and the dynamics which collide to bring them to consumers.
• Gary and Carlos discuss military adventures
• We discuss capacity & ultimate destruction of the Antonov, an over-sized cargo plane utilized for transporting extraordinary cargo. 

Thanks Carlos!  

Brought to you by Sticks and Stories

Recording on Jan 5, 2026, @fumarcigars

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For audiences 21 and older. 

Sticks: 

• Oliva V Serie: Melanio, 70 ring gauge specially made for Fox Cigar
• Dunbarton Sombremesa
• Oliva, Nub Habano

Story: 

• Sci-Fi book review, Wandering Earth by Cixin Liu (HERE)

Recording in November, released 12/3/25 @churchillsaz

Look for our audiobook series to drop soon in 2026!!! 

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For audiences 21 and older.