Stories & Stogies

The guys are back in the man cave! We return from our break with a small episode showing off the best gifts to get that special cigar lover in your life. We're joined once again by our tobacconist Scottie B at the Relocation Lounge to find out what in his experience is the best items this holiday season. We have some laughs and talk preferences, tune on in for a time of laughs and merriment. What sort of gift will you be getting that special someone this year?

Stories & Stogies is a Mad Scientist Media production. For advertising email [email protected] and thanks for listening!

In episode 12 of Stories and Stogies, the man-cave is joined by Charles Davis — football analyst on CBS Sports and the NFL Network and one of the voices on the popular video game Madden Football! Charles joins to talk everything from growing up in the same town as Irwin and playing on the same little league team, to his father being a teacher at their high school. He and Irwin discuss the difference in their experience in his class, and Charles elaborates on his family’s move from Tennessee to New York when he was young, and how it affected his father’s teaching job in an early post-segregation America. Being a stand out football player in High School, Charles talks about the different colleges who were interested in his talents and how the visits went for him. He talks why he chose the University of Tennessee, and his transition from high school quarterback to defensive back. Charles and The Cave conclude the show by discussing how college has changed in terms of not only football, but also education. Get to know the person behind the personality on this season-concluding episode of Stories and Stogies!

Episode 11 of Stories and Stogies is brought to you by Kickin’ Durst! Get to know the person behind the personality of Michael Winslow, the voicestrumentalist, “Man of 10,000 Sounds”, and pioneer of the modern-day beatbox! Having starred in movies like Police Academy and Space Balls, Michael talks all about his personal story growing up in many different places. He tells us all about where he got the inspiration and motivation to hone his talent for vocal sound effects as well as some places where he’s gotten in trouble for utilizing his skills. He deciphers the difference between old school beatbox and modern day beatbox, and working with Mel Brooks! Mark, Ken, and Irwin all talk with Michael about the first time they were exposed to him and his work. Irwin and Michael talk about the new project they’re working on, Kickin Durst — coming to you soon!

Magician Mike Rose joins this episode of the Smoke Break to talk about the history of magic, some of the run ins he’s had with other magicians, and some of the different styles of magic that are out there. Mike discusses some of his comedic inspirations on stage, and tells us all about some of the different venues he’s worked. He discusses the history of some classic tricks, while still keeping their secrets! Mike tells a riveting story about his run ins with the secret service while performing for Al Gore and George W. Bush! Get to know the person behind the personality in this episode of Stories and Stogies!

On this episode of Stories and Stogies, we welcome Ken Watter back to the show in light of a changing tax season. Our special guest for the night, Maija DiGiorgio, joins the show to talk about cigars, and her upbringing in both Manhattan and Norwood, New Jersey. She discusses her early start in show business and how her family helped propel her into it at a young age with her first gig being a Pampers baby. She proceeded to have a part in The Cotton Club as a girl, and excelled in dance, music, and comedy. She tells us all about the famous people she worked with as a child, and some of the hardships she faced as a young mixed-race girl in New Jersey. Maija talks about how the stigma of being mixed-race has carried over into her comedy and entertainment career. Get to know the person behind the personality in this episode of Stories and Stogies!

Brought to you by Manscaped. Use discount code "Stogies" for 20% off and free shipping at checkout! MattAlive joins the show to talk about his Horror-Punk band, “Savage Remains”. We discuss the history of the Punk Rock genre and some other branches of rock and roll, his Virginian roots, influences on his stage presence, how he and his bandmates got their stage names, background in music, and so much more! We get a nice preview of their song, “Dawn of the Dead” based on the George Romero movie. For more from Matt and the “Savage Remains”, you can visit Savage Remains on bandcamp.com as well as any and all music streaming platforms! Get to know the person behind the personality on this episode of Stories and Stogies!

In this episode of the Smoke Break, we take the chance to honor our mothers. Each of our hosts Mark, Ken, and Irwin tell stories from their youth. Mark tells us all about growing up in a multi-lingual family and stepping in for his mother to cook for the family and how that was received. Ken discusses how important education was to his mother, as well as her amazing sense of humor. Ken takes a moment to remember how motivational and supportive she was, and reminds everyone how important it is to express how you feel to those you love at any chance you get. Irwin tells us all about his mother and how he gave her the moniker, “Disaster Mom”. Irwin talks about living with his mother after he was married, and her motivation to ensure that her son was eating correctly — even if he’s walking into the house past 2AM. He tells us about how once she learned he was a comedian, she would make a point to try and pitch jokes to him and some of them even stuck! Take the time to thank your mothers, not just today but everyday! Without them, we wouldn’t be here.

Brought to you by Manscaped. Use discount code "Stogies" for 20% off and free shipping at checkout! Pete Hammelman joins the cave and talks about growing up in Long Island, NY, being a Navy veteran, starting a real estate company, opening a bar in White Plains called Martini’s that is the longest running Non-Comedy Comedy Club in the DMV, and the story of how he came into owning a Porn Store / Sex Shop. He discusses how his schooling experience lead him to become a High School Dropout and running away from home to work blue collar jobs and eventually joining the Navy where he worked his way up the ranks as a cook to become Chef —cooking for Senate, Congress, and the likes. Pete discusses having to deal with the occasional drunk customers at his bar, and how he enjoys being charitable. He discusses his experience dating, and even gives shoutouts to his staff at Martini’s! Get to know the person behind the personality in this episode of Stories and Stogies!

Brought to you by Manscaped. Use discount code "Stogies" for 20% off and free shipping at checkout! Steven Michael Quezada, commonly recognized as Agent Gomez from hit TV show “Breaking Bad” joins us remotely from quarantine in this episode of Stories and Stogies. He discusses his background in comedy, raising three daughters, and being a long time Albuquerque native. Steven tells us all about how he was the first person to go from the School Board to any other form of government office in Albuquerque. He explains his plans after serving his full term as County Commissioner, notable clubs he’s done stand up at, and much more. Get to know the person behind the personality on this episode of Stories and Stogies!

In this episode of the “Smoke Break”, we talk all about stogies! Scott Bruffy of Davidus Cigars enlightens us about everything that goes into properly storing cigars and how different common practices can be detrimental to the flavor and longevity of your cigar. Our good friend “Scotty B” highlights a few different types of humidors and their applications!