In the studio we have Gil Monge, founder of GCD Auto Studio and Gillin Auto Interiors. Growing up in the South Bronx as the youngest of four brothers, Gil’s passion for cars started early. In 2006, he launched Gillin Auto Interiors, turning that passion into a business. By 2019, he expanded with GCD Auto Studio in Florida, NY—a boutique, state-of-the-art shop for high-end custom builds. His work gained national attention, earning a feature on Downey’s Dream Cars with Robert Downey Jr. on Discovery Channel. Now, Gil shares his automotive lifestyle as host of Married To The Rides on PowerTube TV.

Website: www.gcdautostudio.com

YouTube: GCD Auto Studio

TV Show: watchpowertubetv.com/watch/builds/married-to-the-rides/about-married-to-the-rides

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In this episode, just before we started recording, we heard the news that Charlie Kirk had been assassinated. It makes us ask—what is happening to our society? No matter what side of the political spectrum you’re on, and no matter how much you disagree with someone’s views, it should never justify taking a life over. We must do better!

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Inside the BDP studio, we sit down with carpenter union foreman and owner of Blaise Construction, Blaise Ridulfo! He shares what it’s like balancing life in the union while running his own business, how he still finds time to enjoy cigars, and why he believes men are the biggest cry babies. All that and more in this episode!

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 https://www.flyingcigars.com/brands/the-burn-down-podcast/

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(Audio Technical Difficulties Until 25Mins 18 Sec We Apologize)

Meet Lisa Stramiello better known as Luminisa a vibrant force of nature with unmatched authenticity and electric energy! Born and raised in the heart of Brooklyn, NY, Lumi brings a bold blend of tradition and flair to the world of cigars. Trained by master roller Francisco Almonte of DBL Cigars, she’s a true artisan, handcrafting cigars with precision and passion.

What sets Lumi apart is her deep connection to her Italian American roots, which she channels into every roll. With a vintage aesthetic and soulful vibe, she pays homage to the legacy of Italian cigar rollers, infusing old-world charm with modern artistry.

Our conversations with Lumi were full of laughter, stories from her Brooklyn upbringing, globe-trotting adventures, and the creative spark that fuels her unique vision. CHECK HER OUT! 

Instagram: @luminisa_sigaraia

Website: https://www.lasigaraia.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@luminisalifestyle

Order The Blueprint & The Diligent Cigars Here!

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In the studio this week, we’re joined by Joe Cosentino who brought us delicious food from the famous Bronx G & R Deli! Joe, a Bronx native who built his real estate empire from the ground up. Known as the King of Bronx Realty, Joe shares how two decades of hustle and dedication shaped his journey to the top. As the Broker and Owner of Morris Park Realty Group and Westchester Realty Consultants, he specializes in residential and commercial real estate across NY & CT. OH and let's not forget Joe loves enjoying a cigar to relax and celebrate!

https://morrisparkrealty.com/agent/joseph-cosentino

https://www.morrisparkrealtygroup.com/agents/1129741/Joseph+Cosentino

Order The Blueprint & The Diligent Cigars Here!

 https://www.flyingcigars.com/brands/the-burn-down-podcast/

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In this episode, we’re joined by Blanca Biede, who flew all the way from Iowa to be on the podcast! Blanca is a columnist for Humo Latino Magazine, a cigar lover, a bikini division bodybuilder, and a proud member of the women’s motorcycle group The Litas. She shares her story of how she became fascinated with the cigar industry, how her passion for writing landed her a spot with Humo Latino, what it takes to compete as a bikini bodybuilder, and—of all things—how she ended up riding with a badass crew.

Order The Blueprint & The Diligent Cigars Here!

 https://www.flyingcigars.com/brands/the-burn-down-podcast/

 https://getyourcigars.com/products/the-burn-down-podcast-sampler-pack

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We sit down with Adam Vohra — founder of ARV Enterprises and Director of Partnerships for Greenwich, Upper Westchester, and Darien/New Canaan Lifestyle Magazines. Adam shares his inspiring journey of sobriety, being 3 years alcohol-free, and how that led him to launch The Finding Purpose Podcast, now with over 65 episodes. From planning high-end events to helping others find meaning through recovery, Adam’s story is all about turning pain into purpose.

Order The Blueprint & The Diligent Cigars Here!

 https://www.flyingcigars.com/brands/the-burn-down-podcast/

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In the BDP studio, we’re joined by JD Summa, the founder of Kings Capital Construction, one of New York’s prominent construction firms. JD takes us through his incredible journey of building a $60M business defying the odds and proving doubters wrong when he launched during the 2008 real estate crash.

From overcoming industry challenges to the leadership principles that fueled his success, JD’s story is as inspiring as it is insightful. Adding to the experience, JD brought along a bottle of Don Julio 1942, perfectly paired with The Diligent cigar, creating the ideal backdrop for a phenomenal conversation filled with entrepreneurial wisdom and great vibes!

Instagram: @kingscapitalconstruction

Order The Blueprint & The Diligent Cigars Here!

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 https://getyourcigars.com/products/the-burn-down-podcast-sampler-pack

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Since our very first episode back in July 2019, The Burn Down Podcast has been on an incredible journey—bringing people together one cigar at a time. In this special 300th episode, we take a reflective walk down memory lane, celebrating six unforgettable years filled with meaningful conversations, memorable interviews, laughter, lessons, and the deep connections we've built with our guests and each other over cigars.

This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the road we've traveled and the community that’s grown with us. Thank you to everyone who’s supported us along the way—this milestone is just as much yours as it is ours.

Order The Blueprint & The Diligent Cigars Here!

 https://www.flyingcigars.com/brands/the-burn-down-podcast/

 https://getyourcigars.com/products/the-burn-down-podcast-sampler-pack

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This week at the BDP studio a Burn Down FIRST, we had the pleasure of hosting the amazing Chef Matt Wasson, known from Food Network’s Chopped and Ciao House! He cooked live, dazzling us with rosemary focaccia, his signature spicy rigatoni, and bone marrow polpette. The creamy vodka sauce was perfection, and the meatballs melted in your mouth with every bite.

Joining us as well was Adrian from NY Cigar Club, an exclusive members-only cigar club, and the owner of Coppola Cigar Co., creators of luxury leather cigar cases.

Instagram:

Matt Wasson - @matt_wasson_ @_sundaysupper

sundaysupper.social

Adrian - @nycigarclub @coppolacigarco

coppolacigarco.com / nycigarclub.com

Order The Blueprint & The Diligent Cigars Here!

 https://www.flyingcigars.com/brands/the-burn-down-podcast/

 https://getyourcigars.com/products/the-burn-down-podcast-sampler-pack

https://tiptopsmoke.com/?s=burn+down+podcast