Simply Stogies

Jimmy and James talk about Daniel Lance behind his back! The duo discuss their recent conversation with Daniel Lance from Domain Cigars. How does technology affect both the retailer and the consumer? Who sees it? Are cigar reps relevant given the adoption of certain technologies? Why isn't every cigar company adopting new technologies? What's the deal with limited editions? PLUS: Simply Stogies has a food reviewer? God help us all.

James and Jimmy welcome Daniel Lance of Domain Cigars to the show. The trio discuss Daniel's 20yrs in the industry and his background before jumping into the industry full time. Daniel tells us how he chose Nicaragua over Kansas and how he would like to see more cigar companies utilize technology to make things easier on the B&Ms. Daniel gives us his raw and uncensored opinions on limited editions, rare tobacco, and much more.

Jimmy and James talk about Pedro Gomez behind his back. The duo discuss their recent conversation with Pedro Gomez, the Global Brand Ambassador for Drew Estate. From Pedro's humble beginnings as a saddle maker in Nicaragua, to his time in Iowa as a college student, to how he worked his way up through the factory the pair discuss how this has led to Pedro being one of the most positive people in the industry. They also talk about Pedro's mentor, his uncle for whom he was named after, and how his answer differed from others in the industry when asked the same question. This eventually led to a discussion of "Is Drew Estate boutique?" and "What is boutique?" and "Does it even matter?"

James and Jimmy sit down with Pedro Gomez, the Global Brand Ambassador for Drew Estate. Pedro talks about coming to the US from Nicaragua and leaving saddle-making and everything he knew behind, to go to school in Iowa. Pedro discusses what drives him, his work ethic, his mentor, and the culture at Drew Estate. We also have a great discussion of why Drew Estate events are better described as experiences, what people can look forward to at a DE event, and much more.

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Jimmy and James recap their recent conversation with Dray and Zack of HDA Cigars. Jimmy asks some questions, James critiques Jimmy's questions, and Jimmy gives James a hard time. Also, they're both big fans of Dray and Zack. What makes them friends? Why aren't Jimmy and James as close as Dray and Zack? Is there an "Iowa Connection?" Plus much more!

James and Jimmy welcome both Andre and Zack from HDA Cigars to the program. Dre tells us how he got into cigars, how he met up with Zack, and how the two came to form HDA Cigars. The duo discuss the move to the Rojas Factory, what went into the move, and how they worked to keep the recipes the same. We discuss their latest limited edition, The Sentinel, before diving into their next limited edition, the 11:11. The 11:11 is collab with Team SAPO where part of the proceeds go to help veterans in need. The two talk about working with lounges, mentors in the industry, and much more!

Jimmy and James discuss their recent discussion with Sebastien Decoppet of Cavalier Cigars. The duo talk about how long it took to get Sebastien on the show, the chemistry between James and Sebastien, and what it takes to make a sale. The two also react to Sebastien not caring what other people think when it comes to making cigars. Of course, we touch on Sebastien's love for his community in Honduras.

James and Jimmy welcome Sebastien Decoppet of Cavalier Cigars to the program. After several years, Sebastien sits down and has a frank conversation about what it means to be a "boutique" cigar manufacturer, why he hates the word boutique, and how he got into the industry. We discuss his love of Honduras, the factory, and working with others in the industry.

Jimmy and James discuss their recent conversation with Jon Simons of Warfighter Tobacco. The duo discuss veteran owned businesses, the learning curve of sales, and the ability to adapt and overcome. They also discuss some recent cigar media shenanigans.

James and Jimmy sit down with Jon Simons from Warfighter Tobacco. Jon gives us the story of how Warfighter Tobacco Co. came to be. From gun store to 10yrs in the cigar industry, Jon talks about lessons learned, mentors, factory changes, and if he'd do it all again. We ask Jon how his military background helped prepare him for the business world and the decisions they've made. The conversation turns to scaling a business as it grows and what those growing pains look like. Congratulations to Warfighter Tobacco Co. on 10yrs in the cigar industry!

Jimmy and James discuss their recent conversation with Nimmer Ahmad of Valacari Cigars. They discuss Valacari Cigars' 10yrs in the industry, whether Valacari is "boutique" now, and how being in the industry for a decade changes how the rest of the industry views a brand. The duo also talk about Nimmer Ahmad's role as mentor and if there is a duty or obligation for this with experience in the industry to become mentors. Somehow, Jimmy finds a way to talk about Star Wars.

James and Jimmy sit down with Nimmer Ahmad of Valacari Cigars. Valacari Cigars is celebrating their 10th year in the cigar industry in 2026 and James asks Nimmer about it. Nimmer discusses some of the changes the brand has gone through, what it takes to make it in the industry, and some of the ongoing trends. Nimmer discloses what he believes is his biggest regret in the last 10yrs, as well as his "obligation" to be a mentor to new brands coming into the industry. We also discuss the Decimus, the limited annual release celebrating Valacari's 10ys in the industry.

Jimmy and James return to "talk about Vance Taylor behind his back." The duo spend a lot of time giving their opinions of Stoicism. While Vance did a great job answering some of the darker themes of the popular philosophy, Jimmy and James weren't satisfied. Did Vance sway James from Nihilism? Can Stoics fall in love? Is Stoicism indifferent? Do Stoics make better leaders or colder leaders? Can religion and Stoicism coexist? Jimmy and James don't have answers...but they certainly have a lot of questions.

James and Jimmy sit down with Vance Taylor of Stoic Cigars. We catch up with Vance and find out how his first two yeas in the cigar industry have gone and what lessons he's learned in that time. We then turn our attention to the "dark side" of Stoicism. What does Stoicism and Nihilism have in common? Can James not road rage? How do Stoics look at tragedy. It is a high level conversation over different philosophies and how to approach life and business.

New host of Clear the Air, Jimmy D, brings James and Tim back to the microphone to discuss the latest interview with Tim Ozgener of Oz Family Cigars. The trio discuss the trust manufacturers put in the retailers (and vice versa), the relationship aspect of the business (manufacturers and factories, and retailers and manufacturers), how cigar sizes affect sales, and cigar events. The trio dive into Tim Ozgener's relationship with his father and the lessons he's learned both in his time in the cigar industry and away from it.

James and Jimmy sit down with Tim Ozgener of Oz Family Cigars at The Drawing Room in Davenport, Iowa. The trio discuss Tim's creativity, his history in the cigar industry, and the impact his father had on him. From his days with CAO to coming back to the industry, Tim dives into what lessons he learned, what his father taught him, his family, and working with retailers.

In this after-show of Simply Stogies Podcast, hosts Tim, James, and Jimmy sit down to recap their recent interview with Mo Malley of Patina Cigars. The guys dive deep into the nuances of cigar blending, reviewer objectivity, and the rapidly shifting dynamics of the cigar economy.

James and Jimmy sit down with Mo Maalu of Patina Cigars. The trio discuss a wide range of topics. The conversation begins with the Red Pill and the difference in the vitolas and how they smoke and moves in to cigar revies. What's the right score? Do reviewers know the difference between a bad cigar and a cigar that just isn't for them? We ask Mo about keeping a positive attitude and why he is so well liked in the industry, before diving into the current state of the economy in America. What is usury? Why is it the enemy of humanity? Will it change? Can it change? A thought provoking discussion that we hope you enjoy.

Clear the Air turns this after-show into a relentless, unfiltered battlefield as the hosts drag rival commentators for launching cowardly, passive-aggressive attacks against an independent lounge owner and manufacturer. Instead of focusing primarily on the last episode of Simply Stogies Podcast, the conversation exposes the toxic gatekeeping and fragile egos of self-proclaimed industry authorities who hide behind their microphones. One host (bet you can't guess who) unleashes a fiery, zero-tolerance rant, declaring war on these media hacks and promising continuous public humiliation until they issue a public apology for their bullying. While the target of the mockery takes the high road, this episode draws a line in the sand: you either respect the people in this hustle or get run over by those who do.

With Jimmy out sick, James sits down with Aaron Paoletta of LaVega Cigars. The two discuss how Aaron and LaVega got involved with Dogs Inc. and the LaVega Il Cane cigar. This leads to a larger discussion on why you shouldn't "f*ck people over" in the cigar industry. Aaron shares his thoughts on making and keeping commitments, follow-through, and why it matters. The two discuss Aaron's recent appearance on KMA Talk Radio and the incident that brought that about. Aaron clears the air about a few things and the duo talk about cigar media, Aaron's thoughts, and what's next for LaVega Cigars.