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Nice Ashes: Cigars and Culture

Nice Ashes: Cigars and Culture

by Mike & Nate

Hobbies Philosophy

Season 5

Oliva Cain Straight Ligero Habano Nicaragua Robusto: Parenting Part 1 - Lindsay Clancy

In this episode, Nate and Mike delve into the tragic and complex case of Lindsay Clancy, a mother on trial for the deaths of her three children. They explore the details of the case, including Lindsay’s extensive mental health treatment, the disputed diagnosis of postpartum psychosis, and the legal arguments surrounding her criminal responsibility. The hosts also discuss public reactions, gendered perspectives on filicide, and societal attitudes toward mental health in mothers versus fathers. Alongside the heavy topic, they share their impressions of the Oliva Cain Straight Ligero Habano cigar and announce an upcoming giveaway to celebrate their 200th episode. Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram

Oliva Cain Straight Ligero Maduro Nicaragua Nub: Iryna Zarutska

In this episode, Nate and Mike smoke and review the Oliva Cain Straight Ligero Maduro Nub cigar, exploring its flavors and smoking experience. Their conversation then delves deep into a serious discussion sparked by a 2026 news event: the tragic stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Irina Zarutska on Charlotte’s Lynx light rail. They examine the incident's circumstances, media coverage disparities, mental health issues, repeat offenders, and public transit safety. Along the way, they also critique systemic failures in the justice system, societal responses to violence, and media narratives around race and crime. The hosts close by reflecting on broader themes of rehabilitation, surveillance, and public awareness amid complex social challenges. Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram

Oliva Cain Straight Liguro Maduro Nicaragua Robusto: Ted Cruz (Part 2)

In this episode, Nate and Mike light up the Oliva Cain Straight Ligero Maduro Nicaragua Robusto and dive deep into the politically charged life and career of Ted Cruz. From Cruz’s early education and legal rise to his deep ties with the Republican machine and controversial political maneuvers, the hosts unpack the influence of Cruz’s family, including his wife Heidi’s connections to deep state circles and Wall Street. They explore key moments like Cruz’s role in the 2000 Bush v. Gore election, his Tea Party Senate campaign, the 2013 government shutdown stunt, and his controversial actions surrounding the 2020 election. Blending sharp political analysis with candid cigar commentary, Nate and Mike provide an unfiltered look at Cruz’s complex legacy and speculate on what the future may hold for him and his family in American politics. Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram

Montecristo Monte Toro: Ted Cruz (Part 1)

In this episode, Nate and Mike continue their Monte Cristo cigar series with the Monte Toro, paired with craft beer and Crown Royal cherry cacao bitters. They embark on a deep dive into the life and family background of Ted Cruz, exploring his Cuban-Canadian heritage, CIA connections within his family’s corporate and political ties, and the religious networks that shaped his upbringing. The hosts unravel contradictions in Cruz’s family narrative, shedding light on the intertwining of elite influence, political grooming, and evangelical power in Texas. Blending cigar tasting with investigative commentary, this episode sets the stage for a detailed two-part series on one of America’s most controversial political figures. Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram

Montecristo Classic Series Toro: Dudley Do-Right (1999) Movie Review

In this episode, Nate and Mike share their thoughts on smoking the Monte Cristo Classic Series Toro and dive into a deep, often humorous discussion of the 1999 live-action film Dudley Do-Right. They explore its origins as a parody of Northern adventure serials and Rocky and Bullwinkle shorts, analyze the film’s mix of slapstick and adult humor, and compare it to the Barbie movie in terms of layered storytelling and cultural commentary. Along the way, they critique character development, nostalgic callbacks, and box office performance, while reflecting on their personal connections to the movie’s northern small-town themes. Plus, they offer candid cigar reviews and celebrate the joys and challenges of thoughtful, unscripted podcast banter. Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram

Tatiana Sweet Euphoria: Underground Cult Films (w/Bill Zebub)

Content warning: discussions of rape, mentions of pedophilia, abuse, suicide. Nice Ashes and affiliates do not condone any behavior that injures another party. This week on Nice Ashes, Nate and Mike light up the Tatiana Sweet Euphoria cigar while welcoming underground filmmaker Bill Zebub as a special guest. The conversation explores Bill's recently re-edited film Age of Lead, the inspiration behind its title, the challenges of adapting classic literature like The Odyssey and Frankenstein for the screen, and the realities of independent filmmaking. Along the way, the discussion covers artistic integrity, censorship, creative freedom, horror cinema, and the evolving landscape of low-budget film production. Bill's website Grimoire of Exalted Deeds Pre-Order Never Make A Movie In Texas Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram

Montecristo Platinum Series Toro: Spaceballs (1987) The Movie Review

This week on Nice Ashes, Mike and Nate are lighting up the Montecristo Platinum Series Toro and taking a nostalgic trip through Mel Brooks' 1987 sci-fi comedy classic, Spaceballs. They discuss how the film holds up nearly four decades later, revisit its most memorable jokes and quotable lines, explore behind-the-scenes trivia—including George Lucas' surprising involvement—and compare it to other Mel Brooks classics like Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, and Robin Hood: Men in Tights. The conversation also expands into the current state of Hollywood, modern comedy, movie theaters, and why original storytelling seems harder to find today. Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram

Tatiana Rum: Medieval Class Structure

In this episode, Nate and Mike kick off with a casual review of the sweet Tatiana Rum cigar before diving deep into medieval society’s complex social hierarchy. They unpack the rigid class structure—from monarchs and nobles to serfs and itinerants—highlighting how 85% of the population were serfs bound to the land and stripped of rights. The hosts explore the interplay between church, state, and economics, including the roles of Jewish communities and military orders like the Knights Templar. They also discuss the persistence of serfdom well into the 19th and 20th centuries across Europe and beyond, drawing parallels to modern social and power dynamics. The episode closes with reflections on historical patterns of persecution, manipulation, and the enduring influence of elite ruling classes through the ages. Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram

Rocky Patel Box Pressed ITC Super Fuerte Maduro: Britain's Rape Problem

In this episode, Nate and Mike light up the Rocky Patel Box-Pressed ITC Super Fuerte Maduro and dive into a tough but important topic: the ongoing issue of group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse in the UK. They unpack multiple official reports and inquiries dating back to 1997, revealing systemic failures by authorities, challenges with data transparency, and the complex interplay of race, class, and bureaucracy. Alongside candid cigar reviews and personal banter, the hosts explore the troubling legacy of institutional negligence and the impact on victims, urging listeners to engage thoughtfully with the facts. Listener discretion advised due to sensitive content. Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram

Oro Cubano Aniversario: A Brief History of the United States of Israel

In this episode, Nate and Mike smoke the Oro Cubano Anniversario, a surprisingly fancy-labeled yet very budget-friendly cigar. While the first half starts off as perfectly serviceable, the second half sours significantly, leaving much to be desired. Alongside sipping on their drinks, they dive deep into a critical discussion on current U.S. legislation impacting voting rights and the controversial 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, which would solidify a permanent military partnership between the U.S. and Israel. They explore the complex history of U.S.-Israel relations, shed light on political funding influences, and unpack the serious humanitarian and geopolitical consequences tied to these developments. Tune in for an in-depth mix of cigar reviews, thoughtful political analysis, and candid conversation. Web | Patreon | Facebook | Instagram

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