In this episode of Nice Ashes, hosts Mike and Nate light up the Ave Maria Reconquista cigar and dive deep into a fascinating piece of Midwest history: the rise and impact of the Nonpartisan League and the Farmer Labor Party. They explore how two farmers’ secret winter meeting in 1915 sparked a progressive political movement that transformed North Dakota and Minnesota with groundbreaking reforms like the state-owned Bank of North Dakota, progressive income tax, labor rights, and environmental conservation—many of which still benefit the region today. Along the way, they reflect on the power of community, perseverance, and inter-generational change, offering thoughtful insights into how rural values and collective action can shape society. Plus, enjoy candid conversation, cigar reviews, and a fresh perspective on history, politics, and culture.

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In this episode of Nice Ashes, hosts Mike and Nate dive into the fascinating and mysterious story of John Titor, the alleged time traveler from the year 2036 who posted on internet forums in the early 2000s. They explore the origins of the legend, the technical claims about his time machine, his predictions, and the follow-up narrative of John Titor II. Along the way, they discuss pop culture references, the plausibility of the story, and touch on broader topics like AI and societal changes — all while enjoying cigars and whiskey in person. Join them for an engaging blend of history, conspiracy, tech talk, and good humor, as they separate fact from fiction and ponder what the future might hold.

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In this episode, Mike and Nate dive into the complexities of Minnesota culture—especially the infamous "Minnesota Nice"—and how it impacts Somali immigrant integration. They explore the polite yet passive-aggressive communication style, cultural clashes around social expectations, and the invisible barriers that create challenges for newcomers. The discussion also covers historical immigrant groups, cultural differences, and the tension between preserving Somali traditions and adapting to local norms. Alongside thoughtful insights, they pair their conversation with a detailed cigar review of the CAO Nicaragua Toro, and wrap up emphasizing tolerance while firmly rejecting practices like female genital mutilation.

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