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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In this episode, Nate and Mike dive into their experience smoking the Tatiana Honey cigar—sharing honest and unfiltered reviews, which aren’t exactly glowing. They’re joined by returning guest Jordan, who introduces his new lifestyle brand “Be The Club,” inspired by golf culture but designed to be universal and fun. Jordan talks about his upcoming product launch, creative apparel ideas, and engaging with the community. Plus, enjoy some laughs and stories about regional beer blends, sports debates, and Thanksgiving food favorites. Tune in for authentic conversations on cigars, entrepreneurship, and good times with friends!

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In this episode, Nate and Mike light up the "Warfighter Dumpster Fire" cigar and dive into an in-depth, data-driven discussion about the cultural integration of Somali refugees in Minnesota. They explore the complexities of Somali clan systems, family structures, religious practices, and challenges—like female genital mutilation and social discrimination—while also highlighting signs of successful adaptation, particularly among Somali women. With candid reflections and thoughtful analysis, they unpack the nuances of cultural compatibility and long-term integration, emphasizing the human stories behind the statistics. Plus, they share their honest cigar reviews and some lighthearted banter. Join them for a nuanced conversation blending culture, history, and just the right amount of smoke.

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In this episode, Nate and Mike dive into Somali literature as part of their ongoing Somali in Minnesota series. They explore the rich oral tradition, historic and modern poetry, theater, and novels, highlighting themes like nationalism, resistance, love, and cultural identity. They also discuss the compelling memoir Call Me American by Abdi Iftin, which offers a firsthand look at the Somali refugee experience. Alongside literary insights, they share thoughts on smoking the unique blue raspberry–flavored Tatiana Classic Groovy Blue cigar. Tune in for a fascinating blend of culture, history, and personal stories!

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In this episode, the hosts discuss the complex history of U.S. involvement in Somalia, focusing on how American foreign policy has contributed to longstanding instability in the country. They explore the Cold War era alignment shifts, support for military dictatorships, and the consequences of U.S. military withdrawal that coincided with severe droughts and famine. The discussion highlights the rise of extremist groups like al-Shabaab, the mixed effectiveness of counterterrorism efforts, and the heavy financial and humanitarian costs incurred over decades. The hosts also consider Somalia’s internal clan dynamics, colonial-era borders, climate vulnerabilities, and the challenges Somali refugees face in integrating into Western societies such as Minnesota and Sweden. Throughout, they emphasize the human toll of political and military decisions, cautioning against simplistic views and acknowledging the limits of their own and AI-generated knowledge due to language and cultural barriers. The episode opens and closes with the hosts enjoying and reviewing a CAO Country Series Columbia Robusto cigar, sharing their preferences and impressions, while providing a casual, conversational backdrop to the serious subject matter.

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In this episode, the hosts Nate and Mike dive into a unique blend of cigar tasting and intriguing storytelling. They begin by sampling a flavored Robusto cigar, Isla del Sol, noting its sweet and cinnamon flavors, and pairing it with seasonal beers like Oktoberfest and Guinness. The cigar starts strong but loses appeal towards the end, leading to mixed reviews on its overall quality.

The main discussion centers on a mysterious, thought-provoking internet post (a creepypasta) titled "A Parallel Life," describing an alternate decade-long life experienced by a man after a traumatic assault, only to awaken to the harsh reality that none of it was real. Nate reads the post aloud and, with Mike, analyzes multiple possible explanations including lucid dreaming, brain chemistry (like endogenous DMT release during near-death experiences), simulation theory, multiverse crossover, false memory, trauma-induced dissociation, and spiritual interpretations.

The conversation explores how the brain copes with trauma, the nature of memory, and the blurred line between reality and perception. They discuss scientific studies, philosophical ideas, and personal experiences with dreams and memory techniques. Throughout, the hosts reflect on the unreliability of human perception and the fascinating mysteries of consciousness.

The episode ends with a lighter chat about technology upgrades, AI-assisted coding, and nostalgic reflections on old-school graphing calculators, alongside final thoughts on cigars and seasonal candy favorites.

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