In this episode, Mike and Nate enjoy a budget-friendly Hoya del Jefe cigar while diving into a fascinating history topic: some of the shortest-lived countries in history. From quirky frontier republics like the Great Republic of Rough and Ready to the Republic of Ezo in Japan, the brief Palmetto Republic of South Carolina, and the modern tale of the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ), they explore colorful attempts at independence, revolutions, and political experiments that lasted anywhere from hours to a few months. Along the way, they share lively banter, historical anecdotes, and personal stories, wrapping up with their honest cigar review and a teaser for next week’s episode featuring a special guest expert on the D.B. Cooper hijacking case.

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In this episode of the podcast, hosts Nate and Mike dive into the controversial death of Johnny Ringo, a notorious figure from the Wild West. As they enjoy cigars and drinks, they explore various theories about how Ringo met his end in 1882. Beginning with their thoughts on a mediocre Don Rafael cigar paired with local brews, the discussion quickly shifts to historical details about Ringo's violent past as a member of the Cochise County Cowboys and his infamous confrontations with lawmen like Wyatt Earp.

The hosts dissect the widely accepted narrative of Ringo's death, which suggests he may have taken his own life, alongside multiple conspiracy theories that propose different scenarios, including potential involvement by Earp or Doc Holliday, retaliatory violence from a fellow gang member, or even a random passerby seeking revenge. Throughout the conversation, Nate mixes humor and critical analysis, while Mike provides historical context, leading to an engaging exploration of the complexities surrounding Ringo's story.

As they wrap up, Mike leans toward the theory that Ringo was most likely killed by an unknown assailant, while Nate humorously posits that Big Nose Kate, Doc Holliday's lover, might be involved. The episode highlights the uncertainty of historical narratives and the allure of the Wild West. Don't forget to like and subscribe for more thought-provoking discussions and insights into history.

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In this podcast episode, Mike and Nate discuss their latest cigar, the Schizo Toro, admiring its impressive packaging and label design while also exploring its flavor profile. They delve into a quirky conversation about the art and design of cigar labels, hinting at their past experiences with lower-quality cigars. Transitioning from cigars to conspiracy theories, Mike introduces the topic of Mussolini's death, which serves as the main theme for the episode. He details the official account of Mussolini's execution by Italian partisans as he attempted to flee to Switzerland after his government fell, before touching upon various conspiracy theories surrounding his death. The duo shares insights into Mussolini's historical significance, his role in Italian fascism, and the various claims made by political figures about their involvement in his assassination. As they smoke and sip their drinks, they strike a balance between light-hearted banter and deeper discussions about history and politics.

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In this episode, hosts Nate and Mike dive into the world of underground bunkers, inspired by a controversial claim that the U.S. government has spent $21 trillion to construct an extensive network of doomsday shelters for the elite. As they smoke a troubled cigar, they discuss the assertion made by former housing official Catherine Austin Fitz, who alleges that these bunkers were created between 1998 and 2015. The duo shares insights on various known underground facilities, including the Greenbrier bunker, Cheyenne Mountain Complex, and other private luxury shelters built for the wealthy. Along the way, they reflect on the feasibility of such bunkers, speculating about the kinds of amenities they would include if they had unlimited budgets, from bowling alleys to extensive libraries. Despite the cigar's poor quality—a source of comedic frustration throughout the episode—they manage to explore the topic with humor and a healthy dose of skepticism. Listeners are cautioned against the featured cigar while enjoying a humorous and engaging discussion about conspiracy theories and survival preparations.

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In this episode of "Nice Ashes," hosts Nate and Mike revisit the Chillin' Moose cigar, trying its Maduro version despite previously swearing off it after a disappointing experience. The duo discusses the cigar's design and hopes for a better flavor profile, comparing it to coffee and discussing their drink pairings. The episode includes a fun guessing game where Mike attempts to identify various sins based on clues related to different religions, including Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Jainism. As they navigate through tricky questions and humorous banter, they share insights about the overlap in religious beliefs and moral teachings. Despite mixed reviews on the cigar, they emphasize the enjoyment of thoughtful discussion over drinks while providing a light-hearted exploration of the complexities of spirituality and ethics. Throughout, there's a commitment to keeping the mood lively, even in the face of serious topics. Tune in for an engaging mix of humor, cigar critique, and philosophical musings.

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In this episode of "Nice Ashes," Mike and Nate discuss their experiences smoking the Chillin' Moose cigar while diving into the controversial documentaries by Matt Walsh, "What is a Woman?" and "Am I Racist?" Mike is skeptical about the Chillin' Moose cigar, describing it as having an odd flavor but adequate for an everyday smoke.

The conversation quickly shifts to the documentaries, where Mike, having watched "What is a Woman?", shares that Walsh's film addresses the complexities of gender identity through interviews with various experts, highlighting the evasive nature of some individuals when faced with straightforward questions. Nate, on the other hand, watched "Am I Racist?" and critiques Walsh’s abrasive style and comedic approach, suggesting that it often detracted from meaningful discourse. He expresses disappointment with Walsh's tendency to interject, arguing that the people he interviewed often presented irrational viewpoints that would have been more effective to let stand on their own without interruption.

Both hosts reflect on the nature of Walsh's film-making, comparing it to Michael Moore's style, characterized by an overt political agenda. They ultimately find both films lacking in terms of balance and insight, criticizing Walsh for not allowing authentic conversations to unfold while nonetheless acknowledging that they contain moments of significant commentary on societal issues. In the end, they both agree that there are better cigars to enjoy and more effective documentaries to watch.

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In this episode of "Nice Ashes," hosts Mike and Nate are joined by a special guest, Keith—their sole listener—who is launching his own podcast, "Life After the Military: Now What?" The episode features lighthearted banter, cigar discussion, and personal narratives about transitioning from military life to civilian careers. Keith shares insights on his experiences and the unique challenges faced by veterans after service, as well as his plans for future podcast episodes featuring fellow veterans. The trio enjoys cigars from La Gloria Cubana while discussing topics ranging from military life to craft beer, and the importance of structure for veterans entering civilian life. The episode wraps up with personal reflections and a lighthearted rating of the cigars smoked during the show. Listeners can find Keith's podcast and more information at 28 April Productions or email keith@28aprilproductions.com.

*note, due to a mistake Nate made during recording, Keith's audio is lesser quality than it should have been*

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