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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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In this special episode celebrating the upcoming 4th of July and the 250th anniversary of American independence, Nate and Mike dive into the history, contributions, and lesser-known facts about the United States. Along the way, they share poignant quotes from Langston Hughes and Mike Huckabee, discuss major moments from the Revolution to space exploration, and highlight influential American figures across politics, science, culture, and sports. All this while smoking the Tatiana Cognac cigar—though they admit this particular Tatiana didn’t quite live up to expectations! Join them for a thoughtful and occasionally irreverent reflection on America’s past, present, and future.

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In this episode, Nate and Mike kick things off by reviewing an unexpectedly excellent budget cigar—the Don Smith Series Dee—before diving deep into the mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke. They explore the historical context of English colonization in the late 1500s, the key figures involved like John White and Sir Walter Raleigh, and the elusive fate of the settlers, including the iconic Virginia Dare. The discussion covers Indigenous alliances, archaeological challenges, the infamous Dare Stones, and modern theories suggesting assimilation with local tribes rather than violent disappearance. Along the way, they touch on how Roanoke has evolved into American folklore and the complexities of history, profit, and legacy. Join them for a rich blend of history, mystery, and candid cigar talk.

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