Holy Smokes Club Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Mikes Mears chats with Steve Reiter, a long-awaited guest on the show for three years. Mike, who has quite the journey from a political campaign to faith engagement at the Republican National Committee. Mike is smoking a nica rustica cigar, and despite not being a cigar aficionado, he brings a wealth of experience and intriguing stories to share. From growing up in a faith-filled Roman Catholic home to a career in politics and his unique spiritual journey, Mike's perspective on faith, politics, and the intricacies of life is sure to captivate you. So sit back, light up your favorite cigar, and join us for an inspiring and insightful conversation. 

Outline: 
(00:04) Nuns predicted future, led to religious journey.
(08:49) Stephanie's different upbringing caused family tension.
(11:45) Helped friend get elected; aided in campaigns.
(18:46) Ignored phone calls, National Right to Work Committee.
(23:20) Reluctant conservative liaison for Republican National Committee.
(29:53) Promotion, politics, and gender rule confusion.
(35:31) Pro-life community lacks agreement, needs discipleship.
(38:04) Security personnel's quick thinking prevents tragedy.
(46:43) Preferring mixed whiskey drinks, especially with Coke.
(52:07) Supporting the Orange County and Los Angeles teams.
(58:23) Seeking wisdom, finding God in unusual places.
(59:58) Considering moving to be close to politics.

About the Guest:  Mike Mears was raised with the belief that he was destined to either become a priest or president of the United States. At the age of 17, he began to take his faith more seriously after being introduced to Jesus Christ through a campus ministry called Campus Life. This pivotal moment led to a commitment to his faith and a lifelong journey with Christianity.

Bradley Chaddick chats with Steve Reiter. He opens up about navigating grief and supporting his wife through their journey, finding purpose and involvement in the church after a tragic loss, and the positive transformation they've experienced. Tune in to hear about Bradley's journey to finding authentic community and fellowship, including his involvement with Holy Smokes. Steve and Bradley also talk about Cigars, pipe tobacco preferences, and some memorable smoking experiences. Grab your favorite cigar, sit back, and join us for an episode.

Outline: 

• (00:03)Church elder introduces believer to Holy Smokes.
• (04:16) I joined singing groups Inspired by my brother's choir.
• (08:11) After college, they married and changed careers multiple times.
• (10:25) Introduced to cigars early and got really into it.
• (15:14) Challenging parenting without family support in Phoenix.
• (16:35) Finding community is crucial for personal fulfillment.
• (21:50) 12-step programs showed true church community vision.
  (25:17) Authentic community, deep scripture study, and growth.
• (28:36) College dating, marriage, spiritual connections, and bonding.
• (29:33) Remembering lost loved ones through Holy Smokes.
• (34:19) Finding purpose in faith, supporting each other.
• (36:21) Fellowship can exist outside church institutions.
• (42:10) Unexpected encounter sparks faith and connection.
• (46:03) Haunted Knocking in Black Forest: Wife's Encounter
• (49:43) Thankful for the community and wife's support.
• (52:57) Striving for unity, needing more communication skills.
• (53:59) Spiritual fathers shaped the faith and provided guidance.
• (57:11) Seeking authentic fellowship, discipleship, and following God.

About the Guest: Bradley Chaddick is a member of a church who found a passion for cigars and authentic conversations. He discovered the Holy Smokes fellowship movement and was thrilled to find a group where he could enjoy cigars and whiskey while discussing Christ and deepening his faith. After meeting an elder from his church in a cigar lounge, he was introduced to the Arizona group and the main fellowship and was excited to be part of a community that shared his interests and beliefs. This experience fulfilled a dream he had been harboring for years.

Welcome back to another episode of Holy Smokes! I'm your host, Steve Reiter, and today, we have a very special guest joining us: Ashley Early. In this episode, Ashley shares their personal journey of making a significant life change, one that involved leaving their job and moving back to their hometown. They open up about the emotional process of making this decision, as well as the deep sense of duty and respect they feel towards their parents. Ashley's story is filled with moments of reflection, self-discovery, and faith, reminding us of the importance of family, community, and finding our true purpose in life. So grab your headphones and get ready for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation. Let's dive in! 

Outline:

(01:35) Grew up near farms, Mennonite community, split.
(06:41) Coaches wanted to be like Bobby Knight, but struggling to win got old. Need to get tougher for success.
(13:54 Exchanged life for something better, understood verse.
(17:18) Remote court officer with extensive powers. Ideal job.
(25:43) Lawyers in small towns make money off something they know, not practicing law. Reoccurring revenue allows for client turnover and limitless potential. Liked being in control and creating my own business.
(27:02) The Head of the firm engages with employees openly.
(35:12) Transformation through challenging debates and incidents.
(40:42) Reluctantly moving back home to care.
(44:00 Dad in apartments, smoking grass, finding a job.
(48:18) Building relationships with guys through lunches and breakfasts.
(56:43) Striving for apostle calling, supporting, encouraging, and connecting through cigars and bourbon to help neighbors find hope and freedom.
(01:01:21) Meeting in graveyard secures successful account deal.
(01:07:34) Doctor J, MJ, and the cool factor.
(01:12:23) Concerned about kids' success, but it's about me.
(01:18:53) Charlie introduced new friends, all-black churches, and preaching. Transitioned from partying to Christianity lost friends. Charlie threw a 21st birthday party in a black neighborhood.
(01:20:25) Dad succeeded without college and selflessly gave.
(01:26:53) Fast folding, odd plans, hospital, medical university, ambulance. Asleep, dream.
(01:30:23) Anger turns into realization of lifelong presence.
(01:35:42) "Holy Smokes fosters men's authentic community engagement."

About the Guest:  "Ashley Early" grew up in a rural community surrounded by farms. Half of the community consisted of Old Order Mennonite or Anabaptist families, while the rest were a few generations removed from that background. In elementary school, Ashley had friends from both backgrounds, but by 8th grade, the Mennonite children would no longer attend school with the rest. Despite this separation, Ashley would still cross paths with them while driving their cars, while the Mennonite families traveled in horses and buggies.

Welcome to another exciting episode of Holy Smokes! Welcome back to another episode of Holy Smokes! In today's episode, titled "Seattle Chapter," we dive into the captivating and life-changing stories of new people joining our sacred circle. Host Steve Reiter, along with guests Zack, Buzz Leonard, and Jim Canfield, share their personal experiences of brotherhood, camaraderie, and deep conversations that have left an indelible impact on their lives. From encounters with retired SEALs and confronting fathers about achievements to building connections and discussing theology, these devoted men embody the power of vulnerability and authentic storytelling. Join us as we delve into the importance of consistent gatherings, the value of support systems, and the beauty of building relationships around fire pits, cigars, and shared meals. So grab your headphones and get ready for an inspiring and soul-stirring journey on this episode of Holy Smokes.

Outline:
00:02:19 Met Buzz, had coffee, shared a story, and bonded.
(05:06) Wealthy man questions his purpose; powerful sermon.
(06:54) Went to see Joe, saw beautiful deer.
(1:21) Expanding the porch for men to gather around the fire.
(13:36) Men need fellowship in brokenness, not just accountability.
(16:29) Lively group discussing hermeneutics and Jesus.
(20:51) Building relationships and sharing stories through Jesus.
(22:39) Kids admire their dad, it's amazing. Bonding time every Tuesday from 3:30 to 10:30.
(26:45) Making money for the night business is crucial.
(28:48) Prayer for 100 guys, cheap woodshed accommodation.
(32:27) Consistent commitment to weekly cigar gatherings.
(35:19) Men have a deep need for companionship.
(38:26) Appreciation for Jim, Buzz, and Holy Smoke.

About the Guest:  Jim Canfield was new in Seattle and didn't have any friends. He called up Buzz, whom he had recently met, and they decided to meet for coffee. Jim shared his story with Buzz, who was a great source of encouragement for him during this time. Jim mentioned that he had no friends in Seattle, and he even joked about not having a Rolodex, as all his contacts were in St. Louis. Buzz became Jim's first friend in Seattle and eventually became his best friend. Intrigued, Jim asked Buzz to tell him about the deer whisperer. 

Welcome to another episode of Holy Smokes. In this week's episode our host, Steve Reiter, sits down with a special guest, Jim Canfield, to discuss a wide range of captivating stories and experiences. During the episode, Jim takes us on an adventurous journey, starting with his experience of buying a house through a short sale. From panicking about cashier's checks to successfully bidding on the house, Jim shares the twists and turns of the process. But that's just the beginning! Get ready to hear about Jim's hair-raising aviation mishaps, including a near-miss with a silver fox farm while flying at a low altitude. Discover how a simple flight detour became a memorable tale involving hungry silver foxes. Jim also delves into his fascinating time in the military and the importance of timing when making life-changing decisions. But it's not all thrills and excitement! Join us as Jim opens up about personal struggles, addiction, and the power of confession. Hear about his journey towards freedom, personal growth, and the importance of finding support and accountability. 

Outline:
(00:02) Faith, friendship, tobacco, and drinks podcast.
(3:13) Childhood vacations involved driving long distances efficiently.
(8:25) Electrical engineering major turned military aviator.
(12:09) Low level flying over Washington's scenic areas.
(14:17) Delay caused an accidental flight over a sensitive area.
(17:53) Weakness turned into a dangerous flying incident.
(28:08) Confess love, seek help, rebuild relationships, move forward.
(29:25) She refused counseling and medication, and lost hope.
(32:32) Successful purchase, uncertainties arise about property's lots.
(37:45) Weekly gathering of men in Treehouse for fellowship.
(40:27) Northern Seattle, east of St. Louis. Support for struggling with sexual purity.
(43:41) Memorable Cuban cigar experience on Holy Smokes Cruise.
(49:04) Thankful for family, friends, and successful startup.
(50:36) Strength: Love for others, despite their sins.
(55:36) Jesus dies, rescues prisoners, preaches condemnation.

About the Guest:  Jim Canfield grew up with what he considered to be a normal childhood. One of their family traditions was embarking on road trips to Colorado in their Ford Econoline van. They would remove the back seat and replace it with a pullout sofa mattress, making a comfortable sleeping space for the journey. To save time and avoid stops, they prepared sandwiches and kept them in a cooler between the front captain's chairs. Instead of taking breaks to switch drivers, Jim's dad would perform what he called a "midair transfer." He would put the van on cruise control, get out of his seat, hold the steering wheel from behind, and let Jim's mom take over driving without slowing down. This unconventional method aimed to prevent other vehicles from overtaking them on the road. The family also had a CB radio, which they used enthusiastically to communicate with other drivers and maximize their efficiency on the journey

In todays Holy Smokes episode guest Stan Wallace shares his journey of deepening his understanding and grounding in his faith while navigating the challenges of academia. Stan discusses the importance of Christians engaging in philosophy, history, literature, and neuroscience, and bringing biblical principles into the conversation. He highlights the need for integration between theology and philosophy in order to address critical issues related to human nature, human flourishing, and cultural engagement. Stan also shares his experiences in faculty ministry and emphasizes the significance of Christian professors being part of the university conversation for the pursuit of truth, beauty, and justice. Throughout the episode, Stan's authenticity and commitment to fostering genuine connections within the "holy smokes" community shines through, providing listeners with valuable insights and thought-provoking perspectives.

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Be sure to click 'Subscribe' on your favorite podcast app, so you don't miss an episode, and please share this with someone.

Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal: https://paypal.me/holysmokesclub

Or become a regular monthly supporter at: https://www.patreon.com/holysmokes

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/holysmokescigarclub

Join our private community: https://holy-smokes-club.mn.co/

Join our 'secret' Facebook Group: https://fb.me/g/kErrg65j5/K6GWl6H3

Check out the BRAND NEW Holy Smokes Club Store! Get shirts, hats, stickers, and more: https://holy-smokes-club.myshopify.com

In today's episode, host Steve Reiter is joined by the passionate and experienced fisherman, Sam Vandervalk. Get ready to dive into the captivating world of fishing as Sam shares his insights on changing fishing conditions, the joy of creating memorable experiences for guests, and the power of connecting with others through the sport. Tune in as they also discuss the groundbreaking career of Tony Robbins, the importance of mentors, and the fascinating journey of becoming number one on Google. So sit back, grab a smoke, relax, and get ready for an episode of Holy Smokes.

————————————————————————————

Be sure to click 'Subscribe' on your favorite podcast app, so you don't miss an episode, and please share this with someone.

Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal: https://paypal.me/holysmokesclub

Or become a regular monthly supporter at: https://www.patreon.com/holysmokes

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/holysmokescigarclub

Join our private community: https://holy-smokes-club.mn.co/

Join our 'secret' Facebook Group: https://fb.me/g/kErrg65j5/K6GWl6H3

Check out the BRAND NEW Holy Smokes Club Store! Get shirts, hats, stickers, and more: https://holy-smokes-club.myshopify.com

On this episode of Holy Smokes, host Steve Reiter welcomes guest Brett Clemmer, who shares a personal journey of faith, marriage, and professional growth. Brett recounts the challenges he and his wife faced in their first year of marriage and their subsequent return to faith. He discusses their experiences working at a homeless shelter, starting a software company, and the turning point that led him to seek support from a men's group and read "The Man in the Mirror." Brett reflects on his father's influence in shaping his faith, his role as a father and husband, and his passion for helping men develop godly lives and be leaders in their families. The episode sheds light on the ministry of Man in the Mirror, its mission to disciple men, and their goal to raise up to 10,000 spiritual fathers to engage with younger men.  Join us as we explore the incredible growth of Man in the Mirror, its commitment to helping men be strong fathers and husbands, and its mission to raise up to 10,000 spiritual fathers in the next three years. You'll also learn about the ministry's international expansion and its efforts to engage younger men through intentional spiritual friendships.

————————————————————————————

Be sure to click 'Subscribe' on your favorite podcast app, so you don't miss an episode, and please share this with someone.

Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal: https://paypal.me/holysmokesclub

Or become a regular monthly supporter at: https://www.patreon.com/holysmokes

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/holysmokescigarclub

Join our private community: https://holy-smokes-club.mn.co/

Join our 'secret' Facebook Group: https://fb.me/g/kErrg65j5/K6GWl6H3

Check out the BRAND NEW Holy Smokes Club Store! Get shirts, hats, stickers, and more: https://holy-smokes-club.myshopify.com

In this episode of Holy Smokes, Steve Reiter is joined by guest Travis Bowman as they dive into the fascinating story of Peter Francisco, an American Revolutionary War hero. Travis, who is a descendant of Peter Francisco, shares his journey of discovering his ancestor's impactful legacy and his determination to bring his story to life through a book and potentially a film adaptation. Along the way, he also discusses his own experiences in the environmental industry and the importance of environmental cleanup. So sit back, grab a cigar, and join us as we uncover the amazing tale of Peter Francisco in this captivating episode of Holy Smokes.

————————————————————————————

Be sure to click 'Subscribe' on your favorite podcast app, so you don't miss an episode, and please share this with someone.

Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal: https://paypal.me/holysmokesclub

Or become a regular monthly supporter at: https://www.patreon.com/holysmokes

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/holysmokescigarclub

Join our private community: https://holy-smokes-club.mn.co/

Join our 'secret' Facebook Group: https://fb.me/g/kErrg65j5/K6GWl6H3

Check out the BRAND NEW Holy Smokes Club Store! Get shirts, hats, stickers, and more: https://holy-smokes-club.myshopify.com

 In this episode of Holy Smokes, host Steve Reiter and guest Andrew Lawson dive into the world of cigars, sharing their experiences exploring different cigar shops and discovering hidden gems in the Central Florida area. They discuss the Corona Cigar family, particularly Jeff Borsoitz and his impressive farm, as well as other favorite spots like Executive in Sanford. The conversation also touches on aviation school, marketing ventures, and even a unique wedding ceremony at Westminster Abbey. Throughout the episode, the importance of meaningful conversations, personal connections, and staying present in the moment shines through, making for a thought-provoking and enjoyable listen.

————————————————————————————

Be sure to click 'Subscribe' on your favorite podcast app, so you don't miss an episode, and please share this with someone.

Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal: https://paypal.me/holysmokesclub

Or become a regular monthly supporter at: https://www.patreon.com/holysmokes

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/holysmokescigarclub

Join our private community: https://holy-smokes-club.mn.co/

Join our 'secret' Facebook Group: https://fb.me/g/kErrg65j5/K6GWl6H3

Check out the BRAND NEW Holy Smokes Club Store! Get shirts, hats, stickers, and more: https://holy-smokes-club.myshopify.com