In this kickoff episode for Season 5 of Nice Ashes, Nate and Mike light up a La Gloria Cubana 8th Street Toro to ease back into cigar talk, sharing their honest impressions of its bold spice and flavor journey. Alongside their cigar review, they dive deep into fascinating butterfly effect theories, connecting historical dots in unexpected ways—from the Romanovs’ fall leading to 9/11 and Ellen DeGeneres’ career unraveling, to Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination sparking global conflicts, and even how Star Trek indirectly influenced Barack Obama’s presidency. They also explore the invention of penicillin, quirky pop culture tidbits, and political what-ifs, all while rambling about the evolution of movies, sci-fi tropes, and the current state of the entertainment industry. Plus, they share season plans, invite listener cigar suggestions, and reflect on their journey as a podcast hitting Season 5. Expect plenty of humor, surprising insights, and plenty of smoke-filled camaraderie in this wide-ranging episode.
