Jim Lavelle on Holy Smokes Career Shifts and Resilience
Release Date: 12/11/2024
Faith, Friendship, and Cigars - Key Hiramine's Rapid Fire Episode
Holy Smokes Club Podcast
Kay Hiramine chats with Steve Reiter. Welcome to Holy Smokes, the podcast where we explore the intersections of faith, friendship, fine tobacco, and drinks. In this episode, we are thrilled to have a candid and inspiring conversation with Kay Hiramine, the founder of Holy Smokes, as he joins host Steve Reiter for a rapid-fire discussion. Broadcasting from Papa P's Smoke Shop and Lounge in Franklin, Tennessee, Kay shares his experiences with cigars, recounting unforgettable memories and the profound impact of his faith and community. Kay's journey is filled with wisdom, humor, and heart, from...
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Kay Hiramine Discusses Community and Kingdom Work
Holy Smokes Club Podcast
Kay Hiramine chats with Steve Reiter. Welcome back to another episode of Holy Smokes! Welcome to the Holy Smokes Club podcast, where cigars, spirituality, and community converge. In this episode, we sit down with the founder of Holy Smokes, Kay Hiramine, alongside hosts Steve Reiter and Steve Reiter, for an engaging update from the Nashville-Franklin area. Kay highlights the exciting influx of dynamic individuals and organizations transforming this vibrant region into a new hub for creativity and collaboration. With a focus on private sector leadership and international influences, Kay...
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From Circus Acts to Cigar Lounges: Uli Reyes' Journey of Faith
Holy Smokes Club Podcast
In this episode of the Holy Smokes podcast, host Steve Reiter sits down with Uli Reyes, who shares his life story of faith and transformation. Born to Venezuelan and Cuban parents, Uli's journey spans from being a gang member and circus performer to discovering a deep spiritual connection through Christianity. He discusses his mission work in Nicaragua, where he founded a beauty school to help young girls, and how his passion for cigars began. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, service, and community on Holy Smokes. 00:00 Circus Life: From Africa to Cuba 08:49...
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Faith and Film - RJ Moeller Creative Journeys
Holy Smokes Club Podcast
Welcome to the Holy Smokes podcast, where we explore the realms of faith, friendship, fine tobacco, and drink. Joining us today is RJ Moeller. In this episode, RJ shares his journey from growing up as a pastor's kid in the suburbs of Chicago to becoming a force in the entertainment industry. We discuss RJ's passion for storytelling through journalism and film, his experiences working with personalities like Dennis Prager and Adam Carolla, and his move from Los Angeles to Nashville for a more fulfilling life. Tune in for insights on the creative process, balancing art with business, and RJ's...
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Faith, Healing, and Music: The Paul Cardall Story
Holy Smokes Club Podcast
Paul Cardall chats with Steve Reiter. Welcome to another episode of the Holy Smokes podcast, where we delve into the rich intersections of faith, friendship, fine tobacco, and drink. Join us for an inspiring episode of Holy Smokes as we sit down with pianist and composer Paul Cardall. Growing up in a Mormon family in Salt Lake City, Paul shares his journey through faith, music, and overcoming congenital heart disease. Discover how a personal loss led him to find his musical gift, propelling him to a successful career with both major labels and his own record company. Paul opens up about his...
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Discovering Purpose and Passion - The Loren Johnson Journey
Holy Smokes Club Podcast
Loren Johnson chats with Steve Reiter. Welcome to another episode of the Holy Smokes podcast, where we delve into the rich intersections of faith, friendship, fine tobacco, and drink. Today, join our host, Steve Reiter, as he heads to Franklin, Tennessee, and takes us inside MRSV Studio for an intriguing conversations with Loren Johnson, the CEO who has traveled a unique life journey from growing up in various parts of the world due to his father's career to discovering a profound purpose in music, with unexpected challenges and divine redemptive moments along the way. Loren shares his...
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Lessons in Faith and Persuasion - The Ken Coleman's Story
Holy Smokes Club Podcast
Ken Coleman chats with Steve Reiter. Welcome to another episode of the Holy Smokes podcast, where we explore the intersection of faith, friendship, fine tobacco, and drink. In this episode, host Steve Reiter sits down with Ken Coleman at Papa P's in Franklin, Tennessee, surrounded by a lively group of the Holy Smokes community. Ken shares insights into his life journey, from growing up as a pastor's kid in Virginia to navigating the world of politics at a young age. They delve into Ken's experiences working for the governor and later transitioning into the private sector and his passion for...
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Tim Bisagno Discusses Faith, Addiction, and Redemption on Holy Smoke
Holy Smokes Club Podcast
Tim Bisagno chats with Steve Reiter. Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Holy Smokes podcast. In this week's installment, host Steve Reiter sits down with Tim Bisagno, a passionate advocate for creative evangelism and founder of MissionX Mission. Tim shares his fascinating journey of growing up as a pastor's kid in a burgeoning church environment and the struggles he faced, including his battle with addiction. Through candid conversation, we delve into Tim's story of redemption, the impact of his father's unconventional pastoral guidance, and how he found his calling in creative...
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From Touring Musician to Cigar Industry Pioneer: Scott Partridge's Story
Holy Smokes Club Podcast
Scott Partridge chats with Steve Reiter. Welcome back to another episode of Holy Smokes! In this episode, our host, Steve Reiter, sits down with Scott Partridge, the owner of Papa P's Smoke Shop and Lounge in Franklin, Tennessee. Scott shares his incredible journey from a rural upbringing in Upstate New York to the heart of the music industry in Nashville and eventually to owning a beloved cigar lounge. Throughout the conversation, they discuss the importance of camaraderie in the cigar industry, Scott's transition from a successful music career to the cigar world, and the unique community he...
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Kay Hiramine's Journey: Building a Global Community Through Cigars and Fellowship
Holy Smokes Club Podcast
Welcome to another episode of Holy Smokes. Today, we are pleased to feature a talk by the founder of Holy Smokes, Kay Hiramine, also known as the "Godfather" or "Pope of the Smoke." This episode captures a recent Holy Smokes gathering organized by local lead Chris Ford in the San Francisco Bay Area. Kay shares how Holy Smokes began as a simple gathering of friends in Colorado Springs, enjoying fine tobacco and drinks, and has since grown into a global community spanning 80 nations. At its core, Holy Smokes is about building authentic relationships and creating spaces where men and women can...
info_outlineIn this episode of "Holy Smokes," host Steve Reiter interviews Jim Lavelle, delving into his diverse career journey from the mortgage industry through financial services to tech and finally establishing a pizzeria in Colorado Springs recognized among the top Neapolitan spots in the U.S. Jim opens up about overcoming significant financial hurdles during the 2008 crisis, the influential books that guided him, and his experiences with cigar smoking and pairing, which have enriched his personal and social life. They also discuss their shared appreciation for tobacco, spiritual growth, and meaningful relationships cultivated through the Holy Smokes group, touching on the importance of community support, particularly amid Lavelle's own family's challenges and his ongoing spiritual reawakening. The episode weaves through varied topics—from Jim's favorite cigars and high-end rums to his passion for music and connections with sports teams—culminating in a reflective and compelling narrative about resilience, faith, friendship, and the pursuit of contentment.
Outline:
00:00 Childhood memories: Catholic school, church, community, pancakes.
08:05 Helping Fort Hood community through STEM and sports.
13:07 Fell in love with the beautiful Colorado landscape.
16:08 Struggled with finances; wanted to help others.
22:21 Coaching journey prepares for future blessings.
26:56 Deal fell through; Roberto sold due to family.
37:14 Tobacco varieties are likened to wine pairings.
41:51 Holy Smoke pipe smell evokes Grandpa's memories.
47:20 Traveling for work benefits cigar purchases.
51:05 Cigar lounge opens conversations with strangers.
58:02 Athletes remain competitive despite age-related challenges.
59:14 Olympians' achievements require extraordinary teamwork and sacrifice.
01:08:13 "How to Win Friends" enhances self-awareness.
01:11:45 Frustrated with Catholicism, embarked on the spiritual journey.
01:17:32 Law of attraction brings needed people gratitude.
01:21:57 Grateful for lifelong friends and support.
01:27:10 Seeking more rainfall, peacefulness, mountains, undecided location.
01:36:46 Friendships and shared spirituality enrich my life.
01:41:56 Cover area for more inclusive gathering experiences.
01:43:00 Creating experiences, not just dining, with friends.