Holy Smokes Podcast

Holy Smokes® is the world's largest private cigar club and now we've taken the message of Faith, Friendship, Fine Tobacco & Drink from our 'secret' Facebook group to the world! Listen to host Steve Reiter as he interviews Holy Smokes members, cigar manufacturers, lounge owners, theologians, influencers, and much more.

Holy Smokes Presents: Mark Bendorf's Coffee, Cigars, and Spiritual Reflections 03/01/2024

Holy Smokes Presents: Mark Bendorf's Coffee, Cigars, and Spiritual Reflections Welcome to the Holy Smokes podcast. In this emotional episode of Holy Smokes, our host, Steve Reiter, sits down with guest Mark Bendorf for a profound and heartfelt conversation. Mark shares his experiences with cigars, his love for family, and his challenges. From growing up near Camp Randall in Madison, Wisconsin, to serving in the Marine Corps and losing his son, the conversation delves into moments of joy, sorrow, and the celebration of life. Join us as Mark opens up about his son's passing, the simple joys of life, and his journey of faith, all while enjoying a cigar with Steve. This episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of finding joy amidst pain. Outline: (00:05) Childhood car parking business in Christian households. (08:12) Madison's free zoo is meant for the community. (11:50) Sister's friend leads to union apprenticeship at 27. (16:39) Mother shocked and alarmed by son's death. (22:13) Embraced and comforted a grieving group of kids. (27:58) Respect individuality and give space for growth. (36:38) Enjoying coffee and cigars, memorable moments shared. (41:42) Christian artists, 60s/70s rock, some Michael Jackson (45:13) The Family had a dog and a cat. (49:43) Thankful for kids, family, friends, and parents. (56:00) Dave presents the Bible in a disarming, loving way. (01:00:24) Enjoy life, appreciate Christ's sacrifice, and keep it simple. About the Guest: Mark Bendorf grew up just blocks away from where he would later become an entrepreneur. As a kid, he would park cars in his backyard for a small fee, which was a lucrative business for a young boy in the 1980s. Despite his early success, Mark was raised in a Christian home, with his father being Free Methodist and his mother Lutheran. When his family moved to Madison, they attended a Presbyterian church. This early experience of entrepreneurship and strong family values would shape Mark's future endeavors. /episode/index/show/holysmokes/id/30881448

Faith, Fellowship, and Fresh Starts: A Conversation with Dave Bechtold on Holy Smokes 02/20/2024

Faith, Fellowship, and Fresh Starts: A Conversation with Dave Bechtold on Holy Smokes Welcome to Holy Smokes, the podcast where faith, friendship, tobacco, and drinks come together in meaningful and thought-provoking conversations. In this episode, our host, Steve Reiter, sits down with the inspiring Dave Bechtold and the engaging Mark Bendorf. Together, they delve into a wide range of topics, from childhood memories and personal growth to faith, community engagement, and the unique Holy Smokes gatherings. Journey with us as we explore the depth of Jesus, the mission of going beyond the church building walls, and the power of spreading hope and love in a world divided by politics and ideologies. Get ready for an episode filled with stories, insights, and a shared passion for cigars and pipes in the cozy setting of the Holy Smokes headquarters at Dave Bechtold's home lounge in Madison, Wisconsin. Outline: (00:00) Madison: a liberal town with unique politics. (06:32) Relevance of God and hope in politics. (16:07) Divine intervention led to successful kids ministry. (19:02) Former churchgoer shares experience and impact of prayer. (24:59) Rebellious teenagers become the center of attention. (30:52) Expect the inevitable and maintain a positive attitude. (38:17) A Young couple prioritized relationship grappled with religion. (41:39) Dave was known for connecting with people. (51:17) Sow seeds, build relationships, and spread good news. (56:22) Neighbors connected over the fire, shared cigars and welcomed. (59:09) Enjoying pipe smoking, trying Colorado blends, supporting local business. (01:07:03) Not into Star Trek, but likes sports. (01:12:25) Son perfected steak; now it's my favorite. (01:17:21) Overcoming negativity through obedience to Jesus. (01:22:45) Thankful for friends, wife, and gifts. (01:29:32) Celebrating influential figures in spirituality and ministry. (01:34:15) Christ's faithfulness is beautiful and often unnoticed. About the Guest: Dave Bechtold is known for his love and passion for people, especially families and children. He is often described as having a heart for others and a genuine love for throwing parties to bring joy to those around him. Dave truly believes in the saying, "If you can find a job that you love to do, you'll never work a day in your life," and he exemplifies this through his work. His parties bring happiness and serve as a way for him to share God's love and show that the Lord is good. Dave's dedication to serving others and spreading joy through his work is a testament to his caring and compassionate nature /episode/index/show/holysmokes/id/30881398

Holy Smokes Madison Chapter: Bringing Together Faith, Bourbon, and Cigars for Community 02/16/2024

A Conversation with Tobin Arthur: From Baseball to Business, Cigars, and Healthcare Innovations 02/02/2024

A Conversation with Tobin Arthur: From Baseball to Business, Cigars, and Healthcare Innovations Welcome to a sizzling new episode of Holy Smokes! In this electrifying installment, we're joined by the illustrious Tobin Arthur, who regales us with riveting tales from his high school baseball triumphs to his dynamic career in business and healthcare. Grab your favorite Crossfire cigar and a piping hot cup of coffee as we delve into Tobin's journey from USC to co-founding Innovation for Alpha, blazing a trail through the realms of entrepreneurship, healthcare, and community building. Get ready to be captivated by Tobin's fascinating anecdotes, insights on the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, and his passion for creating meaningful connections. So sit back, relax, and prepare for a Holy Smokes experience like no other! Outline: (00:00) Grind consistency varies for different brewing methods. (20:03) Pitching speed expectations create strain on arms. (28:08) Started window washing business with friends, struggled. (32:24) Starbucks adapted to long lines with innovations. (43:39) Legacy technology caused problems storing outdated data. (53:53) Health insurance companies reject claims to avoid payment. (01:07:17) Venture capital challenges and youth in Bay. (01:21:42) Consumers using ER as primary care is costly. (01:31:08) The Healthcare system struggles to shift towards value-based care. (01:37:30) Educational tools and online community for business. (01:45:21) Met cool people through cigars, and Norris is a favorite. (01:58:23) Family's faith and worldwide prayers for brother. Complex, unique surgery watched by global medical professionals. (02:07:12) Legacy as a coach helping others succeed. About the Guest: Tobin Arthur is a coffee connoisseur with a deep knowledge of coffee making. He is well-versed in different coffee types, particularly espresso-based and drip coffee. Tobin understands the intricacies of making espresso, emphasizing the need for high pressure and a fine grind to extract the true flavor of the coffee. While he appreciates the option to add flavors and milk, Tobin believes that a true coffee aficionado should be able to enjoy the pure flavor of espresso. His expertise in the world of coffee has made him a respected figure in the industry /episode/index/show/holysmokes/id/30262158

Mitch Smith's Journey to Personal and Professional Blessings 01/09/2024

Mitch Smith's Journey to Personal and Professional Blessings Welcome to another exciting episode of Holy Smokes with Steve Reiter and Mitch Smith! Mitch shares his journey from resigning from his job to starting his own business and finding success in the learning management platform industry. He discusses his experiences, including meeting influential individuals, building strong client relationships, and the impact of faith in his life. Mitch also dives into his current projects, including creating innovative assessments for children and his involvement in a men's group. Stay tuned for an inspiring and insightful episode of Holy Smokes with Mitch Smith. Outline: (04:23) Mom stayed home, played sports, had fun. (10:23) Rebellion, excessive drinking, college disappointments, dissatisfaction. (13:18) The fortunate guy finds a new trustworthy friend group. (19:22) The Agency said it could take 5 years. Resigned, played golf, and met Dean Witter's manager. (22:04) Moved to Columbia for business, found wife. (30:45) Great bible study, mentorship, and discipleship journey. (32:59) CD ROM video, tracking software, Herx Selenis. Safety training online. $660,000 contract in 1994. (37:40) Successful learning platform, landed big clients. Experienced in a young industry. (46:35) Writing a diary to share faith and family importance. Meeting Chalmers Culbreth, battling cancer. (49:43) The book uncovers junk in life and friendship. (54:56) Designed an iPad learning platform for a pharma company. The youngest daughter asks for a digital curriculum. Homeschool companies refuse due to IP concerns. (1:02:15) Consulted after unsuccessful company venture, kept RootLoud. (1:08:57) "Guarantee change, reduce fees, create engagement in business." (1:14:34) Loved cutting grass on a tractor. (1:17:02) Country football nights, catfishing, cigars at Citadel. (1:22:02) Facebook post leads to a thriving men's community. (1:28:15) Tired of news, watches YouTube, enjoys history. (1:34:38) DNA test reveals dad is not a real dad. (1:37:34) Thriving community fosters connections, enabling ministry. About the Guest: Mitch Smith is the son of a hardworking paper mill mechanic who taught him the values of generosity and a strong work ethic. Growing up, Mitch's father worked at Springs Mills before seizing the opportunity to work at new paper mills near Rock Hill. This decision turned out to be the greatest thing that ever happened to him. Despite being in a seemingly ordinary role, Mitch's father was known for his godly character and his willingness to give generously, challenging the perception that only the wealthy can be generous givers. Inspired by his father's example, Mitch learned valuable lessons about investing in the kingdom and considers himself incredibly blessed to have been raised by such a remarkable man. /episode/index/show/holysmokes/id/29402228

Unfiltered: Caleb Allen Long's Journey Through Faith and Ministry 12/26/2023

Unfiltered: Caleb Allen Long's Journey Through Faith and Ministry Welcome to Holy Smokes, a gathering place where faith, friendship, excellent tobacco, and good drink collide to spark meaningful conversations. Caleb Allen, a preacher from Denison, Kansas, joins host Steve Reiter on this episode. They delve deeply into Caleb's personal path, from being a conscientious youngster to his atypical career goals and spiritual change, culminating in his impactful community engagement. Caleb offers a unique peek into the interface of faith and life by sharing insights on theology, personal growth, and managing diversity in faith beliefs. Explore Caleb's journey to learn about the heartwarming and thought-provoking incidents that molded his faith. Only on Holy Smokes will you find an enlightening debate on faith, community, and the power of conversation. Outline: (00:05) Create a community for faith-based individuals through fellowship. (05:06) Podcast mix-up leads to confusion and humor. (14:32) Questioning morality and conscience amid childhood disobedience. (19:33) The Family moved to Hawkinsville, Georgia in 2005. (23:47) Changed degree from youth ministry to theology. (25:55) New understanding of Corinthians 11's message. (33:50) Disagreements can arise due to sin's influence. (38:15) Attracted to serious Christianity, influenced by reformation. (43:13) The Reformed Presbyterian Church follows regulative principle worship. (48:36) Offer unblemished animals, sell if blemished, temple. (57:21) Jesus called out legalistic behavior, especially Pharisees. (1:03:09) Moved to Pittsburgh, prolonged study, but successful. (1:04:04) Five years brought significant maturing and growth. (1:10:47) The new pastor engages parking lot workers conversationally. (1:19:21) Introduced to Lagavulin, I love its peaty taste. Memorable cigar experience: chatting with elders. (1:24:32) Encountered strange figures in the yard and rushed inside. (1:28:37) Encouraging books on church antagonists and intentions. (1:33:04) Inspiring testimonies about Paul's character and impact. (1:37:18) High-quality apparel and accessories are available for purchase. About the Guest: Caleb Allen is a member of a small congregation who enjoys fine tobacco and drink as a way to connect with others. He recently recommended a Christian podcast to his fellow group members, which features interviews with people from various backgrounds and includes discussions about fine tobacco and drink. Caleb is passionate about using these interests as a means for fellowship and connection within his community. /episode/index/show/holysmokes/id/29402213

From Ministry to Mattresses: Steve Van Diest's Journey of Faith and Redemption 12/12/2023

From Ministry to Mattresses: Steve Van Diest's Journey of Faith and Redemption Welcome to another episode of Holy Smokes. In this episode, our host, Steve Reiter, sits down with a very special guest, Steve Van Diest. Steve opens up about his journey from ministry to joining a missional order called Project Revive. He shares the challenges he faced when 60% of his donors left him after making the shift. He tells us how he infused kingdom principles into the mattress retail industry and transformed it by focusing on loving and caring for employees, as well as hiring refugees and felons. We also dive into the sleazy reputation of the mattress retail industry and how Steve Van Diest is changing the game. Steve Van Diest recounts his personal struggles, including a breakdown in his business partnership. He opens up about his experience with COVID-19 and the impact it had on his family, as well as the challenging topic of divorce that surfaced during a dinner conversation. But amidst the hardships, Steve and his wife share how the gospel transformed their lives and their perspective on marriage. We also have an exciting discussion about Acumen, a community for business owners looking to grow their businesses without sacrificing their family life. Steve Van Diest and his wife coach couples through a marriage course and emphasize the importance of women having dreams and achieving them. Join us as we delve into the inspiring and transformative journey of Steve Van Diest. He shares his experiences, his faith, and how Holy Smokes played a significant role in his spiritual growth. Don't forget to check out Holy Smokes gear on our website, and stay tuned for an episode filled with laughter, introspection, and a whole lot of holy smoke! Outline 04:19 Convenient drive-through grocery with teenagers. 07:28 Unexpected encounter at Billy Graham event. 15:26 Feeling called to Mexico City, leaving successful job. 16:10 Canceled meeting, flipped ministry, left in 2006. Pregnant. Fight. She left. Collapsed. Called friend. 24:20 Raised funds, moved to Mexico City, no prayers. 30:56 Bakke Graduate University: Impacting cities through education. 32:22 Freedom to love, hire and succeed in business. 39:12 Letting go after counseling, finding inner strength. 46:36 Former GM starts nonprofit to employ marginalized. 50:44 He made changes, documented, and had a vision for transformation. 55:43 Parenting with brokenness; children need grace. 01:00:32 Front range, business owners with $2M+ revenue, 10+ employees, seeking a supportive community for growth without sacrificing personal life. 01:08:00 Four years sober, selling store, growing company. 01:12:08 Memorable cigar experience: Brazilian party with Sama girls. 01:17:53 Grief getaway leads to unforgettable street tacos. 01:23:13 Lion, leadership, tattooed woman, tenderness in eyes. 01:25:52 Son's concern over dad's smoking habits. /episode/index/show/holysmokes/id/29017048

Jimmy Graham: From SEALs to Shephard - Finding Purpose and Making a Difference. 11/28/2023

Jimmy Graham: From SEALs to Shephard - Finding Purpose and Making a Difference. Welcome back to another episode of Holy Smokes! In today's episode, a very special guest is joining us - the incredible Jimmy Graham. Jimmy opens up about his admiration for George Washington's leadership, thoughts on Jordan Peterson's impact, and the importance of setting boundaries for his children. He shares his vision of creating a safe space that empowers both men and women and discusses his plans to publish a book and launch a podcast and TV show. Jimmy also talks about the significance of learning and growing from the media we consume. Plus, we have exciting news about Holy Smokes merchandise! So, stay tuned as we dive deep into Jimmy Graham's extraordinary life and inspiring journey. Let's get started with the Holy Smokes episode. Outline: (04:49) Pleaded deal, scared straight, restitution, graduated late. (08:55) Recruiter quotas, lifeguard, intrigued by SEAL teams. (16:03) Summary: Grit is essential, but I can trigger it. (20:34) Praying for family's support, lack of trust. (21:50) Turned down a promotion, became a sniper, and left the company. (31:29) Limited control; faith fuels; time is now; battle for kids. (34:58) Attack on Benghazi: Ambassador lost, CIA saves Americans. (41:51) Marriage issues, reunions, and pondering life's purpose. (43:41) Preaching experience felt surreal, like an invasion of privacy. (49:20) Working, living, commitment, recovery, pursuing security. (57:38) 4-day dirt bike adventure with family. (01:02:20) Controversial drag shows for children near the community. (01:04:28) "Don't fumble the football, stand with me." (01:10:05) DC stuff is hard to watch, especially Aquaman. Kids love, and Wolverineine is relatable. (01:18:01) Family, baggage, communication, kids - an amazing journey (01:22:26) Unfortunate past, but valuable teaching ability prevails. (01:27:33) Reflecting on life's purpose, posing existential questions. (01:33:37) Celebrating book, community, protection, modeling, and creativity. /episode/index/show/holysmokes/id/29016973

Life's Unexpected Path: A Journey Back Home, Leading to Love and Purpose with Ashley Early 11/20/2023

Life's Unexpected Path: A Journey Back Home, Leading to Love and Purpose with Ashley Early 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. /episode/index/show/holysmokes/id/28718583

Building Brotherhood: Unveiling the Impactful Stories of Seattle's Holy Smokes Chapter 10/31/2023

Building Brotherhood: Unveiling the Impactful Stories of Seattle's Holy Smokes Chapter 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. /episode/index/show/holysmokes/id/28340585

Lessons in Honesty, Redemption, and Finding Freedom with Jim Canfield 10/17/2023

Lessons in Honesty, Redemption, and Finding Freedom with Jim Canfield 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 /episode/index/show/holysmokes/id/28340516