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 "Brief Stints in Vegas" 14:46 Vegas Showbiz Inspiration 16:48 "From Struggles to Stage Success" 24:05 "Balancing Act Adventure" 27:27 Entrepreneurial Lessons from Childhood Haircuts 36:08 "From Doubt to Devotion" 37:20 "Marriage, Faith, and Unconditional Love" 47:17 Healing and Faith Journey 51:51 Drug Deal Intercepted by Agents 58:06 Cuban Cigars: A Costly Intrigue 01:03:32 Forgiveness, Mission Work, and Nicaragua 01:09:29 Cigar Journey and Entrepreneurship Challenges 01:11:30 Divine Inspiration and Fortuitous Investment 01:16:50 Business Partnership with Holy Smoke Group 01:24:12 Conclave Weekend Gathering Highlights 01:30:47 "Nicaraguan Cigar Tasting Expedition" 01:35:27 "Meeting Mr. Burns at State Fair" 01:42:18 Cigar Group: A Lifelong Connection 01:43:42 Joining God's Purpose 01:49:19 "Introducing Holy Smokes Swag"

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 unique perspective on faith and community. Grab your favorite cigar and drink, and enjoy the conversation!   00:00 Pizza Snob to Wisconsin Convert 05:55 Types of Pastor's Kids 15:11 "Finding Passion and Inspiration" 18:30 Roots of Lifelong Passion 23:37 The Art of Story Collaboration 29:53 Balancing Family and Film Ambitions 36:12 Navigating Hollywood Representation 41:01 Unexpected Turn: ESPN Documentary Idea 45:18 Network Success and Spiritual Dilemma 49:41 Desire for Normalcy and Classic Entertainment 56:31 "Commitment and Courage in Filmmaking" 01:02:17 "Comedic Memoir Series Inspired by Life" 01:03:57 Wholesome Adventure Films Needed

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 spiritual evolution, detailing his path from traditional Mormon beliefs to a broader Christian perspective, influenced by a transformative heart transplant experience. Now based in Nashville, he reflects on how the authentic fellowship of Holy Smokes has enriched his faith journey. Dive into this conversation about resilience, community, and the profound impact of Jesus Christ in shaping Paul's life and beliefs. This episode offers a heartfelt exploration of the intersections between personal trials, faith, and artistic expression. Outline:  (00:03) Carthage Jail Incident Recounted (08:12) "Miracles and Heart Surgery Journey" (15:21) Community Service and Mormon Missions (19:25) Schindler's List and Survivor Stories (31:25) "Mozart's Influence and Music Journey" (41:31) Childhood Health Struggles memoir (46:10) "Faith Through Heart Surgery" (51:39) Divorce Shakes LDS Celebrity's World (55:49) Interfaith Love Journey (01:05:06) Biblical Polygamy and Its Justifications (01:08:13) Inconsistencies in Joseph Smith's Narrative (01:16:05) Questioning Faith and Finding Jesus (01:26:08) George Jones' Grave Encounter (01:31:22) "Brotherhood Through Faith and Cigars"   About the Guest:  Paul Cardall is a renowned pianist and composer known for his inspiring and emotional music. He hails from a deep-rooted heritage within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His great-grandfather, John Taylor, played a pivotal role in Mormon history as the third president of the Church and was present during the tragic event where Joseph Smith, the founder of the faith, was murdered in Carthage Jail. Taylor showed immense courage in the face of adversity, enduring several gunshot wounds while supporting Smith. Cardall’s rich family legacy and personal experiences have greatly influenced his musical career, allowing him to connect with audiences worldwide through his art and storytelling.

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 insights on the incredible capabilities of the Dolby Atmos technology and how it has revolutionized how we experience music. Prepare for a captivating narrative filled with tales of Loren's upbringing, career, spiritual journey, and love for cigars and music. Whether you're tuning in to hear about the tech-savvy world of music production or the faith-driven experiences that make life truly meaningful, this episode promises to provide both inspiration and a feast for your imagination. So, light up your favorite cigar and pour yourself a fine drink as we embark on this remarkable exploration. Outline:  (00:05) Embracing Cultural Exploration (07:30) Called to Music: A Purpose Revealed (13:32) Journey Through Challenges and Growth (16:48) Spiritual Epiphany and Renewal (24:13) Divine Journey to Hollywood (27:43) "Faith-Led Musical Innovation Journey" (36:33) Mixing Audio for Real-World Listening (40:08) Recreating Immersive Audio Experiences (43:13) Antique Pipe Collection Journey (50:19) "Unexplained Miracles and Synchronicity" (58:58) Global Brotherhood Through Shared Stories (01:01:03) Discussing Ziplag's Darkness: John's Revelation   About the Guest:  Loren Johnson grew up in a dynamic environment shaped by the adventurous spirit of her parents, who emphasized exploring and embracing the diverse cultures of the various cities they lived in across America. Unlike many who sought the comfort of familiar surroundings, Loren's family encouraged immersion into local traditions and lifestyles. This upbringing instilled in Loren a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and the people she encountered. Although frequent moves presented challenges just as she began to feel settled, they also offered thrilling opportunities for personal reinvention and the excitement of new beginnings. Loren's experiences have fostered a lifelong passion for cultural exploration and adaptability.

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 helping people find clarity and purpose in their professional lives. Ken opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his career in broadcasting, his coaching philosophy, and the importance of connection and understanding, especially in today's polarized society. Join us for an enlightening conversation that blends storytelling, personal growth, and a touch of humor while enjoying the camaraderie of a Holy Smokes gathering. Outline:  (00:03) Mastering Political Persuasion (07:58) Career Journey from Leadership to Consulting (15:28) Dan Cathy Controversy Radio Show (16:37) Chick-fil-A Family Values Controversy (22:04) Unexpected Interview: Overcoming Misunderstandings (35:03) "Unexpected Spiritual Awakening" (47:43) "Therapy: Uncovering a Motivational Moment" (54:53) "The Proximity Principle Origin" (01:02:14) Unexpected Commitment to Cover Event (01:07:13) "Value of Genuine Friendships" (01:15:35) "Cigar Bonding in the Dominican Republic." (01:24:38) "Transformative Power of Weightlifting Reset" (01:26:35) "Power of Brotherhood Fellowship" About the Guest:  Ken Coleman embarked on his journey into the complex world of politics with a strong foundation in political theory and history, studying influential figures like Machiavelli. However, Ken quickly realized that true mastery came from practical experience. Fresh out of college, he found himself navigating the intricate dynamics of state politics, often sitting across from seasoned bureaucrats and lawmakers. Despite the age and experience gap, Ken excelled in the art of persuasion. He adeptly lobbied for legislation by representing the governor, skillfully convincing others to align with his objectives. Ken's career became a testament to the power of effective communication and strategic influence in the political arena.