In this episode, we sit down with Nick Zakotiria a certified health and performance coach, accomplished race car driver, and driving coach. Nick shares his unwavering commitment to fitness and the disciplined routines that keep him at peak performance. We explore the intense focus required behind the wheel, the thrill of racing, and how he balances it all with his deep faith. A devoted man of God, Nick carries his Bible everywhere and is on his way to reading it cover-to-cover for the third time. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about health, passion, and purpose.   Order The Blueprint & The Diligent Cigars Here!  https://www.flyingcigars.com/brands/the-burn-down-podcast/  https://getyourcigars.com/products/the-burn-down-podcast-sampler-pack https://tiptopsmoke.com/?s=burn+down+podcast

In the BDP studio we have Scott Anthony he shares his unbelievable journey from growing up poor in Chicago and leading a street gang at age 14, dealing cocaine in 80's which lead to him being fugitive on the run for five years while the DEA, FBI, and even Interpol were after him. By the 90's he became one of the biggest Cuban smugglers. Selling Cuban cigars to Michael Jordan, Richard Dent, Shaun Gayle, Donell Wolford so many others! Cigars didn’t just become part of Scott’s story, they changed it. For years, he lived inside a secret world few ever see, smuggling Cuban cigars into the U.S in the 90's, cutting deals in Havana, and moving boxes worth more than gold. After rebuilding his life with his fighter’s mindset, he went on to build gyms, consult boxers, import fitness equipment worldwide. Now, he put his experiences on paper to write his first book Smoke: Confessions of a Cuban Cigar Smuggler, dropping this January!   Scott Anthony Website: https://www.scottanthonyog.com/ Instagram: @scottanthonyog    

In this episode, we're discussing how artificial intelligence it taking over and is everywhere!, ChatGPT writing better emails than us, AI thinking for us, and how the reality of iRobot is closer then we think?! Order The Blueprint & The Diligent Cigars Here!  https://www.flyingcigars.com/brands/the-burn-down-podcast/  https://getyourcigars.com/products/the-burn-down-podcast-sampler-pack https://tiptopsmoke.com/?s=burn+down+podcast

This episode was inspired by the recent event of Justin finding MOLD on his 2014 Arturo Fuente BBMF, $100+ cigar, you hate to see! We’ve all heard it — “That’s not mold, it’s plume!” But how do you really tell the difference? In this episode, we dive into one of the most debated topics in the cigar world. We break down what each one actually is, how to identify them, and whether that white dust on your cigar is a badge of honor or a sign to toss it out. Enjoy! Order The Blueprint & The Diligent Cigars Here!  https://www.flyingcigars.com/brands/the-burn-down-podcast/  https://getyourcigars.com/products/the-burn-down-podcast-sampler-pack https://tiptopsmoke.com/?s=burn+down+podcast

In the studio we have Gil Monge, founder of GCD Auto Studio and Gillin Auto Interiors. Growing up in the South Bronx as the youngest of four brothers, Gil’s passion for cars started early. In 2006, he launched Gillin Auto Interiors, turning that passion into a business. By 2019, he expanded with GCD Auto Studio in Florida, NY—a boutique, state-of-the-art shop for high-end custom builds. His work gained national attention, earning a feature on Downey’s Dream Cars with Robert Downey Jr. on Discovery Channel. Now, Gil shares his automotive lifestyle as host of Married To The Rides on PowerTube TV. Website: www.gcdautostudio.com YouTube: GCD Auto Studio TV Show: watchpowertubetv.com/watch/builds/married-to-the-rides/about-married-to-the-rides   Order The Blueprint & The Diligent Cigars Here!  https://www.flyingcigars.com/brands/the-burn-down-podcast/  https://getyourcigars.com/products/the-burn-down-podcast-sampler-pack https://tiptopsmoke.com/?s=burn+down+podcast

In this episode, just before we started recording, we heard the news that Charlie Kirk had been assassinated. It makes us ask—what is happening to our society? No matter what side of the political spectrum you’re on, and no matter how much you disagree with someone’s views, it should never justify taking a life over. We must do better!

Inside the BDP studio, we sit down with carpenter union foreman and owner of Blaise Construction, Blaise Ridulfo! He shares what it’s like balancing life in the union while running his own business, how he still finds time to enjoy cigars, and why he believes men are the biggest cry babies. All that and more in this episode!

(Audio Technical Difficulties Until 25Mins 18 Sec We Apologize) Meet Lisa Stramiello better known as Luminisa a vibrant force of nature with unmatched authenticity and electric energy! Born and raised in the heart of Brooklyn, NY, Lumi brings a bold blend of tradition and flair to the world of cigars. Trained by master roller Francisco Almonte of DBL Cigars, she’s a true artisan, handcrafting cigars with precision and passion. What sets Lumi apart is her deep connection to her Italian American roots, which she channels into every roll. With a vintage aesthetic and soulful vibe, she pays homage to the legacy of Italian cigar rollers, infusing old-world charm with modern artistry. Our conversations with Lumi were full of laughter, stories from her Brooklyn upbringing, globe-trotting adventures, and the creative spark that fuels her unique vision. CHECK HER OUT!    Instagram: @luminisa_sigaraia Website: https://www.lasigaraia.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@luminisalifestyle   Order The Blueprint & The Diligent Cigars Here!  https://www.flyingcigars.com/brands/the-burn-down-podcast/  https://getyourcigars.com/products/the-burn-down-podcast-sampler-pack https://tiptopsmoke.com/?s=burn+down+podcast  

In the studio this week, we’re joined by Joe Cosentino who brought us delicious food from the famous Bronx G & R Deli! Joe, a Bronx native who built his real estate empire from the ground up. Known as the King of Bronx Realty, Joe shares how two decades of hustle and dedication shaped his journey to the top. As the Broker and Owner of Morris Park Realty Group and Westchester Realty Consultants, he specializes in residential and commercial real estate across NY & CT. OH and let's not forget Joe loves enjoying a cigar to relax and celebrate! https://morrisparkrealty.com/agent/joseph-cosentino https://www.morrisparkrealtygroup.com/agents/1129741/Joseph+Cosentino   Order The Blueprint & The Diligent Cigars Here!  https://www.flyingcigars.com/brands/the-burn-down-podcast/  https://getyourcigars.com/products/the-burn-down-podcast-sampler-pack https://tiptopsmoke.com/?s=burn+down+podcast  

In this episode, we’re joined by Blanca Biede, who flew all the way from Iowa to be on the podcast! Blanca is a columnist for Humo Latino Magazine, a cigar lover, a bikini division bodybuilder, and a proud member of the women’s motorcycle group The Litas. She shares her story of how she became fascinated with the cigar industry, how her passion for writing landed her a spot with Humo Latino, what it takes to compete as a bikini bodybuilder, and—of all things—how she ended up riding with a badass crew.   Order The Blueprint & The Diligent Cigars Here!  https://www.flyingcigars.com/brands/the-burn-down-podcast/  https://getyourcigars.com/products/the-burn-down-podcast-sampler-pack https://tiptopsmoke.com/?s=burn+down+podcast

We sit down with Adam Vohra — founder of ARV Enterprises and Director of Partnerships for Greenwich, Upper Westchester, and Darien/New Canaan Lifestyle Magazines. Adam shares his inspiring journey of sobriety, being 3 years alcohol-free, and how that led him to launch The Finding Purpose Podcast, now with over 65 episodes. From planning high-end events to helping others find meaning through recovery, Adam’s story is all about turning pain into purpose.   Order The Blueprint & The Diligent Cigars Here!  https://www.flyingcigars.com/brands/the-burn-down-podcast/  https://getyourcigars.com/products/the-burn-down-podcast-sampler-pack https://tiptopsmoke.com/?s=burn+down+podcast

In the BDP studio, we’re joined by JD Summa, the founder of Kings Capital Construction, one of New York’s prominent construction firms. JD takes us through his incredible journey of building a $60M business defying the odds and proving doubters wrong when he launched during the 2008 real estate crash. From overcoming industry challenges to the leadership principles that fueled his success, JD’s story is as inspiring as it is insightful. Adding to the experience, JD brought along a bottle of Don Julio 1942, perfectly paired with The Diligent cigar, creating the ideal backdrop for a phenomenal conversation filled with entrepreneurial wisdom and great vibes! Website: kingscapitalgroup.com Instagram: @kingscapitalconstruction   Order The Blueprint & The Diligent Cigars Here!  https://www.flyingcigars.com/brands/the-burn-down-podcast/  https://getyourcigars.com/products/the-burn-down-podcast-sampler-pack https://tiptopsmoke.com/?s=burn+down+podcast

Since our very first episode back in July 2019, The Burn Down Podcast has been on an incredible journey—bringing people together one cigar at a time. In this special 300th episode, we take a reflective walk down memory lane, celebrating six unforgettable years filled with meaningful conversations, memorable interviews, laughter, lessons, and the deep connections we've built with our guests and each other over cigars. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the road we've traveled and the community that’s grown with us. Thank you to everyone who’s supported us along the way—this milestone is just as much yours as it is ours.   Order The Blueprint & The Diligent Cigars Here!  https://www.flyingcigars.com/brands/the-burn-down-podcast/  https://getyourcigars.com/products/the-burn-down-podcast-sampler-pack https://tiptopsmoke.com/?s=burn+down+podcast

This week at the BDP studio a Burn Down FIRST, we had the pleasure of hosting the amazing Chef Matt Wasson, known from Food Network’s Chopped and Ciao House! He cooked live, dazzling us with rosemary focaccia, his signature spicy rigatoni, and bone marrow polpette. The creamy vodka sauce was perfection, and the meatballs melted in your mouth with every bite. Joining us as well was Adrian from NY Cigar Club, an exclusive members-only cigar club, and the owner of Coppola Cigar Co., creators of luxury leather cigar cases. Instagram: Matt Wasson - @matt_wasson_ @_sundaysupper sundaysupper.social Adrian - @nycigarclub @coppolacigarco coppolacigarco.com / nycigarclub.com  

This week we ask ChatGPT to put its tinfoil hat on and start asking questions. Why did the government turn against tobacco after centuries of widespread acceptance? The tangled web of politics, profit, and public health narratives in real-time. Could it be a battle between Big Tobacco and the pharmaceutical industry? A shift in addiction economics? Or a calculated move to keep the population stressed and dependent? Together, we’ll unpack state-funded propaganda, selective morality, and the bigger agenda behind demonizing tobacco while other industries thrive unchecked.  Order The Blueprint & The Diligent Cigars Here!  https://www.flyingcigars.com/brands/the-burn-down-podcast/  https://getyourcigars.com/products/the-burn-down-podcast-sampler-pack https://tiptopsmoke.com/?s=burn+down+podcast

Besides Eric being 22 mins late to the podcast! We have Neel Anand in the studio, not only does Neel enjoy cigars, bourbon and having a good time with the boys! He is also the 30 year-old entrepreneur behind Westchester Technology Group. The leading IT force in Westchester County. In just over five years, Neel has turned his solo IT company into a 7 figure business by the time he was 28!  We discuss how Neel rapidly built a business, and how attracting major clients from construction firms, car dealerships to national pharma companies.   Instagram: @_neelanand @_westtech Website: https://westchestertechnology.com/   Order The Blueprint & The Diligent Cigars Here!  https://www.flyingcigars.com/brands/the-burn-down-podcast/  https://getyourcigars.com/products/the-burn-down-podcast-sampler-pack https://tiptopsmoke.com/?s=burn+down+podcast    

This week in the studio, we’re joined by Angela—a former banking professional who made the switch to driving buses to prioritize family time. Angela is also a passionate cigar enthusiast, and we explore her journey, the life-changing decisions she’s made, and how her Italian heritage inspired her love for cigars! We also discuss how she founded the Hudson Valley Herf and launched her own podcast, Puros & Music!   Instagram: @puros_music_podcast Order The Blueprint & The Diligent Cigars Here!  https://www.flyingcigars.com/brands/the-burn-down-podcast/  https://getyourcigars.com/products/the-burn-down-podcast-sampler-pack  

In the studio this week we have Jacob Restituto. Jacob is a musician by trade, in 2014 he started going full time becoming songwriter, singer and producer. During his journey he also became a YouTuber with over 150K subscribers and making close to nearly 6 figures from YouTube! Recently, he has a taken a little step back YouTube and now currently manages the "Resituto Farm" in Long Island and also he is the host of the "New York Business Podcast! Jacob also makes his own wine and loves hunting! We cover it all on this episode. Enjoy! Instagram : @jacobrestituto @newyorkbusinesspodcast Website: https://www.jacobrestituto.com/ Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/jacobrestituto Jacobs Spotify Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1fNB11ukpnRRwihzsEH8nu?si=lkgOeKk8SG-VVrDbSCQTTg Order The Blueprint & The Diligent Cigars Here!  https://www.flyingcigars.com/brands/the-burn-down-podcast/  https://getyourcigars.com/products/the-burn-down-podcast-sampler-pack  

Hailing from the 6th borough Yonkers, NY, Tony Moxberg has spent 20 years turning his life struggles into powerful music. Starting in his bedroom, he evolved to collaborate with icons like Styles P, Jadakiss, Rick Ross, Fabulous, Fat Joe, Benny the Butcher, Joell Ortiz, and Jim Jones, to name a few.  Since founding Black Cloud Ent. in 2005, Tony has partnered with major labels like D-Block and Empire Music. His relentless drive has earned him recognition from hip-hop’s top artists, producers, and DJs, allowing him to tour globally and cement his name in the industry. Website: https://tonymoxberg.com/home Youtube: https://youtube.com/@tonymoxberg?si=-ZTRc_0cQJzd8YJ9 Instagram: @tonymoxberg Order The Blueprint & The Diligent Cigars Here!  https://www.flyingcigars.com/brands/the-burn-down-podcast/  https://getyourcigars.com/products/the-burn-down-podcast-sampler-pack      

In the studio this week we have Melanie aka Maduro Meli. A mom of 3 and who been enjoying cigars for 20 years. We discuss Melanie's Puerto Rican heritage, her love for food as a form of expression, and how her passion for cigars have shaped her journey into the cigar industry. We discuss the significance of boutique cigar brands, and her role as an ambassador for GetYourCigars.com. Who carry the blueprint and diligent cigar! Instagram: @maduro_meli   Order The Blueprint & The Diligent Cigars Here!  https://www.flyingcigars.com/brands/the-burn-down-podcast/  https://getyourcigars.com/products/the-burn-down-podcast-sampler-pack