Episode 2: What We Wish Someone Had Told Us

In Episode 2 of Cigars for the Common Man, Donny and Mark take a step back to properly welcome listeners to the show before diving into some practical tips and information for new cigar smokers. Things to reduce the intimidation.

They kick things off by lighting up the Crowned Heads Moonflower Robusto, a new release that debuted at PCA 2026 and a cigar Mark brought as a birthday surprise for Donny.

The episode covers three core topics for newer smokers.

First, cutting and lighting: Donny and Mark walk through the different cut types and various lighters, how to properly light up a cigar, and the right way to draw without over-smoking the cigar.

Second, humidors: both hosts share their personal journeys through the world of humidor setups, from sock drawers and desktop boxes to travel cases and Tuppidors, and land on a straightforward recommendation for anyone just starting out.

Third, cigar vocabulary: the episode works through a useful terms every new smoker is going to hear.

The episode wraps up with Donny and Mark going back and forth on beginner tips and recommendations based on their own journey

Follow the show at @CigarsfortheCommonMan.

Where to Find Us

Mark on Instagram at @CigarsWithMark

Donny at @todays_cigar.

Episode 1: Why We Started This

In the first episode of Cigars for the Common Man, Donny and Mark break in their new studio (a repurposed woodworking shop they call "The Shed") and light up the King's Blood Toro, a prize Donny won at a charity raffle from Fanatix Cigar House.

They talk about what got each of them into cigars, from camping trips and duty-free Cubans to a lifestyle shift that started about a year ago. They cover where they smoke, the ritual behind lighting up alone versus with a group, and the real reason they started this podcast: too many people feel like they're supposed to already know everything about cigars before they're allowed to enjoy one.

Donny and Mark talk honestly about not being able to identify fancy tasting notes, why that's completely normal, and why they built a show for cigar smokers who just want to smoke a cigar without the pressure to perform expertise.

If you've ever felt like you were supposed to know more than you do, this show is for you.

Follow the show at @CigarsfortheCommonMan

Find Mark on Instagram at @CigarsWithMark and Donny at @todays_cigar.