We got great feedback and viewership for the poker chat with Cortez so he's back to talk more about the craft.

Today Cortez continues the conversation on mastering Poker play and distinguishes between a Poker Player and someone who plays poker. Features his 5 rules for poker success.

Mentions:

• Women in Poker, Arizona: Desert_Sharks_Poker
• World Series of Poker: Website
• Card counting...sort of: See the story HERE (frowned upon in the community)
• World Poker Federation: Website
• Cigar mentioned: HERE

This is the 2nd part of a 2 part series that was recorded in mid September of 2025.

Grab your favorite cigar/pipe, coffee or whiskey and listen to this episode of Sticks and Stories

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For audiences 21 and older.

We got great feedback and viewership for the poker chat with Cortez so he's back to talk more about the craft.

Today Cortez continues the conversation on mastering Poker play with his 5 rules and distinguishes between a Poker Player and someone who plays poker.

Mentions:

• Women in Poker, Arizona: Desert_Sharks_Poker
• World Series of Poker: Website
• Card counting...sort of: See the story HERE (frowned upon in the community)
• World Poker Federation: Website
• Cigar mentioned: HERE

This is the first part of a 2 part series that was recorded in September / 2025.

Grab your favorite cigar/pipe, coffee or whiskey and listen to this episode of Sticks and Stories

Send us a text

Support the show

For audiences 21 and older.

Part II with Cortez is out! He talks more poker, other games and free time sports (snowboarding) and we shoot the breeze over cigars. Today we had JFR (Gary) and Cortez and I had Southern Draw (Jacob's Ladder & Cedrus).

Grab your favorite cigar and coffee/scotch as you listen to this episode of Sticks and Stories.

Mentions:

• Mark Zuckerberg MMA/martial arts: HERE
• Hopsin Rapper: HERE
• The one talent I forgot was Peven Everett: HERE
• Randy Rhoads toured with Ozzie but left us at age 25, sad story...sorry: HERE
• Pitch card game: HERE

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For audiences 21 and older.

In Part I, we host our guest Cortez who is an avid poker player and new to cigar smoking. He started playing cards around age 7 and has now created an art around the game. He talks his favorite cigar, what beginning poker players should watch for and more.

Grab your favorite cigar and coffee/whiskey as you listen to this episode of Sticks and Stories.

Part 2 to publish next week!

Mentions and Fact Check:

• WSOP = World Series of Poker
• Field of Marijuana Destroyed : 2012, HERE (It was Bishop Ford in Chicago)
• Narcos info: HERE

This episode was recorded at Fumar in Phoenix, AZ: 2010 W Parkside Ln, Phoenix, AZ 85027

Our Website Has Been Updated!

https://sticksandstories.replit.app/

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For part 2, we continue the conversation with John of JP's Junk Removal, a business he began with a $4500 investment which now is at 7-figures. He speaks on his plans for the business and the importance of mentorship. He gives examples of what a mentor might see as an experienced business owner versus a novice.

Gary and John later talk about the strength of our military, its leadership and how we are well positioned to defend the nation.

Thank you for your support and listening to this episode of Sticks and Stories.

***Warning. There are military topics of self-harm and depression which some listeners might find uncomfortable. ****

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Jack continues his conversation on flight instruction, his cross-country flight this week while Gary presses him on career path. Gary discusses his preference of aircraft and how he came to the conclusion that after Vietnam he would go into airplane sales.

Tina talks charity within the cigar community for beginners and a bumpy ride back from Jamaica.

The company we mentioned where the rep visits stores is Luciano. Also Perdomo among others will pop in.

Sit back, grab your favorite cocktail or coffee while you enjoy this episode of Sticks and Stories.

Someone comped my LFD for this podcast. Thanks !!!!

This episode was recorded at Fumar in Phoenix, AZ: 2010 W Parkside Ln, Phoenix, AZ 85027

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For audiences 21 and older.

Today we host Jack Kenley who contracts as a flight instructor. Retired baseball player and current aviator looking to expand his knowledge and experience in cigar and aviation. Gary and Jack talk shop while Tina talks about cigar lounges in the Valley and the charity of the cigar community towards cigar newbies.

Location of Podcast: Fumar, 2010 W Parkside Ln, Phoenix, AZ 85027

Grab a cigar and scotch/coffee while you listen to Part 1, in this episode of Sticks and Stories.

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For audiences 21 and older.

Within this episode, we learn more about the airplane sales business from co-host Gary and the importance of situational awareness.

Location of Event: https://www.hotelangleterre.ch/en/home (Gary's most memorable cigar lounge, the Leopard Lounge , and hotel experience while employed as an airplane salesman).

Fact Check: Men in Morocco do in fact have to serve at least 12 months in the military as part of the citizenship (between ages 19-25).

In case you are curious, folks can check out the map: https://communitycrimemap.com/

This episode was recorded at Churchill's in Scottsdale, AZ in June 2025.

Also, when AI lies, they call it hallucinations.

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For audiences 21 and older.