The Pipes Magazine Radio Show Podcast

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we conclude our three-part conversation with Dennis Cullinan of Red Bell Pipes in Lansing, Michigan. In this final installment of "Story Time with Dennis," Dennis looks back on nearly three decades of attending pipe shows, recalling the people, discoveries, and memorable deals that have made those gatherings such an important part of his pipe-smoking life. He estimates he has attended more than 120 shows, and his stories include finding overlooked treasures in boxes of neglected estate pipes and discovering two remarkable high-value pipes for just $40 apiece. Dennis also gives us a look inside his...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome back pipe maker Nate King for the sixth installment of our recurring segment, "The State of Nate." Nate has been making pipes since 2005 and holds an honorary Master of Pipes degree from the Chicagoland Pipe Collectors Club. He is also a member of the prestigious Confrérie des Maîtres Pipiers de Saint-Claude. In this episode, Nate and Brian catch up on the recent Indiana Pipe Show, before turning their attention to the latest Las Vegas International Pipe Show. They discuss attendance, changes to the lounge and show floor, the challenges of...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome back Jess Steere, who first joined us more than five years ago, when he was celebrating his first five years as a pipe smoker. Now marking his tenth anniversary in the hobby, Jess returns to share how he has helped build a local pipe-smoking community that brings together college students and other men who might never have discovered fellow pipe smokers in their area. Jess explains how casual conversations about pipes led to gatherings centered on good tobacco, shared interests, and camaraderie. He discusses how he introduces newcomers to the hobby...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome back Nate Rose, who first joined us in 2022 when pipe making was still a part-time pursuit. Today, Nate is a full-time pipe maker, having made the leap from his job at General Motors to building his business around the craft. Since then, he has continued upgrading his workshop, refining his skills, and developing his own recognizable style. Nate and Brian discuss the transition to making pipes for a living, the challenges of balancing commissions with the freedom to experiment, and his ongoing efforts to expand his range of shapes. Nate talks...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome back Glen Whelan, Managing Director of Peterson of Dublin. Peterson is a family tradition for Glen: his father spent 50 years working at the factory, eventually becoming Factory Manager, while Glen began his own career with the company as a part-time retail associate at age 16. After more than a decade in retail, he moved into sales and steadily advanced to his current leadership role. Glen gives us a behind-the-scenes look at Peterson's manufacturing operation, from developing new finishes and testing pipes under demanding conditions to coordinating special releases without disrupting regular production...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we continue our three-part conversation with Dennis Cullinan of Red Bell Pipes in Lansing, Michigan. In this second installment of "Story Time with Dennis," Dennis takes us through his years as a working librarian, when pipe smoking was still part of his daily routine and a pipe rack in his office was never far away. He also recalls the pipe shops of Lansing, the brands and shapes that caught his attention, and his growing appreciation for estate pipes. Dennis shares stories from his early visits to pipe shows, including the first Chicago Pipe...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome back John David Cole, head of The Country Squire, for an update on the new location in Jackson, Mississippi. Since opening the doors in May, John David and his team have settled into their much larger space, which combines the traditional Country Squire pipe and tobacco shop with a cocktail lounge. John David talks about the grand opening, the thinking behind the new space's distinctive mid-century-modern design, and how adding the bar has changed the character of the business. He also discusses choosing pipe brands and artisan makers for the shop...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, our featured guest is Waqas, The Dubai Piper, joining us from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Waqas is a relatively new pipe smoker, having discovered the hobby at age 52, but he has quickly embraced the pipe-smoking community and built a collection of around 45 pipes. With no large pipe-smoking community immediately around him, much of his journey has taken place virtually through podcasts, videos, and social media. Waqas and Brian talk about what drew him to pipe smoking, his fascination with the 19th and early 20th centuries, and how he came to view the pipe...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we begin a three-part journey through the 70-year pipe-smoking life of Dennis Cullinan of Red Bell Pipes in Lansing, Michigan. Dennis began smoking a pipe at age 15 in 1956, when he walked into a neighborhood drugstore in Benton Harbor and bought his first pipe for $1.50. A week later, he was back for a $2.95 Medico, and his lifelong fascination with pipes was underway. In this first installment of "Storytime with Dennis," Dennis takes us back to those early years, when pipes and tobacco were sold at neighborhood drugstores and he was largely on his own...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, our featured guest is Russell Gardner, owner of Dark Arts, a unique smoking lounge and retail tobacconist in Las Vegas. A longtime veteran of the restaurant and bar business, Russell owns several themed cocktail lounges, but his latest venture took an unexpected turn when he transformed a small back room at Grey Witch into a hidden, speakeasy-style smoking lounge and tobacconist. Dark Arts accommodates about 25 people, and getting inside is part of the experience – you actually enter through a fireplace. Russell is also a rare Las Vegas native, and his connection to pipe sm...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome back pipe maker Nate King for the fifth installment of our recurring segment, "The State of Nate." Nate has been making pipes since 2005 and holds an honorary Master of Pipesdegree from the Chicagoland Pipe Collectors Club. He is also a member of the prestigious Confrérie des Maîtres Pipiers de Saint-Claude. In this episode, Brian has a list of questions for Nate to answer from the perspective of both a pipe maker and a pipe smoker.

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, our featured interview is with pipe maker Alexander Syrma of Israel. Alexander works primarily with high-grade Mediterranean and Algerian briar, sometimes incorporating distinctive materials such as mammoth ivory and exotic woods into his designs. His pipes range from lightweight, classic shapes to more expressive freehands, including Danish eggs, Rhodesians, and sandblasted diplomats. Brian and Alexander will talk about his approach to pipe making, the materials he works with, and the inspiration behind his distinctive designs. At the top of the show, Brian will take a look at the history of small-batch and limited-edition...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, our featured interview is with Dutch pipe maker Martin Romijn, who originally appeared on the show in October 2019 on episode #372. Martin began smoking a pipe in 1989, at the age of 20, but it would be many years before he began making pipes. He first started making tampers and other pipe accessories as a part-time pursuit, and in 2016 he began making pipes. What started as a side project eventually became a full-time career, and Martin has developed a distinctive style of organic, freehand shapes that allow the character and grain of each piece of briar...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, our featured interview is with Richard Epley of EP Pipes. Based in Kentucky, Richard began making pipe stands from bourbon barrels in 2016 before turning his attention to pipe making a couple of years later. His background with bourbon barrels has given his work a distinctly Kentucky connection, while his handmade pipes showcase his creativity and attention to detail. Richard also pours his own acrylic stems and is known for using an unusually wide range of colors rather than sticking with the traditional black stem. Brian and Richard will talk about his journey from...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome Will and Joe, the founders of PipeRevival. What began as a passion for restoring estate pipes has quickly grown into a respected restoration business, with their work breathing new life into hundreds of cherished pipes for collectors. Brian, Will, and Joe will discuss the origins of PipeRevival, their approach to restoration, and some of the memorable pipes that have crossed their workbench. At the top of the show, we will have an Ask the Tobacco Blender segment with Jeremy Reeves, Head Blender at Cornell & Diehl.

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome Allen Kipp of Kipp Pipes. Allen has been making pipes for more than a decade after deciding to try his hand at the craft when his appreciation for fine pipes outpaced his budget. An engineering fabricator by trade, he brought his machining and fabrication skills to pipe making, developing a style that reflects both craftsmanship and precision. His work has also included creating the distinctive Thorn rustication for Kaywoodie pipes. Brian and Allen will discuss Allen's path into pipe making, his approach to the craft, and how his engineering background has...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, our featured interview is with Jody Davis, a renowned artisan pipe maker and lead guitarist for the Grammy-nominated Christian rock band Newsboys. Jody's handmade pipes are highly regarded for their Danish-inspired designs, exceptional craftsmanship, and limited availability, making them especially sought after by collectors. Brian and Jody will discuss a pipe that Brian recently commissioned from him, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the design and creation process. At the top of the show, in Pipe Parts, we'll have the fourth installment of our coffee pairing series with Bo Parker of Methodical Coffee.

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome back pipe maker Nate King for the fourth installment of our recurring segment, "The State of Nate." Nate has been making pipes since 2005 and holds an honorary Master of Pipesdegree from the Chicagoland Pipe Collectors Club. He is also a member of the prestigious Confrérie des Maîtres Pipiers de Saint-Claude. In this episode, Nate shares highlights from his trip to the International Pipe Show in Lake Como, Italy, along with his visit to Denmark and the people, places, and experiences that made the journey memorable. At the top of th...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome Eric Scholten of Sylvan Pipes. Eric is an American artisan pipe maker whose handmade pipes reflect a balance of classic shaping and modern design, with an emphasis on craftsmanship, engineering, and the natural beauty of briar. His work has earned a following among collectors who appreciate both refined aesthetics and excellent smoking qualities. Brian and Eric will discuss Eric's journey into pipe making, his approach to design and craftsmanship, and what inspires his work as an artisan in today's pipe-making community. At the top of the show, we'll have another installment...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome back Dave Peterson, a longtime pipe smoker, collector, and active member of the pipe community. Dave has been part of the Pipes Magazine Forums since May 2009, when the site was just a few months old, and many listeners will recognize him by his forum handle, "daveinlax." He is also Brian's partner in the Las Vegas International Pipe Show. On tonight's show, Dave shares highlights from his recent trip to the International Pipe Show in Lake Como, Italy, including his visits to the Castello pipe factory and shop, Al Pascià, and several o...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, our featured interview is with Nathan Davis of Greywoodie fame. Long known as one of the pipe community's biggest advocates for Kaywoodie, Nathan began as a collector before becoming a dealer and launching the Greywoodie website. In 2024, he completed an extraordinary journey when he acquired Kaywoodie itself, ending more than 175 years of ownership by the same family across four generations. Known as CrashTheGrey on the Pipes Magazine forums, Nathan is also the organizer of the Capitaland Pipe Show, which is this weekend - June 27, 2026. Lastly, Nathan is co-host of the Greywoodie Podcast alongside...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome Josh of Bad Cat Tobacco. Hailing from Lexington, Kentucky, Josh spent more than 15 years working as an archaeologist before becoming immersed in the world of pipes and tobacco. Remarkably, Josh only began smoking a pipe in 2025, yet has already assembled a collection of more than 100 pipes and launched Bad Cat Tobacco, a boutique blending venture focused on creating distinctive tobacco experiences for pipe smokers. Brian and Josh will discuss his rapid journey into the hobby, the origins of Bad Cat Tobacco, and his approach to blending and the pipe community. At...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome Christine Glasheen of Mullinahone House. Christine's journey into premium tobacco began about six years ago when she bought herself a cigar for her birthday and discovered she truly enjoyed the experience. Her interest was also shaped by childhood memories of fishing trips with her father, who often smoked cigars. During the pandemic, friends she met online introduced her to pipe smoking. Her father, who had smoked a pipe in college, suggested she begin with Mac Baren's Scottish Blend and later passed along his pipe collection. Christine also treasures a special pipe...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome Michael Dean, founder and managing editor of Timber & Smoke Magazine. Launched in June 2025, the quarterly publication celebrates pipe culture, craftsmanship, and the slower, more intentional side of life. What began as Michael's passion for sharing the rituals and stories surrounding pipes and tobacco has grown into a beautifully produced print magazine dedicated to the people, traditions, and artistry of the hobby. Known for its outstanding photography, maker profiles, thoughtful essays, and pipe show coverage, Timber & Smoke has quickly found an audience among pipe smokers who appreciate both the heritage and evolving...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome Austrian pipe maker Alexander Kroiss of Kroiss Pipes. Alexander has been crafting handmade briar pipes since 2021, producing carefully made, one-of-a-kind pieces that emphasize clean design, quality materials, and an excellent smoking experience. Drawing from both classic and modern influences, Alex favors high-grade Mediterranean briar and German ebonite, often accented with materials like horn, bamboo, and exotic woods. His work reflects a balanced approach that combines traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary aesthetic. At the top of the show in Pipe Parts, we will have a coffee pairing segment with Bo Parker of...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome back pipe maker Nate King for the third installment of our recurring segment, “The State of Nate.” Nate has been making pipes since 2005 and holds an honorary Master of Pipes degree from the Chicagoland Pipe Collectors Club. He is also a member of the prestigious Confrérie des Maîtres Pipiers de Saint-Claude. In this episode, Brian and Nate will talk about their time at the recent Chicago pipe show.

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, our featured guest is Jon David Cole, Owner and Tobacconist of The Country Squire in Jackson, Mississippi. After 55 years in its longtime home, The Country Squire is moving into a new standalone location featuring expanded shipping and blending operations, along with a full smoking and cocktail lounge. The grand opening festivities begin in two weeks with several days of events celebrating this major milestone. Activities include a ribbon cutting with Mayor John Horn on Tuesday, May 26, a shop blessing service on Thursday, May 28, a Pipe Night with Jeremy Reeves of Cornell & Diehl on...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we bring you a special episode from the 30th annual Chicago Pipe Show. Brian takes to the floor for a series of "man on the street" interviews, capturing spontaneous conversations with attendees, collectors, and artisans throughout the event. These impromptu interviews offer a candid look at the energy, camaraderie, and shared passion that define one of the premier gatherings in the pipe world, giving listeners a true sense of what makes the Chicago show such a standout experience. At the top of the show in Pipe Parts, Brian will discuss his budget, shopping...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, our featured interview is with Shane Ireland of SmokingPipes.com / Laudisi Enterprises, Inc. A familiar guest who has joined us several times before, Shane is the Vice President of Retail for SmokingPipes.com and has been with the company for nearly 15 years, making him a well-known and respected voice in the pipe community. Brian and Shane will discuss past, present, and future trends in the hobby, offering insights from Shane’s extensive experience on the retail side and his close connection to the evolving tastes of pipe smokers. At the top of the sh...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome Lukus Denham of SmokeTales Comics. Lukus is a pipe collector with a deep appreciation for the hobby. SmokeTales Comics brings together pipes and storytelling, featuring 100% hand-drawn artwork paired with thoughtfully written stories inspired by real experiences from the community. The content is available digitally for free with new issues released every six weeks. Stories are inspired by submissions from the pipe community. At the top of the show in Pipe Parts, Brian will have tobacco regulation news and a Vegas pipe show update that also includes tobacco regulation news.

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, our featured interview is with Steve "PipeStud" Fallon, a familiar guest who has joined us several times over the years. Steve runs one of the most popular consignment and auction businesses for estate pipes and vintage tobaccos, which he has operated since 2006. Brian and Steve will discuss past, present, and future trends in the hobby, drawing on Steve’s many years of experience in the marketplace. At the top of the show, we will have a coffee pairing segment with Bo Parker of Methodical Coffee.

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome Chris Dumoulin, one of the organizers of the Texas Pipe Show. Chris began smoking pipes in 2000, inspired by his grandfather and drawn to the ritual of the hobby. On tonight’s show, he’ll talk about his role with the Texas Pipe Show and what’s planned for this year’s event, taking place November 13–14, 2026, at The Oasis Bar and Grill in Midlothian, Texas. At the top of the show, we will have an Ask the Pipemaker segment with Jeff Gracik.

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome back pipe maker Ron Smith, the artisan behind Ranz Freehands. Based in East Tennessee, Ron began crafting pipes after retirement, drawing on his background in sculpture and art to create distinctive freehand designs. Since starting around 2015, his work has emphasized individuality, finish, and smoking quality, blending traditional shapes with creative twists. A longtime pipe smoker, Ron continues to refine his craft by learning from other makers and exploring new techniques, producing pipes that are both artistic and approachable. At the top of the show, Brian will discuss Virginia tobaccos.

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome back Rick Newcombe, a well-known collector and a familiar voice to longtime listeners. Rick has authored several books on pipes and pipe collecting, and has been a frequent guest on the show over the years. On this episode, Brian and Rick will discuss trends in the hobby — exploring what has come and gone over time, and how the pipe world continues to evolve. At the top of the show we will have an Ask the Pipemaker segment with renowned pipe artisan Jeff Gracik.

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome Jim York, a longtime pipe smoker and devoted collector. Jim is an active member of the Chicago Pipe Club and a familiar face at pipe shows, bringing decades of experience and a genuine passion for the hobby. On this episode, Brian will talk with Jim about his experiences as a collector, insights from attending shows, and reflections on the enduring appeal of pipe smoking. At the top of the show we will have an Ask the Tobacco Blender segment with Jeremy Reeves. Jeremy is the Head Blender at Cornell & Diehl, which...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome back pipe maker Nate King for the second installment of our recurring segment, "The State of Nate." Nate has been making pipes since 2005 and holds an honorary Master of Pipes degree from the Chicagoland Pipe Collectors Club. He is also a member of the prestigious Confrérie des Maîtres Pipiers de Saint-Claude. In this episode, Brian and Nate will talk about pipe shapes and trends. They'll also discuss the Muletown Pipe Show, which took place last weekend at BriarWorks, and share some observations from the event and the broader pipe co...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome back Rich Esserman, a familiar voice in the pipe community and a longtime friend of the program. Rich has joined us many times over the years, bringing his deep knowledge, historical perspective, and enthusiasm for the hobby. On this episode, Rich will share his thoughts on past trends in pipe smoking — how tastes, styles, and culture have evolved over time, and what those shifts tell us about the hobby today. At the top of the show, in our Pipe Parts segment, we launch the first installment of a new coffee comparison se...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we feature Micah "Yeti" Cryder of Yeti Pipes, an artisan pipe maker based in Billings, Montana. Since beginning his craft in 2011, Micah has developed a distinctive style influenced by the American school of pipe making, with touches of modern industrial design and French Art Deco. His work is known for its bold lines, creative shaping, and meticulous finishes, reflecting both technical precision and artistic vision. In addition to his pipes, Micah has explored innovative materials through his Resin Project, expanding design possibilities with vibrant, vintage-inspired stem materials. At the top of the show...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome Justin Dombrosky. Justin is the Vice President of the Indiana Pipe Club and co-host of the podcast Pipes, Pours, and Pals. He purchased his first pipe — a Missouri Meerschaum Hardwood — in 2017 and, like many of us when starting out, promptly scorched his tongue with a cherry Cavendish blend. What began as a simple curiosity quickly grew into deeper involvement in the hobby. In 2022, Justin and Nate Boland launched their podcast, and in 2023 the Indiana Pipe Club was formed. The Indiana Pipe Show is now preparing for its second event this September. We’l...

Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome Big John. He is a micro-blender and the creator of the Niall of Nine pipe tobacco line. His journey into pipe smoking began when he inherited his great-grandfather’s pipes, an experience that sparked a lasting connection to the hobby. Today, he’s known for crafting distinctive micro-blends that often feature rare and unusual components, including Syrian Latakia and Cuban cigar leaf. Several of his blends draw inspiration from the themes and imagery of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. Another notable mixture, Aberdeen Extinction, showcases an eclectic range of tobaccos: 2015 Virg...