The Stix & Stuff Podcast comes alive at 29 North—Ellijay’s wine bar, craft-beer haven, and creative heartbeat—as we sit down with legendary songwriter John Cable of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band to trace his journey from early coffeehouse gigs to touring with icons like Steve Martin and Dirt Band, the wild years on the road, the spark behind great songwriting, and what’s next, including a new album, upcoming shows, and his vision for the future. We also dive into the return of Ellijay’s Songwriters Festival next May—an intimate, mountain-side celebration of original music—and look ahead to the beloved Georgia Apple Festival coming this October, packed with artisan booths, live music, family fun, and every apple treat imaginable. Like, subscribe, hit the bell for festival updates, and share this episode with anyone who loves good music, good stories, and Ellijay’s fall magic.
One great cigar, one great pour, zero pretense. On this week’s episode of The Stix & Stuff Podcast, Tom pulls up a chair at the House of Applejay with Caroline Porsiel and Justin Heitman for honest shop talk, a standout stick-and-pour pairing, good laughs, and no wasted minutes—just a laid-back hang with good people and better smoke. Expect real lounge conversation, a featured cigar and drink you’ll want to try, a reminder of why cigar culture creates instant community, and a couple of stories you’ll end up repeating. If you laughed or learned even once, hit Subscribe, drop your go-to stick in the comments, and share with a buddy who needs a better lounge.
This episode of Stix & Stuff is all about good cigars, good pours, and good people. We set up at Smitty’s Cigar Lounge in Gainesville, GA with owners Rob Thigpen and Don Thompson to share how a shop founded in 1997 survived ownership changes, a pandemic, and everything in between. Rob’s path went from humanitarian work overseas to humidor duty, Don moved from Army MP and police work to building community, and together they’ve created a lounge known for regulars, hospitality, boutique cigars, and a whole lot of laughs.
We dig into why cigar lounges become instant community hubs, why women belong here just as much as men, and what keeps people coming back—from Friendsgiving to watch parties. If you enjoy the episode, hit subscribe and share it with someone who needs a better lounge.
Welcome to another episode of the Stix and Stuff Podcast with Tom Crawford, filmed in beautiful downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia. This week, we sit down inside Smokey Bear Cigars with owners Iraima and George Behar to talk about how this local gem came to life, the culture of cigar fellowship, and what makes their shop stand out in the North Georgia mountains. We also dive into cigar pairings, special edition releases, and the craft behind some of the world’s finest blends—plus a few laughs, tangents, and local stories that capture the character of Blue Ridge. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a casual enthusiast, you’ll enjoy the warmth, humor, and authenticity that make Smokey Bear Cigars a true hidden gem. Pull up a chair, light up a stick, and join the conversation.
Step inside the Ellijay Cigar Lounge in Ellijay, Georgia, with host Tom Crawford as he chats with owner and local pastor Davis Lacey. Davis shares how his passion for premium cigars and his heart for people sparked the creation of this welcoming, high-end lounge that’s become a true community hub. Discover the craftsmanship, camaraderie, and connection behind cigar culture — and why this lounge is one of North Georgia’s hidden gems. 🎙️ Sticks & Stuff Podcast 🎶 Featuring live music by Surrender Hill 📍 Ellijay Cigar Lounge — Ellijay, GA 💨 Craftsmanship. Community. Connection.
Join Tom Crawford from Sticks & Stuff as he visits Buckley Vineyards in North Georgia for an inside look at one of the region’s premier wineries. 🍷 In this episode, Tom sits down with owner Kevin Buckley to talk about their award-winning wines, including the unique Malbeck Number Seven aged in Jack Daniels barrels, the French-inspired sparkling wine made with the traditional champagne method, and the fan-favorite Campfire blend.
In this episode of the Stix & Stuff Podcast, host Tom Crawford sits down with Jono “Big Cat” Agurto—retired detective, insurance exec, and co-founder of Ellijay Paws in Need. From earning the Silver Medal for Bravery in law enforcement to raising over $100,000 through the Lasagna Cook-Off at Buckley Vineyards, Jono shares his journey of service, community impact, and love for “pittie” rescue dogs.
Join us on The Stix and Stuff Podcast as we visit the House of Applejay, a captivating women‑owned fine spirits and Likör distillery nestled in the heart of East Ellijay, Georgia. Founded in 2022 by a mother‑and‑daughter duo, this craft distillery blends German liqueur‑making heritage with Appalachian innovation to create small‑batch vodkas and liqueurs inspired by the region’s landscape and apple heritage
Welcome to The Stix and Stuff Podcast. We are Ellijay's newest podcast. But don't get it twisted - we're not just another cigar podcast. We have conversations that matter with successful people, fascinating businesses, and unforgettable places. Whether you love a fine cigar, a glass of bourbon, or just a damn good story, you’re in the right place.
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