OomPaul podcast - OomPaul

The Chicago show is always a good time. Take a listen and get a glimpse of why this event (and the other great shows) are such a big deal to our community. Chicago Show 2012

Young Gun from across the pond Chris Askwith is spreading magic with each and every pipe. Already Chris has a sincere and serious following. If you're not one of those with an Askwith in your collection or rotation, I hope you'll rectify that situation pronto. Chris Askwith

I met Bob in CT while I was on a press check for work. We landed on the topic of pipes and he mentioned that he used to work in the tobacco fields as a kid. Take a listen to the ins and outs of this really interesting peek into an industry we're all tied to. Bob Beltrandi

I own a Steve Liskey pipe and love it. Bottom line: you should too. Steve is a great guy that makes an exceptional pipe. Add one of his pipes to your regular rotation and you'll be coming back for more. Guaranteed. Steve Liskey

It was my pleasure to chat with American carver Steve Morrisette. Steve's work is beautiful and precise. Steve has an exacting artistic eye that yields some real stunners. Steve Morrisette

Where have you spotted a pipe lately? Listen and I'll tell you of some pipe spottings of my own, then join the conversation.     Pipe spotting!

Do you smoke pipes and cigars? Why or why not? Let's start the discussion and continue it with your call ins and emails. Hey, we even give a quick call to check in with Mr. Scott Bendett with PipesandCigars.com. You can see his site here. Click here to listen or listen at your leisure by subscribing in iTunes. Pipes and Cigars!

Briar Blues Dear listeners, you span the globe and check in regularly and that's a wonderful thing. It's now time to engage. You, yes you. Listen to the upcoming changes and exciting things happening with my revamped and more frequent podcasts! You're going to love what you hear. Hey, we even give a quick call to check in with Mike at Briar Blues. You can see his site here. Click here to listen or listen at your leisure by subscribing in iTunes. Episode 31 • Briar Blues

Todd Johnson: Great American carver Todd Johnson is a force of nature. With amazing visionary talent and a unrelenting insistance to coax the ultimate from each block, the more you know about this master carver, the more you will understand why his work is so sought after around the globe. Take a listen to this chat we had in his studio back on July 12, 2010 and view more of his amazing work here. Episode 30 • Todd Johnson

Bruce Weaver: With blasts beyond compare and a heart of gold, this man has everyone's attention. Listen to the great chat I had with my buddy Bruce and check out his pipes today at http://www.baweaverpipes.com Bruce Weaver

On June 3rd 2010 it was my pleasure to chat with Mr. Vernon Vig, current president of the UPCA (United Pipe Clubs of America.) Vernon is a long time pipe smoking advocate who has been very successful carrying the torch for our hobby. Listen to the podcast and find out how you too can make a big difference. VernonVigg

On May 28, 2010, it was my pleasure to chat with Kurt Huhn, the man behind Pipemakersforum.com where you can learn just about everything there is to know about pipes. Please also check out pipecrafter.com where you can find some of Kurt's beautiful handcrafted pipes. Take a listen to the podcast and hear what Kurt has to say about the forum, as well as his own handmade gems! Kurt Huhn

A Monjure International trunk show was one of the first times I saw so many amazing high grade pipes in one place. It's always a treat to see what Steve Monjure has to offer either at a  trunk show or at a pipe show. You can even order from him through his website. The customer service you will receive is of the highest caliber. Steve is a great guy with a great product. Take a listen to this podcast to hear all about how Steve got started, insight into the industry, some funny stories, and a lot more. I hope you enjoy! Steve_Monjure

On June 21, 2010, I enjoyed a chat with Mr. Raymond Lykins, the current PUCA National slow smoking champ. Incredibly, this was Mr. Lykins first Chicago show where he entered and took it all! He's no stranger to slow smoking though, listen to the podcast to find out more. I hope you enjoy! Raymond_Lykins.mp3

© S.E. ThileOn February 6, 2009 I had the pleasure to chat with American pipe carver extraordinaire, J.T. Cooke. Known for his amazing blasts and unforgettable pipes, this podcast will give you a glimpse into the man behind the magic. I hope you enjoy! JTCooke

Back in December 2008, I had a chat with Alex Florov. I first saw Alex as he helped out with a pipe making course at the Chicago show. He had a really interesting petite pipe and was full of great advice. Find out more about that pipe, his artistry and much more by listening to the podcast! AlexFlorov

Back in early 2009, I was fortunate enough to chat with one of our great American pipe carvers, Jody Davis. My apologies for the hiatus as some information is dated, but no less wonderful is listening to this incredibly kind, multi-talented fellow talk about his beginnings, ideas and inspirations. Jody has influenced many great carvers over the years. I hope you enjoy! Episode 21 • Jody Davis

In early 2009 I had the pleasure to chat with one of America's top carvers, Jeff Gracik of J. Alan Pipes. A really nice guy with some unique vision for high end pipes, Jeff is one to watch. Listen to the podcast, then check out his site at jalanpipes.com. Jeff Gracik

Take a listen to the chat I had with one of the most famous pipe smokers ever, Santa! A sincere Merry Christmas from our house to yours! - Olie A Chat with Santa

The Radice family podcast is here! Check out the pics below as you listen to the Radice podcast. You can listen to this podcast either directly on this site by clicking the link above, or in itunes. If possible, please subscribe to the podcast in iTunes (read "Important" message below for more info and links.) My wife Venessa and I were fortunate enough to take a trip to Italy in late April this year (2009.) While there, we took a train to Milan where none other than Luca (of Neatpipes.com fame) picked us up to take us to the Radice workshop. We sat down and had a chat with Father Luigi and sons Gianluca and Marzio. Luca was very gracious to be our interpreter for the day. After the interview the Radice's took us out to lunch at a wonderful spot. The pipes I saw while there were beyond words. It was really incredible to sit across the table from these great pipemakers. The hospitality while there was second to none. They were incredible hosts and a sheer delight to be with. Being able to walk slowly through the workshop and examine every square inch was such a treat. My Radice pipes mean even more to me now that I was able to get to know this wonderful family. I hope you feel the same after listening to this podcast. If you have yet to own a Radice pipe, there is no time like the present. Drop me a line about the Radice pipe you're getting next! I hope you enjoy the podcast! GianlucaLuigi with 3 bowl pipe Luca, Marzio and Olie Luigi sketching           Marziosmoking nose pipeOlie art at Radice workshop Venessa portraits of the Radice family               A Radice collection      Amazing massive pipe           Incredible creations     unique drafting twins                      Radice Podcast

It's been a while, but it is still worth listening to this great podcast. It's live and ready to download. It was great to see so many carvers and vendors. Seeing so many different styles and different degrees of artistry and craftsmanship is so interesting. Whether you were there or not, you'll have fun listening to our first podcast we're having to label "explicit" due to a few colorful words. Chicagoland Pipe Show

I had a chat with Gunnar Weber-Prada, the very busy artist behind the beautiful pipes and many other items at www.totemstar.com. From modern pipe displays to pipe art shirts to the Icon pipe tamper, there's more than just beautiful hand made pipes at totemstar.com.  Gunnar Weber-Prada

I had a chat with Jennifer Rinaldi, the woman behind the beautiful pipe stands at, jrinaldipipes.com. Jennifer's fine arts background finds yet another voice in these amazing works.   Jennifer Rinaldi

© Neill Archer Roan. Used with permission.I had a chat with Neill Archer Roan of the blog, A Passion for Pipes. As an informed collector, Neill has great insight into our wonderful world of pipes. His writing is nothing short of poetic, making his blog a welcome read at each update. Check out the podcast and don't forget to visit Neill's site through the link above. I hope you enjoy! Neill Archer Roan mp3

I had a chat with Nelson Pidgeon, Secretary of the Sherlock Holmes Pipe Club and the man behind the SHPC Gazette, back in December.

It was my pleasure to interview owner and operator of Tobacco Supermarket, Joyce White.

It was my pleasure to interview Jon Rinaldi of www.jrinaldipipes.com on November 23, 2008.

Instead of sending you all holiday cards, I’ve made one big one for you in the form of this podcast. You’ll hear greetings from some familiar folks and a few surprises (even to me!) Grab a pipe and have fun listening to this virtual Holiday card made just for you. Thanks for listening!  Happy Holidays

UPCA Slow Smoking Champion Jotham Tausig

Von Erck’s incredibly artistic pipes are known worldwide and I was fortunate enough to spend some time with this personable, easygoing artisan.

This is another interview conducted at the 2008 Chicagoland Pipe Show. Brad Pohlmann is another great American pipe carver who I was lucky enough to spend some time with after meeting him in the pipe making seminar. He approaches pipe carving with the eye of a sculptor—a true artist. His work is just beautiful. I hope you enjoy listening to our conversation. Brad Pohlmann

I was very fortunate to be able to chat with another one of the great American pipe carvers, Kirk Bosi, at the 2008 Chicagoland Pipe Show

Art Ruppelt's artistic creations bring joy to pipe smokers the world over.

Frenchy of Frenchy's pipes took a few moments to chat with me about his blooming business, his Yankees hat, his favorite tobacco, and the ugliest pipe he's ever seen (and had to have.)

I hope you enjoy this conversation with legendary pipe carver, Mark Tinsky.  Mark Tinsky

Frank is the main coordinator for the Chicoagoland Pipe Show. He gives us the lowdown on the events as well as some other neat bits of information. Frank is pictured here with a 1930s Dunhill advertisement pipe, which he claims is unsmokable. (My questions are: 1. How many times did he try to smoke it? and, 2. Is the pipe really big, or is Frank just really small?)  Frank Burla

  The recording of the legendary Pipestud is something you don't want to miss. For those of you who do not know Pipestud yet, he is a regular contributor to the Yahoo message board Pipesmokers 2. He is a font of knowledge and has written numerous reviews of tobacco which can be found at TobaccoReviews.com. He also consigns estate pipes on ebay, works at the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, and calls horse races on the weekends in Austin, Texas. As a special treat, at the very end of this podcast we have a recording of him calling a race. subscribe in iTunes  Pipestud

Our First Episode: An Interview with Bjarne Nielsen Bjarne Nielsen is a world-famous pipe carver from Denmark, who of course, owns Bjarne Pipes, Ltd. Hear what Bjarne has to say about handmade vs. machine made pipes, how he started, and lots of other great stories. Click here for the podcast.

Every year the Greater Kansas City Pipe Club has a carving contest for American carvers. This image shows the winners from 2010. This year's shape will be the bulldog. Listen to the podcast and hear all about it from the guy who started the whole contest, Mr. Quinton Wells. Then, if you're a carver in North America, hurry up and register and send in your entry! The deadline is fast approaching! Then come to the KC show June 23rd and 24th and enjoy all the fun! GKCPC carving contest

It was my pleasure to chat with the incredibly talented American carver Mr. Grant Batson. Grant has a keen artistic eye that really sets him apart and it was a lot of fun talking shop and ideas, not to mention road kill vittles with Mr. Batson. I hope you enjoy. Grant Batson

It was my pleasure to chat with collector extraordinaire Mr. Dustin Babitzke. I've seen portions of Dustin's collections at shows, but never got to chat to him about them. I had a great time picking his brain about his love of collecting pipes. If you look closely in this pic, not only will you see Dustin holding a pipe by one of his favorite carvers, the amazing Stephen Downie, but on the shelf in the background, you'll see one of my creations, Flora Cambriana 1. I hope you enjoy the podcast!Dustin Babitzke

It was my pleasure to chat with American carver and founder of pipe maker's forum, Mr. Tyler Beard for episode 45. Not only has Tyler been incredibly influential over the years through his helping others via pipe maker's forum, but his work alone has also influenced many a budding carver. Listen to Tyler's beginnings, find out about his new move and change in careers, and other stuff I never ever knew about this really nice and talented American carver. I hope you enjoy! Tyler Beard

For episode 66, it was my pleasure to chat with master blender Russ Ouellette of PipesandCigars.com fame. Check out this podcast for some great insight and advice, then go grab some of his awesome blends at PipesandCigars.com.

The longest podcast to date and one that gives us just a glimpse into a very important portion of our modern pipe world: SmokingPipes.com. It was a real pleasure to hang out at the SPDC headquarters and chat with Sykes and some of the staff back on December 5th, 2014. I learned a good bit about the history behind the institution and had a great time to boot. I think you will love this one.

It was so cool to finally chat with my Swedish pal Jonas Rosengren. What a really nice and talented guy he is! You'll hear how Jonas begins his journey and a lot more. I hope you enjoy!

It was my pleasure to chat with American pipe carver Tim Thorpe for episode 63. One of things that really stands out to me about Tim's work, is his color push. I hope you enjoy!

It was a pleasure to chat with Nat Clark of Middle Earth Tobacco. I have to say that I got more than I bargained for and was pleasantly surprised. Here's a heck of a guy carrying on his Grandfather's tobacco legacy through small batch hand blending. I hope you enjoy as much as I did!

I truly had a great time interviewing Jay from Rokstarpipes.com. He is easily one of the funniest guys I know. With a real passion for pipes and history, take a listen to an honest American and good friend of mine. I hope you enjoy!

It is with great pleasure that I present to you a very interesting delve into the Oom Paul shape debate written by none other the Mr. Ben Rapaport. Ben's very interesting paper on the pipe shape and it's twists and turns is read by Venessa Sylvester. I hope you enjoy!

It was great chatting with American pipe carver Nate King. What a talent he is. Looking for a twist on the traditional? Looking for something totally and completely different? Find both and much more coming out of Nate's shop. Take a listen!

Up and coming pipe maker from the Kansas City area, Scottie Piersel.

I stumble upon a really neat site, and the next thing you know I find pressed clay pipes for sale! Take a listen to Jonathan Townsend talk about this really interesting family business that involves everything from tricorn hats to chatelains. Oh, and pipes!

It was my pleasure to chat with legendary pipe maker Trever Talbert. He is truly one of the most influential makers out there and has been making work that spans from traditional to fantastically artistic for quite some time. I hope you enjoy this glimpse into a bit of pipe history as much as I did.

It was my pleasure to chat with American pipe maker Wayne Teipen for episode 55. Wayne is a meticulous pipe maker and great guy, but that's not all. There's that Smokey the Bear story, too. Enjoy!

It was my pleasure to chat with the very talented Canadian Carver you may already know simply as Gio. If you don't know Gio, you soon will. I suggest you get your hands on a Gio pipe sooner rather than later. Beautiful work here, no two ways about it. Gio is an incredibly nice guy with an eye for beauty and hands capable of bringing those beautiful pipe ideas, thankfully within reach. I hope you enjoy!   

A timely survey is included in this podcast. Do me a favor and help out some graphic design students at Napier University in Scotland. They want you to answer a few questions about pipe smoking. Take a listen and send in your answers asap. Survey ends Oct. 6, 2013 so hurry!

It was my pleasure to chat with the very talented American pipe carver Mr. Chris Morgan for episode 52. With an artist's mind and a serious drive it's always interesting to see what Chris will come up with next. I hope you enjoy. 

For episode 51, it was my pleasure to chat with Jason Cochey, the man behind Briar Bird pipes. I've been following Briar Bird pipes for some time on Instagram, so it was nice to finally chat with the man producing these nice pieces. I hope you enjoy.

It was my pleasure to chat with Mike Lancaster, the man behind TobaccoPipeCollectors.com aka TPC. Mike has a passion for spreading the word about "indie carvers" as he affectionately calls the group. Learn more about how Mike is engaging the pipe community at large and how you can get in on what's going on at TPC by listening to this podcast. I hope you enjoy!   

I finally catch up with long time pal Luca of Neatpipes.com fame. I've been wanting this podcast for a long time. I'm very pleased to finally bring you this chat with an incredibly important person in the pipe world who also happens to be a genuinely interesting and nice guy. I hope you enjoy!

It was my pleasure to chat with American phenom carver Adam Remington. Watch this guy, if you can. The trajectory is stellar. If you can acquire one of his works, I would highly recommend you do it sooner rather than later. Listen to my chat with Adam and get to know the incredible talent behind one of the brightest new stars in the pipe world. Adam Remington

On January 23rd, 2013 it was my pleasure to chat with the founder of Pipesmagazine.com, Mr. Kevin Godbee. I think you'll find this to be a very interesting behind the scenes glimpse into the mind of a guy who is truly excited about the various ways a pipe smoker can be entertained and catered to through digital media. Kevin's doing some great stuff and I hope you'll support his endeavors, especially after listening to the podcast. Kevin mentions the NPR interview which can be found by clicking here. As well as an interview with Michael Gladis from Mad Men which you can find by clicking here. Kevin Godbee

For epsisode 43, I bring to you a chat with a pal of mine, Mr. John O. who is a moderator over at Pipesmokers2 on Yahoo. Take a listen and you'll hear why I think this board is one of the more unique ones to check out. I hope you enjoy! JohnO

For episode 42 it was my pleasure to chat with Brian Levine, the host of Pipesmagazine.com's Radio Show. To say that Brian's history with pipes and tobacco is informed and extensive is a great understatement. From his jobs with Dunhill, Stokkebye, Smokingpipes.com, Brigham and more, Brian's immersion experience in the working world of pipes and tobacco is fascinating. Oh, and he has the largest collection of Disney pipes on the planet. Listen, enjoy and then go check out his radio show at Pipesmagazine.com, not least of which because you'll hear him interview yours truly for this Thursday's edition (1/17/13.) Brian Levine

It was a real treat to finally chat with the amazingly talented Canadian carver Stephen Downie. Take a gander at his incredible work at www.downiepipes.com while listening to the podcast. I hope you enjoy! Stephen Downie

Keith Moore: legendary pipe salesman who also happens to be an amazing singer / songwriter talks about the pipe world 10 years ago vs. now. Keith has great insight into collecting and appreciating pipes.