How Bout That Cigar Will Suspend Operations
FOREST LAKE, MN: 24-October-2025
After 7 years and over 300 episodes, the cigar media group known as How Bout That Cigar will suspend operation at the close of the 2025 calendar year. All of our currently-scheduled Monday shows will continue as planned. Our final show will take place on 8-December-2025.
The idea for How Bout That Cigar (HBTC) originally came to Matt Tye, Founder of HBTC, in 2015. At the time, Matt knew he needed to gain more experience in the world of Premium Cigars so he delayed the idea until he knew he was ready. In late 2018 Matt created and registered HBT Media LLC, the parent company of HBTC. After working with another cigar media outlet since 2015 (Blind Man’s Puff), Matt made the decision to move forward with HBTC. The website launched on 1-February-2019, and the podcast (HBTC Live) started production soon after.
Garret Robinson joined HBTC in the beginning as the co-host of HBTC Live. Garret developed the idea for a show segment known as Numero de los Muertos, which became a fan favorite. After 209 episodes, Garret and HBTC parted ways.
In September of 2021, Justin Lawler joined the team at HBTC. Justin took on the role of producing the live shows and all of the trade show videography. Justin’s eye for timing and detail took the productions at HBTC to an incredible new level, and his dedication has been a cornerstone in the success of HBTC.
Raul Ramos joined as the co-host of HBTC Live in August of 2023 on Episode 210. He was already familiar to the HBTC audience after pinch-hitting the coverage at Cigars & Baseball 2021. Raul quickly brought an incredible energy to HBTC Live and has built great relationships for HBTC throughout the industry.
From Justin Lawler, Producer
“It’s been a wild ride all the way to the end and I have enjoyed every moment of it. I am grateful for the friendships and community that have been built over the years being with HBTC. As this chapter comes to a close it will be exciting to see what happens next for each of us.”
From Raul Ramos, Co-Host of HBTC Live
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to be on HBTC. The friendships that have grown throughout my time on the show, and with Matt & Justin, will be lifelong. Though I am saddened by the end of HBTC, I am also excited for what the future holds for all of us. Thanks for your support, and keep an eye out for The Leaf Gypsy.”
From Matt Tye, HBTC Founder and Chief Editor
“I am beyond grateful for this incredible journey. I want to thank our sponsors, our guests, and every single person who ever watched or listened to HBTC. We hope the conversations we shared over the years on HBTC were just as entertaining, educational, and meaningful to you as they were to us. Thank you, all.”
The entire team at HBTC would like to express our gratitude to the Premium Cigar industry for the opportunity to cover the culture and the people that make it so great. It has been an honor to be stewards of this incredible hobby and to gain lifelong friendships along the way. Please remember, as always: Burn cigars, not bridges.
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