Hot Ashes Podcast
The Hot Ashes Podcast is where cigars, conversation, and camaraderie come together. Hosted by veterans and longtime friends, the show blends sharp humor, real talk, and storytelling straight from the cigar lounge. One week it’s swapping war stories, the next it’s debating music, movies, leadership, or life’s big questions—no script, no filters, just unfiltered conversation and good bourbon. Whether you’re lighting up a cigar or just looking for a seat at the table, Hot Ashes delivers laughs, insight, and the kind of banter you’d expect from a crew that’s seen a little of everything.
Hot Ashes Podcast
Episode 23 (Irreverent Warriors, tribe, fitness)
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In this episode of the Hot Ashes Podcast, Lee, TK, Chris, and Ed light up some cigars, crack a few beers (and Liquid Death), and dive deep into veteran community, mental health, and the power of tribe.
In this episode you’ll hear about:
- Irreverent Warriors (IW)
- Their mission: “Bring veterans together using humor and camaraderie to improve mental health and prevent veteran suicide.”
- What a Silkies Hike actually is (pace, vibe, who can join)
- Upcoming hikes: Crystal Coast, Jacksonville’s 11th anniversary hike (April 11), DC night hike, and even Normandy 2027
- The meaning behind “22” (push-ups, texts, and awareness)
- Mental Health, Sleep & Staying Alive
- Why quality sleep, CPAP, and brain health matter more than people think
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and other non‑pharma options
- How a simple text or phone call can literally save a life
- Community, Tribe & Getting Out of the House
- How a cigar shop becomes a community center and support network
- Other groups: Honor Foundation, Vector, Veteran Business Collective, Canines for Service, local veteran coffee meetups, and more
- Stories about camping trips, shooting range days, rock climbing, golf, and just finding “your people”
- Fitness & Big Personal Challenges
- Ed’s journey toward a half Ironman and what real training looks like
- Chris’ 22 workouts in 22 hours at Hotworx to raise awareness
- The importance of accountability, support, and being pushed by your circle
- Plus plenty of:
- Cigar and beer talk (George’s Box Press, Warsteiner, Liquid Death)
- Dogs, family calls mid‑podcast, and the usual Hot Ashes banter
If you’re a veteran, active duty, or just someone who needs a tribe, this episode is for you.
Like, subscribe, and share this with someone who might need to hear it.
Resources & Links from this Episode
Irreverent Warriors & Events
- Irreverent Warriors:
www.irreverentwarriors.org - 21 Mar – Irreverent Warriors Crystal Coast Hike
https://irreverentwarriors.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=register.start&eventID=670 - 28 Mar – Irreverent Warriors Washington DC Night Hike
https://irreverentwarriors.donordrive.com/dcnight26 - 11 Apr – Irreverent Warriors Jacksonville Hike
https://irreverentwarriors.donordrive.com/jacksonville26
Career & Transition Support
- Honor Foundation:
www.honor.org - North Carolina for Military Employment (NC4ME):
https://www.nc4me.org - Vector Accelerator:
https://www.vectoraccelerator.org
Service Dogs & Support
- Canines for Service:
https://www.caninesforservice.org
Contact
- For more info about Irreverent Warriors and related events, contact Chris Rabassi:
rabassi.chris@gmail.com
