Burn & Learn: The Cigar Lifestyle Podcast (BNL) is the preeminent voice for the modern cigar aficionado. Our mission is to amplify the rich Cigar Lifestyle, blending the enjoyment of premium tobacco with the raw ambition of entrepreneurship, craftsmanship, and personal development.
We create a space for decompression and connection. This is where industry titans, driven founders, and master craftsmen come to share the unfiltered stories behind their success—all over a great stick. You don’t just listen; you learn how to elevate your business, passion, and personal life.
Founded in 2025 by Stephen W. Mann, Burn & Learn was born from the realization that the cigar ritual is inherently tied to the pursuit of excellence. As the official podcast of StogieHub, a leading consumer-to-consumer marketplace for cigar accessories, the show quickly evolved from simple reviews into a deep dive into the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels the industry.
Our core belief: The moments spent enjoying a cigar are the perfect time to connect, reflect, and share wisdom. Each episode is designed to deliver both relaxation and actionable insights from those who are actively shaping the world.
After a career in leveraged finance, investment banking and technology, in 2024 Stephen established StogieHub, the preeminent e-commerce marketplace for cigar aficionados to buy and sell quality cigar accessories. He is also the driving force behind the Burn & Learn movement. A passionate cigar aficionado since 1996, his cigar lifestyle journey began with a Davidoff Grand Cru, setting him on a path of appreciating the finest blends and the culture surrounding them. Beyond his expertise in cigars, Stephen brings a sharp business acumen from his vast experience of investing several hundred million dollars into growing middle market companies. Combining his professional experience with his background as a former Division 1 track and field athlete allows Stephen to guide compelling podcast conversations that are as insightful on business strategy as they are on the flavor notes of a fine premium blend cigar.
Burn & Learn’s mission is to combine the enjoyment of a fine cigar with the opportunity to learn through engaging conversations with boutique cigar manufacturers, cigar accessories leaders, sports figures and industry-leading entrepreneurs. Burn & Learn ensures that every discussion is a valuable investment of your time.
Ray Solano is a Washingtonian chiropractic sports physician who brings a passion for performance, precision, and connection into everything he does. With a background rooted in sports medicine, he understands the discipline and mindset it takes to excel—on the field, in health, and in life.
At Burn & Learn, we’re all about continuous improvement. As such, we hope you’ll subscribe to our curated newsletter, Kaizen. We’re delivering the best insights and cigar news straight to your phone—no clutter, just the fire.
Subscribe to Kaizen now to enjoy the following:
🔥 Early Access to every new podcast episode
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Ready to Share Your Smoke?
Burn & Learn is where industry leaders, ambitious entrepreneurs, and exceptional craftsmen tell their unfiltered stories. If you have a powerful journey that embodies the “Cigar Lifestyle”—success, discipline, craftsmanship, and community service—we want to hear from you.
This is your opportunity to connect with an engaged audience of discerning aficionados and driven professionals. Tell us why you are a perfect fit for the show.
Our team reviews submissions weekly. Due to the high volume of requests, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The search for the perfect smoke never stops. This is the living record of every lounge that has hosted the NewBurn & Learn crew. Browse our history, check the ratings, and see which spots earned the BNL Seal of Approval.
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By Fred Rewey
By Cigar Journal, LLC
By Allan Lane
In this teaser from the upcoming StogieHub podcast, Stephen takes a quick look at the Stogie Mag — a tactical humidor built for those who carry their sticks with pride.
Burn & Learn and StogieHub featured in The Cigar Society Inc! Read Benn Pryor’s deep-dive interview with Steve Mann on the evolution of cigar culture, business strategy, and the spark that started it all.
