Step into the Country Squire Tobacconist on any given day and you’re likely to find a group of diverse men of all ages sharing their lives, triumphs, and troubles, over a bowl of quality pipe tobacco. In our Father To Father series, we try to capture the realness of conversation you find at your local pipe shop as we share our experience navigating fatherhood as two dads of young kids.
Pipe Question - (From Kirk) Hey guys I'm a long time listener. Been pipe smoking for roughly 13 years and I started listening I think on your 3rd or 4th episode years ago. My question is, is there a certain temp where pipes should be stored? I have a large rack in my living room that is full and I'm looking at getting a couple more to store the pipes I don't smoke as often and will have to keep it in my basement, which is unfinished and cold in the winter and muggy in the summer. Just curious if anything would happen to my pipes that are stored there. Always enjoy your show. Kirk
QFQ - (From Pastor Joda) So here’s a twist for you. I’m thinking of the way you have relaunched some things this year, what about a deep thoughts version of QFQ? What advice would you give to your 23 year old self?
Listener Feedback - (From Caleb of the OFF podcast) Hey Beau! The most recent Father to Father episode came out on my daughter's 10th birthday. Waking up this morning and reflecting on the day I became a father was only enhanced by hearing your memories as well. I feel like I shared a special day with you guys!
(From John) Gentlemen, I am, in fact, one of the listeners you've mentioned recently - I've been working to catch up on older episodes (selectively), and only in the last few days been listening to the most recent episodes as well.
I want to thank you for the work you're doing, as I've been enjoying it immensely. The recent Father to Father episode was outstanding. Thank you for being willing to put yourselves out there. I know that it encouraged and edified me, and I can't be the only one. As a 40 year-old father of four young boys (7, 6, 4, and 2), I relate to much of what you discussed. Please, please keep it up.
I'll try not to go overlong in telling about how I got into pipe smoking (and by all means, use what you like, if any, and cut what you like), but I bought my first pipe (a Szabo) in Budapest, Hungary, when I was on temporary duty as a Soldier and Officer in the U.S. Army (Veterinary Corps). I was stationed in Vicenza, Italy, and began collecting pipes at that time (in 2007). However, over time the pipes ended up in a box in the closet, and when we moved to Ethiopia in 2019 as members of Christian Veterinary Mission, the pipes stayed in storage here in the States. However, when we'd been in Ethiopia for about a month, I was invited into a theological social media group in which most of the guys smoked pipes, and I deeply regretted not bringing any pipes or tobacco with me. Then, in 2020, we had to leave Ethiopia due to COVID, and have been unable to return due to a subsequent civil war. I've taken a temporary research position at a veterinary school here in the States, and have been able to appreciate smoking a pipe again. Needless to say, if and when we're able to return to Ethiopia in the near future (God willing), I'll be taking as much pipe smoking materiel as my wife allows. One final note - a couple weeks back I was doing a much needed tobacco inventory, and I realized that, after Cornell & Diehl and Ken Byron Ventures, I have significantly more Country Squire tobacco than any other blender. You guys have great stuff across the board, but Cowboy Coffee is my go to smoke. My order of Whale Song is arriving today, and I can't wait. Once again: Keep up the great work! Peace,