Holy Smokes Madison Chapter: Bringing Together Faith, Bourbon, and Cigars for Community

02/16/24 • 36 min

Welcome to Holy Smokes, where we delve into the compelling stories of faith, community, and personal growth. In this episode, we feature Dave Bechtold and Mark Bendorf, who share their experiences in Madison, Wisconsin, organizing events such as Holy Grounds and "Burgers and the Bible" with a mission to spread joy, hospitality, and the message of Jesus. They reflect on the impact of their work, from meaningful conversations to witnessing the transformative power of faith in people's lives. Moreover, they discuss their vision for a community of cigar smokers and bourbon enthusiasts as a platform to share spiritual growth and purpose. Stay tuned as we explore stories of hope, resilience, and the profound impact of faith in everyday lives.

Previous Episode

A Conversation with Tobin Arthur: From Baseball to Business, Cigars, and Healthcare Innovations

Welcome to a sizzling new episode of Holy Smokes! In this electrifying installment, we're joined by the illustrious Tobin Arthur, who regales us with riveting tales from his high school baseball triumphs to his dynamic career in business and healthcare. Grab your favorite Crossfire cigar and a piping hot cup of coffee as we delve into Tobin's journey from USC to co-founding Innovation for Alpha, blazing a trail through the realms of entrepreneurship, healthcare, and community building. Get ready to be captivated by Tobin's fascinating anecdotes, insights on the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, and his passion for creating meaningful connections. So sit back, relax, and prepare for a Holy Smokes experience like no other!

Outline: (00:00) Grind consistency varies for different brewing methods. (20:03) Pitching speed expectations create strain on arms. (28:08) Started window washing business with friends, struggled. (32:24) Starbucks adapted to long lines with innovations. (43:39) Legacy technology caused problems storing outdated data. (53:53) Health insurance companies reject claims to avoid payment. (01:07:17) Venture capital challenges and youth in Bay. (01:21:42) Consumers using ER as primary care is costly. (01:31:08) The Healthcare system struggles to shift towards value-based care. (01:37:30) Educational tools and online community for business. (01:45:21) Met cool people through cigars, and Norris is a favorite. (01:58:23) Family's faith and worldwide prayers for brother. Complex, unique surgery watched by global medical professionals. (02:07:12) Legacy as a coach helping others succeed.

About the Guest: Tobin Arthur is a coffee connoisseur with a deep knowledge of coffee making. He is well-versed in different coffee types, particularly espresso-based and drip coffee. Tobin understands the intricacies of making espresso, emphasizing the need for high pressure and a fine grind to extract the true flavor of the coffee. While he appreciates the option to add flavors and milk, Tobin believes that a true coffee aficionado should be able to enjoy the pure flavor of espresso. His expertise in the world of coffee has made him a respected figure in the industry

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Faith, Fellowship, and Fresh Starts: A Conversation with Dave Bechtold on Holy Smokes

Welcome to Holy Smokes, the podcast where faith, friendship, tobacco, and drinks come together in meaningful and thought-provoking conversations. In this episode, our host, Steve Reiter, sits down with the inspiring Dave Bechtold and the engaging Mark Bendorf. Together, they delve into a wide range of topics, from childhood memories and personal growth to faith, community engagement, and the unique Holy Smokes gatherings. Journey with us as we explore the depth of Jesus, the mission of going beyond the church building walls, and the power of spreading hope and love in a world divided by politics and ideologies. Get ready for an episode filled with stories, insights, and a shared passion for cigars and pipes in the cozy setting of the Holy Smokes headquarters at Dave Bechtold's home lounge in Madison, Wisconsin.

Outline:

(00:00) Madison: a liberal town with unique politics.

(06:32) Relevance of God and hope in politics.

(16:07) Divine intervention led to successful kids ministry.

(19:02) Former churchgoer shares experience and impact of prayer.

(24:59) Rebellious teenagers become the center of attention.

(30:52) Expect the inevitable and maintain a positive attitude.

(38:17) A Young couple prioritized relationship grappled with religion.

(41:39) Dave was known for connecting with people.

(51:17) Sow seeds, build relationships, and spread good news.

(56:22) Neighbors connected over the fire, shared cigars and welcomed.

(59:09) Enjoying pipe smoking, trying Colorado blends, supporting local business.

(01:07:03) Not into Star Trek, but likes sports.

(01:12:25) Son perfected steak; now it's my favorite.

(01:17:21) Overcoming negativity through obedience to Jesus.

(01:22:45) Thankful for friends, wife, and gifts.

(01:29:32) Celebrating influential figures in spirituality and ministry.

(01:34:15) Christ's faithfulness is beautiful and often unnoticed.

About the Guest: Dave Bechtold is known for his love and passion for people, especially families and children. He is often described as having a heart for others and a genuine love for throwing parties to bring joy to those around him. Dave truly believes in the saying, "If you can find a job that you love to do, you'll never work a day in your life," and he exemplifies this through his work. His parties bring happiness and serve as a way for him to share God's love and show that the Lord is good. Dave's dedication to serving others and spreading joy through his work is a testament to his caring and compassionate nature