Cigars and Conversations artwork

Cigars and Conversations

54 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 13 ratings

Covering Pro Wrestling History

Sports wrestling pro history
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Episodes

The Gold Dust Trio

April 15, 2022 22:27 - 1 hour - 160 MB

Strap yourself in because this episode is all over the place. Derek goes in depth about his newest hobby, bullwhips! From there, the guys get in their time machine and go back to the early 1900s to discuss Ed "Strangler" Lewis, Billy Sandow, and Joseph "Toots" Mondt; The Gold Dust Trio! 

Protecting the Business - Jim Wilson & Plan B

March 25, 2022 21:45 - 1 hour - 141 MB

In Episode 50, Derek and Jay are back discussing the sacred topic of protecting the business! From "whistleblower" Jim Wilson on the Morton Downey Jr. Show to Bob Roop and his "Plan B," this episode has Derek's take and asks the important question: Was Jim Wilson right? 

48: Florida and Eddie Graham

January 16, 2020 17:23 - 1 hour - 144 MB

The boys are back with a real conversation about the Florida territory and wrestling legend Eddie Graham. No cats are involved in this episode! Download Episode Here

47.5 – Fall of the Florida Territory

October 16, 2019 15:16 - 9 minutes - 22.9 MB

Derek is on vacation so Jay and Kyle attempt to interview Derek’s cat about Eddie Graham and the Florida territory. This won’t go well. Download here

47 – Finishing Moves

September 30, 2019 17:36 - 1 hour - 148 MB

In this episode, Derek and Jay talk about what makes for good and bad finishing moves. In a C&C exclusive, Derek discusses his relationship with Dave Meltzer’s mother! All this and much more on episode 47! Download Here

46: A Bay of Goodies/ Q&A

September 16, 2019 14:56 - 1 hour - 163 MB

Derek and Jay are back with season 4! This time out, Derek shares a bounty of wrestling relics he was gifted and then answers some listener questions. Lots of rambling and non-sequitur discussions abound! Download Here

45: Tom “Rocky” Stone LIVE!

June 14, 2019 02:35 - 1 hour - 165 MB

Derek and Jay sit down and talk wrestling with former AWA, Mid-South,WWF and St. Louis wrestler Tom Stone! A lot of great stories and fun! Download here

44: Gimmick Infringement

June 02, 2019 19:52 - 1 hour - 149 MB

Derek and Jay discuss how gimmicks have been recycled and used over the years. Derek walks us through his latest wrestling controversy and Jay craps on Bullet Club t-shirts. All this and much more on episode 44! Download Here

43: Wrestling Debuts

May 22, 2019 18:56 - 1 hour - 151 MB

What starts out as a discussion about wrestling debuts quickly devolves into Derek talking about how he ended up on Sports Illustrated’s website, his WWE debut, first run-in and his first match. Lots of stories abound with a little chat about a whole lot of nonsense! DOWNLOAD HERE

42: Rock n Roll Wrestling – Music Television

April 11, 2019 19:30 - 1 hour - 138 MB

It only took 42 episodes for Derek and Jay to finally talk about Johnny Legend and his incredibly strange wrestling programs! This time out, the guys do a watch along to Rock n Roll Wrestling: Music Television from 1987. DOWNLOAD HERE

Episode 41: In memoriam / Corrections

April 03, 2019 16:04 - 1 hour - 150 MB

This time out, Derek and Jay salute the wrestlers who have recently died. Derek discusses his love of Beverly Hills 90210 and Darkman. The guys also address some corrections that need to be made from the things Derek has said. Kyle also has a major revelation about Derek’s name! DOWNLOAD HERE

40: The Announcers

March 07, 2019 04:19 - 1 hour - 139 MB

This time out, Derek and Jay talk about the great wrestling announcers from across the country. Also, Derek shares his opinion and insights into his own announcing career and what he thinks works and doesn’t. DOWNLOAD HERE

Episode 39: It’s a Shoot!

February 26, 2019 16:19 - 1 hour - 146 MB

This time out, the guys talk about when things get real inside and outside the ring. Derek explains why these moments are romanticized but usually end up awkward and uncomfortable. DOWNLOAD HERE

38.5 – Jobbers (Part 2)

February 19, 2019 17:08 - 36 minutes - 83.4 MB

The guys are back with the conclusion of their discussion about enhancement talent. DOWNLOAD HERE

38: Jobbers (Part 1)

February 09, 2019 17:05 - 48 minutes - 110 MB

On this episode, Derek and Jay discuss “ enhancement talent “ aka jobbers, the unsung and often maligned heroes of television wrestling. We find out where Kyle has been. And then ask the age old question… pike or pipe? All this and much more in episode 38! DOWNLOAD HERE

37: NWA Tag Team Titles

December 10, 2018 17:00 - 1 hour - 141 MB

Derek and Jay talk about the history of the NWA tag team titles. From inception to it’s eventual demise and then some… Derek talks cats, the Duseks, and what purpose the belts served while Jay tries coping with an urban coyote. All this and much more!   CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO THE... Read More

36: Superstars on the SuperStation

November 27, 2018 15:42 - 1 hour - 171 MB

This time out, the guys talk about a rarely discussed television event shown on TBS featuring “fan chosen” matches. Besides the show, the guys get into submission moves, Kyle’s engagement, Jay hiding in the woods and Derek explains why Ric Flair’s figure four leglock is all wrong! All this and much, much more! CLICK HERE... Read More

35: Working with Legends

October 18, 2018 14:34 - 1 hour - 159 MB

On this episode, Jay grills Derek about working with legends in the business. Derek shares some great stories involving the Rock n Roll Express, Greg Valentine and George Steel’s colostomy bag! CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

34: Mid South Wrestling TV: 2/1/1985

October 05, 2018 18:28 - 1 hour - 151 MB

We’re back with season 3! This time out, the guys watch an episode of Mid South Wrestling which includes a breakdancing Eric Watts, Boyd Pierce in a crazy sport coat, Ted Dibiase in a tuxedo and a Dirty White Boys video package! It’s a fun watch along on the network! CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND... Read More

33 – Wrestling ribs

July 25, 2018 15:20 - 1 hour - 140 MB

This time out, Derek and Jay talk about famous wrestling ribs, pranks and jokes from the past. Lots of bodily fluids are discussed as well as whether it is OK to eat an Alpaca? All this and much more! CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

32 – Q & A

July 09, 2018 15:04 - 1 hour - 200 MB

On this episode, Derek answers your questions and tells some funny stories about how he broke into the business. Also, the guys are joined by special guest Andy Gorzalski as he and Jay discuss what goes into putting on a wrestling show inside a public library! All this and much more! CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD... Read More

31: Gimmick Matches

June 20, 2018 14:01 - 1 hour - 158 MB

On this episode, Jay and Derek talk about a slew of weird and wild gimmick matches. From the scaffold match to the coal miner’s glove, the guys have some fun talking their way through the who, why and WTF is actually happening in these matches. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

30: 1984 – The Year in Wrestling

May 04, 2018 14:12 - 1 hour - 173 MB

This time out, the guys discuss all the big events that happened in 1984. The Parade of Champions, the start of the Rock & Wrestling connection and the return of “Black Saturday.” Also, the emotional breakdown of Derek when he finds out porn star Jerry Butler is dead! All this and much more! CLICK HERE... Read More

29: The Wrestler (1974) & All the Marbles

April 09, 2018 17:11 - 1 hour - 170 MB

It’s movie time as Derek and Jay discuss the Verne Gagne vanity project The Wrestler (1974) and the often forgotten women wrestling flick All the Marbles!   CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

28: AWA Team Challenge Series

March 19, 2018 15:40 - 1 hour - 166 MB

In this episode the guys discuss the ambitious and ridiculous AWA Team Challenge Series. From the Turkey on a pole, Behind the Eight Ball and Football Clash matches to the “Pink Room of Doom,” it’s all here! An episode that truly left Kyle speechless! CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

27: Houston Wrestling

February 16, 2018 20:57 - 1 hour - 138 MB

You asked for it! Well, somebody did. This time Derek and Jay talk about Paul Boesch, board games and why Houston wasn’t a territory. All this and much more! CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

26: Tropes, stereotypes and racism

January 27, 2018 19:02 - 1 hour - 177 MB

On this episode, Jay tries to get Derek to discuss why certain tropes exist in wrestling. From green mist to hard heads, the guys take a look at certain stereotypes and imagery that is associated with pro wrestling. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

C&C Christmas Special: WCCW Christmas Star Wars 1985 LIVE!

December 25, 2017 14:00 - 1 hour - 94.1 MB

A holiday treat as Derek and Jay watch the WCCW event Christmas Star Wars 1985 in it’s entirety. Watch along on YouTube and pretend you’re there with the guys sipping hot cocoa and watching Derek drool over Missy Hyatt in a bikini! CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

25 – Wrestling Tragedies

December 18, 2017 14:59 - 1 hour - 139 MB

In this episode, Derek and Jay discuss some of the lesser known or discussed wrestling related tragedies that have occurred over the years. Plane crashes, car wrecks, bar fights, gun fire, naked Gary Hart and much more!   CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

24 – The Chris Colt Experience

December 04, 2017 15:23 - 1 hour - 139 MB

On this episode, Derek and Jay discuss a true folk legend in the world of professional wrestling. This episode tells the story of a career that burned fast and hard. From biker gangs to acid trips during a cage match, Chris Colt is an enigma that deserves to be recognized. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND... Read More

23 – Managers

November 09, 2017 18:17 - 1 hour - 141 MB

In this episode, the guys have an open-ended discussion about wrestling managers. Their purpose, their personas and their pasts. Derek tells us how today’s managers on the indy scene are getting it wrong. And they both wax nostalgic about the time Jay got to manage Derek in Chicago. Also, “Mailbag” is back by popular demand!... Read More

22: Midget Wrestling

October 25, 2017 14:23 - 55 minutes - 104 MB

This time around Derek and Jay discuss the little people of the sport and how they have been booked on shows and in the territories. Also, the guys debut the new segment “Mailbag.” And Jay discusses his problem with rats (not that kind).   CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

21 – Listener questions & Bobby Heenan

September 22, 2017 14:18 - 54 minutes - 101 MB

In this episode, Derek answers your questions and reflects on Bobby “The Brain” Heenan. Jay drops a few names and both guys agree most Indy guys can’t pull off a religious gimmick. All this and much more on Episode 21!   CLICK HERE TO LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE

20: The Cage Match

August 28, 2017 19:06 - 1 hour - 124 MB

This time Derek and Jay discuss the bloody yet sometimes boring cage match. Along with historical data, the guys chat about their favorite matches, Derek’s psychology to the match and what exactly is the Mandela Effect. All this and much more! CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

19: Historical wrestling venues

August 04, 2017 15:11 - 59 minutes - 111 MB

Derek and Jay spend an hour discussing a series of inanimate objects better known as historical wrestling venues across the United States. From Portland to New York, the guys take a look at what made these arenas and auditoriums special in the eyes of many wrestling fans. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO THE... Read More

18 – A History of Bear Wrestling

July 12, 2017 18:07 - 51 minutes - 96.3 MB

On episode 18, Derek and Jay discuss the history of bears in the world of professional wrestling. The good, the bad and the bizarre are covered as they talk about Terrible Ted, Victor and a host of other bruins that fought in the squared circle. The guys also ask the age old question…. The monkey... Read More

17 – 1979: The Year in Wrestling

June 28, 2017 03:56 - 1 hour - 113 MB

Derek and Jay go month-by-month discussing some of the major events that would shape the future of the business. From Brody in Japan to Patterson “supposedly” in South America, the guys talk about it all! CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO THE PODCAST  

16 – SuperClash 3 – Part 2

June 15, 2017 16:41 - 51 minutes - 95.9 MB

This week, Derek and Jay “Do it to it” and continue their discussion about SuperClash 3. Listen as they discuss Ron Garvin’s nipples, the “jamming” lingerie battle royale and at least 3 matches that end without a pinfall. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

15 – SuperClash 3 – Part 1

June 15, 2017 16:40 - 43 minutes - 81.6 MB

This week, Derek and Jay begin their discussion about one of the worst PPVs in wrestling history, SuperClash III. They discuss the preliminary bouts, the hostile crowd, meeting Larry Nelson at Cauliflower Alley and the cost of a Billy Dee Williams autograph. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

14 – Prelude to SuperClash 3

June 15, 2017 16:40 - 59 minutes - 112 MB

In this week’s episode, Derek and Jay discuss all the behind -the-scenes turmoil that led up to one of wrestling’s worst Pay-Per-Views. Find out who was involved and how it all came crashing down around them as they attempted to take out Vince and the WWF! CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

13 – The Last Great Memphis Feud

June 15, 2017 16:39 - 1 hour - 117 MB

In this week’s episode, Derek and Jay discuss what many consider the last great feud in Memphis wrestling. The guys dissect the build up and all the parties involved. From vasectomies to Bruce Willis’ hair no stone is left un-turned in this week’s show about Jerry Lawler and Austin Idol’s infamous hair vs. hair cage... Read More

12 – Listener Questions

June 15, 2017 16:39 - 1 hour - 138 MB

This week Derek and Jay cover listener questions. From the Ribera jacket to the coal miner’s glove match, Derek gives his insights in a wide range of topics and questions culled from the audience. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

11 – History of the AWA Heavyweight Championship

June 15, 2017 16:38 - 1 hour - 77.1 MB

In this week’s mega-episode Derek and Jay discuss the history of the AWA Heavyweight Championship. From it’s shadowy inception to it’s unceremonious end, Derek explains why sometimes its the best (or worst) idea to keep the title in the family. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

10 – Starcade ’85 – The Gathering (Part 2)

June 15, 2017 16:26 - 1 hour - 124 MB

Derek and Jay continue their talk about Starcade ’85 The Gathering with more western boots, blood and championship matches.   CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

9 – Starcade ’85 – The Gathering (Part 1)

June 15, 2017 16:26 - 1 hour - 27.9 MB

This week Derek & Jay talk about the first half of the Starcade ’85 The Gathering show. They break down the venues, the matches, the participants and a lot of talk about the “western” style cowboy boots. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

8 – 80’s VHS and Odd Wrestling Merchandise

June 15, 2017 16:25 - 1 hour - 136 MB

Derek & Jay discuss everything from AWA Remco figures to classic VHS releases of the 80’s as well as other fun, off-the-wall wrestling memorabilia released in the early days of merchandising. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

7 – St. Louis

June 15, 2017 16:25 - 1 hour - 124 MB

Derek & Jay discuss St. Louis wrestling, Sam Muchnick, Wrestling at the Chase and all the stars that passed through the area. ​ CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

6 – Listener Questions

June 15, 2017 16:25 - 41 minutes - 78 MB

This week Derek answers some listener questions from the mail. And we discuss Joe Pedicino, guilty pleasures, favorite books, Mil Mascaras and much, much more!   CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

5 – Jim Barnett

June 15, 2017 16:24 - 56 minutes - 107 MB

As promised in Episode 4, Derek and Jay discuss infamous promoter Jim Barnett’s rise through the ranks of wrestling  with some fun anecdotes and stories to help paint a picture of who Jim Barnett was behind the scenes. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

4 – The Gunkel Problem

June 15, 2017 16:23 - 54 minutes - 21.8 MB

Derek &  Jay discuss the behind the scenes power struggle in Georgia in the 1970s between Ann Gunkel and the members of GCW and the NWA. Otherwise know as the “Original Battle of Atlanta”. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND LISTEN TO THE EPISODE