POV: We're sharing a cigar in my back yard 

Parasocial relationship go brrrrr

This has the same energy of when my 17 year old brother taught my 16 year old self how to smoke weed

nightmare blunt rotation

Mr. Shaq, I've gotten the itch. You've helped turn my Juul addiction into an occasional cigar smoking hobby that my parents support and encourage.

Based on a peer-reviewed study I read a few years ago, there is a net detriment to be a cigarette smoker versus a cigar smoker, but no gross or inherent detriment. What the study showed was that x volume of y concentration of cigar smoke in itself is not "healthier" than same same measure of cigarette smoke, however the main differentiation comes between the frequency. Cigar smokers are far less likely to develop lung or mouth cancers than cigarette smokers not because cigar smoke is better for you, but because the average cigar smoker smokes 1 cigar per 4-5 weeks (this obviously accounts for the range of 1+ cigar per day smokers all the way to to once or twice per year smokers, of which there are quite a few more), whereas the average cigarette smoker smokes approximately 17 cigarettes per day (again, this accounts for 2 pack a day smokers as well as 2 cigarettes a day smokers). So in all, the finding was that because cigar smokers tend to smoke occasionally and cigarette smokers tend to smoke regularly, being a "cigar smoker" is on average far less dangerous than being a cigarette smoker even though cigar smoke itself is no less carcinogenic than any other tobacco smoke.

Hey, a subject I have an opinion on that I feel compelled to share! Picking a cigar: I found that I enjoyed darker cigars when I first started, but I also preferred dark liquors and dark roast coffee when first getting into those and I think the flavor preference follows that. I've also never had a bad cigar from CAO so if you're looking for recommendations I'd go for anything they make. Lighting: I'm a fan of the slow toast. It take quite a while but I found the quicker methods and doing things like puffing the cigar with the flame near led to an acrid taste that took a long while to dissipate. Buying: I order my cigars online, generally in sampler packs that include 3-5 of each cigar. This means I can enjoy a cigar on a whim without a trip to a store, it also encourages me to enjoy with friends since we can share tasting notes. Is it bad for you: Yes, in the same way being around a fire, cooking with a gas stove, working on a car, etc are bad for you. Manage your risk accordingly. And finally on addiction: This was the biggest thing that stopped me from trying cigars. I'm now ~3years in to having the occasional cigar and have no cravings for them. My biggest suggestion is to be sure you use them as an enjoyment enhancer not a coping mechanism. The way I do this with anything potentially addictive is by listening to my internal monologue. Did I just say "a cigar would be nice right now" or did I say "I really need a cigar", if it's the latter I won't allow myself to have one.

Thanks for sharing netshaq. Even though I have little interest in smoking cigars, I love to hear about your hobbies and thoughts. You’re probably one of the only RU-vidrs whose advice I implicitly trust and don’t have a big ego. Would love to see more gardening content in the future!

this feels like the nicer erudite version of when my older brother came back from our hometown in mexico with cigars and shared one with me on nye lol

Just when I thought this guy couldn’t get any cooler he drops a half hour of cigar knowledge while chillin in his backyard. Thanks Shaq

Love it. Now your next task is a 2-hour disc golf video, you've done this to yourself

Those Hemingways really are the gateway stick, they're so good. My ritual for a while now has been a cigar after dinner on Fridays listening to those trill minds boys. The elite 1% cigar pairing for me is a cream soda lol. Tysm shaq the yard looks great.

I love the way you approach things man, insightful and humorous

I don’t think I’ll ever smoke a cigar, but I’d love to see a “POV smoking a joint with me” or bong video LMAO

The ritual part is why I enjoy them. The physical part of "operating" the cigar makes it easier to go into a zen like state because it forces attention similar to how mantras work.

I know it's popular to have with but I would recommend having alcohol *after* you smoke (which is what a lot of pipe smokers do), since having during or before you'll strip the mucosal lining on your tongue and that is a barrier against some of the bad stuff in the smoke. Definitely drinking something cool beforehand and during is great like you said!

Arizona boy here. Also admiring my cinderblock backyard.

If I can speak on behalf of internet strangers who all fancy ourselves parasocial friends with you, this style of video rocks. We love waxing philosophic, technical, and artistic with Shaq. Thanks for your generosity. I hope you are transitioning into fatherhood well.

27 seconds after it dropped, truly i was waiting for this video my entire life

Crazy. I have never had a cigar- and probably will never have one- but what a great video. Watched the whole thing and i was hooked and so interested the whole time

Daddy why is mommy always putting out the cigar on my forehead.

one of the best parts about being a young man with a junker car is being able to enjoy a cigar on a long drive

Stouts are also excellent to sip with a cigar. Incredible video man. I can say with certainty, I needed this after work. Thank you.

Just came back from meeting a long thought lost relation and this feels like the perfect thing to wind down with. Sometimes these things line up perfectly. Cheers.

This was such a calm and relaxing video. Thank you; I really enjoyed it.

The last one or two inches are usually my favorite, I love the heat of it My favorites are the Drew Estate Kentucky Fire Cured Sweets, its a like a little bonfire you can have by yourself anytime you need it Also on the Coca Cola with a cigar, wonderful combo Tried a fancy peated whiskey with a cigar one time and it was just way too much smoke. Enjoy the two seperately but not together haha

I wish there was more cigar content like this. Most of the cigar channels I've found on RU-vid just aren't up my alley.

I really appreciate the vibe of this

I'm painstakingly assembling a design portfolio and you're keeping me going. Thanks man.

Regarding lounges, a favorite of mine in the Phoenix area is Magnum's in North Phoenix on 7th St and Union Hills. They make great cocktails and have a good beer selection as well. Might be a bit of a trek for you if you are in the Tempe area, but my brother and I have loved that place for years. And I agree, don't shit on someone who wants to smoke an Acid. They are a guilty pleasure of mine that I will enjoy on occasion. Those sweet wrappers are delicious!

My son was born in March of 2024. Havent had a chance to have a cigar since a wedding 6 months prior when I wasn't around my son or pregnant wife. Been hanging on to this video in my 'Watch Later' playlist waiting for an opportunity. In-laws have my son for the night and wife is out of town, I really enjoyed this. Was gonna have the boys over, but one of them had Covid, but I knew this was a rare opportunity. Really really enjoyed this. I know it only has ~30k views, but it has been added to my esteemed 'Favorites' playlist. Thanks a lot for occasionally doing this niche content, I got a lot out of it. Any time I try to describe the appeal, I always have to explain that its not the nicotine or anything, but the excuse for a (usually) group of friends to slow down and dedicate ~1 hour to just sitting and talking with a drink and good music. This really hit on a lot of things for me, thanks Shaq.

Poopy in the first third is hilarious

I know you said that you should eat before having a stick, but one of my favorite ways to have a cigar is first thing on a Sunday with my morning coffee. Milk drinks aren’t the best with a stick, but a south/Central American on some sort of manual brew hits the spot with a cigar in the AM. Throw in a donut at the end and you really have kicked the morning’s ass before you even started.

Dude, ok so you're sort of a life saver. Really, I'm just gonna look even cooler than I really am. Thanks

I might never smoke a cigar. But this was entertaining anyhow.

Shaq you may be able to rescue cigars from the manosphere/Tate/Crowder culture

i LOVEEEEE this format

I know nothing about cigars, it was cool to learn something about the experience! I’ll never try cigars and I don’t know anyone who enjoys them, but I super enjoyed hearing about them in this video. 😅

Love the bit about infused flavors, those were my gateway, but to add: people have been dipping the tips in bourbon and rum for decades at least. If you like it, you like it. There's a lot of options for all tastes and that's awesome. Love the chat, and 'nub' brand cigars always were great for me. Also Drew Estates Java as well. Mi Padron was top notch last I was shopping too.

The whole hard liquor and cigar combo has never been appealing. 1 harsh thing combined with another isn't enjoyable. I drink water or some sort of sweet beverage, it balances well.

I think the advice to write down what you like is great advice for anything enjoyed slowly.

Love a nice cigar. Few things are better than sitting around with good friends and sharing in the Brotherhood of the Leaf. Also I love sitting at a craps table with a cigar lmao

I will 100% be subscribed if you begin doing nonchalant cigar reviews. (I am already subbed)

If it's a sony, there is a pretty easy way to hack the camera with freely available software so that it no longer does the auto-turn-off thing.

Shaq you're the best out there, man!

Thanks Shaq! We love your ramblings!

My awful neighbor smokes several a day so I can't open my windows through the summer. Hope I can appreciate a cigar someday but for now he's ruining them. Solid info though, I'll bookmark it for a few years down

Love u dude thanks for all the content

Maybe a dumb question... but how/ why did you start smoking cigars? It's not something I've ever really been around so maybe that's why, but I can't imagine going out of my way to start a hobby that is unhealthy (not that I don't partake in unhealthy hobbies, but many I wish I never started)

More cigar content!

Love these videos, straight vibes

Great video, thank you for posting

nice. I like this style

Kuba Kuba Acid was my intro into cigars, and it has a plum tasting wrapper so was easy to use to get used to the heavyness of cigar flavor. Now I'm expanding into other flavors, and learning to mix drinks with it (I still prefer peaty whiskeys like Laphroiag) but I still enjoy a Kuba Kuba every now and again.

next do a POV: You are on a date with me

Smoking in the crisp AZ summer air must hit different

Why am I watching this? It's like that Simpsons episode where the old folks are at a class to watch a man eat an orange.

Dude you should have saved this for your OF, cigar and chat content is an underrepresented niche.

The one time I tried smoking a cigar I kept forgetting not to inhale and all I gained from the experience was a burnt mouth

Just got a box of those a.fuentes for a bachelor party... And now I have 20 cigars to go through

I would love to help give you a different experience with coffee! Acidity is the flavor carrier, and its something you can enjoy so much more when you adjust that perspective with some guidance!

This was so insanely enjoyable wtf. Time to go buy an acid blondie I guess

super chill video a+

Take the wrapper off the boveda pack

i love this second channel

He's talking to me and only me

"inhaling it, what's the point" well, truly, you could ask the same for inhaling cigarettes. Cigars, and ever more anciently, pipes, were never inhaled. Inhaling tobacco was only made possible with filters, and filters only became necessary when chemicals were pumped into tobacco to intensify the craving and addictive nature of extreme nicotine intake. in the case of cigars the nicotine is limited to the head rush, the rest is an invention by the tobacco industry for cigarette addiction.

Great video Shaq. But on the real, where did you get those cargos man

This was a nice video

hey mr shaq what's your favourite steely dan album

What are your thoughts on perique blends? I really like gray pack American Spirits (slightly less intense black pack).

Love how you’re niche interests are exactly the same as mine lol. How often do you have a cigar?

Killer vid from one of the best voices on this platform. Just to reiterate, you’re a 3 cigar/month kinda guy? Or

Shaq be my cool wise uncle please

This guy reminds me of LLOD

This video feels like a very strong start to a para-social relationship. Bravo.

shaq i love you

This but with a blunt

Netshaq ASMR

An extranet video in 16:9? Huh?

ID on those pants? 👀👀

Need to boost these parasocial relationship numbers.

Are cigars as bad for your health as cigarettes?

Another NO NO is 'asking for a puff'

Shaq are you an anon I swear I hear you make /ck/ references but maybe I am projecting

Is this a joke?

@EoinReardon