Cigar Caucus

About Cigar Caucus

Welcome to The Cigar Caucus, a space for civil discourse hosted by former U.S Senator Tim Hutchinson. With warmth and wit, Tim explores legacy, faith, and friendship, offering a personal glimpse into politics. Join him for thoughtful conversations that shape our lives and nation. Origins of the Cigar Caucus It started a decade ago—not in hearing rooms or campaign offices, but on porches and patios where a handful of us gathered for two simple pleasures: good cigars and good conversation. Politics brought us together, but once the cigars were lit, labels faded. Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, veterans of campaigns and those who avoided them—we became just friends swapping stories over a slow-burning leaf. We talked about everything from tax policy to SEC football, foreign affairs to the best way to light a Churchill on a windy night. Occasionally we even solved the world’s problems, at least until someone had to leave to pick up grandkids. Then COVID hit. The world shut down, and so did our circle—briefly. But the camaraderie was too strong to lose. We moved to Zoom, lighters flickering on camera, and the surprising thing was this: the group didn’t shrink. It grew. Today the Cigar Caucus stretches from New Hampshire to Florida. The geography changed, but the spirit didn’t. We still disagree, sometimes fiercely, but always with humor, respect, and the understanding that friendship outruns faction. In a divided time, the Cigar Caucus is a quiet rebellion—proof that civil discourse isn’t gone. It’s just enjoying a good cigar.

Publisher

Sen. Tim Hutchinson

Category

government · news

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

14 Jan 2026

Latest episode

8 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

44 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Sept 2026

   Hope Is an Action: Todd Deatherage on Empathy, Reconciliation, and Mutual Flourishing

   The conversation explores Todd Deatherage’s upbringing in Fifty-Six, Arkansas, and how his small-town roots shaped his life and career. Todd discusses his transition from teaching to politics, his experiences working as a district director, and the lessons he learned while serving as chief of staff to U.S. Senator Tim Hutchinson. He also reflects on his transition to the U.S. Department of State and shares insights from working with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The conversation then turns to decision-making, building consensus, understanding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the founding of the Telos Group. Todd explains the idea of mutual flourishing, discusses leading influential trips to Israel and Palestine, and shares how Telos expanded its work into racial reconciliation. He also offers thoughtful perspectives on confronting despair, cultivating curiosity and empathy, and maintaining hope while addressing deeply complex issues. Takeaways Growing up in a small town can have a lasting influence on a person’s life and career. Todd’s path took him from teaching to politics and eventually to international diplomacy. His time as chief of staff taught him valuable lessons about leadership and decision-making. Working at the State Department provided unique insight into diplomacy and consensus-building. Empathy and understanding are essential when addressing complex conflicts. Curiosity allows us to better understand people with different experiences and perspectives. Hope is an action—not merely an emotion—and can become a powerful force for positive change. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Todd Deatherage 02:18 Growing Up in Fifty-Six, Arkansas 04:20 Family Roots and Heritage 05:38 Lessons from Growing Up in a Small Town 07:25 Imagining a Journey Beyond Fifty-Six 08:48 Transition from Teaching to Politics 11:09 Interactions with Constituents as District Director 13:40 Town Hall Meetings and Memorable Experiences 14:49 Becoming Chief of Staff to Senator Tim Hutchinson 17:25 Lessons Learned as Chief of Staff 23:30 Transition to the U.S. Department of State 26:30 Working with Condoleezza Rice 27:28 Decision-Making and Consensus 28:59 Understanding the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict 31:25 The Birth of the Telos Group 34:48 The Principle of Mutual Flourishing 38:01 Leading Trips to Israel and Palestine 41:27 Expanding into Racial Reconciliation 45:51 Handling Despair and Discouragement 48:44 Cultivating Curiosity and Empathy

2. 

   18 Aug 2026

   Beyond the Campaign Trail with Roby Brock

   Roby Brock, a journalist and analyst, shares insights on his upbringing, political attraction, and experiences working with Bill Clinton and Governor Tucker. He also discusses the changes in political campaigns over the years. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including leadership traits, political campaigns, the impact of social media on the media landscape, and the revitalization of local community newspapers. Roby Brock's career is characterized by a commitment to community building and civic engagement. Takeaways Political attraction and influence Changes in political campaigns Decisiveness and authenticity are key leadership traits that transcend political affiliations. Understanding where votes are and how to mobilize them is crucial for the success of political campaigns. The rise of social media has transformed the media landscape, leading to the demise of printed newspapers and the proliferation of misinformation. Revitalizing local community newspapers is essential for preserving the fabric of small communities and promoting civic engagement. Chapters 00:00 Early Life and Political Attraction 02:56 Changes in Political Campaigns 05:48 Working with Bill Clinton 09:11 Advanced Work for President Clinton 17:31 Working for Governor Tucker 20:57 Leadership Traits: Decisiveness and Authenticity 24:31 Success Factors in Political Campaigns 28:41 Impact of Social Media on the Media Landscape 35:58 Revitalizing Local Community Newspapers 43:03 Commitment to Community Building and Civic Engagement

3. 

   4 Aug 2026

   Inside All Three Branches of Government with Charles Canady

   The conversation covers Congressman Charles Canady early life, entry into politics, political campaigns, congressional experience, bipartisanship, impeachment, constitutional implications, Senate trial, and the routine use of impeachment in modern politics. The conversation covers topics such as impeachment and bipartisanship, transition to the executive branch, serving in the governor's office, intense legislative sessions, judicial career and legal reasoning, and the Hamilton Center and leadership training. Takeaways Early exposure to politics shapes future political career. Principled decision-making in politics can have political consequences. Impeachment requires bipartisanship for success Serving in different branches of government provides unique experiences Chapters 00:00 Early Life and Political Influence 03:01 Entry into Politics 04:59 Political Campaigns and Transition to Congress 06:54 Congressional Experience and Bipartisanship 10:51 Impeachment and Constitutional Implications 20:00 Senate Trial and Routine Impeachment 27:13 Impeachment and Bipartisanship 28:21 Transition to Executive Branch 29:19 Serving in the Governor's Office 31:01 Intense Legislative Sessions 35:18 Judicial Career and Legal Reasoning 40:25 The Hamilton Center and Leadership Training

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.