How a Backyard Bottle Share Became The Gentleman Scofflaw Clubhouse

Ten years ago this week, I was first introduced to pipes and cigars. A good friend and pastor at my old church, Joseph Barkley (a serial guest on the show), hosted a small get-together in his backyard. It was a simple bottle share. Everyone brought something to sip and share, and their cigar, and we all hung out for hours talking about life, work, and everything in between.

That night, Joseph was smoking a pipe. I tried it the next week and immediately understood why it drew men in: it slowed the world down and opened the door for real conversation. That evening sparked something that grew into a community of guys from our church and friend circles around Los Angeles. We’d rotate backyards, share cigars and whiskey, and sometimes have thirty guys show up just to talk and connect.

Those nights inspired The Gentleman Scofflaw Podcast. I wanted to capture that same atmosphere; honest conversation, humor, and the kind of camaraderie that comes from sitting around a fire with good company.

Now, we’re recreating that spirit online with The Gentleman Scofflaw Clubhouse, our new private Discord community. It’s a place for listeners, friends, and like-minded rogues to share what they’re smoking, drinking, making, or thinking... a place for conversation without pretense, and connection without pressure.

If you’ve ever wanted to be part of the Scofflaw community between episodes, now’s the time. Pull up a chair and join us.