Best Ohio Field Leader Podcasts (2025)

1
Episode 59, Taking lemons and making lemonade in agriculture 26:21

17d ago26:21

26:21

When life gives you lemons, it has been said that the best thing you can do is to make lemonade. That is exactly what Sheldon and Samantha Miller of Ottawa County have done on their farm after a Tornado in 2023 destroyed their home and buildings, and they continue to do as they navigate the many challenges and opportunities in production agricultur…

1
Secrets Behind Failed Cannabis Builds: Where Every Team Needs to Look Now ft. David Fettner 49:36

5d ago49:36

49:36

Most cannabis facilities fail before the first wall goes up. Most assume it’s because of money — but they’re wrong. It’s because no one asked the right questions. The question you need to ask now is: Where should we be looking to set ourselves up for long-term success? Asking the right questions is critical — because decisions made for today can be…

1
The ROI of Pre-Roll Automation: Scaling Quality, Reducing Labor, and Hitting 20K+ a Day ft. Shahar Yamay 39:00

12d ago39:00

39:00

Every investment is just an ROI calculator. Automation feels risky—until you run the numbers. It doesn’t kill craftsmanship—it scales it. Growing your pre-roll category usually means balancing sales growth with hand-filling teams to maintain quality. But what if you could do both? What if you could leverage best-in-class automation to hit your numb…

1
Keep Your Eye on Ohio: Why California’s Failures Are Michigan’s Success, and the Global Cannabis Landscape ft. Hirsh Jain 56:44

19d ago56:44

56:44

What’s the real goal of a legal cannabis market? If it’s to replace the illicit market, create safe access, and drive tax revenue—then why is California, the world’s 4th largest economy, failing while Michigan is thriving? Despite California’s size and cultural dominance, cannabis sales are shrinking, cities are refusing to opt in, and the illicit …

1
The Cannabis Titanic: The Reset Ahead, Matt Karnes on What the Numbers Say 43:04

26d ago43:04

43:04

Debt is coming due — and we’re approaching a point of no return. At this stage, it’s not if there will be fallout — it’s who survives it. The surface-level view of the cannabis industry hides deep financial issues that only become clear when you dig into the numbers. And that’s exactly what Matt Karnes has been doing for years. From cash flow strai…

1
Organigram’s Competitive Edge: Paolo De Luca on BAT, M&A Strategy, and the Cannabis Long Game 54:43

1M ago54:43

54:43

Built to last. That’s not just a slogan — it’s a strategy. In an industry driven by short-term survival, the cannabis space often feels like a rollercoaster. Financial pressures and market volatility push companies to chase quarters instead of building moats. But what if you could play the long game? What if you could invest in domain knowledge, de…

1
The Michelin-Star Experience? Gibran Washington on What Customers Actually Want 49:52

1M ago49:52

49:52

What if buying cannabis felt more like a Michelin-star dining experience than a traditional retail transaction? Where the staff doesn’t just sell—they guide, educate, and tailor every recommendation to how you want to feel. No guessing. Just clarity, confidence, and trust—rooted in science-backed evidence. That’s the vision behind Ethos Cannabis. W…

1
AI in Cannabis Commerce Is Here — But Jane’s Doing It Their Way with Socrates Rosenfeld 50:02

2M ago50:02

50:02

AI is reshaping every corner of commerce — and in cannabis, where the pace is chaotic and change can be difficult, thoughtful integration is even harder. We’re in the middle of a digital transformation as profound as the rise of the internet. In a space where “speed and size” used to win, the new game is endurance. Because to finish first, you have…

1
Farming the same ground for generations 25:50

2M ago25:50

25:50

On Episode 58 of the Ohio Field Leader Podcast, Dusty visits with Jon, Joe, Tim and Tyler Everett of Everett Farms in Shelby County. The brothers and their sons have been farming many of the same acres for generations, and the unique thing is that the absentee landlords are also multi-generational as the land has been handed down over the years. Es…

1
Trump, Texas SB3 & the Rescheduling Timeline: Jim Higdon on What Comes Next 48:46

2M ago48:46

48:46

Prohibition is dead — and Texas just proved it. The recent SB3 vote signaled the start of something much bigger. While hemp and cannabis operate in very different styles, both are ultimately pushing toward the same goal: a sensible framework for a one-plant solution. The how? I’ll leave that to people way smarter than me. But the genie is NOT going…

1
The Hidden Weakness in Most Cannabis Operations — What We Heard at Benzinga 43:41

2M ago43:41

43:41

The cannabis shakeout isn’t coming. It’s already here. Operators are bleeding, investors are disappearing, and the old playbook is falling apart. After Benzinga, one thing’s clear: the winners will be the ones who specialize, control every cost, and have visibility into every part of their business in real time. What happens when you pull back the …

1
Storytelling Is the Future of Cannabis IR ft Jesse Redmond 54:47

2M ago54:47

54:47

What if the most powerful investor pitch wasn’t a deck or a breakdown of earnings—but a story? Now, the idea of seeds in the ground to thriving plants is a tangible experience—one that finally captures the real narrative. Because in cannabis, the financials don’t always tell the full story. This week, we sit down with Jesse Redmond, Head of Investo…

1
Fix the Process: Real Cannabis Manufacturing Tools & Optimization Techniques ft.: Murphy Murri 56:48

3M ago56:48

56:48

Most cannabis operators are reactive—drowning in checklists, flooded with data, and still missing the point. Compliance gets all the attention, while real operational signals—like handling variability and shifting process conditions—lead to execution gaps and reactive decision-making. Extraction process optimization is tricky, but when the actual r…

1
6-1-25 Episode 57 Ray Van Horn 20:07

3M ago20:07

20:07

In this podcast episode the Ohio Field Leader Roadshow made a stop in Morrow County at the farm of Ray Van Horn. Dusty and Ray discuss the current planting season, and unique aspects of farming some of the gently rolling clay soils around Mt. Gilead. They also discuss the important role of agricultural commodity organizations and the value of build…

1
Brett Puffenbarger: The Future of Cannabis Will Look Like This… and Yes, It Will Shock You 54:49

3M ago54:49

54:49

What if we told you the future of cannabis looks less like dispensaries... and more like the milk aisle? Everyone’s chasing growth, market share, and the next hot product — but few are asking the deeper question: What will the cannabis industry actually become? While cannabis is certainly disruptive, its future likely follows a few predictable path…

1
No Exits, No Capital, No Bullsh*t: Seth Yakatan on Cannabis Reality 45:37

3M ago45:37

45:37

There’s no exits. There’s no cash. There’s no buyers. So what do you do? Batten down the hatches. Crush your market. Squeeze out the little guys who can’t compete — and wait. This week, Seth Yakatan returns to discuss the following: • How he’s seeing the board • Why cannabis can’t hit reset like other industries • What operators need to do right no…

1
Where’s the Cash? Visibility, Inventory & Profitable Growth with Tyler Nielsen 54:40

3M ago54:40

54:40

"Cash strapped" might be the most heard phrase in the cannabis industry right now. So… where’s the cash? Without disciplined forecasting and visibility into true costs, growth is meaningless. Most companies aren’t failing from bad ideas — they’re failing in execution. That’s where cash leaks into missed forecasts, bloated inventory, and lost opport…

1
Why the Industry’s Premier Brands Choose The Flowery — and What’s Coming Next in New York & Florida ft. Ilya Shmidt 45:00

3M ago45:00

45:00

Florida and New York are massive markets — but they’re still early. Everyone’s fighting for attention, trust, and long-term positioning. So how did The Flowery rise to the top and become the go-to partner for the industry’s premier brands? 710 Labs. Wizard Trees. Preferred Gardens. Doja Pak the list goes on. These brands are some of the most sought…

1
Big Tobacco Is Moving on Cannabis, the Global Strategy Is Unfolding, and Deepak Anand Reveals Where’s Next 48:42

4M ago48:42

48:42

Big Tobacco knows cigarettes are dead. They’re sitting on cash, looking for growth — and cannabis is the obvious move. They’re no longer silently watching from the sidelines. They’re investing, expanding — some through public acquisitions, others through quieter plays. But one thing is clear: it’s no secret anymore. Big Tobacco is here, leveraging …

1
5-1-2025 Episode 56, Keith Dennis, Rolling Hills Co. 31:18

4M ago31:18

31:18

There is more than the topography that is “rolling” at Rolling Fields Company in Perry County. When Keith Dennis and his wife Jane purchased the farm in 1976, this rolling farm ground had water rolling any time it had a heavy rain, cutting deep gullies. Erosion was a huge concern. Since 2011 Keith has planted cover crops and began utilizing the Han…

1
Secrets Behind World-Class Extraction: How 1% Add Millions ft. Micah Anderson 59:42

4M ago59:42

59:42

Specialization is coming — and surviving will mean doing one thing better than anyone else. But that’s only the beginning. Getting there takes a relentless growth mindset: an obsession with stacking small operational wins — data, tech, genetics, process — to create massive separation over time. Extraction isn’t simple. And in a world of margin comp…

1
If You’re Chasing Invoices in Cannabis, Listen to This ft. Brett Gelfand 50:18

4M ago50:18

50:18

You produced the product. They said they needed terms — “as soon as it sells, we’ll pay.” But the days kept going by… and nothing came in. In cannabis, collections are brutally difficult. With limited banking and tight cash flow, cash is king. So how do you know who’s trustworthy? Who’s a repeat offender? And where do you even go to collect? Sadly,…

1
How Ayr Wellness Is Resizing for Reality — What Operational Efficiency Really Means ft. George DeNardo 44:30

4M ago44:30

44:30

It’s not about planting flags anymore. It’s about profitability. As the cannabis industry shifts from rapid growth at all costs to operational precision, hard decisions are being made. Which assets are sized properly? Where can we build a well-rounded, potentially profitable business given the realities of today’s market? And how do we make the rig…

1
Why Cannabis Companies Must Face Reality, Make Hard Choices, and Follow the Data ft. AnnaRae Grabstein 48:29

5M ago48:29

48:29

While it feels like progress isn’t happening — and that may be true at the federal level — inside the industry, it’s a completely different story. The financial model you built, the regulatory category you operate in, the market dynamics, the consumer behavior — every one of those variables is in motion. Constantly evolving. And new competitors are…

1
4 1 2025 Episode 55, Matt Reese, A passion for Agriculture and its' people 33:51

5M ago33:51

33:51

For over a quarter century Matt Reese of Ohio's Country Journal has been covering the story of Agriculture and its' people. In those years Reese has seen a number of major changes in the soybean industry in Ohio. From No-till planting, to Round-up Ready, to Soybean Aphids and Soybean Rust, to White Mold and Specialty IP beans, Reese has covered man…

1
How Leafwell is Disrupting Healthcare: The Data Doctors Can’t Ignore ft. Emily Fisher & Dr June Chin 45:52

5M ago45:52

45:52

Can cannabis be the key to lowering healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes? Impossible, right? Think again. Leafwell has analyzed millions of data points and uncovered staggering, undeniable results—cannabis patients experience fewer ER visits, reduced prescription drug use, and better health outcomes compared to non-users. These findings …

1
The Hard Thing About Hard Things: A Melody of Grit & Fortitude ft. Christina Betancourt Johnson 51:34

5M ago51:34

51:34

“It’s this crazy melody of things constantly happening, and you need an incredible degree of grit and fortitude. Even the best-prepared individuals with meticulous plans have to throw them up in the air like confetti. It’s an intangible feeling—until you get into it, you really don’t know.” This quote from Christina Betancourt Johnson perfectly cap…

1
Premium Should Mean Organic: How Jetty Extracts is Leading the Clean Cannabis Movement ft. Ron Gershoni 41:45

5M ago41:45

41:45

Want to know what a company really values? Look at where they spend their money. In cannabis, where cash is a rare commodity, Jetty Extracts is choosing to invest in: Thousands of dollars each month in additional third-party testing that isn’t required OCal-certified cannabis, the cleanest on the market Most companies can’t even consider this level…

1
We Don’t Want Legalization—We Want Decriminalization ft. Luna Stower 45:59

6M ago45:59

45:59

Cannabis started as a movement, not just a business. But as legalization expanded, the industry found itself caught between profit and purpose, struggling under massive overregulation and taxation. So how do we get back on track? For over 11 years, Luna Stower has been on the front lines—fighting for safe access, patient rights, and the end of proh…

1
3-1-25 Episode 54, Forecasting the future of agriculture 31:24

6M ago31:24

31:24

In this episode, Dusty visits with a farmer, podcaster, boilermaker, professor, meteorologist, grain marketer, and canoe livery owner, all rolled into one - Ryan Martin. For decades, Ryan has been forecasting agricultural weather and reporting for numerous organizations. He has also been analyzing grain markets and trade patterns, regularly sharing…

1
China Tariffs & The Next Era of Vapes: Impact on Supply Chains & Brands ft. Nick Kovacevich 52:54

6M ago52:54

52:54

Vaping is more than just oil and hardware—it’s a delicate balance of oil, terpenes, device performance, and supply chain efficiency. When one element is off, consumers notice, and brands suffer. With new tariffs on China and CCELL massive U.S. investment, what does this mean for the future of the vape industry? How do hardware vendors differentiate…

1
Ecosystem Secrets: How Premier Cannabis Brands Scale ft. Nate D 43:19

6M ago43:19

43:19

Consumer buy brands. And in cannabis, California brands reign supreme because they uphold the most sacred element in any relationship—trust. Trust isn’t just about marketing—it’s about consistency, quality, and experience. The moment a brand breaks that trust, it loses everything. But expanding a highly trusted California brand into new markets isn…

1
Why Cannabis Laws Are a Mess: The Politics and Bureaucracy with Jeff Guillot 52:59

6M ago52:59

52:59

"Bureaucracy defends the status quo long past the time when the quo has lost its status." — Laurence J. Peter Nowhere is that more evident than in cannabis, where local governments resist change, operators scramble for clarity, and policies shift overnight. The biggest mistake cannabis operators make? Waiting too long to ask for help. Navigating ca…

1
Stop Ignoring Germany’s Massive Opportunity – Europe is Coming! ft. Jamie Pearson 48:08

6M ago48:08

48:08

Are you considering expanding to Germany? The answer should be yes. As a brand or retailer, deciding where to grow is critical. California is the ultimate proving ground—fiercely competitive and filled with industry leaders. If you want to be a national player, is this where you make your mark? But what about Germany? A high-potential market, still…

1
2-1-2025 Episode 53, The continued spread of SCN in Ohio and across the nation. 19:54

7M ago19:54

19:54

It is known as the invisible yield robber. Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) is a leading cause of lower yields in soybean fields across the country with no noticeable symptoms above ground on the plant. In a recent news release from the SCN Coalition, SCN has been identified in over 30 additional counties across the country. That is in addition to the c…

1
Navigating the Gray: The Legal Tightrope of Cannabis Risk & Compliance ft. Dan Shapiro 46:08

7M ago46:08

46:08

Everyone can agree—cannabis operates in a legal gray area. For starters, anyone in the industry is technically breaking federal law, as cannabis remains federally illegal. But for an in-house attorney at an MSO, the job isn’t just about navigating federal risk. It’s about understanding where gray meets red, balancing state-by-state regulations, and…

1
The COO’s Playbook: Balancing Automation, Quality, and Efficiency Across 14 States at Verano ft. Trip McDermott 51:36

7M ago51:36

51:36

Standard Operating Procedures—every company has them. But how do you maintain consistency when a single change can ripple across 14 states, 15 cultivation sites, and 150 retail locations? Verano faces the challenge of creating continuity across a vast and diverse footprint. Each state presents unique regulations and operational nuances, yet the exp…

1
She Hits Different: The Story Behind Cake's Explosive Growth ft. Chloe Kaleiokalani 47:41

7M ago47:41

47:41

Cake is hitting different. A hockey stick chart is every founder's dream—but what looks like overnight success often hides expertise built years behind the scenes. Thriving in California's intense, competitive cannabis market? That’s a different beast altogether. Pink, chrome, fur—Cake's branding immediately resonates with its target audience. A ma…

1
How Do We Get to a $100 Billion Market? Growth Predictions, Market Consolidations ft Ben Burstein 1:00:25

8M ago1:00:25

1:00:25

Why does it feel like the hemp industry is exploding while regulated cannabis remains stagnant? The numbers may tell one story, but they don’t capture the whole picture. What would a combined cannabis and hemp market look like if both operated with fewer restrictions, better access to resources, and increased capital? This week, we welcome back Ben…

1
1-1-2025 Episode 52, The 2024 Year in Review for Soybean Disease with Dr. Horacio Lopez-Nicora 27:05

8M ago27:05

27:05

The first Ohio Field Leader Podcast for 2025 features Dusty visiting with Dr. Horacio Lopez-Nicora, OSU Extension Soybean Pathologist and Nematologist. Dusty and Horacio take a look back at the 2024 growing season and the stress factors that impacted soybean production from a disease pressure standpoint and things we can take away from it as we loo…

1
Uniform Genetics, F1 Hybrids, Better Yields: New Age Cannabis Cultivation ft. Ralph Risch 46:18

8M ago46:18

46:18

F1 hybrid seeds are the cornerstone of modern agriculture, offering the least expensive and most reliable way to grow uniform plants with predictable traits. In the cannabis industry, however, growing from clones has long been the standard because true F1 hybrid seeds were unavailable—until now. Today, F1 hybrid seeds have arrived in cannabis culti…

1
Hard Questions for Cannabis Founders: Tony Schor on Creative Capital and M&A Strategies 54:44

8M ago54:44

54:44

Partnerships are more critical in cannabis than in many other industries. The line between success and failure is razor-thin, and most companies don’t have the resources to recover from a failed “marriage.” One of the unique and beautiful challenges of the cannabis industry is the emotional connection founders have with their businesses. Much like …

1
Chris Violas Breaks Down Blaze’s Software Infrastructure 52:02

8M ago52:02

52:02

Software is unique: when it works as it should, no one thinks twice about it. But the moment there’s a hiccup or delay, it becomes an issue. Building software that consistently runs seamlessly, while integrating additional features to create an “all-in-one” solution that’s easy to use? That’s nearly impossible. Kudos to Chris Violas and the Blaze t…

1
First Mover Secrets with Colin Keeler: How Kiva’s Edibles Cover 80% of the U.S 44:51

9M ago44:51

44:51

Kiva's products now reach 80% of the U.S. population. Think about that for a second. It’s a testament to how far the cannabis industry has come and the progress being made. But, as with anything in the cannabis space, there are complexities, caveats, and unique challenges. For instance, in some markets, consumers can access products directly throug…

1
12 1 2024 Episode 51, Conservation Efforts with Todd Hesterman 20:46

9M ago20:46

20:46

In Episode 51, the final OFL Roadshow of 2024 visits the Century Farm of Todd Hesterman in Henry County. Todd has been extremely active in conservation efforts for over two decades and has served on the Henry County SWCD Board as well as the Conservation Action Project (C.A.P.) and on both the Ohio Soybean Association Board and Ohio Soybean Council…

1
Inside Curio Wellness with Wendy Bronfein: Maryland vs. Missouri Cannabis Markets and Crohn’s Treatment 44:22

9M ago44:22

44:22

Sometimes, you need to go the extra mile to make a point—like buying every medicine at CVS to show regulators that medicine can, and often does, have flavor. Sensible regulations should be rooted in logic, not outdated prohibition fears or baseless stigmas. If cannabis is legalized, it should be treated like any other industry, not one plagued by f…

1
Post-Harvest Cultivation Secrets to Maximize Terpenes ft. Jack Grover 47:44

9M ago47:44

47:44

How many of you know that the post-harvest process is just as critical—or even more so—than cultivation for preserving terpenes and cannabinoids? While cultivation is often in the spotlight, the post-harvest process is essential to maintaining quality in cannabis. This week on The Dime, we sit down with Jack Grover, co-founder of Grove Bags, to exp…

1
What is Tissue Culture, Genetic Resets and Breeder Rights Explained ft. Kristian Andreassen 46:46

9M ago46:46

46:46

Clones, tissue culture, gen-zero cloning—cultivation science dictates both the health, effects, and financial return on each cannabis plant. This week, we’re diving deep to understand how these techniques work and why they’re game-changers for the cannabis industry. We sit down with Kristian Andreassen from Conception Nurseries to explore: Gen-zero…

1
How Leafly’s Feedback Loop Predicts the Next Big Thing in Cannabis ft. Yoko Miyashita 56:53

10M ago56:53

56:53

With over 100 million visits a year, 1.3 million product reviews, and millions of orders, Leafly stands at the unique crossroads of cannabis consumers, brands, and retailers. Navigating the diverse challenges across states, highlighting brand leaders, and adapting to shifting consumer needs, Leafly’s content flywheel isn’t just powerful—it’s predic…

1
11 1 24 Episode 50 Matt Spillman 21:53

10M ago21:53

21:53

In episode 50, the Ohio Field Leader Roadshow travels to Stark County and the Spilman Farms. Dusty visits with Matt Spillman about their multi-generational family farm and the unique challenges and opportunities of cash grain and livestock farming in Stark and Tuscarawas counties with his uncle and brothers. They discuss everything from the 2024 gr…

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