Best Strageties Podcasts (2025)

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

4d 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

11d 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
Secrets Behind World-Class Extraction: How 1% Add Millions ft. Micah Anderson 59:42

18d 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

24d 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

1M 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

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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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
China Tariffs & The Next Era of Vapes: Impact on Supply Chains & Brands ft. Nick Kovacevich 52:54

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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
Navigating the Gray: The Legal Tightrope of Cannabis Risk & Compliance ft. Dan Shapiro 46:08

3M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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
Uniform Genetics, F1 Hybrids, Better Yields: New Age Cannabis Cultivation ft. Ralph Risch 46:18

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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
Inside Curio Wellness with Wendy Bronfein: Maryland vs. Missouri Cannabis Markets and Crohn’s Treatment 44:22

5M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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
How U.S. Cannabis Legalization Will Shape Global Influence ft. Hirsh Jain 53:03

6M ago53:03

53:03

"Diplomacy is the art of letting someone else have your way." — Daniele Vare Are we underestimating the role cannabis could play in shaping global influence? U.S. brands have historically had global appeal, but could cannabis open the door to new trade opportunities and strategic value on an international scale? Who will lead these global negotiati…

1
Is Cannabis Still a Generational Investment Opportunity? ft. Jesse Redmond 1:03:21

7M ago1:03:21

1:03:21

Humbling… How many times have we thought catalysts were on the way, only to find out at the last minute it was just a pawn or a negotiation tactic? The question remains for optimists like myself: Is the thesis still intact? Yes, but the timing was off. A hard lesson learned—never count on DC for simple, sound decisions on a reasonable timeline. Let…

1
Kanha Edibles on a Thai Beach: Global Strategy & Personalized Cannabinoid Therapy with Cameron Clarke 50:49

7M ago50:49

50:49

Imagine this...... The sun is shining, you’re lounging on a beautiful beach in Thailand with your partner. The kids are with their grandparents when a friendly resort worker approaches with a smile and offers you an edible. Sounds like a dream of mine, or maybe just another social media fantasy, right? Nope, this is reality in 2024. Kanha is revolu…

1
Keef Brands' Strategy for Navigating Hemp vs Regulated Cannabis Beverages ft. Erik Knutson 46:07

7M ago46:07

46:07

Hemp beverages have exploded over the last 24 months, and they are likely the tip of the spear for broader cannabis reform, helping to normalize cannabis through a familiar form factor. The opportunity to produce hemp-based products in a single facility and distribute them across state lines offers benefits throughout the supply chain, providing co…

1
Sundie Seefried: Bank Secrecy, Hemp vs. Cannabis Banking, and Credit Card Barriers – What You Need to Know for the Future 45:15

7M ago45:15

45:15

What is Bank Secrecy, and why are cash-heavy businesses like cannabis dispensaries, casinos, and laundromats treated the same? Did regulators understand that they forced cannabis businesses were once forced into "criminal" banking practices? Banking is available to the cannabis industry, but what are the differences? We discuss the complexities of …

1
Caleb Counts Details Connected's $3.5 Million R&D Breeding Program and Best-in-Class Genetics That Continues to Deliver Hitters 48:21

8M ago48:21

48:21

Connected is one of the most influential cannabis brands in the world, renowned for its best-in-class genetics and highest-quality flower. But it's their unmatched R&D, breeding program, and bold appetite for pushing boundaries that truly set them apart. To understand how Connected became the powerhouse it is today, we delve into the origins of its…

1
Surprising Medical Uses of Cannabis: First-Hand Insights from Dr. Benjamin Caplan on Cancer, Dementia, and Skincare 49:11

8M ago49:11

49:11

Is Cannabis the most overlooked treatment in modern healthcare? Learn how it could revolutionize care for cancer and other illnesses. In this episode of The Dime, Dr. Benjamin Caplan, founder of CED Clinic and author of the "Doctor Approved Cannabis Handbook," joins us to discuss the untapped potential of Cannabis in medicine. From his journey as a…

1
If You Like Flavors, Come to Traders ft. Founders of Trade Roots 1:00:52

8M ago1:00:52

1:00:52

Flavors, terpenes, and genetics—all essential components of an incredible cannabis product. But how do you achieve this while running a vertically integrated business with volatile wholesale prices? That’s the beauty of the cannabis industry: you're building the plane while flying it. In this episode, the founders of Trade Roots reveal the secrets …

1
Light, Yield, and Quality: The Science Behind Cannabis Cultivation with Travis Higginbotham 53:26

8M ago53:26

53:26

Growing cannabis is like navigating a path in many directions. Are you cultivating for smokable flowers or extract? How do you take a skill once passed down from person to person and translate that into high-end cultivation practices that can be standardized across employees or even scaled across companies? These skills demand a unique blend of rig…

1
Under the Hood of Cresco Labs: AI, Tech Integration, and Custom Retail Solutions ft. Zach Marburger 50:01

9M ago50:01

50:01

Cresco Labs is one of the largest MSOs in the industry, but at its core, it has an entrepreneurial mindset that has always stayed the same. Many overlook that a company with a sizable market cap can still possess the craftiness and perspective of a smaller company. This mindset has led to strategic opportunities that allow Cresco Labs to thrive in …

1
Emily Sisneros: Kentucky's Hot Medical Market and Winning Cannabis Licenses 48:09

9M ago48:09

48:09

Kentucky is now hot on the radar as a prime location for medical cannabis opportunities. As the application window dwindles, we take a detailed look at the potential and challenges within the state's medical market. In this episode, we explore the intricate process of applying for cannabis licenses in Kentucky. Learn what you need to do to be succe…

1
Behind the Scenes of Cannabis Lobbying: How it REALLY Works ft. The Liaison Group 53:13

9M ago53:13

53:13

Cannabis reform always feels like it's on the verge of a breakthrough with policy. We know some policies can pass both the House & Senate yet it doesn’t , but it ends up feeling like a pawn in the horse trading by policymakers who all know that ~70% of Americans are in favor of cannabis legalization. So why does policy that has support from both si…

1
The Hidden Benefits of Fractional Marketing for Cannabis Companies ft. Brandon Bobart 48:08

9M ago48:08

48:08

Successful marketing requires a blend of specialized expertise and a broad understanding of strategic frameworks. However, too often, marketing gets pigeonholed into a single person's role, expecting them to handle everything from strategy to execution. In fast-paced, scaling startups, this is precisely where fractional marketers can make a critica…

1
How Top Cannabis Companies Keep and Attract Employees ft. Mike Siebold 52:02

9M ago52:02

52:02

"Every time a company doubles in size, you need to redo all processes." – Reid Hoffman, founder of LinkedIn. The speed and development of the cannabis industry often conflict with the ability to take a step back and recognize the internal organizational changes that have occurred since the last time you aligned your structure. Are your total compen…

1
The Cannabis Industry is Exploding: Here's Why You Are Not Optimistic Enough ft Ben Burstein 57:52

10M ago57:52

57:52

Cannabis sentiment is not positive enough. Given the challenges and fatigue, it's easy to lose sight of what's happening. Cannabis is being built from the ground up. Regulations and capital may currently hinder some aspects, but what's happening in the industry is undeniable. This week, we sit down with Ben Burstein, who reveals the actual situatio…

1
Rama Mayo: Hall of Flowers, The Big Reveal - Disney World of Cannabis Experiences 50:31

10M ago50:31

50:31

Tradeshows are a universal way of connecting with others in a similar industry for a unified reason. However, as costs rise, the value of attending these events is weighed against other efforts. Success at these events varies per individual, adding to the challenges. Rama Mayo and the team at Hall of Flowers already have a must-attend event. This y…

1
Can CBN Replace Melatonin? Results from a Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study ft. Alleh Lindquist 51:37

10M ago51:37

51:37

While many have found cannabis to be helpful for sleep, is it anecdotal, or is there science to back up these feelings? In the US, 50 to 70 million adults have chronic sleep problems or sleep disorders, according to SleepHealth.org. FloraWorks set out to validate these claims through double-blind placebo trials, employing the rigorous standards use…

1
Curaleaf's European Breakout & Boris Jordan Strategy for The Hemp Company 29:57

11M ago29:57

29:57

The lack of guidance from the US Federal Government on the cannabinoid industry poses significant challenges for those involved in the sector. The absence of clear regulations and leadership complicates business operations. In contrast, European countries are both legalizing cannabis and planning further legalization. They are keen to avoid the mis…

1
Mastering Cannabis Storytelling/How to Talk to Your Kids About Cannabis ft. Jordan Isenstadt 49:31

11M ago49:31

49:31

Creating a powerful and emotionally resonant message is essential in the cannabis industry, where many people have unique and personal connections to the plant. Crafting a message that genuinely resonates can yield compounding results. Although PR and marketing often get grouped together, they require distinct strategies to complement each other ef…

1
How Grown Rogue's Craft Cannabis Model is Disrupting the Industry ft. Obie Strickler 50:00

11M ago50:00

50:00

What does your business do better than anyone else's? This is your competitive advantage. As we move away from the "growth at all costs" mindset, businesses are doubling down on their strengths—Grown Rogue has emphatically done just that. Battle-tested in highly competitive markets, this high-end cultivator consistently proves its ability to design…

1
New York's Broken Cannabis Program: What Happened and How to Fix It ft. Neil Kaufman 48:08

11M ago48:08

48:08

New York's Cannabis Program can only be described one way: Broken. Despite lessons learned from other states and a goal to help those previously harmed, the program has faced significant financial and operational challenges, falling short of its intended success. With government officials labeling the rollout a disaster and promising an overhaul, t…

1
Building a Private Juggernaut: Efficiency at Every Step with Mario Naric 49:09

12M ago49:09

49:09

Public companies dominate the headlines for the cannabis industry, but a few private beasts operate in plain sight. Motif Labs is one of them. Their deep focus on profitability and data at every step is why they have built such a deeply rooted and successful organizational philosophy. This week, we sit down with Mario Naric to discuss: How he build…

1
Krista Raymer: Pricing, Promotion & Strategy Tips for Profitable Cannabis Retail 48:59

12M ago48:59

48:59

Pricing and promotion in the retail business may seem closely linked but are fundamentally different. Understanding the intention behind a promotion across the organization is a critical yet often overlooked element in the cannabis industry. Using pricing as a tool to drive sales can have unintended consequences. For example, if a customer typicall…

1
How Minor Cannabinoids are Made: Synthetic vs Biosynthetic ft. Shane Johnson 53:43

12M ago53:43

53:43

Synthesis, a process that may sound complex, is actually quite common in our daily lives. From the production of everyday items like Advil, organic milk, citric acid, to the creation of vitamins A and D, and multivitamins, synthesis is a key player. Why does this realization often provoke a negative reaction? Perhaps it's because there's a desire f…

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