Best Ryan Ahern Podcasts (2025)

1
From Sales Desk to Storefronts with Vincent DiMento 1:37:52

4d ago1:37:52

1:37:52

In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, Vincent DiMento of The Agriculturalist shares his story of transitioning from finance into the fast-paced world of dispensary leadership—opening four stores and building standout team culture along the way. 🎧 You’ll learn: How strong internal culture drives long-term success Why service models like “…

1
Everyone Has a Place Inside the Church - Deacon Ben Chisholm, C.S.P. 45:38

8d ago45:38

45:38

"You will find your place in the Church. Everyone has one. It may not seem obvious at first where that place is. But everyone has a place inside the Church," says Paulist Deacon Ben Chisholm in this episode of Deacons Pod. Deacon Ben, a Paulist seminarian, is slated to be ordained a priest during a Mass on Saturday, May 17, 2025. He is to be ordain…

1
Business Shouldn’t Be This Hard With Ryan Dominguez 1:27:32

11d ago1:27:32

1:27:32

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more:🔗 https://linktr.ee/highfunctioningpodcastWhat’s really holding back local businesses? According to Ryan Arias Dominguez, it’s outdated policies, broken regulations, and systems that just haven’t kept up with the times.In this episode, Ryan, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Cannabis Coalition, break…

1
Serve the People Well - Deacon Chris Malano, C.S.P. 53:34

15d ago53:34

53:34

In this episode of Deacons Pod, the Paulist Deacon Affiliates have a wonderful conversation with Paulist Deacon Chris Malano. He is a Paulist seminarian and transitional deacon who is slated to be ordained a priest on Saturday, May 17, 2025. He is to be ordained a priest alongside Paulist Deacon Ben Chisholm, who will be a guest on a future episode…

1
Stickers, Swag, & Strategy with Angela Bradway 1:11:55

18d ago1:11:55

1:11:55

Angela Bradway, founder of House of Ambassadors, shares how authentic energy, thoughtful marketing, and small details like swag and stickers can build serious brand loyalty. We also dive into Angela’s personal healing journey with plant medicine, her work empowering budtenders, and her passion for building genuine connections between brands and com…

1
In Celebration of Pope Francis' Life and Legacy 34:02

22d ago34:02

34:02

In this special episode of Deacons Pod, the Paulist Deacon Affiliates celebrate the life and legacy of Pope Francis, who entered eternal life on April 21, 2025.By Paulist Fathers

1
Craft Cannabis, Global Roots with Cassandra Purdy 1:18:53

25d ago1:18:53

1:18:53

Cassandra Purdy, co-founder of Sweetgrass Botanicals, shares her journey from international learning and herbalist training to building an award-winning wellness brand in the Berkshires. In this episode, we explore her philosophy on small-batch production, solventless techniques, and why honoring tradition is key to innovation. 🎙️ Topics Covered: ✔…

1
Hope in the Easter Season 41:32

29d ago41:32

41:32

The Paulist Deacon Affiliates recorded this episode of Deacons Pod on Holy Saturday to discuss their consolations and desolations in Lent, 2025, and about how to continue nurturing hope in the Easter season. The deacons also chat about the past two prior Deacons Pod episodes in August, 2022, and October, 2023, featuring Judge Ester Salas, a U.S. Di…

1
Leadership in Legal Cannabis with Travis Ahern 1:17:40

1M ago1:17:40

1:17:40

What does leadership in legal cannabis really look like? Travis Ahern, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, shares his approach to navigating one of the most complex regulatory landscapes in the country. In this episode, we talk through the CCC’s current structure and where it’s headed—from HCA pricing and testing la…

1
Wellness Made with Precision with Matt Besonen 1:18:25

1M ago1:18:25

1:18:25

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more: 🔗 https://bit.ly/highfunctioningpod What does it take to make wellness products that actually work? Matt Besonen of United Cultivation joins us to talk about his journey from restaurant management to overseeing a licensed manufacturing facility in Massachusetts. In this episode, we break down the nuts and…

1
Having Hope When Optimism Dims 58:35

1M ago58:35

58:35

"I don't have optimism, I have hope – which is a theological virtue. They can't touch my hope but my optimism is in short supply," says Deacon Dennis Dolan in this episode of Deacons Pod. Deacon Dennis and Deacon Drew Dickson, two of the Paulist Deacon Affiliates, host this episode that looks at both a memorable Gospel reading of Lent and troubling…

1
Media. Censorship. Cannabis with Jimmy Young 1:14:05

2M ago1:14:05

1:14:05

Emmy-winning broadcaster Jimmy Young spent decades in traditional media—calling iconic sports moments and hosting TV talk shows. But when he turned his lens toward cannabis news, he found himself navigating shadowbans, content takedowns, and an industry still being silenced. In this episode, Jimmy shares the highs and lows of running Pro Cannabis M…

1
Behind the Beverage Boom with Adam Terry 1:15:12

2M ago1:15:12

1:15:12

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & More:🔗 https://bit.ly/highfunctioningpodWhat does it really take to build a successful c****bis beverage brand from scratch?In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, Adam Terry, CEO and Co-Founder of Cantrip, takes us behind the scenes of his bootstrapped journey — from hand-canning ice cream in Framing…

1
Conflict Resilience: Negotiating Disagreement Without Giving Up or Giving In - Bob Bordone 1:00:46

2M ago1:00:46

1:00:46

Could we just skip Thanksgiving dinner when we don't want to talk to our relatives about politics? Do we really need to have that hard conversation with our boss or a coworker? How do we talk to grandpa when the time comes to take away his car keys? These are some of the examples mentioned in this special episode of Deacons Pod in which the Paulist…

1
Building a Business Against All Odds with Caroline Pineau 1:03:10

2M ago1:03:10

1:03:10

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & More: 🔗 https://bit.ly/highfunctioningpod What does it take to build a business against all odds? In Episode 16 of the High Functioning Podcast, Caroline Pineau, CEO & Owner of Stem, shares her remarkable journey of fighting legal battles, navigating tax burdens, and standing up for independent business owners…

1
The Medical Approach to Business with David Cunic 1:52:25

2M ago1:52:25

1:52:25

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & More:🔗 https://bit.ly/highfunctioningpodWhat does it take to raise capital, build a business, and avoid costly mistakes? In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, we sit down with Dr. David Cunic, a serial entrepreneur, investor relations expert, and business strategist who takes a medical approach to b…

1
What Happens After You Die? - Fr. Robin Ryan, CP 57:34

2M ago57:34

57:34

In this episode of Deacons Pod, the Paulist Deacon Affiliates speak with Fr. Robin Ryan, CP, author of the new Paulist Press book "Life is Changed, Not Ended: An Introduction to Christian Eschatology." Christian eschatology is the study of the "last things" including death, immortality of the soul, resurrection, and the end of time. Fr. Ryan's book…

1
From Legacy to Legal with Ryan Cohen 1:32:05

2M ago1:32:05

1:32:05

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & More:🔗 https://bit.ly/highfunctioningpod Join us on the High Functioning Podcast as we explore what it takes to build a thriving business in today's challenging landscape. Our guest Ryan Cohen—co-founder of Top Shelf Cannaseurs and KindRun Delivery, and current Director of Business and Community Development at…

1
Balancing Cannabis, Career, and Parenthood with Jackie Crocco 1:18:48

3M ago1:18:48

1:18:48

What does it take to build a successful career in cannabis wholesale, navigate industry challenges, and foster meaningful partnerships? In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, we sit down with Jackie Crocco, Biz Dev Manager at Garden Remedies, to break down the wholesale market, the importance of relationship-building, and how the cannabis…

1
Signs of Hope in the Sundays of Lent 58:29

3M ago58:29

58:29

Three of the Paulist Deacon Affiliates (Deacon Drew, Deacon Dennis, and Deacon Mark) discuss the Gospel readings for the Sundays of Lent 2025 in this episode of Deacons Pod. ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it’s especially created to inspire and give hope to people on the “threshold of faith”: Those who are thinking about…

1
You’re Doing It Wrong! NECANN’s Marc Shepard on Event Mistakes & Industry Secrets 1:20:10

3M ago1:20:10

1:20:10

What does it take to build one of the most influential conventions in the industry, manage large-scale events, and help businesses make the most of their opportunities? In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, we sit down with Marc Shepard, Co-Founder & President of NECANN, to dive into the world of event planning, business strategy, and th…

1
The Power of Data in Cannabis with Rick Bashkoff 1:15:06

3M ago1:15:06

1:15:06

What does it take to navigate a complex industry, leverage data effectively, and build a company that thrives in the age of automation? In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, we sit down with Rick Bashkoff, CEO of Lit Alerts, to explore the intersection of business strategy, technology, and the power of data.🎙️ Episode Highlights:✅ The bi…

1
When Politics Hurts Your Church Life - Paulist Fr. Bruce Nieli 47:22

3M ago47:22

47:22

Paulist Fr. Bruce Nieli is the guest on this episode of Deacons Pod about how threshold Catholics are dealing with issues ignited by the new presidential administration in Washington, D.C. Fr. Bruce discusses the status of refugees and migrants in the United States; the abrupt federal funding cuts for Catholic Relief Services; and how believers in …

1
Family, Business, and Big Dreams: A Conversation with Angela Brown 1:07:37

3M ago1:07:37

1:07:37

What does it take to build a business from the ground up, navigate industry challenges, and create a brand that stands the test of time? In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, we sit down with Angela Brown, Co-Founder & CEO of Coast, to discuss the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the power of family in business, and the evolving lands…

1
Michael Lamy: Career Moves & Challenges 1:22:04

4M ago1:22:04

1:22:04

How do you transition into a new career while overcoming industry stigma? In this episode of High Functioning Podcast, we sit down with Michael Lamy to talk about navigating professional challenges, breaking through career barriers, and what professionals get wrong about industry transitions. 🔹 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Overcoming workplace stigma and …

1
Dorothy Day: Radical Devotion - Jeffry Odell Korgen, Christopher Cardinale, and Kevin Ahern 58:49

4M ago58:49

58:49

Paulist Press' new graphic biography "Dorothy Day: Radical Devotion" is the subject of this special episode of Deacons Pod. This colorful, visual narrative tells the story of Servant of God Dorothy Day (1897 - 1980), founder of the Catholic Worker movement. The Paulist Deacon Affiliates are joined by author Jeffry Odell Korgen and illustrator Chris…

1
Centering Prayer: Opening Minds, Opening Hearts - Colleen Thomas 1:04:40

4M ago1:04:40

1:04:40

Centering prayer is the topic of this special episode of Deacons Pod. The Paulist Deacon Affiliates' guest is Colleen Thomas, a spiritual director trained in the monastic arts of discernment, spiritual companionship, and retreat leadership, and a long-time practitioner of centering prayer. Colleen is Associate Program Director at Stillpoint: A Cent…

1
Eric Casey: Journalism, Media Trends, and Industry Growth 1:12:21

4M ago1:12:21

1:12:21

Eric Casey, Managing Editor of the Worcester Business Journal, shares his insights on journalism’s evolving role in shaping industries and navigating change. From adapting to trends in local reporting to uncovering growth opportunities, Eric’s take is both insightful and inspiring. ➡️ Listen now to learn more about the power of storytelling, indust…

1
Building Major Bloom: Ulysses Youngblood on Equity, Innovation & Resilience 1:23:24

5M ago1:23:24

1:23:24

Meet Ulysses Youngblood, the visionary President of Major Bloom, in this engaging episode. From his early days as a young entrepreneur to leading one of the most innovative cannabis companies in Massachusetts, Ulysses’ story is one of resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to social equity. Discover how Major Bloom is changing the game in ca…

1
Our 2024 Year In Review 47:40

5M ago47:40

47:40

In this special "Year In Review" episode of Deacons Pod, the Paulist Deacon Affiliates take a look back at how 2024 went for them personally, for their parish ministries, and for our podcast. The deacons chat about which of our episodes and guests over the past year resonated with them the most. They also consider the common themes that emerged fro…

1
Cannabis EXPERTS Predict the NEXT BIG THING in Cannabis Spaces! 1:13:00

5M ago1:13:00

1:13:00

🌿 High Functioning Podcast: Panel Special – The Future of Cannabis Spaces 🌿 What’s next for cannabis consumption? Join Chris Faraone, Todd Dahn, and Laury C. Lucien as they explore the possibilities for mixed-use spaces, community-driven activities, and innovative cannabis models. Key Moments: 🕒 21:25: "What are your thoughts on creating a space th…

1
Catching Up with Dustin – A Candid Conversation 37:35

5M ago37:35

37:35

In this special bonus episode of the High Functioning Podcast, Jason sits down with Dustin for a laid-back and unscripted chat. They dive into a variety of topics, sharing personal stories, reflections, and updates that highlight the human side of the cannabis industry and beyond. This candid conversation offers listeners a refreshing, relatable, a…

1
Comfort and Joy: Christmas for the Soul - Fr. Mark-David Janus, C.S.P. 49:44

5M ago49:44

49:44

Paulist Fr. Mark-David Janus joins the Paulist Deacon Affiliates for this special episode of Deacons Pod. They speak about Fr. Mark-David's wonderful new Paulist Press book "Comfort and Joy: Christmas for the Soul." The book provides a reflection for each day of the season of Advent and the 12 days of Christmas. Ordained a priest in 1979, Fr. Mark-…

1
Kimberly Roy: Shaping the Future of C****bis Regulation and Public Safety 1:05:51

5M ago1:05:51

1:05:51

In this episode, Kimberly Roy, Commissioner at the C****bis Control Commission, provides a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape of c****bis regulation. From medical cannabis program updates to tackling lab testing challenges, Commissioner Roy discusses her work shaping policies for public safety, advertising rules, and worker safety in the …

1
EXTRA - From Paint to Plant Dave Griffiths’ C****bis Journey 42:23

6M ago42:23

42:23

In this extra episode of the High Function Podcast, we explore the journey of Dave Griffiths, a serial entrepreneur whose path to the cannabis industry is as winding as it is inspiring. From running a painting business in Medway, MA, to finding his calling in cannabis cultivation, Dave shares his entrepreneurial highs, hard-learned lessons, and the…

1
Hark!: The Stories Behind Our Favorite Christmas Carols - Maggi Van Dorn 43:22

6M ago43:22

43:22

Maggi Van Dorn is our guest on this special episode of Deacons Pod. She is the host of the wonderful podcast “Hark! The Stories Behind Our Favorite Christmas Carols” from America Media. The Paulist Deacon Affiliates ask Maggi about the deep dive she takes into the history, music, and lyrics of one specific Christmas carol or hymn on each installmen…

1
Real Estate to Cannabis Revolution 1:24:18

6M ago1:24:18

1:24:18

Jeff Similien, founder of LowKey Dispensary, shares his journey from real estate to launching a community-focused cannabis brand in Boston. He talks about his work with Method Man’s Tical flower brand, navigating cannabis regulations, and how his business helps the Dorchester community thrive. Learn how he turned a failed deal into a thriving busin…

1
What Is the Church For? - Fr. Stephen Bevans, SVD 58:10

6M ago58:10

58:10

What is the Church for? Does the Church have a mission? Or, does the mission have a Church? What is your understanding of God? Fr. Stephen Bevans, SVD, raises these questions in this week's edition of Deacons Pod. Fr. Bevens is author of the new book "Community of Missionary Disciples: The Continuing Creation of the Church" from Orbis Books. A prof…

1
The Patton Family’s Cannabis Pivot 1:06:17

6M ago1:06:17

1:06:17

In this episode, we delve into the unique journey of Bob Patton, grandson of the legendary WWII General George Patton, who transformed his family's historic military and farming heritage into a forward-thinking cannabis venture. From a pivotal family vote around the kitchen table to facing intense local pushback, Bob recounts the challenges and tri…

1
The Secret To Cannabis Compliance 1:06:45

6M ago1:06:45

1:06:45

Meet David Vaillencourt, the leader of The GMP Collective. He’s helping cannabis companies follow the rules and grow their business safely. In this chat with Jason, David shares how his knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) is making the cannabis industry better and safer. Get ready for easy-to-understand tips on how to meet cannabis rule…

1
Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain's Journey - Fr. Tom Gibbons, C.S.P. 53:53

7M ago53:53

53:53

"Fighting Spirit: A Combat Chaplain's Journey," a powerful new documentary film co-produced by Paulist Productions, will be in select theaters around the United States on November 8, 2024. In this episode of Deacons Pod, the deacons speak about the film with Paulist Fr. Tom Gibbons, vice president of Paulist Productions and an executive producer of…

1
From Law to Cannabis Legend 1:09:28

7M ago1:09:28

1:09:28

🌿 From Courtroom to Cannabis: A Lawyer's Unexpected Journey Meet Blake Mensing, the attorney who swapped his law practice to build Firebrand, a thriving cannabis enterprise. In this candid conversation with Jason Reposa, Blake reveals how he navigated the industry's wild west atmosphere, turning his legal expertise into an unexpected advantage. Get…

1
Innovating Cannabis Delivery with Devin Alexander 44:20

7M ago44:20

44:20

In this episode, Jason Reposa interviews Devin Alexander, a Massachusetts cannabis delivery operator and advocate for social equity in the cannabis industry. Devin discusses the challenges of running a cannabis business in a state with strict regulations, while the federal government still classifies cannabis as illegal. He shares insights on navig…

1
Challenging People to Be Disciples: Dan Pierson 43:09

7M ago43:09

43:09

Do today's Catholic leaders have the knowledge and understanding to help people become disciples of Jesus Christ? Do parish leaders have the empathy and relationship-building skills to create a culture of welcome? Those are two of the questions raised in this episode of Deacons Pod featuring an interview with Dan Pierson of Grand Rapids, MI. After …

1
A Consistent Ethic of Life: Navigating Catholic Engagement with U.S. Politics - Steven Millies 1:03:46

7M ago1:03:46

1:03:46

The Paulist Deacon Affiliates speak with Dr. Steven Millies, author of the new Paulist Press book "A Consistent Ethic of Life: Navigating Catholic Engagement with U.S. Politics." Dr. Millies directs The Bernardin Center at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. On September 26, 2024, Dr. Millies gave a presentation on the Consistent Ethic of Li…

1
Fear and Faith: Hope and Wholeness in a Fractured World - Fr. Daniel P. Horan, OFM 1:00:30

8M ago1:00:30

1:00:30

Is the emotion of fear abused in politics, advertising, and other parts of life? What is the difference between natural fears and unnatural fears? Can fear be narcissistic? Can fear be transformational? Is hope the antidote to fear? These are some of the questions posed by the Paulist Deacon Affiliates to Fr. Dan Horan, OFM, in this fascinating ins…

1
Come From Away: Kevin Tuerff (Rebroadcast) 58:00

8M ago58:00

58:00

In this rebroadcast of a 2022 episode of Deacons Pod, the deacons speak with Kevin Tuerff, the real-life “Kevin T.” portrayed in the Broadway musical “Come From Away” about the thousands of airplane passengers stranded in Gander, Newfoundland, on September 11, 2001. Kevin also is author of the book "Channel of Peace: Stranded in Gander on 9/11" and…

1
Why God?: Stories to Inspire Faith: Fr. Richard Leonard, SJ 54:52

9M ago54:52

54:52

It is often in unlikely individuals and places that we discover God's transforming love. That is a premise of "Why God?: Stories to Inspire Faith," the new Paulist Press book from Fr. Richard Leonard, a Jesuit priest, author, and film critic from Australia. Deacon Patrick Murphy-Racey speaks with Fr. Richard in this great new episode of Deacons Pod…

1
Creating a Culture of Relationships and Welcome - Diane Blair 46:14

9M ago46:14

46:14

When a Catholic leaves their parish, should we call them and ask "why"? Should departing parishioners be asked to complete marketing-style exit surveys? Is the abuse crisis a factor for those leaving the Church? These are just some questions posed to Diane Blair in this episode of Deacons Pod. Diane recently served as Director of Pastoral Life at H…

1
God on the Road: Stories of Sacred Travel 52:16

10M ago52:16

52:16

In this special installment of Deacons Pod, five of the Paulist Deacon Affiliates share stories of sacred moments they experienced while traveling. The episode was inspired by this question: "What is the difference between pilgrimage and vacation?" ABOUT THE SHOW: Deacons Pod is a podcast for everyone. But, it’s especially created to inspire and gi…

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