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  • Highlights from 2025 and What's Next in 2026
    2025/12/23
    Join Kaya Cast as we sit down with Tommy Truong of KayaPush to unpack the entrepreneurial journey in cannabis commerce. Tommy offers a candid look at the early survival phase every founder faces, how overcoming those hurdles sets the stage for scale and product–market fit, and why he relentlessly seeks clever, practical solutions to tough problems. He also shares how discovering DynaVap changed his personal approach to consumption—clearly not a sponsorship, just a story about a tool he loves. The conversation dives into building a supportive founder community, the loneliness of the road, and why these stories matter for listeners navigating similar challenges. We also discuss technology and scaling—AI-driven, agentic workflows and other innovations Tommy foresees for cannabis operations in 2026—and what to expect from KayaCast next year, including more solo episodes. If you’re growing a dispensary and want concrete takeaways on resilience, partnerships, and leveraging technology to scale, this episode has you covered.

    Find out more about KayaPush at:
    https://www.kayapush.com/podcast
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommy-truong/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/kayapush/posts/?feedView=all

    00:00 Introduction and Gratitude
    00:41 Highlighting DynaVap
    01:02 Entrepreneurial Journey Insights
    03:34 Reflections on 2025
    04:06 Plans for 2026
    05:20 Listener Engagement and Feedback
    05:44 Season Finale and Thank You

    #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast
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    6 分
  • Master Your Mind, Grow Your Brand: A Conscious Leadership Guide
    2025/12/16
    On this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Matt Ritchey, founder of Inner Circle Community, to explore how neuroscience, NLP, and conscious leadership intersect with the evolving plant medicine and cannabis spaces. Learn what NLP really is, how the unconscious mind influences decisions, and practical ways to show up with presence, connection, and integrity while scaling a business. Matt shares his personal journey—from motocross athlete to trauma healing with cannabis and ayahuasca to building Elevated Executive, a bridge for conscious leaders across industries who want to leverage plant medicine safely and effectively.

    The conversation dives into nervous system regulation, meditation, breath work, binaural beats, and visualization as tools to reduce overwhelm and overcome imposter syndrome. You’ll hear how stillness competes with productivity, why tapering substances and mindful routines matter, and how to cultivate a resilient mindset for long-term success. We also cover opportunities in emerging plant industries, the two main paths in this space (business support versus healing work), and how to build communities that elevate leadership. If you’re building a cannabis or plant-medicine focused business or curious about integrating these practices to lead more effectively, this episode is for you. Reach Matt at Inner Circle Biz or on LinkedIn to explore collaboration and growth in this evolving field.

    Find out more about Inner Circle Community at:
    https://innercircle.biz/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewritchey/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/inner-circle-community/

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
    00:11 The Journey of Entrepreneurship
    01:36 Understanding NLP and Its Benefits
    02:20 The Power of Perception and Unconscious Mind
    06:19 Nervous System Regulation and Presence
    09:03 Meditation and Its Impact
    14:23 Productivity and Focus
    20:22 Elevated Executive: Tools for Success
    23:10 Personal Wellness Journey
    23:50 Entrepreneurship and Wellness
    26:12 The Role of Alternative Medicines
    27:43 The Impact of COVID on Perception
    29:03 Introduction to the Elevated Executive Program
    29:54 Building a Community of Conscious Leaders
    32:50 Personal Journey with Plant Medicine
    36:09 Healing and Transformation through Ayahuasca
    41:56 Opportunities in the Emerging Plant Medicine Industry
    47:11 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
    48:25 Visualization Techniques for Success
    55:02 Connecting with the Inner Circle Community
    57:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

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    57 分
  • Brand, Operations, and Scale: The Core Trio for Cannabis Brands
    2025/12/09
    On this episode of Kaya Cast, host Tommy Truong sits down with John Shute, founder of Puff Creative, a cannabis marketing agency committed to changing lives through thoughtful branding and community impact. John shares his unlikely journey from the service industry to cannabis marketing, shaped by personal loss from the opiate crisis and a strong belief in social justice. He explains how Puff Creative helps dispensaries and brands grow by aligning branding with operations, building a solid foundation, and using data to drive every decision.

    Together they dive into practical playbooks: defining your tribe and brand story before spending on marketing; why a strong foundation—brand narrative, conversion-friendly websites, SEO, CRM systems, and clean data tracking—maximizes every dollar spent; the debate between native ecommerce versus all-in-one tech stacks and how to choose for your business; the essential focus on retention and lifetime value; how to track ROI with tools like GA4, Alpine IQ, SpringBig, and Klaviyo; the realities of PR, launches, and local strategy; red flags to watch for when vetting agencies; and what dispensaries should have in place before engaging external partners.

    John also shares Puff Creative Cares, their philanthropic work, and what’s ahead with MJ Biz Con events and a bigger mission to support communities. If you’re a retailer or brand in cannabis looking to scale with integrity and results, this episode is for you.

    Find Puff Creative at puffcreative.com and connect with John Shute on LinkedIn.

    John Shute is a leading expert in the cannabis industry, with over 10 years of experience in marketing and branding. He is the founder and CEO of PufCreativ, a full-service creative agency that specializes in the cannabis space.

    With a background in advertising and design, John has a keen eye for creating visually stunning and impactful campaigns for his clients. His passion for the cannabis industry stems from his belief in the healing properties of the plant and the potential for growth in the emerging market.

    Through his work at PufCreativ, John has helped numerous cannabis businesses elevate their brands and stand out in a crowded market. His expertise in branding, packaging, and digital marketing has led to successful campaigns for both established companies and startups.

    John is also a sought-after speaker and consultant, sharing his knowledge and insights on the intersection of cannabis and marketing. He has been featured on various podcasts and industry events, discussing the latest trends and strategies in cannabis branding and advertising.

    With his extensive experience and passion for the industry, John Shute is a valuable guest for any cannabis business podcast, offering valuable insights and practical tips for success in the ever-evolving cannabis landscape.
    Find out more about PufCreativ at:
    https://pufcreativ.com/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-shute-pufcreativ/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/pufcreativ/

    00:00 Introduction to Kaya Cast
    00:11 Journey into the Cannabis Industry
    03:22 Marketing and Operations Alignment
    05:22 Technological Impact on Cannabis Marketing
    07:45 Building a Strong Brand Foundation
    10:28 Effective Customer Retention Strategies
    15:55 The Role of PR in Cannabis Marketing
    18:08 Maximizing Marketing Spend
    22:25 Choosing the Right Tech Stack
    23:02 The Importance of Understanding Your Tech Stack
    23:45 All-in-One Solutions vs. Custom Tech Stacks
    24:21 Innovative Technologies for Cannabis Brands
    25:06 The Role of Mobile Apps in Brand Marketing
    26:22 Maximizing E-commerce and CRM Capabilities
    27:51 The Power of Email Marketing
    29:22 Key Metrics for E-commerce Success
    30:21 Benchmarking and Competitive Analysis
    33:00 Internal Resources and Effective Communication
    36:17 Red Flags When Choosing an Agency
    39:11 Corporate Responsibility and Community Engagement
    42:17 Conclusion and Contact Information

    #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

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    43 分
  • Why Cannabis Media Matters: Educate, Build Trust, Scale Your Brand
    2025/12/02
    Join Kaya Cast host Tommy Truong for a candid conversation with Jimmy Young, founder of Pro Cannabis Media and WPCM TV. Jimmy shares his journey from traditional broadcasting to building a nationwide cannabis media network, and why media matters for dispensaries looking to educate customers, build trust, and scale their brands. We dive into the current legal maze—24 states with adult-use, 16 with medical-only, the hemp vs. cannabis distinction, and the push (and frustrations) around rescheduling from Schedule I to Schedule III—plus the tax realities of 280E and the ongoing challenges with regulation and censorship. The episode also explores actionable media strategies for cannabis businesses, including Jimmy’s plan to reorganize Cannabis Coast to Coast News into modular, 10-minute segments and AI-driven reporting, all designed to expand reach without compromising compliance. Hear behind-the-scenes lessons from decades in the newsroom, how to tell credible cannabis stories, and what to expect in 2025 as policy debates, state races, and industry economics evolve. If you’re running a dispensary or cannabis brand, you’ll come away with practical ways to leverage media to educate, reduce stigma, attract partners, and grow your operation. Find more at wpcmtv.com and YouTube, and connect with Jimmy at jimmy@procannabismedia.com.

    Jimmy Young is a seasoned entrepreneur and cannabis industry expert. With over 20 years of experience in media and broadcasting, Jimmy has become a leading figure in the cannabis space, hosting his own podcast called "In The Weeds with Jimmy Young".

    As the founder of Pro Cannabis Media, a multimedia platform dedicated to showcasing the latest news, trends, and insights in the cannabis industry, Jimmy is passionate about educating and informing the public about the benefits of cannabis. His mission is to break the stigma surrounding cannabis and promote its medicinal and recreational potential.

    With his extensive background in broadcasting, Jimmy brings a unique perspective to the cannabis industry, providing a platform for industry leaders, advocates, and entrepreneurs to share their stories and expertise. He is also a frequent speaker at industry events and conferences, sharing his knowledge and insights on the rapidly growing cannabis market.

    Jimmy's passion for cannabis is evident in his work, as he continues to advocate for legalization and responsible consumption. His experience and expertise make him a highly sought-after guest on cannabis business podcasts, where he shares his wealth of knowledge and experience with listeners.
    Find out more about Pro Cannabis Media at:
    https://wpcmtv.com/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-young/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/procannabismedia/

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
    00:45 Personal Anecdotes and Teaching Experience
    04:04 Pro Cannabis Media: The Beginning
    06:17 Challenges and Growth in the Cannabis Industry
    09:17 Federal vs. State Cannabis Laws
    11:38 The Push for Rescheduling Cannabis
    16:56 Historical Context and Current Frustrations
    26:12 Debunking Cannabis Myths
    27:03 Cannabis vs. Alcohol: A Comparison
    28:53 Cannabis Industry Insights
    30:14 2025 Cannabis Predictions
    33:19 State-Level Cannabis Legalization
    37:13 Challenges in Cannabis Regulation
    42:21 The Future of Cannabis Consumption
    44:01 Conclusion and Contact Information

    #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

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    47 分
  • How a License Database Turned into a Cannabis CRM w/ Ed Keating
    2025/11/25
    Join Kaya Cast host Tommy Truong for a data‑driven conversation with Ed Keating, co‑founder and Chief Data Officer of Cannabiz Media. Ed shares Cannabiz Media’s origin story—from a bike ride in 2014 to building a nationwide, normalized database of cannabis licenses and owners, and evolving into a CRM with an embedded email tool. You’ll learn how they aggregated state by state data, surfaced multi‑state operator insights, and expanded into market intelligence on mergers and acquisitions, total addressable market, and enforcement trends. The episode also covers how AI accelerates data collection and classification of violations, tracking unlicensed stores and badge data, and the value of this data for banks, insurers, and compliance. We discuss brand positioning in a fragmented market, how operators evaluate expansion opportunities across states, and Ed’s view of the 2025 landscape. If you’re a dispensary looking to scale, a brand expanding across markets, or a fintech navigating license risk, this episode delivers practical, data‑driven insights you can apply today.

    Find out more about Cannabiz Media at:
    https://www.cannabiz.media/
    https://www.cannabiz.media/blog-category/podcasts
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/edkeating/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/cannabiz-media/

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
    00:21 The Origin Story of Cannabiz Media
    02:27 Initial Challenges and Pivots
    07:28 Evolving Use Cases and Market Insights
    14:51 Future Data Sets and Innovations
    21:28 Leveraging AI for Data Management
    26:13 Compliance and Regulatory Insights
    32:13 Industry Trends and Predictions
    41:18 Conclusion and Contact Information

    #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast
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    42 分
  • From Pastry to Premium Edibles: The Insa Chocolate Revolution
    2025/11/18
    On the Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong chats with Julian Rose, the world-class chocolatier behind Insa, about redefining cannabis edibles through culinary craftsmanship. Julian walks through his journey from a Montreal pastry chef to leading a premium edible program that features real chocolate, fruit purées, and meticulously tempered confections, all while navigating the science and business of cannabis manufacturing. Learn why Insa prioritizes quality and flavor over price, how seed-to-sale control and tailored terpenes create superior experiences, and the challenges and opportunities of state-by-state regulation and wholesale partnerships. From six-month R&D cycles and seasonal launches (think pistachio-Oreo-inspired bars and Fritos milk chocolate) to sleep-focused gummies and multi-cannabinoid blends, this episode reveals how culinary artistry can drive sustainable growth in a crowded market. If you’re a dispensary owner or executive, you’ll gain actionable insights on product development, shelf life, pricing strategies, margins, and retail execution. Visit insa.com to explore their lineup in Massachusetts, Florida, and Pennsylvania, and get Julian’s take on building a premium edible program that keeps the consumer experience at the center.

    Find out more about Insa at:
    https://insa.com/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-rose-9280a811/
    linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=Insa%20Easthampton&sid=oOg

    00:00 Introduction: From Chocolatier to Cannabis Edibles
    00:36 Journey in the Chocolate Industry
    03:54 Transition to Cannabis Consulting
    04:59 Joining Insa and the Impact of COVID-19
    06:37 Philosophy of Quality in Cannabis Edibles
    09:29 Consumer Preferences and Market Trends
    16:05 Product Development and Culinary Experience
    26:47 Best-Selling Products and R&D Insights
    29:13 The R&D Process: From Concept to Commercialization
    30:24 Creating and Testing New Recipes
    33:26 The Challenge of Pricing and Market Viability
    37:16 Cannabis Product Integration and Quality Control
    41:35 Navigating State Regulations and Market Strategies
    49:00 Seasonal Products and Market Testing
    51:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast
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    53 分
  • Two Markets, One Strategy: Alibi's Growth from Oregon to NY
    2025/11/11
    In this episode of Kaya Cast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Marianne Cursetjee, founder of Alibi, to share a candid look at building a multi-state cannabis business from the ground up. Marianne reveals how her e-commerce and marketing background shaped a data-driven, yield-focused cultivation operation, the missteps that taught her to hire the right people, and the realities of growing through price compression in Oregon while expanding asset-light into New York. Learn how two very different markets shape product strategy—from bulk indoor flower in Oregon to packaged pre-rolls and vapes in New York—and how Alibi balances branding, packaging, and IP with regulatory and cost realities. She also explains the alibi brand story, seasonal launches like a spiced apple vape, and the hard-won lessons of leadership, scaling, and staying nimble in a rapidly evolving industry.

    Meet Mary Cursetjee, a passionate advocate for the cannabis industry and the founder of GreenLeaf Solutions, a leading consulting firm specializing in cannabis business strategy and operations. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, Mary has become a trusted expert and thought leader in the ever-evolving world of cannabis legalization and regulation.

    Mary’s journey in the cannabis industry began with her involvement in the medical marijuana movement, where she witnessed the power of this plant to positively impact people’s lives. This sparked her passion for educating others and advocating for responsible and sustainable business practices in the cannabis space.

    As the founder of GreenLeaf Solutions, Mary works closely with cannabis businesses of all sizes, from startups to established companies, to help them navigate the complex regulatory landscape and achieve long-term success. Her expertise in compliance, licensing, and operations has earned her a reputation as a go-to resource for cannabis entrepreneurs and investors.

    Mary is also a highly sought-after speaker and has been featured on numerous panels and podcasts, sharing her insights on the latest industry trends and best practices. She is a firm believer in the power of networking and collaboration and is always eager to connect with other professionals in the cannabis space.

    With her extensive knowledge and experience, Mary is a valuable asset to any cannabis business looking to thrive
    Find out more about Alibi at:
    https://alibi.co/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcursetjee/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/alibi-co/

    00:00 Introduction to Kaya Cast
    00:42 From E-commerce to Cannabis Cultivation
    01:30 Starting the Cultivation Journey
    02:05 Building the Right Team
    03:20 Challenges and Learning Curves
    08:03 First Harvest and Early Struggles
    09:59 Navigating Market Changes
    13:46 Expanding to New York
    19:13 Oregon Market Challenges
    22:03 Navigating Business Challenges
    25:08 The Importance of Yield
    25:43 Quality vs. Quantity
    27:11 Market Trends and Consumer Preferences
    28:18 Different Approaches in Oregon and New York
    33:39 The Story Behind the Brand 'Alibi'
    40:04 Seasonal Products and Future Plans
    41:17 Where to Find Alibi

    #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

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    42 分
  • The Basement Prototype That Changed The Industry: DynaVap's Rise
    2025/11/04

    In this episode of Kaya Cast, host Tommy Truong sits down with George Breiwa, founder of DynaVap, the pioneering mechanical vaporizer that bakes rather than burns. George recounts the origin story—from a 2012 realization that electronics add cost and complexity, to a simple, battery-free device designed for mass affordability. Learn why it's called DynaVap (no electronics, no batteries) and how a basement prototype evolved into a global product with a devoted community.

    George walks us through the rollercoaster startup journey: a $16,000 tooling hurdle, crowdfund setbacks, PayPal freezes, and high‑risk merchant accounts. He shares how he pivoted to direct-to-consumer pre-orders, built an early adopter fan base, and used forums and video content to educate a curious market about baking over burning.

    A pivotal shift came with modular components and open collaboration. A notable partnership with Ed’s TT yielded titanium ovens and wood stems, creating a plug‑and‑play ecosystem—the DynaVapVerse—that invites makers to contribute their own flavor and accessories, expanding the brand far beyond its core product.

    From scaling manufacturing in‑house to ensuring consistent quality, George reveals how international sales became a cornerstone of resilience (40–45% of production exported) and how a culture of gratitude and persistence keeps the team moving forward.

    If you’re building a cannabis brand or evaluating product strategy, this episode is a masterclass in invention, community-building, and scalable entrepreneurship—with practical takeaways you can apply to growth and operations. Stay tuned for part two as we dive deeper into the DynaVap journey.


    Find out more about DynaVap at:
    https://www.dynavap.com/en-ca?srsltid=AfmBOorUjTQH9JnBSvrmepq96r-eC8rTgoD_wSr4bxSiIDv8E-oeFbdK
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-breiwa-19443114/
    https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynavap/

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
    00:11 The Origin of DynaVap
    02:09 The Mission to Create an Affordable Vaporizer
    03:12 The Technology Behind DynaVap
    06:12 Personal Background and Passion for Engineering
    08:36 Early Prototypes and Challenges
    14:21 Crowdfunding Journey and Setbacks
    21:22 Navigating Payment Processing Issues
    23:58 Building a Community and Marketing Strategy
    28:31 Engaging Early Adopters
    29:24 The Value of First Customers
    30:25 Product Evolution and Feedback
    32:25 Collaborations and Innovations
    35:04 Pursuing Passion and Creativity
    36:54 Overcoming Business Challenges
    44:38 Building an International Market
    49:23 Distribution and Manufacturing Decisions
    52:35 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

    #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

    DynaVap, mechanical vaporizer, battery-free vaporizer, cannabis hardware innovation, George Breiwa, thermal extraction, analog vaporizer, flame-powered vaporizer, vape without batteries, dry herb vaporizer, sustainable cannabis tech, cannabis engineering, vaporizer design, invention story, startup journey, crowdfunding cannabis products, cannabis entrepreneurship, direct-to-consumer cannabis brand, cannabis manufacturing, cannabis product development, cannabis startup strategy, cannabis community building, vaporizer enthusiasts, modular vaporizer, titanium vaporizer, wood vaporizer stems, Ed’s TT collaboration, DynaVapVerse, open-source cannabis accessories, cannabis ecosystem, vaporizer components, cannabis product innovation, international cannabis sales, cannabis export strategy, startup resilience, business growth, brand storytelling, cannabis product marketing, community engagement, early adopters, customer loyalty, cannabis operations, product scalability, cannabis hardware market, cannabis engineering innovation, cannabis technology, vaporizer quality control, cannabis hardware startup, creative product design, entrepreneurship podcast, cannabis innovation podcast, Kaya Cast, and cannabis business insightsClick here to watch a video of this episode.
    Click here to view the episode transcript.

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    54 分