Guests & Contributors

CFO, Coastal Sun Farm

Guest Appearance On:

#113 - Beyond Buzzwords: Building a Regenerative Cannabis Brand w/ Darren Story

Darren got his start in cannabis at a very early age growing up in Santa Cruz County where many of his neighborhood friends were cultivators way before even prop 215 had passed. Although he was surrounded by agriculture all his life, this interest did not develop until his friend Kip Anderson convinced him to commit to a plant based lifestyle. As he transitioned into this world, he became more intrigued by where food comes from and how it is grown. This led him to learn about regenerative agriculture in 2014 as the movement was just getting started. Darren became passionate about growing crops to scale in a manner which benefits the health of consumers, the planet, and the farmworkers who grow them. Darren founded Strong Agronomy with like minded partners with an emphasis on developing regenerative systems which empower others to create health and abundance.

Founder & Principal of QuantAA

Guest Appearance On:

#112 - Mapping Cannabis Patents, Power, And The Coming Wave Of Lawsuits w/ Dr. Ruth Fisher

Ruth is a co-founder of Quantaa and a leading expert in economic and patent analysis for emerging industries. With a background in patent infringement and litigation support, she’s now focused on cannabis IP, innovation, and policy—authoring a landmark report, “Cannabis Patents: An Analysis of the Cannabis Patent Landscape.” Her work bridges technology, economics, and advocacy for a smarter, more transparent cannabis economy.

Founder & Managing Partner, Listen Ventures

Guest Appearance On:

#111 - The Future of Hemp Beverages: Consumer Obsession & Category Creation

Jeff is an entrepreneur, investor, and brand builder who founded Listen in 2010. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Black Buffalo, The Fresh Factory (CSE:FRSH), Miss Grass, Fable and Modern Pediatrics. Prior to founding Listen, Jeff honed his craft at the global ad agency, Leo Burnett, where he strategized, energized, and innovated some of the world’s largest brands including Marlboro and Pop Tarts. In addition to Listen, Jeff is also an adjunct lecturer at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management teaching startup branding. He is also active in the community serving as a member of the Economic Club of Chicago and as Board Chair for Ronald McDonald House Charities Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.

Founder & CEO, PayRio

Guest Appearance On:

#110 - High-Risk, High Fees: Why Cannabis Payments Are Still Broken w/ Aubrey Amatelli of PayRio

Aubrey’s career started at J.P. Morgan in their Merchant Services group. Over a decade, she rose to Executive Director Commercial Banker, specializing in Technology and Disruptive Commerce in Silicon Valley. This extensive experience in fintech has made her industry expertise incredibly valuable in the cannabis payments space.

Adding to her impressive professional achievements, Aubrey is also a single mother of three who has successfully led PayRio to profitability in under a year. Her inspiring story serves as a testament to her resilience and leadership in an industry where female executive leadership and business overall have struggled to survive.

Currently, Aubrey is serving on the National Cannabis Industry Association’s (NCIA) Banking & Financial Services Committee (BFSC) for the 2025 term. This appointment underscores her commitment to advancing financial solutions in the cannabis industry and further establishes her as a thought leader in the space.

CEO and Co-Founder, Uncle Arnie’s

Guest Appearance On:

#109 - How Uncle Arnie’s Is Scaling from Cannabis Cool to National Brand

Theo is CEO, co-founder and driving force behind Uncle Arnie’s, the beloved California-born cannabis beverage brand now setting its sights nationwide. With a background in building authentic consumer experiences and navigating complex market landscapes, Theo’s leadership blends creative brand energy with strategic execution.

Co-Founders, LEVIA

Guest Appearance on:

#107 - How to Buy Back Your Brand: The Levia Comeback Story w/ Kristin and Eric Rogers

Kristin Rogers is the Co-Founder and CEO of LEVIA Brands, a cannabis beverage company rooted in wellness. Drawing on nearly 20 years of experience as a licensed substance abuse and mental health therapist, she launched LEVIA with her husband, Eric, to reduce stigma and champion cannabis’s healing potential. After entering the Massachusetts market in 2021, LEVIA’s zero-calorie, fast-onset beverages generated $5.5 million in its first year, leading to an acquisition by AYR Wellness in 2022. In July 2025, Kristin and Eric re-acquired the company, bringing the brand back under their leadership to expand its mission and impact.

Eric Rogers is a seasoned brand marketer and entrepreneur who has guided growth for iconic companies like AT&T, The Home Depot, and Goodyear. He founded the cannabis-infused seltzer brand LEVIA out of a personal need for a fast-acting, smoke-free alternative to edibles. His marketing expertise helped build LEVIA into a top brand in Massachusetts, which was acquired by AYR Wellness in 2022 before he and his wife, Kristin, re-acquired it in 2025. Today, Eric is also the founder of Rogers Cannabis Consulting and President of Second Act Cannabis, a product manufacturer developing culinary-forward cannabis experiences for social settings.

CEO, Catalyst Cannabis

Guest Appearance on:

#106 - Weed for the People—Taxed or Otherwise: Elliot Lewis Unfiltered

Elliot Lewis, the CEO of Catalyst, stands out as a dynamic and polarizing figure in the California cannabis industry. With a background marked by rapid expansion and vocal advocacy, Lewis has grown Catalyst into one of the state’s largest cannabis retail chains, boasting over 25 locations and over 500 employees. His approach combines bold business strategies with a candid social media presence, where he doesn’t shy away from addressing industry challenges and advocating for regulatory changes. Despite the controversy that sometimes surrounds his methods, Lewis’s impact on the cannabis market is undeniable, driving both growth and conversation around the future of cannabis in California. His leadership reflects a blend of entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to what he sees as the core values of the cannabis community: accessibility and quality for consumers and fair treatment for workers.

Co-Founder, Alibi Cannabis

Guest Appearance on:

#105 - From Oregon to New York: Brand Expansion w/ Marianne Cursetjee, CEO of Alibi Cannabis

With a background in finance, business, and e‑commerce, Marianne Cursetjee didn’t expect to enter the cannabis industry—until a breast cancer diagnosis in 2015 changed everything. After experiencing the healing potential of the plant firsthand, she co‑founded Alibi Cannabis, a premium Oregon-based brand known for high-quality indoor flower and bold, elegant branding. Today, she leads with purpose, blending business acumen and personal passion to elevate cannabis culture—and create space for women in the industry.

Co-Founder and CEO, Sunderstorm

Guest Appearance on:

#104 - Unlocking Global Cannabis: Global Growth & Tourism w/ Cameron Clarke, CEO of Kanha

Cameron Clarke is the Co-Founder and CEO of the California cannabis manufacturer Sunderstorm, the parent company of the award-winning cannabis brand KANHA. He is a serial entrepreneur with a track record of transforming technical innovation into high-impact applications. In 1994, he co-founded Visionary Information Systems Inc., launching the modern electronic courtroom. In 2000 he founded Vodium, an internet-based video streaming company. His other ventures include Aero Glass, a pioneering company delivering augmented reality technology to pilots, and Amazon-Mania USA, an original importer of Acai berry products from Brazil. Cameron is also founder of several social projects including the Blue Nomad Foundation, a non-profit funding algae-based research for bioremediation and biopolymer development, the Wet Lab in San Diego and Berkeley Biolabs biohacker spaces teaching synthetic biology and providing research facilities. He is a graduate of Stanford University.

Co-Founder, On The Revel

Guest Appearance on:

#103 - The Queen of New York Cannabis: Lulu Tsui on Revelry, Community, and Culture 

Lulu Tsui is the Co-Founder of On The Revel, the organization behind Revelry, New York’s most vital cannabis gathering. She is known for her directness, inclusivity, and relentless commitment to building sustainable, respectful spaces for cannabis operators, consumers, and activists alike. With a diverse team and bold vision, Lulu continues to shape the future of cannabis culture—one Revelry at a time.

Co-Founder, NCIA

Guest Appearance on:

#102 - The Exit Interview: 20 Years of Cannabis Advocacy w/ Aaron Smith of NCIA

A leading figure in cannabis policy for over two decades, Aaron Smith co-founded and served as the longtime CEO of the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA), building it into the nation's most influential trade association. His leadership was instrumental in uniting the industry, spearheading federal lobbying campaigns, and securing historic legislative victories that moved cannabis into the mainstream. Prior to NCIA, his work with the Marijuana Policy Project helped pave the way for legalization in California. Now, as Political Director at Unite America, Aaron uses his coalition-building expertise to strengthen democracy, while continuing to support the cannabis movement as a member of NCIA's Board of Directors.

Co-Founder, Hall of Flowers

Guest Appearance on:

#101 - From Music to Marijuana: Building Iconic Brands in Cannabis w/ Rama Mayo of Hall of Flowers

Rama Mayo is a veteran entrepreneur at the intersection of music, marketing, and cannabis. Starting his career in the music industry, he ran a successful record label for over a decade before launching a San Francisco-based marketing agency that worked with iconic brands like Beats by Dre, UGG, and GPEN.

He later co-founded Green Street, a pioneering cannabis-focused agency, partnering with Gary Vaynerchuk to help elevate cannabis brands through strategy, culture, and design. Today, Rama is best known as the co-founder of Hall of Flowers, the industry’s premier B2B trade show connecting cannabis brands with retailers and buyers through highly curated experiences.

In addition to Hall of Flowers, Rama recently launched Starbase Venture, a lean, multi-state cannabis operator focused on Massachusetts, Maine, and New York. His work emphasizes building authentic brands, balancing creativity with strong business fundamentals, and guiding the next generation of cannabis entrepreneurs.

President, Ayrloom

Guest Appearance on:

#099 - How Ayrloom Is Dominating NY’s Cannabis Market with a 100+ Year Legacy w/ Mack Hueber, President

Mack Hueber is the President of Ayrloom and CFO of Beak & Skiff, the 100-year-old orchard-turned-cannabis powerhouse. A former investment banker, Mack brings financial precision and startup agility to one of New York’s top cannabis brands. Under his leadership, Ayrloom secured one of the state’s first processing licenses and now commands 5.4% of the market—proving legacy can lead.

Founder and CEO, Soberish

Guest Appearance on:

#098 - From TikTok Experiment to Multi-Million Dollar Hemp Marketplace w/ Kimmie Gamez of Soberish

Kim Gamez is the founder and CEO of Soberish, a fast-growing cannabis marketplace redefining the future of social wellness and sober-curious rituals. A multi-time entrepreneur with a background in tech and e-commerce, Kim launched Soberish after a viral TikTok experiment turned into $60K in affiliate sales—and a clear signal that consumers were hungry for buzz without the booze.

With just three full-time employees and no paid ads, she’s built a purpose-driven platform that champions alternative buzz formats, effect-forward experiences, and curated cannabis products—all while navigating complex compliance challenges and turning down acquisition offers to stay true to her mission.

Kim is building more than a business—she’s creating a movement rooted in freedom, community, and a new kind of clarity.

CEO, Lit Alerts

Guest Appearance on:

#097 - High Stakes: The Numbers Behind New York & New Jersey w/ Rick Bashkoff, CEO of Lit Alerts

Rick Bashkoff is currently the CEO of Lit Alerts and the Managing Director of Receptive Capital. A lifetime cannabis enthusiast, Rick has served as a cannabis information resource for his family, friends and broader network for decades. What began as light conversation and cannabis stigmatized jokes at his expense, started to turn into impactful conversations as his friends and family began understanding the benefits of the plant.

Executive Director, CaCOA

Guest Appearance on:

#096 - Fixing California Cannabis: Taxes, Reform & What Comes Next w/ Amy O'Gorman Jenkins

Amy Jenkins is Executive Director of the California Cannabis Operators Association (CaCOA), representing 300+ licensees across 125 cities and counties.

A veteran policy advocate with over 30 years of legislative experience, she also leads Precision Advocacy, a Sacramento-based public affairs firm. Amy has played a central role in shaping California’s cannabis laws from Proposition 64 to tax reforms, patient access, on-site consumption, license streamlining, and product safety. S

he’s been featured in Forbes, Politico, and CalMatters, and was named to Capitol Weekly’s Top 100 list of influential policy professionals.

CEO, Death Row Records

Guest Appearance on:

#093 - From Wharton to Weed: Tiffany Chin's Journey with Snoop and Death Row

Tiffany Chin is a cannabis executive and brand strategist helping redefine celebrity-driven cannabis culture.

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Wharton School, Tiffany began her career in actuarial consulting before transitioning into the entertainment and cannabis industries. Today, she plays a pivotal role in Snoop Dogg’s cannabis ventures, overseeing brand operations, product strategy, and the revival of legacy labels like Death Row Records.

Founder at Rooted for Success

Andrea Baillo is a scientist-turned-leadership coach and the founder of Rooted For Success. With leadership roles spanning craft beer and cannabis R&D—including serving as Chief Scientific Officer at Open Book Extracts and leading R&D at Green Thumb Industries—she now helps executives and organizations thrive in high-pressure, fast-changing environments. Andrea’s coaching centers on clarity, structure, and human connection to drive performance and progress.

Guest Appearance on:

#092 - How Leaders are Failing Themselves and their Teams w/ Andrea Baillo

Director of Economics and Market Analysis at Vicente LLP

A seasoned cannabis economist and policy expert, Andrew began his career with Vicente LLP on Colorado’s landmark Amendment 64 campaign and later chaired Denver’s Cannabis Sustainability Working Group. He is a frequent speaker and media voice on cannabis market dynamics and policy.

Guest Appearance on:

#090 - The Great Reshuffle: Hemp, Alcohol, and the Future of THC Access w/ Andrew Livingston

Chief of Staff at Jardín

Marc is one of the leading advisors to the U.S. cannabis industry and currently serves as Chief of Staff at Jardín and author of the Cannabis Musings newsletter, and is a leading advisor to the U.S. cannabis industry.

A former capital markets lawyer and cannabis practice leader at Reed Smith LLP, Marc has advised top operators, investors, and ancillary businesses across the sector. With deep expertise in cannabis business strategy, capital markets, and regulatory policy, he also teaches cannabis law at Northwestern and UNLV.

Guest Appearance on:

#089 - This Industry Is Overly Optimistic: Cannabis Realism w/ Marc Hauser

Managing Director of TradeWorks at iSee Store Innovations

Melissa Vonder Haar is a leading voice in emerging product categories within mainstream retail, with 15 years of experience spanning the vaping and cannabis industries. As Director of Marketing and Industry Relations at iSEE Store Innovations, she helps shape beverage merchandising solutions for new and emerging brands, particularly in the THC space.

A respected journalist and speaker, Melissa regularly contributes to CSP, NACS, and major industry forums. She also serves on the NACS Convention Content and Foundation Advisory Committees and chairs CSP’s newly formed C-Store Cannabis Board, driving conversations around the future of cannabis in retail.

Guest Appearance on:

#088 - Why C-Stores Could Shape the Future of Cannabis & Hemp Beverages w/ Melissa VonderHaar, Managing Director of iSee TradeWorks

Head of Investor Relations and Business Development at LEEF Brands

Jesse Redmond is the Head of Investor Relations and Business Development at LEEF Brands. A former top cannabis analyst, Jesse previously founded two hedge funds and operated a leading California cannabis collective. He’s a frequent commentator on cannabis investing and hosts the Higher Exchanges podcast with Morgan Paxhia.

Guest Appearance on:

#087 - From Hedge Funds to Hash: Inside Cannabis IR with Jesse Redmond

Co-Founder & President at Hoodie Analytics

Kris Walker is the Co-Founder, President, and Chief Commercial Officer at Hoodie Analytics, where he leads customer acquisition, product strategy, and the delivery of data-driven insights to some of the cannabis industry's top operators. With a career rooted in CPG, retail, and global analytics — including leadership roles at Nielsen and Big Chalk Analytics — Kris brings a wealth of experience in turning data into action. His mission at Hoodie is clear: help brands and retailers make smarter decisions, drive growth, and maximize ROI in one of the most complex consumer landscapes today.

Guest Appearance on:

#085 - 4/20 By The Numbers and Data-Driven Decision Making w/ Kris Walker, President & CCO @ Hoodie Analytics

CEO at Quanta Consulting

Mitchell is a trusted cannabis industry consultant and thought leader with 8+ years of legal cannabis experience. He began his career in brand management at P&G and has worked in a variety of sectors including pharmaceuticals, tech and financial services. Mitchell is a frequent industry commentator in media and events, and publishes the Cannabis Management Review, the Harvard Business Review for weed.  Mitchell received his MBA at the University of Toronto.

Guest Appearance on:

#084 - Less Hype, More Grit: Cannabis Insights with Mitchell Osak, Quanta Consulting

Founder at GRAV

A visionary leader and a staple in the cannabis community, Dave's approach to business blends creativity with strategic acumen. Known for staying behind the scenes yet leading from the front, Dave continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in cannabis.

Guest appearance on:

#083 - From Bongs to Beverages: Leading in Cannabis Through 20 Years of Change w/ Dave Daily, Founder of GRAV

Counsel at Vicente LLP.

A prominent figure in cannabis law, Neil's work spans regulatory challenges, policy advocacy, and industry compliance. His insights have informed policymakers and industry leaders alike, making him a pivotal voice in discussions about cannabis legislation.

Guest apperance on:

#081 - How Will Alcohol Regulations Impact the Future of THC Drinks? w/ Neil Willner, Counsel at Vicente.

Partner at Bengal Capital

Jerry brings a wealth of knowledge from his legal background and his deep dive into cannabis investing. His insights are not just theoretical; they are built on real-world experiences and the gritty realities of navigating a tumultuous industry.

Guest appearance on:

#080 - The Cannabis Industry is in a Knife Fight - Who Survives? w/ Jerry Derevyanny, Partner @ Bengal Capital

Co-Founder & CEO, Hippie Water

Sasha combines her Hollywood charisma with a keen business acumen to promote wellness and empowerment through her cannabis ventures.

Guest appearance on:

#079 - Launching a THC Beverage with Hippie Water ft. CEO, Sasha Pieterse Sheaffer, and CPO, Taylor Eileen Sewell

Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer, Hippie Water

Taylor, the "Beverage Queen," brings her extensive background in food science to revolutionize THC beverages, making Hippie Water a beloved brand for health-conscious consumers.

Guest appearance on:

#079 - Launching a THC Beverage with Hippie Water ft. CEO, Sasha Pieterse Sheaffer, and CPO, Taylor Eileen Sewell

Kate Miller, Co-Founder & CEO, Miss Grass

Kate Miller is the co-founder and CEO of Miss Grass, a brand at the forefront of transforming cannabis culture. Her journey from New Jersey to the West Coast and back again has been marked by bold leadership and a keen eye for market dynamics. Kate’s unique approach to business and her commitment to community, education, and quality have established Miss Grass as a leader in the cannabis industry.

Guest appearance on:

#077 - Multi-State Brand Building with Miss Grass w/ CEO and Co-Founder, Kate Miller

Founder & CEO, Blaze Cannabis Software

Chris is a visionary CEO who has seamlessly blended technology with cannabis retail. From founding a cannabis delivery service to leading a tech-driven revolution in the cannabis industry, Chris brings a wealth of experience and innovation. Under his leadership, Blaze has processed over $1 billion in annual cannabis sales and expanded its footprint to support hundreds of dispensaries across North America.

Guest appearance on:

#076 - High Tech, High Returns: The Evolution of Cannabis Retail w/ Chris Violas, CEO of Blaze

CEO of Humboldt Family Farms

Scott Vasterling is the founder of Humboldt Family Farms, a company that partners with small family growers to bring craft sungrown flower to market. He has a background in corporate leadership with companies like Johnson & Johnson, but his passion lies in supporting the farming community in Humboldt. Scott also serves as Chair of the California DCC Cannabis Advisory Committee, where he advocates for policies that protect legacy cultivators.

Guest appearance on:

#075 - Legacy of Cannabis Cultivation and Bringing Sungrown to Market w/ Scott Vasterling of Humboldt Family Farms

Receiver, Lanes Management Services

With a wealth of experience spanning over 30 years across various industries, Ted Lanes of Lanes Management Services has become a pivotal figure in managing complex receiverships and financial restructurings. His background includes significant roles such as the interim CFO of MedMen and advisory positions in multimillion-dollar funds, making him a respected authority on financial crisis management.

Guest appearance on:

#074 - Understanding Receivership & Bankruptcy in Cannabis & Hemp w/ Ted Lanes

Performance Coach and World Record-Holding Pro Skydiver

Melanie's life mission goes beyond skydiving. She leverages her experiences to coach individuals and teams on achieving their highest potential, making her a sought-after speaker and consultant. With her vibrant energy and profound insights, Melanie inspires audiences to embrace challenges and transform their lives and workplaces.

Guest appearance on:

#073 - Reaching Peak Performance in 2025 w/ Melanie Curtis, Performance Coach and World Record-Holding Pro Skydiver

CEO and Co-Founder of Flyers Cocktail Co.

Not just the CEO of Flyers Cocktail Co., Lewie is a TEDx speaker, avid adventurer, and a visionary in both his professional and personal life. With a background that spans from high-stakes skydiving to high-profile brand activations, Lewie brings a unique blend of excitement and expertise to the cannabis beverage industry.

Guest appearance on:

#072 - Flying High with Hemp Beverages in 2025 w/ Craig 'Lewie' Lewis, CEO of Flyers Cocktail Co.