Kaya Cast

KayaPush
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Dive into Kaya Cast each week for candid conversations with the visionaries shaping the cannabis landscape. We sit down with industry trailblazers to uncover their hard-earned insights and incredible experiences—arming retail entrepreneurs with the know-how and motivation to build a cannabis business they'll love.

  1. Tap to Pay: The Cashless Future of Cannabis Retail

    6D AGO

    Tap to Pay: The Cashless Future of Cannabis Retail

    On this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Lucas Gould, co founder and CEO of Spendr, to unpack breaking cannabis news and what it means for operators across the country. They dive into the federal move to reschedule cannabis to Schedule III, its potential impact on medical vs recreational markets, banking, 280E tax relief, research funding, interstate commerce, and what rules might follow as the dust settles. Will state lines stay drawn or start to blur? How might federal oversight influence medical cannabis programs? Then the conversation shifts to Spendr, the cannabis payments and loyalty platform. Lucas explains how Spendr started to solve cash payments and has evolved into turning payments into a retention channel. Learn how end users sign up, fund a digital wallet, and pay with a tap or QR code in store, and how Spendr automatically retargets customers with personalized offers from the dispensaries they shop at. See how Spendr helps 200 plus locations in 13 markets drive loyalty, while being POS agnostic and revenue positive for merchants. The episode also covers growth, hiring, maintaining quality during rapid expansion, and the importance of brand, employee training, and exceptional customer experience in building lasting loyalty. Whether you’re a dispensary operator, investor, or supplier, you’ll come away with practical ideas to boost retention, streamline payments, and position your brand for a post regulatory change cannabis economy. Find out more about Spendr at:https://www.spendr.com/business?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=linkedin-page-buttonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lucas-gould-b67b8311b/https://www.linkedin.com/company/getspendr/about/ 00:00 Breaking News: Trump Admin Moves to Reschedule Cannabis to Schedule III01:11 What Schedule III Could Mean: 280E Relief, Research, and the Medical vs. Rec Gray Area04:23 Banking & Capital Access: How Compliance Burdens Might Ease Under Schedule III05:24 Interstate Commerce Reality Check + Pharma Cannabinoid Opportunities07:05 Meet Lucas & Spendr: Cashless Payments + Loyalty Platform for Dispensaries10:19 The Original Pain Point: Fixing Cash Payments, Then Evolving Into Retention12:23 Turning Payments Into a High-Intent Marketing Channel14:05 Winning Attention: Relevancy Over Spam (and Why Utility Beats “Marketing Apps”)18:44 How Spendr Works End-to-End: App Setup, QR Pay, Rewards, and Merchant Flow20:57 Repeat Customers on Autopilot: Enrollment, Retargeting, and Multi-Store Behavior23:56 Marketplace vs. Inventory: What Spendr Tracks (and What It Doesn’t)24:36 How Spendr Works at Checkout (Online vs In-Store QR Pay)25:15 Merchant Fees & Why Spendr Sells Loyalty, Not Payments26:56 Marketplace vs Revenue Channel: Subsidized Prices & More Repeat Visits28:57 The Future of Dispensary Loyalty: Experience, Communication & Brand Promise34:07 Why Budtenders Matter: Training, Reviews, and the Personal Nature of Cannabis35:26 Cannabis Buying Is Advisory: Mood, Variety, and Always Trying Something New39:48 2026 Milestones: Scaling to More States Without Losing Quality Support44:49 Founder Mindset: Infinite Problem-Solving, Medical Roots, and Staying Alive47:11 Where to Find Spendr + What’s Next (Wrap-Up)cannabis rescheduling, Schedule III cannabis, federal cannabis news, cannabis legalization update, 280E tax relief, cannabis banking reform, SAFE Banking Act, cannabis compliance, cannabis regulations, federal cannabis policy, medical vs recreational cannabis, cannabis market trends, interstate cannabis commerce, cannabis research funding, DEA rescheduling, cannabis tax reform, dispensary operations, dispensary retention strategies, cannabis payments platform, cashless cannabis, cannabis digital wallet, QR code payments cannabis, tap to pay cannabis, cannabis fintech, Spendr, Lucas Gould, Tommy Truong, Kaya Cast Podcast #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

    49 min
  2. Lean SKUs, Big Wins: Building a Sustainable Cannabis Brand

    FEB 24

    Lean SKUs, Big Wins: Building a Sustainable Cannabis Brand

    Join Kaya Cast host Tommy Truong for a deep dive with Ryan Hunter of Spherex Labs. From Colorado to multi-state expansion, Ryan shares the playbook behind a disciplined, retailer-focused cannabis brand. Learn how Spherex wins at the shelf through authentic budtender relationships, in-store merchandising, and a full-stack marketing program that travels with retailers across markets. Discover why they keep a lean SKU set, how they iterate products—from rosin cartridges to a sleep gummy—tied to a relentless focus on quality hardware and reliable manufacturing. See how field marketing cadence, retailer partnerships, and data-driven programs drive sell-through and reduce over-assortment risk in a cash-constrained industry. The conversation also covers leadership, overcoming imposter syndrome, meditation and personal development, and how their consulting work intersects with cannabis entrepreneurship. If you’re a dispensary or brand looking to scale sustainably—without chasing every trend—this episode offers actionable GTM and partnership insights you can apply right away. Find out more about Spherex Labs at:https://www.wearespherex.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanhunter/linkedin.com/company/6614091/ 00:00 Net Promoter Score (NPS) Explained + Why It Matters00:51 Podcast Intro + Meet Ryan (Background & How He Entered Cannabis)03:02 What Drove Spherex’s Growth: Team, Discipline, and Relationships04:27 Marketing Personas & The Budtender-First Strategy06:44 Retail Partnerships, Road Game, and Scaling to New Markets10:55 Customer Journey Thinking: Community, Experimentation, and Iteration12:39 Sales + Marketing Shaping Product: Tight SKU Strategy & Quality Control15:04 Why Launch a Rosin Sleep Gummy: Market Insight + Smart Rollout21:57 Budtender Education Playbook + Measuring Impact with NPS26:23 What Sets Spherex Apart in a Commoditized Vape Cartridge Market27:24 Flavor Formulation + Hardware Quality: The Product Fundamentals28:22 Winning Budtenders: The Real Decision-Makers in Dispensaries31:35 Staying Top-of-Mind: Store Visit Cadence & Relationship Building32:14 The Over-Assortment Problem: Sell-Through, Payment Terms & Industry AR33:36 A Costco-Style Dispensary Model? Curating Fewer Brands for Better Turns34:13 Anti-Gravity Consulting: From Go-To-Market Strategy to Coaching & Psychedelics36:28 Imposter Syndrome & Unworthiness: What Shows Up in Coaching38:24 Psychedelic Facilitation (Cannabis): Softening Ego & Reworking Identity40:12 Meditation as the Antidote: Losing Anxiety, Not Your Edge48:56 Attention in a Dopamine World: Mindfulness, ADHD, and Social Media Boundaries51:13 Savoring & Presence: Relearning Joy in Everyday Moments52:56 Where to Find Ryan + Podcast Wrap-Upcannabis retail strategy, cannabis brand expansion, multi-state cannabis brand, Colorado cannabis market, cannabis merchandising strategy, dispensary shelf strategy, cannabis sell-through optimization, cannabis retail partnerships, budtender relationships, budtender engagement strategy, dispensary product merchandising, cannabis go-to-market strategy, cannabis GTM playbook, cannabis SKU optimization, lean SKU strategy cannabis, cannabis product assortment planning, dispensary inventory strategy, cannabis manufacturing reliability, cannabis hardware quality, rosin vape cartridges, cannabis rosin carts, cannabis sleep gummies, infused sleep gummies cannabis, cannabis product innovation, cannabis brand scaling, cannabis retailer marketing programs, dispensary field marketing, cannabis field marketing cadence, cannabis brand consulting, cannabis entrepreneurship, cannabis leadership development, cannabis founder mindset, cannabis business growth strategy, cannabis retail expansion strategy, cannabis brand partnerships, dispensary sales enablement, cannabis retail analytics, cannabis data-driven retail, cannabis merchandising analytics, dispensary sell-through metrics, cannabis inventory turnover, cannabis retail operations strategy, cannabis retailer loyalty programs, cannabis brand positioning, cannabis product quality strategy, cannabis packaging strategy, cannabis compliance manufacturing, cannabis supply chain reliability, cannabis distribution strategy, dispensary category management, cannabis category optimization, cannabis retail marketing strategy, dispensary marketing partnerships, cannabis consulting services, cannabis operator insights, cannabis podcast insights, Kaya Cast podcast, cannabis industry leadership, cannabis personal development, cannabis founder meditation, cannabis imposter syndrome leadership #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

    54 min
  3. Turning a Passion into a Platform: Cultivated News with Jeremy Berke

    FEB 17

    Turning a Passion into a Platform: Cultivated News with Jeremy Berke

    On this episode of the Kaya Cast, host Tommy Truong chats with Jeremy Berke, founder of Cultivated News, about turning a passionate cannabis beat into a full-fledged media platform. From launching Cultivated News from a Substack in 2023 to building a daily briefing, live streams, and a growing community, Jeremy shares the founder’s journey, the emotional realities of leading a cannabis business, and how their coverage supports operators, brands, and investors. The conversation delves into New York’s MRTA rollout, the tension between social equity goals and heavy regulation, and the ripple effects on dispensaries and service providers. They unpack federal hemp policy chaos, including the looming hemp-derived THC ban and what it means for products, retail, and capital. The episode also surveys state-level dynamics—from Florida ballot efforts to Pennsylvania and Virginia—and offers practical takeaways for navigating policy uncertainty, capital access, and growth in a volatile market. Jeremy also offers personal reflections on staying even-keeled as a founder and why compliance and quality matter. If you’re involved in cannabis operations, investing, or media, this episode provides a journalist’s perspective on policy, markets, and the work it takes to build in this evolving industry. For more, subscribe to Cultivated News and follow Jeremy Berke on social and LinkedIn. Find out more about Cultivated Media at:https://www.cultivated.news/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyberke/https://www.linkedin.com/company/cultivated-news/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:18 Jeremy's Journey: From Business Insider to Cultivated News02:28 Challenges and Rewards of Running a Cannabis Media Business04:34 New York Cannabis Market: Opportunities and Obstacles14:06 Federal and State Hemp Regulations: A Complex Landscape22:57 Hemp Industry Challenges24:39 State-by-State Cannabis Legalization26:37 Cannabis Legalization in Red States31:33 Federal Cannabis Rescheduling35:05 Challenges in the Cannabis Industry40:55 Rapid Fire Questions on Cannabis44:48 Conclusion and Contact Information #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

    40 min
  4. Taste Like a Treat: How Good Feels Optimized Flavor and Potency

    FEB 10

    Taste Like a Treat: How Good Feels Optimized Flavor and Potency

    On this Kaya Cast episode, host Tommy Truong chats with Jason Reposa, founder of Good Feels, the team behind the Good Vibes fast-acting tinctures and hemp beverages. Jason shares his founder journey—from selling a media business to embracing a mission-driven cannabis tech company—and how a focus on liquid formats delivers fast, precise dosing across high- and low-dose customers. Learn how Good Feels evolved from early beverage experiments to a syrup-based, drink-friendly delivery that can be dosed from 5 mg to 1000 mg per one-ounce bottle, with onset in roughly 10–15 minutes. The discussion covers product iteration, taste optimization, and the balance between consumer education and regulatory realities in Massachusetts, including hemp versus cannabis rules and COA transparency. Jason offers candid perspectives on marketing versus sales, in-store partnerships, sampling strategies, and the need for strong branding to stand out in a crowded market. If you’re a dispensary owner, buyer, or brand founder, you’ll gain actionable insights on product development, category positioning, retailer partnerships, and building a brand that makes people feel good—and empowers them to do more good. Find out more about Good Feels at:https://getgoodfeels.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonreposa/https://www.linkedin.com/company/good-feels/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background00:29 Journey into the Cannabis Industry01:37 Product Development and Market Reception03:34 Personal Motivation and Business Evolution13:33 Challenges and Innovations in the Beverage Market22:32 Marketing Strategies and Consumer Insights30:33 Target Audience: High Dose Consumers31:59 Product Development Journey33:24 Challenges in the Cannabis Market35:49 Product Improvement and Feedback39:55 Cannabinoid Innovations and Regulations46:55 Marketing and Retail Partnerships53:40 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights57:13 Mission and Vision of Good FeelsKaya Cast podcast, Kaya Cast episode, cannabis business podcast, cannabis industry podcast, hemp beverage podcast, fast acting cannabis tinctures, liquid cannabis dosing, fast onset THC products, fast acting hemp drinks, cannabis beverage innovation, cannabis tincture technology, liquid cannabis delivery systems, precise THC dosing, low dose THC products, high dose THC tinctures, microdose cannabis products, high potency hemp tinctures, syrup based cannabis beverages, drink friendly cannabis syrup, 10 to 15 minute onset cannabis, fast acting hemp tincture Massachusetts, cannabis beverage market trends, cannabis product development insights, cannabis founder journey, cannabis startup story, mission driven cannabis brands, cannabis branding strategy, cannabis category positioning, dispensary product buying insights, dispensary buyer education, cannabis retail partnerships, in store cannabis sampling strategies, cannabis sales versus marketing, cannabis consumer education, cannabis regulatory compliance Massachusetts, hemp versus cannabis regulations MA, cannabis COA transparency, hemp COA compliance, cannabis beverage dosing accuracy, cannabis tincture taste optimization, cannabis product iteration process, cannabis innovation leadership, cannabis beverage manufacturing, hemp beverage formulation, cannabis syrup formulation, cannabis liquid formats, cannabis drink additives, cannabis wellness beverages, functional cannabis drinks, cannabis brand differentiation, standing out in cannabis retail, dispensary shelf strategy, cannabis merchandising insights, cannabis buyer decision making, cannabis retailer partnerships US, cannabis distribution strategy Massachusetts, Massachusetts cannabis market insights #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

    59 min
  5. Build Repeatable Systems: The Concrete Steps to Sustainable Growth

    FEB 3

    Build Repeatable Systems: The Concrete Steps to Sustainable Growth

    On this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong talks with Wally Daniel of Green Garden Consulting, an Oregon-based firm focused on plants, processes, and people. They dive into the biggest pitfalls cannabis growers encounter—often thinking they’re optimizing when they’re not hitting industry benchmarks—and outline a practical path to sustainable scale: rigorous vetting of vendors and leadership, building repeatable systems, and planning from desired outcomes to actual capability. Wally shares how AI fits into a living plant business, the art and science of cultivation, and why the most successful operators treat knowledge as a collaborative craft rather than a solo pursuit. The conversation covers down-to-earth improvements—upgrading legacy tech, optimizing fertigation, and maximizing vendor support to extract real value without chasing shiny objects. They discuss hard-won lessons on hiring a head grower, avoiding nepotistic decisions, and reverse-engineering capital projects from production needs. Through real-world projects—such as a major pest remediation and a climate-control redesign—Wally demonstrates how diligence, data, and leadership drive ROI and consistent quality. If you’re an operator or founder aiming for consistency and growth in cannabis, this episode offers concrete playbooks and a grounded perspective. Reach out to Wally here!wdaniel@greengardenconsulting.orgFind out more about Green Garden Consulting, LLC at:https://greengardenconsulting.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/wally-daniel-ggc/https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-garden-consulting-llc/ 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:15 Common Issues in Cannabis Growing04:17 The Role of AI in Agriculture08:28 Personal Growth and Business Maturation09:43 Starting a Cannabis Business: Key Considerations14:25 Vetting and Building a Strong Team17:00 Improving Existing Operations22:09 Fun and Challenging Projects30:42 Rapid Fire Questions35:58 Conclusion and Contact Information #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

    37 min
  6. Future-Proofing Your Cultivation: A Flexible Multi-Format Strategy

    JAN 27

    Future-Proofing Your Cultivation: A Flexible Multi-Format Strategy

    On this episode of the Kaya Cast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Darrin Potter, co-owner of Cultivation Structures & Equipment for a practical, no-nonsense look at building scalable cannabis production. Darrin shares his 20-year journey—from indoor grows to full-service greenhouse builds and retrofit projects—pulling back the curtain on the real costs, tradeoffs, and operational realities of growing indoor, in greenhouses, or outdoors. The conversation digs into how to design and operate environments that actually work, including airflow, humidity, lighting, and energy use, plus why a flexible, multi-format strategy can future-proof a cultivation business as markets shift. Darrin also talks about his Florida license and growth plans with Grow Healthy, and how CSE Grow builds and retrofits facilities to serve emerging dispensaries. If you’re looking for actionable insights on cost, margins, troubleshooting, and sustainable scale, this episode is for you. Learn more at https://csegrow.com/ and connect with Darrin to explore practical partnerships for your grow. Find out more about Cultivation Structures & Equipment at:https://csegrow.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrin-potter-57baa97/https://www.linkedin.com/company/cultivation-structures-equipment/ 00:00 Introduction to Kaya Cast00:39 Guest's Background in the Cannabis Industry01:11 Challenges in Large Cannabis Companies01:51 Venturing into Terra Vera02:18 Helping Growers with Pathogen and Pest Control05:06 Starting a Cannabis Company in Florida06:38 Greenhouse vs. Indoor Growing14:42 Cost and Revenue Comparison: Indoor vs. Greenhouse22:34 Terra Vera's Origin and Mission25:31 Skepticism and Initial Trials26:42 Successful Implementation and Expansion27:30 Helping Growers Nationwide28:58 Innovative Applications in Agriculture32:37 Bee Population Crisis and Solutions36:44 Challenges and Future Prospects44:06 Contact Information and Future Plans #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast  cannabis podcast, cannabis business podcast, Kaya Cast, cannabis industry insights, cannabis cultivation podcast, cannabis operations podcast, cannabis growth strategies, cannabis scaling strategies, cannabis production planning, cannabis infrastructure, cannabis facility design, cannabis grow operations, cannabis cultivation education, cannabis entrepreneurship, cannabis executives, cannabis operators, cannabis investors, cannabis founders, cannabis professionals, indoor cannabis cultivation, greenhouse cannabis cultivation, outdoor cannabis cultivation, indoor grow vs greenhouse, greenhouse vs indoor cannabis, cannabis grow cost analysis, cannabis margins, cannabis profitability, cannabis cost per pound, cannabis energy costs, cannabis HVAC systems, cannabis airflow design, cannabis humidity control, cannabis dehumidification, cannabis lighting systems, LED grow lights cannabis, cannabis environmental controls, cannabis climate control, cannabis facility retrofits, cannabis greenhouse retrofits, cannabis buildouts, cannabis construction, cannabis engineering, cannabis design build, cannabis compliance facilities, cannabis regulated markets, cannabis licensing, Florida cannabis license, Florida cannabis cultivation, Florida medical cannabis, Florida cannabis operators, Florida dispensary expansion, Florida cannabis growth, US cannabis cultivation, national cannabis operators, emerging cannabis markets, mature cannabis markets, cannabis market saturation, cannabis wholesale pricing, cannabis operational efficiency, cannabis troubleshooting, cannabis pest management, cannabis pathogen control, powdery mildew cannabis, cannabis IPM, sustainable cannabis cultivation, energy efficient cannabis grows

    47 min
  7. Quick Loyalty Wins You Can Implement Today

    JAN 20

    Quick Loyalty Wins You Can Implement Today

    On this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong chats with Sandra Bergman, founder of ESBE Marketing, to unpack how cannabis retailers can launch, grow, and sustain loyalty that actually moves the needle. Sandra shares her journey from traditional marketing into cannabis, why retention beats pure acquisition, and how to translate sophisticated loyalty tech into real world results for dispensaries across 18 states. You'll hear practical guidance on building a true CRM foundation, integrating with your POS, and aligning analytics with action so every campaign feels personal, timely, and value driven rather than promotional noise. From how to design a balanced rewards plan that values both hard benefits (points) and soft benefits (emotional recognition), to the best KPIs, cadences, and 60-90 day experimentation cycles, Sandra reveals common missteps and the secret sauce tactics like thoughtful in store outreach, anniversary gestures, and exclusive events that create a tribe around your brand. She covers how to audit segmentation quarterly, how to trigger timely rewards spend, the importance of lifecycle campaigns, and even non promotional content ideas—education, product drops, community events—to deepen connection. Plus a rapid fire segment where Sandra shares favorite cannabis formats, first experiences, and her dream loyalty perks. If you are a dispensary owner or marketer looking to make loyalty pay off, this episode will give you frameworks you can implement next week. Sandra's strong business acumen and dedication to responsible cannabis consumption have made her a trusted and respected figure in the industry. Her drive to educate and empower consumers, combined with her extensive experience in marketing and business development, make her a valuable guest for any cannabis business podcast.Find out more about ESBE Marketing at:https://esbemarketing.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrabergman/https://www.linkedin.com/company/esbe-llc/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:22 Sandra's Background and Entry into Cannabis01:41 Identifying Industry Gaps and Founding ESBE05:09 Essentials Before Starting a Loyalty Program07:51 Choosing the Right Loyalty Platform14:15 Key Metrics for Loyalty Program Success22:11 Balancing Transactional and Emotional Loyalty Benefits29:04 Real-World Examples of Effective Loyalty Programs30:49 Personalized Customer Experience32:07 Holiday Sales Strategies33:07 Non-Promotional Customer Engagement36:04 Community Building Events39:35 Effective Loyalty Program Tips51:50 Rapid Fire Questions: Rolling Loud54:30 Conclusion and Contact Information US cannabis dispensaries, multi-state cannabis retailers, cannabis retailers across 18 states, regulated cannabis markets, state-compliant cannabis marketing, cannabis marketing by state, multi-location dispensary marketing, enterprise cannabis retail #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

    56 min
  8. From Regulation to Revenue: The Big Shifts in 2026

    JAN 13

    From Regulation to Revenue: The Big Shifts in 2026

    Tommy Truong of KayaPush joins the Kaya Cast for a forward‑looking conversation about 2026 for cannabis operators. We explore Schedule III uncertainty and what it could mean for banking, cross‑state commerce, and whether big players from pharma or beverage will enter the space. Beyond regulatory shifts, Tommy shares his take on building resilient dispensary operations in a world of debt and currency volatility, AI‑driven productivity, crypto repositioning, and asset bubbles. The episode also highlights KayaPush’s evolving approach to growth and mentorship, plus how the show will broaden to cover the macro forces shaping business today. Expect practical insights on leveraging AI, staying informed, and positioning your business to thrive — even in a crisis — in 2026 and beyond. Find out more about KayaPush at:https://www.kayapush.com/podcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tommy-truong/overlay/photo/https://www.linkedin.com/company/kayapush/posts/?feedView=all 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:11 Reflecting on 2025 and Looking Ahead00:33 Schedule Three and Industry Uncertainty02:07 Economic Concerns in 202603:42 Expanding Podcast Topics for 202606:31 Gratitude and Final Thoughts08:28 Conclusion and Farewell #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

    9 min
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About

Dive into Kaya Cast each week for candid conversations with the visionaries shaping the cannabis landscape. We sit down with industry trailblazers to uncover their hard-earned insights and incredible experiences—arming retail entrepreneurs with the know-how and motivation to build a cannabis business they'll love.

Information

  • Creator
    KayaPush
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    180
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © KayaPush
  • Show Website
    Kaya Cast