CannaBiz Conversations

CannaBiz Conversations, Hosted by Sean Welsh, Produced by Jeff Hill
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Explore groundbreaking insights and executive thought leadership in the cannabis industry with our exclusive podcast series. Stay informed, inspired, and ahead of the curve with CannaBiz Conversations - the first podcast for executive thought leadership in the cannabiz. 

  1. 2D AGO

    502 - Cassie Tomaselli's Journey in the Cannabis Industry

    Welcome to the second episode of Season 5 of the Cannabiz Conversations podcast! In this episode, host Sean sits down with Cassie Tomaselli, the founder of Tomaselli Media and a PR extraordinaire in the cannabis industry. Cassie shares her incredible journey into the cannabis space, starting from her early days in trade journalism to becoming a marketing director for one of Ohio's first level one operators. She discusses the evolution of the cannabis industry, the challenges and opportunities in emerging markets, and the importance of thought leadership and public relations. As an entrepreneur, Cassie also introduces us to her innovative project, The Green Room, a membership program designed to help cannabis professionals enhance their visibility and media presence. Join us as we explore the complexities of the cannabis industry, the significance of community support, and the future of cannabis as Cassie prepares for motherhood. Don't forget to check out our sponsor, Hephaestus, the house of automation, for all your pre-roll production needs! Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:55 - Cassie's Origin Story 02:43 - The Evolution of the Cannabis Industry 06:45 - Marketing in an Emerging Market 10:17 - The Green Room 26:32 - Hot Hits Segment 30:24 - Cassie's Thoughts on Parenting and Cannabis Links: Hefestus: Hefestus-Tech.com If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe for more insightful conversations in the cannabis space! Subscribe and share this episode with someone who loves the CannaBiz!

    34 min

  2. FEB 4

    501 - Tomer Oliel on Cannabis Culture and Education

    Welcome to Season 5 of the Cannabiz Conversation Podcast! In this episode, host Sean sits down with Tomer Oliel, the leader of business development at Hefestus, a cutting-edge company specializing in automated pre-roll production. Join us as Tomer shares his fascinating origin story, detailing his early experiences with cannabis in Israel and how it shaped his career path. We dive into the evolving relationship between cannabis and society, the importance of education, and the potential of AI in the cannabis industry. Tomer also discusses the innovative technology behind Hefestus, including their Aura X machine, which automates the production of pre-rolls while maintaining freshness. Whether you're a cannabis enthusiast or just curious about the industry, this episode is packed with insights and engaging conversation. Topics Covered: Tomer's journey with cannabis from a young age The cultural differences surrounding cannabis in Israel vs. the U.S. The importance of education in cannabis consumption Innovations in cannabis technology and automation The future of cannabis research and development Don't forget to check out Hefestus at hefestus-tech.com for more information on their products and services! Subscribe to the Cannabiz Conversation Podcast for more episodes and insights into the world of cannabis! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @hefestus_one Tomer's personal Instagram: @respect_your_hunger Thank you for tuning in, and let's continue to elevate the conversation around cannabis! Subscribe and share this episode with someone who loves the CannaBiz!

    35 min

  3. 10/01/2025

    410 - Scott Vasterling of Humboldt Family Farms

    Join us for the Season 4 finale of the Cannabiz Conversations Podcast, where host John sits down with Scott Vasterling from Humboldt Family Farms. In this episode, Scott shares his incredible journey from a casual cannabis consumer in San Diego to a passionate advocate for sun-grown cannabis in Humboldt County. Discover how Scott's love for surfing and the vibrant cannabis culture of Northern California shaped his path, leading to the creation of Humboldt Family Farms—a collaborative platform that celebrates local farmers and their craft. We dive deep into the differences between sun-grown and indoor cannabis, the importance of maintaining a positive mindset in the ever-evolving cannabis industry, and the significance of energy in both business and life. Scott also shares insights on the current state of cannabis regulations, the challenges faced by small farms, and the exciting future of Humboldt Family Farms as they gear up for harvest season. Whether you're a cannabis enthusiast, a budding entrepreneur, or simply curious about the industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more engaging conversations! Topics Covered: Scott's origin story and journey into cannabis The impact of surfing on Scott's life and business The sun-grown lifestyle and its benefits Balancing founder life with personal well-being Insights on cannabis regulations and industry challenges Exciting future plans for Humboldt Family Farms Special Thanks: A big shoutout to GreenLane Communication for sponsoring this season! If you're looking for top-notch PR in the cannabis industry, check them out at GreenLaneCommunication.com. Subscribe and share this episode with someone who loves the CannaBiz!

    39 min

  4. 09/24/2025

    409 - Will Read - Founder & CEO, CannaPlanners

    Welcome to Season 4 of the Cannabiz Conversation! In this episode, we dive deep into the intersection of the cannabis and automotive industries with our special guest, Will Read, CEO of Canna Planners. Join us as we explore Will's origin story, his first encounters with cannabis, and how his experiences shaped the mission of Canna Planners. We discuss the challenges of marketing in the cannabis space, the importance of breaking stigma, and the unique hurdles that cannabis businesses face in advertising. Will shares insights on the evolving landscape of digital marketing, the significance of data tracking, and how to create authentic connections with customers. We also touch on the recent news about Google ads for cannabis in Canada and the implications for the industry. Whether you're a cannabis entrepreneur, a marketing professional, or just curious about the cannabis industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights and engaging conversation. Don't forget to check out our sponsor, GreenLane Communications, for all your PR needs! Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:39 - Will Reed's origin story 02:03 - The impact of DARE on perceptions of cannabis 05:41 - The mission of Canna Planners 09:12 - Marketing strategies in the cannabis industry 12:14 - The importance of data tracking 20:11 - Social media strategies for cannabis businesses 30:56 - Google ads for cannabis in Canada 40:01 - Closing thoughts Subscribe and share this episode with someone who loves the CannaBiz!

    41 min

  5. 09/17/2025

    408 - Brendon McKee - COO of Silver Therapeutics

    Welcome to Season 4 of the Cannabiz Conversation! In this episode, host Sean sits down with Brendan McKee, COO of Silver Therapeutics, to discuss his journey in the cannabis industry, starting from his early experiences with the plant at just 12 years old to running a multi-state operation. Brendan shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of navigating the cannabis landscape, including the importance of quality control, employee ownership, and the evolving regulatory environment. He emphasizes the significance of treating customers like patients and fostering a positive workplace culture. Join us as we explore the future of Silver Therapeutics, the impact of market saturation, and the lessons learned from years in the cannabis business. Whether you're a cannabis enthusiast, an entrepreneur, or just curious about the industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights! Topics Discussed: Brennan's early relationship with cannabis The journey of building Silver Therapeutics Navigating regulatory challenges The importance of quality control in cannabis retail Employee ownership and company culture Future plans for expansion into Minnesota Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more episodes! Sponsored by: GreenLane Communication - Your go-to PR firm in the cannabis space. Check them out at GreenLaneCommunication.com. Subscribe and share this episode with someone who loves the CannaBiz!

    37 min

  6. 09/10/2025

    407 - Darren Gleeman - Managing Partner, MBO Ventures

    Welcome to Season 4 of The Cannabiz Conversation! In this episode, we sit down with Darren Gleeman, the Cannabis ESOP Architect and managing partner at MBO Ventures. Join us as we dive deep into the world of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and how they can revolutionize the cannabis industry. Darren shares his unique journey from running a hedge fund to becoming a key player in the cannabis space. He explains the benefits of ESOPs, including how they can help cannabis businesses navigate the challenges of 280E tax regulations, and why selling to employees can be a game-changer for company owners. We discuss the complexities of the cannabis market, the importance of understanding the financial landscape, and how ESOPs can provide a viable exit strategy for business owners. Plus, Darren gives us insights into the potential impact of federal legalization and rescheduling on the cannabis industry. Whether you're a cannabis entrepreneur, investor, or simply curious about the future of the industry, this episode is packed with valuable information and insights. Key Topics: Darren's cannabis origin story The basics of ESOPs and their benefits Navigating 280E tax challenges The current state of private equity in cannabis The future of cannabis with federal legalization Don't forget to check out Darren's new book, "The Cannabis ESOP Architect," for a deeper understanding of how ESOPs can transform your business! Subscribe and share this episode with someone who loves the CannaBiz!

    37 min

  7. 09/05/2025

    406 - Kyle Loucks - Founder and CEO of RollPros

    Welcome to another exciting episode of the Cannabiz Conversation! In Season 4, we dive deep into the world of cannabis with industry leaders and innovators. In this episode, we sit down with Kyle Loucks, CEO of RollPros, a company revolutionizing the pre-roll market. Kyle shares his unique cannabis origin story, detailing how his engineering background and passion for problem-solving led him to create a solution for the common issues faced in pre-roll production. We discuss the challenges of maintaining moisture content in cannabis, the evolution of pre-rolls, and the future of the cannabis industry. Kyle also shares insights on the importance of brand trust and the shift towards more customized cannabis experiences. Join us as we explore the intersection of engineering and cannabis, and learn how Kyle is making waves in one of the most competitive sectors of the cannabis space. Don't forget to check out our sponsor, GreenLane Communication, for all your PR needs in the cannabis industry! Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:10 - Meet Kyle Loucks 00:44 - Kyle's cannabis origin story 01:44 - The role of cannabis in problem-solving 07:00 - Transitioning to the cannabis industry 13:24 - The challenges of pre-roll production 20:00 - Innovations at Roll Pros 30:00 - The future of pre-rolls and cannabis consumption Follow us for more cannabis insights: Website: GreenLaneCommunication.com Subscribe for more episodes! Remember, our goal is to uplift the plant and remove the stigma surrounding cannabis. Thank you for tuning in! Subscribe and share this episode with someone who loves the CannaBiz!

    41 min

  8. 09/05/2025

    405 - Marc Rodriguez - Green Leaf Payroll & Business Solutions

    Welcome to Season 4 of the Cannabiz Conversations podcast! In this episode, host Sean sits down with Mark Rodriguez, CEO of Green Leaf Payroll and Business Solutions. They dive deep into the evolving landscape of the cannabis industry, discussing the challenges and opportunities that come with it. Mark shares his personal journey with cannabis, growing up in Southern California, and how it shaped his perspective on the plant. He reflects on the stigma surrounding cannabis and the impact of political changes on the industry. With a wealth of experience in payroll and HR services, Mark provides valuable insights into the financial challenges cannabis businesses face and the importance of having the right infrastructure in place. Key topics include: The evolution of cannabis in California and beyond The significance of being a partner, not just a provider, in business The realities of operating in the cannabis space, including the importance of cash flow management The potential for 401(k) plans in the cannabis industry The intersection of hemp and cannabis businesses Join us for an enlightening conversation that aims to uplift the plant and remove the stigma surrounding cannabis. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more episodes! Links: Learn more about Green Leaf Payroll and Business Solutions: GreenleafBizSolutions.com Follow Mark Rodriguez on LinkedIn for more insights. Thank you to our sponsor, GreenLane Communication, for their support in making this episode possible. If you want to be seen, heard, and remembered in the cannabis space, check them out at GreenLaneCommunication.com. #CannabisConversations #CannabisIndustry #GreenLeafPayroll #MarkRodriguez #CannabisBusiness #Podcast #CannabisCommunity Subscribe and share this episode with someone who loves the CannaBiz!

    35 min
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About

Explore groundbreaking insights and executive thought leadership in the cannabis industry with our exclusive podcast series. Stay informed, inspired, and ahead of the curve with CannaBiz Conversations - the first podcast for executive thought leadership in the cannabiz. 

Information

  • Creator
    CannaBiz Conversations, Hosted by Sean Welsh, Produced by Jeff Hill
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 CannaBiz Conversations
  • Show Website
    CannaBiz Conversations