In this special episode of The Joint Forces Podcast, host Luke Scarmazzo takes you straight to the heart of the 2025 Hall of Flowers in Ventura, California. Representing Prophet Brand, Luke was on the scene, chopping it up with some of the most influential figures in the cannabis game.First up, Luke sits down with Kevin Jodrey, a true OG in the cannabis cultivation world. With over 35 years in the game, Kevin's been deep in everything from trafficking to breeding top-tier genetics. He's the mastermind behind Wonderland Nursery, the first vertical nursery in the U.S., and played a pivotal role in the CBD movement. Now partnered with Cookies as their R&D guru, Kevin drops gems on the evolution of cultivation and where the industry's headed. Next, Luke chops it up with Ted Lidie, the visionary founder of Alien Labs. Ted's journey is straight out of a comic book—literally. Growing up on manga and B-movies, he infused that nerd culture into Alien Labs, creating a brand that's both iconic and authentic. From humble beginnings in Redding, CA, to dominating markets in multiple states, Ted shares the highs and lows of building a brand that's out of this world. The main event? A powerful panel titled "Time Served, Time to Resurrect: Cannabis Prisoner to Entrepreneur." Moderated by Manndie Tingler, this discussion brings together four former federal cannabis prisoners—Quawntay “Bosco” Adams, Luke Scarmazzo from Prophet, Mike “Majix” Yuen from Money Brand X, and Corvain Cooper from 40 Tons. Collectively, they've served 53 years behind bars for a plant that's been healing folks for centuries. Their stories of resilience, redemption, and reinvention are nothing short of inspiring.Follow Luke Scarmazzo:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukescarmazzo/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jointforcespodcast/Produced by Gears and GritInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gears.and.grit/Get Luke Scarmazzo's book "High Price" on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0m48P0EAbout The Joint Forces Podcast:Welcome to The Joint Forces Podcast—where the hustle meets the heart of the cannabis game. Hosted by Luke Scarmazzo, a real one who did 15 years in federal prison just for running a legit medical dispensary under California law, this podcast keeps it raw and unfiltered. Luke breaks down the business, culture, and legal drama surrounding the cannabis industry, bringing in voices that matter—entrepreneurs, activists, and folks who’ve done time for the plant they love.This ain't just talk; it’s about shining a light on untold stories and real struggles in the cannabis world. Whether it's chopping it up with industry leaders or hearing from people fighting outdated drug laws, The Joint Forces Podcast delivers the truth from those who lived it. Luke’s journey from prison to reform advocate gives him a front-row seat to the game—perfect for listeners who want the real deal on cannabis legalization, social justice, and what it takes to thrive in the green space today.
