Kaya Cast

KayaPush
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

    3D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Highlights from 2025 and What's Next in 2026

    12/23/2025

    Highlights from 2025 and What's Next in 2026

    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/podcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tommy-truong/https://www.linkedin.com/company/kayapush/posts/?feedView=all 00:00 Introduction and Gratitude00:41 Highlighting DynaVap01:02 Entrepreneurial Journey Insights03:34 Reflections on 202504:06 Plans for 202605:20 Listener Engagement and Feedback05:44 Season Finale and Thank You #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

    6 min
  7. Master Your Mind, Grow Your Brand: A Conscious Leadership Guide

    12/16/2025

    Master Your Mind, Grow Your Brand: A Conscious Leadership Guide

    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 Podcast00:11 The Journey of Entrepreneurship01:36 Understanding NLP and Its Benefits02:20 The Power of Perception and Unconscious Mind06:19 Nervous System Regulation and Presence09:03 Meditation and Its Impact14:23 Productivity and Focus20:22 Elevated Executive: Tools for Success23:10 Personal Wellness Journey23:50 Entrepreneurship and Wellness26:12 The Role of Alternative Medicines27:43 The Impact of COVID on Perception29:03 Introduction to the Elevated Executive Program29:54 Building a Community of Conscious Leaders32:50 Personal Journey with Plant Medicine36:09 Healing and Transformation through Ayahuasca41:56 Opportunities in the Emerging Plant Medicine Industry47:11 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome48:25 Visualization Techniques for Success55:02 Connecting with the Inner Circle Community57:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

    57 min
  8. Brand, Operations, and Scale: The Core Trio for Cannabis Brands

    12/09/2025

    Brand, Operations, and Scale: The Core Trio for Cannabis Brands

    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 Cast00:11 Journey into the Cannabis Industry03:22 Marketing and Operations Alignment05:22 Technological Impact on Cannabis Marketing07:45 Building a Strong Brand Foundation10:28 Effective Customer Retention Strategies15:55 The Role of PR in Cannabis Marketing18:08 Maximizing Marketing Spend22:25 Choosing the Right Tech Stack23:02 The Importance of Understanding Your Tech Stack23:45 All-in-One Solutions vs. Custom Tech Stacks24:21 Innovative Technologies for Cannabis Brands25:06 The Role of Mobile Apps in Brand Marketing26:22 Maximizing E-commerce and CRM Capabilities27:51 The Power of Email Marketing29:22 Key Metrics for E-commerce Success30:21 Benchmarking and Competitive Analysis33:00 Internal Resources and Effective Communication36:17 Red Flags When Choosing an Agency39:11 Corporate Responsibility and Community Engagement42:17 Conclusion and Contact Information #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

    43 min
See All (177)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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
    177
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © KayaPush
  • Show Website
    Kaya Cast