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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. Why Cannabis Media Matters: Educate, Build Trust, Scale Your Brand

    12/02/2025

    Why Cannabis Media Matters: Educate, Build Trust, Scale Your Brand

    Join Kaya Cast host Tommy Truong for a candid conversation with Jimmy Young, founder of Pro Cannabis Media and WPCM TV. Jimmy shares his journey from traditional broadcasting to building a nationwide cannabis media network, and why media matters for dispensaries looking to educate customers, build trust, and scale their brands. We dive into the current legal maze—24 states with adult-use, 16 with medical-only, the hemp vs. cannabis distinction, and the push (and frustrations) around rescheduling from Schedule I to Schedule III—plus the tax realities of 280E and the ongoing challenges with regulation and censorship. The episode also explores actionable media strategies for cannabis businesses, including Jimmy’s plan to reorganize Cannabis Coast to Coast News into modular, 10-minute segments and AI-driven reporting, all designed to expand reach without compromising compliance. Hear behind-the-scenes lessons from decades in the newsroom, how to tell credible cannabis stories, and what to expect in 2025 as policy debates, state races, and industry economics evolve. If you’re running a dispensary or cannabis brand, you’ll come away with practical ways to leverage media to educate, reduce stigma, attract partners, and grow your operation. Find more at wpcmtv.com and YouTube, and connect with Jimmy at jimmy@procannabismedia.com. Jimmy Young is a seasoned entrepreneur and cannabis industry expert. With over 20 years of experience in media and broadcasting, Jimmy has become a leading figure in the cannabis space, hosting his own podcast called "In The Weeds with Jimmy Young". As the founder of Pro Cannabis Media, a multimedia platform dedicated to showcasing the latest news, trends, and insights in the cannabis industry, Jimmy is passionate about educating and informing the public about the benefits of cannabis. His mission is to break the stigma surrounding cannabis and promote its medicinal and recreational potential. With his extensive background in broadcasting, Jimmy brings a unique perspective to the cannabis industry, providing a platform for industry leaders, advocates, and entrepreneurs to share their stories and expertise. He is also a frequent speaker at industry events and conferences, sharing his knowledge and insights on the rapidly growing cannabis market. Jimmy's passion for cannabis is evident in his work, as he continues to advocate for legalization and responsible consumption. His experience and expertise make him a highly sought-after guest on cannabis business podcasts, where he shares his wealth of knowledge and experience with listeners.Find out more about Pro Cannabis Media at:https://wpcmtv.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-young/https://www.linkedin.com/company/procannabismedia/ 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:45 Personal Anecdotes and Teaching Experience04:04 Pro Cannabis Media: The Beginning06:17 Challenges and Growth in the Cannabis Industry09:17 Federal vs. State Cannabis Laws11:38 The Push for Rescheduling Cannabis16:56 Historical Context and Current Frustrations26:12 Debunking Cannabis Myths27:03 Cannabis vs. Alcohol: A Comparison28:53 Cannabis Industry Insights30:14 2025 Cannabis Predictions33:19 State-Level Cannabis Legalization37:13 Challenges in Cannabis Regulation42:21 The Future of Cannabis Consumption44:01 Conclusion and Contact Information #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

    47 min
  5. How a License Database Turned into a Cannabis CRM w/ Ed Keating

    11/25/2025

    How a License Database Turned into a Cannabis CRM w/ Ed Keating

    Join Kaya Cast host Tommy Truong for a data‑driven conversation with Ed Keating, co‑founder and Chief Data Officer of Cannabiz Media. Ed shares Cannabiz Media’s origin story—from a bike ride in 2014 to building a nationwide, normalized database of cannabis licenses and owners, and evolving into a CRM with an embedded email tool. You’ll learn how they aggregated state by state data, surfaced multi‑state operator insights, and expanded into market intelligence on mergers and acquisitions, total addressable market, and enforcement trends. The episode also covers how AI accelerates data collection and classification of violations, tracking unlicensed stores and badge data, and the value of this data for banks, insurers, and compliance. We discuss brand positioning in a fragmented market, how operators evaluate expansion opportunities across states, and Ed’s view of the 2025 landscape. If you’re a dispensary looking to scale, a brand expanding across markets, or a fintech navigating license risk, this episode delivers practical, data‑driven insights you can apply today. Find out more about Cannabiz Media at:https://www.cannabiz.media/https://www.cannabiz.media/blog-category/podcastshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/edkeating/https://www.linkedin.com/company/cannabiz-media/ 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:21 The Origin Story of Cannabiz Media02:27 Initial Challenges and Pivots07:28 Evolving Use Cases and Market Insights14:51 Future Data Sets and Innovations21:28 Leveraging AI for Data Management26:13 Compliance and Regulatory Insights32:13 Industry Trends and Predictions41:18 Conclusion and Contact Information #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

    42 min
  6. From Pastry to Premium Edibles: The Insa Chocolate Revolution

    11/18/2025

    From Pastry to Premium Edibles: The Insa Chocolate Revolution

    On the Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong chats with Julian Rose, the world-class chocolatier behind Insa, about redefining cannabis edibles through culinary craftsmanship. Julian walks through his journey from a Montreal pastry chef to leading a premium edible program that features real chocolate, fruit purées, and meticulously tempered confections, all while navigating the science and business of cannabis manufacturing. Learn why Insa prioritizes quality and flavor over price, how seed-to-sale control and tailored terpenes create superior experiences, and the challenges and opportunities of state-by-state regulation and wholesale partnerships. From six-month R&D cycles and seasonal launches (think pistachio-Oreo-inspired bars and Fritos milk chocolate) to sleep-focused gummies and multi-cannabinoid blends, this episode reveals how culinary artistry can drive sustainable growth in a crowded market. If you’re a dispensary owner or executive, you’ll gain actionable insights on product development, shelf life, pricing strategies, margins, and retail execution. Visit insa.com to explore their lineup in Massachusetts, Florida, and Pennsylvania, and get Julian’s take on building a premium edible program that keeps the consumer experience at the center. Find out more about Insa at:https://insa.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-rose-9280a811/linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=Insa%20Easthampton&sid=oOg 00:00 Introduction: From Chocolatier to Cannabis Edibles00:36 Journey in the Chocolate Industry03:54 Transition to Cannabis Consulting04:59 Joining Insa and the Impact of COVID-1906:37 Philosophy of Quality in Cannabis Edibles09:29 Consumer Preferences and Market Trends16:05 Product Development and Culinary Experience26:47 Best-Selling Products and R&D Insights29:13 The R&D Process: From Concept to Commercialization30:24 Creating and Testing New Recipes33:26 The Challenge of Pricing and Market Viability37:16 Cannabis Product Integration and Quality Control41:35 Navigating State Regulations and Market Strategies49:00 Seasonal Products and Market Testing51:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

    53 min
  7. Two Markets, One Strategy: Alibi's Growth from Oregon to NY

    11/11/2025

    Two Markets, One Strategy: Alibi's Growth from Oregon to NY

    In this episode of Kaya Cast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Marianne Cursetjee, founder of Alibi, to share a candid look at building a multi-state cannabis business from the ground up. Marianne reveals how her e-commerce and marketing background shaped a data-driven, yield-focused cultivation operation, the missteps that taught her to hire the right people, and the realities of growing through price compression in Oregon while expanding asset-light into New York. Learn how two very different markets shape product strategy—from bulk indoor flower in Oregon to packaged pre-rolls and vapes in New York—and how Alibi balances branding, packaging, and IP with regulatory and cost realities. She also explains the alibi brand story, seasonal launches like a spiced apple vape, and the hard-won lessons of leadership, scaling, and staying nimble in a rapidly evolving industry. Meet Mary Cursetjee, a passionate advocate for the cannabis industry and the founder of GreenLeaf Solutions, a leading consulting firm specializing in cannabis business strategy and operations. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, Mary has become a trusted expert and thought leader in the ever-evolving world of cannabis legalization and regulation.Mary’s journey in the cannabis industry began with her involvement in the medical marijuana movement, where she witnessed the power of this plant to positively impact people’s lives. This sparked her passion for educating others and advocating for responsible and sustainable business practices in the cannabis space. As the founder of GreenLeaf Solutions, Mary works closely with cannabis businesses of all sizes, from startups to established companies, to help them navigate the complex regulatory landscape and achieve long-term success. Her expertise in compliance, licensing, and operations has earned her a reputation as a go-to resource for cannabis entrepreneurs and investors. Mary is also a highly sought-after speaker and has been featured on numerous panels and podcasts, sharing her insights on the latest industry trends and best practices. She is a firm believer in the power of networking and collaboration and is always eager to connect with other professionals in the cannabis space. With her extensive knowledge and experience, Mary is a valuable asset to any cannabis business looking to thriveFind out more about Alibi at:https://alibi.co/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcursetjee/https://www.linkedin.com/company/alibi-co/ 00:00 Introduction to Kaya Cast00:42 From E-commerce to Cannabis Cultivation01:30 Starting the Cultivation Journey02:05 Building the Right Team03:20 Challenges and Learning Curves08:03 First Harvest and Early Struggles09:59 Navigating Market Changes13:46 Expanding to New York19:13 Oregon Market Challenges22:03 Navigating Business Challenges25:08 The Importance of Yield25:43 Quality vs. Quantity27:11 Market Trends and Consumer Preferences28:18 Different Approaches in Oregon and New York33:39 The Story Behind the Brand 'Alibi'40:04 Seasonal Products and Future Plans41:17 Where to Find Alibi #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

    42 min
  8. The Basement Prototype That Changed The Industry: DynaVap's Rise

    11/04/2025

    The Basement Prototype That Changed The Industry: DynaVap's Rise

    In this episode of Kaya Cast, host Tommy Truong sits down with George Breiwa, founder of DynaVap, the pioneering mechanical vaporizer that bakes rather than burns. George recounts the origin story—from a 2012 realization that electronics add cost and complexity, to a simple, battery-free device designed for mass affordability. Learn why it's called DynaVap (no electronics, no batteries) and how a basement prototype evolved into a global product with a devoted community. George walks us through the rollercoaster startup journey: a $16,000 tooling hurdle, crowdfund setbacks, PayPal freezes, and high‑risk merchant accounts. He shares how he pivoted to direct-to-consumer pre-orders, built an early adopter fan base, and used forums and video content to educate a curious market about baking over burning. A pivotal shift came with modular components and open collaboration. A notable partnership with Ed’s TT yielded titanium ovens and wood stems, creating a plug‑and‑play ecosystem—the DynaVapVerse—that invites makers to contribute their own flavor and accessories, expanding the brand far beyond its core product. From scaling manufacturing in‑house to ensuring consistent quality, George reveals how international sales became a cornerstone of resilience (40–45% of production exported) and how a culture of gratitude and persistence keeps the team moving forward. If you’re building a cannabis brand or evaluating product strategy, this episode is a masterclass in invention, community-building, and scalable entrepreneurship—with practical takeaways you can apply to growth and operations. Stay tuned for part two as we dive deeper into the DynaVap journey.  Find out more about DynaVap at:https://www.dynavap.com/en-ca?srsltid=AfmBOorUjTQH9JnBSvrmepq96r-eC8rTgoD_wSr4bxSiIDv8E-oeFbdKhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/george-breiwa-19443114/https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynavap/ 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:11 The Origin of DynaVap02:09 The Mission to Create an Affordable Vaporizer03:12 The Technology Behind DynaVap06:12 Personal Background and Passion for Engineering08:36 Early Prototypes and Challenges14:21 Crowdfunding Journey and Setbacks21:22 Navigating Payment Processing Issues23:58 Building a Community and Marketing Strategy28:31 Engaging Early Adopters29:24 The Value of First Customers30:25 Product Evolution and Feedback32:25 Collaborations and Innovations35:04 Pursuing Passion and Creativity36:54 Overcoming Business Challenges44:38 Building an International Market49:23 Distribution and Manufacturing Decisions52:35 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast DynaVap, mechanical vaporizer, battery-free vaporizer, cannabis hardware innovation, George Breiwa, thermal extraction, analog vaporizer, flame-powered vaporizer, vape without batteries, dry herb vaporizer, sustainable cannabis tech, cannabis engineering, vaporizer design, invention story, startup journey, crowdfunding cannabis products, cannabis entrepreneurship, direct-to-consumer cannabis brand, cannabis manufacturing, cannabis product development, cannabis startup strategy, cannabis community building, vaporizer enthusiasts, modular vaporizer, titanium vaporizer, wood vaporizer stems, Ed’s TT collaboration, DynaVapVerse, open-source cannabis accessories, cannabis ecosystem, vaporizer components, cannabis product innovation, international cannabis sales, cannabis export strategy, startup resilience, business growth, brand storytelling, cannabis product marketing, community engagement, early adopters, customer loyalty, cannabis operations, product scalability, cannabis hardware market, cannabis engineering innovation, cannabis technology, vaporizer quality control, cannabis hardware startup, creative product design, entrepreneurship podcast, cannabis innovation podcast, Kaya Cast, and cannabis business insightsClick here to watch a video of this episode. Click here to view the episode transcript.

    54 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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    172
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © KayaPush
  • Show Website
    Kaya Cast