Best KayaPush Podcasts (2026)

1
Highlights from 2025 and What's Next in 2026 6:28

Play Pause

13d ago6:28

6:28

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.…

1
Master Your Mind, Grow Your Brand: A Conscious Leadership Guide 57:22

20d ago57:22

57:22

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 …

1
Brand, Operations, and Scale: The Core Trio for Cannabis Brands 43:14

27d ago43:14

43:14

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 b…

1
Why Cannabis Media Matters: Educate, Build Trust, Scale Your Brand 46:46

1M ago46:46

46:46

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 cur…

1
How a License Database Turned into a Cannabis CRM w/ Ed Keating 41:53

1M ago41:53

41:53

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 th…

1
From Pastry to Premium Edibles: The Insa Chocolate Revolution 52:52

2M ago52:52

52:52

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 confecti…

1
Two Markets, One Strategy: Alibi's Growth from Oregon to NY 41:48

2M ago41:48

41:48

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 r…

1
The Basement Prototype That Changed The Industry: DynaVap's Rise 54:21

2M ago54:21

54:21

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…

1
From Couch Lock to Conversion: Turning Casual Shoppers into Loyal Customers 42:34

2M ago42:34

42:34

On this episode of Kaya Cast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Noel Burkman, co-founder of StrainBrain, to explore how AI and advanced data science are reshaping cannabis retail. Noel explains StrainBrain's meta-analytic approach - combining COAs, consumer sentiment, regional preferences, and product data - to move beyond generic marketing toward p…

1
Blunt Brunch to Nationwide: Building Community with Cannabis Events 47:20

3M ago47:20

47:20

On this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Adelia Fakhri, co-founder of Blunt Brunch and EventHi, to explore how smart events can help cannabis brands launch, grow, and scale. From Blunt Brunch’s origins as intimate, women-focused conversations to EventHi’s evolution into a nationwide platform that powers cannabis-fo…

1
Building the “Oscars of Cannabis” — Inside Best in Grass 40:51

3M ago40:51

40:51

In this episode of Kaya Cast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Mark Kazinec, founder of Best in Grass, to share the founding story behind the cannabis competition that puts everyday consumers in the judging chair. Mark traces his path from traditional marketing and High Times to building a nationwide, consumer‑driven awards platform that makes cann…

1
How to Foolproof your Dispensary Before Day One (Or After You've Opened) 39:10

3M ago39:10

39:10

By Kaya Cast

1
Tighten Costs Early or Exit: Hard Truths from a Pioneering Operator 52:46

3M ago52:46

52:46

On this episode of Kaya Cast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Carl Giannone, co founder of Trade Roots, the Massachusetts based pioneer behind the first vertically integrated social equity cannabis company. Carl walks us through his unlikely pivot from Wall Street to cannabis after a seed deck landed on a Thursday, and how that idea became a busin…

1
Why Authentic Community Beats Hype in Cannabis Marketing 35:06

3M ago35:06

35:06

By Kaya Cast

1
From Struggle to Success: Lessons for Growing Dispensaries | Part 2 22:36

4M ago22:36

22:36

On this episode of Kaya Cast, Tommy Truong continues the conversation with Ernest Toney, founder of BIPOCann, about the critical topic of raising capital for cannabis businesses. Ernest shares practical insights on crafting concise and compelling pitch decks that clearly articulate your market opportunity, competitive edge, team, financial projecti…

1
From Struggle to Success: Lessons for Growing Dispensaries | Part 1 48:58

4M ago48:58

48:58

In this insightful episode of Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Ernest Toney, founder of BIPOCann, to explore the journey of building a cannabis-focused business that champions social equity licensees. Ernest shares his transition from working with major cannabis trade shows to launching BIPOCann during the pandemic, driven by a p…

1
How Synthetic Cannabinoids Are Putting Dispensaries at Risk 44:27

4M ago44:27

44:27

In this eye-opening episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Josh Swider, co-founder and CEO of Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs, to uncover the complex and often misunderstood world of synthetic cannabinoids in the cannabis and hemp industries. Josh draws on over a decade of experience as an analytical chemist to explain h…

1
How AI + Technology Can Skyrocket Your Cannabis Business Growth 38:42

4M ago38:42

38:42

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Anne Forkutza from BioTrack to unpack New York’s groundbreaking seed-to-sale system rollout and what it means for cannabis cultivators, processors, and retailers. Anne shares critical timelines for integration, explains how unique 16-digit digital ID tags work, and offers practic…

1
Don’t Open Your Store Without Doing This First (90-Day Marketing Rule) 46:15

5M ago46:15

46:15

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Dan Serard, partner at Cannabis Creative Group, to dive deep into building a strong cannabis dispensary brand and marketing strategy from the ground up. Dan shares expert insights on when dispensary owners should start thinking about branding—highlighting the importance of beginn…

1
Building Community, Breaking Stigma: How Greenery Spot Became Johnson City’s Cannabis Hub 43:58

5M ago43:58

43:58

Running a dispensary isn’t just about selling cannabis — it’s about creating a brand that people trust, love, and recommend. In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Christa Peay from Greenery Spot in Johnson City, NY, to talk about how they built one of the most community-connected dispensaries in the state. Christa sh…

1
Rolling into Summer, Back on August 12! 1:37

6M ago1:37

1:37

In this special solo episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong reflects on reaching the halfway mark of the podcast’s third year, sharing invaluable insights from his experience working with dispensaries and cannabis businesses. Tune in as Tommy discusses key strategies for scaling operations, common costly mistakes to avoid, and exciting…

1
This Security Expert Has Opened 40+ Dispensaries. Here’s What She’d Never Do. 34:46

6M ago34:46

34:46

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy sits down with Haley Glover, a seasoned security expert with over 13 years in the cannabis space, to uncover the costly mistakes dispensary owners make during build-outs. From regulatory nightmares in Minnesota to the importance of backup generators and choosing the right security partner, Haley drops…

1
Why Accessories Are Your Dispensary’s Untapped Goldmine (And How to Get Started) 42:39

6M ago42:39

42:39

On this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Justin Johnson, founder of BudsFeed and Managing Partner at Dyspensr, to explore the evolving cannabis accessories market and how dispensaries can leverage it for growth. Justin shares the origin story of BudsFeed—a user-generated platform designed to connect the tight-knit canna…

1
From Oklahoma to The Bahamas: The Blueprint for Cannabis Success 47:21

6M ago47:21

47:21

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Glenwood Ferguson, also known as "The Cannabis Doc," to dive into the evolving cannabis landscape in The Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Oklahoma’s competitive market. Glenwood shares his firsthand experience launching medical cannabis programs, overcoming operational challenges, and…

1
Is Your Dispensary Ready for Delivery? Here’s How to Know 27:50

7M ago27:50

27:50

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Scott Prisco, founder of Priscotty, to dive deep into the world of cannabis delivery services. Scott shares invaluable insights on when dispensaries should consider adding delivery — emphasizing the importance of having a solid tech stack, trained staff, and operational control b…

1
The New Cannabis Frontier: Minor Cannabinoids Driving Sales Beyond THC 39:44

7M ago39:44

39:44

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Max Vansluys from Dialed In Gummies to explore the exciting frontier of minor cannabinoids and the rising popularity of rosin concentrates. Max breaks down key cannabinoids like THCV, CBN, CBG, CBC, and how their unique effects—from focus and appetite suppression to sleep aid—are…

1
WeCann’s Expert Playbook: How to Thrive in the Ever-Changing Cannabis Industry 41:46

7M ago41:46

41:46

On this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, we sit down with Meilad Rafiei from WeCann, a seasoned cannabis industry expert with roots as a dispensary owner in California since 2014. Meilad shares his unique journey navigating the early days of legal cannabis amid competing with illicit operators, his strategic approach to buying and selling dispensa…

1
Beating the Gray Market: Proven Strategies from a Top Cannabis Operator 20:56

7M ago20:56

20:56

In this insightful episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Tim Morland from Vertis to discuss the current state and future of the cannabis industry in California. Tim sheds light on the ongoing consolidation, market oversaturation, and the challenging retail landscape facing dispensaries today. They dive deep into the evo…

1
Cash Crunch to Cash King: Scaling Your Cannabis Business with Smart Credit 39:56

8M ago39:56

39:56

In this eye-opening episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Brett Gelfand, founder of Cannabiz Credit Association and a seasoned cannabis industry operator. Drawing from his unique background running dispensaries and brands in Colorado, Brett dives deep into the critical challenges cannabis businesses face around credit, cash …

1
Scale Up Secrets for your Dispensary 44:37

8M ago44:37

44:37

Welcome to this transformative episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, where we delve into the exhilarating world of scaling cannabis businesses. In today's session, we're joined by Leah Heise, the seasoned cannabis expert from Wolf Meyer, who brings her extensive background in scaling multi-faceted cannabis operations to the forefront. Leah shares her i…

1
Terpenes Over THC: A New Era for Dispensaries 52:32

8M ago52:32

52:32

In this illuminating episode of Kaya Cast, we dive deep into the transformative journey of Nikki Lawley, known widely at Nikki and The Plant. After a severe workplace injury altered her life and traditional medications failed her, Nikki stumbled upon cannabis, which not only alleviated her chronic pain but also revolutionized her perspective on hea…

1
The ABCs of Compliance They Don't Teach You 42:50

8M ago42:50

42:50

In this game-changing episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, we sit down with Theresa Dobrash from Seligson Law, a firm that specializes in guiding cannabis dispensaries through the legal labyrinth of the cannabis industry. Theresa, an expert in cannabis compliance, shares a wealth of knowledge that is essential for any dispensary owner aiming to naviga…

1
Transforming Data to Dollars with Cova 28:00

9M ago28:00

28:00

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Kaya Cast Podcast, where we delve into the ins and outs of managing a successful cannabis dispensary. Join us as we sit down with Chris Reid, an expert from Cova, who shares his extensive knowledge on setting up and scaling profitable cannabis retail businesses. In this episode, Chris challenges common ass…

1
Ready to Bloom: Overcoming Growth Barriers in Cannabis 35:45

9M ago35:45

35:45

Welcome back to Kaya Cast, where we dive deep into the strategies and challenges of growing a cannabis business. This week, we're thrilled to bring you an insightful discussion with Dennis O'Malley, CEO Co-pilot and strategic advisor at Echtrai. Dennis, alongside his partner Hannah O'Brien, specializes in turning around and scaling up companies, br…

1
SKUs Me, Are You Managing Your Cannabis Inventory Right? 38:49

9M ago38:49

38:49

In this insightful episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, we welcome Michael Ziegler, an esteemed CPA, President of Cannabiz Advisor and owner-operator of the highly successful Indigo Dispensary in New Jersey. As both an accountant and a dispensary owner, Michael brings a unique and invaluable perspective to navigating the financial and operational chal…

1
Cannabis and AI: A Perfect Blend? 35:12

9M ago35:12

35:12

In this transformative episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy welcomes Bryan Fields, a standout voice from Eighth Revolution and host of the Dime podcast. Bryan brings a deep well of expertise in cannabis industry trends and the groundbreaking role of technology in shaping the future of cannabis businesses. From the strategic implementation o…

1
Common Insurance Mistakes Every Dispensary Should Avoid 40:42

10M ago40:42

40:42

In this essential episode of Kaya Cast, we delve deep into the often overlooked but vital world of insurance for cannabis dispensaries. Join us as we sit down with Michael Sampson from Symphony Risk, a seasoned expert in crafting tailored insurance solutions for the cannabis industry. Michael brings his extensive experience and insights on why it's…

1
Shaping Cannabis Policy & Education: Real Talk with Sara Payan 44:38

10M ago44:38

44:38

In this riveting episode of Kaya Cast, we sit down with the distinguished Sara Payan, host of "Planted with Sara Payan." Dive deep into Sara’s personal journey from facing cancer to becoming a trailblazer in the cannabis industry. Discover how cannabis served as a critical ally during her chemotherapy, prompting her shift from a patient to a passio…

1
Building a Legacy: Rama Mayo's Hall of Flowers 46:36

10M ago46:36

46:36

Today, we have a truly inspiring guest, Rama Mayo, the visionary founder of Hall of Flowers, one of the largest and most authentic trade shows in the cannabis industry. Rama shares his fascinating journey from running a punk rock record label to pioneering a non-corporate trade show that stays true to the roots of cannabis culture. 🎤 In this episod…

1
Taking the High Road: Seibo's Transcendent Cannabis Journey 41:53

10M ago41:53

41:53

In this enlightening episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, we are joined by Seibo Shen, the visionary behind Form Vape, who shares his remarkable journey from creating groundbreaking vaporizers to becoming a pivotal coach and mentor in the cannabis industry. Dive into Seibo's world as he recounts the early days of navigating through the tech industry, …

1
The Politics of Cannabis: Robert Hoban on Power, Policy, and Progress 33:03

10M ago33:03

33:03

In this enlightening episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, we sit down with cannabis industry pioneer, Robert Hoban, a seasoned legal expert and consultant known affectionately as the "CanSigliere." With a career stretching over nearly two decades, Bob has been at the forefront of cannabis policy and law, helping shape the framework that supports today…

1
Transform Your Cannabis Business: Pearls from Jamie Pearson 39:26

11M ago39:26

39:26

In this riveting episode of Kaya Cast, we dive deep into the world of cannabis business growth and scalability with the insightful Jamie Pearson, Founder of New Holland Group. Jamie brings a rich tapestry of experience from both her extensive consulting background and her personal entrepreneurial journey. From identifying common pitfalls that keep …

1
Rolling Reforms: Cannabis & The New Administration w/ Hirsh Jain 42:43

11M ago42:43

42:43

In this compelling episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, we delve into the intricate world of cannabis legislation with Hirsh Jain, the founder of Ananda Strategy. Hirsh shares his insights into the evolving stance of the president's administration on cannabis and the potential impact of state-level legislative changes on federal policies, and in turn …

1
Buy, Sell, BLAZE: The Challenges of Running a Dispensary with Shahbaaz Kara-Virani 36:55

11M ago36:55

36:55

In this enlightening episode of Kaya Cast, we sit down with Shahbaaz Kara-Virani, vice president of Growth at BLAZE, to delve into the transformative potential of the cannabis industry. As someone deeply embedded in the space, Shahbaaz shares his unique insights on why staying in the industry is not just a business decision, but a passion driven by…

1
Blueprint to Business in 90 Days with Hope Wiseman 46:18

11M ago46:18

46:18

Welcome to a compelling episode of Kaya Cast Podcast, where we dive deep into the journey of scaling a cannabis business with Hope from WISECO. Since launching Mary and Main in 2018, Hope has navigated the complex cannabis industry from securing licensing to operational execution, facing and overcoming unique challenges along the way. In this episo…

1
2025: A High Year for Cannabis 4:24

12M ago4:24

4:24

Kick off the New Year with an invigorating episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, as we sit down with our host Tommy Truong. Dive deep into Tommy’s reflections on 2024’s highs and lows, and discover what lies ahead for the cannabis industry in 2025. In this pivotal episode, Tommy shares the celebratory news of KayaPush being crowned the Best Software of…

1
Stay tuned for Kaya Cast in 2025! 1:55

1y ago1:55

1:55

As the year draws to a close, join us for the final announcement episode of the year. In this episode, recorded as we gear up for MJBizCon – the cannabis industry's premier event, Tommy shares his reflections on a year that's been brimming with insights, growth, and community engagement. We discuss the transformative experiences from past guests wh…

1
What NY Cannabis Will Look Like in 2025 38:31

1y ago38:31

38:31

Welcome to a pivotal episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, where we delve deep into New York's cannabis marketplace amidst its complex regulatory and business environment. Today's guest, Katie Neer of KND Group, brings an insider’s perspective to the ongoing challenges and opportunities within the state. In this episode, we'll explore the recent decisi…

1
Health Benefits for Cannabis Employees: Can You Really Afford It? 26:47

1y ago26:47

26:47

Welcome back to another episode of the KayaCast Podcast, your go-to audio hub for all things cannabis business. Today, we're thrilled to have Craig Scurato from Kind Benefits join us to delve deep into the realm of employee health benefits, specifically tailored for the unique needs and challenges of cannabis dispensaries. Navigating health benefit…

1
Turn Your Dispensary into a Market Game Changer 41:40

1y ago41:40

41:40

Welcome to a highly insightful episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, where we delve deep into the intricacies of cannabis retail strategy. We're thrilled to host Richard McLean, the head of retail at Vibe by California, a leader in the competitive cannabis market of California. In this episode, Richard shares his rich experience in both cannabis and tr…