Best Evan Shepard Podcasts (2025)

1
Cannabis Quality, Aroma, and Terpenes – What Do We Really Know? with TJ Martin, Iain Oswald, Kyle Boyar, & Evan Friedmann 42:21

Play Pause

5M ago42:21

42:21

In this episode you’ll get to hear two extended excerpts from a long conversation that myself and several of my Cannabis science colleagues had about Cannabis quality, chemistry, and beyond at the end of the American Chemical Society Spring Conference on March 27th, 2025. The conversation was recorded at Abstrax Headquarters in Irvine, CA with Evan…

1
Why Do You Believe What You Believe? with Anthony Magnabosco 1:24:46

6M ago1:24:46

1:24:46

How closely have you examined your deeply held beliefs? How confident are you that your beliefs are true? What are the reasons you have that give you your level of confidence in your belief? In this throwback episode we take a critical look at beliefs. Beliefs of all kinds. Belief in God, karma, the law of attraction, ghosts, spirits – anything. In…

1
Restoration Agriculture Beyond Permaculture with Mark Shepard 1:36:48

7M ago1:36:48

1:36:48

In this throw back episode from the very beginning of the Isn’t Life Curious? series we join farmer and permaculturist Mark Shepard to discuss practical solutions to surviving and thriving on planet Earth. Mark is the CEO of Forest Agriculture Enterprises LLC, founder of Restoration Agriculture Development LLC and award-winning author of the book, …

1
Metaphysical Mysteries with Philosopher Neil Manson, PhD 1:20:37

12M ago1:20:37

1:20:37

Is life really all that special? Or is it just a happy accident that we are here? Neil Manson, PhD is a philosopher and professor of philosophy specialized in tackling these very questions. An expert on philosophy of science and philosophy of religion, Dr. Manson and I dive down a metaphysical wormhole to explore the ways humans have tried to wrest…

1
Cannabis Testing Gone Wrong? (IV) feat. Kyle Boyar 1:18:32

1y ago1:18:32

1:18:32

Do we even test for the right things? Now that medical and adult-use cannabis programs have been around for some time, and with them mandated lab testing of products – we have a lot of data that we can begin to review in order to assess how well we are managing the quality of cannabis in the market. In this episode we are joined by microbiologist a…

1
Cannabis Testing Gone Wrong? (Part III) feat. Dr. Josh Swider of Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs 1:13:39

1y ago1:13:39

1:13:39

Continuing our series on the issues facing the Cannabis testing industry, we sit down with Josh Swider of Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs to discuss the ways that he and his lab have felt the effects of potency inflation and lab shopping over the past several years. One by one Josh has watched clients disappear after complaints that his THC potency…

1
Cannabis Testing Gone Wrong (II) feat. Josh Smith of Therapeutic Health Choice Labs 2:15:12

1y ago2:15:12

2:15:12

In this extended 2+ hour episode, Josh Smith of Therapeutic Health Choice, an analytical lab based out of Michigan, takes us on a deep dive into his experiences of Cannabis testing fraud as we explore some potential ways to fix issues like lab shopping and bring scientific integrity back to the cannabis industry. About Josh: Josh Smith is a seasone…

1
Cannabis Testing Gone Wrong (Part I) with Yasha Kahn of MCR Labs 1:15:53

1y ago1:15:53

1:15:53

This is the first of a series of conversations with lab owners and industry experts revolving around the topic of fraud, mismanagement, and poor regulations facing Cannabis testing labs. With issues ranging from THC potency inflation, under-reporting of contaminants, perverse incentive structures promoted by regulations, market manipulation, and mo…

1
Why Does My Weed Smell Like Cheese? and Other Funky Mysteries with Twinkle Paryani of Abstrax Tech 1:28:35

1y ago1:28:35

1:28:35

There is no doubt that when it comes to aroma, the Cannabis plant is LOUD. Depending on the variety, a host of smells can be found in Cannabis ranging from the sweet and floral to the funky, gassy, savory, and beyond. Chemist Twinkle Paryani has been trying to understand the chemistry behind the spectrum of aromas found in Cannabis and recently une…

1
Comedian Rodney Norman Explores the Mysteries of the Universe 56:07

1y ago56:07

56:07

In this episode of Isn’t Life Curious? we join comedian and social media sensation Rodney Norman to talk about the meaning of life and what exactly he finds so funny about it all. Throughout the conversation we are joined by some of Rodney’s friends including Leonard, the World’s Worst Motivational Speaker, to unpack some of their most profound ins…

1
9+ Hour Extraction Deep Dive w/ Murphy Murri (CAC Sessions) 9:12:11

1y ago9:12:11

9:12:11

Session Time Stamps 2:17 – Extraction Basics, Hydrocarbon Safety (2019) 1:35:18 – Remediation, CRC, Chromatography (2021) 3:17:16 – State of Industry in 2022, Medusa Stones, Gas Quality 5:40:33 – Lecture: Extraction Fundamentals (2021) 7:38:06 – Lecture: “Liquid Diamonds” and Product Terminology (2024) Turn a long drive or your lab’s downtime into …

1
Steven Novella MD Provides a Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe 1:23:18

1y ago1:23:18

1:23:18

To kick off the new show, I wanted to re-release my conversation with Dr. Steven Novella, most famously known as the producer and host of The Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe Podcast and author of The Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe book. Dr. Novella is a neurologist and professor at Yale School of Medicine and an advocate of the skepticism movemen…

1
The CAC Podcast is Now “Isn’t Life Curious?” 3:17

1y ago3:17

3:17

The Curious About Cannabis Podcast is now a show on the Isn’t Life Curious? network. Isn’t Life Curious? continues the curious quest of biologist and science educator Jason Wilson, MS as he delves into the complexities and wonders of life on Earth through engaging conversations with a diverse range of guests, including critical thinkers, philosophe…

1
CBD and the CB1 Receptor: A Look at Allosteric Modulation with Rob Laprairie, PhD + Liz Thompson, MS | #102 55:45

1+ y ago55:45

55:45

How does CBD affect the CB1 receptor, really? Rob Laprairie is a cannabinoid researcher out of the University of Saskatchewan who was involved in the discovery of CBD’s allosteric binding activity on the CB1 receptor – leading to a host of speculative theories about how CBD influences the activity of THC. In this conversation, continuing our Train …

1
Hidden Threats: Exploring Viruses and Viroids with IPM Specialist Matthew Gates | #101 1:27:37

1+ y ago1:27:37

1:27:37

In this episode we sit down with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) specialist Matthew Gates to delve into the often-overlooked world of cannabis viruses and viroids. In this episode, Matthew brings his extensive expertise to the table, shedding light on the insidious pathogens that can silently wreak havoc on cannabis crops. As the cannabis industry…

1
Concussions and the Endocannabinoid System with Patrick Neary, PhD and Liz Thompson, PhDc, MSc | #100 1:13:34

1+ y ago1:13:34

1:13:34

Dive into a journey of discovery with our latest episode of the ‘Train With Mary Jane’ mini-series, where we delve deep into the pioneering research funded by the NFL on Cannabis and its potential to revolutionize the treatment of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in athletes. This episode welcomes the return of clinical physiologist Liz Thompson and…

1
BONUS: Will Insurance Companies Ever Cover Cannabis Expenses? with Liz Thompson PhDc, MSc 10:15

2y ago10:15

10:15

After our initial episode concluded with Liz Thompson, we decided we had more to talk about so we hit record! Enjoy this bonus conversation where we explore how Canada handles insurance coverage for Cannabis expenses and what the future of health insurance coverage for Cannabis could look like in Canada and the US.…

1
Train with Mary Jane: Inside the NFL’s Quest to Research Cannabinoids for Athletic Injury with Liz Thompson PhDc, MSc | #99 1:20:30

2y ago1:20:30

1:20:30

Elizabeth Thompson is a researcher at the University of Saskatchewan currently working on a project that has started to get international attention – the National Football League’s (NFL) million dollar research project to understand how cannabinoids could impact the health and safety of athletes. In this behind-the-scenes conversation we hear Liz’s…

1
HHC, THCP, and Beyond with Westley Cruces of Colorado Chromatography 1:03:33

2y ago1:03:33

1:03:33

You may have noticed that your local gas station has started selling products marketed like Cannabis products with promises that they are legal ways to get you high without THC. No, we haven’t gone back in time. This isn’t 1999 and no, you’re not reading one of those “legal bud” ads in the back of the High Times magazine. This is 2024 and we are se…

1
Is Acetone Lurking in Your Terpenes? and Other Cannabis Science Musings feat. Jeff Raber, PhD 1:05:43

2y ago1:05:43

1:05:43

We kick off 2024 catching up with Dr. Jeff Raber of The Werc Shop to talk about Cannabis quality, Cannabis potency testing fraud, THC inflation, acetone showing up in Cannabis extracts, preparing young scientists for working in the Cannabis industry, the launch of The Werc Shop’s ENTOUR brand and more! How do we fix the lab testing fraud issue in t…

1
Looking Back on Cannabis Research from 2023 | BTS 96 37:22

2y ago37:22

37:22

Welcome back! In this episode we will spend some time diving into some of the top several scientific research articles about Cannabis that got my attention in 2023. Also, don’t forget to sign up for the 2024 Curious About Cannabis Master Class before we fill up! As of now we have 7 spots left before we are all full for the year. Don’t miss your cha…

1
EPIC 2024 Master Class, Book Discounts, Equipment Upgrades, and More Updates! 10:22

2y ago10:22

10:22

What’s going on with Curious About Cannabis? Lots! Tune in to learn about the updates. Go to http://www.masterclasscannabis.com to sign up for the 2024 Curious About Cannabis Master Class Visit http://member.cacpodcast.com/ to join the Curious About Cannabis membership platform and get access to courses, videos, every podcast episode including unre…

1
Cannabis – A Case of Cultonomic Neglect with Trevor Wittke | BTS 95 1:06:53

2+ y ago1:06:53

1:06:53

Did our modern conception of “sativa”, “indica”, and “ruderalis” come about because of politics rather than science? What have been the political and social factors influencing how scientists have studied and discussed Cannabis? I had the opportunity to meet Trevor Wittke to talk all about these issues and more. Trevor is a Cannabis breeder and lif…

1
Photoperiods, Flushing, and the Science of Dense Buds with Michael Alden of Clemson University 1:00:06

2+ y ago1:00:06

1:00:06

By Isn't Life Curious?

1
The Science Behind CBG: A Pharmacist’s Perspective with Codi Peterson PharmD MS 1:09:05

2+ y ago1:09:05

1:09:05

By Isn't Life Curious?

1
Seeing Through The Smoke: Separating Cannabis Facts from Fiction with Peter Grinspoon, MD | BTS 92 1:03:28

2+ y ago1:03:28

1:03:28

By Isn't Life Curious?

1
Remembering Raphael Mechoulam’s Legacy on Cannabis Science with Mark Scialdone, PhD | BTS 91 2:04:14

2+ y ago2:04:14

2:04:14

By Isn't Life Curious?

1
The Quest for the CB3 Receptor and Beyond with Viola Brugnatelli, PhD | BTS 89 1:01:27

2+ y ago1:01:27

1:01:27

By Isn't Life Curious?

1
Rewriting the Narrative and Smashing the Stigma with Susie Plascencia MA | BTS 90 1:01:59

2+ y ago1:01:59

1:01:59

By Isn't Life Curious?

1
Fighting for a Better Cannabis Industry with Andrew DeAngelo | BTS 88 1:09:40

2+ y ago1:09:40

1:09:40

By Isn't Life Curious?

1
Cannabis and the Convergence of Neurodivergence with Miyabe Shields PhD | BTS 87 1:41:42

2+ y ago1:41:42

1:41:42

By Isn't Life Curious?

1
CBD, Pain and Opioids: Bringing Translational Research to Cannabis with Maria T Rivera-Garcia PhD | BTS 86 1:13:47

2+ y ago1:13:47

1:13:47

By Isn't Life Curious?

1
Living Authentically and Casually Baked with Johanna Nuding | BTS 85 1:13:30

2+ y ago1:13:30

1:13:30

By Isn't Life Curious?

1
Infusing Cannabis Education with Curated Interactive Events with Tamara Anderson of Culinary & Cannabis | BTS 84 38:03

2+ y ago38:03

38:03

By Isn't Life Curious?

1
Standards: The Final Frontier? ASTM Intl’s Effort to Standardize the Cannabis Industry with Darwin Millard (The Spock of Cannabis) | BTS 83 56:27

2+ y ago56:27

56:27

By Isn't Life Curious?

1
Unraveling the DNA of Cannabis with Oussama Badad of Trilogene Seeds | BTS 82 1:02:21

3y ago1:02:21

1:02:21

By Isn't Life Curious?

1
We Grow Cannabis: Uniting Community Through Marijuana Horticulture with Jorge Cervantes | BTS 81 1:18:14

3y ago1:18:14

1:18:14

By Isn't Life Curious?

1
Meet the Cannabis Plant: Exploring the Evolutionary History and Lifecycle of Cannabis | Feature #11 44:56

3y ago44:56

44:56

By Isn't Life Curious?

1
Cannabinoid Science: Past, Present and Future (Southern Oregon University Lecture, 2021) 57:44

3y ago57:44

57:44

The history of cannabinoid science tells a fascinating story that many people are really unfamiliar with. In this lecture, which I gave for Southern Oregon University back in October of 2021, I chart some of the basic series of events that led to the discovery of CBD, THC, cannabinoid receptors, the endocannabinoid system, and the endocannabinoidom…

1
Harnessing AI for Sustainable Agriculture and Cannabis Education with Matthew Gates | BTS #80 2:01:23

3y ago2:01:23

2:01:23

By Isn't Life Curious?

1
Critical Cannabis Genetics Questions with Reggie Gaudino PhD (From 2022 Master Class) 1:37:00

3y ago1:37:00

1:37:00

In this episode I wanted to share a presentation given by Reggie Gaudino PhD from the 2022 Curious About Cannabis Master Class where Reggie spent over an hour and a half diving into some of the most pressing questions people often have about Cannabis genetics. Reggie will be joining us once again for our 2023 Curious About Cannabis Master Class alo…