High Functioning Podcast is hosted by Jason Reposa, founder and CEO of Good Feels, a Massachusetts-based cannabis-infused beverage company. Join Jason as he dives into candid conversations with industry experts, innovators, and thought leaders from the cannabis world. Each episode explores the stories behind the people shaping the future of cannabis, from business practices to wellness trends. Whether you’re curious about the cannabis industry, looking to learn from the best, or simply want ...
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Jason Reposa Podcasts
Lit Up Founders: A show about the founders of the Modern Cannabis Industry and the Organizations they are building. Each episode features the founder themself, sharing their journey in creating Modern Cannabis.
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Marketing That Actually Converts with Dan Mondello
1:37:51
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1:37:51Dan Mondello, CEO of Rank Really High, breaks down why many dispensary websites do not convert and what to change first. We cover simple site fixes, smarter use of menus and POS data, and how ADHD shaped his approach to focus and leadership. What you’ll learn The top reasons sites fail to convert What to stop chasing if growth is flat Page elements…
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Trade Roots and Tough Lessons with Carl Giannone
1:40:59
1:40:59
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1:40:59Carl Giannone helped build a respected cannabis brand in Massachusetts. Then everything changed. This episode covers the real story behind the rise and fall of Trade Roots. Carl talks openly about tough calls, the mental weight of failure, and why he’s still showing up to build again. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcast…
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Truth and Triumph with Dru Ledbetter
1:10:47
1:10:47
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1:10:47Dru Ledbetter, Afro-Latina nurse leader and author of Truth & Triumph, shares her journey from the bedside to the policy table. We cover identity, leadership, stigma in patient care, postpartum challenges, community education, and her fight for smarter healthcare reform. 📖 Buy Truth & Triumph: https://a.co/d/ctWeiTB 🎧 Full episode drops Friday, Aug…
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How to Build a Mission-First Brand with Rob DiFazio
1:36:18
1:36:18
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1:36:18Rob DiFazio, Navy veteran and CEO of CNA Stores, shares how to grow a purpose-driven retail and cultivation business. From veteran-first hiring and community fundraising to smart inventory planning and extraction expertise, Rob shows what it means to build a company with integrity. 🎙️ In This Episode✔️ Retail growth and inventory sell‑through tacti…
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From Dorm Hustle to Enterprise with Joe Khoury
1:43:13
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1:43:13From Dorm Hustle to Enterprise Joe Khoury went from 3D-printing rolling-tray phone cases in his college dorm to architecting data and ERP platforms behind $850 million+ in regulated-tech transactions. Along the way he survived a $10 K customs seizure and co-launched AI compliance agents for multi-state operators. What You’ll Hear: Dorm-room prototy…
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Seeds, Scandals & Smash Hits with Greg “Chemdog” Krzanowski
1:07:19
1:07:19
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1:07:19Greg “Chemdog” Krzanowski is a craft pioneer whose influence spans decades. In this episode, Greg shares how a 1991 Grateful Dead show, a handful of mystery seeds, and his underground passion led to one of the most influential brands in modern craft history. But the journey hasn’t been smooth, from a 2011 federal raid to rebuilding under Massachuse…
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Scaling Labs Without Cutting Corners with John Nathan
1:32:31
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1:32:31John Nathan, founder of Bay State Extracts, turned a 3,400 ft² hemp lab into Massachusetts’s top minor-cannabinoid facility on a shoestring budget. Learn how he built ISO-7 clean rooms for 70% less, pioneered CBN production, and scaled smart, without blowing through capital. You’ll Learn:• DIY clean-room construction for massive savings• Smart scal…
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Breaking Barriers in Cannabis with Todd Dahn
1:29:23
1:29:23
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1:29:23Todd Dahn built Massachusetts’s smallest licensed craft farm on 800 ft², bootstrapping with no-equity loans, surviving a 4½-year licensing marathon, and turning each harvest into community grants. Todd digs into his music-industry and banking roots, and his advocacy for LGBTQ wellness as a man living with HIV. 💡 What You’ll Discover:• Debt structur…
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Empowering Farmers Through Cooperative Cannabis with Avery Leveston
1:01:43
1:01:43
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1:01:43Avery Leveston built Cowboy Kush: a cooperative distribution model that pays farmers premiums, cuts out middlemen and ensures on-time payouts. Learn how a “farmers first” approach is changing the game in Massachusetts.
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How to Grow a Real Brand with Marcus Johnson-Smith
1:07:26
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1:07:26On this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, we’re joined by Marcus Johnson-Smith, co-founder of Kush Groove, who shares the real story of building a purpose-driven brand with staying power. From a college hustle to a multi-location business, Marcus breaks down the journey step by step, highlighting what too many founders skip: operational clar…
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What CPAs Won’t Tell You w/ Charlotte Cathro
1:14:44
1:14:44
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1:14:44Charlotte Cathro has been in the trenches with cannabis operators since the beginning, and she’s here to tell you what most accountants won’t. From botched license deals to last-minute audit scrambles, Charlotte has helped companies fix the messes no one warned them about. This episode is a deep dive into the finance, compliance, and accounting rea…
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Burning Man to Biotech Boss with Megan Dobro
1:32:14
1:32:14
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1:32:14Megan Dobro left her tenured professor role and never looked back. Today, she runs SafeTiva Labs, one of the most respected cannabis testing labs in Massachusetts. In this episode, Megan and Jason talk about her transition from science professor to startup founder, the chaos behind inflated THC results, and the cannabis bills being worked on by sta…
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What Legacy Operators Know That You Don’t with Derek D’Ambrosio
1:36:42
1:36:42
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1:36:42What Legacy Operators Know That You Don’t In this episode, we sit down with Derek D’Ambrosio, Social Equity Licensee to talk real cannabis business no filters. Derek shares his journey from Boston’s underground market to running licensed operations, navigating corruption, and scaling with purpose. From his mother’s cannabis use during cancer to the…
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Building a People-First MSO with Brendan McKee
1:25:43
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1:25:43Brendan McKee didn’t start in a boardroom, he started in a warehouse, moving furniture and learning the value of hard work. Today, he’s the COO of Silver Therapeutics, a multi-state retail brand known for keeping people at the center. In this episode, Brendan shares how that early hustle turned into a leadership style built on empathy, clarity, and…
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From Sales Desk to Storefronts with Vincent DiMento
1:37:52
1:37:52
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1:37:52In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, Vincent DiMento of The Agriculturalist shares his story of transitioning from finance into the fast-paced world of dispensary leadership—opening four stores and building standout team culture along the way. 🎧 You’ll learn: How strong internal culture drives long-term success Why service models like “…
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Business Shouldn’t Be This Hard With Ryan Dominguez
1:27:32
1:27:32
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1:27:32🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more:🔗 https://linktr.ee/highfunctioningpodcastWhat’s really holding back local businesses? According to Ryan Arias Dominguez, it’s outdated policies, broken regulations, and systems that just haven’t kept up with the times.In this episode, Ryan, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Cannabis Coalition, break…
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Stickers, Swag, & Strategy with Angela Bradway
1:11:55
1:11:55
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1:11:55Angela Bradway, founder of House of Ambassadors, shares how authentic energy, thoughtful marketing, and small details like swag and stickers can build serious brand loyalty. We also dive into Angela’s personal healing journey with plant medicine, her work empowering budtenders, and her passion for building genuine connections between brands and com…
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Craft Cannabis, Global Roots with Cassandra Purdy
1:18:53
1:18:53
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1:18:53Cassandra Purdy, co-founder of Sweetgrass Botanicals, shares her journey from international learning and herbalist training to building an award-winning wellness brand in the Berkshires. In this episode, we explore her philosophy on small-batch production, solventless techniques, and why honoring tradition is key to innovation. 🎙️ Topics Covered: ✔…
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Leadership in Legal Cannabis with Travis Ahern
1:17:40
1:17:40
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1:17:40What does leadership in legal cannabis really look like? Travis Ahern, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, shares his approach to navigating one of the most complex regulatory landscapes in the country. In this episode, we talk through the CCC’s current structure and where it’s headed—from HCA pricing and testing la…
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Wellness Made with Precision with Matt Besonen
1:18:25
1:18:25
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1:18:25🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more: 🔗 https://bit.ly/highfunctioningpod What does it take to make wellness products that actually work? Matt Besonen of United Cultivation joins us to talk about his journey from restaurant management to overseeing a licensed manufacturing facility in Massachusetts. In this episode, we break down the nuts and…
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Media. Censorship. Cannabis with Jimmy Young
1:14:05
1:14:05
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1:14:05Emmy-winning broadcaster Jimmy Young spent decades in traditional media—calling iconic sports moments and hosting TV talk shows. But when he turned his lens toward cannabis news, he found himself navigating shadowbans, content takedowns, and an industry still being silenced. In this episode, Jimmy shares the highs and lows of running Pro Cannabis M…
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Behind the Beverage Boom with Adam Terry
1:15:12
1:15:12
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1:15:12🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & More:🔗 https://bit.ly/highfunctioningpodWhat does it really take to build a successful c****bis beverage brand from scratch?In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, Adam Terry, CEO and Co-Founder of Cantrip, takes us behind the scenes of his bootstrapped journey — from hand-canning ice cream in Framing…
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Building a Business Against All Odds with Caroline Pineau
1:03:10
1:03:10
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1:03:10🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & More: 🔗 https://bit.ly/highfunctioningpod What does it take to build a business against all odds? In Episode 16 of the High Functioning Podcast, Caroline Pineau, CEO & Owner of Stem, shares her remarkable journey of fighting legal battles, navigating tax burdens, and standing up for independent business owners…
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The Medical Approach to Business with David Cunic
1:52:25
1:52:25
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1:52:25🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & More:🔗 https://bit.ly/highfunctioningpodWhat does it take to raise capital, build a business, and avoid costly mistakes? In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, we sit down with Dr. David Cunic, a serial entrepreneur, investor relations expert, and business strategist who takes a medical approach to b…
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From Legacy to Legal with Ryan Cohen
1:32:05
1:32:05
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1:32:05🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & More:🔗 https://bit.ly/highfunctioningpod Join us on the High Functioning Podcast as we explore what it takes to build a thriving business in today's challenging landscape. Our guest Ryan Cohen—co-founder of Top Shelf Cannaseurs and KindRun Delivery, and current Director of Business and Community Development at…
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Balancing Cannabis, Career, and Parenthood with Jackie Crocco
1:18:48
1:18:48
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1:18:48What does it take to build a successful career in cannabis wholesale, navigate industry challenges, and foster meaningful partnerships? In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, we sit down with Jackie Crocco, Biz Dev Manager at Garden Remedies, to break down the wholesale market, the importance of relationship-building, and how the cannabis…
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You’re Doing It Wrong! NECANN’s Marc Shepard on Event Mistakes & Industry Secrets
1:20:10
1:20:10
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1:20:10What does it take to build one of the most influential conventions in the industry, manage large-scale events, and help businesses make the most of their opportunities? In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, we sit down with Marc Shepard, Co-Founder & President of NECANN, to dive into the world of event planning, business strategy, and th…
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The Power of Data in Cannabis with Rick Bashkoff
1:15:06
1:15:06
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1:15:06What does it take to navigate a complex industry, leverage data effectively, and build a company that thrives in the age of automation? In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, we sit down with Rick Bashkoff, CEO of Lit Alerts, to explore the intersection of business strategy, technology, and the power of data.🎙️ Episode Highlights:✅ The bi…
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Family, Business, and Big Dreams: A Conversation with Angela Brown
1:07:37
1:07:37
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1:07:37What does it take to build a business from the ground up, navigate industry challenges, and create a brand that stands the test of time? In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, we sit down with Angela Brown, Co-Founder & CEO of Coast, to discuss the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the power of family in business, and the evolving lands…
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Michael Lamy: Career Moves & Challenges
1:22:04
1:22:04
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1:22:04How do you transition into a new career while overcoming industry stigma? In this episode of High Functioning Podcast, we sit down with Michael Lamy to talk about navigating professional challenges, breaking through career barriers, and what professionals get wrong about industry transitions. 🔹 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Overcoming workplace stigma and …
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Eric Casey: Journalism, Media Trends, and Industry Growth
1:12:21
1:12:21
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1:12:21Eric Casey, Managing Editor of the Worcester Business Journal, shares his insights on journalism’s evolving role in shaping industries and navigating change. From adapting to trends in local reporting to uncovering growth opportunities, Eric’s take is both insightful and inspiring. ➡️ Listen now to learn more about the power of storytelling, indust…
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Building Major Bloom: Ulysses Youngblood on Equity, Innovation & Resilience
1:23:24
1:23:24
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1:23:24Meet Ulysses Youngblood, the visionary President of Major Bloom, in this engaging episode. From his early days as a young entrepreneur to leading one of the most innovative cannabis companies in Massachusetts, Ulysses’ story is one of resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to social equity. Discover how Major Bloom is changing the game in ca…
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Cannabis EXPERTS Predict the NEXT BIG THING in Cannabis Spaces!
1:13:00
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1:13:00🌿 High Functioning Podcast: Panel Special – The Future of Cannabis Spaces 🌿 What’s next for cannabis consumption? Join Chris Faraone, Todd Dahn, and Laury C. Lucien as they explore the possibilities for mixed-use spaces, community-driven activities, and innovative cannabis models. Key Moments: 🕒 21:25: "What are your thoughts on creating a space th…
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Catching Up with Dustin – A Candid Conversation
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37:35In this special bonus episode of the High Functioning Podcast, Jason sits down with Dustin for a laid-back and unscripted chat. They dive into a variety of topics, sharing personal stories, reflections, and updates that highlight the human side of the cannabis industry and beyond. This candid conversation offers listeners a refreshing, relatable, a…
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Kimberly Roy: Shaping the Future of C****bis Regulation and Public Safety
1:05:51
1:05:51
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1:05:51In this episode, Kimberly Roy, Commissioner at the C****bis Control Commission, provides a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape of c****bis regulation. From medical cannabis program updates to tackling lab testing challenges, Commissioner Roy discusses her work shaping policies for public safety, advertising rules, and worker safety in the …
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EXTRA - From Paint to Plant Dave Griffiths’ C****bis Journey
42:23
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42:23In this extra episode of the High Function Podcast, we explore the journey of Dave Griffiths, a serial entrepreneur whose path to the cannabis industry is as winding as it is inspiring. From running a painting business in Medway, MA, to finding his calling in cannabis cultivation, Dave shares his entrepreneurial highs, hard-learned lessons, and the…
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Jeff Similien, founder of LowKey Dispensary, shares his journey from real estate to launching a community-focused cannabis brand in Boston. He talks about his work with Method Man’s Tical flower brand, navigating cannabis regulations, and how his business helps the Dorchester community thrive. Learn how he turned a failed deal into a thriving busin…
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In this episode, we delve into the unique journey of Bob Patton, grandson of the legendary WWII General George Patton, who transformed his family's historic military and farming heritage into a forward-thinking cannabis venture. From a pivotal family vote around the kitchen table to facing intense local pushback, Bob recounts the challenges and tri…
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Meet David Vaillencourt, the leader of The GMP Collective. He’s helping cannabis companies follow the rules and grow their business safely. In this chat with Jason, David shares how his knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) is making the cannabis industry better and safer. Get ready for easy-to-understand tips on how to meet cannabis rule…
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🌿 From Courtroom to Cannabis: A Lawyer's Unexpected Journey Meet Blake Mensing, the attorney who swapped his law practice to build Firebrand, a thriving cannabis enterprise. In this candid conversation with Jason Reposa, Blake reveals how he navigated the industry's wild west atmosphere, turning his legal expertise into an unexpected advantage. Get…
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Innovating Cannabis Delivery with Devin Alexander
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44:20In this episode, Jason Reposa interviews Devin Alexander, a Massachusetts cannabis delivery operator and advocate for social equity in the cannabis industry. Devin discusses the challenges of running a cannabis business in a state with strict regulations, while the federal government still classifies cannabis as illegal. He shares insights on navig…
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Creating a cannabis beverage company with Good Feels Founder & CEO, Jason Reposa
1:27:16
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1:27:16For a large part of his early life, today's guest lived in the shadow of his very popular, but very different, older brother. It wasn't until he found his passion for technology in high school, something he found an immediate aptitude for, did he start to come into his own identity, and gain the confidence to pursue his own path in life. Entering t…
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Starting a disruptor event for Cannabis Brands and Retailers, MJ Unpacked, with Co-Founders George & Kim Jage
1:33:38
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1:33:38Being an entrepreneur is tough! Start that same business in Cannabis and it’s at least 10x more difficult. What about starting a business with your spouse as a co-founder and business partner? Maybe try to start an in-person events company a month before a global pandemic? Yeah… George & Kim Jage have done all that. Still love each other! And after…
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Building a multi-state lifestyle cannabis brand, Higgs, with Founder & CEO, Oliver Higgins
1:02:28
1:02:28
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1:02:28For those of you looking to start, and scale, a cannabis brand, this episode is for you. This one is also for all of you that follow your passion and run! The details… well, they’ll just figure themselves out later. I love this guy, and this episode! Serendipity is a funny thing. The Universe has a way of presenting in front of you exactly what you…
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Starting Massachusetts first vertically integrated social equity cannabis operation, Trade Roots, with Co-Founder's Carl Giannone & "The Captain" Jesse Pitts
1:25:48
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1:25:48You're about to hear the story of two co-founders; one a social equity applicant from the legacy market, the other, a trader from New York who found the plant through the end of life care for his mother. From their love of early morning walks, complementary skillsets, and not freaking out on the same day, they have become the first vertically integ…
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Dispense Co-Founder & CEO, Kyla Sirni
1:14:43
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1:14:43Today's guest started building a strong work ethic at the age of 12, and never stopped. Understanding she learned through work, it was fundamental that her choice in University had an emphasis on learning through action. She followed her interest in event production to a premier events company in Boston, producing high-end events like a Super Bowl …
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CanopyBoulder Co-Founder, Patrick Rea
1:11:36
1:11:36
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1:11:36One of the hardest things for driven people to do, is to learn when to adapt and persevere and when to move on. Today’s guest shares a few stories about how he learned those lessons. As a young kid, he found an early passion for Soccer. It wasn’t tallent alone though, he put in the work; hours on the field in practice. Through the sport, he learned…
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Colton Griffin, Co-Founder & CEO, Flourish Software
1:11:39
1:11:39
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1:11:39Taking full advantage of every opportunity; both the apparent and the hidden, is the best way I can sum up our guest’s founder's Journey. Growing up in rural Tennessee, he enjoyed all the nature, and freedom, country life had to offer. At the age of 14, he was identified by a teacher for a life changing opportunity, nominating him for a scholarship…
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Kevin Hart, Founder & CEO, Green Check Verified
1:04:09
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1:04:09During Kevin’s Eagle Scout project, he learned a great deal about communicating effectively. As an able bodied person at the age of 14, he led and mentored deaf and blind scouts for a year. It was then, and continues to be, a very impactful experience in his life. It was in a programming class in college that Kevin found a passion and love for tech…
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Emily Paxhia, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Poseidon Asset Management
1:04:34
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1:04:34As a kid who grew up with the D.A.R.E program, to becoming co-founder of a first mover in the cannabis investment space, Emily Paxhia has had quite a life and Founders Journey. Growing up, she found an early passion in the rough sport of sailing. Predominantly a “boys sport”, her father reassured her that gender was a false barrier in pursuing her …
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