In episode 140, hosts Cian Sullivan and Jason Van Leuven, Director of Applied Technology at AROYA, are joined by special guest Jonah Carrington, Director of Genetics and R&D for Cookies Humboldt and One Log.

Jonah takes us behind the scenes at one of the most diverse and innovative operations in the country, sharing the journey from humble beginnings to building a state-of-the-art genetic hub that drives Cookies' nationwide expansion. From construction and operational challenges in rural Humboldt to the technical nuances of genetic preservation, R&D, and adapting to changing industry demands, Jonah gives an honest look at what it takes to maintain efficiency, accountability, and a strong company culture—while keeping every piece of equipment (and plant) running at its best.

We dig into everything from scaling production and developing new strains for both flower and hash to the importance of leveraging data (including AROYA’s advanced crop steering sensors) for repeatable success across different cultivation environments.

Along the way, you'll get insights on the realities of tourism myths, market optimism, and why a dedicated, empowered team is the heart of top-tier operations.

00:00 Career Change Leads to Unexpected Journey
05:16 From Indoor Growing to Farming
11:17 "Promote Within: Value of Internal Talent"
17:53 Building Accountability-Driven Culture
25:40 Insights on Strain Yields and Processing
31:42 Optimizing Strain Analysis with Sensors
38:01 Embracing Technology in Agriculture
42:41 Early Challenges in Business Focus
48:21 Legal Industry: Social Adoption Misconceptions
53:18 Evolving and Educating in Industry
57:13 "If You Build It" Optimism