In this special episode, Robin Swan sits down with Ian Jessop to reflect on the journey of Cannabis Health Radio — how it began, the remarkable stories that have inspired listeners around the world, the legacy of co-host Corrie Yelland, and the people who made it all possible. Together, they look back on nearly a decade of sharing stories of hope and healing while looking ahead to the next chapter, as Robin prepares to carry the podcast forward with the same commitment to compassion, education and the power of personal stories.
Ian Jessop's final episode as host of Cannabis Health Radio (episode 499), marking the handover of the podcast to Robin Swan of Swan Apothecary.
Ian is stepping down approaching his 80th birthday to focus on personal wellbeing and time with his three-year-old granddaughter.
Cannabis Health Radio originated from Ian's time as a Victoria talk show host, where a listener email from Corrie — a cancer survivor given 4–6 months to live — sparked the concept of a cannabis health story-based podcast.
After being fired from radio on June 21st, Ian launched the podcast with Corrie, initially producing one episode every weekday for 11 months before pausing for two years, then relaunching on a weekly format.
Recording challenges included a venue refusing them due to cannabis content; Ron Zahar's Victoria studio and later Dan Humiston's Colorado studio (still used today) enabled continuity, including through COVID.
Story-driven content was a deliberate editorial choice from the start — personal testimonials over business promotions — cited as the key reason for the podcast's success and its ~100,000 followers across platforms.
Robin's background spans structural integration neuromuscular therapy specializing in brain trauma and spinal cord injury, with extensive work across NFL, LPGA, and PGA athletes, where cannabis topicals and psilocybin became part of her therapeutic toolkit.
Cannabis has been central to Robin's practice from topical applications with professional athletes to internal medicine for life-threatening illness, with Project Walk's spinal cord rehabilitation work further shaping her approach.
Physical movement was emphasized as essential to longevity — Ian's use of kettlebells (swings with 60 lbs) and grocery store work cited as examples; Robin reinforced that health is accumulative and cannot be reversed late in life without consistent effort.
Corrie's passing was identified as the greatest loss of the podcast's run — Ian described being in shock upon hearing the news and considered ending the show, but continued out of respect for her mission.
Greatest gain highlighted was the breadth of life-changing stories, including ~30 brain tumor interviewees with 28 still alive, and parents who recovered and will see their children grow up.
Robin committed to maintaining the platform's founding values of love, care, and kindness, while taking a firmer stance against scammers and haters; she warned listeners that unsolicited inbox offers of miracle medicine are always scams.
Educating the community to self-regulate — through tools like muscle testing and informed product evaluation — was framed as a key strategic direction for the podcast going forward.
Robin brings a reverend doctorate background and a 30-year, 30,000-client practice to the role, intending to use her title formally to convey reverence for cannabis as food, shelter, clothing, medicine, and enjoyment.
Ian expressed full confidence in Robin's stewardship, thanked his wife Liisa for doing all the work behind the scenes, and signed off as a future listener.Connect with Cannabis Health Radio
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Important Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed by guests on Cannabis Health Radio (CHR) are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of CHR, its hosts, producers, affiliates, or sponsors. CHR is not responsible for statements or opinions expressed by its guests.
Nothing presented in this episode constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or a recommendation regarding what you should do. This content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your health, medical conditions, medications, or treatment decisions.
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