Coffee & Cannabis Podcast

Creator & Executive Producer: Dr. Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez
Producer: Jalen Thomas
Editor: Jalen Thomas

✨ New to C&C? Start here: @Coffeecannabis.podcast

In Episode 8 — (Ep 75) of Coffee & Cannabis, Dr. Beast and political strategist Gretchen Gailey close out the political series with none other than the legendary Wanda James — dispensary owner, cannabis pioneer, and now hopeful future Congresswoman.

Filmed LIVE at NECANN in Atlantic City, this episode captures a groundbreaking moment as Wanda officially announces her run for Congress right here on Coffee & Cannabis. 🇺🇸 

She opens up about sustaining as a minority operator for over 15 years, the importance of generational wealth and license transferring, and why she can’t understand why politicians are still fumbling cannabis policy.

Wanda doesn’t hold back — from sharing her challenges as the only Black Regent at the University of Colorado, to calling out her opponent Diana DeGette, to breaking down the failures in governance that keep communities criminalized and patients underserved.

Dr. Beast and Gretchen keep the energy sharp and candid, mixing in humor, hard truths, and gratitude for Wanda’s trailblazing leadership.

This season finale is more than a conversation — it’s a call to action. Wanda James reminds us what it means to fight for our plant, our people, and our future 🌱💪

Politics, pot, policy — and yes, even academia — all collide in this unforgettable closer. ☕🌿

📍 Filming: NECANN, Atlantic City
📌 Full episode premieres today, September 29, 2025 at 11AM

Creator & Executive Producer: Dr. Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez
Producer: Jalen Thomas
Editor: Jalen Thomas

✨ New to C&C? Start here: @Coffeecannabis.podcast

In Episode 7 -- (Ep 74) of Coffee & Cannabis, Dr. Beast and political strategist Gretchen Gailey sit down with Pennsylvania State Senator and candidate for Congress Sharif Street for an unfiltered conversation about the future of adult-use cannabis in his state.

Senator Street breaks down the uphill battle of legalization, from the cultural stigma that frames cannabis as a “sin,” to Pennsylvania’s notoriously strict alcohol laws, to the resistance of conservative legislators. He makes it clear that legalization isn’t just about access — it’s about budget shortfalls, public safety, and keeping cannabis out of the hands of children.

Dr. Beast and Gretchen don’t shy away from pressing questions, weaving in humor and sharp critique as they unpack the hypocrisy in how lawmakers measure “sin,” and why political will often bends to convenience instead of principle.

This conversation is both candid and timely — offering insight into why cannabis reform in PA has lagged, and why Senator Street believes the tide is finally turning.

Politics, pot, and policy collide in this episode — and the stakes couldn’t be higher. ☕🌱 

📍 Filming: Plant and People, West Philadelphia
📌 Full episode premieres Monday, September 15, 2025 at 11AM

In Episode 6 — (Ep 73) of Coffee & Cannabis, Dr. Beast and political strategist Gretchen Gailey take a step back from guest interviews for a candid conversation between the two of them.

This episode is part recap, part reality check. After sitting down with policymakers, candidates, and stakeholders in recent weeks, Dr. Beast and Gretchen share what they’ve learned so far, where the conversations need to go next, and how the cannabis industry continues to wrestle with its biggest challenges…from lack of funding and political delays to unchecked egos, straight-up delusion in the marketplace and confusion in the political arena .

They also talk about the upcoming NECANN Atlantic City 2025, where Coffee & Cannabis will host a live show featuring a very special guest to close out the political series. Expect raw insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and a deep dive into the state of both cannabis and politics as the team gears up for one of the biggest conferences in New Jersey.

This is an unfiltered conversation about where the industry is headed, the lessons learned from past episodes, and why platforms like Coffee & Cannabis matter more than ever for building community, accountability, and change. Filming: The Other Side Dispensary, 36 Congress St, Jersey City NJ Full episode premieres Monday, August 18, 2025 at 11AM Don’t forget to subscribe, drop your thoughts in the comments, and let us know what YOU want us to cover at NECANN 2025.

Creator & Executive Producer: Dr. Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez
Producer: Jalen Thomas
Editor: Jalen Thomas

New to C&C? Start here: (  @Coffeecannabis.podcast)

In Episode 5 -- (Ep 72) of our Coffee & Cannabis Political Series, Dr. Beast and political strategist Gretchen Gailey sit down with former Jersey City BOE and Mayoral Candidate Mussab Ali.

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📍 Filming: The Other Side Dispensary
📌 Full episode premieres Monday, August 4, 2025 at 11AM
🚨 Don’t forget to subscribe and join the conversation in the comments. Let us know what issues matter most to you in this election.
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THE SHOW:
Coffee & Cannabis is a long-form interview podcast hosted by Dr. Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez aka Dr. Beast. The show features in-depth conversations with politicians, public figures, and celebrities with a emphasis on the cannabis industry. Instead of relying on scripted talking points, Dr. Beast pushes the conversation further with direct, thoughtful questions that challenge surface-level narratives. The tone is curious and unapologetically bold, focused on uncovering what guests truly believe.....not just what they’re used to saying.

KEYWORDS:
mussab ali, jersey city, politics, political, political interviews, politics interview, interviews, political comedy, comedy, political, news, podcast, comedy podcast, politics podcast, Patriot Act, issues, current affairs podcast, current events podcast, current events, talk show, trending political news, celebrity interviews, political videos, Democratic Party, Republican Party, us politics, American politics, long form interview, long form political interview

Follow @Coffeecannabis.podcast, @beast.rod, and @tosd_tribe

Creator & Executive Producer: Dr. Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez
Producer: Jalen Thomas
Editor: Jalen Thomas

New to C&C? Start here: (  @Coffeecannabis.podcast)

In Episode 4 -- (Ep 71) of our Coffee & Cannabis Political Series, Dr. Beast and political strategist Gretchen Gailey sit down with former NFL player and long-time cannabis advocate Ricky Williams, just moments after his meeting at the White House.

Filmed in Washington, D.C., at Black, woman owned dispensary, Anacostia Organics; this episode captures a rare behind-the-scenes perspective as Ricky reflects on his visit with the Black Conservative Federation and fellow athletes including Mike Tyson, Allen Iverson, and Kevin Durant. Their mission: to urge the President to take cannabis reform seriously and to center it as a national priority.

The conversation dives deep into Ricky’s advocacy journey, his transition from professional athlete to policy influencer, and his vision for the future of the industry. Dr. Beast brings the cannabis policy issues into focus, and Ricky offers a grounded, holistic view on how healing, equity, and leadership must come together to drive change. The episode also takes an unexpected and powerful turn into the world of astrology, where Ricky and Dr. Beast explore their signs and the deeper spiritual connections guiding their work and purpose.

This episode is a powerful blend of politics, purpose, and personal truth, featuring urgent calls to action for the industry, fresh insight from the federal level, and a shared belief in building something more sustainable for the future.

Watch the full episode for a candid, thoughtful, and inspiring conversation at the intersection of cannabis, policy, and transformation.


📍 Filming: Anacostia Organics Medical Dispensary
📌 Full episode premieres Monday, July 21, 2025 at 11AM
🚨 Don’t forget to subscribe and join the conversation in the comments. Let us know what issues matter most to you in this election.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE SHOW:
Coffee & Cannabis is a long-form interview podcast hosted by Dr. Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez aka Dr. Beast. The show features in-depth conversations with politicians, public figures, and celebrities with a emphasis on the cannabis industry. Instead of relying on scripted talking points, Dr. Beast pushes the conversation further with direct, thoughtful questions that challenge surface-level narratives. The tone is curious and unapologetically bold, focused on uncovering what guests truly believe.....not just what they’re used to saying.

KEYWORDS:
Dr Beast podcast, Ricky Williams, highsman, heisman, politics, political, political interviews, politics interview, interviews, political comedy, comedy, political, news, podcast, comedy podcast, politics podcast, Patriot Act, issues, current affairs podcast, current events podcast, current events, talk show, trending political news, celebrity interviews, political videos, Democratic Party, Republican Party, us politics, American politics, long form interview, long form political interview

Follow @Coffeecannabis.podcast, @beast.rod, and @tosd_tribe

Creator & Executive Producer: Dr. Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez
Producer: Jalen Thomas
Editor: Jalen Thomas

New to C&C? Start here: (  @Coffeecannabis.podcast)

In Episode 3 of our Coffee & Cannabis Political Series, Dr. Beast and political strategist Gretchen Gailey sit down with Katie Brennan, the recent winner of the New Jersey primary for State Assembly representing Jersey City and Hoboken- LD 32.

The conversation offers a deep dive into New Jersey politics, including the fall of the county line system, the confusion surrounding the two-legislator structure, and how these changes have opened the door for new voices in the political landscape. Katie shares what motivated her to run, how she overcame the odds as an independent candidate, and what her priorities will be if elected in November.

Dr. Beast brings the cannabis conversation front and center, challenging the lack of political support for the industry, the oversaturation of dispensaries in Jersey City, and the failure to protect small operators. Katie offers her thoughts on cannabis legislation, community education, and the role of local government in building a more equitable future for the industry.

Filmed at Joey No Nuts in Hoboken, this episode blends candid discussion with policy insight and speaks directly to the intersection of cannabis, politics, and community leadership.

Watch the full episode for an unfiltered, informative look at the future of New Jersey representation.

📍 Filming Coffee Shop 638 Willow Ave, Hoboken, NJ 07030
📌 Full episode premieres Monday, July 7, 2025 at 11AM
🚨 Don’t forget to subscribe and join the conversation in the comments. Let us know what issues matter most to you in this election.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE SHOW:
Coffee & Cannabis is a long-form interview podcast hosted by Dr. Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez aka Dr. Beast. The show features in-depth conversations with politicians, public figures, and celebrities with a emphasis on the cannabis industry. Instead of relying on scripted talking points, Dr. Beast pushes the conversation further with direct, thoughtful questions that challenge surface-level narratives. The tone is curious and unapologetically bold, focused on uncovering what guests truly believe.....not just what they’re used to saying.

KEYWORDS:
Dr Beast podcast, politics, political, political interviews, politics interview, interviews, political comedy, comedy, political, news, podcast, comedy podcast, politics podcast, Patriot Act, issues, current affairs podcast, current events podcast, current events, talk show, trending political news, celebrity interviews, political videos, Democratic Party, Republican Party, us politics, American politics, long form interview, long form political interview

Follow @Coffeecannabis.podcast, @beast.rod, and @tosd_tribe

In Episode 2 of our Political Series, Dr. Beast and political strategist Gretchen Gailey sit down with Bill O’Dea, current Hudson County Commissioner and mayoral candidate for Jersey City. As one of the frontrunners in the race, Bill shares his vision for the future of the city, his stance on cannabis legalization and regulation, and how he plans to tackle some of the city’s most urgent issues, from affordable housing to municipal dysfunction.

This episode covers:
*the lack of investment in cannabis education and how Bill plans to change that
*Red tape, expediters, and the fractured municipal system business owners face
*Misconceptions around dispensaries and how to address NIMBY resistance
*The need for true leadership that prioritizes community over politics
*Bill also weighs in on why his opponent’s track record might not be what it seems and why he believes he’s the one to move Jersey City forward.

If you care about cannabis, community, and city leadership, this episode is a must-watch.

Follow @Coffeecannabis.podcast, @beast.rod, and @tosd_tribe 

📌 Full episode premieres Monday, June 23 at 11AM
📍 Don’t forget to subscribe and join the conversation in the comments. Let us know what issues matter most to you in this election.

Introducing our Summer Political Series

Where we sit down with elected officials, candidates, and policy changemakers to talk real about cannabis, community, and the future of New Jersey and beyond.

Tune in every other Monday at 11AM with Dr. Beast and D.C.’s own political strategist Gretchen Gailey as we ask the hard questions, challenge the narratives, and bring clarity to the chaos.

This isn’t your average podcast! it’s where policy meets plant and conversation meets change. 🗳️