First Smoke of The Day

We’ve had other guests on in the past who have unveiled never-before-heard history of the herb, but nothing comes close to the secrets revealed in this episode.

Blackleaf finally hunted down the elusive Todd McCormick, an American activist, childhood cancer survivor, author, and medical herb patient for a once-in-a-lifetime conversation. Todd has a laundry list of achievements and sightings in pop culture dating back to the late 80s.

More recently, he’s been an ongoing judge at the yearly Emerald Cup in NorCal and was one of the winners of the Cannabis Culture Award in 2012. You may have also seen him speak on screen during the 2007 documentary, The Union: The Business Behind Getting High.

There are no stones left unturned in this episode, as Todd recalls his famous 1997 arrest where he was caught with over 2,100 plants at a Bel-Air mansion and never snitching on any of his constituents, subsequently serving a 5-year sentence as a result, and getting bailed out by DJ Pooh and Boondocks creator, Aaron McGruder. You’ll also hear about the famous Playboy Mansion parties that he used to attend as well as host in the name of herbal activism.

It’s impossible to stuff all of the insane stories Todd tells into one description, as well as all of the celebrities that he’s befriended over the years. But, some names that will come up along the way include his close friends Hugh Hefner, Bill Maher, Dave Matthews, Tommy Chong, Mel Frank, Andy Dick, Joe Rogan, and so many more. You’ll even get to hear the legends of Skunk strain creator Skunkman Sam and Northern Lights strain creator, Seattle Greg.

In the realm of valuable knowledge, Todd riffs gems left and right throughout this pod. He weighs in on the global expansion of herb, its origins in Afghanistan and the Greater Middle East, how to perfectly pop a seed, why classic strains are dying out, and the origin of the war on drugs via the alcohol industry.

Take your time to really go through this episode and soak up all of the crazy stories and wisdom from the unsung hero of herb, Todd McCormick, who’s been growing for over 40 years and sharing their mission of normalizing herbal consumption at places like Woodstock ‘99, where he wound up giving a 40-minute opening speech.

Find all of Todd’s current genetic work showcased through his brand, Authentic Genetics Seed Company, agseedsco.com.

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Take out a pen and a pad because this episode of the pod with a real-life herb scientist will redefine your preexisting knowledge of the plant.

Blackleaf is joined by viral content creator and natural product chemist with a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences, Dr. Riley Kirk, to discuss a number of hard-hitting questions that only a scientist could accurately answer.

The entire first half of this episode is truly a treasure trove of educational nuggets surrounding Dr. Riley and her team’s efforts to unravel the Science of Smokeability (S.O.S.), as well as her own endeavors to understand the effects of terpenes and other compounds that make up each individual experience with a given strain.

You’ll hear Dr. Riley speak on the very real nature of the Entourage Effect, as well as how it can change based on the form of consumption you’re engaging in. She also weighs in on the receptors in our brains and bodies that respond to different strains in a way that only “the nose knows.”

If you’ve ever wondered why some herb smells like straight up dog shit, then this is also the podcast for you. Dr. Riley delves in deep on terpenes and how some of them present themselves in other organisms in the world. On the less stinky side, she even explains her theory behind why some strains spark creativity.

Deeper in the conversation, you’ll hear Dr. Riley give her candid opinion on the synthetic cannabinoid wave, the over 30% potency debate, why you should try more CBD, and how to more consciously purchase your herbal goods. This episode is especially unique because you’re getting the perspective of a regular smoker who consumes daily who is also a highly educated chemist with a Ph.D and a deep passion for the plant.

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This is just one of those episodes. If you love weed, whether you’re in the industry or just a fan, you can’t miss a second of this extended conversation with one of the real harbingers of the culture and preservers of the plant.

Blackleaf is joined by the mythological man behind the curtain of cannabis, Kevin Jodrey @kevinjodrey, creator of Port Royal, owner of Wonderland Nursery, and co-founder of The Ganjier.

Sit down and strap in for a longer episode that doesn’t skip a beat on moments of invaluable game-dropping, never-before-heard strain lore, run-ins with law enforcement, traveling the world for weed, certifying Ganjiers, and so much more.

If you’ve ever wondered where the birth of high-CBD strains began or what herb looks like in the wild countryside of Afghanistan while hunting genetics with Landrace Mafia, you’ll be on the edge of your seat for this entire chaotic ride.

Kevin Jodrey is hands-down one of the most well-known and respected growers out of Humboldt County. He’s also an internationally respected expert on the plant, accredited for improving and forwarding the modern cannabis movement. On top if it all, he’s spoken at a slew of universities, judged the Emerald Cup multiple times, and appeared on National Geographic and A&E to speak on cannabis education.

You’ll hear Blackleaf ask countless questions on every smoker’s mind, and Kevin candidly weighs in on topics such as the THCa wave, nicotine addictions fueling the candy wave currently sweeping the industry, how the average grower can preserve their genetics, why tissue culture isn’t always done right, and the fact that real Sour may be gone forever.

Kevin was literally at the epicenter of the “Green Rush” with seemingly uneding stories he riffs on from Humboldt back in the day throughout this incredibly special episode of the pod. Today, he’s at the forefront of the “Clean Rush” aka the sustainable movement of regenerating land naturally through cannabis cultivation…among countless other projects that span the globe.

It’s hard to concisely put into words all of the crazy insight, free game, jaw-dropping stories of hunting genetics and fighting law enforement, as well as genuine life and relationship advice that you can absorb from this episode. So, simply put—light one up, kick back, and lock in.

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For anyone who thinks “OG is dead,” it’s time to tune in and rethink that with this episode featuring the true keepers of OG genetics from Northern California.

Blackleaf catches up with Alex and Cody from Northern Emeralds (@northernemeralds), a respected and longstanding brand that’s been growing classic strains for over a decade. Their mission? To cultivate top-tier OG varieties and bring them to the people.

In this episode, Alex and Cody share why they believe many have lost the ability to grow real OG, how they’ve managed to keep their operating procedures public for those willing to learn, and why their prices have remained consistent for ten years. Interestingly, their core consumer group is between 45-60 years old, proving that there’s still a loyal fan base for classic strains.

Few cultivators in California can say they’ve specialized in OG for over a decade while maintaining their prices and refusing to compromise on quality. As California’s market continues to shift, Alex and Cody provide valuable insight into what’s kept them steady, while others rush to the bottom.

You’ll also hear their unique life stories, from Cody’s upbringing with parents who lived on the edge of the law to Alex’s experiences across the globe. These personal journeys are as compelling as the growing knowledge they share, making this episode one-of-a-kind. How many people can say they’ve had conversations with authorities about whether their family members could return to the U.S.?

If you’re a cultivator or home grower struggling to get the most out of your OG plants, this episode is packed with tips on how to perfect your grow. Alex and Cody explain the “freshness window” of cannabis and why OG strains need specific care, with insights that can elevate your results.

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Hustlers of the world need to unite for this reunion episode with one of California’s most iconic brands that have taken their IP to a global scale in ways that trappers can only dream about.

Packgods and Blackleaf are joined by the mastermind breeder behind Gelato 33, Sunset Sherb, Bacio Gelato, and so many more, Mario Guzman aka Sherbinskis, for a follow-up conversation to see how far he’s come since we last connected on episode 25 back in 2021.

Mario truly pulls back the curtain on the global weed market in this episode, dropping gem after gem after gem after gem of insider knowledge on how to effectively scale your brand to the highest level. We’re talking big-boy mergers, preserving genetic libraries before the viroid hit, moving WEIGHT in and out of Canada, elevating your IP, and connecting with some of the true originators of the culture across Europe.

Along the way, you’ll get to hear Mario talk about his business endeavors and close calls with scammers and snakes with his significant other, some adventures in Milan that turned Mario off to the high fashion and fragrance world forever, as well as his exclusive seed activation with MJ BizCon happening in Las Vegas this year. He might even make some crazy announcements before the end…we’ll give you a hint, it has to do with the oldest seed bank in the world, Sensi Seeds.

Also, if you’ve been curious at all about weed events in places like Berlin, Barcelona, and more, you can’t miss a second of this pod. Mario weighs in heavily on why Spain is still gaining momentum, how Europe still hasn’t figured out how to move rosin properly, and how Canada is currently the global hub for indoor cultivation.

On a mental health note, you’ll also hear a lot of refreshing realizations from Mario on this episode since we last spoke with him in 2021. He details what it was like having “fame” and quickly growing tired of celebrities and Hollywood parties, losing his 200k+ IG account, finding happiness away from social media, and putting his heart and soul into his newest project, Voice of the Plant.

This episode is nothing short of inspiring, and we encourage everyone with a passion for weed to take a moment to hear Mario impart some of his wisdom, experience, and vast knowledge of the plant.

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Try not to lose your lunch when you hear some of these crazy stories from one of the most globetrotting stoners we’ve ever met who’s lowkey building a food empire.

BlackLeaf and PackGods manage to catch Jerry Chu aka @vibewithchu between his insane personal content schedule and worldwide traveling efforts in support of @TFIL, a YouTube channel focused on travel and helping others with over 4 million subscribers.

Sit tight as Jerry deep dives into spending time between Bangkok and LA, soaking up the blossoming canna culture across Thailand while supporting Elton Castee’s channels on global scale. Learn how he’s been able to hop on countless flights and capture magic while still building his own social media empire off of cooking dank food, blowing big tree, and bumping incredible tunes.

You might want to take notes while @vibewithchu delves into how he found his content niche, got un-shadowbanned, and made the algorithm work in his favor to accrue over 100k new subscribers in a month. And this is just free game not even accounting for the crazy stories he has from working with Elton.

It all began with Jerry taking a PA job on Elton’s other channel, Haunted Homies, where he literally hunted ghosts with this guy until he brought him onto the @TFIL project. Your jaw will drop countless times during some of his travel stories like when they got a private tour of Afghanistan from the Taliban themselves, including an inside look into the caves Osama Bin Laden hid in.

You might even catch a little relationship advice from Jerry along the way about how to maintain a solid connection when you’re traveling almost non-stop. There’s a little bit of something relatable for everyone in this podcast alongside some of the fantastic things Jerry’s been able to experience and achieve at a young age.

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If you feel like you know the real story of the cannabis scene exploding in Europe in the early 90s and 2000s, prepare to rewrite your history books with this episode with one of the true godfathers of herb.

Blackleaf is joined by international cannabis icon and lore keeper, Julian of TH Seeds, to hear his first-hand accounts of trapping indoor grows in Paris, moving packs to Amsterdam during its hay day, learning under Scott Blakey aka Shantibaba himself, and winning over 18 cannabis cups over his career since the early 1990s.

Julian dives deep into the formation of the famous Greenhouse Seeds, arguably the most successful cannabis business in the world, and winner of over 42 High Times Cannabis Cups since 1985. Along the way, you’ll hear never-before-heard origin stories of other legendary seed banks like Mr. Nice and Archive Seed Bank, and the relationship that Mr. Nice, Julian, Arjan, and Neville all shared during those times.

Blackleaf comes swinging with some huge questions during this episode such as whether or not Skunk is dead and whether good weed needs to even be over 15-18% THC. Julian responds with his in-depth opinion on the European weed market, highlighting the booming Barcelona market, and reassuring Blackleaf that iconic cultivars like Skunk, Haze, G13, White Widow, and White Rhino all still have original cuts floating around Europe from the OGs that are either still on shelves or could be revived.

Throughout this pod, Julian weighs in heavily on his opinions on the state of the American weed market, claiming it moves too quickly and doesn’t pay enough homage to the time-honored commercial genetics that has spawned the designer hybrids we see come and go so quickly today, as well as why Barcelona has become the new hub for all of the seasoned Dutch growers.

This is hands-down one of the most interesting guests we’ve ever had on FSOTD in terms of stake in the culture. Julian easily has over 30 years of experience hunting genetics, feminizing seeds, cultivating fire weed, and is now working with his partners to help enormous commercial grows around Europe hunt their own proprietary genetics and maximize their systems.

Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key players and enjoy conversations with originators of the culture you can’t find anywhere else.

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Get out your notepad for this pod because there are some serious GEMS being dropped for any creatives or entrepreneurs out there to scoop up.

BlackLeaf and PackGods sit down with the ultimate power couple taking the streetwear industry by storm, Jason and Mandee Bence, founders of Broken Promises. Jason and Mandee take us on their own wildly interesting journeys to finding each other, falling in love, and creating Broken Promises from the ground up together while also modeling on the side, because why not?

Jason (@jasonpromises), Broken Promises co-founder, dives deep into his sordid criminal history, background in cooking with legends like Guy Fieri and Michael Voltaggio, creating a rap duo with his twin brother, Sean (co-founder of Your Highness,) as well as trying his hand at the weed industry before ultimately stumbling into fashion.

Mandee Bence (@mandeebence) is the real secret weapon of this episode, y’all. You’re going to be on the edge of your seat the entire time Mandee recollects her beginnings at art school to landing her first job at a skate shop with THE Dom DeLuca aka @brooklyndom, and then moving on to higher-level creative roles at places like Vans, and NuEra.

Beyond their crazy stories, these two get into the nitty-gritty of how exactly they created Broken Promises, got it into Zumiez, and onto the backs of celebrities like Post Malone and Rubi Rose. They also give vital advice on building your first portfolio, establishing connections via LinkedIn and social with buyers, and faking it until you make it in the most masterful way possible.

Jason and Mandee are the perfect yin and yang of the most extroverted guy in the room combined with the quiet killer in the corner; both making moves at an alarming rate. Together, they’ve been able to scale Broken Promises to the level that they just did a collab with Mattel’s Hot Wheels. A feat that seems nearly impossible considering they’re a couple who run the entire operation without any other internal members. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to own and operate a company that rakes in millions with a staff of two—sit down and tune the f*ck in.

Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key players and enjoy conversations with tastemakers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else.

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If you’ve seen any of the headlines about Michigan’s legal weed market surpassing California’s, you’d be crazy not to soak up the game from this pod.

PackGods and Blackleaf get an insider’s look at the booming market in the midwest from Hytek founders and cultivators, Chocolate and Tyler (@hytekdetroit.) From inside Hytek’s cushy creative space, you’ll get to hear some of the wildest stories you’ve never heard about what’s going down right now in Detroit and the surrounding areas.

Hytek co-founder, Chocolate, goes in with a full clip of hot takes on the current state of the Michigan market from the beginning of the episode and throughout. You’ll hear him make bold claims like Michigan only getting connoisseur-grade flower within the last three years. Or that live resin carts will always be better than live rosin carts.

Throughout the episode, Chocolate and Tyler provide invaluable intel on the booming border town dispensaries in Michigan that are essentially moving millions monthly to out-of-state trappers. Tyler affirms these numbers by highlighting Michigan’s extremely low taxation on recreational products right now, also bringing up that there is no cap on purchase quantities. Blackleaf jokes that he go in and accidentally buy five pounds of five different flavors.

If you’ve been wondering about the profitability of pre-packaged flower versus bulk flower in Michigan’s market, Chocolate and Tyler drop immense game on what’s been working for them with their cultivation space and distro. According to these two, the deli-style dispensaries we remember in California from back in the Prop 215 days are the current wave in the Midwest.

Midwest customers are apparently eating up the ability to look at fresh jars of bulk flower and see each nug weighed out for their bags. And this is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of all the secrets these two let out about Detroit’s market…we didn’t even get into the cheap land they’ve been able to scoop up.

You’d be a fool not to absorb every tidbit possible from this interview with one of the biggest cultivators currently selling out of hype strains like Popz 41 across countless Michigan retailers.

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Every hustler and designer needs to sit down and power through this hourlong podcast with the co-founder of one of the most prominent weed brands in the world if they want to truly “lock-in.”

PackGods and Blackleaf were finally able to corner elusive hustler from San Jose, @Gerry, co-founder of The TenCo, to walk us through his incredible entrepreneurial journey that’s now led The TenCo overseas to places like Thailand to continue spreading their iconic cultivars like the Blue Zushi strain you’ll often see smoked by No Jumper podcast hosts.

The guys jam-pack every question possible for @Gerry into this episode, learning how he cut his teeth as a 21-year-old creative director for World Star Hip-Hop during its medioric rise into the mainstream along with advice he got from WSHH founder Q himself on how to grow his craft as a designer and reach success. With the entire universes and original IP that The TenCo creates for each of their Zushi characters, it’s safe to say he’s putting Q’s advice to good use.

You’ll find out how @Gerry linked up with his partner who incepted the Zushi brand and cultivates the iconic fire people around the world smoke today. Gerry goes in on how he came up with the original characters and custom packaging for each of their Zushi strains which currently reign supreme over flavor-hunters everywhere.

If you’ve ever wondered how some of these celebrity collabs come about, Gerry elaborates on how The TenCo has gone on to form fluid and organic partnerships with multiple celebrities and entities including Coi Leray, ComplexCon, as well as an upcoming collab with Sexyy Red.

For all of the aspiring creatives out there, Blackleaf asks @Gerry point-blank how he got more into Illustrator, to which he eventually expresses that The TenCo is actually looking to hire new designers right now. If you have fire work to show off, @Gerry is the man to hit up in the DMs ASAP.

Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key players and enjoy conversations with tastemakers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else.

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