I'm with RJ

I'm with RJ

By RJ FalcioniBusinessEntrepreneurship
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I'm with RJ episodes

  • Cannabis Community Building: Introducing Claire Taylor, Co-host of I'm with RJ (S4-EP2)

    Welcome back to another episode of Season 4 of the I’m With RJ podcast - this one is a very special episode as we introduce our new co-host, Claire Taylor.

    Ms. Taylor's resume reads a who's-who of cannabis companies including - Wonderbrett, Cookies, Lemonade, Outspoke.io, Canndescent and currently Bhang - with those position comes a myriad of experiences and insight as evident in Claire's conversation with RJ here in Episode 2.

    Beginning in a  Los Angeles trap shop right after college, Claire's journey provides a real look into the role budtenders play and the lengths that many of California's top brands go to keep budtenders medicated and pushing their gear.

    Claire recounts the hairraising experience of working during the George Floyd protests and the aftermath of the looting at Cookies Melrose.  

    We also break down why Claire feels that working at Cookies was "cool until it wasn't" and why that sentiment is so common amongst workers in the cannabis industry.  

    The episode also features a review of Wonderbrett's flagship retail location along with discussion about the quality of Canndescent products and the concept behind their experience-driven approach. 

    Get ready for a fun yet direct conversation that focuses on CPGs and the Los Angeles and Southern California cannabis retail markets as we roll up and toke Episode 2 of Season 4 of the I'm with RJ show featuring and introducing our Season 4 co-host, Claire Taylor. 


    Connect with RJ:

    • IMwithRJ.com
    • Instagram
    • Twitter 
    • Linkedin - RJ

    Connect with Claire Taylor :

    • Bhang
    • Instagram
    • Linkedin - Claire
    38 min
  • Concentrated Creations: Hashing Things Out with Sam Nobel of Axiom Hash (S4-EP1)

    Welcome back to another season of the I’m With RJ podcast! This week, join RJ Falcioni for Episode 1 of Season 4, featuring Sam Nobel of Axiom Hash. 

    On this episode, we’re talking about all things hashish with the founder of Axiom, a Los Angeles-based California cannabis company that recently won top prize at Kushstock 2021. 

    From his roots in Iran and Israel, Sam has brought the Middle Eastern tradition of using hashish and cannabis to celebrate life to California through his extensive career in the medical and adult use markets. 

    Since the passing of California's Adult Use Recreational laws, Nobel has established Axiom as a manufacturer at the forefront of hash product research and development and despite his growing success, Nobel is quick to point out the is a student of the many hash masters including the late Frenchy Cannoli, to whom Nobel gives immense credit and respect throughout the episode. 

    Nobel and his team have launched a number of products ranging from a so-called "Flower Bomb" to the impressive hash wrap which is a preroll that replaces the paper with several grams of potent hashish.

    RJ and Sam also discuss how Axiom puts a strong emphasis on healthy consumption of cannabis products and the importance of finding new ways of increasing both popularity and accessibility of healthier and more healing-focused sku's. 

    Nobel's approach is unconventional but the success Axiom is finding in the California market is proving Sam's approach is effective and one to take note of. 

    If all this exciting talk about interesting ways to consume cannabis has caught your attention, sit back, relax, take hit from your favorite bong and join us for a captivating and enlightening episode of the I'm with RJ Show featuring our guest Sam Nobel of Axiom Hash!


    Connect with us:

    • imwithrj.com
    • Instagram
    • Twitter 

    Connect with Sam Nobel:

    • axiomhash.com
    • Instagram
    46 min
  • The THC Trade Show: Making an Event of Cannabis with George Jage (S3-EP14)

    Join RJ Falcioni and Billy McCarthy for the finale of season 3, featuring George Jage, CEO of Jage Media (Jage Media) and MJ Unpacked (MJ Unpacked)

    George Jage built his career developing ways to improve trade shows in the 90s and 2000s for industries ranging from clothing and apparel to teas and beverages before deciding to utilize his expertise to build the world's most recognized cannabis supply-side show known as MJ Biz Con (MJ Biz Con)

    In this week’s episode, RJ, Billy, and George discuss many fascinating aspects of the cannabis business ranging from the challenges of networking and brand development to building customer relationships while maintaining brand standards in addition to a deep dive into George's newest trade show venture, the Consumer Packaged Goods-focused MJ Unpacked. 

    Jage also dives into his views on the developments throughout the recent years in the cannabis industry including the impacts of the pandemic and the push for nationwide legalization. 

    For anyone looking to learn more about the cannabis conference scene, looking to market a new or legacy cannabis brand or if you're a consumer interested in the learning more about the latest cannabis product trends, sit back, relax, and join us for the final episode  of season as I'm with RJ is joined by George Jage of Jage Media and MJ Unpacked!

    Connect with us:

    • imwithrj.com
    • Instagram
    • Twitter 

    Connect with George Jage:

    • Jage Media
    • MJ Unpacked
    • MJ Brand Insights


    48 min
  • Mary Jane in Portland, Maine: A conversation with Kaspar Heinrici of SeaWeed Co. (S3-EP13)

    Join RJ and Billy as the connect with former creative director at Fossil Kaspar Heinrici.

    Since leaving Fossil, Heinrici has helped launch SeaWeed Co., a Portland-Maine based vertical cannabis company which includes 2 retail locations.

    Seaweed Co. was one of the first retailers opened in Maine and keeps its eye on craft products, whether produced in house or its suppliers, including Gele (https://gardenofgele.com/) a previous guest of the I'm with RJ Podcast (https://rb.gy/djshyt).

    Beyond the plant, Seaweed Co. keeps it craft and local as much as possible, something we discuss with Kaspar Heinrici during the episode.

    If you're into design, great cannabis, sustainability, watches, New England, all things Maine or if you're simply ready to sit back and learn something new - this is the episode for you.

    45 min
  • One Tribe: A Discussion on the Cannabis Community and Culture with Andrew DeAngelo (S3-EP12)

    Join RJ Falcioni and Billy McCarthy for Episode 12 of Season 3, as Andrew DeAngelo of Harborside makes his return to the show!

    In this week’s episode, Andrew recounts his stories of countless confrontations with government agencies trying to shut down dispensaries and bring down the cannabis industry. Andrew discusses his time at Harborside, trying to educate and inform the public on  cannabis, whilst fighting legal battles to avoid being shut down themselves.

    Despite being faced with such adversity, both personally and in the industry as a whole, Andrew has fought to enact several programs to benefit the disadvantaged and promote a sense of togetherness within the cannabis community. In addition, he recalls the various innovations and advancements made by him and his associates at Harborside in cannabis retail and medicine.

    So for anyone looking to learn more about the war on cannabis, or just a fun conversation on cannabis research and development, sit back, relax, and join us for an intriguing episode with Andrew DeAngelo of Harborside!

    Connect with us:

    • imwithrj.com
    • Instagram
    • Twitter 

    Connect with Andrew DeAngelo:

    • Linkedin
    • Last Prisoner Project
    • andrewdeangelo.com
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    50 min
  • An Extract Science: Behind the Scenes of a Cannabis Business with Lawrence Kerr of Mighty Tree (S3-EP11)
    Join RJ Falcioni and Billy McCarthy for Episode 11 of Season 3, as they discuss the Colorado cannabis market and new developments in cannabis technology with Lawrence Kerr of Mighty Tree.

    This week’s episode is one for those interested in the science that goes on behind the scenes of the cannabis industry- as RJ and Billy discuss with Lawrence various processes involved in the production of cannabis concentrates, oils, extracts, and so much more! Through extensive research and development, Lawrence and his team have worked to perfect these processes to produce the highest quality of Mighty Tree products.

    On the business side, Lawrence discusses how these different developments in cannabis science and technology have been  received in the market. In addition, he recalls from his personal experiences the trials and challenges of starting up, maintaining, and expanding a cannabis company in Colorado.

    So for anyone with a desire to learn about the inner workings of the cannabis industry, sit back, relax, and join us for an enticing and enlightening episode with Lawrence Kerr of Mighty Tree!

    36 min
  • Kush Groove: A conversation with Charlie Stettler about Cannabis' Growing Role in the Entertainment Industry (S3-EP10)

    Join RJ Falcioni and Billy McCarthy for Episode 10 of Season 3, as they discuss everything from 1980s hip-hop culture to cannabis legalization with Charlie Stettler of Yo Cannabis.

    In this week’s episode, Charlie discusses his love of promotion, and his rise though the ranks from a nightclub and roller rink promoter, to a key figure in the hip-hop and rap culture of the 1980s. Charlie’s first breakthrough into the industry came when he discovered The Fat Boys through a hip-hop talent contest, and would later go on to work on the production and promotion of films such as Krush Groove, Disorderlies, and Who's the Man?

    Charlie tells the story of how his journey through the music industry ultimately led to his career intertwining with cannabis, the establishment of his company, Yo Cannabis, and the music festivals, comedy tours, card games, and more that he has since produced from it.

    Whether you're interested in the hip-hop culture of the 1980s, the business of event production, cannabis marketing, or anything in between, sit back, relax, and join us for a captivating discussion with Charlie Stettler of Yo Cannabis. 


    Connect with us:

    • imwithrj.com
    • Instagram
    • Twitter 

    Connect with Charlie:

    • Yo Cannabis Instagram
    • Charlie Stettler Instagram
    • Yo Cannabis
    58 min
  • Getting Realistic with Justin Lipchitz of Realistic Consulting (S3-EP09)

    Join RJ Falcioni and Billy McCarthy for this week's episode of "I'm With RJ," featuring Justin Lipchitz from Realistic Consulting. 

    Lipchitz approaches the cannabis industry and consultation from a realistic view, hence the company name Realistic Consulting. 

    The firm helps small and mid-size cannabis companies and dispensaries learn about and stay compliant with the rules and regulations while teaching businesses how to succeed in the ever-growing industry that is domestic cannabis. 

    Stemming from his young passion for cooking and smoking, Lipchitz' career began with dreams of opening a cannabis-based restaurant. Now, he's helping younger generations like himself take the right, realistic steps towards achieving their dreams.

    Sit back, toke it up, and get ready to get real with Justin Lipchitz!

    Connect with us:

    • imwithrj.com
    • Instagram
    • Twitter 

    Connect with Justin:

    • Realistic Consulting
    • Justin Lipchitz LinkedIn
    • Justin Lipchitz Instagram
    42 min
  • In the Nikka-Time: An I'm with RJ 4/20 Special With Nikka T of Essential Extracts (S3-EP08)
    Join RJ and Billy McCarthy for Episode 8 of Season 3 as they celebrate 4/20 with none other than DJ Nikka T of Essential Extracts.

    Since his first introduction to cannabis at the ripe age of 13, Nikka T has been hooked on the plant.  Well known for formulating some of the best possible THC highs, Nikka's work within #solventless extraction and his popularization of solventless wax are known across the globe. 

    But that's not all! This podcast is chock-full of hilarious anecdotes, such as the first time Nikka T smoked weed along with insightful commentary from our faithful hosts. 

    Buckle up and hold onto your joint— This 4/20 special is bound to take you to wild heights - available now! 

    Connect with us:

    • imwithrj.com
    • Instagram
    • Twitter 
    Connect with Nikka T:

    • Nikka T Instagram
    • Essential Extracts
    • Essential Extracts Instagram
    40 min
  • Schiff-ting Perspectives: Unveiling How Cannabis Businesses Really Work with Mira Schiff (S3-EP07)

    Join Rj and Billy McCarthy for Episode 7 of Season 3 as they discuss the pitfalls facing California legacy operators and small business in general with Mira Schiff of Big Fish Consulting.

    Mira has spent the last decade working with California cannabis businesses in several key, back-of-house positions, focused on financial, tax and remediation as well as within human resources and strategy roles.

    Those experiences lead Schiff to launch her own consulting firm, Big Fish Consulting, where Mira is helping old school heads find sustainability and success in the new industry.

    The perfect conversation for anyone considering the jump into compliant cannabis and an important one for the investors out there as well.

    Grab a pen and get ready to take notes - the next I'm with RJ episode featuring Mira Schiff of Big Fish Consulting is now available!

    Connect with us:

    • imwithrj.com
    • Instagram
    • Twitter 

    Connect with Mira Schiff:

    • Big Fish Canna
    • Mira Schiff LinkedIn
    • Mira Schiff Instagram
    • Big Fish Canna Instagram
    37 min

About I'm with RJ

From the publisher's feed

I'm with RJ is a founder's focused podcast which seeks to delivery street-level intel on emerging industries and markets to all corners of the globe.Featuring well-known entrepreneurs and operators…