James Loud Podcast

In this episode of the James Loud Podcast, James sits down with Alec Dixon, one of the original co-founders of SC Labs, a pioneer in testing and quality assurance for plant-based products. With a background in environmental science and a passion for product transparency, Alec has helped shape the landscape of third-party testing, pushing for consumer safety, industry integrity, and deeper understanding of terpenes and active compounds.SC Labs, founded in 2010 in California, has grown into a national leader in testing with labs operating across the U.S. Their mission goes beyond just compliance—they champion education and scientific literacy around what defines a quality product. Alec shares insights on how SC Labs developed the Chemotype classification system, which moves past outdated categories and instead uses terpene and compound profiles to define experiences more accurately.This conversation dives deep into the origins of SC Labs, the evolution of testing standards, and Alec’s personal journey through activism, science, and environmental stewardship. Whether you're a connoisseur, cultivator, or advocate for transparency, this episode offers a rare window into the future of how we understand and talk about the products we consume.Follow James Loud:Instagram: https://instagram.com/JamesLoudInstagram: http://instagram.com/jamesloudpodcast/Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-loudFollow SC Labs:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sclabs_us/Produced by Gears and GritInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gears.and.grit/About the James Loud Podcast:Hosted by award-winning breeder, author, and innovator James Loud, the show explores the art, science, and culture of modern plant genetics, sustainable cultivation, and community storytelling. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, James brings decades of experience, creativity, and insight to every episode.In 2024, the show was honored as Podcast of the Year by the International Industry Awards for its commitment to education, storytelling, and innovation. Each week features voices from across the creative and agricultural worlds — all united by passion, authenticity, and craftsmanship.Join us on this award-winning journey as we explore the future of cultivation, creativity, and culture.

On this episode of the James Loud Podcast, we sit down with Judi Nelson, co-founder of Sol Spirit Farm and Retreats, to talk about her passion for regenerative living, farming, and community-focused wellness.From the heart of Northern California’s lush hills, Judi shares how Sol Spirit’s solar-powered, off-grid retreat center is built around a mission of harmony with nature and sustainable practices. Alongside her husband Walter, Judi has been leading efforts in regenerative agriculture, offering immersive retreats, glamping experiences, and guided explorations that connect people to the land, the sun, and their inner selves. Their farm grows beyond just plants — it cultivates relationships, self-awareness, and ecological stewardship.This episode also highlights Sol Spirit’s seasonal favorite — the 12 Jays of X-Mas Holiday Gift Box — a unique and festive offering designed to spark joy and elevate the holidays. Judi walks us through the inspiration behind the gift box, what’s inside, and how it supports small-batch, sungrown cultivators.Whether you're into sustainable lifestyle, regenerative farming, or just appreciate heartfelt stories from inspiring individuals, this episode delivers an uplifting conversation that embodies the spirit of Sol Living. Tune in and discover how Judi is weaving together community, wellness, and a better future — one harvest at a time.Follow James Loud:Instagram: https://instagram.com/JamesLoudInstagram: http://instagram.com/jamesloudpodcast/Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-loudFollow Sol Spirit:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solspiritretreats/Produced by Gears and GritInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gears.and.grit/About the James Loud Podcast:Hosted by award-winning breeder, author, and innovator James Loud, the show explores the art, science, and culture of modern plant genetics, sustainable cultivation, and community storytelling. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, James brings decades of experience, creativity, and insight to every episode.In 2024, the show was honored as Podcast of the Year by the International Industry Awards for its commitment to education, storytelling, and innovation. Each week features voices from across the creative and agricultural worlds — all united by passion, authenticity, and craftsmanship.Join us on this award-winning journey as we explore the future of cultivation, creativity, and culture.

In this episode of the James Loud Podcast, we sit down with Craig Nejedly, the visionary behind Satori and Talking Trees Farms, a Humboldt-based legacy brand rooted in sustainable and regenerative agriculture. Craig shares his journey from early activism and distribution work to running one of the most respected farms in the Emerald Triangle. From legacy operations to modern challenges, this episode digs deep into the roots of the movement.Founded in Humboldt County, Talking Trees Farms has built a name for itself through sun-grown, environmentally conscious practices—packaging in biodegradable materials and using well water and solar power whenever possible. Craig’s ethos is centered around staying true to the plant and the culture, keeping quality high and environmental impact low. The farm has become known not only for its flower but for its strong community ties and respect within the heritage market.Craig opens up about the path that led him to the plant, the lessons he’s learned over decades, and his vision for the future. From cultivating to activism, policy changes to corporate threats, this is a conversation that honors the past while looking ahead.Don’t miss this inspiring episode with one of NorCal’s most authentic voices.Subscribe to the channel for more in-depth interviews with the pioneers, operators, and legends of the plant world.Follow James Loud:Instagram: https://instagram.com/JamesLoudInstagram: http://instagram.com/jamesloudpodcast/Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-loudFollow Talking Trees:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingtrees.humboldtProduced by Gears and GritInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gears.and.grit/About the James Loud Podcast:Hosted by award-winning breeder, author, and innovator James Loud, the show explores the art, science, and culture of modern plant genetics, sustainable cultivation, and community storytelling. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, James brings decades of experience, creativity, and insight to every episode.In 2024, the show was honored as Podcast of the Year by the International Industry Awards for its commitment to education, storytelling, and innovation. Each week features voices from across the creative and agricultural worlds — all united by passion, authenticity, and craftsmanship.Join us on this award-winning journey as we explore the future of cultivation, creativity, and culture.

In this enlightening episode of the James Loud Podcast, James sits down with Kyle from Emerald Bay Extracts, a brand known for its precision, transparency, and focus on whole-plant wellness. Kyle shares his journey into the world of full-spectrum formulations and discusses how Emerald Bay Extracts has carved out a reputation for crafting premium concentrate blends that preserve the unique characteristics of each strain. With a science-forward approach and deep respect for the plant’s natural chemistry, Emerald Bay Extracts has become a go-to name for enthusiasts and patients seeking elevated experiences.Kyle dives into his background, revealing the motivations that led to launching the company and the passion for botanical integrity that underpins everything they produce. The conversation touches on the evolution of formulation techniques, the importance of consistent dosing, and the company’s commitment to sustainable practices and education. Whether you're a fan of concentrate technology or curious about clean, effective formulations, this episode offers a window into what makes Emerald Bay Extracts a standout in the industry.Tune in for a thoughtful, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most respected names in the extract space and don’t forget to subscribe, like, and drop a comment on what brands or topics you want to see next.Follow James Loud:Instagram: https://instagram.com/JamesLoudInstagram: http://instagram.com/jamesloudpodcast/Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-loudProduced by Gears and GritInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gears.and.grit/About the James Loud Podcast:Hosted by award-winning breeder, author, and innovator James Loud, the show explores the art, science, and culture of modern plant genetics, sustainable cultivation, and community storytelling. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, James brings decades of experience, creativity, and insight to every episode.In 2024, the show was honored as Podcast of the Year by the International Industry Awards for its commitment to education, storytelling, and innovation. Each week features voices from across the creative and agricultural worlds — all united by passion, authenticity, and craftsmanship.Join us on this award-winning journey as we explore the future of cultivation, creativity, and culture.

In this episode of the James Loud Podcast, we sit down with Wendy Baker — founder, creative mind, and driving force behind Space Gem. Deep in the heart of Humboldt County, Wendy has carved out a place for herself in the world of infused treats by blending artistry, integrity, and handcrafted excellence. Space Gem is widely recognized for its unique, solventless, handcrafted edibles that are made with love and locally sourced ingredients. Wendy’s passion for community, transparency, and quality has turned Space Gem into a cult favorite among connoisseurs who value both flavor and feel.Wendy shares her origin story, including her early days in Humboldt, her desire to make products she could trust, and how she turned her kitchen creations into a full-fledged brand without compromising her vision. From her iconic gummies to her deep commitment to ethical sourcing and small-batch production, this conversation highlights what makes Space Gem truly shine in an oversaturated industry.Whether you’re a fan of alternative wellness, small-batch production, or just love hearing from entrepreneurs who lead with heart, you’ll enjoy this engaging and inspiring conversation with one of the most authentic voices in the space. Tune in to hear Wendy and James dive into creativity, branding, culture, and the power of staying true to yourself.Follow James Loud:Instagram: https://instagram.com/JamesLoudInstagram: http://instagram.com/jamesloudpodcast/Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-loudFollow Wendy:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendythespacegem/Produced by Gears and GritInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gears.and.grit/About the James Loud Podcast:Hosted by award-winning breeder, author, and innovator James Loud, the show explores the art, science, and culture of modern plant genetics, sustainable cultivation, and community storytelling. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, James brings decades of experience, creativity, and insight to every episode.In 2024, the show was honored as Podcast of the Year by the International Industry Awards for its commitment to education, storytelling, and innovation. Each week features voices from across the creative and agricultural worlds — all united by passion, authenticity, and craftsmanship.Join us on this award-winning journey as we explore the future of cultivation, creativity, and culture.

Part 1 of 2! Step into the world of craft genetics with this episode of the James Loud Podcast, featuring a deep-dive conversation with Brett, founder of California Seed Bank. As one of the go-to sources for high-quality seeds in the Golden State, Brett has built a reputation for curating some of the finest breeders in the game. California Seed Bank is known for offering both legacy and modern cultivars, and has become a trusted name for connoisseurs and growers alike looking for authentic, stable genetics.In this episode, Brett joins James in-studio to talk about his journey from enthusiast to entrepreneur, the evolution of the seed scene, and the importance of preserving culture while embracing innovation. They get into breeder relationships, how consumer trends have shifted over the years, and what it takes to operate a boutique seed bank with integrity.Whether you’re a home grower, a genetics nerd, or just someone who loves hearing real talk from industry insiders, this episode is packed with gems. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on legacy, authenticity, and where the future is headed.Follow James Loud:Instagram: https://instagram.com/JamesLoudInstagram: http://instagram.com/jamesloudpodcast/Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-loudProduced by Gears and GritInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gears.and.grit/About the James Loud Podcast:Hosted by award-winning breeder, author, and innovator James Loud, the show explores the art, science, and culture of modern plant genetics, sustainable cultivation, and community storytelling. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, James brings decades of experience, creativity, and insight to every episode.In 2024, the show was honored as Podcast of the Year by the International Industry Awards for its commitment to education, storytelling, and innovation. Each week features voices from across the creative and agricultural worlds — all united by passion, authenticity, and craftsmanship.Join us on this award-winning journey as we explore the future of cultivation, creativity, and culture.

In this special episode of the James Loud Podcast, James sits down with David and his son of The Mighty Quinn, one of the most iconic and enduring smoke shops in the United States. Founded in 1967 in New York and later rooted in Berkeley, California, The Mighty Quinn has long been a cultural cornerstone in the world of glass, art, and counterculture gear. Known for its wide selection of handcrafted pipes, accessories, and collectible glass pieces, the shop has earned legendary status across generations of enthusiasts.David shares incredible stories from his early days—most notably his journey along the historic Hippie Trail through Europe, the Middle East, and India. From Kathmandu to Tehran, his travels offer a vivid glimpse into a forgotten era of exploration, freedom, and spiritual discovery. These personal reflections enrich the conversation and connect deeply with the roots of the global counterculture movement.The episode dives into the origin story of The Mighty Quinn, its evolution through decades of shifting legal landscapes and cultural change, and how the shop remains relevant and respected in the modern era. Zac brings the next-gen perspective, sharing how he’s helping carry the torch and preserve the legacy for a new wave of customers and collectors.This is a must-watch for anyone passionate about glass culture, heritage headshops, or the powerful stories of people who built this space long before it was mainstream.Follow James Loud:Instagram: https://instagram.com/JamesLoudInstagram: http://instagram.com/jamesloudpodcast/Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-loudFollow The Mighty Quinn:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mightyquinnglassProduced by Gears and GritInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gears.and.grit/About the James Loud Podcast:Hosted by award-winning breeder, author, and innovator James Loud, the show explores the art, science, and culture of modern plant genetics, sustainable cultivation, and community storytelling. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, James brings decades of experience, creativity, and insight to every episode.In 2024, the show was honored as Podcast of the Year by the International Industry Awards for its commitment to education, storytelling, and innovation. Each week features voices from across the creative and agricultural worlds — all united by passion, authenticity, and craftsmanship.Join us on this award-winning journey as we explore the future of cultivation, creativity, and culture.

In this episode of the James Loud Podcast, we sit down with Chris from Dosatron, a pioneer in nutrient delivery systems and fertigation technology. Dosatron has become a household name in commercial and craft growing circles, offering a reliable and precise way to automate liquid nutrient mixing without the use of electricity. Chris brings deep industry knowledge and decades of hands-on experience, making this conversation a must-listen for anyone looking to scale or streamline their cultivation systems.Chris breaks down how Dosatron's dosing pumps work, why they're trusted by top-tier growers around the world, and how automating nutrient feeds can improve consistency, reduce waste, and save time. Whether you're managing a large facility or just starting to upgrade your infrastructure, his insight into integration, maintenance, and real-world application is invaluable.We also explore the evolution of growing technology and how precision tools like Dosatron fit into the broader landscape of plant optimization. From the early days of manual mixing to modern tech-forward setups, Chris and James share stories, laughs, and lessons that will resonate with both old-school cultivators and next-gen operators.Follow James Loud:Instagram: https://instagram.com/JamesLoudInstagram: http://instagram.com/jamesloudpodcast/Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-loudFollow Chris:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris.dosatron/Produced by Gears and GritInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gears.and.grit/About the James Loud Podcast:Hosted by award-winning breeder, author, and innovator James Loud, the show explores the art, science, and culture of modern plant genetics, sustainable cultivation, and community storytelling. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, James brings decades of experience, creativity, and insight to every episode.In 2024, the show was honored as Podcast of the Year by the International Industry Awards for its commitment to education, storytelling, and innovation. Each week features voices from across the creative and agricultural worlds — all united by passion, authenticity, and craftsmanship.Join us on this award-winning journey as we explore the future of cultivation, creativity, and culture.

Join us on the James Loud Podcast for a deep and unfiltered conversation with Ian Strouss—better known in the scene as Uncle Dad Vibes (UDV). Hailing from Sacramento, Ian has carved his own path in the genetics world with his brand UDV, where his mantra is simple: build for personal pleasure, not trends.In this episode, Ian opens up about his years of hands‑on cultivation experience—running both large‑scale and boutique grows, harvesting under thousands of lights—while evolving into a breeder who thrives on experimentation and authenticity. He shares how UDV mixes proven classics with freak phenos others overlook, embracing curiosity and individuality every step of the way.From selecting seeds to optimizing tonality and flavor, Ian and James dive into the art and science of strain creation, the culture of the #UDVGVNG, and how staying true to your roots sets you apart in an ever‑shifting industry. Whether you’re a grower, breeder, or culture enthusiast, this episode gives you a backstage pass into a creative mind driven by craft over hype.If you’re eager for more insight into the world of cultivation, genetics, and real‑world struggles and wins, this chapter of the podcast delivers. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to keep up with more conversations that elevate plant culture.Follow James Loud:Instagram: https://instagram.com/JamesLoudInstagram: http://instagram.com/jamesloudpodcast/Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-loudFollow Uncle Dad Vibes:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncledadvibes/Produced by Gears and GritInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gears.and.grit/About the James Loud Podcast:Hosted by award-winning breeder, author, and innovator James Loud, the show explores the art, science, and culture of modern plant genetics, sustainable cultivation, and community storytelling. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, James brings decades of experience, creativity, and insight to every episode.In 2024, the show was honored as Podcast of the Year by the International Industry Awards for its commitment to education, storytelling, and innovation. Each week features voices from across the creative and agricultural worlds — all united by passion, authenticity, and craftsmanship.Join us on this award-winning journey as we explore the future of cultivation, creativity, and culture.

Step into the heart of Humboldt with this special episode of the James Loud Podcast featuring Mia Moore, a passionate advocate and Director of Marketing and Community Relations at Redwood Roots, one of Northern California’s most respected distribution companies for legacy sun-grown cannabis.With deep roots in the Emerald Triangle, Mia brings a unique perspective shaped by years of grassroots activism, industry organizing, and community-building. Redwood Roots isn't just a cannabis brand — it’s a movement rooted in preserving the culture and heritage of small-batch craft farmers. In this episode, Mia opens up about the journey of Redwood Roots, the challenges of operating in California’s evolving cannabis landscape, and the importance of keeping the soul of the plant alive amid increasing commercialization.From advocacy to education, Mia’s work centers on ensuring that Humboldt’s legendary cannabis cultivators have a platform and voice. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just learning about the history of California cannabis, this episode offers a powerful glimpse into what it takes to keep the spirit of the legacy market thriving in today’s world.Don’t miss this insightful conversation — tune in and discover how Mia Moore and Redwood Roots are helping to carry the torch for the culture, the community, and the plant.Follow James Loud:Instagram: https://instagram.com/JamesLoudInstagram: http://instagram.com/jamesloudpodcast/Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-loudFollow Mia:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sen.si.mia/Produced by Gears and GritInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gears.and.grit/About the James Loud Podcast:The James Loud Podcast, hosted by James Loud, a renowned breeder, author, and advocate in the cannabis industry, dives deep into the intricate world of cannabis genetics and breeding with a distinctive culinary-inspired outlook. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, James leverages his vast experience from co-founding Loud Seeds and securing multiple international cannabis awards, bringing unparalleled insights to each episode. In 2024, the podcast was honored as the Winner of Podcast of the Year by the International Cannabis Awards, a testament to its commitment to education, advocacy, and innovation in the cannabis sphere.Every week, the podcast features a diverse array of guests from the cannabis industry and beyond, all united by their passion for the plant. The show focuses on expanding themes from James's book, "Cannabis Breeding: The Art and Science of Crafting Distinctive Cultivars," fostering a community rich in knowledge and appreciation for cannabis. Join us on this award-winning journey as we explore the latest in cannabis genetics, breeding techniques, and industry trends, cementing our place at the forefront of cannabis culture and conversation.