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Kaya Cast
Kaya Cast episodes
- Build Repeatable Systems: The Concrete Steps to Sustainable GrowthOn this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong talks with Wally Daniel of Green Garden Consulting, an Oregon-based firm focused on plants, processes, and people. They dive into the biggest pitfalls cannabis growers encounter—often thinking they’re optimizing when they’re not hitting industry benchmarks—and outline a practical path to sustainable scale: rigorous vetting of vendors and leadership, building repeatable systems, and planning from desired outcomes to actual capability. Wally shares how AI fits into a living plant business, the art and science of cultivation, and why the most successful operators treat knowledge as a collaborative craft rather than a solo pursuit. The conversation covers down-to-earth improvements—upgrading legacy tech, optimizing fertigation, and maximizing vendor support to extract real value without chasing shiny objects. They discuss hard-won lessons on hiring a head grower, avoiding nepotistic decisions, and reverse-engineering capital projects from production needs. Through real-world projects—such as a major pest remediation and a climate-control redesign—Wally demonstrates how diligence, data, and leadership drive ROI and consistent quality. If you’re an operator or founder aiming for consistency and growth in cannabis, this episode offers concrete playbooks and a grounded perspective.
Reach out to Wally here!
[email protected]Find out more about Green Garden Consulting, LLC at:
https://greengardenconsulting.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wally-daniel-ggc/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-garden-consulting-llc/
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:15 Common Issues in Cannabis Growing
04:17 The Role of AI in Agriculture
08:28 Personal Growth and Business Maturation
09:43 Starting a Cannabis Business: Key Considerations
14:25 Vetting and Building a Strong Team
17:00 Improving Existing Operations
22:09 Fun and Challenging Projects
30:42 Rapid Fire Questions
35:58 Conclusion and Contact Information
#kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast37 min - Future-Proofing Your Cultivation: A Flexible Multi-Format Strategy
On this episode of the Kaya Cast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Darrin Potter, co-owner of Cultivation Structures & Equipment for a practical, no-nonsense look at building scalable cannabis production. Darrin shares his 20-year journey—from indoor grows to full-service greenhouse builds and retrofit projects—pulling back the curtain on the real costs, tradeoffs, and operational realities of growing indoor, in greenhouses, or outdoors. The conversation digs into how to design and operate environments that actually work, including airflow, humidity, lighting, and energy use, plus why a flexible, multi-format strategy can future-proof a cultivation business as markets shift. Darrin also talks about his Florida license and growth plans with Grow Healthy, and how CSE Grow builds and retrofits facilities to serve emerging dispensaries. If you’re looking for actionable insights on cost, margins, troubleshooting, and sustainable scale, this episode is for you. Learn more at https://csegrow.com/ and connect with Darrin to explore practical partnerships for your grow.
Find out more about Cultivation Structures & Equipment at:
https://csegrow.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrin-potter-57baa97/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cultivation-structures-equipment/
00:00 Introduction to Kaya Cast
00:39 Guest's Background in the Cannabis Industry
01:11 Challenges in Large Cannabis Companies
01:51 Venturing into Terra Vera
02:18 Helping Growers with Pathogen and Pest Control
05:06 Starting a Cannabis Company in Florida
06:38 Greenhouse vs. Indoor Growing
14:42 Cost and Revenue Comparison: Indoor vs. Greenhouse
22:34 Terra Vera's Origin and Mission
25:31 Skepticism and Initial Trials
26:42 Successful Implementation and Expansion
27:30 Helping Growers Nationwide
28:58 Innovative Applications in Agriculture
32:37 Bee Population Crisis and Solutions
36:44 Challenges and Future Prospects
44:06 Contact Information and Future Plans
#kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast
cannabis podcast, cannabis business podcast, Kaya Cast, cannabis industry insights, cannabis cultivation podcast, cannabis operations podcast, cannabis growth strategies, cannabis scaling strategies, cannabis production planning, cannabis infrastructure, cannabis facility design, cannabis grow operations, cannabis cultivation education, cannabis entrepreneurship, cannabis executives, cannabis operators, cannabis investors, cannabis founders, cannabis professionals, indoor cannabis cultivation, greenhouse cannabis cultivation, outdoor cannabis cultivation, indoor grow vs greenhouse, greenhouse vs indoor cannabis, cannabis grow cost analysis, cannabis margins, cannabis profitability, cannabis cost per pound, cannabis energy costs, cannabis HVAC systems, cannabis airflow design, cannabis humidity control, cannabis dehumidification, cannabis lighting systems, LED grow lights cannabis, cannabis environmental controls, cannabis climate control, cannabis facility retrofits, cannabis greenhouse retrofits, cannabis buildouts, cannabis construction, cannabis engineering, cannabis design build, cannabis compliance facilities, cannabis regulated markets, cannabis licensing, Florida cannabis license, Florida cannabis cultivation, Florida medical cannabis, Florida cannabis operators, Florida dispensary expansion, Florida cannabis growth, US cannabis cultivation, national cannabis operators, emerging cannabis markets, mature cannabis markets, cannabis market saturation, cannabis wholesale pricing, cannabis operational efficiency, cannabis troubleshooting, cannabis pest management, cannabis pathogen control, powdery mildew cannabis, cannabis IPM, sustainable cannabis cultivation, energy efficient cannabis grows47 min - Quick Loyalty Wins You Can Implement Today
On this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong chats with Sandra Bergman, founder of ESBE Marketing, to unpack how cannabis retailers can launch, grow, and sustain loyalty that actually moves the needle. Sandra shares her journey from traditional marketing into cannabis, why retention beats pure acquisition, and how to translate sophisticated loyalty tech into real world results for dispensaries across 18 states. You'll hear practical guidance on building a true CRM foundation, integrating with your POS, and aligning analytics with action so every campaign feels personal, timely, and value driven rather than promotional noise. From how to design a balanced rewards plan that values both hard benefits (points) and soft benefits (emotional recognition), to the best KPIs, cadences, and 60-90 day experimentation cycles, Sandra reveals common missteps and the secret sauce tactics like thoughtful in store outreach, anniversary gestures, and exclusive events that create a tribe around your brand. She covers how to audit segmentation quarterly, how to trigger timely rewards spend, the importance of lifecycle campaigns, and even non promotional content ideas—education, product drops, community events—to deepen connection. Plus a rapid fire segment where Sandra shares favorite cannabis formats, first experiences, and her dream loyalty perks. If you are a dispensary owner or marketer looking to make loyalty pay off, this episode will give you frameworks you can implement next week.
Sandra's strong business acumen and dedication to responsible cannabis consumption have made her a trusted and respected figure in the industry. Her drive to educate and empower consumers, combined with her extensive experience in marketing and business development, make her a valuable guest for any cannabis business podcast.
Find out more about ESBE Marketing at:
https://esbemarketing.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrabergman/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/esbe-llc/
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:22 Sandra's Background and Entry into Cannabis
01:41 Identifying Industry Gaps and Founding ESBE
05:09 Essentials Before Starting a Loyalty Program
07:51 Choosing the Right Loyalty Platform
14:15 Key Metrics for Loyalty Program Success
22:11 Balancing Transactional and Emotional Loyalty Benefits
29:04 Real-World Examples of Effective Loyalty Programs
30:49 Personalized Customer Experience
32:07 Holiday Sales Strategies
33:07 Non-Promotional Customer Engagement
36:04 Community Building Events
39:35 Effective Loyalty Program Tips
51:50 Rapid Fire Questions: Rolling Loud
54:30 Conclusion and Contact InformationUS cannabis dispensaries, multi-state cannabis retailers, cannabis retailers across 18 states, regulated cannabis markets, state-compliant cannabis marketing, cannabis marketing by state, multi-location dispensary marketing, enterprise cannabis retail
#kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast56 min - From Regulation to Revenue: The Big Shifts in 2026
Tommy Truong of KayaPush joins the Kaya Cast for a forward‑looking conversation about 2026 for cannabis operators. We explore Schedule III uncertainty and what it could mean for banking, cross‑state commerce, and whether big players from pharma or beverage will enter the space. Beyond regulatory shifts, Tommy shares his take on building resilient dispensary operations in a world of debt and currency volatility, AI‑driven productivity, crypto repositioning, and asset bubbles. The episode also highlights KayaPush’s evolving approach to growth and mentorship, plus how the show will broaden to cover the macro forces shaping business today. Expect practical insights on leveraging AI, staying informed, and positioning your business to thrive — even in a crisis — in 2026 and beyond.
Find out more about KayaPush at:
https://www.kayapush.com/podcast
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommy-truong/overlay/photo/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kayapush/posts/?feedView=all
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:11 Reflecting on 2025 and Looking Ahead
00:33 Schedule Three and Industry Uncertainty
02:07 Economic Concerns in 2026
03:42 Expanding Podcast Topics for 2026
06:31 Gratitude and Final Thoughts
08:28 Conclusion and Farewell
#kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast9 min - Highlights from 2025 and What's Next in 2026Join Kaya Cast as we sit down with Tommy Truong of KayaPush to unpack the entrepreneurial journey in cannabis commerce. Tommy offers a candid look at the early survival phase every founder faces, how overcoming those hurdles sets the stage for scale and product–market fit, and why he relentlessly seeks clever, practical solutions to tough problems. He also shares how discovering DynaVap changed his personal approach to consumption—clearly not a sponsorship, just a story about a tool he loves. The conversation dives into building a supportive founder community, the loneliness of the road, and why these stories matter for listeners navigating similar challenges. We also discuss technology and scaling—AI-driven, agentic workflows and other innovations Tommy foresees for cannabis operations in 2026—and what to expect from KayaCast next year, including more solo episodes. If you’re growing a dispensary and want concrete takeaways on resilience, partnerships, and leveraging technology to scale, this episode has you covered.
Find out more about KayaPush at:
https://www.kayapush.com/podcast
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommy-truong/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kayapush/posts/?feedView=all
00:00 Introduction and Gratitude
00:41 Highlighting DynaVap
01:02 Entrepreneurial Journey Insights
03:34 Reflections on 2025
04:06 Plans for 2026
05:20 Listener Engagement and Feedback
05:44 Season Finale and Thank You
#kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast7 min - Master Your Mind, Grow Your Brand: A Conscious Leadership GuideOn this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Matt Ritchey, founder of Inner Circle Community, to explore how neuroscience, NLP, and conscious leadership intersect with the evolving plant medicine and cannabis spaces. Learn what NLP really is, how the unconscious mind influences decisions, and practical ways to show up with presence, connection, and integrity while scaling a business. Matt shares his personal journey—from motocross athlete to trauma healing with cannabis and ayahuasca to building Elevated Executive, a bridge for conscious leaders across industries who want to leverage plant medicine safely and effectively.
The conversation dives into nervous system regulation, meditation, breath work, binaural beats, and visualization as tools to reduce overwhelm and overcome imposter syndrome. You’ll hear how stillness competes with productivity, why tapering substances and mindful routines matter, and how to cultivate a resilient mindset for long-term success. We also cover opportunities in emerging plant industries, the two main paths in this space (business support versus healing work), and how to build communities that elevate leadership. If you’re building a cannabis or plant-medicine focused business or curious about integrating these practices to lead more effectively, this episode is for you. Reach Matt at Inner Circle Biz or on LinkedIn to explore collaboration and growth in this evolving field.
Find out more about Inner Circle Community at:
https://innercircle.biz/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewritchey/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/inner-circle-community/
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:11 The Journey of Entrepreneurship
01:36 Understanding NLP and Its Benefits
02:20 The Power of Perception and Unconscious Mind
06:19 Nervous System Regulation and Presence
09:03 Meditation and Its Impact
14:23 Productivity and Focus
20:22 Elevated Executive: Tools for Success
23:10 Personal Wellness Journey
23:50 Entrepreneurship and Wellness
26:12 The Role of Alternative Medicines
27:43 The Impact of COVID on Perception
29:03 Introduction to the Elevated Executive Program
29:54 Building a Community of Conscious Leaders
32:50 Personal Journey with Plant Medicine
36:09 Healing and Transformation through Ayahuasca
41:56 Opportunities in the Emerging Plant Medicine Industry
47:11 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
48:25 Visualization Techniques for Success
55:02 Connecting with the Inner Circle Community
57:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
#kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast58 min - Brand, Operations, and Scale: The Core Trio for Cannabis BrandsOn this episode of Kaya Cast, host Tommy Truong sits down with John Shute, founder of Puff Creative, a cannabis marketing agency committed to changing lives through thoughtful branding and community impact. John shares his unlikely journey from the service industry to cannabis marketing, shaped by personal loss from the opiate crisis and a strong belief in social justice. He explains how Puff Creative helps dispensaries and brands grow by aligning branding with operations, building a solid foundation, and using data to drive every decision.
Together they dive into practical playbooks: defining your tribe and brand story before spending on marketing; why a strong foundation—brand narrative, conversion-friendly websites, SEO, CRM systems, and clean data tracking—maximizes every dollar spent; the debate between native ecommerce versus all-in-one tech stacks and how to choose for your business; the essential focus on retention and lifetime value; how to track ROI with tools like GA4, Alpine IQ, SpringBig, and Klaviyo; the realities of PR, launches, and local strategy; red flags to watch for when vetting agencies; and what dispensaries should have in place before engaging external partners.
John also shares Puff Creative Cares, their philanthropic work, and what’s ahead with MJ Biz Con events and a bigger mission to support communities. If you’re a retailer or brand in cannabis looking to scale with integrity and results, this episode is for you.
Find Puff Creative at puffcreative.com and connect with John Shute on LinkedIn.
John Shute is a leading expert in the cannabis industry, with over 10 years of experience in marketing and branding. He is the founder and CEO of PufCreativ, a full-service creative agency that specializes in the cannabis space.With a background in advertising and design, John has a keen eye for creating visually stunning and impactful campaigns for his clients. His passion for the cannabis industry stems from his belief in the healing properties of the plant and the potential for growth in the emerging market.
Through his work at PufCreativ, John has helped numerous cannabis businesses elevate their brands and stand out in a crowded market. His expertise in branding, packaging, and digital marketing has led to successful campaigns for both established companies and startups.
John is also a sought-after speaker and consultant, sharing his knowledge and insights on the intersection of cannabis and marketing. He has been featured on various podcasts and industry events, discussing the latest trends and strategies in cannabis branding and advertising.
With his extensive experience and passion for the industry, John Shute is a valuable guest for any cannabis business podcast, offering valuable insights and practical tips for success in the ever-evolving cannabis landscape.
Find out more about PufCreativ at:
https://pufcreativ.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-shute-pufcreativ/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/pufcreativ/
00:00 Introduction to Kaya Cast
00:11 Journey into the Cannabis Industry
03:22 Marketing and Operations Alignment
05:22 Technological Impact on Cannabis Marketing
07:45 Building a Strong Brand Foundation
10:28 Effective Customer Retention Strategies
15:55 The Role of PR in Cannabis Marketing
18:08 Maximizing Marketing Spend
22:25 Choosing the Right Tech Stack
23:02 The Importance of Understanding Your Tech Stack
23:45 All-in-One Solutions vs. Custom Tech Stacks
24:21 Innovative Technologies for Cannabis Brands
25:06 The Role of Mobile Apps in Brand Marketing
26:22 Maximizing E-commerce and CRM Capabilities
27:51 The Power of Email Marketing
29:22 Key Metrics for E-commerce Success
30:21 Benchmarking and Competitive Analysis
33:00 Internal Resources and Effective Communication
36:17 Red Flags When Choosing an Agency
39:11 Corporate Responsibility and Community Engagement
42:17 Conclusion and Contact Information
#kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast44 min - Why Cannabis Media Matters: Educate, Build Trust, Scale Your BrandJoin Kaya Cast host Tommy Truong for a candid conversation with Jimmy Young, founder of Pro Cannabis Media and WPCM TV. Jimmy shares his journey from traditional broadcasting to building a nationwide cannabis media network, and why media matters for dispensaries looking to educate customers, build trust, and scale their brands. We dive into the current legal maze—24 states with adult-use, 16 with medical-only, the hemp vs. cannabis distinction, and the push (and frustrations) around rescheduling from Schedule I to Schedule III—plus the tax realities of 280E and the ongoing challenges with regulation and censorship. The episode also explores actionable media strategies for cannabis businesses, including Jimmy’s plan to reorganize Cannabis Coast to Coast News into modular, 10-minute segments and AI-driven reporting, all designed to expand reach without compromising compliance. Hear behind-the-scenes lessons from decades in the newsroom, how to tell credible cannabis stories, and what to expect in 2025 as policy debates, state races, and industry economics evolve. If you’re running a dispensary or cannabis brand, you’ll come away with practical ways to leverage media to educate, reduce stigma, attract partners, and grow your operation. Find more at wpcmtv.com and YouTube, and connect with Jimmy at [email protected].
Jimmy Young is a seasoned entrepreneur and cannabis industry expert. With over 20 years of experience in media and broadcasting, Jimmy has become a leading figure in the cannabis space, hosting his own podcast called "In The Weeds with Jimmy Young".As the founder of Pro Cannabis Media, a multimedia platform dedicated to showcasing the latest news, trends, and insights in the cannabis industry, Jimmy is passionate about educating and informing the public about the benefits of cannabis. His mission is to break the stigma surrounding cannabis and promote its medicinal and recreational potential.
With his extensive background in broadcasting, Jimmy brings a unique perspective to the cannabis industry, providing a platform for industry leaders, advocates, and entrepreneurs to share their stories and expertise. He is also a frequent speaker at industry events and conferences, sharing his knowledge and insights on the rapidly growing cannabis market.
Jimmy's passion for cannabis is evident in his work, as he continues to advocate for legalization and responsible consumption. His experience and expertise make him a highly sought-after guest on cannabis business podcasts, where he shares his wealth of knowledge and experience with listeners.
Find out more about Pro Cannabis Media at:
https://wpcmtv.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-young/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/procannabismedia/
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:45 Personal Anecdotes and Teaching Experience
04:04 Pro Cannabis Media: The Beginning
06:17 Challenges and Growth in the Cannabis Industry
09:17 Federal vs. State Cannabis Laws
11:38 The Push for Rescheduling Cannabis
16:56 Historical Context and Current Frustrations
26:12 Debunking Cannabis Myths
27:03 Cannabis vs. Alcohol: A Comparison
28:53 Cannabis Industry Insights
30:14 2025 Cannabis Predictions
33:19 State-Level Cannabis Legalization
37:13 Challenges in Cannabis Regulation
42:21 The Future of Cannabis Consumption
44:01 Conclusion and Contact Information
#kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast47 min - How a License Database Turned into a Cannabis CRM w/ Ed KeatingJoin Kaya Cast host Tommy Truong for a data‑driven conversation with Ed Keating, co‑founder and Chief Data Officer of Cannabiz Media. Ed shares Cannabiz Media’s origin story—from a bike ride in 2014 to building a nationwide, normalized database of cannabis licenses and owners, and evolving into a CRM with an embedded email tool. You’ll learn how they aggregated state by state data, surfaced multi‑state operator insights, and expanded into market intelligence on mergers and acquisitions, total addressable market, and enforcement trends. The episode also covers how AI accelerates data collection and classification of violations, tracking unlicensed stores and badge data, and the value of this data for banks, insurers, and compliance. We discuss brand positioning in a fragmented market, how operators evaluate expansion opportunities across states, and Ed’s view of the 2025 landscape. If you’re a dispensary looking to scale, a brand expanding across markets, or a fintech navigating license risk, this episode delivers practical, data‑driven insights you can apply today.
Find out more about Cannabiz Media at:
https://www.cannabiz.media/
https://www.cannabiz.media/blog-category/podcasts
https://www.linkedin.com/in/edkeating/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cannabiz-media/
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:21 The Origin Story of Cannabiz Media
02:27 Initial Challenges and Pivots
07:28 Evolving Use Cases and Market Insights
14:51 Future Data Sets and Innovations
21:28 Leveraging AI for Data Management
26:13 Compliance and Regulatory Insights
32:13 Industry Trends and Predictions
41:18 Conclusion and Contact Information
#kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast42 min - From Pastry to Premium Edibles: The Insa Chocolate RevolutionOn the Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong chats with Julian Rose, the world-class chocolatier behind Insa, about redefining cannabis edibles through culinary craftsmanship. Julian walks through his journey from a Montreal pastry chef to leading a premium edible program that features real chocolate, fruit purées, and meticulously tempered confections, all while navigating the science and business of cannabis manufacturing. Learn why Insa prioritizes quality and flavor over price, how seed-to-sale control and tailored terpenes create superior experiences, and the challenges and opportunities of state-by-state regulation and wholesale partnerships. From six-month R&D cycles and seasonal launches (think pistachio-Oreo-inspired bars and Fritos milk chocolate) to sleep-focused gummies and multi-cannabinoid blends, this episode reveals how culinary artistry can drive sustainable growth in a crowded market. If you’re a dispensary owner or executive, you’ll gain actionable insights on product development, shelf life, pricing strategies, margins, and retail execution. Visit insa.com to explore their lineup in Massachusetts, Florida, and Pennsylvania, and get Julian’s take on building a premium edible program that keeps the consumer experience at the center.
Find out more about Insa at:
https://insa.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-rose-9280a811/
linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=Insa%20Easthampton&sid=oOg
00:00 Introduction: From Chocolatier to Cannabis Edibles
00:36 Journey in the Chocolate Industry
03:54 Transition to Cannabis Consulting
04:59 Joining Insa and the Impact of COVID-19
06:37 Philosophy of Quality in Cannabis Edibles
09:29 Consumer Preferences and Market Trends
16:05 Product Development and Culinary Experience
26:47 Best-Selling Products and R&D Insights
29:13 The R&D Process: From Concept to Commercialization
30:24 Creating and Testing New Recipes
33:26 The Challenge of Pricing and Market Viability
37:16 Cannabis Product Integration and Quality Control
41:35 Navigating State Regulations and Market Strategies
49:00 Seasonal Products and Market Testing
51:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
#kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast53 min
About Kaya Cast
From the publisher's feed
Dive into Kaya Cast each week for candid conversations with the visionaries shaping the cannabis landscape. We sit down with industry trailblazers to uncover their hard-earned insights and incredible…
experiences—arming retail entrepreneurs with the know-how and motivation to build a cannabis business they'll love.