#LetsBeBlunt #MontelWilliams #SethFerranti 

What happens when you've served your sentence—but technology never stops watching?

In this episode of Let's Be Blunt with Montel, Montel Williams sits down with Seth Ferranti—author, documentary filmmaker, founder of Gorilla Convict, and one of the most recognizable voices in criminal justice reform.

Seth spent 21 years in federal prison for nonviolent drug offenses during the height of America's War on Drugs. While incarcerated, he reinvented himself as a writer, eventually becoming an acclaimed journalist and filmmaker dedicated to telling the stories of people impacted by mass incarceration.

Today, Seth is once again making headlines following a Nebraska traffic stop that has sparked a national conversation about AI-powered surveillance, automated license plate readers, digital privacy, and whether emerging technologies are quietly reshaping the relationship between citizens and law enforcement.

Together, Montel and Seth discuss:

This isn't just a conversation about cannabis. It's a discussion about freedom, second chances, technology, and what happens when our justice system intersects with artificial intelligence.

If you enjoy thoughtful conversations about cannabis policy, criminal justice reform, civil liberties, and the future of America, be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

Learn more about Seth Ferranti:

🌐 Gorilla Convict: https://www.gorillaconvict.com/

▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC_PX5yFrMT-hm_xGQMyMU0w

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sethferranti/

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#LetsBeBlunt #MontelWilliams #CannabisNews 

From federal cannabis reform and DEA rescheduling to hemp regulations, groundbreaking medical research, veterans' access, and the evolving legal landscape, there's no shortage of headlines—but what do they actually mean for patients and consumers?

In this special solo episode of Let's Be Blunt with Montel, Montel Williams breaks down the week's biggest cannabis news stories with his signature blend of personal experience, straight talk, and evidence-based insight. As someone living with multiple sclerosis and advocating for medical cannabis for decades, Montel separates the facts from the hype, explaining why these developments matter far beyond politics.

You'll hear updates on federal rescheduling efforts, the future of hemp-derived cannabinoids, expanding medical research, veterans' access to cannabis, industry trends, and the ongoing push for policies rooted in science instead of stigma.

Whether you're a patient, healthcare professional, entrepreneur, or simply curious about where cannabis policy is headed, this episode delivers the context behind the headlines—and a clear look at what's next.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Join Montel for an informed conversation focused on one goal: empowering listeners with the knowledge they need to make better decisions and advocate for smarter cannabis policy.

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#LetsBeBlunt #MontelWilliams #PatientAdvocacy 

As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, one challenge remains constant: helping patients, consumers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers separate fact from fiction.

On this episode of Let's Be Blunt with Montel, Montel welcomes back Randi and Robert Sobel, founders of WeedWorks Consulting, to discuss how they're working to make cannabis education more accessible, credible, and impactful than ever before.

The conversation explores the expanding WeedWorks Expo, innovative virtual programming and nationwide watch parties, collaborations with former professional athletes, and efforts to educate policymakers on the realities of cannabis and patient access. Randi and Rob also share their vision for creating trusted educational resources, strengthening partnerships across the industry, and building a national alliance focused on responsible advocacy and evidence-based information.

Whether you're a patient seeking answers, a healthcare professional, an advocate, or simply curious about where the cannabis conversation is headed, this episode offers thoughtful insights into the future of education, wellness, and sensible policy.

Tune in for an engaging conversation about collaboration, innovation, and why education remains the foundation for meaningful progress.

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#LetsBeBlunt #MontelWilliams #Podcast  

As the United States stands on the brink of one of the biggest federal policy shifts in more than 50 years, the future of an entire industry is being written by entrepreneurs willing to bet on what's next.

In this episode of Let's Be Blunt with Montel, Montel sits down with Emmy Award-winning television producer turned entrepreneur Shavon Sullivan Wright, founder of The Grass Cab, a boutique dispensary opening in New Jersey at a pivotal moment in history.

After spending more than two decades producing some of television's biggest events—including the Olympics and The Apprentice—Shavon traded network studios for startup life, bringing world-class leadership, logistics, and storytelling into one of America's fastest-evolving industries.

Together, Montel and Shavon explore what it takes to launch a highly regulated business amid changing federal policy, the realities behind social equity initiatives, the challenges facing women and minority founders, and why customer experience, education, and community will define the next generation of retail.

Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, public policy, business innovation, or the future of this emerging marketplace, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at one of the most significant moments in modern American commerce.

In this episode:

• Shavon's journey from Emmy-winning producer to entrepreneur

• What the DEA hearing could mean for business owners

• Building a premium retail brand in New Jersey

• The realities of launching a company in a highly regulated industry

• Women, leadership, and equity in entrepreneurship

• Why hospitality and education are reshaping the customer experience

• What's next for one of America's fastest-growing industries

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In this powerful episode of Let's Be Blunt with Montel, Montel sits down with retired U.S. Navy Chief Ryan "Chief" Johnson to discuss the often-overlooked challenges veterans face after military service—from losing a sense of purpose to navigating chronic pain, alcohol dependence, and prescription medications.

Ryan shares the deeply personal story of how cannabis became part of his own wellness journey and why it inspired him to write Strains for Pains, a practical guide designed to help patients better understand cannabis and make informed decisions about their health.

The conversation explores the importance of education over misinformation, the role of peer support in veteran recovery, and why building community may be just as important as any treatment. Ryan also discusses his nonprofit, Break Stigmas, and the veteran-focused initiatives he's created to ensure that no veteran feels alone after leaving the military.

Together, Montel and Ryan have an honest conversation about healing, resilience, leadership, and the power of finding a new mission in life.

Whether you're a veteran, caregiver, patient, or simply interested in the evolving conversation around cannabis and wellness, this episode offers hope, practical insight, and a reminder that healing often begins with connection.

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#MontelWilliams #PlantScience #CultivationScience What separates great cannabis from great marketing?

This week on Let's Be Blunt with Montel, Montel sits down with agricultural scientist, cultivation expert, and cannabis executive Dr. Brad Fausett for a fascinating conversation about the science behind the plant.

With more than 25 years of cultivation experience spanning Amsterdam's underground grow scene to today's large-scale commercial operations, Brad has spent years studying what makes certain cultivars succeed while others fail. He shares insights from his long-running genetic evaluation programs, explains why many popular strains struggle when scaled commercially, and reveals what truly determines quality, consistency, and patient safety.

Montel and Brad also explore groundbreaking research showing how industrial hemp can help remove toxic contaminants from polluted Superfund sites, raising important questions about soil health, environmental stewardship, and what consumers should know about the products they use.

From genetics and cultivation technology to phytoremediation, regulatory policy, and preserving America's historic hemp varieties, this episode offers a rare look at the science shaping the future of cannabis.

Whether you're a patient, cultivator, policymaker, or simply curious about the plant, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

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#LetsBeBlunt #MontelWilliams #LaganjaEstranja 

When Laganja Estranja first appeared on Let's Be Blunt with Montel, she was already a cultural force. But this return visit reveals a new chapter—one defined by authenticity, entrepreneurship, and ownership.

In this candid conversation, Montel and Laganja explore her journey from RuPaul's Drag Race fan favorite to global performer, advocate, and business owner. They discuss identity, visibility, creativity, and the power of building something that reflects your values.

Laganja shares the decade-long journey behind launching her own signature flower line in partnership with Illinois social equity operators, why representation in business matters, and how queer culture and plant culture have historically been intertwined through community, resilience, and self-expression.

The conversation also dives into creativity, performance, mental wellness, entrepreneurship, and what it means to evolve in public while staying true to yourself.

This episode is a powerful reminder that authenticity isn't just personal—it's revolutionary.

Topics include:

Join Montel and Laganja for one of the most honest and inspiring conversations of the season.

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#LetsBeBluntWithMontel #RobVanDam #montelwilliams 

For decades, Rob Van Dam thrilled audiences around the world with a revolutionary in-ring style that changed professional wrestling forever. From his legendary run in ECW to becoming WWE Champion and one of the most recognizable athletes in sports entertainment, RVD built a career by pushing his body beyond limits most people can barely imagine.

But what happens when the lights go down and the physical toll remains?

In this episode of Let's Be Blunt with Montel, Rob joins Montel Williams for an honest conversation about chronic pain, recovery, athlete wellness, and the importance of having a voice in your own healthcare decisions. Together they explore the realities of life inside professional wrestling, the culture of playing through pain, and how attitudes toward recovery have evolved over the years.

Rob also discusses his journey as an entrepreneur, the launch of his new wellness brands, and why authenticity matters when building products designed to support recovery and everyday well-being.

From unforgettable wrestling stories to meaningful insights on longevity, resilience, and personal responsibility, this is a conversation that goes far beyond the ring.

Whether you're a wrestling fan, an athlete, or simply someone navigating your own wellness journey, this episode delivers inspiration, perspective, and plenty of surprises along the way.

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When we talk about first responders, we celebrate their bravery—but rarely discuss the invisible toll the job takes.

#LetsBeBluntWithMontel #MontelWilliams #FirstResponders 

Firefighters and emergency personnel are routinely exposed to trauma, chronic stress, sleep disruption, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion. Too often, the culture around first response demands toughness over healing—and silence over support.

In this powerful episode of Let’s Be Blunt with Montel, Montel sits down with Paul Walton, an 18-year firefighter, Deputy Fire Marshal, peer support advocate, and founder of Firefighters for Plant Medicine, to discuss his deeply personal journey through trauma, recovery, and advocacy.

After a work-related injury forced Paul to confront both physical pain and long-standing mental health challenges, he discovered an alternative wellness path that he says changed—and ultimately saved—his life.

That experience sparked a mission far bigger than himself.

Paul helped lead a groundbreaking policy change in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, allowing firefighters access to plant-based wellness options during off-duty hours—an unprecedented shift in first responder culture.

Together, Montel and Paul explore:

🔥 PTSD, trauma, and burnout in first responder culture

This is a conversation about healing, courage, and challenging outdated systems—because the people who run toward danger deserve real options for recovery.

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#Terpenes #CannabisScience #LetsBeBluntWithMontel #MontelWilliams 

What if the cannabis experience you think you’re buying… isn’t actually what ends up in the product?

As the cannabis industry matures, one of its biggest challenges isn’t potency—it’s consistency.

On this episode of Let’s Be Blunt with Montel, Montel sits down with Daniel Cook, CEO of True Terpenes, for a fascinating conversation about the science behind aroma, flavor, and why so much of what makes cannabis unique can be lost during processing.

Daniel’s path to cannabis is anything but ordinary—from Harvard Business School to the wineries of Chile, where he developed a deep appreciation for aroma science, sensory experience, and product consistency. Now, as CEO of True Terpenes, he’s helping shape the future of cannabis product innovation.

The conversation dives into Headstash, True Terpenes’ newly launched platform designed to restore the aroma and flavor compounds often stripped away during manufacturing—giving brands the ability to deliver a more reliable, full-spectrum sensory experience at scale.

Montel and Daniel unpack:

Why cannabis products often fail to deliver consistent experiences

What terpenes really do—and what the public gets wrong

The parallels between cannabis, wine, and consumer packaged goods

How brands are using sensory science to build trust and loyalty

The evolution of True Terpenes over the past 10 years

Where cannabis product innovation is headed next

If cannabis is going to be taken seriously as a mature industry, quality, predictability, and consumer trust have to lead the way.

This episode explores the science making that possible.

Subscribe to Let’s Be Blunt with Montel for smart conversations at the intersection of cannabis, wellness, science, and culture.

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