In this episode of The Cole Memo, I’m joined by Livi McKay, CEO and founder of MyTEPI and the Discover Your Color platform, for a deep dive into cannabis, "hemp", and the evolving landscape of plant-based wellness. Livi shares her powerful personal journey—from overcoming severe health issues using cannabis to becoming a leader in quality management and consumer education within the industry. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/03/31/e182

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Ash, a former legal sex worker in Nevada, who shares her perspective on the harsh realities behind the glitzy illusion of brothel work. From starting on OnlyFans to navigating the complexities of legal brothels, Ash offers firsthand accounts of financial struggles, safety concerns, and the psychological toll the industry can take. She discusses the hidden costs, the manipulation behind the scenes, and why many workers, in her experience, find themselves trapped in a cycle of false promises and financial instability. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/03/27/e181/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston sits down with (former) Illinois State Representative Dan Caulkins for a candid discussion about the challenges of serving in the Illinois General Assembly. Together, they unpack the state’s pressing issues, including protectionist legislation, the effectiveness of bans, and the controversial Illinois Firearms Ban. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/03/25/e180/

In this episode, I travel to Joliet, Illinois, to sit down with Senator Rachel Ventura. We discuss her groundbreaking legislation that could end vehicle searches based solely on the smell of cannabis, a longstanding issue impacting cannabis consumers across Illinois. Senator Ventura shares the story behind the bill, the challenges with current laws, and how her advocacy intersects with criminal justice reform and environmental policy. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/03/21/e179/

In this stream, I’m breaking down a strange dispensary glitch with the customer who caught it. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/03/21/e178/

In this episode, I travel to Joliet, Illinois, to sit down with Senator Rachel Ventura. We discuss her groundbreaking legislation that could end vehicle searches based solely on the smell of cannabis, a longstanding issue impacting cannabis consumers across Illinois. Senator Ventura shares the story behind the bill, the challenges with current laws, and how her advocacy intersects with criminal justice reform and environmental policy. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/03/21/e179/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, I talk about legal “booger sugar” that is for sale in smoke shops and I share some cannabis news stories that caught my eye. Watch video version or read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/03/08/e177/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, host Cole Preston discusses House Bill 3061, the On-Premise Cannabis Consumption Act, with advocates Nathan, Maddie, and Dipesh from the Illinois Cannabis Consumption Association. They break down how the bill would allow municipalities to permit cannabis lounges and events, creating safer spaces for consumers while addressing gaps in current laws. The guests clarify misconceptions, explain why legal consumption spaces matter, and urge listeners to take action by contacting their representatives. This episode cuts through the noise, making cannabis policy clear and actionable. Read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/03/07/e176/

Cole responds to criticism over his interview with Every Brain Matters’ Aubrey Adams(episode available soon at ColeMemo.com/Patreon), defending open dialogue and the importance of engaging with opposing views. He tackles claims that hosting prohibitionists is harmful, arguing that avoiding an echo chamber only weakens the movement. The episode also covers local cannabis news, including a Peoria lawyer’s dispensary plans, a hemp company entering the Illinois market, and surprising cannabis-related incidents in schools. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/03/05/e175/

In this episode of The Cole Memo, I visit the Honeycomb Hideout Retreat in Addison, Illinois, for a deep dive into this unique cannabis-friendly space. I sit down with Mark Kunicki, the founder, to discuss how the retreat fosters community, education, and access to high-quality cannabis products. From networking and game nights to medical card consultations and local vendor support, the retreat is more than just a lounge—it's a hub for the cannabis culture in Illinois. Watch video version and read full show notes here: https://thecolememo.com/2025/03/03/e174/