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PODCAST

Kaya Cast

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.

business management

All Episodes

54:21

The Basement Prototype That Changed The Industry:...

Kaya Cast ·

2025/11/04

In this episode of Kaya Cast, host Tommy Truong sits down with George Breiwa, founder of DynaVap, the pioneering mechanical vaporizer that bakes rather than burns. George recounts the origin story—from a 2012 realization that electronics add cost and complexity, to a simple, battery-free device designed for mass affordability. Learn why it's called DynaVap (no electronics, no batteries) and how a basement prototype evolved into a global product with a devoted community.George walks us

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42:34

From Couch Lock to Conversion: Turning Casual...

Kaya Cast ·

2025/10/28

On this episode of Kaya Cast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Noel Burkman, co-founder of StrainBrain, to explore how AI and advanced data science are reshaping cannabis retail. Noel explains StrainBrain's meta-analytic approach - combining COAs, consumer sentiment, regional preferences, and product data - to move beyond generic marketing toward personalized, needs-based recommendations. Learn how their four foundational questions - how do you want to feel, how you want to consume, how

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47:20

Blunt Brunch to Nationwide: Building Community with...

Kaya Cast ·

2025/10/21

On this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Adelia Fakhri, co-founder of Blunt Brunch and EventHi, to explore how smart events can help cannabis brands launch, grow, and scale. From Blunt Brunch’s origins as intimate, women-focused conversations to EventHi’s evolution into a nationwide platform that powers cannabis-focused events, we dive into practical, battle-tested strategies for dispensaries and cannabis brands to build community, generate leads, and

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40:51

Building the “Oscars of Cannabis” — Inside Best in Grass

Kaya Cast ·

2025/10/14

In this episode of Kaya Cast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Mark Kazinec, founder of Best in Grass, to share the founding story behind the cannabis competition that puts everyday consumers in the judging chair. Mark traces his path from traditional marketing and High Times to building a nationwide, consumer‑driven awards platform that makes cannabis contests inclusive, transparent, and data‑rich. He explains how the pandemic sparked the shift from the exclusive Cannabis Cup model to a

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39:10

How to Foolproof your Dispensary Before Day One (Or...

Kaya Cast ·

2025/10/07

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Warren Harasz, Chief Compliance Officer at Cannaspire, an end-to-end cannabis consulting firm that helps operators license, design SOPs, source vendors, build facilities, and stay compliant. Warren brings 18 years of cultivation experience and a professor’s approach to turning complex regulations into practical, living playbooks. The conversation covers how to get SOPs off the shelf and into daily operations—from

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52:46

Tighten Costs Early or Exit: Hard Truths from a...

Kaya Cast ·

2025/09/30

On this episode of Kaya Cast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Carl Giannone, co founder of Trade Roots, the Massachusetts based pioneer behind the first vertically integrated social equity cannabis company. Carl walks us through his unlikely pivot from Wall Street to cannabis after a seed deck landed on a Thursday, and how that idea became a business spanning cultivation, manufacturing services and retail. He shares the hard lessons learned along the way, from thinking that good weed sells

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49:26

Why Authentic Community Beats Hype in Cannabis Marketing

Kaya Cast ·

2025/09/23

Krysta Jones, founder of The High Country Girls and leader of The Highly Connected, shares the real-world playbook for building cannabis brands that endure. From her organic start in Colorado to expanding across the U.S., Krysta explains how authentic community and a sharp focus on niche can beat broad, hype-driven marketing. Learn how to cultivate a tribe of rabid fans, leverage events and grassroots strategies, and build a personal brand that delivers a consistent customer experience. The

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22:36

From Struggle to Success: Lessons for Growing...

Kaya Cast ·

2025/09/16

On this episode of Kaya Cast, Tommy Truong continues the conversation with Ernest Toney, founder of BIPOCann, about the critical topic of raising capital for cannabis businesses. Ernest shares practical insights on crafting concise and compelling pitch decks that clearly articulate your market opportunity, competitive edge, team, financial projections, and use of funds—essential elements that resonate with investors. They dive into the importance of framing your business in a way that

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48:58

From Struggle to Success: Lessons for Growing...

Kaya Cast ·

2025/09/09

In this insightful episode of Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Ernest Toney, founder of BIPOCann, to explore the journey of building a cannabis-focused business that champions social equity licensees. Ernest shares his transition from working with major cannabis trade shows to launching BIPOCann during the pandemic, driven by a passion to support underrepresented entrepreneurs navigating the complex cannabis industry. They dive deep into the unique challenges startup and

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44:27

How Synthetic Cannabinoids Are Putting Dispensaries...

Kaya Cast ·

2025/09/02

In this eye-opening episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong sits down with Josh Swider, co-founder and CEO of Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs, to uncover the complex and often misunderstood world of synthetic cannabinoids in the cannabis and hemp industries. Josh draws on over a decade of experience as an analytical chemist to explain how synthetic cannabinoids like Delta-8, Delta-9, THCP, and others are created, the safety risks posed by unknown byproducts, and why many

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38:42

How AI + Technology Can Skyrocket Your Cannabis...

Kaya Cast ·

2025/08/26

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Anne Forkutza from BioTrack to unpack New York’s groundbreaking seed-to-sale system rollout and what it means for cannabis cultivators, processors, and retailers. Anne shares critical timelines for integration, explains how unique 16-digit digital ID tags work, and offers practical advice on how businesses can prepare for compliance and avoid costly mistakes. They also dive into the transformative role AI is playing in

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46:15

Don’t Open Your Store Without Doing This First...

Kaya Cast ·

2025/08/19

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Dan Serard, partner at Cannabis Creative Group, to dive deep into building a strong cannabis dispensary brand and marketing strategy from the ground up. Dan shares expert insights on when dispensary owners should start thinking about branding—highlighting the importance of beginning early, ideally months before opening day. They explore how to craft a compelling brand identity that goes far beyond just a logo, emphasizing

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43:58

Building Community, Breaking Stigma: How Greenery...

Kaya Cast ·

2025/08/12

Running a dispensary isn’t just about selling cannabis — it’s about creating a brand that people trust, love, and recommend. In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Christa Peay from Greenery Spot in Johnson City, NY, to talk about how they built one of the most community-connected dispensaries in the state.Christa shares:- How strategic partnerships with local businesses — from coffee shops to yoga studios — drive awareness.- Ways to normalize cannabis by

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1:37

Rolling into Summer, Back on August 12!

Kaya Cast ·

2025/07/22

In this special solo episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, host Tommy Truong reflects on reaching the halfway mark of the podcast’s third year, sharing invaluable insights from his experience working with dispensaries and cannabis businesses. Tune in as Tommy discusses key strategies for scaling operations, common costly mistakes to avoid, and exciting plans ahead for Kaya Cast. Plus, hear about the upcoming summer break and how you can continue to recognize your team members through the

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34:46

This Security Expert Has Opened 40+ Dispensaries....

Kaya Cast ·

2025/07/15

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy sits down with Haley Glover, a seasoned security expert with over 13 years in the cannabis space, to uncover the costly mistakes dispensary owners make during build-outs. From regulatory nightmares in Minnesota to the importance of backup generators and choosing the right security partner, Haley drops insider knowledge on how to stay compliant, save thousands, and avoid opening delays. If you're starting your first dispensary—or scaling your

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42:39

Why Accessories Are Your Dispensary’s Untapped...

Kaya Cast ·

2025/07/08

On this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Justin Johnson, founder of BudsFeed and Managing Partner at Dyspensr, to explore the evolving cannabis accessories market and how dispensaries can leverage it for growth. Justin shares the origin story of BudsFeed—a user-generated platform designed to connect the tight-knit cannabis community—and reveals how it led to the launch of Dispenser, a game-changing wholesale and consignment service that offers dispensaries a

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47:21

From Oklahoma to The Bahamas: The Blueprint for...

Kaya Cast ·

2025/07/01

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Glenwood Ferguson, also known as "The Cannabis Doc," to dive into the evolving cannabis landscape in The Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Oklahoma’s competitive market. Glenwood shares his firsthand experience launching medical cannabis programs, overcoming operational challenges, and building high-performing teams committed to education and exceptional customer service. From strategic location pivots to inventory management

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27:50

Is Your Dispensary Ready for Delivery? Here’s How to...

Kaya Cast ·

2025/06/24

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Scott Prisco, founder of Priscotty, to dive deep into the world of cannabis delivery services. Scott shares invaluable insights on when dispensaries should consider adding delivery — emphasizing the importance of having a solid tech stack, trained staff, and operational control before expanding. They explore the economics behind starting a delivery service, from startup costs to expected revenue uplifts, and discuss the

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39:44

The New Cannabis Frontier: Minor Cannabinoids Driving...

Kaya Cast ·

2025/06/10

In this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, Tommy Truong sits down with Max Vansluys from Dialed In Gummies to explore the exciting frontier of minor cannabinoids and the rising popularity of rosin concentrates. Max breaks down key cannabinoids like THCV, CBN, CBG, CBC, and how their unique effects—from focus and appetite suppression to sleep aid—are reshaping consumer experiences beyond traditional THC. They dive into the production advantages of solventless rosin versus distillate, retail

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41:46

WeCann’s Expert Playbook: How to Thrive in the...

Kaya Cast ·

2025/06/03

On this episode of the Kaya Cast Podcast, we sit down with Meilad Rafiei from WeCann, a seasoned cannabis industry expert with roots as a dispensary owner in California since 2014. Meilad shares his unique journey navigating the early days of legal cannabis amid competing with illicit operators, his strategic approach to buying and selling dispensaries, and insights on market timing to maximize business value. We dive deep into what buyers should look for, how to assess operational

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188 results

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