#111 - How Hemp Beverages Are Rewriting Adult Drinking w/ Jeff Cantalupo of Listen Ventures

We explore how hemp-derived THC beverages are redefining adult drinking, why big brands hesitate while startups build, and how “vice wellness” turns ritual into wellness-driven status. Jeff Cantalupo of Listen Ventures shares what gets a VC to yes, how portfolios form, and where retail wins.• consumer demand driving THC beverage mainstream adoption• integration of life lessons into leadership and team communication• news on lawsuits and AG letters shaping risk perception• why incumbents buy innovation and how that opens a window for startups• the vice wellness thesis and behavior shifts in adult beverages• merchandising for outcomes and occasions, not alcohol types• channels that matter now: DTC labs, C stores, grocery, delivery• what VCs look for: team, brand acumen, omnichannel activation• margin structure, capital efficiency, and unit economics at scale• vertical versus asset light supply strategies and tradeoffs• brands to watch and how true brands differ from products• practical risk framing: stroke of the pen versus consumer pullIf you've enjoyed this episode, please drop us a like, a subscribe, a follow, a share. Drop a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, wherever you listen to your showsHave a question for us? Send us a text. We may answer it in the next show!--High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn. We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover? Visit our website www.highspiritspod.com and listen to all of our past shows.THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations. Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.