Morgan Smith Bought His Dead Friend's Business & Now Is Changing the Entire Kava Industry

Morgan Smith, owner of Kalm with Kava, shares the story of how he took over a kava business from his late friend Mike Munsell — and turned it into a mission-driven company rooted in respect, education, and long-term sustainability.In this episode, we dig into:The redemption arc behind Kalm with Kava — from losing a close friend to carrying on his legacyWhat kava actually is, how it's prepared, and why it's been used for 3,000 years across the South PacificHow Morgan went from pharmaceuticals that "took him out of his mind" to finding a natural alternativeThe $20 billion alcohol surplus and why millennials are driving the sober-curious movementNavigating cultural sensitivity as a non-Polynesian in a deeply Polynesian spaceWhy there's no exit strategy — and why venture capital could ruin kavaThe supply chain reality: kava takes 3–5 years to grow and can't just be shipped as seedsHow kava bars, gummies, seltzers, and farm education are spreading the wordWhy Morgan believes kava could become a premium category at corporate events and fundraisersConnect with Morgan & Kalm with Kava:Website: kalmwithkava.com (Kalm with a K)Amazon: Search "Kalm with Kava"Instagram, TikTok, YouTube: @kalmwithkavaFarm: Puiwa Farms Hawaii (on all socials)Email: [email protected]