Skip to content
From Pot to Popular podcast artwork

PODCAST · business

From Pot to Popular

by Rosie Mattio

An inside look into how leading entrepreneurs, executives, and journalists are bringing cannabis into the mainstream. Join host Rosie Mattio, founder of MATTIO Communications, for unfiltered conversations about the highs and lows of growing a business in this rapidly changing industry.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Mar 25, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Cristy Aranguiz: Building Business From the Ground Up, Journey of a First-Generation Latina Entrepreneur

    Navigating the cannabis industry without outside investment is challenging, but Cristy Aranguiz, CEO of Cannabis and Glass, has built a thriving business just that way. In this episode, Cristy shares how her and her partner Tate launched their first dispensary with just $10,000, scaled a business...

  2. Kyle Sherman: The evolution of cannabis retail platforms and how they impact customer experiences

    With more states beginning to open legal cannabis markets, the needs of dispensaries are shifting, and technology providers have struggled to keep up. Evolving consumer demands and regulations require retailers to stay agile and efficient, and ineffective software can hamper a business's...

  3. Brandon Wiegand: The Future of Cannabis Consumption

    The pace of innovation and change in the cannabis industry is relentless, so remaining eager and adaptable is key to ensuring success. As regulations evolve at the state and federal levels, opportunities have arisen for operators to attract new customers, educate both experienced and…

    more
  4. Brian Vicente: Establishing Global Cannabis Policy

    Midterm elections are drawing closer while voters are preparing for ballot initiatives on cannabis in Maryland, Arkansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Missouri and Oklahoma. The upcoming votes may carry large implications when forecasting the future for the legalization of cannabis in the United...

  5. Scott Grossman: Investing In The Cannabinoid Conversation

    With every passing moment, emerging industry innovators are looking for new ways to penetrate the market and create new distribution channels. As the cannabis space continues to develop, new businesses continue to pop up, but how exactly does a 150-year-old brand adapt and identify a path to...

  6. Propelling the cannabis industry forward while growing the payments ecosystem

    Cannabis entrepreneurs face a number of challenges with cash management while navigating a strict financial framework preventing most major banks from working with the cannabis industry. Passing the SAFE Banking Act would open doors for more financial institutions to assist cannabis operators…

    more
  7. Tyneeha Rivers: Investing in the people that power the cannabis industry

    The success of any industry is largely dependent on those who work in it and the cannabis industry is certainly not exempt. Dynamic leaders in the human resources field are needed to put the best candidates in a position to succeed as a company grows and evolves. In this episode, Tyneeha Rivers,...

  8. Warren Bobrow: Putting simplicity first when crafting the perfect cannabis beverage

    The cannabis beverage sector is becoming increasingly competitive with each new product, offering a wide variety of seltzers and infusions to consumers across the company. With this in mind, brands looking to break into the beverage space must enter with a unique, distinguishing perspective to...

  9. Aaron Miles: Scaling brands in the ever-changing cannabis landscape

    Inconsistent regulations, ever-evolving markets and rapid growth across sectors mean that cannabis companies do not and cannot operate in the same way as traditional, mainstream brands. In this episode, Aaron Miles, chief investment officer at Verano, discusses his experience in taking two…

    more
  10. Jeffrey Graham: Maximizing cannabis brands’ retail reach by leveraging targeted data

    Cannabis brands and dispensaries have traditionally lacked access to retail data in comparison to mainstream industries. In this episode, Pistil Data CEO Jeffrey Graham explains how he combined his expertise in analytics with his experience at Twitter and Google to revolutionize the way cannabis...

  11. George Mancheril: Addressing cannabis industry pain points through fintech lending

    The cannabis industry has experienced astounding growth over the past several years, but has done so with both hands tied behind its back. Cannabis operators are still barred from accessing institutional capital, thanks to the plant’s federally illegal status. Fortunately, there are a number of...

  12. Dina Rollman: Using cannabis licensing litigation to uplift aspiring operators

    Taking your cannabis dreams from idea to reality takes many more steps than entrepreneurs realize, starting with an often complicated licensing process. In this highly regulated industry, the guidance of a cannabis-focused lawyer can make all the difference. In this episode, Dina Rollman, SVP of...

  13. Sam Andras: Providing turnkey solutions to cannabis cultivators

    The cannabis industry is nothing without its cultivators. With increasing demand around the country, it is more essential than ever to optimize cultivation operations and provide top-tier expansion capabilities. In this episode, Sam Andras, executive vice president of professional services at...

  14. Kim Jage: Reimagining cannabis trade shows

    As the cannabis industry matures and more states come online for recreational sales, it is more essential than ever that leaders from around the country collaborate, network and share solutions for cannabis pain points. Like traditional CPG industries, trade shows are an effective and essential...

  15. Olivia Alexander: Cannabis product innovation with a female focus

    Women make up a significant consumer demographic in cannabis, yet remain underrepresented in both positions of leadership and product selection on dispensary shelves. Female entrepreneurs in cannabis are essential to pave the way for future leaders and create products designed specifically for...

  16. Travis Goad: Funding a growing industry through commercial real estate lending

    Raising capital in an industry that is federally illegal is no easy feat. Fortunately, commercial real estate lenders have allowed the industry to grow and thrive by providing reliable fundraising alternatives to cannabis ventures unable to access institutional capital. This episode features…

    more
  17. Cyo Nystrom: How unique products can break down cannabis and sexual health stigmas

    Like cannabis, the stigmas around intimate health—especially for those with vaginas—often keep consumers from purchasing products that would improve their daily lives. At the intersection of these two sectors, brands like Quim work to break down barriers and develop products that leverage...

  18. Ben Gaines: Keeping the brand vision at the forefront of cannabis operations

    How does an Oregon edibles brand become one of the leading brands in the United States? In this episode, Ben Gaines, director of marketing at WYLD, discusses how the brand grew their simple concept of a quality cannabis gummy to a coveted national brand. He outlines the essential company…

    more
  19. Ari Mackler: Allowing science to define cannabis product innovation

    When it comes to product innovation in cannabis, it is essential to keep science at the forefront to ensure quality and consistent experiences. Considering how numerous patients and consumers use cannabis in their daily routines, it is vital to fully leverage existing cannabinoid research and the...

  20. Scott Kenyon: Cultivating best practices for human resources in cannabis

    While many industries have been grappling with the “Great Resignation,” employees around the country are clamoring for cannabis employment in all sectors. With this influx of interest comes a need for state-of-the-art human resources and human capital management to support cannabis operators and...

  21. T. Andrew Brown: How can states weave social equity into cannabis legislation?

    Like any emerging industry, legal cannabis will not be able to reach its full potential without the support of lawyers in all sectors. In this episode, T. Andrew Brown, president of AWH New York and president of the New York State Bar Association, offers his unique perspective as an attorney on…

    more
  22. Ryan G. Smith: Creating the tech infrastructure driving cannabis retail growth

    The cannabis retail ecosystem is nearly unrecognizable compared to its earliest iterations, and much of the sector’s growth can be attributed to LeafLink, the industry’s largest B2B wholesale platform. In this episode, Ryan G. Smith, co-founder and CEO of LeafLink, discusses his early days as an...

  23. Len Tannenbaum: Paving the way for institutional cannabis banking

    Despite its presence as a major emerging industry in the United States, cannabis has long lacked a key component to legitimizing its place in the mainstream business community: streamlined banking. In this episode, Len Tannenbaum, Founder and CEO of AFC Gamma, discusses his journey to becoming…

    more
  24. Brady Cobb: How will cannabis regulations take shape in 2022 and beyond?

    Federal cannabis regulation in the United States is not an “if,” but a “when.” With legislation like the SAFE Banking Act still on the table in Congress, access to traditional financial services for cannabis operators is inching towards being a reality. In this episode, Brady Cobb, policy…

    more
  25. Kim Rivers: Keeping customer relationships at the forefront of your growth strategy

    How does a brand go from being a startup to the largest MSO in its industry? In cannabis and beyond, it takes intelligent leadership and a constant feedback loop with consumers to grow to such impressive heights. In this episode, Kim Rivers, CEO of Trulieve, talks about how Trulieve prioritizes...

  26. Josh Radbod: Banking and compliance are the keys to cannabis industry growth

    The cannabis industry faces a multitude of challenges, from sporadic legalization across states to inconsistent regulations. The lack of federal legalization has created a glaring problem in the financial sector of the industry. Without access to banking and payment opportunities, cannabis...

  27. Max Simon: Educating cannabis professionals to build up industry standards

    All established industries have some level of baseline best practices. But with cannabis only a decade into its legal years, new recruits entering the space often lack experience, knowledge and basic proficiencies from the start, making it difficult for all industry players to be on the same…

    more
  28. Troy Datcher: What can cannabis learn from traditional CPG?

    There are brands that have lasted for a hundred years. Household names like Procter and Gamble or Clorox are prime examples of traditional CPG companies that continue to succeed because of their strong foundation. With the right strategies and a strong team, CPG brands in cannabis can establish…

    more
  29. Gary Santo: Beyond donation: how MSOs can make cannabis a more equitable space

    Social equity and the cannabis industry go hand-in-hand. Given cannabis’ controversial and discriminatory past, it is essential for leading operators to give back to communities that have been the most impacted by the War on Drugs. In this episode, Gary Santo, CEO of TILT Holdings, talks about…

    more
  30. Cathy Corby Iannuzzelli: How streamlined payment methods pave the way for cannabis growth

    In a fledgling industry like cannabis, unexpected challenges can arise as retailers work to maximize their full potential. One such issue is that of payment. Cannabis is a traditionally cash-based industry and many mainstream credit cards will not allow for the purchase of a federally illegal...

  31. Mladen Barbaric: What does it mean to scale in the vape sector with safety and innovation in mind?

    Up to 90% of cannabis consumed is inhaled—people just prefer smoking. With vaporizers gaining more and more traction in the cannabis space, new technology is needed to keep safety at the forefront of the trend. In this episode, Mladen Barbaric, Founder and CEO of Airgraft, explains his company’s...

  32. Matt Melander: How infused beverages normalize cannabis

    Gathering around a few drinks with friends is an elemental part of our social lives. While alcohol has a foothold in the adult beverage category, the cannabis beverage sector is growing, giving consumers another option for their drink of choice in a social or private setting. In this episode…

    more
  33. Kristi Price: “Filling the gap” of POC in the cannabis industry

    The cannabis industry in the United States has deep roots in Black American culture, and yet the growing legal market lacks representation of the very communities that built these foundations. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential that BIPOC cannabis professionals, as well as those...

  34. Vishal Rungta: What does it take to bring a quality product to scale?

    As brands grow in scale and expand into new markets, it can be challenging to maintain a consistent level of product quality. All too often, expanding is a big risk for businesses—executives need to be strategic in order to help their product succeed in new markets. Vishal Rungta, CFO, President,...

  35. Jigar Patel: How can cannabis operators cut through the red tape?

    Legal cannabis businesses are being met with unmatched consumer and investor interest as the industry continues to mature, but many companies are still hampered by archaic regulations. Many entrepreneurs in the space continue to advocate for sweeping regulatory reforms, but which laws will…

    more
  36. Everett Smith: Bringing an athlete mentality into the world of cannabis entrepreneurship

    Work ethic, accountability, and pushing through challenges—all lessons from a life as an athlete that translate to the world of cannabis entrepreneurship. Everett Smith started his career as a professional basketball player before transitioning to the cannabis space, carrying this athlete…

    more
  37. Chondita Dayton: How are brands successfully bringing cannabinoids into daily wellness routines?

    By now, most people know about CBD products and its many potential benefits, but only one third of those individuals have actually given cannabinoids a try. This statistic reflects a major opportunity for CBD brands to fill in that gap and bring the benefits of CBD to a much wider audience. In…

    more
  38. Graham Farrar: Cultivating a sustainable future for cannabis in California

    Sustainability and best business practices are not mutually exclusive. In the highly competitive California cannabis market, creating quality products with sustainable cultivation techniques is one way to differentiate your brand from thousands of competitors. In this episode, Graham Farrar,...

  39. Jason Spatafora: A deep dive into the past, present and future of cannabis investing

    Not many investors can say that they’ve been in the cannabis space since the days of penny stocks. A volatile market with booming highs and deep lows, it takes a pro to successfully navigate cannabis investments. In this episode, Jason Spatafora, long-time cannabis investor and “the Wolf of Weed...

  40. Brett Heyman: How merging fashion, cannabis, and fun is encouraging women into the cannabis space

    The stigmas that still surround cannabis usage often alienate women from enjoying its benefits and partaking in the culture. With rising trends advertising the wellness aspects of cannabis, it is important to remember that cannabis is also used for fun. In this episode, Brett Heyman, Founder of...

  41. Stuart Tomc: Keeping science as the driving force of the CBD industry

    Since 2014, CBD has grown from a relatively unknown ingredient to one of the most sought-after products on the market. While CBD has become a mainstream product, many science-backed brands are striving to develop a set of standards to set the industry up for long-term success. In this episode,...

  42. Ben Larson: How are emulsion and infusion technologies changing the course of the cannabis industry?

    As cannabis becomes an increasingly mainstream industry, brands in this space are also developing more accessible consumption methods for everyday customers. In recent years, infused products have exploded in popularity, especially in the beverage sector. In this episode, we sit down with Ben...

  43. Jonathan Rubin: What’s driving the momentum behind U.S. operators?

    Consumers and investors alike have begun rallying around the U.S. cannabis industry, and several top multi-state operators are stepping into the spotlight. In this episode, we talk to Jonathan Rubin from Phyto Partners about the driving forces behind the U.S. market’s exponential growth, as well…

    more
  44. Stephen Murphy: Opportunities in Europe’s Cannabis Marketplace

    There’s no doubt that cannabis legalization is sweeping the globe, but the rate at which regions are opening and the priorities of countries varies greatly. Europe’s market and infrastructure lags behind the U.S. and the focus continues to be on the medical market. But with U.S. MSOs like…

    more
  45. Sebastien Centner: How premium brands can deliver on their consumer promises

    When you think about premium cannabis, what comes to mind? Meticulously grown flower with a sweet aroma and distinct terpene profile? Luxurious THC-enriched body oils to soothe everyday aches and pains? What if we told you that the future of premium edibles may lie in French pastry? In this...

  46. Raymond Chang: What role does AI play in cannabis cultivation?

    Producing consistent yields has been a longstanding challenge for even the most experienced cultivators. Agrify, a developer of premium grow solutions, aims to make the cultivation process as streamlined and predictable as possible. In this episode, we talk to President and CEO Raymond Chang…

    more
  47. Ashley Reynolds: How cannabis entrepreneurship intersects with motherhood

    CBD has become one of the most popular wellness products among mothers, and Ashley Reynolds, was an early advocate for the holistic properties of cannabis when she co-founded Elmore Mountain Therapeutics in 2017. In this episode, we talk to Ashley about how her own postpartum experience led her…

    more
  48. Sam Ghods: What does it take to build a premium cannabis brand?

    An appreciation for craftsmanship often emerges as certain consumer industries become more developed and sophisticated, and cannabis is no exception. Just like with wine, spirits, and coffee, cannabis is gaining a steady following of connoisseurs seeking out premium experiences. In this episode…

    more
  49. Alex Milligan: Bringing the magic back to cannabis retail through subscription services

    While cannabis consumers seemingly have endless products and brands to choose from these days, brand discovery and engagement are still significant obstacles for legal companies. Since 2015, Nugg has been finding novel ways to improve patient and consumer retail experiences. The company first...

  50. Claire Moloney: How are cannabis marketplace insights fueling industry growth?

    LeafLink, the go-to wholesale marketplace for retailers, brands and distributors, has played an integral role in the maturation of the industry. In this episode, we talk to the company’s first hire, Claire Moloney about the greatest shifts in the wholesale market and how retail insights are being...

Type above to search every episode's transcript for a word or phrase. Matches are scoped to this podcast.

Searching…

We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.

No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.

Showing of matches

No topics indexed yet for this podcast.

Loading reviews...

ABOUT THIS SHOW

An inside look into how leading entrepreneurs, executives, and journalists are bringing cannabis into the mainstream. Join host Rosie Mattio, founder of MATTIO Communications, for unfiltered conversations about the highs and lows of growing a business in this rapidly changing industry.

HOSTED BY

Rosie Mattio

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does From Pot to Popular have?

From Pot to Popular currently has 87 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is From Pot to Popular about?

An inside look into how leading entrepreneurs, executives, and journalists are bringing cannabis into the mainstream. Join host Rosie Mattio, founder of MATTIO Communications, for unfiltered conversations about the highs and lows of growing a business in this rapidly changing industry.

How often does From Pot to Popular release new episodes?

From Pot to Popular has 87 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to From Pot to Popular?

You can listen to From Pot to Popular on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts From Pot to Popular?

From Pot to Popular is created and hosted by Rosie Mattio.
URL copied to clipboard!