The Conversation, Cannabis & Christianity podcast

Dan Roberts grew up in a small town in Newfoundland, Canada and moved to Ontario when the attacks on 9/11/2001 negatively impacted the sawmill his Dad employed by, causing its closure. Dan joined the Canadian Army at the age of 18 and was posted in Valcartier, Quebec where he was stationed with the Vandoos (Quebec's infantry unit), and deployed to Afghanistan in 2009. Dan's transition back into civilian society included work in security, and after understanding and working to control PTSD, he has engaged with the work of helping others through the challenges in their lives. He has a lot of tattoos, and we talk about some of them as Dan conveys his journey on this earth.

Roger Hargreaves wrote a series of children's books that may sound familiar to your ears: Mr. Happy, Mr. Greedy, Mr. Messy and Mr. Topsy-Turvy. He wrote a series of books for girls, as well. They are stories designed to teach children about a world that is upside down. Mr. Topsy-Turvy does everything backwards and when he visits a town he causes chaos among the people, leaving the negative effects of his upside down ways to linger with the town's people, even after they threw him out. If one is comfortable and enjoys the injustice of a topsy-turvy world, one would go to great lengths to push away the new wine because they want the old. Only in an upside down world would avarice be sold as holy righteousness.

From the structure of a bee colony to the sweetness of the honey they make, and of course their sting, there is nothing like the bee. Jodeci's Alternative Daily Enhancements (JADE) is Jodeci Gonzalez's brainchild where she combines bees, honey, cannabis and wellness education into her medicinal products.

Everyone is born naked and everyone dies naked, taking nothing with us but what we have on the inside, the inner-man and the inner-woman. Titles, possessions, claims of being first and the greatest remain in the temporary land of the living when one dies. Legacy is often spoken of in the land of the living. Yet, the one who is remembered is no longer with the living. They have become a memory for better or worse. What an individual believes is what goes with them when the time has come to exit the land of the living. What have you chosen to believe?

Jackson Wayne O'Herer does not exist. But the individual using this name is a professional, a husband and a father of two. He is not a medical or mental health professional and does not give such advice. However, he has come to believe that Jesus is who He claimed to be and loves him the way He promises to love him. Jackson's family tree is from the Appalachian Mountains and foothills and he grew up in a culture that used plants as medicine. He's suffered from depression, anxiety and chronic pain and has come to understand the medicinal value in marijuana that supersedes the false stigma surrounding the marijuana plant and those who use it.

How we perceive moments in life is based on our knowledge and understanding from the number of years we have lived. Everything from culture to education to experiences and most certainly from what one believes about the value and purpose of their life shape how decisions are made. In a world where deception is openly used to mislead masses, how can one be sure their knowledge and understanding of light is truly light, and that one has not been misled by a false image of light?

Steele Clarke Smith III is a pioneering healthcare innovator best known for leading the development of the first standardized cannabinoid tablet formulated to meet FDA‑level pharmaceutical standards. Through his work with C3 International, Inc., he helped establish a pharmaceutical‑grade foundation for cannabinoid therapeutics—bringing precision dosing, safety and clinical reliability to a space previously dominated by inconsistent products.Driven by a mission to elevate patient care, Steele continues to champion medical solutions that merge scientific rigor with compassionate innovation, setting new benchmarks for how cannabinoid‑based therapies can be delivered to doctors and patients worldwide.

Russell Brown is a seasoned strategic leader whose career spans high‑level operations, organizational development, and national program expansion. With a proven track record of building scalable systems,strengthening institutional partnerships, and guiding organizations through periods of rapid growth, he brings a critical operational lens to emerging healthcare innovations.In his role supporting Idrasil® and its parent company C3 International, Russell’s expertise directly advances the company’s mission to deliver the first standardized, pharmaceutical‑grade cannabinoid tablet to patients across the country and around the world. His background in complex program management and national‑level coordination positions him as a keydriver in expanding Idrasil’s footprint, strengthening regulatory alignment, and building the infrastructure required for sustainable global distribution.

Natasha Rester serves as the Director of Military Affairsfor C3 International, where she leads outreach, education, and strategic engagement with U.S. service members, veterans, and military‑support organizations. Drawing on her background in military community advocacy and her academic foundation from Southern New Hampshire University, she works to expandaccess to Idrasil®, the first standardized, non‑addictive cannabinoid‑based therapeutic designed to deliver consistent, pharmaceutical‑grade dosing.In her role, Natasha builds bridges between militarycommunities, clinicians, and wellness leaders—advancing responsible, science‑based approaches to pain management, recovery, and long‑term resilience. Her work supports C3 International’s mission to provide safe, consistent, and medically guided alternatives for those who have served.

Tim Barnhart is part Indigenous Mohawk and part Irish and he resides on the sovereign Mohawk land of Tyendinaga. His minor years were lived in the United States before moving to Canada and eventually Tyendinaga, and he is the founder and owner of, Legacy 420 Cannabis Dispensary. Legacy 420 does far more than grow marijuana, and Tim is far more than a high quality marijuana farmer. This conversation spans several years of Tim being a guest on the podcast, and it is about the timing of happenings in one's life.

Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Veronica Castillo is The Traveling Cannabis Writer - a nationally published journalist, author, and storyteller  who has spent almost a decade documenting the cannabis industry across the United States and internationally. She's the author of Cannabis Legacy Chronicles, and has been published in over 20 publications including High Times, Leafly, and Marijuana Venture.She recently completed, The High Road: Beyond Borders tour in Thailand, connecting cannabis markets across continents. Her work focuses on amplifying minority voices, legacy operators, and the communities building this industry from the ground up. From living in her car to chase stories to covering global cannabis markets, Veronica has built a career documenting the people and places mainstream media overlooked.

Micah Stover is an author, educator and therapist. She earned a B.A. in philosophy with an emphasis on Buddhist studies as well as an M.A. in Creative Writing, both from Belmont University. Micah is a Nashville native and has spent a collective 10 years living abroad in other cultures, studying in various indigenous communities in both Asia and Mexico. She published her first book in November of 2024, Healing Psychedelics: Innovative Therapies for Trauma and Transformation. Her focus in this book is to bring caution and measure to an exploding field, encouraging people to understand the risks of appropriation and the necessity of conjunctive therapy to yield results.

Clara Parati is a Psychosynthesis and Psychedelic Integration Coach who supports people through periods of deep change, emotional challenge, and awakening. Drawing from transpersonal psychology, somatic awareness, and her own lived experience, she helps individuals process transformative inner journeys, especially those connected to psychedelics, identity shifts, and life transitions. Her work focuses on creating meaningful change while helping people become more grounded, connected, and aligned with who they truly are.

There is a difference between being told how a thing works and knowing the thing yourself. Personal knowledge from experience with the thing itself. There are no middle men or women between you and Jesus. You will have to unwind your presuppositions, but is not the change from false to true what humans seek in the land of the living?

Clothes to be worn are chosen daily, and new clothes are worn when they are received. Human beings do the same with our thoughts. But in a world where harm and pain are commodities, what and who can be trusted? Let Peace be your guide.

We humans are easily distracted and often forget the solution to trouble is peace. How do we understand peace? How far into our thoughts do we allow peace to flow?

Are love and forgiveness simply feel good emotions satisfying our shallow subjective truths? Love and forgiveness flow deeper in the human life than many understand. Where does one go to find love and forgiveness that does not require a toll, and if there's a toll is it really love and forgiveness? Each soul needs love and forgiveness, and each soul needs to give love and forgiveness. Love came with forgiveness in Jesus; it cannot be purchased by money or sweat.

Matt McCollum is the co-founder and Head of Marketing at Drink Contento, a premium hemp-derived THC beverage brand launching in Texas. With degrees in Public Relations and Psychology from Texas Tech University, Matt cut his teeth in consumer packaged goods at the helm of Gringo Bandito Hot Sauce, a brand he was able to grow from a handful of local accounts to national and international distribution through scrappy guerrilla marketing and relationship building on a shoestring budget. He achieved this success all while spending nights and weekends behind a bar at the beach, slinging drinks and talking to every walk of life. Over 15 years behind the stick, he learned human behavior the way no textbook can teach it: watching people unwind, connect, and make decisions in real time. That foundation in behavioral psychology and lived experience has shaped how he thinks about brands and consumers.In recent years, Matt has also found himself on an unexpected but welcome spiritual journey, developing a relationship with God that has quietly shaped both the man and the mission behind the brand.

Born at the Right Time and at the Right Place, you are.

Veterans For Healing CEO & Founder Fabian Henry, from Nova Scotia, is a former Canadian Armed Forces soldier deeply dedicated to veterans' well-being. With a dynamic career, Fabian specialized in combat engineering, serving on six deployments including Afghanistan, Haiti, and Pakistan.  Post-military, Fabian leads in developing precise veteran recovery processes. As an award-winning social entrepreneur and advocate, he's founded corps and non-profits, forging an integrated platform for veterans navigating post-service life. His commitment arises from facing adversity, enduring PTSD, hearing loss, and addiction due to prescription painkillers. Fabian's own journey drives his mission to transform veteran care. His visionary leadership creates a compassionate space for veterans to heal, find hope, and renewed purpose. He is the subject of a Kim Saltarski produced documentary titled, 'About Turn The Documentary'.

Dr. Anderson graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2011 and finished her residency in Family Medicine, and she is proud to say she is a Metis physician born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Dr. Anderson’s passion for Cannabinoid medicine started in 2017, when her son with intractable epilepsy had failed all treatments and she was forced to close her practice. Seizing multiple times per hour she knew the outlook was dire, and after one dose of CBD she saw dramatic results. Since then, Dr. Anderson has committed herself to helping other children who have failed all options explore cannabinoids, and she has seen amazing results.

After 13 years of active-duty service in the U.S. Army, Adam found the transition to civilian life full of pitfalls, untrustworthy "gurus", and of course, thousands of courses and communities promising everything under the sun. Adam's goal for The Strategic Veteran is to ensure military transition to civilian life is smooth and frictionless as possible. Helping to curb veteran suicide is the ultimate purpose that goes far beyond business. We’re here for you. Veterans of all walks of life.

Megan is the revolutionary force behind EntheaCare (Trusted Canna Nurse) and she is a registered nurse with over 13 years of experience in nursing. In 2022, she founded Trusted Canna Nurse to bridge the gap between patients and the powerful benefits of cannabis as medicine. She and her team also crafted a therapeutic line of hemp products, including tinctures, edibles, topicals, and suppositories.After transforming her life through a micro-dosing program in 2023, Megan expanded her offerings to include micro-dosing programs and transitioned the company name to EntheaCare in July of 2025. With a master’s degree in medical cannabis therapeutics, Megan is passionate about educating others on the healing power of cannabis and psychedelics, sharing her expertise both in person and online, and ending the stigma of plant medicine. 

Emily Knife, RN, MSN, is a visionary nurse leader and founder of Modern Nurse Fest and the School of Modern Nursing. With over a decade of clinical experience, she pioneers the field of somatic nursing, blending neuroscience, somatic healing, and integrative health to empower nurses and healthcare leaders. As a sought-after speaker, educator, and host of the Modern Nurse Podcast, Emily inspires nurses to embrace resilience, authenticity, and innovative career paths through her Somatic Nurse Coach Certification, retreats, and global events like Modern Nurse Fest, redefining nursing for the modern era.

Lee Simpson is the founder of King Harvest Wellness and kingharvest.org - A critical illness medical cannabis oil provider that focuses on no obligation patient consultation and education. King Harvest makes - flower only - 3rd party lab tested medicines for critical illness and disease eradication. Full Extract Cannabis Oil (FECO) - Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) in critical illness has allowed for organizations to take a Christ centered approach by providing sun grown medical cannabis oils “as they were created” and naturally intended by the Lord himself. We focus on getting people “better” instead of getting people “high” - We have a Christ centered conservative and responsible approach designed to eliminate the underlying cause of the disease itself and allows for direct ministry with patients at critical times. 

Gary Hess is the founder and Executive Director of the Veterans Alliance for Holistic Alternatives (VAHA), CEO of Teleleaf, and Founder of, Warrior Tribe Assembly – organizations he founded to help destigmatize and provide access to medical cannabis.Gary served in the Marine Corps for 11 years, both enlisted and as an Infantry Officer. After serving during the heaviest levels of fighting in Irag, Gary experienced the challenges of living with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, and pharmaceutical dependency first-hand. He used cannabis not only to manage his conditions safely on his path to recovery, but also to catalyze and expedite Post-Traumatic Growth. He is now an advocate and activist for the use of medical cannabis in post-traumatic recovery – both for veterans and trauma survivors.

Mark and Michele’s path began in 2019 with their first ayahuasca experience — a moment that opened the door to deep healing, clarity, and transformation. What started as a personal awakening quickly became a calling to help others find the same freedom, connection, and inner truth.Walking their medicine path reshaped their lives, their purpose, and their relationship. Guided by the belief that healing should be accessible, safe, and supported, they set out to build spaces where people could learn, connect, and grow together.From that vision came The Plant Medicine Path, a thriving community dedicated to education, integration, and conscious living. Alongside it, they launched Mama Dose, offering micro-dosing support and high-integrity products for daily mental clarity — and Medicine with the Medals, a podcast sharing real stories, wisdom, and heartfelt conversations about plant medicine and personal transformation.

All natural ingredients, no synthetics. Mandy Lile's dedication to safe, effective skincare began at a young age. Witnessing firsthand the transformative power of botanicals in her skincare spa, Mandy was drawn to the potential of cannabinoids. After incorporating this ancient ingredient into her formula, the results were undeniable. In 2018, Potency No. 710 was born with authentic ingredients, not synthetics. Interestingly, Mandy’s Dad spent 14 years in prison on marijuana charges. Mandy grew up with stigma but never succumbed to it, she ascended.

Dr. Robert Brodnick, known to many as Dr. Bob, is a chemist, entrepreneur, and founder of PhenoTerps LLC, a company specializing in product formulation, compliance, and technical services. His work spans research and development in beverage formulations, botanical terpene and flavor applications, and ISO 17025 testing laboratory design-build, and operations. With a background in music, chemistry, and entrepreneurship, Dr. Bob has a unique perspective on the intersection of science, culture, and creativity. His recent focus includes advancing the cannabis and hemp industries through both scientific rigor and systems design, while also exploring deeper questions of coherence, intelligence, and the nature of reality.

Terese Bowors is a renowned health advocate, Cannabis Educator, Ceremony Guide and Oracle with over 15 years of experience working with Cannabis as a sacred ally. She brings the wisdom of a life shaped by spiritual reclamation, chronic illness, and the journey of raising two children with complex health needs.Based in the city of Nelson, British Colombia, Canada, Terese creates grounded and transformative spaces that invite others into alignment with their bodies, their breath and the sacred intelligence of the plant world. Her approach blends science, somatic awareness and intuitive guidance to support nervous system regulation, spiritual connection and personal insight. Terese is known for her grace, compassion, and ability to hold safe, sacred space for profound transformation.

Where can one go for help in a world saturated with differing weights and dishonest scales? Answer: The Maker.

José Pereira is an international speaker, leadership coach, resilience expert and advocate with over 35 years in the oil and gas industry. His life took a dramatic turn when he was taken hostage in a foreign country, enduring nearly five years of captivity. During this dark period, his faith in God became his anchor, shaping his resilience and purpose.José shares his journey in his book, From Hero to Villain - My True Story of the CITGO6, where he explores lessons of faith, resilience and transformation. He has been featured on podcasts worldwide and hosts his own podcast, Building Resilience, inspiring audiences with insights on overcoming adversity and leading with empathy.As an advocate for the hostage community, José works to raise awareness and support families affected by hostage diplomacy. He remains deeply connected to his faith, actively participating in church service and using his experiences to inspire and uplift others. Today, through his coaching, speaking, and advocacy, José empowers leaders to balance success with purpose and resilience in their lives.

James’s story is not a simple narrative about cannabis—it’s the chronicle of a man who spent decades enduring physical damage, failed medical treatments, and a profound emotional collapse before discovering a tool that allowed him to rebuild. His journey stretches across childhood illnesses, industrial work injuries, chronic digestive disease, nerve damage, and even a near-death car accident. Over time, these experiences carved both the wounds and the wisdom that shape how he sees health, humanity, and the future.

JP Donahue started his professional life with a law degree from St. John's University and a big job at a big firm in New York City. He quit one year in to write movies and television scripts. People thought he was nuts, but that choice began a 15-year run as a screenwriter in Los Angeles. He's authored over 25 original, for-hire, and uncredited rewrites for film and television at companies like Warner Bros., Dreamworks, CBS and NBC. He left Hollywood for cannabis in 2009, and after a decade in cultivation, he co-founded, Tropicana Dispensary, created the brand, and grew it into a $20M Superbrand in 18 months. His bold branding broke the mold and still influences cannabis branding today. In 2021, he exited Tropicana and moved to Costa Rica where he currently resides and operates, The Stoned Ape.

Ruth Fisher, Ph.D., is a systems design researcher, modeler, and analyst. She studies markets to determine how environments shape outcomes. Dr. Fisher has 30 years of experience in the technology and healthcare industries and has worked on behalf of technology companies, early-stage researchers, physicians, and technology start-ups.Dr. Fisher came to cannabis in 2016 to help her brother figure out how to use medical cannabis to address hisMS-induced neuropathic pain. Since then, she’s become an ardent researcher and advocate for medical cannabis use. As an economist, she’s also fascinated by cannabis technologies and market dynamics – how the industry is evolving for both medical and adult use, and how well the industry is serving the different market participants.Dr. Fisher is author of,The Medical Cannabis Primer: Ushering in the Golden Age of Marijuana.

Brendan Delaney is a 15-year cannabis industry executive, consultant, and founder of Water Leaf Consulting. His career began in Northern California’s legacy market, where he operated multiple cultivation sites across Trinity and Mendocino Counties — experience that shaped his deep understanding of genetics, plant health, and real-world cultivation environments.As the industry evolved, Brendan transitioned into licensed operations and went on to lead large multi-site cultivation and post-harvest programs, including serving as Vice President of Cultivation at Solar Cannabis Co., the first energy-independent commercial cannabis facility in the United States. He later became Senior Vice President of Operations at Hennep Cannabis, overseeing end-to-end operations and scaling the organization through rapid growth.Brendan is also a co-founder of Monarch Emulsions, a THC ingredient and formulation company focused on delivering consistent, stable, and high-quality water-soluble cannabinoid emulsions for beverage and infused product manufacturers.Today, through Water Leaf Consulting, Brendan partners with operators across the U.S. and internationally to design facilities, optimize production systems, develop leadership teams, and build disciplined, scalable operations that deliver quality, consistency, and profitability.

Robert Davis is a creative strategist, systems thinker, and founder of the marketing incubator, Official Agency, in 1999 where he works at the intersection of intelligence, design, narrative, and institutional alignment . With a background spanning cryptologic operations, early infrastructure technologies, brand architecture, and large-scale IP development, his work focuses on pattern recognition, governance clarity, and restoring coherence within complex systems. Today, Robert applies this lens across strategy,writing, and creative production - examining how perception, narrative pressure, and structural incentives shape outcomes in culture, policy, andhuman behavior.

In the land of the living, you have more than a thread of hope.

Christopher Amy is a Highly skilled Cannabis Cultivation Specialist with expertise in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and a proven track record of successfully maintaining optimal cannabis plant health, managing pests, diseases, and environmental factors to maximize yields. Chris has grown marijuana for more than 25 years,  mostly black market but the last five years he's been in the commercial industry in New Mexico. He makes his own cultivars/ breed cannabis strains, believes Jesus is who He says He is and Chris hasn't had a sip of alcohol in almost four years.  Cannabis helps him remain alcohol free.  

A life lived on both sides of the millennia, Michael Vecchione has crafted a life through the U.S. Coast Guard (his first retirement), the production and distribution of craft cigars and the delicate details of roasting quality coffee for the Norfolk/Tidewater Area and its universities and businesses. Connecting the dots of life and helping others do the same as he lives a full life that continues to move forward.

Janice's journey began when she hosted wellness gatherings on her lavender farm, where she discovered the power of aligning health with purpose. Since then, she has dedicated her work to helping others unlock their potential, build joyful living, and design lives that feel both vibrant and sustainable.She is a transformational leader at the intersection of holistic wellness and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. She helps empower women to experience radiant health, vibrant energy, and aligned success by blending science-backed nutritional rebalancing with heart-centered business mentorship. Through her 90-Day Reset and the Art of Living Joyfully community, she guides busy professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs to restore confidence, improve skin and hair health, and create scalable income streams rooted in authenticity and integrity.Janice believes true transformation starts within—and when your wellness and business are aligned, you can create impact, freedom, and a legacy of empowerment that inspires others to rise.

Colin lives a life built upon foundational change. Currently, he is the owner/founder of a resilient technology application called, Upling, and he is also a social-impact entrepreneur who turned personal adversity into industry innovation. After surviving multiple gunshot wounds and wrongful cannabis-related incarceration, he rebuilt his path through prison ministry, community advocacy, and entrepreneurship - going on to become a recognized business leader and a Top 40 Under 40 honoree.He founded Upling to expand safe, compliant access to cannabis and alternative wellness through technology, AI, and patient-protected delivery systems, with a strong commitment to second-chance hiring and inclusive economic development. His work sits at the intersection of cannabis, data, and social equity — building infrastructure that improves access while creating opportunity for underserved communities.

The flow of quiet waters daily brings peace to the mortal frame. Do not be afraid.

Or will it fly high like a bird up in the sky? Choices. Decisions. Does what you believe matter?

Elijah Elliott has worked in the cannabis industry for over 15 years, starting out as a grower in Oregon under the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program when he was 18 years old. From that point, Elijah fell in love with how the marijuana plant could help people, and his path was before him. He moved into retail, managed several dispensaries for Breeze Botanicals - was voted Rogue Valley Bud Tender of the Year - and transitioned into developing sales teams and running operations for companies like, Sun God Medicinals and A Better Cannabis Cooperative. During this time, he deepened his abilities with everything from inventory and logistics to procurement and fulfillment. Currently, Elijah is the VP of Operations at Jaxon Wellness, a national hemp brand focused on connecting farmers with the market they deserve. After suffering a life-changing vehicle accident, he is grateful to be a self proclaimed Hemp Ninja - for his love of martial arts.

This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.

Colin has lived a life of foundational change. Currently, he is the owner/founder of a resilient technology application called Upling, and he is also a social-impact entrepreneur who turned personal adversity into industry innovation. After surviving multiple gunshot wounds and wrongful cannabis-related incarceration, he rebuilt his path through prison ministry, community advocacy, and entrepreneurship — going on to become a recognized business leader and a Top 40 Under 40 honoree. He founded Upling to expand safe, compliant access to cannabis and alternative wellness through technology, AI, and patient-protected delivery systems, with a strong commitment to second-chance hiring and inclusive economic development. His work sits at the intersection of cannabis, data, and social equity — building infrastructure that improves access while creating opportunity for underserved communities.

You are a light in the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

Known by your name, you recognize His voice and hear Him calling you from the gate that no one else has authority to open. He knows you by your name.