The Conversation, Cannabis & Christianity podcast

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.

Observing modern times through ancient eyes with True Life Podcast's, George Monty.

When given the opportunity to choose between a soft heart or a heart of stone, the answer is obvious. These opportunities are given to us all day long, everyday.

Thinking about the purpose and value of life in the land of the living, open the link. Wondering what to do with time in the land of the living, open the link.

Alex Detmering is a tech marketer & psychedelic journalist. His anonymous podcast, Secret Wilderness, gives people who have gone through psychedelic therapy the chance to tell their stories with remarkable honesty. You can subscribe to Secret Wilderness at parablefoundation.substack.com.

The islands will look to me and wait in hope for my arm. Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail.

Jeff Rawson, Ph.D. founded the non-profit, Institute of Cannabis Science while he was a postdoctoral researcher in chemistry at Harvard. He does scientific research, investigative reporting, regulatory reviews, and subject matter expertise on cannabis testing. Jeff serves on the American Society of Testing and Materials D37 committees on cannabis and the American Counsel of Independent Labs, which awarded him their Preston S. Miller award for extraordinary services in 2024. Jeff earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Bard College in 2002, an M.S. in organic chemistry from the University of Vermont in 2009, and a Ph.D. in chemistry from Duke University in 2014. Driven by a passion to improve public health, Jeff uses his analytical skills to protect consumers of cannabis.

Whether we realize and accept it or not, forgiveness is available to everyone. It is not a coincidence that too many of us become bitter as we live longer. Self condemnation is a symptom of the Torah's covenant from Mount Sinai, a covenant that humans are incapable of fulfilling. Grace super-abounds

At the end of a day, how do we understand the stories and themes we hear in this loud 21st Century?

For the past eight years Chris Olson has produced educational programming for the cannabis and psychedelic industries, most recently for MJBizCon. Previously he developed conference programming and webinars for the National Cannabis Industry Association where he helped the Community College of Denver develop a cannabis business associate degree. Additionally, Chris produced programming for Jage Media cannabis retailers and brands. He also served as a field manager for the campaign to decriminalize psilocybin in Denver, Colorado.

There are moments in our lives when we are required to truthfully say out loud what we believe to be true about the life we have lived, and live, and the direction it now points. Many of us do not have an answer for what we believe about the purpose and value of our own life; yet, we claim to understand offense.

The funny thing about breath is that it can only be taken one breath at a time. Attempting to work against the body's mechanics will only result in damage and disease in the mortal frame. Appreciation and gratitude are hand-in-hand, and both require slowing down the imagination so the mind can recognize that it has been hijacked by profiteers.

When I invited Cynthia Saarie to be a guest, it was based upon her work in the cannabis industry (www.bestcopynow.com) where she helps cannabis companies, and all companies, improve their customer interface. What I learned after she accepted the invitation was that most of her life she has been a student of scripture. Cynthia's life is far from over, but the life she has lived is a life of victory. Victory where defeat appeared to be the only option.

In the midst of daily living, it is good to recognize the need for a soft heart and a steadfast spirit in your mortal frame (your body which houses the heart and mind).

Brendan Delaney is a 15-year cannabis industry executive, consultant, and founder of Water Leaf Consulting. His career began in Northern California’slegacy 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. Helater 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.

The human body is a temple and within it a soft heart grows alongside a renewed steadfast spirit.

We are all sons and daughters, and thank you to Season Five guests!Tim BarnhartJack GorslineJose PereiraLena FranklinDr. Ruth Fisher, PhDDr. Xanqunnes SinghTressa SilveyDr. Lissa Skitolsky & Aaron WeilDick WilkinsonKevin EdmundsonAdam PetersMatthew KopelmanJack CrossDaniel LockeGeorge MontyDr. Anthony Ferrari, PhDBrittney CornwellLance CutsforthAlex EckmanOdilia Hernandez-UnderwoodJaesen KanterEmily KnifeMegan MbengueEvan BentzDr. Geoff CutterGary HessLee SimpsonDr. Robert BrodnickAngie RoullierTerese BoworsJohn BaileyDr. Jennifer Anderson420 Chief Ryan JohnsonMandy LileMark MedalMichele and Mark MedalJuliana RobertsJames TrippJP DonahueJustin Smith