GDM Podcast

🤝 Cannabis + Hemp Payments That Don’t Shut You Down: MTXE Merchant Processing Sean Conley - / seanconley In this episode of the GDM Podcast, we’re joined by Sean Conley, CEO of MTXE Merchant Processing, to talk about the part of cannabis that can ruin your week in 1 email. Payments. If you’re running a dispensary, hemp brand, THCa store, CBD ecommerce site, or any “ancillary” cannabis business, y...

🤖 Autonomous Cannabis Commerce For Real Operators: BakedBot AI - https://bakedbot.ai/ Martez Knox - / martezknox In this episode of the GDM Podcast, we’re joined by Martez Knox, founder and CEO of BakedBot AI, a Chicago based tech company building autonomous cannabis commerce. We get into AI agent budtenders, headless menus that fix iframe SEO, and how AI agents can run compliant email, SMS, and...

🔥 Build Apps That Actually Drive Revenue: Digital Awesome - https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/ Brady Halse - / bradyhalse In this episode of the GDM Podcast, we’re joined by Brady Halse, co-founder of Digital Awesome, the team behind 300 live dispensary apps and a new wave of brand apps. We dig into what makes an app convert, why webview wrappers fail, and how to use push notifications without r...

🔥 Learn Loyalty That Actually Works: https://www.highdef.studio Stephs Course: https://highdef.studio/product/clarif ... In this episode of the GDM Podcast, we’re joined (again) by Steph Vrona, founder of High Def Studio — the retention and loyalty architect behind some of the best-performing dispensary programs in the country. From six-month promo calendars to experiential reward systems that ma...

🎓 Get Certified with CannaPlan: https://www.cannaplan.co In this episode of the GDM Podcast, we’re joined by Tera Josephine Gabriel, founder of Cannaplan—one of only three ABCA-approved cannabis certification providers in Washington, D.C.—and Pharaoh Leaf, her new cultivation brand blending ancient Egyptian roots with modern craft cannabis. From launching DC’s first AI-powered compliance bot to d...

In this episode of the GDM Podcast, we’re joined by Antonio Panella, CEO of Bleaum, a cannabis POS platform rebuilding the industry’s tech stack from the ground up. From building ERP-style warehousing tools to launching AI-powered reports and branded loyalty apps, Bleaum isn’t just another point-of-sale—it’s a movement. Antonio shares how he went from cold calls to creating one of the most complet...

In this episode of the GDM Podcast, we’re joined by Amy Donohue—cannabis social media manager, startup advisor, and now the face of a potential class action lawsuit against Meta for targeting the cannabis industry with account bans, shadowbans, and deleted pages. For over a decade, Amy’s seen compliant cannabis brands get wiped from Instagram and Facebook without warning—while illegal psychedelic...

In this episode of the GDM Podcast, we sit down with Javier Hasse—Forbes senior contributor, CEO of El Planteo, and one of the most influential cannabis journalists in Latin America—to explore the untold stories, geopolitical power shifts, and media wars shaping the global cannabis industry. From Argentina to global syndication, Javier has spent the last decade building the most-read Spanish-langu...

In this episode of the GDM Podcast, we sit down with cannabis investment advisor and biotech veteran Seth Yakatan to unpack the brutal truths, overlooked opportunities, and high-stakes drama shaping the cannabis industry today. With over $1 billion raised and 22 exits under his belt, Seth has seen it all — from Silicon Valley hype cycles to federal reform stalls to the race for cannabis beverages...

In this episode of the GDM Podcast, we sit down with Bianca Snyder — aka High Society Mama — to explore how cannabis, microdosing, and psychedelics are helping mothers across the country reclaim their sanity, identity, and joy. A former wine industry executive turned plant medicine advocate, Bianca built Society’s Plant and a High Society Mama - community of over 130,000 moms looking for more than...

In this episode of the GDM Podcast, we sit down with Anthony Domangue, founder of Southern Roots Genetics, to dive deep into the art and science of growing cannabis that actually feels good — not just looks pretty on the shelf. From breaking his neck and turning to cannabis as real medicine, to breeding mold-resistant strains that thrive in the Midwest, Anthony shares a raw, behind-the-scenes look...

In this episode of the GDM Podcast, we sit down with Wyatt Hahn, co-founder of Pluggi, to explore how dispensary-focused AI is revolutionizing cannabis eCommerce and customer engagement. Whether you're a dispensary owner battling abandoned carts or just curious about how AI can supercharge your online sales, Wyatt’s journey from patient to product builder will leave you inspired and informed. 💡 W...

In this episode of the GDM Podcast, we sit down with Kevin Sparks, the innovative CEO of Sparks, to reveal the strategies behind his exceptional success in cannabis marketplace advertising. Whether you're a seasoned dispensary owner or new to the cannabis industry, Kevin's expertise in optimizing platforms like Weedmaps, Leafly, and Yelp is transforming how dispensaries achieve remarkable growth....

In this episode of the GDM Podcast, we sit down with Carl Saling III, the trailblazing CEO of HighDay, to uncover the secrets behind his revolutionary approach to cannabis marketing. Whether you're a seasoned industry veteran or a budding entrepreneur, Carl’s game-changing strategies in A2P registration and advanced dispensary retargeting are reshaping the future of cannabis branding. 💡 Ready to...

What separates dispensaries that struggle from those that print money online? In this panel, Samuel Fisher — dispensary marketing expert and Co-Founder of Green Dispensary Marketing — breaks it all down with three top SEO minds behind some of the best-performing cannabis retailers in the U.S. If you’ve ever been burned by agencies, locked out of your site, or wasting cash on third-party platforms,...

In this episode of the GDM Podcast, we sit down with Adam Bierman, the controversial co-founder of MedMen, to hear his side of the story on the company’s meteoric rise and dramatic fall. Whether you love him or hate him, you can’t ignore him—Bierman helped build the first billion-dollar U.S. cannabis company, forever shaping the industry. In this exclusive interview, Bierman shares: ✅ The truth a...

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Violas, CEO of BLAZE, to explore how cutting-edge cannabis tech is reshaping the way dispensaries operate. BLAZE is more than just a POS—it’s a complete cannabis software suite designed to help dispensary owners streamline operations, stay compliant, and boost sales. Chris shares: ✅ How BLAZE gives dispensaries an edge with tools built by former cannabis op...

In our second virtual B2B panel, we dive deep into the world of cannabis marketing with industry experts revolutionizing customer retention and loyalty strategies in 2025. Join Samuel Fisher as he moderates an insightful discussion with Steph Vrona (HighDef Studio), Lisa Williams (TOKE Agency), and Sandra Bergman (ESBE Marketing), uncovering the secrets to transforming dispensary marketing. Discov...

In this episode, we sit down with Steph Vrona, the dynamic founder and CEO of High Def Studio, a powerhouse in cannabis marketing and retention strategies. With nearly a decade of experience in the cannabis industry, Steph shares her inspiring journey from corporate marketing to entrepreneurship, revealing how she turned a setback into an opportunity to create her own agency. Join us as Steph dive...

In our first virtual B2B panel, we dive deep into the world of cannabis marketing with three industry titans who are revolutionizing customer retention and loyalty strategies in 2025. Join Samuel Fisher as he moderates an insightful discussion with Ryan McMullen (Zohr Stohr Media), Steve Riparip (Tact Firm), and Ryan Stewart (Dispojoy), uncovering the secrets to transforming dispensary marketing....

In this episode, we sit down with Jarell Wall, the visionary CEO of Gentleman Quinn's Blunt Co., a luxury pre-roll brand that's making waves in Colorado's cannabis industry. Jarell shares his fascinating journey from television production to becoming a key player in the cannabis market, revealing how a simple idea for a "big ass blunt" transformed into a thriving business. Join us as Jarell discus...

In this episode, we sit down with Amy Donohue, an expert social media manager and startup advisor for cannabis brands. With her extensive experience, Amy shares invaluable insights on navigating the complex world of social media marketing within the cannabis industry. Join us as Amy discusses her journey from managing car dealerships and commercial real estate to becoming a key player in the canna...

In this episode, we sit down with Diane Downey, the CEO and co-founder of Rebel Spirit Cannabis, a leading cannabis brand known for its high-quality, organically grown products. Diane shares her unique journey from being a high school English teacher to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the cannabis industry. Discover how Rebel Spirit Cannabis is making waves in Oregon by prioritizing sustaina...

In this episode, we sit down with Jose Escalante, the CEO of Futura Farms, a pioneering medical cannabis company in Peru. Jose shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities within the burgeoning medical cannabis market in Latin America, highlighting Futura Farms' mission to democratize access to cannabis-based treatments. Discover how Futura Farms is leading the way in Peru by importing...

In this episode, Samuel Fisher sits down with Michael Diaz-Rivera, the founder of Better Days Delivery, Colorado’s premier cannabis delivery service, to discuss the challenges and opportunities within the cannabis delivery landscape. Michael shares his story of building a delivery service that’s reshaping access to cannabis in Colorado, focusing on safe, reliable, and compliant options for consume...