High Functioning Podcast

Cassandra Purdy, co-founder of Sweetgrass Botanicals, shares her journey from international learning and herbalist training to building an award-winning wellness brand in the Berkshires. In this episode, we explore her philosophy on small-batch production, solventless techniques, and why honoring tradition is key to innovation. 🎙️ Topics Covered: ✔️ Personal and professional background ✔️ Launchin...

What does leadership in legal cannabis really look like? Travis Ahern, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, shares his approach to navigating one of the most complex regulatory landscapes in the country. In this episode, we talk through the CCC’s current structure and where it’s headed—from HCA pricing and testing lab enforcement to staffing turnover, architectural...

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more: 🔗 https://bit.ly/highfunctioningpod What does it take to make wellness products that actually work? Matt Besonen of United Cultivation joins us to talk about his journey from restaurant management to overseeing a licensed manufacturing facility in Massachusetts. In this episode, we break down the nuts and bolts of creating wellness products—from R&...

Emmy-winning broadcaster Jimmy Young spent decades in traditional media—calling iconic sports moments and hosting TV talk shows. But when he turned his lens toward cannabis news, he found himself navigating shadowbans, content takedowns, and an industry still being silenced. In this episode, Jimmy shares the highs and lows of running Pro Cannabis Media , why he believes the old media rules are gon...

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & More:🔗 https://bit.ly/highfunctioningpodWhat does it really take to build a successful c****bis beverage brand from scratch? In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, Adam Terry, CEO and Co-Founder of Cantrip, takes us behind the scenes of his bootstrapped journey — from hand-canning ice cream in Framingham to running one of the most talked-about...

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & More: 🔗 https://bit.ly/highfunctioningpod What does it take to build a business against all odds? In Episode 16 of the High Functioning Podcast, Caroline Pineau, CEO & Owner of Stem, shares her remarkable journey of fighting legal battles, navigating tax burdens, and standing up for independent business owners. From fighting city regulations to defe...

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & More:🔗 https://bit.ly/highfunctioningpodWhat does it take to raise capital, build a business, and avoid costly mistakes? In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, we sit down with Dr. David Cunic, a serial entrepreneur, investor relations expert, and business strategist who takes a medical approach to business success. From navigating tough marke...

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & More:🔗 https://bit.ly/highfunctioningpod Join us on the High Functioning Podcast as we explore what it takes to build a thriving business in today's challenging landscape. Our guest Ryan Cohen—co-founder of Top Shelf Cannaseurs and KindRun Delivery, and current Director of Business and Community Development at Glorious Cannabis Company—shares his journe...

What does it take to build a successful career in cannabis wholesale, navigate industry challenges, and foster meaningful partnerships? In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, we sit down with Jackie Crocco, Biz Dev Manager at Garden Remedies, to break down the wholesale market, the importance of relationship-building, and how the cannabis industry is evolving for professionals and parent...

What does it take to build one of the most influential conventions in the industry, manage large-scale events, and help businesses make the most of their opportunities? In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, we sit down with Marc Shepard, Co-Founder & President of NECANN, to dive into the world of event planning, business strategy, and the do’s and don’ts of exhibiting. 🎙️ Episode Hi...

What does it take to navigate a complex industry, leverage data effectively, and build a company that thrives in the age of automation? In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, we sit down with Rick Bashkoff, CEO of Lit Alerts, to explore the intersection of business strategy, technology, and the power of data.🎙️ Episode Highlights:✅ The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when pitching...

What does it take to build a business from the ground up, navigate industry challenges, and create a brand that stands the test of time? In this episode of the High Functioning Podcast, we sit down with Angela Brown, Co-Founder & CEO of Coast, to discuss the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the power of family in business, and the evolving landscape of the industry. 🎙️ Topics Covered: ✅ Th...

How do you transition into a new career while overcoming industry stigma? In this episode of High Functioning Podcast, we sit down with Michael Lamy to talk about navigating professional challenges, breaking through career barriers, and what professionals get wrong about industry transitions. 🔹 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Overcoming workplace stigma and career shifts ✔️ The strategy of "pennying out" i...

Eric Casey, Managing Editor of the Worcester Business Journal , shares his insights on journalism’s evolving role in shaping industries and navigating change. From adapting to trends in local reporting to uncovering growth opportunities, Eric’s take is both insightful and inspiring. ➡️ Listen now to learn more about the power of storytelling, industry challenges, and what’s next for media and busi...

Meet Ulysses Youngblood, the visionary President of Major Bloom, in this engaging episode. From his early days as a young entrepreneur to leading one of the most innovative cannabis companies in Massachusetts, Ulysses’ story is one of resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to social equity. Discover how Major Bloom is changing the game in cannabis delivery and community impact, and hear Uly...

🌿 High Functioning Podcast: Panel Special – The Future of Cannabis Spaces 🌿 What’s next for cannabis consumption? Join Chris Faraone, Todd Dahn, and Laury C. Lucien as they explore the possibilities for mixed-use spaces, community-driven activities, and innovative cannabis models. Key Moments: 🕒 21:25: "What are your thoughts on creating a space that combines consumption with community activiti...

In this special bonus episode of the High Functioning Podcast, Jason sits down with Dustin for a laid-back and unscripted chat. They dive into a variety of topics, sharing personal stories, reflections, and updates that highlight the human side of the cannabis industry and beyond. This candid conversation offers listeners a refreshing, relatable, and enjoyable break from the usual format. Perfect...

In this episode, Kimberly Roy, Commissioner at the C****bis Control Commission, provides a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape of c****bis regulation. From medical cannabis program updates to tackling lab testing challenges, Commissioner Roy discusses her work shaping policies for public safety, advertising rules, and worker safety in the c****bis industry. Learn about the emerging social...

In this extra episode of the High Function Podcast, we explore the journey of Dave Griffiths, a serial entrepreneur whose path to the cannabis industry is as winding as it is inspiring. From running a painting business in Medway, MA, to finding his calling in cannabis cultivation, Dave shares his entrepreneurial highs, hard-learned lessons, and the moment a dispensary in Breckenridge planted the s...

Jeff Similien, founder of LowKey Dispensary, shares his journey from real estate to launching a community-focused cannabis brand in Boston. He talks about his work with Method Man’s Tical flower brand, navigating cannabis regulations, and how his business helps the Dorchester community thrive. Learn how he turned a failed deal into a thriving business and why giving back matters so much to him.

In this episode, we delve into the unique journey of Bob Patton, grandson of the legendary WWII General George Patton, who transformed his family's historic military and farming heritage into a forward-thinking cannabis venture. From a pivotal family vote around the kitchen table to facing intense local pushback, Bob recounts the challenges and triumphs that led to the founding of Green Meadows. K...

Meet David Vaillencourt, the leader of The GMP Collective. He’s helping cannabis companies follow the rules and grow their business safely. In this chat with Jason, David shares how his knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) is making the cannabis industry better and safer. Get ready for easy-to-understand tips on how to meet cannabis rules, real stories about facing challenges and findin...

🌿 From Courtroom to Cannabis: A Lawyer's Unexpected Journey Meet Blake Mensing, the attorney who swapped his law practice to build Firebrand, a thriving cannabis enterprise. In this candid conversation with Jason Reposa, Blake reveals how he navigated the industry's wild west atmosphere, turning his legal expertise into an unexpected advantage. Get ready for: Raw insights into cannabis entrepre...

In this episode, Jason Reposa interviews Devin Alexander, a Massachusetts cannabis delivery operator and advocate for social equity in the cannabis industry. Devin discusses the challenges of running a cannabis business in a state with strict regulations, while the federal government still classifies cannabis as illegal. He shares insights on navigating compliance, overcoming regulatory barriers,...