September 24 · 57 min
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
- TCSeptember 19 · 1 hr 1 min
Aaron Zeeman - Big Island Genetics 09/19/26
Aaron Zeeman, better known as Professor Potgrower, is a Hawaiʻi Island cultivator, breeder, author, and cannabis culture writer who has spent more than 30 years in Hawaiʻi. He is the founder of Big Island Genetics, author of The Hemp Ritual Handbook: A Slightly Disrespectful Guide to Cannabis Culture, and a contributor to SKUNK Magazine. His work focuses on Hawaiʻi’s legacy genetics, the people and culture that preserved them, and what has been gained — and lost — as cannabis moved from prohibition into the modern legal era.
- TCSeptember 10 · 46 min
Danny Sheehan - Voting Rights In America
Our guest today is Danny Sheehan. Danny is a constitutional litigator who has worked on some of the most important cases in modern American history. From the Pentagon Papers and the Watergate scandal to Iran-Contra, Danny now serves as Chief Counsel, President & Co-Founder of The Romero Institute. We explore the importance of mobilizing the citizenry to vote this coming November. We encourage everyone to join the Voting Rights in America town hall on September 19 at the 418 Project in Santa Cruz to empower the community and educate people about the Voting Rights Act, gerrymandering, and voter suppression in the United States. Local leaders like Ami Chen Mills and Ryan Coonerty, along with environmental activist Julia Butterfly Hill, will share the stage with Danny, plus an incredible music lineup featuring Phreeborn, Random Rab, and immersive visuals by Liquid Lit. Our goal is to mobilize and educate a local force to reach out to connections across the country, helping people vote and turn out at the highest possible percentage of registered voters so their voices are heard this election cycle.
- TCSeptember 4 · 1 hr 6 min
Kerry Hurley - NorCal Weed Gal 09/04/26
Today, we welcome Kerry Hurley, NorCal Weed Gal, an Emerald Triangle native and cannabis culture historian. At 16, she consciously decided to become a regular cannabis consumer to avoid the pitfalls of alcohol, drugs, or other addictions, like shopping. As a teen, Kerry noticed that every adult had a "vice" and wanted to design her life to avoid waking up at 30 and finding herself with a life-altering addiction. Kerry's parents were both civil servants and very responsible hippie cannabis consumers, so weed seemed like the safest choice. With divorced parents, Kerry is a Sonoma / Trinity hybrid. Kerry writes about her life experiences weekly on Substack, along with stories from locals and industry leaders whom she interviews, about the history of our nation's War on Weed and how it affected life in the Emerald Triangle. Kerry has a background in sales and marketing for companies like McAfee, Comcast, NBC, and Clifbar. At the 2026 Women in Cannabis Expo, Kerry was recently honored with the High Impact Award for her writing and Entrepreneurship.
- TCAugust 27 · 1 hr 3 min
Brian Applegarth - The Cannabis Trail 08/27/26
This week, we welcome Brian Applegarth, who is in town to celebrate Wo/Mans Alliance for Medical Marijuana WAMM and its place in Santa Cruz and California cultural history, adding it as a cultural landmark to the Cannabis Trail. The Cannabis Trail is a California cultural tourism initiative that preserves and shares the people, places, and stories that helped shape California cannabis history. Brian Applegarth is the owner and founder of Applegarth Intelligence, also known as A-Intel, a destination stewardship intelligence practice helping organizations understand change and strengthen their capacity to steward places with greater awareness, responsibility, and care. His work was forged at the intersection of cannabis, hemp, travel, culture, hospitality, and place. He is the founder of The Cannabis Trail and founding chair of the Cannabis Travel Association International. For more than a decade, Brian has helped shape cannabis and hemp tourism through destination programs, museum exhibitions, cultural storytelling, place-based inquiry, and the creation and launch of the California State Fair Cannabis Awards and Exhibit. Today, his work includes preserving and interpreting cannabis history as an important part of California’s broader cultural history.
- TCAugust 21 · 58 min
Richard Jergenson-Cultural Historian & Protopipe Co-Founder 08/21/26
Richard Jergenson lives in the Emerald Triangle in the beloved community of Willits. Richard is a product of Berkeley, the baby boomer generation, and the 1960’s counterculture, as well as a co-founder of the Protopipe business, over 50 years ago. Richard is a natural archivist; as a young historian from the 1960’s Richard began saving and storing the amazing posters, books and cultural icons of the times, which continues to be a lifelong passion. The Counterculture Museum and Archive is now a treasure trove of the rich cultural era of the 1960's, 70's, and 80's, and still growing as Richard's generation is letting go of treasured memorabilia. Richard's archived history collection has been exhibited at multiple Emerald Cups, Cannafest in Eureka, created the Emerald City Popup Museum in 2020 & 2021 and was curated at the “Cannabis in Mendocino County: our Story” exhibit with panel discussions in 2023. (Mendocino County Museum) Richard is a member of the California Cannabis Historical Society and the Counterculture History Coalition. Richard is working to create museum locations for important counterculture stories and archive collections. Richard continues to add to the counterculture & Cannabis Archive. It includes the 100-year prohibition history as well as artifacts from the Back to the Land movement here in Northern California - the Emerald Triangle and beyond. The time is at hand to share the incredible history of Cannabis and its meaningful contribution to the counterculture, as the Back to the Land culture is rapidly disappearing due to post cannabis legalization growing laws and boomers aging out. We look forward to sharing Canna-history knowledge with all of you.
- TCAugust 14 · 1 hr 4 min
Grant Palmer - CEO of Canna Cruz Dispensaries 08/14/26
Today on The Cannabis Connection Show, we welcome back Grant Palmer, CEO of Canna Cruz Dispensaries. Founded in 2008, Canna Cruz has grown into California's number one privately owned, vertically integrated dispensary chain, with five locations in Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Aptos, Salinas, and Seaside—plus its own cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution. Canna Cruz Salinas took home 1st place in Best Dispensary, Central California, at the 20th Anniversary Emerald Cup. Grant has a unique and crucial perspective on listening to customers at the point of sale, and we explore deepening the understanding of what customers are looking for and how best to align as a farmer to sell your crop and contribute to mutual success for all.
- TCAugust 6 · 1 hr 16 min
Lorien & Michael Curran - Canyon Creek Family Farms 08/07/26
Canyon Creek Family Farms is a legacy, small outdoor family-owned and run farm in the Trinity Alps, Trinity County. Owner-operators Michael and Lorien Curran have a combined 50+ years of cultivation experience; this is Michael’s 32nd season growing cannabis here in Canyon Creek, where he was born and raised. Using organic and regenerative farming techniques, native soil, and alpine snowmelt, we grow unique strains for solventless extraction and flower for our small-farm collective brand POET, or Producer Owners of the Emerald Triangle. This year, we took home 2 gold and 1 silver medals at the California State Fair, and this past weekend, the same gold-medal-winning Grapefruit Starburst rosin, processed by Master Makers, took first place at the Hashathon Cup.
- TCJuly 17 · 59 min
Michael Strupp - Woodwide Craft Flower 07/17/26
This week on the show, we welcome Michael Strupp to discuss his work pheno-hunting and cultivating some of the finest, award-winning cultivars in California. My personal goal this week was to investigate the source of this year's award-winning Dutch Treat cultivar, which captivated my imagination and evoked the nostalgic glory days of some of my first smokes, trim rooms, and grows. Michael and I explored his roots, cultivating the legendary Bubba Kush (U2 Mendo Cut), Mendo Purps, Grape Ape, and his early crosses, such as Maui OG. We shed light on his approach, "sifting for diamonds," in phenos of more modern cultivars like Viper Cookies. The long-awaited origin story of this legendary, award-winning cut of Dutch Treat is revealed: it has traveled across oceans and survived eras of cannabis history in the Emerald Triangle to come full circle and shine at the California Cannabis Awards on Saturday, July 18, at Cal Expo. Discover the Dutch Treat saga and stay for the good vibes from this legendary friend of Cannabis and keeper of the flame. Michael Strupp, a.k.a. Mendo Mikey Lion, was born and raised on the Mendocino Coast in the heart of the Emerald Triangle. He first started cultivating at the age of 15 and developed a love and passion for The Plant that has turned into a career in the cannabis industry. Michael has primarily been cultivating indoors since 2006. He and his partner launched their Brand Woodwide in 2019. Known for his pheno hunting and breeding projects, Michael and Woodwide bring a unique plant-first focus to the California recreational market.
- TCJuly 11 · 1 hr 8 min
Ian C. H. Hogan Cannabis Fiction, History, and Culture 07/10/2026
Happy 710! Really enjoyed this chat with Ian. We covered deep insights into the history of key cultivation hubs across Humboldt County. We explored cannabis as a psychedelic and catalyst for neuroplasticity, contributing to protest movements across California. We also do a nice genetics segment shedding light on key lines from the Emerald Triangle and beyond. Ian C. H. Hogan is a writer from the outlaw cannabis era. He got his degree in chemistry from Cal Poly Humboldt in 2009. He started Humboldt County’s first cannabis testing facility, CannaLabs, in Garberville in 2010, but after California declined to legalize recreational cannabis in 2012, he moved on to sunnier pastures. Ian now works as a consultant to the electric companies in California, focusing on building science and renewable energy, especially value engineering. Today his company, BIRA Energy, primarily does software development, designing tools to help predict and prevent blackouts. Ian C. H. Hogan is the author of three novels (HUMBOLDT HUSTLE, REDWOOD REVOLT, and soon TRIMMIGRANTS), numerous World of Darkness roleplaying game books, and the creator of the upcoming animated web series, POPULATION 420.
- TCJune 20 · 55 min
Genine Coleman - Legacy Genetics Project : People & Their Plants 06/19/2026
Today on the show, we welcome Genine Coleman to discuss the Legacy Cannabis Genetics: People and Their Plants Research Dissemination Event on June 26, 2026, from 1:30-4:30 PM at the Capital Events Center in Sacramento. This Free public event will present findings from a first-of-its-kind, multi-year community-based participatory research project examining California's legacy cannabis genetics and the communities that steward them. Funded by Proposition 64 cannabis tax revenues dedicated to public university research, the project brings together researchers from Cal Poly Humboldt, UC Berkeley, the Origins Council, LeafWorks, and the United Core Alliance. It is always an enlightening experience to connect with Genine and I am grateful for her and this work. Genine is the Founder and Executive Director of Origins Council, a nonprofit education, research and policy advocacy organization dedicated to sustainable rural economic development within cannabis producing regions, and establishing nationally and internationally recognized, legally defensible, standards-based, geographic indication systems for cannabis. OC is partnered with regional trade associations based in rural legacy producing regions, and represents the collective membership of these regional partner associations in OC’s programmatic activity. Her research interests are focused on community-based participatory research and appellations research. She is currently collaborating with university researchers in California to study California's legacy cannabis genetics and culture.
- TCJune 9 · 57 min
Cole Chapman - High Hill Cannabis 06/09/26
Today, we welcome Cole Chapman of High Hill Cannabis! High Hill Farms is a fully permitted, owner-operated cannabis farm nestled in the Foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Spanning 15,000 sq ft, we cultivate 100% organic, sustainable, and regenerative cannabis in native soil. Our plants thrive in greenhouses, basking in natural sunlight, with cool nights and warm days contributing to the exceptional quality of the cannabis we produce. Committed to a healthy, clean lifestyle, we prioritize environmental stewardship and holistic practices to ensure that every product is pure, safe, and reflects our dedication to wellness. I’m passionate about creating, building, and collaborating with nature and community to achieve shared success. For me, it’s not about profit, but about fostering a sustainable future for everyone who supports the brand
- TCMay 16 · 53 min
April - Weird Spooky Storytime 05/15/2026
April is the creator of Weird Spooky Storytime and the spooky girl persona @spookygirl831. With a B.A. in Social & Behavioral Science and a passion for research, April began diving into local history, folklore, legends, and paranormal stories throughout Santa Cruz and the surrounding areas. What started as late-night research rabbit holes eventually turned into creating videos about the strange and unexplained stories she was uncovering, and she never looked back. Fascinated by the paranormal for as long as she can remember, stepping into the world of spooky storytelling came very naturally, blending her love of research, local history, and all things weird and unexplained.
- TCMay 8 · 1 hr 9 min
Budularo - Long Flowering Sativas & Hazes with Dave Perkins 05/08/26
Budularo is a family brand. Founded by Tony Budularo, his son Isaac, and his son-in-law Dave Perkins. Tony Budularo has been growing for 53 years and is a world-renowned connoisseur known to have received many proven genetics from all over the world. His seed collection is coveted by growers from many continents. Led by his son Isaac and Dave, Budularo cultivates long-flowering sativas and hazes in a light-dep greenhouse in Mendocino County, many of which are exclusive to Budularo. Their passion is growing long-flowering varieties that don’t get you stoned, but lift you up and give you an enjoyable, long-lasting experience.
- TCApril 20 · 1 hr 3 min
James Leitz-California Cannabis Awards & Experience at the California State Fair 04/20/26
Happy 420! This 420, we welcome James Leitz, the Creator and Executive Producer of the California Cannabis Awards & Experience at the California State Fair. With over 30 years in sports, media, and live event production - including two decades at WMEIMG - he's built global campaigns and experiences for some of the world's biggest brands. Today, he focuses on emerging industries, helping shape the future of cannabis through large-scale, culturally relevant events. Loved this conversation, starting with cultivating the Tiburon Thai in high school to pioneering cannabis at the nation's most prestigious agricultural awards, one of the nation's oldest state fairs, celebrating farmers for over 172 years, and now we can honor Cannabis farmers in the annals of history.
- TCApril 15 · 53 min
Jeremy Warren & Richard Philbrook - Dark Heart Genetics, Science, and Craft 04/15/26
This week on the show, we welcome Jeremy Warren and Richard Philbrook of Dark Heart. Founded in Oakland, California in 2007, Dark Heart helped shape the modern cannabis industry through pioneering work in tissue culture, pathogen detection and large-scale genetic development-protecting and advancing the plant through years of meticulous cultivation. Jeremy Warren is the Director of Plant Genetics at Curaleaf. Jeremy has a PhD in Plant Pathology from UC Davis, has been leading Dark Heart's genetics program for over ten years, led HpLVd identification, and oversees plant genetics R&D at Curaleaf nationally and internationally. Richard Philbrook is the Principal Scientist of Genetics at Curaleaf. Richard is a Molecular biologist, studied plant genetics at UC Davis to work in cannabis, completed his Master's at Dark Heart, published researcher, and is recognized as an expert in cannabis breeding. We explore our history with the plant, favorite cultivars to cultivate and cross, and the Through the Woods launch of a new limited-edition trio of ultra-premium cannabis flower this 420.
- TCApril 2 · 1 hr 2 min
Vanessa Lavorato - How to Eat Weed and Have a Good Time 04/02/26
This week, we welcome Vanessa Lovarato to the show to share her wisdom on integrating weed into your favorite dishes and indulgences, such as chocolate, butter, and beverages. Born in California and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, television host, chocolatier, and food writer Vanessa Lavorato graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in art history and Italian. But the biggest lesson she took from school was that her calling sat at the crossroads of entrepreneurship, food, and cannabis. In 2010, she founded Marigold Sweets, creating a market for edibles that prioritizes flavor and sourcing while maintaining artisanal quality. Lavorato built her business on the strength of her premium product, despite the added challenge of navigating the ever-changing laws governing cannabis edibles. Starting in 2016, Lavorato cohosted and culinary-produced three seasons of VICE’s James Beard Award–nominated cannabis cooking show Bong Appétit. These days, her stoner-at-a-stove cooking show, The Edibles Club, brings together members from around the world to learn to make dishes like Hash Tortellini and Weed Hollandaze. She lives in Los Angeles with her dog, Bon Bon.
- TCMarch 27 · 1 hr 3 min
Kagyu - Coastal Seed Genetics 03/27/26
Today on the show, we welcome Kagyu of Coastal Seed Genetics. Our last show was 9 years ago. Kagyu's first cannabis garden in Santa Cruz was in 1969, and he has over 50 years of experience cultivating and preserving landrace lines. At Coastal Seed Co, our mission is to preserve and advance legacy plant genetics with integrity. We are committed to safeguarding heirloom and landrace lines, producing vigorous and reliable seed stock, and keeping authentic breeding traditions alive for future generations. Through careful selection and transparency in our work, we provide cultivators with genetics rooted in history, built for performance, and selected for true expression in real-world gardens. www.coastalseedgenetics.com “Our job isn’t to chase hype—it’s to protect the line, honor the plant, and pass it forward better than we found it.” -Kagyu
- TCMarch 20 · 42 min
Alex Tice - 22Red & Flow 03/20/26
Today on the show, we welcome Alex Tice to discuss Arizona Cannabis, Skateboarding Culture, Self Expression, and Radical Habits. Alex Tice is the COO and CRO of Flow Distribution and a founding member of the company, where he leads sales, manufacturing coordination, product development, and marketing strategy. He played a key role in growing Flow into one of the largest cannabis distributors and manufacturers in Arizona, while also helping shape the 22Red brand. Rooted in the skateboarding industry, Alex was drawn to the cannabis space as it began expanding in Arizona around 2014, seeing it as a natural cultural and business evolution. Originally from Tempe and now based in Phoenix, he continues to drive innovation and growth across both Flow Distribution and their cannabis brands.
- TCMarch 14 · 1 hr
Reba - Grateful Cultivator 03/13/26
Today on the show, this one is a long time coming, years in the making. Welcome Reba! Reba, also known as Grateful_Cultivator, is a friend of cannabis. She has been cultivating since the Prop 215 days in the late '90s in Humboldt. She has a deep reverence for the plant, healthy soils, and wild spaces, with experience in most cultivation methods and particular expertise in organic and regenerative cultivation, as well as organic integrated pest and pathogen management. Please check out her work and new podcast via IG, her handle is grateful_cultivator.