Shows
Free Spirits: Insights on Functional BeveragesBuilding a Premium THC Beverage Brand in a Crowded Market with Fable LibationsIn this episode of the Free Spirits Podcast, we’re joined by Ben Kennedy, CEO and co-founder of Fable Libations, one of the most distinct and disciplined brands in the modern beverage industry. Known for its award-winning botanical THC cocktails, Fable has carved out a space in the crowded world of functional beverages by refusing to follow trends—and instead setting its own.Ben shares the behind-the-scenes journey of creating a premium adult beverage that mirrors the complexity of a craft cocktail, with zero compromises on flavor, formulation, or ingredients. We unpack the challenges of l...2025-07-1440 min
Free Spirits: Insights on Functional BeveragesHemp Beverages, Functional Drinks & Cannabis Policy with Joanne CaceresIn this episode of The Free Spirits Podcast, hosts Lars Miller and David Gonzalez sit down with Joanne Caceres, a partner at Dentons and one of the most trusted legal voices in the cannabis industry, to unpack the legal, cultural, and commercial forces shaping the future of functional beverages and hemp legislation.Joanne has spent years crafting and advising on cannabis policy, from federal proposals to state-level bills. She joins the show to explain why hemp beverages are gaining traction faster than marijuana reform, and what that means for beverage industry founders navigating licensing...2025-06-3037 min
Free Spirits: Insights on Functional BeveragesBen Larson: Revolutionizing the Cannabis Beverage Industry with Emulsion TechnologyIn this episode of the Free Spirits Podcast, we dive into the evolving cannabis beverage industry with Ben Larson, CEO of Vertosa. Discover how Vertosa leads the way in emulsion technology for infused beverages, impacting popular brands like Collective Project, Wunder, and Pabst High Seltzer. Ben shares his incredible journey from startup accelerator founder to navigating the complexities of the functional beverage landscape. Packed with insights on key trends like 'mood modulation' and the challenges of regulation in infused beverages, this episode is essential listening for anyone interested in...2025-06-1644 min
Free Spirits: Insights on Functional BeveragesTHC Beverages, Craft Beer & Cannabis Innovation with Float HouseJoin hosts Lars Miller and David Gonzalez on Free Spirits as they sit down with Gordon Whelpley, founder of Float House—a Connecticut-based beverage company pushing the boundaries of adult beverages. Gordon, an award-winning brewer with deep roots in the craft beer world, shares his journey from beer to THC beverages and cannabis drinks, blending beer culture and beverage innovation in a refreshing new way.In this episode, we unpack how Float House navigates the beverage industry’s complex regulatory landscape to create functional beverages that cater to beer lovers who crave the refreshing tast...2025-06-0235 min
Free Spirits: Insights on Functional BeveragesBranding, Distribution & D2C: Birdie’s Playbook with Adam RuhlandWhat happens when a successful cidery owner enters the THC beverage game?In this episode of The Free Spirits Podcast, we talk with Adam Ruhland—founder of both Wild State Cider and Birdie—about what it really takes to build a cannabis beverage brand from the ground up. From operational advantages to branding decisions, R&D challenges to distribution strategy, Adam walks us through his no-BS approach to launching Birdie in a complex, competitive space.We get into:The moment he realized the cannabis beve...2025-05-1929 min
Free Spirits: Insights on Functional BeveragesHow to Scale THC & Functional Beverage Brands with Strategic Supply Chain IntegrationDoug Fulton discusses strategies for scaling THC and functional beverage brands to navigate the complex beverage landscape. Doug Fulton, Co-CEO of Emergent Beverages and founder of the Brand Accelerator, joins us to break down how cannabis and functional beverage brands can scale with strategic growth, smart distribution, and vertical integration. From his early days in international media to building the largest cannabis beverage facility in California, Doug brings deep insight into the hemp market, THC beverages, and what it takes to launch and exit successfully.We cover:Why most...2025-04-2144 min
Free Spirits: Insights on Functional BeveragesScaling THC Beverages: Success Stories from Wynk CEO Angus RittenburgWynk leads the way in hemp-derived THC beverages, navigating challenges in the beverage industry. In this episode of the Free Spirits Podcast, we sit down with Angus Rittenburg, CEO of Wherehouse Beverage and the visionary behind Wynk, to talk about how his team is scaling one of the most innovative hemp-derived THC beverage brands in the country.Angus shares his journey from Tesla battery engineer to cannabis beverage pioneer—engineering mobile production facilities, designing a modular dosing system, and building out BestBev, a high-capacity co-packing facility serving the broader beverage industry....2025-04-0837 min
Free Spirits: Insights on Functional BeveragesCann Founder Jake Bullock: Pioneering Microdose THC BeveragesIn this episode of the Free Spirits podcast, we sit down with Jake Bullock, co-founder of Cann - the leading microdose cannabis beverage brand revolutionizing social drinking.Jake shares how his personal journey with alcohol led him to create Cann, offering a 2mg THC alternative that provides a gentle, controlled experience similar to having a beer or glass of wine. From securing their first dispensary orders to expanding into mainstream retail through hemp-derived products, Jake reveals the strategic decisions that helped Cann become a category leader.Listeners can try Cann 20% off by using code LMM202025-03-2544 min
Free Spirits: Insights on Functional BeveragesSober Curious? How Soberish is Revolutionizing Non-Alcoholic and Infused DrinksSummaryIn this episode of the Free Spirits podcast, Lars Miller and David Gonzalez interview Kim Gamez, founder and CEO of Soberish, a marketplace for non-alcoholic and hemp-derived beverages. Kim shares her entrepreneurial journey, from her early days in the restaurant industry to her current venture, highlighting the importance of community engagement and organic growth. She discusses the challenges and successes of curating products for her marketplace, balancing non-alcoholic and psychoactive options, and the development of her own product lines. The conversation emphasizes the need for discreet products that cater to a non-cannabis user...2025-03-1040 min
Free Spirits: Insights on Functional BeveragesThe Future of Hemp: Challenges and Opportunities with Kerry Hinkle of the U.S. Hemp RoundtableSummaryIn this episode of the Free Spirits Podcast, host Lars Miller and co-host David Gonzalez engage with Kerry Hinkle, Director of Membership and Public Affairs at the US Hemp Roundtable. They discuss the evolution of the hemp industry since the 2018 Farm Bill, the challenges of regulation, and the importance of advocacy in shaping policy. Hinkle shares insights on the complexities of state-level legislation, the push for CBD to be recognized as a dietary supplement, and the future of hemp products in the market. The conversation highlights the need for federal regulations, the impact...2025-02-2530 min
Free Spirits: Insights on Functional BeveragesHigh Spirits Beverages, The Original Hemp-Derived THC DrinkIn this episode of the Free Spirits Podcast, Lars Miller and David Gonzalez engage with Chris Fontes, CEO and founder of High Spirits Beverages, who shares his journey in the THC beverage industry. Chris discusses the inception of his company, the challenges faced with Delta 8, and the innovative launch of Trojan Horse Cannabis. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the legal landscape, the significance of supply chain management, and the need for policy advocacy in the evolving cannabis market. Chris also reflects on the lessons learned from the early days of the hemp beverage industry and how they apply...2024-12-1649 min
Free Spirits: Insights on Functional BeveragesThe Happi Effect: Inside the Future of Functional THC Beverages with Lisa HurwitzIn this episode of the Free Spirits Podcast, host Lars Miller and co-host David Gonzalez welcome Lisa Hurwitz, president and co-founder of Happi, a low-dose THC beverage brand. They discuss Lisa's unique experience of running a cannabis beverage company while living in Nicaragua, the challenges and opportunities for women in the male-dominated cannabis industry, and the future of hemp beverages in relation to CPG and recreational cannabis. Lisa shares insights on how Happi balances wellness and social drinking, the innovative ingredient profiles in their beverages, and the importance of diversity in the cannabis space. In th...2024-12-0340 min
Free Spirits: Insights on Functional BeveragesFrom Legacy IP to Modern Markets: Cheech & Chong’s Business PlaybookSummaryIn this episode of the Free Spirits podcast, Lars Miller and David Gonzalez interview Brandon Harshberger, the president of Cheech & Chong's Global Holdings. They discuss the expansive operations of the company, which includes various cannabis products and beverages. Brandon shares his journey into the cannabis industry, the importance of building a strong team, and the challenges faced when entering the beverage market. The conversation also delves into marketing strategies, logistics, and the significance of data-driven decision-making in their operations. Brandon emphasizes the brand's commitment to longevity and the unique position they hold in the cannabis space.2024-11-1843 min
Free Spirits: Insights on Functional BeveragesExploring the THC Beverage Revolution: A Vision for the Future of Cycling FrogIn this episode of the Free Spirits podcast, host Lars Miller and co-host David Gonzalez engage with Art Massolo, VP of Business Development at Cycling Frog, a leading THC beverage brand. They explore Art's journey into the cannabis beverage industry, the lessons learned from the wine industry, and the evolution of THC beverages. The conversation delves into the brand story of Cycling Frog, market trends, consumer preferences, and the unique business strategies that have propelled the brand's growth. Art shares insights on vertical integration, direct-to-consumer models, and the challenges faced in the THC beverage industry. The episode concludes with...2024-11-0443 min
Free Spirits: Insights on Functional BeveragesBuilding a Brand in a New Market with Jason Dayton of Trail MagicSummaryIn this episode of the Free Spirits podcast, host Lars Miller and co-host David Gonzalez interview Jason Dayton, co-founder of Trail Magic, a rapidly growing THC beverage brand in Minnesota. Jason shares his journey from cider making to launching Trail Magic, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in the cannabis beverage industry. The conversation delves into the risks and rewards of entering a new market, the importance of consumer preferences, and the strategies for building a successful brand. Jason emphasizes the significance of community engagement and the future vision for Trail Magic as a leader in the...2024-10-1440 min
Free Spirits: Insights on Functional BeveragesThe Benefits and Drawbacks of Building in Public: Persistence and Iteration for Success with Aaron NosbischSummaryIn this episode, Lars Miller and David Gonzalez interview Aaron Naschbich, the founder of Brēz, a fast-growing THC and functional beverage brand. Aaron shares his background as an entrepreneur and marketer, and how it led him to create Brēz. The brand story behind Brēz is about providing a better alternative to alcohol, allowing people to feel better without feeling worse. Building in public has been beneficial for Brēz, as it has allowed them to receive support and solutions from the community. However, there have also been drawbacks, such as jea...2024-09-3057 min
CGP GreyPolitics in the Animal Kingdom: Single Transferable VoteThe 2014 Midterm Elections are coming up in the United States so it's time for another installment of 'Politics of the Animal Kingdom'. Make sure to start at part one if you haven't seen them all: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7tWHJfhiyo&list=PL7679C7ACE93A5638
Also, Stickers! http://dftba.com/products/politics-in-the-animal-kingdom-sticker-set
Official discussion at: http://www.reddit.com/r/cgpgrey
http://www.reddit.com/r/CGPGrey/comments/2jzilo/politics_in_the_animal_kingdom_single/
EXTRA: STV Election Example https://www.you...2014-10-2207 min