Aria McLaughlin Aria McLaughlin

Legends, Genetics and Growth: Tom Raikes on Building Seedsman

Tom’s journey into the cannabis industry began with a degree in Agricultural Business Management and a passion for hemp as a health food ingredient. From humble beginnings to working alongside legendary breeders like David Watson, aka Sam the Skunkman, and pioneering innovations like autoflowering genetics, Tom has been at the forefront of cannabis cultivation and genetic preservation.

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Aria McLaughlin Aria McLaughlin

The State of Cannabis: Jobs, Justice, and Wellness

In this episode of Let’s Be Blunt with Montel, we’re diving into the latest cannabis news and developments shaping the industry, health, and culture. Montel covers groundbreaking research on cannabis formulations reducing dementia-related agitation, CBG’s potential to combat metabolic disorders, and new studies showing how cannabis can blunt back pain and improve sleep.

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Aria McLaughlin Aria McLaughlin

Ancestral Wisdom Meets Modern Cannabis: Alex Anderson

In this episode of Let’s Be Blunt with Montel, we’re joined by Alex Anderson, the visionary co-founder and CEO of Skyworld, a New York-based cannabis brand deeply rooted in Indigenous tradition. A proud member of the Tuscarora Nation, Alex has built Skyworld as a living expression of ancestral wisdom, cultural resilience, and the enduring connection between people and the cosmos. From its name and colors to its cultivation philosophy, Skyworld is infused with intention, honoring both tradition and innovation.

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Aria McLaughlin Aria McLaughlin

From Documentaries to Dispensaries: Jeffrey Miller's Cannabis Journey

On this episode of Let’s Be Blunt with Montel, we’re joined by Jeffrey Miller, a Peabody Award-winning documentarian turned cannabis industry trailblazer. As the CEO of HoneyProjects, Jeffrey is reshaping New Jersey’s cannabis market with a bold vision that champions small-batch craft cannabis, community connection, and wellness-focused innovation. From his groundbreaking documentary King Corn to leading award-winning ventures like HoneyGrove and HoneyStash, Jeffrey’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.

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Aria McLaughlin Aria McLaughlin

Beyond the Helmet: Robert Gallery on Healing with Psychedelics and Cannabis

What happens when the roar of the crowd fades, but the pain lingers? For many professional athletes, the transition from a high-stakes career to everyday life brings unforeseen mental and physical challenges.

This week on Let’s Be Blunt with Montel, host Montel Williams sits down with former NFL star and College Football Hall of Famer, Robert Gallery, to have a raw and honest conversation about his journey from the heights of professional sports to the depths of a personal crisis, and the unconventional path that led him to healing.

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Aria McLaughlin Aria McLaughlin

The Power of Terpenes with Shawn Sherman

On this episode of Let’s Be Blunt with Montel, we’re diving into the future of cannabis with Shawn Sherman, founder and owner of Golden Apple Cannabis Co. Shawn’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary—starting as a computer science graduate and ethical hacker, he transitioned into the cannabis industry during California’s medical cannabis movement. Today, he’s a trailblazer in cannabis education, policy, and innovation.

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Aria McLaughlin Aria McLaughlin

How Cannabis Saved My Sight: Al Morentin’s Incredible Journey

This week, Montel sits down with a guest whose story will leave you speechless. Meet Al Morentin, a man who turned desperation into innovation and blindness into vision—literally.

When glaucoma stole Al’s sight, doctors told him to accept a life of darkness. But Al refused to give up.

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Aria McLaughlin Aria McLaughlin

Brain Stem Stroke Recovery & Cannabis: Ian McGann Part II

In Part 2 of this extraordinary series, Montel continues the conversation with Ian McGann and Caitlin Bellucci, exploring the next chapter of Ian’s recovery journey. From being airlifted to a better facility to walking unassisted within 30 days, Ian’s story is a testament to the power of determination, love, and second chances.

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Aria McLaughlin Aria McLaughlin

Cannabis Judgement Almost Cost Me My Life: Ian McGann Part I

In this powerful two-part series, Montel sits down with Ian McGann, a stroke survivor, mental health advocate, and passionate voice for cannabis in healthcare, alongside his wife and caregiver, Caitlin Bellucci. Ian’s journey of resilience began in May 2023 when he survived a rare brain stem stroke with only a 5% survival rate. From losing control of the right side of his body to walking unassisted within 30 days, Ian’s story is nothing short of miraculous.

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Aria McLaughlin Aria McLaughlin

Growing the Future; Brothers Grimm Seeds with Mr & Mrs Soul

On this episode of Let’s Be Blunt with Montel, we’re diving deep into the world of cannabis genetics with two legends in the industry—Rick “MrSoul” Campanella and Laura “MrsSoul” Campanella of Brothers Grimm Seeds. Rick, the mastermind breeder behind iconic strains like Cinderella 99, Rosetta Stone, and Apollo, shares his decades-long journey of innovation and excellence in cannabis breeding. Laura, the newly appointed CEO, discusses her vision for the future of Brothers Grimm Seeds, balancing its storied legacy with bold new growth and collaborations.

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Aria McLaughlin Aria McLaughlin

Educating for Change with Sabrina Fayaz and Dr Bottaro

In this enlightening episode of Let’s Be Blunt with Montel, we’re joined by two trailblazers in the field of medical cannabis education and advocacy: Professor Sabrina Fayaz and Dr. Nick Bottaro.

Professor Fayaz, Director of the Master of Science in Medical Cannabinoid Therapeutics (MS MCT) program at LECOM, shares her incredible journey from working with multi-state cannabis operators to using cannabis as part of her own breast cancer recovery. Her personal and professional experiences offer a unique perspective on cannabis as a legitimate therapeutic option.

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Aria McLaughlin Aria McLaughlin

From Finance to Wellness: Brad Zerman’s Impactful Pivot

On this episode of Let’s Be Blunt with Montel, we’re joined by a true pioneer in the cannabis industry, Brad Zerman. As the founder of Seven Point Dispensary in Oak Park, Illinois, Brad has been at the forefront of medical cannabis innovation and community engagement since 2014. From navigating the challenges of launching one of Illinois’ first medical dispensaries to expanding his footprint with licenses across multiple states, Brad’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.

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Aria McLaughlin Aria McLaughlin

Mindful Living Meets Cannabis: Mary Bernuth’s Story

On this episode of Let’s Be Blunt with Montel, we’re diving into a story of reinvention, resilience, and redefining wellness. Montel sits down with Mary Bernuth, Co-Founder and President of Pharos Brands, to explore her inspiring journey into the cannabis industry—one she embarked on in her 60s after a dynamic career spanning global brand launches, film publicity, nonprofit leadership, and executive therapy.

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Aria McLaughlin Aria McLaughlin

From Runs House to Cannabis and Mental Health Advocacy with JoJo Simmons

In this episode of Let’s Be Blunt with Montel, we’re joined by the multi-talented JoJo Simmons, a name synonymous with entertainment, entrepreneurship, and advocacy.

As the son of hip-hop legend Rev Run of Run DMC, JoJo grew up in the spotlight, starring in MTV’s Run’s House and WE TV’s Growing Up Hip Hop. But his story goes far beyond reality TV.

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Aria McLaughlin Aria McLaughlin

From Sour Diesel to HoneyProjects: Big Dave’s Cannabis Journey

In this episode of Let’s Be Blunt with Montel, we’re diving deep into the roots of cannabis culture with a true legend in the industry—Dave Valese, aka “Big Dave.” With 29 years of experience, Big Dave has gone from the underground cannabis scene of the Northeast to leading the charge in New Jersey’s legal market as the Chief Visionary Officer of HoneyProjects.

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Aria McLaughlin Aria McLaughlin

From Inmate to Advocate: Travis Cullen’s Fight for Cannabis Justice

In this powerful episode of Let’s Be Blunt with Montel, we sit down with Travis Cullen, a man who turned his eight-year federal prison sentence for cannabis into a mission for justice and change. At just 21 years old, Travis was sentenced for a first-time offense involving cannabis.

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Aria McLaughlin Aria McLaughlin

Sowing the Future: Sergio Martínez on Cannabis Seeds

On this episode of Let’s Be Blunt with Montel, we’re diving into the roots—literally—of the cannabis industry: seeds.

Joining Montel is Sergio Martínez, founder of Blimburn Seeds, one of the world’s leading cannabis seed companies. Recently featured in Forbes for his pivotal role in shaping the booming $4 billion home cultivation market, Sergio brings over 20 years of expertise in cannabis genetics, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

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Aria McLaughlin Aria McLaughlin

The Role of Cannabis in Reshaping Cancer Care

On this episode of "Let's Be Blunt with Montel", we explore the intersection of cannabis, cancer care, and patient empowerment with two incredible guests.

Jim Gerencser, Co-Founder of Cancer Playbook, shares how his son Eric's cancer diagnosis led him to redefine patient care through the mantra "Patient-Reported Outcomes

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