High Functioning Podcast

You’re Doing It Wrong! NECANN’s Marc Shepard on Event Mistakes & Industry Secrets

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 Highlights:✅ The wild story of NECANN’s first event during a blizzard and Super Bowl weekend✅ The biggest mistakes exhibitors make with their booths and how to fix them✅ Behind-the-scenes challenges of running a large-scale convention✅ What Marc looks for in an exhibitor and why some strategies don’t work✅ How Inbox Zero helps manage the chaos of event planning🎙️ “If you want to stand out at an event, respect people’s time. Don’t just pitch—build connections.”💡 This episode is a must-watch for business owners, exhibitors, and anyone interested in the mechanics of large-scale event planning and networking.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & More:🔗 https://linktr.ee/highfunctioningpodcast

The Power of Data in Cannabis with Rick Bashkoff

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 📉✅ The power (and controversy) of algorithms & data scraping 🖥️✅ How Lit Alerts is changing the game with data & speed 🚀🎙️ "You get distracted for six months talking to people you don’t even want to talk to… but it’s the only way to get what you need."💡 This episode is a must-watch for entrepreneurs, operators, and anyone curious about the intersection of business, data, and technology.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & More: https://linktr.ee/highfunctioningpodcast🔥 Subscribe for more industry insights & expert interviews!

Family, Business, and Big Dreams: A Conversation with Angela Brown

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:✅ The reality of "pennying out" and what it means for the industry✅ The nightmare of 401(k) plans—why business owners are getting kicked out✅ How rare 401(k) plans are in the industry and why securing benefits is so challenging✅ Coast as a true family business—how it shaped their success✅ Brand loyalty—what keeps customers coming back?
💡 If you’ve ever dreamed of building something meaningful or wondered what it takes to stand out in a competitive market, this episode is for you!
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & More: https://linktr.ee/highfunctioningpodcast
🔥 Subscribe for more industry insights & expert interviews!

Michael Lamy: Career Moves & Challenges

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" in wholesale
✔️ How finance and wholesale professionals shape industries
✔️ What wholesalers are getting wrong and how to fix it
🚀 Don’t miss out—listen now and level up your career!
🔗 Listen Here: https://linktr.ee/highfunctioningpodcast

Eric Casey: Journalism, Media Trends, and Industry Growth

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 business.

Building Major Bloom: Ulysses Youngblood on Equity, Innovation & Resilience

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 Ulysses’ take on authentic marketing and overcoming industry challenges.
🎧 Topics include:
Cannabis delivery regulations and innovations
Building a sustainable cannabis brand
The intersection of business and social impact
Key lessons for entrepreneurs in any industry
➡️ Listen now for insights, inspiration, and actionable takeaways!

Cannabis EXPERTS Predict the NEXT BIG THING in Cannabis Spaces!

🌿 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 activities, like offering classes at a community center?"🕒 40:48: "Could mixed-use spaces combine education, shopping, and consumption?"🕒 44:51: "Will new regulations allow alcohol and cannabis to coexist at events?"
🎙 Tune in for an inspiring conversation from the voices shaping the cannabis industry.
➡️ Listen now: https://linktr.ee/highfunctioningpodcast 🎧✨

Catching Up with Dustin – A Candid Conversation

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 for anyone looking to unwind and connect with real conversations.

Kimberly Roy: Shaping the Future of C****bis Regulation and Public Safety

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 consumption licenses, the importance of c****bis education, and the role of research in improving industry standards. Tune in for insights on how the c****bis space is evolving and what’s ahead.

EXTRA - From Paint to Plant Dave Griffiths’ C****bis Journey

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 seed for his current venture.