Coffee & Cannabis Podcast

Women, Weed & WE ARE JERSEY: Ep. 80 w/Bridget Papino on Cannabis, Real Estate, and Breaking Stigmas

Season finales are supposed to mean something… and this one absolutely does ☕️🍃For Episode #80 of Coffee & Cannabis, Dr. Beast sits down with Bridget Papino — co-founder of We Are Jersey Magazine, real estate professional, entrepreneur, creative, and true Jersey connector — for an honest conversation about business, community, cannabis, spirituality, and what it really takes to build lasting relationships in this industry and beyond.Over coffee and some gas, the ladies dive into:🏡 The evolving housing market & cannabis-friendly renting practices🌿 The mind, body & spiritual connection to cannabis🤝 Why long-term partnerships and authentic relationship building matter more than clout💨 Breaking the stigma around women who consume cannabis📍How dispensaries and cannabis culture are impacting local communities, property demand, and neighborhood development✨ Entrepreneurship, creativity, media, branding, and building platforms that actually represent the peopleThis episode brings New Jersey front and center — highlighting the creatives, culture shifters, entrepreneurs, and everyday consumers helping redefine what modern cannabis culture really looks like.From real estate to representation… from wellness to weed… this conversation is layered, insightful, funny, grounded, and very Jersey.A perfect way to close out the season. ❤️WE ARE JERSEY.🎥 Tune in Monday at 11AM📍Coffee & Cannabis Podcast hosted by Dr. Beast#CoffeeAndCannabis #WeAreJersey #BridgetPapino #NewJersey #CannabisCulture #WomenInCannabis #CannabisPodcast #RealEstate #NJRealEstate #Entrepreneurship #CreativeCulture #CannabisCommunity #DispensaryLife #Wellness #CannabisIndustry #WomenWhoConsume #JerseyCulture #Podcast

Coffee & Cannabis Takes Boston Ep. 79 - Building Diaspora, Culture & Community with Raesia Straker

We took Coffee & Cannabis on the road to Boston and tapped directly into the community with Raesia Straker — founder of Diaspora, a culture-forward space rooted in connection, creativity, and intention.Over coffee and some gas, we got into A LOT… and we promise you….this one is really for the culture.But not just vibes — this is for the builders, the operators, the ones creating community-driven work while staying grounded in the reality of business structure, strategy, and the understanding that collaboration is everything.We break down the story behind Diaspora in its 3rd iteration - a community hub and future consumption lounge in Cambridge, Massachusetts, perfectly positioned near two dispensaries and built to be the go-to space for co-working, creatives, students, and anyone looking to tap in and catch a vibe.This wasn’t a polished, buttoned-up interview or staged in any way. This was real.You can literally feel the city moving in the background - people walking, life happening - while two women entrepreneurs sit down and give real game on what it takes to navigate this crazy cannabis industry.From vision… to execution… to what it actually looks like to chase your dreams in real time.This is an honest, on-the-ground conversation about building something meaningful — not just for profit, but for people. We’re outside, in the Massachusetts market, and this one is different 🎙️

From War to Civilian Life: A Conversation with Jersey Veterans You Need to Hear on Coffee & Cannabis

This episode of ☕️ & 🍃 is a special one.Dr. @beast.rod sits down with her former shipmate and brother-in-arms, Sage McDonald (@sage_a_wiseman_ ) — a 5x combat #veteran with extensive time spent in the Red Sea and Persian Gulf.Over coffee and some gas from @highprophecy (a veteran woman-owned cannabis brand), they get into it… service, separation, and what life really looks like after the uniform comes off.From their shared love of the #UAE and #Dubai the pain of watching it from afar… to the very real challenges of navigating the VA system and fighting for fair disability ratings… to the politics in New Jersey and the lack of meaningful support for veterans — NOTHING was off limits.This is a raw, honest conversation that sheds light on the realities veterans face as they transition back into civilian life.Since both being out over the past few years and now witnessing first hand what performative Veteran support experience is like…. they share their experience in an expeditionary combat unit, their journey transitioning out, the support given once you are out, the struggles asking for help, the identity shifts… and most important, the strength it takes to keep going.If you have a veteran in your life, this episode is an eye opener and hopefully a call to do better in how we support those who have served 🪖🎖️#veterans #njvererans #hudsoncountyveterans #jerseycity #leadership #dubai #dubailife #cannabiseducation #cannabisreform #cannabis #coffee #Drbeast

Coffee & Cannabis Ep. 77 - Kyle Page’s Story From Trafficking Cannabis to Selling It Legally in NJ

In this powerful and emotional episode of Coffee & Cannabis, Dr. Beast sits down with Kyle Page for a raw, unfiltered conversation over coffee and a smoke at local new Jersey City favorite, Abake.Kyle’s story is one of transformation. From trafficking cannabis across the country and living a fast, lavish life… to losing everything, including time with his daughter and the love of his life… to now stepping into ownership in New Jersey’s legal cannabis market.This episode dives deep into:• The reality of incarceration for nonviolent cannabis offenses• Rebuilding life, identity, and purpose after prison• The emotional weight of time lost with family• Corporate partnerships and navigating the legal market, including working with Ascend• The mission and impact of the Last Prisoner Project• What it really takes to transition from legacy to legalDr. Beast and Kyle connect not just as operators, but as parents who understand the cost of time away from their children and the responsibility of building something better on the other side.This is more than a cannabis story.It’s a story about redemption, resilience, and rewriting your future.Proof that with faith, discipline, and relentless work… you can rebuild anything. 🎙️ Tap in this Monday at 11AM.Subscribe & Follow:Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of cannabis, culture, and community.

Coffee & Cannabis Ep. 76 - Anatalie on the Realities of Running a Small Business in Jersey City, NJ

The new season of Coffee & Cannabis is officially here.After ushering in the return of Flowers & Tea last week, we’re bringing back the beloved Coffee & Cannabis podcast for an even bigger season of conversations rooted in community, culture, and cannabis.Since January 2023, we’ve been producing top-tier cannabis media highlighting the people, businesses, and stories shaping New Jersey’s cannabis ecosystem and beyond. This season, we’re getting even more intentional — creating space for real conversations for the culture, all happening over coffee and cannabis.On Episode 76, we head to The Heights in Jersey City, home of The Other Side Dispensary and a growing network of incredible women-led small businesses.Dr. Beast sits down with Anatalie, owner of The Hair Room JC — a neighbor, customer, consumer, and fellow entrepreneur — for an honest conversation about what it takes to run a business in Jersey City.Together they discuss:• The journey of entrepreneurship• The highs and lows of running a small business• Navigating the realities of operating in Jersey City• Why she chose to build her business in this community despite the chaos and even after movingThese are the conversations that matter — real people, real problems, and real solutions.Coffee & Cannabis highlights leaders across the cannabis industry and the broader ecosystem — from operators and service providers to entrepreneurs and consumers shaping the culture.New episodes drop every other Monday at 11AM ☕🍃 Tune in all season long for powerful conversations over Coffee & Cannabis.Subscribe and follow for more conversations shaping cannabis culture.#CoffeeAndCannabis #CannabisPodcast #NewJerseyCannabis #JerseyCity #WomenInBusiness #CannabisCommunity #CannabisCulture

Coffee & Cannabis Political Series: CU Regent Wanda James Announces Run for Congress

In Episode 8 — (Ep 75) of Coffee & Cannabis, Dr. Beast and political strategist Gretchen Gailey close out the political series with none other than the legendary Wanda James — dispensary owner, cannabis pioneer, and now hopeful future Congresswoman.Filmed LIVE at NECANN in Atlantic City, this episode captures a groundbreaking moment as Wanda officially announces her run for Congress right here on Coffee & Cannabis. 🇺🇸 She opens up about sustaining as a minority operator for over 15 years, the importance of generational wealth and license transferring, and why she can’t understand why politicians are still fumbling cannabis policy.Wanda doesn’t hold back — from sharing her challenges as the only Black Regent at the University of Colorado, to calling out her opponent Diana DeGette, to breaking down the failures in governance that keep communities criminalized and patients underserved.Dr. Beast and Gretchen keep the energy sharp and candid, mixing in humor, hard truths, and gratitude for Wanda’s trailblazing leadership.This season finale is more than a conversation — it’s a call to action. Wanda James reminds us what it means to fight for our plant, our people, and our future 🌱💪Politics, pot, policy — and yes, even academia — all collide in this unforgettable closer. ☕🌿📍 Filming: NECANN, Atlantic City📌 Full episode premieres today, September 29, 2025 at 11AM

Coffee & Cannabis Political Series: Senator Street on PA Adult-Use with Dr. Beast & Gretchen Gailey

In Episode 7 -- (Ep 74) of Coffee & Cannabis, Dr. Beast and political strategist Gretchen Gailey sit down with Pennsylvania State Senator and candidate for Congress Sharif Street for an unfiltered conversation about the future of adult-use cannabis in his state.Senator Street breaks down the uphill battle of legalization, from the cultural stigma that frames cannabis as a “sin,” to Pennsylvania’s notoriously strict alcohol laws, to the resistance of conservative legislators. He makes it clear that legalization isn’t just about access — it’s about budget shortfalls, public safety, and keeping cannabis out of the hands of children.Dr. Beast and Gretchen don’t shy away from pressing questions, weaving in humor and sharp critique as they unpack the hypocrisy in how lawmakers measure “sin,” and why political will often bends to convenience instead of principle.This conversation is both candid and timely — offering insight into why cannabis reform in PA has lagged, and why Senator Street believes the tide is finally turning.Politics, pot, and policy collide in this episode — and the stakes couldn’t be higher. ☕🌱 📍 Filming: Plant and People, West Philadelphia📌 Full episode premieres Monday, September 15, 2025 at 11AM

Coffee & Cannabis Political Series: A Candid Conversation with Dr. Beast & Gretchen Gailey

In Episode 6 — (Ep 73) of Coffee & Cannabis, Dr. Beast and political strategist Gretchen Gailey take a step back from guest interviews for a candid conversation between the two of them.This episode is part recap, part reality check. After sitting down with policymakers, candidates, and stakeholders in recent weeks, Dr. Beast and Gretchen share what they’ve learned so far, where the conversations need to go next, and how the cannabis industry continues to wrestle with its biggest challenges…from lack of funding and political delays to unchecked egos, straight-up delusion in the marketplace and confusion in the political arena .They also talk about the upcoming NECANN Atlantic City 2025, where Coffee & Cannabis will host a live show featuring a very special guest to close out the political series. Expect raw insights, behind-the-scenes reflections, and a deep dive into the state of both cannabis and politics as the team gears up for one of the biggest conferences in New Jersey.This is an unfiltered conversation about where the industry is headed, the lessons learned from past episodes, and why platforms like Coffee & Cannabis matter more than ever for building community, accountability, and change. Filming: The Other Side Dispensary, 36 Congress St, Jersey City NJ Full episode premieres Monday, August 18, 2025 at 11AM Don’t forget to subscribe, drop your thoughts in the comments, and let us know what YOU want us to cover at NECANN 2025

Coffee & Cannabis Political Series: Former BOE President & Mayoral Candidate Mussab Ali

In Episode 5 -- (Ep 72) of Coffee & Cannabis, Dr. Beast and political strategist Gretchen Gailey sit down with Mussab Ali—former Board of Education President and current Jersey City mayoral candidate—for an unfiltered conversation about the future of Jersey City.From the challenges facing the cannabis industry, to the affordability crisis, to the deeper issues of schools, civic engagement, and community investment, this episode takes a hard look at what’s working, what’s failing, and what needs to change.Dr. Beast shares her own experience as a business owner and former resident who left Jersey City because of its broken priorities, while Mussab offers his perspective on how the city can build equity, create opportunity, and support the local operators and families who are the backbone of this community.This episode is both candid and urgent—because the future of Jersey City depends on leaders who are willing to listen, disrupt, and take action.Tune in for a conversation that blends cannabis, politics, and community at the highest stakes.📍 Filming: The Other Side Dispensary📌 Full episode premieres Monday, August 4, 2025 at 11AM🚨 Don’t forget to subscribe and join the conversation in the comments. Let us know what issues matter most to you in this election.----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE SHOW:Coffee & Cannabis is a long-form interview podcast hosted by Dr. Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez aka Dr. Beast. The show features in-depth conversations with politicians, public figures, and celebrities with a emphasis on the cannabis industry. Instead of relying on scripted talking points, Dr. Beast pushes the conversation further with direct, thoughtful questions that challenge surface-level narratives. The tone is curious and unapologetically bold, focused on uncovering what guests truly believe.....not just what they’re used to saying.KEYWORDS:mussab ali, jersey city, politics, political, political interviews, politics interview, interviews, political comedy, comedy, political, news, podcast, comedy podcast, politics podcast, Patriot Act, issues, current affairs podcast, current events podcast, current events, talk show, trending political news, celebrity interviews, political videos, Democratic Party, Republican Party, us politics, American politics, long form interview, long form political interviewFollow @Coffeecannabis.podcast, @beast.rod, and @tosd_tribe

Coffee & Cannabis Political Series: Former NFL Football Star & Cannabis Advocate Ricky Williams

In Episode 4 -- (Ep 71) of our Coffee & Cannabis Political Series, Dr. Beast and political strategist Gretchen Gailey sit down with former NFL player and long-time cannabis advocate Ricky Williams, just moments after his meeting at the White House.Filmed in Washington, D.C., at Black, woman owned dispensary, Anacostia Organics; this episode captures a rare behind-the-scenes perspective as Ricky reflects on his visit with the Black Conservative Federation and fellow athletes including Mike Tyson, Allen Iverson, and Kevin Durant. Their mission: to urge the President to take cannabis reform seriously and to center it as a national priority.The conversation dives deep into Ricky’s advocacy journey, his transition from professional athlete to policy influencer, and his vision for the future of the industry. Dr. Beast brings the cannabis policy issues into focus, and Ricky offers a grounded, holistic view on how healing, equity, and leadership must come together to drive change. The episode also takes an unexpected and powerful turn into the world of astrology, where Ricky and Dr. Beast explore their signs and the deeper spiritual connections guiding their work and purpose.This episode is a powerful blend of politics, purpose, and personal truth, featuring urgent calls to action for the industry, fresh insight from the federal level, and a shared belief in building something more sustainable for the future.Watch the full episode for a candid, thoughtful, and inspiring conversation at the intersection of cannabis, policy, and transformation.📍 Filming: Anacostia Organics Medical Dispensary📌 Full episode premieres Monday, July 21, 2025 at 11AM🚨 Don’t forget to subscribe and join the conversation in the comments. Let us know what issues matter most to you in this election.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------THE SHOW:Coffee & Cannabis is a long-form interview podcast hosted by Dr. Alyza Brevard-Rodriguez aka Dr. Beast. The show features in-depth conversations with politicians, public figures, and celebrities with a emphasis on the cannabis industry. Instead of relying on scripted talking points, Dr. Beast pushes the conversation further with direct, thoughtful questions that challenge surface-level narratives. The tone is curious and unapologetically bold, focused on uncovering what guests truly believe.....not just what they’re used to saying.KEYWORDS:Dr Beast podcast, Ricky Williams, highsman, heisman, politics, political, political interviews, politics interview, interviews, political comedy, comedy, political, news, podcast, comedy podcast, politics podcast, Patriot Act, issues, current affairs podcast, current events podcast, current events, talk show, trending political news, celebrity interviews, political videos, Democratic Party, Republican Party, us politics, American politics, long form interview, long form political interviewFollow @Coffeecannabis.podcast, @beast.rod, and @tosd_tribe