Broccoli Talk

By Broccoli LLC

A podcast for cannabis lovers, presented by Broccoli Magazine. Tune in every two weeks for casual chats with your new weed BFFs, Lauren Yoshiko and Mennlay Golokeh Aggrey.

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The Future of Weed

Broccoli TalkDec 27, 2022

00:00

41:13

The Future of Weed

As Broccoli Talk wraps, Mennlay and Lauren ask a big question: Where does weed go from here? In this episode, they imagine the future of cannabis—whether federal legalization is on the horizon, how the plant could improve reproductive care, and if psychedelics will be the next green wave. Then they celebrate the end of the podcast by sharing their wildest weedy fantasies for the world to come.

Dec 27, 202241:13

Welcome to Yardy World

Yardy World is an island for food and beverage born from queer, Black, Caribbean dreams. In this episode, founder DeVonn Francis opens up to Mennlay about his complex relationship with weed, delves into the plant's culinary and cultural connections, and invites us into his surreal dream dining experience.

Hosts: Lauren Yoshiko + Mennlay Golokeh Aggrey
Guest: DeVonn Francis, founder of Yardy World
Editing: Jay Nathan
Music: Giselle Garcia
Graphic design: Citron Studio
Image: Courtesy of Yardy World
Subscribe to Broccoli Magazine: Broccoli Magazine
Enter our digital Broccoli garden: @broccoli_mag

Listen on: Spotify | Apple / iTunes | Google Play | Stitcher | Overcast

Nov 29, 202241:40

Plant Mom

Monai Nailah McCullough is an Amsterdam-based horticulturalist who helps hapless houseplant hoarders tend their plant children. In this conversation, she and Mennlay chat about why she likes to blaze up before she takes care of plants, Amsterdam’s plant scene, the value of ancestral knowledge, and a fiasco involving a fiddle-leaf fig.

Mar 29, 202237:20

Sex on Weed

Contrary to what the CBD lube companies might have you believe, cannabis and sex is not just about getting the so-called “best” orgasm of your life. In this episode, Mennlay and Lauren get spicy and cerebral, discussing the many ways that weed can help, hinder, and teach during sexual experiences.

Feb 22, 202238:31

Director’s Cut with Alberta Poon

Getting stoned and immersing yourself in a great film or television show is a classic weedy pleasure. In this episode, Lauren chats with director and filmmaker Alberta Poon about her love for cannabis, the importance of her creative community, and the special magic it takes to make a film come to life, especially in an industry still struggling with representation.. Grab your infused popcorn and cozy up for a captivating listen!

Jan 25, 202239:33

Comfort Objects

As another challenging year comes to a close, Lauren and Mennlay share the experiences, recommendations, and people who helped them get through it.

Dec 28, 202138:05

Here Come the Mushroom People

Are you a mushroom person? Mushroom People is a special single-edition magazine from the Broccoli team exploring the beguiling world of fungi. In this episode, Mennlay chats with Broccoli and Mushroom People editor Stephanie Madewell about how the magazine mixes mushroom fact and fantasy, collecting specimens of all kinds: the strange and familiar, beautiful and ugly, toxic and healing, ephemeral and enduring.

Nov 30, 202138:32

Rhythm Nation

Routine can be a comfort, securely rooting us in our own little corners of the world, but when those daily patterns get too cozily tight, they can act as a fetter, holding us back from new experiences. In this episode, Mennlay and Lauren talk about how weed can be both a helper and a hindrance when it comes to managing the day-to-day rhythms of life, work, and travel.

Oct 26, 202133:35

A Weed is a Flower

Broccoli's newest project is a photography book collecting images from over 25 artists around the world, each revealing different facets of the cannabis plant's unexpected beauty. In this conversation, Anja Charbonneau, Broccoli's creative director and editor in chief, talks with Lauren about how this book came to be, the therapeutic power of flowers, the sometimes fraught nature of beautifying weed, and how much room there still is for creative expression in the cannabis world.

Sep 28, 202132:54

Weedy Friendships

Do you remember the first time you tried weed? Who were you with, and how did that person shape your experience? In today’s episode, Lauren and Mennlay discuss the broad concept of friendships and how these crucial relationships overlap into the weedier parts of our lives. While cannabis may be a bonding agent in some friendships, it can cause others to splinter. From highschool stories of becoming the “bad kid” who smokes to establishing new connections in our 30’s, we hope today’s episode makes you think fondly about your pals.

Aug 31, 202131:33

Cannabis & Spirituality

Cannabis is often praised for its power of connectivity, whether it’s the simple act of bonding over a joint or consuming the plant to become in tune with your physical body. But what about connecting us to something bigger, something more unknown? In this episode, Mennlay and Lauren discuss the intersection of cannabis and spirituality, tapping into their personal memories and formative experiences surrounding religion, rituals, and shifting perspectives.

Jul 27, 202131:53

Getting Toastyy with Jamie Lea

How can you turn a love for cannabis into a career? For Jamie Lea, founder of CBD and wellness brand Toastyy, it was a combination of fate and dedication. After being laid off from her corporate job at the start of the pandemic, Jamie seized the opportunity to turn an existing passion into a business, one that was all her own. In this episode, Mennlay and Jamie chat about the challenges and lessons learned from within the cannabis industry, and Jamie shares her personal journey from college athlete to solo-entrepreneur wellness queen. This conversation is a must-listen for budding entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to take the leap into the weed industry.

Jul 13, 202131:22

Weed & Working Moms

Despite ongoing legalization, the stigma associated with cannabis is still a major issue. Mothers who consume face a huge spectrum of risk, from snarky judgment to potentially losing access to their children in states where cannabis is not yet legal. Now, imagine being a mom who works in the weed industry; there’s a lot to navigate. In this episode, Lauren chats with Heather Larimer, the Chief Marketing Officer of 1906 (a low dose edibles brand) about life as a working weed mom.

Jun 30, 202130:03

Weedy Reflections on Beauty & Style

Cannabis encourages personal expression, but how does it reflect the relationship between our inner and outer selves? In this episode, Mennlay and Lauren reflect on the ways that their connection to their bodies, personal style, and self-care rituals have evolved over this challenging past year.

May 25, 202135:26

Cannabis Incarceration's Math Problem

In a rapidly legalizing country, releasing folks incarcerated for nonviolent cannabis offenses sounds like an easy social justice win—so why can’t we make it happen? In this episode, Broccoli science editor Zoe Sigman explains that despite the numbers thrown around by the media, we don’t actually know how many people are serving time for cannabis, an essential detail for any wide-ranging reform. Fixing this data-based challenge so that folks can be free is igniting the next phase of Zoe’s advocacy career. She shares thoughts on possible fixes, as well as stories about her activist work, from nearly being arrested by the FBI during Occupy to trimming weed and starting a meditation program for inmates.

Apr 20, 202129:21

Surfing the Weed Wide Web

In the age of social media, what does it mean to be a weed person online? In this episode, Mennlay and Lauren discuss how they express their relationships to cannabis in digital spaces, both personally and professionally. Overcoming the stigma of cannabis use is often the first hurdle: even if you’re comfortable being associated with weed, and even if cannabis is legal where you live, platforms like Instagram and Tik Tok are waging their own war on drugs through their opaque, and often random, content moderation policies. Log on with us as we try to unpack the relationship between stigma, legality and creative expression in cyber weed.

Mar 23, 202130:30

Cannabis and the Desi Diaspora

Cannabis has deep roots in India across social, spiritual, and geographical spheres. In this episode, Mennlay speaks with Yogi Maharaj, founder of Luv Kush Co, dedicated to creating a community platform for Desi weed lovers. Yogi shares the origin story of how Hindu deities created bhang—the original cannabis edible—and teaches us about early weed cultivation in India and how the past connects to our present in fascinating, crucial ways.

In this conversation, Yogi Maharaj, founder of Luv Kush Co, takes Mennlay deep into the history of cannabis in India, from the divine origin story of bhang to how the impacts of regulations imposed by British occupiers echo through the farmer protests happening right now. She shares personal anecdotes and a fun face mask recipe, too.

Feb 23, 202135:28

Creative Weed Business Chats

This episode is all about The Broccoli Report, a twice-weekly newsletter offering cannabis industry insight and analysis, written by our own co-host Lauren Yoshiko! Mennlay chats with Lauren about how the project got started, why creative cannabis entrepreneurs deserve their own outlet for news, and how The Broccoli Report can help empower business owners and weed enthusiasts alike.

Jan 28, 202129:48

2020's Greatest Hits

This year was a rough one, so aside from weed, how did we get through it? In this episode, Lauren and Mennlay share some of their favorite cultural and media moments from the year that spoke to them, with an emphasis on film, television, music and podcasts. Tune in to our last episode of the year for some impactful and fun recommendations.

Dec 15, 202033:09

Making Buying Weed Fun with Drummond Munro

Legalization brings the act of buying cannabis out into the open—this means no more secret meetings in your dealer’s basement. In legal markets, there’s a big opportunity to make the retail experience special for everyone, regardless of whether you’re a first-timer or a long term weed lover. In this episode, Lauren chats with Drummond Munro, cofounder of Superette, about how their stores pull inspiration from classic neighborhood establishments to make buying weed comfortable and fun. This episode is presented in partnership with Superette, your neighborhood high variety shop.

Dec 01, 202022:19

Cannabis Design Magic with Dani Hall

Consuming cannabis isn’t new, but weed brands are still quite fresh—talk about an exciting playing field for designers to explore. In this episode, Mennlay chats with Dani Hall, cofounder of design studio DOB, who worked alongside Superette’s team to create their playful, happy vibes. Dani shares some of her favorite inspirations, her theories on working with color, and her appreciation for working with a team who isn’t afraid to dream big. This episode is presented in partnership with Superette, your neighborhood high variety shop.

Dec 01, 202021:60

Cannabis for Community

It’s Broccoli Talk’s birthday! One year ago, our adventure in podcasting began, and this episode celebrates the community that made it possible. Mennlay and Lauren share updates from past guests, including self-care tips and recommendations for much-needed distractions, and reflect on the ways that cannabis can bring us together, even over the airwaves.

Nov 10, 202030:05

Meet Xula: Building a Hemp Brand

What does it take to launch a CBD brand from Mexico City? Over the course of our show, Broccoli Talk listeners have heard snippets of conversation about Xula, a CBD brand co-founded by Mennlay Golokeh Aggrey (our very own co-host!) and Karina Primelles. As Xula prepares to officially launch their first collection of products, Mennlay chats with Lauren about the journey so far, discussing the legislative and the creative challenges that come up with language and art direction when creating a “borderless” brand.

Oct 27, 202022:49

Cannabis Equity in Canada with Akwasi Owusu-Bempah

In North America, Canada is leading the way with federal cannabis legalization. Progessive laws are just the first step, though—creating an equitable system for Black and Indigenous communities harmed by cannabis prohibition will require deeper work. In this episode, Lauren speaks with Akwasi Owusu-Bempah, the director of research at the Campaign for Cannabis Amnesty, about what’s being done in Canada to improve the fairness of their legal cannabis framework. This episode is presented in partnership with Superette, your neighborhood high variety shop.

Oct 13, 202024:37

Weed Bonding Moments with Paige Greene

Cannabis can connect us in surprising ways, bonding friends, partners, colleagues, and even strangers. In today’s episode, Mennlay chats with Paige Greene, director of marketing at Superette, about her favorite weed memories and how they intersect with her identity as a mother, a professional, a friend, and a partner. This episode is presented in partnership with Superette, your neighborhood high variety shop.

Oct 13, 202027:15

Life in the Cannabis Lab with Alisia Ratliff

If you’ve ever tried a CBD tincture or eaten a professionally made edible, you owe a hearty thanks to a scientist. So what is it like in the weed lab? On today’s episode, Lauren chats with Alisia Ratliff, technical director of Avient Biosciences and founder of Victus Capital Ventures. Alisia talks about her journey to finding cannabis, and how that led to her work building cannabis and hemp extraction facilities. She also gets real about what it’s like to be the only woman of color in the lab and in the investor’s circle.

Sep 29, 202034:11

Cultural Appropriation in Weed (Part One)

Cultural appropriation is rampant in the weed world, from so-called “white lions” (white people wearing dreadlocks) to brands who put on another culture’s face to sell their products. Cannabis has roots across many continents, but in our modern era of legal weed, there are new layers of commercialization and commodification to consider. In this episode, Lauren and Mennlay share their experiences and offer advice to weed brands and weed lovers who want to understand the line between appreciation and appropriation.

Sep 15, 202021:31

Summer Sessions

Spark up a joint, make yourself a snack, and join us as we process the experience of summer 2020.

Sep 01, 202024:36

Cannabis Equity with Natalie Papillion

Equity is the buzzword right now in the cannabis industry, but what does it really mean? Natalie Papillion, founder of the Equity Organization, talks us through the multifaceted layers of true equity: redressing the harms of the war on drugs, reforming the racist justice system, holding elected officials accountable, and making space for Black-owned businesses to launch and thrive.

Jul 28, 202033:24

Cannabis History: Africa & Mexico

Cannabis history is an incomplete puzzle—this ancient plant has traveled the globe, but knowledge of how it moved from culture to culture is piecemeal, distorted by colonial perspectives and the erasure of Indigenous and Black voices. In this episode, Mennlay talks to Lauren about her research into cannabis in Africa and Mexico, and how learning the plant’s history affirms her understanding of herself.

Jul 14, 202030:09

Smoke Weed, Paint Nails with Janine Lee

Cannabis and nail polish might not appear to have much in common, but for Janine Lee, the meditative experience of creating art on her fingertips after a of couple puffs was an inspiration. It’s part of what drove her to co-found Floss Gloss, a beauty brand with a massive cult following. In this episode, Lauren interviews Janine about the the stoner femme experience and her professional path, from starting her first business to stepping into the CBD scene.

Jun 23, 202025:11

Life with Plants

Plants can change your life in unexpected ways—and that goes beyond weed. In this episode, Mennlay and Lauren recollect memorable plant encounters (including an unfortunate incident with a cactus, a mom’s dusty pothos, and high school horticulture classes) that created surprising opportunities for rebellion and awareness. Mennlay shares tips for growing our favorite plant on a home windowsill, and both hosts take a moment to offer perspectives on anti-racist protests.

Jun 09, 202031:10

Discovering CBD with Alexis Rosenbaum

From growing up in an anti-weed environment to running a successful CBD business, Alexis Rosenbaum has experienced the full spectrum of cannabis perspectives. In this episode, Mennlay chats with Alexis, the founder of Rosebud CBD, about her journey to discovering cannabis and the value of embracing the whole plant, from THC to CBD and everything in between.

May 26, 202026:55

Teenage Nostalgia

Calling all former nerds, weirdos and rebels: we’re going back to high school. In this episode, Lauren and Mennlay share teenage memories and early perceptions of cannabis, while also sharing recommendations for nostalgic comfort in the form of all-time favorite films, food, music and books.

May 05, 202033:53

Weed Business Ethics with Imelda Walavalkar

Many weed businesses tout their sustainability and social justice initiatives, but what does it take to walk the talk? In this episode, Lauren speaks with Imelda Walavalkar, Pure Beauty cofounder and CEO, on growing an ethical weed business. Imelda discusses her love for mind expansion, outlines eco friendly cannabis cultivation practices, and clues us in on her favorite ways to support social justice causes. She also shares her thoughts on how to stay true to a creative vision in a tumultuous industry.

Apr 22, 202028:38