The Green Rush

Welcome to the Green Rush, a weekly conversation at the intersection of cannabis, psychedelics, the capital markets, and culture, produced by KCSA Podcast Labs. Today, we have a special episode featuring our newest production, Alternatively Speaking. In our debut season, we’re diving into a revolutionary concept in health span, longevity, and healthcare. Our hosts engage in a fascinating discussion with Sebastian Brunemeier, a true powerhouse in the longevity and regenerative medicine space. Sebastian is a biotech venture capitalist and company builder with a laser focus on extending human health span. As the co-founder and general partner of Healthspan Capital and the CEO and founder of ImmuneAgeBio, Sebastian is at the forefront of immune system rejuvenation research.  Over the past five years, he has co-founded four longevity biotech companies with a combined equity value exceeding $600 million. Sebastian's background includes roles as co-founder and chief investment officer at Cambrian Biopharma, co-founder and COO of Samsara Therapeutics, and principal at Apollo Health Ventures, the world's first and largest aging-focused venture capital fund managing $200 million in assets. Podcast Highlights: Introduction to Sebastian Brunemeier (00:11): Overview of Sebastian's background and his various roles in the longevity biotech space. The Longevity Biotech Landscape (02:36): Discussion of Sebastian's journey into longevity science and his mission to bring capital and talent into the field. Healthspan Capital and Investment Strategy (27:48): Insights into Healthspan Capital's approach to investing in longevity biotech companies. The Global Demographic Aging Crisis (23:25): Exploration of the "silver tsunami" and how longevity science aims to address this global challenge. Cutting-Edge Research in Longevity (39:54): Discussion of promising studies in the longevity space, including blood plasma research and stem cell therapies. The Political and Social Movement of Longevity (45:00): Introduction to the concept of startup cities and the Prospera project as hubs for longevity research and development. Personal Longevity Practices (53:35): Sebastian's insights on personal health protocols and cautionary advice on experimental interventions. Social Media: X: @sebastian_gero LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastianlongbio/  Other Links/Mentions/Resources: LongevityList.com: https://longevitylist.com/  Stranded Technologies Podcast interview: https://www.strandedtechnologies.com/p/ep-15-sebastian-a-brunemeier-on-the-9b0  ImmuneAgeBio: https://immuneage.bio/  Healthspan Capital: https://www.healthspancapital.vc/  Show Credits: This episode was hosted by Anne Donohoe and Phil Carlson of KCSA Strategic Communications.  Special thanks to our Program Director, Shea Gunther, and Executive Producer, Maria Petsanas. You can learn more about how KCSA can help your cannabis and psychedelic companies by visiting www.kcsa.com or emailing AltSpeaking@kcsa.com. You can also connect with us via our social channels: X: @KCSAPodcastLabs Instagram: @KCSAPodcastLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kcsapodcastlabs/

Welcome to the Green Rush, a weekly conversation at the intersection of cannabis, psychedelics, the capital markets, and culture, produced by KCSA Podcast Labs. Today, we have a special episode featuring our newest production, Alternatively Speaking. In our debut season, we’re diving into a revolutionary concept in health span, longevity, and healthcare. Hosts Phil Carlson and Anne Donohoe dive into the world of longevity technology with guest Petr Sramek, a visionary in the field of longevity tech. Petr is the co-founder, chairman, and managing general partner of the Longevitytech.fund, bringing over 33 years of experience as a serial tech entrepreneur to the table. His impressive resume includes being a former entrepreneur-in-residence at Singularity University and co-founder of theLongevityForum.eu. Currently serving on the boards of several cutting-edge companies in the longevity sector, including Animal Biosciences in the U.S. and Age Curve in the U.K., Petr is dedicated to building the scientific, financial, and business infrastructure needed to accelerate the adoption of technologies that improve our health span. Podcast Highlights: Introduction of Petr Sramek (00:11): Overview of Petr's background as co-founder and chairman of the Longevity Tech Fund and his experience in technology entrepreneurship. Concept of "Healthy Longevity" (02:48): Explanation of the focus on expanding the healthy and active part of life rather than just extending the overall lifespan. Longevity Tech Fund Investment Strategy (17:35): Discussion of investment ticket sizes ranging from $100,000 to $600,000 and the fund's approach to selecting companies. Longevity vs Traditional Biotech (29:34): Differentiation between longevity and traditional biotech investments, highlighting that aging is not classified as a disease. CRISPR and Gene Therapy in Longevity (37:33): Examination of CRISPR's current limitations in longevity applications and the potential of gene therapy as a more relevant near-term approach. Advice for Investors and Companies (42:54): Guidance for retail investors interested in the longevity space and information on how companies can pitch to the Longevity Tech Fund. Personal Longevity Practices (47:30): Petr's sharing of his own experiences with longevity interventions, including his epigenetic age results showing a 16-year difference from his chronological age. Social Media: Petr’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petrsramek/  X: https://x.com/petrsramekbench  Other Links/Mentions/Resources: Longevitytech.fund: https://www.longevitytech.fund/en/home  Longevity Forum EU: https://www.longevityforum.eu/en/home  HealthyLongevity.clinic: https://www.healthylongevity.clinic/  Singularity University: https://www.su.org/  AgeCurve: https://agecurve.co.uk/  Animal Bioscience: https://animalbioscience.com/about-us/  Show Credits: This episode was hosted by Phil Carlson and Anne Donohoe of KCSA Strategic Communications.  Special thanks to our Program Director, Shea Gunther, and Executive Producer, Maria Petsanas. You can learn more about how KCSA can help your cannabis and psychedelic companies by visiting www.kcsa.com or emailing AltSpeaking@kcsa.com. You can also connect with us via our social channels: X: @KCSAPodcastLabs Instagram: @KCSAPodcastLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kcsapodcastlabs/

Welcome to the Green Rush, a weekly conversation at the intersection of cannabis, psychedelics, the capital markets, and culture, produced by KCSA Podcast Labs. Today, we have a special episode featuring our newest production, Alternatively Speaking. In our debut season, we’re diving into a revolutionary concept in health span, longevity, and healthcare. We sat down with Lou Reese, co-founder and Vice Chairman of Vaxxinity, a purpose-driven biotechnology company pioneering a new class of medicines aimed at disrupting existing treatments for chronic diseases. Founded in 2014 alongside his wife and CEO, Mei Mei Hu, Vaxxinity is at the forefront of developing "next generation" vaccines for chronic conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, heart disease, and migraine. Lou Reese also serves on the Executive Committee of United Biomedical, Inc. (UBI), a multinational biopharmaceutical organization focused on developing diagnostics and immunotherapeutics for global health improvement. Lou was a director at ShenLian Biotech, one of the largest animal health companies in China, and co-founded an investment firm with ventures spanning real estate, energy, hospitality, and life sciences. Podcast Highlights: Introduction & Lou Reese's Background (3:00): Lou's journey and his mission to eliminate global suffering. Synthetic Peptide Technology (10:15): Discussion of Vaxxinity's innovative approach to vaccine development. Active Immunotherapy Medicines (18:30): Vaxxinity's work on developing active immunotherapy medicines. Parkinson's Disease Breakthrough (23:45): Promising results from Vaxxinity's Parkinson's trials. Company Restructuring (32:00): Vaxxinity's decision to delist and deregister, and plans for becoming a B Corp. Army of Compassion (41:30): Global prevention trial for Alzheimer's and partnership with former Governor David Beasley. Future of Healthcare (48:45): Lou's vision for affecting billions of lives and revolutionizing healthcare spending. Social Media: Lou Reese's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lou-reese-6b54504/  X: https://x.com/notloureese  Other Links/Mentions/Resources: Vaxxinity's official website: https://www.vaxxinity.com/  World Food Programme: https://www.wfp.org/  Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/  UT Health: https://www.uthscsa.edu/  Amprion: https://www.amprionme.com/  United Therapeutics: https://www.unither.com/  Show Credits: This episode was hosted by Lewis Goldberg of KCSA Strategic Communications.  Special thanks to our Program Director, Shea Gunther, and Executive Producer, Maria Petsanas. You can learn more about how KCSA can help your cannabis and psychedelic companies by visiting www.kcsa.com or emailing AltSpeaking@kcsa.com. You can also connect with us via our social channels: X: @KCSAPodcastLabs Instagram: @KCSAPodcastLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kcsapodcastlabs/

Welcome to the Green Rush, a weekly conversation at the intersection of cannabis, psychedelics, the capital markets, and culture, produced by KCSA Podcast Labs. Today, we have a special episode featuring our newest production, Alternatively Speaking. In our debut season, we’re diving into a revolutionary concept in health span, longevity, and healthcare. We sat down with Dr. Bob Harari, a renowned biomedical scientist, surgeon, and entrepreneur. He is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Celularity, a biotechnology company leading the next evolution in cellular medicine. Dr. Hariri pioneered the use of stem cells to treat a range of life-threatening human diseases and continues today to make transformative contributions in the fields of immuno-oncology and cell therapeutics along with tissue engineering and functional regeneration.  Dr. Hariri is widely acknowledged for his discovery of pluripotent stem cells derived from the human placenta, and as a member of the team that discovered the physiological activities of tumor necrosis factor (TNF). He holds over 150 issued and pending patents for discoveries including placenta-derived stem cells, which Nature recognized as one of the ten most important patent estates in the field. Dr. Hariri was the founder and CEO of Anthrogenesis Corporation, and after its acquisition by Celgene Corporation, served as CEO of Celgene Cellular Therapeutics. Dr. Hariri also co-founded the genomic-based health intelligence company, Human Longevity, Inc. Podcast Highlights: Introduction & Dr. Bob Harari’s Research (1:00): Dr. Harari's background and journey to longevity science. Placental Stem Cells (04:30): Advantages of using placental-derived stem cells and their ethical considerations. Universal Donor Tissue (10:05): Concept of the placenta as a universal donor tissue is explored, highlighting its potential in cellular therapies. Genetic Modification (12:40): Process of genetic modification in stem cells and their natural intelligence. Chimerism (20:35): The potential therapeutic benefits of chimerism in cellular medicine are discussed. Adult Stem Cell Banking (24:18): Cellularity's adult stem cell banking program and its value for future treatments. Future of Stem Cell Medicine (36:40): A vision of stem cell medicine in 10 years, including potential treatments for cancer, autoimmune diseases, and aging-related conditions. Social Media: Dr. Bob Hariri's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbobhariri/?hl=en  Dr. Bob Hariri's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-hariri-md-phd-3654b239/  Other Links/Mentions/Resources: Cellularity's official website: https://www.cellularity.com/  National Institutes of Health (NIH) information on stem cells: https://stemcells.nih.gov/  FDA resources: https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/cellular-gene-therapy-products  Nature article on chimerism: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01001-2  The American Society for Gene and Cell Therapy's patient education page: https://asgct.org/education  Show Credits: This episode was hosted by Lewis Goldberg of KCSA Strategic Communications.  Special thanks to our Program Director, Shea Gunther, and Executive Producer, Maria Petsanas. You can learn more about how KCSA can help your cannabis and psychedelic companies by visiting www.kcsa.com or emailing AltSpeaking@kcsa.com. You can also connect with us via our social channels: X: @KCSAPodcastLabs Instagram: @KCSAPodcastLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kcsapodcastlabs/

Welcome to the Green Rush, a weekly conversation at the intersection of cannabis, psychedelics, the capital markets, and culture, produced by KCSA Podcast Labs. Today, we have a special episode featuring our newest production, Alternatively Speaking. In our debut season, we’re diving into a revolutionary concept in health span, longevity, and healthcare. Our hosts sat down with Dr. Moshe Szyf, a pioneering figure in the field of epigenetics with a career spanning over three and a half decades. A founding figure in behavioral and psychiatric epigenetics, Dr. Szyf has authored over 300 influential papers that have significantly contributed to our understanding of how environmental factors and behaviors can influence gene expression without altering the DNA sequence itself.  Dr. Szyf serves as Chairman, CEO, and Chief Scientific Officer of HKG Epitherapeutics, focusing on developing epigenetic tools for clinical medicine, early disease detection, and personalized healthcare. He also currently holds the prestigious position of James McGill Professor of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at McGill University in Montreal, where he also holds the GlaxoSmithKline Chair in Pharmacology.  Podcast Highlights: Introduction to Epigenetics (00:11 - 02:37): Dr. Moshe Szyf is introduced as a pioneer in epigenetics. The concept of epigenetics is explained as the "software" that programs DNA, influencing how genes function without changing the DNA sequence itself. HKG Epitherapeutics and Epigenetic Testing (02:38 - 06:05): Discussion of Dr. Szyf's company, HKG Epitherapeutics, which develops epigenetic tests for early disease detection, aging assessment, and health monitoring. Epigenetics vs. Traditional Testing (06:06 - 09:44): Explanation of how epigenetic testing differs from traditional blood tests and genetic testing, offering insights into the dynamic changes happening at the DNA level. Consumer Impact and Health Empowerment (09:45 - 14:42): Examples of how consumers have used epigenetic tests to gain insights into their biological age and health status, leading to lifestyle changes. COVID-19's Impact on Healthcare Autonomy (29:38 - 33:40): Discussion on how the pandemic has led to increased public interest in personal health management and a shift towards more patient autonomy in healthcare decisions. Future of Precision Medicine (39:12 - 42:06): Dr. Szyf's views on the role of epigenetics in precision medicine, particularly in guiding personalized drug treatments and lifestyle interventions. Ethical Considerations and Balanced Approach to Longevity (34:55 - 39:11): Dr. Szyf's perspective on extreme anti-aging approaches, emphasizing the importance of balance and quality of life over extreme life extension methods. Future Developments in Epigenetics (43:25 - 45:37): Discussion of anticipated breakthroughs in epigenetic technology, including improved accuracy in testing and applications for early detection of various chronic diseases. Social Media: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/moshe-szyf-99ab283/?originalSubdomain=ca  @epimedtech https://twitter.com/epimedtech  Other Links/Mentions/Resources: EpiMedTechGlobal https://epimedtech.com/  Dr. Szyf’s Ted Talk https://www.ted.com/talks/moshe_szyf_how_early_life_experience_is_written_into_dna?subtitle=en  CDC Resources for Epigenetics https://www.cdc.gov/genomics-and-health/about/epigenetic-impacts-on-health.html  Show Credits: This episode was hosted by Anne Donohoe and Phil Carlson of KCSA Strategic Communications.  Special thanks to our Program Director, Shea Gunther, and Executive Producer, Maria Petsanas. You can learn more about how KCSA can help your cannabis and psychedelic companies by visiting www.kcsa.com or emailing greenrush@kcsa.com. You can also connect with us via our social channels: X: @KCSAPodcastLabs Instagram: @KCSAPodcastLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.

Welcome to the Green Rush, a weekly conversation at the intersection of cannabis, psychedelics, the capital markets, and culture, produced by KCSA Podcast Labs. Today, we have a special episode featuring our newest production, Alternatively Speaking. In our debut season, we’re diving into a revolutionary concept in health span, longevity, and healthcare. We met with Dr. Nir Barzilai, director of the Institute for Aging Research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the Director of the Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biology of Human Aging Research and of the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Nathan Shock Centers of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging. Dr. Barzilai discovered the first “longevity gene” in humans. His research established that the gene variant that leads to high HDL, or “good cholesterol,” is linked to healthy aging and extreme longevity.  Treatments for age-related diseases like type 2 diabetes are being developed based on Dr. Barzilai’s work and are currently in clinical trials. In addition to his “longevity gene” research, Dr. Barzilai studies key mechanisms involved in the biology of aging, including how nutrients and genetics influence lifespan. He is also investigating the physical and mental declines associated with aging and how they affect longevity. Dr. Barzilai is professor of medicine (endocrinology) and of genetics, a member of the Diabetes Research Center, and director of the Diabetes Research and Training Center’s Animal Physiology core. Podcast Highlights: Introduction & Dr. Nir Barzilai’s Groundbreaking Discovery (00:00 - 03:15): Overview of Dr. Nir Barzilai’s discovery of the first “longevity gene” in humans and its link to healthy aging. Discussion on the significance of high HDL cholesterol and how it relates to extreme longevity. The Science Behind Longevity Genes (03:16 - 08:32): Dive into the specific genetic markers that contribute to longevity. Dr. Barzilai shares insights on the mechanisms of aging and the potential to delay or reverse age-related diseases. Current Clinical Trials on Age-Related Diseases (08:33 - 12:10): An exploration of the treatments for type 2 diabetes and other age-related conditions that are being developed from Dr. Barzilai’s research, with an update on the progress of these clinical trials. Nutritional and Genetic Influence on Lifespan (12:11 - 17:48): How both genetics and nutrition shape our healthspan and longevity. Dr. Barzilai explains the latest findings on how diet can influence aging and the role of genetics in extending life. Mental and Physical Decline in Aging (17:49 - 21:22): Discussion on the common declines in physical and mental health with aging, and how they impact longevity. Dr. Barzilai talks about ongoing research into mitigating these declines. Future of Longevity Research (21:23 - 26:55): Dr. Barzilai shares his vision for the future of aging research, focusing on potential breakthroughs in longevity science. Social Media: @NirBarzilaiMD: https://x.com/nirbarzilaimd?lang=en  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nir-barzilai-7a86a7212/  Other Links/Mentions/Resources: Age Later by Nir Barzilai, M.D. https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250230867/agelater  Albert Einstein College of Medicine https://einsteinmed.edu/faculty/484/nir-barzilai  American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) https://www.afar.org/ Aging is a Treatable Condition - Worth.com The 4 most promising anti-aging drugs investors are sleeping on, according to a leading longevity researcher - Business Insider What is your Biological Age? - The New York Times Show Credits: This episode was hosted by Anne Donohoe and Phil Carlson of KCSA Strategic Communications.  Special thanks to our Program Director, Shea Gunther, and Executive Producer, Maria Petsanas. You can learn more about how KCSA can help your cannabis and psychedelic companies by visiting www.kcsa.com or emailing greenrush@kcsa.com.

Welcome to the Green Rush, a weekly conversation at the intersection of cannabis, psychedelics, the capital markets, and culture, produced by KCSA Podcast Labs. Today, we have a special episode featuring our newest production, Alternatively Speaking. In our debut season, we’re diving into a revolutionary concept in health span, longevity, and healthcare.  Our host sat down with Dr. Peter Diamandis, a visionary at the forefront of the longevity revolution. Named by Fortune as one of the “World’s 50 Greatest Leaders,” Diamandis has started over 20 companies in the areas of longevity, space, venture capital, and education.  Diamandis is the founder & executive chairman of the XPRIZE Foundation, which leads the world in designing & operating large-scale incentive competitions. He is also the co-founder and vice-chairman of Human Longevity Inc., merging advanced genomic sequencing with AI to develop therapies aimed at slowing down or even reversing aging. Additionally, Diamandis co-founded Fountain Life with Tony Robbins, a unique concierge healthcare company dedicated to revolutionizing the healthcare industry. Diamandis is the creator of Abundance360, a year-round program for entrepreneurs, investors, and executives focused on leveraging technology to drive positive change and leave a legacy. Podcast Highlights: Introduction & Dr. Diamandis' Motivations (4:01): Discussion of Diamandis' reasons for focusing on longevity, including its potential as a gift to humanity and a major business opportunity. Envisioning Extended Lifespans (6:55): Exploration of how life might change with significantly extended lifespans and Diamandis' personal perspective on living to 150 or beyond. Ethical Considerations of Longevity (10:24): Addressing concerns about overpopulation and resource depletion, with Diamandis' optimistic view on technological solutions. Breakthrough Technologies in Longevity (15:58): Overview of AI's potential role in understanding aging and discussion of the $101 million XPRIZE Healthspan. Fountain Life and Preventative Diagnostics (23:25): Introduction to Fountain Life's comprehensive health assessment approach and statistics on early disease detection. Personal Health Practices (35:56): Diamandis' approach to diet, exercise, and supplements, with emphasis on reducing sugar intake and increasing vegetable consumption. Investment in Longevity Science (38:28): Advice for potential investors in the longevity space and discussion of challenges in biotech investments. Singularity and AI (42:24): Explanation of Ray Kurzweil's concept of the “singularity” and Diamandis' perspective on the rapid advancement of AI. Guest Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterdiamandis/ X: @PeterDiamandis Other Links/Mentions/Resources: Peter Diamandis Website: https://www.diamandis.com/  Books by Peter Diamandis: https://www.diamandis.com/books  Human Longevity Inc.: https://www.humanlongevity.com/  XPRIZE Foundation: https://www.xprize.org/  Fountain Life: https://www.fountainlife.com/  Singularity University: https://su.org/  Abundance360: https://www.abundance360.com/summit  All affiliated companies and foundations: https://www.diamandis.com/companies  Show Credits: This episode was hosted by Lewis Goldberg of KCSA Strategic Communications.  Special thanks to our Program Director, Shea Gunther, and Executive Producer, Maria Petsanas. You can learn more about how KCSA can help your cannabis and psychedelic companies by visiting www.kcsa.com or emailing AltSpeaking@kcsa.com. You can also connect with us via our social channels: X: @KCSAPodcastLabs Instagram: @KCSAPodcastLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kcsapodcastlabs/

Welcome to the Green Rush, a weekly conversation at the intersection of cannabis, psychedelics, the capital markets, and culture, produced by KCSA Podcast Labs. Today our hosts sat down with John Mueller, veteran cannabis entrepreneur and CEO of Greenlight Dispensary. Greenlight is a vertically integrated multi-state operator with more than 30 dispensaries, 3 in-house brands, and more than 750 employees across Missouri, Ohio, West Virginia, Illinois, Nevada, and South Dakota. John is an expert in navigating the complexities of limited license markets and running a debt-free, profitable organization. John has extensive experience in all areas of cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, dispensing, and retail. Prior to founding Greenlight in 2019, he served as Co-Founder and CEO of Acres Cannabis, successfully building and selling operations to Curaleaf, which included a 19,000 sqft experiential dispensary and over 300,000 sqft of cultivation. Under John’s leadership, Greenlight issued the first known consecutive dividends by a private cannabis MSO, each totaling over seven figures. John also created “The Underground” and “Greenlight Garage” the world’s first-ever cannabis farmers markets where vendors and consumers can directly interact.  So don’t sit back, lean forward and enjoy! Social Media: John’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mueller-6a3749a/  Greenlight’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenlightdispensary/  Greenlight’s X: https://x.com/greenlightdispo  Other Links/Mentions: Greenlight’s website: https://greenlightdispensary.com/ Greenlight Ohio: https://greenlightdispensary.com/wintersville/  Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana: https://nebraskamarijuana.org/ Show Credits: This episode was hosted by Anne Donohoe and Maria Petsanas of KCSA Strategic Communications.  Special thanks to our Program Director, Shea Gunther, and Executive Producer, Maria Petsanas. You can learn more about how KCSA can help your cannabis and psychedelic companies by visiting www.kcsa.com or emailing greenrush@kcsa.com. You can also connect with us via our social channels: X: @KCSAPodcastLabs Instagram: @KCSAPodcastLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kcsapodcastlabs/

Welcome to the Green Rush, a weekly conversation at the intersection of cannabis, psychedelics, the capital markets, and culture, produced by KCSA Podcast Labs. Today, we sat down with returning guest Adam Smith, Founder and President of Alliance for Sensible Markets to discuss the news that Vice President Kamala Harris will be rolling out her plan for cannabis legalization. Adam is a longtime activist in the industry, primarily working behind the scenes to develop, draft, and lobby for the passage of cannabis bills at both the state and federal levels. Adam conceptualized, co-wrote, and championed Oregon’s landmark 2019 interstate commerce law (on which the 2023 Washington law was also based) and helped write and advocated for California’s 2022 interstate law. His expertise and influence have been instrumental in shaping the legal landscape of cannabis in the United States. During our conversation, Adam will share his unique insights on Vice President Harris's upcoming legalization plan, analyzing its potential impact on the industry, the economy, and society at large. We'll explore the intricate details of the proposal, discuss possible challenges and opportunities, and examine how this federal initiative might interact with existing state laws. So don’t sit back, lean forward and enjoy! Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thatadamsmith/  Other Links/Mentions: Alliance for Sensible Markets: https://www.sensiblemarkets.org/  Marijuana Moment article https://www.marijuanamoment.net/kamala-harris-rolls-out-marijuana-legalization-plan-pledging-to-make-it-the-law-of-the-land/  Show Credits: This episode was hosted by Anne Donohoe and Lewis Goldberg (who still has a bet with Adam!) of KCSA Strategic Communications.  Special thanks to our Program Director, Shea Gunther, and Executive Producer, Maria Petsanas. You can learn more about how KCSA can help your cannabis and psychedelic companies by visiting www.kcsa.com or emailing greenrush@kcsa.com. You can also connect with us via our social channels: X: @KCSAPodcastLabs Instagram: @KCSAPodcastLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kcsapodcastlabs/

Welcome to the Green Rush, a weekly conversation at the intersection of cannabis, psychedelics, the capital markets, and culture, produced by KCSA Podcast Labs. Today, we have a special edition of the Green Rush featuring our newest production, Alternatively Speaking. In our debut season, we're diving into a revolutionary concept in health span, longevity, and healthcare.  Our hosts sat down with Alternatively Speaking's first-ever guest, Jamie Justice, Executive Vice President of the Health Domain at XPRIZE Foundation and Adjunct Professor in Internal Medicine Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, and Sticht Center on Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Prevention at Wake Forest University School of Medicine (WFUSM). Jamie is dedicated to Geroscience research that advances the hypothesis that by targeting the basic biology of aging the incidence of multiple age-related diseases can be delayed or prevented. So don’t sit back, lean forward and enjoy! Podcast Highlights: Introduction & XPRIZE Foundation Origins (00:00 - 02:29): Overview of the longevity industry, the impact of the Ansari XPRIZE on private space travel, and XPRIZE’s influence on companies like SpaceX. Jamie Justice’s Background & Passion for Research (02:30 - 06:14): Jamie’s journey into gerontology, early research experiences with older adults, and her focus on empathy and the human aspect of aging. Exploring Aging & Longevity (06:15 - 10:21): Discussion on the fundamental questions of aging, how different interventions (lifestyle, supplements, drugs) impact human health and longevity. Translating Aging Research into Practice (10:22 - 13:10): Jamie’s work at Wake Forest, ongoing efforts to apply aging research in real-world settings, and the philosophical aspects of aging—living fully versus focusing on death. Healthspan vs. Lifespan & Longevity Goals (13:11 - 20:43): Exploring the concept of the ‘longevity dividend,’ aligning biological health with extended life, and the strategies to improve healthspan by optimizing current biology. XPRIZE HealthSPAN Award & Future of Aging Research (20:44 - 28:28): Introduction to the XPRIZE HealthSPAN Award program, the bold scientific goals it supports, challenges in aging research, and the collaborative efforts to advance the field. Social Media: X: @j_n_justice LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-justice-ph-d-6b933146/  Other Links/Mentions: https://www.xprize.org/  https://www.xprize.org/prizes/healthspan  Show Credits: This episode was hosted by Anne Donohoe of KCSA Strategic Communications.  Special thanks to our Program Director, Shea Gunther and Executive Producer, Maria Petsanas. You can learn more about how KCSA can help your cannabis and psychedelic companies by visiting www.kcsa.com or emailing greenrush@kcsa.com. You can also connect with us via our social channels: X: @KCSAPodcastLabs Instagram: @KCSAPodcastLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kcsapodcastlabs/

Welcome to the Green Rush, a weekly conversation at the intersection of cannabis, psychedelics, the capital markets, and culture, produced by KCSA Podcast Labs. Today, our hosts sat down with Jhavid Mohseni, CEO of Aperon Corporation. Jhavid's 27-year career spans multiple industries. In 2016, he founded Tamerlane Trading, which became the world's leading quality-verified marketplace for bulk wholesale cannabis. He spearheaded the establishment of the International Cannabis and Hemp Standards (ICHS) to promote trust and transparency in the cannabis supply chain. Jhavid's venture Big Tree Grading implemented ICHS standards, significantly improving cannabis quality grading. In 2023, Jhavid co-founded Cannafax, an AI-enabled platform for qualitative grading and appraisal creating efficiencies in the global cannabis trade.  So don’t sit back, lean forward and enjoy! Guest's Social Media: Jhavid’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhavidmohseni  Jhavid’s Twitter: https://x.com/jhavid_mohseni  Aperon’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aperon-corporation  Links / Mentions: Aperon Corp https://aperoncorp.com/    Tamerland Trading Co. https://tamerlane.com/  International Cannabis and Hemp Standards (ICHS) https://www.ichstandards.org  Cannafax https://www.cannafax.com/  Show Credits: This episode was hosted by Lewis Goldberg, Phil Carlson, and Maria Petsanas of KCSA Strategic Communications. Special thanks to our Program Director, Shea Gunther and Executive Producer, Maria Petsanas. You can learn more about how KCSA can help your cannabis and psychedelic companies by visiting www.kcsa.com or emailing greenrush@kcsa.com. You can also connect with us via our social channels: X: @KCSAPodcastLabs Instagram: @KCSAPodcastLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kcsapodcastlabs/

Welcome to the Green Rush, a weekly conversation at the intersection of cannabis, psychedelics, the capital markets, and culture, produced by KCSA Podcast Labs. Today, our hosts sat down with George Jage, Co-Founder and CEO of Jage Media, the driving force behind MJ Unpacked, the acclaimed cannabis trade event tailored exclusively for retail and brand executives. Since 2019, George and his team have been dedicated to fostering community within the cannabis industry through dynamic business media and events. His previous roles include serving as President of Marijuana Business Daily and CEO of DOPE Magazine. Recognized for his contributions, George has received prestigious awards such as the Nevada Entrepreneur Award and the Jerry Valen Award of Distinction. Through initiatives like MJ Unpacked, George continues to enhance the cannabis industry by facilitating valuable networking opportunities and promoting growth and collaboration. As a reminder, the next MJ Unpacked events are on Nov. 5 - 7, 2024, Union Station Hotel, St. Louis, MO and Apr. 29 - May 1, 2025, Hard Rock Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ So don’t sit back, lean forward and enjoy! Links to guest's social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgejage/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/georgejage  Links and Mentions: MJ Unpacked: https://mjunpacked.com/  Jage Media: https://jagemedia.com/  World Tea Expo: https://www.worldteaexpo.com/  MJBizDaily: https://mjbizdaily.com/  MJBizCon: https://mjbizconference.com/  Dope Magazine: https://dopemagazine.com/  Show Credits: This episode was hosted by Anne Donohoe and Phil Carlson of KCSA Strategic Communications. Special thanks to our Program Director, Shea Gunther, and Executive Producer, Maria Petsanas. You can learn more about how KCSA can help your cannabis and psychedelic companies by visiting www.kcsa.com or emailing greenrush@kcsa.com. You can also connect with us via our social channels: X: @KCSAPodcastLabs Instagram: @KCSAPodcastLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kcsapodcastlabs/ Check out our new podcast, Alternatively Speaking. The first 10-episode series dives into the world of longevity, exploring the advancements and challenges surrounding the pursuit of living longer, healthier lives. https://altspeaking.com/

Welcome to the Green Rush, a weekly conversation at the intersection of cannabis, psychedelics, the capital markets, and culture, produced by KCSA Strategic Communications. This week, we sat down with Luna Stower, Head of Impact at Ispire Technology. Luna is an industry veteran who has passionately advocated for cannabis legalization and social equity. At Ispire, she is at the forefront of efforts to drive positive social change through the development and distribution of cutting-edge vaping technologies. Luna's leadership in advocacy, education, and technology has made her a prominent voice in the industry, and we’re thrilled to have her join Green Rush. So don’t sit back, lean forward and enjoy! Links and Social Media: Luna’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lunastower/  Luna’s X: https://twitter.com/lunastower Luna’s Website: https://www.lunastower.com/  Ispire Website: https://ispiretechnology.com/ Show Credits: This episode was hosted by Anne Donohoe and Phil Carlson of KCSA Strategic Communications. Special thanks to our Program Director, Shea Gunther and Executive Producer, Maria Petsanas. You can learn more about how KCSA can help your cannabis and psychedelic companies by visiting www.kcsa.com or emailing greenrush@kcsa.com. You can also connect with us via our social channels: X: @KCSAPodcastLabs Instagram: @KCSAPodcastLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kcsapodcastlabs/

The Green Rush team is revisiting our extensive archives, curating a selection of over 300 past episodes. This collection will feature memorable moments, insightful interviews, and some of the team's favorite episodes, providing both new listeners and long-time fans an opportunity to explore or rediscover the best of Green Rush.  Back in 2020, we sat down with Javier Hasse, one of the leading voices in the cannabis industry about the cannabis news of the day including how cannabis companies are responding to the Black Lives Matter movement against police brutality, the launch of his Spanish language news site El Planteo, the role of women in the industry and his favorite stories to tell about his time working in the cannabis industry. With a well-earned reputation as one of the most dutiful and diligent reporters covering the cannabis space, Javier is in the elite tier of media that is a must-follow for anyone interested in the cannabis industry. So don’t sit back, lean forward and enjoy! Links to guest’s social media: @JavierHasse https://x.com/javierhasse?lang=en  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/javierhasse/?locale=en_US  Links and Mentions: El Planteo https://elplanteo.com/  Javier’s work on Benzinga https://www.benzinga.com/author/javier-hasse  Javier’s work on Forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/  Show Credits: This episode was hosted by Anne Donohoe of KCSA Strategic Communications. Special thanks to our Program Director, Shea Gunther and Executive Producer, Maria Petsanas. You can learn more about how KCSA can help your cannabis and psychedelic companies by visiting www.kcsa.com or emailing greenrush@kcsa.com. You can also connect with us via our social channels: X: @KCSAPodcastLabs Instagram: @KCSAPodcastLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kcsapodcastlabs/

Welcome to the Green Rush, a weekly conversation at the intersection of cannabis, psychedelics, the capital markets, and culture, produced by KCSA Podcast Labs. This week, we sat down with Hirsh Jain, Founder of Ananda Strategy. Ananda Strategy is a strategy consultancy advising leading cannabis brands, retailers, technology businesses, and venture capital funds across the United States, Canada, and Western Europe. Ananda Strategy represents many of California’s leading cannabis retailers, helping lead their expansion strategy, competitive licensing efforts, and M&A activity. Ananda also serves operators in the Arizona, Colorado, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New York, Ohio, and Oregon markets, as well as operators in Canada and Western Europe. Hirsh is Vice Chair of the Cannabis Chamber of Commerce and serves on the boards of NORML California as well as SC Labs, a leading cannabis testing company. He previously held leadership roles at Caliva and MedMen, and worked as the Global Policy Lead at Airbnb, managing public policy in key markets worldwide. Before that, Hirsh was with McKinsey & Company in their Public Sector Practice. Hirsh holds a B.A. in Philosophy from UC Berkeley and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. He has a deep commitment to cannabis law reform, having studied the impacts of the War on Drugs. Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/anandastrategy/ https://twitter.com/anandastrategy  https://www.linkedin.com/in/hirsh-jain-b896b080/  Other Links/Mentions: Ananda Strategy - https://www.anandastrategy.com/ Ohio adult-use cannabis - https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/news/2024/08/21/adult-use-recreational-marijuana-sales-surge-across-ohio Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, Crista Egger - https://greenrushpodcast.com/crista-eggers-nebraskans-for-medical-marijuana/  Show Credits: This episode was hosted by Phil Carlson and Anne Donohoe of KCSA Strategic Communications.  Special thanks to our Program Director, Shea Gunther, and Executive Producer, Maria Petsanas. Check out our new podcast Alternatively Speaking where our hosts dive into the advancements and challenges surrounding the pursuit of living longer, healthier lives in our first 10-episode series. Visit https://altspeaking.com. You can learn more about how KCSA can help your cannabis and psychedelic companies by visiting www.kcsa.com or emailing greenrush@kcsa.com. You can also connect with us via our social channels: X: @KCSAPodcastLabs Instagram: @KCSAPodcastLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kcsapodcastlabs/

This summer, the Green Rush team is revisiting our extensive archives, curating a selection of over 300 past episodes. This collection will feature memorable moments, insightful interviews, and some of the team's favorite episodes, providing both new listeners and long-time fans an opportunity to explore or rediscover the best of Green Rush. Stay tuned for the upcoming launch of our new podcast in the fall, "Alternatively Speaking." We’re revisiting our interview with Jim Belushi, actor, musician, comedian, all around entertainer as well as cannabis entrepreneur and the founder of Belushi’s Farms. Jim has long been a household name due to his distinguished acting career but he’s also incredibly active in the cannabis community with a nearly 100 acre farm in the heart of Oregon’s beautiful banana belt, he is out there getting his hands dirty and producing some of the most-talked about cannabis in the state. With brands like Captain Jack, The Blues Brothers and Good Ugly Weed and Belushi’s Secret Stash, Jim Belushi’s cannabis products are quickly becoming the most talked about product line across the state. So don’t sit back, lean forward and enjoy! Links to guest’s social media: Jim’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/JimBelushi Jim’s IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000902/ Belushi Farm’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belushisfarm/ Links and Mentions: Belushi’s Farm homepage: https://www.belushisfarm.com/ Belushi’s Farm’s Products: https://www.zazzle.com/store/belushis_farm  Jim Belushi and Steve Deangelo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtCpUu0pK7E Jim on the Farm: https://www.instagram.com/p/CAsqcwehu7i/ Jim on the Farm Part 2: https://www.instagram.com/p/B-XX1FNhlIG/ Show Credits: This episode was hosted by Anne Donohoe and Phil Carlson of KCSA Strategic Communications. Special thanks to our Executive Producer Maria Petsanas and Program Director Shea Gunther. You can learn more about how KCSA can help your cannabis and psychedelic companies by visiting www.kcsa.com or emailing greenrush@kcsa.com. You can also connect with us via our social channels: X: @KCSAPodcastLabs Instagram: @KCSAPodcastLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kcsapodcastlabs/

Welcome to the Green Rush, a weekly conversation at the intersection of cannabis, psychedelics, the capital markets, and culture, produced by KCSA Strategic Communications. This week, we sat down with Tyler Beuerlein. Tyler is Chief Strategic Business Development Officer of Safe Harbor Financial, leveraging his extensive experience in building brands, managing key relationships, and strategic partnerships. Tyler has been at the forefront of the cannabis industry for over eight years and touches Financial Institutions, Government Officials, Regulatory Bodies, and the State Legal Cannabis industry.  Prior to working at Safe Harbor, Tyler served as the Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Business Development Officer for Hypur Ventures and is the former Chairman of the National Cannabis Industry Association Banking and Financial Services Committee. Additionally, Tyler was appointed to serve on both the Marijuana Business Daily’s Advisory Board and ATACH Cannabis Beverage Council and is also a member of the Forbes Business Development Council. Formerly, Beuerlein founded and managed a large beverage company and was a professional athlete in the New York Mets organization. Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-beuerlein/ Other Links/Mentions: https://shfinancial.org/ Show Credits: This episode was hosted by Anne Donohoe of KCSA Strategic Communications.  Special thanks to our Program Director, Shea Gunther. You can learn more about how KCSA can help your cannabis and psychedelic companies by visiting www.kcsa.com or emailing greenrush@kcsa.com. You can also connect with us via our social channels: X: @KCSAPodcastLabs Instagram: @KCSAPodcastLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kcsapodcastlabs/

Andrew has been closely following the efforts of organizations like MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) and Lykos Therapeutics as they pioneer the use of MDMA-assisted therapy for treating PTSD. Recently, the FDA delivered a surprising and disappointing decision, declining to approve MDMA-assisted therapy despite promising clinical data and asking the company to conduct an additional Phase 3 Study. This ruling has sent shockwaves through the field of psychedelic medicine, especially for those who had high hopes that MDMA would become the first federally regulated psychedelic treatment. In our conversation today, Andrew will share his insights on the FDA's decision, the implications for Lykos Therapeutics, and what this means for the future of psychedelic therapies. We’ll delve into the challenges faced by Lykos, including the FDA’s request for an additional clinical trial, which could add years and significant costs to the approval process. We’ll also explore the broader context of this decision—how it affects the momentum of the psychedelic medicine movement, the reaction from supporters and critics alike, and the potential shifts in strategy as the industry continues to navigate regulatory hurdles. For those interested in the intersection of health, science, and business, this discussion promises to be both timely and insightful. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our conversation with Andrew Jacobs. Link to Andrew's New York Times bio: https://www.nytimes.com/by/andrew-jacobs Social Media: X: @AndrewJacobsNYT Other Links/Mentions: F.D.A. Declines to Approve MDMA Therapy, Seeking More Study What Is MDMA Therapy and What Are Its Risks? A Psychedelics Reporter With a Changing Perspective Show Credits: This episode was hosted by Lewis Goldberg and Anne Donohoe of KCSA Strategic Communications. Special thanks to our Program Director, Shea Gunther. You can learn more about how KCSA can help your cannabis and psychedelic companies by visiting www.kcsa.com or emailing greenrush@kcsa.com. You can also connect with us via our social channels: X: @KCSAPodcastLabs Instagram: @KCSAPodcastLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kcsapodcastlabs/

This summer, the Green Rush team is revisiting our extensive archives, curating a selection of over 300 past episodes. This collection will feature memorable moments, insightful interviews, and some of the team's favorite episodes, providing both new listeners and long-time fans an opportunity to explore or rediscover the best of Green Rush. Stay tuned for the upcoming launch of our new podcast in the fall, "Alternatively Speaking." This week our host Anne Donohoe is joined by the incomparable Betty Aldworth, Director of Communications and Marketing for MAPS. An activist and advocate since her first anti-nukes demonstration as a pre-teen, Betty has spent the last two decades as one of the leading voices around restorative justice and drug policy reform advocating for safety, justice and education within the cannabis and psychedelics industries. In this conversation Anne sat down with Betty to discuss why advocacy for marginalized groups is a core part of who she is, the important intersection of marketing and messaging that shapes these industries, what types of reform she would implement if she were Biden’s Drug Czar and what’s coming down the pipeline at MAPS. And as a special treat, this discussion included our first ever surprise call-in where a special guest phoned into our recording to ask Betty some additional questions about her work! So sit back and enjoy our conversation with Betty Aldworth, Director of Communications and Marketing at MAPS. Links and mentions in the show: https://maps.org/ https://psychedelicscience.org/  Links to the guest’s company and social media accounts: Betty Aldworth’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bettyaldworth/ Betty Aldworth’s Website: https://bettyaldworth.com/ Betty Aldworth’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bettyaldworth/  Show Credits: This episode was hosted by Anne Donohoe of KCSA Strategic Communications. Special thanks to our Program Director, Shea Gunther and Producer, Maria Petsanas. You can learn more about how KCSA can help your cannabis and psychedelic companies by visiting www.kcsa.com or emailing greenrush@kcsa.com. You can also connect with us via our social channels: X: @KCSAPodcastLabs Instagram: @KCSAPodcastLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kcsapodcastlabs/

Welcome to the Green Rush, a KCSA Strategic Communications Production, a weekly conversation at the intersection of cannabis, psychedelics, the capital markets, and culture. This week, we’re back with a new special episode featuring Crista Eggers, a Nebraska Medical Cannabis Advocate and Ballot Initiative Campaign Manager, who has been passionately fighting for over five years for access to medical cannabis in Nebraska. Crista was the driving force behind the successful statewide effort to place a pair of statutory medical cannabis initiatives on the November 2024 ballot. So don't sit back, lean forward, and enjoy! Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crista-eggers-142547221/  Other Links/Mentions: Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana website: https://nebraskamarijuana.org/ Donate: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/nemj Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/nebraskamarijuana/ Show Credits: This episode was hosted by Lewis Goldberg of KCSA Strategic Communications. Special thanks to our Program Director, Shea Gunther. You can learn more about how KCSA can help your cannabis and psychedelic companies by visiting www.kcsa.com or emailing greenrush@kcsa.com. You can also connect with us via our social channels: X: @KCSAPodcastLabs Instagram: @KCSAPodcastLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kcsapodcastlabs/