James Loud Podcast

On this episode of the James Loud Podcast, James sits down with Amanda Geritano, brand builder and executive at Packs Los Angeles, to talk legacy culture, scaling a premium pre-roll brand, and navigating today’s rapidly evolving adult-use market Amanda has been instrumental in building Packs into one of the most recognizable blunt and pre-roll brands in the space, known for its proprietary hemp wraps, signature glass tips, and bold red drip branding. Originally rooted in New York’s legacy scene, Packs expanded into multiple states through strategic licensing partnerships—balancing authenticity with large-scale growth. In this conversation, Amanda breaks down what it really takes to maintain quality while entering new markets, the challenges of automation vs. hand-rolled production, and how buyer psychology shapes today’s shelves.The discussion dives deep into pre-roll innovation, manufacturing technology, white labeling, brand knockoffs, expansion strategy, and the future of ready-to-consume products. From New York to Colorado to emerging markets across the country, Amanda shares firsthand insight into what’s working, what’s not, and where the industry is headed next.If you’re interested in cultivation, branding, pre-roll production, market expansion, or the business side of plant culture, this episode delivers real game from someone who’s built at scale.Follow James Loud:Instagram: https://instagram.com/JamesLoudInstagram: http://instagram.com/jamesloudpodcast/Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-loudFollow Packs:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/packs.us/Produced by Gears and GritInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gears.and.grit/About the James Loud Podcast:Hosted by award-winning breeder, author, and innovator James Loud, the show explores the art, science, and culture of modern plant genetics, sustainable cultivation, and community storytelling. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, James brings decades of experience, creativity, and insight to every episode.In 2024, the show was honored as Podcast of the Year by the International Industry Awards for its commitment to education, storytelling, and innovation. Each week features voices from across the creative and agricultural worlds — all united by passion, authenticity, and craftsmanship.Join us on this award-winning journey as we explore the future of cultivation, creativity, and culture.

In this episode of the James Loud Podcast, James sits down with Mark of Greenshock Farms, one of Northern California’s legendary growers and breeders. With over two decades spent farming in the mountains of Mendocino County, Mark has helped build Greenshock Farms into a respected outdoor cultivation team known for organic sun-grown practices, deep respect for nature, and an award-winning portfolio of plants and genetics.Mark shares his personal journey—from learning to grow in the wilds of California to refining a craft that’s earned Greenshock multiple accolades at major regional competitions. Their commitment to natural soil, integrated pest management, and letting the sun do the work reflects a philosophy rooted in harmony with the land rather than shortcuts or chemicals.This conversation explores the tough lessons, the evolution of outdoor growing, and what it takes to consistently produce vibrant genetics year after year. Whether you’re passionate about heritage techniques, sustainable farming, or the stories behind the growers who helped define California’s outdoor scene, this episode delivers deep insight straight from one of the people shaping that legacy.Follow James Loud:Instagram: https://instagram.com/JamesLoudInstagram: http://instagram.com/jamesloudpodcast/Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-loudFollow Greenshock Farms:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenshockfarmsProduced by Gears and GritInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gears.and.grit/About the James Loud Podcast:Hosted by award-winning breeder, author, and innovator James Loud, the show explores the art, science, and culture of modern plant genetics, sustainable cultivation, and community storytelling. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, James brings decades of experience, creativity, and insight to every episode.In 2024, the show was honored as Podcast of the Year by the International Industry Awards for its commitment to education, storytelling, and innovation. Each week features voices from across the creative and agricultural worlds — all united by passion, authenticity, and craftsmanship.Join us on this award-winning journey as we explore the future of cultivation, creativity, and culture.

On this episode of the James Loud Podcast, James sits down with Barney from Green Dawg Cultivators, one of Northern California’s respected legacy cultivation crews. Founded in 2014 in Sacramento, Green Dawg built its reputation by combining rare genetics, craft indoor techniques, and consistent quality — growing from a small collective into a globally recognized brand known for its deep catalog and collaborations across the industry.Barney shares stories from the early days, the evolution of modern genetics culture, and what it really takes to stay relevant in a fast-moving market where trends change overnight. The conversation dives into production philosophy, scaling without losing authenticity, and how legacy operators adapted as the industry transitioned from underground roots to regulated business.If you’re interested in cultivation, breeding, entrepreneurship, or the real history behind today’s most talked-about flavors and brands — this episode is packed with perspective from someone who lived it.Follow James Loud:Instagram: https://instagram.com/JamesLoudInstagram: http://instagram.com/jamesloudpodcast/Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-loudFollow Barney:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barneyhasagreendawg/Produced by Gears and GritInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gears.and.grit/About the James Loud Podcast:Hosted by award-winning breeder, author, and innovator James Loud, the show explores the art, science, and culture of modern plant genetics, sustainable cultivation, and community storytelling. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, James brings decades of experience, creativity, and insight to every episode.In 2024, the show was honored as Podcast of the Year by the International Industry Awards for its commitment to education, storytelling, and innovation. Each week features voices from across the creative and agricultural worlds — all united by passion, authenticity, and craftsmanship.Join us on this award-winning journey as we explore the future of cultivation, creativity, and culture.

This episode was live on YouTube hours before kickoff but enjoy this encore presentation!

🏈🔥 Super Bowl Smoke Out — LIVE on the James Loud Podcast 🔥🏈Before kickoff, we’re going live. No script, no guests, no agenda — just James Loud hanging out live, lighting up, chatting with the community, and warming up for the biggest game of the year. The Super Bowl Smoke Out is all about laid-back vibes, real conversation, and connecting with everyone in the chat before the madness begins.Pull up, say what’s up, talk predictions, life, culture, or whatever’s on your mind. This is a pre-game hang, not a panel — come chill, spark up if that’s your thing, and enjoy the moment.🔴 LIVE before the Super Bowl💬 Chat open — audience-driven conversation📺 Subscribe + turn on notifications so you don’t miss itLet’s smoke out the week and roll into game day together.Follow James Loud:Instagram: https://instagram.com/JamesLoudInstagram: http://instagram.com/jamesloudpodcast/Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-loudAbout the James Loud Podcast:Hosted by award-winning breeder, author, and innovator James Loud, the show explores the art, science, and culture of modern plant genetics, sustainable cultivation, and community storytelling. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, James brings decades of experience, creativity, and insight to every episode.In 2024, the show was honored as Podcast of the Year by the International Industry Awards for its commitment to education, storytelling, and innovation. Each week features voices from across the creative and agricultural worlds — all united by passion, authenticity, and craftsmanship.Join us on this award-winning journey as we explore the future of cultivation, creativity, and culture.

Stay tuned after the podcast to watch the trailer for 'Join the Club'On this special episode of the James Loud Podcast, James welcomes back Andrew DeAngelo to spotlight the big-screen premiere of 'Join the Club' — a compelling new documentary about the life and legacy of activist and pioneer Dennis Peron. 'Join the Club' tells the incredible story of Peron’s lifelong work, from his bold early days in San Francisco to creating historic community spaces and fighting for legal rights and compassionate care.Directed by Kip Andersen and Chris O’Connell, 'Join the Club' traces Peron’s personal journey through loss, activism, and community building. After the tragic loss of his partner during the AIDS crisis, Peron founded the first public Buyers’ Club — a vibrant hub of care, support, and advocacy — and became one of the most influential voices pushing for legal access and reform. The film interweaves archival footage and testimony to showcase how one person’s resilience helped shape broader movements and cultural change.In this episode, Andrew and James dive deep into Peron’s impact, the making of the film, and why 'Join the Club' is more than a documentary — it’s a tribute to community, courage, and history. If you’re fascinated by stories of advocacy and culture-shaping individuals, this conversation offers context, inspiration, and celebration of a figure whose work resonates today.📅 Film Premiere Details:✨ Saturday, February 7 — 6PM at the iconic Roxie Theater in San Francisco — the only big-screen showing of 'Join the Club' around this event.Follow James Loud:Instagram: https://instagram.com/JamesLoudInstagram: http://instagram.com/jamesloudpodcast/Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-loudFollow Andrew:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrew_deangelo/Produced by Gears and GritInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gears.and.grit/About the James Loud Podcast:Hosted by award-winning breeder, author, and innovator James Loud, the show explores the art, science, and culture of modern plant genetics, sustainable cultivation, and community storytelling. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, James brings decades of experience, creativity, and insight to every episode.In 2024, the show was honored as Podcast of the Year by the International Industry Awards for its commitment to education, storytelling, and innovation. Each week features voices from across the creative and agricultural worlds — all united by passion, authenticity, and craftsmanship.Join us on this award-winning journey as we explore the future of cultivation, creativity, and culture.