S4:E10 - From CBD Shop to Cannabis Empire | Mike Sims on Vinally High

S4:E10 - From CBD Shop to Cannabis Empire | Mike Sims on Vinally High

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2217475/fan_mail/new] The Vinally High Podcast wraps up Season 4 with an unforgettable finale featuring Charlotte cannabis entrepreneur Mike Sims, founder of Crowntown Cannabis and CEO of Foes Inc. In this episode, hosts Drew Beats and BJ Buds dive deep into the intersection of vinyl records, cannabis culture, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. Mike shares the story behind building one of the most recognizable cannabis brands in the Carolinas—from opening an early CBD storefront with limited resources to growing a multi-layered cannabis business that includes retail, product brands, and distribution. The conversation explores the realities of running a cannabis business in a constantly evolving legal landscape and why advocacy is so important for protecting hemp and cannabis access across the United States. As always on Vinally High, music plays a central role in the conversation. This episode’s listening session features Legend by Bob Marley, sparking a discussion about Marley’s cultural influence, the relationship between reggae and cannabis culture, and the timeless power of music to bring people together. Mike also reflects on the personal stories that have kept him passionate about the cannabis space—from customers finding relief through hemp products to the broader mission of building community and changing perceptions about the plant. If you’re interested in cannabis entrepreneurship, the evolving hemp industry, music culture, or the future of cannabis legalization, this Season 4 finale is a must-listen. Roll up, drop the needle, and press play. Follow Our Guest – Mike Sims Instagram: @crowntown_dispensary_official Instagram: @cannabiskingsouth Instagram: @the_king_canna Website: crowntowncannabis.com                  https://cltcbd.com/protect-the-plant/ YouTube:  @letsbeblunt7017 [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCR9c8vcGMOZd1_KVK0YSAyg]  Follow Vinally High Instagram: @vinallyhighpodcast YouTube: Vinally High Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2217475/support]

S4:E9 - Grow Lights, Punk Rock, & Award Winning Flower | Ghost Face Gorilla on Vinally High

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2217475/fan_mail/new] On this episode of Vinally High, Drew Beats and BJ Buds sit down with a very special guest who’s been powering the flower all season long—award-winning cultivator Geoff, the man behind Ghost Face Gorilla Grow. Fresh off winning Best Flower at the 2025 Crown Town Cannabis Cup, Jeff finally joins the show to share the story behind his craft, his journey through the cannabis industry, and what it really takes to grow top-tier product.  The conversation dives deep into the science, art, and dedication behind cannabis cultivation. Geoff explains how what many people think is a laid-back job is actually a highly technical process involving controlled environments, pest prevention, sanitation practices, and constant monitoring of temperature, humidity, and lighting cycles. From multiple grow rooms for different plant stages to dialing in the perfect conditions, cultivating premium flower is a full-time labor of love.  Geoff also shares how his journey began 15 years ago as a family effort, originally growing cannabis to help supply medical needs for his mother during the early days of the medical cannabis movement. What started in a basement eventually evolved into a professional cultivation operation built on passion, knowledge, and years of learning the hard way.  Of course, it wouldn’t be a Vinally High episode without spinning a record. This week’s vinyl pick is Stay Asleep by Bigwig (1999)—a skate-punk classic that sparks a nostalgic conversation about the underground punk scenes of Florida, New York, and North Carolina. The crew reflects on discovering music in the pre-streaming era, local shows in unexpected venues, and the tight-knit community that defined punk culture. Along the way, the episode explores: *  The realities of modern cannabis cultivation vs. common misconceptions  *  Why clean growing practices and transparency matter for consumers  *  The balance between art and science in producing high-quality flower  *  The role of craft growers in shaping the future of the industry  *  Punk rock nostalgia and the music that shaped a generation  Plus, listeners can participate in this episode’s trivia challenge for a chance to win a complimentary promotional pre-roll courtesy of Ghostface Gorilla Grow. Roll something up, drop the needle, and join the conversation as we celebrate great music, great flower, and the passionate people behind both. Follow & Support Vinally High 📸 Instagram: @VinallyHigh Our Guest: 📸 Instagram: @ghostfacegorillagrow Web: https://ghostfacegorilla.com Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2217475/support]

S4:E8 - Angelic Energy, Savage Bars | Nani Layilaa on Vinally High

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2217475/fan_mail/new] This week on Vinally High, Drew Beats and BJ Buds are joined by Charlotte-by-way-of-Long-Island rapper, singer, and songwriter Nani for a conversation that moves just as seamlessly as her flow. Fresh off a soul-reset trip to Cancún, Nani steps into the studio in a mood of gratitude and clarity, ready to unpack her journey—from winning a fourth-grade poetry contest to navigating early studio sessions in New York, to finding her signature “baby voice” sound right here in North Carolina. She opens up about homelessness, creative pivots, producer chemistry, and the vulnerability it takes to refine your artistry without losing your edge. The crew spins Ill Na Na by Foxy Brown, diving into the era when female MCs blended raw lyricism with unapologetic sexuality—and why ’90s New York hip-hop still hits different. From deep conversations about artistry and influence (including the undeniable industry impact of Sean Combs) to hilarious AI-generated album cover experiments, this episode balances real talk with classic Vinally High chaos. Nani breaks down: * How poetry evolved into rap battles and studio sessions * The moment she realized she could master different “pockets” and flows * The origin of her soft-but-deadly vocal tone * Why putting her catalog on shuffle is the best way to experience it * The cultural shift from New York to Charlotte (including a passionate rant about Southern driving habits) Between vinyl spins, sponsor love, and elevated vibes, the conversation floats from hip-hop history to personal growth to staying authentic in an industry that constantly demands reinvention. Roll something up, press play, and get Vinally High. 📲 Connect & Follow Follow Nani: TikTok: @thenanilayilaa Instagram: @thenanilayilaa Spotify:: Nani Layilaa YouTube:  @TheNaniLayilaa [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC3TG9N-Ktft4pcVT9Kzu85g]  Follow Vinally High: Instagram: @vinallyhighpodcast YouTube: Vinally High All streaming platforms: Vinally High Podcast Tap in, share the episode, and let us know your favorite moment. 🎧🔥 Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2217475/support]

S4:E7 - From Classroom to Club Lights | DJ Meechie on Vinally High

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2217475/fan_mail/new] On this episode of the Vinally High Podcast, Drew Beats and BJ Buds welcome a rising force in Charlotte’s music scene — DJ Meechie. Hailing from Pittsburgh, PA, Meechie brings the raw grit of the North and blends it seamlessly with the soulful rhythms of the South and beyond. But her journey to the turntables didn’t start in the club — it started in the classroom. Just a year ago, Meechie was a high school journalism and AVID teacher, shaping young minds and encouraging students to chase their dreams. In a full-circle moment of self-reflection, she realized she had to take her own advice. What began as a dusty DJ controller sitting in her living room turned into a leap of faith, late-night practice sessions, TikTok lives, and eventually… residencies and real momentum in the city. While spinning The College Dropout by Kanye West, Meechie shares how that album shaped her at just nine years old and why conscious, culture-shifting hip hop still fuels her creativity today. The conversation dives into: * Growing up on early 2000s hip hop and what made Kanye’s debut so impactful * The emotional power of music and memory * Walking away from stability to pursue purpose * Building a DJ brand from scratch in a competitive city * TikTok vs. real-world DJ culture * Taking advantage of “the opportunity of a lifetime in the lifetime of the opportunity” From her first birthday gig to landing a residency in under a year, Meechie proves that hunger, authenticity, and bold action can accelerate your path faster than you ever imagined. This episode is about betting on yourself, honoring your roots, and understanding that sometimes the scariest pivot leads to your real purpose. Roll the vinyl. Spark the conversation. Get Vinally High. Follow DJ Meechie: Instagram: @meechamilli TikTok: @meechamilli YouTube: @meechamilli Follow Vinally High: Instagram: @vinallyhighpodcast TikTok: @vinallyhighpodcast Facebook: Vinally High Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2217475/support]

S4:E6 - Healing Beyond the Mask | Tae the Fae on Vinally High

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2217475/fan_mail/new] On this episode of the Vinally High Podcast, hosts Drew Beats and BJ Buds welcome a truly unique guest—Tae, a holistic healer, nature-based guide, and creator of the Beyond the Mask podcast. Tae’s work blends ancestral wisdom, herbal medicine, breath-work, sound healing, and creative rituals to help people reconnect with themselves and explore deeper paths of healing.  The conversation begins with Tae sharing her journey into holistic healing and plant medicine—from experimenting with growing cannabis in college to diving deep into the world of mushrooms and their potential benefits for mental health and personal growth. Tae explains how mushrooms helped shape her understanding of self-reflection, healing, and intention, and why she believes education and guidance are key to destigmatizing herbal medicine.  Along the way, the crew discusses microdosing, the importance of approaching psychedelic experiences with intention, and how plant medicines may play a major role in the future of mental health treatment. Tae also shares insights into her mission to help people reconnect with nature and their inner selves through holistic practices and community education.  As always, the episode delivers plenty of laughs and classic Vinally High moments—from BJ Buds’ hilarious AI album-cover description challenge to the trio vibing out over the night’s featured record: Jazmine Sullivan’s Heaux Tales.  Tae also talks about her creative ventures, including voice acting and her animated project The Woodsons, and shares the inspiration behind her own podcast, Beyond the Mask, where she interviews guests about transformational healing experiences and personal growth. Roll up, press play, and join the Vinally High crew for a conversation that blends music, mindfulness, mushrooms, and a whole lot of laughs. Follow Tae 🌿 Instagram: @leaveroomtoshroom Podcast: Beyond the Mask on YouTube Watch The Woodsons series featuring Tae on YouTube Listen to Vinally High 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major streaming platforms Watch full episodes on YouTube Follow Vinally High Instagram: @vinallyhighpodcast YouTube: Vinally High Podcast All links available in our bio Special Thanks This episode is powered by Hey Binks, the clean THC beverage additive designed to elevate your vibe and help you stay present with your people. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2217475/support]