The World's First 3D Rolling Paper - Roca | James Loud Podcast EP:165

The World's First 3D Rolling Paper - Roca | James Loud Podcast EP:165

What if the future of rolling papers wasn't a paper at all?On this episode of the James Loud Podcast, James sits down with David Apfelbaum and Ram Solell, the founders of ROCA (Rolling Card), to explore one of the most innovative product designs the industry has seen in years. Ram, an industrial designer and longtime medical patient, originally developed Rolling Card's patented 3D micro-textured paper as a precision delivery platform for personalized medicine. After teaming up with venture capitalist David Apfelbaum, the technology evolved into a completely new style of rolling paper that delivers a smoother, cleaner smoking experience while opening the door to future applications in manufacturing and precision dosing.The conversation dives into the engineering behind the patented 3D texture, how airflow and burn rate are controlled without additives, why the wraps produce such a neutral flavor, and how the technology works seamlessly with machines like the RollPros Blackbird. They also discuss the future of precision infusion, automated production, custom branding, and why innovation—not just new genetics—is what will drive the next generation of the industry.From Israel's evolving medical program to manufacturing at scale in North America, this episode is a fascinating look at how engineering, product design, and entrepreneurship are reshaping the future of pre-roll technology. If you're interested in cultivation, manufacturing, product development, or the next wave of innovation, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Subscribe to the James Loud Podcast for conversations with breeders, inventors, entrepreneurs, cultivators, and the innovators pushing the industry forward.Follow James Loud:Instagram: https://instagram.com/JamesLoudInstagram: http://instagram.com/jamesloudpodcast/Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-loudFollow Roca:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roca.technology/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.

Ganja Farmer Marlon Asher Returns to the Podcast | James Loud Podcast EP:16

Reggae legend Marlon Asher returns to the James Loud Podcast for another unforgettable conversation filled with music, travel stories, cultivation culture, friendship, and the adventures they've shared over more than 15 years together. Best known worldwide for his iconic anthem Ganja Farmer, Marlon has become one of the most recognizable reggae voices to emerge from Trinidad & Tobago, building a global following through his authentic storytelling, positive message, and collaborations with artists like Slightly Stoopid, Cottonmouth Kings, Matisyahu, Fortunate Youth, and many more.This episode feels less like an interview and more like two old friends catching up. James and Marlon reflect on years of traveling the world together—from Amsterdam and Spain to Trinidad, St. Vincent, and beyond—while sharing stories about legendary concerts, reggae culture, genetics, mushrooms, Caribbean farming, and the people they've met along the way. The conversation wanders through cultivation history, old-school OG Kush, island-grown flower, music, legacy, and the lessons that come with getting older while still chasing adventure.Marlon also discusses his brand-new Ganja Farmer EP, released in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the song that helped launch his career. The project features new tracks including "Ganjaman", "Uncle" featuring Prince Swanny, and several collaborations that blend his signature roots style with modern Caribbean sounds. It's a fresh chapter for one of reggae's most enduring voices while staying true to the message that made him famous.Whether you're a longtime fan of Marlon's music, a lover of reggae culture, or just enjoy hearing two friends share stories from decades of adventures, this episode is packed with laughs, memories, wisdom, and good vibes.Subscribe to the James Loud Podcast for long-form conversations with musicians, breeders, growers, entrepreneurs, and cultural icons from around the world.Follow James Loud:Instagram: https://instagram.com/JamesLoudInstagram: http://instagram.com/jamesloudpodcast/Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-loudFollow Marlon:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrmarlonasher/Produced by Gears and GritInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gears.and.grit/Recorded by Benji BlancoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/_benjiblanco/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.

How GDP Got Its Name - Jimmy Myers | James Loud Podcast EP:163

As the James Loud Podcast continues its exploration of the legendary Grand Daddy Purple, longtime cultivator Jimmy Myers of Myers Creek returns to share his perspective on one of the most debated stories in modern cultivation history. A Northern California grower with decades of experience spanning the medical era through legalization, Jimmy has long been connected to the rise of GDP and the Bay Area cultivation scene that helped shape an entire generation of genetics.In this episode, James and Jimmy dive deep into the early days of Northern California cultivation, the evolution of indoor growing, the transition from old-school classics to modern varieties, and the culture that surrounded the movement in the late '90s and early 2000s. The conversation explores legendary cultivars, forgotten genetics, the rise and fall of purple varieties, and why certain flavors, effects, and experiences still resonate with enthusiasts today.Jimmy also shares his firsthand perspective on the origins of Grand Daddy Purple, how the cultivar gained popularity throughout the Bay Area, and why the story behind GDP continues to generate discussion decades later. Along the way, James and Jimmy discuss preservation, breeding, cultivation techniques, living soil, and the importance of documenting the history of the people who helped build the culture before those stories are lost.Whether you're interested in cultivation history, legendary genetics, Northern California culture, or the roots of some of the most influential varieties ever grown, this episode offers a fascinating look back at a pivotal era through the eyes of someone who was there.Subscribe to the James Loud Podcast for conversations with breeders, growers, innovators, and pioneers who continue to shape the future while preserving the past.Follow James Loud:Instagram: https://instagram.com/JamesLoudInstagram: http://instagram.com/jamesloudpodcast/Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-loudFollow ((((((GUEST))))))):Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/GUESTIGProduced 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.

The Legend of Ken’s Grandaddy Purps: Ken Estes | James Loud Podcast EP:162

On this episode of the James Loud Podcast, James sits down with legendary breeder, activist, and entrepreneur Ken Estes, the man whose name became synonymous with Granddaddy Purple (GDP) and one of the most influential genetics of the modern era. As the founder of the original Granddaddy Purple brand and a longtime advocate for patient access, Ken helped shape Northern California’s cultivation culture during the early medical movement.In this rare long-form conversation, Ken shares his side of the Granddaddy Purple story for the first time in detail. From discovering a mysterious purple cultivar deep in Northern California to building one of the most recognizable names in the industry, he breaks down the origins of GDP, the early days of Berkeley and Oakland dispensaries, and how a single cultivar went on to influence an entire generation of breeding. Along the way, James and Ken dive into legendary Bay Area genetics, old-school cultivation techniques, lost heirloom varieties, and the hunt for the flavors and effects that made classic flower so memorable.The conversation also explores Ken’s remarkable personal journey. After a life-changing accident left him paralyzed at 18, he discovered the plant that would ultimately change the course of his life. He discusses the medicinal benefits he experienced firsthand, his years of activism alongside pioneers like Brownie Mary, the federal raids that nearly cost him everything, and the lessons learned from spending decades fighting for a movement he believed in.This episode is packed with cultivation history, untold stories from the medical era, Bay Area culture, legendary genetics, and a firsthand account from one of the most recognizable figures in modern cultivation history.Follow James Loud:Instagram: https://instagram.com/JamesLoudInstagram: http://instagram.com/jamesloudpodcast/Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-loudFollow Ken Estes:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/originalgranddaddypurp/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.

Inside the Hunt for Legendary Genetics with Brodie from Kraken Genetix | James Loud Podcast EP:161

On this episode of the James Loud Podcast, James sits down with Brodie of Kraken Genetix for a deep conversation about legacy genetics, modern breeding, and the never-ending hunt for truly special flower. Based in the Bay Area, Kraken Genetix has been quietly building a reputation around candy-forward selections, unique terpene profiles, and collaborations with some of Northern California’s most respected craft growers.This episode goes deep into the evolution of genetics culture — from the old-school days of Catpiss, Romulan, GDP, Trainwreck, and Sour Diesel to today’s obsession with candy gas and exotic terpene profiles. James and Brodie discuss breeding strategy, male selection, phenotype hunting, crop steering, under-canopy lighting, and what it really takes to create standout genetics in today’s oversaturated market. There’s also a fascinating conversation around whether legendary cuts from the past have genetically drifted over time due to decades of cloning and modern cultivation practices.The two also break down the future of strong flavor-driven flower, the return of “green weed,” why old-school effects matter more than ever, and how small-batch growers are still producing some of the most impressive flower in the world. If you’re into breeding, cultivation, legacy genetics, or the deeper science behind modern flower production, this episode is packed with insight and real grower talk from start to finish.Plus, James and Brodie preview upcoming Kraken Genetix releases dropping through Loud Clones, including Thirst Quenchers, Thirst Trap, Blue Nerds, and more candy-heavy creations built for flavor, effect, and production.Follow James Loud:Instagram: https://instagram.com/JamesLoudInstagram: http://instagram.com/jamesloudpodcast/Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-loudFollow Kraken Genetix:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krakengenetix2.0Produced 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.