Cannabis Media Spotlight Series: Q&A with Frederika Easley, Producer & Host, The People are Blunt Podcast

Welcome to the Cannabis Media Spotlight Series! We created this Q&A series to celebrate the incredible work that reporters, editors, and podcast hosts do to shed light on the cannabis industry. Their insights and stories play a vital role in shaping how this space is understood and appreciated by the world.

Our goal is to highlight their journey, their expertise, and the meaningful impact of their work.

This week we're featuring Frederika Easley, Producer & Host of The People are Blunt Podcast. The People Are Blunt Cannabis Podcast speaks about BIPOC entrepreneurs, social equity in cannabis and state and federal regulation and taxation.

Frederika is nothing short of inspiring. Here's what led her create true power and equity in cannabis for all:

What inspired you to start covering the cannabis industry, and how has your perspective evolved since you began?

The podcast started as a way to breakdown and give my take on current events. It morphed into conducting interviews which I characterize as simple conversations that give space and voice to those who often go unheard.

What does a typical day look like for you as a journalist/editor/podcast host in the cannabis space?

Podcasting is one of the many hats I wear. I am also the president of the Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA) and Executive Director of the Cannabis Impact Fund. A typical day is filled with meetings and reading which both help in my identifying people and/or topics of interest. From there it’s outreach, securing the guest(s) and then research. I am very intentional about the questions I ask and how I introduce them.

What are some of the most compelling trends, stories, or issues in the cannabis industry right now that you think deserve more attention?

Monopolies, rescheduling, hemp and the attempt to re-criminalize it.

What advice would you give to cannabis businesses or PR professionals hoping to connect with you or pitch their stories effectively?

Just reach out, I don’t bite! My aim is to have meaningful conversations that reflect the progress and challenges of the industry from both plant touching and ancillary lenses.

What’s been one of the most memorable stories or moments in your career covering cannabis so far?

This is going to sound lame but really what I love most is the opportunity to meet and learn from amazing people. I honestly get at least one gem from every conversation.