<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters" xmlns:podcast="https://podcastindex.org/namespace/1.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[GRAJ POD]]></title><description><![CDATA[A podcast featuring brand founders, reps and more.  

Our focus is to keep it real and raw while simply talking shop. 

My Co-Founder, Timmy, and I have built our own brands, helped build other brands, and we know how tough the game is…  with this, we are on a mission to share the stories, experiences and truths of those out there doing it, making it happen!

This is a 30-60 min rap sesh to show love, dive into the hiccups and hurdles, and the story, stresses and successes of their journey.  No script, just free flow and focus on adding value, showing love and hopefully dropping a little knowledge for the next passionate person with a big idea…]]></description><link>getongraj.com</link><generator>Riverside.fm (https://riverside.com)</generator><lastBuildDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2026 02:37:45 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://api.riverside.com/hosting/FlsH2jQf.rss" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><author><![CDATA[GRAJ POD]]></author><pubDate>Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:32:07 GMT</pubDate><copyright><![CDATA[2025 GRAJ POD]]></copyright><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><ttl>60</ttl><category><![CDATA[Business]]></category><category><![CDATA[Entrepreneurship]]></category><itunes:author>GRAJ POD</itunes:author><itunes:summary>A podcast featuring brand founders, reps and more.  

Our focus is to keep it real and raw while simply talking shop. 

My Co-Founder, Timmy, and I have built our own brands, helped build other brands, and we know how tough the game is…  with this, we are on a mission to share the stories, experiences and truths of those out there doing it, making it happen!

This is a 30-60 min rap sesh to show love, dive into the hiccups and hurdles, and the story, stresses and successes of their journey.  No script, just free flow and focus on adding value, showing love and hopefully dropping a little knowledge for the next passionate person with a big idea…</itunes:summary><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><itunes:owner><itunes:name>GRAJ POD</itunes:name><itunes:email>matt@getongraj.com</itunes:email></itunes:owner><itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit><itunes:category text="Business"><itunes:category text="Entrepreneurship"/></itunes:category><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/2a80b422-53a4-4df4-922a-15d75f6e507f/logos/4751b11d-93ab-439f-a241-bfd0b54bf754.jpeg"/><item><title><![CDATA[GRAJ POD | KEN PELLETIER | E3]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>Keywords</p><p>Calexo, cannabis beverages, THC drinks, legal landscape, COVID-19 impact, marketing strategies, cannabis industry challenges, non-alcoholic beverages, technology in business, funding strategies</p><p></p><p>Summary</p><p>In this conversation, Ken Pelletier discusses the origins and evolution of Calexo, a cannabis beverage company. He shares insights into the challenges and opportunities within the cannabis beverage industry, particularly in navigating the legal landscape and the impact of COVID-19 on consumption patterns. The discussion also covers marketing strategies, the importance of community engagement, and the role of technology in business growth. Ken emphasizes the need for innovative approaches to reach a broader audience and the significance of funding and financial strategies in scaling the business.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><p>Calexo was born out of a need for cannabis beverages that blend flavor and effect. The journey of creating cannabis beverages involves navigating complex legal regulations.</p><p>COVID-19 shifted consumer behavior towards cannabis products as essential items. Marketing strategies must focus on inclusivity to attract a broader audience. The cannabis beverage industry faces unique challenges, including banking and distribution issues. Community engagement and networking are crucial for success in the cannabis space. Technology plays a significant role in streamlining operations and marketing efforts. Funding strategies are essential for scaling production and reaching new markets. The future of cannabis beverages looks promising with increasing acceptance and demand.</p><p>Innovative marketing and experiential events can enhance brand visibility and customer loyalty.</p><p></p><p>Titles</p><p>Exploring the World of Cannabis Beverages</p><p>The Evolution of Calexo: A Cannabis Journey</p><p>Sound bites</p><p>"It's about 38 right now."</p><p>"It's a cash industry."</p><p>"We're very lucky to be able to do this."</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Cannabis Beverages</p><p>02:47 The Journey of CollectSelf</p><p>05:44 Navigating the Cannabis Market</p><p>08:29 The Impact of COVID-19 on Sales</p><p>11:08 Understanding THC and Hemp Regulations</p><p>13:52 The Future of Cannabis Beverages</p><p>20:27 THC Beverage Market Trends</p><p>24:13 Navigating Distribution Challenges</p><p>27:57 The Intersection of Alcohol and THC</p><p>32:27 Legal and Regulatory Landscape</p><p>36:07 Marketing Strategies and Online Presence</p><p>40:58 Funding and Growth Strategies</p><p>49:30 Designing for Accessibility</p><p>52:37 Experiential Marketing Strategies</p><p>55:11 Navigating the Non-Alcoholic Beverage Market</p><p>57:25 Funding Challenges in the Vice Industry</p><p>01:00:10 Leveraging AI in Business</p><p>01:04:15 The Future of Creative Work</p><p>01:08:09 Building Connections and Community</p><p></p>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">def75681-7cf0-43f5-9f38-b5bfa3f5963f</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[GRAJ POD]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 18:34:21 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/cd7f43717337a9fbeb3a41f928542a6e4c95752d96adacbcb96bb687226332c6/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiJkZWY3NTY4MS03Y2YwLTQzZjUtOWYzOC1iNWJmYTNmNTk2M2YiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiIyYTgwYjQyMi01M2E0LTRkZjQtOTIyYS0xNWQ3NWY2ZTUwN2YiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2NTNlYmVkNzFjZmJiMTk5NjFiNDM1NWQiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjkyYzgzODI2MjhmNjdmNDA1MjM1OGVlL2dyYWpzLXN0dWRpby1jb21wb3Nlci0yMDI1LTExLTMwX18xOC00OC01MC5tcDMifQ==.mp3" length="46478037" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;Keywords&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Calexo, cannabis beverages, THC drinks, legal landscape, COVID-19 impact, marketing strategies, cannabis industry challenges, non-alcoholic beverages, technology in business, funding strategies&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Summary&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this conversation, Ken Pelletier discusses the origins and evolution of Calexo, a cannabis beverage company. He shares insights into the challenges and opportunities within the cannabis beverage industry, particularly in navigating the legal landscape and the impact of COVID-19 on consumption patterns. The discussion also covers marketing strategies, the importance of community engagement, and the role of technology in business growth. Ken emphasizes the need for innovative approaches to reach a broader audience and the significance of funding and financial strategies in scaling the business.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Takeaways&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Calexo was born out of a need for cannabis beverages that blend flavor and effect. The journey of creating cannabis beverages involves navigating complex legal regulations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;COVID-19 shifted consumer behavior towards cannabis products as essential items. Marketing strategies must focus on inclusivity to attract a broader audience. The cannabis beverage industry faces unique challenges, including banking and distribution issues. Community engagement and networking are crucial for success in the cannabis space. Technology plays a significant role in streamlining operations and marketing efforts. Funding strategies are essential for scaling production and reaching new markets. The future of cannabis beverages looks promising with increasing acceptance and demand.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Innovative marketing and experiential events can enhance brand visibility and customer loyalty.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Titles&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Exploring the World of Cannabis Beverages&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Evolution of Calexo: A Cannabis Journey&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Sound bites&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&quot;It&apos;s about 38 right now.&quot;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&quot;It&apos;s a cash industry.&quot;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&quot;We&apos;re very lucky to be able to do this.&quot;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chapters&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:00 Introduction to Cannabis Beverages&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;02:47 The Journey of CollectSelf&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;05:44 Navigating the Cannabis Market&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;08:29 The Impact of COVID-19 on Sales&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;11:08 Understanding THC and Hemp Regulations&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;13:52 The Future of Cannabis Beverages&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;20:27 THC Beverage Market Trends&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;24:13 Navigating Distribution Challenges&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;27:57 The Intersection of Alcohol and THC&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;32:27 Legal and Regulatory Landscape&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;36:07 Marketing Strategies and Online Presence&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;40:58 Funding and Growth Strategies&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;49:30 Designing for Accessibility&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;52:37 Experiential Marketing Strategies&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;55:11 Navigating the Non-Alcoholic Beverage Market&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;57:25 Funding Challenges in the Vice Industry&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:00:10 Leveraging AI in Business&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:04:15 The Future of Creative Work&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;01:08:09 Building Connections and Community&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>01:17:48</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/2a80b422-53a4-4df4-922a-15d75f6e507f/logos/4751b11d-93ab-439f-a241-bfd0b54bf754.jpeg"/><itunes:title>GRAJ POD | KEN PELLETIER | E3</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[GRAJ POD | SARAH ABEND | E2]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>Keywords</p><p>jewelry, entrepreneurship, small business, pandemic impact, consumer behavior, marketing strategies, art markets, social media, brand building, creative business<br /></p><p>Summary</p><p>In this conversation, Sarah Grammar discusses her journey in the jewelry business, starting from her background in art education to launching her own brand, Grammar Jewelry. She shares insights on the challenges faced during the pandemic, shifts in consumer behavior, and her strategies for reimagining her business. The discussion also touches on the importance of design inspiration, potential for pop-up markets, and leveraging social media for growth. Sarah emphasizes the need for community engagement and the exploration of new markets as she navigates the future of her brand.<br /></p><p>Takeaways</p><p>Sarah transitioned from art education to jewelry design in 2015. The pandemic significantly impacted her in-person sales and business model. Consumer spending shifted towards experiences rather than goods post-pandemic.</p><p>Sarah is exploring new ways to market her jewelry, including pop-up events. She aims to increase the perceived value of her products by targeting specific customers.</p><p>Design inspiration for her jewelry comes from architecture and sculpture. Sarah is considering collaborations with local museums for her jewelry. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are crucial for her marketing strategy.</p><p>She is open to the idea of a summer tour to promote her brand. Building a community around her brand is essential for future growth.<br /></p><p>Titles</p><p>From Art to Jewelry: Sarah Grammar's Journey</p><p>Navigating Business Challenges in a Pandemic<br /></p><p>Sound bites</p><p>"COVID wiped that out."</p><p>"Finding a new way."</p><p>"Less is more."<br /></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Sarah Grammar Jewelry</p><p>02:39 The Journey of Starting a Jewelry Business</p><p>05:20 Navigating Challenges During the Pandemic</p><p>08:06 Shifts in Consumer Behavior Post-Pandemic</p><p>10:53 Reimagining Business Strategies</p><p>13:39 Exploring New Markets and Collaborations</p><p>16:13 Design Inspirations and Artistic Vision</p><p>19:02 Potential for Pop-Up Markets and Tours</p><p>20:52 Building a Brand and Community Engagement</p><p>21:45 Leveraging Social Media for Growth</p><p>23:55 Final Thoughts and Future Plans</p><p></p>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">dcec9cc0-0065-4d92-b77a-d0ab0bbced14</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[GRAJ POD]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 30 Nov 2025 17:47:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/8c71d6df43d6a70105c2935c46ca212503aa725af2278f374c0d3c53a9c31608/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiJkY2VjOWNjMC0wMDY1LTRkOTItYjc3YS1kMGFiMGJiY2VkMTQiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiIyYTgwYjQyMi01M2E0LTRkZjQtOTIyYS0xNWQ3NWY2ZTUwN2YiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2NTNlYmVkNzFjZmJiMTk5NjFiNDM1NWQiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjkwMjBmZTAyNDI1ZTNjODU4ODYxNWNkL2dyYWpzLXN0dWRpby1jb21wb3Nlci0yMDI1LTEwLTI5X18xNC0wLTE2Lm1wMyJ9.mp3" length="32056447" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;Keywords&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;jewelry, entrepreneurship, small business, pandemic impact, consumer behavior, marketing strategies, art markets, social media, brand building, creative business&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Summary&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this conversation, Sarah Grammar discusses her journey in the jewelry business, starting from her background in art education to launching her own brand, Grammar Jewelry. She shares insights on the challenges faced during the pandemic, shifts in consumer behavior, and her strategies for reimagining her business. The discussion also touches on the importance of design inspiration, potential for pop-up markets, and leveraging social media for growth. Sarah emphasizes the need for community engagement and the exploration of new markets as she navigates the future of her brand.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Takeaways&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Sarah transitioned from art education to jewelry design in 2015. The pandemic significantly impacted her in-person sales and business model. Consumer spending shifted towards experiences rather than goods post-pandemic.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Sarah is exploring new ways to market her jewelry, including pop-up events. She aims to increase the perceived value of her products by targeting specific customers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Design inspiration for her jewelry comes from architecture and sculpture. Sarah is considering collaborations with local museums for her jewelry. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are crucial for her marketing strategy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;She is open to the idea of a summer tour to promote her brand. Building a community around her brand is essential for future growth.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Titles&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;From Art to Jewelry: Sarah Grammar&apos;s Journey&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Navigating Business Challenges in a Pandemic&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Sound bites&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&quot;COVID wiped that out.&quot;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&quot;Finding a new way.&quot;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&quot;Less is more.&quot;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chapters&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;00:00 Introduction to Sarah Grammar Jewelry&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;02:39 The Journey of Starting a Jewelry Business&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;05:20 Navigating Challenges During the Pandemic&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;08:06 Shifts in Consumer Behavior Post-Pandemic&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;10:53 Reimagining Business Strategies&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;13:39 Exploring New Markets and Collaborations&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;16:13 Design Inspirations and Artistic Vision&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;19:02 Potential for Pop-Up Markets and Tours&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;20:52 Building a Brand and Community Engagement&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;21:45 Leveraging Social Media for Growth&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;23:55 Final Thoughts and Future Plans&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>00:50:14</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/2a80b422-53a4-4df4-922a-15d75f6e507f/logos/4751b11d-93ab-439f-a241-bfd0b54bf754.jpeg"/><itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode><itunes:title>GRAJ POD | SARAH ABEND | E2</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[GRAJ POD | UNION COFFEE | E1]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p><b>UNION COFFEE STARTED WITH TWO FRIENDS, MATT AND MIKE, IN A GARAGE IN ASBURY, NEW JERSEY.  WHAT BEGAN AS A SHARED LOVE FOR STRONG COFFEE AND EARLY MORNINGS QUICKLY TURNED INTO SOMETHING MORE.  WE WERE CHASING THAT PERFECT BREW: SMOOTH, BOLD AND REFRESHING WITHOUT THE JUNK.</b></p><p></p><p><b>FROM THE START, WE'VE STAYED FOCUSED ON SUSTAINABILITY.  WE USE ORGANIC BEANS, BREW IN SMALL BATCHES AND PACKAGE EVERYTHING WITH RECYCLED CARDBOARD AND MINIMAL INK TO REDUCE WASTE. EVERY BATCH WE BREW STILL CARRIES THAT SAME SPIRIT.  LOCAL ROOTS.  HONEST INGREDIENTS.  NO SHORTCUTS.  JUST REALLY GOOD COFFEE, MADE THE WAY IT SHOULD BE.</b></p><p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://unioncoffeecoldbrew.com" target="_blank">unioncoffeecoldbrew.com</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/unioncoffeecoldbrew" target="_blank">@unioncoffeecoldbrew</a></p>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">25e85572-4f0c-4381-91df-0bf9ba572984</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[GRAJ POD]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:49:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/1a5cc93ee3a4d47f74ac7542d7fbff424116047f4f99f00c598a27651489856f/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiIyNWU4NTU3Mi00ZjBjLTQzODEtOTFkZi0wYmY5YmE1NzI5ODQiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiIyYTgwYjQyMi01M2E0LTRkZjQtOTIyYS0xNWQ3NWY2ZTUwN2YiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2NTNlYmVkNzFjZmJiMTk5NjFiNDM1NWQiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjhjYzZlOGM2YmMxYzA1NGNlMWZjZDA3L2dyYWpzLXN0dWRpby1jb21wb3Nlci0yMDI1LTktMThfXzIyLTQxLTQ4Lm1wMyJ9.mp3" length="65738406" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;UNION COFFEE STARTED WITH TWO FRIENDS, MATT AND MIKE, IN A GARAGE IN ASBURY, NEW JERSEY.  WHAT BEGAN AS A SHARED LOVE FOR STRONG COFFEE AND EARLY MORNINGS QUICKLY TURNED INTO SOMETHING MORE.  WE WERE CHASING THAT PERFECT BREW: SMOOTH, BOLD AND REFRESHING WITHOUT THE JUNK.&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;FROM THE START, WE&apos;VE STAYED FOCUSED ON SUSTAINABILITY.  WE USE ORGANIC BEANS, BREW IN SMALL BATCHES AND PACKAGE EVERYTHING WITH RECYCLED CARDBOARD AND MINIMAL INK TO REDUCE WASTE. EVERY BATCH WE BREW STILL CARRIES THAT SAME SPIRIT.  LOCAL ROOTS.  HONEST INGREDIENTS.  NO SHORTCUTS.  JUST REALLY GOOD COFFEE, MADE THE WAY IT SHOULD BE.&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;http://unioncoffeecoldbrew.com&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;unioncoffeecoldbrew.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.instagram.com/unioncoffeecoldbrew&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;@unioncoffeecoldbrew&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>yes</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>01:31:08</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/2a80b422-53a4-4df4-922a-15d75f6e507f/logos/4751b11d-93ab-439f-a241-bfd0b54bf754.jpeg"/><itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode><itunes:title>GRAJ POD | UNION COFFEE | E1</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item></channel></rss>