What happens when years of iteration, engineering, and a unique understanding of the plant align?
In cannabis, building hardware is walking a tightrope — precision, timing, and vision all matter.

Singular, the latest release from Active710, connects that entire loop.
While most will gravitate toward its sleek, modular design, the real story lies in how it solves major operational challenges — and unlocks a world of future opportunity.

This week, Alex Kwon joins The Dime to discuss:
• The major unlock behind Singular — and what makes it a platform, not a product
• How Active710 is leaning into sustainability, engineering, and consumer choice
• What’s next for cannabis hardware — and why modular design changes everything

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Singular and the Vape Industry

04:12 Challenges and Innovations in Vape Technology

10:55 Sustainability and Future-Proofing Vape Solutions

14:46 Inspiration from the E-Juice and Tobacco Industries

19:12 Customer Feedback and Iterative Development

23:13 Innovative Pod Systems and Their Functionality

30:08 The Future of Vape Technology

37:41 Iterative Product Development and Consumer Feedback

Summary

In this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellen Finney welcome back Alex Kwan to discuss the launch of Singular, a groundbreaking modular vape platform. Alex shares insights into the challenges faced in the vape industry, the importance of sustainability, and how customer feedback has shaped the development of this innovative product. The conversation also explores the influence of the e-juice and tobacco industries on vape technology and the future direction of the market. In this conversation, Alex discusses the innovative aspects of their new pod system, emphasizing its modularity and compatibility with various oil types. He highlights the importance of consumer choice and access to quality cannabis products. The discussion also covers the iterative process of product development, the challenges faced, and the excitement surrounding future advancements in vape technology.

Guest Links:

• http://www.futureofvape.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/active710/
• https://active710.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/avd710/

Our Links

Bryan Fields on Twitter

Kellan Finney on Twitter

The Dime on Twitter

Extraction Teams: Want to cut costs and get more out of every run? Unlock hidden revenue by extracting more from the same input—with Newton Insights.

At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.

The Dime is a top 5% most shared global podcast

The Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast

The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.

🎥 YouTube: The Dime

📸 Instagram: The Dime

https://www.newton-insights.com/

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What happens when a Silicon Valley exec who helped Lyft rewrite the rules brings that same playbook to cannabis?

This week we sit down with Ashwin Raj, CEO of LeafLink, to break down how disciplined tech thinking and first-principle strategy can reshape a fragmented industry.

In this episode:
• How Lyft’s regulatory battles mirror cannabis today
• Why listening — not speed — builds trust and loyalty
• How data, discipline, and adaptability will drive the next era of cannabis tech

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ashwin Raj and LeafLink

02:02 Ashwin's Journey to the Cannabis Industry

04:29 Navigating Challenges in the Cannabis Space

07:19 Listening to Customers: The Key to Success

10:05 Addressing Pricing Challenges

13:11 Building Trust with Customers

14:15 Balancing Competing Customer Needs

16:25 Strategic Focus and Resource Allocation

19:45 Long-Term Vision for LeafLink

21:03 The Role of Technology in Cannabis

23:05 Identifying Customer Needs

26:53 Overcoming Industry Challenges

30:45 The Impact of AI on LeafLink

32:01 The Future of the Cannabis Industry

36:10 The Role of Hemp in the Cannabis Market

42:04 Building Trust with Retailers

45:11 AI and Future Innovations at LeafLink

Summary

In this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellen Finney interview Ashwin Raj, CEO of LeafLink, who shares his journey from the tech industry to the cannabis space. Ashwin discusses the challenges and opportunities within the cannabis industry, emphasizing the importance of listening to customers and building relationships with both clients and team members. He highlights the role of technology and efficiency in driving growth and the impact of the hemp industry on the cannabis market. Ashwin also touches on the need for regulatory clarity and the potential of AI in enhancing LeafLink's offerings.

Guest Links:

• https://www.leaflink.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/leaflink/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/tashwinraj/

Our Links

Bryan Fields on Twitter

Kellan Finney on Twitter

The Dime on Twitter

Extraction Teams: Want to cut costs and get more out of every run? Unlock hidden revenue by extracting more from the same input—with Newton Insights.

At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.

The Dime is a top 5% most shared global podcast

The Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast

The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.

🎥 YouTube: The Dime

📸 Instagram: The Dime

https://www.newton-insights.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Setbacks early on can reshape everything.
They can alter your future strategy, shift your appetite for risk, and — if you’re patient — quietly set you up for success while others chase growth at any cost.

As with any company, “figuring it out” is part of the job. And sometimes, that figuring it out happens faster than you’d ever hope.

The challenges you face early in your cannabis journey become the lens you see the world through — for better or worse. Those lessons, combined with the financial discipline from previous chapters of life, shape your decision-making, your culture, and your tolerance for this chaotic industry.

And as cannabis braces for consolidation and a $6B debt wall, that slow, methodical approach might prove to be the ultimate advantage.

This week we sit down with Jared Maloof, CEO of Standard Wellness, to discuss:
• How early mistakes built long-term discipline
• Why focused, prudent capital deployment became Standard’s superpower
• The playbook across Utah, Ohio, and beyond
• Conversations with Carl Icahn

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Cannabis Journey

02:55 Transitioning into the Cannabis Industry

06:10 Challenges in the Early Days

09:07 Expanding into New Markets

11:58 Navigating Regulatory Differences

15:06 Operational Efficiencies and Vertical Integration

17:55 The Future of Cannabis Expansion

25:52 Navigating the Licensing Landscape

27:40 Market Dynamics and Qualifying Conditions

29:12 Interstate Commerce Considerations

31:43 The Impact of Hemp on the Cannabis Market

34:25 Consumer Perception and Market Competition

38:20 The Future of Cannabis Beverages

40:16 Opportunities Amidst Industry Challenges

44:20 Leveraging AI in Cannabis Operations

46:15 The Importance of Uplifting for Industry Growth

Summary

In this episode, Bryan Fields and Kellen Finney engage with Jared Maloof, CEO of Standard Wellness, to explore the evolving landscape of the cannabis industry. Jared shares his journey from finance to cannabis, detailing the challenges faced in Ohio's market, the strategic decisions made for expansion into states like Utah, and the complexities of operating in a highly regulated environment. The conversation also touches on the impact of external factors, the role of AI in operations, and the future prospects of the cannabis market.

Guest Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/standard-wellness-company/

https://www.standardwellness.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredmaloof/

Our Links

Bryan Fields on Twitter

Kellan Finney on Twitter

The Dime on Twitter

Extraction Teams: Want to cut costs and get more out of every run? Unlock hidden revenue by extracting more from the same input—with Newton Insights.

At Eighth Revolution (8th Rev), we provide services from capital to cannabinoid and everything in between in the cannabinoid industry.

The Dime is a top 5% most shared global podcast

The Dime is a top 10 Cannabis Podcast

The Dime has a New Website. Shhhh its not finished.

🎥 YouTube: The Dime

📸 Instagram: The Dime

https://www.newton-insights.com/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.