Cannabis Cultivation and Science Podcast

In this technical deep-dive, Tad Hussey of KIS Organics speaks with Dr. Nicole Gauthier, a prominent plant pathologist at the University of Kentucky. The conversation focuses on the complex relationship between cannabis cultivation and fungal pathogens, specifically addressing the risks of mycotoxins in the supply chain. Dr. Gauthier clarifies the distinctions between common pathogens like Fusarium and Botrytis, the limitations of current diagnostic testing, and the efficacy of biological control agents. The episode serves as an essential guide for growers looking to implement science-based Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to protect both crop yield and consumer safety.

In this episode, Tad Hussey sits down with Joey Santore, the self-taught botanist and former railroad engineer behind the cult-favorite YouTube channel and podcast, Crime Pays But Botany Doesn’t. Joey shares his journey from "slamming rail cars" for 15 years to becoming one of the most distinctive voices in ecology today. The conversation dives deep into the "anthropocentric" way we view nature—asking what a plant can do for us rather than learning its unique story—and rants against the "horticultural atrocities" of modern landscaping. From the evolution of "edaphic endemics" on stressful soils to the mental health crisis caused by our "concrete cages," Joey makes a passionate case for looking past the human world and reconnecting with the "living machine" that holds up the entire terrestrial biosphere.

In this episode, Tad Hussey welcomes back Julie Graesch, Technical Services Manager at BioWorks, to demystify one of the most common yet misunderstood tools in a grower’s IPM toolkit: Horticultural and Essential Oils. While many growers reach for oils to "suffocate" pests, the science behind their efficacy—and the risks of phytotoxicity—is far more complex. Julie breaks down the critical differences between EPA-registered mineral oils and 25B essential oil products, explaining how different modes of action like desiccation, paralysis, and behavioral repellency work together to bypass pest resistance. They also dive into the "why" behind professional formulations, discussing how emulsifiers and surfactants make the difference between a clean kill and a scorched crop.

In this episode, Tad Hussey sits down with the "Godfather of Cannabis Pathology," Dr. Zamir Punja, Professor of Plant Pathology and Biotechnology at Simon Fraser University. Dr. Punja shares groundbreaking research from 2024 and 2025 that challenges everything we thought we knew about bud rot, viroids, and the internal microbiome of the cannabis plant. We dive deep into the riskiest time week for contracting Botrytis, the surprising discovery of mycorrhizae inside seeds, and a brand-new 2026 observation regarding how cannabis plants "expel" excess salts and silica through their leaf hairs. If you’ve ever struggled with late-stage mold or wondered how HLVd really spreads, this scientific deep-dive is a must-listen.

In this episode, agronomist and crop consultant Lee Briese shares his practical approach to understanding and managing soil health. Drawing from years of field experience working with farmers, Lee explains why reading the soil requires more than just lab reports — it involves observation, interpretation, and understanding how chemical, physical, and biological properties interact. Lee discusses why he often prioritizes chemical soil analysis when making management decisions, and how tools like soil testing, visual assessment, and field experience help diagnose what crops truly need. He also emphasizes the importance of soil structure and aggregation, and why physically interacting with the soil — touching it, smelling it, and walking the land — provides insights that lab data alone cannot. The conversation explores how experienced agronomists approach soil much like doctors approach the human body: looking at multiple indicators together to identify underlying issues and guide effective interventions. Originally released as Episode 87, this conversation remains a valuable reminder that successful crop management starts with careful observation, sound data, and a holistic understanding of the soil system.

In the 4th podcast of our Foundations Series, we revisit a masterclass in applied horticulture with Don Marshall. With over 40 years of teaching experience, Don explains why a "green thumb" isn't magic—it’s the result of understanding botanical science. We move beyond garden hacks to identify the limiting factors that prevent plants from reaching their full potential.

In this installment of our Foundations of Soil & Plant Science series, host Tad Hussey of KIS Organics revisits the most influential concept in organic cultivation: The Soil Food Web. This episode begins with a dedication to the life and legacy of Dr. Elaine Ingham, whose passing this week marks a significant moment for the agricultural community. While honoring the ground-breaking work she began, Tad dives into how modern science—from the Rhizophagy Cycle to Precision Agronomy—is evolving our understanding of what a living soil ecosystem can (and cannot) do for a high-performance crop. Tad challenges the growing "Bro Science" and dogma in the industry, bridging the gap between ecological ideology and hard data. He breaks down why blindly "copying nature" is a suboptimal goal for commercial growers and offers a roadmap for utilizing biology as a precision tool within a controlled environment.

This episode is part of the Foundations of Soil & Plant Science series — a curated set of conversations that still shape how I think about cultivation, soil fertility, and production systems. Originally released as Episode 20, this discussion with farmer and author Ben Hartman explores lean farming principles and how reducing waste, simplifying workflows, and focusing on value-driven tasks can improve both efficiency and profitability in cultivation. Many of the concepts in this episode translate directly to indoor and greenhouse production and remain highly relevant today.

This episode is part of the Foundations of Soil & Plant Science series — a curated set of conversations that still shape how I think about plant health and cultivation today. Originally released as Episode 98, this discussion with Dr. Wendy Zellner is a deep dive into silicon and its role in plant structure, stress resistance, and defense responses. We explore how silicon functions in plant physiology, common misconceptions around its use, and what growers should understand when incorporating silicon into fertility programs. Still one of the most thorough conversations we’ve had on this topic.

This episode takes a deep dive into entomopathogenic fungi—fungi that infect and kill insect pests—and how to use them effectively in real cultivation systems. Biocontrol products based on Beauveria and Metarhizium are widely used, but many growers don’t fully understand how these organisms work, why formulation matters, or how life-cycle differences like blastospores versus conidia influence results. My guest is Julie Graesch, a biological scientist with 18 years of experience in laboratory, greenhouse, and field research within the IPM industry. We break down how entomopathogenic fungi infect insects, why some applications fail, and how to incorporate these tools into a preventative, biology-driven IPM program rather than using them reactively.