Retail Revelations

Episode 1

In Episode 1 of Retail Revelations, host Chelsea Mulligan (The Dispensary Whisperer) teams up with Lissa Satori, a marketing expert in cannabis, to discuss how marketing and retail can drive dispensary success. Key highlights include Chelsea's experience revitalizing dispensaries, the importance of aligned marketing strategies, the need for collaboration between marketing and retail teams, state-specific variations in cannabis retail, and predictions for future trends in cannabis shopping and loyalty programs. The episode emphasizes that marketing and retail should work together, not against each other, to create a seamless customer experience.

EPISODE 2

In Episode 2 of Retail Revelations, host Chelsea Mulligan (The Dispensary Whisperer) chats with Jessica Cranney, founder of Roots and Suits, about how strong company culture drives success in cannabis retail. Key highlights include Jessica’s journey in HR and leadership, the importance of fostering trust and collaboration in dispensary operations, and how well-trained employees contribute to better customer experiences and higher revenue. The episode also covers leadership’s impact on employee engagement, creating inclusive and supportive work environments, and predictions for the future of people and culture in cannabis. The discussion emphasizes that the key to a successful cannabis business isn’t just the product, but the people behind it.

EPISODE 3

In Episode 3 of Retail Revelations, host Chelsea Mulligan (The Dispensary Whisperer) speaks with Lauren Carpenter, co-founder of Embarc, about the intersection of cannabis retail, policy, and brand-building. Key highlights include Lauren’s journey from government affairs to co-founding Embarc, a community-driven cannabis brand. The episode delves into how Embarc prioritizes local engagement and education, the challenges dispensary owners face (like regulatory hurdles and taxes), and the importance of staff training and public education for long-term growth. It also discusses how businesses can stay agile amidst shifting regulations and market trends. The episode stresses that the most successful cannabis retailers are those who listen, educate, and engage with their communities.

EPISODE4

In this episode of Retail Revelations, host Chelsea Mulligan sits down with Dana Leigh Cisneros, Esq., a renowned cannabis attorney, to explore her journey and offer critical insights for operators navigating the complex legal landscape. Highlights include Dana’s transition from business and real estate law to cannabis, the founding of her own law firm to help operators stay compliant in California’s regulatory environment, and her pro tips for avoiding legal pitfalls. The episode also covers Dana’s expertise in mediation and how she helps businesses resolve conflicts without costly litigation, as well as her predictions on the future of cannabis in California. Dana emphasizes that in cannabis, it’s not enough to know the law, you must anticipate how it will evolve.

EPISODE 5

In Episode 5 of Retail Revelations, host Chelsea Mulligan (The Dispensary Whisperer) sits down with Britni Tantalo, co-founder of Flower City Dispensary and President of the New York Cannabis Retail Association (NYCRA). Britni opens up about her journey from overcoming a past cannabis conviction to becoming a leading equity operator in New York. The episode covers her path to opening Flower City Dispensary, the challenges of the CARD program, and her leadership as NYCRA President, where she advocates for collaboration and social equity. Britni also shares her top advice for new operators, emphasizing the importance of understanding regulations, building community networks, and being financially over-prepared. She sums it up: "We were promised turnkey dispensaries and grants, but we got lawsuits, delays, and no support. Still, we rise."

EPISODE 6

In Episode 6 of Retail Revelations, host Chelsea Mulligan (The Dispensary Whisperer) sits down with Sandra Bergman, retail strategist, loyalty expert, and founder of ESBE Consulting. Sandra shares her journey from leading multi-state retail marketing teams to launching her own consultancy dedicated to building customer loyalty programs that actually drive results. The episode dives into the power of 1:1 communication, avoiding “choice paralysis” in rewards, and using data-driven segmentation without getting lost in the weeds. Sandra also breaks down the most common mistakes retailers make with their marketing—and the one easy win most are overlooking. She sums it up: “Points don’t create loyalty, relationships do. The tech is just how we scale them.”

EPISODE 7

In Episode 7 of Retail Revelations, host Chelsea Mulligan (The Dispensary Whisperer) sits down with Jennifer Makris, cash management strategist, compliance pro, and founder of Cannabis Cash Consultants. Jennifer shares her journey from two decades in corporate logistics to becoming the Cannabis Cash Queen, building a consultancy dedicated to helping license holders secure banking, tighten SOPs, and protect their cash flow. The episode unpacks the realities of operating in an all-cash industry, from training teams to think like bankers to creating vault-to-bank visibility. Jennifer also dives into how she uses industry resources like Cannabiz Media to stay ahead of market trends and guide her clients. She breaks down the most common cash-handling mistakes operators make and the simple steps that can save them from costly compliance issues. She sums it up: “Cash is your lifeline. If you can’t account for it, you can’t control it.”