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No Till Kings: Blue Dream is Back, Organic No-Till Flowers, Worm Warriors
The mystery and majesty of living soil and no-till farming further unfold in this episode with these recurring guests that have been captivating us with their incredible journey and mission to grow the most organic and noseworthy herb possible for years.
Blackleaf is joined once again in the studio by Marco and Jake of No Till Kings to discuss classic genetics, building a brand in 2016-17 during the beginning of Prop 64 in California, securing their dream facility in Long Beach, CA, dodging shady business deals, why Sativas are going crazy in the market these days, the entire lineup of fire they’re pushing at legal shops these days, and so much more.
Few guests in the history of FSOTD have had a podcast AND grow tour done around the same time just two years apart, so we invite you to look back on the original interview and tour to get a better understanding of why these guys have such staying power in the market. One of the big overarching conversations in this pod that emphasizes that is the amount of hands-on effort and hard work that it takes to run a commercial indoor facility on organic, living soil utilizing “no-till” farming methods. Still profitably operating over 7 years later, No Till Kings have proven that the harder way is sometimes the best way to produce the most fire herb that captivates consumers for years to come.
During this episode, you’ll hear Marco and Jake answer nearly every living soil question you could ever ask. These include whether certain strains do better in a no-till system than others, why this method of cultivation brings out the best qualities of the flower, what some good soil and worm brands are for starting your first mix. There’s even a nice little conversation mixed in about the effectiveness of under canopy lights on your commercial grow, and how you can almost guarantee an additional pound per light with the right Faven gear, according to Blackleaf.
The story of Marco and Jake, two lifelong friends who bet on themselves to literally do it themselves at an enormous facility down in Long Beach, CA, and have endeavored to hunt all their cuts from seed, AND put in the extra elbow grease to do everything organic and regenerative is truly inspiring and high-key educational if you’re interested in getting away from coco and hydro gear and getting back to the soil.
Check out our more recent grow tour by visiting the FSOTD channel and compare it to the original and get a closer look at some of their strains like Lazer Fuel, Mimosa, SFV x Animal Mints, Jack the Ripper, Black Patronus, and more that are showcased throughout this episode. Visit notillkings.com to learn more about their library of pure heat.
Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key players and enjoy conversations with trailblazers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else.
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American Autoflower Cup: 'Rosin Ruined Hash' — The Secret Cup Founder Goes There
01:38:11|The man who built the Secret Cup, launched Chalice, and has been at every major hash competition in the world sits down with Lance to judge the American Autoflower Cup live and he doesn't hold back.Jeremy breaks down the real history of hash competitions, why he thinks rosin ruined the BHO market, and what autoflower is about to do to the entire cannabis industry. Plus — live judging on camera. Watch him go through the entries in real time.Whether you're a grower, a hash maker, or just love the culture, this one's for you.G-PUTT: Hidden Network Powering Brands, Fashion & Music & Art
02:12:04|This one’s different.Episode 200 and we had to bring in someone who’s been moving behind the scenes long before most people were paying attention.G PUT isn’t just part of the culture, he’s helped build it.From streetwear to cannabis, music, branding, and real business moves, this episode breaks down what most people never see:• The real power of teams• How brands actually get built• Why relationships hype• And how to turn passion into something that paysThis isn’t surface-level talk.This is about longevity, legacy, and knowing your lane, then mastering it.If you’re building something, trying to break in, or figuring out your next move…This episode is for you. Tap in. Roll up. Episode 200. 💨Chapters:00:00 – Episode 200 Intro + G PUT Introduction 02:15 – From Streetwear to Cannabis: The Real Origin Story 08:40 – Working with Major Brands & Building Behind the Scenes 15:20 – Music, Culture & Cannabis Colliding 24:10 – How to Build a Brand That Lasts 34:30 – The Power of Teamwork & Finding the Right People 45:50 – Monetizing Your Passion (Real Talk) 56:20 – Final Advice: Purpose, Timing & Staying Real #fsotd #firstsmokeoftheday #cannabisculture #cultivation #GPUTT #streetwearRobertson Glass: How Smoking Devices Became a Luxury Industry
01:21:49|In this episode of First Smoke of the Day, we sit down with Robertson Glass, one of the most respected glass artists in the cannabis industry.From building high-end custom glass pieces to navigating the evolution of glass rigs, tips, and smoking culture — Robertson shares his full journey. We get into how the glass industry grew alongside cannabis, what makes certain pieces worth thousands, and how innovation like glass tips is changing the game.He also breaks down the business side of glass blowing, global demand, collaborations, and the reality of selling luxury functional art in today’s market.This episode dives deep into:The connection between cannabis culture and glassThe rise of high-end glass pieces and collectorsHow glass artists develop their style and brandThe future of glass tips, rigs, and smoking accessoriesReal stories from the early days of the industryIf you’re into cannabis culture, glass art, or the business behind it — this one is packed with insight.Tap in and see how the glass world really moves.Chapters:00:00 Introduction & Glass Culture Origins03:45 First Glass Pieces & Early Cannabis Influence10:20 How the Glass Industry Evolved18:10 High-End Glass & Pricing Explained27:30 Glass Tips & New Innovations36:40 Business, Collabs & Global Market47:50 The Future of Glass & Closing ThoughtsPHENO HUNT SPECIAL: Zikigai Gardens, Umami, Elusive, Payaso & Philip, Twistin Terps
02:02:15|This episode is something special.We brought together some of the most respected genetic hunters and breeders in the game to break down one thing: the art of the pheno hunt.At the table we’ve got Raw Genetics, Elusive, the Cannabis Brothers, and OG breeder Umami — all sitting down with Lance to go through jars, smoke through fenos, and talk about what it really takes to find the next legendary strain.We’re talking 100+ years of combined growing experience in one room.This episode dives into:• What a real pheno hunt looks like• How breeders select winning genetics• Why Z / Skittles-style terp profiles changed cannabis breeding• The difference between bag appeal, flavor, and true smokability• Why some strains become legends while others disappear• How breeders chase the next evolution of flavorYou’ll hear stories about legendary strains, lost genetics, breeding strategies, and the constant hunt for something better.This is the kind of conversation that usually happens off camera in grow rooms and breeding labs — and today we captured it.If you’re into cannabis culture, breeding, cultivation, or just want to understand how the best genetics in the world are found… this one’s for you.Roll something up and tap in.Chapters:00:00 Intro – The Pheno Hunt Special02:18 What Is a Pheno Hunt?07:46 Meeting the Breeders at the Table15:12 100+ Years of Growing Experience24:30 How Breeders Select Winning Phenotypes34:05 Smoking Through the Fenos46:22 The Search for the Perfect Z Terp Profile58:40 Bag Appeal vs Real Smokability1:10:55 Why Some Strains Become Legendary1:22:10 The Future of Cannabis BreedingHumboldt Seed Company: The Family Behind Blueberry Pancakes & Elite Genetics
01:37:09|Humboldt Seed Company joins First Smoke of the Day for a long-awaited conversation about legacy, breeding, and the story behind Blueberry Pancakes and Blueberry Muffin.This episode is three years in the making.Blackleaf sits down with the father-and-daughter team behind Humboldt Seed Co to talk about modern seed development, large-scale phenohunts, global expansion, and what it actually takes to build elite genetics from the ground up.We dive into:• The origin of Blueberry Muffin & Blueberry Pancakes• How large phenohunts really work• What separates stable genetics from hype• Building a seed company from Humboldt to worldwide• The evolution from small mountain grows to global distribution• Why family still matters in modern breedingHumboldt Seed Co has become one of the most recognized names in seed development, with cultivars now grown across the U.S., Europe, and beyond. This conversation breaks down how it started, how it scaled, and what it takes to maintain quality over time.Follow First Smoke of the Day for more conversations with breeders, growers, and leaders shaping the future of plant genetics.Website: https://fsotd.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstsmokeoftheday/Business inquiries: family@firstsmokeofthday.comMarigold Sweets: What You’ve Been Told About Edibles Is Wrong, Tips & Tricks
01:49:08|Marigold Sweets joins First Smoke of the Day to break down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about edibles. From her time on Bong Appétit to becoming a leading voice in cannabis cooking, Vanessa dives deep into infusion techniques, dosing, decarboxylation, temperature control, concentrates vs flower, and how to make edibles that actually taste good. We talk about the science behind infusing butter, oils, tinctures, and concentrates, common edible mistakes, how long infusion really takes, and why most people are doing it wrong. This episode covers cannabis cooking for beginners and experienced consumers alike, including how to calculate potency, avoid overconsumption, improve bioavailability, and cook with intention. Whether you’re into infused savory dishes, desserts, nano-emulsions, or just want to understand how edibles work in the body, this conversation is packed with real knowledge backed by testing and experience. We also get into the cannabis industry, legalization, labor conversations, and the future of infused dining. Tap in for one of the most informative edible discussions we’ve had on FSOTD.Ridgeline Farms & Huckleberry Hill: What It Really Takes to Run a Top-Tier Operation
02:11:52|On this episode of First Smoke of the Day, Blackleaf sits down with Ridgeline Farms and Huckleberry Hill Farms for a real conversation about cultivation, standards, and protecting the culture.This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s growers talking about process, pressure, and what it actually takes to maintain quality in today’s cannabis industry.We get into:• Craft vs large-scale production• Sungrown and indoor cultivation philosophies• Why consistency matters more than hype• The realities of operating in California• Legacy farms and the responsibility of carrying the culture forwardRidgeline brings precision and discipline. Huckleberry Hill brings legacy and roots.Different approaches, same respect for the plant.We highlight the operators who care about the details, the standards, and the long game. This episode is about cultivation done with intention, not shortcuts.Subscribe for more real conversations with the growers and brands shaping the industry from the inside.Let's connect!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstsmokeo...Business inquiries: family@firstsmokeoftheday.comMean Gene & Biovortex: The LIME Line, Real Breeding Takes Years. Infamous Terps
03:39:05|In this episode of First Smoke of the Day, Blackleaf sits down with Mean Gene and Biovortex for a deep, no-nonsense conversation about genetics, breeding discipline, and why real results take time. This isn’t surface-level talk or recycled opinions. It’s a grounded breakdown of what actually separates long-term builders from people chasing quick wins.Mean Gene and Biovortex get into the realities of working with genetics, the mistakes most people make early on, and why consistency, patience, and experience matter more than hype or trends. They talk openly about trial and error, the importance of learning through reps, and how old-school knowledge and modern tools intersect when things are done the right way.This episode is for anyone interested in breeding, cultivation, genetics, or the behind-the-scenes process that rarely gets discussed publicly. If you’re curious about what holds up over time, why shortcuts don’t work, and what it really takes to build something lasting, this conversation delivers.Tap in for one of the most honest and experience-driven discussions we’ve had on the show.For exclusive episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and early access, visit fsotd.com and join the First Smoke family.Like, comment, subscribe, and share this with someone who actually cares about doing things right.Karma Glass: Inside the World of High-Level Glass Art, The Real Story
01:38:06|Karma Glass joins First Smoke of the Day for a real conversation on how glass became the heart of cannabis culture.This episode dives into the evolution of functional art, the rise of the modern glass scene, and what it actually takes to build a brand that lasts in an industry driven by craft, community, and credibility. We talk art versus business, collaboration, legacy, and how the glass world has grown alongside cannabis itself.Karma Glass breaks down the mindset behind the work, the culture that shaped the movement, and why authenticity still matters in a space that’s constantly changing. This isn’t surface-level talk, it’s about the grind, the passion, and the long game.If you’re into cannabis culture, glass art, or the people pushing the scene forward, this episode is for you.For extended content, behind-the-scenes access, and the FSOTD community, visit fsotd.com.Like, subscribe, and tap in with the First Smoke family.#karmaglass #glasscannabis #cannabis #fsotd