iHemp Hour Shows
The iHemp Hour was our way to collaborate and learn as we began to develop the industrial hemp industry in Michigan. With well over 100 conversations over the years, we have covered every aspect from seed to sale. Use this resource as a tool to dive deep into hemp. Rough transcripts have been generated for each show, allowing you to search for the content you need.
While we are off our regular schedule of hosting shows, from time to time we will tackle an important topic. The newest episodes will be at the top. Let us know if there is a topic we should cover.
Seth Boone of PanXchange Talks Hemp and Animal Feed Markets
We visit with Seth Boone of PanXchange’s the VP of Business Development and head of hemp markets.
Dr. Chris Luettgen of Georgia Tech talks about Applications of Hemp Biomass in Paper, Paper Board, NonWovens and Molded Fiber
On this iHemp Hour, we get a masterclass in materials science from Dr. Chris Luettgen of Georgia Tech’s Renewable Bioproducts Institute. He explains the real-world engineering challenges of processing hemp for paper and packaging, revealing why the plant’s famously long fibers can be a problem. “A pump impeller will rapidly be wrapped up and clogged,” he explains, detailing the specific technology needed to unlock hemp’s potential in the massive packaging industry.
Rachel Berry, CEO of Illinois Hemp Grower’s Association, Secretary of the US Hemp Building Association, Eric McKee, Founder & CEO of Wndr and Founder of the US Hemp Building Association & Director of Strategic Growth and Jeffrey Cole, Owner & Founder of US Hemp Brokerage LLC
This iHemp Hour features a powerhouse panel of hemp pioneers: Rachel Berry, Eric McKee, and Jeff Cole. They discuss the future of hempcrete, which scored a perfect zero on fire safety tests, and the industry’s exciting shift to sustainable goods. ‘It’s all really exciting to see us go from a CBD product… into more industrial and consumer goods,’ says Jeff Cole.
Joe & Victoria Veldon from Seven Leaf Genetics on the iHemp Hour
On this iHemp Hour, we talk to Joe and Victoria of Seven Leaf Genetics, who give a masterclass in breeding stable, high-CBD hemp. They discuss the importance of climate-specific strains, structural integrity, and why every farmer needs an end-game. Plus, get the latest Michigan hemp news and a recipe for a Strawberry Hemp Smoothie.
Hemp Pioneer, Joe Hickey, Co-Founder & Chairman of Halcyon
In a special episode, iHemp Hour sits down with Joe Hickey, a true ‘godfather’ of the movement. He shares incredible stories from his 28-year journey, including his famous protest planting with Woody Harrelson, who he says felt ‘like my brother coming back.’ Plus, get the latest Michigan hemp news and event updates.
Hemp Policy and Regulation with Russell Laird of the Hemp Leaders Coalition
Russell Laird has decades of experience working with the federal government. He has managed issue portfolios on and off of Capitol Hill for a variety of industry interests, including utility finance, trucking, and consumer packaged goods.
Joe Thiel of Innovate Marquette SmartZone, Hemp Products in Outdoor Recreation Industry
On this iHemp Hour, Joe Thiel of Innovate Marquette shares a visionary plan for Michigan’s U.P.: using hemp for bioremediation of old mine sites to build a new green economy. Plus, get the latest on Delta-8 legislation, upcoming events, and a recipe for a Blueberry Hemp Seed Salad.
Susan Barnhardt of SHEMP™ on the iHemp Hour
In this episode, iHemp Hour interviews Susan Barnhart, the visionary founder of SHEMP, who is creating a revolutionary new textile by blending wool and hemp. Plus, get the latest on the SAFE Banking Act, see Michigan’s ‘Beast’ decorticator in action, and grab a recipe for a Blueberry Hemp Smoothie.
Ackley Hemp Farms on the iHemp Hour
We visit with JD Ackley who has developed what has become a full-service hemp field services company.
Greg Dean from The Hemp Plastic Company on the iHemp Hour
In this iHemp Hour recap, Greg Dean of The Hemp Plastic Company discusses the revolutionary potential of hemp plastics, from lightweighting cars to sustainable cannabis packaging. Plus, get the latest on Michigan’s hemp and cannabis news, upcoming events, and farmer assistance programs.
iHemp Hour is on the road for Earth Day, live from Mid Michigan Hemp Supply in Midland
Board member Jen Nelson and the team at Mid Michigan Hemp Supply stepped up to host our gathering at their facility in Midland.
Tess Bennett, Editor of Hemp Grower Magazine, shares her insight about the hemp industry on the iHemp Hour
Theresa (“Tess”) Bennett, Editor of Hemp Grower magazine visits us on the iHemp Hour.