Category: podcast
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Episode 188 – Power, Patronage, and the House That Madigan Built: A Conversation with Ray Long
Award-winning investigative journalist Ray Long joins Cole Preston for a deep dive into the political legacy of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan—arguably the most powerful figure in the state’s modern political history Links mentioned during show
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Episode 187 – Illinois Medical Cannabis Portal Is Getting an Upgrade
In this episode, I share updates on the upcoming changes to Illinois’ medical cannabis portal—something I’ve been tracking since 2023. Links mentioned during show
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Episode 186 – Behind the Counter: A Perspective on Smoke Shops & Legal Highs
Step inside the world of smoke shops with this eye-opening episode as we talk with Justine about the surprising—and sometimes concerning—realities of selling legal highs. From kratom and tianeptine (aka “gas station heroin”) to meth pipes, fake pee, and THCP gummies that can leave you high for days, we explore what people are really buying,…
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Episode 185 – Recapping Hash Bash of 2025
This live episode of The Cole Memo takes you straight to Ann Arbor for a boots-on-the-ground look at Hash Bash 2025. Phil returns from Michigan to talk about the storied cannabis protest, the wild mix of licensed and underground vendors, and how Ann Arbor feels like another country when it comes to drug policy. We…
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Episode 184 – Breaking: Illinois Senate Advances SB42 to Curb Vehicle Searches Based on Cannabis Odor
In this episode, I share some breaking news for Illinois cannabis consumers. Links mentioned during show
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Episode 183 – Is Your Legal Weed Safe? Hemp’s Future and Other Cannabis News
In this live stream, I will dive into surprising findings from journalists on the safety of legal weed, explore what’s ahead for hemp, and cover other key stories from the cannabis world. Links mentioned during show
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Episode 182 – The State of Cannabis: Finding Common Ground with Livi McKay
In this episode of The Cole Memo, I’m joined by Livi McKay, CEO and founder of MyTEPI and the Discover Your Color platform, for a deep dive into cannabis, “hemp”, and the evolving landscape of plant-based wellness. Livi shares her powerful personal journey—from overcoming severe health issues using cannabis to becoming a leader in quality…
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Episode 181 – Behind the Brothel Door: A Candid Look at Legal Sex Work with Ash
In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Ash, a former legal sex worker in Nevada, who shares her perspective on the harsh realities behind the glitzy illusion of brothel work. From starting on OnlyFans to navigating the complexities of legal brothels, Ash offers firsthand accounts of financial struggles, safety concerns, and the psychological toll…
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Episode 180 – Illinois Politics Unplugged: Representative Dan Caulkins on Policy, Power, and the Future
In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston sits down with (former) Illinois State Representative Dan Caulkins for a candid discussion about the challenges of serving in the Illinois General Assembly. Together, they unpack the state’s pressing issues, including protectionist legislation, the effectiveness of bans, and the controversial Illinois Firearms Ban. They also explore…
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Episode 179 – Illinois Senator Ventura’s Push for Reform: Cannabis, Drug Policy, and Campaign Finance
In this episode, I travel to Joliet, Illinois, to sit down with Senator Rachel Ventura. We discuss her groundbreaking legislation that could end vehicle searches based solely on the smell of cannabis, a longstanding issue impacting cannabis consumers across Illinois. Senator Ventura shares the story behind the bill, the challenges with current laws, and how…
The Cole Memo 