🔥 The Cannabis Podcast that Hits Different

Presented by Cozy Critters

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🎙️ Signal Flow: Ellen Scanlon

Industry game changers and valiant minds share their wisdom, adversities, and paths to innovation.

Ellen Scanlon, host of How to Do the Pot, helps women feel confident about cannabis. Her journey with cannabis began with her search for pain relief following a serious bike accident and for managing endometriosis symptoms. As one of the few female CEOs in the cannabis industry, Ellen is committed to breaking down barriers and reducing the stigma surrounding cannabis, especially for women.

My journey began after a serious bike accident and a long battle with endometriosis. I discovered cannabis could help with chronic pain, sleep, anxiety, even infertility. But I also discovered the stigma around it is still so strong. That’s what pushed me to share what I was learning.

The podcast’s title came naturally. I kept saying to my friends, “I’ll teach you how to do the pot,” and they would always laugh. I realized that line had exactly what I wanted—impact, relatability, and humor.

From the beginning, the show was created for women. Cannabis helps women in ways that it doesn’t help men. It can reduce symptoms from things like endometriosis, menopause, autoimmune conditions, and menstrual pain. Women have a higher concentration of endocannabinoid receptors in the pelvic region, so there’s a real biological basis for how it helps.

We cover three main areas: health, well-being, and fun. Health episodes are focused on women. Well-being topics—like sleep and sex—apply to everyone. And the fun episodes are about cooking with cannabis, exploring strains, or learning new ways to integrate it into life.

We’re always listening to our audience. Over 60% of our listeners are parents, and as a mom myself, I love incorporating more content that speaks directly to that experience. We also maintain a newsletter, active socials, and email engagement—it’s a real community.

My podcasting voice? Sixteen years of meditation might have something to do with it. Before I record, I try to move my body, take deep breaths, and picture talking to a friend. That brings warmth and presence.

I used to have a full closet studio. Sometimes I’m recording under a sheet with pillows at my in-laws’ house. You make it work. I use a Shure USB mic and SquadCast, and I’ve had the same amazing engineer since the start. I also had a partner who hosted the first 50 episodes, but I’ve been hosting solo since 2021.

I have a rule—if I hear something three times, I dig deeper. That’s led to great series like Weed & Workouts and Menopause 101. Cannabis is so connected to culture, history, health, and justice—it’s a limitless source of ideas.

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Featured by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and winner of the Mom's Choice Award, make bedtime a favorite part of your child’s day with Cozy Critters. Go on a magical adventure with Dougie Pickles and his kitten co-host, Miss Meow Meow, as they visit the world's coziest critters and learn about their day.

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Cannabis is also part of my creative process. I use low doses for sleep, pain relief, and stress. Just 1–2 mg of THC or a 20:1 CBD to THC ratio helps activate the calming effects. When I’m stuck creatively, a walk and a microdose can ground me, ease my mind, and help me be more present.

Marketing a cannabis podcast is tough. Because cannabis is federally illegal, many platforms won’t work with us or let us advertise. It’s forced us to grow organically, which means our numbers are deeply real. People listen all the way through. That matters to our cannabis sponsors.

I’m always evolving the show. For example, we did a three-part Pride series on how the HIV/AIDS crisis in San Francisco led to medical cannabis legalization. It’s about cannabis—but it’s also about history, advocacy, and love. I want to tell stories you can’t unhear.

I’ve learned that your show has to work with your life. That’s why we’ve built in a variety-show structure. Some episodes are deep dives. Some are quick tips. If I have a tough week, I can still deliver something meaningful without burning out.

You use different parts of your brain to create, market, and run a show. I’ve learned I can’t do it all at once. So I try to focus on one thing at a time. That keeps me moving forward.

If you’re just starting in podcasting, create a structure that supports your life. Don’t try to do it all every day. Be flexible. Stay curious. And keep going.

Our new series, which we launched last year, is about how to talk to a friend who’s nervous about weed. We face the biggest fears head-on—health, safety, how to use it, what the science says. These are the conversations that change hearts and minds. That’s where I want the show to go next.

🎙️ Podcast of the Week: No Stupid Questions

Though it’s no longer in production, this podcast is still a real treat. Hosted by Angela Duckworth and Mike Maughan, No Stupid Questions tackles the quirky, curious, and downright delightful questions you didn’t even know you had—like “Is it possible to be too empathetic?” or “Why do we love underdogs?” Backed by behavioral science and boosted by banter, it’s smart without being stuffy and playful without being fluffy. A perfect listen for anyone who likes their big ideas with a side of fun.

🥾 Further Exploration

Interested in adding a visual element to your podcast?

This comprehensive video tutorial from Full Time Filmmaker walks you through the process of starting a video podcast, covering equipment, recording techniques, and editing tips.

ICYMI:

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🎧 Rob Rosenthal on Good Storytelling