DOPE AS USUAL Podcast - Episode Summary: Pushin Paper with Josh Kesselman, Owner of RAW Papers

Introduction In this engaging episode of the "DOPE AS USUAL" podcast, host Dope as Jos welcomes back Josh Kesselman, the innovative owner of RAW Papers. Known for his dedication to producing high-quality rolling papers, Josh shares his personal journey, challenges in the cannabis industry, and his relentless pursuit of excellence. The conversation is rich with insights, personal anecdotes, and valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and cannabis enthusiasts alike.

Personal Struggles and Back Pain The episode opens with a candid discussion between Josh and co-host Mario Neal about their chronic back pain. Josh recounts his recent accident at the Raiders stadium, where he slipped while assisting a drunk spectator, leading to severe back issues. This incident exacerbated his existing minor back problems, resulting in significant pain that affected his daily activities.

Notable Quote:

Josh Kesselman [01:12]: "Such is life, man. I've run to friends who have much more pain than me. So to me, I'm like, oh, there's nothing compared."

Stem Cell Treatment and Recovery Josh delves into his journey towards healing, discussing his experiences with stem cell injections in Los Angeles. He explains how these treatments have significantly reduced his pain, allowing him to live without the restrictive back belt he had worn for over a year.

Notable Quote:

Josh Kesselman [07:02]: "I've learned so many workarounds and different ways to do stuff. Right now, I have an inflatable cushion behind my back."

Coping Mechanisms and Positive Outlook Both hosts emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive outlook despite physical pain. Josh shares an inspiring encounter with a wheelchair-bound individual who, despite his disabilities, exuded happiness and resilience. This meeting reinforced Josh's determination to find ways to continue living life to the fullest.

Notable Quote:

Dope as Jos [02:50]: "Find a workaround, Josh. Find a way around it. And now I'm doing much better."

Challenges in the Rolling Paper Industry The conversation transitions to the cannabis industry, where Josh discusses the hurdles of innovating rolling papers. He highlights the issue of counterfeit RAW papers flooding the market, making it difficult for genuine products to stand out. Josh emphasizes the need for authenticity and continuous improvement to stay ahead in the competitive landscape.

Notable Quote:

Dope as Jos [64:56]: "I'm out of this family. I'm done. Dude, I'm not building."

Innovating Rolling Papers Josh passionately explains his commitment to perfecting rolling papers. From developing ethereal cones to experimenting with different filtration methods, he showcases his dedication to enhancing the smoking experience. He also touches upon the importance of pairing the right paper with specific cannabis strains to optimize flavor and potency.

Notable Quote:

Dope as Jos [118:05]: "Every struggle you go through makes you stronger. We're here to help each other."

Philanthropy and Community Support Highlighting his philanthropic efforts, Josh talks about the Last Prisoner Project, an initiative aimed at changing outdated cannabis laws and freeing individuals unjustly incarcerated for minor offenses. He shares how the proceeds from a significant lawsuit victory were reinvested into supporting this cause, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community.

Notable Quote:

Dope as Jos [108:56]: "People are not getting out of jail for this crazy stuff. Nobody should be jailed for our damn beautiful freaking plant."

Building Products and Collaborations Josh discusses his collaborations with other industry leaders and his vision for future products. From gravity bongs to innovative rolling machines, he outlines his plans to revolutionize the rolling paper market. He also expresses his desire to mentor others passionate about the industry, fostering a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to quality and innovation.

Notable Quote:

Josh Kesselman [186:54]: "I really love the way you put that. You know what else I was going to say there was not one, like, crazy, terrible dick joke or nothing in this episode. It was five hours of knowledge and fun."

Reflections on Success and Personal Growth Throughout the episode, both Josh and Dope as Jos reflect on their personal growth and the true meaning of success. They stress the importance of passion, continuous learning, and supporting one another to achieve collective greatness. Josh shares his excitement about moving forward with his projects and the joy he finds in creating and sharing knowledge.

Notable Quote:

Dope as Jos [252:58]: "We're all getting higher together and it's true."

Conclusion and Giveaway As the episode wraps up, Josh and Dope as Jos engage in a lighthearted exchange, celebrating their long and insightful conversation. They also announce a giveaway, offering listeners a chance to win signed RAW products, further strengthening their bond with the community.

Notable Quote:

Dope as Jos [274:23]: "Teach your friend that doesn't know. Teach him how to roll a joint. Please."

Final Thoughts This episode of "DOPE AS USUAL" is a testament to resilience, innovation, and community spirit. Josh Kesselman's dedication to enhancing the cannabis experience through quality rolling papers, combined with his personal journey overcoming physical pain, provides listeners with both inspiration and practical insights. The heartfelt discussions and shared experiences make this episode a valuable resource for anyone passionate about the cannabis industry and personal growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Overcoming personal challenges requires resilience and finding effective coping mechanisms.
• Authenticity and continuous innovation are crucial in a competitive market.
• Giving back to the community can drive meaningful change and foster a supportive environment.
• Building strong, passionate communities enhances collective success and well-being.

Relevant Links:

• RAW Papers: Instagram - Raw Life247
• Last Prisoner Project: Website
• DOPE AS USUAL Podcast: Spotify

Note: The timestamps mentioned correspond to the points within the provided transcript and are used to highlight significant moments and quotes from the conversation.