Living The Red Life: Episode Summary

Episode Title: Ditching Opiates: How Cannabis Changed My Life and Business
Host: Rudy Mawer
Release Date: August 11, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Living The Red Life, host Rudy Mawer delves into a transformative journey of resilience and entrepreneurship with special guest Brianna Banks, co-founder of Wake and Bakery. The conversation navigates Brianna's personal struggles, her innovative business model blending cannabis with traditional bakery offerings, and the broader implications of cannabis legalization on health and commerce.

Brianna's Personal Journey and the Birth of Wake and Bakery

Brianna Banks opens up about a pivotal moment in her life that catalyzed her venture into the cannabis-infused food industry.

Brianna Banks [00:00]: "So in 2019, I tore my spine while I was running. I used to run like five miles every other day. It was my vice to life. And I hurt my back really bad. And they had put me on all these opiates and I have, at the time, my kid was 2 and 10, maybe 2 and 9, and I couldn't take them. So I started to smoke weed."

Facing severe back pain and the challenges of opioid dependency while raising young children, Brianna sought an alternative path to manage her pain and maintain her role as a mother. This led to the conception of Wake and Bakery, a unique establishment offering cannabis-infused beverages and baked goods.

Brianna Banks [04:20]: "I started putting in my coffee, and then I started baking muffins with it. And I was like, other moms would want to do this shit too, so let's see what I can do. And that's how I started it."

Building a Safe and Inclusive Space

Central to Brianna's vision is creating a welcoming environment for all individuals, transcending age, profession, and background.

Brianna Banks [00:30]: "I am building a safe space for everybody to come to. No. 21, to whatever age that might be, doctor to the janitor."

This inclusive approach is reflected in the diverse clientele Wake and Bakery attracts, from lawyers and doctors to mothers seeking relief and relaxation.

Navigating the Cannabis Industry: Challenges and Innovations

Brianna discusses the complexities of operating within the evolving legal landscape of cannabis, particularly the distinctions between Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC.

Brianna Banks [05:08]: "I started out with Delta 8. I'm not. That's how I started my business because that was the loop. And it's great. It does a lot of good things for a lot of good people. But I also wanted to advance and so I figured out new ways. And now Delta 9, which is the same thing as THC, which is the same thing as weed."

She highlights the regulatory hurdles, such as licensing, labeling, and compliance with varying state laws, which necessitate adaptability in branding and product offerings.

Brianna Banks [09:06]: "The Florida laws change constantly. Everywhere changes. Arizona changed a couple months ago. Texas changed a couple months ago. And they will forever be evolving until it is federally legal on a full, on a full time basis across the United States."

Strategic Branding and Marketing

To address the challenges of fluctuating legality and public perception, Brianna emphasizes the importance of versatile and recognizable branding.

Brianna Banks [10:04]: "In the center of our logo, you actually see Wake and Bakery with like a crown. It's a crown. It's also a Wheatley box around so that eventually if we had to get rid of the cartoons... we would have the center logo and people would still recognize our logo."

Collaborating with renowned designers like Ron Hanson ensures that Wake and Bakery maintains a professional and adaptable brand identity.

Community Impact and Customer Stories

Wake and Bakery is not just a business; it's a community hub where customers share transformative stories about how cannabis has aided them through various life challenges.

Brianna Banks [11:44]: "We have an employee who has stage three breast cancer, and she has been eating and using our products while going through chemo. And she said it's probably the best thing she's done."

These testimonials underscore the therapeutic benefits of cannabis and its role in enhancing quality of life for many individuals.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Drawing from her own experiences, Brianna offers invaluable advice to those looking to enter the cannabis or food industry, especially during volatile times.

Brianna Banks [14:11]: "Keep going. I did 10 months of baking by myself from 7am until 1am while living in my basement of my business."

She emphasizes the power of positive affirmation and persistence as key drivers of success.

Brianna Banks [14:48]: "If you consistently tell yourself today is going to be a good day, it will be a good day."

Future Plans and Expansion

Looking ahead, Brianna envisions Wake and Bakery expanding through franchising, aiming to establish a ubiquitous presence that normalizes cannabis consumption alongside traditional beverages.

Brianna Banks [17:09]: "I want to once it becomes legal completely... I could go in any space. I want once it becomes legal completely."

Plans to franchise across various states, navigating the intricacies of differing state laws, highlight her commitment to growth and accessibility.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with reflections on the positive societal impacts of cannabis legalization, as evidenced by Wake and Bakery's thriving community and customer satisfaction. Brianna Banks emerges as a resilient and visionary leader, advocating for cannabis as a viable alternative to opioids and alcohol, fostering both personal well-being and business success.

Brianna Banks [17:44]: "It's making people happy for sure and comfortable and no pain. And, like, so way better than any alternative to it."

Living The Red Life continues to inspire entrepreneurs and individuals alike, showcasing the profound ways cannabis can transform lives and businesses.

Connect with Brianna Banks and Wake and Bakery

For more information or to explore Wake and Bakery's offerings, visit wakeandbakery.net.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who have yet to listen.