How to Do the Pot - podcast cover

How to Do the Pot

Ellen Scanlonwww.dothepot.com
An award-winning cannabis podcast for women, by women. Hear joyful stories and useful advice about cannabis for health, well-being, and fun—especially for needs specific to women like stress, sleep, and sex. We cover everything from: What’s the best weed for sex? Can I use CBD for menstrual cramps? What are the effects of the Harlequin strain or Gelato strain? And, why do we prefer to call it “cannabis” instead of “marijuana”? We also hear from you: your first time buying legal weed, and how to talk about cannabis with your family.  How to Do the Pot is hosted by Ellen Scanlon. Ellen’s mission is to inspire women to make more informed choices about their health and well-being. Join Ellen as she talks to medical professionals for practical tips, experts for cannabis recommendations, and listeners for funny and intimate stories. www.dothepot.com
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

296. Sour Diesel vs. Super Silver Haze: Which Strain is Right for You?

Looking for a cannabis strain to energize your summer? In this episode of our Essential Strains series, host Ellen Scanlon is spotlighting two legendary picks: Sour Diesel and Super Silver Haze. Both of these classics are known for delivering uplifting effects, helping with focus, and easing pain—so how do you choose? You’ll hear from women who’ve tried both and share how each one made them feel. Think of this episode as your cheat sheet for summer sanity—whether you're tackling a to-do list, ch...

Jul 08, 202521 min

295. Fireworks, Friends & a Little Gelato: A Feel-Good Summer Favorite

Looking for the perfect cannabis strain to sweeten your summer? We’ve added Gelato to our Essential Strains series—a curated list designed to help women skip the overwhelm and discover strains you’ll really love. Host Ellen Scanlon talks with Mario Guzman, founder of Sherbinskis and creator of Gelato, about the lucky accident that led to this now-legendary strain. Plus, we share why Gelato is our go-to recommendation for women looking to relax, connect, or feel just a little sexier—especially du...

Jul 01, 202512 min

294. Why Women Still Don’t Know They’re at Risk for HIV, part 3

In the final episode of our Webby-nominated series Before Legal Weed: The Untold Story of AIDS & Cannabis, host Ellen Scanlon explores why so many women—especially Black women—are still left out of conversations about HIV risk, testing, and care. You’ll hear from public health expert Natalie Wilson and pioneering AIDS doctor Donald Abrams about: How HIV became a manageable condition—and why many women are still being overlooked The role cannabis plays in easing pain, anxiety, and other sympt...

Jun 24, 202530 min

293. AIDS, Cannabis & Courage: The Doctor On A Mission, part 2

Dr. Donald Abrams was a young gay doctor on the front lines of San Francisco’s AIDS crisis in the 1980s. He watched as his partner and many of his close friends died from a disease no one understood. Yet instead of giving up, he fought to bring relief to patients through medical cannabis. In part two of our Webby Award nominated three-part series, host Ellen Scanlon introduces you to Dr. Abrams, who shares his experience with loss, injustice, and resilience that led him to challenge the federal ...

Jun 17, 202528 min

292. Sticky Fingers Brownies: Women, Weed, and the Birth of Medical Cannabis, part 1

Before weed was legal in any U.S. state, it was medicine passed hand-to-hand—often in the form of a brownie. In part one of our Webby-nominated series Before Legal Weed, host Ellen Scanlon brings you the untold story of how San Francisco’s gay community turned to cannabis during the darkest days of the AIDS crisis—and how a woman-run cannabis operation called Sticky Fingers Brownies quietly became a lifeline. You’ll meet Meridy Volz, a mother delivering pot brownies on roller skates through the ...

Jun 10, 202535 min

291. The Untold Story That Made Legal Weed Possible

Before any U.S. state legalized cannabis—before it was even officially called medicine—people in San Francisco were baking it into brownies and delivering it in secret to those dying of AIDS. This Pride Month, host Ellen Scanlon shares Before Legal Weed: The Untold Story of AIDS & Cannabis, a powerful, Webby-nominated, three-part series about the people who risked everything to help their community survive—and changed history in the process. In this series, you’ll learn: - Why cannabis becam...

Jun 03, 20253 min

290. Why More Women Are Choosing Cannabis—and What It Means for What’s Next

For the first time ever, data shows that more women are choosing cannabis than men—and they’re doing it for reasons that go way beyond getting high. In this episode, host Ellen Scanlon talks with innovation expert Nicole Brown about what’s really driving this shift: from the rise of low-dose products to the evolution of legal markets like New York. We dig into how Gen Z and Millennial women are swapping drinks for edibles, why sleep is still the most common entry point, and how today’s “work har...

May 27, 202522 min

289. The Summer Edit: My Favorite Cannabis Products Right Now

Memorial Day is almost here, and we’re ready for summer. Are you? In this episode, host Ellen Scanlon is joined by innovation expert Nicole Brown to dish on their favorite low-dose THC drinks, CBD + CBG gummies, and calming cannabis picks to help you unwind, sleep better, and feel your best. Whether you're swapping wine for weed or just want a little mood lift without going overboard, we cover all the best products to try this summer, plus some fun hosting tips and what's happening in cannabis r...

May 20, 202520 min

288. What It Really Takes to Lead: Hagan Kappler on Career, Courage & Doing the Hard Things

This Mother’s Day week, we’re spotlighting a woman who’s not just building a company—she’s building a better way to live with technology. Ellen Scanlon talks with her friend and business school classmate Hagan Kappler, the founder and CEO of Daisy, a smart home tech company that helps families simplify the chaos of connected living. Hagan is also a mom of four and a seasoned leader with experience at companies like Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, and Starbucks. In this episode, she shares what it reall...

May 13, 202532 min

287. From Tagging Sea Turtles to Cannabis Biotech: The Bold Path of CEO Caitlyn Krebs

What do sea turtles, science, and cannabis have in common? In this episode, Ellen Scanlon talks with Caitlyn Krebs, the CEO and co-founder of Nalu Bio, a San Francisco-based biotech company unlocking the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids. With Mother’s Day around the corner, this conversation offers a timely look at what it takes to lead a high-growth startup, raise a family, and build the future of women’s health, all at the same time. Caitlyn shares how her childhood in Hawaii sparked a lo...

May 06, 202521 min

286. How the Endocannabinoid System Could Transform Women’s Health

The endocannabinoid system could be the next frontier in women’s health, and the future is closer than you think. In this episode, I talk with Caitlyn Krebs, CEO and co-founder of Nalu Bio, a biotech company using cutting-edge science to develop cannabinoid-based therapies that target stress, sleep, pain, and inflammation. If you're tired of trial-and-error solutions, this conversation offers a smarter, safer path forward. We break down: What the endocannabinoid system actually is, and why it ma...

Apr 29, 202517 min

285. From Pain to Progress: Ellen’s Endometriosis Story

One in ten women have endometriosis, yet most aren’t diagnosed until they’re struggling to get pregnant or can no longer live with the pain. In this episode, Ellen Scanlon shares her personal story of navigating pain, infertility, and finally a diagnosis of endometriosis with biotech entrepreneur Caitlyn Krebs, CEO of Nalu Bio. They talk about this chronic and often invisible disease and what the future of treatment could look like. If you’ve ever felt dismissed or misunderstood when it comes to...

Apr 22, 202529 min

284. Beyond the Stereotypes: How Women Are Changing the Meaning of 420

420 isn’t just a party, it’s a chance to reflect, connect, and celebrate cannabis legalization and its evolution in our culture. In this episode, Ellen Scanlon talks with women who share what 420 means to them today. Whether it’s honoring the plant, remembering the people who paved the way, or creating new traditions with friends (and sometimes pets!) these stories show the many sides of cannabis and the common ground it creates. You’ll hear about joyful rituals, lessons learned from the early d...

Apr 15, 202519 min

283. Why Women Are Choosing Weed Over Advil

Pain relief without the harsh side effects? In this episode, Ellen and innovation & strategy expert Nicole Brown explore how cannabis is helping people manage everything from menstrual cramps to hangovers to post-surgery recovery. They share personal stories, clarify misconceptions, and explain how cannabis can be a safer alternative to traditional painkillers, without taking you out of your day. If you’re wondering how cannabis helps with pain or just want a clear, honest take on it, you’re...

Apr 08, 202525 min

Bonus Episode: Can You Be Sober and Still Choose Cannabis? Ellen’s Conversation on Recovery Rocks Podcast

In this bonus episode, we’re sharing Ellen’s guest appearance on Recovery Rocks, a podcast hosted by recovery advocates Lisa Smith and Tawny Lara. Tawny reached out after How to Do the Pot helped her explore cannabis as part of her recovery journey, and Ellen was honored to join them for this thoughtful conversation. In this episode, we talk about: How cannabis can support recovery, including Tawny’s story of integrating low-dose cannabis into her life post-sobriety. Why stigma still shapes how ...

Apr 01, 202549 min

282. The Low-Dose Revolution: Rethinking What It Means to Get High with Nicole Brown

Have you ever wondered what being high actually feels like, especially with low-dose cannabis? In this episode, Ellen and innovation & strategy expert Nicole Brown break down the future of socializing with cannabis, alcohol, and non-alcoholic drinks. If you’ve ever wished for a more predictable, enjoyable, and easy-to-access cannabis experience, this episode will get you excited about what’s next. Nicole shares: Why she believes we’re living in Cannabis 2.0 How access to hemp-derived product...

Mar 25, 202536 min

281. Menopause, Sex & Cannabis: How to Feel Good in Your Body Again, part 4

Struggling with low libido, painful sex, or feeling disconnected from your body? You’re not alone, and menopause can bring big changes to your sex life. In part 4 of our series, we talk about ways to bring back pleasure and intimacy. Dr. Lauren Streicher and other experts break down how menopause affects libido, arousal, and pain—and how cannabis can help. From lubricants to low-dose edibles, we’re talking about real solutions that can make sex feel good again. Because great sex doesn’t stop at ...

Mar 21, 202529 minSeason 1Ep. 281

280. Hot Flashes, Weight Gain, and Sleepless Nights—Why Cannabis Might Be the Answer, part 3

Struggling with sleep in perimenopause or menopause? Hot flashes, joint pain, and stress can make falling—and staying—asleep feel impossible. Did you know cannabis may help? In part 3 of our series, menopause expert Dr. Lauren Streicher explains how THC and CBD can reduce night sweats, ease inflammation, and improve sleep quality—without next-day grogginess. Join thousands of women learning how to feel better through science-backed insights, expert advice, and real stories. Thank you to our gues...

Mar 11, 202524 minSeason 1Ep. 280

279. The Power of Scent: How Perfume, Memory & Mood Are Connected with Christina Loff

Did you know your sense of smell is the most connected to memory, but the least understood sense? Or that a great fragrance can actually boost your mood? In today’s episode, writer Christina Loff, creator of The Dry Down Diaries on Substack, joins us to talk about how to find a perfume you actually love, why teenage boys are leading a fragrance renaissance, and why cannabis is showing up in high-end perfumes. We’ll get into: Why scent is so powerful How fragrance can change your mood The surpris...

Mar 04, 202523 minSeason 1Ep. 279

278. The Menopause Knowledge Gap: Why Your Doctor Doesn’t Talk About It, part 2

Why don’t more women talk about menopause—especially with their doctors? In part 2 of our 4-part series, journalist Megan Margulies shares insights from a Harvard study on cannabis and menopause, revealing why many women are turning to THC for relief. We also hear from menopause expert Dr. Lauren Streicher about why doctors are still undertrained in treating menopause and how this knowledge gap impacts women’s health. Listen now and please share with the women in your life who it might help! Tha...

Feb 25, 202529 minSeason 1Ep. 278

277. What Every Woman Needs to Know About Menopause, part 1

What if menopause wasn’t something to dread—but a time of possibility? In part one of our 4-part series, we’re breaking the silence around menopause, tackling the 30+ symptoms that can start as early as your 30s, and sharing how cannabis is helping women manage sleep, sex, mood, and more. You’ll hear from menopause expert Dr. Lauren Streicher and real women sharing what they wish they knew sooner. Plus, tips for how to find a doctor who actually understands menopause. Featuring Dr. Lauren Streic...

Feb 18, 202527 minSeason 1Ep. 277

276. Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me About Perimenopause?

If you’re in your late 30s or 40s and noticing changes in sleep, mood, or sex drive, you’re not alone. Perimenopause can start earlier than you think, with over 30 possible symptoms. In our 4-part special series, we’ll dig into menopause and perimenopause to uncover what’s happening in your body, what helps—from hormone therapy to natural remedies—and learn why 1 in 4 women turn to cannabis for relief. With expert insights and real women’s stories, you’ll get the knowledge you need to make infor...

Feb 11, 20255 minSeason 1Ep. 276

275. Love & Movies: A Valentine’s Day Celebration + Ultimate Date Night Giveaway

This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating love and movies! Inspired by podcaster Gretchen Rubin, Ellen kicks off her 2025 movie-watching challenge and introduces You, Me & Her—an independent film about relationships, marriage, and complicated connections. Plus, don’t miss your chance to win the Ultimate Date Night Giveaway with over $500 in luxurious goodies and a trip to Mexico! Tune in for all the details and an exclusive sneak peek of the film. If you enjoyed this episode, we recommend Epis...

Feb 04, 20259 minSeason 1Ep. 275

274. If You Like Chardonnay, Try A Weed Drink, Part 3

THC drinks are the breakout stars of cannabis legalization, especially in this cultural moment where more people are questioning their relationship with alcohol. In part 3 of our new series, we dive into the rise of low-dose cannabis drinks and how they’re reshaping social norms—no dispensary visit required. Hear from women embracing intentional approaches to alcohol & cannabis and feeling great the next day. Featuring Marni Unger, Nicole Brown and Jane West. If you enjoyed this episode, we ...

Jan 28, 202525 minSeason 1Ep. 274

273. Why Cannabis is Replacing Alcohol for Some Women, Part 2

Curious about the rise of low dose cannabis drinks and why younger generations are swapping cocktails for cannabis? In part 2 of our series on alcohol & cannabis, we explore how shifting habits and innovative products are changing how we relax and socialize. You’ll hear personal stories from women who enjoy both cannabis and alcohol, and insights on why younger generations are rethinking drinking. Featuring Christine Apple, Vivien Azer and Seng Robertson. If you enjoyed this episode, we reco...

Jan 21, 202522 minSeason 1Ep. 273

272. Saloons & Suffragettes: The Rise and Fall of Alcohol Prohibition, Part 1

As more people explore cannabis and reimagine their relationship with alcohol, what can we learn from Prohibition? In part 1 of our new series, Kelly Roberson, Executive Director of the Center for Alcohol Policy, uncovers the fascinating history behind the rise and fall of the ban on alcohol in the U.S. Discover how saloons, women-led movements, and changing cultural norms reshaped drinking habits—and how these lessons are shaping today’s shift toward low-dose cannabis. Sign up for Ellen’s newsl...

Jan 14, 202521 minSeason 1Ep. 272

271. Are You Trying Dry January? New Series Exploring Alcohol, Cannabis & Why Women are Drinking Less

Is cannabis the new alternative to alcohol? In our new 3-part series, host Ellen Scanlon discovers what’s behind data showing more Americans now use cannabis daily than alcohol, lessons from alcohol’s history that could shape cannabis’s future, and what the rise of low-dose THC drinks means for you. Don’t miss this fresh take on how evolving views around alcohol and cannabis are changing women’s health and well-being. Stay tuned next week for part 1! Hosted by Ellen Scanlon Sign up for Ellen's n...

Jan 07, 20255 minSeason 1Ep. 271

270. A Toast to Cannabis: Celebrating Life’s Happy Moments and Wrapping Up 2024

In part two of How to Do the Pot’s new series, we explore how women are redefining celebrations with cannabis. Whether it’s a birthday party with mouth-watering infused southern comfort food, helping loved ones feel comfortable at a weed-friendly wedding, or a romantic staycation anniversary, cannabis is adding a joyful twist to life’s most meaningful moments. From laughter-filled strolls through Manhattan to thoughtful events designed to educate and inspire, listen to women’s stories about how ...

Dec 17, 202419 minEp. 270

269. Is Cannabis the New Champagne? Cheers to Joy & Connection with Weed

In the first episode of our new two-part series, we explore how cannabis is enhancing the celebrations of life’s biggest moments. As more women reconsider their relationship with alcohol, this series uncovers how women are making cannabis an essential part of milestone birthdays, anniversaries, and honeymoon adventures - even Kim Kardashian’s CBD-themed baby shower. As the holidays approach, this series offers creative ideas for how to celebrate festive occasions with friends and family. If you ...

Dec 10, 202416 minSeason 1Ep. 269

268. How Women are Redefining Celebrations with Cannabis

This holiday season, host Ellen Scanlon reflects on memorable guests of 2024 and explores how women celebrate life’s big moments with cannabis. With the rising popularity of low-dose weed and a shift in attitudes towards alcohol, our new two-part series shares how women across the country are changing the narrative around cannabis and having a lot of fun doing it! Don't miss these intimate stories that will help you rethink what celebration really means. If you enjoyed this episode, we’d recomme...

Dec 03, 20245 minSeason 1Ep. 268
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android
Open in Metacast