Podcasts & Press
Appearances, interviews, and conversations that highlight my work in the cannabis industry.
Podcasts: Appearances & Streams
The Effective Cannabis podcast spotlights evidence-based cannabis education through the lens of medical science, patient empowerment, and personal healing. In this episode, I joined Debi to explore the science behind cannabinoid therapies and how my lived experience as a cannabis patient, chemist, and educator shaped my path. We talked about minor cannabinoids, debunked the Sativa vs. Indica myth, and broke down why consumption method and formulation matter when it comes to safety and efficacy. I also shared insights from my research on vape cartridge leaching and what the industry can do better. It’s one of the most open, science-rooted conversations I’ve had yet — aimed at both curious consumers and medical professionals alike.
Effective Cannabis | Hosted by Debi Wimberly | Episode 10 (Released on June 10, 2025)
The RespectMyRegion podcast highlights emerging voices and industry trends across cannabis, music, and culture, with a special focus on market movers in legal states. In this episode, part of the Michigan Cannabis Podcast series, Jackson and I joined Joey and Kyle to share the early vision behind Higher State Brands and our push into the infused beverage space. We unpacked the science, regulatory challenges, and strategy behind launching cannabis drinks, while also reflecting on what makes Michigan uniquely positioned for innovation. The conversation covered everything from compliance hurdles to consumer education, offering a look at how we planned to carve out space in one of the fastest-growing product categories. It was our first time publicly walking through the drink concept and startup playbook in full.
RespectMyRegion Podcast | Hosted by Joey Brabo and Kyle Van Artzen | Episode 5 (Streamed Live on May 8, 2025)
The Periodic Effects podcast explores the science and business of cannabis through interviews with operators, researchers, and innovators. This episode marked my first-ever podcast appearance, where I joined Wayne to talk about the Cannabis Chemistry degree programs at LSSU and my early cannabis career. We discussed what it means to be part of the first generation of cannabis-trained chemists, setting the tone for everything that was to come!
Periodic Effects Podcast | Hosted by Wayne Schwind | Episode 274 (Released on July 22, 2022)
In the Press: Articles, Interviews, & Editorial Coverage
Voyage Michigan is a statewide digital magazine that profiles emerging entrepreneurs, creatives, and changemakers shaping Michigan’s future. I was nominated for the feature by a peer in the industry, which led to this profile on the founding of Higher State Brands, my transition from firefighter to cannabis chemist, and the deeper purpose behind building a science-first startup. We covered how my research on vape cartridge safety, background in cannabinoid formulation, plus experience across retail, extraction, and academia all fuel a mission to elevate cannabis through chemistry. The article captures an early journey as both a founder and scientist working at the intersection of innovation and impact.
Voyage Michigan | Meet Alex Eckman of Higher State Brands | Released on April 09, 2024
Local media coverage of Michigan’s early voting turnout noted LSSU’s student-led voter engagement efforts. As Student Government Vice President of Political Action and University Development, I collaborated with the Campus Vote Project and Political Science department to host nonpartisan voter registration events and campus outreach. While the article focuses on broader regional data, it acknowledges the Student Government team’s organizing role in increasing awareness and accessibility during the 2024 election cycle.
The Sault News | Student Organizers Help Drive Early Voter Turnout in Chippewa County | Released on November 8, 2024
Lake Superior State University | Student Research Spotlight | Posted on June 25, 2024
LSSU’s official Instagram (@lakestateu) highlighted my student-led research into metal particle contamination in cannabis vape hardware. The post spotlights our use of advanced instrumentation, including SEM-EDS and uXRF method development work, intended to detect and analyze contaminants in CBD vape devices. While brief, it emphasizes the potential impact of our findings on product safety, manufacturing standards, and regulatory guidance in terms of both the cannabis and hemp vape device industries at both the vape device/hardware manufacturer level as well as cannabinoid-based product manufacturers.
Beard Bros Media covered the events surrounding a Vote of No Confidence filed by the Lake Superior State University Cannabis Club against university leadership in response to repeated acts of discrimination. As a Student Government Representative and Cannabis Club leader, I drafted and introduced the formal Votes of No Confidence resolution against the interim president, which passed unanimously and catalyzed broader campus support. The article highlights our coordinated advocacy efforts as outspoken student leaders and the resulting impacts of our push for broader institutional reform. This moment remains one of the most impactful examples of student-led institutional accountability during my time at LSSU.
Beard Bros Media | LSSU Cannabis Club’s Stand Against Discrimination: A Victory for Cannabis Activism | Released on March 8, 2024
Press Releases: Original Articles & Thought Pieces
I wrote this press release and published it through collaborations with Beard Bro's Media, highlighting the first-of-its-kind Cannabis Chemistry degree at Lake Superior State University. The article explores the university’s rigorous scientific foundation, hands-on laboratory focus, and the growing impact of its student researchers on the broader cannabis industry. It also profiles multiple student trajectories, including what was at the time my plan for pursuing further education through a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry. Framed as both an academic feature and a call to future cannabis scientists, the piece positions LSSU as a national leader in cannabinoid research and STEM-aligned cannabis education.