Hollyweed - Sandlot to Sativa
Chauncey Leopardi shares his journey from acting in *The Sandlot* to becoming a cannabis entrepreneur. He emphasizes authenticity, quality cultivation, and community sharing while discussing the challenges and ethics of the cannabis industry.
Topics discussed in this episode
- Introduction to Chauncey Leopardi (0:00 - 0:14): Introduction of Chauncey Leopardi, known for his role as "Squints" in *The Sandlot*, who shares insights from his dual career in acting and cannabis cultivation.
- Acting Career Reflections (0:14 - 3:30): Chauncey discusses his experiences growing up on film sets, the impact of working with talented individuals, and how this shaped his early life and career.
- Transition from Acting to Cannabis (3:31 - 6:36): The conversation shifts to Chauncey's transition from acting to the cannabis industry, highlighting his passion for the plant and the challenges faced by early cannabis entrepreneurs.
- Building the Squint Brand (6:37 - 9:04): Chauncey explains the creation of his cannabis brand, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and how his persona influenced the brand's development.
- Cultivation Preferences (9:05 - 12:10): Discussion on Chauncey's preferences in cannabis cultivation, focusing on flower quality, effects, and growth characteristics, along with a nod to industry legends who inspired him.
- Cultural Impact of *The Sandlot* (12:11 - 14:04): Reflecting on the positive cultural significance of *The Sandlot*, Chauncey expresses gratitude for being part of a film that brings joy to many generations.
- Ethics and Creativity in Cannabis (14:05 - 16:44): Chauncey shares how his background in acting informs his approach to the cannabis industry, emphasizing creativity, authenticity, and a commitment to ethical practices.
- Challenges in the Cannabis Industry (16:45 - 17:30): The discussion concludes with an acknowledgment of the difficulties within the cannabis industry due to legislation and commercialization pressures.
- Growing Techniques (23:27 - 29:12): Insights into growing methods, emphasizing the importance of personal techniques and maintaining unique plant characteristics.
- Vibe in Cultivation (25:15 - 26:44): The significance of the grow environment's vibe on product quality and uniqueness.
- Fertilizer Scheduling (27:36 - 28:32): Importance of adjusting fertilizer schedules based on strain needs to enhance quality.
- Growing Your Own Cannabis (28:40 - 30:04): Encouragement for individuals to grow their own cannabis for self-sufficiency and satisfaction.
- Retail Insights (30:17 - 32:00): Tips for retailers on consumer habits and maintaining consistent product quality to build customer loyalty.
- Community Sharing (32:51 - 34:39): The communal aspect of cannabis culture, emphasizing sharing experiences and products among users.
- Future Generations in Cannabis (36:17 - 37:11): Discussion on the importance of quality product cultivation for future generations in a changing industry.
- The Entourage Effect (37:19 - 39:14): Tim shares his belief in the benefits of whole flower over distillates, highlighting the importance of traditional consumption methods.
Featured guests
Chauncey Leopardi
Resources mentioned in this episode
Connect with Kyle: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
- The Sandlot (Film) (0:00 - 0:14): Chauncey reflects on his role as "Squints" and its cultural significance.
- Books by Jack Herer and Robert Clarke (11:57 - 12:02): Mentioned as foundational texts for understanding plant theory and cultivation practices.
- Green Dragon (Brand) (24:14 - 24:21): Chauncey's previous partnership with this cannabis brand, which influenced his industry experience.
- Homegrown (28:40 - 30:04): Recommended source for cannabis seeds, encouraging individuals to grow their own.
- Larry OG (Strain) (29:06 - 29:12): A strain Chauncey is currently pheno hunting, highlighting its importance in cultivation.
- Cherry Lopez (Strain) (29:06 - 29:12): Another strain involved in Chauncey's cultivation efforts, specifically crossed with Larry OG.
Episode transcript
Welcome back my green-thumbed enthusiasts to another enlightening episode of the Grow at Home with Kyle Kushman podcast. In the spotlight today is none other than Chanty Leopardi, a name that immediately conjures up nostalgic memories for many of us. You probably know him best as Squint, the bespectacled adventure-seeking youngster from the iconic film The Sandlot. But Chanty isn’t just a star on the silver screen, he’s also a star in the cannabis cultivation cosmos, as he’s here with us today to share the ins and outs of his 20-year journey in the cannabis game—two decades of dedication, innovation, and, of course, cultivation. And with that, let's jump right in. Welcome to the show, Chanty.
Chanty: Well, hey! What do you know, we got another special guest here today. Thank you for having me, Kyle.
Kyle: I really enjoy this setting for a conversational show like this. It's intimate, right? We get to look into each other’s eyes.
Chanty: Yeah, it’s a good vibe to connect on that level. Most people don’t do that anymore.
Kyle: We’re a little more detached these days than we probably should be.
Chanty: But you know, we do have the herb, and that definitely brings us together.
Kyle: So, to start us off here today, a lot of people out there know you from the movies and TV. I looked up, and you had a bit of an acting career going on—how was that for you? Did you enjoy it?
Chanty: Yeah, working and creating pictures, or anything really, is a pretty good time. Growing up on set was an interesting education because I was around so many talented people from all walks of life. It was like a tribe vibe when you're creating a picture, so it was cool to learn from masters and really experienced tradesmen.
Kyle: That’s awesome. How was that growing up around such a professional environment as a child?
Chanty: As a child, it was very different. I was in business, and talent is talent. I was able to hold space with older, talented people who probably wouldn't give a kid the time of day in normal circumstances. But on set, I got to ask questions and have conversations in the most pure way.
Kyle: Yeah, it sounds like it was an amazing validation for a young person.
Chanty: Absolutely, and that’s why it can go both ways. It was formative for sure.
Kyle: It seems like an important part of your life. Was it? Did it influence the path you chose later in life?
Chanty: Yeah, it was my first career, I like to call it.
Kyle: Your first career. Well, I’m sure it was very formative and important. Did that have an influence on you choosing your path now? Or did it simply give you a venue, or how was that transition from actor—like everybody wants to be in LA—to now, businessman in what is now a greenlighted industry?
Chanty: Well, it was frowned upon to say the least, obviously. You kind of had to choose one or the other, didn’t you?
Kyle: Right.
Chanty: Not necessarily, but I think at some point in my 20s, I probably fell in love with the plant before then. So it started to go that way, and I was kind of in two worlds at the same time, you know? But it was definitely a passion of mine because nobody in their right mind would make that abrupt turn without some passion behind it. I was almost too far ahead of my own time, anyway.
Kyle: Right.
Chanty: Our predecessors—you have a bit more experience than me—but our predecessors didn’t fare well in this business, you know what I mean? The outlaw growers who came before us did some heavy prison time. Even with Proposition 215, the transition wasn’t easy.
Kyle: Yeah, it was still risky business, even as things were changing.
Chanty: Exactly. The guys who came early had to make those tough choices. You couldn’t have both visibility and a big pot business.
Kyle: Right, right.
Chanty: That really didn’t start happening until, I’d say, five or six years ago. Maybe around 2018, when we started seeing major brands breaking through and showcasing scaled cultivation, showing what the scene was really about. Before that, it was very much under wraps.
Kyle: Right, it wasn’t openly shared like it is now.
Chanty: Yeah, I mean, back in those days, we were growing in closets, garages, bedrooms. That’s where the business comes from. I told myself when I was young that I would follow my heart’s path. So when I decided I didn’t know if I liked making films anymore—because I had been doing it for so long—I just decided to follow another path for a time.
Kyle: And here you are now, two decades into the cannabis industry.
Chanty: Yeah, a decade into the legal side of it.
Kyle: So tell me a little bit about your brand.
Chanty: The Squint brand kind of came to life based on my persona and personality, right? We were already doing this before brands really existed. At the time we come from, it was hard to put a brand next to raw flower because it didn’t do well to jar it and put it in front of someone’s face like you can now. But I made that logo, and it picked up steam. These were two things I never really planned on marrying—my legacy with the film, The Sandlot, and this business. I felt like it was sacrilege at first, but it took on a life of its own.
Kyle: Was it solely your idea to blend the two?
Chanty: I mean, people had been telling me for years that I was a brand in myself. It was clear to everyone around me that there was a brand there.
Kyle: Absolutely. It’s a great name. Squints is a great name for a cannabis brand, too. It just fits.
Chanty: Yeah, it’s not a fit for everything. Like, it’s not a name for a chocolate bar or something, but for cannabis, it works.
Kyle: Exactly. So how did the brand evolve from there?
Chanty: It kind of took off on its own. People loved it, and it gave me the opportunity to build something that was true to who I am. I’d been growing for a long time before that, but this brought my personality into it in a way I hadn’t anticipated.
Kyle: So you’ve built this brand with a lot of personal touch. What’s next for you? Do you have big plans for scaling it up?
Chanty: Yeah, we’ve got some exciting stuff coming. We’re opening a retail store in the San Fernando Valley. It’s going to be a collab store with my partners from Foreign Genetics. We’re calling it Squint Foreign, and it’ll be dual-branded. We’re literally splitting the store down the middle with two different styles—two brands under one roof.
Kyle: That sounds awesome. So a real collaborative space for cannabis culture.
Chanty: Exactly. It’s not super fancy, just a space for smokers. I’ll be there, interacting with customers, curating the menu, and bringing my own cultivated experience to it. It’s about bringing back the real smoker experience, you know?
Kyle: I love that. Any chance for a smoking lounge in the store?
Chanty: I hope so! That’s the dream. But LA doesn’t allow consumption licenses right now, so we’ll have to wait and see.
Kyle: Well, it sounds like you’re building something really special. I can’t wait to check it out. Thanks so much for being here, Chanty. It’s been a real pleasure hearing your story and seeing how you’ve brought your personal passions into this business.
Chanty: Thank you for having me, Kyle. It’s been great to be here.
Kyle: That’s a wrap on today’s episode. Be sure to check out Squint Foreign if you’re in the Valley, and if you haven’t already, go watch The Sandlot! Thanks for tuning in to Grow at Home with Kyle Kushman. We’ll see you next time.