
Mind Release
By Aja

Mind ReleaseMay 20, 2020

Ep 18: Duck Season
This is Episode 18! And for those into numerology, you recognize the significance (the number 18 resonates with humanitarianism, independence, and building something of lasting benefit.) This is important as this is also our FINAL episode for Season 1 of Mind Release. To kick it off, I share a an unsettling experience during my morning walk....and I also included a special peek into a morning ritual. Thanks to all who listened and I truly appreciate your support and LOVE!β€β€β€
Links to resources for topics discussed:
- Trella's Announces Collaboration with AV Rose Farm
- To learn more about the number 18
- Check out The Gospel of Hip Hop (Temple of Hip Hop) by KRS-OneΒ
- Become an Investor - Trella's StartEngine offering
Enjoy!ππΎ
Aja is a natural catastrophe risk engineer-turned-cofounder of Trella Technologies, an agri-tech startup focusing on the indoor farming and cannabis industries. To learn more about Aja and her mission visit ππΎ www.ajaatwood.com or connect on LinkedIn.

Ep 17: Dasheeda Dawson
Welcome back to Mind Release!! We're thrilled to share our next guest with the Mind Release audience because when it comes to equity in cannabis, she is not playing around. π₯ Please join our conversation with Dasheeda Dawson, Founder & Bestselling Author (@DasheedaDawson) where we cover her transition into the industry, her #blackout strategy, and a new and amazing opportunity to make a serious impact on the Oregon cannabis community!π€
Learn more about Ms. Dawson:
Dasheeda Dawson is CEO of The WeedHeadβ’ & Company and author of the bestselling workbook, How to Succeed in the Cannabis Industry. A global cannabis advocate and industry thought leader featured across multiple media outlets, Dasheeda is a corporate-to-cannabis crossover pioneer and world-renowned cannabis business strategist with experience as an industry educator, senior executive leader and strategy expert for multiple cannabis businesses, political/municipality leaders and media outlets across the country. She is a co-host on She Blaze, an award-winning weekly cannabis culture and news podcast and she was recently appointed to the Doctors for Cannabis Regulation Board of Directors.
And don't forget to grab a copy of "How to Succeed in the Cannabis Industry, 3rd Ed." www.theweedhead.com/succeed-in-cannabis and also available on Amazon
Enjoy!ππΎ
Aja is a natural catastrophe risk engineer-turned-cofounder of Trella Technologies, an agri-tech startup focusing on the indoor farming and cannabis industries. To learn more about Aja and her mission visit ππΎ www.ajaatwood.com or connect on LinkedIn.

Ep 16: Orange Moon Love
It's Episode 16 of Mind Release and we're switching it up just a bit. Join me and my youngest brother Joshua, as we share the legendary Erykah Badu song "Orange Moon" with the audience. This episode was recorded several weeks ago, but I feel a little "exposed" on this one and stalled on the release just a bit. π Together, we discuss how this song and Hip Hop have an impact on our spiritual beliefs and our evolution.
Enjoy!ππΎΒ
....And be sure to check out Joshua's podcastπ₯ "Frustration to Freedom".
Β Aja is a natural catastrophe risk engineer-turned-entrepreneur. She is also the CEO and co-founder of Trella Technologies, an agri-tech startup focusing on the indoor farming and cannabis industries. To learn more about Aja and her mission visit ππΎ ajaatwood.com or connect on LinkedIn.

Ep 15: Saskia Vann James
We're back and we really dig in on this one! We're talking cannabis, politics, social equity and....co-operative economics with Saskia Vann James @saskiabydesign. Saskia is a board member of the Massachusetts Recreational Consumer Council (MRCC), a cannabis lobbyist, and bicycle mechanic.Β
Ms. Vann James does not disappoint! π₯ Every conversation with this young woman is thought-provoking and enlightening. Sit back, relax and enjoy!
Looking for more on Saskia Vann James? Please visit her on LinkedIn orΒ
Or follow and support MRCC and check out Episode 9 with Sonia Erika to learn more about co-ops!
Enjoy!ππΎ
Aja is a mechanical engineer-turned-cofounder of Trella Technologies, an agri-tech startup focusing on the indoor farming and cannabis industries. To learn more about Aja and her mission visit ππΎ ajaatwood.com or connect on LinkedIn.

Ep 14: Juneteenth Ms. Information
Enjoy!ππΎ
Aja is a natural catastrophe risk engineer-turned-entrepreneur. She is also the CEO and co-founder of Trella Technologies, an agri-tech startup focusing on the indoor farming and cannabis industries. To learn more about Aja and her mission visit ππΎ ajaatwood.com or connect on LinkedIn.

Ep 13: Laury Lucien
We're pleased to have our next guest, Ms. Laury Lucien AKA βBig Mamaβ ππΉππΉπΈπππ. Laury shares her background and perspective, including how growing up in Haiti conditioned her for success during times of conflict and strife. She also drops knowledge on Black history, revolutions, and identifying actions for change from within. Β It's time to unlearn!Β
A little background on Laury Lucien:
Laury C. Lucien is a Boston business attorney with experience in healthcare and life sciences matters as well as business licensing, corporate services, and mergers and acquisitions. She obtained her Juris Doctorate degree from Suffolk University Law School and a Bachelorβs Degree from the University of Massachusetts. Laury is passionate about giving back to underserved communities. While attending law school, Laury participated in Suffolk University Law School's Intellectual Property and Entrepreneurship Clinic, where she represented clients, on a pro bono basis, in a wide range of business disputes and intellectual property matters. She also worked with the Housing Unit of Greater Boston Legal Services, where she advocated for clients facing foreclosure. Laury currently provides pro bono services to emerging entrepreneurs by helping them draft their business formation documents and filings.
Laury launched the LegallyGreat Podcast to transform the world by elevating human consciousness. The Podcast will feature guests of various backgrounds, utilizing story-telling to explain life-changing concepts and philosophies. Learn more about Laury via @legallygreat on your favorite social media platform.
To learn more about the topics discussed in this episode:
- 67 Degrees Brewing: https://www.67degreesbrewing.com/
- Dutty Boukman, The Fearless Leader Who Helped Spark the Haitian Revolution
- After the Protestsβ¦Organize. by Dr. Sundiata Soon-Jahta
Enjoy!ππΎ
Aja is a mechanical engineer-turned-cofounder of Trella Technologies, an agri-tech startup focusing on the indoor farming and cannabis industries. To learn more about Aja and her mi

Ep 12: Throat Chakra Allies
Next up on Mind Release, I decompress and share my updated thoughts related to the latest bouts of racial and social injustice in the US. Topics covered include understanding why Black people are angry, #Blacklivesmatter and the symbolism behind kneeling on human beings' throat, what kind of allies I'm looking for, and more. I ask that you listen with an open heart and mind. Note: switch βinflectionβ point to βtippingβ point. π Click here to see my 5/27 Recording on Facebook.Β
Enjoy!ππΎΒ
Aja is a mechanical engineer-turned-cofounder of Trella Technologies, an agri-tech startup focusing on the indoor farming and cannabis industries. To learn more about Aja and her mission visit ππΎ ajaatwood.com or connect on LinkedIn.

Ep 11: Whereβs the Fruit?!
Welcome back to Mind Release Episode 11: with me your host...and guest!π In this episode, I share some background including stories related to the start of Trella Tech and how my childhood experiences growing up in South Philly led to a focus, not just on cannabis, but on our food supply as well.
Links to a few topics I mention:
- Video: Aja Presenting Trella at MIT Cannabis Tech EventΒ
- The Reading Terminal Market
- Report: Extreme heat may hurt farms and agriculture industry
- Trella's R&D Partnership Program
Enjoy!ππΎ
Aja is a mechanical engineer-turned-cofounder of Trella Technologies, an agri-tech startup focusing on the indoor farming and cannabis industries. To learn more about Aja and her mission visit ππΎ ajaatwood.com or connect on LinkedIn.

Ep 10: Beth Waterfall Pt Two
We're back for another two-part series with one of the members of my CannaFam, Beth Waterfall! For Part Two: we start as Beth describes her first cannabis industry event and how that experience led to her current focus on education and awareness to remove the negative stigma surrounding the cannabis plant.π³
A little background on Beth Waterfall:
Beth helps cannabis executives and businesses grow through effective communications, strategic connections, and unforgettable event experiences. Her business development and marketing communication strategic services are focused entirely on serving the cannabis industry and a select group of exceptional companies looking to enter the cannabis industry in a responsible, inclusive, and compliant fashion.
Please visit bethwaterfall.com to learn more.
Or learn more about her non-profit organization Elevate Northeast: https://www.elevatene.org/ Β
Enjoy!ππΎ
Aja is a mechanical engineer-turned-cofounder of Trella Technologies, an agri-tech startup focusing on the indoor farming and cannabis industries. To learn more about Aja and her mission visit ππΎ ajaatwood.com or connect on LinkedIn.

Ep 10: Beth Waterfall Pt One
It's a milestone for Mind Release! Episode 10!π And we're back with another two-part series with one of the members of my CannaFam, Beth Waterfall! For Part One: join me in welcoming Beth, of Beth Waterfall Creative where we talk about Beth's cannabis journey which includes leaving a successful marketing career behind to discover her mission and role in the cannabis industry ππΎ supporting education to break negative stigmas! π₯
A little background on Beth Waterfall:
Beth helps cannabis executives and businesses grow through effective communications, strategic connections, and unforgettable event experiences. Her business development and marketing communication strategic services are focused entirely on serving the cannabis industry and a select group of exceptional companies looking to enter the cannabis industry in a responsible, inclusive, and compliant fashion.Β
Please visit bethwaterfall.com to learn more.
Or learn more about her non-profit organization Elevate Northeast: https://www.elevatene.org/
Enjoy!ππΎ
Aja is a mechanical engineer-turned-cofounder of Trella Technologies, an agri-tech startup focusing on the indoor farming and cannabis industries. To learn more about Aja and her mission visit ππΎ ajaatwood.com or connect on LinkedIn.

Ep 9: Sonia Erika Pt Two
During Part Two of this episode, we continue our discussion with Sonia Erika, a self-described "#BusinessDoula". In this episode, we cover a myriad of topics including immigration, entrepreneurialism, music, cooperative business models, and of course, our favorite plant....cannabis. π
A little background on Sonia Erika:
Prior to graduating from Harvard, Sonia Erika helped co-found the Cannabis Cultural Association (CCA), an organization that strives to involve underrepresented communities in the legal cannabis/hemp industry in New York. After CCA, Sonia co-founded the Massachusetts Recreational Consumer Council (MRCC), @MAConsumers, whose efforts seek to bridge the gap between communities and local legislators. Currently, Sonia is a co-op developer at the Cooperative Development Program in The Center for Family Life. Aside from MRCC, Sonia runs @EatMe.Land, a cannabis, femme, art, tech, collective. Follow Sonia on Instagram here: @sonia.erika.likes.weed
To learn more about the topics discussed in this episode:
- Learn about MRCC: http://massreccouncil.com/
- Collective Courage: A History of African American Cooperative Economic Thought and Practice byΒ Jessica Gordon Nembhard
- National Cooperative Business Association: https://ncbaclusa.coop/
Enjoy!ππΎ
Aja is a mechanical engineer-turned-cofounder of Trella Technologies, an agri-tech startup focusing on the indoor farming and cannabis industries. To learn more about Aja and her mission visit ππΎ ajaatwood.com or connect on LinkedIn.

Ep 9: Sonia Erika Pt One
This next episode is a two-part series. For Part One: join me in welcoming Sonia Erika, a self-described "#BusinessDoula". In this episode, we cover a myriad of topics including immigration, entrepreneurialism, music, cooperative business models, and of course, our favorite plant....cannabis. π
A little background on Sonia Erika:
Prior to graduating from Harvard, Sonia Erika helped co-found the Cannabis Cultural Association (CCA), an organization that strives to involve underrepresented communities in the legal cannabis/hemp industry in New York. After CCA, Sonia co-founded the Massachusetts Recreational Consumer Council (MRCC), @MAConsumers, whose efforts seek to bridge the gap between communities and local legislators. Currently, Sonia is a co-op developer at the Cooperative Development Program in The Center for Family Life. Aside from MRCC, Sonia runs @EatMe.Land, a cannabis, femme, art, tech, collective. Follow Sonia on Instagram here: @sonia.erika.likes.weed
To learn more about the topics discussed in this episode:Β
- Learn about MRCC: http://massreccouncil.com/
- Collective Courage: A History of African American Cooperative Economic Thought and Practice byΒ Jessica Gordon Nembhard
- National Cooperative Business Association: https://ncbaclusa.coop/
Enjoy!ππΎ
Aja is a mechanical engineer-turned-cofounder of Trella Technologies, an agri-tech startup focusing on the indoor farming and cannabis industries. To learn more about Aja and her mission visit ππΎ ajaatwood.com or connect on LinkedIn.

Ep 8: Bonus - That was NOT a "Battle"!
Enjoy!ππΎ
Aja is a mechanical engineer-turned-cofounder of Trella Technologies, an agri-tech startup focusing on the indoor farming and cannabis industries. To learn more about Aja and her mission visit ππΎ ajaatwood.com or connect on LinkedIn
Side Note: I mention the term "murdered", that should be amended to "allegedly murdered".....BS legalese.

Ep 7: Goldie & Ominique Pt One
Join me in welcoming our first guests! Massachusetts Cannabis entrepreneurs >> Goldie Piff and Ominique Garner. In Part One of this episode, we discuss how cannabis has the capacity to heal and.....create opportunities. Check out this episode and then continue over to Part Two where we discuss the politics behind the cannabis industry in Massachusetts. Β
Please share this episode to spread awareness and support! >>> Please sign the petition to support EE/SE applicants!
To learn more about Goldie Piff and Ominique Garner, check out the below:
- Goldie Piff >> Facebook or email at goldenpiff8@gmail.com
- Ominique Garner >> Facebook or email at ominiqueg@gmail.com and Urban Cannabis Grow Op Association.
Enjoy!ππΎ
Aja is a mechanical engineer-turned-cofounder of Trella Technologies, an agri-tech startup focusing on the indoor farming and cannabis industries. To learn more about Aja and her mission visit ππΎ ajaatwood.com or connect on LinkedIn.

Ep 7: Goldie & Ominique Pt Two
Join me in welcoming our first guests! Massachusetts Cannabis entrepreneurs >> Goldie Piff and Ominique Garner. In Part Two, we discuss how recent changes to cannabis licensing regulations may impact the opportunities for communities most negatively impacted by the criminalization of the plant and the war on drugs.Β
Please share this episode to spread awareness and support! >>> Please sign the petition to support EE/SE applicants!
To learn more about Goldie Piff and Ominique Garner, check out the below:
- Goldie Piff >> Facebook or email at goldenpiff8@gmail.com
- Ominique Garner >> Facebook or email at ominiqueg@gmail.com and Urban Cannabis Grow Op Association.
Enjoy!ππΎ
Aja is a mechanical engineer-turned-cofounder of Trella Technologies, an agri-tech startup focusing on the indoor farming and cannabis industries. To learn more about Aja and her mission visit ππΎ ajaatwood.com or connect on LinkedIn.

Ep 6: Mourning myself
Welcome to Mind Release, Episode 6 - Β Ugh. Some days you just feel sad. During this episode, I share what's causing my discomfort...the sadness of letting go what once was, even when you're excited about the future. An uncomfortable dichotomy. Take a listen and let me know if you can relate.Β
Enjoy!ππΎ
Aja is a mechanical engineer-turned-cofounder of Trella Technologies, an agri-tech startup focusing on the indoor farming and cannabis industries. To learn more about Aja and her mission visit ππΎ ajaatwood.com or connect on LinkedIn.

Ep 5: Planet of the what?
Welcome to Mind Release, Episode 5 (Earth Day) It's Earth Day and I decided to watch "Planet of the Humans" a new documentary by Michael Moore. It totally blew up the "Green" tech industry and how we need a new approach to reduce our impact on climate change. Some of the solutions discussed make sense, while others concern the heck out of me! Take a listen to this podcast and check out the documentary for yourself:Β
Enjoy!ππΎ
Aja is a mechanical engineer-turned-cofounder of Trella Technologies, an agri-tech startup focusing on the indoor farming and cannabis industries. To learn more about Aja and her mission visit ππΎ ajaatwood.com or connect on LinkedIn.

Ep 4: Bonus - Mr. Laurier
Welcome to Mind Release, Episode 4 (the day after bonus) Decided to record a quick session to thank you for the love felt after the launchπ. Also, stick around to meet Mr. Laurier - my Afro-Panamanian tutor who taught me more than just math and reading..he taught me how to visualize!
Enjoy!ππΎ
Aja is a mechanical engineer-turned-cofounder of Trella Technologies, an agri-tech startup focusing on the indoor farming and cannabis industries. To learn more about Aja and her mission visit ππΎ ajaatwood.com or connect on LinkedIn

Ep 3: Corona Focus Part Two
Welcome to Mind Release, Episode 3 (early quarantine stage) This is Part 2 of 2 sessions, I recorded this on March 27th, 2020 after the start of the self-quarantine for COVID-19. In this one, I allow myself to vent my frustration...not for the tame.π
Enjoy!ππΎ
Aja is a mechanical engineer-turned-cofounder of Trella Technologies, an agri-tech startup focusing on the indoor farming and cannabis industries. To learn more about Aja and her mission visit ππΎ ajaatwood.com or connect on LinkedIn

Ep 2: Corona Focus Part One
Welcome to Mind Release, Episode 2 (early quarantine stage) This is Part 1 of 2 sessions, I recorded this on March 27th, 2020 after the start of the self-quarantine for COVID-19. This one was emotional for me (I feel vulnerable AF for sharingπ ). Hang out as I process fear...and Β maybe even opportunity (how dare I?π).
Enjoy!ππΎ
Aja is a mechanical engineer-turned-cofounder of Trella Technologies, an agri-tech startup focusing on the indoor farming and cannabis industries. To learn more about Aja and her mission visit ππΎ ajaatwood.com or connect on LinkedIn

Ep 1: No Limits
Welcome to Mind Release, Episode 1 (where I set the No Limits rule) This is an introductory show, hang out as I explain the purpose and open format. I also explain that I prefer to communicate via voice vs. written text. (Which is why this is description is so short.π€£).Β
Enjoy!ππΎ
Aja is a mechanical engineer-turned-cofounder of Trella Technologies, an agri-tech startup focusing on the indoor farming and cannabis industries. To learn more about Aja and her mission visit ππΎ ajaatwood.com or connect on LinkedIn