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Morgan Smith Bought His Dead Friend's Business & Now Is Changing the Entire Kava Industry
Published 8 months ago
Description
Morgan Smith, owner of Kalm with Kava, shares the story of how he took over a kava business from his late friend Mike Munsell — and turned it into a mission-driven company rooted in respect, education, and long-term sustainability.
In this episode, we dig into:
- The redemption arc behind Kalm with Kava — from losing a close friend to carrying on his legacy
- What kava actually is, how it's prepared, and why it's been used for 3,000 years across the South Pacific
- How Morgan went from pharmaceuticals that "took him out of his mind" to finding a natural alternative
- The $20 billion alcohol surplus and why millennials are driving the sober-curious movement
- Navigating cultural sensitivity as a non-Polynesian in a deeply Polynesian space
- Why there's no exit strategy — and why venture capital could ruin kava
- The supply chain reality: kava takes 3–5 years to grow and can't just be shipped as seeds
- How kava bars, gummies, seltzers, and farm education are spreading the word
- Why Morgan believes kava could become a premium category at corporate events and fundraisers
Connect with Morgan & Kalm with Kava:
- Website: kalmwithkava.com (Kalm with a K)
- Amazon: Search "Kalm with Kava"
- Instagram, TikTok, YouTube: @kalmwithkava
- Farm: Puiwa Farms Hawaii (on all socials)
- Email: morgan@kalmwithkava.com