Morgan Smith Bought His Dead Friend’s Business & Now Is Changing the Entire Kava Industry

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