Welcome to The Beat’s latest drop—a playlist of perspectives from the influencers and innovators moving the needle. Here’s what’s on repeat from the voices moving culture forward:

• West Coast cannabis brands are mastering NYC's unique playbook to thrive in its complex market.

• AI films are captivating audiences by blending technology with deeply human storytelling.

• Work fatigue can be conquered through effective communication, lifestyle changes, and taking regular breaks.

For the uninitiated: The Beat is a free, biweekly newsletter designed for the influencers, tastemakers, and innovators in the worlds of music, entertainment, media, food & beverage, fashion, sports, gaming, and more. Each article featured below is penned by a member of Rolling Stone Culture Council, a community of influential leaders across an array of industries.

With the lineup set, let’s turn up the volume on this week’s insights.

The Green Grind: West Coast Cannabis Meets the Big Apple

New York’s cannabis market is buzzing with promise, but it demands more than just relocating your brand. It calls for a fresh strategy and a deeper understanding of the unique cultural landscape.

Here’s how West Coast brands are navigating the complexities of this vibrant new frontier:

🌆 New Playbook Alert: The same brand that rocks in California might fall flat in NYC. It’s all about adapting the story to suit local vibes—rustic craftsmanship becomes boutique chic.

🤝 Strategic Alliances: Your New York partner isn’t just a middleman. They’re a strategic asset that can boost credibility and trust, making all the difference.

🎓 Education is Key: In a nascent legal market, product education trumps fancy ads. Savvy brands are investing in training and dialogue, knowing that sharp New Yorkers demand substance.

🔍 Purpose > Promotion: It’s the mission that gets you repeated invites. Align your values with your operations to stand out in the crowded scene.

Read The Full Article >

AI Films That Feel Real: The Human Element

AI is making waves in filmmaking, but it's the human touch that breathes life into the reel. At the Runway AIFF 2025, the winning films weren’t just tech marvels—they resonated with human emotion and storytelling prowess.

Here’s all you need to know:

🔍 Human Over Machine: Films like Distance Between Two Points of Me showcased that resonating emotion beats technical genius every time. AI tools are powerful, but they can’t replace a director's vision.

🧠 Creative Collaboration: AI is reshaping filmmaking, growing from $1.4 billion in 2023 to a projected $14.08 billion by 2033. But visionaries remain irreplaceable, as seen in projects like Harmony Korine’s Aggro Dr1ft, where AI molds visuals to narrative needs.

🎬 Emotion First: AI films that succeed focus on storytelling. The heart of films like Daniel Antebi's Get Me Out lies in personal tales, not just flashy tech.

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Work Fatigue: The Silent Killer Draining Your Energy

Work fatigue is more than the occasional urge to snooze at your desk—it's a chronic drain on your physical, mental, and emotional energy. This creeping exhaustion can crush productivity and morale, but fear not.

Here’s how to reclaim your vitality and beat this silent killer:

🗣️ Tackle Workplace Conflicts: Keep professionalism front and center. Open communication, feedback, and setting boundaries help. Document issues and decide if finding a new role might better support your well-being.

⏰ Breaks Are Your Best Friend: Work isn't going anywhere, but your energy might. Regular 15-minute breaks are vital to recharge, boost concentration, and ward off burnout.

💪 Lifestyle Overhaul: Hit the gym! Exercise enhances mental clarity, boosts energy, and strengthens resilience to work stress. Plus, gym sessions with coworkers build camaraderie.

📢 Speak Up: Overwhelmed? Talk it out. Open dialogue helps identify challenges and solutions. Your health and sanity are essential for your company's success, too.

Read The Full Article >

Wrapping Up

If these articles sparked your interest, we have a network that you will love: Rolling Stone Culture Council.

This exclusive, vetted community brings together influential leaders and innovators in art, media, gaming, theater, social impact, fashion, film, hospitality, sports, and more.

Put yourself at the forefront of innovation with access to publishing opportunities on RollingStone.com, a personalized, SEO-friendly Executive Profile, and the chance to network with other respected leaders in the field.

Join Rolling Stone Culture Council today and become part of a group driving innovation in entertainment.