Rosanna Pansino Smokes Cannabis Grown from Her Dad’s Ashes

Influencer Honors Father’s Dying Wish by Smoking Cannabis Grown in His Ashes

In a deeply personal and unconventional tribute, Rosanna Pansino, a popular YouTube influencer known for her baking videos, launched her new podcast with a headline-grabbing gesture: smoking cannabis grown in soil mixed with her late father’s ashes. The first episode of her podcast, Rodiculous, titled “Smoking My Dead Dad,” combined humor, raw emotion, and a poignant exploration of grief.

Pansino, who boasts over 14.6 million YouTube followers, shared the story of her father, Michael Reardon—known affectionately to her fans as “Papa Pizza”—and the profound impact his life and death have had on her. The episode also featured her family and an expert on grief, offering a unique blend of personal reflection and thoughtful discussion.

A Promise Fulfilled in an Unusual Way

Michael Reardon passed away in December 2019 after battling leukemia. Before his death, he made a special request of his family regarding his ashes, one that Pansino and her mother initially found unconventional.

The tribute included her mother, Jeanne, and sister, Molly, who joined her on-camera to toast Michael’s memory with a bottle of whiskey he had brewed. Together, they reminisced about the man who had been a guiding force in their lives.

The Joint That Sparked Conversation

During the episode, Pansino smoked a joint made with cannabis grown in a pot containing her father’s ashes. Though the act could be seen as shocking, she explained it was a meaningful way to connect with her father’s memory.

“The blunt we smoked was delicious – it tasted so good,” Pansino said, acknowledging the moment’s emotional and physical intensity after a bout of coughing.

Her connection to her father, whom she described as a “kind of Willie Nelson” figure, resonated deeply through the gesture. “I think I’m just like my dad,” she shared. “He was a social butterfly – I think that definitely rubbed off on me.”

Pansino also recalled a cherished moment with her father on her 18th birthday when they shared a cigar together. Smoking the cannabis, she explained, mirrored that experience and reflected her father’s personality and spirit.

Exploring Grief Through a Personal Lens

Grief was the central theme of the episode, with Pansino opening up about the loss of her father and the long-lasting impact it has had on her. “Losing dad, just because he was one of my best friends, it was just different,” she said. “I thought over time the sadness would fade, but grief is always with me – it feels like it’s permanently attached to me.”

The podcast featured an interview with grief expert David Kessler, who offered insights into the complexities of loss and coping. Their discussion delved into how grief can evolve over time and how individuals find unique ways to honor their loved ones.

For Pansino, fulfilling her father’s unconventional request was both a way to celebrate his life and process her own grief. “He taught me to respect life and not be wasteful. Don’t take shit from anyone, and just because you’re small doesn’t mean you can’t make a difference,” she said. “My dad was a badass and quite a little rebel, and I will be following in his footsteps.”

From Nerdy Beginnings to Influential Voice

Pansino rose to prominence through her YouTube channel Nerdy Nummies, which she launched in 2010. The channel became a haven for fans of baking, pop culture, and positivity. Named to reflect her experiences as a “nerdy, awkward kid” and her struggles with dyslexia, the channel quickly grew into a massive platform for Pansino’s creative endeavors.

Her new podcast marks a shift in her content, allowing her to explore topics beyond baking. “This episode is going to be different than my future episodes,” she told her listeners. “But I wanted to dedicate my very first episode to my dad, Papa Pizza.”

While future episodes of Rodiculous may not carry the same dramatic flair, the podcast’s debut showcased Pansino’s willingness to blend her signature humor and charm with deeper, more introspective content.

Honoring a Legacy

The podcast not only honored Michael Reardon’s legacy but also celebrated the values he instilled in his family. Pansino described him as a resilient and compassionate man who influenced her approach to life and her career.

“He taught me to be a little rebel and to make the most of every moment,” she said. “I’m so proud to carry his lessons with me.”

Throughout the episode, Pansino’s humor and authenticity shone through, balancing the weight of the topic with moments of levity. This balance allowed her to connect with her audience on a new level, reinforcing the deep bond she shares with her followers.

A Bold Start to a New Chapter

The debut of Rodiculous demonstrated Pansino’s ability to engage her audience in meaningful conversations while staying true to her unique personality. The episode also featured advertisements for Pansino-endorsed products, including cocoa and cannabis gummies, underscoring her entrepreneurial spirit.

As she moves forward with her podcast, Pansino remains committed to connecting with her audience, whom she affectionately calls her “little rebels.” Through candid discussions and personal stories, she aims to inspire her listeners to embrace life’s challenges and celebrate its joys.

While the act of smoking cannabis grown in her father’s ashes may have garnered headlines, it ultimately served as a deeply personal and heartfelt tribute to a man who continues to inspire her. As Pansino embarks on this new journey, her father’s memory will undoubtedly remain a guiding force in her life and work.