Pharmacy Podcast Network

Welcome to the Opioidology podcast series! First up to bat, ‘Our Opioid Story”. You’ve heard, seen, and most likely experienced many facets of the Opioid Crisis. The doom, the gloom, and perhaps a pinch of hope. The kidney punches to us healthcare professionals continue, while tightening the constraints on our patients in pain and in recovery like never before, all while more and more heartbeats are continually lost. But how did we really get here?  Listen in to this Pain Pod episode for an unbiased, in your face, here’s how it is approach to explaining the timeline of the opioid crisis, our opioid story. Come one, come all, to the Pain Pod!!! Pain Guy • www.painguy.us

Being a pharmacist is exciting–as long as you're willing to try new things. These are wise words from my returning guest on today’s podcast, who has been paving the way for integrative pharmacy. Dr. Swathi Varanasi is an award-winning pharmacist passionate about the intersection of personalized medicine, patient outcomes, and innovation. With experience spanning patient care, biotech, research, academia, and consumer product goods, Dr. Swathi has paved the way for healthcare professionals to pursue non-traditional career paths through creating postdoctoral training programs, industry internships, and online educational programs. She co-founded and serves as Chief Scientific Officer of the Life Sciences Division at Element Apothec, and serves as a Principal Investigator at contract research organization, Citruslabs. Dr. Swathi received her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) at the Medical University of South Carolina and Bachelor of Arts (BA) at Carleton College. She was the first-ever pharmacist in the United States with formal residency training to specialize in integrative medicine and preventative health. She also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Medical Affairs in biotech and has training in nutrition from Cornell University. Dr. Swathi has served as faculty and guest lectures at colleges and universities across the country. She is an advisor and consultant for a number of for-profit and nonprofit organizations aiming to make the world a healthier place for us to live–and thrive. She has been published in peer-reviewed academic journals and featured in Yahoo, mindbodygreen, Well+Good, Entrepreneur, Forbes Health, and more. In 2023, Dr. Swathi was voted one of the 50 Most Influential Leaders in Pharmacy. Connect with Dr. Swathi via: Email: swathimvaranasi@gmail.com  FB: Doctor Swathi  IG: @drswathivaranasi Linked In:Dr. Swathi Varanasi  Check out our earlier episode here: https://www.marinabuksov.com/s03e03-paving-the-unconventional-path-with-integrative-pharmacist-dr-swathi-varanasi/ 

This week's TWIRx puts the pedal to the metal—literally. Host Todd Eury dives into the surprising parallels between racing 150+ MPH and building a pharmacy business from the ground up. Special guest Charles Hoopes, co-owner of S&H Motorsports, joins the show alongside Stephen Beckman, CEO of YARAL Pharma, to preview the upcoming “Geezer Race” on Saturday, July 19th, sponsored by YARAL. Charles shares the intense highs and lows of becoming a drag racing team owner—from financial risk to the emotional rollercoaster of chasing a dream. His story mirrors the grit and resilience required to own and operate an independent pharmacy today. 🎙️ Pharmacy + Precision Medicine Spotlight: We also welcome Dr. Melissa Smith, PharmD, founder of Florida PGX Consulting, who’s speaking at the Florida Pharmacy Association Annual Meeting in Orlando this weekend. Melissa gives us a preview of her presentations and shares her role as press correspondent for the Pharmacy Podcast Network at FPA. RXinsider's latest Market Intelligence report on the current state of the job market as it pertains to the Pharmacy500 companies in the pharmacy supply chain. We walk with Jeff Rackliff, Jr. Market Analyst at RXinsider.  Special thanks to Stacy Hall and the Florida Pharmacy Association for their continued support of our coverage and advocacy efforts. 🎧 Sponsored by: YARAL Pharma – Advancing quality generics and supporting pharmacy innovation. 📍 Don't miss this fast-paced, inspiring episode about what it takes to chase your dream—whether you're behind the counter or behind the wheel. #TWIRx #PharmacyPodcast #PharmacyOwnership #DragRacing #YARALPharma #FloridaPharmacy #PGx #FPA2025 #CompoundingDreams #GeezerRace

In this episode of the NASP Podcast, Sheila Arquette, President & CEO of NASP, speaks with Jonathan L. Swichar, Partner and Chair of the Duane Morris Pharmacy Litigation Group, and Bradley A. Wasser, Partner, Duane Morris, LLP. They discuss the dramatically shifting legal and regulatory landscape facing non-PBM affiliated specialty pharmacies and recent federal efforts that are reshaping the ways specialty pharmacies do business.

In this episode, we’re joined by Nathan Taylor, VP of Sales & Business Development at SureCost, to unpack the real impact of “convenience” in pharmacy purchasing—and why relying solely on a single vendor could be costing your pharmacy more than you realize. We explore the hidden risks of vendor-controlled pricing, delayed reporting, procurement errors, and the operational strain of drug shortages. Nathan shares how SureCost empowers pharmacies to regain control with real-time data, contract compliance tools, and integrated vendor comparisons—all within a unified purchasing platform. 💡 Topics Covered: Why single-vendor convenience often leads to hidden costs The risk of delayed reporting and loss of purchasing visibility How vendor errors can quietly chip away at margins Strategies for protecting profitability even if you stick to one vendor The role of technology in purchasing compliance and rebate optimization Benefits of expanding vendor relationships through a unified platform How SureCost helps pharmacies leverage data to buy smarter, save more, and stay ahead of shortages 📌 Key Takeaway: Convenience isn’t free. With the right technology, pharmacies can retain operational simplicity while unlocking powerful savings and gaining full control of their purchasing strategy. 🔗 Learn More: Explore how SureCost is redefining pharmacy purchasing: www.surecost.com

In this essential conversation, New Jersey State Senator Vin Gopal joins the Pharmacy Podcast Network to break down the urgent fight for Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) reform. Senator Gopal shares insight into how states are pushing back against unfair PBM practices—and what federal momentum means for pharmacists nationwide. We also explore how technology platforms like PrimeRx can help independent pharmacies adapt, protect margins, and stay audit-ready in a fast-changing regulatory landscape. This episode is a must-listen for pharmacy owners, policy advocates, and industry stakeholders who want to stay ahead of reform and safeguard the future of community pharmacy.

In this episode of TWIRx, we break down H.R. 1 — The One Big Beautiful Bill Act — and what it could mean for the future of pharmacy in America. From PBM reform and drug pricing transparency to Medicaid restructuring and NADAC expansion, this bill carries enormous implications for community pharmacy, behavioral health services, and specialty care. Joining us to unpack the real-world impact of this legislation are two influential voices in the pharmacy space: Ryan Paul Liabenow, CEO of Mango Health, a behavioral health specialty pharmacy redefining care models for patients with complex mental health needs. Ryan shares insight into how fairer reimbursement models and drug cost transparency could unlock new clinical and economic opportunities for pharmacies serving vulnerable populations. Nicolle McClure, President & CEO of GRx Marketing, marks her 15-year milestone as one of the most respected voices in independent pharmacy marketing. Nicolle discusses how pharmacy communication must evolve in this new legislative landscape—and why strategic messaging, patient education, and digital storytelling are now more critical than ever. We also explore the potential challenges H.R. 1 brings, including the administrative burden of NADAC compliance and the tension between progressive pharmacy reforms and simultaneous Medicaid restrictions. Will increased oversight and transparency finally tip the scale in favor of independent pharmacies—or will coverage erosion undercut the gains? Don’t miss this timely discussion on what may be the most consequential pharmacy bill in decades—and how forward-thinking pharmacy leaders are preparing for what's next.   sponsored by IPCRx.com

Jason Torres, Managing Partner of Sana Capital, shares his journey from social work to healthcare investing, shedding light on the challenges faced by underserved founders. He discusses the vital need for targeted investments in healthcare for marginalized communities, emphasizing the link between addiction treatment and mental health. Torres also explores effective strategies for enhancing caregiving for seniors and the importance of creating compelling investor presentations that resonate with a long-term vision. This conversation offers a fresh perspective on healthcare equity and investment.

Today I am sharing an important conversation with one of my primary herbal teachers, about the micro and macro views of health and healing. Modern life too often disassociates us from our innate identity and relationship with our greater ecosystem, biome, and planet. Herbal medicine, when practiced deeply and mindfully, goes beyond a simplistic replacement of conventional medicine with "natural" remedies, but moves us sometimes subtly and sometimes profoundly toward a recovery of our biological identities. The human body has the innate power to heal itself. Without this power to self heal, even the most advanced medications and surgical procedures would ultimately fail. The role of the herbalist in the healing process is to consider the client as a whole person, and to consult her/him/them concerning changes in lifestyle, diet, herbs, and supplementation in order to foster an increased state of balance and health - thus maximizing the body’s self healing capabilities. Herbal medicine is not only the people's medicine, it is the planet's medicine. While we celebrate the increasing popularity of using herbs, we need to ensure herbal traditions remain true to our roots and accessible to all. Richard Mandelbaum RH is a clinical herbalist with a private practice, offering personalized health consultations, online and in person in the southern Catskills, NY. Richard has been an avid student of our native flora for close to forty years, and in addition to seeing clients he teaches classes in clinical herbal medicine, field botany, and phytochemistry. He is a co-founder and core instructor at the ArborVitae School of Traditional Herbalism and is on the faculty at David Winston’s Center for Herbal Studies and the Won Institute of Graduate Studies. He has been a Registered Herbalist since 2003 and was a member of the American Herbalists Guild board of directors from 2012 to 2018. Richard lives with his wife Gabrielle and his daughter Rose in their straw bale home in Forestburgh, NY. You can learn more about Richard, including articles, podcast interviews, etc. at Richard Mandelbaum RH Connect with Richard via: Email: richard@arborvitaeny.com  Website: Richard Mandelbaum RH

Join us for a deep dive into the IVF patient journey with special guest Kelly Gonda, a passionate pharmacist and Fertility Nurse Practitioner. In this episode, we explore how pharmacists can improve safety, outcomes, and access to fertility treatment by understanding the science of in vitro fertilization and the medications involved. 🔹 Highlights include: Understanding the IVF journey and the evolving role of pharmacists (3:27) Hormones 101: LH, FSH, placental vs. pituitary HCG, and IVF medication evolution Progesterone types (13:00), growth hormone use (14:00), and Metformin’s role in PCOS (14:40) Ethical reflections: Nadia Suleman and the octuplets (17:15) IVF financing, state mandates, and the impact of insurance (18:20, 26:50) Retail vs. specialty pharmacies, including Caremark & CVS (21:48) Oocyte freezing updates (25:30) and what lifetime IVF allowances mean for patients Where to begin: IVF specialists, SART resources, and choosing a provider (29:48–31:30) The growing role of pharmacists in reproductive health (37:00) Cost-saving access: Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drug initiative (42:00) Men’s fertility, spermatogenesis, and the need for pharmacist advocacy (43:00–44:00) ASRM, genetic testing, and why pharmacy must be at the IVF table (46:00) What Kelly wishes more people knew about IVF (59:15) How teams can prevent medication errors, inspired by The Right Kind of Wrong by Amy Edmondson (1:04:00) 📍 Watch Kelly’s training from the June 2025 Colorado Pharmacists Society meeting via ASHP on-demand. 🔗 Connect with Kelly: linkedin.com/in/webbkelly 🔗 Connect with Danielle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellerplummer/ 💊 Personalized medication support for pregnancy: www.Obstet-Rx.com 📖 Support for Hyperemesis Gravidarum: www.pregnancyvomiting.com