The PricePlow Podcast

On January 15th, 2021, Ben spoke with the new 212 Mr. Olympia and NutraBio athlete, Shaun “Giant Killer” Clarida. In just under 25 minutes, they cover various topics, such as: Shaun’s history in bodybuilding How Shaun became a professional bodybuilder Shaun’s relationship with his coach, Matt Jansen, and John “Mountain Dog” Meadows Diet Training Supplementation How Shaun overcame the naysayers to become the 2020 212 Mr. Olympia …and more. The best part is how Shaun loved the process the entire way up. This wasn’t just about social media fame, it was about truly loving the sport. Check out PricePlow’s exclusive interview with Shaun below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESnS9oQR7xI Or see the audio feeds on the PricePlow Podcast: Shaun Clarida’s Top NutraBio Supplements Shaun joined Team NutraBio in February of 2020. Much like the way NutraBio has disrupted things up for their larger competitors, Shaun is known as “The Giant Killer” due to his picture-perfect symmetry and conditioning take down other bigger and taller competitors. He’s one of the top 212 Pro Bodybuilders and hails from New Jersey, NutraBio’s home base, making the duo a perfect match – especially since both train without compromise. Some of Shaun’s favorite NutraBio supplements are: 100% Whey Protein Isolate (especially ice cream cookie dream) Muscle Matrix Extreme Mass (primarily in the off-season) PRE Stimulant-Free Alpha EAA Learn more from our 2020 article announcing when Shaun Clarida joined NutraBio, celebrate Shaun’s win with NutraBio’s limited-edition Shaun Clarida 100% Whey Isolate Ice Cream Cookie Dream tub, and read The NutraBio Story to see the parallels between Shaun and his sponsor. Congratulations once again to Shaun and the whole team at NutraBio!

In late December 2020, Team PricePlow connected to record our 2020 Supplement Industry Awards. You can listen to a one long podcast (subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast using the links below) or watch each separate video on YouTube below. Enjoy and congratulations to all companies that were discussed! 2020 Supplement Industry Recap It goes without saying that 2020 was a wild year. But what did that mean for the supplement industry? What brands (and stores) were best-positioned, and which ones weren’t? Before getting into specific awards, Team PricePlow discusses the year at large in their 2020 supplement industry recap video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEXV0M4RS8E 2020 Brand of the Year: Ghost This year, there really wasn’t much of an argument. One brand stood above all others in terms of impact on the industry, with a ton of extremely strong product and flavor launches on a consistent basis. That brand was GHOST Lifestyle. With everything ranging from incredibly-formulated skin care support (Ghost Glow) to multivitamins (Ghost Multi) and greens (Ghost Greens) to incredible Ghost Whey protein flavors (and even their High Protein Hot Cocoa Mix) to energy drinks (Ghost Energy) and a gaming supplement (Ghost Gamer), this brand really came of age in 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbHXAbccRSw Ghost was the topic of conversation with nearly every other brand, and they were clearly ready to run the table, regardless of whatever else happened in 2020. At this clip, expect the same, if not more, in 2021. In terms of the competition, we loved NutraBio’s community outreach with their First Response initiative, and one thing we realized over the course of the rest of our filming was that CORE Nutritionals made a solid case for themselves as well, as did the brand discussed next: 2020 Breakout Brand of the Year: Glaxon At the end of 2019, we said that Glaxon would be the “Brand to Watch in 2020” (YouTube video here), and that was right on the money. Simply put, the “Goons” broke out. A brand that made some noise at the end of 2019 with a very hard-hitting Specimen pre workout started making waves in the retail scene, and it was clear they were on to something. They were putting out strong and very uniquely formulated supplements that simply kicked. And it only got better over the course of the year, as you can see on our Glaxon News page. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TI5YZMOTEo Other potentials were the Revive MD…… Read more on the PricePlow Blog

On New Year’s Eve, Mike and Ben spoke with The Guerrilla Chemist (TGC), the co-founder and CEO of Chemix Lifestyle, who specializes in formulations and product development. As discussed in our first podcast episode with The Guerrilla Chemist, TGC is a bona-fide chemist and one of the most well-respected formulators in the industry due to his intensive background in education. With a Masters of Science in both organic and biochemistry from the University of Central Florida and Georgia Tech, TGC is the real deal. We discuss how Chemix Lifestyle did in 2020 and his process in formulating, innovating, and sourcing his wild and unique dietary supplement ingredients. If you want to learn more about TGC, follow him on Instagram (@theguerrillachemist) because he consistently posts in-depth ingredient explanations and so much more. In just under two hours, they covered several different and intriguing topics including: Ligand types How ligand types affect the bioavailability and efficacy of dietary supplement ingredients The Guerrilla Chemist’s formulation process Where TGC finds his unique and rare ingredients Chemix Cortibloc Chemix Natabolic Chemix GDA Chemix Nootropic The future for Chemix Lifestyle The Guerrilla Chemist’s new IP and potential patented ingredients Shawn Wells and many of the new NNB Nutrition ingredients Mike introduces tetrahydrocurcumin (trademarked CurcuPrime) to TGC Check out the Full January 2020 PricePlow Exclusive Interview With TGC from Chemix! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtrgpkl3zxI Check out our Chemix page to sign up for news alerts and save, listen to our first podcast with Guerrilla Chemist, and see all PricePlow Podcast episodes!

In December of 2020, we got the chance to speak with Dan Lourenco and Ryan Hughes, co-founders of Ghost. In just over an hour, they covered several interesting topics, including: Ghost Energy launch Ghost Energy V2 (new packaging, formula, and flavor!) Ghost 2020 recap (how Ghost overcame several obstacles to make 2020 the best year yet) Ghost 2020 stats How Ghost values partnerships even during times of hardships What the future of sports nutrition retail may look like Ghost’s plans for 2021 (V2 edition of Ghost’s sports nutrition line!) Ben’s thoughts on Legend V2 A higher stim Ghost Legend Ghost’s entrance into Canada Other brands copying Ghost Needless to say, this is a podcast that you don’t want to miss, so make sure that you stay tuned until the very end! Check Out the Full December 2020 PricePlow Exclusive Interview with Dan and Ryan at Ghost! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TjnHHMQzCg Key Timestamps (0:48) – How Ghost Energy V1 performed (4:45) – Unexpected challenges with the launch of Ghost Energy (18:00) – Ghost Energy V2 (new formula and the next flavor!) (23:00) – Did Ghost consider using any other nootropic based ingredients in Ghost Energy? (24:10) – Why Ghost switched to two-tone packaging for Ghost Energy (25:30) – 2020 Recap (Gamer, Glow, Greens, Multi, Bubblicious, Nutter Butter) (37:00) – 2020 Ghost Stats (39:00) – Ghost Canada (the challenges of going international) (41:00) – Dan’s thoughts on brands copying Ghost or wanting to be the next “Ghost” (42:50) – How did GNC’s bankruptcy and COVID affect Ghost? (45:00) – The importance of partnerships and Ghost’s decision to be exclusive (51:00) – The future of sports nutrition retail (will Ghost ever be in large chains like Walmart or Target?) (53:21) – Ghost 2021 (Sports Nutrition V2: Ghost Legend V2, Ghost Size V2, Ghost Pump V2, New flavor collaborations, more Ghost Energy, Protein RTDs, and Functional Foods) (55:33) – Ben’s thoughts and feedback on Ghost Legend V2 (what you can expect) (58:20) – A higher stim Ghost Legend on the way? (1:01:03) – Dan and Ryan’s closing thoughts As always, check out our Ghost News page and sign up for notifications to get new product news, coupons, and price drop alerts. Links to subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast are above. Ghost Energy is listed below, and you can learn more about it at our Ghost Energy blog post.

When looking for an additional boost in energy, we often turn to stimulants and other supplements to provide a jolt. While this usually does the trick temporarily, how often do we take a step back and ask why we needed the kickstart to begin with? Maybe the previous night’s sleep wasn’t great, or a tough week at work or in the gym have left us feeling drained. What if the cause runs deeper than situational circumstances, though? What if, biologically, the body isn’t efficiently producing the energy it so desperately needs? The human body is an extremely complex system. It houses 78 different organs, each of which have unique responsibilities, plus countless pathways/complexes that dictate overall functioning. Containing over 37 trillion cells, this vessel is incredibly complicated – but that doesn’t mean it can’t be understood. At a high level, the human body is effectively a machine, complete with power-generating mechanisms and supportive structures that ultimately enable efficient operation. Every component in the body is important in its own right, but for the purposes of this post, we’d like to hone in one particular piece that is central to optimal functioning – the mitochondria Meet the mitochondrion: the center of it all Mitochondria act as energy converters at the cellular level. They take in chemical energy via food and transform it into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy source that cells need to operate. This fuel is used for virtually every bodily function there is, making the efficient firing of the mitochondria absolutely imperative for our health. Mitochondria vs. Mitochondrion?! Note that mitochondria is actually plural for mitochondrion. One mitochondrion, multiple mitochondria. These tenses are often used incorrectly, although we are generally talking about all mitochondria in the body and not just a single one. However, outside factors can negatively influence the mitochondria, reducing their energy production and the functioning of the body itself. There are ways to right this ship, though. We can provide the body with what it needs to make mitochondria more efficient in creating clean energy. Ensuring these converters are firing on all cylinders can have a massive impact on your overall health, thanks to a steady supply of clean energy that’s sustainable for longevity. In this post, we’re going to dive into everything you need to know in regards to mitochondrial function — what they are, how they work, and what can influence them. We’ll also discuss some sports supplements ingredients that we think have some real potential to optimize the mitochondria, some of which can be amplified when used synergistically. As always, make sure you’re subscribed to PricePlow for the latest news and deals in the sports supplements industry. Also, be sure to check out our social media pages on YouTube and Instagram for supplement reviews and interviews. What are the mitochondria? Before we get into the different ways to optimize the mitochondria, we need to take things back to high school biology and discuss what they are. Mitochondria are organelles housed within cells of almost all eukaryotic organisms, from humans to plants. Their main function is to convert chemical energy, ingested as food, into a form of usable cellular energy. Without these organelles, the cells would struggle greatly to perform their necessary operations. Cells that demand higher amounts of energy, such as human liver cells, can contain up to as many as 2,000 mitochondria. These rod-shaped structures are the batteries that make living possible. Origin and structure Despite their importance within their home, mitochondria didn’t always take up residency in cell… Read more on the PricePlow Blog

In June of 2020, PricePlow interviewed Ben Hartman of Morphogen Nutrition. They discuss Ben and Morphogen’s background, the insane formulations in their arsenal, the lack of studies on interactions between ingredients, the future of Morphogen, and more! Meet Ben Hartman of Morphogen Nutrition! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4zD6AQsdBQ

Lifestyle, training, and diet are the three overarching umbrellas that affect our health and fitness goals, and figuring out how to best balance them is unique from person to person. For instance, someone trying to lose body fat trains differently, eats differently, and goes about their day differently than a powerlifter on a strength cycle. But central in almost any fitness plan is nutrition. Although needs shift from person to person, eating nutrient-dense foods full of essential minerals, fats, and amino acids (protein) is at the root of any diet. MCT Oil: The saturated fat for training both your body and your mind! When we say “nutrient-dense” and “essential”, there is a great amount of misunderstanding. Our take is that a highly-misunderstood “essential” fat is saturated fat, and a group of these increasingly popular fats are in the group of medium chain triglycerides, which boast powerful health benefits. Otherwise known as MCT (or MCT Oil), these critically useful fatty acids are finally getting recognition like other important fatty acids. As a high-quality source of dietary fat, MCTs have a ton to offer, with evidence supporting it can yield positive effects in your training, your body, and your mind! TL;DR (Article Summary) MCT Oil, short for medium chain triglycerides, are a group of saturated fatty acids that are quickly-absorbed for rapid energy thanks to their shorter structure. Saturated fat is healthy. There is no causal link whatsoever between saturated fat and heart disease or obesity. In fact, the obesity crisis began when we collectively replaced saturated fat with omega-6 polyunsaturated fats from “vegetable oils”. (See the saturated fat discussion) The medium chain triglycerides, or “MCTs”, are a group of saturated fatty acids with “medium” chain lengths, ranging from six to twelve carbon bonds. These fatty acids caproic acid (C6), Caprylic acid (C8), Capric acid (C10), and Lauric acid (C12). (See the MCT Intro section) When supplemented, MCTs demonstrated the following benefits: Decreased appetite (through increased satiety), increased cognition, improved beta-oxidation (fat burning) rates, better gut health, and potential immune system improvements. (See the MCT oil benefits section) Due to unfavorable characteristics of C6 and C12, C8 and C10 are the preferred MCTs to supplement, with C8 having the best data in terms of beta oxidation and ketone generation. (See the MCT Supplements section) Preferred MCT Oil Products: For powdered MCT Oil, we prefer C8Vantage, which is made by NNB Nutrition and is a nearly-pure C8 formula that is GMO-Free, vegan-friendly, and has no glycemic impact since it is plated on tapioca prebiotic fiber and pea protein, bt other dairy-based options are available as well. In this post, we’re going to take a deep dive into MCTs – what they are, why they’re different, how to use them, and where you can find the best ones – both in liquid and powder form. We’re also going to look at published research focused on MCTs, which will help us paint a clearer picture of their benefits. Brace yourself for an in-depth, science-backed look at a food seemingly built for athletic and cognitive performance! MCTs – the optimal fat source for efficient energy? Before we can get into medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and all they have to offer, … Read more on the PricePlow Blog

In late 2019, Mike and Ben interviewed Dr. Kaleb Redden, an orthopedic surgeon who is also Kaged Muscle‘s team doctor! As someone who can repair spines, enhance strength, and help you get big, it’s no wonder why Kris Gethin brought him on the team. Welcome Dr. Kaleb Redden to Team Kaged Muscle! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihCK6ZJKNCg

Are you ready to Be Amazing? Michael Yewdell is. And once you hear his story, you’ll want to join the amazing movement. Every year, countless supplement companies launch, seemingly popping up out of thin air. Some stick around, few flourish, but many vanish back into the thin air where they came from. What’s the difference between these winners and losers? Purpose. Too many new brands have no true purpose, direction, or meaning. They follow the industry trends to a tee, use cookie-cutter formulas, charge unreasonable prices, and may even use poor quality manufacturing facilities. In other words, they stand for nothing and do nothing to stand out. Easy come, easy go. Be Amazing. But today, we meet a man with a different direction. A sense of purpose. A message that means something. Listen to Mike Yewdell discuss BEAM Mike joined Ben on the PricePlow Podcast to share his story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKseKy_tJ0k Introducing BEAM: More Than a Brand, It’s A Movement A truly successful company must start with a great leader — someone with years of experience who knows how to inspire and direct others and has a passion for every aspect of the brand. Meet Michael Yewdell: a fitness fanatic, foodie, supplement industry veteran, and cancer survivor. Mike has over nine years of experience, and throughout the time he spent working with some of the biggest names in the industry, he knew there was still something missing. Mike has tried nearly every supplement. While he found some that he liked, most were well below average. The best way Mike could solve this problem was to branch out and create his own brand. Having been so involved in the industry, he knew a thing or two about branding. And he knew what was missing. Thus, BEAM was born, which stands for Be Amazing. But what most people don’t know is there’s a lot more meaning to the brand’s name than you may think. BEAM may not sound like a supplement company name, but that’s because BEAM goes well beyond supplements, health, and fitness. For many, it’s truly life-saving. BEAM: Cancer Treatment or Supplement Brand? As mentioned, Mike is not only an entrepreneur and supplement guru, he’s a cancer survivor. And as you’ll see, it was BEAM that brought Mike another chance, so now he wants to help you Be Amazing too. In 2017, Mike was unfortunately diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma, which is a cancer of the lymphatic system. He was told not to worry, because with the advancements in modern medicine, he would be cured – his form had a 95% success rate. Mike was mentally and physically prepared for a battle, little did he know it was going to be the fight of his life. After failing three chemotherapy treatments, Mike’s cancer was winning. Some people would give up throughout this process, but not Mike – he’s a fighter and would not let anything slow him down. Hiding the fight of his life in plain sight Although admittedly starting to lose hope, Mike didn’t want anyone to feel sorry for him or know that he was hurting. He still went to work, acted as if nothing was wrong, and went to the gym because of how much he enjoys being active. Mike never wanted cancer to affect him to the point where he stopped doing what he loved, even if that meant some suffering. “When you die, it does not mean you lose to cancer, you beat cancer by how you live, why you live and in the manner in which you live.” –Stuart Scott, American Sportscaster BEAM: The Treatment That Saved Michael’s Life After several unsuccessful attempts at chemotherapy, Mike transferred to a hospital in New York, w… Read more on the PricePlow Blog

In December of 2019, Mike and Ben got together to discuss the 2019 Supplement Industry Awards. This followed our end of 2019 catch-up podcast. The categories and winners listed: 2019 Product of the Year (Non-Supplement) – SteelFit Steel Releaf 2019 Brand of the Year – Ghost Lifestyle Brand to Watch in 2020 – Glaxon 2019 Flavor System of the Year – Alpha Lion Grapermelon and Ghost Legend Limited Edition Strawberry Daiquiri 2019 Supplement of the Year – NutraBio Alpha EAA Videos 2019 Product of the Year (Non-Supplement) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gohcYxBCWA 2019 Brand of the Year https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G_8sTqZyIE 2019 Flavor System of the Year https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wetZodoPZwU 2019 Supplement of the Year https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7SJGmGt5hs Also, don’t miss our final discussion, 2020 – Year of Retailer Exclusive Brands? You can follow-up with our more extensive 2020 Supplement Industry Awards, where you’ll notice the breakout brand happened to be the one we predicted!