Pharmacy Podcast Network

In this episode, we sit down with the President of the American Medical Association to discuss PBM reform and its impact on patients, physicians, and the future of healthcare. From drug pricing transparency to ensuring access to needed medications, this conversation explores why PBM reform is at the center of today’s healthcare policy debates.

In this final part of this three part series we bring you exclusive interviews from the Outcomes booth, recorded on the show floor at ThoughtSpot 2025.
Our guests are:
Jon Carlson at Outcomes
Pharmacist Heidi Polek, Vice President of Product Management at Outcomes
Multi-location Pharmacy Owner, and Pharmacy 50 Award winner Dr. Chris Antipas
Product Manager at Outcomes, Dalia Rios
Paul Shelton
Tim Cernohous, Senior Vice President of Community Retail and Long term care Pharmacy at Cencora.
 
This episode is sponsored by Outcomes.

Join our co-hosts Todd Eury and Greg Reybold in this exclusive interview with Conor Sheehey, who most recently served as senior health policy advisor to U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo (R-ID). In this role, he advised the Committee on a range of health care policy issues, including prescription drug pricing, telehealth, AI, provider coverage and reimbursement, fraud and abuse, medical devices, and Medicare Parts B and D. Sheehey led several bipartisan legislative efforts, including the development of comprehensive PBM reforms and bipartisan proposals on clinician payment reform and drug shortages.

Psilocybin has demonstrated a long track record of safety and efficacy in a variety of conditions including depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and cognitive decline. Although to date, this natural substance remains classified as a Schedule 1 drug, there are protected use scenarios including sincere spiritual use. The Religious Freedom Restoration (RFRA) act lies at the foundation of Setas Seminary's protected use of psilocybin sacrament.With a background in biology, Pam Conboy was trained as a clinical laboratorian and is currently a doctoral student in naturopathic medicine. She is an IIN certified health coach, trained psychedelic facilitator, medical marketing|business development entrepreneur, and ordained minister.With a background in biochemistry and emergency medicine, Leah Linder is a naturopathic physician trained in psychedelic assisted therapy with deep expertise in natural supplement formulation and manufacture. She is a Master Gardener, experienced educator, and ordained minister.Check out the episode and links below for tons of psychedelic learning resources mentioned, and giving a shout out to the Psychedelic Pharmacists Association (PPA) - an excellent first step for fellow pharmacists.Connect with Pam Conboy and Setas Seminary via:Email: pamconboy@setasseminary.org Website: Setas SeminaryIG: @setas.seminaryLinked In: Pam Conboy Mushroom Magic Ebook: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19wY94Rdk64-Q9QR5M-HbQp4XP2HjB5Ov/view?usp=sharing 

Welcome (back) to the Opioidology podcast series! Next up to bat, ‘Opioid Selection”.What’s YOUR “Go To Opioid”??? No really, pick a given patient scenario, as respectively there’s many, and what is your “Go To Opioid” when a prescription opioid is warranted??? Pain Guy posed this question on LinkedIn over a year ago, and society failed (as in succumbed to the Opioidphobia culture). So join us in this episode to take a methodical journey distinguishing prescription opioids to once and for (almost) all, be able to have our ducks in a row for opioid selection.Listen in to this Pain Pod episode for an unbiased, in your face, here’s how it is approach to explaining opioid selection (beyond the “To Opioid or Not to Opioid” debate).Come one, come all, to the Pain Pod!!!Pain Guy• www.painguy.us

In part two of this three part series we bring you exclusive interviews from the Outcomes booth, recorded on the show floor at ThoughtSpot 2025.
Our guests are:
Kris Rhea with Pharmacy Market Place
Outcomes Director of Product Management, Matt Kiethanom 
Bonnie Bond with Sykes and Company Accounting
Vice President of Product Management at Outcomes, Dr. Heidi Polek and Kunal Vyas, CEO of RxMile
CEO of the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding, Scott Brunner 
Dr. Mark Amoo with Outcomes
 
This episode is sponsored by Outcomes.

Multi-store owners: Are running payroll through all of your locations? This episode is a must listen...In this episode of Master the Margin, Scotty Sykes, CPA, CFP® and Kathy Blanchard, Senior Pharmacy Accountant, dive into the nuances of common paymaster status and why it’s often misunderstood in multi-store pharmacy operations. They break down: - What a common paymaster is—and how it (theoretically) benefits employers - Why most multi-store pharmacy owners don’t qualify, despite good intentions - The payroll risks of misclassifying employees across entities - The role of controlled group rules in IRS compliance - How common ownership impacts payroll, 401(k)s, benefits, and more Check out the full episode with bonus insights: https://masterthemargin.substack.com/Schedule an Rx Assessment: https://www.sykes-cpa.com/rx-assessment-service/ More resources about this topic:Podcast - One Big, Beautiful Bill: What the New Tax Proposal Means for Pharmacies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99jnN08jGUoPodcast - The Multi Store Owners Guide to Selling Your Pharmacy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smmNR_SFOwg

AI & Tech in Pharmacy & the Health Podcast Summit | TWIRx
This week on TWIRx, we dive into how technology, artificial intelligence, and innovative media are shaping the future of pharmacy. From specialty pharmacy operations to digital health engagement and independent pharmacy innovation, our guests bring timely insights you won’t want to miss.TWIRx News
FIP calls on authorities to ‘think humanity, think pharmacy
https://ajp.com.au/news/fip-calls-on-authorities-to-think-humanity-think-pharmacy/ 
Iowa pharmacists are in demand as they try to fill healthcare provider gap
https://www.radioiowa.com/2025/08/20/iowa-pharmacists-are-in-demand-as-they-try-to-fill-healthcare-provider-gap/Nuvem Continues to Expand Leadership Team to Accelerate Pharmacy Service Model for Community Health Providershttps://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250820045021/en/Nuvem-Continues-to-Expand-Leadership-Team-to-Accelerate-Pharmacy-Service-Model-for-Community-Health-Providers 
 
Featured Guest: Shaun Jensen, CEO of JB Consulting
Topic: How Will Tech & AI Advance Specialty Pharmacy?
The specialty pharmacy system is in flux—what platforms show real stability to build the future?
Emerging use cases of AI in specialty pharmacy: clinical decision support, adherence optimization, and patient engagement.
The role of AI in specialty trade relations and research, driving efficiency and better outcomes for providers, manufacturers, and patients.
Daniel Couchman Kendall, CEO of Mission Based Media
Topic: Announcing the Health Podcast Summit
Introducing the Health Podcast Summit — the first global event dedicated exclusively to the intersection of health and podcasting.
October 1–2, 2025 | Virtual Event | Free Registration at HealthPodcastSummit.com
Learn evidence-based, human-centered frameworks for creating and growing health podcasts.
Hear from industry leaders worldwide transforming patient engagement, professional education, and health outcomes through podcasting.
On-demand replays available for registered attendees.
Ketan Mehta, CEO of PrimeRx
Topic: PrimeRx User Conference 2025 – XPLORE
October 10–11, 2025 | The Westin Jersey City Newport
Xplore by PrimeRx — an exclusive user conference designed for independent pharmacy professionals, healthcare innovators, and industry leaders.
Explore pharmacy management strategies, technology advancements, and digital healthcare solutions that will shape the future of independent pharmacy.
A chance to connect with peers, learn from experts, and prepare for the evolving pharmacy landscape.
🎧 Tune in for expert perspectives and actionable insights that show where pharmacy is headed. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to This Week in Pharmacy (TWIRx) on your favorite podcast platform.

In part one of this three part series we bring you exclusive interviews from the Outcomes booth, recorded on the show floor at ThoughtSpot 2025.
Our guests are:
One of 2024's most Influential People in Pharmacy Dr. Jay Phipps, the Pharmacy Gladiator
VP of Pharmacy Insights at Outcomes, Jonathan Grice
Vice President of Retail Pharmacy at Outcomes, Mark Nelson
Vice President of Product Management at Outcomes, Dr. Heidi Polek
 
This episode is sponsored by Outcomes.

In this episode of FrameworkFocus, we explore how the long-term care (LTC) market has evolved from the pre-pandemic boom through COVID-19’s sharp disruption to today’s near-recovery. Jason Yablinsky, CFO at SoftWriters, unpacks how shifting interest rates, housing liquidity, and the coming wave of Baby Boomer demand are reshaping the industry’s trajectory. Tune in to learn why today’s financial constraints may soon become tomorrow’s catalysts for growth.

I know I say this every time, but this episode is truly special as I interview a fellow herbalist about her story of creating a skincare line that’s built on compassion for people and the planet. Aviva Tilson is the founder of Apis Apotheca, which she began 8 years ago when combining her experience with organic farming, herbalism, and desire to resolve lifelong skin issues. She specializes in sensitive, eczema and acne prone skin and continues to delve into the complexity of managing skin issues in the context of autoimmunity. Aviva’s products are poems that arose from the inspiration of her garden, and the desire to show an example of a heart-centered business that is full circle and has a basis in regenerative agriculture. Her line has helped thousands of people around the globe heal their skin and feel closer to nature in the process.Tune in to hear how you can support radiant beauty within and on your skin with botanicals from the garden.Connect with Aviva via:Email: contact@apisapotheca.com Website: Apis ApothecaFB: Apis ApothecaIG: @apis.apotheca.farmLinked In: Apis ApothecaHERMES free one time shipping code

This week on TWIRx, we cover the latest headlines shaping pharmacy care, followed by three powerful interviews spotlighting innovation, advocacy, and access.
TWIRx News:
13WHAM ABC News: Health Center Turns Away Patients as Medicaid Approval Stalls Pharmacy Services – A troubling look at how bureaucratic delays are cutting off critical access to care for vulnerable populations.
Pharmacy Times: Pharmacists’ Knowledge Gaps on Kratom: Building Competence for Patient Counseling – Why pharmacists need more education to better guide patients on the risks and benefits of this controversial substance.
Pharmacy Times: Navigating Biosimilars and 505(b)(2) Drugs in Oncology – Operational, clinical, and policy strategies to help pharmacists drive adoption and improve cancer care access.
Featured Interviews:
Ritesh Shah – Founder, Ritesh Shah Charitable PharmacyAuthor of Pills to Purpose: From the Pharmacy to the Frontlines: Healing Beyond the Counter, Ritesh shares his journey from personal loss to creating New Jersey’s first charitable pharmacy—ensuring life-saving medications reach those most in need with dignity and compassion.
Bonnie Bonds – Sykes & CompanyLive from the 2025 ThoughtSpot Conference, Bonnie brings insights on the financial strategies independent pharmacies need to grow, adapt, and thrive.
Srulik Dvorsky – CEO & Co-founder, TailorMedHow technology is being used to eliminate financial barriers to care and connect patients with the resources they need to afford treatment.
Sponsored by: Sykes & Company – Helping pharmacies succeed with expert accounting, tax, and advisory services.
🎧 Listen now for the news, perspectives, and inspiration driving the pharmacy profession forward.
 
"Pills to Purpose" is a book and the name of Ritesh Shah's charitable pharmacy. The book, "Pills to Purpose: From the Pharmacy to the Frontlines: Healing Beyond the Counter", is a memoir about Ritesh Shah's journey from personal loss to founding New Jersey's first charitable pharmacy, Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy. The pharmacy's mission is to provide access to life-saving medications for those in need, ensuring they are treated with dignity and compassion. The book highlights the power of service and how individual actions can create a movement for positive change, according to a post on Amazon.
 
 

In the second installment of our 3-part KeySource Series on the Pharmacy Podcast Network, Andrew Crawford, VP of Sales & Marketing at KeySource, joins Todd Eury to explore one of the most urgent priorities for regional and national chain pharmacies — supplier alignment as a driver of strategic growth.
With NACDS TSE right around the corner, this conversation takes a hard look at the pressures chains face today — from unpredictable PBM reimbursements and restrictive PVA contracts to the operational ripple effects of even a single NDC disruption. At chain scale, where central fill and automation keep thousands of prescriptions moving daily, stability, flexibility, and strategic control are non-negotiable.
In this episode, we cover:
The State of Chains: How PBM volatility, slim PVA margins, and supply continuity challenges are reshaping priorities.
The Shift Toward Supplier Alignment: Why leading chains are moving beyond rigid structures to build strategic, responsive partnerships.
How KeySource Supports Chain Growth: From NDC continuity to opportunistic buys, primary award support, and autonomy beyond PVA constraints.
Strategic Support Beyond the Product: The downstream impact of supply instability — and how proactive supplier partnerships mitigate risk.
Looking Ahead to NACDS TSE: How to turn supplier relationships into a competitive edge.
Whether you manage a regional chain or lead procurement for a national brand, this episode unpacks the supplier strategies that can protect your operations, enable growth, and strengthen your competitive position in a volatile market.
📍 Attending NACDS TSE? Visit KeySource at Booth #3523 to discuss supply chain alignment, growth strategies, and new value opportunities for your pharmacy network.

In this episode of Pharmacy Crossroads, Bruce Kneeland shares examples of simple, effective and affordable marketing, advertising and management tools he has seen others use.  The real lesson, according to Kneeland, is that marketing is essential to a modern pharmacies success. But he also feels that not all marketing need involve buying ads or spending large sums of money.  Grass Roots Marketing, that is getting out, being creative and responding to local opportunities is a great way to grow.

Guests:👩‍⚕️ Nicole McElroy, PharmD, DABAT – Pediatric Clinical Toxicologist, Holtz Children’s Hospital👩‍⚕️ Lauren Longo, PharmD, BCPPS – Pediatric Emergency Medicine Pharmacist, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia👨‍⚕️ Anthony Jaworski, PharmD, DABAT – Pediatric Emergency Medicine Pharmacist & Clinical Toxicologist, Children's Hospital of PhiladelphiaWe cover the most common household poisons, surprising look-alike risks (yes, that gummy might be a vitamin), and what to do if your child gets into something dangerous. From the busiest poison control centers to the emergency department, this trio brings decades of experience—and practical advice—for families, caregivers, and healthcare providers alike.What You’ll Learn:🧪 What a day in the life of a Poison Control expert looks like🚫 The top household dangers lurking in plain sight🍭 Why “look-alike” meds can trick even the most careful child🚨 What symptoms should make you stop and call Poison Control🩺 What to do immediately if you suspect a poisoning💊 How pharmacists and pediatric teams can help prevent toxic exposures🔍 Real-life cases that changed how these clinicians educate familiesKey Questions We Asked:What are the biggest challenges in managing pediatric poisonings?What types of calls come into Poison Control most often?What was a case that stuck with you—and what did you learn from it?What are the most common (and surprising) poisoning risks for kids?What should parents look out for—symptoms, behaviors, red flags?What’s the best way to store meds and household products safely?How can healthcare professionals—especially pharmacists—make an impact?📞 Poison Help Hotline: 1-800-222-1222 – Save it. Share it.🎙️ Subscribe & FollowDon't miss future episodes where we dig into pediatric pharmacogenomics, medication safety, and more with leaders in the field.

Introducing Melissa Smith, PharmD, CPH, CPGx, Founder of Florida PGX Consulting, and the new host of the Precision Health and PGX Podcast! Dr. Melissa is joined by her guests Dr. Jamie Wilkey & Dr. Jackie Boyle to discuss their introduction to precision medicine in PGX, as well as their friendship that encouraged it!

In this episode, we break down the smart ways to integrate AI into your healthcare marketing strategy—and the pitfalls to avoid. From simplifying complex healthcare concepts for patient-friendly content to understanding the risks of misinformation and non-compliance with healthcare guidelines, we cover what every healthcare owner and their marketer needs to know when working with AI. Tune in for practical insights, real-world examples, and a clear path to using AI responsibly and effectively.

In this episode of TWIRx, we explore how pharmacy accounting has evolved from basic bookkeeping into a strategic business development tool powered by artificial intelligence, data analytics, and specialized accounting expertise. Pharmacy owner & PPN Podcast Host Dr. Adam Robinson and Titan Accounting’s team members Nicholas Caltabiano & Jordan Pridemore dig into what modern pharmacy owners must understand to stay financially healthy and competitive in today’s complex marketplace. Learn more by going to Titan's website: https://titanswork.com/home 
 
Next, we talk with CEO & Founder of RxInsider, Gregory Cianfarani RPh, sharing the Colleges of Pharmacy Report 2025. RXinsider’s Market Intelligence Group produces weekly newsletters, market reports, and specialty INTEL Reports covering various segments of the pharmacy ecosystem—including an exclusive report on colleges of pharmacy. 
 
Find the full report here: 
https://ebook.rxinsider.com/flip-book/37174/2065397
 
Beyond the Ledger: How AI & Accounting Impacts Pharmacy Growth | TWIRx

In this episode, Dr. Ryan Paul Liabenow sits down with Kaleb Graves to explore the complex role of psychedelics in mental health treatment and addiction recovery.
Together, they unpack the stigmas surrounding these substances. From the "cure all" claims to discrediting users who have become advocates.
This conversation dives into harm reduction, spiritual framing, and the need for nuance in an increasingly polarized conversation about psychedelic medicine.

🎙️ Podcast Show Notes — McKesson ideaShare 2025 | Part Three: Frontline Voices of Pharmacy InnovationPresented by the Pharmacy Podcast Network | On-site Press Coverage
In Part Three of our exclusive press coverage from McKesson ideaShare 2025 in Nashville, we spotlight some of the most influential voices shaping the future of independent pharmacy. This episode features five compelling interviews that explore digital health, public policy, clinical innovation, and pharmacy entrepreneurship.
💡 Featured Guests:
U.S. Representative Diana Harshbarger Tennessee's 1st Congressional District
Mark Kinney - Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC)
Samantha PomeroyDirector of Pharmacy Services and Specialty ProgramsIndependent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC)
Matthew GilbertEyecon RxSafe, LLC
Marc EssensaCEO - Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC)
🎧 Available now on all major podcast platforms.🔗 https://mckessonideashare.com/ 
Sponsored by Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) https://www.ipcrx.com/  
Stay tuned for Part Three — featuring more interviews with pharmacy leaders shaping the industry’s next chapter.