Pharmacy Podcast Network

Prediabetes in Older Adults | Geriatric Pharmacy Focus

How can we prevent our older adults with prediabetes from developing diabetes?  Susan is a board certified health and wellness coach.  She is a certified with the CDC diabetes prevention program and owner of Weighting4You.  She will walk us through the use of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to assist with lowering HgbA1c, counseling tips for patients on GLP-1 RAs, and more.  I hope you enjoy our conversation.  The Geriatric Pharmacy Focus podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.Connect with Tamara here:  www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-ruggles-491882251www.thedeprescribingclinic.comConnect with Susan here:linkedin.com/in/susanwardhttps://weighting4you.com/

McKesson IdeaShare 2025 LIVE Recap Series | Part One

🎙️ Podcast Show Notes — McKesson ideaShare 2025 | Part One: Frontline Voices of Pharmacy InnovationPresented by the Pharmacy Podcast Network | On-site Press Coverage
In Part One 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:
Ashton Maaraba, President of IPC Digital Health, shares how Independent Pharmacy Cooperative is leading the charge in technology-driven patient care and empowering pharmacies with scalable digital tools.
U.S. Representative Buddy Carter, a pharmacist and legislator from Georgia, offers a boots-on-the-ground policy perspective on PBM reform, scope expansion, and fighting for the future of community pharmacy.
Greg Reybold, VP of Healthcare Policy at APCI, delivers key insights on how independent pharmacy advocacy is gaining momentum on Capitol Hill.
Dr. Beshoy Gerges, CEO of St. Mary Pharmacy, discusses the intersection of clinical excellence and business strategy in high-performing community pharmacies.
Christopher Darling, Pharmacy Owner Darling Apothecary
Chuck Schneider from Lifecykel talks about functional wellness, medicinal mushrooms, and expanding pharmacy's role in holistic health.
🎧 Available now on all major podcast platforms.🔗 https://mckessonideashare.com/ 
Sponsored by Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) https://www.ipcrx.com/  
Stay tuned for Part Two — featuring more interviews with pharmacy leaders shaping the industry’s next chapter.

Theory & Insights, the Impact of Articificial Intelligence & Large Language Models on Pharma | Executive Dose

In this episode of Theory & Insights, we bring together two thought leaders at the intersection of healthcare innovation and pharmaceutical manufacturing — John Nosta, renowned AI and technology theorist and founder of NostaLab, and Stephen Beckman, CEO of YARAL Pharma, a rising force in U.S. generics. Together, they dive into the evolving impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) on pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The discussion covers the promise and peril of AI in reshaping everything from R&D to regulatory pathways, as well as the ethics, economics, and operational shifts that could redefine the industry in the next decade. This is a must-listen for pharma execs, digital health strategists, and technology innovators looking to understand what’s next.

Targeted Acute Pain Relief: The Role of Topical NSAID Patches in Sports Medicine | Yaral Pharma

In this episode, YARAL Pharma CEO, Stephen Beckman joins clinical sports pharmacist Jessica Beal, PharmD. to discuss an important topic for athletes and active individuals – the role topical NSAID patches can play in acute pain management.
Listeners can visit www.YARALPharma.com to learn more about the company and its products or connect on LinkedIn. 
 
Diclofenac Epolamine Topical System 1.3% 
 
Diclofenac Epolamine Topical System 1.3% is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for treating acute pain from minor strains, sprains, and bruises in adults and children aged 6 and older.  
 
Serious side effects may include increased risk of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal (GI) events. NSAIDs can raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach and intestines, which can be fatal. The risk for serious cardiovascular events may occur early in treatment and may increase with duration of use. Elderly patients and those with a history of peptic ulcer disease or GI bleeding are at higher risk for serious GI events. 
 
Do not use in patients who are allergic to diclofenac or any of its ingredients, or have a history of asthma, urticaria, or other allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Do not use in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Avoid use on broken skin. Discontinue immediately if signs of hypersensitivity occur.  
  
Patients should be informed about the warning signs and symptoms of liver problems. Discontinue use if abnormal liver tests persist or worsen or if signs of liver disease develop. Avoid using Diclofenac Epolamine Topical System 1.3% in patients with severe heart failure unless the benefits are expected to outweigh the risks. 
 
The most common side effects include itching, nausea, and headache. Patients should stop use and consult their doctor at the first sign of skin rash or other signs of sensitivity. 
 
Patients should ask their doctor if Diclofenac Epolamine Topical System 1.3% is right for them. For more information and Full Prescribing Information including Boxed Warning and Important Safety Information, visit www.yaralpharma.com
 
Dr. Beal is not affiliated with YARAL Pharma. All views and opinions regarding pain management are solely her own and are not attributable to YARAL or the Pharmacy Podcast Network. 

LIVE at RBC 2025 Episode One | Cardinal Health™ Counter Talk™ Podcast

Tune in to a multi-episode recap of the Retail Business Conference with returning special guest host Adam Robinson, Owner of Save-Rite Drugs in Lexington, Kentucky. Receive the highlights from Cardinal Health customers, employees, services and more at RBC 2025. This episode's topic is navigating Part B Biling for CGM Devices. This discussion will dive into the nuances that make Medicare billing a challenge for pharmacies and ways Cardinal may be able to help.

Who is KeySource? A Trusted Partner in a Challenging Industry | Supply, Trust, and the Business of Pharmacy

Welcome to the first episode of Supply, Trust, and the Business of Pharmacy hosted by Andrew Crawford.

The Silent Threat: Diversion of Non-Controlled Substances in Healthcare | TWIRx

This Week in Pharmacy – July 25, 2025
Episode Summary:This week, we spotlight a growing but often overlooked threat to patient safety and healthcare integrity: the diversion of non-controlled substances. While most discussions around drug diversion focus on controlled substances, a troubling pattern has emerged involving medications not classified as controlled—yet still susceptible to misuse, theft, and exploitation.
Our guest is Alan McGill, a Senior Supervisory Special Agent with over 30 years of investigative experience, including 23 years in law enforcement. Agent McGill is a nationally recognized expert on drug diversion, having trained thousands across healthcare and law enforcement. In this episode, he sheds light on how non-controlled substances are being diverted within healthcare settings, why it’s happening more frequently, and what pharmacies and healthcare systems must do to detect and prevent it.
We explore:
Common myths about non-controlled medications and diversion risk
Real-world cases and investigative red flags
Compliance blind spots in retail and institutional pharmacy settings
Actionable recommendations for pharmacists, techs, and healthcare leadership
The role of education, oversight, and reporting in stopping this silent epidemic
Plus, Agent McGill discusses his work with NASCSA and offers insight into how national policy and local practices can align to protect both patients and professionals.
Don’t miss this essential conversation for pharmacy leaders, compliance officers, and healthcare professionals committed to medication safety.
🎧 Listen now and stay informed. 📢 Brought to you by IPC and iCare+, supporting pharmacy excellence and compliance integrity.
The Silent Threat: Diversion of Non-Controlled Substances in Healthcare | TWIRx
 

LTC Pharmacy at Home: Redefining Independent Pharmacy Growth | RxSafe Series Part 2

Building Your LTC Pharmacy at Home Business (Part 2) 🎙️ Presented by the Pharmacy Podcast Network | Sponsored by RxSafe Eyecon
In Part 2 of our special three-part series “Building Your LTC Pharmacy at Home Business,” we go beyond the vision and focus on the systems that make long-term care at home work — financially, operationally, and clinically.
This episode features insights from top leaders in pharmacy program development and technology:
Jennifer Whalen, MBA – Medsense, guiding us through payer alignment, compliance, and program structure.
Susan Rhoads & Cole Page – GeriMed, on how they’ve helped hundreds of community pharmacies shift into reimbursable LTC care models.
Brian Glaves – RxSafe Eyecon, breaking down how automation and verification tools drive accurate dispensing, documentation, and revenue capture.
Key Topics:
Billing & Reimbursement: Learn how to transition from traditional retail models to get paid for LTC-at-home services.
Technology Integration: Eyecon, RxSafe, and software platforms help streamline packaging, compliance, and inventory tracking.
Home-Based Patient Care: Pharmacists are becoming central to aging-in-place strategies—this is how to build trust and care continuity.
Implementation Strategy: Practical guidance on referral networks, payer contracting, and working with care teams.
📲 Listen now to learn how to operationalize your LTC-at-home pharmacy and turn it into a sustainable, profitable service model.
🔗 Learn more at RxSafe.com🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts – Pharmacy Podcast Network💡 Brought to you by RxSafe and Eyecon – Smart tech for serious care delivery.

Marketing Against PBMs: A March to a Million | Marketing Vitals

The show discussions are Modern Medical Mafia and Patient Protector - two projects to help expose PBMs. We discussed ways independent pharmacy owners can get involved in local legislation and patient education about PBMs and how they impact pharmacies. 

Not Your Average Joes, LTC Pharmacy at Home | RxSafe Series Part 3

Building Your LTC Pharmacy at Home Business (Part 3)
In Part 3 of our Eyecon by RxSafe-sponsored series, we dive deep into how independently owned pharmacies can scale their business and impact patient lives by expanding into Long-Term Care at Home (LTC-at-Home). Joined by industry leaders Joe Moose of Moose Pharmacy and Joe Williams of APEX Pharmacy Consulting, we break down the Top 5 ways community pharmacies can lead the LTC-at-Home movement — offering actionable strategies to support medically complex patients, differentiate services, and integrate more deeply into the care team.
This episode delivers a blueprint for pharmacies ready to go beyond traditional retail and build recurring revenue with purpose-driven patient care.
🔑 Key Topics Covered:
Targeting Medically Complex Patients with Medication Management
Collaborative care models with prescribers and specialists
In-home and telehealth MTM opportunities
Specialized Packaging & Home Delivery for Adherence
Leveraging multi-dose packs and sync programs
Branding delivery as a “concierge medication service”
24/7 Clinical Support for At-Home PatientsEstablishing on-call pharmacist access
Building trust through urgent delivery capabilities
Referral Networks with Care Providers
Engaging discharge planners, case managers, and home health agencies
Marketing LTC-at-home services B2B
Proving Preventive Value to Payers & Families
Reducing hospitalizations and adverse events
Exploring partnerships with Medicare Advantage and ACOs
🎧 Listen now and learn how LTC-at-Home is becoming a game-changer for independent pharmacies aiming to diversify revenue, deepen patient relationships, and become indispensable to care teams in 2025 and beyond.
🔗 Subscribe, share, and stay tuned for Part 3! 📍 Brought to you by Eyecon by RxSafe — the automation partner empowering pharmacies to do more with less.

Opioidology Part 1: Our Opioid Story | Pain Pod

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

Becoming a Multihyphenate Integrative Pharmacist with Dr. Swathi Varanasi | Holistic Pharmacy Podcast

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: @drswathivaranasiLinked 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/ 

What Do Racing Dragsters & Pharmacy Ownership Have in Common? | TWIRx

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

Rewriting the Rules: What’s Ahead for Non-PBM Affiliated Specialty Pharmacies | NASP Specialty Pharmacy Podcast

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.

The True Cost of Purchasing Through a Single Vendor | SureCast

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

Fighting for Fairness: Senator Vin Gopal on PBM Reform and the Road Ahead for Independent Pharmacies | Pharmacy Tech Trends; PrimeRx

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.

Breaking down the One Big Beautiful Bill & a 15 Year Celebration of Pharmacy Marketing | TWIRx

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

Investing in Equity | RxGenius

In this episode of RxGenius, Ryan Paul Liabenow sits down with Jason Torress with Sana Capital.

Whole Planet Care through Herbalism with Richard Mandelbaum | Holistic Pharmacy Podcast

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 RHConnect with Richard via:Email: richard@arborvitaeny.com Website: Richard Mandelbaum RH

Fertility, Pharmacy, and the Future: A Pharmacist’s Role in IVF Care with Dr. Kelly Gonda| MaternalRx

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