The Business of Pharmacy Podcast

I sat down with Benjamin Jolley, a third-generation pharmacist who recently addressed a crowd of 20,000 about the broken world of PBMs. We dug into the power of that moment, the hidden mechanics of pharmacy monopolies, and what real reform could look like. This one hits where policy meets reality.

Biotech CEO Arun Swaminathan reveals how true pharmaceutical deals are strategic “marriages”—not transactions. Hear how Coya Therapeutics leverages partnerships, builds trust, and aims to transform ALS care. A candid look at negotiation, leadership, and why win-win deals matter in pharma and beyond. Real insights from the C-suite.

Can a small biotech change cancer care—and turn a profit? Paul Romness, CEO of OS Therapies, shares how his five-person team took on one of the deadliest pediatric cancers, went public, and might just shake up the system. From biologics to Wall Street, this one's got it all. Sponsored by Dae Lee of Buchanan.

Marco Benitez, founder of ROOK, reveals how his company turns chaotic wearable data into clean, actionable insights. From fitness rings to Dexcom integrations, hear how ROOK bridges tech and healthcare, enabling remote monitoring, AI-driven predictions, and more—all without the red tape of FDA regulation. The future of health is wearable. Sponsored by RemediChain.

I sat down with Autumn Kyoko Cushman, co-founder of ShiftRx, staffing leader, to hear how she and her team clawed their way back from the edge. From bounced credit cards to nationwide scale—this one's raw, real, and a must-listen for anyone building in pharmacy.

The host and his brothers (Mike Koelzer, along with brothers Pete Koelzer⁠, ⁠Tom Koelzer⁠, ⁠and Tim Koelzer⁠) return to where it all started—the family drugstore. From early paper routes to late nights after close mopping the store, they reflect on the work ethic, values, and business lessons they learned from their dad. It's a heartfelt, behind-the-scenes look at how one small pharmacy helped shape four lives—and four very different careers.

I sat down again with Kris Rhea to unpack how pharmacies are silently losing money—just by buying wrong. We talk wholesaler games, misunderstood contracts, and the AI tool trying to fix it all. If you've ever felt like your drug spend makes no sense, this one's for you.

I sat down with Joey Dizenhouse, CEO of SlateRx, to talk about redefining pharmacy benefits—minus the gimmicks. We dug into transparency, real fiduciary alignment, and how SlateRx is tackling PBM dysfunction head-on. If you're tired of smoke and mirrors in the benefits space, this episode is for you. Sponsored by WaypointRx.

I sat down with attorneys Dae Lee and Adam Farkas to dig into the legal mess surrounding GLP-1 compounding, PBM overreach, and the brutal reality facing independent pharmacies. Dae's a pharmacist-attorney, Adam's a legal powerhouse, and together they're helping pharmacies fight back in a system stacked against them.

Michelle Woosley blends pharmacy know-how with M&A savvy. She shares how independent pharmacy owners can build value, avoid costly mistakes, and attract serious buyers—including private equity. Thinking about selling your pharmacy someday? Don't miss this one. Michelle's advice could mean the difference between walking away… or leaving money on the table.

What makes a pharmacy—or a pharmacy vendor—stand out? Nicolle McClure and Bruce Kneeland join me to unpack real-world marketing strategies, pitfalls, and how pharmacies can avoid bland messaging. We dig into trust, niche focus, and why “friendly service” isn't enough anymore. Straight talk, no fluff—just actionable insights.

Discover how cutting-edge pharmacy technology and digital healthcare are transforming patient care. In this episode, Rick Ratliff, CEO of MedAdvisor Solutions, dives into the latest innovations shaping the industry. From medication adherence to digital health solutions, this conversation is a must-listen for those navigating the evolving pharmacy landscape. Tune in now!

What happens when independent pharmacies join forces instead of going it alone? Brett Pine, Chief Business Development Officer at Revelation Pharma, dives into the evolving world of compounding pharmacies, mergers, and acquisitions. From buying brick-and-mortar locations to integrating independent pharmacies into a broader network, we explore the business side of pharmacy ownership—why some sell, why others struggle, and how compounding fits into the future. If you're thinking about the next step for your pharmacy, this episode is a must-listen. Sponsored by WaypointRx

In this episode, Sharmeen Roy, PharmD, BCPS, Chief Strategy & Science Officer at DoseMeRx, discusses the power of precision dosing technology in optimizing pharmacy operations and improving patient outcomes. Learn how validated, EHR-integrated software is enhancing clinical efficiency, reducing errors, and personalizing medication management.

Is selling medical equipment the next big move for your pharmacy? Join retail experience consultant Acacia Flory as she shares insights from 20 years in retail and her passion for helping pharmacies boost profits beyond prescriptions. Discover why mobility aids, bathroom safety, and durable medical equipment (DME) could be game changers—and how expert sales can create a loyal customer base. Don't miss practical tips, success stories, and why Amazon isn't the only player in the game. Tune in now!

Cyber threats aren't a question of "if"—they're a question of "when." Brett Gallant, Founder & Director of Adaptive Office Solutions, joins the podcast to break down the real risks businesses face, the costly mistakes companies make, and the practical steps you can take today to protect your pharmacy. Plus, what should you do if ransomware strikes? Tune in to find out.

MIT-trained chemical engineer Lew Bender shares his journey from drug delivery innovation to tackling cancer. From building a biotech company from scratch to navigating the challenges of FDA approval and Wall Street, Lew dives deep into the science, business, and future of cancer treatment. A must-listen for innovators and entrepreneurs! This episode is sponsored by WaypointRx.

Dive into the intersection of market research, healthcare, and AI with Michaela Gascon, President & CEO of KJT. Discover how her team informs life sciences strategies, tackles complex healthcare challenges, and leverages AI. From focus group dynamics to the future of decision-making, Michaela shares insightful stories and expert perspectives.

Explore the future of pharmacy communication with Brennen Hodge, VP of Product at Voxo. Discover AI-powered IVAs revolutionizing patient interactions, automating refills, and boosting efficiency. Unpack insights on technology, customer experience, and the evolving pharmacy landscape. Don't miss this candid, forward-thinking episode of The Business of Pharmacy Podcast.

Discover how Kyle McCormick, owner of Blueberry Pharmacy, revolutionized pharmacy care with a completely insurance-free, cost-plus pricing model. Hear his candid take on PBMs, his clash with Mark Cuban, and how transparency and innovation drive better patient outcomes. A must-listen for pharmacy leaders!

Mehrdad Hariri, CEO of RX Connection, shares his journey as a pharmacist turned tech innovator. From building solutions for pharmacy pain points to delivering nationwide care, Mehrdad discusses overcoming challenges, leveraging data, and creating cost-effective systems that empower independent pharmacies in a PBM-dominated world. Sponsored by Waypoint Rx.

Join us on this week's episode of The Business of Pharmacy Podcast™ as we speak with Randall Lipps, CEO and founder of Omnicell. Discover the journey toward autonomous pharmacy, how technology is transforming healthcare, and the vision for zero errors, waste, and inefficiency in medication management. A must-listen for pharmacy innovators!

Pharmacy technicians trained as Community Health Workers (CHWs) are transforming patient care. Anne Eisenbeis, PharmD, MBA, explains how CHWs bridge healthcare and social support, improve outcomes, and generate revenue. Learn how to implement this model, close care gaps, and empower your pharmacy team to redefine healthcare's role in the community.

Jonathan Ogurchak, PharmD, CEO of Zeal Specialty Pharmacy and STACK, shares his innovative journey of transforming specialty pharmacy through smarter technology. Learn how he's empowering pharmacists, improving patient outcomes, and disrupting the industry with his dual focus on pharmacy operations and groundbreaking tech solutions. A must-listen for pharmacy innovators!

This week on The Business of Pharmacy Podcast™, Saul Marquez, CEO of Outcomes Rocket, shares transformative insights on healthcare marketing strategies. From leveraging podcasts to redefining patient care narratives, discover how businesses can authentically engage and thrive. An inspiring journey of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the power of storytelling. Don't miss it!

Join Dr. Sue Ojageer, a pharmacist, influencer, and mother of five, as she shares her journey from retail pharmacy to becoming a leading voice in the pharmacy world. Discover her insights on balancing passion projects, the power of networking, and how she built Pharmacy Mentors to inspire and connect professionals in the industry.

PBM Failures Drive Patients Abroad for Meds" explores how rising drug costs and restrictive practices in the U.S. force patients to seek medications internationally. Theo Symons and Semion Naidis of ILMEDS share how they provide affordable, regulated name-brand drugs, navigating complex legalities and emphasizing transparency, patient care, and quality. A timely discussion on breaking barriers in healthcare access.

Simon Szewach, Executive Chairman of Gelteq, shares the business journey behind an innovative gel-based drug delivery system. From startup funding and strategic partnerships to FDA hurdles and market disruption, hear how Gelteq is creating new opportunities in pharmacy. A must-listen for those inspired by entrepreneurial challenges and industry transformation.

Eric Pachman shares his journey from founding 46brooklyn, inspired by his late mother, to leading innovation at Bancreek Capital Advisors. Discover insights on exposing PBM practices, tackling systemic healthcare challenges, and pioneering data-driven investment strategies. An honest, heartfelt conversation about business, impact, and legacy you won't want to miss!

Join CEO Areo Nazari and CTO Matthew Hawkins from CaryHealth as they share insights into their journey of expanding pharmacy access through innovative digital platforms. From creating an “Uber-like” pharmacy experience to developing cutting-edge AI for patient care, CaryHealth is transforming pharmacy for both consumers and healthcare partners. Discover how they're breaking boundaries and what it means for the future of pharmacy. This episode is sponsored by Waypoint Rx.

How do you market technology in healthcare effectively? Elise Claudepierre, VP of Marketing at IntelliGuard, shares insights from her experience in healthcare marketing and discusses the fine line between promoting patient safety and respecting the trust of healthcare professionals. From understanding customer needs to building trust with clinicians, Elise breaks down the unique challenges and strategies that shape effective healthcare marketing. If you're curious about the art and science behind selling healthcare solutions, this episode is a must-listen!

Discover how fragmentation and global expertise are transforming pharmacy operations. Saleem Shah and Tanya Chianese from CPCG dive into optimizing tasks, leveraging offshore talent, and evolving employee roles. Learn practical ways to enhance efficiency, cut costs, and elevate patient care—all in this engaging episode.

George Zorich, a seasoned pharma executive, discusses his return to leadership after retirement, navigating the challenges of running a company with divisions in ophthalmology and critical care. He shares insights on the evolving pharmacy profession, AI's impact, education reform, and the future of pharmacy graduates facing high debt and uncertain job prospects.

In this episode, Doug Hoey, CEO of NCPA, discusses the "Finish the Fight" campaign to secure fair pharmacy reimbursement. He delves into key legislative efforts, including Medicaid and Medicare reforms aimed at ensuring fair compensation for pharmacies. Doug also highlights the challenges of navigating Congress and the importance of engaging consumers in the fight against PBMs. Tune in to learn about the path forward for independent pharmacy owners. https://ncpa.org/finishthefight https://www.waypointrx.com

In this episode, Anupam Nandwana, CEO of P360, shares how his company is revolutionizing pharmaceutical communications. P360's technology enables seamless interactions between doctors, patients, and pharma companies. The conversation covers AI advancements, patient support, and the future of healthcare technology. Tune in for insights on making communication as easy as texting, while maintaining industry compliance. https://www.p360.com/ https://www.bizofpharmpod.com

Matt Gibbs, Pharmacy Transformation Leader at Blue Shield of California, discusses shifting away from traditional PBMs, embracing transparency, and creating a modular pharmacy model. He shares insights on cutting ties with CVS, partnering with Amazon for mail service, and using modern technology to empower health plans. Learn more at:Blue Shield of CaliforniaThe Business of Pharmacy Podcast

Greg Reybold, General Counsel at APCI, discusses the challenges independent pharmacies face with PBM abuses, recent federal legislation efforts like the Pharmacists Fight Back Act (H.R. 9096), and the growing advocacy efforts to bring real reform. He highlights APCI's role in shaping smart policies for community pharmacies. White paper: http://bit.ly/apci-insights-002 https://www.apcinet.com/

In this episode, we dive into the hidden practices of PBMs with Shane Garduno, Vice President of PBM Practice at Xevant. Shane reveals insights into how employers can gain transparency and control prescription drug costs. Learn more about Xevant's solutions at Xevant.com.

In this episode, Mike Koelzer interviews Gordon Vanscoy, CEO of Vanscoy Rare and RareMed Solutions, about building a pharmacy legacy, navigating healthcare challenges, and the evolving role of specialty and rare pharmacies. https://www.vanscoyrare.com https://www.vanscoyrare.com https://www.waypointus.com/ https://www.bizofpharmpod.com

In this episode, Anisha Patel, a pharmacist by training and a podcaster by passion, shares her intriguing journey into the world of podcasting. Anisha explores the gap in pharmacy career knowledge she identified while teaching at a London pharmacy school, which led her to launch her podcast to educate and inspire students. She discusses her creative process, the challenges she faces, and the growth she desires in her podcasting journey. Additionally, Anisha talks about the importance of community, the lessons she's learned, and her aspirations for the future, including potential international podcast tours. 00:00 Introduction to Anisha Patel 00:38 The Inspiration Behind Podcasting 01:56 The Creative Process of Podcasting 04:08 Challenges and Rewards of Podcasting 06:08 Transition to Video Podcasting 08:08 Editing and Guest Selection 11:58 Audience Engagement and Content Strategy 15:04 Balancing Personal Interests and Audience Needs 23:40 Navigating Social Media Platforms 27:04 The Challenge of Scheduling Content Across Platforms 27:39 Understanding Algorithms for Podcast Growth 28:29 The Importance of Community and Values 31:27 Monetization and Strategic Time Investment 34:22 The Financial Realities of Podcasting 40:25 Opportunities Through Podcasting 49:55 Audience Engagement and Analytics 52:18 Future Plans and Global Outreach 53:08 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections https://www.pharmacistdiaries.com/ https://www.bizofpharmpod.com

In this episode, Mike Koelzer talks with Greg Cianfarani, CEO and founder of RxInsider. Greg shares insights on the evolution of RxInsider, the challenges of balancing digital and print media, and the importance of building trust in the pharmacy market. Discover how diversification, curiosity, and networking drive success in the industry. https://rxinsider.com/

Peter Ax, CEO of UpScript Health, shares insights on how his company partners with pharmaceutical manufacturers to deliver medications directly to consumers through a seamless telemedicine experience. He discusses the evolution of online pharmacies, regulatory challenges, and the pivotal role pharmacists play in modern healthcare. https://www.upscripthealth.com/

In this episode, Matt and Ben Coakley from Waypoint Rx share unconventional strategies for pharmacy owners to leverage Medicare Part D. Discover innovative approaches to boost your business's profitability and stay ahead in the competitive landscape. Tune in to learn how these expert insights can transform your business. https://www.waypointus.com/ https://www.bizofpharmpod.com

In this episode, we talk with Shane Jerominski, known as The Accidental Pharmacist. Shane shares his journey from Navy veteran to influential pharmacy advocate with over 125,000 social media followers. Discover how he leverages his platform to drive change, support unionization, and advocate for better working conditions in pharmacy. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the power of social media in pharmacy advocacy. https://www.facebook.com/Accpharm https://www.matchrx.com/ https://www.bizofpharmpod.com

In this episode of "The Business of Pharmacy Podcast," host Mike Koelzer is joined by industry experts Antonio Ciaccia, Benjamin Jolley, and Luke Slindee to discuss the complex world of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). Antonio Ciaccia, president of Three Axis Advisors, Benjamin Jolley, pharmacist and Senior Fellow at the American Economic Liberties Project, and Luke Slindee, a second-generation pharmacist, bring their insights into the conversation. The discussion kicks off with the upcoming congressional hearing where the CEOs of the three largest PBMs will testify. Antonio explains the significant influence PBMs have on drug pricing and the lack of transparency in their operations. Mike probes into the potential stonewalling tactics PBM executives might use during their testimonies. The guests emphasize the need for Congress to ask pointed questions to reveal the true nature of PBM practices, particularly their role in price discrimination and handling rebates. They also discuss the challenges independent pharmacies face due to PBMs' market power, highlighting the disparities in drug pricing and its impact on pharmacies and patients. Tune in to this episode for a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics in the world of PBMs and what the future might hold for pharmacy pricing and policy. Subscribe to The Business of Pharmacy Podcast for more in-depth discussions and insights from industry leaders every Monday.

In this episode, Dr. Leon Henderson-MacLennan of InThought Research discusses strategies for navigating competitive intelligence in the pharmaceutical industry, offering insights into data analysis, market trends, and the importance of strategic planning. Learn how to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market. https://inthought.com/ https://www.bizofpharmpod.com

Join us as Kate Gainer, Executive Vice President and CEO of the Iowa Pharmacy Association, discusses the transformative shifts in pharmacy practice. Learn about statewide adoption of the new pharmacy standard of care, legislative advocacy, and the future of pharmacy. Don't miss this insightful conversation! https://www.iarx.org/ https://www.bizofpharmpod.com/

Ezriel Green, founder and CEO of EzriRx, discusses the innovative ways his company is transforming the pharmacy industry. EzriRx focuses on streamlining operations for pharmacies, saving them time and money by integrating technology that simplifies processes like purchasing and inventory management. Green highlights the importance of continually rethinking and improving business models to adapt to industry challenges and ensure long-term success. https://www.ezrirx.com/ https://www.bizofpharmpod.com/ https://www.waypointus.com/

In this episode of The Business of Pharmacy Podcast™, Mike Koelzer interviews Senator Shane Reeves, Pharm.D., State Senator of TN and CEO of Twelve Stone Health Partners, about his expert strategies for mastering time management and boosting productivity. Shane shares practical tips from his extensive experience in both the pharmacy industry and political arena, highlighting the importance of strategic planning and effective delegation. https://www.12stonehealth.com/ https://www.bizofpharmpod.com/ Sponsored by https://www.matchrx.com/

In this episode, Shabbir Imber Safdar, Executive Director of the Partnership for Safe Medicines, discusses how PBM practices are opening doors to counterfeit drugs. Safdar explains the connection between under-reimbursement for pharmacies and the rise in counterfeit medications, shedding light on the critical need for policy changes to ensure drug safety. https://www.safemedicines.org/ https://www.bizofpharmpod.com/

Join host Mike Koelzer as he talks with Kevin Houlihan, CEO of Workflow Services, about streamlining clinical workflows in pharmacies. Discover how Workflow Services is enhancing efficiency, reducing complexity, and enabling pharmacists to deliver better patient care through innovative technology solutions. https://www.workflowservices.com/ https://www.bizofpharmpod.com/ Sponsored by https://www.waypointus.com/