The Business of Pharmacy Podcast™

Message from Mike: Thanks for stopping by. I'm taking a step back from the podcast for now—after six years of weekly episodes, the deadline-driven rhythm of the show began to crowd out the creative side. Please drop me a line at mike@bizofpharmpod.com —I'd love to hear from you. I hope you enjoy the past episodes!

Why Six Figures Isn’t a Financial Plan | Tim Ulbrich, PharmD,  Your Financial Pharmacist, Co-Founder/CEO

I sat down with Tim Ulbrich, PharmD, Co-Founder and CEO of Your Financial Pharmacist, to unpack a tough reality: why so many pharmacists earning six figures still feel broke. We dug into crushing student debt, soaring housing costs, wage stagnation—and the mindset shift needed to build real financial freedom. Tim brings clarity, strategy, and hope. This episode is sponsored by Remedichain.

06-09
41:30

The Power of Speaking to 20,000 People About PBMs | Benjamin Jolley, PharmD  Apex Pharmacy Consulting

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.

06-02
32:49

Great Negotiation Means Everyone Wins | Arun Swaminathan, MM, PhD Pharm. Sci. Coya Therapeutics, CEO, Board Member

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.

05-26
43:46

From Biotech Startup to Stock Market | Paul Romness, MHA, Health Policy OS Therapies, CEO

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.

05-19
38:16

The Medical Data Behind Everyday Wearables | Marco Benitez, BME ROOK, CEO and Founder

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.

05-12
40:20

From Early Struggles to Pharmacy Staffing Leader | Autumn-Kyoko Cushman, BS ShiftRx, CEO, Co-Founder

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.

05-05
45:14

Koelzer Brothers Reminisce: Lessons from the Pharmacy & Dad | Pete, Tom, Tim, & Mike Koelzer Koelzer

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.

04-28
01:08:21

How Pharmacies Get Penalized for Buying Wrong | Kris Rhea, MBA Pharmacy Marketplace, Dir. of Business. Dev.

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.

04-21
39:54

Redefining Pharmacy Benefits Without the Gimmicks | Joey Dizenhouse, FSA, MAAA SlateRx, President & CEO

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.

04-14
49:45

Navigating Legal Minefields for Independent Pharmacies | Dae Lee, PharmD & Adam Farkas, Attys Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC

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.

04-07
42:31

Exit Your Pharmacy Without Sacrificing its Value | Michelle Woosley, PharmD, MBA Cornerstone Business Services, VP, IB-Healthcare

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.

03-31
45:08

Marketing to Independent Pharmacies | Nicolle McClure & Bruce Kneeland

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.

03-24
54:05

Exploring Pharmacy Tech and Digital Healthcare | Rick Ratliff, BChE, MBA MedAdvisor Solutions , CEO

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!

03-17
57:18

The Future of Compounding Pharmacies | Brett Pine Revelation Pharma, CBDO

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

03-10
52:29

The Business of Precision Dosing: Smarter Pharmacy, Better Outcomes | Sharmeen Roy, PharmD, BCPS DoseMeRx, CSSO

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.🎧 Tune in now to discover how pharmacists can leverage technology for better, safer dosing decisions!

03-03
51:05

Is Selling Medical Equipment Smart? | Acacia Flory, Retail Experience Consultant

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!

02-24
44:52

Protecting Your Business from Cyber Threats | Brett Gallant, Founder & Director Adaptive Office Solutions

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.

02-17
41:15

From Basement Lab to NASDAQ | Lew Bender, M. Chem. Eng, MBA Intensity Therapeutics, Founder & CEO

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.

02-10
55:29

Market Research for Better Healthcare | Michaela Gascon, MBA KJT, President & CEO

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.

02-03
46:52

AI Answering Pharmacy Calls | Brennen Hodge, MBA VOXO, VP of Product

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.

01-27
51:23

Denny Luyis

A very interesting podcast. After listening to it, I learned about many of the intricacies of the pharmacy business. I was interested in this topic because a friend of mine owns an online Canadian Pharmacy - https://www.canadapharmacy.com/ . He says that there is a main rule in his pharmacy: do not overcharge the product.

04-20 Reply

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