PBM on the Rocks

Mark Cuban: Shaking Up the PBM Status Quo

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0500

PBM Problems, Self-Insured Contracts, & Taking Back Control of Independent Pharmacy

In this blockbuster episode of PBM on the Rocks, we’re thrilled to welcome a special guest who needs no introduction: Mark Cuban.

Known for shaking up industries and challenging the status quo, Mark joins our Cocktail Crew for a candid conversation about the opaque world of PBMs. The conversation dives deep into how PBM practices are hurting employers, back office challenges facing independent pharmacies, and the potential of artificial intelligence to streamline operations and cut costs for small businesses.

Music by JuliusH | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Side Hustles, Rx Discount Cards, & the Prescription Benefit Mafia

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:15:00 -0500

Join the PBM OTR Cocktail Crew as they dive deep into the harsh realities facing independent pharmacies as we close out 2025. From the necessity of "side hustles" just to keep the lights on, to the dark side of AI in prior authorizations, the landscape is shifting rapidly. They’ll also unpack the upcoming reintroduction of the Pharmacists Fight Back Act in the 119th Congress, and take a look behind the curtain at prescription discount cards and how they actually work. If you're frustrated by rising insurance premiums, opaque pharmacy contracts, or the closure of your local drugstore, this episode is for you.

Special Guests: John Farina, AHF & Matt Ansay, Streu’s Pharmacy

Music by JuliusH | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Live Episode Part 2: PBM Reform, the Case for Unionization, & Finding Humor in Pharmacy

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 00:45:00 -0500

Welcome back to part two of our special live crossover episode with PBM on the Rocks and The PUTTcast!

In this conclusion to our live Summit day recording, we dive deeper into the critical issues facing the pharmacy industry today. The discussion picks back up on the front lines of PBM reform, exploring reform’s real-world impact on patients and independent pharmacies, then shifts to a powerful and often-debated topic: the case for unionization in pharmacy. But it's not all serious business. Maurice Shaw (The Dr of Comedy) and Shane Jerominsky (The Accidental Pharmacist) bring their unique perspectives as pharmacists and comedians to point out the comedic moments found in everyday pharmacy life - reminding us that laughter can be a powerful tool for coping with the immense pressures of the pharmacy profession.

Special Guests: Maurice Shaw, PharmD, Shane Jerominsky, RPh, & Greg Reybold, APCI VP of Healthcare Policy & General Counsel

Music by cat_herding_diva & JuliusH | Mixing by Andre Barden | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Live Episode Part 1: PBMs, Politics, & a PUTT Summit 2025 Recap

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 00:15:00 -0500

Join co-hosts Jeremy Counts and Lauren Young as The PUTTcast teams up with the PBM OTR Cocktail Crew for Part 1 of our special live crossover episode!

We're breaking down the biggest moments from the 2025 PUTT Virtual Summit, and diving deep into the ever-changing world of PBM reform. This powerhouse discussion features an incredible lineup of guests who share their unique perspectives on the latest legislative battles, grassroots advocacy, and what independent pharmacy owners are facing on the front lines.

Special Guest: Greg Reybold, VP of Healthcare Policy & General Counsel, APCI

Music by cat_herding_diva & JuliusH | Mixing by Andre Barden | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Building Coalitions, Tech Bros in Pharmacy, & the Importance of Taking Action

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:15:00 -0500

Join Lord Dr Jeremy and the PUTT Cocktail Crew with special guest Nebraska pharmacist and pharmacy owner Dave Randolph, RPh, as they dive into the critical issues shaping the future of pharmacy and healthcare. From the power of building coalitions for effective state-level advocacy, to the importance of subject matter education for legislators, and the dangers of so-called "pharmacy industry innovation" led by tech bros with no pharmacy background, this episode is packed with no holds barred conversation and insights for anyone who cares about local community pharmacy.

Music by JuliusH | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Legislative Recaps, PBM Retaliation, & the Community Importance of Independent Pharmacy

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 00:15:00 -0500

Welcome Back to PBM on the Rocks!

Join Lord Dr. Jeremy and the PUTT Cocktail crew with special guests John Farina (AHF) & Kris Rhea (Pharmacy Marketplace) as they unpack the summer's most significant state and federal legislative updates, explore the CVS Omnicare lawsuit verdict, and discuss its ripple effects on independent pharmacies including retaliatory actions by PBMs.

From shedding light on the critical role of independent pharmacies in our healthcare system - including the challenges they face with pharmacy MAC appeals, and the innovative solutions being developed to help them recover lost funds - to discussing how middlemen are draining resources from the American economy without delivering value - this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about reform, independent pharmacy advocacy, and the fight against PBM overreach in our healthcare system.

Music by JuliusH | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

House Bill 163, Deceptive PBM Tactics, and Building Relationships to Get Legislation Passed

Fri, 02 May 2025 00:15:00 -0500

North Carolina’s House Bill 163 would require pharmacies to be reimbursed at NADAC (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost) plus a fair dispensing fee, which would protect NC pharmacies - ensuring they can stay in business and continue providing critical care to patients. As usual, PBMs are spreading misinformation designed to scare patients and lawmakers by mislabeling these reforms as “taxes” and falsely claiming reforms will increase premiums.

Join the PUTT cocktail crew with NC pharmacy owners Wes Hickman, PharmD, & Stephen Joyce, RPh (PUTT board member) as they break down the benefits of HB 163, dispel the myths that PBM deceptions create, and discuss the importance of building strong relationships - because when it comes to pharmacy issues and helpful reform legislation, pharmacists really are the smartest people in the room.

Music by JuliusH | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

PBM Reform, Conflicts of Interest, & Anti-Monopoly After Lina Khan

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:15:00 -0500

What happens when the largest players in healthcare prioritize profit over patients? In this episode, we take a deep dive into the persistent monopolistic practices plaguing the industry.

Join the PUTT cocktail crew and special guest Emma Freer, Health Policy Analyst at the American Economic Liberties Project, as they explore the groundbreaking influence of Lina Khan at the FTC and her enduring impact on efforts to combat corporate monopolies across industries. From PBM reform legislation, to the dangerous conflicts of interest stemming from vertical integration across the healthcare spectrum, they break down the systemic issues affecting pharmacy and discuss actionable solutions for building a better, fairer system.

Music by JuliusH | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Association Unity, Grassroots Advocacy, & Making Independent Pharmacy Voices Heard

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 00:15:00 -0500

How can independent pharmacies tackle major challenges like reimbursement disparities, PBM legislative gaslighting, and advocating for fair policies in the healthcare industry? Join host Lord Dr. Jeremy, Alabama Independent Pharmacy Alliance's Trent McLemore, and the PUTT cocktail crew as they dive deep into the power of association and independent pharmacy unity and grassroots action as tools to amplify pharmacy and patient voices to get meaningful state legislation passed.

Music by JuliusH | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Counterfeit Medications, Rx Pricing Scams, & the Human Cost of PBM Practices

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:15:00 -0500

Counterfeit medications are on the rise, and behind this growing crisis lies a web of questionable practices and systemic failures perpetrated by PBMs throughout the healthcare industry. Listen in as Lord Dr Jeremy & the PUTT cocktail crew explore critical issues that affect the safety, affordability, and accessibility of prescription drugs and challenge the monopolistic grip PBMs hold over the healthcare market.

Joining us is Shabbir Safdar, Executive Director of The Partnership for Safe Medicines, an expert committed to exposing these issues and fighting for safer, more transparent practices. Together, they’ll unpack how PBM-driven anticompetitive games contribute to widespread vulnerabilities in drug safety and affordability.

Music by JuliusH | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Modern Medical Mafia Docuseries Premier Live from Rio Wisconsin

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -0500

Join PUTT podcasters Jeremy Counts, Lauren Young and Andrew Russell as they host the long awaited premier of Patient Protector's explosive docuseries, Modern Medical Mafia, live from Rio, Wisconsin.

Full docuseries available for streaming on Amazon Prime 1.21.25

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Production and Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Pharmacy Software, Fair Business Practices, & Advocating with a Single Voice

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:15:00 -0500

How can independent pharmacies thrive in a landscape dominated by consolidation and inequitable practices? In this episode, we explore the critical symbiosis between independent pharmacies and independent software providers. We’re joined by Kevin Minassian, President of Datascan Pharmacy Software, and Sarah Callioras, Datascan’s Vice President, to discuss the challenges facing the pharmacy sector and the power of supporting independent vendors.

From alarming trends like private equity buyouts of software providers to the parallels they share with PBM industry consolidation, our guests unpack how these practices are weakening the pharmacy industry. They passionately advocate for unity among independent pharmacies and vendors as the key to fighting back—and shine a light on federal legislation H.R. 9096 that could bring much-needed relief to everyone in pharmacy.

Special Guests: Kevin Minassian & Sarah Callioras, Datascan Pharmacy Software

Opening music by JuliusH | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

World AIDS Day Live with AHF

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0500

This special episode of PBM on the Rocks is recorded live from Hell’s Kitchen, NYC, in honor of World AIDS Day. Join us as we tackle the critical issues surrounding HIV/AIDS, featuring enlightening conversations with our expert guests. Together, we dispel harmful myths, confront stigma, and shine a spotlight on the barriers to care created by the broken pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) system.

Key Topics Discussed

Dispelling AIDS Myths: Breaking down the harmful stereotypes and misinformation that fuel stigma.
Promoting HIV Care & Awareness: Exploring the importance of HIV prevention, treatment, and education for improving quality of life and community health.
PBM Restrictions & Barriers: An inside look into how pharmacy benefit managers create insurmountable obstacles for patients in accessing affordable and timely care.
The 340B Program Under Fire: Understanding how PBMs’ practices adversely impact one of the most crucial programs for supporting marginalized communities.

Special Guests: John Farina, AIDS Healthcare Foundation | Danny Dang, Pharmacists Society of the State of New York | Fareed Choudry, Pharmacist, AIDS Healthcare Foundation

Opening music by JuliusH from Pixabay" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="ql-size-small">JuliusH | Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

FixRx, PCMA White Papers, & the Political Influence of Independent Pharmacy

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:30:00 -0500

Join Lord Dr Jeremy and PUTT Executive Director Monique Whitney, as they host special guests Vinny Chiffy of FixRx & APCI political guru Greg Reybold to discuss how New York pharmacists paved the way for real talk about PBMs with their FixRx campaign, staying loud about PBM reform during a lame duck session, and how independent pharmacies have more political influence than they realize.

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Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Live from NCPA 2024 (day 2)

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 00:15:00 -0500

Join Lord Dr Jeremy and PUTT Executive Director Monique Whitney as they host a stream of pharmacy advocacy powerhouses at day 2 of the annual NCPA Conference

#pharmacy #pbmreform

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Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Live from NCPA 2024 (day 1)

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Join Lord Dr Jeremy, PUTT Executive Director Monique Whitney, and an illustrious panel of NCPA convention guests as they discuss making headway in the fight for PBM reform, H.R. 9096, FixRx, and the upcoming documentary that may change the game.

#pharmacy #pbmreform

Opening music by JuliusH

Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Live from the IPA Medicaid Reform Event

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Join Lord Dr Jeremy as he broadcasts PBM on the Rocks live from the Independent Pharmacy Alliance Medicaid Reform event in East Rutherford, NJ

Special Guests: John Giampolo, Anthony Reznik, Heather Rodgers, Raj Shah, Brian Oliveira

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Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

LIVE from the OptumRx Protest

Sat, 14 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Join Lord Dr Jeremy and the PUTT crew as they band together with patients, pharmacists, physicians, and other advocacy organizations to protest PBM abusive practices at Optum HQ in Eden Prairie, MN.

Special Guests: Mike Kolzer host of The Business of Pharmacy podcast, Bil Schmidtknect (@angrydadwi), Claudia Holley & Julie Baak from Arthritis Center STL, John Farina of AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Douglas Hoey CEO of the National Community Pharmacists Organization, and Matt Stoller of the American Economic Liberties Project

Opening music by JuliusH from Pixabay" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="ql-size-small">JuliusH, Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Protest Cocktail Menu:

airplane bottles of Jameson
Spotted Cow beer
Sprinkler water (listen to find out how!)

PBMs, Patients & Protests (Oh My!) LIVE episode

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:15:00 -0500

Grab and drink & join this month's very special cocktail crew as they discuss the many reasons why this September's Friday the 13th protest at OptumRx is so important, and how raising your voice about the issues is crucial for advocating across the healthcare spectrum.

Special Guests: Angry Dad Bil Schmidtknecht (@angrydadwi), AIDS Healthcare Foundation's (@AIDShealthcare) John Farina, Independent Pharmacy Alliance's (@IPAPharmacies) Anthony Reznik, & Arthritis Center STL's (@ArthritisSTL) Claudia Holley

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Episode Cocktail Menu:

Classic Old Fashioned
High Noon
Irish Whiskey in a glass (it's our host Lord Dr Jeremy - of course there's Irish whiskey)

LIVE with Special Guest Mike Koelzer

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Listen in as Lord Dr Jeremy and the PBM OTR cocktail crew host special guests Mike Koelzer, host of The Business of Pharmacy podcast, and Thu Nguyen, co-host of the podcast Hey Rx Friends We Got This

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Production by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Applying Pressure, PBM Perjury, and an Empty Bottle of Irish Whiskey

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Join this month's PBM Reform cocktail crew as they discuss PBM exec lies during the recent Congressional hearing, the FTC Open Commission meeting, and why applying pressure at both the state and federal levels is so critical to getting real, enforceable reform across the finish line!

Special Guest, Massachusetts pharmacy owner, Joe Chammas

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Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Special FTC Episode LIVE with Matt Stoller

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Join our host Lord Dr Jeremy as he discusses PBM antitrust issues, and the newly released FTC 6b study interim report with experts Matt Stoller and Greg Reybold.

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Communication, Aggregate Data, and a Dry IPA July

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 00:15:00 -0500

Join Lord Dr Jeremy and this month's cocktail crew as they discuss the importance of communication in advocacy, the newly released 3Axis report, and how PUTT is offering solutions to the PBM problem.

Special Guests: pharmacy owners & PUTT Executive Board members Brandi Chane and Lauren Young

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Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

PBM on the Rocks LIVE from the American Pharmacies Cocktail Reception

Sat, 15 Jun 2024 22:45:00 -0500

Join Lord Dr. Jeremy, the PUTT team, and the biggest names in pharmacy as they try to survive an open bar at the infamous APEX cocktail reception!

Speaking Up, Fighting Back, & Cold Whiskey with a Fancy Ice Cube

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 00:15:00 -0500

Join the PBMOTR cocktail crew as they pick apart CPESN's Express Scripts partnership announcement, shed light on how states like New York, Florida, and Louisiana are getting real work done, and why PUTT's voice is so important in the fight - because when it comes to combatting PBM mafia tactics, enforcing reimbursement reform is the only way ALL pharmacies will be able to stay in business.

Special Guests: Danny Dang, incoming President, Pharmacists Society of the State of New York (PSSNY), & Andrew Russell, MN Independent Pharmacist

Opening music by JuliusH from Pixabay" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="ql-size-small">JuliusH

Episode Cocktail Menu:

the Jubilee
Gentleman Jack on ice
Singtop beer
the Algorithmic Price Fixer
Spicy Paloma
the Cross-Eyed Chiller
Tom Collins

Find all the PBM on the Rocks cocktails at TruthRx.org/pbm-on-the-rocks

Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Protesters, PBMs, & a Bottle of Ice Cold Water

Fri, 17 May 2024 20:30:00 -0500

It's the LIVE version of PBM on the Rocks!

Join Lord Dr Jeremy as he hosts a battalion of guests including NCPA CEO Doug Hoey, Arthritis Center STL's Julie Baak, independent pharmacy lawyer Mark Boesen, Pharmacy Dr of Comedy Maurice Shaw, and other drop in friends like Unite for Safe Medications' Loretta Boesing, PUTT board member Brandi Chane, the Angry Pharmacist, and Shane Jerominski aka the Accidental Pharmacist.

Our live broadcast from #ProtestExpressScripts is full of raw emotion and a few surprises - definitely an episode not to be missed!

(even though we're sure the helicopter fly-bys were orchestrated by ESI)

Opening music by JuliusH from Pixabay" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="ql-size-small">JuliusH, Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Corporate Terminology, Discriminatory Practices, & a Baby Yoda Margarita

Fri, 03 May 2024 00:15:00 -0500

It's not difficult to equate vertically-integrated corporate control of American healthcare with "the Dark Side" - which makes patient advocates like Jen Laws of CANN, pro-independent pharmacy lawyers like Miguel Rodriguez of APRx, and the board members of Pharmacists United for Truth & Transparency definitely part of "the Rebel Alliance"!

The subject for this episode's cocktail discussion - How can we as advocates overcome the Big PBM/Health Insurance Death Star?

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Episode Cocktail Menu:

Han Shot First
Tatooine Sunset
BB8 Bellini
Qui Gon Jinn & Tonic
Baby Yoda Margarita
Spicy Mango-lorian
Qui Gon Gin

Editing & Production by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Pharmacy Extermination, Benefits Plans, & a Rum-Float Solar Eclipse

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 00:15:00 -0500

April is Stress Awareness Month. Are you aware of how much stress PBMs cause?

Listen in as the PUTT Cocktail Crew hosts WayPoint Rx's Ben Coakley and California pharmacy owner Sona Kazangian. From pharmacy benefits plan options, to reimbursement issues - the gloves come off when the subject of PBMs is on the table!

Episode Cocktail Menu:

Spicy Bloody Mary
Mojito
Black Cherry Vodka & Soda
Wine in a Box
Heineken
Solar Eclipse Cocktail
Topo Chico Margarita
Bottle of Wine with a Straw

Find all of our episode cocktail recipes at TruthRx.org/pbm-on-the-rocks

Opening music by JuliusH
Production & Editing: Shannon Wightman-Girard

Cyberattacks, Surge Pricing, & a Rye-Rish Manhattan

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:30:00 -0500

From the patient travesties inflicted by the Change Healthcare cyberattack, to independent pharmacy future viability, pharmacy unions, and PBM parallels on Wendy's surge pricing - when you put pharmacy internet icons in the cocktail crew, there's no holds barred on what might be said!

Special Guests: The Accidental Pharmacist & The Angry Pharmacist

Episode Cocktail Menu:

Irish Mule
The Depressed Pharmacist
Red Wine
Rye-Rish Manhattan

Opening music by JuliusH

Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Prior Auths, Vitamin Supplements, and a PBM-Themed Red Wine Spritzer

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 00:15:00 -0500

Welcome to our February Episode! From industry-wide issues like prior authorizations, to disease states, pain management, and vitamin supplement shams - when PBMs and their parent health insurance parent corporations meddle in healthcare, the results are rarely good for anyone.

Special Guests: Rheumatologist Dr. Steven Baak, & pharmacy owner Anne Hutchens

Episode Cocktail Menu:

Jeremy's favorite IPA
Mock Aperol Spritz
Vodka on the rocks with an olive
Rusty Nail
PBM Kinda Love (red wine spritzer)
Opening music by JuliusH
Editing & production by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Pharmacy Frauds, Fee Hangovers, & a Bottle of Bourbon Barrel Stout

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 00:15:00 -0500

Only 2 weeks into the new year, and the aftermath of CMS’ new DIR fee rule is already wreaking havoc.

Listen in as our January cocktail crew breaks down the bull. From the DIR “hangover” (aka Medicare-mageddon) to PBMs’ newest reimbursement torture tactics, and frauds that give pharmacy a bad name - it's a timely dissection of industry stupidity where no CEO is safe.

Special Guests: Brandi Chane, LPN & Van Coble, RPh (retired)

Episode Cocktail Menu:

Magic Grapefruit Greyhound
Hibiscus Mule
Urethra Fire (aka Bulleit on ice)
Dragon's Milk (bourbon barrel stout)
Black Cherry Vodka Spritzer

Visit TruthRx.org/pbm-on-the-rocks for episode cocktail recipes

Opening music by JuliusH, Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Understaffing, Unionization, & a Questionable Carton of Eggnog

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 00:15:00 -0500

Understaffing, Unionization, & a Questionable Carton of Eggnog

Thanks to the vertical integration of U.S. healthcare, the greed-based practices of PBMs and their health insurance parent corporations negatively affect everything from chain staffing, to patient access and safety at all levels of pharmacy.

Listen in as our December cocktail crew takes a deep dive into the issues. From theoretical staffing shortages and pharmacy scope of practice, to addressing safety problems in retail pharmacy, and impending unionization - no subject is taboo during this breakdown!

With Special Guests: Shane Jerominski (The Accidental Pharmacist), & Maurice Shaw (Rx Comedy)

To learn more about the movement for pharmacy unionization, visit PharmacyGuild.org

Episode Cocktail Menu:

“Celpy Eggnog”
Crown Apple (in the bottle)
Store bought Eggnog (in a carton)
Red Wine (in a glass)
Holiday Sangria

Opening music by JuliusH
Editing & Production by Shannon Wightman-Girard

DIR Fees, Chain Pharmacies, & a Bottle of Cheap Whiskey

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 00:15:00 -0500

Welcome to our scary October episode

... and it doesn't get any scarier than corporate chain pharmacy policies and (the most terrifying) DIR FEES.

Listen in as our very special guest, The Angry Pharmacist, joins this month's cocktail conversation. From DEA metrics, to wholesalers, pharmacy organizations & PBM problems - no subject is safe from these silver tongues!

Episode Cocktail Menu:

the DIR (aka a bottle of Irish whiskey)
the BER (aka Pumpkin Cider)
the ComeVisitSatan (scotch whiskey neat with a side of cabernet)
Angry Pharmacy Juice (aka a plastic bottle of cheap whiskey)

Opening music by JuliusH, Production & Editing by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Kickbacks, Squeaky Wheels, & a Fake Kentucky Mule

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:15:00 -0500

It's Mocktails and PBM Mockery!

From schadenfreude moments like CVS's stock drop, to the differences between kickbacks and healthcare rebates (there are none), and even a foray into political process - listen in as the PBM Rocks cocktail crew gets real about the status of PBM reform efforts, and why it's so important to get involved.

Special Guests: Dave Bagot & Mark Boesen

Episode (Mock)tail Menu:

Kentucky Mule
Coconut Mojito
Coca-Cola (on the rocks)
Diet Pepsi (in a can)
Local Draft IPA

For this episode's and all PBM on the Rocks' cocktail recipes, visit TruthRx.org/PBM-on-the-Rocks

PBM on the Rocks music by JuliusH
Editing & Production by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Federal Hearings, Fraudulent Actions, & a Spiked Ice Cream Float

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 00:15:00 -0500

From recent federal hearings and impending legislative action, to pharmacy DIR fees, copay accumulators, and whole host of other PBM fraud-based practices - in this special girls' night episode, the women of pharmacy put pharmacy benefit manipulator practices in their rightful place... 6 feet under.

with special guests Brandi Chane & Teresa Dickinson

Episode Cocktail Menu:

Spiked Ice Cream Float
Lime Rickey
Hurricane
White Wine Spritzer

For PBM on the Rocks cocktail recipes, visit TruthRx.org/PBM-on-the-Rocks

Opening music by JuliusH

Production: Shannon Wightman-Girard

Pharmacy Deserts, Corporate Greed, & a Rob Roy

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 00:30:00 -0500

Episode 6: Pharmacy Deserts, Corporate Greed, & a Rob Roy

Have you ever wondered why some insurance plans require patients to travel to a pharmacy 20 to 30 minutes away for their prescriptions instead of covering prescriptions at the patient's local nearby pharmacy? Or, why lobbyists publish opinion articles in national news sources claiming that PBMs lower costs and save employers money, yet both prescription costs and premiums seem to be constantly rising?

Welcome to this month's cocktail hour. From issues with lobbyists, brokers, & corporate greed; to state & federal politics, PhRMA, & why shopping local includes your neighborhood independent pharmacy - no area of healthcare is safe when it comes to this discussion!

Featuring Special Guest John Farina with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation

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This Month's Cocktail Menu:

Rob Roy
Limoncello
Margarita Hard Seltzer
IPA

For cocktail recipes & additional insights, visit our website: TruthRx.org/pbm-on-the-rocks

GPOs, Small Business Economics, & a Sweet Tea

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 00:15:00 -0500

Episode 5: GPOs, Small Business Economics, & a Sweet Tea

Did you know that Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs) are PBMs' even more shadowy twin, and they're being formed to add additional layers of complexity into the drug pricing market?

Listen in as the PUTT Cocktail Crew welcomes Texas independent pharmacy owner Brandi Chane, and patient advocate Julie Hoffman to the table. From the dangers of GPOs, to copay accumulators, pharmacy deserts, "loss leaders", and their destructive economic effect on small business pharmacies and their patients - it's an illuminating conversation you don't want to miss!

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Production by Shannon Wightman-Girard

Episode Cocktail Menu:

Manhattan
Irish Whiskey
Mimosa Seltzer
Sweet Tea

Rebates, Reimbursements, & a shot of Tequila

Fri, 05 May 2023 00:15:00 -0500

The Cinco de Mayo Episode

This cocktail hour the gang welcomes nonprofit healthcare foundation CEO Jeffery Lewis and PUTT Vice President Lauren Young, for a conversation that twists and turns through PBM-created issues such as rebate aggregators, patient access, underwater reimbursements, and how ultimately, a small group of determined individuals can make a difference against the vertically-integrated health-no-care machine.

Featuring: Monique Whitney, Jeremy Counts, Brian Nyquist, Jeffery Lewis, Lauren Young, & Shannon Wightman-Girard

Click the links to learn more about the Legacy Health Endowment, EMC Health Foundation, the National Infusion Center Association, and Pharmacists United for Truth & Transparency

Episode Cocktail Menu:

Paloma
Mexican Mule
Sangria
Pineapple-Infused Water
Beer (pick your fave)

Opening music by JuliusH

Production: Shannon Wightman-Girard

Beating Optum, Bad Marketing, & a Tia Maria

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Episode 3: Beating Optum, Bad Marketing, & a Tia Maria

From fraud allegations, to legal smackdowns and new regulation legislation; public opinion of pharmacy benefit managers and their health insurance parent companies is steadily swirling towards a comedic death spiral.

Listen in as the PUTT crew and independent pharmacy legal eagle Mark Cuker and discuss his recent lawsuit wins, legislative language strategies, and pointing out the stupidly obvious in PBM attempts at rebranding.

Hosts: Monique Whitney, Jeremy Counts, Shannon Wightman-Girard

Special Guests: Mark Cuker, Lauren Young

To learn more about the PUNCH lawsuit discussed in this episode, email Mark Cuker at Mark@CukerLaw.com

Episode Cocktail Menu:

Tia Maria Coffee
Paloma
Espresso Martini
Iced Whiskey
Hot Tea Toddy

Opening music by JuliusH

Production: Shannon Wightman-Girard

NPI Number Fraud, PBC Problems & Bourbon

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 22:00:00 -0500

Episode 2: NPI Number Fraud, PBC Problems & Bourbon

Grab a glass! From re-victimization of pharmacies dealing with the fallout from stolen NPI numbers, to PCMA's new PBM rebranding campaign & the recent Senate hearing on pharmacy benefit manager/company transparency… you never know what might be revealed when pharmacy industry professionals discuss PBM (aka PBC) tactics over drinks.

Hosts: PUTT's Monique Whitney, Lord Dr. Jeremy Counts, and Shannon Wightman-Girard

Special Guests: Texas independent pharmacy owner Leah Allen, PharmD; APRx Senior VP of Sales Ryan Gevara; & APRx General Counsel Miguel Rodriguez

Today's Cocktail Menu:

Sidecar
Margarita
Bourbon (neat)
Scotch (on the rocks)
the Lord Dr Jeremy
Twisted Energy

Opening music by JuliusH

Podcast Production Team: Shannon Wightman-Girard, Logan Smith

PBMs in Healthcare: The Bar is Set - and OPEN

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Insiders in the healthcare industry experience the atrocities of pharmacy benefit managers' unethical business practices every day - but many of their middleman shenanigans are hidden from public view.

Welcome to our happy hour style, no holds barred conversation!

Join hosts Monique Whitney, Brian Nyquist, Jeremy Counts, and show producer Shannon Wightman-Girard as they discuss (over cocktails) the REAL story of PBMs' effect on the U.S. healthcare system.

This Episode's Special Guests: PUTT President Deborah Keaveny, & APCI General Counsel Greg Reybold

Music by JuliusH from Pixabay" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="ql-size-small">JuliusH

The Cocktails:

Smoked Old Fashioned
Classic Manhattan
Scotch (neat)
Alabama Moonshine (in a jar)
Peach Blasphemy
the King Jeremy
Beer (pick your fave)

brought to you by Pharmacists United for Truth and Transparency

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