Calm The Pharm Podcast

Sarah Stoddart
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Welcome to Calm the Pharm - where pharmacy business meets legal wisdom, minus the headache. In each episode, we share practical legal tips and real life examples to help you run your pharmacy with confidence.

  1. 6D AGO

    Ep 39 - The Ripple Effect: How one bad experience can cost you

    In this episode of the Calm the Pharm podcast, host Sarah Stoddart shares insights on how the quality of your team, including third-party contractors, can significantly influence your pharmacy's reputation and customer experience. The discussion begins with a personal anecdote involving a problematic delivery of a washing machine, which led to extensive damage to her property due to the inexperience of a delivery driver. Despite having previously enjoyed reliable service from the same company, this incident highlighted the consequences of relying on outside contractors who do not uphold expected standards Stoddart emphasises the importance of ensuring that every individual your business engages with, whether employees or third-party contractors, reflects the desired vibe and quality of service you wish to portray. The lack of communication from the delivery company after the incident left her questioning whether she would continue to use their services, illustrating how a single poor experience can overshadow previous positive interactions. She concludes by urging pharmacy owners to carefully consider who they involve in their operations, as everyone who interacts with customers contributes to their overall perception of your brand. Maintaining a consistent, positive vibe across all touchpoints is crucial for nurturing a loyal customer base. The episode reinforces the idea that while business owners cannot manage every aspect of their operations, the people they choose to represent them play a vital role in sustaining their reputation. Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses.  In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards.  Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland. www.vitalitylawaustralia.com Instagram: @vitalitylawaustralia Facebook: Vitality Law Australia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

    5 min

  2. FEB 15

    Ep 38 - Navigating the Pharmacy Location Rules : Your Essential Guide - Part 4

    In this episode of the Calm the Pharm podcast, host Sarah Stoddart explores the complex requirements of pharmacy location rules, specifically focusing on the legal necessity that the proposed premises can operate as a pharmacy under relevant local and state laws pertaining to land development. This marks the fourth and final discussion on the general pharmacy requirements. Sarah breaks down the convoluted requirement that, at all relevant times—which includes the application submission and the time it is assessed—applicants need to prove that the land where the pharmacy will be located is appropriately zoned according to local government laws. This necessity stems from the fact that various areas are subject to different zoning classifications, such as residential, commercial, industrial, or rural. Pharmacies are generally found in commercial or retail zones, as industrial zones typically do not allow such establishments due to inconsistencies with zoning laws. To demonstrate compliance with zoning requirements, Sarah suggests examining the local planning scheme applicable to the proposed pharmacy location. This scheme outlines zoning maps and enables applicants to determine the classification of the intended site. Local council websites often provide tools for conducting zoning searches, allowing pharmacy owners to see how a specific address is categorised. From there, applicants need to identify the zoning, its purpose, and the permitted uses defined by the planning scheme. In cases where an online search isn't feasible, applicants might need to contact local councils or town planners to clarify what is permissible for that land. Additionally, for newer developments, providing a copy of the development approval can be beneficial. To close the episode, Sarah encourages listeners to subscribe and engage with the Calm the Pharm podcast as new content continues to be released throughout 2026. She also highlights her participation in the upcoming APP conference on the Gold Coast, where she'll deliver a presentation on essential clauses for protecting pharmacy partnerships. Overall, the episode aims to equip pharmacy owners with necessary insights to navigate legal requirements confidently. Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses.  In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards.  Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland. www.vitalitylawaustralia.com Instagram: @vitalitylawaustralia Facebook: Vitality Law Australia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

    8 min

  3. FEB 8

    Ep 37 - Navigating the Pharmacy Location Rules : Your Essential Guide - Part 3

    In this episode of the Calm the Pharm podcast, host Sarah Stoddart delves into two essential requirements related to pharmacy location rules, aimed at helping pharmacy owners navigate legal standards. This episode is part three of their ongoing series, continuing to build on previous discussions. The first requirement focuses on ensuring that the proposed pharmacy premises are accessible to the public. While this may seem straightforward, the stipulation is that access must be granted to the general public, not limited to specific groups. For instance, a pharmacy situated within a hospital may restrict access to hospital patients only, which would not satisfy the requirement. The second key requirement is that the pharmacy must be prepared to commence operations within six months following the authority's recommendation regarding the application. For instance, if a recommendation is made on February 1st, the pharmacy should be operational by August 1st. This timeline includes ensuring that lease agreements, fit-out plans, and supporting evidence align with this six-month window. Sarah wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to stay tuned for future episodes, where she will continue to provide valuable insights into the legal aspects of running a pharmacy business. Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses.  In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards.  Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland. www.vitalitylawaustralia.com Instagram: @vitalitylawaustralia Facebook: Vitality Law Australia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

    8 min

  4. FEB 1

    Ep 36 - Navigating the Pharmacy Location Rules : Your Essential Guide - Part 2

    In this episode of the Calm the Pharm podcast, host Sarah Stoddart delves into the critical requirement of having a legal right to occupy the premises when making an application under the Pharmacy Location Rules. Attention to detail is paramount in ensuring compliance with the necessary pharmacy location rules. Having the correct, legally binding right to occupy at the time of the application is a critical component for successful navigation of the application process. As always, reaching out for legal advice can provide clarity and ease when preparing the necessary documentation. Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses.  In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards.  Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland. www.vitalitylawaustralia.com Instagram: @vitalitylawaustralia Facebook: Vitality Law Australia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

    7 min

  5. JAN 18

    Ep 35 - Navigating the Pharmacy Location Rules : Your Essential Guide - Part 1

    In the first episode of Calm the Pharm podcast for 2026, host Sarah Stoddart outlines essential legal requirements for pharmacy location applications, focusing on the general requirements applicable to all pharmacy location rules. The discussion centers around two main conditions that must be met for pharmacy premises approval. 1. Non-Approved Premises: The first requirement states that, at all relevant times, the proposed premises must not be classified as "approved premises." 2. Public Access Restrictions: The second requirement specifies that the proposed pharmacy must not be directly accessible by the public from within a supermarket. To comply, applicants have to demonstrate that there is no direct passage from the supermarket to the pharmacy without going outside. The podcast clarifies the definition of "direct access" and distinguishes public access from other access points. The podcast also defines what constitutes a supermarket, emphasising that it refers to a retail store primarily focused on selling a wide range of grocery items and that does not include specialty health food lines, departmental stores, or cafes. Overall, this episode serves as a practical guide for pharmacy owners navigating the Pharmacy Location Rules process, emphasising the importance of understanding and satisfying these foundational legal criteria. Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses.  In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards.  Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland. www.vitalitylawaustralia.com Instagram: @vitalitylawaustralia Facebook: Vitality Law Australia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

    6 min

  6. 11/16/2025

    Ep 34 - When the Landlord Changes: Safeguarding your lease

    In this episode of the Calm the Pharm podcast, host Sarah Stoddart discusses a critical concern for pharmacy owners: what happens when a landlord sells the property where the pharmacy operates. Many businesses lease their premises, and when ownership changes hands, it can cause anxiety for tenants about the implications for their leases and relationships with new landlords. To safeguard their pharmacies amidst such transitions, Sarah recommends several strategies. Ultimately, Sarah encourages pharmacy owners to take proactive steps in understanding and strengthening their leasing agreements to ensure stability, even in the face of property ownership changes. The episode wraps up with an invitation for listener feedback and encourages subscriptions to the podcast for ongoing legal insights specific to pharmacy businesses. Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses.  In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards.  Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland. www.vitalitylawaustralia.com Instagram: @vitalitylawaustralia Facebook: Vitality Law Australia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

    6 min

  7. 11/09/2025

    Ep 33 - Subleasing Success: Key points for pharmacy owners

    In this episode of the Calm the Pharm podcast, host Sarah Stoddart discusses the critical aspects of subleasing for pharmacy owners in Australia. She emphasises that most pharmacy businesses operate under a lease agreement, typically with a third-party landlord or through ownership via structures like self-managed superannuation funds. The focus here is on understanding the complexities and legalities of subleasing to a third party tenant. The podcast underscores the importance of a legal and structured approach to subleasing in the pharmacy business. Owners need to ensure compliance with their head lease, prepare the necessary documentation, and understand the implications of subleasing agreements thoroughly. By providing these insights, the episode aims to empower pharmacy business owners to navigate the complexities of subleasing confidently and legally. Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses.  In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards.  Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland. www.vitalitylawaustralia.com Instagram: @vitalitylawaustralia Facebook: Vitality Law Australia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

    11 min

  8. 11/02/2025

    Ep 32 - The Pharmacy Industry Award: A must listen for employers

    In this episode of the "Calm the Pharm" podcast, the focus is on the Pharmacy Industry Award, which governs the employment conditions for many working in the community pharmacy sector. Understanding this award is crucial for pharmacy business owners and managers, as it lays out key employment obligations. The episode summarizes six essential aspects of the award. 1. Exclusions from the Award 2. Minimum Wage Requirements 3. Individual Flexibility Arrangements (IFAs) 4. Annual Leave Loading 5. Rostering Guidelines 6. Superannuation Obligations The discussion emphasises the complexities of managing employment obligations and the potential consequences of non-compliance, including financial penalties and damage to employer-employee relationships. Employers are encouraged to seek legal advice for better navigation and management of their obligations under the Pharmacy Industry Award. The podcast concludes with an invitation for listeners to reach out with any questions they may have regarding the award or related topics. Calm The Pharm is brought to you by your host, Sarah Stoddart. Sarah is the founder and director of Vitality Law Australia, a boutique law firm which provides small business owners and healthcare professionals across Australia with clear legal pathways and peace of mind. She is recognised as a leader in the healthcare industry and is one of only a few lawyers in Australia with specialist experience working with pharmacy businesses.  In 2021, Sarah was named the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Australian Sole Practitioner of the Year. She was also named as a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Business Awards. In 2022, she was named as a finalist in the Women in Business Awards for The Hills and Districts Chamber of Commerce, the Australian Law Awards and again in the Women in Law Awards.  Sarah is the co-author of business book, “Courage and Confidence”. The book is a collection of inspirational stories combined with practical tools, tips and advice written by a small group of Australian women in business.  She is also a non-executive director of MS Queensland. www.vitalitylawaustralia.com Instagram: @vitalitylawaustralia Facebook: Vitality Law Australia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stoddart-23b92240/

    10 min
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About

Welcome to Calm the Pharm - where pharmacy business meets legal wisdom, minus the headache. In each episode, we share practical legal tips and real life examples to help you run your pharmacy with confidence.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Stoddart
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 null All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    Calm The Pharm Podcast