REAL IS RARE

Simpson Labs

Welcome to the Real is Rare Podcast , where we pull back the curtain on the world of supplements, business, and entrepreneurship. Hosted by the founders of Simpson Labs—a trusted leader in supplement manufacturing—this show brings you candid conversations with customers, friends, and fellow business owners. Each episode dives into the real stories behind the industry: how today’s leaders got started, the challenges they faced, and the lessons they learned along the way. From the triumphs to the trials, our guests share insights that inspire, educate, and connect anyone passionate about building something great. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or just curious about what it takes to succeed in this fast-growing industry, the Real is Rare Podcast gives you a front-row seat to the journeys shaping the future of sports nutrition and health + wellness.

Episodes

  1. May 12

    REAL IS RARE EP 9 - Chris Wagner and Austin Holt with MacroCap Labs

    What does it take to build one of the fastest-growing beverage manufacturers in the country? In this episode of the Real is Rare podcast, the guys sit down with the team behind MacroCap Labs—the company helping power some of the biggest protein and functional beverage brands on the market today. From carbonated protein drinks and functional beverages to explosive growth inside Costco, Sam’s Club, and major retailers, this conversation dives deep into the business of innovation, manufacturing, and surviving the chaos of scaling fast. The episode covers everything from protein shortages and flavor innovation to why most brands fail, how great partnerships are built, and what separates companies that last from companies that disappear. But beyond the business talk, this episode is packed with real entrepreneur moments—taking massive risks, betting on yourself when nobody else believes in the vision, learning from failures, and building companies through relentless work ethic and obsession with improvement. If you’re into supplements, beverages, entrepreneurship, branding, or just want an inside look at how major products actually get made and brought to market, this episode is loaded with gems.

    36 min

  2. Apr 28

    REAL IS RARE EP 8 - Doug Miller and Dave Rynecki with Core Nutritionals + more

    REAL IS RARE is back with another BANGER! On this episode, the team sits down with Doug Miller and Dave Rynecki, the powerhouse minds behind the brands Core Nutritionals, Unmatched, Merica Labz + more, for an inside look at what it really takes to build, scale, and evolve multiple successful companies in the supplement industry. From early retail roots to managing a portfolio of brands, this conversation dives deep into the realities of entrepreneurship - navigating rapid growth, making tough decisions, and learning when to double down or pivot. The group breaks down everything from product innovation and licensing deals (including major collaborations like Transformers) to the challenges of inventory, distribution, and staying ahead in a competitive market. More than just business, this episode highlights the importance of team, vision, and authenticity - why having the right people matters, how staying true to your standards builds loyal customers, and what it means to create products you actually believe in. If you’re an entrepreneur, brand builder, or someone looking to understand what it takes to succeed in the supplement space, this episode offers a raw, unfiltered look behind the scenes of an industry that never slows down. Massive thanks to Doug and Dave for making the trip across country and stopping by the LAB! Needless to say we're all excited for what's next...just a tiddy bit!

    42 min

  3. Mar 29

    REAL IS RARE EP 7 - Jeff Logan with BECOME Nutrition

    On this episode of Real is Rare, Eric sits down with actor and Become Nutrition founder Jeff Logan for a high-energy conversation about building a supplement brand with real purpose, real quality, and real results. Jeff talks about the early grind behind Become, the hard lessons from bad manufacturing and costly setbacks, and how staying locked in on hero products like Be Clean and Be Lean helped shape the brand’s growth. They also get into Jeff’s acting journey — from his first background role to landing major parts — plus the discipline it takes to balance Hollywood, business, fatherhood, and wellness all at once. This episode is all about betting on yourself, learning the hard way, and building something real that people actually believe in. Thanks again Jeff for stopping by and revisiting where all the magic happens!

    1h 4m

  4. Jan 17

    REAL IS RARE EP 6 - Richard Wang and Ken Montes with NuLiv Science

    Richard and Ken Montes from NuLiv Science join the show to peel back the curtain on the real business of supplements — from the show floor at LA Fit Expo to the factory floor and all the chaos in between. The crew breaks down how brands actually break through, why transparency in manufacturing is becoming a competitive weapon, and how the old “secret sauce” era is dying fast. This episode gets into everything from rising protein and creatine prices, tariffs wrecking supply chains, and why brands are being forced to rethink formulations, to how patented ingredients, research, and long-term partnerships separate innovators from imitators. Thank you Richard and Ken for coming through to the pop-up podcast at the Ritz! Always a pleasure chatting with you guys. Keep crushing it out there!

    49 min

  5. 12/27/2025

    REAL IS RARE EP 5 - Darren Housholder and Eric Bugenhagen with Psycho Pharma

    This episode comes in swinging! Darren and Eric from Psycho Pharma sit down for a raw, no-filter conversation about building a fan-favorite supplement brand the hard way — loud ideas, heavy testing, and formulas that hit like a riff to the face. From the birth of Edge of Insanity to dialing in high-octane stim blends, product fails, comebacks, loyal die-hard fans, and a brand culture carved straight out of the gym and the mosh pit — this one is all attitude and authenticity. The crew goes deep on manufacturing quality, partnerships, global expansion, GNC momentum, and what it really takes to build something people feel in their chest, not just on a label.  Massive shoutout to Darren and Eric for rolling through with the Psycho fam, hanging with the crew, and stepping in the lab where their products are built. KEEP ROCKIN!

    1h 12m

  6. 12/17/2025

    REAL IS RARE EP 4 - Dustin Elliot with NND Nutrition

    This episode is a masterclass in modern supplement innovation. Dustin Elliott, Chief Branding Officer at NNB Nutrition, joins the show to break down what actually matters right now—next-gen ingredient tech, real clinical validation, and how to ride trends without getting burned. From HydroPrime glycerol and Genius Pure Alpha-GPC to the truth behind GLP-1 hype, post-GLP-1 support, premium creatine, and the future of hydration, Dustin delivers nonstop insight. The conversation wraps with bold takes on longevity ingredients, fermentation, influencer misinformation, sweeteners, and why quality, testing, and branding are becoming the ultimate differentiators in supplements. Thank you Dustin for taking the time to visit and share so much value for the listeners. We're excited for what's next between SL and NNB!

    1h 10m

  7. 12/10/2025

    REAL IS RARE EP 3 - Orion Melehan and Dr. Aaron Hinde with LIFEAID

    This episode is MUST LISTEN as Eric and Don dive into the origin and success of RTD + supplement giants LIFEAID. Founders Orion and Aaron share their individual stories of humble beginnings, the darkest times of building and the rise of a brand they literally went ALL IN on. From the entrepreneurial gems to the life lessons discussed, you're guaranteed to leave this episode with a bag of value and some good laughs! Thank you to Orion and Aaron for coming out and seeing how we get down here at Simpson Labs - and an even bigger thank you for trusting us with your products. Much love and success to you guys and the brand!

    54 min

  8. 10/08/2025

    REAL IS RARE EP 2 - Michael Alfaro with Masterfoods Lab

    Listen in as Eric and Jesse, our VP of Operations, sit down with Michael Alfaro from Masterfoods Lab - A contract manufacturer and food development company that creates "better-for-you" functional snacks for emerging CPG brands. Michael has an inspiring journey through the world of CrossFit gym operations that sparked the idea of starting a product of his own...instead he created a manufacturer to help do that for others! Tap into to some of his trade secrets in this episode of REAL IS RARE! Thank you Michael for taking the time to come out and see how we do things on the supplement side. Wishing you all the success!

    49 min

  9. 09/17/2025

    REAL IS RARE EP 1 - Tom Reilly with VMI

    Who better to have as our first official guest on Real is Rare than the one and only, Tom Reilly! Listen in as Tom takes you through his origin in the industry, discusses the trials and tribulations of VMI and how he and his team built their company to be the supplement powerhouse it is today! There are so many gems and great takeaways from this episode with decades of experience between Tom, Don and Eric. A MUST LISTEN! Thank you Tom for joining and being such a loyal customer and even better friend. We wish you all the success in the world!

    1h 7m
  • 9 Episodes

About

Welcome to the Real is Rare Podcast , where we pull back the curtain on the world of supplements, business, and entrepreneurship. Hosted by the founders of Simpson Labs—a trusted leader in supplement manufacturing—this show brings you candid conversations with customers, friends, and fellow business owners. Each episode dives into the real stories behind the industry: how today’s leaders got started, the challenges they faced, and the lessons they learned along the way. From the triumphs to the trials, our guests share insights that inspire, educate, and connect anyone passionate about building something great. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or just curious about what it takes to succeed in this fast-growing industry, the Real is Rare Podcast gives you a front-row seat to the journeys shaping the future of sports nutrition and health + wellness.

Information

  • Creator
    Simpson Labs
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 REAL IS RARE
  • Show Website
    REAL IS RARE