Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast

May 21

From Overwhelmed to Optimized: Pharmacy Automation That Actually Works

Looking to scale your business without sacrificing time, energy, and cash flow? In this episode, Johnathon Duhon sits down with Rannon Ching to unpack how independent pharmacies can scale smarter. From cutting data entry time by 80% to expanding vaccine programs without burnout, this conversation is packed with real-world strategies you can implement to grow your business today. Hosted By: Johnathon Duhon | VP of PMS Sales, RedSail Technologies Guest: Rannon Ching | Founder, AccessPoint Vaccine Partners | Co-Founder & CEO, Kannon Health Rannon’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rannon-ching-60725a60/ Looking for more information about independent pharmacy? Visit https://www.redsailtechnologies.com
May 6

Why RedSail’s Connect Conference Is a Game‑Changer for Independent Pharmacies

Wondering if Connect 2026 is worth the hype? Take it from Joe Williams, a long-time attendee, speaker, and Connect enthusiast. In this episode, Joe shares how the in‑hallway conversations, late‑night brainstorms, and direct access to super-users at Connect drive innovation faster than any support line ever could. If you’re looking to learn, scale, or get more involved in the world of independent pharmacy, you won’t want to miss Connect. 00:00 – Opening: The Value of Connect 01:05 – Networking, Collaboration, and Hallway Huddles 05:40 – Inside the Live Training Rooms 07:44 – The Power of Conversations at Connect Hosted By: Johnathon Duhon | VP of PMS Sales, RedSail Technologies Guest: Joe Williams | Co-Founder, Apex Pharmacy Consulting Looking for more information about independent pharmacy? Visit https://www.redsailtechnologies.com
Apr 29

Why Vaccines Are the Most Underrated Profit Center in Pharmacy

Vaccines sit at the intersection of patient care and real pharmacy revenue—but most pharmacies never unlock their full potential. In this episode, Johnathon Duhon sits down with Rannon Ching to break down how independent pharmacies can scale vaccines year-round using smarter workflows, better systems, and a new approach to education and buying power. 00:20 – From Pharmacy to Vaccine Startup 01:50 – Why Pharmacy Systems Beat Medical EHRs 03:55 – Vaccines as Patient Care and Profit 06:05 – Introducing Access Point Vaccine Partners 08:23 – Education, Mentorship, and Collaboration 09:28 – Solving the Capacity Problem 11:41 – Three Vaccine Features Every Pharmacy Should Use 13:29 – Bulk Uploads and Clinic Efficiency Hosted By: Johnathon Duhon | VP of PMS Sales, RedSail Technologies Guest: Rannon Ching | Founder, AccessPoint Vaccine Partners | Co-Founder & CEO, Kannon Health Rannon’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rannon-ching-60725a60/ Looking for more information about independent pharmacy? Visit https://www.redsailtechnologies.com
Apr 16

How NCPA Prepares the Next Generation of Pharmacy Owners

Behind every successful pharmacy is a support system rallying behind it. For pharmacy owners Mark Ey, Jade Ranger, and Hashim Zaibak, that support comes from NCPA. In this segment, the trio sits down with Jonathan Duhon to talk about how they’ve made the most of their NCPA memberships: from participating in the annual Ownership Workshop to the Pathways to Ownership program to steering committees, business and clinical classes, and everything in between. They also share how they’ve taken what they’ve learned at NCPA and spread the message to other prospective owners: in speaking engagements, student mentorships, and networking across the industry. If you’re looking to turn your ownership dream into reality, start with NCPA. 00:00 – Education & Training: Shifting the Conversation 02:00 – Ownership Workshops & Pathways to Ownership 04:00 – Business Acumen & Clinical Training Needs 06:00 – Learning Through Committees & Real-Time Collaboration 08:00 – Representation, Inclusion & Minority Ownership 10:00 – Investing in Students & the Next Generation 12:00 – National Outreach, School Visits & Leadership Development 14:00 – Preparing Future Owners & Expanding NCPA’s Impact Hosted By: Johnathon Duhon | VP of PMS Sales, RedSail Technologies Guest: Mark Ey | SVP & COO, NCPA Jade Ranger | Owner/Pharmacist, The Prescription Shoppe Hashim Zaibak | Founder, Hayat Pharmacy Looking for more information about independent pharmacy? Visit https://www.redsailtechnologies.com
Apr 10

How Clean Data Can Transform Your Pharmacy Overnight

Joe Williams breaks down why open enrollment never really ends, how clean data unlocks hidden opportunities for patients and pharmacies alike, and how strategic Medicare enrollment support can transform community care. Plus, how one family saved over $9,000. 00:00 Open Enrollment Never Really Ends 00:50 Why Medicare Shouldn’t Be Seasonal 02:01 Building Med Smart Insurance 03:35 Identifying Opportunities at the Pharmacy Counter 04:06 How Better Plans Help Patients & Pharmacies 06:47 Proving the Model Works at Scale 11:02 A $9,000 Family Savings Story 13:48 Why Community Impact Matters 17:19 Build the Plane While It’s Taking Off Hosted By: Johnathon Duhon | VP of PMS Sales, RedSail Technologies Guest: Joe Williams | Co-Founder, Apex Pharmacy Consulting Looking for more information about independent pharmacy? Visit https://www.redsailtechnologies.com
Apr 2

What I Wish I Knew Before Switching Pharmacy Software

What happens when an experienced pharmacy leader starts over with a brand-new operation after 10 years on the same system? In this episode, Rannon Ching shares real-world lessons on switching pharmacy software, avoiding common setup mistakes, and building smarter workflows from day one. 01:59 - Switching Pharmacy Systems for the First Time 02:38 - Leaving Pharmacy and Starting a New Opportunity 03:01 - Why an Operating System Matters 04:29 - Reverse Engineering Location Options 05:44 - The Mistake of Doing Too Much Too Fast 07:24 - Building Priorities That Scale Hosted By: Johnathon Duhon | VP of PMS Sales, RedSail Technologies Guest: Rannon Ching | Founder, AccessPoint Vaccine Partners | Co-Founder & CEO, Kannon Health Rannon’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rannon-ching-60725a60/ Looking for more information about independent pharmacy? Visit https://www.redsailtechnologies.com
Mar 18

Why NCPA’s Support Matters: Real Stories from the Front Lines

This week, we’re reconnecting with Mark Ey, Jade Ranger, and Hashim Zaibak for a deep dive on the challenges facing independent pharmacies today—and how NCPA helps owners tackle those challenges confidently. We discuss real-world issues like MFP changes, reimbursement delays, and state-by-state regulations alongside NCPA’s advocacy work. When you’re plugged into a community that understands your world, it can make all the difference. Become a member now: https://ncpa.org/membership 00:00 – MFP Challenges & Reimbursement Delays 02:00 – Real‑World Problem Solving Through NCPA 04:00 – Value of NCPA Events & Convention Takeaways 06:00 – Advocacy at the State & Federal Level 08:00 – Legislators Becoming More Informed 10:00 – Fly‑Ins & Learning to Advocate Locally Hosted By: Johnathon Duhon | VP of PMS Sales, RedSail Technologies Guest: Mark Ey | SVP & COO, NCPA Jade Ranger | Owner/Pharmacist, The Prescription Shoppe Hashim Zaibak | Founder, Hayat Pharmacy Looking for more information about independent pharmacy? Visit https://www.redsailtechnologies.com
Mar 12

Cash Flow Is King: Med Sync + Inventory That Actually Work

What happens when reimbursement slows down but your expenses don’t? This week, we're sitting down with Joe Williams to unpack 2026’s cash-flow crunch and the strategies he’s using to stay ahead: from navigating weeks-long MFP delays to creating a “$6 rule” that keeps his inventory lean . He also talks about how he’s used med sync as a cash-flow tactic and scaled to over 1,600 sync patients using PioneerRx. If you’re trying to plan around tighther terms, keep cash flowing, and continue building services that support your business, Joe has the solutions you need to hear. 00:00 - Cash flow is king—MFP delays 03:11 - Med sync + inventory: the foundation 06:03 - The $6 rule & “never own the med” 11:14 - From paper to PioneerRx: 1,600 patients synced 19:38 - Why you won’t see 2027 without sync Hosted By: Johnathon Duhon | VP of PMS Sales, RedSail Technologies Guest: Joe Williams | Co-Founder, Apex Pharmacy Consulting Looking for more information about independent pharmacy? Visit https://www.redsailtechnologies.com
Feb 27

The Benefits of NCPA Memberships — Owners Share Their Journey

This week, we sit down with Mark Ey, Jade Ranger, and Hashim Zaibak for an honest look at the current landscape of independent pharmacy and the role NCPA plays in supporting owners across the country. Together, they share how advocacy, networking, and shared experience make a real difference—whether you're managing a single location or multiple sites. The guests open up about how NCPA shaped their journeys, the challenges they face each year, and why staying connected to other owners is critical. Become a member now: https://ncpa.org/membership 00:00 – Introductions & Opening the Conversation 02:00 – Meet the Pharmacy Owners 04:00 – What NCPA Really Does for Independent Pharmacies 06:00 – The Path to Joining NCPA 08:00 – Why Independent Pharmacies Need a Unified Voice 10:00 – Understanding the ROI of NCPA Membership 12:00 – Real Financial & Operational Benefits 14:00 – The Power of Networking Across States Hosted By: Johnathon Duhon | VP of PMS Sales, RedSail Technologies Guest: Mark Ey | SVP & COO, NCPA Jade Ranger | Owner/Pharmacist, The Prescription Shoppe Hashim Zaibak | Founder, Hayat Pharmacy Looking for more information about independent pharmacy? Visit https://www.redsailtechnologies.com
Feb 11

How One Pharmacist Grew to 3 Locations in 5 Years with Kyle Beyer

Think ownership requires slow growth? Think again. Independent pharmacy owner Kyle Beyer joins us to discuss how he went from chain pharmacist to multi-location owner of North Shore Pharmacy in only five years. He talks about the opportunities and obstacles of ownership: from buying during COVID, building a compounding hub, scaling through partner networks, and navigating the changing landscape of PBMs. If you’re wondering what it really takes to grow in today’s industry, Kyle’s is the success story you need to hear. 00:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction 01:30 – The North Shore Expansion Story (3 Locations & Growing) 07:54 – Buying a Pharmacy Right Before COVID Hit 11:14 – Building a Compounding Hub & New Revenue Streams 13:19 – Partner Network Success & the Rise of the “Sticky Patient” 17:26 – Supplements, DME & Front-End Profit Strategies 23:29 – Scaling With Technology: Processes, Staff & Pioneer Features 33:15 – Medicare True-Ups & What Pharmacy Owners Should Watch Hosted By: Johnathon Duhon | VP of PMS Sales, RedSail Technologies Guest: Kyle Beyer | Owner, North Shore Pharmacy Looking for more information about independent pharmacy? Visit https://www.redsailtechnologies.com
Feb 4

She Refused to Let PBMs Decide Her Future with Fair Jones

In this episode, we sit down with Fair Jones, Owner of Sav‑Mor Drugs & Gifts in Grenada, Mississippi, to talk all things ownership and advocacy. Fair shares her experiences stepping into pharmacy ownership in 2019, navigating curbside-only operations during COVID, and why reimbursement/PBM pressures pushed her to start speaking up online — including the moment she realized she made $0.88 on six prescriptions. In doing so, Fair shows how to balance meeting margins and pushing for reform in the industry. Follow Fair's Facebook Page here: https://www.facebook.com/FairRx 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Intro 00:23 – Fair’s Early Path Into Pharmacy 04:55 – Retail Burnout & the Push Toward Ownership 08:16 – Taking Ownership of Sav‑Mor in 2019 11:53 – Six Months of Curbside‑Only During COVID 17:21 – Med Sync, Inventory Control & Staying Afloat 23:30 – The $0.88 Reimbursement Story 29:17 – Becoming a Voice for Pharmacy Advocacy 33:33 – Full‑Circle Moment at Ole Miss 38:09 – Tech, Tools & Pioneer‑Driven Efficiency Hosted By: Johnathon Duhon | VP of PMS Sales, RedSail Technologies Guest: Fair Jones | Owner, Sav-Mor Drugs and Gifts Looking for more information about independent pharmacy? Visit https://www.redsailtechnologies.com
Jan 28

How a Small‑Town Pharmacy Became a Lifeline in Idaho’s Mountains

This week, we sat down with Valley Apothecary co‑owner Paula Shaffer to talk about building a community‑focused independent pharmacy in Ketchum, Idaho. Paula shares how their team expanded services like compounding, testing, supplements, and vaccinations—plus how they became a critical resource during COVID‑19. Along the way, she reflects on challenges facing independent pharmacies, the impact of technology on workflow, and how she supports better health in even the most remote of mountain towns. 00:00 - Introducing Valley Apothecary 03:15 - Paula’s path to pharmacy ownership 07:58 - Serving a small mountain community 12:34 - Compounding, supplements & added services 15:40 - Becoming the town’s primary vaccinators 18:56 - Overcoming barriers in independent pharmacy 23:42 - Switching to new technology & workflow gains 32:10 - The future of community-focused pharmacy care Hosted By: Johnathon Duhon | VP of PMS Sales, RedSail Technologies Guest: Paula Shaffer | Owner, Valley Apothecary Looking for more information about independent pharmacy? Visit https://www.redsailtechnologies.com
Jan 7

Alec Ginsberg on Tradition, Innovation & The Fight for Change

Alec Ginsberg, COO of C.O. Bigelow, takes us inside America’s oldest pharmacy to share its 187-year history (and why it’s still thriving today). From celebrity customers to the fight against PBMs, Alec shows how independent pharmacies can survive and why he launched Drugstore Cowboy to educate consumers and push for change. If you care about the future of healthcare, this is a conversation worth hearing. Subscribe to Drugstore Cowboy here: https://drugstorecowboy.com/ 01:50 - Inside America’s Oldest Pharmacy 06:37 - Celebrities Need Pharmacists Too 11:07 - Why I Chose the Counter Over the Stage 18:10 - Staffing Like Service Actually Matters 20:51 - The Business Beyond the Counter: Cosmetics & Hotels 25:36 - Drugstore Cowboy: Why I’m Poking the Bull 40:30 - The $80K Patient: What PBMs Do to Real People 52:38 - The Mom Test: Why Service Still Wins Hosted By: Johnathon Duhon | VP of PMS Sales, RedSail Technologies Guest: Alec Ginsberg | COO, C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries Looking for more information about independent pharmacy? Visit https://www.redsailtechnologies.com
12/11/2025

Fixing Pharmacy Staffing Shortages with Autumn-Kyoko Cushman | Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast Episode 147

Autumn-Kyoko Cushman “AK” joins the Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast to share her journey from Navy hospital corpsman to co‑founder of ShiftRx. She talks about overcoming personal challenges, building a pharmacy staffing marketplace, and unveiling Holly, their new AI healthcare administrator launching in January. This episode is about resilience, innovation, and reimagining the future of healthcare. Learn more about ShiftRx: https://www.shiftrx.io/ 00:00 — Intro and episode overview 01:22 — Welcome, AK’s background, and episode goals 03:28 — 2008 crisis, entrepreneurship at home, and path to the Navy 06:45 — Executive medicine, healthcare reform insights, and COVID side gigs 10:51 — IBM, precision medicine, mom’s diagnosis, and mission shift 19:32 — Founding ShiftRx: marketplace challenges and impact 23:36 — Meet Holly: AI healthcare administrator + January launch 44:19 — Move to SF, funding, and the future of AI in pharmacy (closing) Hosted By: Johnathon Duhon | VP of PMS Sales, RedSail Technologies Guest: Autumn-Kyoko Cushman | CEO, ShiftRx Looking for more information about independent pharmacy? Visit https://www.redsailtechnologies.com
10/08/2025

Full Throttle Advocacy: Inside Jeff Harrell’s Mission to Strengthen Community Pharmacy | Catalyst Episode 144

Join us for an exclusive conversation with NCPA President Jeff Harrell, where we talk about the future of pharmacy and the leadership that’s shaping it. Jeff shares how he and the NCPA team are working to reshape pharmacy education, advocate for fair reimbursement, and foster unity among owners everywhere. He also shares how he’s scaling his own business, Cascadia Pharmacy Group, throughout the Pacific Northwest, and what he’s learned along the way. Tune in for an insider’s look at industry shifts, trends, and opportunities, and what they mean for pharmacies nationwide. Register today for NCPA Annual 2025 in New Orleans on October 18-21: https://ncpa.org/annual-convention Cascadia Pharmacy Group website: www.cascadiapharmacygroup.com Cascadia Pharmacy Group LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cascadia-pharmacy-group Jeff’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-harrell-a9670510/ Beyond Prescriptions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_4I_rR_ltU NCPA website: www.ncpa.org 00:00 – Welcome Back & Jeff Harrell Introduction 03:40 – Changing the Narrative in Pharmacy Schools 07:05 – The “Premium Gas” Analogy for Pharmacy 12:20 – Lessons from Around the World 27:00 – The Cascadia Model: Owning and Growing Smart 44:10 – Inside the Pharmacy: Efficiency, Systems, and Savings 49:25 – GLP-1 Challenges and Looking Ahead Hosted By: Mark Bivins | Chief Growth Officer, RedSail Technologies Guest: Jeff Harrell | President, NCPA Looking for more information about independent pharmacy? Visit https://www.redsailtechnologies.com
09/24/2025

Building the Next Generation of Pharmacy Leaders with Madeline Clark | Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast Episode 143

What does the future of pharmacy look like, and who’s leading the way? In this episode, Madeline Clark shares how she’s redefining what it means to be a pharmacist through a career that blends residency training, fellowship experience, and leadership across Moose Pharmacy, CPESN North Carolina, and CPESN USA. She also draws on her work with the NextGen pharmacist group to offer insight into how the profession is evolving and how we can keep the pace. Along the way, she shares new clinical service models, opportunities for payer engagement, and the importance of collaboration. Madeline’s message is clear: the future of pharmacy will be built by those ready to lead it. 00:00 – Madeline Clark’s journey into pharmacy and hybrid role02:43 – Launching NextGen to empower new pharmacy leaders07:36 – Emerging leaders and mentorship across states08:42 – Exciting new payer opportunities and care hub program12:05 – How EHR access and collaboration improve patient care15:24 – Med Sync as the foundation for better pharmacy services19:06 – Building team buy-in for innovation and growth Guest: Madeline Clark | Director of Clinical Services for Monroe, Moose Pharmacy Looking for more information about independent pharmacy? Visit https://www.redsailtechnologies.com
09/10/2025

Blending Academia & Community Care with Kate Riddell | Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast Episode 142

In this episode, Kate Riddell shares how she bridges the classroom with real-world practice. From prescribing authority and patient accessibility to competing with mail order and fighting misinformation, Kate offers an inspiring look at the evolving role of community pharmacy and the next generation of pharmacists. 00:00 – Introduction: Kate’s dual role in academia and practice 02:49 – Expanding pharmacist roles: test-and-treat & contraceptives 07:43 – Access, reimbursement & the future of community pharmacy 09:08 – Competing with mail order through personal service 12:43 – Innovating operations: med sync, inventory & student marketing 16:18 – Teaching leadership and entrepreneurship to future pharmacists 17:34 – Fighting misinformation online & guiding patients 21:14 – What Kate’s reading: balancing beach reads and big ideas Guest: Kate Riddell | Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Butler University Looking for more information about independent pharmacy? Visit https://www.redsailtechnologies.com
08/27/2025

From Grief to Purpose: Ritesh Shah on Building New Jersey’s First Charitable Pharmacy | Catalyst Episode 141

When tragedy struck his family, Ritesh Shah asked himself a simple question: “How do I continue the oath I took as a pharmacist?” The answer became opening New Jersey’s first (and only) charitable pharmacy alongside President Joseph Howe, which has provided thousands of free prescriptions to uninsured and underserved patients since 2022. In this episode, Ritesh opens up about the loss that changed his life, the launch of his autobiography Pills to Purpose, and his mission to make sure that no one is left behind because of the cost of medication. Buy Now: Pills to Purpose: From the Pharmacy to the Frontlines: Healing Beyond the Counter: https://www.amazon.com/Pills-Purpose-Pharmacy-Frontlines-Healing/dp/B0FL26WT2Q/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 00:00 – Introduction to Ritesh Shah & his mission 02:23 – From India to independent pharmacy in New Jersey 05:52 – Building seven pharmacies and leading Legacy Pharmacy Group 07:44 – Losing his sister & the inspiration for a charitable pharmacy 09:44 – Opening New Jersey’s first charitable pharmacy in 2022 13:27 – Training the next generation: preceptor programs & students 20:20 – How BestRx supported the mission during the pandemic 26:05 – The vital role of his wife Asha in making it possible 44:23 – Pills to Purpose: A pharmacist’s story Hosted By: Mark Bivins | Chief Growth Officer, RedSail Technologies & Hemal Desai | President, BestRx Guest: Ritesh Shah, RPh | CEO & Managing Partner at Legacy Pharmacy Group & NJLEAF & Joseph Howe | President, Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy Looking for more information about independent pharmacy? Visit https://www.redsailtechnologies.com
08/20/2025

T.J. Woodard on Taking a Stand for Louisiana Pharmacies | Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast Episode 140

T.J. Woodard didn’t set out to become a voice for pharmacy reform. But from his base in Baton Rouge, LA, he’s helped lead the charge against PBMs and protect independent pharmacies across Louisiana. T.J. joins us to share how his career has evolved from filling scripts to shaping state policy and how he sees the industry moving forward. He offers us a front-row view of Louisiana’s recent PBM victories, the behind-the-scenes negotiations that made them possible, and how other states can follow suit. 00:00 - Welcome and guest introduction 01:44 – T.J.’s unexpected journey into pharmacy 06:19 - Lessons from chain pharmacy to independence 14:07 - Opening a downtown Baton Rouge pharmacy 18:42 - Provider relationships that drive growth 28:18 - Stepping into state pharmacy advocacy 31:02 - Louisiana’s big PBM reform wins 42:46 - Pushback from PBMs and rallying support 46:01 - What’s next: Enforcing the new laws Hosted By: Johnathon Duhon | Director of Sales, PioneerRx Guest: T.J. Woodard | Co-Owner, Prescriptions to Geaux Looking for more information about independent pharmacy? Visit https://www.redsailtechnologies.com
08/13/2025

From Burnout to Breakthrough – Devan Conley’s Journey in Pharmacy & Recovery | Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast Episode 139

Nearly 9 in 10 pharmacists are at a high risk of burnout, but how do affected pharmacists find a path forward? In this episode, we sit down with Devan Conley, Pharmacist at TrueCare Pharmacy in Concord, NC, to find out firsthand. Devin discusses his journey with burnout—which crept up during COVID and kept on for years, culminating in a struggle with prescription misuse. But, more importantly, Devan shares how he recovered, and how that recovery reshaped the way that he approaches life and pharmacy alike. Today, Devan is a pharmacist at a 340B pharmacy inside a federally qualified health center, launching behavioral health and harm reduction programs so that anyone dealing with similar struggles can find support. Devan’s message is clear: Burnout doesn’t have to be the end of your story but the beginning of a new one. 00:00 - Introduction to Devan Conley & TrueCare Pharmacy 02:00 - Burnout During COVID and Its Lasting Impact 08:40 - Path to Recovery and Regaining His Pharmacy License 18:50 - Opening a 340B Pharmacy in a Behavioral Health Setting 26:20 - Expanding Services with Long-Acting Injectables & Women’s Health 33:10 - Harm Reduction Initiatives and Narcan Program 47:50 - Lessons in Leadership, Resilience, and Community Impact 52:20 - Closing Thoughts & How to Connect with Devan Hosted By: Mark Bivins | Chief Growth Officer, RedSail Technologies Guest: Devan Conley | Pharmacist, TrueCare Pharmacy Devan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devan-conley-pharmd-msph-8732b87a/
07/30/2025

Scaling Specialty Care with Lori Maraist | Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast Episode 138

Specialty pharmacy is one of the most critical areas of care—especially for patients with complex and chronic conditions—but scaling the business isn’t always easy. In this episode, Lori Maraist shows how pharmacists can do both. Lori, the Chief Operating Officer at Professional Arts Specialty Pharmacy, shares how she scaled her team from a small operation to a nationally recognized pharmacy with over 100 employees. She dives into how to carve out niches in specialty care, build a strong culture across a large team, and hire intentionally in high-stakes clinical environments. Whether you’re already in the specialty sector or just looking to learn more, Lori’s episode is one you won’t want to miss. 00:00 - Introduction to Lori Maraist and Professional Arts Pharmacy 02:11 - Lori’s Early Pharmacy Journey and Leadership Origins 06:16 - Evolution from Compounding to a Diversified Pharmacy Model 10:22 - Lessons in Change Management and Staff Buy-In 14:11 - Clinical Programs and Commercial Product Expansion 22:14 - National Licensure and Wound Care Specialization 31:00 - Hiring Philosophy and Building a Scalable Team 38:42 - Advice for Scaling a Pharmacy and Picking Leaders Hosted By: Mark Bivins | Chief Growth Officer, RedSail Technologies Johnathon Duhon | Director of Sales, PioneerRx Guest: Lori Maraist | Chief Operating Officer at Professional Arts Specialty Pharmacy Looking for more information about independent pharmacy? Visit https://www.redsailtechnologies.com
07/14/2025

Reforming Pharmacy from the Inside Out with Dared Price | Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast Episode 137

What does it really mean to question the status quo? This week, we’re sitting down with Dared Price, a pharmacy owner who’s taking PBM reform from South Kansas all the way to Capitol Hill. Dared’s resumé is extensive: he’s started multiple pharmacies, built impressive clinical programs, and created a transparent PBM model that helped over 100 employer groups cut prescription costs. Lately, though, he’s turned his attention to PBM reform—and he’s already making waves: speaking at the White House, meeting with the Federal Trade Commission, and pushing for legislative change in the highest offices. In this episode, we dive into real-world wins in PBM reform, up-and-coming challenges, and how Dared is working to dismantle a broken system to build a better one. https://oreadrx.com/ 00:00 – Intro & Guest Intro 01:02 – Starting OreadRx 09:56 – Unbundling Benefits 14:14 – Working with Employers 21:22 – Kansas Policy Wins 28:27 – Speaking at the White House 36:58 – PBM Market Insights 42:40 – Future of Pharmacy Hosted By: Mark Bivins | Chief Growth Officer, RedSail Technologies Guest: Dared Price | President, Price Pharmacies Inc. Looking for more information about independent pharmacy? Visit https://www.redsailtechnologies.com
06/30/2025

Workflow Wins: Pharmacy Efficiency & Immunization Growth with Rannon Ching | Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast Episode 136

Live from the Connect 2025 conference, PioneerRx superuser Rannon Ching shares how he and his pharmacy team are tackling new opportunities in the industry—all by getting their workflow right. He discusses how Texas legislation is opening doors, how you can leverage your team (and residents) to create new programs, and most importantly, how you can make practical workflow fixes to implement those programs. He also talks all things immunizations, organizations, and why pharmacy websites matter more than you think. If there’s one takeaway from Rannon, it’s this: When you free up workflow, you make space for everything else that matters. 01:14 – Tarrytown & PioneerRx Origin Story 03:54 – Senate Bill 1236 and Texas Advocacy 12:28 – Insulin Emergency Supply Bill 20:27 – Tarrytown's Mid-Year Focus 26:13 – Internal Operations & Front-End Strategy 32:02 – Med Sync Success & Staffing Strategy 44:02 – Residency Program & Leadership Development Hosted By: Mark Bivins | Chief Growth Officer, RedSail Technologies Johnathon Duhon | Director of Sales, PioneerRx Guest: Rannon Ching | President and Chief Pharmacy Officer at Tarrytown Pharmacy Looking for more information about independent pharmacy? Visit https://www.redsailtechnologies.com
06/16/2025

20,000 Voices, One Mission: Fight for Pharmacy Reform with Benjamin Jolley | Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast Episode 135

If there’s one name to know in the fight for PBM reform, it’s Benjamin Jolley. As Co-Founder of Apex Consulting and Senior Fellow at the American Economic Liberties Project, Ben has spent years exposing what’s been broken in the pharmacy system—and what can still be fixed. Most recently, he addressed 20,000 attendees at a rally in Salt Lake City to advocate for Breaking Up Big Medicine (breakupbigmedicine.com). This week, Ben joins us on the Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast to talk about all things advocacy, legislation, and fighting for what’s right from the front lines of the pharmacy all the way to Capitol Hill. 2:45 – Opening discussion on PBM reform momentum 8:16 – Legislative wins for pharmacy 11:44 – Banning vertical integration between PBMs and pharmacies 14:03 – “Break Up Big Medicine” campaign details 21:37 – Mandatory NADAC reporting: what's required and what it solves 29:36 – Chain vs. independent pricing: real-world examples of inequality 36:14 – Helping pharmacies with Medicare plan optimization 47:51 – Final thoughts and call to action for community involvement Benjamin’s Substack: https://benjaminjolley.substack.com/ Apex Consulting: https://www.apexpharmacyconsulting.com/ Hosted By: Mark Bivins | Chief Growth Officer, RedSail Technologies Guest: Benjamin Jolley | Pharmacist at Jolley’s Compounding Pharmacy Looking for more information about independent pharmacy? Visit https://www.redsailtechnologies.com
06/02/2025

The Big Beautiful Bill: Medicaid Cuts, PBM Reform, & State-Level Wins | Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast

Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill is making headlines—and it could change the game for independent pharmacy forever. In this episode of the Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast, Mark and Josh break down what’s inside the sweeping budget bill passed by the U.S. House, including a national ban on spread pricing and a push for fair, transparent Medicaid managed care reimbursements. They dig into how these changes could impact independent pharmacies in states like Texas, Arkansas, and Iowa, and how advocacy is paying off in a big way. 00:00 – Big Beautiful Bill Act Overview 00:43 – Medicaid Cuts & Work Requirements 03:38 – Pharmacy Business Impact 04:25 – PBM Reform & Spread Pricing Ban 06:41 – NASDAQ Reporting Challenges 11:08 – State-Level Wins: Arkansas & Iowa 18:57 – Medicare Negotiation Uncertainty 24:05 – Previewing the Connect Conference Hosted By: Mark Bivins, SVP of Sales, RedSail Technologies | Josh Howland, President of Pharmacy Systems, RedSail Technologies Looking for more information about independent pharmacy? Visit https://www.redsailtechnologies.com

Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast

From Overwhelmed to Optimized: Pharmacy Automation That Actually Works

Why RedSail’s Connect Conference Is a Game‑Changer for Independent Pharmacies

Why Vaccines Are the Most Underrated Profit Center in Pharmacy

How NCPA Prepares the Next Generation of Pharmacy Owners

How Clean Data Can Transform Your Pharmacy Overnight

What I Wish I Knew Before Switching Pharmacy Software

Why NCPA’s Support Matters: Real Stories from the Front Lines

Cash Flow Is King: Med Sync + Inventory That Actually Work

The Benefits of NCPA Memberships — Owners Share Their Journey

How One Pharmacist Grew to 3 Locations in 5 Years with Kyle Beyer

She Refused to Let PBMs Decide Her Future with Fair Jones

How a Small‑Town Pharmacy Became a Lifeline in Idaho’s Mountains

Alec Ginsberg on Tradition, Innovation & The Fight for Change

Fixing Pharmacy Staffing Shortages with Autumn-Kyoko Cushman | Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast Episode 147

Full Throttle Advocacy: Inside Jeff Harrell’s Mission to Strengthen Community Pharmacy | Catalyst Episode 144

Building the Next Generation of Pharmacy Leaders with Madeline Clark | Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast Episode 143

Blending Academia & Community Care with Kate Riddell | Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast Episode 142

From Grief to Purpose: Ritesh Shah on Building New Jersey’s First Charitable Pharmacy | Catalyst Episode 141

T.J. Woodard on Taking a Stand for Louisiana Pharmacies | Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast Episode 140

From Burnout to Breakthrough – Devan Conley’s Journey in Pharmacy & Recovery | Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast Episode 139

Scaling Specialty Care with Lori Maraist | Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast Episode 138

Reforming Pharmacy from the Inside Out with Dared Price | Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast Episode 137

Workflow Wins: Pharmacy Efficiency & Immunization Growth with Rannon Ching | Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast Episode 136

20,000 Voices, One Mission: Fight for Pharmacy Reform with Benjamin Jolley | Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast Episode 135

The Big Beautiful Bill: Medicaid Cuts, PBM Reform, & State-Level Wins | Catalyst Pharmacy Podcast