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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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