Independent Rx Forum

NCPA Past President and PAC Chairman Steve Giroux joins host John Beckner in the studio during NCPA's 2026 fly-in for a conversation about political advocacy. They discuss the impact NCPA's PAC has in combination with our grassroots advocacy efforts. Giroux outlines how contributing to the PAC can enhance your relationships with your elected officials and increase their engagement with issues that matter to community pharmacists.   To learn more about the PAC, click here.

Host Brooklyn Morgan sits down with Tennessee Pharmacists Association CEO Anthony Pudlo to discuss the landmark FAIR Rx Act (SB2040/HB1959). They discuss the impact the FAIR Rx Act will have on independent pharmacies by unmasking the middleman and the multi-million-dollar campaign CVS undertook to try and undermine the bill's passing. Pudlo detailed how NCPA's State Panel of Experts enhanced the Tennessee Pharmacists Association's work on this bill and provided advice for other states looking to pass similar legislation.  Since recording this episode, the FAIR Rx Act has passed both the Tennessee House and Senate and awaits Governor Bill Lee's signature.  To connect with NCPA's State Panel of Experts, click here.

NCPA President Kristen Riddle sits down with host Sam Manas to reflect on this year's Congressional Pharmacy Fly-In. Riddle shares the excitement she felt walking into her representatives' offices off the back of the recent PBM reform and puts out a call to action for pharmacists who were unable to attend this year's fly-in.   Mark your calendar! Next year's fly-in is April 7-8, 2027.

Tana Kaefer, PharmD, joins host John Beckner for a discussion exploring the intersection of menopause, mental health, and hormone therapy. This week's conversation focuses on how evolving evidence has reshaped our understanding since the landmark Women's Health Initiative began.   Kaefer highlights the pharmacist's role in identifying symptoms, guiding patients, and supporting safe, individualized care for those experiencing menopause.    Thank you to Cardinal Health Foundation for sponsoring this episode of Independent Rx Forum.

NCPA President Kristen Riddle sits down with host Sam Manas for a pre-NCPA Congressional Pharmacy Fly-In check-in. They discuss what it's like for a pharmacist to go to Capitol Hill, what attendees can look forward to, and how to make the most of your time in Washington, D.C.

This week's guest, Julie Bromberg, is an independent public health researcher with an MA in heath communications and 15 years of experience with the CDC and NIH. She joins host John Becker to discuss the sustainability of pharmacy-based diabetes self-management education programming. Bromberg shares details of her research, including the needs and challenges of providing DSME, and offers actionable solutions for independent pharmacies to increase their programming reach and productivity.   Are you interested in offering DSME services? Consider NCPA's Diabetes Accreditation Boot Camp!

Host John Beckner sits down in the studio with NCPA Director of Congressional Affairs David Weissman for part two of our Congressional Pharmacy Fly-In priorities series. Weissman gives an overview of the schedule and what to expect when attending your meetings on Capitol Hill. Additionally, they discuss our legislative priorities including the Pharmacists Fight Back Act, RX ACCESS Act, and Preserving Patient Access to Long-Term Care Pharmacies Act.

One week out from NCPA's Congressional Pharmacy Fly-In, host John Beckner sits down in the studio with NCPA Director of Congressional Affairs Kaite Krell to discuss this year's policy priorities. Krell provides insights on the ins and outs of the advocacy team's fly-in preparation and shares details on three of our five policy priorities: thanking Congress for PBM reform, Medicaid managed care reform, and the reintroduction of Patients Before Monopolies. Only a few spots remain. To register for fly-in, click here. Part two of NCPA's fly-in policy priorities will be out on Thursday, April 9.

For the first time, Independent Rx Forum is on video in the studio! Host Sam Manas sits down with NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey to discuss the new media studio at NCPA headquarters. They cover the history of NCPA's podcast and discuss the future of content for community pharmacy.   Starting today, NCPA's podcast is available to stream on YouTube and our website in addition to wherever you get your podcasts   Subscribe to our channel to be the first to watch new episodes.   Tune in: https://ncpa.org/rxforumpodcast 

Joel Kurzman, NCPA director of state government affairs, sits down with John Coster, former director of the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services Division of Pharmacy, to discuss NCPA's new State Panel of Experts and state Medicaid reform efforts. With the support of CPA, NCPA has gathered experts from pharmacy and policy to assist state associations in their efforts around the most pressing issues facing community pharmacists.   Learn more about the panel here:  https://ncpa.org/state-panel-experts

In this episode, host John Beckner is joined by Harry Travis, BSPharm, to discuss the intersection of AI and pharmacy. Harry outlines a three-tier approach to implementing AI into community pharmacy and emphasizes the potential of AI to innovate and optimize productivity, rather than replacing the role of pharmacy employees.

Host John Beckner sits down with Stephen Giroux, NCPA's past president and current PAC chairman and NCPA's political affairs manager, Jack Koltisko, to celebrate the Federal Trade Commission settlement with Cigna and PBM reforms included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026. They discuss NCPA's ongoing advocacy priorities and the role our members play in the NCPA PAC and LDF. Listeners are encouraged to register for NCPA's Congressional Fly-In, April 15-16, 2026.

In today's episode, NCPA SVP of Public Affairs Jack Mozloom speaks with CEO Douglas Hoey and Jamey Bowers, a partner at Berman and Company, about the launch of Neighbors Not Numbers, a nation-wide multi-media branding campaign. They discuss NCPA's motivation for the campaign and give insights into the ad structures and options for NCPA member participation. Neighbors Not Numbers is a multi-year effort investing millions into community pharmacy branding across social media, television, and radio.   For more information: https://ncpa.org/neighbors-not-numbers-branding-campaign   Personalize your ad: https://adcampaign.ncpa.org/  

Host John Beckner is joined by Greg Jones, R.Ph and president of Compass Core Pharmacy in Warwick, R.I., to discuss cost-plus pharmacies. As the first of its kind in Rhode Island, Greg offers insights into building his cost-plus business model, outlining the challenges he faced as well as the benefits for small-business owners and patients.

Host John Beckner continues his conversation with Jeffrey Bratberg, PharmD, FAPhA, clinical professor of pharmacy practice and clinical research at the University of Rhode Island (URI) College of Pharmacy, and Michelle Caetano, PharmD, grant coordinator at the URI College of Pharmacy, to discuss the growing opportunities for independent pharmacies to provide addiction care services. The conversation explores how pharmacists can expand patient access to treatment, support harm-reduction efforts, and play a vital role in addressing substance use disorders in their communities.

Coming to you from #NCPA2025, host John Beckner and co-host Ed Cohen talk with Trent Twomey, BPharm, national president of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, about how pharmacy operates differently in Australia compared to the U.S., and the central role community pharmacy plays in supporting patients.

Host John Beckner sits down with Jeffrey Bratberg, PharmD, FAPhA, clinical professor of pharmacy practice and clinical research at the University of Rhode Island (URI) College of Pharmacy, and Michelle Caetano, PharmD, grant coordinator at the URI College of Pharmacy, to discuss the founding of Pharmacy Bridge — a one-stop resource for pharmacists to find state-specific laws and data related to administering care for opioid use disorder. 

Coming to you from the #NCPA2025 expo floor, host John Beckner and co-host Ed Cohen talk with 2024-2025 NCPA President Jeff Harrell, PharmD, and 2025-2026 President Kristen Riddle, PharmD. They discuss lessons learned, what lies ahead, and the importance of unity as community pharmacy moves forward together.

Host John Beckner is joined by Ed Cohen, founder and COO of PharmTeam Associates, and Megan Smith, PharmD, director of the UAMS Community-Based Residency Program and associate professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, to explore how community pharmacy has evolved, and why no two community pharmacies are the same.

Recorded live from the #NCPA2025 expo floor, host John Beckner and co-host Ed Cohen talk with Joe Greenwood, PharmD, and Jacqueline Eide, PharmD, about why reporting matters in pharmacy operations. The conversation highlights how actionable data helps pharmacies make smarter decisions and run more successful businesses.

On Feb. 3, 2026, President Trump signed the first major federal PBM reform bill in history. It's the culmination of years of lobbying and grassroots activity by NCPA and its members. NCPA's dynamic duo on Capitol Hill, Kaite Krell and David Weissman, sit down with qAM editor Sam Manas to break it all down.

Recorded at #NCPA2025, host John Beckner and co-host Ed Cohen talk with Shahida Choudhry, PharmD, owner of Palms Pharmacy, about using social media as a tool for patient education, engagement, and business growth through consistent communication.

Host John Beckner is joined by Elise Damman, PharmD, director of program development at NCPA, for a behind-the-scenes look at NCPA's Multiple Locations Conference, taking place Feb. 18-21 in Clearwater Beach, Fla. Tune in to learn what attendees can expect on-site and the key takeaways pharmacy leaders will bring home.  Learn more and register for our Multiple Locations Conference: https://ncpa.org/multiple-locations-conference

Coming to you from the #NCPA2025 expo floor, host John Beckner and co-host Ed Cohen chat with Bill Locke, vice president of trade services at Prasco, to discuss Prasco's deep commitment to community pharmacy. The conversation explores Prasco's authorized generic business model and how it helps advance pharmacy practice while supporting independent pharmacies.

Recorded live at #NCPA2025, host John Beckner and co-host Ed Cohen sit down with Oluwatoyin Fadeyibi, PharmD, director of pharmacy initiatives at Community Behavioral Health, and Andrew Patterson, professor of pharmacy at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, for a timely conversation on behavioral health. They discuss the ongoing shortages in mental health care, the growing role of community pharmacies, and how collaborative partnerships across Pennsylvania are helping pharmacies become another critical access point — or "door" — to behavioral health support.

Host John Beckner is joined by Drew Register, director of student affairs and professional development at NCPA, Charlotte Nazar, an executive resident at NCPA, and Tiffany Capps, practice transformations lead at CPESN®, to discuss the newly enhanced Community Pharmacy Fellowship from NCPA and CPESN. The conversation explores how the fellowship was developed, what's new in the program — including a stronger focus on medication synchronization — and what prospective applicants need to know before applications are due Jan. 31, 2026.  Learn more about fellowship: https://ncpa.org/fellowship 

Coming to you from the #NCPA2025 expo floor, host John Beckner and co-host Ed Cohen talk with Brian Connelly, president and CEO of TheracosBio, about Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin), an FDA-approved oral SGLT2 inhibitor for adults with Type 2 diabetes. They discuss how the company's model bypasses PBMs to offer pharmacists and patients a fair, transparent price.

Recorded live at #NCPA2025, host John Beckner and co-host Ed Cohen talk with Leanne Haley-Brown, CPESN® Pharmacy Care at Home and Closed Door Facility Care lead, about practical and sustainable ways pharmacists can remotely monitor patients and deliver care in their homes. The conversation highlights how these models expand access for people living in rural or underserved areas with limited health care resources.

In this special edition of Independent Rx Forum, NCPA General Counsel Matt Seiler is joined by Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Hon. Nicholas Bronni, Robert T. Smith, a partner the law firm Katten and a specialist in PBM litigation, and Arkansas Pharmacists Association CEO John Vinson to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court Case Rutledge v. PCMA. Listen now to find out how the case affected PBM regulation nationwide, and how it will affect future cases.

Host John Beckner sits down with Bruce Berger, PhD, president of Berger Consulting LLC and. emeritus professor at Auburn University, to discuss how health care providers can better connect with "difficult" patients and apply motivational interviewing techniques to build trust.

In this episode, host John Beckner sits down with Ronna Hauser, NCPA's senior vice president of policy and pharmacy affairs, and Mark Ey, RPh, senior vice president and COO, about how recent wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) reductions are reshaping the market — and what independent pharmacists can do now to protect their margins. They break down what's driving these changes, and the practical steps pharmacies can take to save thousands of dollars.

We have a winner! Host John Beckner and co-host Ed Cohen sit down with Rachel Helbling, pharmacy student at the University of Texas at Austin and captain of the winning team in the 22nd annual Good Neighbor Pharmacy NCPA Pruitt-Schutte Student Business Plan Competition. Recorded live at #NCPA2025, Helbling discusses how her team prepared, what made their plan stand out, and lessons learned along the way. 

Host John Beckner sits down with Ronna Hauser, senior vice president of policy and pharmacy affairs at NCPA, and Jessica Satterfield, associate director of policy and pharmacy affairs at NCPA, to unpack the growing impact of pharmacy closures nationwide. They discuss NCPA and USC's interactive Pharmacy Shortage Areas Mapping Tool, now available to the public for the first time, and explain how it reveals access gaps, informs policymakers, and helps communities understand where pharmacy deserts are emerging.

Marc Ost, owner of Eric's Rx Shoppe, joins host John Beckner and co-host Ed Cohen during #NCPA2025 to discuss how pharmacy-provided immunization services have evolved, the critical role pharmacists play in vaccine access, and why these services continue to matter for public health.

Coming to you from the #NCPA2025 expo floor, host John Beckner and co-host Ed Cohen chat with Kevin Day, PharmD, owner of Day's Pharmacies and CPESN® Luminary of the Year, about how a team-based care mindset is improving patient outcomes and shaping the future of community pharmacy.

Recorded live at #NCPA2025, host John Beckner and co-host Ed Cohen sit down with Megan Smith, associate professor of community practice and director of the community pharmacy residency program at the University of Arkansas. They explore what practice transformation really looks like today and how the ACT Pharmacy Collaborative is shaping the future of community pharmacy.

Pharmacists are in a unique position to make vaccination experiences more inclusive for neurodivergent patients. In this episode of Vaccine Voices, host John Beckner speaks with Danielle Hall, director of health equity at the Autism Society of America, and Mayank Amin, PharmD, chief pharmacist advocate and owner of Skippack Pharmacy, about practical ways pharmacies can create sensory-friendly spaces, improve communication, and foster trust within their communities.

Get the scoop on the education programming for NCPA's Annual Convention in New Orleans! Elise Damman, director of program development, sits down with host John Beckner to share how her team builds these sessions — from identifying member needs to curating speakers and shaping CE opportunities. Learn about the process behind developing programs that deliver practical takeaways for pharmacy owners and their teams.  Register for #NCPA2025 in the Big Easy: https://ncpa.org/annual-convention

Ever been curious about the NCPA Innovation Center/CPESN® Community Pharmacy Fellowship? Now's your chance to hear from Drew Register, director of the fellowship program, as he sits down with host John Beckner. Get answers to your questions and insights into how this program is shaping the future of independent pharmacy.  Learn more: https://ncpa.org/fellowship 

What does long-term care pharmacy at home look like, and how is CPESN® helping lead the way? Join host John Beckner for a dynamic conversation with Leanne Haley-Brown, BS Pharm, RPh, and Patrick Chancy, PharmD, of Chancy Drugs, as they explore how LTC at home came to be and the pivotal role CPESN plays in its success.  Guests:  Leanne Haley-Brown, BS Pharm, RPh, CPESN Pharmacy Care at Home, and Patrick Chancy, PharmD, Chancy Drugs 

Our "Vaccine Voices" series is back! Independent Rx Forum host John Beckner sits down with Meredy Ayers, CPhT-Adv, a development specialist at Bremo Pharmacy, who is also certified to administer vaccines. Together, they discuss the expanding role of pharmacy technicians in immunization delivery, the impact on patient access, and how technicians are helping strengthen community pharmacy teams.

Independent Rx Forum host John Beckner is joined by Jessi Stout, PharmD, owner of Table Rock Pharmacy in Morganton, N.C. who is among those featured in the August issue of America's Pharmacist®. She shares her journey into community pharmacy and how she weathered Hurricane Helene while supporting her community through the aftermath.

Independent Rx Forum host John Beckner sits down with Shirley and Gordon Wong, owners of Knolls Pharmacy in California who are among those featured in the August issue of America's Pharmacist®. The Wongs share their firsthand experience during the devastating Pacific Palisades wildfires and reflect on how their community came together in the face of crisis.

America's Pharmacist correspondents Chris Linville and Sam Manas, along with NCPA Foundation Executive Director Sonja Pagniano, share the powerful stories of pharmacists in North Carolina, East Tennessee, and Los Angeles who battled through devastating floods and wildfires to protect their businesses and support their communities. America's Pharmacist Online | NCPA

Tripp Logan, PharmD, and Richard Logan, Jr., PharmD, join us in this episode of the "Independent Rx Forum" to discuss care coordination –– a vital but often overlooked role of community pharmacy that, at some level, every pharmacy is already doing. From ensuring patients receive their medications on time to closing care gaps, pharmacies are a trusted touchpoint in the health care system. Learn what funding opportunities are out there and how to raise awareness with payers.    Guests:  Tripp Logan, PharmD, Luminary, CPESN Missouri,   Richard Logan, Jr., PharmD 

Virginia pharmacies scored a crucial last-minute win when Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) signed the bipartisan Save Local Pharmacies Act. into law after uncertainty and the threat of a veto. The law increases transparency, saves the state millions, requires pass-through pricing, prohibits spread pricing, and helps keep pharmacies open, which is critical in rural areas where they're often the only access to health care. Guests Lura Thompson and Kim Wright also discuss the impact of advocacy and legislative relationships and how enhanced services through CPESN® are shaping the future of pharmacy care.    Guests:  Lura Thompson, managing network facilitator, CPESN   Kim Wright, director of pharmacy, Family Pharmacies in Amelia, Cumberland, and Farmville, Va. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who needs PBM reform in their state. Trent McLemore and Josh Hardin from the Alabama Independent Pharmacy Alliance share how they helped achieve a major PBM reform victory. Hear about their comprehensive solution, why grassroots advocacy was key, and how facetime with legislators made all the difference. What's next for Alabama? Tune in to find out.      Learn more about the Alabama law here.      Guests:   Trent McLemore, executive secretary, Alabama Independent Pharmacy Alliance, director of Pharmacy, Star Discount Pharmacy ownership group   Josh Hardin, chairman of legislative affairs, Alabama Independent Pharmacy Alliance, owner, Mills pharmacy 

NCPA's Jack Mozloom and Kaite Krell, director of congressional affairs, talk about the massive spending bill that passed the House last week, which includes a top priority for independent pharmacists. What happened? What does it mean for independent pharmacy, and what's next? Kaite runs through it all on this episode of Independent Rx Forum.

Pharmacy is evolving. Are independent pharmacies and pharmacy schools keeping up?    Ed Cohen and Traci Poole join us in this episode of the "Independent Rx Forum" to talk innovation, advocacy, and the push to redefine what it means to be a pharmacist today. From payment reform to public trust, let's turn talk to action.    To learn more about EmpowerRx, the program John Beckner mentioned that was created for pharmacy support staff by our Developing Opportunities committee, visit https://ncpa.org/empower-rx.   Guests:  Ed Cohen, PharmD, FAPhA, COO, PharmTeam Associates  Traci Poole, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP, FAPhA, director of community practice advancement, Belmont College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, fellow, APhA

Get plugged into Community Connected, a CPESN® initiative helping independent pharmacies strengthen community ties, build trust, and break down barriers to care. Our guests from CPESN, Angelina Tucker and Anginette Wyatt, share how this program can help you train your team, boost cultural competency, connect with local stakeholders, and access digital marketing tools. Plus, discover how CPESN can help you tap into accreditation, funding, and payer programs to expand your impact!     Get details at www.communityconnected.us.    Guests:   Angelina Tucker, assistant director, Community Connected, CPESN USA, director of clinical services, Best Value Pharmacies, Inc.  Anginette Wyatt, CEO, Clinical Care Pharmacy, LLC, Clinical Care Pharmacy, immediate-past president, APhA foundation