Independent Rx Forum

Halfway There: In Conversation with NCPA's President

NCPA President Kristen Riddle joins host Sam Manas at the halfway point of her presidency to reflect on a whirlwind year. She shares highlights from Capitol Hill meetings and visits to member pharmacies across the country, celebrates the landmark PBM reform signed into law this year, and offers a glimpse into how she balances it all with running her own pharmacy in Arkansas. Plus, a preview of what's to come in the rest of her term.

Politics, PACs, and Pharmacists

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 [https://ncpa.org/ncpa-pac-investment].

Unmasking the Middleman: Tennessee's FAIR Rx Act

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 [https://ncpa.org/state-panel-experts].

#NCPAontheHill 2026: Independent Pharmacy Takes the Hill

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.

It's Not Just in Her Head: Menopause, Mental Health, and the Truth About Hormones

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 [https://www.whi.org/] 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.