Functional medicine has been on the tip of the tongue and observed online and on social media for years now, more than in the past, but just what is it and how can it help our patients in pain? Dr. Lauren Castle joins us as a dual expert in the realm of functional medicine and psychedelic pharmacy to clear the fog and address any myths out there for all things functional medicine. Come one, come all, to the Pain Pod!!! P.S. Want to contribute or hear about a pain pearl of your own? Message Pain Guy on www.painguy.us or LinkedIn to directly reach Mark and have your voice heard! Guest Info Lauren Castle, PharmD, MS, AFMC Functional Medicine Pharmacists Alliance, Founder (https://www.fmpha.org/) Psychedelic Pharmacists Association, Founder (https://psychedelicpharmacist.org/)

It was an absolute honor to meet today’s guest, and I was honestly a bit starstruck! She is rooted equally in both the science of food and intuitive eating. We dove into the phytochemistry of nutrients, and most importantly, discussed the fundamental principles for healthy eating. Dr. Deanna Minich, PhD, CNS, IFMCP is a pioneering nutrition scientist and thought leader with over 25 years of experience bridging science, spirituality, and art to redefine holistic health. Internationally recognized for her work on color-coded nutrition (“eating the rainbow”), detoxification, and hormone health, Dr. Minich brings a multidimensional lens to wellness that is both grounded in research and infused with a soulful approach. For over a decade, she worked closely with the “Father of Functional Medicine,” Dr. Jeffrey Bland on R&D and functional medicine education with the Institute for Functional Medicine and assisting with the start-up of the Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute (PLMI) and now on the Board for PLMI. In 2025, she was awarded the Linus & Ava Helen Pauling Award by the Institute for Functional Medicine, one of the highest honors in the field, for her groundbreaking contributions to science-backed integrative health. As the Chief Science Officer at Symphony Natural Health, Dr. Minich leads the Science-Medical Team’s innovation in endocrine, metabolic, and circadian health, developing evidence-based approaches that empower people to reclaim vitality through rhythm, root-cause healing, and renewal. A passionate educator and communicator, she develops transformative curricula and continuing education for health professionals, while also creating accessible, inspiring resources for the general public. Her work meets people where they are, whether they’re practitioners seeking clinical precision or individuals seeking a deeper connection to their body’s wisdom. Connect with Dr. Deanna via: Email: info@foodandspirit.com Website: Dr. Deanna Minich FB: Deanna Minich, PhD IG: @deannaminich YT: @foodandspirit Linked In: Deanna Minich, PhD, MS, FACN, CNS, IFMCP Visit https://marinabuksov.com for more holistic content. Music from https://www.purple-planet.com. Disclaimer: Statements herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

THIS WEEK IN PHARMACY PBM Truth, Cash-Based Pharmacy, and Psychedelics in Medicine

Presented by SuiteRx Pharmacy Software Technologies Learn more at SuiteRx.com

Episode Overview

On this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, Todd Eury brings together two timely conversations focused on pharmacy transformation, advocacy, clinical education, and the future role of pharmacists in healthcare.

First, Todd welcomes Brad Hart, owner of Forest Park Pharmacy, a cash-based independent pharmacy model challenging the traditional reimbursement structure many pharmacies operate under. Brad has become a powerful advocate for pharmacy transparency, using TikTok and social media to expose current PBM practices, share data, and speak directly to patients, pharmacy owners, and policymakers about the realities facing independent pharmacies.

Brad’s message is clear: patients deserve transparency, pharmacy owners deserve fair treatment, and the profession needs more voices willing to educate the public with facts and truth.

In the second half of the episode, Todd is joined by Dr. Colby Burns and Dr. Andy Krut from the Psychedelic Pharmacists Association. This discussion helps set the groundwork for understanding psychedelics in medicine, the evolving role of pharmacists in psychedelic education, and the clinical potential of psychotropic therapies historically limited by regulation, stigma, and lack of provider education.

As interest in psychedelic-assisted care grows, pharmacists must be part of the conversation. Dr. Burns and Dr. Krut explain why pharmacist education, medication safety, and clinical understanding are essential as healthcare explores emerging approaches to mental health, trauma, pain, and complex patient care.

Featured Guests

Brad Hart Owner, Forest Park Pharmacy

Dr. Colby Burns Psychedelic Pharmacists Association

Dr. Andy Krut Psychedelic Pharmacists Association

Sponsored By

This episode of This Week in Pharmacy is brought to you by SuiteRx Pharmacy Software Technologies.

SuiteRx provides pharmacy software solutions designed to support independent pharmacies, improve workflow, enhance patient care, and help pharmacy teams operate more efficiently in today’s demanding healthcare environment.

Learn more at SuiteRx.com.