The PricePlow Podcast

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NNB Nutrition CEO Jake Mulder and Chief Brand Officer Dustin Elliott join us for Episode #229 of the PricePlow Podcast, recorded live at IFT FIRST 2026 in Chicago.

It’s the second of two conversations we recorded with NNB on-site. The first, Episode #227, dug into Shawn Wells’ science-first philosophy. This one turns to the business side of building an ingredient supplier: how NNB scales dipeptides like DL185 Dileucine and the newly trademarked VasoRush, why the company favors ingredients that already exist in nature over new dietary ingredient filings, and how a tightening global whey supply is pushing brands toward clarified plant proteins like NNB’s clear pea protein.

Jake and Dustin also walk through the flavor science behind SweetVantage+, NNB’s brazzein-enhanced stevia system built to mask some of the worst-tasting (and most effective) ingredients in the industry, and look back at how far the company has come since it first started working with PricePlow back in 2019.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for NNB Nutrition news alerts before diving in.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/jake-mulder-dustin-elliott-nnb-nutrition-229

Video: NNB Nutrition Talks Business, Manufacturing, and Flavor Science at IFT FIRST 2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-qUhVvrGNc

Detailed Show Notes: Jake Mulder and Dustin Elliott on NNB Nutrition’s Growth

(0:00) – Introductions
(2:45) – Why Dipeptides Are Winning the Peptide Conversation
(10:00) – Dileucine’s MuscleTech Launch, One Year Later
(16:30) – Inside NNB’s Global Manufacturing Playbook
(19:45) – C8Vantage: The MCT Powder Built for One Customer
(21:15) – Fiber, Postbiotics, and Defending a Precision Fermentation Moat
(24:45) – The Protein Crisis: Proprietary Blends, Whey Supply, and Clarified Plant Proteins
(31:45) – Precision-Fermented Dairy and PeptiClear’s Second Act
(37:00) – Dileucine Meets ClearPea: New Sarcopenia Research
(48:30) – The Hardest Ingredients to Flavor, and How Reb M9 Changed the Game
(51:45) – Brazzein, SweetVantage+, and the Formulator’s Guide to Natural Sweeteners
(59:15) – Customizing SweetVantage+ and What’s Next for NNB

Where to Follow and Learn More

Connect with Jake Mulder, Dustin Elliott, and NNB Nutrition

LinkedIn: Jake Mulder
LinkedIn: Dustin Elliott
Instagram: @nnbnutrition
NNB Nutrition on LinkedIn
NNB Nutrition on PricePlow – Sign up for news alerts
NNBNutrition.com

Resources Mentioned

Episode #227: Shawn Wells Breaks Down GLP-1 Drag – Part 1 of this two-part IFT FIRST 2026 series
Episode #192: NNB Nutrition’s Pure, Potent, Precise Revolution
…

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Darin Decker returns to the PricePlow Podcast for Episode #228, his fifth appearance on the show and his first since becoming VP of Sales at Alpha Lion. He joins Mike and Ben for a full walkthrough of the biggest SuperHuman relaunch in years: five reformulated pre-workouts, a rebrand from black to red, and the debut of a new ingredient called Tensia.

Alpha Lion built its name on SuperHuman, and starting July 31, the entire sub-brand gets a V2 treatment. SuperHuman Original, Pump, Extreme, Jacked, and Burn all return with updated formulas, a new Superhuman Energy System, and packaging built around the idea that red means activation. Jacked adds PeptiPump and the novel probiotic-derived Tensia alongside its existing PeptiStrong content, while Burn stays untouched because, as Darin puts it, you don’t fix something that isn’t broken.

Decker also walks through Alpha Lion’s pricing overhaul, its GNC weight-management win with the Burn2O system, and why the brand is leaning into retail instead of chasing Meta ad spend. Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for Alpha Lion alerts before diving in.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/darin-decker-superhuman-228

Video: Darin Decker Unveils the New Red SuperHuman Lineup

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jz68mzZXxDo

Detailed Show Notes: Darin Decker Returns for the SuperHuman Relaunch

(0:00) – Introductions
(1:00) – Betting on Powdered Pre-Workout, Not Beverages
(3:15) – Why Superhuman Is Getting Its Own Spotlight
(5:30) – Same Burn, New Name: The Superhuman Energy System
(7:15) – Solving Superhuman’s Pricing Puzzle
(11:45) – Jacked Gets a Peptide-Powered Muscle Focus
(12:30) – The Storyteller Hire: How Darin Landed at Alpha Lion
(17:00) – Winning Weight Management at GNC
(20:45) – Formulating Alongside GLP-1s, Not Against Them
(22:30) – Why Meta Ads Don’t Move Pre-Workout
(26:30) – Retail as De-Risking: Dodging the Amazon Trap
(29:00) – Keeping the Fun (and Flavors) Alive
(31:15) – Dialing In Caffeine, Servings, and Delayed Release
(34:30) – Tensia: A Probiotic That Makes Its Own Nitric Oxide
(37:00) – Jacked as Burn’s Muscle-Building Sibling
(38:15) – Not Every Pre-Workout Should Do Everything
(42:30) – Vincamine, Collabs, and a Famous Equity Partner
(45:00) – “Blocking and Tackling”: Alpha Lion’s Back-to-Basics Playbook
(46:45) – Superhuman Core: The Amazon Entry Point
(56:30) – Launch Timeline: July 31 Online, August In Stores
(58:15) – Pre-Workout vs. Energy Drinks: Is the Category Still Growing?
(1:02:30) – Slow and Steady: Why Hardcore Pre-Workout Users Aren’t Going Anywhere
(1:04:30) – Darin’s Own Stack, Flavor Renames, and Ditching Artificial Colors
(1:08:00) – Unveiling the Red Tub: Black Was the Warm-Up, Red Is the Switch
(1:11:15) – A Stallone Movie Powers the Rebrand
(1:13:00) – Final Thoughts and What’s Next

Where to Follow and Learn More

Connect with Darin Decker and Alpha Lion

LinkedIn: Darin Decker
Instagram: @alpha.lion
…

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Episode #227 of the PricePlow Podcast takes us back to the NNB Nutrition booth at IFT First 2026 in Chicago, where Shawn Wells sat down with Mike and Ben for the first of two conversations recorded on-site. This one skips the usual business updates (that’s what part two, with Dustin Elliott and Jake Mulder, covers) and goes straight for the theoretical side of things: where Wells thinks the next several years of supplement innovation are headed, and the problems NNB’s science team wants solved before anyone else notices they exist.

Shawn Wells’ Working Theories, and Where NNB Nutrition Takes Them

Wells has built a working framework around what he calls “GLP-1 Drag”, three linked theories covering muscle loss, mitochondrial fatigue, and dopamine flattening in people using GLP-1 medications. From there, the conversation covers precision fermentation’s takeover of the herbal extract market, a buccal pouch platform built around fast-absorbing nootropics and stimulants, and an unplanned detour into flush niacin and nicotine pouches.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for NNB Nutrition news alerts before diving in.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/shawn-wells-glp-1-drag-227

Video: GLP-1 Drag, Precision Fermentation, and What’s Next for NNB Nutrition

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YN6_wqnDkA

Detailed Show Notes: Shawn Wells on GLP-1 Drag and the Future of NNB Nutrition

(0:00) – Introductions
(1:15) – NNB’s Unicorn Growth and the Shift to Pure, Potent, Precise
(3:15) – Why Precision Fermentation Is Replacing Herbal Extracts
(7:45) – Turning Competitors Into Customers
(9:15) – Adaptogens Over Stimulants
(11:45) – What Shawn Wells Calls “Mitochondrial Drag”
(13:45) – GlucoVantage: A Post-GLP-1 Solution
(17:45) – Titrate Down: Why Quitting GLP-1s Cold Backfires
(19:15) – Dopamine Flattening and the Post-GLP-1 Comedown
(20:45) – Ben and Mike on Their Own GLP-1 Experiences
(25:45) – DL185 Dileucine and the Muscle-Sparing Stack
(31:45) – Inside the Buccal Pouch: Paraxanthine, Alpha-GPC, and Huperzine A
(38:15) – AmeriPouch, Troches, and the Nicotine Pouch Boom
(41:45) – Flush Niacin as a Possible Nicotine Off-Ramp
(44:15) – What’s Next: GAA, 4-Hydroxyisoleucine, and Pure 6-Paradol
(48:45) – The Case for Mood and “Shift in State” Beverages
(52:45) – Blue Light Glasses, Health Transformations, and Hyrox Goals

Where to Follow and Learn More

Connect with Shawn Wells and NNB Nutrition

LinkedIn: Shawn Wells
Instagram: @shawnwells
NNB Nutrition Website
Instagram: @nnbnutrition
LinkedIn: NNB Nutrition
NNB Nutrition on PricePlow – Sign up for news alerts

Resources Mentioned

Episode #048: Shawn Wells Upcoming Stimulant & The Energy Formula
…

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Tom Reilly, president of VMI Sports, returns for Episode #226 of the PricePlow Podcast, just five months after his debut on Episode #205. This time, Ben is joined by Spencer, PricePlow’s VP of Partnerships and Operations, who steps in for Mike and steers a big chunk of the conversation toward retail strategy.

Tom walks through how VMI keeps winning grocery shelf space at Wegmans, Giant Eagle, and now Wakefern’s ShopRite banner, and why understanding vendor portals, credits, and shipping requirements matters as much as the formula itself. He also unveils VMI’s newest creatine lineup, teases an unnamed protein snack headed for shelves by late summer, and explains why the brand waited two years to find the right creatine gummy manufacturer.

Along the way, Tom breaks down VMI’s GNC franchise partnerships, a new VP hire aimed at the beverage business, and the MAX Catalyst-powered formula behind KXR Stacked.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for VMI Sports alerts before diving in.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/tom-reilly-vmi-sports-226

Video: Tom Reilly of VMI Sports on Grocery Wins, New Creatine Launches, and What’s Next

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByrAxgt7kfk

Detailed Show Notes: Tom Reilly and VMI Sports

(0:00) – Introductions
(0:45) – VMI’s 2026 Grocery and Gym Push
(4:00) – Why Omnichannel Doesn’t Mean Everywhere
(6:30) – Wegmans, HEB, and Regional Loyalty
(8:15) – New SKUs Land on Wegmans’ Shelves
(10:00) – Giant Eagle’s Full-Circle Kroger Reunion
(11:45) – Supplements Take Over the Grocery Aisle
(14:00) – What Understanding Grocery Really Means
(17:00) – Sell-In vs. Sell-Through: The Credits Trap
(19:30) – Vendor Portals and Retail’s Hidden Grind
(22:15) – Cracking Wakefern and ShopRite
(25:45) – A New Protein Snack Is Coming
(28:30) – Dialing In the New Snack’s Macros
(30:45) – 97% Approval and What Food Feedback Really Looks Like
(33:15) – Three Creatine Launches in Three Months
(36:30) – Inside the New Creatine Pre-Workout
(38:30) – Creatine +Hydration Meets Aquamin
(41:15) – Finding the Right Creatine Gummy Partner
(44:15) – Solving the Creatine-to-Creatinine Problem
(47:30) – Patriot Pop Gummies Hit Grocery Shelves
(49:45) – Amazon’s Testing Rules and the Middleman Squeeze
(53:00) – Why the Brick-and-Mortar Shakeout Was Healthy
(56:15) – Inside VMI’s GNC Franchise Partnerships
(1:01:00) – A New VP and the Beverage Roadmap
(1:05:00) – Room to Grow in Pre-Workout RTDs
(1:09:00) – MAX Catalyst and the KXR Stacked Formula
(1:14:15) – Solving the Caffeine Goldilocks Problem
(1:16:15) – Dre’s Rebrand and Shelf-Ready Labels
(1:21:00) – Wrap-Up and Where to Find VMI

Where to Follow and Learn More

Connect with Tom Reilly and VMI Sports

LinkedIn: Thomas Reilly
LinkedIn: VMI Sports
Instagram: @tom_vmisports
……

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Doug Grant is the founder and chief formulator of Optimal Health Systems (OHS), a whole-food supplement company he built from the ground up starting in 1990. By 1993, he’d become the first full-time nutritionist hired by an NBA franchise, starting with the Phoenix Suns and later serving the San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat through seven championship seasons in a decade.

In this episode, Doug covers three major areas:

The enzyme cascade science behind his flagship digestive product
The blood-work-first philosophy he’s built from more than two decades with professional athletes
OHS’s developing work on microplastics (including a probiotic-derived enzyme and a blood-based plastic test that their independent chemist fully intended to disprove).

We also get into DSHEA, in-house manufacturing, and why TruShieldâ„¢ Certified is the natural fit for a brand that was already doing third-party testing before anyone required it. TruShield’s origin story is told in our conversation with Lori Bestervelt, Ph.D., and Thane Campbell on Episode #193.

Here, we get into why a company like Optimal Health Systems, who works with professional athletes, formulates the way they do, and why they need a service like TruShield Certified to ensure drug-free compliance.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/doug-grant-optimal-health-systems-225

Video: Doug Grant of Optimal Health Systems Explains Microplastics and More

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MSHRt328fs

Detailed Show Notes with Doug Grant of Optimal Health Systems

(0:00) – Doug Grant and the Road to the NBA
(8:45) – The Enzyme Cascade Behind Digest-A-Meal
(16:00) – How Processed Foods Are Breaking Us Down
(19:45) – Foundation, Customization, and Intervention
(27:00) – Blood Work Lessons from the NBA
(33:45) – Why OHS Chose TruShieldâ„¢ Certified
(42:15) – DSHEA, In-House Manufacturing, and the Three Criteria
(47:00) – Tracking Microplastics Through the Blood
(52:45) – ChemZyme, PlasticTest, and the Tupperware Case Study
(1:03:00) – Data as the Foundation

Where to Follow and Learn More

Connect with Doug Grant

LinkedIn: Douglas Grant
Instagram: Douglas D Grant

Optimal Health Systems

Optimal Health Systems Website
Instagram: @ohs4life
LinkedIn: Optimal Health Systems
Optimal Health Systems on PricePlow

TruShieldâ„¢ Certified

TruShieldâ„¢ Certified Website
TruShieldâ„¢ Certified: WADA-Experienced Lab Launches Comprehensive Banned Substance Testing Program
Episode #193: Banned Substances in Supplements? Not with TruShieldâ„¢ Certified: Lori Bestervelt & Thane Campbell<…

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Three years ago, Scott Dicker of SPINS joined us on Episode #082 of the PricePlow Podcast to talk creatine, collagen, and where sports nutrition was heading next. On Episode #224, Scott returns to grade his own predictions and dig into everything that’s changed since February 2023.

The report card is mostly great news for Scott. Creatine’s move into cognitive health and older demographics played out almost exactly as he called it, hydration supplements kept climbing even as ready-to-drink sports drinks flattened out, and Red Bull is still the top-selling energy drink despite years of Celsius, Alani, Ghost, and C4 taking share. Scott, Mike, and Ben also cover where his 2023 calls needed adjusting, from ashwagandha’s staying power to pre-workout’s real exposure to energy drinks.

From there, the conversation moves into new territory: the creatine gummy boom, GLP-1 ripple effects on weight management and protein, precision fermentation’s push into alternative dairy proteins, and Scott’s fresh picks for the next ingredients to watch.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/kaitlyn-kenna-smith-223

Video: Scott Dicker of SPINS Grades His 2023 Supplement Trend Predictions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDaC4LVirBk

Detailed Show Notes: Scott Dicker Returns After 3 Years of SPINS Supplement Trend Predictions

(0:00) – Introductions
(2:00) – Grading the Creatine Call Three Years Later
(3:30) – Sports Nutrition as the Testing Ground for Mainstream Trends
(8:00) – Hydration Shifts From Ready-to-Drink to Ready-to-Mix
(11:15) – Energy Drinks Continue Eating Into Pre-Workout Occasions
(16:30) – Red Bull Still Reigns, But the Perception Game Has Changed
(19:30) – Premium Pricing Reshapes the Creatine Category
(22:45) – Creatine Gummies Go From Novelty to Mainstream
(25:45) – Better Formats Win: Soft Chews and the Push for Stability
(27:15) – Delivery Formats and the Rise of “Permissible Indulgence”
(30:45) – L-Theanine and the Hunt for Stim-Free Alternatives
(37:30) – Kava, Caffeine Modulation, and the New Wave of Session Drinks
(42:45) – Why “Natural Flavors” on the Label Isn’t Enough Anymore
(48:15) – GLP-1s Reshape Weight Management and Create New Companion Categories
(52:15) – Active Lifestyle Meets Natural and Organic: A Consumer Venn Diagram
(59:15) – Cognizin, Health Span, and Winning the AI Search Era
(1:01:45) – Horseshoe Theory: How Niche Trends Find the Mainstream
(1:04:45) – Precision Fermentation’s Long Game for Alternative Proteins
(1:11:15) – Ice Cream and the Challenge of Refrigerated Snacking
(1:13:30) – Are Functional Ingredients Welcome in Snacks?
(1:16:00) – Is Fiber the New Protein?
(1:19:30) – Scott’s Playbook for Spotting the Next Mainstream Ingredient
(1:25:15) – Why Cognizin Became the Model for Ingredient Partnerships
(1:27:30) – The ZMA Comeback and Mike’s Mineral Preferences
(1:29:15) – Wrap-Up and Where to Find Scott and SPINS

Where to Follow and Learn More

Connect with Scott Dicker and SPINS

LinkedIn: Scott Dicker
LinkedIn: SPINS
…

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Episode #223 of the PricePlow Podcast brings one of PricePlow’s own to the mic: Kaitlyn Kenna Smith, content creator for PricePlow and Bevlab, the face behind PricePlow’s TikTok, and host of the Powerhouse Mentality podcast. If you’ve watched PricePlow’s supplement and energy drink content on social, there’s a good chance Kaitlyn’s behind a lot of it.

In this episode, Mike and Ben dig into Kaitlyn’s full story: from a teenager who turned to running to escape a difficult home life to an aspiring professional CrossFit athlete eating over 3,000 calories a day and training twice daily. She’s open about recovering from an eating disorder, why the 1,200-calorie recommendation harms active women, and how she coaches clients to focus on habits and biofeedback over scale weight.

The conversation also covers creatine’s well-earned mainstream moment, the rise of functional ingredients in energy drinks, what 1st Phorm gets right about community, and why in-person events matter more than follower counts.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for PricePlow news alerts before diving in.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/kaitlyn-kenna-smith-223

Video: Kaitlyn Kenna Smith of Powerhouse Mentality on CrossFit, Nutrition, and Content Creation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4XZpR0-9K8

Detailed Show Notes: Kaitlyn Kenna Smith of Powerhouse Mentality

(0:00) – Introductions
(2:45) – From Last Picked in Gym Class to CrossFit Athlete
(7:15) – Breaking the 1,200-Calorie Myth for Active Women
(10:45) – Hydration Basics and the Double Session Advantage
(19:15) – Kaitlyn’s CrossFit Macros
(22:30) – Scale Weight, Biofeedback, and Coaching Real People
(27:30) – Women’s Hormones and Lifestyle Variables
(31:30) – Creatine, Gummies, and Making Supplements Accessible
(38:30) – Functional Ingredients, Delivery Systems, and a Health-First Shift
(43:45) – Why Kaitlyn Loves 1st Phorm
(49:00) – Industry Events and the Unexpected Reach of Content
(57:15) – Misinformation, Nuance, and Short-Form Limitations
(1:04:45) – CrossFit Competition Structure and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
(1:10:30) – Kaitlyn’s Supplement Stack
(1:13:00) – Iron, Ferritin, and Lactoferrin for Female Athletes
(1:16:00) – Energy Drink Favorites and a Market Gap
(1:18:15) – The Powerhouse Mentality Podcast

Where to Follow and Learn More

Connect with Kaitlyn Kenna Smith

Instagram: @ThePowerhouseMentality
Instagram/TikTok: @KaitlynKennaFitness
The Powerhouse Mentality on Spotify
The Powerhouse Mentality on YouTube
PricePlow on TikTok (@PricePlow)

Resources Mentioned

Kaitlyn + Victoria: Powerhouse Mentality Episode (YouTube)
Kaitlyn + Victoria: Powerhouse Mentality Episode (Spotify)
…

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Nutrabolt CEO Doss Cunningham has spent more than two decades building Nutrabolt and the C4 brand into global household names, doing it almost entirely from behind the scenes.

In Episode #222 of the PricePlow Podcast, that changes, and we get to shine a light on the visionary leader. Doss sits down with Mike and Ben for our first in-depth podcast conversation together, covering everything from C4’s origin story to the strategic reinvention of Cellucor.

Changes for Cellucor, C4 Energy’s Growth, and Expansion Beyond Bloom

The trigger for the conversation is what’s happening right now. Cellucor wiped its social media slate clean and launched Cellucor Longevity Creatine + NAD as the opening move in a new Active Health & Wellness direction. But Doss goes much further here, covering the hard lessons from failed brands, the Bloom investment and portfolio vision, C4 Energy’s push to own the “Everyone’s an Athlete” performance lane, and what’s coming next across the Nutrabolt lineup.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for Cellucor alerts on PricePlow before diving in.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/doss-cunningham-nutrabolt-222

Video: Doss Cunningham on C4, Cellucor, and Building a Supplement / Wellness Empire

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rvm-9VieMt4

Detailed Show Notes: Doss Cunningham and Nutrabolt on the Future of Cellucor and C4

(0:00) – Introductions
(3:00) – Going Public: Why Now?
(6:30) – The C4 Origin Story
(12:30) – Hard Lessons: Failures as Fuel
(17:15) – The Beverage School
(22:00) – Reinventing Cellucor: Active Health & Wellness
(29:00) – Peptides and Exclusive Innovation with Nuritas
(32:30) – Portfolio Strategy: Bloom and the P&G Vision
(38:45) – C4 Energy: Owning the Performance Lane
(43:15) – Cereal Killer, M5 Extreme, and the Art of the Big Swing
(50:45) – C4 AlphaBomb and Deura9â„¢ Caffeine
(52:00) – C4 Energy Redesign and Reformulation
(57:30) – C4 Smart Energy: The Sleeping Giant

Where to Follow and Learn More

Connect with Doss Cunningham and Nutrabolt

Doss Cunningham on LinkedIn
Cellucor on Instagram: @cellucor
C4 Energy on Instagram: @c4energy
Nutrabolt on LinkedIn
Cellucor Official Website
Nutrabolt Official Website
Cellucor on PricePlow (sign up for news and price alerts)

Resources Mentioned

Cellucor Longevity Creatine + NAD+ – the launch that triggered this conversation
C4 AlphaBombâ„¢ (Deura9â„¢ Caffeine) – C4’s highest-stim pre-workout with deuterated caffeine
…

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Ben Hartman is back for his third visit to the PricePlow Podcast in Episode #221, and Morphogen Nutrition has never been in a stronger position. Ben walks through everything: the second rebrand’s full backstory, a never-before-told story about a failed acquisition that nearly sold the company, the financial reckoning that followed, and how selling the building and moving to a 3PL model finally cleared the slate. He calls this the best formula work Morphogen has ever done, at the healthiest margins in company history.

The conversation covers AlphaGEN’s return to 10g L-Tyrosine, why PRIME is the anchor of the entire health line, details like how he navigates AstraGinÂ® and BioPerineÂ® across a multi-product stack, and the surprising origin of CALM.

Then comes the main event: the Nick Walker equity partnership, explained in full, including some of the financial structure the internet has been speculating about. The episode closes with a frank look at the longevity wave ahead, the natural-vs.-enhanced debate, and a nostalgic look back at the golden age of stimulants.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for Morphogen Nutrition news alerts before diving in.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/ben-hartman-morphogen-nutrition-221

Video: Morphogen’s Second Rebrand, Nick Walker Equity, and the 10g Tyrosine Return

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1avyjD3spOk

Detailed Show Notes: Ben Hartman on Morphogen’s Rebrand, the Nick Walker Deal, and Where Supplements Are Heading

(0:00) – Introductions
(0:45) – The Second Rebrand: What Triggered It
(3:00) – The Failed Acquisition: First Public Account
(5:00) – David DeMesquita: The Missing Third Partner
(8:45) – Business Lessons: Termites at the Foundation
(12:30) – Best Formulas Ever, Healthiest Margins Ever
(13:15) – Hero vs. Backup Ingredients: Supply Chain and Formula Thinking
(18:30) – Diminishing Returns: “Racing to the Bottom”
(20:30) – Breaking the Debt Cycle: PO Discipline and the Move to 3PL
(27:45) – ALPHAGEN Reborn: The 10g L-Tyrosine Decision
(30:15) – Eria Jarensis, Manufacturing Partners, and Label Honesty
(35:15) – PRIME: Origin Story and the Anchor Health Product
(40:30) – AstraGinÂ® and BioPerineÂ®: Choosing Absorption Enhancers Wisely
(46:30) – CALM: From Bodybuilding Contest Prep to Gen Pop
(51:15) – “I Don’t Listen to My Customers”
(54:45) – Blood Work, Hormones, and Realistic Self-Assessment
(1:01:30) – The Nick Walker Partnership: How It Actually Happened
(1:04:30) – Equity, Not a Paycheck: “We Gave It to Him”
(1:11:30) – Nick’s Feedback, Carb Fuel, and PROTEGEN on the Way
(1:16:45) – From Bodybuilding Brand to Health and Wellness
(1:21:30) – The Longevity Wave: NMN, Urolithin A, and Mitochondrial Health
(1:27:00) – Natural vs. Enhanced: An Honest Reassessment
(1:35:00) – The Supplements That Actually Moved the Needle
(1:38:00) – Stimulant Nostalgia: DMAA, Ephedrine, and What’s Still Available
(1:40:45) – Dedra Hartman (CFO) and Closing Thoughts

Where to Follow and Learn …

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Episode #220 of the PricePlow Podcast brings Ben Kane and guest host Joey Savage to Washington, DC for the 2026 NPA (Natural Products Association) Fly-In Day. Their guest on the US Capitol steps at sunset: Uday Gosalia, founder of UGo Beyond and a proud advisor to Future Nutra.

This year’s trip had a sharper edge than most. For the first time in several years, the industry came to DC specifically in opposition to active legislation, not just to make a general case. Two bills are in play: Senator Dick Durbin’s Dietary Supplement Listing Act of 2026 (S.3677), which would require every supplement SKU registered with the FDA before market entry, and the Dietary Supplement Regulatory Uniformity Act (H.R. 7366), introduced by Rep. Nick Langworthy, which needs a Senate companion to stop states from layering their own supplement restrictions on top of federal law.

The conversation covers those two bills, the drug preclusion clause risk, what actually happens when you explain DSHEA to a senator’s staffer, and why consistent DC presence matters more than any single meeting. Our NPA Fly-In Day preparation guide and Episode #100 with NPA CEO Dan Fabricant offer essential background on PricePlow’s history at these events.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast and sign up for FDA news alerts before diving in.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/uday-gosalia-220

Video: Uday Gosalia and Future Nutra Oppose MPL at NPA 2026 Fly-In Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7WBa-IPH5I

Detailed Show Notes: Uday Gosalia (UGo Beyond) at the NPA 2026 Fly-In Day

(0:00) – Introductions
(1:45) – The 2026 NPA Fly-In: Industry on the Offensive
(2:15) – Opposing S.3677: The Mandatory Product Listing Problem
(5:00) – H.R. 7366: Protecting Supplement Access for Minors
(7:15) – HSA/FSA Eligibility and the Enforcement Gap
(8:00) – Rep. Jim McGovern: An Unexpected Ally
(11:00) – Teaching the Hill: Explaining How Supplements Are Regulated
(12:45) – Do Your Legislators Take Supplements?
(14:30) – The Ashwagandha “Gotcha” Moment
(15:45) – DC Is More Accessible Than You Think

Where to Follow and Learn More

Connect with Uday Gosalia and UGo Beyond

LinkedIn: Uday Gosalia (UGo Beyond)

Sign Up for FDA News on PricePlow

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

NMN, FDA, and the Supplement Industry’s Winning Battle Against Pharma
NPA Fly-In Day Guide: How to Come Prepared for a “Lobby Day”
Dan Fabricant (NPA): Why You Need to Show Up in Washington DC (Episode #100)
The NPA is Fighting Dick Durbin’s 2022 Supplement Bill (Episode #067)

Thanks to Uday Gosalia for joining from the Capitol steps, and to Joey Savage and Future Nutra for making this episode happen. For anyone ready to get involved in supplement advocacy, our NPA Fly-In D…

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Episode #219 of the PricePlow Podcast welcomes back Doug Miller, founder and CEO of Core Nutritionals, for a full portfolio catch-up 4.5 years after Episode #050: Protein Prices on the Rise and Figuring it Out with Doug Miller. Doug’s opening line sets the tone perfectly: “We’re still figuring it out and protein prices are still on the rise!”

In this conversation, Mike and Ben cover the entire Crush It Holdings universe:

Doug’s amicable exit from Arms Race Nutrition
The decision to shut down the resurrected Myoblox brand
Where his focus now sits — Core Nutritionals, Unmatched Supps (his two-year partnership with Kris Gethin), and
The freshly launched Nova Prime Labs research-use peptide venture.

Along the way, the crew digs into CreGAAtine, Unmatched’s DTC pivot away from broad retail, an incoming Stem Cell product launch, the Unmatched Bar targeting Olympia 2026, and how another protein price spike is reshaping Core’s lineup. Merica Labz gets a few shouts as well.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for news alerts before you dive in!

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/doug-miller-219

Video: Doug Miller Returns: Core Nutritionals, Unmatched Supps & Nova Prime Labs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOXpJ94gZR4

Detailed Show Notes: Doug Miller on Core, Unmatched Supps, and Entering the Peptide Space

(0:00) – Introductions
(1:00) – Exiting Arms Race and Putting Myoblox to Bed
(7:00) – What Makes a Brand Worth Running
(12:00) – Core Nutritionals and Unmatched: Two Brands, One Focus
(16:00) – The Kris Gethin Partnership: Founding Unmatched Supps
(19:45) – Going All-Natural and Pulling Back from Vitamin Shoppe
(22:00) – CreGAAtine: The Science and Unmatched’s First-in-the-US Play
(24:30) – White Packaging, Stem Cell Launch, and Managing the Pipeline
(30:00) – Functional Foods: Core Balls, Brownies, and the Unmatched Bar
(35:30) – Merica Energy and the Unmatched Drink
(38:45) – Entering the Peptide Space: Nova Prime Labs
(43:30) – Quality Standards and the Scammer Already at the Door
(49:00) – Oral Bioregulators and What Nova Prime Won’t Sell
(51:15) – GLPs, Fat Burners, and “Natural” in 2026
(57:00) – Crush It Wellness MD and Protein Prices: Still Figuring It Out

Big thanks to Doug Miller for coming back after four and a half years and talking through everything happening across the portfolio. If you’re following Core, Unmatched, Nova Prime, or Merica Labz, PricePlow has news alerts for all of them.

And thanks to Darren and the team at PerfectShaker for sponsoring the PricePlow Podcast — check out their lineup of shaker cups at PricePlow.com/perfect-shaker, or get the full story behind the brand in Darren Thompson: Inside PerfectShaker | Episode #209.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast, sign up for news from Core, Unmatched, Doug Miller, and Merica Labz on PricePlow, and leave us a great review on iTunes and Spotify!

Where to Follow and Learn More

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The supplement industry is pushing back. In May 2026, a group of long-tenured ashwagandha producers and regulatory experts launched the Ashwagandha Standards Alliance (ASA), a new coalition dedicated to countering misinformation about ashwagandha leaf safety, defending GMP standards, and responding to what many in the industry see as scientifically unsupported regulatory actions: India’s April 2026 FSSAI/AYUSH leaf advisory and Denmark’s earlier ban.

In Episode #218 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben sit down with Blake Ebersole, founding member of the ASA and president of NaturPro Scientific, a B2B quality and regulatory consulting firm. Blake unpacks and rejects the “root good, leaf bad” narrative, explains why in vitro cancer cell studies are being misused to target ashwagandha leaf, and details how lab shopping and supply chain fragmentation quietly erode quality across the botanical category. This episode pairs directly with our companion article on India’s ashwagandha leaf advisory. Together they cover both the regulatory deep-dive and the industry coalition response.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for our ashwagandha news alerts on PricePlow before diving in.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/ashwagandha-standards-alliance-218

Video: The Ashwagandha Standards Alliance Responds to India’s FSSAI Leaf Advisory

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxYGLOcgVIw

Detailed Show Notes: Blake Ebersole on the Ashwagandha Standards Alliance, FSSAI, and Industry GMP

(0:00) – Introductions
(2:45) – What Is the Ashwagandha Standards Alliance?
(4:30) – How ASA Fits the Industry Landscape
(6:15) – Educational, Policy, and Standards Goals
(8:00) – Adverse Events at Scale and Ashwagandha’s Safety Record
(11:15) – Denmark’s Ban and the Hazard-Based Regulatory Model
(15:15) – Withaferin A and the In Vitro Extrapolation Problem
(18:30) – How Competitive Interests Drove the Market Off Track
(21:00) – Label Disclosure, Dilution, and Maltodextrin
(25:00) – The Billion-Dollar Market and Supply Chain Fragmentation
(30:00) – India’s Regulatory Framework: Food, Drug, and No Middle Ground
(32:15) – Farmers, Brokers, and the FSSAI Advisory’s Unintended Consequences
(38:00) – Research Gaps and the Clinical Literature
(41:00) – Extraction Methods: Milk, Solvents, and Withanolide Chemistry
(44:30) – Consumer Education and the Demand for Transparency
(46:30) – Lab Shopping and the Broken Incentive Structure
(52:45) – Branded Ingredients and GMP Supplier Qualification
(55:15) – ASA Founding Members: Sabinsa, Cepham, and Arjuna Natural
(58:00) – Formula Ideas: Sleep, Lifestyle, and Beyond the Basics
(1:00:45) – Anhedonia, Cortisol, and What the Science Says

Where to Follow and Learn More

Connect with Blake Ebersole and the Ashwagandha Standards Alliance

LinkedIn: Blake Ebersole (founding member of the ASA and president of NaturPro Scientific)
Ashwagandha Standards Alliance Website
Ashwagandha Standards Alliance on LinkedIn…

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NuLiv Science ingredients are everywhere in the modern supplement stack. AstraGinÂ® shows up in pre-workouts, protein powders, energy drinks, and gut health supplements. SenactivÂ® anchors some of the most performance-focused formulas in sports nutrition. Yet for all that visibility, the brand hasn’t sat down for an in-depth podcast with Team PricePlow for quite some time.

Episode #217 brings in Luis Gonzalez, VP of Sales at NuLiv Science, for a 70-minute walkthrough of the NuLiv story and its full ingredient portfolio. Mike hosts solo and the two cover Luis’s path from financial services into supplement sales, the full NuLiv Science ingredient lineup, the evolution of the brand’s research, and every ingredient in the portfolio: AstraGinÂ®, SenactivÂ®, ZylariaÂ®, InnoSlimÂ®, JointIQÂ®, AstrionÂ®, and CordycepsPrimeâ„¢.

The centerpiece is NuLiv’s most ambitious AstraGinÂ® clinical to date: a 2026 whey protein absorption study documenting 12% to 14% amino acid uptake improvements and a meaningful zonulin reduction across three age demographics. A lot has changed since Episode #059 in 2021. This episode gets you fully caught up, and Luis has a pretty cool story getting into the industry as well.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/nuliv-science-luis-gonzalez-217

Video: Luis Gonzalez of NuLiv Science: AstraGin, Senactiv Senolytics, and the Full 2026 Portfolio

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et_ErGPaP2I

Detailed Show Notes: NuLiv Science’s Full Ingredient Portfolio with Luis Gonzalez

(0:00) – Introduction
(1:30) – Luis’s Path from Financial Services to NuLiv Science
(5:00) – Getting NuLiv Science Into Sports Nutrition
(7:15) – NuLiv’s Content-First Strategy
(9:30) – The Ghost Connection: How Senactiv Found Its Audience
(13:30) – Senactiv: Ten Papers and a Research Arc Unlike Any Other
(21:00) – Senactiv Doses: 50mg vs. 100mg
(23:30) – ZylariaÂ®: Deep Sleep, GABA Support, and No Next-Day Grogginess
(26:00) – AstraGin as Flagship (And the CordycepsPrimeâ„¢ Volume Surprise)
(27:30) – The 2026 AstraGin Study: Whey Protein, Amino Acid Absorption, and Zonulin
(33:45) – AstraGin for Gut Health and Healthy Aging
(38:45) – NuLiv’s Origins: Founded as a Mushroom Company in 1997
(40:45) – MLM Clients, Quality Standards, and Vitafoods Europe
(46:45) – JointIQÂ® and the “Same Plant, Different Compounds” Explanation
(50:45) – InnoSlim and the GLP-1 Market Shift
(53:45) – NuLiv Ingredients as GLP-1 Adjuncts
(57:45) – Grinding the 1099 Hustle: Luis’s Path to VP of Sales
(1:01:45) – Formulator’s Corner: The GLP-1 Support Stack
(1:05:30) – New Senactiv Research, Astrion Skin Health, and Closing Thoughts

Where to Follow and Learn More

Connect with Luis Gonzalez

LinkedIn: Luis Gonzalez
Instagram: @luisjr_fit

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Balchem makes its first appearance on Episode #216 of the PricePlow Podcast. Tom Druke, Senior Marketing Manager at Balchem’s Human Nutrition & Health division, joins Mike and Ben to cover three flagship branded ingredients: VitaCholineÂ® (choline bitartrate), AlbionÂ® Minerals (chelated mineral technology), and a first look at K2VITALÂ® (vitamin K2 MK-7).

Tom walks through Balchem’s growth story: from roughly 30% human nutrition a decade ago to 60-70% today, driven by strategic acquisitions (AlbionÂ® in 2016, then Bergstrom Nutrition for OptiMSMÂ® and Kappa Bioscience, which brought K2VITALÂ®, in 2022). He also explains the New York Jets partnership launched in May 2024, which Balchem and the Jets jointly described as the first partnership between an ingredient company and a major U.S. professional sports team.

The choline discussion covers depletion in athletes and knowledge workers, the L(+)-bitartrate vs. DL-bitartrate distinction, the connection to nitric oxide, and what a 2015 published study on visuomotor performance revealed about choline’s role in focus and fine motor coordination. On the mineral side, Tom unpacks Albion’s chelation technology, FT-IR quality verification, and what NOW Foods’ 2022 Amazon audit revealed about third-party magnesium products.

This is an educational one, to say the least. Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast and sign up for Balchem news alerts before diving in!

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/balchem-vitacholine-216

Video: Tom Druke of Balchem on VitaCholineÂ®, AlbionÂ® Minerals, K2VITALÂ®, and the NY Jets

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3FYWarAy0E

Detailed Show Notes: Balchem’s Tom Druke on VitaCholineÂ®, AlbionÂ® Minerals, and K2VITALÂ®

(0:00) – Introductions: Tom Druke and Balchem
(3:30) – The New York Jets Partnership
(7:00) – Why Choline Is Essential and Widely Deficient
(11:15) – VitaCholineÂ® and Natural L(+)-Bitartrate Sourcing
(14:30) – Choline Depletion in Athletes and Knowledge Workers
(18:00) – The 2015 Focus Study and Cholinergic Signaling
(19:00) – GHOST Legend V4: VitaCholineÂ® at 1 Gram
(21:00) – L(+)-Bitartrate vs. DL-Bitartrate: Why Isomers Matter
(26:15) – Safe Dosing, Upper Limits, and Genetic Factors
(31:15) – Choline, Betaine, and Nitric Oxide
(34:15) – AlbionÂ® Minerals: The Science of Chelation
(39:15) – Magnesium Bisglycinate: Deficiency, Bioavailability, and Sleep
(42:45) – Quality Verification: FT-IR Testing and the Albion Brand
(47:30) – The NOW Foods Amazon Audit: Why Branded Ingredients Matter
(50:45) – K2VITALÂ® and Other AlbionÂ® Minerals
(1:00:00) – Looking Ahead: Choline Science and Longevity

Where to Follow and Learn More

Connect with Tom Druke and Balchem

Balchem Human Nutrition & Health on LinkedIn
Balchem Corporation on LinkedIn
Instagram: @balchem.hnh
Balchem Human Nutrition & Health Website

…

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Jim McMahon turned 60 in early 2026, and his supplement industry experience now spans nearly four decades. He founded Fit Foods Ltd. (parent of Mutant, PVL, Whey Gourmet, and North Coast Naturals) in 1996 with $13,000 and a newborn at home, and built one of the industry’s most disciplined manufacturing operations: 200,000 square feet in Port Coquitlam, BC, roughly 200 employees, and distribution in 70+ countries. This is his first appearance on the PricePlow Podcast, and he doesn’t hold back.

In Episode #215 of the PricePlow Podcast, Jim traces the full arc from introducing whey protein to Canada at the 1993 CHFA trade show to signing the CreapureÂ® trademark agreement two days before Prolab. He explains that Mutant’s internal testing found creatine gummies at 28 times the allowable impurity limit, predicts whey protein prices will roughly double within six months, and breaks down the Canadian NHP regulatory system from the inside.

Jim also teases a novel pre-workout stimulant nobody has used in sport, Mitchell Hooper‘s upcoming “Stronger” signature line, and a protein extension partnership with Dr. Daniel Traylor of DePaul University. This is a good one — subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for Mutant news alerts on PricePlow before diving in.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/jim-mcmahon-mutant-215

Video: Jim McMahon on 40 Years, Creatine Gummy Quality, and the Whey Protein Avalanche

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zUsvh5PlrQ

Detailed Show Notes: Jim McMahon, Founder and CEO of Fit Foods / Mutant

(0:00) – Introductions
(3:15) – First to Market: Whey Protein and Creapure in Canada
(11:30) – Founding PVL with $13K, a Newborn, and No Room to Fail
(16:30) – The Mutant Mass Origin Story
(19:00) – Rich Piana, Big Ron Partlow, and What Mutant Really Sells
(31:00) – COVID Lessons and “Happier Lives Through Healthier Living”
(33:30) – Why Mutant Won’t Make Creatine Gummies Yet
(40:30) – Canadian Supplement Regulation: The NHP System
(49:00) – MPL, FDA Reform, and the Case for a Clear Innovation Pipeline
(53:15) – Ingredient Science, Creatine Impurities, and the Zero-Sum Fallacy
(59:15) – EAAs, Intra-Workouts, and the Shawn Clarida Project
(1:02:15) – Inside Mutant’s 200,000-Square-Foot Operation
(1:06:30) – The 2009 MusclePharm Near-Insolvency and Why Mutant Went Inward
(1:11:00) – Supply Chain Discipline: 97% Fill Rates and a Distribution-First Model
(1:17:00) – Quality Over Trends: The Mutant Philosophy on Innovation
(1:18:30) – The Whey Protein Price Avalanche
(1:28:45) – The Investor Deal: Protecting 200 Teammates and Planning for Continuity
(1:37:45) – Title Sponsor for Eight Years: The Arnold Classic and the Camaraderie Mission
(1:39:45) – What Does PVL Stand For? (And Teasing What’s Next)
(1:42:30) – Mitchell Hooper’s “Stronger” Signature Line
(1:47:30) – The Protein Extension Project: Shawn Clarida, Dr. Daniel Traylor, and What Comes After the Avalanche

Where to Follow and Learn More

Connect with Jim McMahon and Mutant / Fit Foods

LinkedIn: Jim McMahon
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Episode #214 of the PricePlow Podcast goes deep with the two co-founders of NuCelium, a functional mushroom cultivation company operating out of Coldstream, British Columbia. Riley Boudreau and Rob Swiderski join Mike and Ben to explain NuCelium’s biology-first approach to potency and why their full-spectrum growing method can outperform conventional extraction without stripping out a single compound.

The conversation covers Rob’s unusual path to mushrooms (he sold his shares in nine restaurants after a vision he attributes to God) and Riley’s journey from mushroom-picking robotics into cultivation science. Together with a founding mycology team carrying over 75 years of combined experience, they’ve built a facility where quality and affordability don’t have to be trade-offs.

The headline result: NuCelium’s CordyFuelâ„¢ won the 2025 Cordy Cup with a third-party verified 14.83 mg/g cordycepin reading, the highest in competition history, achieved without extraction. For the full backstory on the company, see our NuCelium brand introduction on the PricePlow Blog, but this discussion is worth your full time. Once you’re done, you’ll be figuring out ways to add CordyFuel and these other top-tier mushroom ingredients to your stack.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for NuCelium news alerts on PricePlow before diving in!

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/nucelium-mushrooms-214

Video: Biology-First Mushrooms with NuCelium’s Riley Boudreau and Rob Swiderski

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHqyx2tCS3A

Detailed Show Notes: Riley Boudreau and Rob Swiderski of NuCelium on CordyFuel, Full-Spectrum Cultivation, and the Cordy Cup

(0:00) – Introductions
(4:00) – Riley’s Origin Story: Nepal, Automation, and Mushrooms
(12:00) – Rob’s Premonition: The Vision That Started It All
(14:00) – Building for Biosecurity and Scale
(20:00) – Mushroom Growing 101: Full Spectrum vs. Extraction
(26:45) – The Extract Debate: Ratio vs. Standardized
(31:45) – Functional and Psychedelic Mushrooms: Where They Intersect
(36:00) – Learning from Failure: How Potency Gets Unlocked
(44:30) – The Cordy Cup: 14.83 mg/g and Competition Record
(47:30) – Beyond Cordycepin: Adenosine, Uridine, and Longevity Bioactives
(49:15) – Benefits by Mushroom Species
(55:00) – Eight Mushrooms, One Facility
(58:45) – Gut Health and the Prebiotic Fiber Matrix
(1:01:00) – Could the Substrate Become Its Own Ingredient?
(1:04:30) – Play Formulator: Dream Products from NuCelium Ingredients
(1:09:30) – Biosecurity: Why It’s Everything in Mushroom Farming
(1:13:00) – Strain Genetics: Catching and Riding the Wave
(1:18:45) – Commercial Consistency: Under-Promise, Over-Deliver
(1:22:00) – Research Roadmap: From Cell Culture to Human Trials
(1:26:15) – What’s Next: Chaga, Tiger’s Milk, and the Substrate Study

Where to Follow and Learn More

Connect with Riley, Rob, and NuCelium

LinkedIn: Riley Boudreau
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For the second year running, PricePlow took the main stage at SupplySide Connect New Jersey with a live panel podcast. Episode #213 of the PricePlow Podcast brings you that roundtable in full, recorded live in 2026 with three of the most plugged-in editorial voices in the supplement and functional food space: Cassie Smith (Senior Director of Editorial Content, SupplySide), Heather Carter (Associate Editor, SupplySide Food & Beverage Journal), and Devon Gholam (Editor, SupplySide Supplement Journal and food scientist), while Ben hosts from the PricePlow side.

The agenda they agreed on: protein, peptides, and fiber. From there, the conversation branches into GLP-1’s downstream effects on the dairy supply chain, the creatine stability arms race in RTDs and gummies, a debate on Mandatory Product Listing vs. DSHEA 2.0, delivery forms on the edge of legality, and frank takes on CBD, THC beverages, and where functional mushrooms are heading. If you caught Episode #164 from SupplySide Connect NJ 2025, this is the 2026 follow-up.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for alerts before diving in.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/supplyside-connect-nj-213

Video: Hot Takes & Fresh Finds – The Live Industry Breakdown at SupplySide Connect NJ 2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCjUOg5Y8d4

Detailed Show Notes: Cassie Smith, Heather Carter & Devon Gholam at SupplySide Connect NJ 2026

(0:00) – Introductions and Live Show Setup
(2:30) – Protein Is Everywhere
(7:30) – Protein Science: Isolates, Hydrolysates, and Alternatives
(14:00) – GLP-1’s Ripple Effect on Dairy and the Supply Chain
(17:30) – Peptides: Two Very Different Conversations
(34:15) – Fiber Maxing: Beyond Digestive Health
(42:30) – Take It, Try It, Trash It: Industry Hot Takes
(47:00) – Mandatory Product Listing vs. DSHEA 2.0
(53:45) – Creatine in Beverages, Gummies, and the Stability Race
(58:15) – CBD, THC, Functional Mushrooms, and Industry Scope
(1:04:00) – Closing Remarks

Where to Follow and Learn More

Connect with the Panel

Cassie Smith on LinkedIn – Senior Director of Editorial Content, SupplySide
Heather Carter on LinkedIn – Associate Editor, SupplySide Food & Beverage Journal
Devon Gholam on LinkedIn – Editor, SupplySide Supplement Journal
Ben Kane on LinkedIn – PricePlow

SupplySide / Informa Markets

SupplySide Network
SupplySide Connect New Jersey
SupplySide on LinkedIn
SupplySide Supplement Journal
Informa Markets on PricePlow

Previous Episodes

Ep. #164: Navigating Uncertainty â€” Ta…

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Episode #212 of the PricePlow Podcast covers tactical nutrition from two perspectives that rarely share a microphone: the soldier who tested an ingredient in active combat and the scientist who helped commercialize it.

Retired Green Beret Chris Lobb, who served nearly 13 years in the Army with a decade in special operations (including five years with the 10th Special Forces Group), joins PLT Health Solutions Director of Sports and Active Nutrition Brett Bernier to explore what performance supplementation actually looks like under operational conditions. The episode’s anchor is Chris’s firsthand account of testing unlabeled CellFlo6Â® capsules in Afghanistan in 2019, five years before PLT’s commercial partnership with the ingredient launched.

The conversation covers sustained energy management without crashes, caffeine optimization through zÃ¼mXRÂ®, adaptogen stacking with ingredients like RhodiolifeÂ®, and delivery format innovation (gummies, lozenges, dissolvable strips) suited for environments where water is scarce and silence is mandatory. Brett brings relevant credibility of his own: four years in the Marine Corps as a scout swimmer and assault climber, followed by 16 years in dietary supplements. Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast and sign up for PLT Health Solutions and CellFlo6 alerts on PricePlow before diving in.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/tactical-nutrition-cellflo6-212

Video: Tactical Nutrition with Chris Lobb and PLT Health’s Brett Bernier

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWCVFiisTm0

Detailed Show Notes: Tactical Nutrition with Chris Lobb and Brett Bernier of PLT Health Solutions

(0:00) – Introductions
(4:30) – Tactical Nutrition: The Core Need States
(9:45) – The CellFlo6Â® Origin Story: Afghanistan 2019
(14:15) – Operations Tempo and Sleep Management
(17:00) – Managing Energy Without Crashing
(21:00) – What Is CellFlo6Â®?
(23:00) – Blood Flow, Cognition, and Hydration Effects
(27:15) – CellFlo6Â® in the Stack: Where Does It Fit?
(31:45) – Packing for Operations: Weight, Water, and Format
(33:30) – Tactical Delivery Innovation: Gummies, Strips, and Lozenges
(39:00) – Creatine for SOCOM and MRE Reform
(41:45) – Optimization vs. Endurance: SOCOM Performance Culture
(47:15) – Caffeine Science and the zÃ¼mXRÂ® Advantage
(49:30) – Going 18X-Ray: Chris’s Path to Special Forces
(56:00) – The Many Hats of a Green Beret
(58:30) – Tactical Nutrition Across Life Phases
(1:02:30) – Holistic Supplement Philosophy

Where to Follow and Learn More

Connect with Chris Lobb and Brett Bernier

Instagram: @strikefire_survival — Chris Lobb’s primitive survival training account
LinkedIn: Brett Bernier — Director of Sports and Active Nutrition, PLT Health Solutions

Connect with PLT Health Solutions

PLT Health Solutions Website
LinkedIn: PLT Health Solutions
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Robert “Robik” Samborsky, founder of Apollon Nutrition and owner of the legendary Apollon Gym in Edison, New Jersey, has been one of the most authentic voices in the hardcore supplement space for over a decade.

Most fans know the products. Fewer know the man behind them. Episode #211 of the PricePlow Podcast fixes that.

Robik traces his full origin story from Soviet-era western Ukraine through Israel, South Africa, and New York, covering Lee Strasberg Theatre acting school, a decade of competitive Muay Thai including a title fight at Bangla Stadium in Thailand, and a gym purchase made with maxed-out credit cards.

From there, the conversation moves through Apollon Nutrition’s founding while working with NutraBio’s Mark Glazier to utilize their manufacturing, then gets into the brand’s formulation philosophy (clinical-plus dosing, full label transparency, no kitchen sinks), and a full walkthrough of the current product lineup. Robik also drops the first public spoiler for Hooligan V8 and outlines everything Apollon has planned for 2026.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for Apollon Nutrition alerts on PricePlow before diving in.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/robert-samborsky-apollon-nutrition-211

Video: Robik Samborsky on Apollon Nutrition, Hooligan V8, and the 2026 Product Roadmap

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkRqoD6iqi8

Detailed Show Notes: Robik Samborsky on Apollon Nutrition’s Origin, Philosophy, and 2026 Plans

(0:00) – Introductions
(2:30) – Growing Up in Soviet Ukraine
(5:00) – A Humanitarian Trip to Ukraine in 2022
(7:30) – America, Lee Strasberg, and a Fitness Pivot
(10:00) – NPC Judging and the Road to Muay Thai
(12:30) – Fighting in Thailand: Bangla Stadium
(13:30) – How Robik Became Owner of Apollon Gym
(18:00) – Marina: Competitor, PharmD, and Co-Architect of Apollon’s Health Line
(22:15) – Apollon Nutrition is Born
(29:30) – 50/50 Formula-X and the Genesis of Hooligan
(32:15) – The 600mg Controversy and a 700mg Spite Version
(34:15) – The Science of High-Dose Caffeine and the 20/40 Serving Model
(42:00) – What “Hardcore Premium” Actually Means
(50:00) – The F*** Mediocre Story: 4,200mg NO3-T and Ron Kramer
(53:15) – Formulation: Clinical-Plus Dosing and Who Robik Trusts
(54:30) – Margins, D2C Growth, and International Markets
(1:01:00) – Content Creators and Marketing Evolution
(1:04:00) – The NutraBio Manufacturing Origin: 50 Units at $18 Each
(1:07:15) – The Six-Egg Rule: Dosing Philosophy in Practice
(1:13:30) – Hooligan’s Two-Year Refresh Cycle and the Theobromine Revelation
(1:17:00) – Hooligan vs. Assassin: Two Different Experiences
(1:22:30) – Robik’s Personal Daily Stack
(1:25:00) – Sharp Coffee and Slept-On Products
(1:29:15) – GlucoVantage and the Case for Standalone Simplicity
(1:31:45) – Casanova: From Limited Edition to Permanent Lineup
(1:34:15) – 2026 Product Roadmap

Where to Follow and Learn More

Connect with Robik Samborsky and Apollon Nutrition

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Episode #210 of the PricePlow Podcast lands live from the expo floor of the Arnold Sports Festival 2026 in Columbus, Ohio, with three back-to-back conversations that cover 40-plus years of supplement history, a landmark creatine collab, and a glimpse at where the whole category is headed next.

Spencer and Ben sit down first with Evan Centopani, a 20-year Animal athlete and competitive bodybuilder who now runs a financial planning practice in New Jersey. Next up is Easton Drake, just 90 days into his role as Animal’s Athlete Manager after stints at Bodybuilding.com (BBCOM) and Applied Nutrition.

The third conversation brings back Jason Budsock, an OG in Animal’s brand and marketing history who has been on the podcast before. The through-line across all three: the Smarties creatine chew collaboration (Animal’s first-ever licensed flavor collab and the first of its kind in a chewable creatine tablet), the newly signed athlete Billy Love, and how creatine is pulling in audiences far beyond the meathead demographic — including women, the elderly, and yes, even kids.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for Animal news alerts on PricePlow before diving in.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/animal-evan-centopani-210

Video: Animal at Arnold 2026 with Evan Centopani, Easton Drake, and Jason Budsock

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVpezxJhxik

Detailed Show Notes: Animal at Arnold 2026 with Evan Centopani, Easton Drake, and Jason Budsock

(0:00) – Introductions: Evan’s 20 Years at the Arnold
(2:45) – Animal as a Legacy Brand
(5:00) – The Steak, Not the Sizzle
(7:00) – Brian Boss, Iconic Imagery, and the First Lifestyle Brand
(14:00) – Financial Planning and the Creator Economy
(20:45) – Meet Easton Drake: 90 Days at Animal
(24:00) – Announcing Billy Love as Animal’s Newest Athlete
(27:45) – Character Over Credentials
(32:30) – Animal’s Strategic Content Philosophy
(36:15) – Welcome Back, Jason Budsock
(37:30) – Animal x Smarties: Two Industry Firsts
(40:00) – Chews vs. Gummies and the Smarties Flavor Line
(44:00) – Creatine’s Booming New Demographics

Where to Follow and Learn More

Connect with Evan Centopani, Easton Drake, Jason Budsock, and Animal

Evan Centopani

Evan Centopani on YouTube – educational content, basement training, kitchen meal breakdowns
Evan Centopani on Instagram
Easton Drake on LinkedIn
Jason Budsock on LinkedIn
Animal Website
Instagram: @animalpak
Animal on PricePlow â€” sign up for news and price alerts

Resources Mentioned

The CAGE Turns 20: Animal at the 2025 Arnold
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Most supplement users have owned a shaker bottle, but very few have thought much about what separates a good one from a bad one. Episode #209 of the PricePlow Podcast changes that.

Recorded live at the 2026 Arnold Sports Festival, Ben Kane and Spencer Lynn sit down with Darren Thompson, co-founder of PerfectShaker. This episode pulls back the curtain on one of the supplement industry’s most overlooked categories.

Darren and business partner Mark started PerfectShaker in 2009, and over 15-plus years have built it into a full-service custom shaker brand used by Bucked Up, Redcon1, and hundreds of others. From injection molding in China, Hungary, and the USA to DC and Marvel licensing deals, to laser-etched stainless steel and a forthcoming aluminum shaker built for the RTD era, this conversation goes places most supplement media doesn’t.

The episode also covers trade show drayage, COVID survival, the Action Rod patent, and why a shaker bottle with your name on it psychologically hits differently than one without.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for Perfect Shaker news alerts on PricePlow before diving in.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/darren-thompson-perfectshaker-209

Video: Inside PerfectShaker – Supply Chains, Superheroes, and Custom Shaker Innovation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwsmQW-8cnQ

Detailed Show Notes: Darren Thompson of PerfectShaker at the 2026 Arnold Sports Festival

(0:00) – Introductions
(7:15) – The PerfectShaker Origin Story
(9:00) – Licensing Superheroes: A Six-Figure Bet on DC and Marvel
(10:45) – The Action Rod and Customer-Led Innovation
(12:30) – Injection Molding 101: How Shaker Bottles Are Made
(16:00) – Quality, Durability, and Owning Mistakes
(17:30) – Printing Methods and Color Science
(19:30) – Manufacturing Locations: China, the USA, and Hungary
(22:00) – Sustainability: Ocean Plastic and Material Innovation
(24:30) – Trade Show Hustle and the Drayage Racket
(27:00) – COVID, Bucked Up, and Small Business Survival
(32:45) – Custom Metal Shakers and the PricePlow Partnership
(35:00) – Laser Etching, Powder Coating, and Water Dipping
(37:00) – Personalization at Scale
(39:30) – All-In on Stainless Steel: MOQs, Risk, and Pre-Selling
(41:00) – Breakthrough Moments and Why the Industry Matters
(45:30) – Sports and Entertainment Licensing
(49:00) – The PricePlow Origin Story and Bevlab
(57:30) – Creating Content and Handling Online Criticism
(1:01:30) – What’s Next: Aluminum Shakers and the RTD Convergence
(1:04:15) – The $1.2B Shaker Bottle Market and the RTD Future
(1:07:30) – Closing Thoughts

Where to Follow and Learn More

Connect with Darren Thompson and PerfectShaker

LinkedIn: Darren Thompson
Instagram: @PerfectShaker
LinkedIn: PerfectShaker
…

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What does it take to build one of the supplement industry’s most flavor-forward protein brands from scratch? In Episode #208 of the PricePlow Podcast, Ben headed up to Long Island, New York, for an in-person visit at Musclesport HQ with founder and CEO Jason Mancuso, EVP and CMO Robert Oberholzer, and Kate Christensen, who handles everything from flavor development to logistics to customer service. Together, they trace Jason’s path from getting fired at McDonald’s in 1993 to managing GNC stores at 18 to running his own manufacturing plant, ultimately building a protein brand that has become a retail floor staple.

The conversation digs into how Lean Whey evolved from a side project into the core of Musclesport’s identity, why Jason bet big on dessert-inspired flavors and cereal-style inclusions before anyone else in the industry, and what it really takes to launch a new flavor: 6 months of planning, tight supply-chain relationships, and a small team that does everything in-house. They also cover the brand’s evolution from a strict brick-and-mortar-only model into a balanced omnichannel business — and why the community of ambassadors Kate manages is one of the most underrated growth engines behind the brand.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for Musclesport news alerts on PricePlow so you don’t miss what’s coming next.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/musclesport-jason-mancuso-208

Video: Jason Mancuso and the Musclesport Team on Lean Whey, Flavor Innovation, and Building a Brand

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaovuO8ra6Q

Detailed Show Notes: Jason Mancuso, Kate Christensen, and Robert Oberholzer of Musclesport

(0:00) – Introductions
(3:00) – Grinding to Build the Brand
(7:00) – Kate and Rob Join the Team
(11:00) – From Distribution Model to Omnichannel Brand
(19:00) – Rob’s Background and the D2C Push
(24:00) – Content, Community, and Why the Brand Feels Real
(30:30) – How Lean Whey Got Cereal Flavors First
(34:30) – Lean Whey Becomes the Core of the Business
(38:30) – Protein’s Rise and Retail Strategy
(41:15) – CreaM’D Rice: Applying the Lean Whey Playbook
(45:00) – Building the Community Flywheel
(50:00) – Authenticity, AI, and the Value of Being Imperfect
(54:30) – Formula Philosophy and Simplification
(57:00) – Pre-Workout Creativity, Transparency, and Where Things Are Headed
(1:01:30) – Retail Exclusives, the Flavor Vault, and Coming Launches

Where to Follow and Learn More

Connect with Jason, Kate, and Robert

Jason Mancuso on LinkedIn
Robert Oberholzer on LinkedIn
Kate Christensen on LinkedIn
Musclesport on Instagram: @musclesportusa
Musclesport on PricePlow – Sign up for news and launch alerts

Resources Mentioned

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Episode #207 of the PricePlow Podcast brings together Keely Johnson, VP of Sales and Marketing at Arjuna Natural, and Dr. Jessie Cavanaugh of Nutraceuticals Research Institute for a deep dive into cortisol science and ashwagandha research methodology. Jessie, a Harvard Medical School Clinical Scholars Training Program alumna, just completed what she describes as the first botanical study ever to use timestamped cortisol awakening response (CAR) measurements. The subject: Shoden ashwagandha at 60mg, in a three-arm trial with Shoden, Shoden-R, and placebo.

Also joining for her podcast debut is Victoria Johnson, registered nurse and familiar face from the PricePlow Instagram channel, who brings a hands-on clinical angle to the conversation.

The episode covers what separates quality nutraceutical research from noise, why cortisol balance matters far more than cortisol suppression, and where Shoden is headed: into beverages, pre-workouts, and potentially women’s multivitamins. If you caught Keely on Episode #171 covering the Shoden revolution, this is the scientific sequel.

Before diving in, subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for Arjuna Natural news alerts on PricePlow so you’ll know the moment the CAR study publishes.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/cortisol-awakening-response-shoden-207

Video: Shoden Cortisol Awakening Response Research with Jessie Cavanaugh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEDJdOv4B14

Detailed Show Notes: Keely Johnson, Jessie Cavanaugh, and Victoria Johnson on Cortisol, Stress, and Shoden

(0:00) – Introductions
(1:45) – Jessie Cavanaugh’s Background
(3:00) – What Makes Good Nutraceutical Research
(5:30) – Recruiting the Right Study Population
(7:00) – Acute vs. Chronic Stress
(11:15) – Cortisol: Beyond “The Stress Hormone”
(13:45) – The Cortisol Awakening Response
(18:00) – Study Protocol & Lifestyle Controls
(20:00) – The Three-Arm Shoden Study
(23:30) – Decentralized Studies & Participant Compliance
(27:15) – Study Outcomes & the Blunted Cortisol Surge
(31:00) – Formulating with Shoden: Beyond Calm
(34:00) – Shoden-R in Functional Beverages
(37:00) – Cortisol Balance, Testosterone & Consistency
(40:30) – Sleep Hygiene, Shift Work & Daily Habits
(44:30) – What’s Next: Menopause Research, Publication & The Book

Where to Follow and Learn More

Connect with the Guests

LinkedIn: Keely Johnson – VP of Sales and Marketing, Arjuna Natural
LinkedIn: Jessie Cavanaugh – Founder, Nutraceuticals Research Institute
Instagram: @primovictoria_rn – Victoria Johnson, RN and PricePlow Instagram team
Arjuna Natural
Nutraceuticals Research Institute

PricePlow Resources

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If you thought Part 1 with Paul Eftang and Matt Harrier was wild — an FDA raid with guns drawn, two years of legal battles, and a crusade against supplement fraud — Part 2 is where it gets genuinely useful. Episode #206 of the PricePlow Podcast picks up right where we left off, this time diving deep into the actual ingredients and products that Nootropics Depot has developed, sourced, and standardized over more than a decade of pharmaceutical-grade R&D.

Recorded at Nootropics Depot’s headquarters in Tempe, Arizona, Paul and Matt walk us through tongkat ali’s redemption arc from “gas station boner pill” to clinically meaningful testosterone support, explain why almost every mushroom supplement on the market is mislabeled, detail a 6-year journey to bring a real Ecklonia cava to market, and reveal how a bacopa extract binds to the same receptor as psilocybin.

Along the way, they cover cistanche, lion’s mane, Tribugen, a prebiotic fiber system, a novel protein concept, and an industry-wide testing fraud landscape that makes their product philosophy make total sense.

Sign up for Nootropics Depot news alerts on PricePlow and subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform before diving in.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/nootropics-depot-products-206

Video: Paul Eftang and Matt Harrier of Nootropics Depot Break Down the Products

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkZ-GDzEQRo

Detailed Show Notes: Paul Eftang and Matt Harrier of Nootropics Depot on Ingredients, Innovation, and Industry Fraud

(0:00) – Introductions
(0:15) – Tongkat Ali: From “Gas Station Boner Pill” to Top Seller
(7:30) – The TRT Problem: Are Doctors Telling Men They’re Broken?
(10:30) – EurycoMax: The Optimized Tongkat Ali Stack
(12:00) – Lance Dreher: A 70-Year-Old Mr. Universe Case Study
(14:30) – Cell Culture Research at Nootropics Depot
(17:45) – Lion’s Mane: The Mycelium vs. Fruiting Body Debate
(23:45) – Building Reference Standards from Scratch
(26:30) – Erinamax: The World’s First Erinacine A Product
(28:30) – Nerve Growth Factor and Real Consumer Stories
(30:45) – Tiger Milk Mushroom and Traditional Wisdom
(36:30) – Ecklonia Cava: A 6-Year Quest
(44:00) – Dieckol: The UV Protection Discovery
(47:00) – Why Most Ecklonia Cava on the Market Is Fake
(52:00) – Consumer Expectations vs. Long-Term Ingredient Reality
(55:00) – Cistanche: The Most Underrated Ingredient
(59:15) – Cognance: Bacopa Reinvented with Ebelin Lactone
(1:01:30) – Solving Bacopa Anhedonia
(1:03:00) – The Sabroxy-Cognance-Saffron Stack
(1:05:00) – Infinifiber and the Akkermansia Ecosystem
(1:10:15) – The Protein Frontier and Future Ingredients
(1:16:15) – AI as an R&D Tool
(1:21:15) – Tribulus, Protodiosein, and the DHT Angle
(1:22:45) – The Turkesterone ExposÃ©
(1:29:00) – Amazon Fraud and Industry-Wide Testing Failures
(1:31:30) – Third-Party Lab Shopping and Dry Labs

Where to Follow and Learn More

Connect with Paul Eftang, Matt Harrier, and Nootropics Depot

Matt Harrier …

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Tom Reilly, president of VMI Sports, brings a perspective from all over the industry, and he’s got a lot of educational things to say. Two decades spent at GNC, then in natural food distribution at UNFI, and eventually as a purchasing director and director at Lone Star Distribution gave him an unusually complete map of how supplements actually move through the market. VMI grew out of that experience, launched as a house brand for Lone Star in 2012 before Tom took it full time in late 2015, and has been grinding ever since — bootstrapped, profitable, and growing every single year.

In Episode #205 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben sit down with Tom to cover the full arc: how VMI got started, what distribution taught him that brand founders usually learn the hard way, the evolution from specialty sports nutrition into grocery chains, the K-XR pre-workout legacy, the PEZ collaboration strategy, and some genuinely exciting teases for what’s coming in 2026, including two canned beverages that are neither energy drinks nor protein sodas.

This is a good one, and Tom’s willingness to mentor others shines through, as we learned a lot in this one – and we guarantee you will too.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for VMI Sports news alerts before diving in — you won’t want to miss those can reveals when they drop.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/tom-reilly-vmi-sports-205

Video: Tom Reilly of VMI Sports on Distribution, Grocery, PEZ, and What’s Next

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIkHJOngDPk

Detailed Show Notes: Tom Reilly and VMI Sports

(0:00) – Introductions
(0:30) – Tom’s Background: GNC, UNFI, and Lone Star
(3:00) – Building VMI from Within Lone Star
(7:45) – Going Full Time: The 2015 Pivot
(10:30) – Business Wisdom from Distribution
(13:00) – Consumer Education and Supply Chain Reality
(18:00) – Vision Meets Innovation: The VMI Name
(23:15) – K-XR: Origins and the Miami Vice Flavor
(25:00) – K-XR: Three Caffeines, Grocery, and the High-Stim Formula That Works
(30:15) – Winning on the Grocery Shelf
(33:30) – Packaging Evolution and the PEZ Aesthetic
(36:00) – More on the PEZ Collaboration
(41:15) – Pump & Flow: The Sleeper Hit with Hydronox
(44:00) – Protolyte: Ahead of the Hydration Curve
(47:30) – Acquisition, Retention, and Brand Philosophy
(52:00) – Staying Independent: VMI’s Long Game
(54:30) – Two Canned Beverages Coming in 2026
(57:30) – K-XR RTD and the Beverage Category Landscape
(1:01:30) – Distribution Realities of Canned Beverage
(1:05:00) – Wrap-Up and What’s Next

Where to Follow and Learn More

Connect with Tom Reilly and VMI Sports

LinkedIn: Thomas Reilly
LinkedIn: VMI Sports
Instagram: @tom_vmisports (Tom Reilly)
Instagram: @vmisports (VMI Sports)
VMI Sports Website
VMI Sports on PricePlo…

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What if you could deliver all the benefits of traditional collagen without any animal ingredients?

In Episode #204 of the PricePlow Podcast, we explore VC-H1, a revolutionary vegan collagen alternative derived from organically grown hibiscus. Eric Withee from Freemen Nutra returns to discuss the science behind this innovative ingredient, while Marc Bruggemann, an e-commerce expert specializing in Amazon strategy, reveals the massive untapped market opportunity for plant-based collagen products.

Unlike traditional “vegan collagen boosters” that merely mimic amino acid profiles or throw together kitchen-sink formulas, VC-H1 delivers actual collagen peptides from a botanical source. At just 1.5 grams per serving, this clinically studied ingredient stimulates collagen synthesis through the same pathways as bovine or marine collagen (with price parity, organic certification, and sustainable sourcing from Laos).

With 400,000+ annual searches for “vegan collagen” on Amazon alone and virtually no legitimate products to meet that demand, the timing couldn’t be better for brands to enter this blue ocean market.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for our alerts before we dive into this game-changing ingredient.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/vegan-collagen-freemen-nutra-vc-h1

Video: Vegan Collagen from Hibiscus: VC-H1 with Eric Withee & Marc Bruggemann

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tchb8BYjqpU

Detailed Show Notes: Eric Withee (Freemen Nutra) and Marc Bruggemann Discuss VC-H1 Vegan Collagen

0:00 – Introductions

Ben welcomes returning guest Eric Withee from Freemen Nutra and introduces Marc Bruggemann, an e-commerce expert with deep Amazon marketplace experience. Unlike typical podcast episodes that focus purely on ingredient science, today’s conversation takes a different angle by examining how innovative ingredients actually perform in the marketplace. Marc brings valuable perspective from his career building Amazon channels for supplement brands, including working at NutriBio Labs and Thrasio (the fastest company in US history to reach $10 billion valuation) before specializing in helping top-10 supplement brands dominate Amazon’s competitive landscape.

0:45 – Marc’s E-commerce Background and Amazon Expertise

Marc shares his journey through the dietary supplement e-commerce space, starting with building Amazon channels and eventually working with some of the industry’s largest brands. His experience spans everything from product development to advertising strategy, taking brands from limited distribution to nationwide presence. This unique perspective on both the marketplace dynamics and consumer behavior sets the stage for understanding why certain ingredients succeed or fail on platforms like Amazon. Marc’s track record includes elevating multiple brands into Amazon’s top 10 supplement sellers, giving him invaluable insights into what drives consumer purchasing decisions in the crowded digital marketplace.

1:45 – Introducing VC-H1 Vegan Collagen Alternative

Eric introduces VC-H1, a vegan collagen alternative that immediately captured Marc’s attention during their initial conversation. Unlike traditional collagen supplements derived from animal sources, VC-H1 is composed entirely of peptides…

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What happens when a supplement company built on pharmaceutical-grade testing standards gets raided by federal agents? In Part 1 of our two-part series with Nootropics Depot, founder Paul Eftang and Director of Business Development Matt Harrier take us through their origin story, the harrowing 2021 FDA raid that changed everything, and why regulatory inconsistencies leave consumers more vulnerable than protected.

Paul started on Reddit’s r/Nootropics community, calling out mislabeled supplements that sent people to hospitals. When donations to test products revealed widespread fraud across the industry, he founded Ceretropic (later acquiring Nootropics Depot) to prove quality control was possible. Matt was part of the original Nootropics Depot team, and they united by their shared priority: making sure what’s on the label is actually in the bottle.

But their commitment to transparency and pharmaceutical-grade testing made them a target. In 2021, while Paul was out of the office, armed agents raided their facilities — not for safety violations, but for technical regulatory interpretations around compounds like racetams. The agents complimented their equipment and testing standards even as they seized products. Two years and significant legal costs later, a deferred prosecution agreement required destroying inventory and paying fines, but no criminal charges stuck.

This episode reveals uncomfortable truths about FDA enforcement: selective raids while warning letters go to others, funding through civil asset forfeiture, and regulatory ambiguity that punishes good actors while bad actors continue unchallenged. It’s the backstory that shaped why Nootropics Depot now operates pharmaceutical-grade supplement testing lab that most supplement brands wouldn’t even recognize.

Be sure to subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for Nootropics Depot news alerts before we dive into this revealing conversation.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/nootropics-depot-fda-raid-203

Video: The FDA Raid That Changed Everything – Paul Eftang & Matt Harrier of Nootropics Depot

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSZIlbPsT7c

Detailed Show Notes: Inside Nootropics Depot’s Origin, Raid, and Fight for Consumer Protection

(0:00) – Introductions and Welcome
(2:15) – The Reddit Origins: When Fake Supplements Sent People to Hospitals
(7:45) – Matt Joins: From Nootropics Depot’s First Incarnation to the Team
(13:15) – The Pivot Point: From Synthetic Nootropics to Natural Ingredients
(20:20) – The Regulatory Gray Zone: Why Racetams Attracted Attention
(25:30) – 2018: Scaling Back and Hoping for Clarity
(34:30) – The 2021 Raid: Guns Drawn at a Quality-Focused Facility
(45:45) – The Investigation: When Good Faith Meets Civil Asset Forfeiture
(1:01:15) – The Resolution: Deferred Prosecution and Its Costs
(1:15:30) – Strict Liability: Why Testing Doesn’t Protect You
(1:28:45) – Civil Asset Forfeiture: The Funding Model That Warps Enforcement
(1:33:00) – The NMN Situation: Regulatory Ambiguity by Design
(1:38:25) – Chevron Doctrine and Regulatory Authority
(1:40:50) – DSHEA and the Third Classification Debate
(1:44:15) – The Implementation Problem: When Regulations Fail Consumers
(1:49:15) – The Emotional Toll: Why Paul Can’t …

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Rich Gaspari needs no introduction in the bodybuilding and supplement industry. From childhood dreams inspired by Arnold in muscle magazines to setting new standards for conditioning on the Mr. Olympia stage, Rich’s journey represents decades of dedication to the sport and science of bodybuilding. After a career-ending injury forced him to transition from competing to entrepreneurship, he founded Gaspari Nutrition nearly three decades ago with a singular focus: creating effective supplements backed by proper dosing and real science.

In Episode #202 of the PricePlow Podcast, Rich shares the complete arc of his entrepreneurial journey, from gym ownership and personal training to building one of the industry’s most respected brands. He discusses his science-forward nutritional philosophy that was well ahead of the curve, the devastating impact of the amino spiking scandal, going through bankruptcy, and his difficult-yet-principled decision to rebuild.

We also get into why Proven Egg became the cornerstone of his comeback, where he was once again ahead of the curve. Throughout the conversation, Rich emphasizes the importance of ethics, innovation, and adapting to changing markets while staying true to quality ingredients and efficacious dosing.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/rich-gaspari-202

Video: Rich Gaspari Discusses Three Decades of Supplement Innovation and Ethical Business Practices

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNkeJCtr7MI

Detailed Show Notes: Rich Gaspari on Building, Losing, and Rebuilding Gaspari Nutrition

(0:00) – Introduction: A Legend Returns to PricePlow
(2:30) – The Childhood Dream: From Muscle Magazines to Basement Training
(6:15) – Teenage Competition and Nutritional Education
(10:45) – Early Supplement Experiences and Egg Protein Discovery
(14:00) – The Professor: Training with Lee Haney
(18:30) – Following Barry Sears and the 40-40-20 Diet
(22:45) – Career-Ending Injury and Entrepreneurial Pivot
(26:15) – Founding Gaspari Nutrition: Education and Efficacy
(31:00) – SuperPump 250 and the Pre-Workout Revolution
(37:15) – The Dark Times: Bankruptcy
(43:30) – Rebuilding from Zero: The Proven Egg Strategy
(49:45) – Why Egg White Protein Matters
(55:00) – Current Product Portfolio and Future Innovation
(1:01:15) – Adapting to Influencer Marketing and Direct-to-Consumer
(1:06:30) – Ethics, Morals, and Long-Term Thinking
(1:11:45) – Business Lessons: Knowing What You Don’t Know
(1:14:00) – Mike’s Endorsement and Future Plans
(1:17:00) – Final Advice: Step by Step and Stay Loyal

Where to Follow and Learn More

Connect with Rich Gaspari and Gaspari Nutrition

Rich Gaspari on LinkedIn
Rich Gaspari on Instagram
Gaspari Nutrition on Instagram
Gaspari Nutrition Official Website
Gaspari Nutrition on PricePlow â€“ Sign up for news alerts and price comparisons

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Welcome back to Episode #201 of the PricePlow Podcast! We’re thrilled to be joined by Brooks Thomas, Chief Marketing Officer at Louisville Brands, and Nate Frazier, Founder and CEO of Red Knot Capital and Managing Partner at Gym Snack. Long-time listeners will remember Nate from Episode #098 when he was COO at GNC. Today, he’s back to discuss an exciting new venture that’s filling a massive gap in the protein snack market.

Gym Snack: Deliciously Savory High-Protein Snacks

Gym Snack is tackling a problem many of us face: protein fatigue. The market is saturated with sweet, chewy bars and gummies, but where are the savory options? Brooks and Nate have created a crunchy, plant-based snack delivering 30 grams of protein per bag with clean ingredients and zero seed oils. Using pea protein as the foundation, they’ve launched three distinct flavors that satisfy both taste and macro goals. The discussion covers everything from manufacturing excellence and vegan certification to the impact of GLP-1 agonists on protein absorption and the critical importance of authenticity in today’s crowded supplement market.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform, and sign up for Gym Snack news alerts before diving into this exciting conversation!

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/gym-snack-201

Video: Savory Protein Snacks That Actually Deliver

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHw8X0eeb5g

Detailed Show Notes: Brooks Thomas & Nate Frazier on Gym Snack’s Mission

(0:00) – Introductions and Welcome
(1:30) – Brooks’ Background and Louisville Brands’ Foundation
(2:00) – What Makes Gym Snack Different
(4:45) – Nate’s Vision and Industry Perspective
(5:00) – The Problem Statement: Where Are the Savory Snacks?
(7:00) – Development Journey: From Soy to Pea Protein
(9:00) – Three Flavors: Jalapeno Cheddar, Cheddar, and Everything Bagel
(9:45) – Manufacturing Excellence and Certifications
(10:00) – Nutritional Profile: 30 Grams of Protein, 160-170 Calories Per Serving
(12:00) – Clean Ingredient Philosophy: Real Food, Olive Oil, No Seed Oils
(18:00) – Protein Fatigue and Market Saturation
(25:00) – GLP-1 Agonists and Protein Absorption
(35:00) – Authenticity in Branding and Competitive Differentiation
(42:00) – Distribution Strategy and Pantry Program
(50:00) – Future Flavor Innovation and Collaboration
(1:00:00) – The Louisville Manufacturing Advantage
(1:09:00) – Where to Sample and Purchase
(1:10:00) – Where to Follow and Connect

Where to Find Brooks Thomas, Nate Frazier, and Gym Snack

Brooks Thomas on LinkedIn
Nate Frazier on LinkedIn and Instagram
Louisville Brands on LinkedIn
Gym Snack on LinkedIn and Instagram
Learn more about Gym Snack……

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Welcome to Episode #200 of the PricePlow Podcast, where Team PricePlow gathers to celebrate an incredible journey through the supplement industry.

Mike Roberto is joined by Ben Kane (first appearing in Episode #010) and Spencer Lynn (debuting in Episode #092), along with video producer Cody Fernley making his PricePlow Podcast debut.

This reflective conversation takes listeners through seven years of podcasting history, from that bold 2018 Arnold Sports Festival recording to becoming the industry’s go-to platform for ingredient science, business strategy, and supplement innovation. The team discusses memorable episodes with industry legends, the evolution of precision fermentation technology, the explosive growth of the functional beverage category through PricePlow’s Bevlab offshoot, and the balance between technical depth and entertainment value. They also honor the memories of Dallas McCarver, John Meadows, and Dr. Hector Lopez, whose contributions to the industry and the podcast remain impactful.

The episode turns into a business talk about some potential ventures Team PricePlow will get into, and different segments they want to attack after Bevlab and an upcoming Functional Foods target — namely if they should scale this into the peptide space.

From sitting down with CEOs of major retailers to exploring cutting-edge ingredient discovery platforms, the PricePlow Podcast has chronicled the supplement industry’s transformation in real time. Join us as we celebrate 200 episodes of science, strategy, and storytelling.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for our alerts before diving in!

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/episode-200

Video: Team PricePlow Celebrates 200 Episodes!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXXd6Y9K5QY

Detailed Show Notes: Reflecting on 200 Episodes of Supplement Industry Leadership

0:00 – Welcome to Episode 200

Team PricePlow assembles for this milestone episode with Mike Roberto hosting alongside Ben Kane (team member since Episode #019 with Dave Palumbo), Spencer Lynn, and Cody Fernley. The conversation opens with gratitude for listeners who’ve followed the podcast’s evolution from its 2017 launch. Mike notes how the show has refined its focus toward industry insiders, scientists, and marketing professionals, creating a specialized following that’s evident at trade shows. The team is drinking fitting beverages — Mike sips Cereal Killer C4 Energy (his favorite flavor ever) while Ben enjoys Welch’s Cran-Grap Ghost Energy Drink. Spencer and Cody also enjoy a Ghost Energy.

3:00 – The legendary Arnold episode

The team recalls Episode #010, recorded at the Arnold Sports Festival hotel lobby with NutraBio’s Dan Margolis while Ben was still with the brand. The crew commandeered a hotel table without permission, embodying the “ask forgiveness, not permission” philosophy that would characterize many future episodes. The chaotic energy of the Arnold, with big dudes everywhere and constant activity, provided a charged backdrop th…

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Welcome back to Episode #199 of the PricePlow Podcast! Today we’re diving deep into the science and innovation behind functional proteins with Brad Meyers, VP of Functional Proteins and Snacking at Glanbia. This conversation explores how the supplement and functional foods industry is evolving to meet growing consumer demands for higher protein, lower sugar products that actually taste good, all while navigating the rapid market transformation driven by GLP-1 medications and changing lifestyles.

Brad brings over 20 years of food ingredients experience to the table, including a fascinating background in sweeteners and natural ingredients before specializing in proteins. In this episode, we explore the food science fundamentals that make or break protein-fortified products, from understanding Maillard browning reactions to solving the infamous protein bar hardness problem.

We also get an inside look at Glanbia’s extensive applications lab capabilities, including their OvenPro platform specifically designed for high-protein baked goods, and discuss innovative future product concepts that could reshape on-the-go protein consumption.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform, and sign up for Glanbia news alerts below before we dive in!

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/glanbia-functional-proteins-199

Video: Functional Protein Innovation with Brad Meyers from Glanbia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcE2kcUwyfQ

Detailed Show Notes: Brad Meyers Breaks Down the Science Behind Better-For-You Functional Foods

(0:00) – Introduction and Brad’s Background in Food Science
(4:45) – Career Versatility and Food Science Opportunities
(6:00) – Market Evolution: From Sports Nutrition to Lifestyle Nutrition
(8:00) – The GLP-1 Effect: Supercharging Consumer Interest in Protein
(9:45) – Taste is King: Consumer Research Across Categories
(11:45) – From Theory to Practice: Why Sugar Does More Than Sweeten
(14:00) – Food Engineering Fundamentals: Mass Balance in Formulation
(15:15) – Food Chemistry 101: Browning Reactions and Protein Behavior
(17:30) – Protein’s Impact on Texture: The Moisture and Chewiness Challenge
(19:30) – The Protein Bar Hardness Problem: Choosing the Right Proteins
(22:45) – Consumer Demands: More Protein, Less Sugar, Better Taste
(27:45) – Protein as a Health Signal: Consumer Perception Research
(29:00) – Market Gaps: White Space for Innovation
(35:00) – OvenPro Platform: Purpose-Built Proteins for Baked Goods
(37:00) – Glanbia’s Unique Approach: Deep Applications Expertise
(38:45) – The Development Ecosystem: Ingredients, Brands, and Co-Manufacturers
(40:45) – Beyond Protein: Full-Service Applications Support
(43:45) – Speed to Market: From Concept to Finished Product in 48 Hours
(45:45) – Protein Supply Realities: No Shortage on the Horizon
(47:45) – Dairy vs. Plant Proteins: Applying Expertise Across Sources
(50:15) – OvenPro and Wheat: Flour Replacement vs. Fortification
(51:30) – Future Product Concepts: The Frozen Protein Pouch Idea
(53:45) – Technical Requirements for Pouch Manufacturing
(56:45) – GLP-1 Consumer Segmentation: Not a Monolithic Group
(1:00:15) – Market Size and Growth Projections for …

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In Episode #198 of the PricePlow Podcast, we sit down with Nora Khaldi, founder and CEO of Nuritas, the groundbreaking company revolutionizing ingredient discovery through artificial intelligence and peptide science. Nora’s journey from pure mathematician and computer scientist to pioneering AI-driven nutrition innovation represents a fascinating intersection of technology and human health.

Most listeners know Nuritas from PeptiStrong, the natural anabolic peptide ingredient derived from fava beans that’s making waves in the sports nutrition industry. But there’s so much more to the Nuritas story. This episode explores how Nora, a mathematician, identified a fundamental problem in the supplement industry: an inability to create truly new ingredients to address rapidly evolving consumer health trends. Traditional ingredient development takes decades and costs hundreds of millions of dollars, making innovation nearly impossible for the nutrition sector.

Nora explains how Nuritas spent seven to eight years building proprietary AI technology called Magnifier, which integrates machine learning, proteomics, peptidomics, and molecular biology to identify bioactive peptides in nature. The conversation covers the company’s entire peptide portfolio, including PeptiSleep, PeptiYouth, PeptiControl, and the upcoming PeptiPump, along with the clinical science, regulatory challenges, and manufacturing processes behind each ingredient.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/nora-khaldi-nuritas-198

Video: Nora Khaldi on AI-Powered Peptide Discovery

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ7Mmft2maA

Detailed Show Notes: From Mathematics to Peptide Innovation

(0:00) – Introduction: The Mathematician Who Revolutionized Peptide Discovery
(0:30) – The Innovation Gap in Supplement Ingredients
(2:30) – The Data Problem: Why AI Was Essential
(4:45) – Timeline and Technology Development: Before ChatGPT
(6:15) – Building Proprietary Data from Scratch
(8:45) – Beyond Efficacy: The Complete Ingredient Development Equation
(10:15) – What Is a Peptide? Understanding Nature’s Signaling Molecules
(12:00) – PeptiStrong: From Discovery to Market
(15:30) – Clinical Validation and Human Studies
(18:45) – Manufacturing and Extraction Processes
(22:00) – Regulatory Strategy and Patent Protection
(25:15) – PeptiSleep: Addressing the Sleep Crisis
(28:30) – PeptiSleep Mechanisms and Clinical Insights
(32:00) – PeptiYouth: Beauty from Within
(35:45) – PeptiProtect: Supporting Immune Function
(39:15) – PeptiControl: Glucose Management Innovation
(43:00) – The Future: PeptiPump and Beyond
(46:30) – The Role of Early Adopters and Market Education
(50:00) – Strength and Bone Density: Interconnected Health
(53:30) – From Ideation to Market: The Complete Journey
(57:15) – Supply Chain and Manufacturing Partners
(1:00:45) – Market Trends: Beauty, Sleep, and Metabolic Health
(1:04:15) – Holistic Health: The Future of Personalized Wellness
(1:08:00) – Consumer Education and Scientifi…

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Welcome back to Episode #197 of the PricePlow Podcast, where we take you inside Helaina’s Manhattan research and development facility for an in-depth conversation with CEO Laura Katz and Pamela Besada-Lombana (Pam), Director of Early R&D. After our initial online episode with Laura back in June, we traveled to New York to experience firsthand the groundbreaking precision fermentation work happening in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. This episode reveals the sophisticated science, collaborative culture, and clinical validation driving efferaÂ® lactoferrin from a novel ingredient to an industry-changing reality.

In this conversation, Pam takes us deep into the yeast engineering process that makes effera possible, explaining how her team designs, builds, and optimizes microbial factories to produce human-equivalent lactoferrin more efficiently with each iteration. Laura shares recent clinical breakthroughs, including the landmark alloimmunization study that proved effera triggers no immune response while bovine lactoferrin does, along with emerging data on gut permeability and microbiome health. The discussion also explores Helaina’s empathy-driven culture, their data infrastructure capturing 170 million rows of metabolic information, and how they’re attracting innovative brands that value genuine science and transparency. This episode complements our earlier conversation with Helaina’s Dan DeMarino and Anthony Clark from the same New York trip.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for Helaina news alerts before diving in.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/helaina-laura-katz-pamela-lombana-197

Video: Inside Helaina’s Manhattan Lab with Laura Katz and Pam Besada-Lombana

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LWUrgTkF98

Detailed Show Notes: The Science and Strategy Behind efferaÂ® Lactoferrin

(0:00) – Welcome to Helaina’s Manhattan Research Facility
(2:00) – Pam’s Background in Yeast Engineering
(3:30) – The Product Stays the Same, Production Gets Better
(5:30) – Reprogramming Yeast: Fighting 5,000 Genes
(8:00) – Understanding Non-Conventional Yeast Metabolism
(14:30) – Scaling the Innovation: 300 Edits Every Five Weeks
(18:00) – Capturing 170 Million Rows of Data
(19:00) – The Design-Build-Assess-Learn Cycle
(23:00) – From Small-Scale Screening to Commercial Production
(28:00) – A Decade of Precision Fermentation Expertise
(32:00) – Pam’s Journey to Helaina
(36:40) – Recent Clinical Data and Product Launches
(37:40) – Empathy as a Core Value
(40:00) – The Story Behind Helaina’s Wall of Women
(41:00) – The Landmark Alloimmunization Study
(44:00) – The Friday Evening Result
(45:00) – Taking the Risk on Comparative Clinical Research
(46:00) – Lab Space Constraints and Mindful Growth
(47:45) – Building the Data Science Team
(50:10) – AI-Assisted Hypothesis Generation
(50:50) – The Data Behind the Platform
(51:50) – Explaining Lactoferrin to a Friend
(53:00) – The Ethics of Bovine Colostrum
(54:00) – Closing:…

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Vitamin B12 is essential for energy production, nervous system function, and overall metabolic health, but not all B12 forms deliver equal bioavailability or stability. In Episode #196 of the PricePlow Podcast, we welcome back HTBA (HealthTech BioActives) for a comprehensive deep dive into the science behind their MecobalActive methylcobalamin ingredient and the groundbreaking clinical study that validates its efficacy in athletes who are not deficient.

Joining us are Teresa Pellicer, PhD, Pharmacologist and R&D Manager in Biotechnology at HTBA, and Bernardo Gonzaga, Global Division Manager for Functional Health Solutions. This conversation builds on Episode #188 with Edwin Gonzalez, where we explored practical applications of MecobalActive in functional foods.

Today, we go deeper into the molecular mechanisms, clinical evidence, bioavailability data, and manufacturing innovations that make MecobalActive a next-generation B12 solution for supplements, functional foods, and beverages. Teresa’s expertise in pharmacology and molecular biology shines as she explains why methylcobalamin represents the biologically active form your body actually uses, while Bernardo provides industry context on applications, regulatory considerations, and market opportunities.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform, and sign up for HTBA news alerts before we dive into the science.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/podcast/htba-mecobalactive-vitamin-b12-196

Video: The Science Behind MecobalActive Vitamin B12

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v5NgW5jD-E

Detailed Show Notes: Teresa Pellicer and Bernardo Gonzaga Discuss MecobalActive B12

(0:00) – Welcome and Introductions
(2:00) – Teresa’s Background in Pharmacology and Molecular Biology
(4:15) – Bernardo’s Industry Journey and Global Perspective
(6:30) – HTBA Company History and Four Business Divisions
(9:15) – Pharmaceutical-Grade Quality for Injectable B12
(11:00) – Sustainability Story: Upcycling Baby Oranges for Bioflavonoids
(13:45) – ESG Commitment Beyond Environmental Impact
(16:00) – Why Vitamin B12 Matters for Energy and Health
(19:30) – The Four Main Forms of Vitamin B12
(22:45) – Why Cyanocobalamin Dominates Despite Conversion Requirements
(26:15) – MecobalActive: Solving Methylcobalamin’s Stability Challenge
(29:45) – The Clinical Study Design and Objectives
(33:00) – Study Results: Superior Bioavailability and Faster Absorption
(36:30) – Methylation Pathways and Homocysteine Metabolism
(40:00) – Adenosylcobalamin and Mitochondrial Energy Production
(43:45) – Populations at Risk for B12 Deficiency
(47:15) – Symptoms and Consequences of B12 Deficiency
(51:00) – Absorption Mechanisms: Intrinsic Factor Pathway
(54:45) – Passive Diffusion and High-Dose Supplementation
(58:15) – Manufacturing Challenges with Methylcobalamin Stability
(1:01:30) – Applications in Functional Foods and Beverages
(1:05:00) – Dosing Considerations and Safety Profile
(1:08:30) – Combining B12 with Other B Vitamins and Nutrients
(1:12:00) – Regulatory Landscape Across Global Markets
(1:15:45) –…

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Two of the supplement industry’s rising content creators join the PricePlow Podcast for Episode #195, recorded live from NNB Nutrition’s massive booth at SupplySide Global 2025. Lucas Kaelin (@WhatsUpWithLucas) and Konlan James (KJ from V1 Nutra) sit down with Mike and Ben to discuss the realities of building an audience in the supplement space, from navigating criticism to battling imposter syndrome.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn into the regulatory gray area surrounding supplement pouches, exploring why the FDA needs to provide clarification before the industry gets blindsided. As content creators who ask tough questions, Lucas and KJ offer candid perspectives on what it means to be “chronically online” while building legitimate businesses. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the future of supplement content creation and the challenges facing the next generation of industry voices.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/konlan-james-lucas-kaelin-195

Video: Lucas Kaelin & Konlan James Talk Content Creation at SupplySide Global

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnmN1Pxk4lY

Detailed Show Notes: Content Creator Challenges with Lucas Kaelin & KJ

(0:00) – Introductions and SupplySide Experience
(1:30) – Getting Recognized at Industry Events
(4:15) – Product Development Timelines
(5:15) – The Pouch Regulatory Gray Area
(7:00) – Pouches: The FDA Compliance Concern
(9:15) – Unknown Ingredients and Safety Concerns
(11:45) – Unknown Absorption Rates
(13:45) – Call for FDA Clarification on Non-Nicotine Pouches
(16:15) – Asking the Hard Questions
(18:00) – Social Media Criticism and Body Image
(19:45) – The Deep Dive Credibility Challenge
(21:00) – Ben’s Viral TikTok Story
(22:45) – The Venom Symbiote of Viral Content
(23:30) – Low Quality Wins on TikTok
(24:45) – When Does This End?
(25:45) – Age Reveal and Long-Term Planning
(28:15) – Trends Move Faster Than Ever
(28:45) – The Consumption-Creation Balance
(30:45) – Longest Break from Social Media
(32:30) – Honeymoon Posting Struggles
(33:15) – Digital Property and Feeling Like a Speck
(37:15) – You’re Not Just a Speck
(39:15) – Imposter Syndrome is Real
(40:30) – The Vitamin Shoppe Moment
(41:30) – Working From Home Challenges
(42:45) – Recording Around Significant Others
(43:45) – Texas vs. Michigan
(44:45) – Tangent: Mike’s Hair Care Routine
(46:45) – Lucas’s Favorite SupplySide Moment
(47:45) – Closing and Where to Follow

Where to Find Lucas Kaelin, Konlan James, and V1 Nutra

Lucas Kaelin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucaskaelin/
Lucas Kaelin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatsuppwithlucas
Konlan James LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/konlanpaul/
Konlan James Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/konlan.james/
V1 Nutra on PricePlow:…

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Welcome back to Episode #194 of the PricePlow Podcast, where we tour LaCore Nutraceuticals in Van Alstyne, Texas with Kaitlyn McCammack, their Manager of Research and Development. Fresh off running the CREATEA Mighty Mango beverage — the collaborative innovation featured at SupplySide Global 2025 — we explore LaCore’s impressive manufacturing capabilities and discuss why creatine belongs in functional beverages.

LaCore represents a rare breed in supplement manufacturing: a facility offering everything from personalized nutrition packs to 12-ounce cans, stick packs to tetras, all while maintaining startup-friendly minimums. Katie walks us through their two Texas facilities, including a nostalgic former Johnson & Johnson building housing their can line with the biggest tanks we’ve seen. The conversation ranges from creatine for kids to liposome technology, proving that manufacturing innovation drives ingredient innovation.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for LaCore Nutraceuticals alerts on PricePlow before we dive into this facility tour.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/lacore-nutraceuticals-194

Video: Behind the Scenes at LaCore Nutraceuticals in Van Alstyne, Texas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQi2MBma9RM

Detailed Show Notes: Manufacturing Innovation with Kaitlyn McCammack

(0:00) – Introductions and LaCore’s Multi-Format Capabilities
(1:45) – Tour of the Van Alstyne Facility
(3:30) – Production Scale and Startup-Friendly Philosophy
(6:15) – The CREATEA Project: Bringing Creatine to Functional Beverages
(8:00) – Katie’s Personal Creatine Protocol
(10:45) – Creatine Dosing Strategy and Overages
(13:15) – Creatine Research Beyond Muscle Growth
(15:30) – Bringing Creatine into the Cognition Space
(17:15) – Can Size Preference and Industry Trends
(19:00) – Energy Drink Preferences and Market Positioning
(21:30) – Personalized Nutrition and Pack Customization
(23:45) – Multi-Serve Liquids and Format Innovation
(26:30) – Gel Packs, Liquid Sticks, and Novel Delivery Systems
(30:30) – Liposome Technology and Particle Size
(33:00) – Homogenizers vs. Sonicators
(35:15) – Emulsion Technology and Novel Applications
(38:30) – Clean-in-Place (CIP) Procedures
(41:00) – Rev7 Ketone Beverage Sampling
(43:30) – Arjuna’s Shoden Ashwagandha Innovation
(45:30) – Facility Capabilities and Industry Positioning
(47:00) – Katie’s Industry Journey and SupplySide Preview
(48:30) – Closing and SupplySide Innovation Stage

Where to Follow Kaitlyn McCammack and LaCore Nutraceuticals

Kaitlyn McCammack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlyn-mccammack-37656a178/
LaCore Nutraceuticals on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lacorenutra/
Sign up for LaCore Nutraceuticals alerts: https://www.priceplow.com/lacore-nutraceuticals

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on any platform, sign up for LaCore Nutraceuticals alerts on PricePlow, and leave us a great review on iTunes and Spotify!

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The supplement certification landscape is evolving, and Episode #193 of the PricePlow Podcast brings you to the forefront of this transformation. We sit down with Lori Bestervelt, Ph.D., and Thane Campbell from TruShieldâ„¢ Certified, a new certification service that's challenging the status quo by focusing exclusively on comprehensive banned substance testing.With Lori's 22 years creating industry standards at NSF International (including the foundational NSF 173 standard) and Thane's expertise from SMRTL (one of only two WADA-experienced anti-doping laboratories in the United States), they're introducing a certification approach that tests for well over 400 prohibited substances, including entire drug classes like glucocorticoids and HIF stabilizers that other programs overlook.TruShieldâ„¢ Certified: Finished Product Drug-Testing from an Elite LabUnlike traditional bundled certification programs that require brands to repeat testing across multiple areas they may already have covered, TruShield takes a streamlined approach by focusing solely on what athletes and tested individuals need most: certainty that their supplements are free from banned substances.The conversation explores the evolution of performance-enhancing substances from prohormones to SARMs to peptides, the challenges of cross-contamination in manufacturing, and why the certification industry hasn't kept pace with modern supply chain realities. Whether you're a brand looking to protect athletes or a consumer wanting transparency about what's in your supplements, this episode delivers critical insights into the future of supplement safety.Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for TruShield Certified news alerts on PricePlow before we dive into the details!https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/trushield-certified-193Video: Introducing TruShieldâ„¢ Certified with Lori Bestervelt and Thane Campbellhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-m-QHg6nDkDetailed Show Notes: TruShieldâ„¢ Certified's Approach to Banned Substance Testing(0:00) – Introductions and Background(3:00) – The Problem with Bundled Certification Services(5:00) – Industry Evolution and Current Gaps(7:00) – Thane's Background and SMRTL's Role(9:00) – The Evolution of Banned Substances(11:00) – Consumer Safety and Informed Decisions(15:00) – Testing Methodology and Laboratory Capabilities(20:30) – The Lot-by-Lot Certification Process(25:45) – Cross-Contamination Challenges in Manufacturing(32:15) – Cost Considerations and Accessibility(35:30) – Early Adopters: CON-CRÄ’T, RedLeaf Biologics, and Vireo(40:45) – International Expansion and Geographic Availability(47:15) – League Endorsements and Adoption(53:00) – The Competitive Landscape(58:45) – Manufacturing Partnerships and Supply Chain Transparency(1:04:30) – Future Trends and Emerging Substances(1:09:15) – The Caffeine Question and WADA Regulations(1:13:45) – Partnership with Eurofins and Closing ThoughtsWhere to Follow Lori B...Read more on the PricePlow Blog

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We're back at SupplySide Global 2025 as Shawn Wells and Dustin Elliott from NNB Nutrition return for Episode #192 of the PricePlow Podcast. Since Episode #152, NNB has undergone a dramatic transformation, fully committing to precision fermentation and launching their Pure Potent Precise campaign that's reshaping how the supplement industry thinks about ingredient quality, potency, and manufacturing.Filmed directly from NNB's stunning new booth at SupplySide Global, this conversation explores the company's evolution from novel ingredient supplier to industry thought leader driving pharmaceutical-grade supplement innovation. Shawn and Dustin detail their strategic shift toward 99%+ pure compounds, fermentation-based manufacturing, and microdosing strategies that deliver unprecedented efficacy while solving sustainability challenges.The episode showcases NNB's OnSwitch concept beverage, discusses their PÃ¼rest Creatine and PÃ¼rest Collagen launches, and dives deep into why isolated compounds often outperform whole herbs for modern formulation. We also tackle the controversial question of whether commodity creatine quality is declining as demand skyrockets, explore microplastic contamination in supplements, and preview three mystery ingredients launching with exclusive brand partners.Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for NNB Nutrition news alerts on PricePlow before diving in.https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/nnb-nutrition-pure-potent-precise-192Video: NNB Nutrition's Precision Fermentation Revolution with Shawn Wells & Dustin Elliotthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFSQpMdQyXIDetailed Show Notes: Pure, Potent, Precise - NNB's Industry Evolution(0:00) – Introduction and Mike's Party Foul(1:15) – SupplySide Global 2025 and Industry Growth(3:45) – The NNB Party: Validation and Networking(6:45) – Building the NNB Dream Team(9:45) – OnSwitch: The Mind-Body Resilience Formula(12:15) – The Birth of Pure Potent Precise(15:45) – Potency: Reaching New Performance Levels(18:00) – Precision: Eliminating the Noise(21:45) – 6-Paradol vs Whole Grains of Paradise(24:30) – The SalidroPure Success Story(27:30) – Strategic Phase-Out of Non-Pure Compounds(29:00) – MitoBurn and Ergothioneine: Proof of Cost Efficiency(30:45) – The Spaceship Booth: Differentiation and Brand(33:00) – The Podcast Room and Booth Functionality(35:15) – Location Strategy: Learning and Evolving(37:45) – Cold Approaches from Major Retailers(38:30) – PÃ¼rest Creatine: Disrupting a Commodity Market(40:45) – The Safety Question: Yesterday's Data vs Tomorrow's Quality(43:15) – The Dose and Exposure Argument(45:30) – Third-Party Testing Proposal(48:30) – Total Toxin Exposure Philosophy(50:00) – Fermentation: The Clean Manufacturing...Read more on the PricePlow Blog

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For Episode #191 of the PricePlow Podcast, we explore one of the most interesting and scientifically-rigorous appetite control stories we've encountered on the podcast yet. Mike sits down with Sarah Kennedy, founder and CEO of Calocurb, and Dr. Edward Walker, the lead scientist behind the development of AmarasateÂ®, the natural hop extract at the heart of Calocurb's formula.This isn't your typical supplement origin story. Instead of a garage startup or bodybuilding brand, Calocurb emerged from a $20 million New Zealand government research grant specifically designed to develop a plant-based obesity treatment.Calocurb: From New Zealand Science to Commercial RealityDr. Walker takes us through the fascinating scientific journey that began in 2009, when the New Zealand government funded research to find better alternatives to weight loss drugs. His team screened over 1,000 plant compounds, searching for those that could trigger the release of appetite-suppressing hormones. After years of research, including two years spent collecting intestinal biopsies from hospital patients, they identified a specific New Zealand hop variety that produces remarkable results. The clinical data shows AmarasateÂ® increases GLP-1 and CCK levels sixfold over baseline, reduces hunger by 30%, decreases cravings by 40%, and cuts caloric intake by 18%.Sarah Kennedy licensed the technology in 2017 and launched Calocurb in 2018, years before the GLP-1 injectable phenomenon made appetite control a household topic. Today, Calocurb is positioned as a natural GLP-1 activator that works three ways:as a standalone appetite suppressant,as an adjunct to reduce injectable dosages and side effects, and critically,as post-cycle therapy to prevent the rebound weight gain that occurs when people stop taking GLP-1 drugs.With new clinical trial results expected from a 150-patient, six-month study, Calocurb represents a potent bridge between traditional supplements and pharmaceutical interventions in the weight management space.https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/calocurb-191Video: Calocurb: Natural GLP-1 Activation Through Bitter Hops Sciencehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c17t11gwlNcDetailed Show Notes: Sarah Kennedy and Dr. Edward Walker on CalocurbÂ® and AmarasateÂ®(0:00) – Introductions: A Different Kind of Supplement Story(1:00) – Dr. Walker's Background: From Berry Compounds to Gut Science(3:00) – The New Zealand Government Grant: $20 Million to Solve Obesity(5:50) – How New Zealand Funds Primary Research(7:15) – The Government-to-Commercial Pathway(10:35) – The Pre-Ozempic Marketing Challenge(13:00) – The Timeline of GLP-1 Knowledge: 2009 vs. Today(15:45) – The "Bitter Brake" Theory: Location Matters(17:10) – Two Years in Hospital Waiting Rooms Collecting Biopsies(20:20) – Bitter Taste Receptors Throughout the Gut(22:30) – Why Plants and Humans Evolved This Way(24:15) – Why Bitter Detection in the Small Intestine?(26:15) – Were CCK and GLP-1 Well-Known in 2009?(27:45) – Screening 1,000 Plant Compounds: The Lab Work(29:45) – The Four Finalists (and Why Three Failed)(30:45) – Why Hops Won: Safety, Stability, and Supply Chain(33:30) – The Advantage of Industry-Aware Research(35:30) – ...Read more on the PricePlow Blog

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On Episode #190 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben host a special round-robin format from SupplySide Global 2025, recorded live at the ONE Innovation Labs booth. This episode showcases the collaborative power of the supplement industry, featuring conversations with Dr. Pedro Perez and Anthony Armas (ONE Innovation Labs), Katie Emerson and Karen Todd (Kyowa Hakko), Dan Force (Prinova), Zain Saiyed (Lonza), Dr. Benjamin Weeks (Adelphi University), and Nathan McWherter (Sports Research).The Miami-based ingredient innovator behind PureWay-CÂ® is making waves with their LiposoMaxÂ® liposomal delivery platform, and this episode demonstrates how pharmaceutical-grade technology is transforming supplement formulation across multiple categories. From SetriaÂ® Glutathione to creatine monohydrate, from DUOCAPÂ® capsule-within-capsule technology to ready-to-drink applications, this conversation reveals how genuine innovation creates opportunities throughout the supply chain.Beyond technical discussions about phospholipid complexes and cellular uptake kinetics, this episode tells the story of how ingredient suppliers, distributors, technology partners, and brands collaborate to bring differentiated products to market. If you're a formulator seeking to understand how delivery technology can justify premium positioning, or a brand builder looking for genuine scientific differentiation, this episode provides a masterclass in strategic partnerships that create value at every level.https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/one-innovation-labs-liposomax-190Video: ONE Innovation Labs Round Robin at SupplySide Global 2025https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEU-PmSV6qsDetailed Show Notes: Pharmaceutical-Grade Innovation Meets Industry Collaboration(0:00) – Introduction: The Innovators Behind PureWay-CÂ®(4:45) – The LiposoMaxÂ® Platform: True Liposomal Technology(10:45) – Kyowa Hakko: Elevating SetriaÂ® Glutathione with LiposoMaxÂ®(14:45) – Topical Applications and the Recycling Properties(20:30) – Prinova Partnership: Bringing LiposoMaxÂ® Creatine to Market(25:15) – The Science Behind LiposoMaxÂ® Creatine(28:45) – Clinical Data: Two Times Cellular Absorption(32:00) – Creatine's Mainstream Moment(37:00) – Format Flexibility: From Beverages to Soft Gels(39:30) – Lonza Partnership: The DUOCAPÂ® Revolution(44:15) – Advanced Release Profiles and Formulation Strategies(48:00) – Benjamin Weeks' Cellular Research Methodology(51:30) – Magnesium Innovation and Niacin Parallels(54:30) – Lonza's Enzyme Delivery Research(58:30) – Sports Research: Commercial Success with Liposomal Vitamin C(1:02:00) – Authenticity in Liposomal ClaimsWhere to Follow and Learn MoreONE Innovation LabsONE Innovation Labs on LinkedInAnthony Armas on LinkedInDr. Pedro Perez on LinkedInErne...Read more on the PricePlow Blog

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On Episode #189 of the PricePlow Podcast, we bring you a special panel discussion from SupplySide Global 2025 featuring the brilliant minds behind CREATEA Mighty Mango, the groundbreaking collaborative concept beverage that's redefining what's possible in functional drink formulation. Building on the viral success of last year's XPO NRG, CREATEA takes beverage innovation to the next level by focusing on commercial viability, natural ingredients, and solving one of the industry's biggest challenges: stable creatine in ready-to-drink formats.Ben moderates this powerhouse panel featuring Steve Fink (PLT Health Solutions), Brent Petersen (Glanbia Nutritionals), Shawn Wells (NNB Nutrition), Katie McCammack (Lacore Nutraceuticals), and Michael Lelah (NutriScience Innovations). Together, these industry leaders discuss the technical breakthroughs, formulation challenges, and collaborative spirit that made CREATEA possible. From CreaBev's revolutionary creatine stability to Zynamite S's beverage-ready cognitive enhancement, SweetVantage's natural sweetener breakthrough, and InnovaBean's sustainable natural caffeine, this panel reveals how setting competition aside creates products that elevate the entire industry.https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/createa-supplyside-global-2025-189Video: CREATEA Mighty Mango Panel Discussion at SupplySide Global 2025https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOh6djtUes8Detailed Show Notes: The Future of Formulating Beverages(0:00) – Welcome and Panel Introductions(2:15) – Collaborative Innovation and Zynamite S(8:15) – CreaBev: Solving Creatine's Beverage Stability Challenge(13:30) – Market Trends and Consumer Preferences(23:00) – The Beverage Stability Imperative(25:15) – Comprehensive Beverage Stability Testing(30:00) – The Power and Sustainability of Collaboration(32:45) – Collaboration as Industry RealityWhere to Learn More About CREATEA and Featured IngredientsCREATEA Mighty Mango Article: Full formulation breakdown and backgroundPLT Health Solutions: LinkedIn | News on PricePlowGlanbia Nutritionals: LinkedIn | News on PricePlow | CreaBev ArticleNNB Nutrition: LinkedIn | News on PricePlowNutriScience Innovations: LinkedIn | News on PricePlowLacore Nutraceuticals: LinkedIn | News on PricePlowRelated PricePlow Podcast Episodes...Read more on the PricePlow Blog

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For Episode #188 of the PricePlow Podcast, we welcome Edwin Gonzalez, Functional Health Sales Manager at Health Tech Bio Actives (HTBA), alongside Michael Alfaro from Master Foods Lab. This episode marks a milestone collaboration: putting cutting-edge vitamin B12 science into functional foods that consumers can actually feel working.Edwin introduces MecobalActive, HTBA's ultra-pure, optimized methylcobalamin ingredient that's redefining what B12 supplementation can do. Traditionally, the industry positioned B12 as a deficiency vitamin for tired, anemic, or sluggish individuals. HTBA is changing that narrative completely. New clinical research demonstrates that just three days of MecobalActive supplementation significantly improved both physical power output and cognitive reaction time in healthy, well-trained athletes without B12 deficiency. This isn't about correcting what's broken, it's about optimizing what already works.The conversation explores HTBA's nearly 50-year European heritage, their unique position as the only EU manufacturer of all active B12 forms, and the proprietary green chemistry process that yields MecobalActive's exceptional purity and stability. Michael walks through the technical challenges of incorporating functional ingredients into Skinny Bite cakes (showcased at SupplySide Global 2025), revealing the complex interplay between formulation science, manufacturing constraints, and innovative problem-solving. From raspberry-colored B12 filling to protected cake layers to the partnership model driving functional food innovation, this episode delivers both scientific depth and practical application insights.https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/vitamin-b12-htba-mecobalactive-188Video: Redefining B12 with HTBA's Edwin Gonzalez and Master Foods Lab's Michael Alfarohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGqZm9Q5bkwDetailed Show Notes: MecobalActive B12 Takeover(0:00) – Welcome Back: A Dive Into Functional Foods(2:00) – Redefining B12: From Deficiency to Performance Enhancement(4:45) – Creating Functional Foods: The Clear Can Problem(7:15) – The Formulation Challenge: Making Actives Work in Real Food(11:00) – HTBA's European Heritage and Manufacturing Excellence(14:30) – Green Chemistry: Manufacturing B12 Without Toxic Reagents(16:45) – Light Sensitivity and Creative Product Applications(19:00) – Redefining B12 Like Creatine Was Redefined(22:00) – The Clinical Study: Triple-Blind Crossover in Healthy Athletes(26:45) – The Results: 4% Power, 6% Fatigue Resistance, 5% Cognition(31:00) – Structure/Function Claims and Market Applications(35:45) – Color-Driven Innovation and Future Applications(37:00) – The Chocolate Coating: Formulation Within Constraints(39:00) – Manufacturing Mastery: Solving the Protein Cake Challenge(41:00) – The Partnership Model: When Ingredient Suppliers Become Collaborators(42:00) – The Pressure Cooker: Building Brands in Real Time(44:00) – Closing and Where to Find Edwin, HTBA, and MichaelWhere to Find HTBA, MecobalActive, and Master Foods LabHTBA and MecobalActive:MecobalActive: Healt...Read more on the PricePlow Blog

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On Episode #187 of the PricePlow Podcast, we welcome Richard Foster (founder of Strom Sports UK) and Dean Harris (president of Strom Sports US) for an in-depth discussion filmed at PLT Health Solutions headquarters in Morristown, New Jersey. Joined by PLT's Steve Fink (who first joined us in Episode #146), this marks the podcast's first deep dive into the UK supplement market and the transatlantic differences in formulation philosophy, regulatory frameworks, and consumer expectations.Richard brings 19 years of industry experience building Strom from a UK supplement shop into a global brand focused on performance athletes, while Dean shares insights from bringing the brand to American consumers. The conversation explores why UK health products often exceed US standards despite America's more permissive approach to stimulants, how branded ingredients like ApresFlex and CellFlo6 deliver superior results compared to generic alternatives, and why the supplement industry is entering its "golden age" of science-backed innovation.Whether you're interested in international market dynamics, ingredient science, or the future of supplement formulation, this episode delivers valuable insights from both sides of the Atlantic.https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/strom-sports-plt-health-187Video: Strom Sports UK/US at PLT Health Solutions - International Supplement Market Insightshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVkhvOkyiVcDetailed Show Notes(0:00) – Welcome to PLT Health Solutions(2:15) – UK vs US: Quality Standards and Distribution Models(6:40) – Beast Farm: Eddie Hall's Supplement Brand(8:30) – The Dinner That Started Everything(10:00) – ApresFlex: The Joint Health Game-Changer(15:00) – The Evolution of Informed Consumers(17:00) – UK Novel Food Regulations: The 1997 Rule(19:30) – The Ashwagandha Controversy(28:00) – Anti-Inflammatories and Clinical Dosing(31:30) – CellFlo6: From Acquisition to Integration(33:45) – Differentiation in a Sea of Branded Ingredients(38:00) – CreaPure and the Branded Ingredient Spectrum(40:00) – The Rise of the Informed Consumer(43:45) – Third-Party Testing and the Informed Sport Trap(46:15) – Beverage Formulation Challenges(47:50) – CellFlo6 in Peak Max: Bodybuilding Applications(52:15) – CellFlo6 for Libido and Cardiovascular Health(55:00) – Mega Natural and the Sustainability Question(57:15) – Flavor: The Hardcore vs Mainstream Divide(1:03:45) – Nostalgia for the Wild West Era and Current Glory Days(1:08:30) – The Collagen Controversy(1:11:15) – The EU Caffeine Regulation Dilemma(1:14:45) – Extended Release Caffeine and zÃ¼mXR(1:20:00) – zÃ¼mXR Caffeine and PLT's Nootropics(1:23:30) – The Cognitive Health Revolution in the UK(1:36:15) – The Death of Present-Moment Experience(1:38:45) – Where to Find Strom SportsWhere to Follow Strom Sports and PLT Health SolutionsStrom Sports UK: str...Read more on the PricePlow Blog

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For Episode #186 of the PricePlow Podcast, we welcome back Marc Lobliner, who returns with major news: he's now President of Ketone Labs. Marc brings his signature energy and bold predictions to discuss why he believes goBHB will become bigger than creatine in the supplement industry.Since we last formally spoke with Marc on the podcast in October 2021 (Episode #053), he's not just launching products like the Outright Bar, but is taking the helm at Ketone Labs. This isn't just another business venture for Marc -- he's calling goBHB a "transformative ingredient" that will change everything from athletic performance to concussion prevention to overall health.Marc discusses the real-world applications he's implementing, including concussion protocols for his own kids in football and wrestling, the differences between D-BHB and L-BHB isomers, and why he believes healthier individuals experience more pronounced effects from ketone supplementation. He also shares candid insights about product development timelines, legal challenges in the supplement industry (including those infamous Prop 65 warnings), and his vision for making goBHB as ubiquitous as creatine.https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/marc-lobliner-gobhb-186Video: Marc Lobliner on goBHB, Ketone Labs, and the Future of Supplementshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-US7QIKl7UDetailed Show Notes with Marc(0:00) – Welcome Back, Marc "The Machine" Lobliner(2:00) – Balancing Multiple Ventures(5:45) – Concussion Protocols for Young Athletes(8:45) – Safety Profile: No LD50 for BHB(10:00) – The One Three Butanediol Problem(12:15) – The Plan for goBHB: Clinical and Consumer Applications(15:00) – Product Applications Across Categories(18:00) – The Sleep Study Discovery(20:45) – Product Development Timelines in Supplements(23:45) – The Outright Bar Story: Lessons in Distribution(30:30) – Legal Landmines in the Supplement Industry(31:45) – The California Problem: Prop 65 and Beyond(34:25) – Media Bias and Heavy Metals Testing(36:30) – Major Studies with Dr. Jose Antonio(39:00) – White Glove Formulation Services(41:00) – D-BHB vs L-BHB: The Ketone Meter Paradox(44:45) – L-BHB and Cardiovascular Research(45:45) – The Anabolic Properties of BHB(49:30) – Why Healthier People Feel It More(50:15) – The Niacin Parallel(51:30) – Marc's Passion and Work-Life Balance(52:45) – Training Schedule and Competitive Future(55:00) – Formulating the Perfect BHB Powder(55:30) – What's Next: Supply Side and BeyondWhere to Find Marc Lobliner and Ketone LabsMarc Lobliner on Twitter and Instagram: @MarcLobliner / @MarcLoblinerKetone Labs News on PricePlow: https://www.priceplow.com/ketone-labsKetone Labs Instagram: @KetoneLabsThanks for bringing your trademark energy to the podcast, Marcâ€”we'll see ...Read more on the PricePlow Blog

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On Episode #185 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben welcome Jonathan Baner (Senior R&D Director) and James Stone (Vice President of Global Marketing and Insights) from Glanbia Nutritionals to explore the fascinating world of protein extrusion technology and better-for-you snacking. This powerhouse team brings deep expertise in both the science and consumer insights driving the functional foods revolution, revealing how advanced extrusion processing is solving the longstanding challenge of creating high-protein snacks that actually taste good and deliver satisfying texture.From Ingredients to Extrusion Technology, Glanbia Nutritionals is Behind Better SnackingThe conversation dives into the mechanics of twin screw extrusion technology that transforms fine protein powders into everything from cheese puffs to protein cereals, the critical differences between dairy and plant-based proteins in processing, and the four distinct snacking behavior profiles that brands need to understand. From Jonathan's 25 years of extrusion expertise to James's insights on consumer trends showing that Americans consume sweet snacks 6.4 times per week, this episode unpacks how Glanbia is pushing protein fortification from the typical 5-7% found in traditional snacks up to an impressive 65-85% range without sacrificing the crunch and flavor consumers demand.Beyond the technical breakthroughs, we explore real-world market dynamics including the tight supply situation for whey protein isolate, the evolution of clean label formulations, the seed oil debate, and how GLP-1 adoption is driving unprecedented protein demand. This episode showcases how ingredient innovation at the B2B level is transforming what's possible in functional snacking, with applications ranging from airport grab-and-go options to high-protein cereal that's eaten more as snacks than breakfast.https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/glanbia-nutritionals-healthy-snacking-185Video: Glanbia Nutritionals - Extrusion Technology & Better-For-You Snackinghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ng1ZC_yq7K0Detailed Show Notes: Engineering Better-For-You Snacks with Protein Extrusion(0:00) – Introduction to Glanbia's Functional Foods Team(5:00) – The Snacking Landscape: Consumption Patterns and Consumer Demands(8:00) – Understanding Extrusion Technology: From Play-Doh to Protein Puffs(12:00) – The Protein Challenge: Why High-Protein Snacks Were Nearly Impossible(17:00) – Texture Optimization and Business Model(21:15) – Functional Ingredients and Plant Protein Challenges(26:00) – The Plant-Based Meat Decline: Lessons for Functional Foods(29:30) – Flavor Innovation: Ethnic Profiles and Cheese Evolution(33:30) – The Four Snacker Types: Texture Preferences and Product Formats(37:30) – The Keto Perspective and Protein Cereal's Surprising Use Case(43:00) – Trail Mix Reinvention and Extrusion Versatility(47:30) – Emulating Textures and Consumer Acceptance(54:00) – Whey Protein Supply Constraints and GLP-1 Impact(58:00) – Extrusion Process Details and Customer Collaboration(1:00:15) – Fortifying Fruit Snacks and Multi-Category Capabilities(1:03:00) – Fiber Fortification and Gastrointestinal Health(1:06:00) – Colostrum: Immune Support and Gut Health Innovation(...Read more on the PricePlow Blog

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In Episode #184 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben welcome back Ed Dosz, VP of Science Innovation at NutriScience Innovations, for a comprehensive exploration of ButyraGen, a revolutionary ingredient that generates butyrate directly in the small intestine. With butyrate serving as the primary fuel for colon cells while playing crucial roles in gut barrier function, immune modulation, and the gut-brain axis, Ed explains why this short-chain fatty acid has become one of the most important yet overlooked compounds in modern nutrition.

Ed Dosz Returns to Discuss ButyraGen: Solving the Modern Butyrate Crisis

The conversation tackles a fundamental problem facing modern gut health: the average American consumes only half the fiber needed for adequate butyrate production, and traditional prebiotics work only if you have the right gut bacteria. Ed details how ButyraGen’s unique tributyrin-based formulation bypasses these limitations entirely through enzymatic action, delivering consistent butyrate generation regardless of microbiome status, age, or dietary habits.

Beyond the science of butyrate delivery, Ed shares insights from two published clinical studies demonstrating ButyraGen’s real-world benefits, including significant reductions in belly pain and improvements in digestive quality of life. The discussion reveals particularly strong benefits for women and postmenopausal individuals, explores the fascinating gut-brain connection, and examines ButyraGen’s potential applications in metabolic health, GLP-1 support, and beyond. This episode provides a comprehensive look at why direct butyrate generation represents the next evolution in digestive health supplementation.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast for more conversations with ingredient scientists and industry innovators!

[[INSERT SMALL LINK]]

Video: Ed Dosz Explains NutriScience’s ButyraGen – Direct Butyrate Generation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnXrruuWyBE

Detailed Show Notes: The Science and Clinical Benefits of ButyraGen

(0:00) – Introduction and Reconnecting with Ed Dosz
(1:30) – Why Butyrate Matters: The Gut’s Primary Fuel
(5:00) – The Modern Butyrate Deficit Crisis
(9:15) – Why Traditional Prebiotics Fall Short
(13:30) – Introducing ButyraGen: Direct Butyrate Generation
(18:45) – Dosing Efficiency: Small Dose, Massive Impact
(23:00) – Clinical Evidence: Two Published Human Studies
(28:15) – Women’s Health: The Standout Clinical Finding
(33:30) – The Gut-Brain Axis and Future Research Directions
(38:45) – Metabolic Health and GLP-1 Connections
(43:15) – Practical Applications and Product Formulations
(48:30) – Quality Matters: Not All Tributyrin Is Created Equal
(53:00) – Stacking Strategies and Combination Recommendations
(57:45) – Safety, Tolerability, and Long-Term Use
(1:02:15) – Ed’s Vision for the Future of Gut Health
(1:06:30) – Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

Where to Follow Ed Dosz and Learn More About ButyraGen

NutriScience Innovations: NutriScienceUSA.com
NutriScience on LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/company/nutriscience-innovations-llc/
Ed Dosz on LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/edward-dosz/
ButyraGen Breakdow…

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On Episode #183 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben sit down with Raza Bashir, Chief Innovation Officer at MuscleTech and Iovate, for an in-depth conversation about supplement quality control, manufacturing excellence, and the exciting innovation pipeline that has him more energized than ever in his nearly 20-year career. Broadcasting from MuscleTech’s laboratory facility, Raza provides unprecedented transparency into the rigorous processes that ensure every product meets the highest standards across 140 countries.

This conversation goes far beyond typical brand discussions, diving deep into the nuts and bolts of quality assurance: how MuscleTech manages relationships with 28+ contract manufacturers worldwide, the extensive third-party testing protocols that validate every batch, and the end-to-end oversight that distinguishes legacy brands from newcomers. Raza shares insights from recent Consumer Reports testing that validated MuscleTech’s mass gainers as the only products without concerning levels of heavy metals, demonstrating how comprehensive quality systems deliver tangible consumer protection.

The discussion then shifts to innovation, with exclusive reveals of breakthrough effervescent technology launching through the EFF’N Series at GNC, new peptide formulations combining cutting-edge ingredients like dileucine with HMB and essential amino acids, and the evolution of stimulant technology through EuphoriQ and the revolutionary Stacked pre-workout featuring Hydronox citrulline hydrochloride. Throughout the conversation, Raza’s passion for both scientific rigor and consumer experience shines through, explaining why MuscleTech continues setting industry standards after three decades.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/muscletech-quality-control-183

Video: Raza Bashir Discusses MuscleTech’s Quality Control and Innovation Pipeline

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-efByKU-cyk

Detailed Show Notes: Quality Systems and Innovation at MuscleTech

(0:00) – Introductions: Inside MuscleTech’s Innovation Lab
(0:45) – Raza’s Journey: From Passionate User to Innovation Leader
(4:00) – The Manufacturing Network: Managing 28+ Global Partners
(6:45) – The Qualification Process: Rigorous Audits Before Production
(10:30) – Ingredient Qualification: Testing Before Approval
(14:00) – The Branded Ingredient Advantage: Established Supply Chains
(17:15) – Production Consistency: Managing Multiple Manufacturers Per Product
(22:15) – The Multiple Manufacturer Strategy: Service and Supply Chain Resilience
(24:15) – Third-Party Testing and Consumer Reports Validation
(27:00) – Protein Testing and Nitrogen Analysis Methods
(32:00) – The Creatine Conundrum: Testing Above Label Claim
(36:30) – The Transparency Advantage: Avoiding Proprietary Blends
(39:00) – Innovation Without Over-Engineering
(40:15) – Business Resilience and Continued Innovation
(43:30) – The Innovation Risk: Pioneering New Ingredients
(47:00) – EuphoriQ Evolution: Responding to Consumer Feedback
(52:00) – The Leaner Business Philosophy: Focused Excellence
(55:00) – The EFF’N Series: Revolutionary Effervescent Technology
(59:00) – Theolim: Novel Metabolism Enhancement
(1:04:00) – EFF’N Energy: Genius Pure and Yohimbe
(1:06:00) – The Effervescent Experience: Dissolutio…

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On Episode #182 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben welcome back Max Fairchild alongside industry legend Chuck Letchman and marketing strategist Dan Pierce to explore the launch of Brew Shockalaka, a revolutionary zero-sugar coffee beverage that’s redefining what functional drinks can be. This isn’t your typical RTD coffee or energy drink – it’s a complete reimagining of the category that combines dessert-inspired flavors with a powerful 1000mg nootropic matrix, all while maintaining zero sugar and zero dairy.

Brew Shockalaka! Zero-Sugar Dairy-Free Nootropic Coffee That Tastes Amazing

Max, who first appeared on the PricePlow channel back in 2018 during his Nutrex Research days, has partnered with distribution veteran Chuck Letchman to create what they call “the Deadpool of coffee” – a brand that refuses to take itself too seriously while delivering serious functional benefits. From the challenges of retort manufacturing to the strategic decision to launch in fitness channels first, this conversation reveals the complexities of beverage innovation and the power of industry relationships in bringing disruptive products to market.

The team discusses their unique approach to product development, from sourcing natural caffeine from Colombian beans to incorporating CognatiQ coffee fruit extract and a strategic 560mg dose of potassium. With flavors like Salted Caramel, CafÃ© Mocha, and Maple Cinnamon Donut, “Brew Shock” is targeting the convergence of energy drinks, functional coffee, and nootropic supplements while building a brand identity that embraces music, comedy, and authentic consumer connections.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/brew-shockalaka-182

Video: Brew Shockalaka – The Coffee Revolution with Max Fairchild, Chuck Letchman, and Dan Pierce

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eDuXsHu2m0

Detailed Show Notes: Building the Zero Sugar Coffee Revolution

(0:00) – Introductions: Reuniting with Max Fairchild
(2:15) – Chuck Letchman’s Industry Legacy and Partnership Philosophy
(4:15) – Dan Pierce: The Digital Marketing Strategist
(6:00) – The Genesis Story: From Powder to RTD Innovation
(8:30) – Manufacturing Challenges: The Retort Reality
(12:00) – Flavor Development: Dessert-Inspired Innovation
(17:00) – The Science Behind the Buzz: Nootropic Innovation
(22:00) – Labeling Strategy: Transparency as Differentiation
(26:45) – The Retort Advantage: Manufacturing as Competitive Moat
(32:00) – The Chuck Letchman Effect: Industry Relationships as Assets
(38:45) – Team Dynamics: Swiss Army Knife Approach
(44:15) – Strategic Pacing: Growth Management Philosophy
(50:30) – Target Demographics: Coffee Culture Convergence
(53:45) – Brand Personality: The Deadpool of Coffee
(55:30) – Alcohol Collaborations: Expanding Usage Occasions
(1:00:15) – Strategic Partnerships: Redefine Foods Collaboration
(1:07:15) – Digital Marketing Revolution: TikTok Strategy
(1:12:00) – International Expansion: Testing Global Waters

Where to Follow and Learn More

Brew Shockalaka:
- Company Website
- PricePlow.com/brew-shockalaka
- ……

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On Episode #181 of the PricePlow Podcast, we sit down with twin brothers Ryan Gardner (CEO) and Jeff Gardner (CMO) of Bucked Up at their Salt Lake City headquarters. This conversation reveals the remarkable journey from internet marketing pioneers to building a billion dollar million supplement empire, complete with helicopter rides over Utah’s mountains and an inside look at their massive manufacturing facility.

The Gardner brothers share their incredible origin story that began with exact match domains and affiliate networks in the early 2000s, leading to a deer antler spray windfall thanks to Ray Lewis’s Super Bowl controversy in 2013. From those humble beginnings, they built Bucked Up into the #1 pre-workout at GNC and Vitamin Shoppe, pioneered micro-influencer marketing before it was cool, and recently expanded into energy drinks with major partnerships including SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles — all in pursuit of their “billion or bust” vision.

Celebrating the Launch of Bucked Up Black Ant

This episode also features the exclusive launch details of Black Ant, their revolutionary new pre-workout Mike and Ben helped formulate, featuring industry-first ingredients like RipFACTOR and Creasol SSAT alongside traditional creatine monohydrate (Black Ant is Bucked Up’s first creatine-based pre-workout).

The conversation explores everything from their innovative protein drinks with light carbonation to their thoughts on peptides, healthspan optimization, and the future of the supplement industry.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/bucked-up-ryan-jeff-gardner-181

Video: Inside Bucked Up HQ with the Gardner Brothers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzGuzuGtuWQ

Detailed Show Notes: From Internet Marketing to Supplement Empire

(0:00) – Introductions: Meeting the Twin CEOs in Salt Lake City
(2:15) – The Internet Marketing Origins: Early 2000s Digital Pioneers
(6:30) – The L-Arginine Domain Score: Learning the Power of Exact Match Domains
(9:45) – The Ray Lewis Windfall: Deer Antler Spray Goes Viral
(14:30) – Entering the Pre-Workout Market: Innovation Through Transparency
(20:45) – Micro-Influencer Marketing: Ahead of the Curve
(24:45) – Dominating Retail: The Path to #1 at GNC and Vitamin Shoppe
(28:00) – The Beverage Evolution: Learning Distribution Networks
(31:30) – The Brand Beyond Products: Culture and Community
(34:00) – Product Innovation Partnership: The Black Ant Story
(38:00) – Revolutionary Strength Ingredients: RipFACTOR and Clinical Research
(42:30) – Premium Positioning and Market Strategy
(45:30) – Diversified Pre-Workout Portfolio Strategy
(48:30) – Ready-to-Drink Pre-Workout Development
(54:30) – Protein Innovation: Light Carbonation Revolution
(58:45) – Protein Dosing Philosophy and Market Positioning
(1:06:30) – Celebrity Partnerships and Brand Building
(1:10:30) – Market Expansion and Penetration Strategy
(1:12:30) – Peptides and Future Health Optimization
(1:17:30) – Healthspan vs Lifespan Philosophy

Where to Follow Bucked Up and Connect

Ryan Gardner: LinkedIn&…

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On Episode #180 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben venture into the heart of Manhattan to visit Helaina, where they sit down with Dan DeMarino, Business Development Director, and Anthony Clark, Chief Technology Officer, for an in-depth exploration of precision fermentation technology and efferaâ„¢ human-equivalent lactoferrin.

This conversation provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the science and engineering that makes efferaâ„¢ possible, from Anthony’s revolutionary 5-week development cycles that compress what traditionally took 15 weeks, to the sophisticated machine learning models analyzing 170 million data points. We explore how Helaina has transformed precision fermentation from a months-long process into a predictable engineering paradigm, enabling rapid innovation in bioactive protein development.

The Future is Now: How Precision Fermentation will Change the World

Alongside Anthony’s technological prowess, Dan brings his extensive supplement industry experience across several categories to discuss the commercial applications of human lactoferrin. The conversation reveals clinical data showing that efferaâ„¢ is recognized by the body as “self” with no antibody development, while bovine lactoferrin triggers immune responses.

The biggest question is how to best get the word out there for this phenomenal ingredient. From iron regulation mechanisms to women’s health applications, gut health formulations, and the future of human bioactive proteins, this episode showcases why efferaâ„¢ represents a paradigm shift in nutritional science.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/helaina-effera-precision-fermentation-180

Video: Helaina’s Manhattan Lab with Dan DeMarino & Anthony Clark

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mh0im0b_eo

Detailed Show Notes: Precision Fermentation Meets Supplement Innovation

(0:00) – Introductions: Meeting the Science and Business Leaders
(6:00) – Anthony’s Revolutionary R&D Approach: From 15 Weeks to 5 Weeks
(9:00) – Learning from Experience: Patchouli to Protein in Record Time
(10:30) – Data-Driven Innovation: 170 Million Data Points and Machine Learning
(11:15) – The efferaâ„¢ Breakthrough: Human Lactoferrin Through Precision Fermentation
(15:00) – Iron Regulation and Lactoferrin as a Signaling Molecule: Air Traffic Controller Analogy
(22:00) – Marketing Challenge: Making Iron and Anti-Inflammation Sexy
(23:00) – Strategic Positioning: Women’s Health and the “Pink Gold” Opportunity
(25:30) – The Creatine Parallel: Building Efferaâ„¢ into a Multi-Benefit Category
(29:00) – The Prenatal Crisis: 80% of Pregnant Women Are Iron Deficient
(36:00) – Product Showcase: Kepos and the Human Colostrum Concept
(41:30) – Formulating the Perfect Gut Health Supplement
(47:00) – Clinical Research Pipeline: Three Studies Define the Future
(49:00) – Clinical Validation: No Immune Response to Human Protein

There’s so much more to come, and we couldn’t be more excited about the future after visiting Helaina’s R&D lab.

Where to Follow Helaina an…

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On Episode #179 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben sit down with Tyrus Sciarra, the high-energy sales dynamo from Sensapure Flavors, at IFT First 2025 in Chicago. Broadcasting from Sensapure’s booth (the same location where we recorded our Episode #175 with Solar Foods), this conversation dives deep into the evolving world of flavor science, industry trends, and the passionate career journey of one of the supplement industry’s most enthusiastic flavor advocates.

From Natural to Even More Natural with Sensapure Flavors at IFT First 2025

Tyrus brings his characteristic energy and industry expertise to discuss everything from the natural vs. artificial flavor debate to international taste preferences, sweetener technologies, and the rise of the “clean label” movement. The conversation reveals how Sensapure Flavors differentiates itself through superior customer service, owned manufacturing capabilities, and deep understanding of the sports nutrition market. From his early days at another flavor house to his current role helping brands create flavor systems that drive consumer loyalty, Tyrus shares insights into why flavor isn’t just about taste — it’s about building successful brands.

In the Supplement Industry and Don’t Know Tyrus?! You Should!

The discussion also explores current industry controversies, including the Food Babe-driven movement away from natural flavors toward whole food extracts, the ongoing sucralose versus natural sweetener debate, and how American flavor profiles are conquering international markets. Whether you’re a brand looking to understand flavor development or simply curious about what goes into making your favorite supplements taste great, this episode provides rare insights into the science and business of flavor creation.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/tyrus-sciarra-sensapure-flavors-179

Video: Tyrus Sciarra Breaks Down Flavor Science and Industry Trends at IFT First 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESsccpGF5gw

Detailed Show Notes: The Science and Business of Flavor Creation

(0:00) – Introductions: The “Walking Ball of Energy”
(2:00) – Career Journey: From ADM Wild to Sensapure Leadership
(8:00) – The Flavor Industry Landscape: Service Over Commodity
(12:00) – Manufacturing Excellence: Owning the Process
(16:00) – Ownership Strategy: Learning from Xtend’s Success
(23:00) – The Natural Flavor Controversy: Beyond Food Babe
(32:00) – Citric Acid Alternatives: Meeting Clean Label Demands
(37:00) – Cost Analysis: Premium Pricing for Clean Label
(39:00) – The Sucralose Debate: Performance vs. Perception
(47:00) – Sweetener Technology: Understanding Peak Profiles
(50:00) – International Taste Preferences: American Flavors Go Global
(54:00) – Trend Prediction: Personalization and Athlete Collaborations
(58:00) – Brand Visibility: Moving Beyond Behind-the-Scenes
(1:02:00) – Industry Evolution: Community Over Competition
(1:05:00) – Market Education: Energy Drinks and Consumer Awareness
(1:10:00) – Viral Marketing: Lessons from Basic Supplements
(1:14:00) – Nostalgia and Memory: The Emotional Power of Flavor
(1:16:00) – Innovation Opportunities: Functional Flavor Development

Where to Follow Tyr…

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On Episode #178 of the PricePlow Podcast, Ben and guest co-host Joey Savage take listeners inside Veritacor Manufacturing in Luling, Texas, for an exclusive facility tour and in-depth conversation with founders Frank Santos and Derek Curtiss. This episode provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build and operate an NSF-certified, GMP-compliant supplement manufacturing facility from the ground up.

From their humble beginnings with a single encapsulator to their current 32,500 square foot operation, Frank and Derek share the meticulous processes, quality control systems, and attention to detail that set Veritacor apart in the competitive contract manufacturing landscape. The discussion dives deep into the technical aspects of supplement production, from vendor qualification and raw material testing to the critical differences between ribbon and paddle blenders, while also exploring their ambitious growth plans to reach 200,000 square feet of manufacturing space.

This discussion and forthcoming facility tour showcases not just Veritacor’s impressive capabilities in powder blending, encapsulation, and fulfillment, but also their commitment to elevating industry standards through rigorous third-party auditing, comprehensive SOPs, and a culture of continuous improvement. Whether you’re a brand owner looking for a manufacturing partner or simply interested in understanding how supplements are made at the highest quality levels, this episode delivers unprecedented insights into modern nutraceutical manufacturing.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast to hear more conversations with industry innovators and manufacturers shaping the future of supplements!

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/veritacor-supplement-manufacturing-178

Video: Inside Veritacor Manufacturing Facility Tour

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An7FhkG9bZE

Detailed Show Notes: GMP Excellence and Manufacturing Innovation

(0:00) – Introduction: A Dream Realized in Manufacturing
(1:30) – Derek’s Journey: From Indian Botanicals to COO
(3:30) – Building from Scratch: The Veritacor Origin Story
(6:00) – The Path to NSF Certification: Setting the Standard
(8:15) – Customer Onboarding: From Formula to Feasibility
(10:15) – Vendor Qualification: The Foundation of Quality
(12:15) – The Critical Weighing and Blending Process
(14:30) – Blending Technology Deep Dive: Ribbon vs. Paddle vs. Bin
(17:15) – Quality Control: Multi-Point Testing and Validation
(19:45) – Manufacturing Capabilities and Core Specializations
(22:30) – Core Culture: Demonstrating Capabilities Through House Brands
(25:00) – Facility Evolution: Creative Solutions and Strategic Growth
(28:00) – NSF Audit Stories: Learning from Scrutiny
(31:00) – Stability Testing and Shelf Life Determination
(34:00) – Third-Party Logistics: Complete Supply Chain Solutions
(36:30) – NetSuite Implementation: Digital Transformation
(39:00) – Community Impact: Building Local Talent
(42:00) – The Business of Manufacturing: Costs and Timelines
(45:00) – Blender Selection Strategy: The Right Tool for Each Job
(48:00) – Expansion Vision: The Path to 200,000 Square Feet
(51:00) – Product Categories and Sp…

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In the grand finale of our 2025 GNC Global Conference coverage, Mike and Ben deliver a comprehensive three-part episode that captures the full spectrum of the supplement retail ecosystem. From seasoned franchisees with decades of frontline experience to cutting-edge product innovation from MuscleTech, this conversation showcases why the supplement industry thrives on authentic relationships and genuine innovation.

Part 1 features powerhouse franchisees Eric Miller (33 years, Philadelphia market), Benny Farzad (14 years, Dallas-Fort Worth), and Laura Dalton (23 years, Raleigh, North Carolina) sharing their insights on what makes successful supplement brands and how social media has transformed consumer education.
Part 2 shifts to Florida franchisee Mona Bailey and Nutralabz Chief Revenue Officer Ben Benedict discussing regional market trends and the GR8 Lifestyle product experience.
Part 3 concludes with MuscleTech’s Raza Bashir providing exclusive previews of revolutionary effervescent technology and upcoming innovations that have him more excited than ever in his 17-year career.

This episode perfectly encapsulates the community-over-competition mentality that defines the modern supplement industry, demonstrating how authentic partnerships between brands, retailers, and consumers create sustainable success. Special thanks to Nutralabz for hosting us at their booth and facilitating these incredible conversations.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/gnc-global-conference-franchisees-177

Video: GNC Global Conference Finale – The Complete Industry Perspective

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIv2s9AEB6A

Detailed Show Notes: From Retail Floors to R&D Labs

(0:00) – Introductions: The Frontline Franchisees
(2:30) – The Three Pillars of Brand Success
(5:00) – Social Media’s Impact on Consumer Education
(8:15) – Early Access and Exclusive Partnerships
(9:30) – GR8 Lifestyle and Basic Supplements Performance
(12:00) – The Personal Touch: Community Integration and Customer Service
(14:30) – The Evolution of Creatine Acceptance
(16:00) – Essential Supplement Recommendations
(18:00) – Part 2: Florida Franchise Success with Mona Bailey
(21:30) – Regional Market Dynamics: Florida vs. Other Markets
(24:00) – GR8 Lifestyle Products: Mona’s Experience
(27:30) – Creatine Education and Women’s Market Expansion
(31:00) – Upcoming GR8 Product Preview
(34:00) – Part 3: MuscleTech Innovation with Raza Bashir
(37:30) – EFF’N Creatine: Revolutionary Effervescent Technology
(42:00) – Flavor Science and Technical Innovation
(45:30) – EuphoriQ V2: Strategic Yohimbe Integration
(50:30) – Future Innovation Preview: Peptides and Beyond
(54:00) – Industry Collaboration and Community Building

Where to Follow and Learn More

Eric Miller: Philadelphia GNC Franchisee (33 years experience)
Benny Farzad: LinkedIn | Instagram: @gnc_prestonwood, @gnc_fraternitry
Laura Dalton: LinkedIn | Instagram: @gncdaltonfranchiese
Mona Bailey: Lin…

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In this two-part Episode #176 of the PricePlow Podcast, we explore Gremin, the breakthrough dual polyphenolic ingredient from Zeus Hygia that’s revolutionizing sports nutrition recovery.

First, we sit down with Dr. Arun Kanth, founder of Zeus Hygia, to dive deep into the science behind this patent-pending combination of curcumin and green coffee extract. Then, we hear from Tyshawn Bryant, founder of Green Regimen, who shares his personal experience testing Gremin and how it led to his company’s expansion into India.

This episode reveals how Zeus Hygia’s proprietary BioFusion Technology solves the notorious bioavailability challenges of curcumin while combining it with chlorogenic acid from green coffee extract, bringing curcumin to the sports nutrition space in proper fashion.

With clinical studies showing 60% pain reduction, 21.5% improvement in muscular endurance, and accelerated muscle recovery, Gremin represents a significant advancement in plant-based sports nutrition ingredients. The conversation also explores the entrepreneurial journeys of both founders and the growing collaboration between innovative ingredient companies and passionate brand builders.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/zeus-hygia-gremin-arun-kanth-tyshawn-bryant-176

Video: Gremin’s Breakthrough Science and Real-World Results

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Upc5P11Bc-w

Detailed Show Notes: The Science and Story Behind Gremin

(0:00) – Introduction: Welcome to Zeus Hygia and Gremin
(1:15) – Arun’s Scientific Background and Journey
(4:30) – The Humble Beginnings: Starting Without Backing
(6:00) – Choosing Curcumin: The Obvious Starting Point
(8:30) – The Sports Nutrition Gap: Identifying Plant-Based Opportunities
(10:30) – Patent-Pending Innovation: Combination and Technology
(12:45) – The First Company to Combine Green Coffee and Curcumin
(14:30) – Clinical Evidence: Two Published Human Studies
(16:30) – Comprehensive Performance Testing and Biomarkers
(19:30) – Neutral Taste and Formulation Advantages
(21:15) – Commercial Success and Market Applications
(23:00) – Gummy Applications and Dosing Flexibility
(24:30) – Venture Funding Announcement and Future Plans
(26:15) – Stadice: The Mango-Based Cognitive Ingredient
(28:15) – Connecting with Tyshawn Bryant
(29:45) – Zeus Hygia Contact Information and Social Media
(33:00) – Part 2: Tyshawn Bryant and the Green Regimen Story
(33:45) – Green Regimen’s Origin: A Personal Health Crisis
(36:00) – From Green Smoothies to Elite Lifestyle Protein
(38:30) – The Entrepreneurial Learning Curve
(40:30) – Elite Lifestyle Nutrition: The Complete Formula
(42:30) – Lessons from the Failed Kids Product
(44:00) – The Taste Challenge in Plant-Based Proteins
(46:15) – The Secret Weapons: Coconut Water and No Stevia
(48:30) – Green Regimen Energy and Focus: Clean Stimulation
(50:00) – Actazin: The Kiwi-Based Gut Health Innovation
(51:30) – Ben’s Kiwi Sleep Discovery
(53:15) – The Zeus Hygia Connection: Introducing Gremin
(55:45) – The Intensity Chal…

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On Episode #175 of the PricePlow Podcast, we sit down with Juan BenÃtez-GarcÃa, Chief Sales Officer, and Sini MÃ¶ttÃ¶nen, Senior Application Scientist from Solar Foods at IFT First 2025 in Chicago. Broadcasting from the Sensapure Flavors booth, we explore the revolutionary SoleinÂ® protein that’s literally made “out of thin air”.

This isn’t your typical alternative protein story. Solar Foods has achieved what seemed impossible: creating complete, high-quality protein without farms, animals, or even plants. Using ancient Finnish microbes and renewable electricity, they’ve developed a process that bypasses photosynthesis entirely, producing protein that’s 80% pure with a complete amino acid profile including 20% BCAAs. The result is a golden-colored powder with exceptional nutritional density, including naturally high levels of iron and vitamin B12.

Our conversation reveals how biomass fermentation differs from precision fermentation, why SoleinÂ® tastes creamy with subtle nutty notes, and how this technology earned NASA recognition for feeding astronauts on Mars missions. From ice cream to protein bars, Juan and Sini demonstrate the versatility of this groundbreaking ingredient while explaining why it represents a fundamental shift toward sustainable, location-independent protein production.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/solar-foods-solein-175

Video: Solar Foods Brings Protein “Out of Thin Air” to IFT First 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ3hlgn0cZI

Detailed Show Notes: The Science and Future of Air-Based Protein

(0:00) – Introductions: Meeting the Solar Foods Team at IFT First
(9:00) – The Science Behind SoleinÂ®: How Protein Gets Made from Air
(13:00) – Biomass vs. Precision Fermentation: Understanding the Key Difference
(18:00) – Nutritional Profile: Why 80% Protein Changes Everything
(29:00) – Flavor Innovation: Partnering with Sensapure for Taste Excellence
(34:00) – Versatile Applications: From Ready-to-Mix to Ice Cream
(43:00) – Protein Bar Innovation: Soft Texture That Lasts
(52:00) – Space Applications: NASA Recognition and Mars Mission Potential
(1:00:00) – Global Flavors and Ice Cream Success
(1:04:00) – Market Timeline and Consumer Availability
(1:07:00) – Contact Information and Industry Connections

Where to Follow Solar Foods and Connect with the Team

Juan BenÃtez-GarcÃa: LinkedIn
Sini MÃ¶ttÃ¶nen: LinkedIn
Solar Foods:
- Company Website
- LinkedIn
- Learn more about SoleinÂ® on PricePlow
Sign up for PricePlow’s Solar Foods news alerts

Thank you to Juan and Sini for sharing the incredible story of SoleinÂ® and demonstrating how ancient Finnish microbes, renewable electricity, and innovative engineering are revolutionizing protein production. …

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On Episode #174 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben sit down with Rachel Schreck (Product Strategic Manager) and Brent Petersen (Vice President of Research) from Glanbia Nutritionals to explore the revolutionary Glanbia Nutritionals Strength Platform that’s transforming how we think about performance ingredients, especially in beverage applications. This powerhouse team brings decades of expertise to discuss four groundbreaking ingredients that finally solve the stability challenges that have plagued creatine and ATP supplementation in ready-to-drink formats.

The conversation dives into the science behind CreaBevÂ® (the first beverage-stable creatine), OptiATPâ„¢ (encapsulated PEAK ATPÂ® for energy drinks), Collametaâ„¢ (highly bioavailable marine collagen tripeptides), and TruCalÂ® (a balanced bone health mineral complex). From Rachel’s journey through food science to Brent’s 25 years of dairy protein innovation, this episode reveals how Glanbia’s advanced encapsulation technologies are opening entirely new product categories for formulators and brands.

Beyond the technical breakthroughs, we explore real-world applications already hitting the market, including FitAid RX with CreaBev technology, and hear Mike’s personal collagen and glycine supplementation journey that led to immediate experiential benefits. This episode showcases how authentic ingredient innovation, combined with transparent partnerships like those with Basic Supplements and GR8 Lifestyle, is driving the next evolution in functional beverages.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/glanbia-nutritionals-strength-beverages-174

Video: Glanbia Nutritionals Strength Platform Deep Dive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKU5126dPFw

Detailed Show Notes: Revolutionizing Beverage Stability with Glanbia Nutritionals

(0:00) – Introduction to Glanbia Nutritionals Powerhouse Team
(2:45) – Exploring Bioactives and Global Innovation Infrastructure
(6:00) – Innovations in Protein Processing and Extrusion Technologies
(8:30) – The Evolution of Creatine in Beverages: A Decades-Long Challenge
(11:30) – CreaBevÂ®: The Stability and Efficacy Breakthrough
(14:45) – Consumer Experience and Product Development Philosophy
(17:30) – OptiATPâ„¢: A New Frontier in Energy Drinks
(29:45) – Exploring Beverage Applications of Protein Ingredients
(32:00) – Understanding OptiATPâ„¢ Dosage and Claims in Beverages
(35:30) – Innovative Beverage Formulations with OptiATPâ„¢
(39:00) – Stability and Storage of OptiATPâ„¢ in Beverages
(42:00) – Introduction to Collametaâ„¢: The Future of Collagen
(45:00) – The Benefits of Tripeptides in Collagen Supplementation
(50:00) – Glycine and Its Role in Energy and Recovery
(52:30) – Heavy Metals in Collagen: Addressing Safety Concerns
(53:45) – Innovations in Collagen Supplements and Market Opportunities
(55:15) – The Appeal of Collagen Gummies and Consumer Preferences
(57:30) – Exploring Other Applications for Collagen Beyond Supplements
(58:30) – The Peptide Tr…

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On Episode #173 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben dive deep into the world’s most researched supplement with Mirko HolzmÃ¼ller and Stefan Schweyer from Creapure, the premium creatine monohydrate brand manufactured by AlzChem in Germany. This comprehensive conversation explores everything from the unique German manufacturing process that delivers 99.99% purity to the expanding research showing creatine’s benefits far beyond athletic performance.

As creatine experiences a renaissance with growing interest from women, elderly populations, and health-conscious consumers, Mirko and Stefan provide insider insights into what sets Creapure apart from generic alternatives. From the coal-and-lime production process in Bavaria to the rigorous testing protocols that ensure every batch meets pharmaceutical-grade standards, this episode reveals why leading brands like Nutristat choose Creapure as their exclusive creatine source.

The discussion covers optimal dosing strategies, debunks common myths about loading phases, and explores emerging research on post-viral fatigue, cognitive function, and healthy aging. Whether you’re a supplement industry professional or someone curious about creatine’s expanding applications, this conversation offers unprecedented access to the science and manufacturing expertise behind the world’s most trusted creatine brand.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/creapure-173

Video: Inside Creapure – The Science of Premium Creatine Manufacturing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJe2nesRtkw

Detailed Show Notes: Creapure’s Manufacturing Excellence and Scientific Leadership

(0:00) – Introduction: Meeting the Creapure Team
(5:00) – AlzChem’s Foundation: More Than Just Creatine
(10:00) – Creatine Fundamentals: Energy Currency for Body and Brain
(15:00) – Personal Dosing Strategies: Beyond the Standard Five Grams
(20:00) – Understanding Creatine’s Unique Energy Profile
(25:00) – Manufacturing Excellence: The German Advantage
(30:00) – Purity Standards: 99.99% Excellence
(35:00) – Quality Control and Contamination Prevention
(40:00) – Market Trends and Consumer Education
(45:00) – Research Partnerships and Scientific Leadership
(50:00) – Creatine Forms and Research Evidence
(55:00) – Practical Use and Dosing Strategies
(60:00) – Product Forms and Delivery Methods
(65:00) – Quality Assurance and Brand Protection
(70:00) – Regulatory Compliance and Health Claims
(75:00) – Future Directions and Consumer Access

Where to Follow Creapure and Learn More

Creapure Website: Creapure.com
Instagram: @Creapure
Email: info@creapure.com
Mirko HolzmÃ¼ller: LinkedIn
Stefan Schweyer: LinkedIn

Educational Resources:

Creapure Manufacturing Process
AlzChem Company Overview
…

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On Episode #172 of the PricePlow Podcast, recorded at the 2025 GNC Global Conference, Mike and Ben sit down with Eric Morato of Sports Nutrition Distributors (SND) and Jack Sehgal of Nutralabz to explore the complex world of Latin American supplement distribution. This conversation provides an insider’s look at one of the most promising yet challenging international markets for supplement brands.

Eric, with over 15 years of experience in Latin American distribution, shares the realities of expanding into a region comprising 32 different countries, each with unique regulatory requirements, cultural preferences, and market dynamics. From his Miami-based operation, SND has become the bridge between American supplement brands and Latin American consumers, representing major names like Glanbia, Iovate, Dymatize, and Premier Protein. The discussion reveals how Basic Supplements has successfully entered 17 Latin American countries through SND’s expertise, demonstrating the power of strategic international partnerships.

This episode builds on our previous conversations with Jack, including Episode #156 with Marc Curcio on Basic Supplements’ founding and Episode #160 with Chuck Zhang on Chinese markets, providing a comprehensive view of international supplement distribution strategies.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/latin-america-supplements-snd-172

Video: Latin American Distribution Strategies with SND and Nutralabz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS1mpW7qeCU

Detailed Show Notes: Breaking Into Latin American Markets

(0:00) – Introductions: Meeting the Latin America Expert
(2:15) – The Registration Challenge: Why Ingredients Matter First
(4:15) – The SND Advantage: Established Relationships and Legal Compliance
(6:15) – Manufacturing and Quality: The American Advantage
(8:00) – Price Sensitivity and Market Dynamics
(10:00) – Brand Prestige and Consumer Psychology
(12:00) – The Loyalty Factor and Long-Term Partnerships
(14:15) – WhatsApp Commerce and Digital Distribution
(16:00) – Educational Investment and Market Development
(17:30) – Flavor Adaptation and Cultural Preferences
(19:00) – Partnership Execution and Market Support
(21:00) – Labeling and Brand Presentation
(23:00) – International Market Visits and Relationship Building
(24:00) – Digital Commerce and Technology Adoption
(25:00) – Wellness Trends and Market Evolution
(27:00) – Regulatory Challenges and Caffeine Restrictions
(29:00) – Market Development Patience and Long-Term Strategy
(30:45) – Innovation and Product Development Cycles
(32:00) – Growth Trajectory and Market Expansion

Where to Follow SND and Learn More

Sports Nutrition Distributors: Website
SND Global: Facebook
Contact: WhatsApp 305-748-3776
Jack Sehgal: LinkedIn
Related Episodes: …<…

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In this major episode of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben visit Arjuna Natural’s Dallas headquarters for an in-depth exploration of botanical innovation and scientific excellence. Joined by Nipen Lavingia (VP of Brand Innovation), Bennito Russo (Head of Sales), and Keely Johnson (VP of Sales & Marketing), this conversation reveals why Arjuna Natural has become a leader in standardized botanical extracts, particularly with their groundbreaking Shoden ashwagandha and industry-standard BCM-95 turmeric.

Shoden: The Experiential Ashwagandha with Withanolide Glycosides

The discussion spans from the fundamental challenges of botanical standardization to the cutting-edge science behind withanolide glycosides and enhanced bioavailability. With over 95 clinical studies on BCM-95 and multiple international trials on Shoden, Arjuna Natural demonstrates how rigorous science and innovative extraction methods can transform traditional botanicals into precise, effective ingredients.

At the end, the team also previews exciting future developments, including women’s health research and their upcoming OkraVive ingredient for mitochondrial support.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/arjuna-naturals-shoden-ashwagandha-171

Video: Inside Arjuna Natural’s Botanical Innovation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIXZjS0RC1A

Detailed Show Notes: The Science Behind Standardized Botanicals

(0:00) – Introduction: Welcome to Arjuna Natural
(1:45) – The Evolution of Botanical Extracts
(4:00) – Ashwagandha Market Evolution and Consumer Education
(8:15) – Introducing Shoden: The Science Behind the Name
(12:00) – Glycosides vs. Aglycones: The Bioavailability Revolution
(17:15) – Pharmacokinetic Studies: Head-to-Head Comparisons
(21:30) – International Clinical Research Strategy
(27:45) – Women’s Health Focus and Hormonal Research
(33:15) – Dosage Evolution: From High to Low
(38:00) – Safety Profile and Addressing Liver Toxicity Concerns
(43:30) – Introducing Shoden-R: Root-Only Innovation
(47:45) – BCM-95: The Gold Standard in Turmeric
(52:00) – Generic vs. Branded Botanicals: Quality Considerations
(56:15) – Future Innovation: OkraVive and Mitochondrial Health
(1:00:30) – Applications and Market Opportunities
(1:04:00) – Trade Shows and Industry Engagement

Where to Follow Arjuna Natural

Nipen Lavingia: LinkedIn
Bennito Russo: LinkedIn
Keely Johnson: LinkedIn
Arjuna Natural: Website, LinkedIn, and @arjuna_natural on Instagram
Follow Arjuna Natural on PricePlow: PricePlow.com/arjuna-natural
Key articles:
- Ashwagandha Evolution: Shoden and the Rise of Glycoside-Enhanced Extracts
- … …

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On Episode #170 of the PricePlow Podcast, we had the opportunity to sit down with GNC CEO Michael Costello at the 2025 GNC Global Conference in Orlando, Florida, for an eye-opening conversation that reveals why this supplement-using industry leader truly is “one of us”. Michael’s journey from a volleyball-playing creatine customer in the 1990s to chemical engineer at Clorox to CEO of America’s most iconic supplement retailer represents one of the most authentic leadership stories we’ve encountered.

The GNC CEO Who Takes Creatine and Understands GLP-1

This episode, part of our ongoing four-part podcast series that began with Episode #169 featuring Jack Sehgal and Ben Benedict of Nutralabz, showcases how Michael’s consumer-first philosophy and science-driven approach are transforming GNC’s relationship with both franchisees and customers. From his early days buying “suspect” creatine when people thought it might be “steroids” to his current mission of refocusing GNC on consumer needs, Michael’s story demonstrates the power of authentic leadership rooted in genuine industry passion.

The conversation explores GNC’s unique franchise-corporate hybrid model, the strategic positioning around GLP-1 medications, and Michael’s vision for making GNC the trusted destination for personalized supplement guidance. His insights into ingredient trends, consumer education, and the critical importance of knowledgeable staff reveal why GNC remains essential in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/gnc-ceo-michael-costello-170

Video: GNC CEO Michael Costello Shares His Consumer-First Vision

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU1j_OaTGJ4

Detailed Show Notes: Michael Costello’s Mission to Refocus GNC

(0:00) – Introduction: Meeting GNC’s CEO at Global Conference
(1:00) – GNC’s Unique Franchise-Corporate Hybrid Model
(4:15) – Personal Journey: From Volleyball Courts to Corporate Leadership
(8:00) – Professional Evolution: From Clorox to GNC
(10:15) – The GNC Turnaround Strategy: Refocusing on Consumers
(12:00) – The Power of Personalized Guidance vs. Big Box Retail
(13:45) – Strategic Positioning Around GLP-1 Medications
(16:45) – Ingredient Trends and Science-Based Decision Making
(18:15) – Daily Routine and Leadership Philosophy
(19:45) – Healing the Corporate-Franchise Relationship
(21:30) – The Global Convention Philosophy
(22:00) – Future Vision and Call to Action: Give GNC Another Chance

Where to Follow Michael Costello and GNC

Michael Costello: LinkedIn
GNC: Website
Related Episodes:
- Jack Sehgal & Ben Benedict – Nutralabz Story – Episode #169
- Jose Antonio – ISSN & Creatine History – Episode #137

Thank you to Michael for sharing his remarkable journey and vision for GNC’s future. His combination of personal supplement experience, scientific background, and consumer-focused leadership provides a blueprint for retail success in the modern supplement in…

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In Episode #169 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben sit down with industry veterans Jack Sehgal and Ben Benedict at the 2025 GNC Global Conference to explore the remarkable journey behind Nutralabz and its two breakthrough brands: Basic Supplements and GR8 Lifestyle. This conversation reveals the strategic thinking, authentic partnerships, and “daily driver” philosophy that have rapidly transformed these concepts into successful retail brands.

Jack, CEO of Nutralabz and the manufacturing powerhouse behind both brands, shares his evolution from behind-the-scenes manufacturer to brand storyteller, while Ben Benedict brings his extensive GNC franchise background and sales expertise as the newly appointed Chief Revenue Officer. Together, they’ve created what they call a “brand house” – a strategic approach to developing multiple brands that serve different consumer needs without competing against each other.

The discussion dives deep into the revolutionary “daily driver” concept that sparked Basic Supplements, the premium lifestyle positioning of GR8, and the unique eight-ingredient formula constraint that has become central to their product development philosophy. From the authentic friendship forged over a Ruth’s Chris dinner to the community-over-competition mentality that’s reshaping industry relationships, this episode offers rare insights into modern supplement brand building and the power of strategic partnerships.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/jack-sehgal-ben-benedict-nutralabz-gr8-gnc-169

Video: Jack Sehgal & Ben Benedict Share the Nutralabz Story

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1gmJdhIJsQ

Detailed Show Notes: Building the Nutralabz Brand House

(0:00) – Introductions: From Buffalo to GNC Global Conference
(0:45) – Ben Benedict’s Journey: From Sneaker Sales to Supplement Industry Leadership
(4:10) – The Jack and Ben Partnership: Two Years from Concept to Reality
(5:50) – Jack’s Evolution: From Behind-the-Scenes to Brand Storyteller
(8:30) – The Daily Driver Revolution: Addressing Market Overcomplexity
(10:30) – Basic Supplements Philosophy: Transparency and Simplicity
(14:00) – GR8 Lifestyle: Premium Performance for Modern Lifestyles
(18:30) – The Eight-Ingredient Constraint: Innovation Through Limitation
(22:30) – Community Over Competition: Reshaping Industry Relationships
(25:00) – Manufacturing Excellence and Brand Differentiation
(29:30) – Real-World Retail Success: Consumer and Retailer Feedback
(34:00) – PricePlow’s Product Development Partnership
(38:00) – International Success and Growth Strategy
(40:30) – The Brand House Vision: Future Expansion Plans
(43:30) – Lessons Learned and Strategic Focus
(47:00) – Industry Evolution and Future Outlook

Where to Follow and Learn More

Jack Sehgal: LinkedIn
Ben Benedict: LinkedIn
Basic Supplements:
- Learn about Basic Supplements on PricePlow
- … …

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In this episode of the PricePlow Podcast, we welcome TJ Dillashaw, two-time UFC Bantamweight champion turned supplement entrepreneur, to discuss his journey from elite fighter to founder of Wild Society Nutrition. This fascinating conversation explores how TJ’s decades of competition experience, combined with hard-learned lessons about supplement quality and industry practices, led him to create a brand focused on clean, effective products for athletes and health-conscious consumers alike.

TJ shares his evolution from someone who “didn’t really care” about supplementation early in his career to becoming deeply knowledgeable about nutrition and ingredient quality. His frustrations with taking products he wouldn’t personally use, despite being sponsored by major brands, ultimately drove him to create Wild Society with a focus on natural flavoring, natural sweeteners, and third-party testing through Informed Sport certification. The discussion reveals a fighter’s mentality applied to business, emphasizing transparency, quality over margins, and building products that can “outlive” their founder.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast for more conversations with industry innovators who are reshaping the supplement landscape through science, quality, and authentic purpose!

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/tj-dillashaw-168

Video: TJ Dillashaw Discusses Wild Society and Fighter-to-Founder Journey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc7jThXfLZI

Detailed Show Notes: From UFC Champion to Supplement Innovator

(0:00) – Introduction: Welcome TJ Dillashaw
(3:00) – The Garage Education: Learning Beyond the Classroom
(6:00) – From Sponsored Athlete to Brand Creator
(8:00) – Informed Sport Certification: Doing It Right from Day One
(11:00) – Product Development: Creating What He Wished He Had
(14:00) – The Clear Whey Revolution
(16:00) – The Business Partnership Evolution
(19:00) – Natural Market Strategy: Building for Sprouts and Beyond
(22:00) – Demographic Understanding and Market Expansion
(25:00) – The Self-Worth Journey and Entrepreneurial Purpose
(28:00) – The Longevity Protein: Innovation with Heart
(30:00) – Family Legacy and Personal Stories
(32:00) – Wrestling Origins, Athletic Foundation, and Mental Toughness
(34:00) – Flow State and Peak Performance
(37:00) – Training Evolution and Current Routine
(38:00) – Manufacturing Transparency with Actus Nutrition
(40:00) – Women’s Health and Supplement Science
(43:30) – Recovery Protocols and Infrastructure
(47:00) – Energy Drinks and Market Positioning
(50:00) – Caveman Eats: The Unexpected Hero Product and Supply Chain Challenges
(53:00) – Future Vision and Brand Building

Where to Follow and Learn More

Wild Society Nutrition: wildsocietynutrition.com
Wild Society Nutrition on PricePlow
Instagram: @wildsocietynutrition
TJ Dillashaw: @tjdillashaw
Retail Locations: Sprouts Farmers Market, Vitamin Shoppe, GNC
Caveman Eats: Currently available at Sprouts Farmers Mark…

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In Episode #167 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben welcome Laura Katz, founder and CEO of Helaina, for an in-depth exploration of human-identical lactoferrin technology and the revolutionary efferaâ„¢ ingredient. This fascinating conversation traces Laura’s journey from discovering the black market for breast milk to developing precision fermentation technology that creates bioactive proteins identical to those found in human milk.

From Black Market Discovery to Biotechnology Breakthrough: The Helaina Story

Laura, a food scientist by training, shares the unexpected inspiration behind Helaina – a 2015 podcast about people purchasing breast milk from strangers on the internet. This revelation led her to recognize that bodybuilders, athletes, cancer patients, and parents were all seeking the same thing: access to the bioactive proteins found exclusively in human milk. Rather than accepting this dangerous black market solution, Laura set out to replicate these components using precision fermentation technology.

Six years later, Helaina has launched efferaâ„¢, the world’s first commercially available human-identical lactoferrin ingredient produced through yeast fermentation. Unlike bovine lactoferrin extracted from cow’s milk, efferaâ„¢ is recognized by the human body as “self,” demonstrating superior bioavailability, reduced immunogenicity, and enhanced efficacy across multiple health applications from women’s health to athletic performance.

The discussion reveals compelling clinical data showing that participants taking bovine lactoferrin developed antibodies against the protein, while those taking efferaâ„¢ showed no immune response – a critical finding that validates the “human proteins for humans” hypothesis. Mike also shares his personal experience using lactoferrin to help manage dangerously high ferritin levels, providing real-world context for the ingredient’s iron-regulating capabilities.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast for more conversations with pioneering entrepreneurs and scientists who are reshaping the supplement industry!

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/laura-katz-effera-lactoferrin-167

Video: Laura Katz Explains Human-Identical Lactoferrin Technology

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7hEQcAeRFg

Detailed Show Notes: The Science and Business of Human Bioactive Proteins

(0:00) – Introduction: Meeting the Founder Who’s Replicating Human Milk
(3:00) – The Black Market Discovery That Started Everything
(5:45) – Building a Biotech Company in 2019/2020 Through Cold Emails
(8:45) – Why Existing Lactoferrin Wasn’t Good Enough
(12:00) – What about Colostrum? The First Milk’s Unique Properties
(14:45) – Lactoferrin Deep Dive: The Iron-Binding Miracle Molecule
(17:45) – The Declining Lactoferrin Phenomenon and Supplementation Benefits
(21:00) – efferaâ„¢: Creating Human-Identical Lactoferrin Through Precision Fermentation
(23:45) – Clinical Proof: Why Human Beats Bovine
(27:00) – The Iron Regulation Mechanism: More Than Just Binding
(29:45) – Women’s Health Applications: Pregnancy and Menopause Opportunities
(33:00) – The Prenatal Vitamin Revolution: An Untapped Market
(37:45) – Athletic Applications: Beyond Ir…

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In episode #166 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben welcome Ed Dosz, VP of Science Innovation at NutriScience Innovations, to discuss MalTor, a groundbreaking ingredient that combines taurine and L-malic acid in a patent-pending complex. With his Ph.D. in food science and extensive background at NOW Foods, Ed brings deep scientific expertise to the conversation about this novel recovery-enhancing and mitochondria-supporting ingredient.

Ed Dosz & NutriScience’s MalTor: Revolutionizing Recovery Through Mitochondrial Support

The discussion explores MalTor’s development journey from initial concept to clinical validation, highlighting how this uniquely-complexed ingredient improves upon the individual benefits of taurine and L-malic acid. Ed explains the rigorous research process behind MalTor, including preclinical nematode studies and human clinical research conducted by Dr. Jose Antonio showing significant benefits for muscle recovery and pain threshold management after intense exercise.

Beyond recovery applications, the conversation ventures into MalTor’s potential for healthy aging, sports nutrition formulations, and synergistic combinations with other ingredients like citrulline. The episode also features an enlightening tangent into Ed’s background as the “Broccoli Guy,” where he shares fascinating insights about sulforaphane and optimal cooking methods to preserve broccoli’s bioactive compounds.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast for more conversations with industry insiders on breakthrough ingredients and the science behind effective supplementation!

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/nutriscience-maltor-ed-dosz-166

Video: Ed Dosz Explains NutriScience’s MalTor – Taurine & Malic Acid Complexed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC7JzhKaEgA

Detailed Show Notes: The Science Behind MalTor with Ed Dosz

(0:00) – Introduction and Ed’s Scientific Background
(4:15) – NutriScience Innovations: Company Overview and Philosophy
(11:45) – The Development of MalTor: From Concept to Finished Ingredient
(19:00) – The Scientific Rationale Behind MalTor
(24:30) – Research Methods: From Nematodes to Human Studies
(33:40) – Human Clinical Research on MalTor
(38:00) – Recovery Applications and Mechanisms
(42:00) – Formulation Applications and Synergies
(44:15) – Additional Product Formats and Applications
(48:45) – Healthy Aging Applications for MalTor
(53:00) – Additional Ingredient Combinations for Healthy Aging
(55:00) – The “Broccoli Guy”: Ed’s Research on Sulforaphane
(1:04:00) – Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

Where to Find Ed Dosz and Learn More About MalTor

NutriScience Innovations: NutriScienceUSA.com (track news on PricePlow.com/nutriscience
NutriScience on LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/company/nutriscience-innovations-llc/
Ed Dosz on LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/edward-dosz/
MalTor Breakdown Article: blog.priceplow.com/supplement-ingredients/maltor

Thank you to Ed for jo…

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In Episode #165 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben welcome Cody Flynn of OmniActive Health Technologies to discuss the company’s impressive botanical ingredient portfolio and manufacturing processes. Recorded at Natural Products Expo West 2025, this enlightening conversation covers OmniActive’s journey from its roots in the spice trade to becoming a leader in standardized botanical extracts for both the dietary supplement and sports nutrition industries.

From Marigold Fields to Dopamine Boosters: Inside OmniActive’s Botanical Empire

Cody, Business Development Manager for OmniActive, shares his journey through the supplement industry and his experiences visiting OmniActive’s extensive agricultural operations in India, where they partner with over 10,000 local farmers. The discussion explores the company’s vertically integrated approach – from their 14-acre seed research facility near Bangalore where they develop hybridized botanical seeds, to their sustainable manufacturing plants powered by steam energy.

An Introduction to enXtra (Alpinia Galanga Extract)

The conversation dives deep into signature ingredients like enXtra (alpinia galanga extract), examining its mechanism of action through dopamine pathways and real-world application as a caffeine companion or alternative for sustained focus without sleep disruption.

Beyond their flagship ingredients Lutemax and enXtra, Mike, Ben, and Cody discuss OmniActive’s evolution from solid dose formats into powders and beverages, addressing flavor challenges with botanical extracts and exploring innovative delivery systems like freeze-dried fruit applications.

The episode also reveals upcoming innovations in women’s health ingredients and new clinical research set to be unveiled at Supply Side West. For anyone interested in botanical ingredients, sustainable manufacturing, or the science behind cognitive enhancers, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the industry’s most innovative ingredient suppliers.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/omniactive-botanical-innovations-165

Video: Learn about OmniActive Health with Cody Flynn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTKSF2QQNnE

Detailed Show Notes: OmniActive’s Botanical Innovations

(0:00) – Introductions
(2:15) – OmniActive’s Transition from Solid Dose to Sports Nutrition
(4:15) – Application Science: The Challenge of Botanical Flavoring
(7:40) – Agricultural Roots: OmniActive’s Farming Heritage
(10:35) – Seed Research and Botanical Standardization
(14:25) – Vertical Integration: From Farm to Finished Ingredient
(16:45) – Sustainable Manufacturing: The Steam-Powered Plant
(18:30) – enXtra: Mechanism and Benefits
(22:15) – Sleep-Friendly Focus: enXtra’s Versatility
(25:00) – Portfolio Expansion: The Innovate Acquisition
(26:30) – Sleeproot: Concentrated Valerian for Recovery
(30:00) – Clinical Validation: Sleep Research
(31:00) – Personal Background: Wrestling and Fitness
(33:15) – From Athlete to Model: Dymatize Connection
(34:15) – Personal Supplement Regimen: enXtra Usage
(36:10) – Caffeine and enXtra Timing Strategies
(41:10) – Future Innovations: Women’s Health and Supply Side West
(44:00) – Novel Delivery Systems: Freeze-Dried Applications

Where to Follow and Lear…

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For Episode #164 of the PricePlow Podcast, Ben Kane sits down with Cassie Smith (Senior Editorial Content Director at SupplySide) and Josh Long (Associate Editorial Director at SupplySide Supplement Journal) for a dynamic discussion recorded live at SupplySide Connect New Jersey 2025. This wide-ranging conversation dives into the most pressing issues facing the supplement industry today, with particular focus on the regulatory uncertainty created by changing tariff policies, FDA oversight challenges, and the evolving landscape of GLP-1 related products and claims.

The panel unpacks the complex implications of recent tariff changes on supplement ingredients from China, the ongoing evolution of FDA enforcement priorities under changing leadership, and the controversial marketing practices surrounding GLP-1 mimetics in the supplement space. Throughout the conversation, they highlight a critical need for industry unity, more nuanced discourse on regulatory matters, and a stronger focus on quality products that genuinely benefit consumers rather than minimal-effort “functional” products with questionable claims.

Make sure to subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast and stay up to date with the latest supplement industry news, regulatory developments, and emerging trends that impact both businesses and consumers.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/supplyside-connect-new-jersey-2025-164

Video: Industry Trends & Regulatory Challenges at SupplySide Connect NJ 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMs-I_oH2JQ

Detailed Show Notes: PricePlow Podcast with SupplySide Editorial Team

(00:00) – Introductions and Welcome to New Jersey
(02:00) – Tariffs: The Hot Topic Dominating Industry Conversations
(05:00) – Supply Chain Shifts: Looking Beyond China
(10:00) – FDA Oversight and Political Uncertainty
(15:00) – The MAHA Movement and Political Divisiveness in Health Policy
(20:00) – Mandatory Product Listing Debate
(25:00) – GLP-1 Claims and Marketing Ethics
(29:30) – Weight Loss Drug Support Products
(34:30) – Peptides and Regulatory Gray Areas
(39:30) – Media Coverage and Industry Reporting Priorities
(44:30) – Functional Foods and Beverages: Beyond the Politics
(49:30) – Economic Outlook and Consumer Spending
(54:30) – Industry Unity and Positive Messaging

Thank you to Cassie Smith and Josh Long for joining us on this episode of the PricePlow Podcast, and thanks to SupplySide Connect for hosting!

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform, and don’t forget to leave us a review!

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In this episode of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben welcome back Katie Emerson of Kyowa Hakko USA after Katie’s year and a half hiatus from the PricePlow Podcast. They’re joined by first-time guest Tony Miano, Director of sales and business development and the man behind putting CognizinÂ® citicoline into so many numerous beverage innovations. Recording from Expo West 2025 at the Kyowa Hakko booth, the team dives into exciting research developments for both Cognizin and SetriaÂ® Glutathione, with particular focus on Setria for sport applications.

Katie Emerson is Back, and Doing Serious Research at Kyowa Hakko

Katie, now Senior Manager of Scientific Affairs at Kyowa Hakko, shares her enthusiasm for leading multiple new research initiatives, including three upcoming Cognizin studies and renewed research on Setria Glutathione. The conversation explores how Kyowa bridges academic rigor with practical industry applications, uncovering quality structure-function claims based on existing research while developing new studies to expand their ingredients’ potential applications in sports nutrition and cognitive health.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast for more conversations with industry thought leaders on the science behind effective supplementation!

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/kyowa-hakko-2025-research-updates

Video: Mike and Ben Interview Tony and Katie at Expo West 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5QmZWwotqc

Detailed Show Notes: New Research Underway at Kyowa Hakko

It’s good to be back!

(0:00) – Introductions: Reconnecting with Katie Emerson at Expo West 2025
(3:00) – Katie as the Bridge Between Academia and Industry
(4:15) – Expanded Structure-Function Claims for Cognizin
(7:15) – Deep Dive on Aldehydes and Oxidative Stress
(8:30) – From “Supports” to “Improves”: Strengthening Claims
(10:15) – New Research Areas: Mood, Motor Function, and Sports Performance
(11:30) – Setria Glutathione and Cognizin Connection
(12:30) – Kyowa Hakko’s Approach to Ingredient Synergy
(14:00) – Review of Setria Research Studies
(16:30) – Extracting Value from Imperfect Studies
(18:30) – Setria for Sport: Rebranding and Positioning
(20:30) – Labeling and Positioning Setria for Sport
(22:15) – Solution-Based Approach to Customer Needs
(23:15) – Flow-Mediated Dilation and Claims Development
(24:45) – Navigating Regulatory Language for Pump Claims
(26:00) – Oral Glutathione Bioavailability
(29:15) – Closing Remarks and Acknowledgments

Where to Follow and Learn More

Kyowa Hakko USA: PricePlow.com/kyowa-hakko and kyowa-usa.com
Katie Emerson: LinkedIn
Tony Miano: LinkedIn
Cognizin Citicoline: blog.priceplow.com/supplement-ingredients/cognizin
Setria Glutathione: See GHOST Vitamin C + Setria Glutathione

Thank you to Katie Emerson and Tony Miano for jo…

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In this episode of the PricePlow Podcast, we’re joined by Andy Holmes, Business Development Manager for LGC Science’s Informed family of certification programs. This fascinating conversation dives deep into the world of dietary supplement testing and certification, focusing on how these programs help ensure product safety and quality for athletes and everyday consumers alike.

1 in 10 Non-Certified Supplements May Have Banned Substances?! Time to Get Informed…

Andy explains the rigorous testing standards and quality control measures that make Informed Sport, Informed Choice, and Informed Protein the global leaders in supplement certification. From testing every batch for over 280 banned substances at parts-per-billion levels to auditing manufacturing facilities for cross-contamination risks, Informed’s programs provide critical quality assurance in an industry where approximately 1 in 10 non-certified supplements may contain prohibited substances. Throughout the discussion, we learn how these certifications not only protect athletes from inadvertent doping but also provide brands with meaningful market differentiation and consumer trust.

Beyond the science of supplement testing, Andy shares his unique background as a former competitive judo athlete who trained at the Olympic Training Center, his experience working with military special forces, and even his life operating a family cattle ranch. This wide-ranging conversation offers valuable insights for supplement brands, athletes, and any consumer concerned about supplement quality and safety.

Make sure to subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast and stay up to date with the latest in supplement industry news, science, and certification standards.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/informed-supplement-testing-162

Video: Andy Holmes Explains LGC’s Informed Programs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyCGrTCOKzk

Detailed Show Notes: The Informed Testing Programs with Andy Holmes

(0:00) – Introductions
(3:00) – How Informed Certification Works
(6:00) – Testing Protocols and Standards
(8:30) – Protein Testing and Label Claim Verification
(15:00) – Global Reach and Testing Volume
(19:00) – Andy’s Athletic Background
(24:00) – LGC’s History and Corporate Structure
(29:00) – Contamination Risks and Prevention
(35:00) – Notable Brand Partners
(39:00) – Military Applications and Special Forces
(44:00) – Consumer Education and Market Trends
(47:00) – Real-World Contamination Stories
(52:00) – Testing Process and Chain of Custody
(54:00) – Economic Benefits of Certification
(56:00) – Andy’s Recovery Supplements for Athletes
(58:00) – Jiu-Jitsu Training and Injuries
(1:00:00) – Education and Closing Thoughts Thank you very much to Sensapure Flavors for allowing us to host this podcast in your booth, and thanks to Andy and the entire Informed and LGC teams for partnering with us – this was a fun and wildly informative episode!

Sign up for our Informed news alerts above, and subscribe to The PricePlow Podcast on any and all platforms — reviews on iTunes and Spotify are greatly appreciated!

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In a special episode of the PricePlow Podcast that includes a tasting panel, we welcome Sebastian Poulsen, Application Scientist at Arla Foods Ingredients, to explore the future of ready-to-drink protein beverages. Alongside returning guest Preston Losee, Sebastian guides us through an extensive sampling of innovative protein drink concepts powered by beta-lactoglobulin (BLG), demonstrating how this powerful protein fraction is revolutionizing the RTD landscape through superior taste, texture, and functionality.

Building upon our previous discussions about Arla’s protein innovations in Episode #108 and Episode #145, this conversation focuses on the practical applications of BLG in beverages, from clear protein waters to carbonated drinks and medical nutrition solutions. Sebastian explains the critical role of protein chemistry and pH control in formulation, while sharing insights from his extensive experience in Arla’s application center.

Through live taste-testing, we experience firsthand how BLG enables unprecedented protein concentrations while maintaining exceptional clarity and mouthfeel – including an impressive 21-gram protein shot that delivers over 3 grams of leucine in just 3 fluid ounces. We also come up with an idea for an energy drink that includes 10 grams of protein!

The sampling session reveals remarkable versatility across various applications – from sparkling protein sodas to nutrition-packed medical beverages – each demonstrating why BLG represents the next generation of protein innovation. For brands looking to differentiate in the crowded RTD market, these formulations showcase how Arla Foods Ingredients continues pushing boundaries in protein beverage development, offering solutions that combine excellent taste with meaningful nutritional benefits for diverse consumer needs.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/rtd-protein-innovation-arla-foods-ingredients-161

Video: Protein RTD Science and Innovation with Sebastian Poulsen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg4ZjmSV3YY

Detailed Show Notes: The Arla Foods Ingredients RTD Tasting

(0:00) – Introducing Sebastian Poulsen & Arla Foods Ingredients
(2:45) – The Chemistry Behind Clear Proteins
(9:00) – High Acid vs. Low Acid Applications
(13:15) – The Many Applications of BLG
(17:00) – Real-World Testing: The First Taste Test
(21:45) – Exploring Protein Chemistry and Stability
(25:00) – Special Applications: Medical Nutrition & Hydration
(31:00) – Innovation in Carbonated Protein Beverages?!
(37:15) – Medical Nutrition Applications & Fat Integration
(42:00) – Equipment and Processing Capabilities
(46:30) – Coffee Applications and pH Challenges
(49:00) – Brand Opportunities and Market Potential
(53:00) – Accessibility and Manufacturing Considerations
(53:29) – Future Innovation Possibilities with Ketones?
(54:55) – Final Insights and Market Opportunities

Where to Follow Arla Foods Ingredients

Arla Foods Ingredients on LinkedIn
Arla Foods Ingredients news on PricePlow&…

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On Episode #160 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben continue their conversation from the Basic Supplements launch, this time joined by Jack Sehgal, CEO of Nutrablend Foods, and Chuck Zhang for an in-depth discussion about supplement manufacturing, quality control, and the evolving Chinese market.

After our fascinating discussion with Basic Supplements in Episode #156, we dive deeper into the manufacturing side with Nutrablend Foods, Basic’s trusted manufacturing partner. Jack shares his journey from MMA retail in the UK to leading one of North America’s premier supplement manufacturers, while Chuck provides valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities of the Chinese supplement market.

Manufacturing Excellence Meets International Markets: Inside Nutrablend Foods

The conversation explores how Nutrablend Foods transformed their business by focusing on fewer, higher-quality partnerships, the importance of maintaining consistent supply chains, and the intricate details of large-scale powder manufacturing. Additionally, Chuck shares fascinating perspectives on the differences between Western and Chinese supplement markets, offering valuable insights for brands looking to expand internationally.

This episode provides a rare glimpse into the world of supplement manufacturing and international market dynamics, offering valuable insights for industry professionals and supplement enthusiasts alike. Let’s dive in!

Video: From Buffalo to China and Everywhere In Between

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbYZ6vnMfSo

Detailed Show Notes: Jack and Chuck Talk Nutrablend Foods and China

(0:00) – Introductions
(03:45) – Nutrablend’s manufacturing process and differentiation
(06:15) – Challenges and adaptations in the manufacturing industry
(08:30) – Nutrablend’s strengths and specialization
(09:15) – What’s Up in China? Chuck’s background and market insights
(19:30) – International market strategy and compliance
(24:00) – Quality control and consistency in manufacturing
(29:00) – Efficiency and scalability in manufacturing
(32:15) – Collaboration and customer success
(42:45) – Future plans and market opportunities

Thank you to Jack for hosting us in Buffalo, NY and to Chuck for delivering your wisdom and expertise. Sign up for Basic Supplements news alerts below and subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast — please leave us a great review!

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In Episode 155 of the PricePlow Podcast, Ben, Mike, and a panel of beta-testers from the PricePlow Discord sit down with Dan Grasso from MuscleTech to dive into the evolution of the fan-favorite pre-workout, EuphoriQ.

Known for its balanced energy and smooth focus, EuphoriQ quickly became a staple in the supplement community after its initial release with paraxanthine. Dan, who has been integral to the development of EuphoriQ V2, takes us through the journey from the original formula to this newly upgraded version, revealing the thought process and customer feedback that influenced each enhancement.

Beta-Testing EuphoriQ V2: How Does the Small Yohimbe Dose Hit?

Throughout the episode, the team explores how V2 preserves what made EuphoriQ popular while improving on pump, endurance, and mental clarity with adjusted doses of ingredients like L-citrulline, nitrates, and tyrosine. Dan highlights MuscleTech’s approach to incorporating feedback and adapting the formula to align with evolving customer expectations, while maintaining the brand’s commitment to effective, scientifically-backed products.

In addition to product formulation, the discussion covers EuphoriQ V2’s distribution strategy, flavor development, and MuscleTech’s plans for broader accessibility. Tune in for an engaging conversation on the craft of refining a premium pre-workout, along with exclusive insights into MuscleTech’s vision for the future of performance supplements.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/muscletech-euphoriq-v2-beta-test

Video: The PricePlow Discord Beta-Tests EuphoriQ V2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1n9xdRdlP_E

Detailed Show Notes: Beta-Testing MuscleTech EuphoriQ V2

(00:00) – Introduction to EuphoriQ V2
(00:45) – The Evolution from V1 to V2
(06:15) – User Experiences and Feedback
(10:45) – Focus and Performance Insights
(18:00) – Comparative Analysis with Other Pre-Workouts
(22:00) – Flavor Innovations and Preferences
(26:00) – Exploring Unique Flavors: Watermelon and Yuzu Lemonade
(30:15) – The Future of V2: Retail Strategies and Availability
(33:30) – Enhancing Focus: The Role of Tyrosine and Paraxanthine
(36:15) – Expectations vs. Reality: Feedback on V2 Samples
(40:45) – Potential for New Nootropic Products
(42:15) – The Science Behind Beta-Alanine and User Experiences

You can read our main EuphoriQ V2 article, and find deals on PricePlow in the widgets below.

As always, subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your platform of choice, and leave us a 9000-star review!

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On Episode #152 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben are joined by Jonathan Scheiman, co-founder and CEO of FitBiomics, to discuss VNella, a revolutionary probiotic strain derived from the microbiomes of elite athletes. The conversation explores how this cutting-edge innovation optimizes endurance, reduces fatigue, and brings next-generation biotechnology to everyday health and performance.

VNella: Optimizing Human Performance Through the Microbiome

Dive into the science behind VNella, a first-of-its-kind probiotic that metabolizes lactic acid to fuel mitochondria, enhance recovery, and improve overall energy levels. Jonathan shares the groundbreaking journey of FitBiomics, from analyzing the microbiomes of ultra-endurance athletes to developing consumer products that benefit everyone from Olympians to everyday fitness enthusiasts.

The trio also explore the role of athletes in product development, the broader applications of microbiome research, and FitBiomics’ ambitious vision to transform health and wellness through proprietary probiotics. This is a podcast packed with science, innovation, and practical takeaways for optimizing performance and well-being. Let’s dive in!

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/jonathan-scheiman-fitbiomics-158

Video: Decoding Elite Athletes’ Microbiomes and Making VNella at Fitbiomics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2XWUZnpQP8

Detailed Show Notes with Jonathan Scheiman

(00:00) – Introduction, Jonathan’s Background, and the Origins of Fitbiomics
(06:00) – Development of FitBiomics Products
(09:30) – The Science of VNella and Lactic Acid Metabolism
(11:15) – Explanation of Gut Microbiome’s Role in Health and Performance
(21:30) – Clinical Studies and Validation of VNella
(30:30) – Practical Applications for VNella
(45:15) – Athletes and Their Role in Product Development
(50:45) – Big Picture and Future of FitBiomics
(56:15) – Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

Where to Follow Jonathan and Fitbiomics

Jonathan Scheiman on LinkedIn
@Fitbiomics on Instagram
Fitbiomics News on PricePlow

Thank you to Jonathan for coming on and educating us! Stay up to date with Fitbiomics’ latest news by signing up for PricePlow’s alerts below, and don’t forget to subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast and leave us a great review!

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In Episode 157 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben sit down with Kyle Thomas, Chief Commercial Officer of Nutrabolt, to discuss the company’s groundbreaking partnership with The Hershey Company. Kyle, who joined Nutrabolt in 2021 after years in the Coca-Cola system, provides unique insights into how this collaboration came to be and what it means for both C4 and the broader supplement industry.

The conversation covers not only the recent launch of C4 Whey protein featuring real Reese’s and C4 Original pre-workout with Bubble Yum flavor, but also dives deep into Kyle’s strategic vision for the brand, the evolution of C4’s demographics, and how the company is positioning itself in the ever-growing energy drink market. This podcast was recorded shortly after Team PricePlow’s visit to Nutrabolt HQ in Austin, Texas, making for some timely discussion of upcoming innovations.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and watch on YouTube to stay updated on the supplement industry’s biggest moves!

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/kyle-thomas-nutrabolt-c4-hershey-157

Video: C4’s Kyle Thomas Talks Hershey Partnership & Brand Strategy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yzsJca0cNA

Detailed Show Notes with Kyle Thomas

(0:00) – Introductions & Kyle’s Background: A Wild Ride to Nutrabolt
(4:00) – The Evolution of Sports Nutrition on Coca-Cola’s Radar
(9:00) – The Hershey Partnership
(16:30) – Brand Strategy & Demographics
(27:00) – Product Development & Testing
(35:00) – Master Branding Strategy
(42:00) – Keurig Dr Pepper Partnership

Where to Follow Kyle, Nutrabolt, and C4

Kyle Thomas on LinkedIn
@C4Energy on Instagram
@Cellucor on Instagram
Cellucor News on PricePlow

Thank you to Kyle Thomas and the entire Nutrabolt team for hosting us at their headquarters and sharing insights into their exciting partnership with The Hershey Company. We’re looking forward to trying more innovative collaborations in the future!

Stay up to date with Cellucor/C4’s latest releases by signing up for PricePlow’s news alerts, and don’t forget to subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast and leave us a great review!

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On Episode #156 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben welcome Marc Curcio and Laura Valley to discuss the founding of Basic Supplements and its mission to provide high-quality, simplified nutritional products.

In today’s fast-paced supplement industry, consumers are often bombarded with complex products boasting long lists of ingredients and lofty promises. But what if the key to better health and performance lies in simplicity? Recorded in Buffalo, New York at the manufacturing facility (Nutrablend Foods) we dive into this concept with Marc and Laura.

This is a brand born out of a desire to return to the fundamentals of nutrition. With a combined experience of over two decades in the industry, they recognized a gap in the market for high-quality, essential supplements that don’t break the bank. Their mission is clear: provide “affordable excellence” by focusing on core ingredients that deliver results without unnecessary complexity.

Throughout the episode, we explore how Basic Supplements is redefining consumer expectations by prioritizing transparency, simplicity, and education. From partnering with top-tier ingredient suppliers like Glanbia Nutritionals to crafting straightforward product labels, Marc and Laura emphasize the importance of building trust with both retailers and consumers. They also discuss their innovative flavor offerings and commitment to making supplementation accessible to everyone.

Whether you’re a seasoned industry insider or new to the world of supplements, this conversation offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of sports nutrition. Join us as we uncover how Basic Supplements is challenging industry norms and making a case for getting back to basics. You can watch on YouTube below or any podcast feed of your choice.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/basic-supplements-156

Video: Learn about the Foundings of Basic Supplements

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwvMw2Rh3Hs

Detailed Show Notes: Introducing Basic Supplements

(0:00) – Introduction to Marc Curcio and Laura Valley
(10:30) – Shift towards simplicity
(14:00) – Partnership with Glanbia Nutritionals
(25:00) – Initial Basic Supps launches
(32:30) – Distribution strategy
(42:00) – Building a strong foundation through SAMPLING
(54:45) – Transparent label design
(1:00:00) – Bottle art
(1:03:45) – Building brand awareness
(1:11:30) – Focus on ambassadors
(1:17:15) – The future

Where to Follow Basic Supps

Basic Supplements on PricePlow
@GetBasicSupps on Instagram
Marc Curcio on LinkedIn

Thank you to Laura and Marc for inviting us to New York, and a major thank you to Nutrablend Foods for hosting us and showing us an incredible tour!

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Live from the Kyowa Hakko USA booth at Supply Side West 2024 in Las Vegas, Mike and Ben sit down for a functional beverage roundtable featuring Lou Ferrer (MacroCap Labs) and Darin Decker (Applied Nutrition USA).

MacroCap Labs is a dietary supplement manufacturer that has aggressively moved into the canned beverage industry — they’re the ones responsible for canning the wonderful XPO NRG drinks that were on display at the expo. Applied Nutrition needs no introduction in this space, but Darin joined us just before the exclusive AN Performance launch at The Vitamin Shoppe.

This is a follow-up to the previous Kyowa discussion at SupplySide West 2023, #118: Ghost, Glaxon, & Cellucor on Branded Ingredients: Kyowa Panel at SSW 2023.

The conversation highlights the shift in consumer preferences towards products with research-backed benefits, citing the decline in alcohol sales and the trend of more conscious consumption decisions. The panelists emphasize the role of education and access to information in driving this change, with Darin sharing the impact of resources like Ben’s content in educating the market.

The discussion then explores the challenges and trends in beverage manufacturing, with Lou providing insights on the need for simplicity and consistency in formulations. The panel also delves into the strategies for market penetration, with Darin emphasizing the significance of distribution, influencer marketing, and providing acute sensations and benefits to consumers.

Quality control and ingredient stability emerge as crucial factors, as the panelists underscore the importance of ensuring a consistent experience to build long-term consumer loyalty.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/kyowa-hakko-beverage-panel-ssw-2024

Video: Lou Ferrer and Darin Decker Dig Into Functional Beverages

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HY9F5H2lts

(00:00) – Introduction and Collaboration
(02:15) – Consumer Shift Towards Functional Ingredients
(05:45) – Education and Access to Information
(08:45) – Consumer Identification and Community
(12:45) – Influencer Marketing and Consumer Awareness
(16:00) – Challenges and Trends in Beverage Manufacturing
(19:45) – Distribution Strategy and Market Penetration
(25:00) – Quality Control and Consistency
(31:00) – Closing Thoughts and Future Prospects

Where to Follow Darin and Lou

Lou Ferrer on LinkedIn
Darin Decker on LinkedIn
AN USA on PricePlow
MacroCap Labs Website

Thanks to Kyowa Hakko USA for hosting, and to Lou and Darin for joining us in our second annual get-together! You can listen to our conversation from 2023.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on any platform, and leave us a great review on iTunes and Spotify!

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For Episode #154 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben sit down with Sandy Almendarez, the Vice President of Content at Informa Markets, to discuss SupplySide West 2024 live from the event. Sandy provides an introduction to her role and responsibilities, overseeing the educational programming and content for the large trade show.

We reached out to the Informa Markets team to talk about the recent rebranding announcement, which brought the following changes:

SupplySide West is now SupplySide Global
SupplySide East is now SupplySide Connect New Jersey
Natural Products Insider is now SupplySide Supplement Journal

SupplySide West is one of the biggest events for the industry each year, and the group discussion covers Informa’s reinvention and rebranding. 2024’s event was a massive success, and Sandy gives us the full scoop on what made this year even better than every year before.

A key focus of the discussion centers around the educational content and industry trends covered at SupplySide. Sandy highlights topics like mushrooms, magnesium, and the blurring of lines between supplements, foods, and beverages as being prominent areas of interest. She emphasizes Informa’s commitment to identifying emerging industry trends and helping brands navigate the evolving landscape.

Mike and Ben praise the value of the educational sessions and the insights shared by industry veterans at the event — this is definitely our favorite tradeshow of the year.

We also get to hear why SupplySide West 2024 was held on Halloween, which caused a lot of people with families to leave the show early.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/supplyside-global-informa-markets-sandy-almendarez-154

Video: Sandy Almendarez Explains SupplySide’s Rebrand… and Halloween

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYVTe1KNVws

(0:00) – Introductions
(01:30) – SupplySide Rebrand
(02:30) – Details of the Rebrand and Future Plans
(8:15) – Focus on Supplements and Food and Beverage
(10:45) – Education and Trends at SupplySide
(16:45) – Halloween, Feedback, and Future Improvements
(20:00) – Logistics and Community at SupplySide
(26:15) – Relationship with Mandalay Bay and Future Plans

Thanks for joining us on the podcast, Sandy!

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on any platform, and leave us a great review on iTunes and Spotify!

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In Episode 153 of the PricePlow Podcast, we’re joined by Danielle Citrolo, Vice President of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs at Kyowa Hakko USA, to discuss exciting new research on Cognizin Citicoline.

Cognizin, an industry-leading nootropic ingredient known for its benefits in brain health, has long been praised for its ability to support focus, memory, and attention. In this episode, Danielle dives deep into the latest findings, highlighting the cutting-edge science behind how Cognizin impacts gene expression at the cellular level, offering fresh insights into how it supports cognitive function.

Analyzing Cognizin Citicoline at the Genetic Level

Danielle explains how recent studies using a sophisticated triculture model of brain cells revealed new mechanisms of action for citicoline. By examining gene expression and neuronal activity, researchers were able to uncover how Cognizin affects brain structure and function, from enhancing neuronal communication to promoting healthy cholesterol synthesis in the brain. These discoveries take the understanding of Cognizin’s benefits to the next level, offering a deeper look at how this powerful nootropic works beyond just boosting focus and attention.

Throughout the episode, Danielle also touches on the broader implications of this research, particularly in the areas of mitochondrial health and neuroprotection. With ongoing studies into its potential benefits for women’s cognitive health, sleep quality, and mood regulation, Cognizin continues to lead the way in the nootropic industry. Whether you’re a biohacker, a health enthusiast, or simply curious about the latest advancements in brain health, this episode is packed with exciting discoveries.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/danielle-citrolo-cognizin-genetic-research-153

Video: Daneille Citrolo of Kyowa Hakko Talks Cognizin Gene Research

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g53Mb2PpEf8

(00:00) – Introduction to Danielle
(02:15) – Exploring the New Study on Cognizin
(07:15) – Understanding Metabolomics and Cognizin
(12:15) – The Triculture Model Explained
(18:00) – Gene Expression and Cognizin’s Impact
(23:45) – Future Research Directions and Applications
(28:15) – Potential in Women’s Health and Cognitive Function
(36:30) – Conclusion and Future Studies

Where to Find Danielle and Kyowa Hakko USA

Sign up for PricePlow’s Kyowa Hakko news alerts
Danielle Citrolo on LinkedIn
Kyowa Hakko USA on LinkedIn

Thanks for joining us, Daneille! Please subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on any platform and leave us reviews!

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In Episode #152 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben are joined by Shawn Wells, Chief Science Officer, and Dustin Elliott, the new Chief Brand Officer at NNB Nutrition, to explore the innovative world of nutraceuticals and the exciting future of the company. Shawn, a returning guest, shares his insights on NNB’s cutting-edge ingredient development, while Dustin discusses his new role and the brand-building strategies he’s implementing to drive demand for their premium ingredients in the U.S. market.

The episode dives deep into NNB’s latest innovations, including the highly anticipated ingredient, Dileucine (DL-185), which is poised to make a significant impact in the world of muscle protein synthesis. The conversation also covers the potential of dihydroberberine (GlucoVantage) as a powerful GLP-1 agonist, providing an accessible alternative to popular pharmaceuticals for blood sugar control and appetite suppression.

Listeners will also get an inside look at NNB’s product development process, including the science behind their hydration formula, ElectroPrime, and the fermentation-based innovation, SalidroPure, which offers a sustainable and potent alternative to traditional Rhodiola extract. The guys also talk about NNB’s involvement in the big XPO NRG collaborative promotional energy drink made for SupplySide West.

The episode then takes a pretty wild twist at the end, with Shawn explaining his psychedelic experiences and how he uses dietary supplements to replete his neurotransmitters.

Packed with fascinating insights from two industry leaders, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the cutting-edge science behind functional ingredients and the growing influence of the nutraceutical industry.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/shawn-wells-dustin-elliott-nnb-nutrition-152

Video: Shawn Wells and Dustin Elliott on NNB Nutrition’s Growth and Future

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bRAYNXNFnk

Detailed Show Notes: Shawn and Dustin Talk GLP-1, MPS, Collab Energy, and… Pyschadelic Supplement Stacks?!

(0:00) – Introductions
(7:30) – GLP-1 Trends
(14:00) – GlucoVantage (Dihydroberberine) Branding
(22:15) – ElectroPrime and Hydration
(30:00) – Dustin’s Trip to China
(35:45) – SalidroPure: Pure Salidroside Replacing Rhodiola Crenulata
(42:30) – The XPO NRG Energy Drink Collab at SupplySide West
(49:45) – How MitoPrime Works
(59:00) – XPO NRG Energy Drink Continued
(1:07:45) – Alpha-GPC
(1:10:45) – Grains of Paradise
(1:15:30) – Halloween and Leaving SupplySide West early
(1:19:45) – Shawn’s Story with Psychedelics
(1:28:15) – Post-Journey Repletion: Shawn’s Supplement Ingredients
(1:39:45) – Conclusion

This episode was filmed at Nutramedia’s headquarters in Houston, TX.

Where to Find Dustin, Shawn, and NNB Nutrition

Sign up for PricePlow’s NNB Nutrition news alerts
@NNBNutrition on Instagram
Dustin Elliott on Link…

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In Episode 151 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben sit down with Bill Russell, CEO of Magnum Nutraceuticals, for an insightful discussion on building a premium supplement brand in an increasingly crowded market. Bill, who acquired Magnum Nutraceuticals two years ago, shares his unique journey from a customer of the brand to its leader. With a background in bodybuilding, health, and private equity, Bill was perfectly positioned to take Magnum to new heights, both in Canada and beyond. This episode delves into how Bill has strategically transformed Magnum, positioning it as a global player in the supplement industry while maintaining its commitment to high-quality, science-backed products.

Bill starts by discussing the significant changes he made upon acquiring the company, including some key logistics improvements. As the conversation progresses, Bill dives into the science behind Magnum’s product development, specifically their flagship Quattro protein and its standout digestibility. Mike drinks a Vanilla Cherry Whip flavored Limitless X16 pre-workout throughout, which makes for some fun conversation as well.

From co-manufacturing processes to international expansion, Bill discusses the complexities of scaling a premium brand while ensuring consistent product quality. He shares his strategic vision for Magnum’s global reach, highlighting how the brand has tapped into various international markets with customized product offerings tailored to regional preferences.

Bill ensures that Magnum is committed to long-term growth driven by science and premium formulations. Tune in to hear Bill’s actionable insights on brand building, product development, and scaling success in the highly competitive supplement industry.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/bill-russell-magnum-nutraceuticals-151

Video: Magnum Goes Global with Bill Russell at the Helm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hcg0hXiZjVQ

(0:00) – Introductions
(4:00) – Strategic changes
(9:00) – Co-manufacturing
(12:00) – Acquisition due diligence
(16:30) – Quattro Protein
(19:45) – Optimizing products
(28:30) – Logistics and distribution
(32:45) – International expansion
(38:00) – Not all about trends
(44:00) – Magnum products
(51:30) – Mass-market
(55:00) – Goodbyes

Where to Follow Magnum Nutraceuticals

Magnum Nutraceuticals Supplements on PricePlow
@MagnumSupps on Instagram
Bill Russell (Magnum Nutraceuticals) on LinkedIn

Thank you very much to Bill for getting us up to speed on Magnum and teaching us a thing or two about the international game. We look forward to trying the new products coming out!

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Dr. Garrett Smith, known as the Nutrition Detective, joins the PricePlow Podcast to discuss his journey into the world of vitamin A toxicity and its connection to numerous health issues. This is an impactful episode, as we’re learning how damaging this fat-soluble class of molecules is — especially when consumed in excess over time — and how difficult it is to remove from the body.

Dr. Smith is having tremendous success in supporting those who begin restricting and detoxifying vitamin A, relieving numerous health maladies from basic joint pain and skin conditions to reversing kidney, liver, and thyroid diseases. Followers of his program are also having great success in areas of fertility.

Dr. Smith also shares his views on vitamin D supplementation and its potential negative effects, which is how Mike started to follow him in the first place, having noticed that vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplements were contributing to his joint pain. At the end of the episode, Mike explains that he’s been restricting vitamin A and D since January 2023, with incredible success.

Vitamin A: An extremely toxic family of molecules in excess

The conversation explores the pathway of vitamin A in the body, from its sources in plants to its conversion into retinaldehyde, retinol, and retinoic acids, and the toxicity of all of these molecules. Dr. Smith also explains the liver’s role in filtering toxins and producing bile, as well as the importance of bile in detoxification.

Sadly, there’s no commercially-available lab test to determine vitamin A toxicity, since retinol is kept in a tight homeostatic range in the blood and the rest is kept in the liver, but the men discuss ways to determine that you may be having some subclinical issues without getting a dangerous liver biopsy.

Introducing Toxic Bile Theory

The concept of toxic bile theory is introduced, which is a new paradigm/framework on health and disease that explains how countless diseases are caused when toxic bile damages the liver and leaks into the bloodstream.

Low Vitamin A Diet

The low vitamin A diet includes avoiding organ meats, pork, dairy, eggs, and high vitamin A plant foods. Animal protein sources like red meat and poultry are preferred. The diet also includes white or light-colored plant foods, cooked beans, whole grains like oats and barley, and select fruits like bananas, apples, green grapes, and pears.

In the final part of the conversation, Mike and Dr. Garrett Smith discuss their personal experiences and perspectives on nutrition and supplementation. They touch on finding balance, the role of minerals in the body, and the benefits of removing toxins from the body rather than adding more supplements.

Dr. Smith also shares information about his Love Your Liver Program and the testing and consultation services he offers, and he sells an incredible mineral supplement called Keystone Minerals that Mike gives to his family, as well as a very popular topical magnesium lotion.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/dr-garrett-smith-vitamin-a-toxicity-150

Video: Learn about the Vitamin A Toxicity Epidemic with Dr. Garrett Smith

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuKRr-ZjOsk

&…

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

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Welcome to Episode #149 of the PricePlow Podcast! In this special episode, Mike and Ben take you on a journey to Salt Lake City, where they visited the cutting-edge facilities of Sensapure Flavors. After spending 36 immersive hours learning the intricacies of flavor science, they sit down with two industry experts: Scott Zimmerman, a seasoned flavor chemist with nearly 40 years of experience, and Derek Greer, an expert in food technology who leads Sensapure’s application labs.

In this enlightening conversation, you’ll discover the art and science behind flavor formulation, especially within dietary supplements and functional foods. The team delves deep into how flavors are crafted to work around challenging base ingredients, the complexities of masking bitterness, and the innovative processes involved in creating both traditional and “fantasy” flavors.

Whether it’s the technicalities of reverse-engineering popular tastes, the importance of acids and sweeteners, or the future trends in flavoring, this episode is packed with insights that will change the way you think about the flavors you enjoy every day.

Don’t miss this one — listen as we explore how Sensapure Flavors balances creativity, science, and market demands to produce flavors that not only taste amazing but also enhance the overall consumer experience. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into making your favorite supplement taste just right, this episode is a must-listen!

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/scott-zimmerman-derek-greer-sensapure-flavors-149

Video: Learn about Flavor Systems from the Professionals at Sensapure

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnGCtUdMF78

(0:00) – Introductions
(4:15) – Making an energy drink
(10:00) – The importance of acids
(16:45) – Reverse engineering flavors
(22:45) – Custom flavors
(29:45) – New flavor ideas
(33:00) – Fantasy flavors
(39:15) – Carbonation
(45:00) – Feasibility
(48:45) – Getting involved in flavor development
(55:45) – Food science
(1:05:15) – Untapped potential in flavoring
(1:12:45) – Artificial and natural flavors
(1:18:00) – Sweeteners
(1:23:00) – SupplySide West

Where to Follow Sensapure Flavors

Sensapure Flavors news on PricePlow
Sensapure Flavors on LinkedIn
Sensapure Flavors on Instagram
SensapureFlavors.com

Thank you very much to the team at Sensapure for bringing us into your beautiful facility and teaching us a ton about flavoring. We look forward to building more Sensapure Flavors content — sign up for our Sensapure news alerts so that you don’t miss out on the latest flavor technology updates!

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On Episode #148 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben welcome Elias Chiatalas, CEO of SEE Nutrition, to discuss aXivite, a supplement ingredient known for fat loss and sports performance benefits.

Elias shares his journey, starting as an athlete and pursuing a degree in physical therapy, before moving into strength and conditioning. His passion for nutrition was reignited while working with professional athletes, leading him to establish SEE Nutrition.

aXivite: A Weight Loss Ingredient That Also Improves Performance

aXivite is a dietary supplement ingredient consisting of phenylcapsaicin, which is manufactured by a company named Axichem. Phenylcapsaicin is used for several purposes, but SEE Nutrition is the partner who sells it into the North American dietary supplement market as aXivite.

In this podcast, we learn of some of the many uses of aXivite, which goes beyond weight loss: the ingredient also has incredible performance and gut health potential. Through this, we learn of some of phenylcapsaicin’s other uses, such as protecting the gut health of chickens through its use in chicken feed!

At the end of the conversation, we go through some general diet discussion, and Elias provides a few very useful tips that can be used, especially with clients who like to drink too much soda!

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/elias-chiatalas-axivite-see-nutrition-148

Video: Burn Fat and Increase Performance with aXivite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fr5ILARV_88

(0:00) – Introductions
(7:30) – aXivite
(16:58) – The studies behind aXivite
(22:51) – aXivite’s mechanisms
(32:30) – Formulation with aXivite
(36:45) – Synergy with other ingredients
(40:30) – aXivite in animal feed?
(44:30) – Gut health benefits
(51:29) – Weight Loss and Diet Tips
(1:00:30) – Wrap up

How to Follow Elias and SEE Nutrition

You can follow SEE Nutrition in the links below:

SEE-Nutrition.com
SEE Nutrition on LinkedIn
SEE Nutrition News on PricePlow
Elias Chiatalas on LinkedIn

Thank you to Elias for coming on and telling your story – aXivite is an incredible ingredient we’ve definitely enjoyed using.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast and leave us a great review on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere else!

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On Episode #147 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben are joined by Eric Withee, the Director of Ingredient Innovation at Freemen Nutra. The top of conversation is a new dietary supplement ingredient named Digexin, which is a combination of ashwagandha and okra extracts designed to support gut health.

Freemen Nutra is traditionally a distributor of commodity ingredients, but is now beginning to focus on branded, research-backed ingredients to stay ahead in the industry, and they’ve got a star in Digexin. This ingredient promotes peristalsis — contraction of smooth muscle in the gut, helping to facilitate the movement of food.

This ultimately leads to dramatically improved bowel movements, but as the data shows, so much more.

Digexin: The First Ingredient to Support the Gut-Brain Axis

The trio get into the gut-brain axis, an emerging field of research that we’re only beginning to understand, but hasn’t been properly targeted by the dietary supplement industry — until the development of Digexin.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/eric-withee-freemen-nutra-digexin-147

Video: Digexin and the Gut Brain Axis with Freemen Nutra’s Eric Withee

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_sn2B6WrhY

(0:00) – Introductions
(4:15) – Digexin
(12:00) – The Gut-Brain Axis
(19:00) – The Uniqueness of Digexin
(23:45) – The World of Gut Problems
(31:45) – Digexin’s Versatility and Impressive Data
(37:45) – Constipation
(42:00) – First Digexin Supplement: Health Thru Nutrition’s Mindful GI
(46:00) – Other Freemen Nutra Branded Ingredients: MemoQ and TamaFlex
(48:00) – Sourcing Ingredients
(52:15) – Goodbyes

Thank you to Eric for joining us, and to everyone for listening and following along!

Sign up for our Freemen Nutra news alerts and subscribe to The PricePlow Podcast on your preferred platform. Don’t forget to leave us a review on iTunes and Spotify!

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On Episode #146 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben welcome Steve Fink, Vice President of Marketing, and Dr. Jeremy Appleton, Director of Medical and Scientific Affairs, from PLT Health Solutions, a company specializing in natural, botanical ingredients.

In this episode, we dive deep into the science behind some of the most innovative cognitive-supporting ingredients on the market today. Steve and Jeremy explain how these cutting-edge compounds are transforming the way we approach brain health. From improving focus and mental clarity to enhancing mood and reducing stress, PLT’s cognitive platform offers something for everyone looking to optimize their mental performance.

Zynamite, Zembrin, and our first introduction to Vanizem

We get into ingredients such as Zynamite, Zembrin, Rhodiolife, and the new Vanizem, which we’re extraordinarily excited about.

Steve and Dr. Appleton also share insights into the rigorous research and development process that goes into creating these ingredients, emphasizing the importance of scientifically-backed claims and partnering with the right scientists. With over 75 years of heritage in the industry, PLT Health Solutions has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, effective products that meet the needs of both consumers and formulators.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/plt-health-cognitive-ingredients-146

Video: The PLT Health Cognitive Platform with Steve Fink and Dr. Jeremy Appleton

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIo51mGKiXc

(0:00) – Introduction
(4:45) – Zynamite
(12:45) – How Zynamite works
(20:00) – Zynamite in Formulas
(25:30) – Other Cognitive Ingredients
(33:15) – Zembrin
(44:15) – Maintaining consistency
(49:45) – Differentiation
(57:45) – Strategic Formulation
(1:04:50) – What makes Vanizem different?
(1:11:30) – Marketing and Research
(1:21:15) – Next Steps for Interested Brands

Where to Follow PLT Health Solutions

PLT Health Solutions on LinkedIn
PLT Health Solutions on Instagram
PLT Health Solutions news on PricePlow

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On Episode #145 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben sit down with Christian Jonassen and Preston Losee from Arla Foods Ingredients to learn more about manufacturing protein bars and high-protein snacks – especially from the ingredient perspective.

Arla Foods Ingredients is a subsidiary of Arla Foods, the world’s fourth-largest dairy company. We recently covered their platform of protein powders specifically designed for protein bars in our article, “Making Protein Bars WORK with Arla Foods Ingredients“, and decided it was time to bring in an expert.

Christian, who has a background in baking and food technology, focuses on the science of incorporating protein into baked goods, while Preston, an account manager, discusses Arla’s involvement in the health and performance nutrition sector as a whole.

They highlight the importance of ingredient selection in creating high-quality protein products, referencing a memorable protein brownie made with Arla’s ingredients that impressed at the Arnold 2024 expo.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/protein-bar-science-arla-foods-ingredients-145

Video: Protein Bar Science and Ingredients with Christian Jonassen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDOdsUoHI4Y

(00:00) – Introduction and Background
(03:00) – The Science of Baking and Protein Incorporation
(09:30) – Collaboration with Brands
(13:15) – Carbohydrate Sources as Binders
(19:30) – Impact of Carbohydrate Sources on Shelf Stability and Sensory Perception
(23:15) – Protein Bar Development
(29:00) – Carbs and Texture
(34:45) – On Glycerol
(39:00) – PB8420 as a Plug-and-Play Solution
(45:00) – Maximizing Protein Content
(48:30) – Collagen in Protein Bars
(52:45) – Sample Recipes for Brands
(56:30) – Everyone’s Favorite Protein Bars?

Thanks so much to Christian and Preston for coming on and providing more education — we’ve tasted the difference, and it’s real!

Where to Follow Arla Foods Ingredients

Arla Foods Ingredients on LinkedIn
Arla Foods Ingredients news on PricePlow
Arla Foods Ingredients Ready to Eat page
Webinar: Protein Bars 360 – From Concept to Consumer

Sign up for our Arla Foods Ingredients news alerts above, and subscribe to The PricePlow Podcast on any and all platforms — we appreciate reviews on iTunes and Spotify!

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On Episode #144 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben welcome Dominic Kuza of Raw Nutrition and Revive MD, who comes on to explain some of the new formulas he’s been working on at the two companies since starting earlier this year.

Dom comes on to explain his new formulation, the forthcoming Revive MD Sleep supplement, but as we dive deeper, he continues to greatly impress in this episode. But then it gets even better:

Formulating with Feedback from Blood Work

We learned that Dominic dives deep into blood work, thanks to his work at the Revive Health clinics, and he now supports many of Raw Nutrition’s and Revive MD’s ambassadors and sponsored athletes. Through his monitoring of blood work and finding legitimate fixes, he’s been able to formulate some incredible supplements that truly move the needle for his athletes, and that expertise now gets passed on to Revive MD consumers.

Beyond Revive MD Sleep, we discuss some of the benefits of his other formulas, including Cortisol Support and Complete Vital. We also learn of his support in streamlining some of Revive MD’s other classic supplements, which will allow for fewer capsules coming soon in the future.

All told, Raw Nutrition and Revive are certainly in good hands – the data-driven path is one that their consumers should fully get behind.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/dom-kuza-revive-raw-nutrition-144

Video: Dom Kuza Formulates with Real-World Feedback

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPffv6V5jQU

Detailed Show Notes with Dom Kuza of Revive / Raw Nutrition

(0:00) – Introductions
(5:45) – Dominic’s work at Revive
(11:30) – Complete Vital
(16:45) – Blood work
(23:15) – Managing ferritin and iron levels
(28:45) – Supplement formulation for systemic problems
(31:00) – New Revive MD Sleep supplement
(35:45) – Large Numbers of Pills and Doses in Revive MD’s Supplements
(39:00) – Gut Health
(42:00) – The Raw Endurance Line: RAW Fuel and Replenish
(46:00) – Bodybuilding to Functional Training
(49:15) – RAW and functional fitness
(53:45) – Final notes

Thanks to Dom for joining us and dropping some excellent information!

Sign up for our Raw Nutrition and Revive MD news alerts above, and don’t forget to subscribe to the The PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform — leave us a review on iTunes and Spotify!

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Ghost Lifestyle founder and CEO Dan Lourenço is back for his six appearance on the PricePlow Podcast, and this one’s quite the catch-up, with discussion of all things big and small.

This episode focuses mainly on the Ghost Legend V4 launch, which brings a massive formula (look at the size of the tub in the picture) yet at a lower price.

We get into the economics and data (or lack thereof) for this decision, then catch up on other launches such as Ghost Energy (new flavor teased at the end), Clear Whey Isolate, Ghost Protein Cereal, minor changes to Legend ALL OUT, the Protein RTD, and the delayed-but-forthcoming Ghost Sleep supplement.

But a bigger-picture part of this discussion that cannot be missed is Dan’s discussion of the Ghost 100 Year Plan, where he’s focusing on building a legacy company the likes of Nike or Oreo that will outlast all of us. To do so, he’s building a “team of lifers”, who he refers to as teammates, not employees.

This was a great episode with some fun banter, supplement history and economics, rapid-fire product release discussion, and the big shop talk discussed above. Get in, and get ready for the huge Legend V4 tubs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ili8e5sdAuw

Show notes at https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/dan-lourenco-ghost-lifestyle-143

Legend V4 Launch Special: Show Notes with Dan Lourenço

Detailed Show Notes Coming Soon!

The Legend Ingredient Comparisons:

How to Find Dan

Dan’s still off Instagram! But you can follow him and his brands at the following locations:

Dan Lourenço on LinkedIn
Dan Lourenço on Twitter
@GhostLifestyle on Instagram
@GhostGamer on Instagram
@GhostEnergy on Instagram

You can also sign up for PricePlow’s Ghost Lifestyle news alerts so that you never miss a drop – and there are a lot of them to cover.

Subscribe to the The PricePlow Podcast on any platform and leave us a good review on iTunes and Spotify!

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In Episode 142 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben continue the conversation with Chad Kerksick, President of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN). We met Chad in Episode #141 — he’s an esteemed researcher in exercise science and nutrition. This episode delves deeper into the specifics of study design and the exploration of innovative ingredients in the supplement industry, namely NNB Nutrition’s RAMPS Dileucine (DL185) and GlucoVantage Dihydroberberine.

In this continuation, the focus shifts to the practical applications of Chad’s research and his insights into the latest trends and advancements in sports nutrition.

Chad kicks off the discussion by recounting his initial experiences with study design. He emphasizes the need for careful consideration to avoid common pitfalls and ensure the validity of the findings.

RAMPS Dileucine and GlucoVantage Dihydroberberine

The conversation then transitions to specific ingredients, with a spotlight on NNB Nutrition’s RAMPS Dileucine (DL185) and GlucoVantage Dihydroberberine. Chad shares his experiences with these compounds, discussing their potential benefits and the nuances of incorporating them into research studies. He provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of working with novel ingredients, offering practical advice for both researchers and industry professionals.

GLP-1 Agonists

One of the key highlights of this episode is the discussion on targeting new areas of research, particularly GLP-1 agonists. Chad explores the potential of these compounds in weight management and metabolic health, drawing parallels with existing pharmaceutical interventions and the quest for natural alternatives. He outlines the steps involved in designing effective studies to evaluate these ingredients, emphasizing the importance of understanding their mechanisms of action and physiological impacts.

Throughout the episode, Chad’s expertise shines through as he navigates complex topics with ease, providing listeners with knowledge and practical takeaways. Whether you’re a researcher, a supplement industry professional, or simply a health enthusiast, this episode is packed with information and insights.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/chad-kerksick-dileucine-dihydroberberine-glp-142

Video: Chad Kerksick Researches Dileucine, Dihydroberberine, and GLP-1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWH9rJ-sIbM

Show Notes with Chad Kerksick – Part 2 of 2

(0:00) – Chad Kerksick Pt. 2
(5:00) – Defining Terms: “Trained Individual”
(12:00) – Understanding Ingredients
(17:45) – Study design around dileucine
(24:00) – Simplifying training regimens
(30:58) – Formulating a supplement with dileucine
(36:15) – Training for the study
(43:15) – Berberine’s potential
(48:30) – Measuring appetite
(54:15) – Dihydroberberine

Where to Find Chad Kerksick Online

Instagram: @ChadKerksick
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chadkerksick/
ISSN Website:…<…

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

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In Episode 141 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben welcome Chad Kerksick, President of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), to discuss his journey in exercise science and nutrition research. As a university professor and director of the Exercise and Performance Nutrition Laboratory at Lindenwood University, Chad has tons of experience, insights, and wisdom to share.

Chad begins with an overview of his academic and professional background, detailing his roles and responsibilities at Lindenwood University. He discusses the challenges of balancing his busy schedule with his desire to be more active on social media, and it’s our goal to bring him out to the media world more often.

The conversation then shifts to the opportunities for collaboration between academic labs and the industry, highlighting the value of attending conferences for networking and exploring potential partnerships. Chad shares insights into the types of research his lab conducts, including studies on exercise and nutritional interventions that impact health, performance, and recovery outcomes.

Elite research on elite athletes

One of the key highlights of the episode is Chad’s discussion of a unique case study on elite CrossFit athlete Tia-Clair Toomey. He details the process of collecting blood and stool samples to analyze changes in metabolites and the microbiome during intense training and competition, offering listeners a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of researching elite athletes.

Throughout the episode, Chad underscores the power of consistency in diet and exercise, sharing practical advice for maintaining a balanced lifestyle. He also touches on his key research areas, including protein supplementation, probiotics, and resistance exercise, providing valuable insights for both researchers and fitness enthusiasts.

This episode is the first of a two-part series aimed at introducing Chad to the PricePlow community and recapping the highlights of the ISSN 2024 conference. The second episode will zero in on a couple of specific ingredients.

Chad Kerksick: Elite Performance Research & ISSN 2024 Recap | Episode #141″>https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/chad-kerksick-issn-141

Video: Watch Chad Kerksick Discuss Research and ISSN 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMuvmSSidXc

Show Notes with Chad Kerksick – ISSN, Performance, and More

(00:00) – Welcome and Introduction to Chad Kerksick
(05:00) – Challenges of a Busy Schedule and Social Media Presence
(10:00) – Collaboration Opportunities in Academic Labs
(15:00) – Recap of ISSN 2024 Conference
(20:00) – Case Study on Tia-Clair Toomey’s Fecal Matter
(25:00) – Metagenomics and Metabolomics Analysis
(30:00) – Shifts in Metabolites During Competition
(35:00) – The Power of Consistency in Diet and Exercise
(40:00) – Key Research Areas in Exercise Science
(45:00) – Challenges and Rewards of Elite Athlete Research
(50:00) – Future Research
(55:00) – Podcast Wrap-Up, Closing Remarks, and Stay Tuned for Part 2

Where to Find Chad Kerksick Online

Instagram: @ChadKerksick
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chadkerksick/
ISSN Website: SportsNutritionSociety.org… …

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

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In Episode 140 of the PricePlow Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Barrie Tan, founder of American River Nutrition, for an in-depth discussion about the powerful nutrient geranylgeraniol (GG, sold as GG-Gold) and its wide-ranging health benefits – especially with respect to muscle.

Dr. Tan, a renowned expert in the field of phytonutrients and the world’s authority on vitamin E, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, sharing insights from his extensive research on GG and other critical compounds. This episode offers listeners a sound understanding of GG’s role in human biochemistry, highlighting its importance as a building block for various biological processes and hormones.

The conversation begins with a brief introduction of Dr. Tan’s education and early research, followed by his career transition from academia to entrepreneurship — but he never stopped conducting and publishing research. It all began when he was studying the giant marigold flower (for eye health), which serendipitously led to the discovery of the annatto plant and its unique compounds, including tocotrienol, a lesser-known but potent form of vitamin E — and eventually, GG.

The critical functions of geranylgeraniol (GG) in the human body

Throughout the episode, Dr. Tan explores the critical functions of GG in the body, emphasizing its role in the synthesis of essential compounds such as CoQ10 and vitamin K2. He explains how GG supports muscle synthesis by aiding in the formation of skeletal muscle proteins and underscores the importance of maintaining adequate GG levels, especially as we age. The discussion also touches on the impact of statin drugs on GG production and the subsequent effects on muscle health and energy levels, highlighting the potential benefits of GG supplementation in mitigating these side effects.

As the conversation progresses, Dr. Tan explains the practical applications of GG supplementation, including its synergistic effects when combined with other nutrients like CoQ10 and Vitamin K2. He provides valuable insights into recommended dosages and the holistic benefits of using natural, endogenous nutrients to support overall health. The episode concludes with a surprising hot take on a certain mineral that he thinks we may get too much of.

Whether you’re a health enthusiast, an athlete, or simply curious about the latest advancements in nutritional science, this episode is full of valuable information and practical advice, and Dr. Tan is simply a fun speaker to listen to.

This one’s best watched on YouTube (below), as Dr. Tan shows a few examples, but you can also listen on iTunes, Spotify, or any RSS-enabled podcast app.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/barrie-tan-gg-gold-muscle-140

Video: Watch Dr. Barrie Tan Discuss GG-Gold

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zjra-NPHKkA

Show Notes with Dr. Barrie Tan – GG-Gold for Muscle!

(0:00) – Introduction and Dr. Barrie Tan’s Background
(5:00) – Discovering Geranylgeraniol (GG)
(10:00) – GG’s Role in Plants and Humans
(15:00) – How Geranylgeraniol Supports Muscle Protein Synthesis
(20:00) – The Impact of Aging and Statins on GG Levels
(25:00) – GG Supplementation and Its Benefits
(30:00) – GG and Testosterone Production
(35:00) – The Role of MK4 and Bone Health
(40:00) – Practical Ap…

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

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The crew is back in Washington DC for the 2024 NPA Fly-In Day, held on May 22, 2024! This podcast was filmed the night before, featuring a star-studded cast that includes:

Jim Emme, CEO of NOW Foods
Kyle Turk, Natural Products Association
Rick Collins, the one and only
Mike DiMaggio, Chief Legal Officer at NutraBolt
Mark LeDoux, founder and CEO of NAI (CarnoSyn)
Dan Fabricant, Natural Products Association

And it features Joey Savage as an added interviewer.

Unfortunately, our opening with Dan Fabricant and a bit of the beginning of Jim Emme’s interview was lost due to a corrupted memory card. Regardless, this is a knockout series of discussions ranging from the ongoing political issues in DC and at the states level to the incredible background and history of Rick, Mike, and Mark’s respective careers.

Get ready for a fantastic 2-hour conversation, and be sure to see the NPA’s Take Action page and join the organization at NPANational.org.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/npa-dc-fly-in-day-2024

Video: Join the Fly-In Day Pre-Party

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4R9TWp4Cq4

Detailed Show Notes: Jim Emme, Kyle Turk, Rick Collins, Mike DiMaggio, Mark LeDoux, and Dan Fabricant

(0:00) – Introducing Jim Emme and Joey
(6:30) – The FDA’s inaction
(11:45) – Economic harm and deceptive practices
(16:27) – Quality and transparency initiatives by NOW
(19:00) – Part 2: Kyle Turk from NPA
(24:00) – Organizing the fly-in day
(27:15) – Engaging with legislators
(31:45) – The need for widespread participation
(36:56) – The importance of following up
(40:45) – Part 3: Rick Collins and Mike DiMaggio
(49:45) – Mike’s story
(56:04) – Contamination
(1:02:15) – Ramifications of youth-oriented legislation
(1:09:00) – A fragmented regulatory framework
(1:15:39) – Highlighting benefits of the industry
(1:23:15) – Pt. 4: Mark LeDoux
(1:27:20) – The origin of NAI (Creators of CarnoSyn)
(1:30:30) – Exploring natural health solutions
(1:40:00) – The development of beta-alanine
(1:45:30) – Building trust and relationships
(1:48:45) – Localized efforts
(1:52:30) – Ongoing, proactive engagement
(1:55:00) – Closing out with Dan Fabricant

Important Links

NPANational.org
NPA’s Take Action Page
NPA on LinkedIn
Dan Fabricant on LinkedIn
Listen to Episode #100 with Dan Fabricant

Thanks to Dan Fabricant and the NPA for hosting us. We met incredible people in the industry and are honored to represent the supplement industry in front of our congressmen.

Return to the PricePlow Podcast and don’t forget to subscribe on the platform of your choice.

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In episode #138 of the PricePlow Podcast, we introduce you to Gary Millet, the co-founder of Axcess Global, the parent company of Ketone Labs, Real Ketones, Vault, and many others. This is a continuation of Episode #131 with Rob Rogers, Gary’s business partner.

In the previous episode, Rob explained how goBHB was back on the market, and took us through some of the business dealings over the past decade with the ingredients.

With Gary, who has a background in biochemistry, we get into a lot of the scientific applications, focusing on using it as an energy source for cognitive support and performance.

New Product Applications with BHB

Gary uses quite a bit of BHB (beta-hydroxybutyrate), the ketone body that’s generated when beta-oxidizing fat. You create and circulate a lot of it when in a state of ketosis, but the keto diet is no longer the focus! Instead, Gary wants to emphasize the benefits that can be had when combining it with a carbohydrate-based diet, providing the best of both worlds.

After this episode, we’re excited to try the ingredient at higher doses, and are still looking forward to a pure L-BHB product, which is getting produced more efficiently.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/gary-millet-gobhb-138

Video: BHB Science and Applications with Gary Millet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ERZoSycfYI

Show Notes

Detailed Show Notes Coming Soon!

Where to Find Ketone Labs and Gary Millet

LinkedIn: Gary Millet
Ketone Labs Instagram: @KetoneLabs
Real Ketones on PricePlow: https://www.priceplow.com/real-ketones
Vault Energy on PricePlow: https://www.priceplow.com/vault

Thanks for jumping on the podcast, Gary — keep us in the loop with any scientific findings, even if unpublished!

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on any platform, sign up for our Ketones Labs news alerts on PricePlow, and leave us a great review on iTunes and Spotify!

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It’s an episode we’ve been wanting to do for years: the legendary Jose Antonio, co-founder of ISSN, the International Society of Sports Nutrition.

Jose, better known as Joey, has been in the game since the very beginning, and gives us his background in an incredibly entertaining and informative podcast episode.

ISSN and the Industry Battle for Creatine

One of the recurring themes in the PricePlow Podcast is the insanity surrounding creatine, the naturally-found ATP booster that has hundreds of studies behind it, and an impeccable safety status. Since Joey was there from the start, we asked for his take, and got some incredible stories in the process.

ISSN 2024 is Coming!

Each year, ISSN hosts a conference where sports nutrition researchers, scientists, and related parties can come and present their latest work and findings.

This year’s conference is in Bonita Springs, Florida, coming a bit more than a month after the airing of this podcast. Joey explains how this is the best and most unique conference, and why interested parties should join and get involved.

Watch the video YouTube, listen on Spotify, or find PricePlow on iTunes or any RSS-based podcast app. This podcast has been sponsored by one of ISSN’s and PricePlow’s mutual partners, Cognizin® Citicoline.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/jose-antono-issn-137

Video: Join Team PricePlow with Jose Antonio

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjWPgLVkCCM

Show Notes with Jose Antonio

Detailed Show Notes are Coming Soon!

Where to Find Jose Antonio and ISSN

ISSN Website: SportsNutritionSociety.org
ISSN Journal: https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/rssn20
ISSN Instagram: @the_issn
Jose Antonio Instagram: @SupPHd
Jose Antonio Twitter: @JoseAntonioPhD

Thanks to Joey for joining us and bringing the entire industry up with you – we wouldn’t be here without you (seriously).

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and see our article on Cognizin, the sponsors of this Podcast. Leave some great reviews on iTunes and Spotify!

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For our final installment of Podcasts held at the 2024 Vitamin Shoppe Brand Summit, we hosted Chris Gronkowski of Ice Shaker for a fun 20 minute discussion to get the story on how he started the growing business, which was first introduced to the world on the hit TV show, Shark Tank.

From the NFL to Shark Tank to the NFL: Chris Gronkowski’s Ice Shaker Story

In this episode, Chris details how he leveraged some success from his wife’s Etsy business — which was making more money than his NFL salary — into the most innovative shaker cup company in the entire space.

We learn about his experience on Shark Tank, and then get into some of the nuts and bolts of the various versions of Ice Shaker, and how he got it to where it is. We also get to learn about the numerous collaborations they have, which includes DragonBall Z and the NFL.

Watch on YouTube below, listen on Spotify, or find PricePlow on iTunes or any RSS-enabled podcast app. And of course, don’t forget to sign up for our Ice Shaker news alerts.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/chris-gronkowski-ice-shaker-136

Video: An Inside Look at The Vitamin Shoppe’s Brands

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl-J5gbp4Ug

Show Notes with Chris Gronkowski

Detailed Show Notes are coming soon!

Where to Find Chris Gronkowski and Ice Shaker

Ice Shaker Instagram: @IceShaker
Chris Gronkowski Instagram: @ChrisGronkowski
Chris Gronkowski LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chrisgronkowski/
Ice Shaker on PricePlow

Thanks to Chris for joining us and leveling up the shaker cup industry!

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform and sign up for our Ice Shaker news alerts on PricePlow. Leave some great reviews on iTunes and Spotify!

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Quite a bit has happened since Episode #068 with Matt Karich, the enterprising founder of Soul Performance Nutrition. He’s gotten deeper into ultra-endurance sports, and has dropped a few incredible new supplements.

So we brought Matt back on to talk about his latest endeavors, getting the official catch-up from over two years of progress.

The two major product launches covered so far this year are Soul Performance Nutrition’s Nova Immune Renewal and Nexus Peptide Complex. This brings us to talk about three specific ingredients, colostrum and lactoferrin (which make up Nova) and PeptiStrong (which stands alone in Nexus).

Peptides, Milk Proteins, and Simple Sugar are Back in Style

Along the way, we also get into our returning love for a simple ingredient known as sucrose, but also talk about the joys of other carbohydrate sources like honey. As Matt trains for his next 100 mile race in Northeast Ohio, he’s going to need those carbs and far more.

We also talk about his incredibly-designed magazine issues that you can find on Soul’s website, linked below.

Watch on YouTube, listen on Spotify, or find PricePlow on iTunes or any RSS-enabled podcast app. And of course, don’t forget to sign up for our Soul Performance Nutrition news alerts.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/matt-karich-soul-performance-nutrition-135

Video: An Inside Look at The Vitamin Shoppe’s Brands

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJQdHUq1Psc

Detailed Show Notes

(0:00) – Introductions
(4:00) – Lactoferrin
(10:30) – Colostrum
(16:30) – Preparation for Burning River 100
(23:30) – The Meditation of the Run
(29:15) – Reconnect with Real
(39:00) – Carb Sources for Endurance
(42:15) – Work / Life Balance
(48:15) – Formulation
(58:00) – Soul Magazine!
(1:04:45) – Certifications
(1:13:45) – Glass Over Plastic

Where to Find Matt and Soul Performance Nutrition

Soul Performance Nutrition Instagram: @soulperformancenutrition
Soul Performance Nutrition on PricePlow

Thanks to Matt for joining us and putting some incredible products into glass bottles!

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your preferred platform and sign up for our Soul Performance Nutrition news alerts on PricePlow. Don’t forget to leave those great reviews on iTunes and Spotify!

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Following Episode 133 with Lee Wright, CEO of The Vitamin Shoppe, we head back to the company’s 2024 Brand Summit in Dallas, TX to take a look behind the scenes with some key leaders on the formulation and regulatory side of the company.

Inside the Vitamin Shoppe Brands

Episode 134 of the PricePlow Podcast is a double feature — first, we talk to Senior Brand Manager, Tabitha Daley, and Director of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, Brian Tanzer. After that, we patch in a conversation with Dustin Elliott, who was also Senior Brand Manager at the time of recording.

In this episode, you’ll understand how The Vitamin Shoppe approaches formulation within their house brands, manages relationships with their third parties, and deals with regulatory concerns regarding dietary supplement ingredients. We learn a bit about PLNT, BodyTech Elite, and VThrive, three major parts of the Vitamin Shoppe’s strategy — these aren’t just traditional white label brands!

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/vitamin-shoppe-brands-134

Video: An Inside Look at The Vitamin Shoppe’s Brands

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikO8FwxmngY

Detailed Show Notes

(0:00) – Introductions
(3:00) – Vitamin Shoppe Summit
(7:00) – New Ingredients
(11:15) – PLNT
(14:30) – Employee Insights
(18:10) – Education
(24:30) – Ozempic and the Supplement Industry
(27:45) – Dustin Introduction
(33:45) – Testosterone-Boosting Supplements
(41:45) – Other Products
(45:45) – Private Label

Where to Find Brian, Tabitha, and The Vitamin Shoppe

The Vitamin Shoppe Instagram: @VitaminShoppe
LinkedIn: Brian Tanzer, Tabitha Daley

Thanks again to The Vitamin Shoppe for hosting the 2024 Brand Summit, and for everybody’s time we were allowed to take up!

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your platform of choice, sign up for our Vitamin Shoppe blog alerts below, and leave us reviews on iTunes and Spotify!

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Our coverage of the 2024 Vitamin Shoppe Brand Summit continues, following up with special guest Jocko Willink on episode #132.

To get a better background on what the Brand Summit is all about, and the direction of The Vitamin Shoppe itself, we went straight to the source — the CEO himself:

A Quick Discussion with Lee Wright, The Vitamin Shoppe CEO

Lee Wright, CEO of The Vitamin Shoppe, has very quickly gained a tremendous amount of respect both within the company and in the dietary supplement industry at large. Reason being, he leads from the front and practices what he preaches.

Prior to this podcast, Lee, who’s normally a modest and private man, gave a speech to the company detailing his own weight loss journey, and how The Vitamin Shoppe’s own products and employees have given him an edge.

There may not be another major retail CEO who’s visited more stores in such a short amount of time, and he’s been able to figure out what the stores really need. A big part of it is continued education and training.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/lee-wright-vitamin-shoppe-133

Video: Lee Wright, The Vitamin Shoppe CEO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wggd5rRQevc

Detailed Show Notes

(0:00) – Introductions
(1:30) – The Vitamin Shoppe Brand Summit
(2:30) – Lessons Learned from Lee’s Trips to Stores
(6:15) – Is it Just “Widgets” in this Industry?
(7:15) – Regulatory Concerns: Will Lee be Fighting in Washington DC?
(9:00) – Learning the Brands and Getting into the Supplement Industry
(12:00) – In-House Brand Development
(14:00) – Closing out

Show Notes to be continued…

Where to Find Lee Wright and The Vitamin Shoppe

LinkedIn: Lee Wright
The Vitamin Shoppe Instagram: @VitaminShoppe

Thanks again to Lee for your valuable time, especially with all of the other employees in town. We’re looking forward to the next meeting.

You can subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform, sign up for our Vitamin Shoppe blog alerts below, and leave us a great review on iTunes and Spotify!

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While at the 2024 Vitamin Shoppe Brand Summit, we were honored to have none other than Jocko Willink of Jocko Fuel on the PricePlow Podcast for Episode 132.

Jocko Willink: Founding Jocko Fuel and Jocko’s Supplement Stack

We had a quick discussion about the founding of Jocko Fuel, how they strive to do the right thing and formulate supplements in the safest way possible, and we get to hear Jocko’s entire supplement stack from start to finish.

We also talk about some of the ongoing regulatory activities, and learn that Jocko is very well aware of some of the challenges that the industry faces.

This is a great continuation from Episode #111 with Brian Littlefield, Jocko Fuel’s co-founder and formulator who hosted us in Maine late last summer.

At 23 minutes, this is a short but powerful episode — you can understand the ethos of Jocko Fuel in just a few minutes of him talking. Just like Jocko himself, Jocko Fuel is the real deal.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/jocko-willink-132

Video: At The Vitamin Shoppe with Jocko Willink

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLh1EmjoJaE

Detailed Show Notes with Jocko

(0:00) – Hot Mic!
(0:20) – Introduction
(1:00) – Being a Leader in Sports and Active Nutrition
(1:15) – The founding of Jocko Fuel with Brian Littlefield
(6:00) – Formulating Beyond Jocko’s Use
(7:30) – No artificial sweeteners!
(12:15) – Jocko Fuel Living in its Own World
(14:45) – Jocko Fuel getting involved in regulatory challenges
(17:00) – Jocko’s Supplement Stack
(22:00) – Jocko Magnesium!
(22:15) – Caffeine Before Jiu-Jitsu?

Where to Find Jocko Willink and Jocko Fuel

Jocko Willink Instagram: @JockoWillink
Jocko Fuel Instagram: @JockoFuel
Jocko Fuel on PricePlow: PricePlow.com/jocko-fuel

Thanks again to Jocko for your valuable time. It was a pleasure talking with you both on and off camera!

You can subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform, sign up for our Jocko Fuel news alerts on PricePlow, and leave us a great review on iTunes and Spotify!

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For Episode #131 of the PricePlow Podcast, we sat down with Rob Rogers from Axcess Global, the parent company of Ketone Labs, Real Ketones, Vault, and many others. Ketone Labs is best known for selling goBHB, the patented exogenous BHB dietary supplement ingredient — which is the main topic of this podcast.

Rob and his business partner Gary Millet recently marked their 10th anniversary working together. This was filmed on a morning before the doors of Expo West started, and Rob brings a strong message:

goBHB is back on the Market!

After a wild few years in the late 2010s, where BHB supplements were seemingly everywhere, things shifted with the new decade. This conversation dovetails into the end of Episode #106 with Mike McCandless, who had a BHB-based supplement company heading into pharmacies that was devastated in spring of 2020.

Ketone Labs was forced to pull back on the sales of goBHB, taking this time to remove infringing products from the market. They never stopped conducting research, however, and sold BHB-based products in their Real Ketones brand.

The big announcement here and at Expo West 2024 is that Ketone Labs has brought goBHB back into the market for other brands, and some incredible new applications outside of weight loss.

Rob, Mike, and Ben get into Rob’s background, his sports career, the genesis story, and then talk about the incredible ways goBHB can be used in supplements for performance, nootropics, mood/stress relief, concussion prevention, and even sleep. We also learn a few things about the L-BHB isomer that is oft-neglected lately!

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/rob-rogers-131

Video: Talking BHB, Baseball, and Business with Rob Rogers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KIEfaXbRPc

Detailed Show Notes

(0:00) – Introductions
(7:15) – Startup Challenges: How to Harness BHB Before Keto Goes Big
(13:45) – Brand Protection
(21:30) – Ketone Mafia?
(31:15) – Ketones Beyond Keto
(38:00) – The Science Behind BHB
(46:45) – Introduction to BHB
(52:45) – BHB in an RTD
(1:00:00) – BHB as Medicine and the Untapped L-Isomer?!
(1:12:00) – Wrap Up

Thanks for heading to our BNB and joining us early, Rob!

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on any platform, sign up for our Ketones Labs news alerts on PricePlow, and leave us a great review on iTunes and Spotify!

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The supplement industry is abuzz with changes, and one of the biggest announcements has been the hiring of Aaron Heidebreicht as Applied Nutrition’s USA CEO. This brings with us a major shift to AN’s North American strategy, all covered in this podcast.

Aaron Heidebreicht Joins Applied Nutrition to Take on The Americas

This podcast was recorded early in the morning before Expo West, where we got to sit down with Aaron and dovetail quite a few storylines. Many of our listeners know Aaron from his appearances in Episode #097 at GNC and Episode #105 at The Vitamin Shoppe, which came with Kaged, where he was the chief commercial officer since late 2022.

Applied Nutrition’s first foray into the American market was with All Black Everything, a brand named from Europe’s best-selling pre-workout supplement that shares the same name. To understand the original mission of the business, see our Episode #114 with TJ Humphreys, their previous CEO.

Aaron’s job is to keep the ABE vision, but take it larger, bringing a whole new series of AN Performance supplements to North America… and far more!

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/aaron-heidebreicht-applied-nutrition-130

Video: Up and Early with Aaron Heidebreicht at Expo West 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm8joHE1aNw

Detailed Show Notes: Applied Nutrition is Coming to the USA in a Big Way

(0:52) – Applied Nutrition Background
(1:34) – Applied Nutrition USA
(2:54) – Applied Nutrition’s Vast Array of Products
(4:18) – AN’s ABE Story Arc
(6:18) – Aaron’s Transition From Kaged to Applied Nutrition?
(7:05) – Aaron’s Journey
(8:24) – Why Applied Nutrition?
(11:35) – Who’s Aaron Bringing Over to AN?
(12:38) – Why Not A Startup?
(14:37) – AN’s North American Strategy
(16:36) – Marketing Specifics
(18:08) – Brand Ambassadors
(19:45) – ABE’s Current Influencer Content
(20:56) – ABE vs. AN, Building Brand Awareness
(22:27) – Expanding On The ABE Nation Model
(24:21) – The Untapped “Mature Nutrition” Market
(25:30) – Strategies For Innovation
(27:17) – The Growing Importance of Informed Sport
(28:06) – AN’s New Branding vs. ABE Nation
(31:13) – AN’s Unified Brand Strategy
(33:16) – Myprotein As a Precedent For AN’s Strategy?
(33:54) – Lessons Learned From Myprotein
(36:25) – AN’s Strategic Priorities
(38:19) – Mike’s Reflections on Aaron’s Career
(38:54) – Upcoming Releases

Where to Find Applied Nutrition and Aaron

AN Instagram: @AppliedNutrition
ABE Instagram: @ABENation
LinkedIn: Aaron Heidebreicht
ABE on PricePlow:…

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

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The industry is abuzz with changes, and one of the biggest realignments has happened down in Houston, TX, where Joey Savage (formerly of Glaxon) has started his own consulting firm, Savage Nutra.

Joey Savage Launches Savage Nutra Consulting

This podcast was recorded at the Arnold Sports Festival in early March 2024. At the time of recording, Joey had already announced his venture into consulting with Savage Nutra, so Mike and Ben dig deeper to see what he really wants to work on in his perfect world.

The conversation is as wild and interesting as you’d think it would be, with a lot of discussion on novel probiotics, performance, the perfect stool, and crashing rockets into the firmament where water bears survive thanks to the carbohydrate trehalose.

Joey’s not interested in making pre-workout after pre-workout, but if you’ve got an epic idea for him to work on, then he’s all ears. Only the most special projects will get the official Savage Nutra collab label, though.

Note: Since recording this podcast, there have been updates to Joey’s employment situation, which are discussed in a disclaimer in the beginning of the show.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/joey-savage-nutra-129

Video: Mike, Ben, and Joey at the 2024 Arnold Sports Festival

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAo1CBD5E4c

(0:00) – Disclaimer – Joey is No Longer with Glaxon / Zero Day Nutrition
(5:00) – Sponsored by Path Forward Formulator
(5:45) – Interview With Joey Savage Begins (Savage Nutra Scoop)
(7:00) – What About Glaxon?
(7:45) – What Is Savage Nutra All About? Any Collabs
(12:00) – Joey’s 5-Year Plan: Beyond Sports Nutrition and Ideal Projects?
(14:00) – Joey’s Ideal Microbiome: The Human Trash Compactor
(15:45) – More On the Microbiome
(16:50) – Vulture Story Background and Vulture Power
(19:00) – Joey’s Passion: Lots of bacteria!
(21:45) – Importance of Protecting Intellectual Property
(23:00) – Hordenine’s Legality
(24:45) – Giving Back to the Industry
(25:50) – Industry Ignorance
(26:30) – How To Plan New Supplement Research
(29:00) – Advantages of Probiotics and Real-World Precedents
(30:00) – Next Research Step After Caco-2
(34:00) – Digital Biomarkers
(35:40) – Cannabis and Melatonin
(39:15) – BHB in beverages?
(42:15) – Caffeine vs. BHB and BHB with Carbs?
(49:30) – Tardigrades
(53:45) – Carbs and electrolytes
(56:45) – Potassium
(1:00:35) – Potassium problems
(1:03:15) – Fiber Fusion
(1:07:00) – Fiber and psyllium husk
(1:08:45) – Niacin and The Flush
(1:14:00) – Niacin Pre-Workout and Reduced Performance
(1:16:00) – Passing THC Tests?
(1:20:15) – Cannabis enhancement supplement
(1:23:30) – Microplastics
(1:25:45) – Food source adaptation
(1:28:00) – The state of the supplement industry
(1:30:45) – A new generation of supplement industry leaders
(1:35:00) – The regulatory battleground
(1:41:30) – The danger of precedent

Where to Find Joey

Instagram: @SavageNutra
LinkedIn:…

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

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Every year, the who’s who in the supplement industry make the pilgrimage to the famous Arnold Expo. It’s a hectic, buzzing environment that showcases all the industry has to offer for the year, and brands use it as an opportunity to commingle with industry leaders, athletes, and consumers.

The Cage is Back, Baby!

One element that has been sorely missed for the last several years was the Animal Cage, which we talked about with Jason Budsock from Animal on Episode #80 of the PricePlow Podcast.

Well, the folks at Animal heard the people loud and clear. As we discussed in our article titled “Animal is Bringing THE CAGE Back for the 2024 Arnold Expo“, the famous booth has made a triumphant return after being bent since 2019.

We can say with resounding confidence that the return of the Cage was the highlight of the event, and we had the opportunity to sit down with Jason at the main event.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/animal-cage-2024-128

Video: Animal Returns The Cage Back to the Arnold

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5emwBonchJc

Detailed Show Notes: Mike and Ben From the Cage

(0:00) – Welcome back Animal Cage!
(5:45) – Evolution of the Cage
(9:00) – Athlete Partnerships
(13:00) – Generational Shifts
(17:30) – Creatine Tablets
(20:45) – Massive Squats
(24:45) – Rudy Joins!
(30:00) – Individual Expression in the Cage

Stay in touch with Animal:

Instagram: @AnimalPak
TikTok: @OfficialAnimalPak
YouTube: YouTube.com/@animalpak
LinkedIn: Jason B and Rudy Checo

Thanks for having us in the Cage, Jason and Rudy! This was a great time.

Until next time, subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform, and please leave us a great review!

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This is the second of two new episodes with Dr. Cameron Sepah, founder and CEO of Maximus, and this is the one that everyone’s going to get excited about.

Previously, we talked about the Maximus Blood Flow Protocol in Episode #124, but for Episode #127, we’re happy to announce a major update to the Maximus Testosterone Protocol:

An Oral TRT Breakthrough: Maximus Combines the Best of Both Worlds

This is a direct follow-up to episode #062, where Dr. Cam introduced Maximus and his testosterone-boosting drug (which does not shutdown the HTPA axis), enclomiphene.

Enclomiphene works incredibly well (roughly 2x free and total testosterone), but what about those who want even more?! That generally means exogenous testosterone, whether it’s injectable or transdermal… but…

Oral TRT + Enclomiphene = A Testosterone Win-Win

Not anymore! By combining new oral TRT technologies with enclomiphene in the Maximus Testosterone Protocol, Dr. Cam and his team at Maximus have found the best of both worlds, a way to significantly increase testosterone without nearly as many side effects or shutdown consequences. It works more in line with the male body’s natural daily hormonal rhythms — meaning it’s non-suppressive!

This one’s going to be a gamechanger, and we’re proud to be part of the announcement.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/oral-trt-maximus-dr-cameron-sepah-127

Video: Dr. Cameron Sepah Enhances Oral TRT

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2YKsAttTUk

Detailed Show Notes: The Maximus Oral TRT Breakthrough

(0:00) – Introductions and the Big Announcement
(3:15) – Catching up on Enclomiphene
(8:00) – The Drawbacks of Traditional TRT
(11:45) – How Oral TRT Works
(22:09) – Retaining the hormonal rhythm
(30:15) – Misconceptions about enclomiphene
(41:25) – Administration mechanics – take with a fat source
(48:00) – Metabolism of oral testosterone… when’s the peak?
(55:00) – The process of transitioning from injectable to oral TRT
(1:08:00) – Personalized approach to hormone therapy
(1:15:15) – SHBG and IGF-1
(1:28:45) – Mike’s Hormone Panel
(1:34:15) – Wrap Up

Where to Follow Dr. Cam:

Twitter: @DrCamRX
Instagram: @DrCamMaximus
Website: https://www.maximustribe.com
Discord Community: https://discord.maximustribe.com
Previous Podcasts with Dr. Cam:
- Episode #062: MAXIMUS: Testosterone Enhancement with Dr. Cameron Sepah
- Episode #070: The Maximus Lover Protocol: Dr. Cameron Sepah Boosts Libido (this one has been reformulated to what’s in the next episode)
- …

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It’s the story everyone’s been waiting for. James Boccuzzi joins The PricePlow Podcast to explain his side of the story in the 2019 Blackstone Labs indictments, where he was found guilty for conspiring to defraud the FDA and spent a bit over a year in prison after a 51-month sentence.

James is now out, and came on to PricePlow to tell his side of the story and get re-settled into the supplement industry.

James Boccuzzi: The Blackstone Labs Indictment and Prison Time

“Boca James” first talks about his background, which includes employment at iForce Nutrition, USPLabs and more. But it’s the mania during the Blackstone Labs heyday that everyone’s here to listen to, and James explains the situation from his perspective as a salesman.

It’s a long discussion with many worthy moments, including a cheerful story about how Aaron Singerman had him treated well in prison, likening it to “The Godfather” movie series.

The most interesting part of this? James was the only one of six indicted who did not plead guilty. You’ll need to listen to the story – this apparently got him some ‘cred’ in prison.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/james-boccuzzi-126

Video: James Boccuzzi Explains His Side

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZRganmXNR8

Detailed Show Notes: James Boccuzzi

(0:00) – Introductions
(8:30) – USP Labs
(15:15) – Blackstone Labs Booming
(30:00) – The Raid
(42:30) – To cooperate or not?
(50:00) – Leading up to trial
(1:06:00) – The Trial
(1:23:00) – Understanding your legal risks
(1:29:30) – Conviction and Prison
(1:34:30) – Prison Time and Aaron Singerman as “The Godfather”
(1:40:00) – Prison was… fun?!
(1:44:45) – Ego in the fitness industry
(1:48:30) – An eye towards the future

A big thank you to James for telling your story on PricePlow.

As always, subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your platform of choice. Leave us a great review if you enjoy it!

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In Episode #125 of the PricePlow Podcast, Ben and Mike welcome Michael Alfaro, the founder and CEO of Master Foods Lab, a specialty contract manufacturer in the supplement industry that focuses on functional foods and high-protein snacks.

The focus of the podcast is on functional foods, specifically baked goods, which we delve into after a tour of the Master Foods facility and some flavor tastings. But first, we get into Michael’s business background, which started in CrossFit, and eventually learn why he’s called the “Head Rhino”.

This is a long episode, so we dive heavily into a lot of ingredient science. It will explain a lot of common questions that brands have when attempting to create a new functional food. For instance, Michael answers why you can’t just easily make a collagen protein bar that has 100% collagen protein.

Things also get spun when Michael asks Ben and Mike a question that takes the podcast into a different direction regarding the success of supplement businesses and the role of influencers.

It’s an all-around great episode, and more content will be coming out, so make sure you subscribe to PricePlow’s Master Foods Lab news alerts at the end so you don’t miss out on the other parts!

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/michael-alfaro-master-foods-lab-125

Video: Michael Alfaro of Master Foods Lab in Miami, FL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ1tWGp4A7o

Detailed Show Notes: Michael Alfaro, Master Foods Lab

(0:00) – Introductions
(9:30) – Transition to functional foods
(16:30) – The launch of Master Foods Lab
(25:30) – Manufacturing challenges
(36:45) – Innovation as a core driver
(43:15) – Experimentation and brand alignment
(49:30) – Ingredient science
(58:30) – Ethics and liability in food manufacturing
(1:03:30) – A forward-looking approach to functional foods
(1:13:45) – Trends
(1:19:15) – Collagen and plant-based alternatives
(1:24:15) – Research and development
(1:30:15) – Testing, uniqueness, and brand protection
(1:38:45) – Betting on brands
(1:49:30) – The influence of TikTok
(1:59:45) – Engaging content
(2:10:00) – Elements of brand success
(2:20:45) – Wrap Up

Where to Follow Michael and Master Foods Lab

Michael Alfaro on Instagram: @HeadRhino
Michael Alfaro on LinkedIn
Master Foods Lab Website: https://masterfoodslab.com/
Master Foods Lab on Instagram: @MasterFoodsLab

And of course, sign up for Master Foods Lab news alerts on PricePlow – we have a whole lot more coming, including a plant tour, tasting panel, rapid-fire Q&A series, and a cool product ideation and creation session in the lab!

And if anyone wants some support making functional foods, hit us up for unique ideas — we’ll give our opinions and help you beta-test.

Thanks to Michael for having us, this trip was a total blast!

As always, subscribe to the…

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

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After a 50+ episode hiatus, Maximus founder and CEO Dr. Cameron Sepah is back on the PricePlow Podcast for the first of two new episodes to give us the update on what’s going on in the pharmaceutical world of performance enhancement.

For Episode #124, we talk about the Maximus Blood Flow Protocol, which is a potent synergistic combination of Tadalafil and Vardenafil to boost blood flow in ways that dietary supplement formulators could only dream of.

Dr. Cam was previously on episode #062, where he introduced Maximus and talked all things testosterone, and episode #070, where he introduced us to the science behind tadalafil. The “Maximus Lover Protocol” discussed in #070 has been upgraded to the Blood Flow Protocol that’s discussed today, however, which is why he’s back to talk about the reformulation.

We joke that this is a “prescription pre-workout”, and while that phrase can be used, but the science is showing that there’s a lot of data supporting cardiovascular improvements and potential longevity plays with the drugs used in this protocol.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/dr-cameron-sepah-maximus-blood-flow-protocol-124

Video: Dr. Cameron Sepah Combines Two Drugs for a “Prescription Pre-Workout”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FANq-_eEUTk

The Maximus Blood Flow Protocol: Show Notes with Dr. Cameron Sepah

(0:00) – Re-Introductions
(3:15) – The Maximus Blood Flow Protocol
(13:00) – Enhancing overall circulation with Tadalafil and Vardenafil
(19:30) – Performance benefits and consistency
(25:30) – Aspirin Synergy
(32:00) – PDE-5 inhibitors in bodybuilding
(36:00) – Regulations, quality, and standards
(52:15) – Prostate issues and health markers
(1:00:00) – Vitamin D

Where to Follow Dr. Cam:

Twitter: @DrCamRX
Instagram: @DrCamMaximus
Website: https://www.maximustribe.com
Discord Community: https://discord.maximustribe.com

Thanks for joining once again – get ready for the second part of this two-part series!

Until then, subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform, and please leave us a great review!

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For Episode #123, PricePlow welcomes guests Raza Bashir of MuscleTech and Shawn Wells of NNB Nutrition and Ingenious Ingredients back on to the PricePlow Podcast to discuss MuscleTech’s new muscle-building supplement, Peptide 185 (pronounced “Peptide One-Eight-Five”), which is made from a new leucine dipeptide (dileucine).

Understanding the Dileucine in MuscleTech Peptide 185

Launched in early 2024, the powerful amino acid has repeatedly sold out on MuscleTech’s website, but when it’s been available, we’ve received countless inquiries about it, so we worked to get this episode live to help answer many of the most frequently asked questions.

Raza and Shawn both also appeared on Episode #072, where they explained paraxanthine enfinity to the world. After we finish discussing the dileucine in Peptide 185, we recap the key takeaways and experiences from the enfinity introduction, learning about new data coming.

Interestingly, we’re told that the two ingredients are synergistic, so we hope to see more about that in the coming years.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/raza-bashir-shawn-wells-muscletech-peptide-185-dileucine-123

Video: Raza Bashir and Shawn Wells Return to PricePlow to Explain Dileucine in MuscleTech Peptide 185

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udPM3UG8M7E

Raza Bashir and Shawn Wells Explain Peptide 185 (Dileucine) and Recap enfinity Paraxanthine

(0:00) – Re-Introductions
(10:45) – Defeating Leucine’s Limitations with Dileucine
(19:00) – Dileucine Dosage
(25:45) – Dileucine Benefits and Market Readiness
(32:15) – Dileucine and Paraxanthine
(41:30) – The Benefits of Paraxanthine
(53:45) – Leucine Resistance and Wrap-Up

You can find the published research on dileucine in our Peptide 185 article.

Where to Find Raza, Shawn, and MuscleTech

Sign up for PricePlow’s MuscleTech news alerts
@MuscleTech on Instagram
Raza Bashir on LinkedIn
@ShawnWells on Instagram
Listen to Episode #072 of the PricePlow Podcast

Thanks once again to Shawn and Raza for supporting the PricePlow Podcast and coming on to discuss your new ingredients.

As always, subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your platform of choice, and leave us a 10-star review!

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On Episode #122 of the PricePlow Podcast, Team PricePlow welcomes Jake Powers, the Director of Community at MTN OPS – a brand focused on outdoor performance supplements.

MTN OPS, located north of Salt Lake City, Utah, recently celebrated its nine-year anniversary and does phenomenal business on Amazon (see the MTN OPS page on Amazon).

As “Director of Community”, Jake humorously describes his role as a mix of various responsibilities, from being the “loudest voice in the room” to working with events, ambassadors, and manufacturing partnerships.

MTN OPS: Supplements for Hunting and Outdoors?!

This episode is fun and different because the brand has a different purpose — supplements for outdoor enthusiasts. This pulls the conversation into the direction of hunting, where we talk about the training, hydration, diet, and supplementation to succeed.

MTN OPS of course has protein bars and hydration supplements for these purposes, but one interesting supplement discussed is one made for adaptation to elevation, which plays a major role for those heading into the mountains.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/jake-powers-mtn-ops-122

Video: Jake Powers Brings MTN OPS Supplements on the Hunt

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmyxMTwvziw

(0:00) – Introductions
(5:00) – CrossFit and Hunting
(10:45) – Hydration in hunting
(15:15) – Getting ready for the hunt
(22:15) – MTN OPS Demographics
(31:15) – Solitude for Climate Acclimatization
(37:45) – STM = Straight to Mouth! Equipment on the range
(45:45) – Food in the backcountry
(54:30) – Slumber sleep aid
(59:15) – Performance bars
(1:01:30) – Conquer Hunger Charity
(1:07:00) – More MTN OPS products
(1:23:15) – Farewells

Where to find Jake and MTN OPS

See PricePlow’s MTN OPS page to sign up for product alerts and deals
See the MTN OPS page on Amazon
Follow @MTNOPS on Instagram
Follow @TheRealJakePowers on Instagram to follow Jake

You can head back to the main PricePlow Podcast page — as always, please subscribe on your favorite app and give us a 5-star review!

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It’s a new year, and you know what that means! It is now time for PricePlow’s annual Supplement Industry Awards ceremony, where we take a look at the past year and decide the coolest and most interesting supplements and brands that hit the market.

PricePlow’s 2023 Supplement Industry Awards

This year, we have quite a few awards, similar to prior years past. The list are as follows:

Flavor System of the Year
Functional Food of the Year
Product of the Year
Protein of the Year
Brands to Watch in 2024
Innovator of the Year
MVP of the Year
Rookie of the Year
Breakout Brand of the Year
Brand of the Year

Without further ado, let the ceremony commence! This is posted as Episode #121 on the PricePlow Podcast. Video and audio versions are below, with the details after that:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xL-NVZ5sd8

(0:00) – Introductions
(2:45) – Flavor System of the Year
(7:00) – Functional Food of the Year
(12:30) – Product Launch and Pre-Workout of the Year
(28:45) – Protein of the Year
(36:00) – Brands to Watch in 2024
(45:00) – Innovator of the Year
(53:00) – MVP of the Year
(1:07:00) – Rookie of the Year
(1:13:30) – Breakout Brand of the Year
(1:20:10) – Brand of the Year

See our Raw Nutrition news page for the full listing.

Mike points out that Raw Nutrition’s success is due in large part to their partnership with influential figures like Chris Bumstead and their ability to combine high-quality products with effective marketing and community engagement. They discuss how Raw’s approach contrasts with previous industry partnerships with big names that did not pan out successfully.

2023 Brand of the Year: Raw Nutrition.

What a great year! Congratulations to everyone named, and good luck in 2024 – we know it’ll be a wild one, at least if Merica Labz’ first launch (Orange Man Bad) is any indication.

As always, subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast and leave us a review on your platform of choice.

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Doug Kalman joins the PricePlow Podcast to talk about his experience co-founding the ISSN and how he helps professional fighters prepare their diets.

We run through everything from regulatory, Doug’s appearance on the UFC reality TV show, macro breakdown, hydration and electrolytes, nutrient timing, the ISSN’s position stands, and so much more — most of it geared towards performance.

This episode was so good, it spanned the course of two days because the first hour just wasn’t enough. Enjoy!

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/doug-kalman-120

Video: Doug Kalman Explains Diet and Nutrition Prep for Combat Athletes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgeuG8jTKTI

Show Notes: Doug Kalman on Diet and Nutrition for Fighters

(0:00) – Introductions
(7:07) – Resistance and skepticism
(15:46) – Information and misinformation
(26:03) – UFC
(33:46) – Personalized nutrition
(41:38) – Weight cutting
(47:19) – Objective data
(1:03:30) – Carbs
(1:10:00) – Eating strategies
(1:18:54) – Misconceptions around fructose
(1:25:30) – EAAs and Hydration
(1:31:30) – Tracking hydration
(1:39:00) – Macronutrients
(1:53:00) – Personal preferences
(2:05:00) – Communication in sports

How to Follow Doug and the ISSN

Doug Kalman on LinkedIn
@the_issn on Instagram
ISSN’s Website

A few other links:

Doug’s first appareance on PricePlow: How Many Calories are in BCAAs? The ISSN’s Dr. Doug Kalman Knows
The high-dose caffeine + taurine study in elite boxers study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9610400/
List of ISSN Position Stands

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In October of 2023, we made our annual trip to the “mecca of ingredientology” – SuppySide West 2023 in Las Vegas, NV.

This is a major trade show that includes basically every component of the dietary supplement and nutrition industry’s supply chains, from ingredient developers to flavor houses to machine manufacturers to distribution experts. If you’re active in this industry, it’s the one to be at.

We kept our tradition strong by recording a new podcast with Katie Emerson of Nutrition21, who’s their Manager of Scientific Affairs and an event sponsor.

This is a follow-up to two previous PricePlow Podcast episodes, #075 and #085, continuing the conversation but with some new updates, and a few things never before mentioned on PricePlow.

nooLVL is for everyone… and what is Lustriva?

The big news is that Nutrition21 retargeted nooLVL for nootropics, and isn’t just targeting gaming supplements anymore. Katie also updates us about her recent presentations and research, and we finally get to ask the question, “What is Lustriva?!”

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/nutrition21-ssw-2023-119

Nutrition21’s Katie Emerson Talks nooLVL and Lustriva

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVYd385veJI

(0:00) – Introduction
(6:30) – nooLVL energy and fatigue study
(10:15) – Dosage arms race
(15:30) – Rebranding / Retargeting nooLVL
(18:45) – What’s Lustriva?!
(21:30) – The success of beauty products
(23:00) – Hair growth
(26:00) – Wrap up

Where to Follow Katie and Nutrition21

Nutrition21 on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nutrition-21/
Katie Emerson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-m-emerson/

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At SupplySide West 2024, one of the biggest events was a panel discussion held at the Kyowa Hakko USA booth, featuring a star-studded cast of influential industry advocates:

Dan LourenÃ§o – Founder and CEO of Ghost
Joey Savage – Chief Scientific Officer of Glaxon
Chris Lockwood – VP of Scientific Affairs at Nutrabolt
David Sandler – Scientific Consultant and COO of Jupiter Wellness

The topic of the panel was The Growth of Branded Ingredients, with an initial focus on Cognizin Citicoline, an ingredient used by everyone listed above.

The episode offers fresh and unique perspectives from each member, who have different reasons and purposes for various ingredients. When you’re as big as these brands, you have to rely on trusted and legally compliant inputs, and few in this industry are as trusted as Kyowa Hakko!

Embracing branded ingredients and collaborative competition

This was a hallmark moment for the dietary supplement industry — one that we call “collaborative competition”. To put it bluntly, a panel like this simply wouldn’t have happened 5+ years ago.

But with a growing industry where all good players can win, and companies like PricePlow and Kyowa Hakko here to bring a network of forward-thinking industry advocates together, it’s now a reality. With this, we get more information, less duplication of mistakes, and the consumer is ultimately the beneficiary.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/kyowa-branded-ingredients-ssw-2023

Video Version: Watch Dan, Joey, and Chris Talk Branded Ingredients

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjpmO_3nsk0

Audio Version available for download

Detailed Show Notes: Embracing Branded Ingredients with Kyowa at SSW 2023

(0:00) – Introductions and Branded Ingredients
(1:45) – Why use Cognizin in supplement formulations?
(4:30) – Cognizin Citicoline vs Alpha-GPC
(5:00) – Energy, Focus, and Nootropics – Where to Next?
(8:45) – Why branded ingredients?
(14:15) – Operating in the Information Age
(17:15) – Ingredient Suppliers Need to Know their Mechanisms
(18:15) – How Important is Flavoring? What if it attracts kids?
(24:00) – Ingredients that Don’t Taste Well
(32:00) – Immune: Kyowa Hakko’s Immune Support Postbiotic Ingredient
(35:45) – Branded Ingredients in Functional Foods?
(41:00) – Trojan Horsing In Healthy Ingredients

Where to Follow Everyone

Kyowa Hakko USA on LinkedIn
- Follow PricePlow’s Kyowa Hakko news
Dan LourenÃ§o on LinkedIn
- Follow PricePlow’s Ghost Lifestyle news
Joey Savage on LinkedIn
- Follow PricePlow’s Glaxon news
Chris Lockwood on LinkedIn
- Follow PricePlow’s Cellucor news
…

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

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Taylor Knox of NutraMedia is back for his second installment of the PricePlow Podcast. This time, we met early in the morning before SupplySide West 2023, where we had a great conversation about energy drink labels.

Taylor already explained their label design process and “brand therapy” on Episode #087, but this episode is almost entirely about energy drink design and the business surrounding it.

If you want an epic energy drink label — nearly on par with what the geniuses at GHOST have been able to do — but don’t want to pay the extreme amounts of money it takes to make it, then TK and his team at NutraMedia are your team.

Video Version on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWYROJfiXYQ

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/taylor-knox-energy-drink-labels-117

(Apologies for the audio, someone lost the memory card with the microphone audio so we had to use the camera’s backup audio)

Show Notes: Going to Brand Therapy with Taylor Knox

(0:00) – (Re-)Introductions
(6:30) – Can Design
(16:30) – Manufacturing Costs
(22:45) – On Imitation
(32:00) – Regulatory Landscape
(49:45) – The Complexity of Design
(1:04:15) – Texture and Effects
(1:11:30) – Intricate Details
(1:19:45) – Expansion
(1:23:00) – The Branding Future of PricePlow

Where to follow Taylor and NutraMedia

Taylor Knox on LinkedIn
NutraMedia on LinkedIn
NutraMedia’s website: NutraMedia.co

Thank you TK for coming to our incredible BNB in Vegas before heading to the SSW Expo.

As always, subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast and leave us a 5-star review on your platform of choice!

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Ghost Lifestyle founder and CEO Dan Lourenço is back for the fifth time on the PricePlow Podcast, in an episode that’s becoming an annual tradition – a pre SupplySide West show!

We last saw Dan in Episode #088, where he gave us Ghost’s Plans for 2023 and celebrated the 2022 PricePlow Brand of the Year award.

In this episode, Dan explains what Ghost’s been up to in 2023 — besides Cinnabon and Legend V3 going global, it’s been all about scaling. But he’s also happy to give a sneak peak of Ghost Hydration RTD, trialing out the Strawberry Kiwi flavor that’s a fan favorite in the Hydration powder as well. He also teases a few other flavors.

This was also a major year for Ghost Energy Drink, which not only took advantage of the scaling, but had new marketing pushes into music festivals and sporting arenas.

As for 2024, Dan’s extremely excited to state that he’s very confident in a new “food item” coming to Ghost. We can’t make guarantees, but when Ghost enters a new arena, they do it their way, so we’re hoping for something extremely innovative. Same goes for Ghost Sleep, which is also mentioned!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spcEgeWAtTQ

Show notes at https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/dan-lourenco-ghost-lifestyle-116

“Back in Vegas”: Show Notes with Dan Lourenço

(0:00) – “Say it! Say It”
(1:15) – The challenges of the Ghost YouTube Channel
(4:15) – Avoiding Pigeonholing
(05:30) – Ghost Apparel
(06:15) – Ghost Protein RTDs (or lack thereof?)
(9:00) – The success of Ghost Energy
(17:45) – Looking at 2023 and forward to 2024
(19:55) – Legend V3 and Global Compliance
(20:45) – Ghost Hydration RTD and a Food Item for 2024!
(23:30) – Collabs: TMNT V3 Next Year?
(26:00) – Energy: FaZe Pop Expansion and the Return of Strawbango
(27:30) – Ghost Hydration RTD Kiwi Strawberry: Under the Table Tasting
(29:30) – GRAS Status of Some Hydration Ingredients
(33:30) – Living in a “More is More” Society
(35:00) – Listening to customers
(39:30) – Dan’s Favorite Thing of 2023

And as always, you can sign up for PricePlow’s Ghost Lifestyle news alerts so that you never miss a drop – and there are a lot of them to cover!

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Almost everyone working within the dietary supplement industry knows Diana Morgan, the VP of Global Regulatory and Government Affairs at Nutrabolt. But it’s not just all that C4 that makes Diana an industry rock star — it’s the social events she puts on as well!

In 2020, when industry trade shows abruptly shut down, Diana decided that it was time to bring back human physical contact. She started a series of in-person social events and parties known as What’s Up With Supps, and continues the tradition by hosting supplement industry parties alongside major industry gatherings and expos.

We had Diana on to talk about her upcoming Retro Toy Party, which will be the final industry event in Las Vegas at SupplySide West 2023, held on Thursday, October 26 at the House of Blues.

Diana explains the creation of What’s Up With Supps, and then we get into some of her regulatory work at Nutrabolt, talk energy drinks, and reminisce over our trip to Washington DC at this year’s Fly-In Day with Natural Products Association.

Fun episode here, and if you’re going to be at SupplySide West, then meet up with us at the party!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAN49RHVOkY

Show notes at https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/diana-morgan-whats-up-with-supps-115

Show Notes with Diana Morgan: What’s Up with Supps

(0:00) – Introductions
(2:15) – What’s Up With Supps Retro Toy Party for SupplySide West 2023
(5:30) – Industry Events
(9:30) – Diana’s Role at Nutrabolt
(16:00) – Vitamin Shoppe
(21:30) – Advocating in DC
(26:00) – Labeling and marketing
(35:45) – GRAS status
(43:00) – Amino acid calorie count
(48:00) – Wrap up and SupplySide West

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast

Thanks for joining us, Diana! You can head back to the PricePlow Podcast and subscribe on your platform of choice.

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The man, the myth, the legend — TJ Humphreys — joins PricePlow Podcast for Episode #114 to talk about All Black Everything (ABE), a new dietary supplement brand in America based upon UK-based Applied Nutrition’s pre-workout supplement.

Mike and Ben joined TJ in Plano, TX to get TJ’s entire backstory, which starts at Lone Star Distribution, VPX Sports, and then the legendary run at ProSupps. After a quick pit-stop at RYSE Supps (see Episode #060), TJ’s good friends running Applied Nutrition out of England decided that they wanted to team up to bring their brand to America. And who better to call than TJ?

So TJ started the American version of the brand, kicking it off with the ABE Pre-Workout and ABE Energy Drink. The offering has expanded into more stores since then, which includes ABE Pump, their stimulant-free pre-workout supplement powered by Nutrition21’s Nitrosigine.

https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/tj-humphreys-all-black-everything-114

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjWKUIfLdjk

Note: with this launch, you’ll be able to save with coupon code PRICEPLOW at AbeNation.com

Show Notes with TJ Humphreys: All Black Everything Brings Edge

(0:00) – Introductions
(2:30) – TJ’s Background – Lone Star, VPX, and ProSupps
(12:45) – The value of passion in a venture
(18:15) – New business
(27:00) – Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
(31:30) – The value of expertise and distribution
(34:45) – The ProSupps Collaboration with DJ Khaled
(40:30) – Retail and market feedback
(48:30) – TJ’s Partnerships and All Black Everything’s Creation in the USA
(55:30) – Manufacturing in the UK and Branding
(1:03:30) – Marketing and exclusive flavors
(1:13:15) – Creatine in ABE Pump
(1:20:15) – Nitrosigine and More Nootropics in ABE Pump
(1:25:00) – ABE Distribution and Funding

Where to Follow TJ Humphreys and All Black Everything

TJ Humphreys on Instagram: @ceo_swole
All Black Everything Instagram: @ABENation
TJ Humphreys on LinkedIn

Thank you TJ and Nutrition21!

Thanks again to Nutrition21 for sponsoring this episode, and to TJ and ABE for paying for Ben’s flight to Dallas.

Sign up for PricePlow’s Nutrition21 news alerts so that you don’t miss any more major announcements and incredible industry podcasts!

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/tim-gritzman-natural-body-inc-113

It’s been too long since Tim Gritzman of Natural Body Inc — everybody’s favorite retailer in New York — has graced us with his presence on the PricePlow Podcast. Last seen in Episodes #044 and #045, Tim continues to keep the ship straight with this business partner, Steve Calabrese.

For this episode, we discuss their latest Epic Block Party, which is an annual gathering / “sidewalk sale” / mini-expo of sorts that attracts 50+ brands, athletes, and business owners to New York every summer. We also get into Tim’s Flyby videos, and Tim’s Flyby Founding Principles, where he explains where there is “best”.

If you’re into pre-workout supplements, retail store settings, and a touch of recent drama (and why Tim stays out of it as a retailer), then this episode is for you!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHK-TlkVaXc

Detailed Show Notes: Tim Gritzman Recaps Natural Body Inc’s 2023 Epic Block Party

(0:00) – Introductions
(6:30) – Pre-workout trends
(13:00) – Consumer behavior
(20:00) – Tim’s career
(29:30) – Natural Body Inc’s Epic Block Parties
(41:45) – Influencer Marketing
(48:15) – Partnerships and sponsorships
(58:00) – Promotional content ratio
(1:05:00) – Skepticism about brands
(1:12:45) – Community engagement
(1:19:15) – Content strategy
(1:25:00) – Product launches at the Block Party
(1:39:00) – What’s next for Natural Body Inc?
(1:50:15) – Wrapping up

Coverage of Product Launches from the 2023 Block Party

Core Nutritionals x Natural Body Inc. The Big Crangrapple!
MuscleSport x Natural Body Inc: Lemon Pound Cake Lean Whey and Creatine Hydration

Where to Follow Natural Body Inc, Tim, and Steve

Tim Gritzman on Instagram
Tim Gritzman on YouTube
Natural Body Inc on Instagram
Steve Calabrese on Instagram

Thanks to Tim for taking the time to catch up! As always, return to the PricePlow Podcast — be sure to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave a review!

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/peptistrong-nuritas-neil-foster-112

One of the most interesting ingredients we’ve covered this year is PeptiStrong, a pro-anabolic natural peptide network extracted from fava beans. Although technically a protein, PeptiStrong is not a dietary protein supplement like whey or casein â€“ it’s actually a signaling network, meaning it delivers instructions to your cells that ultimately crank up their anabolic machinery.

This means faster recovery, bigger gains, and even anti-catabolic action.

This also means that it’s a complex and science-heavy ingredient, so we brought Neil Foster of Nuritas onto the PricePlow Podcast for Episode #112 to explain the story behind PeptiStrong. Nuritas is the biotechnology company that developed and sells the novel ingredient it, and they have revolutionary AI-driven research tools that led to its discovery and creation.

If you want to read our long-from article about PeptiStrong, check out PeptiStrong: Natural Anabolic Ingredient from Fava Beans.

But if you’d rather watch and listen to the full story and learn about the research behind it, then it’s right here on the PricePlow Podcast:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyq_VQmS8Pc

Detailed Show Notes: Neil Foster of Nuritas Explains PeptiStrong

(0:00) – Neil Foster Introduction
(01:35) – Neil’s Background
(03:00) – What’s Really In Food?
(03:47) – How Does AI Research Work?
(07:20) – Looking For Mechanisms vs. Outcomes
(10:06) – Marketing With AI
(11:50) – How Is AI-Driven Research A “Magnifier” Technology?
(14:03) – Is PeptiStrong Unique To Fava Beans?
(15:01) – PeptiStrong Data
(18:07) – Peptides As Cellular Instructions
(19:40) – Nuritas / GNC Partnership
(20:12) – Human Clinical Studies â€“ Leg Immobilization Recovery
(26:53) – Human Clinical Studies â€“ Exercise Recovery
(28:37) – Neil’s Use Of PeptiStrong
(29:22) – Recovery Is More Than Just Exercise
(30:44) – Why Did Nuritas Focus On Muscle?
(32:35) – Anti-Aging Applications For PeptiStrong?
(36:13) – How To Take PeptiStrong
(39:16) – Mike and Neil’s Standard Dosing Schedules
(40:40) – PeptiStrong Bioavailability
(41:30) – PeptiStrong Leg Extension Recovery Study
(46:48) – Low Exercise Intensity As Confounding Variable
(47:32) – PeptiStrong and Hormones
(49:58) – PeptiStrong Protects Against Overtraining?
(53:27) – PeptiStrong Mechanisms – Fully Understood?
(54:49) – PeptiStrong Use Cases
(55:42) – PeptiStrong and Joint Health
(58:27) – PeptiStrong and Metabolic Health
(1:00:59) – Neil’s Career
(1:04:09) – New Studies Coming

Where to Follow Nuritas and Neil

Nuritas on LinkedIn
Neil Foster on LinkedIn

Thanks to Neil for taking the time to discuss this new peptide, and the rev…

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/brian-littlefield-jocko-fuel-111

On September 7, 2023, Team PricePlow traveled northeast to Maine, to visit the offices of Jocko Fuel and Origin USA. Jocko Fuel was born out of Origin, who manufactures jiu-jitsu gis, boots, and other apparel in the USA, using American materials.

After touring the facility, we sat down with Brian Littlefield, co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Jocko Fuel. We came primarily to introduce the new Jocko Pre-Workout, but actually kicked it off by trying the new Blue Raspberry Jocko Go energy drinks, a Vitamin Shoppe exclusive.

In this long and incredible conversation, we first talk about the founding of Origin and the arrival of retired US Navy Seal Commander Jocko Willink, which led to the creation of Jocko Fuel. After introducing the new Jocko Pre-Workout formula (first released on PricePlow through this podcast), we discuss why Jocko Fuel only uses natural flavoring and sweeteners, avoiding sucralose, aspartame, and ace-K at all times.

The trio also discusses other products coming down the pipe, life lessons from jiu-jitsu, Brian’s background, products that are made in the USA, and some of the “tuition payments” they had to make as a growing brand.

This was an all-around incredible trip, one of our best podcasts ever, and we’re more than honored to be the team to disclose the Jocko Pre-Workout to the world.

Detailed show notes are below — you can listen on your favorite audio podcast app or watch on YouTube:

Watch on Video: Jocko’s Black Belt Formulator, Brian Littlefield

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5HZb-Y1Z3k

Our Trip Recap to Maine, Visiting Jocko Fuel and Origin

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A post shared by PricePlow (@priceplow)

Detailed Show Notes with Brian Littlefield

(0:00) – Introductions and Go Energy Drinks
(14:00) – Jocko Fuel’s Branding
(20:30) – Jocko’s affiliation with Origin
(24:15) – Partnerships
(29:45) – New JOCKO GO flavors
(36:15) – The Jocko Pre-Workout
(41:00) – The philosophy behind JOCKO FUEL
(54:00) – The importance of good partnership alignment
(1:04:30) – Caffeine and sweeteners
(1:19:00) – Making “Life Bets”
(1:29:20) – Upcoming Product with the 3-Sweetener Trifecta
(1:31:30) – Hydrate, and Jocko Fuel’s Stance on Carbs
(1:33:30) – What is Brian? Brian’s Background in Supplements
(1:43:30) – The learning principles of jiu-jitsu
(1:48:00) – New Jocko Molk Protein Bags, Retail Exclusivity
(1:49:45) – Jocko Greens
(1:57:30) – The Behemoth that is Jocko and his Podcast
(2:01:00) – Will Jocko Fuel try Manufacturing in the USA again?
(2:08:45) – If only PricePlow were doing this in 2016…
(2:14:45) – We need more research data
(2:18:30) – Made in the USA?
(2:26:15) – Recap at the End

Important Links

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/podcast/ken-huntly-gnc-merchandising-110

Team PricePlow recently traveled to GNC headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA to support the Kaged Elite Series launch, the largest product launch in the retailer’s history with a whopping 27 SKUs.

In Episode #098, Ben interviewed GNC’s Nate Frazier (Chief Operating Officer) and Kenneth Huntly (VP of Merchandising) at the company’s 2023 Franchise Convention. However, that was a quick conversation, so this time, we had to do it again with Ken, zeroing in on his hunt for innovation and collaboration.

Ken brings more than 20 years of experience in merchandising to the role, and has hit some grand slams lately, so it’s always great to get a chance to pick his brain. Aside from Kaged, we talk about other things they’re excited about, spending some time discussing the recent Marvel collaboration in GNC’s Pro Performance 100% Whey Protein.

There are other exciting new brands heading to GNC, including Raw Nutrition and an exclusive on CBum’s Thuper Thavage pre-workout supplement.

Detailed notes are below, and you can watch on YouTube or listen on your favorite audio podcast app:

Watch on Video: On the Brad Hunt with GNC’s Ken Huntly

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBpTayOra2U

Detailed Show Notes: On the Hunt for Innovation at GNC

(0:00) – Introductions
(2:00) – A Retailer’s Challenges from a Buyer’s Perspective
(12:45) – GNC Kaged Partnership
(20:30) – GNC’s Latest Products
(25:00) – Long-term relationships
(30:30) – Retail involvement in viral marketing and trends
(33:30) – The importance of good data
(37:00) – Energy drinks, functional foods, and RTDs

Important Links

Sign up for Beyond Raw news alerts on PricePlow
Follow @GNCLiveWell and @BeyondRawLabs on Instagram
Follow Ken Huntly on LinkedIn

Thanks to Kaged and GNC for having Team PricePlow at both the 2023 Franchise Convention and for the epic Kaged launch! You can subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on the podcast app of your choice.

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/2023-supplement-sales-trends-sportlife-109

In Episode #102 of the PricePlow Podcast, we hosted Michael Rossman of SportLife Nutrition, who explained the rapidly-growing supplement distributor’s business model and future plans.

Q3 2023 Trends: PricePlow Jams with the SportLife Sales Team

Towards the end of that episode, we decided it would be a good idea to get together with the SportLife sales team, who talk to the retailers and get the word out about hot products, new deals, and ongoing trends. These are the guys with daily touch points with the proverbial “feet on the street”, so they bring a wealth of knowledge into brands, products, and categories that are hot and heavy.

This was a fun and informative podcast, and we hope to run it quarterly or at least twice a year. Inside, we cover a lot of brands and products – some that PricePlow’s followers are very familiar with, others that may be new.

This episode’s cast includes Sami Ghanem, Jordan Varela, and Dylan Betcher, making for a lively quintet alongside Mike and Ben.

This one may be better to watch on video (below the audio buttons) because of the larger number of participants, but you should still subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite podcast app as well as the YouTube channel below:

Watch on Video: The SportLife Distribution Sales Team Talks Q3-2023 Trends

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzLCEssouag

Detailed Show Notes with the SportLife Sales Team

(0:00) – Introductions
(11:00) – Gorilla Mind and Alpha Lion
(15:30) – Launch Logistics – Getting Distributors involved
(19:45) – Morphogen Nutrition – An Upcoming Star in Distribution
(25:15) – Geographic differences of brands
(30:00) – Regulatory approach to ingredients
(34:00) – Brands owned by one group
(48:00) – Snacks
(1:02:30) – Distributor partnerships
(1:06:00) – Demographic differences
(1:13:15) – More Functional foods
(1:16:00) – Lower-caffeine drinks
(1:20:45) – Paraxanthine
(1:28:15) – Wrapping up

How to Follow SportLife Nutrition

Website: SportLifeDistribution.com
SportLife Jobs: SportLife Distribution Jobs
LinkedIn: SportLife Distribution
Instagram: @SportLifeDistribution

Thanks again to the SportLife team for pulling this together! You can head back to the PricePlow Podcast — subscribe and leave a review on your favorite platform.

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/arla-foods-ingredients-whey-protein-108 Here on PricePlow, we’re happy to eat some crow. We recently mentioned that there hasn’t been much innovation in protein itself, and that most innovation has been coming in the add-on ingredients and protein enhancement technologies. It turns out that we were wrong — there’s plenty of protein innovation coming, especially in the field of whey protein. To understand more, we brought on two experts in the field of dairy proteins to explain: Arla Foods Ingredients: Innovating Whey Protein Jakob Madsen Pedersen and Preston Losee of Arla Foods Ingredients joined the PricePlow Podcast for Episode #108 to give us a “Dairy 101” lesson, and explain what the protein experts are up to in the coming months. Arla Foods Ingredients is a subsidiary of Arla Foods, the Danish dairy conglomerate that serves as the world’s third-largest dairy. After learning about their dairy process in general, we get to learn about the innovative new liquids and powders coming from Arla Foods Ingredients, including ISO WaterShake (a better clear whey protein isolate than what’s currently on the market) and Beta Lactoglobulin (BLG), which has a higher percentage of leucine inside. This was educational, and coming after this on PricePlow, we’ve put together a contest with three manufacturers to see who can flavor ISO WaterShake the best. Let’s dig in: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQwmjHMpvcw Detailed Show Notes: Innovating Whey Protein with Arla Foods Ingredients

(0:00) – Introductions (3:15) – The many applications of whey protein (9:45) – Arla’s various whey offerings (13:15) – Specific protein extraction: Beta-Lactoglobulin for sports nutrition (17:00) – Beta-Lactoglobulin’s practicality (21:45) – Protein taste profiles (25:00) – How is Arla’s Clear Protein (ISO.WaterShake) Better? (31:00) – Is Arla’s BLG also clear? (37:15) – Essential amino acids (42:00) – Protein structures – What is a “major protein” like BLG? (49:15) – What about WPC-34? (54:15) – Whey and casein combination (58:15) – Coming Next: PricePlow’s Iso.WaterShake Flavor competition

Thanks so much to Jakob and Preston for coming on and educating us — we’re incredibly excited about the new products to come! Where to Follow Arla Foods Ingredients

Arla Foods Ingredients on LinkedIn Jakob Madsen Pedersen on LinkedIn Preston Losee on LinkedIn

You can sign up for our Arla Foods Ingredients news alerts on PricePlow, so that you get notified when new products, studies, and news come out with any of their ingredients!

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/trung-nguyen-107 With the Global War on Terror drawing to a close, America’s Special Operations veterans are returning stateside and starting lifestyle brands in numerous industries. With that has come a tidal wave of social media content about tactics, physical training, and mindset, as these veterans reach out to share what they’ve learned with their civilian countrymen. Enter retired US Army Ranger Trung Nguyen of We Go Home. He and his brand are a huge part of this trend, and have earned their place at the center of the tactically-focused nutritional supplement market. We Go Home’s core ethos is simple, but profound – Trung wants to sell products that can help tactical operators, whether military or law enforcement, perform at their physical and mental peak. Peak performance as a team means everybody has the best chance of coming home safe. Besides selling awesome supplements, We Go Home offers apparel and strives to uphold a high standard of physical and mental excellence for all, not just military, LE, or first responders. We sat down with Trung to talk about his story, the lessons he learned in the military, and the importance of hybrid athleticism among other things. But we also dove pretty deep into his stack of supplements, including his new No Sacrifice No Victory 2.0 pre-workout supplement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lr2mJtrBOA Detailed Show Notes with Trung Nguyen Note: In this podcast, we don’t get incredibly in-depth with Trung’s military and law enforcement life. For more background on that, you can also listen to him on Episode 107 of the Zero Limits Podcast.

(0:00) – Trung Nguyen Introduction (03:00) – The Tactical Importance of Fitness (06:30) – What Makes We Go Home Different? (09:45) – Substance Over Style (12:30) – Where Does The “We Go Home” Name Come From? (14:30) – The Importance of Truth for Authenticity (18:15) – Never Penny Pinch On Performance (21:45) – No Sacrifice No Victory 2.0 Ingredients (23:00) – Is NSNV’s Huge Pump a Problem For Aerobic Activity? (23:30) – Ingredient Dosing (24:45) – We Go Home’s Formulation Support from PricePlow Ben (25:15) – Citrulline Malate And Truth In Advertising (27:00) – Never Stop Working! (28:15) – Stim vs. Non-Stim (29:30) – Flavors! Spicy Mangonada (31:00) – What’s Next For We Go Home? (32:45) – Tropical Storm 2.0, the We Go Home Greens And Reds (33:30) – Exceptions To The Rule (36:00) – We Go Home’s Message (37:00) – Evolution of (38:30) – We Go Home’s Politics, or Lack Thereof (42:00) – The Value And Challenge of Entrepreneurship (45:30) – How And Why To Become An Entrepreneur (47:15) – Trung’s Take On The Grind (49:30) – We Go Home’s Target Markets (50:45) – Being A Hybrid Athlete (51:15) – We Go Home’s Company Culture (52:20) – Walking The Walk (53:40) – Guerilla Strength (Cre... Read more on the PricePlow Blog

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/mike-mccandless-106 If you’ve been around the supplement industry the past decade or two, you’ve undoubtedly heard of Mike McCandless, the founder of Scivation and creator of the legendary Xtend BCAA formula that upended the entire sports nutrition industry. Mike McCandless: A Master of Supplement Business Transactions The last time we publicly spoke was when Scivation was sold to NutraBolt in early 2017, but that wasn’t Mike’s first — nor last — business transaction. Before Scivation took off, he started in retail and Internet retail, running and selling 1Fast400 and Bulk Nutrition. After Scivation, he also started and sold KetoLogic and FBomb, and also finally parted ways with his PrimaForce single-ingredient brand that was a longtime PricePlow favorite. Mike’s been listening to the PricePlow Podcast, and, well, he’s got a lot to say. As is often the case with him. So we brought him on to tell his story, give his opinions, and see what he might do next. With no more non-competes in the industry, Mike’s possibly itching to get involved in the next big thing, but at the “old” age of 44, he’s not interested in another startup. He is, however, interested in helping good people turn their supplement businesses into transactable entities that can be sold. Prepare yourself for a podcast of the ages. There is a 0% chance you’ll listen to this and not learn or laugh. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iR3nuvMe5VY Detailed Show Notes with Mike McCandless 0:00 – Introductions More detailed show notes are coming soon! Where to Find Mike

Mike McCandless on LinkedIn

Thanks to Mike for bringing us your story, and for providing us some incredible tips behind the scenes too! We look forward to your next supplement startup ;) Until next time, return to the PricePlow Podcast — please subscribe on your favorite platform and leave a review!

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/jack-gayton-vitamin-shoppe-105 In July of 2023, The Vitamin Shoppe held their annual Wellness Summit, a corporate event where key presentations and discussions are given by employees and partnered brands, highlighting industry trends and business plans. While there, we had Jack Gayton, The Vitamin Shoppe’s Divisional Vice President of Merchandising on the podcast along with Aaron Heidebreicht, Chief Commercial Officer of Kaged (and repeat visitor to the podcast). The conversation focuses on how major retailers like The Vitamin Shoppe see the world, and what brands need to do to earn their interest, trust, and long-term business. With Aaron, we also get to hear some strategy from the brand side as well. The Vitamin Shoppe continues to make a big push in the Fit Lifestyle space (what many of us consider to be “sports nutrition” or “active nutrition”), and Jack states that they’ll continue to focus on energy drinks, functional foods, and functional beverages. This is an excellent listen for anyone interested in the major retail space of the supplement industry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIxky9L8Hm8 Before beginning, you can also watch this recap: View this post on Instagram A post shared by PricePlow (@priceplow) Detailed Show Notes with Jack Gayton of Vitamin Shoppe

(0:00) – Introductions (2:15) – Trends from Jack’s perspective (4:30) – Has social media changed the buyer’s role? (6:45) – Sellouts are BAD for Retailers (8:45) – Stable supply chain from the brand’s perspective (10:45) – What does a buyer value hearing from a brand?

Where to find Aaron and Kaged

Thanks to Jack and the entire staff at The Vitamin Shoppe for having us, and thank you to Kaged for sponsoring the trip and allowing us to take part. You can return to the PricePlow Podcast — please subscribe on the platform of your choice and leave us a review! A good merchant now has to scour the internet looking for a diamond in the rough, whereas the business used to just come to them. 6:45 – Sellouts are BAD for Retailers The guys joke about selling products out — in some contexts, it’s a great thing. But at a retailer like The Vitamin Shoppe, this is not a good thing. A retailer is there because people want something now, and they come in expecting it to be there. If something sells out on day 1, then the customers who come in a few days later will leave disappointed. This presents a problem for both the brand and the retailer, who both need to repair the relationship. If you’re going to get into retail, you have to think about having that stable supply chain. It’s great when things get hot, but stability and forecasting are king. Good merchants know how to react to mistakes, as well. 8:45 – Stab... Read more on the PricePlow Blog

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/bruce-kneller-nootropic-104 Five years in the making, it’s the return of Bruce Kneller to the PricePlow Podcast! We last saw him in in 2018 in Episode #009 where he dosed us with his new Bruce-class nootropic. Well, he’s finally back with a real update, and with some good news – the nootropic should be ready at some point in 2024. There are still a few things getting worked out, including the regulatory aspect, but it’s about “90% finished” and close enough for beta testing to begin! So during this episode, Mike and Ben try the full dose, and get to hear the backstory, science, and legal side from Bruce. They offer their “reviews” after having now taken it twice. We also then get into some other stuff, discussing “other ingredients that begin with a ‘D’”, and why this stuff can’t (or likely won’t) be made in America. You can watch this one on YouTube below, or listen on Spotify or any RSS-enabled podcast app: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttl4N2rCPKo Detailed Show Notes with Bruce Kneller

(0:00) – Re-Introductions (2:15) – Stimulants that Begin with the Letter ‘D’, and what IS a stimulant? (3:45) – Bruce describes his nootropic ingredient (5:15) – Mike gives his review of Bruce’s ingredient (6:15) – The guys try their samples (7:45) – Bruce further explains the ingredient (9:00) – Labeling and Compliance of the new ingredient (11:00) – Keeping tight control of the ingredient (14:30) – What pathways does the ingredient work on? (17:00) – Ben gives his review (19:00) – Comparisons to the sample we tested in 2018 (22:00) – Bruce won’t let Mike (or formulators) add yohimbine to it (25:00) – Formulating with the ingredient, Bruce protecting his investment (30:00) – Lessons learned from DMHA (37:45) – Steps necessary to get this to the market (42:30) – The guys want to be DOING something (43:30) – When might it be available? (48:00) – Digging deeper into the ingredients inside (51:00) – More Regulatory: Getting GRAS Affirmation? (53:15) – 3DPump Breakthrough and Full Transparency (57:00) – New challenges making money in sports nutrition (1:00:30) – Bruce’s final product (1:03:15) – Why can’t we manufacture this in the USA? (1:07:30) – Closing down

As always, thanks to Bruce for allowing us to be a part of his beta-testing. Return to the PricePlow Podcast and don’t forget to subscribe on the platform of your choice and leave us a review!

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/michael-goodman-ftc-warning-letters-103 In April of 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) unexpectedly sent warning letters to about 700 drug companies and dietary supplement brands regarding substantiation of their product claims. Their letters stated that there was no active investigation, and that “The fact that a company is on this list is NOT an indication that it has done anything wrong”, but it obviously raised a great deal of concern in both industries. To find out what was going on, and to get a general lesson in the concerns of the Federal Trade Commission, we brought on FTC subject matter expert Michael Goodman of Hudson Cook, LLP to explain the story. We retained Michael for a check-up on our website in 2018, and kept in touch because of his excellent work. In this podcast, we get a great lesson on what the FTC cares about in terms of misleading product claims, and the legal process a company will find themselves in when the agency comes knocking on their door. As for those FTC warning letters, the long story short is that they’re an unforeseen side effect of a 2021 Supreme Court decision, and were sent as a preemptive measure in case the FTC were ever to want to seek financial penalties. In four words: “The clock has started”. Check it out on YouTube (video below), Spotify, or any RSS-enabled podcast app: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8r6nz52m2c Detailed Show Notes with FTC Legal Expert Michael Goodman of Hudson Cook, LLP

(0:00) – Introductions: Michael Goodman and Hudson Cook, LLP (5:30) – How to look for misleading claims (9:15) – The FTC’s guidance for health products (13:15) – Disclosure of a paid relationship (16:15) – Enforcement of regulations (21:00) – The process of enforcement (27:00) – How often does the FTC take action on violations? (31:45) – What’s the hot topic right now with privacy? (39:45) – The Supreme Court Decision that precipitated the warning letters (46:22) – Buzzwords (50:30) – “Made in the USA” is a very actionable claim (54:00) – How to get in touch with Michael

Important Links:

Hudson Cook’s Website: https://www.hudsoncook.com Hudson Cook’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hudson-cook-llp/ Michael Goodman’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-goodman-5044505/

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/sportlife-distribution-michael-rossman-102 On the heels of an incredibly informative Supplement Manufacturing 101 episode on the PricePlow Podcast, we graduate to Distribution 102 with Michael Rossman, CEO of SportLife Distribution. SportLife Distribution has been around for a bit less than a decade, but they’ve plugged quite a few gaps in the industry’s supply chain, servicing brick and mortar stores with a selection of over 80 brands. This enables stores to place smaller orders from multiple brands, and get them quickly thanks to SportLife’s well-placed distribution centers around the country. Supplement Distribution, Trends, and Jobs with SportLife In this episode, Michael gives us his backstory, teaches us about distribution, and explains SportLife’s business model and where it fits into the industry. We also talk about how 2020 forced major changes to the industry, and how SportLife was well-positioned to succeed at a tough time. The guys then get into trending products and brands, of course discussing energy drinks and functional foods. We leave off wanting a second episode with SportLife, but next time, we’ll talk about the hot products in various parts of the country with SportLife’s sales team. Finally, SportsLife is hiring — if you’re looking for supplement industry jobs, this is a great place to start and get your foot in the door! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E37Tfqx32B8 Detailed Show Notes with Michael Rossman of SportLife Distribution

(0:00) – Introduction to today’s episode (3:30) – How did you get started? (7:00) – The benefit to the retailer and the brand. (13:00) – How to get into the energy drink space? (17:15) – How to work with a distributor? (20:45) – Navigating Market Changes (23:15) – Working with retailers (26:15) – Cycles of growth and distribution. (29:00) – Direct to consumer has replaced mass distribution. (34:00) – Distribution is a valuable asset (39:15) – Distribution centers and the nuts and bolts behind the scenes (43:00) – Payment terms for specialty gyms (46:00) – Cool trends in the industry (52:00) – Leveraging distribution to increase sales (54:45) – Economic outlook for sports nutrition

Thanks again Michael! Return to the PricePlow Podcast and please subscribe and leave a review on the platform of your choice.

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/lief-labs-supplement-manufacturing-101 Over the years, PricePlow has continually become more interested in supplement manufacturing, as it is the cornerstone basis of the entire industry. Good manufacturing quality and testing leads to safe, high-quality products for end consumer. In Episode #068, we interviewed Matt Karich of Soul Performance Nutrition, who took us through his exhaustive process of finding a high-quality manufacturer that produce supplements that would pass rigorous tests and become BSCG Certified. It turns out, the manufacturer he ended up with was none other than Lief Labs. So we began to talk more frequently with Lief Labs (and their sister subsidiary ingredient development business, Lief Raws), learning how they differentiate themselves from the rest of the supplement manufacturers out there. We’ve continually emphasized that dietary supplements are regulated (see Episode #100 with Dan Fabricant of the Natural Products Assocation), but what manufacturer takes these laws with the utmost seriousness? What manufacturer can provide additional services to help inexperienced operators make high-quality products? Manufacturing 101 with Meg Ligot of Lief Labs An answer to both of those questions is Lief. So we brought Meg Ligot, Senior Product Development Manager at Lief Labs, to bring us through Supplement Manufacturing 101. It’s an informative and fun episode, and does a great job showcasing how Lief does things right. We also talk a bit about Lief Raws, flashing back to their unique Biozomal Caffeine product that we covered in the past. It’s all covered below, and you can watch on YouTube or listen through Spotify or any RSS-capable podcast app: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtVQnv_uUY4 Detailed Show Notes: Manufacturing 101 at Lief Labs with Meg Ligot

(0:00) – Introduction (3:30) – How Lief Works With Their Customers (6:00) – Example of the process with Lief as a new brand owner (8:15) – NSF Certification and Continuing the Formulation Process (12:00) – How the costs break down (15:40) – Prop 65 Warning and Legal Requirements (19:40) – Product minimums and what they can do (21:30) – Flavoring and sampling (26:00) – Masking ingredient tastes that may not be pleasant (28:40) – Natural vs. artificial flavors (30:15) – Flavor is picked, what’s next? (35:00) – Meg’s background (43:00) – Next steps for product (50:15) – Finally, manufacturing! (58:00) – The manufacturing process (1:01:30) – What if something goes wrong? (1:03:30) – Are common ingredients always in stock? (1:05:40) – Ensuring the product contains what it says it does (1:11:15) – Testing is complete, the product is ready to be shipped! (1:13:45) – Now we know Lief Labs, but what is Lief Raws? (1:18:39) – Lief Labs makes function based ingredients too (1:21:00) – Tablet manufacturing at Lief Labs (1:24:50) – How Lief brings ingredients in

Important Links

…

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/dan-fabricant-npa-2023-washington-dc For Episode 100 of the PricePlow Podcast, Ben and Mike flew to Washington D.C. for the Natural Products Association’s annual DC Fly-In Day on June 7, 2023. Fly-in days, also known as “lobby days”, bring individuals together to advocate with legislators and other officials on behalf of their shared interests. So this was the day where members of the NPA could meet with their elected representatives on Capitol Hill to discuss matters of importance in terms of public policy geared towards the dietary supplement industry. Episode 100: Dan Fabricant of the NPA in Washington, DC It was only fitting, then, to schedule Episode 100 with Dan Fabricant, CEO of the Natural Products Association (NPA). This is the country’s largest and oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the natural products industry — it was founded in 1936 and has over 700 members. In this podcast, we discuss why we should be involved in politics when it has become so off-putting the past decade or so, discuss what the FDA and industry both need to be doing better, and dig into this year’s hot topics, which includes the battle against the FDA for NMN. The trip was spectacular — we’ll include some videos at the bottom of this article. We were able to meet with congressmen and senators from New Jersey (Ben’s district) and Oklahoma (Mike’s home). Have a say — or someone else will do so for you The most major point to get across is this: If you’re not talking to your legislators, then someone else is. There’s only so much oxygen in DC, and every industry needs to fight for theirs. Now let’s get into it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= (YOUTUBE VIDEO IS COMING SOON) As a reminder, Dan was previously on the PricePlow Podcast in Episode #067, describing how the NPA fought Dick Durbin’s 2022 Mandatory Product Listing Bill (described as “MPL” below). Ben had also joined in the fight in Trenton, NJ to prevent them from forcing stores to sell supplements from behind-the-counter (see coverage here and here on Instagram). These are both referenced below: Detailed Show Notes with Dan Fabricant of NPA

(0:00) – Hot Start: We need to support our tribe

Detailed show notes are coming! See Some Fly-In Day Videos View this post on Instagram A post shared by PricePlow (@priceplow) View this post on Instagram A post shared by PricePlow (@priceplow) See also Mike’s conclusion to the trip posted to LinkedIn. Important Links

NPANational.org NPA’s Take Action Page R... Read more on the PricePlow Blog

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/ryan-deluca-bodybuilding-black-box-vr-099 On Memorial Day of 2023, we had a fantastic podcast with Ryan DeLuca, the original founder and 17-year CEO of Bodybuilding.com… and current founder and CEO of Black Box VR, a virtual reality physical fitness company that’s bringing an immersive, gamified workout experience to franchise gym locations. Ryan DeLuca: Tech and fitness industry pioneer Ryan is someone who’s constantly been ahead of the curve — for example, he pioneered running a “dotcom” early (when others claimed the Internet was a fad), foresaw the rise of dietary supplements, quickly realized the importance of quality content, and built an online community before social media was a thing. So when Ryan sees a big shift, we take note, and you should too. In this conversation, we talk about the genesis of Bodybuilding.com, which was really a technology company just as much as a fitness and content platform. We get into his core mission, its consistent decade-plus upward trajectory, challenges through growth, and Ryan’s selling of the site in 2015. What to do after Bodybuilding.com? Meet Black Box VR But what next? At the end of his tenure at Bodybuilding.com, Ryan started playing with virtual reality, and became very interested in the space. He lasted six months into “retirement”, then founded Black Box VR, built to revolutionize the way people work out. Through gamification, Black Box VR can give you the best 30 minute workout you’ll ever have. Ryan explains the technology, their franchise business model, and how he sees the future of this space. He makes for an impressive argument for his business and the technology at large, and it’s an incredible episode. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCMA8qUGTFg Detailed Show Notes with Ryan DeLuca

(0:00) – Introductions, Filmed on Memorial Day 2023 (1:00) – The Beginnings of Bodybuilding.com (4:00) – Building a mission-based company (6:00) – Ryan DeLuca: Visionary and Pioneer (9:00) – Using tools to achieve the mission (11:30) – Content is King (14:30) – DeLuca is a Tech Founder – How to Prioritize (16:30) – Running a tech company in the fitness world (20:00) – The stigma of bodybuilding (22:00) – Core values of Bodybuilding.com (24:00) – The trajectory of Bodybuilding.com’s Growth (26:45) – Transitioning out of Bodybuilding.com (29:15) – Were there alternatives to selling? (30:30) – You sold a business. What next? (32:30) – Tuesday’s here. What do you do on Tuesday? (35:30) – The genesis of Black Box VR (39:00) – How does Black Box VR technology work? (42:45) – How will the Black Box VR business expand? (44:00) – More Show notes coming… stay tuned!

Show Notes will be completed soon! Where to follow Ryan and Black Box VR:

Ryan’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/vr (nice) Ryan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandeluca/ Black Box VR’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackbox_vr Black Box VR... Read more on the PricePlow Blog

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/nate-frazier-ken-huntly-gnc-2023-098

At the 2023 GNC Franchise Convention, Team PricePlow was a guest of Kaged’s, and Ben had a quick moment to talk with Nate Frazier (Chief Operating Officer) and Ken Huntly (VP of Sports Nutrition) to talk about GNC’s partnerships and strategies in 2023 and beyond.

This is a continuation of Episode #097 with Kaged’s Aaron Heidebreicht, where the men explore why a premium brand like Kaged needs to partner with GNC.

In this episode, Nate explains GNC’s emergence from the murky time period of 2020 through 2022, which faced challenge after challenge. They discuss the retailer’s focus on education, and how they’ve improved their sales culture to ensure quality customer experiences.

Ken then discusses what he’s looking for in new sports nutrition brands, and why Kaged checks every box, which will pave the way for their 27-SKU launch in late summer 2023. The focus then shifts to Beyond Raw, the highly-innovative brand owned and run by GNC that ensures quality, standout ingredients inside.

Finally, GNC is approaching its 90th birthday, and is planning to be here another 90 years, so their strategy has to maintain a long-term outlook. This includes some expansion into product categories like longevity, and not just sports and diet that the retailer is so well-known for.

Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app or watch below on YouTube – we have much more incredible content coming:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyGuERKaOrQ

This is Part 2 of 2 episodes at the 2023 GNC Franchise Convention, where Team PricePlow attended as a guest of Kaged. Part 1 can be found in Episode #097, but is not required to understand this episode.

(0:00) – Introductions
(0:30) – Why GNC?
(2:10) – GNC emerges from the chaos of 2020/2021
(5:10) – Live Well
(5:45) – GNC’s Selling Culture
(9:20) – Education in the Supplement Industry
(12:00) – Partnerships: What does GNC look for in a partner?
(13:15) – Innovation
(16:15) – What does GNC want the industry to see?
(18:45) – Safety in Dietary Supplements

Thanks to Kaged and GNC for having Team PricePlow at the 2023 Franchise Convention! This was part 2 of 2 – if you haven’t done so already, head back to Episode #097 with Aaron Heidebreicht and Darin Decker of Kaged.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on the podcast app of your choice.

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/kaged-gnc-aaron-heidebreicht-darin-decker-097

In May of 2023, Kaged brought Team PricePlow to GNC’s annual Franchise Convention in Las Vegas, NV. This is a closed show (as in not consumer facing) that provides an incredible opportunity for brands to showcase their latest product offerings and sales to GNC Franchisees.

At the show, Kaged — a brand with little official presence at GNC — made a massive splash, showcasing 27 SKUs that are coming to the retailer. They teased new functional food products and an Elite product line with upgraded ingredients just for GNC.

Kaged is coming to GNC… with 27 SKUs

In part 1 of a 2-part series, Ben sat down with Kaged’s Chief Commercial Officer Aaron Heidebreicht and VP of Sales Darin Decker to discuss this massive launch, tease some new products, and to explain many of the recent shifts at Kaged — and their plan moving forward.

In part 2, which will be posted in Episode #098, Ben and Aaron later sat down with GNC’s Nate Frazier (Chief Operating Officer) and Ken Huntly (VP of Sports Nutrition) to explore the retailer’s role in these operations and where they are going this decade, especially with respect to their sales strategies.

Both of these episodes are must-listens for anyone interested in the business of the dietary supplement industry. Kaged provides the groundwork for how a premium brand can do things the right way, and a lot of it comes down to the right partnerships.

To listen, find the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite podcast app (some links are below) or watch the video on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUee8G_6T_Y

This is Part 1 of 2 episodes at the 2023 GNC Franchise Convention:

(0:00) – Introductions – at the 2023 GNC Franchise Convention
(1:40) – How did Kaged get here at GNC?
(4:00) – The importance of education
(8:00) – 27 New SKUs coming to GNC
(11:30) – Kaged Functional Foods – Protein Bar and Crumb Cakes
(18:45) – Kaged’s Partnerships: The adults in the room
(23:30) – The Kaged Rebrand and New Female Customers
(24:50) – Kris Gethin out: Changes in Identity and Direction
(32:00) – Kaged Expansion: New Hires and Strategy
(38:00) – Closing Down, Aaron knows everyone

Thanks to Kaged for bringing Team PricePlow to the 2023 Franchise Convention! This was part 1 of 2 – if you haven’t done so already, head over to Episode #098 with Nate Frazier and Ken Huntly of GNC.

Finally, subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on the podcast app of your choice – we have more heavy-hitting episodes coming.

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/podcast/konlan-paul-landon-suggs-inspired-nutraceuticals-096

Listen below, watch it on YouTube, or find the PricePlow Podcast on the podcast app of your choice below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxpOWURZXSg

Show Notes with Konlan Paul and Landon Suggs: Talking Inspired Nutraceuticals and V1 Nutra

Detailed Show Notes coming soon!

Useful Links

Inspired Nutraceuticals on PricePlow
V1 Nutra on PricePlow
@InspiredNutra on Instagram
@V1Nutra on Instagram
@Ph4d3 (Landon) on Instagram
@Konlan.James on Instagram

Thanks for joining – subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on the podcast app of your choice!

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/brian-tweer-brady-adamson-astroflav-095

In late May of 2023, we were thrilled to have Brian Tweer and Brady Adamson of AstroFlav on the PricePlow Podcast. Brian founded AstroFlav in 2019 after several years of running Jersey Shore Supplements, a local retail business that he founded. He eventually brought Brady on to AstroFlav, and things have been lights-out ever since, backed by their sleek new branding.

In this episode, we talk about the founding of Jersey Shore Supplements and AstroFlav – a company originally targeting “Out of this world flavor” – and how AstroFlav is using their own retail experience to support other small brick-and-mortar retailers that carry their supplements.

We of course get into formulas – talking pre- and intra-workout, but also diving into the new AstroFlav Magnesium product.

Brian has been on a phenomenal personal development kick, and shares his routine and recommended books with us. Finally, a couple of upcoming products are teased throughout the episode. Excellent listen from an excellent team!

Listen below, watch it on YouTube, or find the PricePlow Podcast on the podcast app of your choice below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfcnpNj85Ak

Show Notes with Brian Tweer and Brady Adamson of AstroFlav

Detailed show notes coming soon!

Useful Links

AstroFlav on PricePlow
@AstroFlav on Instagram
@BrianTweer on Instagram
Brady Adamson on LinkedIn

Thanks for joining us gentlemen, PricePlow Nation will be following your products closely as always!

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/ryan-bucki-fitbutters-094

Ryan Bucki, founder of Fit Butters and Fitness Informant, jumps on PricePlow to talk Fit Butters explosive growth, and what will happen to FI next.

Many of our followers are also longtime followers of Ryan’s, who, as a performing wrestler, serves as an incredible “Hype Man” in the sports nutrition industry. With his popular one-sip flavor reviews and long-running podcast, Ryan keeps the energy fun and high in the active nutrition and bodybuilding corners of the industry.

But in 2020, things began to change for Ryan, and he and his wife looked for alternate income sources. This is when they launched Fit Butters, a nut butter company that includes delicious protein powders to provide special flavoring to the butters, while adding inclusions to the top that the user can mix in.

It all leads to an incredible nut butter experience, and their success has taken the company to new heights, with Ryan getting into some major grocery chains. Ryan tells us about this success — and what the major time commitments mean for the future of Fitness Informant.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3MwDvJEdEs

Show Notes with Ryan Bucki: Fit Butters Crushes All Nut Butters, But What of Fitness Informant?

Detailed show notes coming soon!

Previous Episodes with Ryan’s Podcast

FI Episode 13: Mike and Shane (Stack3d) join Ryan
FI Episode 82: Ben joins Ryan

Useful Links

Fit Butters on PricePlow
Ryan Bucki on LinkedIn
@FitButters on Instagram
@FitnessInformant on Instagram

Thanks for joining us Ryan, and good luck to you in your endeavors!

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/shawn-baier-hmb-093

We’ve lately seen a lot of buzz about Î²-hydroxy Î²-methylbutyrate, otherwise known as HMB. After diving deep into the ingredient — which has been with us since the 1980s but wasn’t fully understood or marketed correctly in those early decades — we’re glad to see it making a comeback with supplement formulators who are using it correctly. In fact, we recently published our ultimate guide to HMB titled “HMB (Î²-hydroxy Î²-methylbutyrate): Performance-Driven Muscle Supplement“, explaining when and how the leucine metabolite is used best.

In the above article, we review the history of HMB and go over some of the methodological flaws that led to inconsistent results in HMB studies — including one “HMB study” that didn’t even contain any HMB at all! As you’ll see in today’s podcast, this ingredient has been through quite a saga â€“ which is why we’re very excited about our PricePlow podcast guest today!

To give us the real story, we had Shawn Baier, a sports nutrition scientist and former competitive powerlifter who’s been working with HMB since the very beginning of its rise in the late 80s and early 90s.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_INxdWytv5A

Detailed Show Notes with Shawn Baier: The Resurgence of HMB

(0:00) – Why Are We Talking About HMB?
(0:50) – Shawn Baier Introduction
(3:10) – Trends In the Supplement Industry
(3:30) – History of HMB
(4:45) – History of Powerlifting
(8:15) – Some PricePlow History
(8:45) – Introduction to HMB
(10:00) – Synchronicity in Research
(10:45) – BCAA Metabolites Research in the 1980s
(12:00) – How HMB Became A Human Supplement
(15:45) – HMB In Context
(16:00) – Dual Effect of HMB
(17:15) – Partnership With TSI Group, Ltd.
(17:45) – The Medical Importance of Muscle Health
(18:05) – The Inevitability of Muscle Loss
(18:45) – The Importance of Prevention
(19:15) – Economies of Scale in HMB for Agriculture
(20:45) – Why Arginine and Glutamine in early HMB research?
(22:30) – Why Is Lysine Important?
(27:18) – Why Muscle Growth Signaling Molecules Like HMB Matter
(31:15) – HMB’s Role In Tissue Remodeling
(33:00) – Protein Quality
(34:45) – Eat Quality Food!
(36:00) – The Problem With Some HMB Studies
(38:00) – Great research bringing other great ingredients
(40:30) – Does HMB Matter, Practically Speaking?
(42:31) – More Methodological Problems With HMB Studies
(46:00) – Specific Examples of HMB-Beneficial Settings
(49:25) – There Has To Be A Stressor!
(53:00) – The Negative HMB Study… That Used an Adulterated Supplement WITH NO HMB!
(57:00) – Funding Studies and Efficacy Testing
(1:00:00) – Getting More Specific
(1:05:00) – Vitamin D Levels, Another Confounding Variable
(1:13:00) – Diet and HMB
(1:17:30) – Muscle Damage, Not Just For Athletes!
(1:18:45) – Does HMB Help A Good Diet?
(1:23:30) – Sales Pitch? No – The Science Speaks For Itself
(1:26:30) &…

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/spencer-lynn-092

In mid-April of 2023, we hosted Spencer Lynn, the northeast regional manager at KOS, a popular supplement company in the natural foods community. In this episode, we discuss:

Spencer’s transition from the military to working in the dietary supplement industry
The state of nutrition in MREs given to the military when deployed
Selling KOS supplements into retail stores
Using LinkedIn as a networking tool
The recent 100-mile ultra-marathon Spencer completed!

Video: Spencer Lynn Goes Hard in the Paint

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIaQZUGLGu0

Show Notes: Spencer Lynn on Diet in the Military, KOS Supplements and Ultra-Marathons

Detailed Show Notes coming soon!

Follow Spencer and KOS

Spencer Lynn on Instagram: @slynn46
Spencer Lynn on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/spencerlynn46/
KOS on Instagram: @KOS

You can also sign up for PricePlow’s KOS news to get notified when any new KOS product updates hit the market!

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/chris-waldrum-nutrex-research-091

A lot has changed since we last talked to Chris Waldrum, who graced us with his presence in the legendary Episode #69 on the PricePlow Podcast. This time around, he’s recently begun managing the new direction of the brand at Nutrex Research, so we brought him on to talk about the transition from his sale of Inspired Nutraceuticals and on to Nutrex’s rebrand coming this year.

We’ve long had a great relationship with Nutrex, spanning back to a trip we took in 2018 where we met the leadership team. Five years later, we’re still big fans of products like the Gummy Bear flavor of Outlift, still a house favorite flavor, and IsoFit is one of the most incredible isolates on the market – and more people need to know about it.

That is Chris’ job – to retell the Nutrex story to the next generation of athletes, and remind them how a major brand with serious international power can still throw its weight around in America. The first product to rebrand is Outlift Amped, so that’s what you can look forward to first. You can watch on YouTube below or listen on any number of podcast apps:

Video: Chris Waldrum Heads up the 2023 Nutrex Research Rebrand

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOTV7-ZozhU

Show Notes: Chris Waldrum Leads the Nutrex Research 2023 Rebrand

Detailed Show Notes coming soon!

Follow Chris and Nutrex Research

Chris Waldrum on Instagram: @ChrisWaldrum
Nutrex Research on Instagram: @NutrexResearch

And as always, you can sign up for PricePlow’s Nutrex news to get notified when any Nutrex content or product updates hit the system!

From our previous announcement…

On March 27, 2023, we posted the following in an article titled “Nutrex Research Rebrand Announced with Arrival of Chris Waldrum“, which has now been redirected here:

In November of 2022, we announced that Chris Waldrum sold Inspired Nutraceuticals, with big things to come from both parties. As Inspired has begun releasing several unique products (see our Inspired Nutra news page), the question remained what the branding mastermind in Waldrum would do next.

Today, we’re proud to announce Chris’ next step, and it couldn’t be with a more deserving brand:

Chris Waldrum Joins Nutrex Research and Announces Major Rebrand

PricePlow broke the big news today with the following video on Instagram:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by PricePlow (@priceplow)

We couldn’t be more excited for all sides of this one. PricePlow has long fo…

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/glaxon-2023-michael-bischoff-joey-savage-090

Prepare yourselves for a doozy. A year and a half after the unforgettable Episode #057 on Glaxon Goon Day, Team PricePlow returned to Houston, TX to catch up with Michael Bischoff and Joey Savage of Glaxon for April Fools weekend.

What’s Glaxon up to in 2023?!

Glaxon put together an incredible event on April 1st to showcase some of their newest innovations, and it was no joke. We were able to two forthcoming products and a third experimental local drink:

Glaxon Energy Drink
Glaxon Super Cereal
A Glaxon-formulated craft beer

Just like last time, this was a legendary podcast, covering ongoing issues with the above products (and their ingredients), choline overconsumption, genetically-modified foods and supplement ingredients, and other recent and upcoming launches from Glaxon. After that, we returned from dinner to close out with a discussion on artificial intelligence and the use of AI models like ChatGPT in the dietary supplement industry.

Brace yourselves for a long, educational, and thought-provoking conversation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLSkqMgEO9E

Show Notes: Coming Soon

Detailed Show Notes are Coming Soon!

As always, subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast feeds and leave a review on iTunes or your favorite app, and sign up for our Glaxon news alerts as well.

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/sibyl-swift-lance-blundell-cbdmd-089

On March 27, 2023 we hosted a tremendous conversation with Dr. Sibyl Swift and Lance Blundell of cbdMD, a premier hemp-based health solution company that sells CBD — and even THC — based supplements. In Lance’s words, they are a “hemp-extracted cannabinoid company”.

Sibyl is cbdMD’s Chief Science Officer & VP of Regulatory Affairs, while Lance is the General Counsel at cbdMD. Together, they provide a powerhouse combination of science and regulatory affairs, and in the hemp-based industry, there’s plenty to discuss on that front.

After getting into their backgrounds, we discuss the ongoing issues between the FDA and CBD supplements, how cbdMD can legally sell THC products online, what CBD can actually do for consumers, and they problems a legitimate company like cbdMD faces in this wild world.

This one’s a good one, and it won’t be our last. As major updates regarding the FDA’s regulatory situation with CBD arise, and hemp-based research moves forward, we’ll be sure to have them back on.

Watch on YouTube below, or listen on your favorite podcast app in our audio feeds:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZoR0IOZGWc

Sybil Swift and Lance Blundell of cbdMD: Detailed Show Notes

Detailed Show Notes and Timestamps are coming soon!

How to follow Dr. Sybil, Lance, and cbdMD:

Dr. Sibyl Swift on LinkedIn
Lance Blundell on LinkedIn
cbdMD on LinkedIn
cbdMD on Instagram

You can also sign up for PricePlow’s cbdMD news alerts and we’ll contact you when new cbdMD content or product updates occur through our system!

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/dan-lourenco-ghost-lifestyle-2023

After winning Brand of the Year for the third straight time during PricePlow’s 2022 Supplement Industry Awards, we invited Ghost Lifestyle’s Dan Lourenço back onto the PricePlow Podcast for his fourth appearance on the show.

We recapped 2022 with him, and then got Ghost’s 2023 plans underway. Inside, we talked about what a great year Ghost had, especially with Ghost Energy blowing up. But being in every major category, what’s the next big thing for Ghost to get into?

For a long time, they’ve been working on a functional food — maybe we’ll get to see it in 2023, but only if it’s ready. Dan also gave us some heads up on Ghost Legend V3, which will have a few unique twists. Ghost Gamer is likely to get some minor change as well. They’ll be leaning heavily into wellness, with their sports nutrition lineup and proteins very well squared away.

Hilariously, Dan gets caught drinking a black can in the video… and it turns out to be a “fake” product we think they should release! Find out what it is inside!

Video: Watch Dan talk about Ghost Lifestyle for 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IUBxykYV7g

Detailed Show Notes: Dan Lourenço #4 on the PricePlow Podcast

Detailed show notes and timestamps are coming soon!

Listen to our other Podcasts with Dan

Dan Lourenco & Ryan Hughes – Ghost Energy V2 | PPP #035
Dan Lourenco: The State of Supplements in Esports | PPP #041
Dan Lourenco & Ryan Hughes #2 – GHOST x TMNT and the Future of Collabs | PPP #066

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/taylor-knox-nutramedia

During the 2023 Arnold Sports Festival, we had the chance to sit down for a long conversation with Taylor Knox of NutraMedia, a premier branding firm that’s well known for their incredible label designs.

Taylor came up through NutraBolt / Cellucor, worked on the first round of Glaxon labels, and is now running his own business with a team of artists who are building some of the best labels in the business at NutraMedia. This conversation was fiery, talking about everything from Taylor’s history in the industry to his plans for a documentary and highly-specific label printer technologies that make some labels stand out from others.

This is a must-listen podcast for any PricePlow follower, especially if you’re an industry insider looking for some insights on branding and labeling.

Show Notes: Going to Brand Therapy with Taylor Knox

Detailed Show Notes Coming Soon

Where to follow Taylor and NutraMedia

Taylor Knox on LinkedIn
NutraMedia on LinkedIn
NutraMedia’s website: NutraMedia

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/elan-sudberg-alkemist-labs

In early March of 2023, we hosted Elan Sudberg of Alkemist Labs on the PricePlow Podcast. Alkemist Labs is the place you go to get testing done on botanicals and mushrooms — they are even federally licensed to test psychoactive substances. They can be considered “plant and fungus cops”.

In this episode, Elan educates us on the importance and challenges of botanicals testing, covering technologies like HPTLC and DNA testing and how to appropriately test new substances. We get into some of the market trends and challenges that arose in 2020, and then head into the psychedelic space, discussing cannabis, psilocybin, ketamine, the fentanyl crisis, vaping, and far more.

Finally, we ask what Elan would do if he were made emperor for a day, and he gives a pretty detailed answer that’s indicative of the problems he sees in his corner of the world.

Great episode, we’ll definitely have him back on in the future. Detailed show notes are below!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3IjI1fAaNI

Show Notes: Talking Testing with Elan Sudberg of Alkemist Labs

(0:00) – Introductions
(2:15) – Testing Botanicals and Mushrooms
(3:30) – DNA testing
(7:10) – Testing Example: Cordyceps
(10:30) – What is the main concern right now?
(15:30) – Why is there so much discrepancy in the testing industry?
(18:30) – Have you had to pioneer your own reference material?
(21:30) – What if you don’t have any background on an ingredient?
(24:30) – Ingredient companies with new ingredients
(28:00) – Trends from the Testing Perspective
(31:20) – Psilocybin
(35:30) – Psychadelic therapy, mostly ketamine
(43:30) – Fentanyl Crisis
(48:30) – Mystery powders
(50:40) – Vaping industry
(55:00) – Elan as Emperor for a Day

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/todd-spear-katie-emerson-nutrition21-085

In February of 2023, NutraIngredients-USA held the Sports & Active Nutrition Summit USA in San Diego, CA. This three-day event features expert presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for everyone in the active nutrition industry.

Colloquially referred to as just “Summit” to industry insiders, this has become one of the most high-powered networking events in the industry. It’s filled with both business leaders and nutritional science experts, providing a perfect cross-section for PricePlow’s followers.

We maintained tradition by recording another podcast with the Nutrition21 team — Todd Spear (Sports Nutrition Category Leader) and Katie Emerson (Manager of Scientific Affairs) — a sponsor of PricePlow and the Summit.

This is a follow-up to a previous PricePlow Podcast episode (#075) from SupplySide West 2022, and continues the conversation forward. Katie tells us about the presentation she delivered, and the team dives into hot industry topics and Nutriton21’s well-known dietary supplement ingredients like Nitrosigine, nooLVL, Chromax, and Velositol.

You can watch on YouTube below, or listen on your favorite podcast app in our audio feeds:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4AwUGKfTzI

Todd Spear & Katie Emerson #2: Detailed Show Notes

(0:00) – Introduction
(1:45) – Katie Emerson’s Presentation for Nutrition21 at Summit West
(4:30) – Leading industry ingredients using the “gold standard”
(6:00) – Todd’s supporting formulation
(8:15) – PreRace – Do Endurance athletes want pump?
(9:00) – The shift from sports nutrition to active nutrition and lifestyle
(11:30) – ProSupps Hyde at Walmart – Mass consumer (FDM)
(14:30) – It all started with less efficacious products…
(15:45) – Interest in Mechanisms of Action
(18:00) – Formulating for the 5 million
(21:45) – Velositol on Howard Stern
(25:00) – Todd’s N=1 Experiment with Velositol
(30:00) – Chromax: The Chromium Workhorse
(33:00) – The Placebo Effect
(40:45) – What is an “average person” for a study anymore?
(49:00) – Katie’s presentation: products that cross categories
(51:00) – Lustriva (skin care ingredient)
(56:00) – Closing up and general conversation

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https://blog.priceplow.com/industry-news/nmn-fda

Mike gives the situation report on the FDA vs. NMN, reading his long-form article titled NMN, FDA, and the Supplement Industry’s Fight for Its Life as it stands through February 20, 2023.

This should get you up to speed on the situation the dietary supplement industry finds itself in, where the FDA has decided to pull a New Dietary Ingredient Notification (NDIN) for reasons unrelated to safety – something that is not granted in any law or regulation.

You’ll learn about the New Dietary Ingredient (NDI) process (which is a notification, not an approval), GRAS (generally recognized as safe) affirmation, DSHEA 1994, and the biochemistry and health importance NMN — which is quite literally just a B vitamin (and a rather powerful one) that’s found rather commonly in nature. We also get into David Sinclair and the Joe Rogan Experience, although they’re rather irrelevant to the legal side of this case.

Follow along on YouTube or read the article at https://blog.priceplow.com/industry-news/nmn-fda

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/david-dodrill-arms-race-nutrition

If you’re active in the sports nutrition industry, then you’ve undoubtedly met — or at least heard of — David Dodrill of Arms Race Nutrition (ARN). He’s the man in the van, driving across the nation to retailers, gyms, and everything in between to spread the good word of the Arms Race.

Arms Race Nutrition recently won the 2022 Breakout Brand of the Year in PricePlow’s 2022 Supplement Industry Awards. They had a phenomenal year with many great releases, upgrades, and flavors. From what we’re seeing so far in 2023, ARN will be in the discussion for brand of the year — if nothing else, they’ve made themselves a consistent brand to watch.

A lot of this is in part of David’s hustle. He’s taken it upon himself to get ARN’s supplements into the hands of consumers nationwide, and he’s done a spectacular job of it.

David leaks Harness Evolution formula on the Podcast

In this episode, we discuss David’s backstory, get into the new Harness Evolution formula (where we were able to tease the formula first), talk about new Foundation Bars coming, and finally get into an RTD that’s in development!

Great conversation with a great man — check it out below:

Show Notes with David Dodrill of Arms Race Nutrition

(0:00) – Introductions
(9:10) – Bodybuilding
(11:55) – Arms Race Breakout Brand of 2022
(20:45) – Story of the brown paper labels
(24:38) – Cigars at Caesar’s Palace
(28:08) – Harness Evolution
(42:20) – Beta testing
(44:45) – Pre-workout formulations and influencers
(47:30) – ARN going forward
(54:40) – Involvement with other brands
(59:25) – Harness RTDs

Follow David and Arms Race Nutrition on Social Media:

David Dodrill on Instagram
Arms Race Nutrition on Instagram
David Dodrill on LinkedIn

Big thank you to David, Doug Miller, and Julian Smith for having David on and allowing PricePlow to be the place where the formula’s announced!

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/scott-dicker-spins

In late January 2023, we sat down to speak with Scott Dicker of SPINS, a wellness-focused data technology company that provides retail consumer insights and analytics, with a focus in the natural, organic, and specialty products industries.

Gathering Market Insights at SPINS

Scott is their director of market insights, and has a special love for sports nutrition products, as he’s a long-time user in the category. We first met him at SupplySide West 2022, where he and Ben both gave presentations in the Sports Nutrition’s Rebound and Regrowth session.

When we needed a quote about the growth of collagen over the past few years, we called on Scott to provide it. This led to us inviting him onto the podcast, which was a great conversation about data, trends, the economy, energy drinks, and some of Scott’s own personal predictions for the coming years.

On the record: Scott answers the call for collagen data

To support a claim made in our recent Ingredient Optimized ioCollagen announcement, we asked Scott to talk to us about collagen’s growth. He replied with the following:

“Collagen continues to expand it’s reach, both in protein powders as well as in functional food and beverages. When looking at protein powders, collagen now has the second largest market share on Amazon, only behind whey protein. While sales and unit both stagnated on Amazon this past year, brick and mortar sales grew by almost 24%. This is especially impressive since units also increased by double digits. This separates collagen from most other categories where sales growth was largely driven by inflation and rising prices. Collagen has really benefited from the diversity of merchandising opportunities that retailers are providing, often found in both the beauty and personal care section as well as supplements. I expect collagen to have another strong year, even in this uncertain economy.”

– Scott Dicker, Market Insights Director for SPINS

The above interaction then led to this podcast episode:

Show Notes with Scott Dicker of SPINS

(0:00) – Introductions
(4:40) – Collagen data
(9:35) – Does SPINS data help brands as well as retailers?
(14:10) – How does SPINS identify upcoming trends?
(16:40) – Direct-to-consumer channel
(23:05) – Shrinkflation and stick packs
(26:20) – Is the hydration category growing?
(37:40) – Channel strategies in Walmart
(40:00) – How has widespread information affected data?
(52:35) – Is overall caffeine consumption going up?
(56:40) – Paraxanthine is coming for caffeine’s marketshare
(1:03:00) – The return of nicotine?
(1:08:50) – Creatine going mainstream?
(1:19:40) – Is ashwagandha peaking?

That capped off quite a great converation!

Follow Scott and SPINS on LinkedIn:

Scott Dicker on LinkedIn
SPINS on LinkedIn

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/kaged-mindset-launch

On January 23, 2023, Team PricePlow was joined by Team Kaged to discuss the Kaged Mindset launch. This episode is special because PricePlow Nation gets to meet two new faces: Aaron Heidebreicht (Chief Commercial Officer) and Brian Rand (Co-Founder and Product Developer). We’re also joined by Darin Decker, who was in Episode #058 discussing the brand’s renaming to Kaged as well as Episode #047 about navigating the supplement industry.

Formulation Extraordinaire Brian Rand Steals the Show

But the big story here is that we finally got Brian Rand to come and show his talents, and show him he did. PricePlow followers may remember him from our 2017 interview titled An Interview with Brian Rand: Kaged Muscle’s “Executioner”. All this time, since 2014, Brian has been the formulation and flavoring brains behind the brand.

So when we got to dive into the creation of Mindset (filmed live on the PricePlow Discord), this episode became the “Brian Rand show”, and we’re glad it did, because he’s a phenomenal formulation talent who clearly goes above and beyond when testing supplements.

The conversation is below on video and in our audio feeds (subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast with your favorite podcast app), and also be sure to sign up for our Kaged news alerts before checking out:

Show Notes: Brian Rand, Team Kaged, and the Mindset Nootropic Launch

(0:00) – Introductions
(0:50) – Kaged doesn’t enter categories unless they can do something special
(1:30) – More isn’t better for nootropics
(2:45) – “Test, Don’t Guess”
(5:00) – Caffeine and caffeine-free versions in Mindset
(6:15) – Darin Decker buying the competition
(8:15) – Introducing Brian Rand
(9:30) – Did the userbase help with Mindset’s formulation
(12:30) – The shift from Kaged Muscle to Kaged
(15:15) – Aaron Heidebeicht
(18:15) – Mindset doesn’t use novel stimulants
(27:00) – Money back guarantee
(28:30) – Kaged using 10 grams of citrulline in Pre-Kaged Elite
(34:15) – The novel ingredients in Mindset
(37:45) – How to Sell Mindset in Retail Stores
(41:30) – Kaged Omega-3 Fish Oil is Back!
(47:00) – What’s Kaged’s Biggest Product Gap now? (Protein Bar!)
(49:00) – Try a protein bar 9 months after its creation…
(52:00) – Mike wants a Kaged Magnesium supplement
(55:00) – Discord Giveaways
(56:30) – Brian Rand’s Doing it Right
(57:50) – The Kaged Flavor Systems
(1:00:15) – New Kaged Whey Protein Isolate Coming!
(1:01:15) – The Kaged Pre-Workout Options
(1:07:30) – Thank you Kaged and Brian Rand!

You can follow Kaged at @Kaged on Instagram, but for you business-minded folks, don’t miss Kaged on Linke…

Read more on the PricePlow Blog

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/jason-budsock-animal-080

In early January of 2023, we kicked the year off right by hosting Jason Budsock of Animal at Universal Nutrition on the PricePlow Podcast. Many know Jason for his two decades at Animal – He’s JDawgXL in the forums and on Instagram, and is the Vice President of Products at the company.

In this discussion, we talk about Animal’s legendary past, the incredible product launches over the past year (see them on our Universal Nutrition news page), and what they have coming for us in 2023.

We reminisce about The Cage, and Jason explains how they were the original EAA supplement, released in the early 2000s after following two studies published in 1999 and 2000.

Some changes are coming to Animal Pak, a new value Whey Protein is on its way, and far more.

Show Notes with Jason Budsock at Universal / Animal

(0:00) – Introductions
(4:30) – 2006: Animal Flex and Animal Omega
(5:15) – The Animal Brand
(6:45) – The Legacy of @UniversalUSA on Instagram
(7:45) – Animal was the original lifestyle brand
(10:00) – Animal provides an experience
(13:00) – Flavor technology over the years
(14:45) – Universal manufactures its own supplements
(17:30) – Product development: listening to the customer base
(20:30) – Some future product hints
(23:15) – Old school but still ahead of the curve
(25:30) – The Universal / Animal Demographic
(28:00) – THE CAGE
(38:30) – Bodybuilders and Powerlifters
(40:00) – Where does Animal move forward?
(43:00) – Any product leaks?
(48:00) – Responding to 2020
(51:30) – Animal Nitro: The original EAA supplement

That ended the conversation, and it was great catching up Jason!

Stay in touch with Universal Nutrition and Animal:

Instagram: @AnimalPak and @UniversalUSA
TikTok: @OfficialAnimalPak
YouTube: YouTube.com/@animalpak
Jason Budsock’s Instagram: @JDawgXL

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It’s that time of year again — time for PricePlow’s 2022 Supplement Industry Awards. Mike and Ben sat down to review 2022, and then got into a batch of awards similar to what we did in the 2021 Supplement Industry Awards.

2022 brought some great new ingredient innovations, but also came with some heartbreaking tragedy. The industry mostly broke away from some of the issues created in 2020 and 2021, but also dealt with ongoing issues such as supply chain difficulties and price increases (especially for protein, creatine, and citrulline).

Once again, most players who went big in 2022 were already well-established before 2020, but there are definitely a few new movers to keep your eyes on for 2023 and beyond.

This is posted as Episode #079 on the PricePlow Podcast. Video and audio versions are below, with the details after that:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itcS-3g1KYM

(0:00) – General 2022 Discussion
(10:25) – 2023 MVP of the Year (Lifetime Achievement Award)
(18:00) – 2022 Innovator of the Year
(32:30) – Product of the Year
(34:10) – Brand of the Year
(48:40) – Breakout Brand of the Year
(56:00) – Brands to watch for 2023
(1:03:30) – Protein Powder of the Year
(1:06:55) – Pre-Workout of the Year?

One we’d particularly like to highlight for its accessibility is Raw Nutrition CBum Thavage. It’s an excellent “daily driver” pre-workout formula that’s reasonable in both ingredients and price. It’s not over-powered or under-powered, it’s in that goldilocks zone. Our favorite flavor this year was their Ghost Legend Cbum Thavage Miami Vice Collab, although Myprotein put in yet another incredible The Pre-Workout Flavor, this time with their Mike and Ike Caribbean Punch flavor.

What was your favorite pre-workout of 2022? Because we left this one a bit open…

That wraps it up — as always, subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite platform. Next up is our discussion with Jason Budsock of Animal Pak / Universal Nutrition!

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Show notes posted at https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/dr-ralf-jaeger-atp-078

On December 28, 2022, we had the honor of hosting Dr. Ralf Jaeger to the PricePlow Podcast. For Episode #078, we dove into all things ATP — adenosine triphosphate — and how supplementing more with Peak ATP (sold and distributed by TSI Group) can improve workout performance — but not in the way most individuals expect.

Dr. Ralf Jaeger: Using Peak ATP to improve blood flow

Peak ATP provides exogenous ATP as a disodium ATP salt, which is the most stable form. While many think of ATP as the “energy currency” of all living cells, it’s also a signaling molecule. When supplementing, its real effects take advantage of that mechanism: Dr. Jaeger explains that ATP signals greater nitric oxide release, thereby improving blood flow.

This is especially helpful to take before intense exercise, as ATP stores get used up quickly and the body needs to generate more. Low ATP levels means low performance.

At the end. Dr. Jaeger also teases some new research coming up that we’re extremely excited about, and will follow on PricePlow.

It’s all discussed in the video and audio feeds below – but first subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on your favorite podcast platform:

(0:12) – Introductions
(2:38) – What is ATP?
(4:46) – Where is ATP stored?
(7:10) – The benefits of ATP supplementation
(8:50) – Peak ATP – How much supplemental ATP is beneficial?
(10:05) – Limitations of our ATP stores
(11:50) – ATP’s effect on blood flow
(14:08) – Peak ATP and Citrulline: Complementary?
(17:45) – Peak ATP Dose Range Testing
(18:25) – Not over encumbering the muscle
(20:20) – ATP’s effects on recovery and pain reduction
(24:55) – What stacks well with ATP?
(27:25) – How controlled are these studies in terms of diet, progression, etc.?
(31:45) – NAD+ precursors and their “spending” of ATP
(34:50) – Upcoming studies / events from Dr. Jaeger

A note regarding ATP and calcium release

Around the 8-minute mark in this episode, Dr. Jaeger mentioned that ATP increases calcium release, which aids in muscle contraction. We didn’t dive any deeper, but later asked for some supporting references when writing these show notes.

He provided two studies, adding the following:

Under conditions of fatigue oxygen availability and calcium release may decline in skeletal muscle. When this occurs red blood cells respond by releasing ATP into the blood, which triggers vasodilation, localized blood flow, enhanced nutrient uptake, and sustained muscle excitability by increasing extracellular uptake of calcium.

— Dr. Ralf Jaeger (via email)

He added that 50% decrease in calcium release = 80% reduced force, which comes from the second of those two studies provided (see Figure 5).

Closing up: ATP is more than energy

We’d like to thank Dr. Ralf for coming on, and to TSI Group for connecting us and funding his time and this episode.

In summary, the point here is that ATP is often discussed in the context of cellular energy but not as much in terms of signaling. And it turns out that its role in signaling for greater nitric oxide during exercise is potentially more relevant to our user base (sports nutrition researchers and performance athletes).

Because of what we’ve learn…

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Show notes posted to https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/james-hedricks-impel-nutrition-077

On December 9, 2022, we had James Hedricks of Impel Nutrition on the PricePlow Podcast, filmed through the PricePlow Discord. It was a great day, and we had a great time talking about how James is running his brand in the Florida Panhandle, doing things the right way.

One of Impel’s greatest strengths is James’s manufacturing auditing and lab testing requirements – he pays for additional third-party testing to make sure that his supplements are what they say they are.

In this podcast, we talk about the above philosophies, and dig into some of his key products that are listed below. This is one of the good guys in the space, and if you’re tired of light tubs with 20 servings, take a look at these 30-serving beasts below.

Show Notes and Product Coverage

More detailed show notes are coming, but we want to show three products discussed in this episode:

Impel IN Daily – Greens & LongevityThe goal here is to add ingredients into a daily greens formula that will reduce the number of capsules required from other supplements.

For instance, turmeric/curcumin (anti-inflammatory), NAC (antioxidant/immunity), Astrion (skin care), Coenzyme Q10 (antioxidant / cardiovascular health), and PQQ (cellular energy) knock out ton of things that you’d likely have to take on your own, since they’re rarely in multivitamins but are incredibly healthy on a daily basis. Even you use even a few of these on a daily basis, it’s a great idea to switch. * Impel VAIN – Stimulant-Free Pre-Workout SupplementIn 2020, we covered VAIN in our blog post titled Impel Nutrition Vain: 30 FULL Non-Stim Servings of Insane Vascularity, and loved how you get 30 full servings, the way it used to be. This was also one of the first supplements to use FitNox, an ingredient that brands are just coming around to.

Lab tests available!

This is the product where we show Impel’s lab testing prowess — you can see one of his tests (and the costs) from this image – they’re definitely not cheap, but this is doing it right. * Impel GSD PreGSD Pre is for getting stuff done, of course. Impel’s pre-workout supplement keeps the caffeine moderate with about 230 milligrams of caffeine, yet still brings you a full 30 servings (as with Vain), so you can always dial it up more and still have it last a whole month!

And as you can see from the featured image, Impel also has a new whey protein isolate powder named In Whey, transparently labeled and third-party tested in an NSF-certified facility.

Follow James and Impel Nutrition on Social Media

@ImpelNutrition
@impel_ceo

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On Monday, November 14th, MuscleTech held their first ever virtual press conference with a major announcement: Blessing Awodibu, otherwise known as The Boogieman, has joined Team MuscleTech!

PricePlow joined media companies from both sides of the announcement, which included sports nutrition supplement press as well as bodybuilding news experts. This was announced just a month from the 2022 Mr. Olympia showdown.

MuscleTech is back in bodybuilding with The Boogieman

MuscleTech has recently taken the supplement world by storm, releasing their iQ Series of supplements that include enfinity brand paraxanthine – a caffeine replacement – headlined by their EuphoriQ pre-workout supplement.

Blessing is well-known for his high-energy antics, incredible work ethic, and jovial sense of humor, which can get under the skin of his competitors, to say the least.

In this podcast episode, we’re merging two interviews with Blessing:

The MuscleTech press conference, where Blessing tells a must-listen story about his previous sponsorships.
A PricePlow Podcast episode that was live in our Discord chat.

Both are great, and show you an entertaining but competitive man who will have the freedom to do some really fun things at MuscleTech.

Note that the podcast audio file includes MuscleTech’s press conference, which is then followed by our Podcast episode. Parts of the press conference — especially at the 14 minute mark — were too good to not include!

Notes from the MuscleTech Press Conference

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOjGjB0GGhE

MuscleTech’s Scott Welch came up with a great idea for this announcement: the first virtual press conference in MuscleTech history, with media coverage from both sides of the space.

This included PricePlow and Fitness Informant from the supplement news side, but RX Muscle and Muscular Development from the bodybuilding news side. It led to some good questions from both sides:

(0:50) – Introduction from Scott Welch of Iovate / MuscleTech
(4:35) – Blessing Awodibu joins the call
(6:35) – The brands that competed for Blessing’s endorsement
(7:55) – The Legacy of MuscleTech in Bodybuilding
(9:20) – Blessing’s changes over the past year
(11:40) – How important is endorsement these days?
(13:35) – What was Blessing looking for in a sponsor?
(14:20) – What happened with The Boogieman Pre-Workout and Trec Nutrition?
(16:25) – Blessing’s time at Redcon1
(17:45) – Blessing wants to change bodybuilding for the better
(18:15) – The end of the Redcon1 story once Aaron Singerman was gone
(19:30) – Meeting with other companies
(20:35) – New things coming with MuscleTech and Blessing
(22:50) – A personality who happens to be a bodybuilder
(23:35) – Can we expect to see “Blessing 110%” viral videos with MuscleTech?
(26:20) – Any product pipelines?
(28:20) – Has Blessing tried MuscleTech’s EuphoriQ pre-workout?
(30:35) – Mr. Olympia Predictions
(32:50) – MuscleTech History and athletes
(35:20) – Blessing’s Immigration status
(36:15) – Introductions, Big Boogie Energy
(37:00) – Blessing’s Ba…

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/todd-spear-katie-emerson-nutrition21-075

In early November of 2022, the SupplySide West convention was held at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, showcasing the premiere ingredients and technology in the dietary supplement and functional food industries.

Todd Spear and Katie Emerson of Nutrition21 join the PricePlow Podcast at SupplySide West 2022 to talk research, trends, nitric oxide supplements, and more!

As is tradition, Team PricePlow met with Team Nutrition21 to catch up in-person -- Nutriton21 being the industry-leading developer and supplier of dietary supplement ingredients well-known for ingredients such as Nitrosigine, nooLVL, Chromax, and Velositol.

Mike and Ben met with Todd Spear (Sports Nutrition Category Leader) and Katie Emerson (Manager of Scientific Affairs) to discuss the latest research and industry trends coming out of both the industry at large and Nutrition21's team.

This was a fun, informative, and fast-paced conversation where you get to meet some of the personalities behind the brands. We cover all four of Nutrition21's ingredients listed above, discuss their research, potential opportunities, and the reasons these ingredients are important in today's dietary landscape.

You can watch on YouTube below, or listen on your favorite podcast app in our audio feeds:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGFGz5aCUMM

Audio Version:

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Show Notes:

0:00 - Opening

Mike and Katie are drinking nooLVL and Ben's drinking Nitrosigine. Mike briefly mentions that Todd was on the podcast long ago -- flashback to #017: What is Velositol? -- and Ben recalls the two previous SSW interviews, 2019 with David Sandler and #055: Sarah Perez Ojalvo.

2:00 - Nitrosigine

Not only does Nitrosigine immediately boost N.O. levels, it keeps them elevated for a period of up to 2 weeks!

Ben asks Todd and Katie to explain the beginnings of Nitrosigine, Nutrition21's patented[1] nitric oxide boosting ingredient that's scientifically known as inositol-stabilized arginine silicate. They received an official NDI (New Dietary Ingredient) with the FDA in 2013,[2] and have been selling it ever since.

3:15 - Nitrosigine and Cognitive Function

We begin talking about the enhancement of cognitive flexibility that Nitrosigine can support,[3-7] especially when athletes become exhausted.[6,7] This makes sense because blood flows to the brain (not just the muscles) and the inositol component can support neurotransmitters as well.

3:45 - nooLVL vs. Nitrosigine

A nitric oxide booster that improves cognition?! Yes - Nutrition21 passed around this helpful infographic after the Nitrosigine cognition study on healthy young adults was published.[5]

The above Nitrosigine research led to the creation of nooLVL, a nitric oxide boosting nootropic ingredient that is also based upon inositol-stabilized arginine silicate, but is studied in gamers.[8-10]

nooLVL has more inositol than Nitrosigine, and Katie mentions a new abstract published that explains why they went with the inositol dose they did.[11]

5:30 - What is inositol?

We then get into the specifics of inositol, which is interesting because there's no conclusive definition for what exactly it is and primarily does. Todd explains some of the detailed chemistry behind its original inclusion in Nitrosigine -- before the cognitive component was even explored -- and much of it comes down to its ability to stabilize the molecule and enable better silica and arginine ratios.

7:00 - The problems with traditional L-arginine

Mike explains that L-arginine requires huge doses to get clinically significant results, but such doses have been shown in numerous studies to lead to major GI issues.[12]

Nitrosigine, dosed at 1.5 grams, allows for far smaller dosing.

8:30 - The big scoop craze

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/brent-laffey-armada-nutrition-074

Brent Laffey joins PricePlow Podcast Episode #074 to talk about Armada Nutrition's history and their new manufacturing expansion!

Brent Laffey of Armada Nutrition -- a premier contract supplement manufacturer -- re-joins the PricePlow Podcast to talk about Aramda's expansion. Armada is well-known for producing some of the world's most popular supplements in their highly-acclaimed Tennessee facility, but now they're expanding with an even larger facility in Salt Lake City, Utah.

We bring Brent onto the show to talk about Armada's history, its other closely-related businesses (such as Prinova of the NAGASE group), supplement technologies such as blending, and the extraordinary amount of testing Armada performs on the products they produce. Then we get into the Utah expansion, which marks a major upgrade in the company's capabilities and throughput. Along the way, you'll learn about flavor technology, industry careers, and even types of dairy used in different whey proteins.

This is an incredibly informative episode for any supplement user or entrepeneur, highlighting how to do things the right way -- a stark difference from episode #027, where we last invited Brent on the podcast to discuss the ABH Pharma indictment / scandal. The Armada way is clearly the better way.

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Video Version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BRas9xHiKM

Show Notes: The History and Future of Armada Nutrition

Detailed show notes coming soon!

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/patrick-mabe-tactical-games-073

Patrick Mabe (@mr.patrick.mabe) of Core Nutritionals, Merica Labz, and Merica Energy joins the PricePlow Podcast to discuss his competition in the Tactical Games, fatherhood, and living the Crush It Lifestyle at Core Nutritionals in North Carolina!

This was a great follow-up to The Boss Status Episode 8, where Patrick and Doug Miller interviewed Mike and Ben - now the tables are turned and we get to hear Patrick's backstory and new path.

Will Patrick be able to bridge the gap between sports supplements, tactical competitions, and the shooting world? With these brands, we're hopeful. Get ready to learn some great new stuff in this episode:

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Video Version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ldxgg8mTTxs

Show Notes: Getting Tactical with Patrick Mabe

0:00 - Introduction

Patrick has recently renamed his Instagram to @Mr.Patrick.Mabe, and is no longer "Mr. Meaty Thighs". This marked a great evolution in him, as he begins looking to his legacy and fatherhood.

Ben and Patrick met when out shooting with the crew at Suppz in Wisconsin.

Patrick shouts out to all of our community in the PricePlow Discord.

4:45 - Patrick's Entrance to Supplements

Patrick played high school football, then went to James Madison University where he began lifting weights since he was no longer playing competitive sports. He was introduced to Layne Norton, and got in through the natural bodybuilding world.

Crush it! This was taken after Episode 8 of The Boss Status

Bodybuilding became his passion, and he wanted to make a career out of it.

He began working as a personal trainer, competed, got his pro card, and in 2014 he sent his resume to Doug Miller (episode #050) and started working at The Nutrition Corners in Arlington.

Come 2017, Doug invited Patrick to come on full-time, and he jumped into the Core Nutritionals sales role.

7:45 - Mike's Opinion: "Patrick is the face of 'Merica Labz"

Check @MericaLabz on Instagram and you'll see Brad PittViper, Patrick's 'Merica-themed alter-ego. But it's not really that much of an act, as we learn Patrick's a southern boy at heart anyway.

Patrick's trying to bridge the "Crush It Lifestyle" to more than just the bodybuilding community, though. It's not just about Merica.

12:30 - The Merica Labz launch and Core's Innovation

Patrick talks about the Merica Labz inception in 2016 during the hysterical election season, and how it was then launched in 2017. Mike notes that Patriot's Whey was the first product to seriously go overboard with the inclusions.

Patrick then notes that they've actually had a lot of innovation that they don't necessarily get credit for, often because they don't talk about it.

15:00 - Fatherhood and Going for Seven Kids and a Farm

Patrick's been doing some incredible stuff, even with a 3-month old at home. He talks about being a part of his son's day every day. He's loving the duty and it's lit a new passion in him, wanting to drive positive masculinity.

Mike then goes on a bit of a rant talking about going for 7 kids, especially if you want to homestead, grow your own food, and truly be connected to it.

One proud mama and papa!

Patrick agrees and explains how he's planning on his family moving towards that life.

23:30 - The Return to Nature

Ben discusses getting out in nature, getting back to hunting, and getting your hands dirty.

People have gotten so far from nature that we need to beg people to actually get in the sunshine. Men are waking up to this though, and that's a great thing.

27:30 - Men hanging with Men, is alcohol required?

In 2020, Patrick started doing Zoom calls with his friends, and they began trading book recommendations. In the neighborhood now,

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/raza-bashir-shawn-wells-muscletech-enfinity-paraxanthine-072

In late August of 2022, PricePlow revealed the next-generation stimulatory ingredient enfinity (Paraxanthine), set to launch shortly afterward through MuscleTech. We wrote about the new product line and briefly introduced paraxanthine to readers in our article titled MuscleTech Reveals New Workout Stimulant: enfinity brand Paraxanthine.

To follow-up with more scientific information, we brought Raza Bashir (VP of Scientific Affairs and Product Innovation at Iovate and MuscleTech) and Shawn Wells (Chief Science Officer of NNB Nutrition and Co-Founder of Ingenious Ingredients) on to the PricePlow Podcast to explain Shawn's latest innovation in enfinity brand paraxanthine. We then discuss how MuscleTech is using it to power cleaner, more consistent workouts and diet support through a new pre-workout supplement and two weight loss products.

The MuscleTech iQ Series

MuscleTech's Raza Bashir and Ingenious Ingredients (and NNB Nutrition CSO) Shawn Wells join the PricePlow Podcast to talk about MuscleTech's new iQ Series launch, using enfinity Paraxanthine!

MuscleTech is going all-in on this ingredient, and through the episode, you'll learn how Raza has been "hoarding" much of the stimulant for the better part of four years. Once you try it, you'll understand why - for many users, it's simply a better experience than caffeine.

Finally, enfinity is ready for primetime, starting with three supplement launches covered in our introductory MuscleTech iQ Series article:

EuphoriQ: Pre-workout supplement using 300 milligrams of enfinity Burn iQ: Capsule fat burner using 100 milligrams of enfinity per capsule Burn iQ Powder: Thermogenic fat loss powder using 150 milligrams enfinity per scoop

MuscleTech is using the moniker iQ, stating that this is the smartest way to supplement your energy. After learning more about paraxanthine's differences from caffeine, there's a good chance you'll agree -- or at least understand why many users will like it more.

Finally, this is a follow-up from Episode #048 of the PricePlow Podcast, where Shawn teased the ingredient a bit over a year ago. It's finally here and upon us, so listen or watch and enjoy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4W0m3GNPc4E

Audio Version:

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Raza Bashir and Shawn Wells Discuss Paraxanthine and enfinity-Powered EuphoriQ

00:00 - Introductions - Mike introduces Raza and Shawn and gives the overview -- MuscleTech's new iQ Series will have enfinity brand paraxanthine, and quickly flashes back to Episode #048, where Shawn teased it over a year ago. 03:00 - Shawn talks about the omnipresence of caffeine - a one trillion dollar market. He talks about how it's effective and important, mentioning that it fueled the industrial revolution. Many switched from alcohol to caffeine back then, with far more productive effects on society.

Additionally, we meet and socialize with two substances: alcohol and caffeine. 05:20 - "What enfinity, what paraxanthine solves: For about 59% of the population, they are not fast metabolizers. Meaning they are not metabolizing caffeine well. And so what happens is, they're stuck more in a state of caffeine, versus going to paraxanthine, which is where you see a majority of the benefits. And you're avoiding these other metabolites of theophylline and theobromine, and theophylline in particular -- side effect ridden." Shawn continues that there are more stages of metabolites after those two, and by avoiding them, you remove a lot of the longer-lasting side effects. 06:20 - "The net effect, when you just go to paraxanthine, in and of itself, is a much cleaner experience. And this is true across the board. And not only is it a cleaner experience, but we're avoiding that bio-individuality."

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Brian "Ike" Ikalina of AP Regimen is back on the PricePlow Podcast, and he's brought a partner in Justin Weeks of Europa Sports Products to talk about their new collaborative effort:

AP Regimen & Europa Sports partnered for an exclusive Purple Velvet AP Prime Bites Protein Brownie flavor, so we interview Justin Weeks & Ike Ikalina to tell us about it, and then discuss distribution in the post-2020 era

Europa and AP Regimen Partner for Purple Velvet AP Prime Bites Protein Brownie

As the sports supplement industry's largest distributor, Europa Sports handles countless specialty stores, gyms, e-commerce websites, and far more. Their flagship color is purple, and as one AP Regimen's key partners for AP Prime Bites, it made sense to have a Europa-exclusive flavor: Purple Velvet!

In this episode of the PricePlow Podcast, we talk with Ike and Justin Weeks about the Europa-exclusive Brownie flavor, the state of distribution, the economy and ongoing labor shortage, and riding out the 2020/2021 storm as a distributor that works so closely with stores and gyms that were subjected to tyrranical lockdowns (our words, not theirs).

Video: Learn about Distribution from Justin Weeks, Director of Sales at Europa Sports Products

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWCfSep9BGQ

Audio Version

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You may also remember Ike from PricePlow Podcast Episode #043 - see how far along they've come, thanks to the meteoric rise of the AP Prime Bites Brownie!

AP Regimen Prime Bites Protein Brownie – Deals and Price Drop AlertsGet Price AlertsGet Prime Bites Protein Brownie Price AlertsGet AP Regimen alertsGet Protein Brownies price drops Also get hot deal alertsNo spam, no scams.Disclosure: PricePlow relies on pricing from stores with which we have a business relationship. We work hard to keep pricing current, but you may find a better offer.Posts are sponsored in part by the retailers and/or brands listed on this page.

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Chris Waldrum is welcomed back on the PricePlow Podcast for the long-awaited Episode 69, and this one goes everywhere!

Chris Waldrum is back on the PricePlow Podcast for the long-awaited 69th episode! In this livestreamed episode, we go literally everywhere - and we mean everywhere. First, we check in on Chris's bodybuilding prep and a few updates with his brand, Inspired Nutraceuticals, but it's not long before things go off the rails.

We chime in on climate, economy, inflation, the cost of quality food, theatrical video production, Mad Max stuff, and living in the modern world as a "black sheep" who has traditional values.

Video: Chris Waldrum Explains it All

Good chance the video gets taken down YouTube, but here it is if it's still here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJIz5PlMOss

Audio Version

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To get a more business-centric background with Chris, listen to Episode #046 with Chris Waldrum (Catching Up with Inspired Nutraceuticals) on the PricePlow Podcast!

Until next time, get signed up for our Inspired Nutraceuticals news alerts, some new cool stuff is on the way:

Inspired Nutraceuticals – Deals and Price Drop AlertsGet Price AlertsGet Inspired Nutraceuticals alerts Also get hot deal alertsNo spam, no scams.Disclosure: PricePlow relies on pricing from stores with which we have a business relationship. We work hard to keep pricing current, but you may find a better offer.Posts are sponsored in part by the retailers and/or brands listed on this page.

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Dr. Cameron Sepah of Maximus is back with yet another must-listen episode on the PricePlow Podcast!

Dr. Cameron Sepah is back on the PricePlow Podcast to introduce The Maximus Lover Protocol

In Episode #062, we introduced Dr. Cam and spoke with him about the Maximus King Protocol, a better and safer way to boost testosterone with clinically significant results. This time, we talk about libido, sexual health, and optimizing male performance and mindset.

Maximus is a consumer telemedicine company for male health and hormone optimization. It comes with a highly-active community known as the Maximus Tribe, featuring men who are working to better themselves in all aspects of life.

With the Maximus Lover Protocol, they're focusing on boosting libido, male performance, and confidence using two prescription drugs described below - 5mg tadalafil (Cialis) and 2mg PT-141 (Bremelanotide). Beyond the drugs, Dr. Cam also covers many strategies to improve libido, which is a great indicator for overall health.

The detailed show notes (with references) below, and you can watch it on YouTube or listen to it on your favorite podcast app:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Imyeo3kGP4

Audio Version:

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Discussion #2 with Dr. Cameron Sepah of Maximus: Libido, Men's Health, Sex, and More

Table of Contents

Audio Version:Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on Your Favorite ServiceDiscussion #2 with Dr. Cameron Sepah of Maximus: Libido, Men’s Health, Sex, and More0:00 – Quick re-introduction1:30 – Recap of Episode 0622:30 – Morning erections and libido – a very simple marker of overall health3:40 – Anecdote of libido issues and ED drug sales6:00 – Cosmetic pharmacology8:00 – ED (erectile dysfunction) drugs and nitrate supplements8:45 – Morning wood as a good status check?13:00 – Libido is bio-psycho-social15:00 – Warming up to The Maximus Lover Protocol16:15 – Medications are not for any one particular purpose16:45 – PDE5 Inhibitors18:45 – Cialis vs Viagra (tadalafil vs sildenafil)20:30 – Using tadalafil in the real world22:00 – Side effects of PDE5 inhibitors23:00 – Tadalafil dosage25:15 – Interaction effects and pre-workouts29:00 – Spiking NO supplements with PDE5 inhibitors?!30:30 – Can you get a tadalafil prescription for gym pumps?34:30 – Tadalafil post-surgery for blood flow36:30 – Tadalafil and PDE5 Inhibitors as nootropics39:30 – Caffeine vs. PDE5 inhibitors for focus and creativity41:30 – Muscle protein synthesis and PDE5 inhibitors42:30 – Is tadalafil the most important anti-aging drug?43:30 – The Maximus Lover Protocol44:30 – The background of sexual drugs for women and melanocortin agonists46:45 – Introducing PT-141 (Bremelanotide)48:00 – Combining PT-141 with PDE5 Inhibitors48:45 – PT-141 / Bremelanotide / Vyleesi for women50:00 – The Maximus Lover Protocol: Performance and enjoyment51:00 – Melanotan-1 and Melanotan-2 vs. Bremelanotide53:45 – Bremelanotide side effects?57:00 – Bremelanotide taken sublingually with Maximus58:45 – Healthy libido is important for successful men1:01:00 – Channel libido instead of masturbate1:02:30 – How do you get the Lover Protocol?1:04:45 – Bremelanotide half-life?1:07:30 – Enclomiphene vs. PT-141 for Virility Purposes?1:09:15 – The Maximus Supplements1:11:15 – Metabolic health is still key1:11:45 – Semen retention?!1:15:00 – Maximus is not a pill mill1:19:45 – Check your underwear! Is there polyester? Get rid of it!1:23:00 – “Give your balls a break”1:24:45 – What states is Maximus and its partner pharmacy now working in?

0:00 - Quick re-introduction

If you don't know who Dr. Cam is, then you must listen to Episode #062 where he introduces Maximus and the King Protocol, which includes the drug enclomiphene!

1:30 - Recap of Episode 062

In the last episode, Dr. Sepah noted that testosterone is one of the most useful single biomarkers of overall health.

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Posted at https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/matt-karich-soul-performance-nutrition-068

At the end of May of 2022, Team PricePlow went live with Matt Karich of Soul Performance Nutrition, a young upstart brand that has a lot of deep-thinking built into its core.

Matt explains his background as an engineer, and how he used that not only to formulate his supplements, but to find his contract manufacturer. His process is more intense than most brands magnitudes greater than his size, and it led him to a place where he could formulate incredibly unique supplements that suited his needs while obtaining coveted BSGC Drug-Free Certified status.

Meet Matt Karich, an engineer who's putting his talents to use in the dietary supplement industry, with refreshingly unique, third-party tested formulas. We discuss this and more in PricePlow Podcast #068.

In this episode of the PricePlow Podcast, we cover this and far more, digging into his first four products:

Electrolyte Endurance Powder Essence Active Greens Oasis Midnight Dream Bliss Revitalize Collagen

We also have a live taste test of his Milk Tea flavored collagen listed above, which is unlike anything we've ever experienced!

All of Soul's formulas lean heavily on natural flavoring, various mushroom and/or adaptogens, NuLiv Science ingredients, and use zero artificial coloring. We even get a great lesson in the different forms of stevia used across his products - not all stevia extracts are the same!

Matt's a regular in the PricePlow Discord community, where we encourage you to jump in and share your knowledge and questions. This is a fun one, and despite Matt's recent entry into the market, everyone including industry vets will stand to learn something here.

Video: PricePlow Goes Live with Matt Karich of Soul Performance Nutrition

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x_00wPy3GQ

Audio Version

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Soul Performance Nutrition – Deals and Price Drop AlertsGet Price AlertsGet Soul Performance Nutrition alerts Also get hot deal alertsNo spam, no scams.Disclosure: PricePlow relies on pricing from stores with which we have a business relationship. We work hard to keep pricing current, but you may find a better offer.Posts are sponsored in part by the retailers and/or brands listed on this page.

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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/npa-vs-dick-durbin-s4090-067: A bill (S.4090) introduced by Senator Dick Durbin would require PRE-APPROVAL from the FDA for all dietary supplements. Led by Dan Fabricant, Joe Weiss, and Doug Kalman, The Natural Products Association (NPA) is fighting back.

On April 26, Senators Dick Durbin (IL) and Mike Braun (IN) proposed a bill titled Dietary Supplement Listing Act of 2022,[1,2] which would have serious ramifications on the way business and commerce is done in the dietary supplement industry.

We invited a powerhouse team of industry veterans and experts to discuss what this bill would mean for the industry:

Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D - CEO/President of the Natural Products Association (NPA) Joe Weiss - President of branded ingredient developer Nutrition21 and NPA Board Member Doug Kalman, Ph.D - Senior Vice President of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs for The Natural Products Association

All Dietary Supplements would now need FDA pre-approval?

The discussion centers around the text of the bill, and how its subtle wording would effectively create a situation where supplement manufacturers would require pre-market approval in order to enter the marketplace, otherwise they'd be deemed misbranded and subject to legal action.

Quick links before listening

Read the bill's text - https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/4090/text Compose a message to your representatives - https://www.votervoice.net/NPA/Campaigns/94238/Respond

Video: PricePlow Invites the NPA to Discuss Dick Durbin's S.4090

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl5gDfFFGpQ

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Detailed Show Notes

The Natural Products Association is the leading trade association for dietary supplements, known for its strong lobbying presence in Washington D.C. It acts as an industry watchdog on regulatory and legislative issues.

0:00 - Introduction to the situation 0:40 - Guest introductions

3:30 - Dan Fabricant's opening statement:

This is a listing bill, and in many ways, the agency already has the information this bill would mandate.

Signed in 1994, DSHEA is the prevailing law of the land for the dietary supplement industry.[3] It was designed to give consumers access but with consumer protection, and it's done a great job of balancing those two. It's one of the safest commodities the FDA regulates, if not the safest.

This bill would restrict access and restrict the industry's size, while limiting consumer choices.

A listing authority "This is designed to give FDA a listing authority, where they're going to tell you basically what you can and cannot set your shelf with. That's a problem on a number of levels."

4:35 - Pre-Market Approval

What we're really concerned about is the pre-approval aspect of this bill.

"This is effectively pre-market approval for supplements... we don't have pre-market approval for orange juice or chocolate chip cookies or calcium in milk... so this is really odd".

5:00 - NDI (New Dietary Ingredient)

Dan explains how new dietary ingredients are brought to market through the NDI process.[4,5]

But with this bill, if you are using old dietary ingredients in the market, and merely change the flavor, you need permission from the government to go to market?! You have to make the list to go to market?! Seems very excessive.

6:15 - The bill's vagaries:

The crux of the issue: combining two critical parts of the bill

Dan reads a couple parts of the bill's text:

"...commercial distribution which has not been included in any listing previously submitted by the responsible person to the Secretary under this section shall be submitted to the Secretary prior to introducing the dietary supplement into interstate commerce."[2]

Seems benign enough, just give them a listing. But wait,

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Show notes posted at https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/dan-lourenco-ryan-hughes-ghost-tmnt-collabs-066 - Dan Lourenço and Ryan Hughes of Ghost invite Team PricePlow to Chicago to launch the TMNT Collab, and talk about the future of collabs on the PricePlow Podcast

On April 18, 2022, Team PricePlow flew into Chicago, IL to visit the Ghost Lifestyle headquarters, celebrating the Ghost Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles collaboration launch. After meeting up with CEO Dan Lourenço, CMO Ryan Hughes, and the rest of the team, we received a tour, then got down to business.

You can see much of our trip in the incredible Building The Brand episode (S8:E27) named "Turtle Power", where we got to participate in "mailtime", doming a scoop (or two) of the new OOZE flavor, and celebrating in this launch.

But most importantly, our podcast with Dan and Ryan, where we talk about branding, the future of collabs, Ghost Energy's insane success, and where Ghost goes from here.

Detailed show notes are below, and you can find the episode on our audio feeds or watch on YouTube:

Video: PricePlow Visits the Ghost HQ with Dan and Ryan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmgEIiNDjDw

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1:00 - The official announcement of Ghost's collaboration with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Dan comments that there were some frustrating leaks, but when was the last time people were so excited about a sports nutrition release that they couldn't wait to leak it?

Ghost is partnering with the legendary Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in four supplements with a new OOZE flavor!

"It's annoying but humbling" says Dan, and Ryan comments that this was the entire point of the Ghost brand - to make things exciting again. 2:15 - Ghost is now strategic about when they release collaborations. They don't just want to trot everything under the sun.

GNC is involved in this release in a few ways (and their HQ is nearby some incredible tacos). Dan and Ryan were at the hotel, and being silly, just decided "We should do a Turtles collab" and fired off an email to Nickelodeon at 1am. 4:10 - Mike backs things up and explains the entire collaboration - four different supplements, a new one in Ghost Gamer Non-Stim, and a new flavor named OOZE. 4:45 - In the late 80s and early 90s, Mike explains that the Ninja Turtles were everything. They sold over a billion dollars worth of action figures (in 1990s money)! 5:00 - Dan's first exposure to the Ninja Turtles were the legendary Konami video game. 5:45 - Dan loves to force that nostalgia on the younger folks in the office. Whether it's Sour Patch Kids and Swedish Fish, Oreos and Chips Ahoy, Space Jam, Ninja Turtles... they like to have a lot of fun with what they do.

Of the Space Jam Collabs, Ghost Legend's Monstars formula is the further derivation from the original

6:15 - It's become an easier story to tell to new partners. When pitching a new idea to a potential partner, Ghost already has social proof. They pitch their idea, and can essentially ask "Are you guys in or out?" -- and then they get feedback and dial things in. 7:30 - Any content with licensed products needs to be extremely well planned and curated - you can't always have humans or objects next to the cartoons... but Space Jam could do that. Turtles didn't have that, because that's not how the brand ever worked. 8:30 - Which Ninja Turtle are you? Dan, Ben, and Mike all gravitated towards Donatello as a kid, and Ryan liked Michaelangelo -- none of this is not surprising. As a side note, if we had to move things in person now, we'd make Ben into Raphael and Dan into Leonardo. 9:15 - Dan says they picked the most relevant product to each character:

Leonardo - the Leader - Ghost Legend Michaelangelo - the fun-loving one - Ghost Gamer Raphael - The fittest - Ghost Pump Donatello - The quieter,

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Drew Peters is now the formulator for Alpha Lion, so we cover some of their supplements launched in early 2022 like SuperHuman Sport and SuperHuman ScorchShow notes at https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/drew-peters-alpha-lion-065

It's time we caught up with Drew Peters, the new formulator (or VP of Scientific Affairs) at Alpha Lion, whose recently come out with a couple of unique supplements!

Drew has previously been on episodes 044 and 045 with other formulators, but this time, we got him to ourselves to talk about Alpha Lion's new supplements.

In this conversation, we zero in on SuperHuman Sport, an athlete-based pre-workout supplement with under 100 milligrams caffeine, and SuperHuman Scorch, an enhanced thermogenic L-carnitine liquid.

Both of these supplements contain novel ingredents from NNB Nutrition, including RhodioPrime 6X in SuperHuman Sport and MitoBurn + CaloriBurn GP in SuperHuman Scorch.

We also get into the recurring topics of beta alanine and creatine in pre workouts, synthetic vs. natural caffeine sources, hydration supplements, and working as a formulator remotely.

Drew Peters is now at Alpha Lion

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The SuperHuman Sport Label

In this podcast, we compare this to other "Sport" pre-workout supplements like Pre-Kaged Sport.

You can read more about Rhodiola in our article titled Rhodiola: The Salidroside-Powered Adaptogen of the Vikings and about RhodioPrime 6X specifically in our article titled NNB RhodioPrime 6X: The Strongest Rhodiola Extract (6% Salidroside).

Alpha Lion SuperHuman Sport – Deals and Price Drop AlertsGet Price AlertsGet SuperHuman Sport Price AlertsGet Alpha Lion alertsGet Pre Workout Supplements price drops Also get hot deal alertsNo spam, no scams.Disclosure: PricePlow relies on pricing from stores with which we have a business relationship. We work hard to keep pricing current, but you may find a better offer.Posts are sponsored in part by the retailers and/or brands listed on this page.

The SuperHuman Scorch Label

You can read more about the key NNB ingredients in our articles titled BAIBA: Weight Loss Ingredient Generates Exercise in a Pill?! and Grains of Paradise: Fat Fighting Spice of the Goddesses.

Alpha Lion SuperHuman Scorch – Deals and Price Drop AlertsGet Price AlertsGet SuperHuman Scorch Price AlertsGet Alpha Lion alertsGet L-Carnitine price drops Also get hot deal alertsNo spam, no scams.Disclosure: PricePlow relies on pricing from stores with which we have a business relationship. We work hard to keep pricing current, but you may find a better offer.Posts are sponsored in part by the retailers and/or brands listed on this page.

The SuperHuman Hydration Label

In the video, we compare this to products like Ghost Hydration, which is naturally sweetened, another topic of discussion.

Alpha Lion SuperHuman Hydration – Deals and Price Drop AlertsGet Price AlertsGet SuperHuman Hydration Price AlertsGet Alpha Lion alertsGet Electrolytes price drops Also get hot deal alertsNo spam, no scams.Disclosure: PricePlow relies on pricing from stores with which we have a business relationship. We work hard to keep pricing current, but you may find a better offer.Posts are sponsored in part by the retailers and/or brands listed on this page.

Synthetic vs. Natural Caffeine?

A recurring topic, some of the arguments against synthetic caffeine are discussed and linked in our article on PurCaf caffeine.

You can sign up for our Alpha Lion news alerts on PricePlow.com/alpha-lion#news

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SmartPrime-OM is a novel omega-3 amplifying dietary supplement from Nutrashure, so we interview Dr. Hector Lopez to understand how it boosts EPA/DHA!Show notes at https://blog.priceplow.com/supplement-ingredients/smartprime-om

Are you one of the tens of millions of Americans who have taken an omega-3 supplement?[1] Are you a supplement formulator looking for a new innovation in the fatty acid / fish oil space that might actually improve health?

If so, read on... this podcast and series of show notes is for you.

SmartPrime-OM is a new omega-3 amplifying dietary supplement from Nutrashure, so we interview Dr. Hector Lopez to understand how it boosts EPA/DHA!

Optimizing Omega-3 Fatty Acids with Nutrashure's SmartPrime-OM

We sat down with Brandon Sojka, founder and CEO of Nutrashure (website, Instagram, news alerts), and Dr. Hector Lopez, a specialist in sports medicine and nutritional biochemistry, to discuss Nutrashure's new ingredient, SmartPrime-OM, which is designed to help optimize the omega-3 levels of those who take it.

This is a novel, naturally-sourced dietary supplement ingredient technology that is one of the most promising things we've seen in years.

One of the many interesting things about SmartPrime is that it can raise omega-3 levels independently, without the use of other supplements – but it can also be combined with an omega-3 supplement for an even bigger effect size.

Watch the Video: SmartPrime-OM with Dr. Hector Lopez

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b43Qpulu7h0

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Before we get into the timestamps and show notes, sign up for our Nutrashure and SmartPrime news alerts:

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Nutrashure

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SmartPrime Show with Dr. Hector Lopez and Brandon Sojka

Nutrashure is run by Brandon Sojka, a supplement industry veteran who old-time PricePlow readers may remember for formulating some incredible supplements with past companies.

0:43 - Brandon discusses his professional background starting his own brand, doing consulting, and working logistics in the supplement industry.

1:37 - Dr. Lopez discusses his professional and personal background, which includes biochemistry and medicine, medical research, consulting with major supplement brands like Nordic Naturals, performing clinical research on ingredients like creatine, vitamins D and K2, collagen, and fish oil, and beginning Supplement Safety Solutions.

Note: Details on this section are at the end of this article.

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Ben Hartman returns to talk about Morphogen Nutrition's rebrand, some new formulas, and more on his backstory

Nearly two years after his introductory podcast in Episode #033 titled The Rise of Morphogen Nutrition, Ben Hartman re-joins the PricePlow Podcast to talk about his major re-launch and re-brand!

We talk about the major changes since the last episode, dig further into the history of the brand, and show some of these interesting and semi-controversial labels below in our show notes.

If you're interested in trying ten grams of L-tyrosine in a pre-workout supplement, then we have a treat for you!

Ben Hartman #2 on PricePlow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36IQteIo7Nk

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Morphogen has a tighter look!

Ben is a big picture conceptualist who launched Morphogen on a desire to go all-in on formulas. He did that, but never went hard on label designs. With this next generation of formulas, that all changes, and it starts with the incredibly unique ALPHAGEN pre-workout supplement:

With ten grams of L-tyrosine, this one is definitely going to hit harder. But how will it feel? Only one way to find out!! Ben also explains why he used citrulline malate when most are using L-citrulline.

We also get into MORPHOCALM, which has a huge (and expensive) dose of phosphatidylserine combined with RhodioPrime 6X, a high-salidroside form of Rhodiola:

Excellent conversation from a very like-minded individual who has an extreme amount of talent!!

These show notes were posted at https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/ben-hartman-2-morphogen-nutrition-063

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On February 2, 2022, we hosted Dr. Cameron Sepah of Maximus on the PricePlow Podcast to talk about male hormones and self improvement. This was an incredible episode covering a wide variety of health-based topics, and everyone is sure to come away with some new knowledge.

Meet Dr. Cameron Sepah

Meet Dr. Cameron Sepah, founder of Maximus, whose here to help you boost testosterone in a clinically-meaningful way without TRT. Prepare to learn a ton about enclomiphene in this episode!

Cam, as we call him, competed as a track athlete. is a clinical psychologist, with a fellowship training in behavioral medicine, working at the intersection of psychology and medicine. He competed as a collegiate track athlete, racing in mid-distance to distance events. After his academic training (specializing in psychoneuroendocrinology amongst other fields) and publishing of several papers,[1] he created Omada Health, an online weight loss program. All in all, he's a clinician-scientist who's treated people for over a decade. In addition, he's an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCSF School of Medicine.

Maximus: Mind, Body, and Masculinity

Cam recently founded Maximus, a consumer telemedicine company for men's health and hormone optimization. Using at-home blood testing and online coaching, Maximus has put together the King Protocol, which is a clinically-validated process to safely increase testosterone and vitality in men - even healthy and young men.

This is not testosterone replacement therapy -- it's testosterone restoration.

Prepare to learn about enclomiphene citrate

Jumping right to hormone optimization, Maximus utilizes enclomiphene citrate -- the isomer from clomid that's safer and more useful in men -- to meaningfully boost testosterone levels anywhere from 1.5x to 2.5x. Combined with group health coaching for nutrition, exercise, sleep, and focus, alongside some adjunct supplements, Maximus is changing men's lives at an astonishing rate.

The full show notes with timestamps are covered below - and we'll have a separate article detailing enclomiphene citrate shortly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M35bIYvPLwA

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Our Discussion with Dr. Cameron Sepah of Maximus

0:45 - Dr. Cam's Introduction

2:50 - A couple of Dr. Cam's legendary Twitter threads:

Clinical experience: most people struggle because their main motivations are inverted - but Cam explains how he helps change that: https://twitter.com/DrCamRx/status/1100058665774592001

"If I could only pick two psychological techniques to transform yourself": https://twitter.com/DrCamRx/status/1180205914973818880

Six Healthy Eating Rules:https://twitter.com/DrCamRx/status/1237785720158224384

Secret to high performance is managing stress:https://twitter.com/DrCamMaximus/status/1455335722920013825

Nature provides the best free health:https://twitter.com/DrCamRx/status/1174453771037855745

3:50 - Dr. Cam's Background in medicine and psychiatry

Became interested in the hormone side of health. Psychiatry took a very "neurotransmitter approach" - for instance, SSRIs are based on an "almost stupidly simplistic theory" of the monamine hypothesis, even though the research hasn't fully supported that, and it's more complicated than serotonin - it's really a "bio-psycho-social phenomenon". Hormones also influence brain function!

4:45 - The problem: Human testosterone and sperm levels are tanking

Testosterone levels have declined 50% over 50 years[2] and so have sperm counts.[3-6] The question is why?! This is a dramatic phenomenon - it's happened over a couple of generations, alongside the obesity epidemic.

Due to an onslaught of endocrine-disruptions, men's hormonal systems aren't working like they used to. Maximus has a three-pronged solution called the K...

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Better late than never, it's time to publish our 2021 Supplement Awards. Mike and Ben sat down to review 2021 at large, and then doled out a smaller batch of awards -- all brand-based -- compared to what we did for 2020's year-end awards.

In general, 2021 was a continuation of 2020, but with some added wrinkles due to the ongoing supply chain issues. The brands that came ready to deal in 2020 were the same ones that kept momentum in 2021.

In addition, given the supply chain situation, this was not a great time to start a new brand, and few new ones were started - but one is definitely on our radar as a brand to watch in 2022.

Finally, we have a new award that we'll continue to award in the future: MVP of the year! This will go to a person who contributed incredible talents to the industry, beyond what any single brand or product accomplished.

This is posted as Episode #061 on the PricePlow Podcast. Video and audio versions are below, with the details after that:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LTqArSYgnM

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There are five awards:

Best Supplement Innovator of the 2021

This year's innovation of the year goes to Glaxon, hands down. Going through our Glaxon News page, you can see the numerous product releases, but also consider the new ingredients they brought to market too:

Glaxon Anomaly is an incredibly unique muscle-building supplement that downregulates catabolic-promoting genes and can promote more anabolic response. Get ready for a science lesson in our Anomaly article

BioNMN (in NAD+ Synergy) PeptiStrong GG-Gold (both in Glaxon Anomaly) NeoShield (in Protos Whey) Care4You ioCollagen DracobelleNu (both in Wonder Collagen) Pep2dia (in Xerion) MyoSeq and MyoSeq Vegan (in Xeno Amino and Protos Vegan) Axovit Sichuan Peppercorn (in Slyce)

These products are all innovative due to these ingredients and beyond. We discuss specifics behind Wonder Collagen, Protos Whey, Goon Mode, Neuro 365 and more. Note that the above list is not all-inclusive - there are even more new ingredients in those formulas!

Looking forward, Glaxon is partnering heavily with GNC, who's making major moves to push innovation forward. Since seeing Beyond Raw, we've become quite bullish on GNC, and are bullish on this partnership as well. More coverage to come on that in 2022 - but for 2021, the innovator is hands down Glaxon.

Further details can be learned in Podcast Episode #057: with Glaxon's CEO Michael Bischoff and chief science officer / formulator Joey Savage.

2021 MVP of the Year

Doug Miller and his team at CORE Nutritionals always find a way to figure it out. Listen to him talk about recent events in Episode #050 of the PricePlow Podcast

During Podcast #057 linked above, Mike joked that his "brand of the year" was actually a person -- a man whose products were all over Mike's supplement stack, yet across several brands. Of course, a person can't win brand of the year, but they can win MVP of the year.

That man's name is Doug Miller, founder and CEO of Crush It Holdings, operating CORE Nutritionals, Merica Labz, Merica Energy, and Arms Race Nutrition. Each and every one of these brands is doing huge things, with constant product launches that continually hit it out of the park.

In addition, Doug has opened a gym (Crush It Coliseum), owns the Nutrition Corners retail stores, runs the Boss Status podcast, and still finds a way to be a family man.

In 2021, some of the notable releases included:

CORE Lifeline Series Merica Energy Restoration - The new cans are beautiful and flavors delicious Merica Labz Restoration - BOOM, Patriot's Whey, and Super Sized were all phenomenal The new BOOM Pre Workout (Mike's top "mainstream" pre) Arms Race Elevation (whey protein isolate) was absolutely delicious

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In Episode #060, we learn that TJ Humphreys has joined Nic Stella at RYSE Supps, and they have new flavors (Smarties and Bazooka) as well as an energy drink (RYSE Fuel) coming!

Our first podcast of 2022 came with some excellent news: TJ Humphreys has joined Nic Stella at RYSE Supps. Many supplement industry veterans know TJ from his days as CEO and owner of ProSupps, but now he's taken on a leadership role in Dallas, TX as President and Partner.

From a distance, TJ has been watching RYSE Supps punch its way into the space and then become a best-selling brand at a top retailer in the country (Vitamin Shoppe). This follows previous power moves where creative superstar Greg Helton also joined RYSE as VP.

In this episode, we first introduce TJ and then have him talk about his background. After that, we discuss the new stuff coming from RYSE (which includes an energy drink!), and then get into distribution and RYSE's incredible social media strategy that's taken them to the next level.

Video and audio versions are below, and then more details after that:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXW_qflS2No

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TJ Humphreys now at RYSE Supps

TJ's been in the industry for over 20 years, starting at Lone Star Distribution (which was subsequently merged with Europa Sports). He started ProSupps in early 2012, coming out with the famous Hyde pre workout. It was eventually time for a new, more aggressive endeavor:

"I love to lead, I love to inspire, I love high-growth opportunities. Not afraid of challenges, not afraid of adversity. And thankfully, Nic has created a soft spot for me to land here, because he's really done things well."

-- TJ Humphreys, RYSE President and Partner

Experience: "Dumb tax" is paid

"You can’t ask others to do what you aren’t willing to do yourself."

TJ explains how much "dumb tax" he's paid in his 20 years of learning experience - he's become an expert in dealing with retailers, international sales opportunities, shipping, manufacturing, distribution, and more. This is the expertise that he can pass down to Nic.

At RYSE, Nic has created a rocket ship, and TJ is making sure he has the right people on the train, and a lot of it will be with his retail expertise. They already have meetings lined up with some major FDM (Food, Drug, and Mass Market) companies and are going in with a serious tailwind due to Nic's incredible job on the web and in social media.

The trifecta of Nic, TJ, and Greg Helton covers numerous parts of the market, ranging across social media, retail, international, design, compliance, manufacturing, and supply chain.

New product development at RYSE

RYSE is putting out an energy drink (named RYSE Fuel on their social media page), and while TJ recognizes that many energy drink consumers are brand-agnostic, they can make a better approach through specialty stores first. This will eventually lead to larger energy drink sales at FDM -- but TJ's sure to note that major chains are already very interested.

RYSE's collabs with SunnyD and Ring Pop (which are currently the top two selling pre workouts at Vitamin Shoppe) are definitely driving much of the international and big-business interest, but it's important to note that these products are most often first popular at supplement-specific stores before major players get involved.

RYSE Fuel

Coming in early 2022: The RYSE Fuel Energy Drink

Similarly, RYSE Fuel will first be driven by these flavor collabs - the SunnyD flavor will get its own unique can. It will have 200 milligrams of caffeine and 500 milligrams of CDP-choline, so it will definitely feel very good but not hit overly hard. The cans look incredible, just like RYSE's supplements, so the retailers that have seen the mockups and labels are already in.

Learning from past mistakes

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At the end of 2021, we had Gerhard Hoermann of NuLiv Science on the PricePlow Podcast to discuss the novel ingredient developer's back-half of the year, recent international travels, and what's coming in the future.

Listen to Gerhard Hoermann of NuLiv Science talk about the end of 2021 and the company's ingredient offerings which go well beyond AstraGin on Episode #059 of the PricePlow Podcast

Key takeaways from this discussion are that NuLiv Science has many more ingredients going above and beyond the ones we frequently cover here (such as the astragalosides and ginsenosides in AstraGin, Senactiv, InnoSlim, and Astrion), and NuLiv Science is doing a fantastic job building more content, as can be seen on their @NuLivScience page on Instagram.

Gerhard (commonly known as 'G' in the industry) kicks it off by talking about their recent trip to Germany, as well as SupplySide West. He explains that the American market (as seen at SupplySide West) is currently stronger for novel ingredients, while European markets are behind on technology, presenting more opportunity for innovation.

Watch the full video and podcast subscription links are below, with details following:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZZUaZy_f4I

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Talking novel ingredients with NuLiv Science

Get hyped for a healthy 2022 with NuLiv Science. This article covers their ingredients and teases some new content to come!

After covering Gerhard's background in sports nutrition (he worked in retail and then in online media), he gets into the transition of working with NuLiv Science, who generally operates more behind the scenes. He now helps brands put the right ingredients into new supplements, providing them with an edge against their competition.

'G' tells us that NuLiv has a new ingredient coming in 2022, and it will get coverage here on PricePlow, so sign up for our NuLiv Science news alerts.

Don't miss the NuLiv Science social media content

One of the things G has done incredibly well since beginning at NuLiv Science is to help drive and provide more content on NuLiv Science's social media properties. They're doing more behind-the-scenes content, new collaborative taste-testing and product breakdowns, and making it cooler to be talking about ingredient science.

Since most companies are already aware of AstraGin (absorption-amplifier - find our blog's AstraGin tag page to see how many product articles have included it), NuLiv already has great relationships that are bolstered at conventions such as SupplySide West. However, it's their team's job to educate brands and consumers about their other ingredients.

More than just AstraGin: Other NuLiv Science Ingredients

Out with the old, in with the new. Regenerate senescent cells and improve performance with NuLiv Science's Senactiv

Senactiv and InnoSlim both made a great push in sports nutrition in 2021, while Astrion and Verbasnol are getting more heavily into skin care. Beyond that, a highly underrated ingredient is Zylaria, which is a relaxing ingredient based upon xylaria with a few recent tweaks made last year.

As Mike mentions during the podcast, an easy way to test out the anxiety-relieving capabilities of Zylaria is in Avani Health Stress + Sleep Support, which has 1 gram of Zylaria with absorption boosted by both 50 milligrams of AstraGin and 10 milligrams of black pepper extract in two capsules.

A major mushroom supplier

Most users also don't know that NuLiv has several mushroom based ingredients, such as CordycepsPrime, ABMPrime, ChagaPrime, ReishiPrime, ShiitakePrime, MaitakePrime, CoriolusPrime, and HericiumPrime. They're actually one of the biggest mushroom suppliers in the world, and many don't even know that!

NuLivScience is a global research company with several patented ingredients including AstraGin, InnoSlim, Astrion,

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On December 7, 2021, Ben sat down with Darin Decker and Michael McClane of Kaged Muscle, who had a lot to say about the future of the brand.

With a new tagline of "Never Stop Evolving", Kaged Muscle is now KAGED

You may remember Darin from Episode #047, where we learned of the great things coming for the end of 2021. This episode takes things a lot further.

Right off the bat, for those who watch the YouTube video, we get to see the new Elite Series that comes with all new branding.

Kaged Muscle Becomes Kaged

The major announcement is that the team is shifting the branding from Kaged Muscle to simply Kaged. While exercise is still the epicenter of health and wellness, helping customers live their best lives is more than just building muscle. Simply put, Kaged is more than muscle.

The details are below on video and in our audio feeds (subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast with your favorite podcast app), and also be sure to sign up for our Kaged news alerts before checking out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FygqwrAjFSY

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The Kaged Background

A look at the new Kaged logo in some new Ice Shakers they've sent out

Before getting into the rebrand, Michael takes us back through the inception of Kaged Muscle, where it was a "no-brainer" opportunity: they'd seen what brands were succeeding on Bodybuilding.com, some of which Kaged formulator Brian Rand had actually created (flashback to our 2016 article titled Meet the Man Who REALLY Formulated Pre-JYM). By partnering with Kris Gethin, there was perfect alignment in terms of their goals.

They decided to develop better supplements, accept lower profit margins, and use forward-thinking marketing strategies to make it come to life. The push worked, and over time, they were still able to sell in major stores, changing the retail landscape away from a period where only ultra cheaply made formulas could maintain profitability.

"We're never going to launch a me-too product"

Michael explains that Kaged is never going to launch a product that doesn't innovate. Innovation isn't just in supplements, either - Kaged also has some of the best training programs in the industry.

Ben lists some of the recent supplements that, despite being in a "legacy" category, have been very innovative:

Clean Meal (meal replacement protein) Kaged Omega-3 (extraordinarily high purity fish oil) Kaged Multivitamin (multi with whole foods sources)

And of course, innovations like Pro-Biotic, the ioPea in Plantein, and CreaClear creatine monohydrate shouldn't be forgotten either!

So what about their legendary pre-workout supplement, Pre-Kaged?

Meet Pre-Kaged ELITE

Two years in the making, Darin introduces Pre-Kaged Elite to PricePlow Nation. "More pumps, more energy, more focus". Put simply, this label is bombastic. It is the epitome of it all.

A little tease from the front of those Pre-Kaged Elite labels on the table

For example, it has 10 grams of fermented citrulline, an insane dosage - especially given the recent supply chain crisis! There's creatine, there's nitrates, and far more with nine patented, properly-dosed ingredients inside. The scoop weight (in grams) is in the high-30s! Altogether, it has 388 milligrams of total caffeine, which is the highest Kaged will ever go.

When the original Pre-Kaged launched 7 years prior, it had similar responses given its never-before-seen dosing. As time has evolved, so has the dosing pattern - and Kaged has once again stepped up to surprise the world.

Not replacing Pre-Kaged

Pre-Kaged Elite is not replacing Pre-Kaged -- it instead augments the line, just like the Pre-Kaged Sport, which is the entry-level product for sports-level athletes. Unlike Pre-Kaged, the Elite version won't have BCAAs - there are different consumer angles for each pre-workout option.

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November 11, 2021 marked Glaxon's second birthday, a day now celebrated as Goon Day! The team at Glaxon invited us to their world headquarters in Houston, TX so that we could participate in the activities and put together some incredible content regarding their new products.

The Glaxon Goon Day Podcast episode was one for the ages!

After a day of filming videos, drinking unique supplements, and training, we came back to record a podcast with Glaxon CEO Michael Bischoff and Chief Science Officer / Formulator Joey Savage.

A Goon Day to set the standard

This was one of the most fun recordings we've ever done in PricePlow history. The session went three hours long, and we came away with some incredible laughs, new product explanations and teasers, ingredient insights, industry inside information, and a ton of supreme knowledge from Joey himself.

The audio feeds are below, followed by two YouTube videos:

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4L4Omvcw0S4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFxVo8ZbYJk

A podcast for the ages

There's too much to list here, but in this video, we:

You've never seen a protein powder formula like this one!The sample the first run of both Protos Whey (a humanized whey protein) and Protos Vegan Discussion on GNC's new Glaxon partnership and promotion The upcoming Specimen V3 pre workout What makes Specimen G.F.Y so special and what more can be done to it Dietary supplement testing Ongoing scams Mushrooms (both supplemental and "magical") and CBD disappointments Beta alanine, our favorite source of argumentation Pumpkin Pie Wonder Collagen Joey's training stack Sponsoring Bill Murray and putting him in the space suit Choline sources Ingredient of the year

You can also see our video where Joey explains Glaxon's upcoming products for the end of 2021.

Overall, it was a wild, fun, and entertaining day capped off with an incredible conversation. Since this podcast, we've come out with so much more Glaxon content that you can find on our Glaxon News page - sign up for alerts there so that you don't miss the latest happenings.

As always, subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast feeds and leave a review on iTunes or your favorite app!

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Jamie Giovinazzo of Eat Clean Bro joins the PricePlow Podcast and shows us what it's really like to truly love your customers

In Fall of 2021, we hosted Jamie Giovinazzo of Eat Clean Bro on the PricePlow Podcast. Eat Clean Bro is the fresh meal delivery company based in the Northeast that Jamie founded, and is going through monstrous growth.

In this episode of the PricePlow Podcast, we talked about Jamie's story from humble beginnings, food quality and craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and fame. This was a strong and passionate discussion, and of all of the business owners we've talked to, none seem to love their business and their customers as much as Jamie - and that says a lot given the intense industry we deal with.

You can watch on YouTube or listen to the discussion on our audio podcast feeds below, and as always, sign up for PricePlow's Eat Clean Bro news alerts so that you get notified anytime new meals are developed, but you can also head right on over to EatCleanBro.com and see what's new on their homepage as well!

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If you're new to Eat Clean Bro, see our introductory article titled Eat Clean Bro: Fresh, Healthy Meals Delivered... Fresh!

Talking Eat Clean Bro with Jamie Giovinazzo

"New Jersey is the epicenter of bro", but Jamie tells us that they also have a kitchen in Atlanta, GA and are looking at Boston and Washington DC expansion. Jamie discusses where he operates in a way where he puts other people first, and it breeds cooperation, loyalty, and appreciation.

Jamie nearly has "celebrity status" because he knows so many people in the Northeast, but of everyone he deals with, he's easily the most relatable person. He shares his rather strong opinions about social media, but tries to "bring people back to earth".

From humble beginnings

Jamie discusses that he's learned from mistakes,

5:27:

"I've seen the rise and fall of many great entrepreneurs, and over the years, the most apparent trait is the ego. When you start feeling invincible, that's usually when you fall the hardest. I'm very aware - I'm not invincible."

-- Jamie Giovinazzo

A company to support

6:30:

"We make every single meal in-house... There's a lot of national meal brands that do not cook the food, they outsource, they use copackers to make their food, they outsource their customer service wherever they can get it the cheapest, and they're literally just a marketing company hammering coupons and they're collecting customer information, and they're taking that data, and that's the data they're using to sell to bigger companies who want that information...

And really what I'm getting at man, is I'm trying to be relatable and trying to encourage people and trying to get people to understand the real entrepreneur grind and to support your local entrepreneur and support local."

-- Jamie Giovinazzo

Customer service: a real human on the phone and live chat

8:20:

"I always tell people about the customer service. When you call, there's no ringtone. There's no 'please press 1 for sales or press 2..' dude.. You call, we pick up the phone. If you're calling, chances are, you want to talk to somebody.

I mean come on, any business that has that f'in 'press this or press that', and they're not even that busy, I'm like come on man, somebody just answer the phone, why do I gotta press these buttons...

...So when you call Eat Clean Bro with one or two rings, there's a real person who answers the phone, and our live chat is the same way."

-- Jamie Giovinazzo

Food cooked from scratch

9:08:

"I don't know if I do a good enough job promoting the talent we have, but Chef John got recognized as one of the best chefs in America. I can tell you from all the restaurants I've worked at and chefs I've been around, that that man is incredibly talented and we all love...

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On October 29, 2021, Ben interviewed Sara Perez Ojalvo, the Director of Research & Development at Nutrition21, the ingredient development powerhouse that's behind key sports nutrition, dietary, and performance ingredients like Nitrosigine, nooLVL, Chromax, and Velositol.

Meet Sara Perez Ojalvo and the Nutrition21 Way of Doing Things

Meet Sara Ojalvo Perez, Director of R&D at Nutrition21, and learn how the company's research is coming along!

Sara has been with Nutrition21 for seven years. When she first started, the brand's focus was on Nitrosigine, a new patented nitric oxide booster in the form of inositol-stabilized arginine silicate, but it only had one study published at the time. Sara's job is to design new research to demonstrate to the scientific and consumer communities that the ingredient is safe, efficacious, and beneficial for its purposes.

Sara graduated from the prominent Wesleyan University in Connecticut with a degree in Biology. She decided against medical school and lab-work, wanting to be in science yet not in the lab on a day-to-day basis.

When she began, Sara oversaw three simultaneous studies with funding the company had available. It's her job to work with sales and marketing to see what consumers and brands are asking for, and to see if they can deliver an ingredient that works both in the lab and in the real world.

The full story is below, but you can subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast or watch the embedded video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1UFaA2i3l0

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Nutrition21 the research company

Nutrition21 is a leader in the sports nutrition industry, making huge strides towards supplement research, safety, transparency, and efficacy

As we've said numerous times on PricePlow, Nutrition21 is more of a research company than just a novel ingredient developer. Much of this is covered in our article titled The Evolution of Nutrition21's Sports Nutrition Ingredients. Ben also brings up the unique Arkansas study that pitted Nitrosigine against citrulline malate, and showed that Nitrosigine was comparable to citrulline malate at less than a fourth of the dose!

Nitrosigine and cognitive function... leading to nooLVL

When funding studies, Nutrition21 enjoys collecting as much data as possible, because you're never sure what you'll find. While Nitrosigine is a pre workout ingredient, they figured they would study some cognitive function parameters as well, not fully sure if they'd hit anything big. It turned out that Nitrosigine did improve cognitive function -- within 15 minutes -- and this eventually led to the creation of NooLVL, which was focused on gamers.

Confused about Nutrition21's Sports Nutrition Ingredients? This article explains their key characteristics, differences, and how they've come to market over time

NooLVL was then studied on gamers in their gaming studies, played with modern games, and much of that is covered in our article titled nooLVL: Next-Gen Focus Ingredient for Gaming Supplements. Mechanistically, the effect makes sense - the increased nitric oxide from both Nitrosigine and nooLVL don't just increase blood flow and oxygenation for the muscles, they work for the brain as well!

Future nooLVL research

Sara discusses where nooLVL research may go next: in previous research, they allowed gamers to play their favorite games between their cognitive battery tests. However, because of this, there was too much variability, and they couldn't collect consistent data regarding in-game performance data. In future studies, it'd be great to standardize on a single game altogether to look at performance as well.

The latest nooLVL research is covered in our article titled nooLVL Increases Short-term Memory and Reaction Time: New Study, which Sara discusses as well.

Latest Velositol Research

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Krik Angacian is back, and he's got a brilliant idea -- CandyCan, functional gummies where you can eat the entire bag!

On October 18th, 2021, we interviewed Krik Angacian, co-founder and CEO of CandyCan, about his new "functional candy" gummy snacks. Before founding CandyCan, Krik also co-founded Protes, a company that was well-known for its delicious protein chips.

We talked to Krik about how he transitioned from investment banking to the food industry, how the process of building companies differs from buying and selling them, and what he's learned about the unique challenges of gummy production when it comes to both formulation and ingredient stability.

You can listen (or watch) the podcast, and see below for more information:

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What is "Functional Candy?"

Meet CandyCan, the latest way to snack smart using low-sugar supplement gummy bears... where you are meant to eat the entire bag!

According to Krik, CandyCan is trying to fill a space somewhere between ordinary food and traditional supplements. In an industry whose marketing is skewed so heavily towards bodybuilders and high-performing athletes, Krik sees an opportunity to market beneficial supplements that can also capture the attention of more ordinary, non-athletic consumers: people who aren't trying to push the limits of their bodies, but just want something a little healthier and more useful than ordinary snack food.

Krik got this idea one day when he got caught by his co-founder eating multivitamin gummies like snack food, and realized that the deliciousness of the gummy form factor would always leave consumers wanting more than just one or two gummies. That's why CandyCan is pairing up with one of North America's top gummy manufacturers to launch a range of enriching gummy products, including Immunity, which is due to be released towards the end of 2021.

Krik also talks us through the state of industry regulations and processing, and some of the challenges that came with formulating Immunity and other gummy products, including:

I don't want to sell snake oil... anything I put out, I wanna make sure it stays stable in a gummy.

-- Krik Angacian, CandyCan

How do you get a gummy with turmeric and black pepper to taste sweet and sour? How do you keep more fragile ingredients from "cooking out" during production? How do you ensure that the bioavailability of ingredients is high? How do you find a good gummy production line?

Launching efficacious products is Krik's top priority. "I don't want to sell snake oil... anything I put out, I wanna make sure it stays stable in a gummy."

Business Philosophy

Yes, these are sour gummies - look at those crystals!

Krik tries to stay humble in his role as co-founder and CEO, freely admitting that he was caught off guard by the challenges of building a company from scratch, and that he doesn't know everything. In his words, "I've been working out for about 17 years... but I'm still learning." Ben talks to Krik about the central role of authenticity in branding, and how awesome it is that CandyCan's brand aligns with who Krik really is as a person.

In the middle of the show, Mike also provides his review (since Ben's will be embedded below when it's live), and is extremely bullish on both Krik and CandyCan.

You can read more about the products in our article titled Meet CandyCan: Smart Supplement Snacking – Eat the Entire Bag! and sign up for our CandyCan News alerts below, since we know there's more coming from Krik:

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In Episode #053 of the PricePlow Podcast, we hear from Marc Lobliner and talk about why he added Nutrition21's Velositol to his Outright Breakfast Bars

On October 9th, 2021, we sat down with Marc Lobliner, Chief Marketing Officer of TigerFitness and CEO of MTS Nutrition. Most recently, Marc is the inventor of the Outright Bar and Outright Breakfast Bar, and Ben traveled to Tennessee to discuss the history of the product and the unique advantages of its key protein-boosting ingredient, Velositol.

Marc walks us through the thought process that led him to the formulation of the Outright Breakfast Bar, which he intended to be a "whole food protein bar" that could serve as a meal replacement, and help sustain athletes during long games by giving them a balanced macronutrient intake and good digestion.

Listen to him explain why Velositol, which enhances the uptake of post-workout protein and increases muscle protein synthesis, was key to designing a bar that could fill this variety of needs.

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Talking Velositol, Outright Breakfast Bars, and More with Marc Lobliner

In this article, we explain why Velositol is the "missing link" for protein bars

Marc gives us some great insights on how a product can be formulated for the widest possible appeal. For Marc, this began as an emphasis on child nutrition -- the idea for the Outright Bar was conceived during one of his daughter's soccer matches, where Marc wanted to feed her something that would enhance her performance, but realized that the bars available to him were all going to detract from it.

Then we pick his brain on the safety profile of Nutrition 21's Velositol (spoiler alert: it's very safe), and the general risks associated with being an innovator who's the first one to market a new ingredient.

Finally, Marc gives us some great thoughts on marketing a product and running a company, and what to look for when you consider buying someone else's product. He also gives us some sage advice for anyone who wants to start a company of their own.

If you enjoyed hearing from Marc as much as we did, check out the Outright Bar at our affiliate links below, and read our articles titled Velositol: The Missing Link for Protein Bars and Velositol: Enhancing Muscle Protein Synthesis with Science.

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More details from the conversation:

Why Velositol in outright bars?

After huge success with his Outright Bar, Marc Lobliner launched his Outright Breakfast Bar, and boosted it with Velositol!Ben: over time, the protein content of "protein bars" has gone down Marc: Outright Bar was designed to be a "whole food" protein bar -- something with a good mix of different macros and natural ingredients, as opposed to existing products which were full of gut irritants such as glycerol and prebiotic fiber, or caused blood sugar swings Velositol chosen to make Outright Breakfast Bars "better than breakfast" as a meal replacement, not just a supplemental protein snack -- increases bioavailability of protein and gives it a longer, more even rate of digestion

Because Velositol increases the uptake of protein, it allows one to use less protein but get the same effect

Cuts costs Also helps people who can't eat big meals in the morning, since Velositol decreases your protein requirements

Outright Bar launched in 2018

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Chris Bumstead is now a partner at Raw Nutrition! Learn what's coming back with PricePlow Podcast Episode #052.

On September 13, 2021, Raw Nutrition announced that they added a new partner to their ownership team -- the 2019 and 2020 Classic Physique Mr. Olympia himself, Chris Bumstead!

Chris had already been a sponsored athlete on the Revive MD team, and we covered his story (and his love for Revive MD Kidney) in an earlier athlete profile titled Chris Bumstead: "The Comeback Kid". Now, however, he's making his biggest move yet, joining Dr. Domenic Iacovone and Matt Jansen as co-owners of Raw Nutrition!

In this episode of the PricePlow Podcast, we interview the three men and talk about their story, their plans for the brand, and what's going to happen to Chris' CBUM product line.

We're extremely grateful for this interview, since Chris is just 8 days out from Mr. Olympia!

Video: Join Chris Bumstead, Matt Jansen, and Dr. Dom Iacovone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCOJiMVgHSU

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Update: The Raw Nutrition CBUM Thavage Pre Workout is now out!

Additional Notes

Chris parted ways very amicably with his former sponsor, Jacked Factory. Since they were already in the process of developing the CBUM product line, they decided to share the labels and for the first manufacturing run, both companies would donate profits to two different canine charities, since everyone involved are dog lovers.

Chris knows how important essential fatty acids are for health, so he uses Revive MD Omega 3!

Upon joining Raw Nutrition, one of his first tasks was to reduce the price of Raw Pre Extreme, which his fans stated was too expensive. Chris actually reads his comments, and wants to pull his community into the Raw Nutrition picture.

Matt and Dom talk about the decision, the collaboration, and how they've turned their facility into the elite training crew of this generation.

We'll also learn about Chris' supplement stack (he loves his beta alanine, still uses Revive MD Kidney, and has plenty of others to share), learn his favorite snack recipes, get some dog stories, and more.

You can follow Chris on Instagram at @cbum and Raw Nutrition @getrawnutrition, and sign up for our Raw Nutrition alerts below so that you don't miss any news when the products drop! We definitely expect to have Dr. Dom and/or Matt back on in the future, so subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast too.

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Welcome to Season 2 of the PricePlow Podcast!

It's the PricePlow Podcast Season 2 Kickoff with Mike and Ben

Mike and Ben get together for a long-overdue podcast to catch up on 2021 and to kick off Season 2 of the PricePlow Podcast! We talk about several topics, including:

The economy Hiring help at PricePlow Product Launches of 2021 What's coming in Q4-2021 and 2022 Immunity, metabolic health, and dealing in dystopia FDA Enforcement (or lack thereof) Stimulants and caffeine detoxes Upcoming guests

Video: Listen to Mike and Ben catch up on 2021 and discuss the world

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeJxO6Nwg-o

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Topics Covered in Detail

Mike begins by mentioning who he's interested in reaching, and speaks of "The Remnant", which is an idea from Isaiah's Job. They catch up and discuss the following:

The economy

Are supplements safe? Will our supply chains stay in tact? How bad will things get? Will we be able to safely hire someone (see next point)?

Later on we also discuss the state of "hyperinflation" we're seeing in the economy and how Millennials like Ben have been priced out of the housing market for now. Will it come back down to earth?

Hiring at PricePlow

We're going to be looking for a like-minded individual who's autonomous, zealous about supplements, and a great technical writer. The job's not posted yet, but would love to hear from anyone with the following qualities:

Incredible technical writer 11/10 in terms of organization Can post in WordPress (training provided) Can manage and engage our YouTube channel (training provided) Can post contest giveaways via Buffer (training provided)

Product Launches of 2021

We've been very impressed with the new Performax Labs rebrand, Unbound, everything Ghost has done for their year of the V2, ingredient launches at NNB Nutrition like ergothioneine, how much Doug Miller (Episode #050) is keeping us busy at CORE / Merica / Arms Race, how Dr. Dom Iacovone and Matt Jansen are literally taking over bodybuilding and bringing Raw Nutrition and Revive MD with them, and far more. Don't sleep on Kaged lately either!

Immunity, metabolic health, and dealing in dystopia

Mike's immunity stack for the "dark winter":

Zinc (either OptiZinc or Zinc Bisglycinate) Quercetin (zinc ionophore, green tea extract could also work) - Mike uses ForestLeaf Quercetin Bromelain, which also has Vitamin C Olive leaf extract (cheap way to inhibit ACE2 docking) NAC Vitamin D and Vitamin C Bonus: Andrographis Bonus: Berberine / Dihydroberberine

FDA Enforcement (or lack thereof?)

Mike's biggest future concern is that the FDA is going to come after NAC, which spurred the immunity discussion and stack listed above. Ben's less concerned about that, though.

The biggest "mistake" in this episode is Mike saying that they won't come after stimulants, and don't seem to be concerned about that. Except on literally the same day we recorded, they served Condemned Labz a warning letter!

Stimulants and caffeine detoxes

Mike's using way too much caffeine lately, but Ben's on a C-TOX from Glaxon.

Upcoming guests

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Doug Miller and his team at CORE Nutritionals always find a way to figure it out

Doug Miller of CORE Nutritionals, Merica Labz, Merica Energy, and Arms Race Nutrition joins up with Team PricePlow to discuss some hot news in the supplement industry - supply chain woes and the rising prices of protein - especially dairy protein.

Since this was Doug's first time on the PricePlow Podcast, he gives a full introduction, with his background and entrance to the supplement industry. It all began with Core MRP, a meal replacement that didn't contain Maltodextrin (a very rare thing 15 years ago), and as Doug's bodybuilding career advanced, Core Nutritionals did as well.

Then, we get into the meat of the conversation, which has to do with rising protein prices, and how the CORE team is responding to the issues in the supply chain:

Video: Listen to Doug Miller discuss Core Nutritionals, supply chain, and protein prices

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePB6L3n8CCo

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"Figure it out"

Beyond that, we also discuss CORE's move to North Carolina, how working with the team involves a lot of "figuring it out", and how everyone has to work multiple jobs until new full-time positions are made. Once prompted, Doug also explains the type of person he hires - he doesn't look for education or training, but a mentality.

Core PRO Peanut Butter & Jelly is here, and it's strawberry jelly - the way it should be!

Doug is incredibly open and honest in this episode, especially regarding the pricing issues, which many brands are hiding. He also makes it very clear that this was the option of last resort

Finally, don't miss some of the discussion on pre workout supplements, where we discuss how much we've been liking the new Merica Labz Red, White, & BOOM.

CORE Nutritionals Merica Labz Merica Energy Arms Race Nutrition

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Use PricePlow to Save on Merica Labz Supplements

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Use PricePlow to Save on Arms Race Nutrition Supplements

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One of the most popular dietary supplement ingredients on the planet -- especially in terms of metabolic health -- is berberine. Today we discuss a new ingredient that actually makes berberine obsolete.

Berberine is a powerful plant alkaloid that improves the body's insulin response, with large amounts of scientific research showing significant improvements to insulin sensitivity, fasting glucose levels, HbA1c reduction, nutrient partitioning, and far more. It's even outperformed pharmaceutical drugs.

Dihydroberberine: A Better Berberine. This article focuses specifically on the higher-bioavailability berberine metabolite, but you can always go back and read our original berberine article to learn more about the mechanisms.

We've covered berberine in detail in the article linked above, ultimately finding that while it's the most impressive ingredient in any blood sugar supplement or glucose disposal agent, it has drawbacks, which include high doses required and GI distress. Both of those problems are solved with one of its derivatives that we specifically cover in this article: dihydroberberine.

Think berberine is good? Take a look at dihydroberberine

Research suggests that dihydroberberine is up to six times better than standard berberine, bringing incredible effects at lower doses -- and fewer side effects.

In this article, we assume you have knowledge of berberine's effects (if not, you can see our berberine article linked above), but jump directly into discussion of this dihydro form. It's sold as GlucoVantage from NNB Nutrition, one of the supplement industry's most promising novel ingredient developers.

In addition, we have a podcast episode and video with Shawn Wells, NNB Nutrition's Chief Science Officer who is a co-patent holder for dihydroberberine,[1] which you can watch as well. Finally, you can try the ingredient on its own by looking at the PricePlow's dihydroberberine price comparisons below, and signing up for our NNB Nutrition news alerts:

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdaS8QsGaV4

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Burn fat, not sugar

The world of diet and fat loss can be overwhelming, but one quick rule to live by is this: when you're burning sugar, you're not burning fat. In fact, we've known for decades that when either blood glucose levels or insulin levels are elevated, fat oxidation significantly slows.[2,3] If these levels remain elevated for too long, we introduce insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, which brings with it a myriad of diseases.[4]

Every time you eat carbohydrates, you stop burning fat! So why are you wasting time not driving the carbs into muscles? Improve insulin sensitivity and get back to burning fat, not sugar! Image courtesy @TedNaiman

This isn't to say that we're against foods like carbohydrates that raise blood sugar (and insulin) levels, because we're not. Instead, it means that we need to get our carbs to where we want them (muscle tissue!) and get back to a fat-metabolizing state as soon as possible. Berberine, and to a greater extent, dihydroberberine, make that happen better and faster.

We of course still recommend a healthy diet low in refined carbs and void of industrial processed seed oils high in omega-6. But with the above supplemental strategy (which is highlighted in our main berberine article), we can remain more insulin-sensitive, and less likely to be as toxic with sugar and insuli...

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Shawn Wells jumps back on the PricePlow Podcast to catch up with Mike, talk about his new stimulant, his book The Energy Formula, and how he handled 2020!

Shawn Wells, Chief Science Officer of NNB Nutrition, is back on the PricePlow Podcast to talk about his new book, The Energy Formula, how he handled 2020, and most important to many of our followers... his new stimulant!

We've had Shawn on the PricePlow Podcast several times, with many episodes revolving around specific ingredients. This one is a more general chat and in-person catch-up, but zeroes in on a few topics including the new stimulant that can replace caffeine and Shawn's plant-based medicine experiences.

Video: Shawn Wells Discusses All Things Energy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kdr7hOdc4CQ

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You can read our The Energy Formula book review and sign up for our Shawn Wells & NNB Nutrition news alerts for when more things happen regarding Shawn or the novel ingredient supplier he works for.

In the next episode, we get more specific and discuss dihydroberberine.

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Kaged Muscle's Darin Decker comes on for Episode #047 to discuss his history and what Kaged Muscle will be bringing in 2021 and beyond!

Darin Decker of Kaged Muscle Supplements joins Ben to catch up on an old friendship and discuss the latest and greatest in the supplement industry. This is a fantastic episode to learn some of the underpinnings of the business from a completely different angle and historical viewpoint.

They begin by talking about Darin's background, which is actually from Groupon, which then brought him to Bodybuilding.com and then on to Kaged Muscle and the supplement industry at large.

This one is a must-listen for anyone who's a customer of Kaged Muscle, an industry employee, or someone looking to enter the dietary supplement industry.

More detailed notes are below, but let's get right to the video and audio embeds on the blog:

Video: Listen to Darin Decker talk about Kaged Muscle and the Supplement Industry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEd_Lrnv7yo

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The future at Kaged Muscle: Catching up with Darin Decker

In the episode, several topics are discussed, such as:

Finally, Kaged Muscle puts out a meal replacement, and it that does things the Kaged Muscle way! See Kaged Muscle Clean Meal

Abundance mentality in the supplement industry (we all can win!) How anyone can get a job in the supplement industry Living in Boise, ID Kaged Muscle's evolution and future goals

Four products since Darin joined the company in February 2021 A sports-researched probiotic coming Hydra-Charge Amped (and electrolytes in general) Kaged Muscle Omega-3 Kaged Muscle Sleep SR

1:08:40 - Who is Kaged Muscle's Customer? New innovation in the supplement industry The lab tests in general, and how expensive it is to do things right How experience at BBcom transfers to Kaged What happened at Bodybuilding.com

As always, you can find Kaged Muscle supplements at kagedmuscle.com/collections/all-products - be sure to use coupon code PRICEPLOW!

Use PricePlow to Save on Kaged Muscle Supplements

Kaged Muscle Hydra-Charge Amped – Deals and Price Drop AlertsGet Price AlertsGet Hydra-Charge Amped Price AlertsGet Kaged alertsGet Electrolytes price drops Also get hot deal alertsNo spam, no scams.Disclosure: PricePlow relies on pricing from stores with which we have a business relationship. We work hard to keep pricing current, but you may find a better offer.Posts are sponsored in part by the retailers and/or brands listed on this page.

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Chris Waldrum of Inspired Nutraceuticals tells us about his past year and what's coming in 2021!

Chris Waldrum, the well-known supplement formulation and branding expert behind Inspired Nutraceuticals, joins the PricePlow Podcast to catch up on what happened in 2019 and 2020, and what's coming in 2021.

Chris focuses on his style, new partnerships, why he put the brakes on in 2020, and some transparent formulation decisions in some of their new supplements.

He then gets into plans for the rest of 2021, that start with a sold-out amino launch, a new DVST Premium Pre Workout formula that's going to use the patented new 3D Pump Breakthrough, updated FSU, a gut health supplement, protein updates, and far more!

Video: Watch Chris Waldrum Talk Inspired Nutraceuticals in 2019, 2020, and 2021

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpEx60zCvEQ

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Get signed up for our Inspired Nutraceuticals news alerts, tons of stuff is on the way:

PS: Don't miss the discussion on Inspired's Australian RTD, which almost nobody in America has been able to achieve!

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It's the PricePlow Authority Report #02

In the second episode of The PricePlow Authority Report, we invite supplement industry experts back on to discuss ongoing news in the dietary supplement industry.

Today's episode has four experts:

Joey Savage - Formulator at Glaxon Kenton Engel - Consultant, Merica Labz Drew Peters - Dragon Pharma Tim Gritzman - Natural Body Inc

The show kicks off with a user-posed question, and then rolls into more recent industry news.

Video: Watch the Authority Report Roundtable #02

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1L9rU201N4

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See some of the best supplements from Glaxon:

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It's the PricePlow Authority Report #01

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The PricePlow Authority Report, a series of podcasts run on The PricePlow Podcast where we invite industry veterans to discuss the ongoing news in the supplement industry.

In this first episode, we gather four expert class supplement influencers:

Joey Savage - Formulator at Glaxon Kenton Engel - Consultant, Merica Labz Drew Peters - Dragon Pharma Tim Gritzman - Natural Body Inc

In this first episode, the group talks a lot about involvement and regulation in the industry, with specific regards to the FDA but other regulatory arms.

Video: Watch the Authority Report Roundtable #01

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sf3KetDulRY

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See some of the best supplements from Glaxon:

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Brian Ikalina, also known as "Ike", has joined AP Sports Regimen! In this episode, Brian discusses his transition and plans for the growing brand!

Video: Watch Brian Ikalina talk about joining AP Sports Regimen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQAeyMmhzjg

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Earlier, we named AP Sports Regimen as 2021's brand to watch, so we're expecting big things out of Ike!

AP Sports Regimen – Deals and Price Drop AlertsGet Price AlertsGet AP Sports Regimen alerts Also get hot deal alertsNo spam, no scams.Disclosure: PricePlow relies on pricing from stores with which we have a business relationship. We work hard to keep pricing current, but you may find a better offer.Posts are sponsored in part by the retailers and/or brands listed on this page.

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Revive MD comes out swinging in 2021!

Ben is joined by Revive MD's Dr. Domenic Iacovone to discuss the Revive MD's present and future. Dr. Dom has a Bachelor's degree in Molecular Microbiology and went to Atlanta to get his Doctorate, completing his residency at the Synergy Sports Institute which is utilized by NFL players. With such a background, he's always trying to be innovative, and this episode shows just how much he's committing to that.

Dr. Dom is extremely excited to announce Revive MD is now providing blood tests for free to those with insurance and heavily discounted for those without insurance

The video and audio feeds are below, with more show notes after that:

Video: Watch Dr. Domenic Iacovone Talk About Revive MD's Future

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYoFRlk0MG4

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Revive MD is now offering free blood tests!

More than just a supplement brand, Revive MD is one of the only fully franchised medical facilities in the world, and every facility has an MD, a nurse practitioner, and a full-time nurse. They go where your standard primary care office is afraid to go, and where some are afraid to ask. For instance, they're not just a company providing hormones, they offer a myriad of additional services beside hormone replacement such as non-surgical facelifts, stem cell therapy, IV vitamin therapy, weight loss hormone replacement therapy, and more. Dr. Domenic explains that they staff physical therapists, and chiropractors.

Big on peptide therapy

However, Revive MD does not push hormones heavily, and is very big on peptide therapy. They're also very big on non-controlled substances to push the body to do what it's naturally supposed to do in the first place. Revive MD is research and science driven, but they work with athletes, and are coming hard at the "legal performance enhancement" side of the game.

Will Wallace hired on

Welcome William Wallace to Revive MD, their new Chief Compliance & Formulations Officer

As they're moving towards the future as an extremely unique company in the industry, Revive MD hired Will Wallace from Life Extension, who is worth his weight in gold. They continue to move very talented people to Florida, and Dr. Dom strives to ensure their entire business is built on education and intellectuals.

Looking to the future, Dr. Dom wants to be better than a brick and mortar store, he wants to be a "Whole Foods" of his niche. He doesn't mind the brick and mortar model, but his vision for Revive MD is bigger than that. They are planning some very exciting things for the future and will release products to brick and mortar before they are released to the public.

They also have a goal of supporting small businesses, which is critical in 2021. Additionally, Revive MD is working and collaborating with several professional athletes along with Will Wallace to bring out a big release that will be divulged at a later date.

Supplements formulated to optimize your health! See them all on our Revive MD page on PricePlow.

This was a phenomenal episode, and we can't wait to hear more from Dr. Iacovone and his partner at Revive MD and RAW Nutrition, elite bodybuilding coach Matt Jansen.

Subscribe to our audio feed above, see more episodes on the main PricePlow Podcast page, and sign up for both Revive MD and RAW Nutrition alerts on PricePlow - much more to come!

Revive MD – Deals and Price Drop AlertsGet Price AlertsGet Revive MD alerts Also get hot deal alertsNo spam, no scams.Disclosure: PricePlow relies on pricing from stores with which we have a business relationship. We work hard to keep pricing current, but you may find a better offer.Posts are sponsored in part by the retailers and/or brands listed on this page.

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Dan Lourenco joins us once again to discuss the state of supplements in esports (gaming supplements)

In February of 2021, Dan Lourenco, co-founder and CEO of Ghost Lifestyle, jumped back on the PricePlow Podcast. Hot off the heels of episode #035, where he discussed updates to Ghost Energy, this was a far different episode talking about one thing only: supplements in esports, also known as "gaming supplements".

Dan gives a world of credit to G-FUEL, the "OG" gaming supplement, but talks about the difference with Ghost Gamer, which uses the clinically-studied nootropic gaming ingredient, NooLVL from Nutrition21. What's great about NooLVL is that it's been studied on real gamers playing modern games, unlike other nootropic studies done on the elderly in cognitive decline.

The conversation steers towards how gaming saved the mental sanity for so many in 2020, and in the business world, is becoming the modern and younger version of golfing for meetings.

Video: Watch Dan talk about Gaming and Esports Supplements

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dxm-FVElSxQ

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After a pivotal year for Ghost launching Gamer and partnering with XSET, Dan has a lot of momentum in the e-sports category. Listen to the episode above to get a taste of what's coming, and how both Ghost and XSET are transcending their own demographics.

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Meet Nutra Innovations, the manufacturer-backed supplement brand powered by Greg Helton!

Meet Greg Helton, the new President of Nutra Innovations, a manufacturer-backed supplement company with some powerful products that Greg's been chartered to rebrand and rebuild from the ground up!

In this episode, we hear about Greg's background, where he talks about his 8+ year history in the sports supplement industry. In college, he worked with various brands as a freelancer, and then became the Chief Marketing Officer of MuscleSport. There, he was in charge of the entire family of brands (which also includes Kodiak) and stayed close to the manufacturing process to ensure consistency.

In 2021, Greg moved on to Nutra Innovations, with big plans detailed lower down, and still has the benefits of being backed by a manufacturer.

Listen on the PricePlow Podcast audio feeds or see the video below:

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Watch our interview with Greg Helton:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LQvTeA7Uyg

Greg's Favorite Supplements: The Nutra Innovations Pre Workouts

Nutra Innovations Epitome pre workout is the first of many exciting products with Greg's touch put upon it

Greg is most excited about the Epitome pre workout (blog post soon to come) alongside 24HR Pump, a stimulant-free pump supplement. In a full 21.6g scoop of Epitome, there's three forms of caffeine (totaling 400mg caffeine), a full clinical 1.5g dosage of Nitrosigine, and plenty of added stimulants such as advanced forms of PEA and a heavy-hitting dose of alpha yohimbine. To put it simply, a full scoop of Epitome is not for rookies!

The brand plan

Greg discusses his mission for Nutra Innovations, emphasizing that he will be building a culture, bringing on ambassadors, collaborating with other brands and ambassadors, but will also focus on brick & mortar partnerships. They discuss the survival of 2020 and how to move forward in 2021, especially for the retail stores.

Follow Greg and Nutra Innovations on PricePlow and Social Media

You can follow the brand's revamped Instagram feed on @NutraInnovation and Greg's personal Instagram at @TheSuppWolf.

Even better, sign up for our Nutra Innovations news alerts on PricePlow to get notified of new products, reviews, giveaways, and coupons below:

Nutra Innovations Epitome – Deals and Price Drop AlertsGet Price AlertsGet Epitome Price AlertsGet Nutra Innovations alertsGet Pre Workout Supplements price drops Also get hot deal alertsNo spam, no scams.Disclosure: PricePlow relies on pricing from stores with which we have a business relationship. We work hard to keep pricing current, but you may find a better offer.Posts are sponsored in part by the retailers and/or brands listed on this page.

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Join Kenton Engel as he jumps on the PricePlow Podcast to discuss some of the demographics of the supplement industry, and how they may be holding the sports nutrition industry back from what it's truly capable of:

Check out our interview with Kenton below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_3zi2PNA1M

Or see the audio feeds on the PricePlow Podcast:

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A Kenton-driven formula, 'Merica Labz Napalm Red, White and Boom brings serious workout heat

In this episode, Kenton gives his opinion about the supplement industry's limit on funding, innovation, and growth due to our relation to the pharmaceutical industry. He explains where changes need to be if the industry wants to grow as a community. Using the big 5 personality test, Kenton talks about common traits in leaders of different industries and specifically looks at our industry.

Kenton's Supplement Workings

Kenton is known for his work at the following three companies:

CORE Nutritionals 'Merica Labz Arms Race Nutrition

A big thanks to Kenton! Be sure to subscribe to the feeds above, and to go to the three pages above and sign up for alerts if you're interested in following the three brands. The rest of our podcast episodes are listed on our PricePlow Podcast page.

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On January 15th, 2021, Ben spoke with the new 212 Mr. Olympia and NutraBio athlete, Shaun "Giant Killer" Clarida. In just under 25 minutes, they cover various topics, such as:

Congrats to NutraBio Athlete, Shaun Clarida, for winning the 212 Mr. Olympia in 2020!

Shaun's history in bodybuilding How Shaun became a professional bodybuilder Shaun's relationship with his coach, Matt Jansen, and John "Mountain Dog" Meadows Diet Training Supplementation How Shaun overcame the naysayers to become the 2020 212 Mr. Olympia

...and more. The best part is how Shaun loved the process the entire way up. This wasn't just about social media fame, it was about truly loving the sport.

Check out PricePlow's exclusive interview with Shaun below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESnS9oQR7xI

Or see the audio feeds on the PricePlow Podcast:

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Shaun Clarida's Top NutraBio Supplements

Shaun joined Team NutraBio in February of 2020. Much like the way NutraBio has disrupted things up for their larger competitors, Shaun is known as "The Giant Killer" due to his picture-perfect symmetry and conditioning take down other bigger and taller competitors. He's one of the top 212 Pro Bodybuilders and hails from New Jersey, NutraBio's home base, making the duo a perfect match - especially since both train without compromise.

To celebrate Shaun Clarida's uncompromising victory for 2020's 212 Mr. Olympia, NutraBio is launching a limited edition tub of their exquisite Ice Cream Cookie Dream flavor of 100% Whey Protein Isolate!

Some of Shaun's favorite NutraBio supplements are:

100% Whey Protein Isolate (especially ice cream cookie dream) Muscle Matrix Extreme Mass (primarily in the off-season) PRE Stimulant-Free Alpha EAA

Learn more from our 2020 article announcing when Shaun Clarida joined NutraBio, celebrate Shaun's win with NutraBio's limited-edition Shaun Clarida 100% Whey Isolate Ice Cream Cookie Dream tub, and read The NutraBio Story to see the parallels between Shaun and his sponsor.

Congratulations once again to Shaun and the whole team at NutraBio!

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In late December 2020, Team PricePlow connected to record our 2020 Supplement Industry Awards.

You can listen to a one long podcast (subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast using the links below) or watch each separate video on YouTube below.

Enjoy and congratulations to all companies that were discussed!

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2020 Supplement Industry Recap

It goes without saying that 2020 was a wild year. But what did that mean for the supplement industry? What brands (and stores) were best-positioned, and which ones weren't?

Before getting into specific awards, Team PricePlow discusses the year at large in their 2020 supplement industry recap video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEXV0M4RS8E

2020 Brand of the Year: Ghost

Ghost Energy really brought this one home, but there was so much more than just this...

This year, there really wasn't much of an argument. One brand stood above all others in terms of impact on the industry, with a ton of extremely strong product and flavor launches on a consistent basis. That brand was GHOST Lifestyle.

With everything ranging from incredibly-formulated skin care support (Ghost Glow) to multivitamins (Ghost Multi) and greens (Ghost Greens) to incredible Ghost Whey protein flavors (and even their High Protein Hot Cocoa Mix) to energy drinks (Ghost Energy) and a gaming supplement (Ghost Gamer), this brand really came of age in 2020.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbHXAbccRSw

Ghost was the topic of conversation with nearly every other brand, and they were clearly ready to run the table, regardless of whatever else happened in 2020. At this clip, expect the same, if not more, in 2021.

In terms of the competition, we loved NutraBio's community outreach with their First Response initiative, and one thing we realized over the course of the rest of our filming was that CORE Nutritionals made a solid case for themselves as well, as did the brand discussed next:

2020 Breakout Brand of the Year: Glaxon

When they started posting images like this, we knew it'd be different.

At the end of 2019, we said that Glaxon would be the "Brand to Watch in 2020" (YouTube video here), and that was right on the money. Simply put, the "Goons" broke out.

A brand that made some noise at the end of 2019 with a very hard-hitting Specimen pre workout started making waves in the retail scene, and it was clear they were on to something. They were putting out strong and very uniquely formulated supplements that simply kicked. And it only got better over the course of the year, as you can see on our Glaxon News page.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TI5YZMOTEo

Other potentials were the Revive MD / RAW Nutrition duo, which are owned by the same team. They've upended overall health supplements with Revive and are now doing the same in sports supplements with RAW.

2020 Rookie of the Year: HOSSTILE

When HOSSTILE supplements was announced by Fouad Abiad, there was a surge of excitement. Fouad's incredibly popular Real Bodybuilding podcast and online content needed an "anchor" to sink, and HOSSTILE was it.

The excitement was even greater when the HOSSTILITY pre workout supplement was unveiled, and it's been off to the races ever since:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ns3X_VsY7t8

Other well-performing rookies were RAW Nutrition (also mentioned above), HD Muscle, and BEAM.

2020 Pre Workout Supplement of the Year: Glaxon Specimen (V2 formula)

Available in yohimbe ("Yo-Yo") and non-yohimbe formulas but able to get you going either way!

Nothing gets people fired up more than a good pre workout - literally and figuratively. But what company brought innovation to an over-saturated market?

The main contenders were the aforementioned Hosstile Supplements Hosstility and Glaxon Specimen (V2), the updated Core Nutritionals CORE FURY,

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The Guerrilla Chemist joins Mike and Ben on the PricePlow Podcast for a second time to talk the latest Chemix supplements!

On New Year's Eve, Mike and Ben spoke with The Guerrilla Chemist (TGC), the co-founder and CEO of Chemix Lifestyle, who specializes in formulations and product development.

As discussed in our first podcast episode with The Guerrilla Chemist, TGC is a bona-fide chemist and one of the most well-respected formulators in the industry due to his intensive background in education. With a Masters of Science in both organic and biochemistry from the University of Central Florida and Georgia Tech, TGC is the real deal.

We discuss how Chemix Lifestyle did in 2020 and his process in formulating, innovating, and sourcing his wild and unique dietary supplement ingredients. If you want to learn more about TGC, follow him on Instagram (@theguerrillachemist) because he consistently posts in-depth ingredient explanations and so much more.

In just under two hours, they covered several different and intriguing topics including:Known as The Guerrilla Chemist, TGC has formulated for Blackstone Labs, Chemix, and Beast Sports Nutrition

Ligand types How ligand types affect the bioavailability and efficacy of dietary supplement ingredients The Guerrilla Chemist's formulation process Where TGC finds his unique and rare ingredients Chemix Cortibloc Chemix Natabolic Chemix GDA Chemix Nootropic The future for Chemix Lifestyle The Guerrilla Chemist's new IP and potential patented ingredients Shawn Wells and many of the new NNB Nutrition ingredients Mike introduces tetrahydrocurcumin (trademarked CurcuPrime) to TGC

Check out the Full January 2020 PricePlow Exclusive Interview With TGC from Chemix!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtrgpkl3zxI

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Check out our Chemix page to sign up for news alerts and save, listen to our first podcast with Guerrilla Chemist, and see all PricePlow Podcast episodes!

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In December of 2020, we got the chance to speak with Dan Lourenco and Ryan Hughes, co-founders of Ghost. In just over an hour, they covered several interesting topics, including:

Ghost Energy launch Ghost Energy V2 (new packaging, formula, and flavor!) Ghost 2020 recap (how Ghost overcame several obstacles to make 2020 the best year yet) Cheers to another gamer changer!

Ghost 2020 stats How Ghost values partnerships even during times of hardships What the future of sports nutrition retail may look like Ghost's plans for 2021 (V2 edition of Ghost's sports nutrition line!) Ben's thoughts on Legend V2 A higher stim Ghost Legend Ghost's entrance into Canada Other brands copying Ghost

Needless to say, this is a podcast that you don't want to miss, so make sure that you stay tuned until the very end!

Check Out the Full December 2020 PricePlow Exclusive Interview with Dan and Ryan at Ghost!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TjnHHMQzCg

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Key Timestamps

If you haven't tried Ghost Energy yet, you're missing out!

0:48 - How Ghost Energy V1 performed 4:45 - Unexpected challenges with the launch of Ghost Energy 18:00 - Ghost Energy V2 (new formula and the next flavor!) 23:00 - Did Ghost consider using any other nootropic based ingredients in Ghost Energy? 24:10 - Why Ghost switched to two-tone packaging for Ghost Energy 25:30 - 2020 Recap (Gamer, Glow, Greens, Multi, Bubblicious, Nutter Butter) 37:00 - 2020 Ghost Stats 39:00 - Ghost Canada (the challenges of going international) 41:00 - Dan's thoughts on brands copying Ghost or wanting to be the next "Ghost" 42:50 - How did GNC's bankruptcy and COVID affect Ghost? 45:00 - The importance of partnerships and Ghost's decision to be exclusive It's time for more Ghost Energy!

51:00 - The future of sports nutrition retail (will Ghost ever be in large chains like Walmart or Target?) 53:21 - Ghost 2021 (Sports Nutrition V2: Ghost Legend V2, Ghost Size V2, Ghost Pump V2, New flavor collaborations, more Ghost Energy, Protein RTDs, and Functional Foods) 55:33 - Ben's thoughts and feedback on Ghost Legend V2 (what you can expect) 58:20 - A higher stim Ghost Legend on the way? 1:01:03 - Dan and Ryan's closing thoughts

As always, check out our Ghost News page and sign up for notifications to get new product news, coupons, and price drop alerts. Links to subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast are above.

Ghost Energy is listed below, and you can learn more about it at our Ghost Energy blog post.

Ghost Energy Drink – Deals and Price Drop AlertsGet Price AlertsGet Energy Drink Price AlertsGet Ghost alertsGet Energy Drinks price drops Also get hot deal alertsNo spam, no scams.Disclosure: PricePlow relies on pricing from stores with which we have a business relationship. We work hard to keep pricing current, but you may find a better offer.Posts are sponsored in part by the retailers and/or brands listed on this page.

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The mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells. But how do they work, how is our food supply damaging them so badly, and what can we do to fix the issue? Prepare to meet the Power of Mito, presented by NNB Nutrition.

When looking for an additional boost in energy, we often turn to stimulants and other supplements to provide a jolt. While this usually does the trick temporarily, how often do we take a step back and ask why we needed the kickstart to begin with? Maybe the previous night's sleep wasn't great, or a tough week at work or in the gym have left us feeling drained. What if the cause runs deeper than situational circumstances, though? What if, biologically, the body isn't efficiently producing the energy it so desperately needs?

The human body is an extremely complex system. It houses 78 different organs,[1] each of which have unique responsibilities, plus countless pathways/complexes that dictate overall functioning. Containing over 37 trillion cells, this vessel is incredibly complicated - but that doesn't mean it can't be understood. At a high level, the human body is effectively a machine, complete with power-generating mechanisms and supportive structures that ultimately enable efficient operation.

Every component in the body is important in its own right, but for the purposes of this post, we'd like to hone in one particular piece that is central to optimal functioning - the mitochondria

Meet the mitochondrion: the center of it all

Mitochondria act as energy converters at the cellular level. They take in chemical energy via food and transform it into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy source that cells need to operate. This fuel is used for virtually every bodily function there is, making the efficient firing of the mitochondria absolutely imperative for our health.

Mitochondria vs. Mitochondrion?!

Note that mitochondria is actually plural for mitochondrion. One mitochondrion, multiple mitochondria. These tenses are often used incorrectly, although we are generally talking about all mitochondria in the body and not just a single one.

However, outside factors can negatively influence the mitochondria, reducing their energy production and the functioning of the body itself. There are ways to right this ship, though. We can provide the body with what it needs to make mitochondria more efficient in creating clean energy. Ensuring these converters are firing on all cylinders can have a massive impact on your overall health, thanks to a steady supply of clean energy that's sustainable for longevity.

In this post, we're going to dive into everything you need to know in regards to mitochondrial function — what they are, how they work, and what can influence them. We'll also discuss some sports supplements ingredients that we think have some real potential to optimize the mitochondria, some of which can be amplified when used synergistically.

As always, make sure you're subscribed to PricePlow for the latest news and deals in the sports supplements industry. Also, be sure to check out our social media pages on YouTube and Instagram for supplement reviews and interviews.

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In June of 2020, PricePlow interviewed Ben Hartman of Morphogen Nutrition.

They discuss Ben and Morphogen's background, the insane formulations in their arsenal, the lack of studies on interactions between ingredients, the future of Morphogen, and more!

Meet Ben Hartman of Morphogen Nutrition!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4zD6AQsdBQ

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Prepare to learn everything you need to know about MCT Oil, or Medium Chain Triglycerides

Lifestyle, training, and diet are the three overarching umbrellas that affect our health and fitness goals, and figuring out how to best balance them is unique from person to person. For instance, someone trying to lose body fat trains differently, eats differently, and goes about their day differently than a powerlifter on a strength cycle.

But central in almost any fitness plan is nutrition. Although needs shift from person to person, eating nutrient-dense foods full of essential minerals, fats, and amino acids (protein) is at the root of any diet.

MCT Oil: The saturated fat for training both your body and your mind!

When we say "nutrient-dense" and "essential", there is a great amount of misunderstanding. Our take is that a highly-misunderstood "essential" fat is saturated fat, and a group of these increasingly popular fats are in the group of medium chain triglycerides, which boast powerful health benefits. Otherwise known as MCT (or MCT Oil), these critically useful fatty acids are finally getting recognition like other important fatty acids. As a high-quality source of dietary fat, MCTs have a ton to offer, with evidence supporting it can yield positive effects in your training, your body, and your mind!

TL;DR (Article Summary)

MCT Oil, short for medium chain triglycerides, are a group of saturated fatty acids that are quickly-absorbed for rapid energy thanks to their shorter structure.

Saturated fat is healthy. There is no causal link whatsoever between saturated fat and heart disease or obesity. In fact, the obesity crisis began when we collectively replaced saturated fat with omega-6 polyunsaturated fats from "vegetable oils". (See the saturated fat discussion) The medium chain triglycerides, or "MCTs", are a group of saturated fatty acids with "medium" chain lengths, ranging from six to twelve carbon bonds. These fatty acids caproic acid (C6), Caprylic acid (C8), Capric acid (C10), and Lauric acid (C12). (See the MCT Intro section) When supplemented, MCTs demonstrated the following benefits: Decreased appetite (through increased satiety), increased cognition, improved beta-oxidation (fat burning) rates, better gut health, and potential immune system improvements. (See the MCT oil benefits section) When looking for quality MCT Powder, C8 (Caprylic Acid) is the way to go, and C8Vantage from NNB Nutrition is where to get it. Read more here and on NNBNutrition.com

Due to unfavorable characteristics of C6 and C12, C8 and C10 are the preferred MCTs to supplement, with C8 having the best data in terms of beta oxidation and ketone generation. (See the MCT Supplements section) Preferred MCT Oil Products:

For powdered MCT Oil, we prefer C8Vantage, which is made by NNB Nutrition and is a nearly-pure C8 formula that is GMO-Free, vegan-friendly, and has no glycemic impact since it is plated on tapioca prebiotic fiber and pea protein, bt other dairy-based options are available as well.

For liquid MCT Oil, we prefer Nuton Brainfood, which comes in C8-only and C8+C10 versions. (See the MCT oil products section)

In this post, we're going to take a deep dive into MCTs - what they are, why they're different, how to use them, and where you can find the best ones - both in liquid and powder form. We're also going to look at published research focused on MCTs, which will help us paint a clearer picture of their benefits. Brace yourself for an in-depth, science-backed look at a food seemingly built for athletic and cognitive performance!

Before going further, feel free to subscribe to our notifications to get alerted on deals, videos, and blog posts on any of the topics on this page, as there are always ongoing updates and newer research:

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In late 2019, Mike and Ben interviewed Dr. Kaleb Redden, an orthopedic surgeon who is also Kaged Muscle's team doctor!

As someone who can repair spines, enhance strength, and help you get big, it's no wonder why Kris Gethin brought him on the team.

Welcome Dr. Kaleb Redden to Team Kaged Muscle!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihCK6ZJKNCg

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Are you ready to Be Amazing?

Be inspired. Be motivated. Be Amazing.

Michael Yewdell is. And once you hear his story, you'll want to join the amazing movement.

Every year, countless supplement companies launch, seemingly popping up out of thin air. Some stick around, few flourish, but many vanish back into the thin air where they came from. What's the difference between these winners and losers?

Purpose.

Too many new brands have no true purpose, direction, or meaning. They follow the industry trends to a tee, use cookie-cutter formulas, charge unreasonable prices, and may even use poor quality manufacturing facilities. In other words, they stand for nothing and do nothing to stand out. Easy come, easy go.

Be Amazing.

But today, we meet a man with a different direction. A sense of purpose. A message that means something.

He's here to show you that regardless of your circumstances, you can Be Amazing. But before we dive into the incredible story behind BEAM, be sure to subscribe to our BEAM news and deal alerts so you stay up to date with everything regarding BEAM's outstanding products:

BEAM – Deals and Price Drop AlertsGet Price AlertsGet BEAM alerts Also get hot deal alertsNo spam, no scams.Disclosure: PricePlow relies on pricing from stores with which we have a business relationship. We work hard to keep pricing current, but you may find a better offer.Posts are sponsored in part by the retailers and/or brands listed on this page.

Listen to Mike Yewdell discuss BEAM

Mike joined Ben on the PricePlow Podcast to share his story:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKseKy_tJ0k

Introducing BEAM: More Than a Brand, It's A Movement

BEAM is here to provide exceptional products to help you Be Amazing.

A truly successful company must start with a great leader -- someone with years of experience who knows how to inspire and direct others and has a passion for every aspect of the brand. Meet Michael Yewdell: a fitness fanatic, foodie, supplement industry veteran, and cancer survivor. Mike has over nine years of experience, and throughout the time he spent working with some of the biggest names in the industry, he knew there was still something missing.

Mike has tried nearly every supplement. While he found some that he liked, most were well below average.

The best way Mike could solve this problem was to branch out and create his own brand. Having been so involved in the industry, he knew a thing or two about branding. And he knew what was missing. Thus, BEAM was born, which stands for Be Amazing. But what most people don't know is there's a lot more meaning to the brand's name than you may think.

BEAM may not sound like a supplement company name, but that's because BEAM goes well beyond supplements, health, and fitness. For many, it's truly life-saving.

BEAM: Cancer Treatment or Supplement Brand?

BEAM is going to create a team of people who are all amazing in their own way.

As mentioned, Mike is not only an entrepreneur and supplement guru, he's a cancer survivor. And as you'll see, it was BEAM that brought Mike another chance, so now he wants to help you Be Amazing too.

In 2017, Mike was unfortunately diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma, which is a cancer of the lymphatic system. He was told not to worry, because with the advancements in modern medicine, he would be cured - his form had a 95% success rate.

Mike was mentally and physically prepared for a battle, little did he know it was going to be the fight of his life. After failing three chemotherapy treatments, Mike's cancer was winning. Some people would give up throughout this process, but not Mike - he's a fighter and would not let anything slow him down.

Hiding the fight of his life in plain sight

Although admittedly starting to lose hope, Mike didn't want anyone to feel sorry for him or know that he was hurting. He still went to work, acted as if nothing was wrong,

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Welcome to PricePlow's 2019 Supplement Industry AwardsIn December of 2019, Mike and Ben got together to discuss the 2019 Supplement Industry Awards. This followed our end of 2019 catch-up podcast.

The categories and winners listed:

2019 Product of the Year (Non-Supplement) - SteelFit Steel Releaf 2019 Brand of the Year - Ghost Lifestyle Brand to Watch in 2020 - Glaxon 2019 Flavor System of the Year - Alpha Lion GAIN-O-RADE / SuperHuman Intra Grapermelon and Ghost Legend Limited Edition Strawberry Daiquiri 2019 Supplement of the Year - NutraBio Alpha EAA

Audio Version

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Videos

2019 Product of the Year (Non-Supplement)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gohcYxBCWA

2019 Brand of the Year

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G_8sTqZyIE

2019 Flavor System of the Year

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wetZodoPZwU

2019 Supplement of the Year

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7SJGmGt5hs

Also, don't miss our final discussion, 2020 - Year of Retailer Exclusive Brands?

You can follow-up with our more extensive 2020 Supplement Industry Awards, where you'll notice the breakout brand happened to be the one we predicted!

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Meet Berberine, the powerhouse of supplement ingredients for blood sugar control!

The most appealing beauty of the supplement industry is its ability to innovate. While most formulas are not groundbreaking revelations, every once in awhile, we're hit with something that completely redefines the industry.

Berberine, a unique plant alkaloid that has been shown to improve the body's response to insulin -- to the point of working better than some pharmaceutical drugs -- is one such exciting compound. This alkaloid has displayed some impressive abilities, specifically in the realm of insulin sensitivity, fasting glucose levels, HbA1c reduction, and nutrient partitioning.

While berberine has been available as a supplement ingredient for quite some time, it wasn't always as impactful as one would hope, since it has poor bioavailability and there are many low-quality extracts on the market. The good news is that we are on the brink of another ingredient renaissance event thanks to NNB Nutrition, an ingredient innovation company who has released a new variant of berberine.

Dihydroberberine: The better part of berberine

NNB Nutrition has discovered a better way to maximize berberine's potential. In their patented new ingredient, GlucoVantageⓇ, the science-backed team is incorporating a superior form of the ingredient - dihydroberberine (DHB). Recent research suggests that this form of berberine is as much as six times better than its base form, which could potentially be huge for the body composition and anti-aging markets.

GlucoVantage from NNB Nutrition is a pure form of Dihydroberberine (DHB) and is known as "The Super Berberine". See more on NNBNutrition.com

Even with lower-quality extracts on the market, berberine is still effective in and of itself, and is backed by a significant amount of human research. But recent studies suggest that DHB may be what powers its insulin-optimizing abilities. If so, we will see a rise in the popularity of dihydroberberine -- and thus NNB's GlucoVantage -- very soon.

In this post, we're going to dive deep into berberine - what it is, its applications, the science behind, and the potential of its hydrogen-bonded derivative, DHB. Fair warning, though - this article is going to be very science-heavy, so make sure you've got yourself ready to jump into some complex terminology and mechanisms!

TL;DR:

Berberine is a bioactive plant alkaloid often used for its anti-diabetic effects in supplements known as Glucose Disposal Agents (GDAs) or Nutrient Partitioners. When supplemented, berberine demonstrates strong improvements in fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, insulin sensitivity, and lipid profiles in both humans and animals. A landmark study of 1.5g/day berberine demonstrated identical effects to the pharmaceutical drug metformin in terms of HbA1c reduction, fasting blood glucose, and post-prandial blood glucose levels... and berberine bested metformin in terms of triglyceride reduction! Berberine suffers from two issues: poor bioavailability and low-quality extracts on the market. This has led to a new generation of supplements:

Dihydroberberine is a derivative of berberine that is more bioavailable and can be taken at lower doses with greater results. Once absorbed, it reassembles back into berberine in the bloodstream.

GlucoVantage from NNB Nutrition is a pure form of Dihydroberberine (DHB) and is known as "The Super Berberine". See more on NNBNutrition.com

GlucoVantage from NNB Nutrition is a patented and trademarked form of pure dihydroberberine that is created from pure berberine and is lab-tested.

Recommended GlucoVantage-based berberine supplements include:

Alpha Lion Gains Candy GlucoVantage

The Genius Brand Genius Blood Sugar

Dosage: Standard Berberine is best dosed 3x/day at 500mg per serving, while GlucoVantage can be dosed 3x/day at 100-200mg p...

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Many consumers quickly glance at the label on a dietary supplement, blindly purchase it, and never question where it was made or if what’s listed on the label is actually in the bottle. But what if you don’t even know what you’re buying? Has the product been tested to meet label claims, where is it manufactured, and how pure really is it?

After years of failed inspections, warning letters, meetings with the FDA, and recalls... ABH Pharma and their owner Mohammed Jahirul Islam have been indicted by the US Department of Justice

Regardless of the myths that surround the supplement industry of ‘not being regulated by the FDA’, this news story will change your mind. Because this one involves a serious indictment after plenty of warning letters, strikes, and failed audits.

FDA indicts major contract manufacturer in ABH Pharma

After years of playing "whack-a-mole" by sending warning letters to small brands, the FDA -- and now the Department of Justice -- have gone after the root of the supplement industry's biggest problem: underhanded contract manufacturers. These are the companies that are actually bottling the products, and we have long stated that they are a better "pinch point" for strict enforcement of current Good Manufacturing Practices.

On January 17th, 2020, a major contract supplement manufacturer under the names of ABH Pharma, ABH Nature’s Products, and Stocknutra.com published a press release on BusinessWire issuing a nationwide recall on all lots of dietary supplements manufactured and sold between January 2013 – November 2019,[1] after an indictment was posted in New York on December 26, 2019.[2,3]

Major offenses over several years

After numerous failed inspections, warning letters, and even meetings, the FDA and DOJ had finally had enough

The DOJ indictment, which names Mohammed Jahirul Islam (“Islam”) as the owner of the three companies, alleges that their facilities distributed adulterated and misbranded dietary supplements and unapproved and misbranded drugs.[2] They signed a consent decree[3] forcing Islam to destroy all dietary supplements (and drugs) in their possession within 15 days, which has now also been posted on the FDA's website.[4]

The DOJ indictment report stated that ABH failed 6 FDA audits over the years, had warning letters dating back to 2012, and neglected to conduct at least one appropriate test for ingredient identity.[2]

The indictment itself (which is linked at the bottom of the DOJ's report web page) includes new infractions from a November 2018 inspection.[3] Such infractions include some egregious drug claims made on products they manufactured, such as "Whey protein in the form of protein powder can help in reducing the symptoms associated with anxiety and depression".[3]

In addition, ABH Nature's products had a voluntary recall in June 2017 and January 2018 due to possible salmonella contamination.[3]

“As demonstrated by the consent decree, this Office and the FDA will work tirelessly to protect consumers who take dietary supplements, ensuring that manufacturers comply with good manufacturing practices and do not distribute unapproved and misbranded drugs in violation of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act."

-- Richard P. Donoghue, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York[2]

A long time coming

The indictment lists several inspections at the Defendants' Edgewood, NY facility, including inspections that occurred in or about July 2012, May 2013, August 2013, November 2016, and February 2018, on top of the most recent November 2018 inspection.

The FDA's warning letter from 2012 lists seven major cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practice) violations, such as adulteration, mislabeling, misbranding, failure to verify finished supplements, failure to monitor, and failure to follow control processes, and failure to qualify suppliers.[5]

The FDA even held regulatory meetings with Islam and his management team on March 23, 2017,

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In December of 2019, Ben visited Mike in Texas to film some videos to recap the year. But first, they sat down to catch up on their personal lives and recapped 2019 in the supplement industry.

Ben and Mike Catch Up and Recap 2019 in the Supplement Industry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Wu9N3FIdg

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On October 22nd, 2019 Australia's TGA released "Consultation: Proposed clarification that certain sports supplements are therapeutic goods",[1] a document outlining proposed amendments to the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. This proposed amendment would make most supplements under the regulation of the TGA, similar to the FDA's drug office in the USA.

We sat down with Joseph Mencel of Massive Joe's to hear his thoughts. As a major importer, distributor, retailer, and someone with a legal background in Australia, he offers a unique point of view in the discussion. Joe is traveling so please forgive the lapses in connection.

The update was later published by the Australia TGA in March of 2020.[2]

Joseph Mencel of Massive Joe's Breaks Down the 2019 Australian TGA Update

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYbAy8XTtz4

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References

https://www.tga.gov.au/consultation/consultation-proposed-clarification-certain-sports-supplements-are-therapeutic-goods https://www.tga.gov.au/update-proposed-clarification-certain-sports-supplements-are-therapeutic-goods

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This amino acid has a similar structure to beta alanine and taurine, and is created naturally when you exercise. But can ingesting it make your body kick into "exercise mode" without lifting a finger?!

We're always on the lookout for supplement ingredients that could be the "Next Big Thing", and it's very possible we just found one for dieters.

Its name is BAIBA (pronounced "BAY-buh"), and it may be able to mimic certain fat-burning processes that occur in your body when exercising - even when you're not working out!

Of course, we never suggest avoiding exercise, but research published in 2014 definitely got our attention, which is why we originally wrote this article in 2015. Four years later, we finally found a trustworthy ingredient supplier in NNB Nutrition's MitoBurn, allowing us to pursue more research.

TL;DR

BAIBA (or β-aminoisobutyric acid) is an "amino acid" generated during exercise. It is involved in several healthy processes, such as the thermogenic browning of white fat and exercise-based prevention of bone and muscle loss. When supplemented, it is pro-ketogenic and increases fatty acid oxidation in the liver while protecting against fat gain and improving glucose tolerance in mice. (See the BAIBA Research section) There are two isomers of BAIBA, L-BAIBA and D-BAIBA, research shows L-BAIBA is superior for supplementation because it leads to more positive metabolic health outcomes. The preferred BAIBA Supplement ingredient is MitoBurn by NNB Nutrition. (See the BAIBA Supplements section)

Interested in trying NNB Nutrition's MitoBurn for your brand's formulas? Contact us and we'll arrange a sample for you or email NNB Nutrition directly at info@nnbnutrition.com!

Suggested doses are 250-500mg, 1-2 times per day. (See the BAIBA Dosage section)

There are no currently known side effects at the above doses, but because it is a new ingredient with limited human research, caution is suggested. In 2019, safety data was conducted on mice and showed L-BAIBA's LD50 (lethal dose for 50% of animals) was well over 2,000mg/kg of body weight, which means we're very comfortable with the suggested dose. Under DSHEA, BAIBA is by definition a dietary supplement since it covers several sections.

No statements on this page are approved by the FDA and you should seek a doctor's approval before beginning any new supplement or dietary program.

This article was originally written in 2015, but updated in 2019 after finally finding a reputable raw material source from NNB Nutrition.

This ingredient is incredibly interesting, especially to aggressive dieters, but is definitely not for the conservative or cautious user -- at least until more human-based research is published.

This article is science-intense, so get ready:

What is BAIBA?

Table of Contents

TL;DRWhat is BAIBA?L-BAIBA vs. D/R-BAIBA: Which Form is Best?BAIBA’s Connection to Valine and ThymineValine: The underrated BCAA due to its metabolism to BAIBAWhy L-BAIBA is Superior to R-BAIBAWhat is BAIBA used for?Discovery of BAIBA“Exercise in a pill”??Watch our BAIBA video with Shawn WellsBAIBA’s role in the bodyPPAR alpha and PGC1 alphaPGC1 Alpha’s rolePPAR Alpha – Closer to the end gameBrown vs. White Adipose TissueWhite Fat: The ugly kind we all want to burnBrown Fat: The Energy UserHow BAIBA works: the ‘exercise in a pill’ partConverting to a hybrid fat with the best of both worldsPartial leptin deficiency: incredibly promising for obesityThe hazardous leptin negative feedback loop – can it be stopped?Other BAIBA Research Studies: Various positive effectsA pro-ketogenic moleculeHepatic fatty acid oxidation: clear liver fat faster?Prevention of Disuse-Based Bone and Muscle LossImprovement of glucose tolerance and insulin resistance related issuesImprovements from a high-fat dietImprovements to diabetic miceProtection against renal fibrosis in miceBAIBA SupplementsMitoBurn by NNB Nutrition: The Trusted and Te...

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In September of 2019 at the annual Mr. Olympia convention, Ben and Mike interviewed one of our favorite sports nutrition and bodybuilding experts - John Meadows of Granite Supplements.

This bodybuilder, former banker, business founder, and family man lets us in on some of the cutting practices used back in the day, his thoughts of the importance of sleep, how to bulk, and much more.

At the end of this interview, he alludes to the new Granite Supplements Protein, and it's as good as he said it would be!

John Meadows Tells All | Mr. Olympia 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmOXB74p5gQ

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In July of 2019, Ben visited Mike in Texas to film some content. But first they sat down, stimmed up with their favorite caffeine sources, and caught up on the industry and where they've been.

Ben and Mike Catch Up | July 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNdTQ0ayhF0

Audio Version

Timestamps:

:45 catch up on life

7:15 Ben's training

15:20 Coming from "NutraBio University"

19:00 Ghost hitting the industry

34:00 Mfit's launch

40:00 Mike's new mission in the industry

50:30 Insulin talk

1:09:00 What we're excited for in the second half of the year

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While we at PricePlow love to talk about new brands, product releases, and new flavor variations, we strive to remain up-to-date with the business side of things within the supplement industry. It’s sometimes easy to neglect the inner workings of the industry - regulations, suits, etc. But, its extremely important to us that we cover this area and keep our readers in the know!

Thanks to Robert Tauler of Tauler-Smith LLP for coming on to educate us!

In April of 2019, PricePlow founder and CEO Mike Roberto sat down with Robert Tauler of Tauler-Smith LLP to discuss legal workings within the supplement industry. Robert, an attorney who earned his law degree from Harvard in 2005, has spent many years dealing with various legal situations in the world of food and dietary supplements, and specializes in the area of branding and marketing. In this video interview, Mike and Robert talked specifically about false advertising lawsuits - the rules in place, how issues arise, and how to avoid them! The interview is extremely informative, and we highly recommend checking it out. We’ll link it below, but if you’re someone who’d just rather have some of the key points, we have you covered there, too!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TH7RA5vrj38

Below are the comprehensive show notes for readers, but first, be sure to subscribe to our podcast!

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The regulatory bodies, laws, and regulations

Issues in the supplement industry seem to consistently circulating, and that’s due to a number of factors! Our world is highly entrepreneurial, and in regards to the supplement industry in particular, there are low barriers to entry. Many of these firms are small businesses, looking to provide supplements that they believe in to the masses! Laws have been set into place in order to keep consumers safe, however. The "Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994" (DSHEA) is the dominating federal law that regulates the industry. It outlines everything - what constitutes a dietary supplement, labeling, claims that can/cannot be made, and even proper manufacturing practices!

Some states can even have their own additional laws. California is one such example - they enforce their own regulations, which is noteworthy given the state is such a vast market!

There are two main enforcers of these regulations are the FDA and FTC. Despite the two being separate federal agencies, they actually overlap quite a bit in most cases.

The FTC governs marketing specifically! They tend to focus more on "big-ticket, nationwide" items, and are more interested in regulating highly profitable, large companies. They also enforce FDA regulations, as well, in addition to being able to hand down their own punishments. The FDA establishes most of the rules and regulations regarding what people ingest, be it food or supplements. They can investigate and police their policies, and recommend troublesome cases to the Department of Justice.

Common supplement and food industry false advertising lawsuits

Now that you have a brief overview of the structure of the industry and its policing agencies, let’s get into what some of the issues that come up are! While the laws in place are essential, they can sometimes be quite confusing, especially for those who aren’t well-versed in them!

Common issues within the industry

One cannot claim to cure/mitigate a disease in nutritional supplements!

Implied disease claims are even problematic - you can’t say something like "improves your joints" in marketing!

One cannot claim to alter the structure or function of any part of the human body in a dietary supplement, without valid evidence!

This makes phrases like "speeds the metabolism" are tricky - you can use them if you have research studies to back them up!

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In June of 2019, we had The Guerrilla Chemist on the PricePlow Podcast after the successful release of Chemix Pre Workout and Beast Super Test MAX, both of which formulated by "TGC". We get into his background a bit, and then he teases Neuro Beast, which we downright love!

Our Guerrilla Chemist Interview from June 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJZmlJgiHoY

Audio Version

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Check out our Beast Sports Nutrition and Chemix pages to sign up for news alerts and save!

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We were lucky enough to have the legendary Dave Palumbo of RX Muscle, Species Nutrition, and Muscle Serpents University join us for thirty minutes to introduce himself to the channel and focus on his well-known supplement company, Species Nutrition:

Our Dave Palumbo Interview from May 12, 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1NPZ_rhFOs

In the video, we discuss Species Nutrition, Dave's high-protein Ultra Low-Carb Diet, being ahead of the curve (maybe Dave should get that macadamia nut oil supplement going now!), and much more, including Dave's snake breeding hobby/passion!

We spent a good amount of time talking about Species Nutrition Isolyze.

Some of the Species supplements discussed are Isolyze, Testolyze, and Fiberlyze.

Snake Breeding?!

That's right, bodybuilding will always be Dave's first love, but another passion of his is snake breeding. You can see more about this on Palumbo's Pythons and check out his other YouTube channel, Muscle Serpents University. He also has a channel named Muscle Fish, but definitely seems to be into the snakes a bit more lately.

Interesting stuff from one hell of an interesting and experienced guy!

Check out our Species Nutrition page to save on Dave's supplements, and sign up for the alerts below!

Species – Deals and Price Drop AlertsGet Price AlertsGet Species alerts Also get hot deal alertsNo spam, no scams.Disclosure: PricePlow relies on pricing from stores with which we have a business relationship. We work hard to keep pricing current, but you may find a better offer.Posts are sponsored in part by the retailers and/or brands listed on this page.

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Get ready for a high-energy discussion with Matt Mosman of EndurElite, where we introduced Matt and covered his background, and then got into the Best Supplements for Endurance Athletes!

Our Matt Mosman Interviews from Fall of 2018

The YouTube Videos were broken into two sections, but the audio feed is one segment:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_OOv8tmPn8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vosTEG17Z4w

Quite a bit of knowledge dropped here, as we discuss things like carbohydrates, beta alanine, caffeine, creatine, PeakO2, betaine, taurine, and even fat adaptation for ultra endurance athletes!

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What is Velositol?

Velositol is a unique chromium / amylopectin complex that increases muscle protein synthesis (MPS) when combined with protein and exercise. It is GRAS affirmed[1] (generally recognized as safe) at the recommended serving of 2 grams per day in protein drinks (including ready-to-drink and powder), meal replacement bars, energy and protein bars, with the consideration that these products can be taken up to three times a day.

Nutrition21's Velositol is finally making its way out there – and the research is too!

Velositol is manufactured and sold by one of the most prominent supplement ingredient suppliers, Nutrition21. You may know them from their other patented ingredients, Nitrosigine (a popular nitric oxide enhancing ingredient) and Chromax (a form of chromium supported by over 50 studies).

Thanks to Nutrition21's extensive knowledge of chromium and its ability to assist insulin (often for purposes of glucose metabolism and weight management), the creation of Velositol for muscle-building purposes was a logical next step.

Nutrition21, the creators of Velositol, assisted with the scientific research in this article.

This is a promising new ingredient, to say the least. There has been some highly-successful preliminary human research on Velositol (but with smaller protein doses), while newer animal-based research with higher doses of protein combined with the ingredient also proved successful, although to a lesser degree.

In this article, we will cover this research and the mechanisms behind the ingredient, thanks to the help of Nutrition21's science team and the products using Velositol listed at the bottom of this post.

What is Velositol? Watch our Interview with Todd Spear from Nutrition21!

If you'd rather listen and watch than read, then check out PricePlow's founder, Mike Roberto, talking to Nutrition21's Todd Spear about Velositol:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXw89RGOLWs

What does Velositol do, and how?

Velositol increases muscle protein synthesis (MPS) in combination with protein and exercise and it works by enhancing insulin sensitivity, resulting in greater uptake of amino acids into muscle, fueling MPS.

Chromium Picolinate has a very interesting effect on rats.[2] If we drive it with a part of a starch (amylopectin), can we take advantage of this?!

Chromium picolinate, one of the main ingredients in Velositol, has been shown to improve insulin action, as well as increase the metabolism of nutrients.[2] Increased insulin action causes various anabolic effects such as increases in the metabolism of nutrients (such as carbohydrates, lipids, and protein) and increases in the rate of glucose and amino acid uptake in muscle cells. Therefore, Velositol is thought to stimulate MPS via improved insulin activity.

Insulin means everything

The pros seem to far outweigh the cons... so why not give it a try? Healthy insulin activity is vital for MPS because in the presence of a protein containing essential amino acids, insulin aids in the transportation of amino acids into muscle cells to stimulate MPS. Therefore, when combined with adequate sources of protein, Velositol can increase insulin action and in turn, stimulate MPS. Moreover, Velositol has been shown to significantly increase enzymes involved in the MPS signaling pathway (such as mTOR, S6K1, and 4E-BP1), providing evidence of the cellular pathway by which Velositol enhances MPS.

The Myokine connection

Finally, an additional mechanism of action may be through increased myokines, such as musclin and fractalkine, which are cytokines released by muscle during exercise that lead to MPS and hypertrophy. Both clinical and preclinical studies have shown that groups taking Velositol had the greatest levels of myokines.[3] Therefore, another mechanism by which Velositol increases muscle protein synthesis is through enhancement of the myokine signaling pathway.

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Mark Glazier of NutraBio explains why he was lobbying Congress for better protein labeling laws

In May of 2018, Mike and Mark Glazier talked about Mark's recent trip to Washington D.C. (posted here on Mark's Facebook and embedded below), where the NutraBio founder and CEO was lobbying for better protein labeling laws.

Mark explains some of the issues he commonly sees, and while we believe that customer education is the best way to go, there are many things that could be done from the top down view that could certainly help keep the bad actors from scamming and winning lawsuits, especially in the case of protein amino acid spiking.

The conversation on the YouTube comments below are interesting, with many not wanting more regulation. Mark typically agrees, but he also knows the loopholes in the current laws, and would like to see them patched up for the industry. We discuss where those problems lie:

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Mike's Interview with Mark Glazier, NutraBio CEO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfFDn5wgAjw

Follow Mark and Genius on Social Media

Mark's Instagram: @TheMarkGlazier

NutraBio's Instagram: @NutraBio

NutraBio Facebook: Facebook.com/nutrabio

The original Facebook Post that started this

As always, sign up for our news and deal alerts on PricePlow's NutraBio page, or check out some of the products below:

NutraBio – Deals and Price Drop AlertsGet Price AlertsGet NutraBio alerts Also get hot deal alertsNo spam, no scams.Disclosure: PricePlow relies on pricing from stores with which we have a business relationship. We work hard to keep pricing current, but you may find a better offer.Posts are sponsored in part by the retailers and/or brands listed on this page.

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Note: The show notes for this article have moved to Mike's Personal Site: Ketones Boost Muscle Health, Says New Research by Dr. Benjamin Bikman.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVxlHU_RlDY

See the show notes on MikeRoberto.com.

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Important Note: This blog post has been moved. You can now find it on Mike's personal site (MikeRoberto.com).

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For all links, video, and discussion, see it here on MikeRoberto.com.

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Today you get to meet the man behind The Genius Brand: Robert Oliver!

For quite a long time, we've covered The Genius Brand, a supplement company co-created and run by Rob Oliver that uses nearly all patented and trademarked ingredients, huge non-proprietary formulas, and no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners.

We've known the brand and their products, but not everyone knows the man behind the brand. So sit back and prepare for a nice introduction to Rob Oliver, @TheGeniusCEO, who's one highly motivated, well-researched, and well-read individual!

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Mike's Interview with Rob Oliver, the Genius Brand CEO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6MekjCkEFQ

Hopefully, you'll gain an appreciation for what The Genius Brand is all about and what Rob's trying to accomplish with them. "Total Life Optimization" are the three words to sum it up!

Rob Oliver is The Genius CEO!

We bounce around a LOT from supplements to entrepreneurship to ingredients to meditation and Rob's daily routine to mushrooms... and even new products coming out and Rob's book recommendations if you hang in there long enough!

We definitely think Rob has something magical going on there and hope they continue to push hard into the future!

Follow Rob and Genius on Social Media

Rob's Instagram: @TheGeniusCEO

The Genius Brand Instagram: @TheGeniusBrand

The Genius Brand Facebook: Facebook.com/TheGeniusBrand

Thanks for joining us, Rob!

As always, sign up for our news and deal alerts on PricePlow's The Genius Brand page, or check out some of the products below:

The Genius Brand – Deals and Price Drop AlertsGet Price AlertsGet The Genius Brand alerts Also get hot deal alertsNo spam, no scams.Disclosure: PricePlow relies on pricing from stores with which we have a business relationship. We work hard to keep pricing current, but you may find a better offer.Posts are sponsored in part by the retailers and/or brands listed on this page.

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Kris Gethin talks about earning his residency on earth and leaving a legacy with Kaged Muscle in our latest interview!

Team PricePlow had the honor of interviewing the legendary Kris Gethin of Kaged Muscle Supplements, who joined us for over 35 minutes to kick off a fantastic series of new supplement launches!

We talked about Kris' upbringing and history, the founding of Kaged Muscle, his exhaustive lab testing on both supplements and himself, and what's coming soon from Kaged Muscle.

The video is below, but first, be sure to subscribe to our audio feeds:

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Kris Gethin Speaks on Founding Kaged Muscle and Much More:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaiRvarTtPo

New products discussed

Here's a hint: Kaged Muscle's MicroPure Whey Protein Isolate tastes amazing, especially chocolate!

On top of Kris' stack and the obvious discussion of Pre-Kaged and its epic flavor/formulation by Brian Rand, we discussed the new products for 2018, which include:

Ferodrox (natural testosterone booster) Kaged Muscle MicroPure Whey Protein Isolate (there will also be a 100% naturally-sweetened version coming)

Amino Synergy (full-spectrum EAA "Energy Aminos" that will come in both caffeinated and caffeine-free versions) ...something else around the corner -- sign up for alerts below!

You can see all of our deals and KM news on our Kaged Muscle Supplements page or sign up below:

Kaged Muscle – Deals and Price Drop AlertsGet Price AlertsGet Kaged Muscle alerts Also get hot deal alertsNo spam, no scams.Disclosure: PricePlow relies on pricing from stores with which we have a business relationship. We work hard to keep pricing current, but you may find a better offer.Posts are sponsored in part by the retailers and/or brands listed on this page.

To be posted on the PricePlow Podcast

We're still getting caught up on the audio episodes of the PricePlow podcast, but you can subscribe below and get notified when the new episodes arrive!

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As mentioned, there's more on the way from Kris, Brian, Mike, and the gang at Kaged Muscle, so sign up for our alerts below!

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Matt had the honor of doing an audio interview with the legendary Branch Warren, who takes us through his upbringing, his introduction into bodybuilding, and WICKED CUTZ Jerky!

PricePlow's Interview with Branch Warren

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See the video version:

It's audio only, but there are some images as well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy_filRpkoQ

Introducing Wicked Cutz Jerky

Towards the end of the video, Matt and Branch begin talking about Wicked Cutz Jerky, Branch's new Texas-inspired jerky line in partnership with Scott James of BSN and Sinister Labs fame.

If we don't have any products on our Wicked Cutz page yet, you can take a look at WickedCutz.co and try a variety pack!

What else is Branch Up to?

We can't wait to see the workout plan that comes out of this partnership!

Outside of his training (he's still in beast mode!), Branch has three other things outside of Wicked Cutz:

Updated: Branch Warren is now with Kaged Muscle! Black Skull Supplements, which will officially launch in the US at the 2018 Mr. Olympia Bodybuilding and Fitness Events and Expos - Learn about them at TheBranchWarren.com Ongoing sponsorship with GASP

You can check out Branch on Instagram: TheBranchWarren (and don't forget about WickedCutzJerky)!

Thanks a ton to Branch for your valuable time!

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Note: This page and audio feed was published on July 29, 2019, 1.5 years after the interview. The biggest change here is that Ben Kane is now with Team PricePlow!

Dan Margolis and [Ben Kane] of NutraBio come onto the PricePlow podcast to launch their Natural Series Sports Supplements!

In March of 2018, everyone in the sports nutrition industry descended upon beautiful Columbus, OH, and we got together with Team NutraBio, who was launching their Natural Series of sports supplements, which included NutraBio Natural Pre Workout and NutraBio Natural Intra Blast!

This was a super fun, relaxed conversation that was done in the hotel lobby, so there will be some background noise, but the discussion on beta alanine definitely gets wild and fun. Even better, Ben is now on Team PricePlow, so this is our audio podcast listener's first chance to meet him!

The video is below, but first, the audio feeds:

Audio Feed on the PricePlow Podcast

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Our Podcast with Dan and [Ben] of NutraBio at the 2018 Arnold Sports Festival

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C78whS8NQ4I

Save on NutraBio Supplements using PricePlow:

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Note: This page and audio feed was published on July 26, 2019, 1.5 years after the interview. Much has happened since then, but Bruce's new stimulant is still not on the market as of right now, as he still awaits the US Patent and Trademark Office.

Legendary supplement formulator Bruce Kneller visits Texas in early 2018 to make a major career announcement, doses us with his new stimulant, and drops a monster load of information!

In February of 2018, the legendary Bruce Kneller came to Texas to visit and share some major news. After several years with Giant Sports, he announced that he was no longer with them. We got to hear Bruce's stories from not only Giant Sports, but also some crazy times at Gaspari Nutrition.

But on top of that, Bruce introduced us to his new stimulant, which was a fantastic experience.

We then got into the hot topics of Kratom, CBD, Tianeptine, and Research Chemicals. Even better, industry consultant Josh Schall joined us to discuss marketing to millennials and the future of GNC.

The videos are all below, but first, the audio feeds:

Audio Feed on the PricePlow Podcast

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Our Day with Bruce Kneller in February 2018

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioDrI4RdbDc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKbkOY5cYOE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdSbd_vNWpo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pv7TG32Oe5s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AltZkaajIlc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNUgC9NmS4g

Two additional videos with Josh Schall

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtbmFv_AaCc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ki8X430FWE

Yeah, we definitely need to get Bruce back on the channel... subscribe and stay tuned!

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In February of 2018, Robert Tauler of the Tauler Smith LLP came on to discuss what was happening in Nutrition Distribution's lawsuit against Enhanced Athlete

Note: This page and audio feed was published on July 14, 2019, 1.5 years after the interview. Much has happened since then, but needless to say, there are definitely far fewer readily-available SARMs and DNP on the market now.

Early 2018 was quite a wild time for parts of the supplement industry. A major reason for that is because Nutrition Distribution LLC was neck-deep in several lawsuits, all run through Robert Tauler of the Tauler Smith LLP in Los Angeles, CA.

After our coverage of SARMS and the Nutrition Distribution vs. IronMagLabs lawsuit, Robert asked if he could come on to our YouTube channel and explain his side of the story. The interview was quite a learning experience, and the comments, feedback, and thumbs-down ratio definitely went as expected!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOzPnVx2ti8

Audio Feed on the PricePlow Podcast

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See also: Robert Tauler's video on how to avoid False Advertising Lawsuits

Robert came on once again in 2019, turning a new leaf and trying to help companies doing things right, not just attacking those doing it wrong. It's a very informative discussion on labeling laws and digs more into the firms expertise:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TH7RA5vrj38

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Note: This page and audio feed was published on July 10, 2019, nearly three years after the interviews. They are still relevant to this day, although the plant tour videos will be out of date as NutraBio is constantly expanding their operations.

PricePlow Podcast #007: Mark Glazier of NutraBio (2016). These interviews have stood the test of time, and are finally on our audio feed!

In November 2016, I flew out to New Jersey to see NutraBio's world headquarters to spend the day with Mark Glazier and learn about The NutraBio Story.

We discuss several topics shown in the videos below. They mostly revolve around the FDA's supplement industry regulations, Mark's creation of the NutraBio company and brand, and how he complies with the letter of the law.

I also get a plant tour, which is omitted from the audio feeds, but note that those videos are now out of date since NutraBio has scaled operations up.

Some videos from this trip were never published, but it was time to move this to the audio feed anyway. It's also time to get another trip up to New Jersey, as the brand has grown leaps and bounds since then!

Audio Feed on the PricePlow Podcast

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Watch Mark discuss the truth about supplement regulations, then join him and Mike on a plant tour of NutraBio's facilities in Middlesex, NJ:

The laws that all supplement companies must follow:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSceKrNCma0

The NutraBio Plant Tour

Step 1 - Incoming Ingredient Verification:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Acm7LUXJ0M

Step 2 - Precision Supplement Blending:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3AVPY_chcI

Will Donald Trump's FDA Regulate Supplements?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVcGL6YheWI

Whey Protein Scams

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQva9KoU-Q8

Mike and Mark Glazier's Fixes for the Supplement Industry:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N6TWDVFTW4

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We interviews bodybuilder Dallas McCarver, RedCon1's top tier athlete, who's just 15 days out from the 2017 Arnold!

Our interview with the late, great Dallas McCarver

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQhxw2p80Cc

Audio Feed on the PricePlow Podcast

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Rest in peace, Dallas.

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MAJOR UPDATE: This lawsuit was settled at the end of May 2017, and Jim Stoppani is coming back to Bodybuilding.com to produce content -- although it seems like JYM products will remain available at Amazon and GNC. We'll update with more details when available.

If you thought the ongoing Jim Stoppani Scandal couldn't get any crazier, then think again.

On June 22, 2016, Bodybuilding.com filed a lawsuit against Jim Stoppani and PhD Fitness LLC! While this has nothing to do with the aforementioned scandal involving PRO Jym, NutraBio, and other companies affected by Stoppani's recent claims on YouTube, the timing is rather interesting.

Click here to download the original complaint filed by Bodybuilding.com Click here to see the amended complaint that also includes the $100,000,000 claims against GNC

Three updated videos to watch:

Don't feel like reading legal documents? We're covering this case here and on YouTube!

Watch Mike's discussion with what we know as of September 21, 2016:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq6F3IAe6MQ

Mike brings IP Attorney Nick Gingo in to discuss his take on the case:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWPx-_b3NbQ

Audio Version:

Major update in March 2017 - Stoppani gets a big win in that the judge DENIES Bodybuilding.com's motion to dismiss - he's at least willing to hear out Stoppani's side of the story!

Mike brings Nick back to talk about these updates:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzbGdZyEDUc

Click Here to read the judge's response on Bodybuilding.com's motion to dismiss -- this case is going to continue! You can read thge original motion here.

Also interesting around this time: Bodybuilding.com's CEO for the past year left in February 2017. As of April, no permanent CEO had been named.

UPDATED September 19, 2016: JYM is now being sold in GNC, so many are asking what's going on. Click here to skip to the 2016-Q3 update -- in short, it looks like this is heading to court and business is moving forward for all parties until then.

UPDATED September 20, 2016: Bodybuilding.com has released a statement regarding the matter, and Jim posted a video as well.

UPDATED September 22, 2016: The case has been amended and Bodybuilding.com is now suing GNC as well as Stoppani!

What happened?

According to the complaint filed by Bodybuilding.com, which are allegations and have not been proven in a court of law, the scenario has played out like this:

Jim Stoppani and PhD Fitness own "JYM Supplement Science" trademark on the nearly useless Supplemental Register, but what about "JYM"??? Up to the courts and arbitrators to decide now...Around March 2013, Bodybuilding.com claims to have created the mark "JYM" for use in connection with supplements bearing that name. Note, however, neither party formally trademarked the name at that time.

On May 17, 2013, Bodybuilding.com and Jim Stoppani entered an agreement over the development, marketing, and sale of products bearing the JYM mark. Stoppani would endorse it with his name and likeness, and Bodybuilding.com would pay PhD Fitness a flat-fee royalty for each sale of a JYM-branded product.

Shortly thereafter, Bodybuilding.com began promoting and selling products with the JYM mark on the labeling and marketing.

Bodybuilding.com's then alleges that Stoppani himself commented that “I had not even seen the JYM logo or even the concept that [Bodybuilding.com] had sketched out, but all I heard all day from [a fellow PhD Fitness representative] was how brilliant the concept was that [Bodybuilding.com] had come up with.” around July, 2013.

Based upon the above points, Bodybuilding.com claims that they own the trademark rights in the JYM mark

The agreement in the second bullet point expired May 17, 2016, with a few surviving terms (not disclosed in the complaint filed).

On April 19, 2016, PhD Fitness sent a letter to Bodybuilding.

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Check out my KetoConnect podcast episode with Matt Gaedke and Megha Barot!

In the fall of 2017, I had the honor of being one of KetoConnect's first podcast interviewees!

Matt and Megha, the champions of all things keto food and keto recipes, asked me to come on and discuss supplements on the keto diet.

Matt found me due to my video testing creatine on the keto diet and wanted me to share my other experiences on their "Keto for Normies" podcast.

Below is the YouTube video from my Skype feed, which was using my second camera:

Mike joins KetoConnect for a Podcast on Keto Supplements

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmeAT3dGO6s

Audio Version:

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Citations from the episode

Below are notes and links to nearly everything discussed in the episode:

Selenium - Low risk for adults, but high impact if missing

Two cardiomyopathy case studies, two deaths due to selenium deficiency:

Food sources of selenium:

Brazil nuts - 1 oz (6-8 nuts): 544 mcg (over 100% DV) Yellowfin tuna (over 100%) Halibut (67% DV) Sardines (64% DV) Grass-fed beef (47% DV) Turkey (44% DV) Beef liver (40% DV) Chicken (31% DV) Egg (21% DV) Spinach (16% DV)

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12681013

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22367552

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19027591 (QT Prolongation)

Electrolytes

First, some disclaimers:

Regarding the FDA - Do we believe them or not? After all, their recommendations aren't even feasible without massive supplementation using the diets, they recommend! (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3878634/) However, their ratios of potassium to sodium should be a good starting point... meaning potassium is going to be difficult without some 'help'.

Yet, there are no truly agreed upon ratios All in all, it's going to come down to getting your own blood tests and gut-checking with how you're feeling and if you're cramping.

On to the important electrolytes:

Magnesium

Matt and Megha's Keto Made Easy Cookbook is out! Click here to check it out!

Nearly everyone needs to supplement this! Western Diet is simply deficient. (See best forms of magnesium) Better sleep, less anxiety Regular Poops!! Food sources: Dark leafy greens, fish, nuts

Sodium

Less insulin → more sodium and water excreted Lyle McDonald says 5g? But only 1g potassium? Not sure we agree, but again... blood tests. Recommended reading: The Salt Fix

Potassium

Western dieters are low in general. USDA = 4.7g/day! (https://ods.od.nih.gov/Health_Information/Dietary_Reference_Intakes.aspx links to https://www.nap.edu/read/10925/chapter/7#187:

On the basis of available data, an Adequate Intake (AI) for potassium is set at 4.7 g (120 mmol)/day for all adults.

That's a high amount!

Inadequate Potassium Intake is one of the biggest problems on the keto diet. But it's also an easy one to solve! See our Potassium on the Keto Diet articleNeed healthy kidneys to excrete excess if intake is that high! 99mg is the max for supplements due to fear-based FDA bylaws. Solution = powder!

Several options covered in our potassium for keto dieters articleCan consider salt substitutes like Lo Salt (get iodized! This zero-iodine thing with all these awful sea salts that have gotten popular is bad for your thyroid function!!!)

Even 3700mg at once is mostly fine (https://www.crnusa.org/sites/default/files/files/resources/22-CRNVMS3-POTASSIUM.pdf) but I space it out.

Calcium

Depends on dairy / whey intake High sodium, low calcium = bad on bones (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16772639, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257722/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4170081/) Too much calcium competes with magnesium absorption (https:...

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On November 6, 2016, I had the honor to interview Aaron Singerman, the successful businessman, husband, and father who owns Redcon1 and half of Prime Nutrition.

Our conversation ranged from Redcon1 updates to supplements to entrepreneurship, as well as the current state of Aaron's relationship with PJ Braun of Blackstone Labs.

It's an hour long, so sit back and enjoy:

Aaron Singerman Discusses the Present, Future, and the Past:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ5J3i5FAsc

Listen to the Audio Version

Low bandwidth? Just download or listen to audio instead:

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New Interview Posted - Mr. Olympia 2017!

Mike has yet another interview with Aaron, discussing the new products coming out in Q4 of 2017!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRr0hA1cp3k

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