In this episode of Disruption/Interruption, host KJ interviews Mark Mincy, Chief Commercial Officer at US RX Care, about the hidden complexities and conflicts of interest in the pharmacy benefits industry. Mark shares how his company is disrupting the status quo by demanding transparency, eliminating conflicts, and helping employers reclaim millions in savings. The conversation uncovers the tangled web of PBMs, rebates, and the urgent need for legislative and technological change.

Key Takeaways:

1. The PBM System is Riddled with Conflicts of Interest [2:34]
   Mark explains how pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and consultants often act in their own financial interest, not the employer’s or patient’s, leading to inflated drug costs.
2. Rebates and Purchasing Contributions Inflate Drug Prices [8:59]
   The system of rebates and retrospective payments to PBMs can account for up to 80% of a drug’s cost, forcing manufacturers to raise prices and employers to pay more.
3. Transparency and Fiduciary Duty are Essential for Reform [21:37]
   Mark’s company, US RX Care, operates with complete transparency, passes back all rebates, and offers per-member-per-month guarantees to eliminate guesswork and conflicts.
4. Employers and Consumers Can Take Action [33:34]
   Mark recommends joining healthcare purchaser coalitions, hiring ERISA attorneys, and demanding non-conflicted consultants to protect interests and drive industry change.

Quote of the Show [31:27]:
"Everything's intertwined. You want to move and do the right thing. These employers are between a rock and a hard place, so I do think some legislative action needs to occur." – Mark Mincy

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Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval

Ways to connect with Mark Mincy:

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mincy-a185497

Company Website: https://us-rxcare.com

How to get more Disruption/Interruption:

Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlD

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Disruption/Interruption, host KJ interviews Stephan Luna Ng, founder of Moon Five Technologies, about breaking barriers to electric vehicle (EV) charging in apartments and multifamily homes. Stephan shares his journey from environmentalist to entrepreneur, the challenges of EV infrastructure, and how his company is making EV charging accessible, equitable, and resilient for renters and property owners alike.

Key Takeaways:

1. EV Charging for Renters and Multifamily Homes [02:18]
   Stephan explains the unique challenges of providing EV charging in apartments and how Moon Five Technologies is solving them with a tenant-focused approach.
2. Equity and Accessibility in Clean Tech [05:34]
   The current EV infrastructure often favors wealthier communities. Stephan’s mission is to make charging accessible for low-income and disadvantaged communities.
3. Innovative Load Sharing and Resiliency [13:34]
   Moon Five’s system branches off individual tenant meters, enabling smart load sharing and even allowing EVs to power apartments during blackouts.
4. Scaling Impact and Community Engagement [20:01]
   Stephan discusses rapid scaling, the importance of a waitlist, and how community feedback shapes their deployment strategy.

Quote of the Show [24:21]:
"With something as important as changing the earth, do we wanna be signaling that we're retreating?" — Stephan Luna Ng

Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.

Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval

Ways to connect with Stephan Luna Ng:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanlunang/

Company Website: moonfive.tech

How to get more Disruption/Interruption:

Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlD

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Disruption/Interruption, host KJ sits down with Micah Remley, CEO of Robin Powered, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of hybrid work. They explore how data-driven approaches can transform workplace culture, boost productivity, and help companies thrive in a post-pandemic world where flexibility and connection are more important than ever.

Key Takeaways:

1. [2:06] Hybrid work is here to stay, but a one-size-fits-all solution doesn't work—companies must use data to create meaningful in-person experiences.
2. [6:53] Culture is the tie that binds organizations; remote and hybrid work have made it harder to maintain, but it's essential for long-term success.
3. [17:19] Proximity to high performers in the office can boost individual performance by 15% due to emulation and peer pressure.
4. [22:05] Flexible, unstructured hybrid models often fail—coordinated team days and intentional office use are key to making hybrid work successful.

Quote of the Show [3:45]:
"You're deeply passionate about what you're trying to disrupt... you feel it in your soul because you're putting yourself out there, trying to move the needle." – Micah Remley

Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.

Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval

Ways to connect with Micah Remley:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micah-remley-b6430740/

Company Website: robinpowered.com

How to get more Disruption/Interruption:

Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlD

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Disruption/Interruption, host KJ interviews Dr. Jay Greenstein, CEO of Embodi Health, about disrupting the status quo in healthcare. Dr. Greenstein shares his journey from chiropractor to tech entrepreneur, discusses the challenges of patient adherence, and reveals how his company is using AI, behavioral science, and gamification to transform musculoskeletal care and improve patient outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Healthcare System is Broken [4:12]
   Dr. Greenstein explains how the U.S. healthcare system is plagued by barriers and value extractors, making it difficult for patients to access the right care.
2. Evidence-Based, Non-Pharmacologic Care is Essential [7:14]
   He emphasizes the importance of following clinical practice guidelines that prioritize non-pharmacologic interventions like spinal manipulation and exercise.
3. Gamification Improves Patient Adherence [16:27]
   Dr. Greenstein describes how his team built a gamified app to reward patients for adhering to care plans, leading to measurable improvements in outcomes.
4. AI and Remote Monitoring Drive Better Outcomes [18:17]
   The Embody platform uses AI-driven, evidence-based home exercise programs and remote therapeutic monitoring to keep patients and providers connected and engaged.

Quote of the Show (4:12):
"I want justice for humanity. I want justice for patients. I want justice for the healthcare system. Our system in the US is broken, and it can be fixed." – Dr. Jay Greenstein

Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.

Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval

Ways to connect with Dr. Jay Greenstein:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjaygreenstein/

Company Website: https://embodihealth.com

How to get more Disruption/Interruption:

Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlD

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Disruption/Interruption, host KJ sits down with Chris Cyrille, founder of SNTIMNT.AI, to discuss how he’s using data science and AI to bring clarity and confidence to crypto investing. Chris shares his personal journey, the challenges of the crypto market, and how his mission-driven approach is changing the way investors and institutions view digital assets.

Key Takeaways:

1. Personal Motivation Drives Innovation [3:52]
   Chris’s journey began with a personal loss, inspiring him to redirect capital toward causes like pediatric cancer and first-generation students.
2. Crypto Volatility and Misinformation [6:25]
   The biggest challenge in crypto is volatility, fueled by meme coins, speculation, and misinformation, making it intimidating for new investors.
3. Algorithmic Solutions for Peace of Mind [17:51]
   Sentiment AI’s algorithm “reads the room” to provide actionable signals, helping users invest with greater confidence and less stress.
4. Staying Curious and Creative [26:34]
   Chris encourages listeners to maintain childlike wonder and curiosity, as unique perspectives drive creative solutions in any industry.

Quote of the Show (26:54):
“Keep the childlike wonder and to stay curious. I believe that's where the creativity shows itself.” – Chris Cyrille

Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.

Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval

Ways to connect with Chris Cyrille:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-cyrille/

Company Website: https://sntimnt.ai

How to get more Disruption/Interruption:

Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlD

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Disruption/Interruption, host KJ sits down with Jim Foote, CEO and founder of First Ascent Biomedical. Jim shares his personal journey from technology executive to cancer care innovator, after his son’s diagnosis changed his life. Discover how he’s disrupting the status quo in oncology with AI-driven, personalized medicine that’s giving new hope to patients and families.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Problem with Standard Cancer Care [3:53]
   The standard of care treats patients as if they are the same, but everyone is unique. This approach works two-thirds of the time, but leaves one-third of patients with few options.
2. Functional Precision Medicine [13:04]
   Jim’s company tests up to 152 FDA-approved drugs on a patient’s biopsy to find the most effective treatment, providing doctors with data-driven options tailored to each individual.
3. AI and Technology are Transforming Oncology [28:05]
   Advances in AI, robotics, and cloud computing have converged, making personalized cancer treatment faster, more affordable, and more effective than ever before.
4. Impact and Future Vision [26:51]
   Jim’s goal is for every cancer patient to receive individualized treatment from the moment of diagnosis, improving outcomes and reducing unnecessary side effects.

Quote of the Show (14:40):
“I literally have gone from trying and hoping to testing and choosing.” — Jim Foote

Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.

Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval

Ways to connect with Jim Foote:

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-foote

Company Website: https://firstascentbiomedical.com/

How to get more Disruption/Interruption:

Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlD

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Disruption/Interruption, host KJ interviews JB Baker, VP of Marketing and Product Management at ScaleFlux. They dive deep into the challenges and innovations in data storage and memory for AI workloads, discuss the hidden costs of data center inefficiency, and explore how ScaleFlux is disrupting the industry with advanced flash storage solutions. JB also shares insights from his endurance athlete mindset and offers advice for innovators.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Data Bottleneck in AI (2:01)
2. • The biggest challenge in AI infrastructure is not processing power, but storage and memory that can't keep up with demand.
3. Hidden Costs in Data Centers (7:12)
4. • Up to 40% of data center power is spent on cooling, not processing, leading to massive inefficiencies and costs.
5. ScaleFlux’s Disruptive Solution (15:38)
6. • ScaleFlux’s custom SSD controllers enable real-time data compression in hardware, doubling performance and reducing costs for enterprises.
7. Endurance Mindset in Business (23:18)
8. • JB applies lessons from endurance sports to business, emphasizing persistence and continuous improvement as keys to innovation.

Quote of the Show (3:41):
"Those cores can process so much more data per second and so much more data per watt. But when the entire infrastructure isn't balanced, you're losing out on these efficiencies. And so there it is, creating hidden costs." — JB Baker

Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.

Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval

Ways to connect with JB Baker:

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jbbaker

https://scaleflux.com

How to get more Disruption/Interruption:

Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlD

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of Disruption/Interruption features Julie Kheyfets, CEO of Block Renovation, who is transforming the home renovation industry with AI-driven solutions. Julie shares her journey, the challenges homeowners and contractors face, and how her platform brings transparency, trust, and efficiency to a fragmented market.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Renovation Industry Is Ripe for Disruption [4:37]
   The $500 billion renovation industry is plagued by fragmentation, lack of transparency, and outdated processes, making it a prime candidate for technological innovation.
2. AI Can Bridge the Gap Between Homeowners and Contractors [16:25]
   Block Renovation uses AI to help homeowners make design decisions, estimate costs, and connect with vetted contractors, streamlining the entire renovation process.
3. Only the Best Contractors Make the Cut [20:41]
   The platform accepts only 7% of contractor applicants, ensuring high-quality work and reliable service for homeowners.
4. Empowering Small Businesses and Local Economies [28:00]
   By supporting mom-and-pop contractors with technology and steady work, Block Renovation helps small businesses grow and thrive in local markets.

Quote of the Show [32:07]:
"I would encourage more people to explore what would it mean to bring AI to industries like this." - Julie Kheyfets

Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.

Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval

Ways to connect with Julie Kheyfets:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliekheyfets

Company Website: blockrenovation.com

How to get more Disruption/Interruption:

Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlD

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.