REAL IS RARE
Welcome to the Real is Rare Podcast , where we pull back the curtain on the world of supplements, business, and entrepreneurship. Hosted by the founders of Simpson Labs—a trusted leader in supplement manufacturing—this show brings you candid conversations with customers, friends, and fellow business owners.
Each episode dives into the real stories behind the industry: how today’s leaders got started, the challenges they faced, and the lessons they learned along the way. From the triumphs to the trials, our guests share insights that inspire, educate, and connect anyone passionate about building something great.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur or just curious about what it takes to succeed in this fast-growing industry, the Real is Rare Podcast gives you a front-row seat to the journeys shaping the future of sports nutrition and health + wellness.
Episodes
9 episodes
REAL IS RARE EP 9 - Chris Wagner and Austin Holt with MacroCap Labs
What does it take to build one of the fastest-growing beverage manufacturers in the country? In this episode of the Real is Rare podcast, the guys sit down with the team behind MacroCap Labs—the company helping power some of the biggest protein...
REAL IS RARE EP 8 - Doug Miller and Dave Rynecki with Core Nutritionals + more
REAL IS RARE is back with another BANGER! On this episode, the team sits down with Doug Miller and Dave Rynecki, the powerhouse minds behind the brands Core Nutritionals, Unmatched, Merica Labz + more, for an inside look at what it really takes...
REAL IS RARE EP 7 - Jeff Logan with BECOME Nutrition
On this episode of Real is Rare, Eric sits down with actor and Become Nutrition founder Jeff Logan for a high-energy conversation about building a supplement brand with real purpose, real quality, and real results. Jeff talks about the early gr...
REAL IS RARE EP 6 - Richard Wang and Ken Montes with NuLiv Science
Richard and Ken Montes from NuLiv Science join the show to peel back the curtain on the real business of supplements — from the show floor at LA Fit Expo to the factory floor and all the chaos in between. The crew breaks down ...
REAL IS RARE EP 5 - Darren Housholder and Eric Bugenhagen with Psycho Pharma
This episode comes in swinging! Darren and Eric from Psycho Pharma sit down for a raw, no-filter conversation about building a fan-favorite supplement brand the hard way — loud ideas, heavy testing, and formulas that hit like a riff ...
REAL IS RARE EP 4 - Dustin Elliot with NND Nutrition
This episode is a masterclass in modern supplement innovation. Dustin Elliott, Chief Branding Officer at NNB Nutrition, joins the show to break down what actually matters right now—next-gen ingredient tech, real clinical validation, an...
REAL IS RARE EP 3 - Orion Melehan and Dr. Aaron Hinde with LIFEAID
This episode is MUST LISTEN as Eric and Don dive into the origin and success of RTD + supplement giants LIFEAID. Founders Orion and Aaron share their individual stories of humble beginnings, the darkest times of building and the rise of a brand...
REAL IS RARE EP 2 - Michael Alfaro with Masterfoods Lab
Listen in as Eric and Jesse, our VP of Operations, sit down with Michael Alfaro from Masterfoods Lab - A contract manufacturer and food development company that creates "better-for-you" functional snacks for emerging CPG brands. Michael has an ...
REAL IS RARE EP 1 - Tom Reilly with VMI
Who better to have as our first official guest on Real is Rare than the one and only, Tom Reilly! Listen in as Tom takes you through his origin in the industry, discusses the trials and tribulations of VMI and how he and his team built their co...