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REAL IS RARE

REAL IS RARE

Written by: Simpson Labs
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About this listen

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.

© 2026 REAL IS RARE
Economics
Episodes
  • REAL IS RARE EP 6 - Richard Wang and Ken Montes with NuLiv Science
    Jan 17 2026

    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 how brands actually break through, why transparency in manufacturing is becoming a competitive weapon, and how the old “secret sauce” era is dying fast. This episode gets into everything from rising protein and creatine prices, tariffs wrecking supply chains, and why brands are being forced to rethink formulations, to how patented ingredients, research, and long-term partnerships separate innovators from imitators.

    Thank you Richard and Ken for coming through to the pop-up podcast at the Ritz! Always a pleasure chatting with you guys. Keep crushing it out there!

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    49 mins
  • REAL IS RARE EP 5 - Darren Housholder and Eric Bugenhagen with Psycho Pharma
    Dec 27 2025

    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 to the face. From the birth of Edge of Insanity to dialing in high-octane stim blends, product fails, comebacks, loyal die-hard fans, and a brand culture carved straight out of the gym and the mosh pit — this one is all attitude and authenticity. The crew goes deep on manufacturing quality, partnerships, global expansion, GNC momentum, and what it really takes to build something people feel in their chest, not just on a label.

    Massive shoutout to Darren and Eric for rolling through with the Psycho fam, hanging with the crew, and stepping in the lab where their products are built. KEEP ROCKIN!

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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • REAL IS RARE EP 4 - Dustin Elliot with NND Nutrition
    Dec 17 2025

    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, and how to ride trends without getting burned. From HydroPrime glycerol and Genius Pure Alpha-GPC to the truth behind GLP-1 hype, post-GLP-1 support, premium creatine, and the future of hydration, Dustin delivers nonstop insight. The conversation wraps with bold takes on longevity ingredients, fermentation, influencer misinformation, sweeteners, and why quality, testing, and branding are becoming the ultimate differentiators in supplements.

    Thank you Dustin for taking the time to visit and share so much value for the listeners. We're excited for what's next between SL and NNB!

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    1 hr and 10 mins
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