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.
REAL IS RARE EP 11 - Pete and Arianna Kanaat with GoBiotix
Building a successful brand isn't about chasing trends. It's about solving a real problem, earning your customers' trust, and staying committed to quality every step of the way. In this episode of Real Is Rare, Eric Simpson and Don Grace sit down with Pete and Arianna from GoBiotix, to share the story behind one of the fastest-growing gut health brands in the industry. From Pete's years working in nightlife and struggling with his own digestive health to building a company that now competes w...
13 Jul 2026
REAL IS RARE EP 10 - Darren and Lucas with Psycho Pharma
Building a successful supplement brand isn't just about creating great product; it's about building the right systems, making the right partnerships, and knowing when to let go so you can grow. In this episode of Real Is Rare, the Psycho Pharma team returns to Simpson Labs six months after transitioning both their manufacturing and fulfillment under one roof. They share what it was really like handing over decades of logistics, why the move became a turning point for the company, and how it a...
12 May 2026
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 and functional beverage brands on the market today. From carbonated protein drinks and functional beverages to explosive growth inside Costco, Sam’s Club, and major retailers, this conversation dives deep into the business of innovation, manufacturing,...
28 Apr 2026
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 to build, scale, and evolve multiple successful companies in the supplement industry. From early retail roots to managing a portfolio of brands, this conversation dives deep into the realities of entrepreneurship - navigating rapid growth, making tough...
29 Mar 2026
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 grind behind Become, the hard lessons from bad manufacturing and costly setbacks, and how staying locked in on hero products like Be Clean and Be Lean helped shape the brand’s growth. They also get into Jeff’s acting journey — from his first background ro...
17 Jan 2026
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 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 bra...
27 Dec 2025
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 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 dee...
17 Dec 2025
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, 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 t...
10 Dec 2025
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 they literally went ALL IN on. From the entrepreneurial gems to the life lessons discussed, you're guaranteed to leave this episode with a bag of value and some good laughs! Thank you to Orion and Aaron for coming out and seeing how we get down here at...
8 Oct 2025
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 inspiring journey through the world of CrossFit gym operations that sparked the idea of starting a product of his own...instead he created a manufacturer to help do that for others! Tap into to some of his trade secrets in this episode of REAL IS RARE! ...
17 Sept 2025
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 company to be the supplement powerhouse it is today! There are so many gems and great takeaways from this episode with decades of experience between Tom, Don and Eric. A MUST LISTEN! Thank you Tom for joining and being such a loyal customer and even bet...
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