EPISODE #200!

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!

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on Your Favorite Service (RSS)

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

Video: Team PricePlow Celebrates 200 Episodes!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:01:53 — 115.8MB)

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 that's tough to replicate. Spencer remembers this as one of his earliest vivid podcast memories, watching industry professionals and random attendees walk by during the recording. The episode also featured spirited debates about beta-alanine that continue 190 episodes later.

5:45 - In-person energy and production value

In-person recordings create special energy that's difficult to capture remotely, the team agrees. Trade show recordings benefit from tight schedules, everyone being amped up, and the natural backdrop of industry activity. While the team wishes they could all be together in person for this 200th episode, they acknowledge the practical realities of remote production. The charged atmosphere at events like SupplySide Global and IFT First adds authenticity to conversations that viewers and listeners can feel. These location-based episodes have become signature moments in the podcast's history.

7:15 - Chronicling PricePlow's growth through episodes

Ben reflects that the podcast serves as a chronicle of PricePlow's evolution better than most other content formats. The diversity of episodes -- from deep policy discussions with Dan Fabricant in Washington DC (Episode #100) to conversations with CEOs of both major supplement retailers (Michael Costello at GNC and Lee Wright at The Vitamin Shoppe) -- demonstrates the show's range. They've hosted Jocko Willink and other figures who've accomplished extraordinary things, while also recording casual conversations with friends. Each episode captures a specific moment in time, documenting both the podcast's growth and changing industry dynamics. This living archive tracks PricePlow's development on a weekly basis.

9:00 - Watching businesses explode

Mike highlights how watching guests and their businesses grow has been incredibly rewarding. Dan Lourenço and Ghost have appeared five times, with each conversation revealing exponential growth that transcends typical "rocket ship" metaphors (see Episode #116, The Meteoric Rise of Ghost Energy). Episode #062 with Dr. Cameron Sepah discussing enclomiphene and Maximus became one of their most popular episodes, as well as #127 showcasing oral TRT innovation that operates on a completely different plane from traditional supplements. Mike notes his ability to identify companies worth investing in based on paradigm shifts witnessed during recordings -- Helaina's precision fermentation approach represents this kind of transformative technology.

11:00 - The Maximus paradigm shift

The Maximus episode demonstrated how conversations could transcend traditional supplement discussions into broader health optimization. Dr. Cameron Sepah's discussion of prescription solutions like enclomiphene and oral testosterone replacement therapy revealed a different tier of health intervention. The episode's popularity reflected growing consumer interest in clinical interventions beyond over-the-counter supplements. Mike recognized during the recording that Maximus was building something truly special, with every subsequent conversation confirming that companies are absolutely crushing it in the telemedicine space. These paradigm-shifting moments become apparent during recordings when guests articulate revolutionary approaches.

12:30 - Spencer's perspective on evolution

Spencer shares that despite having listened to or watched every episode, his most vivid early memory remains that Arnold hotel lobby recording. The boldness of recording in that chaotic environment with people constantly walking by made a lasting impression. He notes how the show has maintained its core identity while evolving production quality and guest caliber over time. The consistency of Mike's hosting combined with rotating expert guests has created a sustainable format. Spencer appreciates how each episode serves as a time capsule of where the industry was at that specific moment.

14:15 - High-energy guests and personality preservation

The conversation turns to how the podcast captures guest personalities effectively. They reference Marc Lobliner's bold commentary in Episode #186 about goBHB potentially becoming bigger than creatine, demonstrating his characteristically audacious predictions. Tyrus Sciarra's high-energy sales approach in his episode showcases his unique style. The podcast format allows guests to express themselves authentically rather than being constrained by formal interview structures. This authenticity resonates with listeners who appreciate genuine conversations over scripted content. Preserving each guest's energy and personality has become a hallmark of the show.

16:45 - The Bevlab launch and expansion

Mike introduces Bevlab, their new beverage-focused media channel, as a natural extension of PricePlow's supplement coverage. Cody Fernley leads Bevlab's content creation, producing daily videos reviewing energy drinks, functional beverages, and hydration products for TikTok and Instagram. The beverage category has exploded with innovation parallel to supplements, warranting dedicated coverage. Bevlab fills a gap in beverage analysis that traditional beverage media doesn't address from a supplement industry perspective. The channel's growth on social platforms demonstrates strong demand for ingredient-focused beverage content. This expansion allows PricePlow to cover the increasingly blurred lines between supplements and functional beverages.

19:00 - Energy drink evolution and favorite flavors

The team discusses energy drink flavors with Mike declaring C4's serial killer his all-time favorite. Ben praises the Welch's ghost grape Cran collaboration, noting how limited edition partnerships have become cultural moments in the supplement space. These collaborations represent sophisticated marketing strategies that create urgency and community engagement. The conversation reflects how energy drinks have evolved from simple caffeine delivery systems to complex functional beverages with premium ingredients. Flavor innovation has become as important as functional ingredient selection in the competitive beverage market. The team's genuine enthusiasm for these products mirrors their authentic approach to coverage.

21:30 - Ghost's trajectory and industry impact

Ghost's growth trajectory represents one of the podcast's most documented success stories across five appearances. Each conversation with Dan Lourenço revealed new levels of achievement and market penetration. The brand's cultural approach to supplement marketing helped redefine industry standards for authenticity and community engagement. Ghost's collaboration strategy with mainstream brands brought supplement industry innovation into wider consciousness. Mike notes that when everyone in every conversation mentions a company, you know they've achieved something special. The brand's ability to maintain authenticity while scaling demonstrates rare execution excellence.

24:15 - Precision fermentation breakthrough

The discussion shifts to Helaina's precision fermentation technology featured in Episodes #167, #180, and #197, representing cutting-edge ingredient innovation. Laura Katz and her team explained how their Manhattan R&D facility produces effera lactoferrin through fermentation rather than dairy extraction. This technology represents a paradigm shift in how functional ingredients can be produced sustainably and at scale. Mike identified Helaina as an investment-worthy company based on their technological approach and execution clarity. Precision fermentation is transforming ingredient sourcing across the nutrition industry, with implications far beyond individual products.

27:00 - NNB Nutrition's pure, potent, precise evolution

NNB Nutrition's transformation toward precision fermentation, covered extensively in Episode #192 with Shawn Wells and Dustin Elliott, demonstrates how established ingredient companies are evolving. Their "pure, potent, precise" philosophy represents commitment to ingredient quality beyond typical industry standards. The company's pivot toward precision fermentation for ingredients like NMN and MitoPrime positions them at the forefront of next-generation ingredient development. This technological evolution reflects broader industry trends toward more sustainable and consistent ingredient sourcing. NNB's willingness to completely reimagine their production methods demonstrates forward-thinking leadership.

29:45 - AI-powered ingredient discovery

Episode #198 with Nora Khaldi discussing Nuritas's AI-powered peptide discovery platform showcased another technological frontier. The company's artificial intelligence identifies bioactive peptides that traditional research methods would never discover. This approach dramatically accelerates ingredient innovation timelines from decades to years. The conversation revealed how computational biology and machine learning are revolutionizing nutritional science. Nuritas represents the convergence of technology and nutrition that will define the industry's future. These breakthrough companies demonstrate why Mike feels confident identifying investment-worthy businesses during podcast recordings.

32:15 - Functional protein innovation

Glanbia Nutritionals' functional protein work discussed across multiple episodes (#185, #199) highlights how established companies are innovating in protein technology. Their research into protein extrusion for better-for-you snacking and functional proteins addresses consumer demand for healthier convenient foods. The discussions with Jonathan Baner, James Stone, and Brad Meyers revealed the sophisticated science behind protein functionality in different applications. Glanbia's innovation demonstrates how ingredient suppliers are partnering with brands to solve formulation challenges. These conversations bridge ingredient science and practical application for PricePlow's audience.

35:00 - Trade show recording advantages

Recording at events like SupplySide Global and IFT First provides unique advantages beyond just convenience. The concentrated presence of industry leaders creates opportunities for multi-guest discussions and panel formats like the CREATEA panel (Episode #189). Trade shows generate natural energy and urgency that enhances conversations. Guests are typically more available and willing to record during events. The visual backdrop of booths and products adds production value for video content. These location-specific episodes have become some of the podcast's most memorable and technically impressive recordings.

40:30 - Quality control and testing standards

Episode #183 with Raza Bashir from MuscleTech and Episode #193 covering TruShield Certified addressed critical quality and testing issues. These conversations explored how brands ensure ingredient authenticity and product safety beyond minimum requirements. The discussion of testing for 400+ banned substances with TruShield demonstrated evolving certification standards for athletic products. Quality control episodes educate consumers on what separates premium brands from cheaper alternatives. These technical discussions reinforce PricePlow's commitment to science-based industry education. Testing and certification represent crucial trust factors in the supplement industry.

43:15 - The balance of professionalism and entertainment

The team discusses maintaining technical credibility while keeping content engaging and accessible. Episodes like #069 with Chris Waldrum demonstrated how conversations can venture into entertaining territory (discussing "man-made clouds" and earth curvature [or lack thereof according to Chris?]) while still delivering industry value. The podcast's authenticity comes from genuine conversations rather than scripted content. Finding the balance between education and entertainment has been crucial to building a loyal audience. They note that if podcasting wasn't fun, they wouldn't still be producing 200 episodes. The conversational format allows personality to shine through technical discussions.

48:45 - Building industry relationships

The podcast has become a relationship-building tool beyond just content production. Recording with CEOs like Jocko, major retailer leadership, and ingredient supplier executives has strengthened PricePlow's industry position. Guests appreciate the platform's technical depth and engaged audience of industry professionals. Multi-appearance guests like Dan Lourenço (five times) show ongoing relationships that evolve with their businesses. These connections facilitate collaboration on projects beyond the podcast. The network effects of 200 episodes create opportunities that wouldn't exist otherwise. Relationship building through authentic conversations has proven more valuable than transactional interviews.

51:30 - Social media and content distribution

Cody explains Bevlab's social media strategy focusing on TikTok and Instagram for beverage content. Short-form video content allows rapid product reviews and trend coverage that longer podcasts can't match. The team discusses how social platforms are enabling product discovery and purchase decisions in real time. Bevlab's approach of daily content creation contrasts with the podcast's weekly format but serves complementary purposes. Social media success requires understanding platform-specific content preferences and algorithms. The team notes they're approaching TikTok monetization thresholds that will enable product linking in videos. Multi-platform distribution maximizes content reach and audience engagement.

54:15 - The challenge of e-commerce

The conversation shifts to e-commerce challenges and ideas, especially on Amazon where supplement brands face increasing difficulties. Policy changes and heightened requirements have pushed many quality brands off the platform or into restricted categories. The team discusses how Amazon's approach to supplements doesn't adequately differentiate between legitimate brands and questionable operators. This creates frustration for brands investing in quality ingredients and compliance who face the same scrutiny as bad actors. E-commerce challenges represent broader issues about how supplement categories are perceived and regulated online. Brands are seeking alternative channels as traditional e-commerce platforms become more restrictive. Distribution strategy has become as crucial as product formulation for success.

57:00 - Amazon's changing landscape

The Amazon discussion continues with observations about how the platform's supplement policies have evolved dramatically. Brands that built businesses primarily through Amazon now face existential challenges from policy changes. The platform's difficulty distinguishing quality brands from problematic operators creates a "throw the baby out with the bathwater" situation. Some brands are being restricted or removed despite perfect compliance records and quality certifications. The team notes how this forces diversification into other channels including direct-to-consumer and traditional retail. Amazon's importance to supplement industry distribution makes these changes industry-wide concerns. Future e-commerce success may require building owned channels rather than depending on third-party platforms.

59:45 - Peptide market opportunities and challenges

The peptide category represents enormous opportunity complicated by regulatory uncertainty and quality concerns. The team discusses how legitimate peptide research and products get conflated with gray-market operations. Regulatory ambiguity around peptides as supplements versus research chemicals creates compliance challenges for ethical brands. Consumer demand for peptides continues growing despite (or because of) regulatory scrutiny. The category exemplifies the tension between innovation and regulation in the supplement industry. Quality peptide suppliers face the challenge of differentiating from questionable sources. This market dynamic will likely lead to clearer regulations eventually, but uncertainty creates current challenges for brands wanting to operate properly.

1:02:30 - Research chemical versus supplement debate

The peptide discussion extends into broader questions about what qualifies as a dietary supplement versus a research chemical. The team notes how regulatory definitions sometimes lag behind market realities and scientific understanding. This ambiguity creates gray areas that some operators exploit while complicating compliance for ethical brands. The FDA's approach to novel ingredients doesn't always align with consumer demand or scientific possibility. Industry associations and individual companies are working to establish clearer standards. The conversation reflects ongoing industry debates about appropriate boundaries for supplement categories. Clearer definitions would benefit consumers, brands, and regulators by reducing confusion and improving safety.

1:05:15 - Industry accountability and self-policing

The team discusses the importance of industry self-regulation and calling out bad actors. While PricePlow focuses primarily on innovation and positive industry developments, accountability remains crucial. They reference times when addressing problematic companies or practices became necessary despite preferring constructive coverage. Industry associations and ethical brands have responsibility to maintain standards that protect consumers and legitimate businesses. The supplement industry's reputation depends on collective commitment to quality and transparency. Self-policing helps prevent regulatory overreach that could harm the entire category. Balancing promotion of innovation with accountability for bad practices requires careful judgment.

1:08:00 - Looking forward: Future ingredients and innovation

The team speculates on what ingredient innovations will define the next 200 episodes. Precision fermentation, AI-powered discovery, and functional peptides represent early stages of larger trends. Ingredient technology will continue advancing toward more sustainable, effective, and scientifically validated options. The convergence of nutrition science with other technologies like biotechnology and computational biology will accelerate innovation timelines. Consumer demand for transparency and efficacy will push the industry toward better research and validation. The team expects to cover breakthrough ingredients and technologies that don't exist yet or are just beginning development. Innovation speed suggests the next 200 episodes will document even more dramatic industry evolution.

1:11:00 - Beverage category expansion

The functional beverage category has exploded with innovation parallel to supplements, making Bevlab a natural expansion. Energy drinks now incorporate ingredients like nootropics, adaptogens, and electrolytes beyond just caffeine. Hydration beverages have evolved into sophisticated electrolyte formulations with functional ingredients. Coffee and tea products are being enhanced with performance compounds. The lines between beverages and supplements continue blurring as drinks incorporate premium ingredients traditionally found in capsules. This category growth justified creating dedicated beverage content through Bevlab. Consumer convenience preferences favor drinking over swallowing pills, accelerating beverage innovation.

1:13:45 - Bevlab's growth trajectory

Cody discusses Bevlab's rapid growth on social platforms and plans for monetization. The channel approaches follower thresholds that unlock enhanced product linking capabilities. Daily content creation builds audience engagement faster than weekly podcast releases. Short-form video format suits beverage reviews where visual presentation matters significantly. The team predicts several videos will achieve viral status as monetization incentives increase. Bevlab fills a market gap for ingredient-focused beverage coverage from a supplement industry perspective. The channel's success demonstrates demand for this specific content niche. Integration between Bevlab and PricePlow Podcast creates synergistic content ecosystems serving different audience needs.

1:16:30 - Content creation philosophy

The team reflects on their content creation approach balancing technical depth with accessibility. They aim for intelligent conversation without overwhelming viewers with scientific jargon unless specifically appropriate. The conversational format allows complex topics to be explored naturally rather than forcing structured presentations. Authenticity matters more than polish, with genuine enthusiasm and expertise resonating with audiences. They prefer discussing topics they find genuinely interesting rather than chasing trends. This philosophy has built loyal audiences who trust PricePlow's perspective on industry developments. Content quality and authenticity create sustainable audience relationships beyond algorithmic distribution.

1:19:15 - Team dynamics and collaboration

The conversation highlights how team dynamics contribute to content quality and consulting capabilities. Mike's hosting combined with Ben's industry knowledge, Spencer's analytical perspective, and Cody's video production skills create complementary strengths. The team's ability to challenge each other's ideas and debate topics improves final content quality. Collaboration prevents burnout by distributing workload and bringing fresh perspectives. They note that if creating content wasn't enjoyable for the team, they couldn't maintain weekly production. Strong team chemistry translates to better on-air dynamics that audiences appreciate. This collaborative approach will enable the next 200 episodes.

1:22:00 - Sponsor relationships and integration

The team discusses their approach to sponsor relationships, using Perfect Shaker as an example of their 2026 partnership. Authentic sponsor integration means featuring products the team actually uses rather than forcing promotional content. Perfect Shaker's innovative designs and quality justify genuine endorsement. Sponsor relationships should align with PricePlow's values and audience interests. The team prioritizes long-term partnerships over one-off transactional sponsorships. Their experience with various sponsors has taught them the importance of mutual value and authentic fit. Proper sponsor integration enhances rather than detracts from content quality.

1:24:45 - Memorable unscripted moments

The team recalls spontaneous moments that made episodes memorable beyond planned content. Unexpected tangents, candid revelations, and genuine reactions create authentic connections with audiences. These unscripted elements distinguish podcast conversations from formal interviews. The team's willingness to explore unexpected directions while maintaining focus creates dynamic content. Technical guests sometimes reveal personality aspects that wouldn't emerge in scripted formats. Memorable moments often come from genuine interactions rather than planned highlights. This spontaneity keeps content fresh and prevents formulaic repetition.

1:27:30 - Industry event coverage evolution

Recording strategies at industry events have evolved significantly since that first Arnold hotel lobby episode. The team now coordinates multiple recordings at single events, conducting back-to-back interviews. Event coverage provides concentrated access to industry leaders and allows panel discussions. Production quality has improved while maintaining the authentic energy that made early event recordings successful. They've learned to balance preparation with flexibility to capture spontaneous opportunities. Event recordings serve dual purposes of creating content and strengthening industry relationships. Future event coverage will likely expand as the podcast's industry position strengthens.

1:30:15 - The science of ingredient formulation

Across 200 episodes, the team has learned and shared immense knowledge about ingredient formulation strategies. Understanding synergistic combinations, dosage optimization, and bioavailability has become core expertise. Conversations with formulators and researchers have revealed the art and science behind effective supplements. The team can now identify well-formulated products versus underdosed or poorly designed offerings. This knowledge helps audiences make informed purchase decisions and brand partners improve formulations. The education received through podcast conversations has elevated PricePlow's industry credibility. Future episodes will continue deepening this formulation expertise.

1:33:00 - Honoring Dallas McCarver

The conversation turns somber as the team honors Dallas McCarver, whose interview in Episode #006 remains poignant. Dallas appeared just 15 days out from the 2017 Arnold, representing RedCon1's top athlete. His passing shocked the bodybuilding community and reminded everyone of the sport's inherent risks. The team reflects on Dallas's passion for bodybuilding and his genuine personality during the interview. The episode serves as a preserved memory of Dallas's legacy and impact on the sport. The team expresses gratitude to Dallas's friends and family for sharing him with the industry.

1:35:45 - Remembering John Meadows

John Meadows' contributions to bodybuilding and supplement science were enormous, and his loss deeply impacted the community. He's in Episode #023. The team discusses John's reputation as both an elite coach and thoughtful ingredient analyst. His approach to training and supplementation influenced countless athletes and industry professionals. John's educational content helped elevate industry discourse around evidence-based supplementation. His passing represented a significant loss of knowledge and mentorship for the community. The team reflects on how John's content and coaching methods continue helping people despite his absence. His legacy demonstrates how educators can impact the industry beyond direct interactions.

1:38:15 - Dr. Hector Lopez's impact

Dr. Hector Lopez (Episode #064) brought incredible expertise to supplement industry discussions through his appearances. As a physician, his perspective on supplements, hormones, and health optimization provided credibility and depth. Dr. Lopez was known for being extremely smart yet willing to share knowledge generously. The team recalls discussions where his medical background illuminated complex physiological topics. Dr. Lopez's passing was a significant loss for industry education and thought leadership. The team encourages listeners to revisit his appearances to appreciate his wealth of information.

1:40:45 - The importance of preserving content

The deaths of Dallas, John, and Dr. Lopez underscore the value of recorded conversations as historical preservation. These episodes allow new audiences to learn from and be inspired by people no longer with us. The podcast serves as an archive of industry knowledge and personality that would otherwise be lost. Recorded conversations capture not just information but personality, passion, and approach to topics. The team feels honored to have preserved these individuals' contributions through podcast format. This responsibility adds meaning beyond typical content creation. Future episodes will continue documenting industry figures whose impact deserves preservation.

1:43:30 - Industry predictions for 2026

The team offers predictions for where the supplement and beverage industries are heading in 2026. Precision fermentation will continue expanding as production costs decrease and sustainability becomes more critical. AI-powered ingredient discovery will yield breakthrough compounds that enter the market. Regulatory clarity around peptides and novel ingredients will eventually emerge, creating opportunities for properly positioned brands. E-commerce challenges will force brands to diversify distribution channels including direct-to-consumer. Functional beverages will continue blurring lines with traditional supplements. The team predicts continued consolidation in some areas while new innovative brands emerge in others.

1:46:15 - Regulatory environment expectations

The team discusses expectations for regulatory developments affecting the supplement industry. Increased FDA scrutiny of novel ingredients will challenge brands to ensure proper compliance and documentation. The dietary supplement space may see clearer guidance around peptides and other gray-area categories. International regulatory harmonization could simplify global distribution for ingredient suppliers. Consumer protection concerns will drive some regulatory tightening while industry advocacy seeks balanced approaches. Proper regulatory frameworks ultimately benefit ethical brands by raising barriers for questionable operators. The team anticipates navigating evolving regulations will become increasingly important for brands.

1:49:00 - The future of PricePlow and Bevlab

Mike discusses plans for PricePlow and Bevlab expansion in coming years. The podcast will continue documenting industry innovation while potentially increasing episode frequency. Bevlab's growth suggests the beverage content vertical will expand significantly. The team may explore additional content formats or platforms beyond current offerings. International expansion could broaden coverage of global supplement and beverage markets. Partnership opportunities with ingredient suppliers, brands, and events will likely increase. The core mission of science-based industry education will remain constant despite format evolution. The team expresses excitement about building on the foundation of 200 episodes.

1:51:45 - Chris Waldrum and Episode 420

The team jokes about Chris Waldrum reserving Episode 420 for himself. That episode exemplified the balance between professionalism and fun that characterizes PricePlow content. Nutrex's recent signing of metal and rock stars opens unexpected content opportunities. The team discusses potentially creating supplement-adjacent content at metal concerts. These creative collaborations represent PricePlow's willingness to explore unconventional content angles. Spencer calculates that Episode 420 will arrive in approximately four and a half years at current production pace.

1:54:30 - Gratitude and looking ahead

The team expresses genuine gratitude to everyone who has listened, watched, and supported the podcast journey. Producing 200 episodes required consistent effort, but audience engagement made it worthwhile and sustainable. The industry relationships built through the podcast exceed the value of content production alone. Guest willingness to share knowledge and time has been crucial to the show's success. The team acknowledges that without listener engagement and interest, they wouldn't have reached this milestone. Looking ahead, they're energized by upcoming guests and topics scheduled for recording. The next 200 episodes will build on lessons learned while exploring new industry frontiers.

1:57:15 - Final reflections and thank yous

Mike offers final thoughts on the significance of reaching 200 episodes and thanks to team members. The journey from that Arnold hotel lobby recording to becoming industry leaders feels surreal yet earned. Ben, Spencer, and Cody's contributions have been essential to the podcast's evolution and success. The team reiterates appreciation for sponsors like Perfect Shaker who support independent industry media.

They thank the late Dallas McCarver, John Meadows, and Dr. Hector Lopez for their contributions to both the podcast and industry. The episode concludes with optimism about the future and commitment to continuing quality industry education. The team signs off encouraging listeners to follow Bevlab, subscribe to the podcast, and stay engaged with PricePlow's content ecosystem.

Where to Follow Team PricePlow

• Mike Roberto: LinkedIn
• Ben Kane: LinkedIn
• Spencer Lynn: LinkedIn
• Cody Fernley: Instagram
• PricePlow Podcast: Blog.PricePlow.com/Podcast
• Bevlab Media: Instagram | TikTok
• PricePlow: Instagram | Subscribe for PricePlow News Alerts

Conclusion: Here’s to 200 More

From that bold hotel lobby recording at the 2018 Arnold Sports Festival to becoming the supplement industry's premier podcast platform, Episode #200 represents a remarkable journey of education, innovation, and authentic industry storytelling. This celebration episode captures what makes the PricePlow Podcast special: genuine conversations with industry leaders, deep dives into ingredient science, and the perfect balance between technical expertise and accessible entertainment.

The team's reflections on memorable episodes with icons like Dan Lourenço and Ghost, groundbreaking technology discussions with companies like Helaina and Nuritas, and somber remembrances of Dallas McCarver, John Meadows, and Dr. Hector Lopez demonstrate the podcast's role in documenting supplement industry history. The launch of Bevlab represents natural evolution into the exploding functional beverage category, while the core mission of science-based education remains constant.

Thank you to Perfect Shaker for sponsoring the PricePlow Podcast in 2026 -- check out their incredible shaker cups at PricePlow.com/perfect-shaker or PerfectShaker.com!

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on any platform, sign up for PricePlow news alerts, and leave us a great review on iTunes and Spotify! Here's to the next 200 episodes of supplement science, industry insights, and authentic conversations.

Subscribe to the PricePlow Podcast on Your Favorite Service (RSS)