GLP-1s Explained: What to Know Before You Start

GLP-1 medications have changed the conversation around weight loss. But what should you actually know about them?  In this episode of Beyond the Script, Dr. Jake Goodman welcomes back CVS pharmacist and district leader Dr. Victoria Mottola to break down how GLP-1s work, their potential side effects, what long-term treatment looks like, and the realities of insurance coverage and cost.  Plus, Jake and Victoria have some fun playing “Myth vs Medicine”, tackling some of the biggest misconceptions about these medications, and separating fact from fiction. For more information visit cvs.com/pharmacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health advice is everywhere. Clear answers can be harder to find. Beyond the Script is back for Season 2, with Dr. Jake Goodman and CVS pharmacists helping you make sense of the health questions, decisions, and trends that come up in everyday life. From GLP-1s and hormone health to vaccines, caregiving, and chronic conditions, pharmacists share practical advice to help navigate your health with confidence. Follow Beyond the Script now – Season 2 is coming soon from CVS Pharmacy and iHeartMedia’s Ruby Studio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For millions of people, spring means sunshine, warmer weather… and allergy season. In this episode of Beyond the Script, Dr. Jake Goodman is joined by CVS pharmacist Alexandra Wohlgemuth to break down the symptoms, triggers, treatments, and everyday habits that can make spring allergies easier to manage.  Together, they explore what causes seasonal allergies, how symptoms can show up differently from person to person, and why allergies are sometimes confused with a cold.  They also explain how pharmacists help people navigate the overwhelming allergy aisle, from choosing the right over-the-counter medication to identifying products that may not be the best fit for long-term use.  Plus, in this episode’s Myth or Medicine segment, they tackle common spring allergy claims, including whether local honey helps, whether staying indoors is enough and whether showering after being outside can really reduce symptoms.  If spring leaves you sneezing, congested, and uncomfortable every year, this episode offers practical, pharmacist-backed guidance to help you breathe easier.  For more information, visit cvs.com/pharmacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why are so many of us tired but still struggling to sleep well?  Sleep isn’t just about getting more hours—it’s about getting better rest.   In this episode of Beyond the Script, Dr. Jake Goodman is joined by CVS pharmacist Sepideh Manafi to unpack the most common sleep questions people ask every day.   Together, they discuss what quality sleep actually looks like, how stress, routines, electronics, caffeine, alcohol, and medications can disrupt sleep, and what to know about over-the-counter sleep aids like melatonin, antihistamines, and magnesium.  They also cover snoring, sleep apnea, when sleep problems may point to something more serious, and how pharmacists can help people make informed decisions about improving sleep safely.  Plus, in this episode’s Myth or Medicine segment, they tackle common sleep claims and social media advice—from weekend catch-up sleep to whether pharmacists can help spot signs of medication-related sleep issues.  For more information, visit cvs.com/pharmacy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does proactive health actually look like in everyday life?  In this episode of Beyond the Script, Dr. Jake Goodman sits down with CVS pharmacist Marshal Carter to explore how pharmacists help people stay ahead of illness through preventative care, medication safety, and everyday health habits.  From questions about vitamins and supplements to vaccines, health screenings, and medication interactions, they break down the real conversations happening at pharmacy counters across the country.  Marshall shares why pharmacists are often the most accessible healthcare professionals in a community—and how a simple question at the pharmacy can help prevent bigger health issues down the road.  Plus, in the Myth or Medicine segment, Dr. Goodman and Marshal tackle common health claims—from sunscreen to exercise.  Whether you’re managing medications, trying to stay healthy, or just curious about better health habits, this episode offers practical advice you can use every day.  For more information, visit cvs.com/pharmacy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Women’s health isn’t just about major milestones like pregnancy or menopause — it’s about the everyday questions, symptoms, screenings, and decisions that shape long-term wellbeing.  In this episode of Beyond The Script, Dr. Jake Goodman sits down with CVS pharmacist and women’s health advocate Dr. AmyLynn Safaty Valentine to unpack the most common — and often misunderstood — topics in women’s health.  From birth control and emergency contraception to menopause, bone density, genetic testing, vaccines, and navigating sensitive concerns like yeast infections or UTIs, they explore what pharmacists can help with — and when it’s time to see a provider.  Amy Lynn also shares her personal story as a breast cancer “previvor,” how genetic testing changed her life, and why advocating for yourself is one of the most powerful health decisions you can make.  For more information, visit cvs.com/pharmacy.    *CVS PHARMACISTS CAN PRESCRIBE AND FILL BIRTH CONTROL: Prescriptions available only for hormonal birth control contraception. Consultation required and available only when a licensed pharmacist is on duty. Patients must be 18 years or older. Some patients may not be eligible based on current or past health conditions. Some patients may need to consult with their primary care physician or other health care provider to obtain a prescription for birth control. $39 consultation fee covers the cost of the pharmacist consultation. There may also be an additional cost for the medication that the pharmacist prescribes subject to prescription plan coverage.  *Available only in select states: Currently, all of our CVS Pharmacy® locations in California, Hawaii, Idaho, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin can help you get a birth control prescription. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to our kids’ health, the questions can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Beyond the Script, Dr. Jake Goodman sits down with CVS pharmacist and mom of two, Heidy Martinez, to break down what parents really need to know about pediatric health.  From fevers and allergies to antibiotics, dosing mistakes, and over-the-counter medications, Heidy shares practical guidance on how pharmacists help families navigate everyday childhood illnesses safely and confidently. She also discusses common misconceptions about antibiotics, supplements, melatonin, sports drinks, and more — and explains when it’s time to treat at home versus when to call the pediatrician.  Plus, in this episode’s “Myth Vs Medicine” segment, we tackle some of the most common pediatric health beliefs and separate fact from fiction.  If you’re a parent, caregiver, or just want to better understand how to support children’s health, this episode is packed with trusted, real-world advice from a pharmacist who’s also a busy mom.  For more information, visit cvs.com/pharmacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States — yet many of its biggest risk factors are preventable.  In this episode of Beyond the Script, host Dr. Jake Goodman sits down with CVS pharmacist and district leader Nicole Henry to explain what heart health really means, how conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol often develop silently, and what you can do to help protect your heart before symptoms appear.  They discuss common heart medications, medication adherence, over-the-counter supplements, lifestyle changes that support cardiovascular health, and how pharmacists help with prevention. The episode also covers heart attack and stroke warning signs, differences in symptoms between men and women, and common heart health myths — including daily aspirin use.  Whether you’re managing a heart condition or focused on prevention, this episode offers clear, practical guidance to help you take charge of your heart health.  Please note:   For a suspected heart attack, the best rapid response approach is to call 9-1-1 immediately. Key signs often involve chest pain, pressure, or discomfort, along with radiating pain to the jaw, neck, or shoulders  A good acronym to remember the most common signs of a potential stroke is B.E. F.A.S.T. which stands for: Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination. Eyes: Sudden vision changes, blurring, or loss of vision. Face: One side of the face droops or is numb; check if their smile is uneven. Arm: Weakness in one arm or leg; one arm drifts downward when raised. Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking/being understood. Time: Time to call 911 immediately if any of these signs are present. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bloating, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation—are these symptoms normal, or signs of something deeper?  On this episode of Beyond the Script, Dr. Jake Goodman is joined by CVS pharmacist and district leader Victoria Mottola to break down gut health, the gut microbiome, and the questions pharmacists hear every day. They explain how probiotics and prebiotics work, how antibiotics and pain relievers affect your stomach, what’s safe for kids, and when digestive symptoms shouldn’t be ignored.  You’ll also hear practical advice on fiber, acid reflux, OTC medications, and common gut health myths—plus simple steps you can take to support digestion, immunity, and overall health. For more information visit cvs.com/pharmacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cold and flu season is here—and the symptoms can be confusing.   Is it just a cold, or something more serious? In this first episode of Beyond the Script, Dr. Jake Goodman is joined by CVS Pharmacy Region Director Gaurang Trivedi to break down what really matters during peak sick season.  Together, they cover how to tell the difference between a cold and the flu, when symptoms should raise red flags, when to ask for advice, and why vaccines remain one of the most effective tools for protecting yourself and your community.   They also tackle common myths—from vitamin C and bundling up to hot tea and humidifiers—and explain what science actually says.  You’ll hear practical, pharmacist-backed advice on testing, treatment, vaccines, and when it’s time to see a doctor, all in a clear, judgment-free conversation designed to help you feel more confident about your health this winter. For more information visit cvs.com/pharmacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.