Celebrating the Purple Pen Podcast: Real-World Insights on GLP-1s
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Every so often, a conversation emerges that captures exactly where healthcare is heading – grounded in evidence, shaped by real-world experience, and elevated by genuine interprofessional respect.
The newest episode of the Purple Pen Podcast, hosted by pharmacist Kristin Xenos, is one of those conversations. Dr Angela Kwong was honoured to join Kristin for a thoughtful exploration of GLP-1 medicines and the evolving landscape of obesity and metabolic care in Australia.
A Podcast Built by Pharmacists, for Health Professionals
For those less familiar with it, the Purple Pen Podcast has become a staple within the pharmacy and wider health community since 2016. Created by Jane Booth and Dan Guidone, and now hosted and independently produced by pharmacists Kristin Xenos and Natalie Tasker, the podcast takes deep dives into clinical topics through long-form interviews with experts across Australia
What makes Purple Pen special is its purpose: to give pharmacists and health professionals access to relevant, evidence-informed discussions in a world flooded with content. Its independence, its pharmacist leadership, and its commitment to staying clinically grounded have earned it a loyal following across Australia and internationally.
It felt fitting to celebrate the episode not only for the conversation itself, but for what the podcast represents – health professionals learning from one another, without bias, hierarchy or noise.
Why GLP-1 Conversations Must Happen Across Professions
GLP-1 agonists are reshaping obesity management at a pace we have not seen before. While clinical trials guide us, the lived reality of prescribing, dispensing and supporting patients using these medicines is far more complex.
Our patients are not in controlled settings. They are:
- juggling shift work, parenting and cultural expectations
- navigating stigma, finances and the practicalities of daily life
- managing nausea, reflux, constipation or appetite changes
- holding hope that this time, the approach will be different
This is where interprofessional learning becomes invaluable. Pharmacists see patterns in side effects and adherence. GPs see the longer arc of chronic disease. Dietitians, psychologists, nurses and exercise professionals each see a different part of the story.
When we bring these perspectives together, our care becomes more complete.
Highlights From the Episode
During the conversation, Kristin and Dr Angela explored:
- the rapid evolution of GLP-1s in Australia
- practical dose titration when life does not look like a textbook
- how to support patients through adverse effects that impact work and home life
- emerging indications and longer-term planning
- real-world clinical patterns – from calmer food noise to fertility improvements in PCOS
But perhaps most importantly, they discussed the human aspects of treatment – identity changes, emotional shifts, the relief of finally feeling supported, and the everyday wins that rarely make it into journal abstracts.
The Vital Role of Pharmacists in Metabolic Care
This episode also spotlighted the essential contributions pharmacists make in obesity and metabolic health:
- early identification of medication intolerance
- nuanced counselling at the point of dispensing
- ongoing support when GP follow-up is delayed or limited
- safeguarding safe and effective use in the community
Pharmacists often see what others do not – and their insights meaningfully influence patient outcomes.
A Privilege to Contribute
Dr Angela was honoured to be part of this episode. As a GP with a special interest in obesity management and Founder of Enlighten Me, she values spaces where clinicians can speak openly about what they are seeing on the ground.
The Purple Pen Podcast offers exactly that – an independent platform where pharmacists and health professionals can discuss evidence, question assumptions and reflect on practice in a way that ultimately benefits patients.
Looking Ahead: A Stronger, More Connected Future
As GLP-1s and other obesity therapies continue to develop, our approach cannot remain siloed. Collaboration is not just helpful – it is necessary for safe, ethical, patient-centred care.
We are deeply grateful to Kristin, Natalie and the Purple Pen team for creating this platform, and to the pharmacists, GPs and health professionals who continue to share their insights with humility and integrity.
Closing Reflection
At Enlighten Me, we believe that better outcomes begin with better conversations. This episode of the Purple Pen Podcast is a timely reminder that when clinicians from different disciplines come together – guided by evidence, grounded in lived experience – we elevate the standard of care for everyone.
Thank you to the Purple Pen team, and to our wider health community, for the work you do every day. Here is to more collaboration, more learning and more compassionate care in metabolic health.
