Life Insurance Academy Podcast

In this episode of the Life Insurance Academy Podcast, Chris and Zach break down the subtle but critical ways agents get stuck in conversations — and how to get unstuck. Whether it's a client dodging emotional topics, shutting down early, or relying too heavily on "they can sell the house" logic, this episode gives you real, tested phrases and questions that keep conversations flowing and help you discover real needs. You'll learn how to shift from surface-level talk to meaningful connection, how to ask follow-up questions that unlock deeper responses, and how to become the trusted advisor instead of the nervous salesperson.

Ever walked away from a client call feeling like something went wrong—but couldn't explain why? You're not alone. In this episode, Roger and Chris dive deep into why agents are losing sales and don't even realize it. From jargon-heavy language to poor communication habits and lack of active listening, this conversation breaks down the subtle mistakes that are costing agents sales every day. You'll learn how to avoid these traps, build stronger rapport, and simplify your language to actually connect with clients on a human level. If you want to become a more confident and effective communicator, this episode is a must-listen. Whether you're new to the business or a seasoned pro, these practical insights can immediately improve your close rate—and your relationships.

You're likable. You've got the rapport. The client even hugged you on the way out. So why didn't you get the sale? In this powerful episode of the Life Insurance Academy Podcast, Roger Short and Chris Ball unpack one of the biggest hidden killers in life insurance sales: The Friend Zone. ✅ Discover the four root causes that stall your sales ✅ Learn how to shift from “friendly agent” to “trusted advisor” ✅ Master the art of authority, stakes, discovery, and direction ✅ Stop getting ghosted after “great” conversations ✅ And finally—close with confidence If you've ever walked away from a call or Zoom feeling confused, frustrated, or just too nice for sales... this one's for you.

Are your apps ending up in the graveyard—abandoned at 85% because a client didn't want to give you their bank info? You're not alone, and this episode is for YOU. In this episode, the team breaks down: ✅ Why so many telesales applications blow up at the finish line ✅ How to build and maintain trust throughout the entire conversation ✅ The real reason clients hesitate to give their Social or banking info ✅ What “setting the table” really means—and how it sets the tone for the entire sale ✅ How your tone, pacing, and confidence can make or break the deal ✅ Why using words like “auto-draft” could be costing you money This isn't about scripts—it's about principles. When you understand the stakes, communicate with empathy, and speak with authority, you become the trusted expert your clients need.

In this Life Insurance Academy Podcast, Roger and Zach dive into the Three C's that can transform your closing ratio: Clarity, Confidence, and Connection. If you've ever wondered how top agents close more sales with less effort — and why some struggle even after making contact — this episode is for you. Learn how to simplify your sales conversations, eliminate client uncertainty, and move confidently through the entire appointment process. Here's what you'll discover: Why Clarity in purpose, process, and solution is critical to every appointment How Confidence in yourself and your value builds trust and drives more closes Why genuine Connection (not a hard close) is the ultimate sales multiplier Tactical tips to move from awkward closing moments to seamless, confident transitions How to align your process with client needs so they feel guided — not sold

In this episode of the Life Insurance Academy Podcast, Zach and Chris break down 10 actionable tips that will immediately help you level up your life insurance sales game—whether you're working in final expense, mortgage protection, or another niche. Here's what you'll walk away with: ✔️ The must-know product knowledge that boosts your confidence and closes more deals ✔️ How to educate, not overwhelm, your clients—and why that builds more trust ✔️ What it really means to “ask the right questions” (and how to listen for hidden gold) ✔️ Why building relationships—not just pipelines—leads to lasting success ✔️ How to handle objections with empathy and win clients for life ✔️ Ways to leverage tech, automation, and social media to grow faster ✔️ Why believing in what you sell might be the most important strategy of all

In this episode, Zach and Chris break down one of the most critical yet overlooked factors in telesales success: sales structure. Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned agent struggling to stay consistent, this conversation will give you a crystal-clear path to better results.

In this episode, Roger and Chris break down the three key components that will transform your sales business: People, Process, and Product. Drawing inspiration from Marcus Lemonis (The Profit) and Gordon Ramsay (Kitchen Nightmares), they explain how successful agents build their business by focusing on: ✅ Knowing your people — your clients, their needs, and how to truly connect ✅ Owning your process — having a repeatable, confident, and effective sales flow ✅ Understanding your product — and realizing you are part of what your client is buying Whether you're brand new or looking to level up, this episode is a masterclass in simplifying and strengthening your sales game.

In this episode, Zach and Chris dive deep into The Real Cost of Success as a life insurance agent — from monetary investments to time, effort, emotional intelligence, and risk. Whether you're just getting started or have been in the game for years, this episode will give you a real, unfiltered look at what it takes to go full-time and win big in this business.

In today's episode, we're diving deep into the psychology behind what agents often call a “sales pitch.”

In this episode, Chris and Zach dive into a hot topic straight from the comments section — real sales in the field: face-to-face life insurance sales. With so much attention on telesales lately, is in-home sales becoming a thing of the past? Not so fast. They unpack the mindset, strategy, and preparation needed to succeed in face-to-face sales — from maximizing your schedule and understanding your market, to mastering the art of the approach and the “door knock dance.” You'll hear tips that will help you get into more homes, serve more families, and write more business — all with the right heart and mindset.

Today, Roger Short and Zach McElwain dive deep into one of the biggest mistakes new agents make: giving quotes too soon! ❌ Why do agents lose control when clients ask for pricing? ❌ Why does giving quotes too early kill your sales? ✅ How can you build trust and value before ever mentioning numbers? ✅ What's the right way to present pricing and close more deals? If you've ever struggled with clients pushing for quotes early in the call, this episode is for you. We break down strategies from our Telesales BootCamp, real agent coaching calls, and proven techniques to take control of the conversation, increase your closing rate, and improve persistency.

Welcome back to another action-packed episode of the Life Insurance Academy Podcast! Today, we're diving into four major landmines that can derail your telesales process and cost you sales. Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned agent, avoiding these mistakes will transform your conversations and help you close more deals.

We're diving deep into the art of telesales with industry expert Dana Nesen. With 20 years of experience in final expense telesales and a passion for empowering agents, Dana breaks down her step-by-step process to help you overcome resistance, build trust, and close more sales.

In this episode of the Life Insurance Academy Podcast, we're bringing back a fan favorite—Mr. 7 Steps himself, Eric Howard!

In this episode of the Life Insurance Academy Podcast, we're diving into the biggest takeaways from our latest Telesales Bootcamp—where real agents make real dials, get live coaching, and take their businesses to the next level. If you're serious about success in telesales, this is a must-listen!

In this special episode, Roger Short sits down with a powerhouse in the life insurance industry, Dana Nesen from Thousand Oaks, California. Dana is a familiar face to many in the space, known for her impactful YouTube channel and extensive telesales expertise. Recently, Dana experienced a dramatic shift in her career as she transitioned out of Lincoln Heritage, where she built a $5 million+ telesales agency from the ground up. Dana shares her journey of resilience and reinvention, detailing how she navigated sudden career changes, explored new opportunities, and ultimately landed with a company that aligns with her vision for empowering agents. This is more than a podcast episode—it's a masterclass in navigating the ups and downs of the insurance business with integrity, grace, and determination. In this episode, you'll discover: How Dana built a thriving telesales agency with over 115 active agents. Her insights on transitioning from one chapter to another in the insurance world. Why maintaining strong relationships and handling challenges with dignity matters. What's next for Dana as she launches her new agency, Empower Life Group?

In this episode, we have an impactful conversation about the 3 questions that can make you $1 million in life insurance sales. These aren't just questions—they're game changers. Mastering these simple yet powerful communication tools can transform your sales conversations, build stronger relationships, and lead to incredible success.

In today's episode, we're diving deep into the keys to overcoming obstacles and maintaining momentum in your life insurance business. Whether it's combating the dreaded “February Quit,” staying accountable, or learning how to celebrate small wins, this conversation is packed with strategies to help you reach your goals and thrive in 2025 and beyond. We talk about identifying potential obstacles, developing coping strategies, and building the emotional intelligence needed to stay consistent in this ever-changing industry. Are you ready to be the person who doesn't just set audacious goals but achieves them? Tune in as we share actionable insights and mindset shifts that will transform your year! If you found value in this episode, please let us know your favorite takeaway in the comments below. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!

Welcome to the first Life Insurance Academy podcast of 2025!

Merry Christmas from all of us at the Life Insurance Academy! In this special holiday episode, Zach and Roger reflect on the year, talk about recharging during the holiday season, and offer powerful strategies to reframe your mindset as we gear up for an incredible 2025. Whether you're enjoying time with family or thinking about your goals for the upcoming year, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you start strong.

This week, we're diving deep into the fundamentals of final expense telesales with repeat guest Michael Hall of Trustworthy Financial. From his humble beginnings as a firefighter and marine to building a thriving telesales business, Michael shares the secrets behind his success and the transition to selling final expense insurance over the phone. You'll learn: ✔️ How to build trust and connect with clients remotely. ✔️ The keys to identifying, addressing, and raising the stakes in telesales. ✔️ Proven strategies for simplifying underwriting and ensuring client affordability. ✔️ The benefits of leveraging automation and CRMs to streamline your telesales process.

In this special episode of the Life Insurance Academy Podcast, we sit down with Elvir Bazdarevic from Modern Financial, whose incredible journey from war-torn Yugoslavia to building a thriving insurance business is one you don't want to miss.

Welcome to a very special episode of the Life Insurance Academy Podcast – Episode 250!

In today's episode, Roger and Chris are laying it all out for you—the real truth about rejection and resilience in life insurance sales. We know that every sales journey comes with its fair share of challenges, and today, we're diving deep into how to overcome them. You'll hear practical strategies and mindset shifts that will help you not only face rejection but use it as a stepping stone to build your confidence and skills. This episode is packed with insights on navigating rejection, reframing setbacks, and turning each “no” into a valuable lesson for sustainable success in this business.   If you've been struggling with maintaining momentum or feeling discouraged, this episode is for you. We talk about how to build emotional resilience, the importance of celebrating small wins, and how to take each interaction as an opportunity for growth. These tips aren't just for insurance—they're principles that can help you succeed in any part of life where resilience is key.  

In this episode, we're diving deep into the financial side of insurance sales with an honest and practical discussion about managing your money effectively. Our co-hosts are equipped with laptops for this one, ready to give you golden insights to keep your business thriving! Zach shares his proven strategies for tracking your numbers, avoiding common financial pitfalls, and making the most of your earnings as an insurance agent.   We cover:   Essential steps for new agents to set a solid financial foundation How to calculate your “number” – the minimum income you need to sustain your life and career Tips for managing commissions, handling chargebacks, and avoiding common money mistakes that can stall your business Real-life advice on preparing for growth, staying consistent, and building a stable, profitable career   If you're serious about building a sustainable insurance business, this episode is a must-listen! Get your notepad ready because these financial strategies can make or break your success in the industry.  

In today's episode, we're covering what it takes to launch a successful career in life insurance sales, focusing on the five essential steps for fast profitability.  With insightful advice from Roger, and Chris we tackle some of the biggest challenges new agents face. Here's a sneak peek of what you'll learn:   How to Launch Efficiently: Get licensed and contracted quickly to gain momentum. Learning While You Wait: Don't let downtime stop you! We share tips on staying sharp as you wait for contracts. The Importance of Urgency: Why speed in each step directly correlates to your success. Leveraging Your Community: How to stay connected and grow with your team. Taking Massive Action: Our guide to making that first sale and getting those wins! Starting a life insurance career doesn't have to be daunting—tune in for a roadmap to success and tips on fast-tracking your path to profitability. Comment below if you enjoyed Chris's jingle or if you have your own fast-track success story to share!  

Today, Zach, and Chris dive deep into real conversations drawn from our training experiences with agents. We uncover common challenges and discuss the learning curve in insurance sales, whether you're face-to-face or working telesales. The goal is simple: help YOU become profitable and successful by sharing practical, tactical strategies that have proven results. In this episode, we tackle the mindset and work ethic required to make it in this business. We talk about bridging the gap between new agents who struggle in their first 30-60 days and those who master the industry within 12-18 months. Learn why treating this business like a full-time job—whether you're part-time or not—is crucial for success. We also share strategies for mastering your presentation, understanding underwriting, and building trust through competence. Are you serious about taking your career to the next level?

In this episode of the Life Insurance Academy Podcast, we're thrilled to welcome back Jonathan Henderson for his third appearance—making him our first-ever three-time guest! Jonathan shares his story of perseverance in the insurance industry, talks about the core values behind his company E320 Financial Partners, and reveals why leading with integrity is the key to success.   From battling the challenges of the business world to finding renewed energy through community and mentorship, Jonathan's journey is a testament to resilience and growth. Plus, hear about his passion for empowering agents and why telesales has been a game changer for his agency.   Don't miss this inspiring conversation packed with tips, mindset shifts, and leadership principles that can help you level up your insurance business!  

In this special two-year check-in episode of the Life Insurance Academy Podcast, we sit down with the founders of True Wealth Financial, Jalon Talley and Mike Kwarteng. These inspiring leaders share their remarkable journey from just a few agents writing $35,000 in life insurance sales to now overseeing a thriving team generating $450,000 in monthly sales.   From starting with a vision to leading hundreds of agents, Jalon and Mike talk about the importance of community, mentorship, and following a proven system to succeed in the life insurance business. Whether you're an agent looking to take your business to the next level or you're considering joining the life insurance industry, this episode is packed with insights on how to break through barriers, overcome adversity, and achieve massive growth.   Key Takeaways:   Importance of hard work and committing to the process How mentorship and community contribute to success Success stories of agents who applied the system and saw rapid growth How True Wealth contracted over 600 agents in two years Don't forget to connect with True Wealth:   Instagram: @truuwealth YouTube: True Wealth Financial Website: wearetruewealth.com  

In this special episode, we welcome Emily and Hunter Palmer from Legacy Protection Agency, all the way from Decatur, Texas, here with us in Louisville, Kentucky. If you're new to the podcast, you're in for an incredible story. Emily and Hunter share their journey into the insurance industry, from the oil fields of North Dakota to helping protect truck drivers and their families through life insurance with living benefits. Their passion for protecting families stems from personal experiences with loss and hardship, driving their mission to ensure others have the coverage and security they need. You'll hear about: - Their unique approach to selling life insurance with living benefits in the trucking industry - How their personal experiences shape their passion for helping others - Their success in building an agency and empowering their agents - The importance of strategic relationships in business - Their ministry and how they give back to their community by helping homeless women and children If you're interested in learning more about working with Emily and Hunter or exploring how their agency can help you, you can contact them here: Facebook: Hunter Palmer Instagram: @thehunterpalmer                    @ep_onetoughmommy If you're interested in learning more about More Precious Than Rubies Ministries, you can find out more here: Website: http://morepreciousthanrubies.org/  Instagram:  @mptr_ministries   Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from leaders in the life insurance industry!  

Are you ready to take your telesales game to the next level?

Join Roger and Zach as they break down the top 7 steps every life insurance agent needs to follow to thrive in telesales. From understanding your products to developing a strong script, and even building rapport quickly—this episode is packed with actionable insights you won't want to miss.   Whether you're a new agent or a seasoned pro, these tips are designed to help you simplify your telesales process, avoid common mistakes, and boost your confidence on the phone. Ready to take your telesales game to the next level?  

We're thrilled to welcome a very special guest, Brian Askins, all the way from Springfield, Missouri. With an impressive 35 years in the insurance industry, Brian's journey is nothing short of inspiring—and trust us, when you see him, you won't believe he's been in the business that long!   Brian's career began in the same year he got married, and his passion for life insurance has only grown since. Today, he's the CEO of Impact Legacy Group, a national organization that supports agents across multiple verticals. In this conversation, Brian shares his insights on building a successful career, starting with door-to-door sales of final expense policies to now leading a company that contracts thousands of agents.   Throughout this episode, you'll hear about:   The power of passion in the insurance business and how it can elevate your career. Real-life stories of how life insurance changes lives, including some deeply personal experiences that fuel Brian's dedication to the industry. The importance of referrals and networking, and how Brian built a million-dollar referral network from scratch. How agents in Brian's organization can benefit from a referral program that pays out significantly, even if they're not handling the sale themselves. Whether you're new to the business or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration to help you succeed in the life insurance industry.    Don't miss Brian's incredible journey and his tips on how to thrive in this rewarding profession.  

In today's episode, we dive deep into strategies that can help you significantly increase your closing rate in insurance sales. Chris and Zach share powerful insights on how passion and a winning mindset can drive success, no matter what you're selling. We explore the importance of connection, maintaining control, educating clients, and moving forward with confidence in the sales process. Whether you're selling insurance, playing basketball, or just trying to win at life, this episode is packed with actionable advice that you can implement right away. Don't miss out on these golden nuggets that could be a game changer for your business. Tune in and elevate your sales game today!   In this episode, we emphasize the importance of connecting with clients and maintaining control throughout the sales process. By actively listening and educating your clients, you can build trust and help them make informed decisions. We also discuss the significance of discovering and addressing the stakes to make the sale more compelling. Finally, we encourage moving forward with confidence and assuming the sale to close more deals effectively. Implementing these strategies can elevate your sales game and lead to greater success.   If you found value in this episode, please share it with others and don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more tips and strategies. We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!  

Welcome back to another episode of the Life Insurance Academy Podcast! Today, Zach and Chris are diving into a topic that every agent needs to master—keeping it simple! We know how easy it is to overthink, overanalyze, and make things way more complicated than they need to be. That's why we're breaking down the essential framework you need to eliminate the noise, avoid burning leads, and stay focused on what truly matters.   In this episode, we cover the importance of commitment, consistency, and confidence in your sales process. We'll give you practical, tactical tools and tips that you can implement right away to help you win in this business. Whether you're dealing with the frustration of a door slammed in your face or the fear of burning a lead on the phone, we've got you covered.   Don't forget to check out our coaching and courses at LifeInsuranceAcademy.org for deeper dives into everything from door-knocking strategies to telesales techniques. And remember, we love hearing from you! Drop a comment below, share your wins, or join us on a live coaching call to let us know how this episode has impacted your journey.   Subscribe, like, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode. You're not just listeners—you're part of the Life Insurance Academy family! Let's keep winning together!  

Chase Alexander has made a remarkable transition from building multi-million dollar luxury homes on the West Coast to becoming a rising star in the life insurance industry. Discover how Chase, with no prior experience in insurance, navigated through the early challenges of his new career, driven by a passion for helping families secure their financial futures. Tune in to hear his story of grit, perseverance, and the strategies that took him from a rocky start to a thriving business. Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned professional, Chase's journey offers valuable insights and motivation.    Chase shares the importance of community, mentorship, and persistence in overcoming the initial hurdles many new agents face. He emphasizes the power of believing in yourself, staying connected with a supportive team, and continuously learning to improve your craft. If you're looking for actionable advice on how to push through the tough times and achieve success in the life insurance industry, this episode is a must-listen.   To connect with Chase Alexander for more insights or to discuss his journey, email him at chasedalexander7@gmail.com or follow him on Instagram at @itschasealexander. He's always open to answering questions and sharing his experiences to help others succeed.  

In this episode, Roger talks with Deanna Privette about her lofty goal for the month of August 2024. Embarking on a new chapter after years of nurturing both her family and their retail ventures, this remarkable woman found her calling in insurance. Setting an ambitious 30 Day, $100,000 Target Premium goal, she fearlessly dives into the world of financial planning, eager to secure her future and inspire others to do the same. Through homeschooling her children and running boutiques, she's proven her dedication and resilience. By making her journey public, she holds herself accountable, showcasing the power of determination and hard work. Her message is clear: this endeavor can transform lives and secure futures.  

In this episode, Zach and Chris dive deep into strategies to maximize your profitability and retain your business. They share golden nuggets about not just writing new policies, but also keeping your existing business on the books.   Join us as we discuss the essential work needed to minimize chargebacks and the importance of client retention. Zach shares his personal journey from being an introverted new agent to embracing the challenges of the industry. He highlights the fear of facing chargebacks and the strategies to overcome it, emphasizing the significance of retention over constantly acquiring new clients.   Chris and Zach explore the value of maintaining trust and confidence with clients, offering practical tips for improving policy persistency and minimizing chargebacks. They introduce the concept of the "cool down" to ensure clients feel confident and secure about their decisions after the sale.   Learn how to build deeper connections with clients through the CORE acronym (Children, Occupation, Recreation, Emotion) and understand the critical steps of summarizing the sale, setting expectations, and reconnecting on a personal level. This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you become a difference-maker in your clients' lives.   Don't miss out on these valuable insights to enhance your sales process, build stronger client relationships, and keep your business thriving. Subscribe, like, and comment to let us know how this podcast has empowered you to improve your sales and retention strategies. We appreciate your support and look forward to helping you succeed!   If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, like, and leave a comment! Share your success stories about retaining policies or reconnecting with clients. Your feedback inspires us and helps us continue providing valuable content to support your success in the life insurance industry.  

Today, we are thrilled to have a special guest all the way from Burlington, North Carolina. Meet Eric Howard, also known as Mr. Seven. Eric's journey from college dropout to millionaire is nothing short of inspirational. In this episode, you'll learn about Eric's life, his path to success, and the strategies that transformed his career.   Eric shares his experiences, insights, and the powerful systems he developed to achieve remarkable results in the insurance industry. Discover how he went from struggling to making six figures, and eventually, seven figures. Eric's unique approach, including his revolutionary "Book Method," has helped countless agents double their income and drastically improve their persistency rates.   Tune in to hear about Eric's experiences that led to his success. Whether you're a new agent or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with valuable tips and motivation to help you thrive in the insurance business.   Be sure to check out Eric's 7-step sales training once it's live on July 21st at https://www.eric7steps.com/    Don't miss this episode of the Life Insurance Academy podcast with the incredible Eric Howard, aka Mr. Seven. Like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories and expert advice!  

Are you about to graduate from college and still don't know your direction? Meet Caroline Trecartin from Chicago, Illinois, a remarkable young lady who reached out to us a year and a half ago after discovering our podcast. Finishing her undergraduate program and unsure about her future, Caroline embarked on a journey that led her to a successful career in the insurance industry.   Caroline's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the opportunities that lie in the insurance business. From navigating the uncertainties of post-graduation life to finding her passion and achieving remarkable success, Caroline's journey is nothing short of inspiring. She shares her transition from college to the insurance industry, the initial challenges and self-doubt she overcame, and the critical role of community and mentorship in her success. Caroline has achieved impressive milestones, including writing $20,000 to $30,000 in premiums monthly and traveling the world.   Caroline's experience highlights the potential for young people to find fulfilling and lucrative careers in insurance. Her dedication, resilience, and willingness to learn and grow have paved the way for her success.   If you're a college student or recent graduate feeling uncertain about your future, Caroline's story might just be the inspiration you need. Discover how the insurance industry can offer you a path to financial freedom, personal growth, and a life of adventure.   Don't miss this episode of the Life Insurance Academy Podcast! Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories of success and inspiration in the insurance world.   Connect with Caroline Trecartin: Instagram: @financewithcaroline LinkedIn: Caroline Trecartin   Thank you for watching, and we'll see you on the next episode of the Life Insurance Academy Podcast!