Podcasts about Home insurance

The women in insurance cancer crusade, or WICC, is more than an insurance based charity, it is a purpose to change how we address cancer and support the fight against it. We had the pleasure to sit down with the current co-chairs and past chair to talk about it's origins, the stigma of cancer, and how it grew to be the most important charitable initiative in the insurance industry.In this episode:Why the importance 'women' in the history of WICC mattersThe journey of support for those with cancer in the insurance industry and beyondHow the organization became a national brand What the value is for donations and how contributions are managed so effectivelyHow the milestone of 30 years is just a startMarilyn, Garth and Amanda share their beliefs, passion and vision for WICC and how it makes an impact far beyond the insurance industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 98: Learn how site-specific structural design, factory lumber culling, and whole-building energy calculations protect owner-builders from carrier insurance surcharges, jobsite framing delays, and thermal inspection failures. We examine why panelized homes insure at the exact same rates as conventional stick-built construction, bypassing the costly premiums, restrictive underwriting riders, and personal property stigmas attached to modular units or steel-chassis HUD trailers. Discover how factory-controlled fabrication eliminates warped, crowned, and wane-heavy dimensional studs before wall sections are assembled, protecting your project from crooked drywall finishes and on-site lumberyard waste. We explore why modern energy codes analyze heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and solar solar heat gain coefficients across the complete building envelope—illustrating why deep roof overhangs and seasonal sun azimuth angles prevent interior overheating and right-size HVAC tonnage. Finally, see how ordering precision factory-built wall panels allows owner-builders to design your own custom home with total budget and structural confidence.

This episode is live from the Santa Monica Peir at Insurance Fest 2026. Sponsors:Canopy Connect -Making it easier for agencies to collect insurance information directly from clients and prospects, helping speed up the quoting process and improve the customer experience.Bind AI-  An AI-powered digital teammate built to help insurance professionals automate repetitive work, increase efficiency, and give their teams more time to focus on the human side of the business. V!VA-  Helping insurance agencies scale with trained virtual professionals who can support service, operations, marketing, and more giving your team additional capacity without sacrificing the customer experience. 

TRUMP AND MAMDANI—POLITICAL OPPOSITES OR UNLIKELY ALLIES? What happened behind closed doors? Wait till you hear what they said afterward. What is the Sunnyside Project they discussed and how much will it cost you? NO WILDFIRE RISK—NO HOME INSURANCE ANYWAY? California’s crisis gets worse. Is any home safe from the crisis? What every homeowner or buyer needs to know! 1619 PROJECT CREATOR ADMITS HER EDUCATION EXPERIMENT FAILED HER OWN DAUGHTER! “I failed…my child.” What happened to her daughter’s education? Why is everyone missing the most important parts of the story? THE TRANS TEEN SUICIDE CLAIM PUT TO THE TEST! What did Finland’s national data actually find? And why is the FTC involved? Why the data could matter in America’s courtrooms, schools and hospitals? With Ken Abramowitz, SavetheWest.com & Maria Keffler, “Desist, Detrans & Detox: Getting Your Child Out of the Gender Cult”. Support Our Mission: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=ZMGRBFGDJKRS8See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week in Insurance Town, Mayor sits down with longtime friend and fellow insurance leader Heath Barnett, co-owner of Legacy, for a conversation about growth, culture, ownership, and building a business people actually want to be part of.Heath Barnett is an insurance agency leader and co-owner of Legacy. After beginning his career in the captive insurance world, Heath transitioned into the independent channel and helped build Legacy into a multi-state insurance organization.His leadership philosophy centers on developing people, creating opportunities for ownership, giving local leaders autonomy, and building an organization where professional success doesn't have to come at the expense of family and the things that matter most.Heath's story starts in Memphis, Texas, where he grew up around agriculture, small-town relationships, and a family Farmers agency. After working alongside his grandfather and eventually purchasing the agency, Heath began seeing opportunities beyond the captive model. That journey ultimately led him into the independent insurance world and to what has become Legacy—an organization that has grown to roughly 250 people across multiple states.But this episode isn't simply about getting bigger.It's about how you grow without losing who you are.Heath and Mayor talk about the importance of training agents to understand what they are actually selling instead of competing on price alone. They dig into what the captive world can teach independent agencies about carrier training and development, why Legacy intentionally recruits coaches and teachers, and why the right culture can become one of the strongest recruiting and retention tools an agency has.They also get into ownership, succession planning, producer autonomy, burnout, family priorities, faith, and creating an organization where people have the opportunity to build something of their own.If you're an agency owner thinking about growth, recruiting, producer development, culture, or succession, there are plenty of nuggets in this one.Episode Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to Insurance Town03:21 – Meet Heath Barnett09:27 – Leaving the captive model for the independent channel10:34 – Rebuilding culture in the independent insurance world15:43 – What Farmers got right about training and support18:26 – Stop selling price and start understanding the product21:54 – Why Legacy recruits coaches and teachers29:19 – Burnout, family priorities, and faith at work32:53 – The original vision for Legacy's growth36:54 – Why producers choose the Legacy model41:41 – Ownership, succession, and protecting an agent's book43:42 – Why Legacy moved beyond the traditional last-name agency model44:53 – Connecting with Heath Barnett and Legacy45:45 – Legacy's growing multi-state footprint46:02 – What could be next for Legacy49:19 – Texas football, Texas Tech, and the Longhorns51:15 – Closing thoughtsLearn more about Legacy at legacyinsurance1.com.Proud Partners of Insurance TownCanopy ConnectStop chasing down declaration pages and PDFs. Canopy Connect helps insurance professionals collect verified insurance information directly from prospects and clients in seconds, creating a faster and easier experience for everyone involved.Bind AIFormerly 1Fort, Bind AI is helping insurance organizations put AI to work as a digital teammate—supporting workflows, increasing capacity, and helping teams spend more time on the work that requires human judgment and relationships.V!VA Virtual SolutionsV!VA helps insurance agencies build effective virtual teams by focusing on more than simply placing a VA. Their approach centers on processes, training, accountability, and helping agencies create measurable return on their investment.Insurance Town listeners can receive $1,000 off when getting started with V!VA Virtual Solutions.Thank you to our partners for supporting Insurance Town and helping us continue bringing real conversations, practical ideas, and stories from people doing the work across the insurance industry.One change I particularly like here is positioning the episode around the question, “How do you grow without losing who you are?” That feels very on-brand for Insurance Town and gives the entire episode a stronger through-line.

As the CEO of Xceedance Arun Balakrishnan has seen many tech changes through his career starting with selling online in India. He explains how AI does not have to upend your vision, team, and tech stack to find success with it. In this episode:Who the companies will be who find success with AI, and sustain it.Why there will not be winners in the AI race but those who get left behindHow to consider token usage, budgeting and maximizing ROIWhere the most practical value lies for brokers, insurers, MGAs, and almost every insurance entityArun has lived the experience he speaks about with AI and shares his war stories, expertise and more to help drive understanding instead of fear with AI and the future it will play across the insurance industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

in this weeks episode, Heath Shearon sits down with Rob Lopez, CEO of V!VA, for a wide-ranging conversation about insurance, outsourcing, virtual assistants, and AI. Rob shares how his path from broadcast journalism and sports radio led him back into the insurance world, and why his focus has always been on building real departments not just filling seats.They also dig into what makes V!VA different: process-driven onboarding, bilingual support, nearshore staffing in El Salvador, and a consultative approach that helps agencies document workflows before adding talent.https://vivateams.com/insurancetownTimestamps00:00 – Welcome, sponsors, and introducing Rob Lopez from V!VA03:33 – Why Rob stays present in the industry05:32 – Rob's early life as an Allstate kid06:30 – Broadcast journalism, the Houston Rockets, and a career shift07:26 – The first life insurance claim that changed Rob's perspective07:55 – Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma08:44 – Distribution work, aggregators, and building agency networks09:35 – Why aggregator margins eventually hurt the value proposition10:29 – Rob's sports talk and media background12:30 – Why catastrophe work mattered more than commissions14:53 – Rob's father and front-line catastrophe response17:37 – Delivering a claim check and overcoming fear at the kitchen table18:43 – Why showing up during claims builds trust20:40 – Heath and Rob discuss the mission behind insurance22:32 – How Rob entered the virtual assistant space23:43 – Hiring for impact, not headcount24:39 – The story behind V!VA's first hire27:18 – How that first hire became part of V!VA's origin story29:13 – The evolution from “VA” to trained insurance team members30:13 – Why checklists and SOPs are essential32:03 – Using virtual assistants to document workflows33:27 – Why Rob is willing to say no to the wrong client fit36:01 – Cheap labor versus true partnership37:26 – Building departments instead of relying on one person41:06 – Why turnover is inevitable without documented processes42:31 – The impact of losing a virtual assistant44:21 – V!VA's systems and strategy review process45:48 – Quarterly check-ins and role alignment47:12 – Virtual assistants, licensed agents, and career growth49:17 – Why nearshore support can be effective for insurance agencies51:06 – AI versus humans in the agency53:30 – V!VA Front Desk and AI-powered communication55:22 – AI for after-hours lead capture56:48 – Cost savings, payroll, and E&O coverage60:04 – How to contact Rob and access the Insurance Town offer61:26 – The $1,000 setup credit for Insurance Town listenersSponsors: Canopy Connect - get dec pages , gather information , meet your clients where they are Get a discount using my code !! 1fort.ai- it is AI for insurance agencies , save time, be more efficient and win more deals with 1 Fort AIViva - see why more people are going to viva for near shore talent. And get a massive discount for being a listener of the show

In this weeks episode the Mayor talks with Dave Rose, an agency operator at Bolt and former Liberty Mutual and Travelers leader, about what independent agents can learn from captive carriers, how connected distribution works, and how agencies can start using AI without overhauling everything. Dave brings a practical, operator's perspective from both the agency side and the tech side, with a focus on real-world implementation rather than hype.In this episode, they cover the process discipline of captive agencies, the power of referrals and centers of influence in the independent channel, and why AI adoption is more about solving specific pain points than chasing tools. They also preview Dave's ITC session on building an AI-first agency plan in 30, 60, and 90 days.Timestamps00:00 — Intro, sponsors, and welcome to Dave Rose 08:24 — What Bolt does as a connected distribution platform 10:25 — What Dave learned moving from captive to independent 12:40 — Why independent agency success depends on knowledge, not just choice 15:03 — Centers of influence and building referral pipelines 17:05 — Why branding and marketing matter in the independent channel 19:19 — Why Dave wanted to be both an agency operator and technology builder 20:16 — How Bolt tests technology from the agency side first 23:04 — Why AI vendors all sound similar and what actually matters 24:57 — Advice for technology vendors: think through the agency lens 27:00 — The difference between insurance-first technology and tech-first insurance 28:17 — ITC and the growing role of agents at the conference 29:36 — A real example of an agency owner unsure where to begin with AI 31:18 — Why the industry is still early in its AI journey 34:13 — Three AI myths Dave wants to challenge 36:02 — Why AI should support, not replace, relationship-driven work 38:36 — Dave's ITC session: practical next steps for agencies 41:26 — Agent Day at ITC and the value-first approach 42:23 — Session title: The AI First Agency: Your 30-, 60-, and 90-Day Plan in 15 Minutes 46:03 — The origins of Bolt and its connected distribution mission 47:28 — How Bolt connects lead generation, quoting, binding, and servicing 49:31 — Who should talk to Bolt and who benefits most 51:29 — How to reach Dave and Bolt 52:40 — Why ITC is worth attending for independent agents 54:58 — Why ITC works because of its concentration of knowledge and conversationSponsors:Canopy Connect1fortVivaIf you have not registered for ITC Vegas. Go check it out and use discount code : 1AGSPKSNB for $200 off

When insurance industry leaders want learn they show up at NICC. As we sit one month away from this conference in Quebec City, this episode will profile speakers, the agenda, and why NICC is an essential event year after year.In this epiosde:What's in store for attendeesHow topics and themes are chosenThe importance of government in the industryM&A panel previewHow a new initiative makes charitable giving for insurance easierPreviews of claims, AI, trade, and trucking panels.We're excited to have Nevina Kishun, Marc Lipman, Stuart Carruthers and Koker Christensen talk about the conference, their roles and what's in store this year.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week in insurance town Heath Shearon sits down with Martin Mashalov, co-founder of Gridpull, to unpack why buying more leads is not the same as getting more business. They dig into how appetite matching, renewal timing, and trigger-based prospecting can help agencies spend producer time more efficiently and improve conversion rates.Martin explains how his background in applied math and insurance analytics led him to build tools for finding better prospects, not just more prospects. The conversation stays practical throughout, with examples from restaurants, commercial real estate, and new business triggers.00:00 - Welcome to the episode and the lead buying problem  05:22 - Why insurance complexity pulled him toward technology  09:55 - Modeling insurer risk and learning the agency and brokerage chain  12:04 - How lead buying became a prospecting problem  14:39 - Why volume alone does not fix lead performance  18:39 - What “appetite” means for agencies and carriers  20:29 - Restaurant examples and carrier appetite edge cases  27:17 - New business triggers as a smarter prospecting strategy  28:21 - Permits, hiring, and licensing as insurance signals  31:38 - Trigger stacking for stronger prospecting profiles  33:20 - Why Gridpull was built around a real workflow problem  34:08 - Where AI fits and where it should stay out of the way  39:30 - How Gridpull organizes renewals, contacts, and follow-up  42:43 - Using existing books of business for cross-sell opportunities  44:10 - Early conversion rate and revenue gains from Gridpool  47:40 - How Gridpull supports agencies beyond just software  48:13 - Contact options and demo availability  49:22 - Free trial, credits, and privacy considerations  Sponsors :CANOPY CONNECT1 FortVIVA 

Your insurance bill can jump overnight, and it's not always because you did anything different. We sit down with Chip Lupo from WalletHub to unpack what's behind today's rising car insurance and homeowners insurance rates and what you can actually do to lower your premium without cutting the wrong corners.We get specific about the moves that matter: when bundling home and auto insurance really saves money, why you still need to compare coverage line by line, and how shopping at least three quotes keeps you from overpaying out of habit. We also dig into the factors insurers use to price you, including your state rules, your zip code, traffic density, theft risk, uninsured drivers, and even higher-speed roads that raise accident severity in places like Texas.Then we talk practical policy choices: raising your deductible, deciding whether collision coverage still makes sense on an older paid-off car, and why leases and loans can limit how much you can adjust. Chip also explains how telematics and phone-based monitoring can lead to discounts, plus the uncomfortable truth that credit score can influence insurance rates in many markets.After the interview, we roll into Jeff's racing calendar, Marrs' This Week In Auto History, and a news update including US-Canada tariff drama and an NHTSA probe into nearly 1 million GM trucks and SUVs over L87 engine failure concerns. Subscribe, share the show with a fellow driver, and leave a quick review so more people can find the strategies that help keep insurance costs in check.Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!The Lupe' Tortilla RestaurantsLupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas Gulf Coast Auto ShieldPaint protection, tint, and more!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.----  ----- Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time?     In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy!  Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.-----   -----Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12nCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltimehttps://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTimeFor more information about In Wheel Time Podcast, email us at info@inwheeltime.com

The AI boom is starting to look a lot more leveraged than investors realize There is a growing risk in the AI infrastructure buildout that isn't getting nearly enough attention: how much of this spending is being financed, and how much of the risk is sitting off the balance sheet.   The headline numbers around capital expenditures are already staggering, but what concerns me more is what sits underneath them: joint ventures, off-balance-sheet financing arrangements and leases that haven't even commenced yet.   In other words, some of the financial obligations associated with this AI buildout aren't necessarily showing up in today's debt figures. And the spending is enormous. Goldman Sachs analysts estimated that hyperscalers have combined lease commitments for data centers, R&D facilities, offices and equipment of $1.5 trillion, up from about $200 billion five years ago. This includes about $1 trillion of “uncommenced” lease commitments, which are not yet shown in financial statements but will result in future payments. This pairs with consensus forecasts that hyperscaler capital spending alone will surpass $1 trillion per year from 2027 onward and there are with no clear signs of moderation. According to a multi-asset credit strategist at PIMCO, the AI capex cycle is, adjusted for inflation, on track to be the largest investment cycle since the 19th-century railway construction.   The problem is what happens if the revenue doesn't grow fast enough to justify the investment. This is where Steve Eisman's warning is particularly interesting. Eisman, who became famous for betting against the housing market ahead of the financial crisis, believes the AI boom has become increasingly dependent on just two companies: OpenAI and Anthropic. According to Eisman, those two companies account for roughly 70% of AI-related revenue at Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet's Google and Oracle, and potentially 25%–35% of their overall cloud revenue.   That creates a concentration risk that investors shouldn't ignore. If OpenAI and Anthropic continue growing rapidly, the economics of all this infrastructure can work. But what if they don't?  Eisman believes one of the biggest threats could come from China.   Chinese open-source and open-weight AI models are significantly cheaper, and if they continue gaining market share, the industry could face something that investors haven't really modeled into these enormous infrastructure investments: an AI price war.   If the price of AI inference and cloud computing falls dramatically, the companies that have spent hundreds of billions building capacity could find themselves with a serious problem.   The infrastructure doesn't disappear just because pricing does. The debt doesn't disappear. The leases don't disappear. And the depreciation expense certainly doesn't disappear.   Another major concern given all the commitments from OpenAI is the turnover the company has seen. The company recently announced that Chief Revenue Officer Denise Dresser is leaving less than a year after joining the company. Dresser had brought more than a decade of Salesforce experience and was viewed as someone with important enterprise expertise as OpenAI tried to compete with Anthropic.   She isn't the only senior executive to leave. Fidji Simo stepped down from her product and business role, and several other executives including COO Brad Lightcap departed earlier this year.   Executive turnover doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong. Fast-growing companies go through enormous amounts of change. But when two companies are potentially responsible for such a large percentage of the revenue supporting an enormous AI infrastructure investment cycle, leadership stability becomes much more important.   There are a lot of things that need to go right to justify the enormous amount of spending in the AI space. And increasingly, there seem to be more and more question marks that investors need to consider. I'm not saying the AI boom is over. I'm saying investors should spend a lot more time asking who is financing this boom, who is ultimately responsible for the obligations, and what happens if the economics of AI change.   Refined oil could be in jeopardy over the next 6 to 12 months U.S. refineries are currently operating at historically high utilization rates at around 96.5%. Aside from July 25 of this year, when utilization briefly reached 97.2%, the last time refineries were operating at this level was in 2018, when utilization hit 96.6%.   Part of the problem is our own doing. California politicians deserve a significant amount of blame. Over the past 20 years, nine of the 12 refineries that have closed in the United States have been located in California. At the same time, the push toward electric vehicles led many refiners to avoid investing the billions of dollars required to build new refining capacity. Now, we not only lack significant new capacity, but some existing refineries are also in need of repairs and upgrades.   That leaves us particularly vulnerable considering we are in hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30. A major hurricane hitting the Gulf Coast could knock out anywhere from 10% to 30% of U.S. refining capacity, depending on the severity and location of the storm. That could put enormous pressure on already-tight supplies of gasoline and diesel.   And supplies are already below normal. Global inventories of refined fuels, which primarily consists of gasoline and diesel, are estimated to be roughly 130 million barrels below normal levels for this time of year.   This isn't just a U.S. problem. Gasoline and diesel are globally traded commodities, and the global refining picture has changed significantly because of the war in Ukraine. Ukraine has reportedly knocked out roughly 30% of Russia's refining capacity, while Russia has also reduced exports of refined products as it prioritizes its own domestic needs.   The United States is a free market, and American businesses can trade refined products on the global market. U.S. refineries currently export roughly 900,000 barrels per day of gasoline, while diesel exports recently reached a record 1.9 million barrels per day.   This is why having millions of barrels of crude oil doesn't necessarily solve the problem. You can have all the oil in the world, but if you don't have the refining capacity to turn it into gasoline and diesel, that oil is of limited use to consumers.   As an investment firm, we're always looking for the other shoe that could drop. This is one that concerns me. If we get a major hurricane over the next few months and refining capacity is reduced even temporarily, the impact on gasoline and diesel supplies could be significant. A disruption lasting only a week could be enough to send energy markets into a tizzy, particularly given how tight inventories already are.   The irony is that we spent years aggressively pushing toward electric vehicles while underinvesting in traditional refining capacity. EV adoption hasn't progressed as quickly as many expected, but the refining infrastructure we depend on for gasoline and diesel hasn't magically expanded either.   Now we're heading into hurricane season with historically high refinery utilization, below-normal refined fuel inventories, limited new refining capacity and a global market that is already facing disruptions. That's a combination worth paying attention to.   Americans are traveling more than ever If you've noticed how busy airports have been lately, there's a reason: Americans are traveling more than ever, and there's little sign of that slowing down. One reason is wealth. Americans collectively hold roughly $100 trillion in wealth. They're also living longer and, perhaps more than any previous generation, are choosing to spend their later years enjoying life, traveling, and creating experiences.   Back in the 1970s, 80s, and even the 90s, Americans seemed more content to stay home, spend time with family, and enjoy their homes. Fast-forward to today, and travel has become a much bigger priority.   Trips to Europe reached a record 24 million in 2025. While some Europeans certainly aren't thrilled with the influx of American tourists, those visitors are having a major economic impact. Americans accounted for roughly 15% of luxury sales across Europe.   Of course, not everyone is happy about the crowds. Barcelona, which sees roughly nine times as many visitors as it has residents, has seen protests against tourism, including protesters spraying tourists with water. I guess on a hot day, that might not be the worst thing.   The change in travel habits is pretty remarkable. As recently as 1990, only about 5% of Americans had a passport. Today, that figure is around 50%, giving Americans far more ability to travel internationally.   So who is doing all this traveling? Women 55 and older account for roughly 24% of travelers to Europe and other international destinations. I don't know about you, but that doesn't surprise me.   What does this mean going forward? If this trend continues, it could have a meaningful impact on the economy. Airlines, hotels, restaurants, and other businesses tied to travel should continue to benefit from Americans prioritizing experiences.   I do believe we'll eventually see an increase from the historically low levels of spending on home remodeling and repairs. But I also wonder if that trend could eventually be constrained as people choose to spend $10,000 on a trip to Europe rather than $10,000 on a kitchen remodel. And with all these Americans traveling around the world, I have to wonder how many have taken the time to see the incredible places we have right here in the United States.   I'm talking about the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, the giant redwoods of Northern California, or our nation's capital in Washington, D.C. We may be traveling more than ever but maybe we should remember that there's still plenty to explore right here at home.   Do you have any healthcare stocks in your portfolio? You may be thinking, “What a boring investment.” And it's true, healthcare stocks have performed poorly over the last few years. But if your portfolio is heavily concentrated in high-risk areas like AI and technology, you may want to consider adding a couple of healthcare stocks.   I know that could mean giving up some performance as tech stocks skyrocket… or, I should say, if they continue to skyrocket. But healthcare as a portfolio diversifier could be a good option for people that don't want to sell all their tech winners.   Look at the recent history as it seems when tech stocks rallied, healthcare struggled, but on the other side of the coin, from late June to late July, as the AI rally cooled, healthcare outperformed technology by roughly 30 percentage points.   Part of the reason is that semiconductors are highly cyclical businesses, while healthcare is much less cyclical. We need healthcare in good times and bad.   We saw another great example in 2022. Inflation was rising, interest rates were climbing, and the market sold off, with the Nasdaq falling more than 30%. Yet healthcare outperformed by roughly 30 percentage points.   This is why when we build portfolios for our clients, we don't just look at the individual companies. We look at how those companies correlate with one another and how they could react under different market conditions.   It's also why we don't want to be overly concentrated in any one industry. You should take a look at your portfolio and ask yourself: Is it balanced, or is everything likely to fall at the same time when the next downturn comes? Sometimes the most “boring” investment in your portfolio can be one of the most important.   The Treasury just doubled its bond buybacks. But how much does it really change? The Treasury announced this week that it will at least double the maximum size of its long-term bond buybacks from $2 billion to at least $4 billion per operation, beginning in September. The move is designed to improve liquidity in the longer-dated Treasury market after long-term yields surged. The market reaction on Wednesday was significant, but I think it's important to put the size of this move into perspective.   The U.S. national debt has now topped $40 trillion. So while going from $2 billion to $4 billion sounds substantial, $4 billion is just 0.01% of $40 trillion.   This isn't debt reduction. The Treasury is essentially buying back certain longer-term securities and managing the composition and liquidity of the debt. It doesn't address the underlying fiscal problem.   And this is where I think the bigger issue gets interesting. The government has increasingly leaned toward issuing more shorter-duration debt. That can make sense when short-term borrowing costs are lower, but it also means a larger portion of the debt needs to be refinanced more frequently.   That creates interest-rate risk. If rates remain elevated, the Treasury has to continually roll over maturing debt at higher rates. The government may save money today by borrowing shorter, but it potentially increases its exposure to what happens to interest rates tomorrow. It's similar to choosing a short-term adjustable loan over locking in a long-term rate. You might get a lower rate initially, but you have to refinance much more often.   We have already seen how the refinancing risk impacts the government as the average interest rate on government debt climbed from 2.23% in 2016 to 3.45% in 2026. During the craziness of Covid in 2021, the average interest rate was 1.61%. These higher interest costs and larger debt balance have pushed interest expenses above $1.2 T and servicing the debt is now more costly than major categories like defense and Medicare. At that level it is the second-largest federal expense behind only Social Security.   The big problem is there doesn't appear to be an end in sight as the government, which includes both political parties, continues to spend money and low-interest rate debt will continue to mature. As of Q3 of Fiscal Year 2026, close to 33% of US publicly held debt was set to mature within 12 months and the average maturity as of June 2026 was 71 months.   The Treasury has plenty of tools to manage the debt market, and this buyback could certainly help liquidity and temporarily reduce pressure on long-term yields. But there is a big difference between managing the debt and solving the debt problem. At $40+ trillion, the numbers are simply too large for a $4 billion-per-operation buyback program to materially change the underlying fiscal picture. The real solution isn't finding a better way to refinance $40 trillion. It's eventually getting the growth of the debt and deficits under control.   Financial Planning: Do You Have the Right Home Insurance Deductible? Homeowners insurance across California has been an ongoing issue, with premiums rising sharply and some policies being canceled or not renewed by insurers. If your goal is to reduce the cost of homeowners insurance, one strategy worth considering is choosing a higher deductible and paying for smaller losses out of pocket. Homeowners insurance is generally most valuable for protecting against low-probability, high-impact events, such as a major fire or severe property loss, rather than functioning as a reimbursement program for routine repairs and relatively small claims. Filing a small claim may provide an immediate financial benefit, but it also becomes part of your insurance history and can affect future premiums or your ability to obtain coverage. In other words, the reimbursement from a small claim may ultimately be offset, at least in part, by higher future insurance costs or the difficulty of finding affordable coverage. For homeowners who have sufficient savings to absorb smaller losses, accepting a higher deductible can therefore be a sensible way to lower annual premiums while preserving insurance for the truly catastrophic losses that could otherwise threaten their financial security.   Companies:  Peloton Interactive, Inc. (Ticker: PTON)  

This week Drake Lawhead comes to visit us in Insurance Town to talk all things conference , and maximizing the conference experience. We get into what all goes into building a major industry event and how attendees can actually get value from showing up. They also dig into how ITC evolved from an investor-focused conference into a broader experience for agents, brokers, carriers, and the tech vendors serving them.We discuss why in-person networking still matters, how to prepare before a conference, and what makes ITC's agent and broker programming different from a typical trade show. 00:00 - Welcome to Insurance Town and sponsor shoutouts  08:25 - What conference planning really looks like behind the scenes  09:36 - How conference teams handle complaints and reduce friction  11:42 - How attendees should prepare before a conference starts  13:25 - Why some people should attend with a plan and others should leave room for serendipity  15:46 - Why staying present beats taking conference-day Zoom calls  18:48 - Why in-person networking still beats digital connection  19:49 - How ITC's app and meeting system help people connect fast  28:35 - Why insurance is a natural fit for technology and AI  31:09 - What ITC Agents attendees can expect from Tuesday through Thursday  33:43 - Expo hall, main stage, happy hours, and the closing concert  38:05 - Why ITC was built for introverts too  39:43 - Quiet zones, lounges, puppy park, and low-pressure networking  42:31 - How ITC borrows ideas from other conferences  45:01 - Why intentional networking matters more than just putting people in a room  46:45 - Why Drake enjoys the independent agency world  47:58 - Dates, location, and how to register  48:59 - ITC events around the world  50:49 - Final push to register and use the app  51:47 - Closing thanks and signoff Thank you to my Sponsors:   Canopy Connect 1fort Viva Virtual Solutions 

Insurance companies are flying drones over homes. And dropping coverage over what they see. No claim. No inspection needed. Plus, Bill and his wife are still using super old iPhones. Way past software support. We help them upgrade without overpaying. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Texas home insurance costs are skyrocketing and becoming a barrier for housing affordability. Rising insurance costs disproportionately burden low- and moderate-income families, erode homeownership stability and weaken communities. And how the Texas Juvenile Justice Department's five state secure facilities continue to fall short.

In this weeks Episode, I got the chance to talk to my brother, my homie, my main man, Casey Nelson of Agency X and Eclipse Insurance. We talked about a major career shift, returning to the agency side with Eclipse Insurance, and why that move is giving him a new lens on what  works and what doesnt inside an agency. They also dig into Agency X, Casey and Jessica Holder's upcoming behind the scenes podcast about fixing real agency problems in real time. Think, Reality TV meets VLog, meets Podcast, and all rolled into some entertaining and Educational Content built for insurance agencies.  A big part of the conversation centers on the tension between old school workflows, modern automation, and AI, plus how agencies can adopt technology without creating chaos. Let me be real , this one gets SPICY, QUICK!! Timestamps00:00 - Welcome to Insurance Town and sponsor rundown 02:25 - Casey joins the conversation and catches up with Heath 08:51 - Why agency owner alignment on process is non negotiable 09:46 - Paper workflows, printed emails, and missing documentation 14:07 - Why no insurance tech is truly ready out of the box 15:04 - Preparing clients for AI driven service changes 20:28 - Front door theory and getting everything into the ecosystem 22:24 - Why agents should stop using personal cell phones for business 24:14 - Relationship business vs order taker mentality 27:10 - The value of honest staff feedback on workflows 31:17 - How AI adoption has changed since the Zapier era 32:26 - Why agencies that resist tech risk falling behind 37:46 - AI fatigue and why younger generations may push back 39:21 - Why agencies should map pain points before buying AI tools 40:22 - Change one variable at a time and keep a baseline 41:38 - What is agency X 47:40 - Casey's ITC speaking opportunity 49:10 - What Casey will talk about at ITC 50:42 - Why the agent and vendor halls at ITC are worth the trip 51:38 - ITC promo code details and closing thoughts 52:32 - Final thanks, future guest host plans, and signoffSponsors:Canopy Connect 1Fort AIViva Virtual Solutions

It's not often someone who's business touches insurance in almost all global regions wants to share their view but Michal Trochimczuk sat down to share where he sees progress, successes, and challenges with P&C insurance and the lessons learned.In this episode:What global trends need to be noticedThe similar needs that insurers have no matter where they areHow brokers integrate with insurersWhy speed to decisions is driving experience for insurersWhere successes are happening globally and whyHow challenges emerge and are they region specific or learning opportunitiesMichal shows why Sollers is a sought after firm for advising insurers on many aspects of their business with his thoughtful and candid answers and insights. It's rare to have access to someone with such a refined global view and expertise and he provides insights few will find elsewhere.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on Trading Secrets Thursday, Jason Tartick and the Curious Canadian are back to break down the biggest takeaways from Monday's conversation with Chloe Demrovsky on America's growing home insurance crisis. They recap the discussion on rising insurance premiums, hidden risks homeowners should know about, and why the insurance landscape is changing faster than ever. Then, they shift gears into this week's biggest pop culture stories, including Arizona State University's headline-making decision to offer an Influencer major. Is content creation really worthy of a college degree? Jason and the Curious Canadian weigh the opportunities, the skepticism, and what it says about the future of work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week in Insurance Town, I got to sit down with Francisco Lopes of Sonant.AI for a conversation about one of the fastest-growing technologies in the insurance industry: voice AI.Artificial intelligence has become one of the biggest topics in our business, but with all the excitement comes plenty of skepticism. Francisco and I discussed where voice AI has come from, why today's technology is dramatically different than the automated phone systems of the past, and how agencies can begin using AI in ways that improve both customer experience and operational efficiency.We also talked about the concerns many agency owners and employees have about AI replacing jobs. Francisco shared why he believes AI is best used to support people, not replace them, allowing agency teams to spend more time building relationships and solving complex client needs while automation handles routine conversations.Whether you're just beginning to explore AI or you're looking for practical ways to implement it in your agency, this episode offers valuable insights into where the technology is headed and what independent agencies should be doing today to prepare for tomorrow.Chapters00:00 Introduction and episode overview02:23 Francisco's background and journey from astrophysics to AI08:01 Moving to Silicon Valley and the lessons learned building AI technology12:00 How Sonant.AI found its niche serving independent insurance agencies14:46 Overcoming skepticism about voice AI and changing perceptions in insurance17:47 Why creating a great customer experience matters more than achieving technical perfection21:56 Addressing concerns about AI replacing jobs and why AI should empower agency teams28:50 The future of AI in insurance, agentic AI, and where agencies should begin36:01 Practical advice for insurance agencies looking to implement AI today38:00 How to connect with Francisco and learn more about Sonant.AISponsors:Canopy Connect-1Fort AIViva Virtual Solutions

Home insurance costs are skyrocketing—and it's affecting far more than just homeowners in high-risk states. This week on Trading Secrets, Jason Tartick sits down with risk and resilience expert Chloe Demrovsky to unpack the real reasons insurance premiums are surging, why coverage is disappearing in certain markets, and what every current or future homeowner needs to know before it's too late. From climate risk and billion-dollar disasters to hidden policy exclusions and the true cost of rebuilding after catastrophe, Chloe breaks down the insurance industry in a way that's practical, easy to understand, and immediately actionable. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why home insurance premiums have increased faster than inflation • The biggest coverage gaps most homeowners don't discover until after disaster strikes • The difference between replacement cost and actual cash value • Why flood insurance, alternate living expenses, and policy exclusions matter • How AI can help you understand your insurance policy • The simple steps every homeowner should take today to protect their finances and family • Why your insurance premium is actually a warning signal—not just another bill Whether you're buying your first home, own multiple properties, or simply want to protect your biggest investment, this conversation could save you thousands—and help you avoid costly mistakes when it matters most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are some interviews you enjoy... and then there are conversations you genuinely don't want to end. This was one of those.Recorded live from the iconic Santa Monica Pier during InsuranceFest 2026, I had the opportunity to sit down with Christina Lucas of Google Cloud, and what a fantastic conversation it turned out to be.While many people know Christina for her work at Google Cloud, what really stood out was her incredible journey. From leading teams across the United States to living and working around the world, her experiences have shaped a unique perspective on leadership, innovation, and the future of our industry. She shared lessons learned from different cultures, different organizations, and different stages of her career—and in doing so, taught all of us something valuable.Of course, we couldn't sit down with Christina without talking about artificial intelligence. We explored how Google Cloud is helping transform the insurance industry, why trust and security remain at the center of innovation, and how organizations can embrace AI in practical, meaningful ways. Rather than focusing on the hype, Christina brings a thoughtful perspective on how technology can empower people and create better outcomes across the insurance ecosystem.We also discussed her newly co-authored book, Artificial Intelligence in the Insurance Industry, where she shares practical insights into how AI is already reshaping underwriting, brokerage, customer experience, operations, and leadership. Whether you're just beginning your AI journey or looking to take the next step, her perspective is one every insurance professional should hear.This episode is packed with leadership lessons, technology insights, and plenty of laughs along the way. I had an absolute blast recording this one, and I think you're going to enjoy every minute of it.A huge thank you to Christina for taking the time to join us and for sharing her wisdom with the Insurance Town community.A special thank you to our amazing sponsors for making Insurance Town possible:

CapeTalk’s Sara-Jayne Makwala King is joined on Weekend Breakfast by Sherry Sibeko, Executive Head: Personal Lines at Miway. Weekend Breakfast with Sara-Jayne Makwala King is the weekend breakfast show on CapeTalk. This 3-hour morning programme is the perfect (and perky!) way to kickstart your weekend. Author and journalist Sara-Jayne Makwala-King spends 3 hours interviewing a variety of guests about all things cultural and entertaining. The team keeps an eye on weekend news stories, but the focus remains on relaxation and restoration. Favourites include the weekly wellness check-in on Saturdays at 7:35 am and heartfelt chats during the Sunday 9 am profile interview. Listen live on Primedia+ Saturdays and Sundays between 07:00 and 10:00 am (SA Time) to Weekend Breakfast with Sara-Jayne Makwala-King broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/AgPbZi9 or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/j1EhEkZ Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this weeks episode i interview my new friend Jerry Ye, we explore how AI is transforming the insurance industry through the lens of Jerry Ye, in this engaging episode. Learn about the practical applications of AI in streamlining workflows, enhancing client relationships, and the future agency model. The journey of Jerry Ye into the insurance and AI space, including his background in machine learning and entrepreneurshipHow AI is helping agencies automate manual tasks like policy checks, renewals, and COI generationThe importance of integrating AI deeply into agency workflows versus superficial useThe myths and realities of AI replacing versus augmenting insurance agentsPractical tips for agencies to adopt AI, including buy versus build strategies and overcoming industry resistanceFuture vision: AI's role in reducing operational bottlenecks and enabling agents to focus on relationship-building Time Stamps 00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest Jerry Ye02:30 - Jerry's background in AI, entrepreneurship, and insurance07:15 - Stereotypes in insurance: sales and service myths10:45 - Why insurance remains resilient and adaptive13:30 - The impact of AI on insurance agency workflows16:40 - The role of call coaching and relationship building in sales19:50 - AI's future in automating operational tasks and deep system integration22:15 - The challenge of adopting AI in traditional, old-school agencies26:00 - Key bottlenecks in agency operations: renewals, policy checks, and more29:20 - The buy versus build debate in AI software adoption32:00 - How integrated AI solutions should work in agencies35:20 - Origin story of Relay AI and its mission37:00 - The agency of the future and strategic AI adoption40:00 - How to connect with Jerry and upcoming MAC Conference Sponsors! Canopy Connect1Fort Insurance AIViva Virtual Assistants Connect with Jerry Ye: LinkedIn Twitter 

A burst pipe, a house fire, storm damage, or an unexpected accident can happen when you least expect it. Home insurance is designed to protect you from the financial impact, but not every claim is approved without questions. In this episode, we break down how home insurance works in Australia, explore the common reasons claims are delayed or denied, and share practical tips to help you avoid costly mistakes and get the most from your cover. - اگر گھر کے اندر کوئی حادثہ درپیش آجائے ، توڑ پھوڑ ہوجائے یا قدرتی آفت کا سامنا کرنا پڑے تو گھر کے انشورنس کی وجہ سے مالی نقصان سے بچنا ممکن ہے لیکن وہ کون سے عوامل ہیں جن کی وجہ سے آپ کا انشورنس کلیم تاخیر کا شکار ہو سکتا ہے یا رد کیا جا سکتا ہے سنئے اس پوڈکاسٹ میں ۔Explore more ways to listen to the Urdu program here: Listen to SBS Urdu. Install our mobile app “SBS Audio” on Apple (iPhone) or Android devices: SBS Audio App. Download on Apple App Store, Download on Google Play. Follow us on social media: SBS Urdu on Facebook and on SBS Urdu on Instagram. - ہر بدھ اور جمعہ کا پورا پروگرام اس لنک پرسنئے, اردو پرگرام سننے کے دیگر طریقے, “SBS Audio”کےنام سےموجود ہماری موبائیل ایپ ایپیل (آئی فون) یااینڈرائیڈ , ڈیوائیسزپرانسٹال کیجئے۔ ہمیں فیس بُک اور انسٹا گرام پر فالو کیجئے۔

In this weeks episde here in Insurance Town I got to interview my friend Jackson Rollo. In this episode Jackson, president of Rollo Insurance Group, shares how a second-generation family agency achieved remarkable growth by embracing unorthodox strategies rooted in community focus, technological innovation, and strong culture. Discover how intentional investment in people and purpose can transform an agency into a leading industry force.Main Topics Covered: The evolution and rapid growth of Rollo Insurance over the past five years, doubling its offices despite a 26-year historyThe agency's dedication to community involvement, including volunteer programs that foster local relationshipsReinventing agency culture: Building trust, loyalty, and unconventional hiring practicesThe importance of niching versus community focus, with insights into their local-market strategies in ArkansasHow adopting technology and AI enhances human creativity and service, not replaces itBalancing profit, purpose, and team development within a family-owned businessThe mindset shifts necessary for agency owners to move from producer to leader Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome & overview of Jackson Rollo's agency story 04:10 - How culture evolution fuels rapid growth 06:15 - Local market dominance through community focus & tech adoption 09:00 - Debunking niche-focused growth: Community first approach in Arkansas 11:45 - The role of technology and AI in empowering staff 14:30 - Building trust and loyalty through unconventional hiring 17:00 - Leadership mindset: Transitioning from producer to leader 20:30 - Balancing family legacy with modern agency scaling 23:45 - Developing staff & the importance of loyalty and character 26:50 - Personal branding and empowering individual agency staff 29:40 - Reinventing agency culture: From day one to long-term growth 33:10 - Embracing contrarian approaches to agency success 36:20 - The value of investing in people for sustainable growth 39:45 - How to develop a future-focused, innovative agency culture 43:20 - The impact of AI and technology on human creativity & problem solving 47:15 - The evolution of Jackson's personal leadership & maturity 50:45 - Traits of team-building and loyalty seen in Jackson's family business 54:50 - Managing local engagement while embracing technology 58:15 - Connecting with Jackson & resources for agency growth Canopy Connect1FortViva

In this episode of Insurance Town, we've got a Mayor Solo episode. No guest this week, just me and my fellow citizens of Insurance Town.Today, we're tackling a topic that I think has become way more complicated than it needs to be: personal branding.I'm going to challenge some of the biggest buzzwords in business and marketing today. What if "personal branding" is really just your reputation? What if authenticity is simply being true to yourself? What if networking is nothing more than making genuine friends?As a 90's kid, I don't think these ideas are new. I think we've spent the last twenty years creating new words for principles our parents were teaching us long before social media, LinkedIn, and personal branding became a thing.In this episode, we'll talk about how to intentionally build a reputation people trust, how to protect that reputation, why "fake it till you make it" is a dangerous philosophy, how to discover who you're uniquely called to serve, and why the strongest personal brands aren't manufacturedthey're built one promise, one relationship, and one act of integrity at a time.If you've ever wondered how to become known, trusted, and remembered without pretending to be someone you're not, I think you're going to enjoy this conversation.In this episode, you'll learn:Why your brand starts long before you ever have a "name brand"The difference between reputation and personal branding—and why it mattersWhy "fake it till you make it" may be holding you backHow being true to yourself is actually the easiest long-term branding strategyHow to identify the people you truly want to serveWhy trying to serve everyone weakens your reputationHow to define what you want to be known forWhy protecting your reputation sometimes means saying "no" to the wrong clientsHow one bad-fit customer can impact your culture, your team, and your future businessWhy networking is really about building genuine friendships, not collecting business cardsA simple way to talk about what you do without sounding like everyone elseHow to build a reputation that creates trust, referrals, opportunities, and long-term influenceSponsor Shout out:1FortAI is changing the insurance industry, but the biggest opportunity isn't just automation, it's having proactive digital teammates that help your agency work smarter every day. Learn more at https://1fort.com.Canopy ConnectEliminate manual data entry and create a better client experience with Canopy Connect. Their technology allows prospects and clients to securely share insurance information in minutes. Learn more at https://usecanopy.com/heath.VIVA Virtual SolutionsLooking to grow your agency without adding unnecessary overhead? VIVA Virtual Solutions connects insurance agencies with highly trained virtual professionals who can help you scale your operations while delivering exceptional service. Learn more at https://vivavs.com.

Most insurance agencies are still using AI like a search engine.They open ChatGPT. They ask a question. They get an answer.That's useful.But it's also reactive.The next generation of AI doesn't wait to be told what to do.It monitors activity, organizes information, surfaces opportunities, flags missing data, drafts communications, and helps move work forward before anyone even asks.That's the difference between using AI as a tool and working alongside an AI Digital Teammate.In this episode of Insurance Town, Heath Shearon sits down with Caleb Cramer of OneFort to explore how proactive AI is reshaping insurance agencies, commercial insurance workflows, and the future of agency operations.Together, they discuss why the conversation around AI needs to move beyond chatbots and prompts toward intelligent systems that actively support producers, account managers, and agency owners throughout the day.From commercial submissions and renewals to proposal generation, risk assessment, and customer communication, this episode provides a practical look at how AI is becoming an everyday teammate for insurance professionals.Most importantly, Heath and Caleb explain why the agencies that thrive over the next decade won't replace people with AI.They'll empower people with AI.Episode Chapters00:00 — The Shift from Reactive AI to Proactive AI02:11 — Meet OneFort: Your AI Digital Teammate04:10 — Why Insurance Is Ready for Its Next Technology Leap06:02 — Will AI Replace Insurance Professionals?08:17 — AI-Powered Commercial Insurance Workflows11:25 — Why Waiting on AI May Be the Biggest Risk12:25 — The Rise of Proactive AI16:44 — Lessons from Previous Technology Revolutions18:23 — Thinking Beyond Today's AI22:15 — Why Human Connection Matters More Than Ever27:36 — Personalization at Scale with AI32:39 — Building Trustworthy AI for Insurance37:22 — Why Humans Stay in the Driver's Seat43:24 — Security, Privacy, and Responsible AI45:51 — Overcoming AI Skepticism Inside Agencies50:07 — Commercial Insurance Renewals Reimagined55:24 — Where Agencies Save the Most Time58:35 — Simple Pricing and Fast AdoptionFor decades, insurance technology has waited for us to click the next button.The next generation won't wait.It will organize, prioritize, recommend, draft, monitor, and help move work forward before anyone asks.That's the promise of proactive AI.Not replacing insurance professionals.Creating AI Digital Teammates that handle the routine work so people can focus on building trust, advising clients, and growing their agencies.The future of insurance isn't simply using AI.It's working alongside it.Insurance Town Sponsors 1Fort AI – AI digital teammates built specifically for insurance agenciesCanopy Connect – One-click insurance data collectionVIVA Virtual Solutions – Insurance-trained virtual assistantsConnect with Caleb CramerLinkedIn1fort on Linkedin

In this week's episode of Insurance Town, I had the privilege of sitting down with my good friend Kelly Smith.Kelly is one of those people who has truly lived the insurance industry from every angle. She grew up in a family agency, spent time at the front desk, worked in personal lines, commercial lines, agency operations, underwriting, carrier sales, and now helps independent agencies grow through her work with FirstChoice.What I loved about this conversation is that Kelly's story is not just about insurance. It is about curiosity, hard work, education, family, leadership, and finding your place in an industry that can open a lot of doors if you are willing to keep learning.We talked about what it was like growing up in an independent agency, hiding under desks, messing with paper files, and learning the business from the inside out. Kelly shared how that agency background gave her a completely different perspective when she moved to the carrier side. She understood the urgency agents feel because she had sat in that seat herself.We also talked about her passion for education. Kelly shared a powerful story about being homeschooled, feeling behind academically when she started college, and how that experience fueled her desire to keep learning. Since then, she has earned multiple designations, completed her CPCU, and recently finished her MBA in insurance. The best insurance professionals don't just master one job. They learn the entire ecosystem. Kelly's career took her from an independent agency to the carrier side and now to helping agencies grow through a network. Each step gave her a new perspective that made her more valuable. Whether it's earning a designation, volunteering with an association, mentoring others, or simply staying curious, investing in your education compounds over time. Your next opportunity often comes from something you're willing to learn today. One of my favorite parts of the episode was our conversation about the next generation. Kelly's daughter recently attended risk management camp at App State, and we talked about how important it is to show young people that this industry is bigger than home and auto insurance. There are opportunities in sales, underwriting, claims, marketing, leadership, technology, agency ownership, and so much more.Kelly also shared what it means to be recognized as one of Insurance Business America's Rising Stars. Her humility really came through in this part of the conversation. She talked about being grateful for the opportunities she has had, but also wanting her story to encourage others, especially women and young professionals, to see what is possible in this business.00:00 Welcome 02:35 Born Into Insurance  06:00 Agency vs. Carrier: Seeing Both Sides  09:10 Can We Attract the Next Generation?  12:20 From Homeschool to MBA  17:45 Why Education Creates Opportunity  23:45 Leadership Through Service  26:00 Becoming an Insurance Rising Star  30:15 Helping Independent Agencies Grow  31:45 The Truth About Insurance Networks  35:45 Connect with Kelly  36:50 Sponsors & ClosingIf you're looking for one of the most innovative events in the insurance industry, check out Insurance Fest, hosted by Insurance Business America. It's not your typical conference. You'll hear from industry leaders, discover what's next in insurance, and connect with people who are helping shape the future of our industry. It's also where today's guest, Kelly Smith, will be recognized as one of Insurance Business America's Rising Stars, an honor that's incredibly well deserved. After hearing her story, I'm sure you'll understand why she's being recognized as one of the industry's emerging leaders.I'll be there as well, speaking on stage and recording a live episode of Insurance Town with Christina Lucas from Google. If you're planning to attend, come find us. Stop by, say hello, celebrate Kelly's accomplishment, and join us for the live podcast recording. I'd love to meet you in person.To learn more or register, visit Insurance Business America's Insurance Fest. I hope to see you there.SponsorsCanopy Connect1Fort AIViva  (00:00) - Welcome (02:35) - Born Into Insurance (06:00) - Agency vs. Carrier: Seeing Both Sides (09:10) - Can We Attract the Next Generation? (12:20) - From Homeschool to MBA (17:45) - Why Education Creates Opportunity (23:45) - Leadership Through Service (26:00) - Becoming an Insurance Rising Star (30:15) - Helping Independent Agencies Grow (31:45) - The Truth About Insurance Networks (35:45) - Connect with Kelly (36:50) - Sponsors & Closing

Nicole used to think insurance was a boring subject.... until she lost her home in the Palisades fire. Today, she is teaming up with the ⁠Coalition for an Insurable Future⁠ to tell you about what you need to know about the insurance issue that could become the next great American financial crisis, and how to protect yourself. In this episode, Nicole sits down with Chloe Demrovsky, one of the nation's leading voices on disaster risk and resilience. Nicole and Chloe break down the numbers: homeowners insurance premiums are up 74% since 2008, 40% faster than inflation, and 95% of American homeowners are already feeling it. Then they get tactical: what "uninsurable" actually means, the coverage gaps that catch most people off guard (spoiler: flood is not in your standard homeowners policy), and the exact steps to take before a disaster strikes. Learn more about ⁠the Coalition for an Insurable Future⁠ and ⁠follow⁠ their work.  Learn more about ⁠Chloe Demrovsky⁠ and ⁠follow⁠ her work.

In this week's episode of Insurance Town Podcast, I sat down with my good friend Mariah Gates. Mariah has become one of the insurance industry's leading voices on automation, technology adoption, and helping agencies work smarter. What makes her perspective unique is that it is grounded in service, faith, and a genuine desire to help others succeed.During our conversation, we discussed how agencies can stop viewing technology as a burden and start seeing it as a strategic advantage. Mariah shares practical advice for building an effective technology ecosystem, implementing AI without overwhelming your team, and creating processes that allow agencies to scale while maintaining strong relationships with clients.Whether you're just beginning your technology journey or looking to maximize the tools you already have, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can apply immediately.Main Topics Covered:• Mariah's journey into insurance technology and automation• How faith and servant leadership have influenced her career• The evolution of AI and its growing impact on insurance• Why agencies struggle to fully utilize their existing technology• Building a connected and scalable technology ecosystem• The role of CRM systems in agency growth and efficiency• Lessons learned from the industry's digital transformation during the pandemic• Practical first steps for implementing automation and AI• Avoiding technology overload and choosing the right solutions• Personal productivity and automating everyday lifeKey Takeaways:• The insurance industry still has significant room for growth when it comes to technology adoption.• Most agencies are only utilizing a fraction of the capabilities available within their current technology stack.• Successful agencies focus on creating connected workflows instead of collecting disconnected tools.• AI implementation works best when agencies start with specific business challenges rather than chasing trends.• Team buy-in is critical for successful technology adoption.• Leaders should focus on solving employee pain points before introducing new technology.• Technology should support relationships, not replace them.• Faith, service, and integrity can serve as powerful foundations for leadership and business growth.• Building within established technology ecosystems often creates better long-term outcomes than relying on standalone solutions.• Small automation improvements can create significant time savings in both business and personal life.Timestamps:(00:00) Welcome to Insurance Town(00:26) Sponsor spotlight and technology solutions for agencies(01:55) Introducing Mariah Gates(03:46) Mariah's background and path into insurance technology(05:17) Faith, leadership, and serving others(07:04) Helping others before building a business(09:11) The opportunity for greater CRM adoption in insurance(09:30) How technology is changing agency operations(11:14) The pandemic's role in accelerating digital transformation(13:45) Why agencies often underutilize their technology(17:28) Building an integrated tech stack that works together(22:11) Common mistakes agencies make when selecting technology(27:36) Practical ways to begin implementing AI(33:20) Getting employee buy-in for automation initiatives(39:12) Choosing technology based on business needs(45:08) Personal automation and productivity hacks(50:41) Final thoughts and advice for agency leaders(54:22) Where to connect with Mariah GatesConnect with Mariah Gates:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariah-gatesSponsors:Canopy ConnectMAV1Fort

Segment 1: Rob Bhatt, Senior Writer and Insurance expert, Lending Tree, joins John Williams to talk about the state of home insurance in 2026. Rob breaks down why insurance rates in Illinois are rising. Segment 2: Owen Poole, Senior Video Producer, CNET, joins John Williams to talk about Fox announcing that it will acquire Roku, […]

We'll learn more about how fire risks have affected the California insurance market. Plus, the X Games are coming to Sacramento for the first time next weekend. Finally, a costume shop in Old Sac set to reopen next weekend.

USAA is returning nearly one billion dollars to Florida policyholders following legal reforms that have dramatically reduced frivolous claims and litigation costs in the state's notoriously troubled insurance market. This is a powerful case study in how regulatory and legal environments — not just weather — drive insurance affordability across the country.Today's Stocks & Topics: Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (ARE), Market Wrap, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK-B), Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD), Steel Dynamics, Inc. (STLD), Florida Home Insurance Reform Is Working — And It Could Reshape the Entire Market, Vanguard Small-Cap Value Index Fund ETF Shares (VBR), iShares MSCI Indonesia ETF (EIDO), Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk (TLK), Spacex (SPCX), Vanguard Total World Stock Index Fund ETF Shares (VT), The U.S. Treasury issues Treasury Bills (T-Bills).Our Next Wealth Webinar: “Beyond the Yield: How to Invest for Your Income Needs” June 30th, 2026 - 12:00 pmTo sign up: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5717793889555/WN_XuoDgMVwSv6wZXXurrZTLgOur Sponsors:* Check out Anthropic and use my code Claude.ai/invest for a great deal: https://www.anthropic.com* Check out Chilipad and use my code sleep.me/INVEST for a great deal: https://sleep.me* Check out Plaud AI and use my code INVEST for a great deal: https://plaud.ai* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.com* Check out Quince and use my code quince.com/invest for a great deal: https://www.quince.com* Check out Scribe and use my code scribe.how/invest for a great deal: https://scribe.com* Check out TaskRabbit and use my code INVEST for a great deal: https://taskrabbit.com* Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code INVEST20 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this week's episode of the Insurance Town Podcast, I got to sit down with my good friend Carl Ziade, co-founder of Gaia, for a conversation about innovation, entrepreneurship, AI, and what it really takes to drive meaningful change inside an insurance agency.One of the things I appreciate most about Carl is that while he's a technologist at heart, he understands that technology alone doesn't solve problems. Process comes first. People come first. Technology simply helps great organizations execute better.Carl's journey is a fascinating one. As a Lebanese immigrant and Stanford-trained computer scientist, he didn't originally set out to build solutions for the insurance industry. In fact, Gaia emerged after lessons learned from a completely different startup venture. What followed was a relentless focus on listening to customers, solving real-world problems, and building tools that help insurance professionals eliminate repetitive work and focus on higher-value activities.In our conversation, we discuss:• Carl's entrepreneurial journey and path into insurance technology• The lessons learned from early startup failures and pivots• Why customer feedback should drive product development• The importance of strong business partnerships and company culture• Why process matters more than technology• Practical strategies for AI adoption inside insurance agencies• How Gaia's browser extension automates repetitive data entry• The power behind Gaia's "super copy" and "super paste" functionality• Change management and gaining team buy-in for new technology• What's next for Gaia and the future of data enrichment in insuranceOne of my favorite takeaways from this conversation is Carl's advice to start small. Too many agencies feel like they need a complete transformation overnight. The reality is that successful AI adoption often starts with one process, one workflow, and one win. Build momentum, create confidence, and then scale from there.If you've been wondering how AI can help your agency become more efficient without disrupting everything you're already doing, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.Pull up a chair, grab your favorite beverage, and enjoy my conversation with Carl ZiadeA special thank you to our sponsors for supporting the Insurance Town Podcast:• Canopy Connect, helping agents collect verified insurance information from prospects in minutes.• 1Fort, helping agencies streamline commercial insurance submissions and placement through AI-powered workflows.• MAV, helping agencies scale smarter sales and close more deals with Texting to quality quote and connect prospects with your producersWe appreciate their support and their commitment to helping insurance professionals build better businesses.

In today's episode of Insurance Town, Heath sits down with Paul Riemer, CEO of Riemer Insurance Group and Panther Insurance. Paul shares how his agency has grown through a commitment to relationships, community involvement, strategic niche markets, and a willingness to embrace innovation while maintaining a personal touch.As a second-generation insurance professional, Paul discusses the lessons learned from starting at the ground level, building trust with clients, developing strong teams, and navigating today's rapidly changing insurance marketplace.Key Topics Discussed:• Building a successful agency through relationships and community engagement• Opportunities emerging in challenging insurance markets• Growing through niche markets and specialized expertise• Creating a culture that attracts and retains great people• Balancing technology, AI, and personal service• Lessons learned from a family-owned insurance businessEpisode Timeline(0:01 - 1:57) Introduction & Sponsors (2:19 - 4:13) Paul's Introduction & Market Insights (6:04 - 8:01)Personal Background & Family Business (9:33 - 13:02)Challenges & Learning in Insurance (13:52 - 15:21)Agency Growth & Team Dynamics (19:29 - 20:57)Community Engagement & Relationship Building (43:00 - 44:28)Innovation & Maintaining the Personal Touch (47:43 - 49:35)Conclusion & Contact InformationThanks to our Sponsors:1fort AICanopy ConnectMavThe Sassy Happy

A new Wall Street Journal study finds that the five biggest home insurers, Allstate, State Farm, Liberty Mutual, United Services Automobile Association, and Farmers Insurance, denied nearly half of all claims last year. The primary driver is an increase in deductibles, which insurers claim is being done to compensate for an increase in weather-related catastrophes. Professor Richard Wolff and producer Nicole Roussell discuss.Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com.

Pippa Hudson is joined by NAKED’s founder and CMO, Ernest North to chat about SA’s recent severe weather reports and the implications of that on home insurance claims. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Insurance Town, I get to interview my good friend Casey Armstrong of Canopy Connect. We dive into the innovative ways Canopy Connect is revolutionizing data collection for insurance agencies. Casey shares insights on how their platform simplifies client interactions, enhances data accuracy, and integrates seamlessly into existing workflows. Join us for an engaging discussion on the future of insurance technology and how agencies can leverage these tools for growth and efficiency..In this episode: Casey shares his journey with Canopy Connect from its inception in 2020 and how agency data collection has evolved.The simplicity of using QR codes and custom referral links to streamline prospect interactions.How Canopy Connect's Trailhead feature offers flexible, choose-your-own-adventure insurance pathways.The real-world impact of instant loss runs and deck pages extracted directly from carriers' systems.The role of AI in automating mundane tasks, freeing agents to focus on trusted advisory.Unique marketing strategies like limo rides and conference appearances to connect with customers creatively.The importance of human oversight in AI solutions to ensure accuracy and trust.Case stories illustrating premium increases through correct coverage and client advocacy.Practical tips for agencies new to Canopy Connect, including the ease of integrating it into current workflows.Casey's heartfelt message on gratitude, technological progress, and the future of insurance. Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome to Insurance Town & Casey Armstrong intro 00:29 - Canopy Connect: The one-click solution for agencies 00:58 - The benefits of automation and the Trailhead feature 01:26 - AI for insurance: saving time and improving accuracy 02:23 - Exploring innovative marketing strategies and conference fun 03:00 - Casey's background, biking stories, and Northwest Arkansas 07:28 - How Canopy Connect transforms prospect engagement 08:08 - The value of instant carrier data and loss runs 09:39 - Bringing human oversight to AI automation 10:34 - The manual effort saved by AI and data accuracy 12:23 - How deck pages from carriers eliminate errors 15:08 - Commercial accounts insights and loss history access 16:13 - Simplified onboarding for new users of Canopy Connect 16:53 - Embedding Canopy into existing agency workflows 20:16 - Real-world client stories: under-insured homes & premium impacts 24:28 - Trailhead: The flexible, customizable journey paths 28:23 - The speed and efficiency benefits of Canopy Connect 30:34 - Lead tracking and prospect management dashboard 36:37 - Creative marketing: conference limos & branded experiences 38:35 - Heartfelt messages to existing customers and prospects 42:08 - Casey's call to action: harnessing technology for growth & successResources & Links: Canopy Connect - Streamline client data collection and quoting1Fort AI - AI automation for insurance submissions and quotingMAV - Text messaging solutions for prospect qualification Casey Armstrong on LinkedIn Connect with Casey: LinkedIn Email: casey@usecanopy.com Note: This lively and authentic discussion highlights cutting-edge solutions shaping the future of insurance. Whether you're an agent, agency owner, or industry innovator, Casey's insights will inspire your next move—embrace technology, improve efficiency, and grow your business with confidence.

In this week's episode of Insurance Town, I had the privilege of interviewing my friend Ema Roloff of Roloff Consulting. Ema and I dive deep into what it really means to lead in today's digital world, especially in an industry built on relationships, trust, and communication.Ema shares her journey from education into digital sales and consulting, along with the lessons she learned during the COVID era that completely transformed the way she approached content, technology, and leadership. This conversation is packed with practical insights for insurance professionals, business owners, marketers, and anyone trying to navigate change without losing authenticity along the way.We talk about the power of educational content, why relationship-building still wins, how to use AI intentionally, and what it means to become a true digital leader inside your organization.If you've ever struggled with showing up online, wondered how to balance authenticity with innovation, or felt overwhelmed by the pace of change in business today, this episode is for you.Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and episode overview  07:25 – Overcoming sales challenges through content and education  09:33 – Why relationship-building beats traditional sales tactics  11:45 – Long-term trust development and sales cycles  13:09 – Creating authentic, value-driven content for B2B success  22:06 – Change management and decision fatigue  24:24 – Moving from product-focused to problem-focused content  26:55 – The mindset of serving and educating through social media  31:36 – Balancing authenticity with experimentation and technology  36:31 – Intentional implementation of AI and tech solutions  46:33 – Avoiding hype cycles and focusing on purposeful growth  54:32 – Reflecting on COVID as a catalyst for growth and innovation  59:10 – Ema's current work and how to connect with her And as always, thank you to our amazing sponsors: Canopy Connect  MAV  1Fort AI Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone in the insurance industry who could benefit from the conversation.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Sassy Happy- For all of your corporate gifting needs- contact Mysassyhappy@gmail.com for more information on all things client gifts, employee gifts, or personal gifting to your best friend or favorite person too. :) 

If you're a homeowner — this is no surprise to you — property insurance can be expensive. It seems to get more and more pricey each year. Some might blame climate change or natural disasters, but if you look under the hood of the $1 trillion in premium payments last year, the numbers might tell a different story. We'll unpack. But first, we'll discuss and preview earnings for some of America's largest retailers.

If you're a homeowner — this is no surprise to you — property insurance can be expensive. It seems to get more and more pricey each year. Some might blame climate change or natural disasters, but if you look under the hood of the $1 trillion in premium payments last year, the numbers might tell a different story. We'll unpack. But first, we'll discuss and preview earnings for some of America's largest retailers.

Any gains North Texans receive from protesting their property taxes may be lost to growing home insurance costs that are stretching homeowners' budgets and blunting the region's affordability edge. In other news, police have arrested three suspects after a string of vehicle thefts, gun thefts and 12 shootings throughout Austin on Saturday and Sunday; after Highland Park left DART, there are riders with new, longer commutes; and Dallas-based Southwest Airlines laid off “approximately 75” workers in what the airline said was an “operational restructuring.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Jay Wolfberg shares his remarkable journey from a small Connecticut town to leading a $32 million agency in Florida, and discusses his insights on scaling, client relationships, and franchise models in the insurance industry. Whether you're an aspiring agent or an industry veteran, Jay's strategic approach to responsiveness and authenticity offers valuable lessons for growth and success.Timestamps00:00 - Introduction and episode overview 02:24 - Meeting Jay Wolfberg and intro06:17 - The importance of selling on value versus price09:02 - How Jay figured out his agency's unique value proposition 11:37 - Handling commoditized auto coverage and understanding customer needs & growth y to a $32 million book14:40 - The secret to hyper-responsiveness and proactive customer service 18:48 - Creating an effortless, customer-centric experience 22:41 - Building and leading a franchise with WeInsure 37:21 - The structure and benefits of the WeInsure39:00- how to find JAY1Fort: AI for insurance agencies, automating submissions, quoting, and binding to save time and win more commercial PNC.Canopy Connect: The one-click solution for getting deck pages needed to quote prospects.MAV: AI-powered insurance expert managing unlimited leads with friendly text to qualify, quote, and connect prospects to agents.Resources & LinksWeInsure GroupJay Wolfberg's emailConnect with Jay WolfbergLinkedInTwitter

California is in the grip of a home insurance crisis. Climate change, wildfires and inflation are driving costs through the roof, major insurers have fled the state or dropped coverage and the state's last-resort FAIR plan has drawn plenty of criticisms — all while companies push for even higher rates. Voters are about to elect a new insurance commissioner to oversee it all. Scott and KQED science reporter Danielle Venton look at what's driving the crisis and how candidates say they'd fix it. For more information on the races and ballot measures in California's June 2 primary election, check out KQED's Voter Guide. Join us for a town hall at KQED with Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a top Republican in the race for governor. Bianco will be talking with KQED's Marisa Lagos and taking audience questions on Monday, May 18 at 7:00pm at KQED headquarters in San Francisco. You can register for the event at KQED.org/events. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Tyler Brown shares a grounded and practical look at what actually drives success in insurance sales. Drawing from his upbringing and career journey, Tyler explains why authentic listening is still the most underrated skill in the business. He breaks down how emotional connection influences buying decisions, how to ask better questions, and why consistent follow-up separates top producers from everyone else.The conversation also explores how tools like AI, including platforms like Nova Intel, can sharpen sales performance without replacing the human element. If you are looking to improve close rates, build stronger client relationships, and bring more intention into your sales process, this episode offers a straightforward roadmap.A quick thank you to our sponsors who make conversations like this possible: 1Fort, Canopy Connect, and MAV.What You'll Learn: Why listening is more powerful than pitching in today's sales environment  How emotional triggers influence buying decisions  Practical ways to improve your follow-up process  The art of asking deeper, more meaningful questions  How AI can support, not replace, strong sales habits  Why trust is built through honesty and transparency, not pressure Key Takeaways:Tyler makes a strong case that most sales problems are not pipeline problems, they are communication problems. Agents often talk too much, assume too much, and follow up too little.One of the biggest shifts discussed is moving from surface-level conversations to deeper discovery. When you slow down and truly understand what matters to a client, your recommendations become more relevant and your close rate improves naturally.Another important theme is consistency. Follow-up is not complicated, but it does require discipline. The agents who win are the ones who stay in front of prospects in a thoughtful and helpful way.On the technology side, AI is positioned as a tool for refinement. Whether it is helping analyze conversations, suggest better questions, or improve messaging, it gives agents an edge if they are willing to use it.Notable Quotes: “If you listen long enough, people will tell you exactly how to sell to them.”  “People don't buy policies, they buy peace of mind.”  “Follow-up isn't about being pushy, it's about being present.” Canopy Connect If you're still chasing down dec pages and playing email tag with clients, you need to check out Canopy Connect. It's a simple tool that lets your clients securely share their current insurance information in minutes. That means faster quoting, cleaner data, and a much better client experience. It takes friction out of the process, which is something every agency can benefit from.MAV Finding good people is one of the hardest parts of running an agency right now. MAV helps solve that by connecting you with trained, remote insurance professionals who are ready to step in and contribute. Whether you need help with service, sales support, or operations, MAV gives you a way to scale your team without all the traditional hiring headaches.1Fort (1fort.ai) 1Fort is bringing AI into the insurance workflow in a practical way. This isn't about hype, it's about helping agencies move faster and make smarter decisions. From streamlining submissions to improving how you manage data and communication, 1Fort helps you operate more efficiently so you can spend more time where it matters most, building relationships and growing your book.

Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Also today - it's prom season, and so many kids and parents are breaking the bank to pay for it!  Prom has officially turned into a high-pressure, "red-carpet" event driven more by social media likes than actual memories. Clark is here to tell you that you don't have to go into debt to have a great time.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Prom Spending: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: The Best Car-Buying Services - Clark Howard These Credit Cards Are America's Favorites on Latest Consumer Survey These Are the Most and Least Expensive States for Home Insurance 9 Ways To Pay for College Without Student Loans - Clark Howard My Tax Preparer Made a Mistake: What Can I Do? Best Sites to Start an LLC - We Ranked Them All Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com  /  Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Insurance Town, Kevin Deutsch joins the show to unpack what's really happening in the health insurance space right now. From the growing role of AI to the emergence of ICHRA as a disruptive model, Kevin brings a practical perspective on where the industry is headed and what it means for agents, brokers, and agencies.The conversation digs into how technology is reshaping distribution, why data management is becoming a competitive advantage, and how personalization is moving from buzzword to reality. If you've ever felt like health insurance is overly complex, this episode helps simplify what matters and where to focus.Key Takeaways: Health insurance remains overly complex, but simplification is coming through better technology and data use  AI is only as effective as the data behind it, making data organization critical for agencies  ICHRA is creating new opportunities and challenges for brokers in the benefits space  Commission structures and distribution models are continuing to evolve  Personalization is not a future idea, it is actively shaping how coverage is designed and delivered today  Agencies that understand and adapt to these shifts will be better positioned for long-term growth  00:00 – Introduction 09:02 – Changes in Health Insurance Distribution 12:05 – The Role of Brokers in Health Insurance 15:06 – The Shift in Commission Structures 18:10 – The Impact of ICRA on Health Insurance 24:10 – Future of P&C Agencies in Health Insurance 29:57 – Understanding ICRA and Its Value 32:29 – Adoption of AI in Health Insurance 38:05 – Data Management for AI Utilization 40:26 – Trends in Personalization of Health Insurance 43:21 – Preparing for Personalized Benefits 44:42 – The Rise of Provider Sponsored Health Plans  48:59 – Softheon Mission and ServicesSponsorsCanopy ConnectMav1Fort AI Goli 

1012. Feeling financially squeezed by the rising cost of homeowners insurance? Laura answers a listener's question about how to pay less while maintaining coverage required by a lender. Find out how to protect your finances with home insurance without overpaying for it.We talk about:Underlying reasons why homeowners premiums are rising, especially in high-risk areas.Tips for saving by increasing home insurance deductibles.Comparing the price of bundled coverage to policies with different carriers. How various home upgrades and technologies can qualify for money-saving discounts.The role that having good credit plays in reducing your home and auto insurance rates (in most states).Why proactively shopping and asking about potential homeowners insurance discounts is essential for cutting the cost.Upcoming Wedding Series This May: We want your questions about wedding finances! Whether you're the bride, groom, or a guest, send us your questions about budgeting for the big day. Email: money@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail: (302) 364-0308.Money Girl is a Quick and Dirty Tips Podcast, hosted by Laura Adams.Discover more from Money Girl!FacebookNewsletterTranscripts available at QuickandDirtyTips.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this weeks episode we release more from the Lazy River, Casey Nelson's idea that has been such an amazing addition to the show. I appreciate all of the feedback I have gotten from these, so I will leak a few more out over time!  This clip is a continuation of the part 2, where we get into mental health, and leadership principles etc. sponsored by:Canopy ConnectMAV1Fort AI 

Think your home is private? Think again. Clark discusses the rise of insurance companies using drones, satellite data & AI to inspect property – and make replacement demands based on what could be bad data. Also today - Retailers are responding to today's marketplace with different prices for different customers. Companies of all types are targeting two extremes: the big spenders and the budget-conscious. Clark explains how to navigate these "price buckets" to make sure you aren't overpaying.  Home Insurance Spy Tech: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 K-Economy Pricing Patterns: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: The US Sun: Homeowner hit with $20k bill after State Farm secretly inspected roof by drone Homeowners Insurance Archives - Clark Howard What Is an ABLE Account? - Clark Howard Subscription Services: Why Canceling Is So Hard (and a Solution) BBB-File a Complaint AT&T rolls out new pricing YouTube TV drops 12 new offers to retain subscribers  - TheStreet Best Credit Card Sign-up Bonuses Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com  /  Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices