Podcasts about Insurance

Season 11 of Fixing Healthcare continues its shift away from the traditional top-down model of interviewing CEOs, policymakers and medical leaders to focus this week on something new, different and fascinating: listening to the generation that is inheriting this American healthcare system. In this episode, Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr speak with Grace Lynn Keller, VP at Executive Podcast Solutions, former Miss America contestant and the show's first-ever Gen Z guest. Grace brings a rare vantage point: Professionally, she is immersed in conversations with healthcare executives. Personally, she is part of the generation that consumes health information through social media, wearables and AI tools. For healthcare professionals, the conversation offers an important lens on how Gen Z gathers health information, how they decide when to seek care and what they expect from clinicians, insurers and government leaders. One insight stood out immediately. When asked where she would turn first with a non-emergency symptom, Grace answered without hesitation: ChatGPT. Her answer signals how much the healthcare landscape is changing. While Gen Z may turn to generative AI for initial medical advice, that is only one piece of a broader shift. In this conversation, Grace outlines how her generation is redefining health, prevention and trust. Key insights include: Verification Over Blind Trust. Gen Z does not simply accept what it reads online. Grace describes a culture of cross-referencing, double-checking and comparing sources across platforms before acting. Prevention As Identity. Her generation emphasizes whole foods, ingredient awareness and minimizing processed products. Health is considered a long-term lifestyle investment rather than reactive medical intervention. Wearables As Standard Equipment. Smart watches and rings are commonplace. Continuous data on sleep, movement, heart rate and hormonal cycles shape daily decisions and reinforce prevention. Convenience And Cost Sensitivity. Time away from work, co-pays and scheduling delays influence care decisions. If reliable AI-based treatment were available for routine conditions, many Gen Zers would use it immediately. Mental Health As Mainstream. Therapy is normalized. Work-life balance is considered protective, not indulgent. “Mental health days” may frustrate older generations but are viewed as necessary boundaries by younger workers. Skepticism Of Bureaucracy. Insurance complexity is a major frustration. Deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums and opaque pricing create confusion for first-time independent users. Demand For Transparency. Grace compares healthcare to e-commerce: if nearly every other industry offers clear pricing and frictionless purchasing, why not medicine? Alcohol And Cultural Moderation. Among her peers, alcohol consumption is more situational and less habitual. Health-conscious decision-making extends beyond diet and exercise. Education Gaps. Public school health education was limited largely to sex ed and anti-drug messaging. She sees schools as the only scalable venue to improve health literacy nationwide. There's so much more to this episode. Tune in to find out what the next generation of patients expects from doctors, nurses and healthcare leaders. Helpful links “From TikTok to Telehealth: 3 Ways Medicine Must Evolve to Reach Gen Z” (Fulcrum) “Why younger patients turn away from doctors & toward GenAI” (Fixing Healthcare podcast) “Healthcare Regulators' Outdated Thinking Will Cost American Lives” (Forbes) “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Doctors and Patients Can Take Back Control of American Medicine” (Pearl's newest book) * * * Fixing Healthcare is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn. The post FHC #206: What Gen Z expects from healthcare & why it matters appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.

If you'd like to work with us on your Medicare health plan, we're licensed in 45 states and actively helping clients across the country. Christian and the team at Everything Senior Insurance represent many of the top insurance companies in the Medicare space. We're happy to help—just reach out! ➡️ Visit our site: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eseniorinsurance.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✅ Call us: (801) 255-5340

Former Kansas City Chiefs lineman Joe Valerio is the Chief Operating Officer for The Baldwin Group's Insurance Advisory Solutions (IAS) segment. Most recently, Mr. Valerio served as Division Leader, Western Division, for World Insurance Associates, LLC, where he drove revenue growth and margin expansion through disciplined sales execution and operational excellence across 27 offices across 13 states. Before World Insurance, he served as Chief Operating Officer for the CRB North America Industry Verticals Division at Willis Towers Watson, where he guided a team of nearly 3,000 colleagues across diverse functions, generating annual revenue of more than $1.2 billion. In this episode of In the Know, Chris Hampshire and Joe explore lessons learned from the football field, the excitement and challenges of the recent merger, and Joe's optimistic perspective on the future of the insurance industry.   Key Takeaways ● Joe's journey from the NFL to broadcasting to the insurance industry. ● Lessons learned from the football field. ● Questions to ask yourself when weighing career opportunities. ● The importance of a standard operating playbook. ● Retaining talent while also developing skills. ● Merger management in Joe's latest venture at The Baldwin Group. ● A five-year look at the future of the insurance industry. ● Joe's advice to his early insurance career self.   In the Know podcast theme music written and performed by James Jones, CPCU, and Kole Shuda of the band If-Then.   To learn more about the CPCU Society, its membership, and educational offerings, tools, and programs, please visit CPCUSociety.org.   Follow the CPCU Society on social media: X (Twitter): @CPCUSociety Facebook: @CPCUSociety LinkedIn: @The Institutes CPCU Society Instagram: @the_cpcu_society   Quotes ● "The biggest asset of the insurance industry is what goes up and down the elevators every day." ● "Insurance is the ultimate team sport." ● "Everything that we do is focused on bringing the best to the client." ● "Day-by-day, we want to figure out how we can work best together."  

Rob Lewis, CEO, INTX Insurance Software, discusses how Chubb's aggressive automation strategy reflects deeper structural shifts in insurance technology, workforce skill demands and the growing necessity for unified, modern core systems to enable real AI-driven transformation.

Jenny Opalinski has spent more than a decade inside hospitals where people lose the ability to speak, breathe, swallow, and sometimes survive. A medical speech language pathologist by training, she worked in ICU, neuro rehab, and long term acute care settings, including a Level 1 trauma center, where she watched clinicians absorb 10 to 15 traumatic events in a single shift and then get told to move the crash cart faster next time.That lived reality pushed her to co found The Wellness Shift, an advocacy and education platform focused on healthcare worker burnout, suicide, and assault. In this conversation, Opalinski walks through the moment that changed everything for her: standing in a hospital hallway listening to a family wail after a failed code, followed by a debrief that addressed logistics and ignored grief entirely.She also explains how that work led to Humanity Rx, her podcast about the human cost of medicine, and Dragon's Breath: Calming Tricks for Big Feelings, a children's book that translates evidence based breathing and regulation strategies into language kids can actually use. The episode covers moral injury, time scarcity, false wellness, respiratory muscle training, and why empathy keeps getting treated as an optional expense instead of clinical infrastructure.RELATED LINKSJenny Opalinski on LinkedInThe Wellness ShiftHumanity RxDragon's Breath: Calming Tricks for Big FeelingsAspire Respiratory ProductsFEEDBACKLike this episode? Rate and review Out of Patients on your favorite podcast platform. For guest suggestions or sponsorship email podcasts@matthewzachary.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's In the News.. a look at the top headlines and stories in the diabetes community. This week's top stories: big updates for stem cell and islet transplants, new pen option for Zepbound, an implantable insulin pump moves forward and more! Announcing Community Commericals! Learn how to get your message on the show here. Learn more about studies and research at Thrivable here Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Omnipod - Simplify Life All about Dexcom  T1D Screening info All about VIVI Cap to protect your insulin from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter here Here's where to find us: Facebook (Group) Facebook (Page) Instagram Check out Stacey's books! Learn more about everything at our home page www.diabetes-connections.com  Episode transcription with links: Welcome! I'm your host Stacey Simms and this is an In The News episode.. where we bringing you the top diabetes stories and headlines happening now. A reminder that you can find the sources and links and a transcript and more info for every story mentioned here in the show notes. Quick reminder: I'm just back from MNO DC and I'm exhausted. But it's the best kind of tired. We had an incredible time – hope you can join us in Nashville. With a reminder that we have our first Club 1921 in Nashville – that's our educational dinner series for HCPs and patient leaders. All the info is over at diabetes-connections.com events/     Okay.. our top story this week: XX An "immune system reset" eliminated Type 1, diabetes in mice in a study conducted at Stanford Medicine without immune suppressant medications. This was a combined transplant of blood stem cells and insulin-producing pancreatic islet cells from a donor whose immune profile did not match the recipient. The dual transplant approach both restored insulin production and retrained the immune system. For the full six months of the experiment, the animals did not need insulin injections or immune suppressive medications. Challenges remain using this approach to treat Type 1 diabetes. Pancreatic islets can be obtained only after death of the donor, and the blood stem cells must come from the same person as the islets. It is also unclear whether the number of islet cells typically isolated from one donor would be enough to reverse established Type 1 diabetes. But the researchers are working on solutions, which could include generating large numbers of islet cells in the laboratory from pluripotent human stem cells, or finding ways to increase the function and survival of transplanted donor islet cells. https://scitechdaily.com/stanford-scientists-cure-type-1-diabetes-in-mice-without-insulin-or-immune-suppression/ XX An electronic implant interlaced with islet cells is being looked at to treat type 1. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine worked with engineers at Harvard University to combine stem-cell biology with soft electronics. They inserted an ultrathin, flexible mesh of conductive wires — thinner than a human hair — into developing pancreatic tissue. As the cells assembled into clusters, the mesh became woven through them. The electronics can record the faint electrical signals produced by the cells that control insulin release. They can also deliver small pulses of electricity back to the cells.   After several days, the cells began to behave more like mature islets. Their internal signalling shifted, neighbouring cells started working in concert and insulin release became stronger and better timed.  Very early on here – and the transplanted cells still need to be protected from being attacked by the immune system. https://www.thetimes.com/uk/science/article/first-cyborg-pancreas-implants-type-1-diabetes-nxkv8r0fp?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqeJYYUF9TMR-GgGUG92hPyog-ISeiqGIgdyaaIKKcpvhtoftGiUaaOtQeG0NWI%3D&gaa_ts=699c50d4&gaa_sig=w-PQ0ArosZSznYDSWEzt8aQg4WC0FF5ZFRt9NedO5sSTL2FyWzupH8eSG7RCy2S8TQnlHOeKCudANWm1MNI59w%3D%3D XX Katie Beth (hand) Eledon trial – aaron kowalski post linkedin. Last fall we told you about promising results from Eledon's drug to prevent islet transplantation rejection in type 1 diabetes. The first six patients no longer had to inject or infuse insulin.. the trials continue and this month one of the patients – Katie Beth Hand – began posting about her experiences one month in, on social media, she says she's off basal insulin already and in range 99 percent of the time. She is also encouraging people to learn more about support the islet act https://lnkd.in/e8pQ7_Y7 XX This is a bill introduced last November which would change the wording on pancreatic cell transplants. The problem is that islets are classified as drugs rather than organs, making transplantations difficult for medical teams and centers to preform due to accessibility. Insurance companies are also less likely to provide reimbursements for treatment, which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. The official Journal of The Transplantation Society estimates the cost at about $140,000. The bill went to the senate committee of Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions in early November. No other action has been taken since then. https://www.wtoc.com/2026/02/19/bluffton-family-advocates-islet-act-help-diabetic-son/ XX Big change for the obesity drug Zepbound – now available in the multi dose KwikPen. This is a month's worth of doses in a single pen.. and it's multi dose – you can adjust it. Cash-paying patients can get the multi-dose device, called KwikPen, on the company's direct-to-consumer website, LillyDirect. Prices start at $299 per month for the lowest dose level. Until now, you could only get zepbound in a single dose auto injector or a sing dose vial. In a release, Lilly said the Food and Drug Administration approved a label expansion for Zepbound to include the multi-dose device. The KwikPen is already used for other drugs, such as Lilly's popular diabetes medication, Mounjaro – which is the same medication as zepbound, they're both tirzepitide. https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/23/eli-lilly-launches-zepbound-obesity-drug-pen-one-month-doses.html   XX For years, researchers have observed that people who live at high elevations,  tend to develop diabetes less often than those at sea level. Although the trend was well documented, the biological explanation behind it was unclear. Scientists now say they have identified the reason. Their research shows that in low oxygen environments, red blood cells begin absorbing large amounts of glucose from the bloodstream. Their work showed that when oxygen is limited, red blood cells use glucose to generate a molecule that helps release oxygen to tissues. This process becomes especially important when oxygen is in short supply. The researchers also found that the metabolic benefits of prolonged hypoxia lasted for weeks to months after mice were returned to normal oxygen levels. They then evaluated HypoxyStat, a drug recently developed in Jain's lab that mimics low oxygen exposure. HypoxyStat is taken as a pill and works by causing hemoglobin in red blood cells to bind oxygen more tightly, limiting the amount delivered to tissues. In mouse models of diabetes, the medication completely reversed high blood sugar and outperformed existing treatments. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260221060952.htm XX Watching this one closely – Portal Diabetes gets FDA breakthrough device designation for its implantable insulin pump system. This is a system that includes not just a device that's implanted into the abdomen, but also a new, temperature stable insulin. It will work with – quote – "modern" CGM technology with a fully closed loop - and aims to deliver a functional cure for type 1. While reports say Portal's system is the first in the US – there was an implantable pump developed and used by about 500 people worldwide, including about 100 in the US – by MiniMed. Medtronic bought the company and in 2007 they stopped that program. Portal Diabetes expects to begin clinical trials on its combination system around the fourth quarter of 2027. https://www.drugdeliverybusiness.com/portal-diabetes-fda-breakthrough-implantable-insulin-pump/ XX Sequel Med Tech and Senseonics (NYSE:SENS) today announced the full U.S. launch of their CGM and insulin pump integration. That's the eversense cgm and twist pump. Sequel said its full launch with Eversense 365 makes twiist available with two compatible CGMs. twiist also pairs with the Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor. Eversense 365, an implantable system, rests under the skin for the duration of a year. Users can change its external, silicone-based adhesive daily with almost no skin reactions. https://www.drugdeliverybusiness.com/sequel-senseonics-full-launch-twiist-eversense/ XX Right back with a Dexcom update, and a look at which type of diet reduces insulin use overall.. right after this: -- Back to the news.. Dexcom is watching for expanded Medicare coverage of its continuous glucose monitors to people with Type 2 diabetes who don't take insulin. CEO Jake Leach told investors on Thursday that the company has been "sitting here waiting for a coverage decision" from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Dexcom started to see commercial coverage unlock for Type 2, non-insulin users toward the end of last year, Leach said. He expects broader Medicare coverage for that group would allow nearly 12 million people to access CGMs.     In the meantime, the American Diabetes Association updated its guidelines last year to recommend clinicians consider using CGMs for Type 2 diabetes when patients are taking glucose-lowering medications other than insulin. Leach said that real world data the company has been generating supports that decision, and that Dexcom has launched a registry for non-insulin users. https://www.medtechdive.com/news/dexcom-seeks-expanded-medicare-coverage-of-cgms-for-type-2-diabetes/812223/ XX Medtronic's separation of MiniMed is not yet complete.. but continues to move forward. The company has submitted their next pump – MiniMed Flex – to the FDA. This is a pump smaller than the 780G but uses the same reservoirs and infusion sets. It will also work with both the Simplera Sync and Instinct sensors. Medtronic also began a U.S. pivotal study for Vivera, its third-generation algorithm for automated insulin delivery. It also remains set to submit its MiniMed Fit patch pump system to the FDA by the coming fall. https://www.drugdeliverybusiness.com/medtronic-submits-minimed-flex-fda-q3/ XX A study modelling how genes may influence a child's body mass index over time has found that BMI at age 10 and overall growth rate between ages one and 18 might be important factors, as the two are more likely linked to diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease in later life. Nearly 66,000 BMI measurements from around 6,300 children and adolescents aged one to 18 were analysed to understand the role of genes.     "Future research is needed to help identify the most effective ages to prevent obesity or poor growth for long-term benefit." https://www.ndtv.com/health/bmi-at-age-10-growth-rate-up-to-age-18-are-important-factors-for-diabetes-heart-disease-study-11125146 XX A low-fat vegan diet—without cutting calories or carbs—may help people with type 1 diabetes significantly reduce how much insulin they need. In a new analysis published in BMC Nutrition, participants following the plant-based plan lowered their daily insulin use by 28%, while those on a portion-controlled diet saw no meaningful change. Researchers say the reduced insulin requirement likely reflects improved insulin sensitivity. The original 2024 study reported additional benefits from the vegan diet. Participants lost an average of 11 pounds and showed improvements in insulin sensitivity and glycemic control. Cholesterol levels and kidney function also improved among those following the plant-based plan. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260212234212.htm XX Interesting little tidbit from the Winter Olympic Games.. the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was monitoring GLP drug use. An advisory group that makes recommendations about WADA's list of prohibited substances discussed the status of GLP-1 medications, and added semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) to its monitoring program That means patterns of use of these drugs will be tracked both in and out of competition.  The finding will be used to make recommendations about whether GLP-1 agonists should be added to the prohibited list, the spokesperson explained. While GLP-1 drug use is not currently prohibited, that could change before the next Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028, he noted. https://www.medpagetoday.com/popmedicine/cultureclinic/119770 XX That's it for in the news!

In this Tax Tuesday episode, Anderson's Barley Bowler, CPA, and Eliot Thomas, Esq., address listener questions on a wide range of tax strategies for real estate investors, business owners, and healthcare professionals. They explain how seller financing affects the ability to use cost segregation and bonus depreciation under IRC Section 465's at-risk rules, and how a single-member LLC can recoup startup education costs through a C Corporation structure with shareholder loans. Barley and Eliot walk through the powerful tax advantages of setting up a management C Corporation over a Wyoming holding company — including medical reimbursements, accountable plan deductions, and W-2 solo 401(k) options. They cover what Medicare premiums and COBRA costs are reimbursable through a C Corp's medical reimbursement plan, how the Section 121 exclusion works for primary residence sales, and what options exist for mitigating a seven-figure business sale gain. Other topics include write-offs for uncollected insurance balances in healthcare practices, avoiding required minimum distributions by rolling into an employer plan, and electing pass-through entity tax in New York for investment partnerships. Tune in for expert guidance on these strategies and more! Submit your tax question to taxtuesday@andersonadvisors.com Highlights/Topics: 7:18 — "How does the use of seller financing impact the ability to use strategies such as cost segregation and bonus depreciation?" Under IRC Section 465, your deductible losses are limited to the amount you have personally at risk. First phrase: "This is a great question. This covers a lot of different angles." 15:27 — "The business failed to make any profit in year 1. How are those initial costs recouped, and how much can be carried forward to future years?" A C Corp election allows full education deductions; fund via shareholder loan for tax-free recoupment. First phrase: "A single member LLC spent $9,500 on training and other related startup costs." 21:06 — "If I operate one LLC per real estate project, does it make sense to have a separate management entity to deduct shared expenses like an assistant, office costs, business meals, travel, and pre-development work? What's the correct tax structure?" A management C Corporation reduces rental income and allows tax-free reimbursements to the owner. First phrase: "If I operate one LLC per real estate project, does it make sense to have a separate management entity..." 27:45 — "What components of Medicare premiums are reimbursable by my property management C corporation?" Out-of-pocket Medicare and COBRA premiums qualify; general wellness supplements typically do not. First phrase: "What components of Medicare premiums are reimbursable by my property management C Corporation..." 38:10 — "If I sell my house, how long do I have to buy something else before I owe capital gains tax? Do I need to purchase the next home for more than the sale of the house or is there a percentage of that value?" Section 121 excludes up to $250K single or $500K married with no replacement property required. First phrase: "If I sell my house, how long do I have to buy something else before I owe capital gains tax?" 44:45 — "For my healthcare practice, where can I write off balances that insurance refuses to pay, and promotions/certain population deals where I give service discounts or free visits/supplement packages for charity events?" Cash-basis taxpayers cannot deduct uncollected income, and donated services are not tax-deductible. First phrase: "For healthcare practice, where can I write up balances? Insurance refuses to pay." 50:02 — "Can I avoid taking Required Minimum Distributions at age 73, if I roll over my retirement contributions from a previous employer's plan to my current employer's plan?" Rolling into a current employer plan may defer RMDs if you are not a greater-than-5% owner. First phrase: "Can I avoid taking required minimum distributions at age 73?" 53:12 — "Can an investment partnership elect the Pass Through Entity Tax in New York? What are the issues creating/dissolving investment partnerships?" New York allows any partnership to elect PTET, generating a valuable federal-level tax deduction. First phrase: "Can an investment partnership elect the pass through entity tax in New York?" 59:38 — "I sold my company, and I am coming into a 7-figure settlement soon. What can I do with that money to decrease my taxes?" Explore charitable remainder trusts, qualified opportunity zones, and capital loss harvesting strategies. First phrase: "I sold my company and I'm going to come into a seven figure settlement soon." Resources: Tax and Asset Protection Events — Live workshop in Las Vegas, March 19–21 https://andersonadvisors.com/real-estate-asset-protection-workshop-training/?utm_source=how-to-structure-a-tax-efficient-management-entity&utm_medium=podcast Schedule Your FREE Consultation — Scan the QR code or visit the link to book your strategy session https://andersonadvisors.com/strategy-session/?utm_source=how-to-structure-a-tax-efficient-management-entity&utm_medium=podcast Anderson Advisors https://andersonadvisors.com/ Toby Mathis YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TobyMathis Toby Mathis TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@tobymathisesq Clint Coons YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ClintCoons

In this episode of Making Risk Flow, host Juan de Castro speaks with David McMillan, former CEO of esureGroup, to unpack how a mid-sized insurer reinvented itself under private equity ownership. Facing COVID-19, reserve pressures, a soft market, and geopolitical disruption, the company leaned into culture, clarity, and modern technology to outpace larger rivals. David shares why building a high-performing team starts with shared values, how blending insurance expertise with external digital talent accelerates innovation, and why cloud-native, API-driven architecture is essential for real-time decision-making. He also explains how to shift boards from traditional ROI forecasts to agile, outcome-based governance. It's a candid conversation about resilience, leadership under pressure, and why staying smaller, more agile, and hence, faster can be a lasting competitive advantage.Fan Mail: Got a challenge digitizing your intake? Share it with us, and we'll unpack solutions from our experience at Cytora.To receive a custom demo from Cytora, click here and use the code 'Making Risk Flow'.Our previous guests include: Bronek Masojada of PPL, Craig Knightly of Inigo, Andrew Horton of QBE Insurance, Simon McGinn of Allianz, Stephane Flaquet of Hiscox, Matthew Grant of InsTech, Paul Brand of Convex, Paolo Cuomo of Gallagher Re, and Thierry Daucourt of AXA.Check out the three most downloaded episodes: The Five Pillars of Data Analytics Strategy in Insurance | Craig Knightly, Inigo 20 Years as CEO of Hiscox: Personal Reflections and the Evolution of PPL | Bronek Masojada Implementing ESG in the Insurance and Underwriting Space | Simon Tighe, Chaucer, and Paul McCarney, Moody's

Brake Check Live, we break down three developments every carrier should be watching closely. FMCSA has issued mandatory directives surrounding non-domiciled CDLs ... a move designed to restore licensing integrity, but one that could reshape compliance exposure overnight. At the same time, the insurance market continues to reveal cracks in what was once considered trucking's last failsafe. Are carriers being judged by performance ... or by association? And finally, federal authorities have launched a multi-state sting targeting sham CDL training operations. If training has been scaled without accountability, what does that mean for sustainable safety? Joining the panel: Rob Carpenter Brandon Wiseman Truck Safe Consulting This is not a recap of headlines. This is a drivers lived experience, carrier-focused breakdown of risk, liability, and operational consequences. Brake Check is the industry wake-up call. ⁠Follow the Brake Check Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Wise Divine Women Podcast, Dana Irvine discusses the importance of thermography in understanding functional health. She explains how thermography works, what it can detect, and who should consider getting a thermography. The conversation emphasizes the non-invasive nature of thermography, its role in preventative health, and the importance of understanding one's health through functional assessments. Dana also encourages listeners to reach out for more information and to explore local thermography options.Key takeawaysThermography is a non-invasive tool for health assessment.It helps identify inflammation and physiological changes.Thermography can detect hormonal imbalances and circulatory issues.The process involves mapping heat patterns in the body.Thermography is painless and does not involve radiation.Regular thermography can be part of a yearly health routine.It provides insights into overall health and wellness.Thermography is used alongside other diagnostic tools.Understanding your thermography report is crucial for health management.Thermography can help track progress and monitor health changes.If you're over 40 and feeling:• Tired but wired • Bloated or inflamed • Hormonal and frustrated • Concerned about breast health • Unsure what testing you truly needYou don't need another quick fix. You need clarity.The ⁠⁠Wise Divine Women Health Clarity Call ⁠⁠is your 1:1 strategy session to uncover root causes and map out your next best steps — whether that's functional testing, thermography, nutrition coaching, or hormone support.

In this Health Moonshot Update, StartUp Health community member Justin Ayars of EqualityMD explains how the company is redefining employer healthcare through a pre-insurance model designed to resolve health needs before insurance is triggered. EqualityMD delivers culturally competent virtual primary care, mental health support, urgent care, and prescription access without generating insurance claims. New research shows the platform can resolve up to 80 percent of employees' diverse health needs pre-insurance, saving employers 20 to 30 percent in health claim and administrative costs and reducing employees' out-of-pocket expenses by 40 to 70 percent. Ayars shares why traditional telehealth often increases claims volume, how claim prevention changes the cost equation, and why rethinking healthcare upstream may be key to rebuilding trust and affordability in the system. Are you ready to tell YOUR story? Members of our Health Moonshot Communities are leading startups with breakthrough technology-driven solutions for the world's biggest health challenges. Exposure in StartUp Health Media to our global audience of investors and partners – including our podcast, newsletters, journal, and YouTube channel – is a benefit of our Health Moonshot Membership. If you're mission-driven, collaborative, and ready to contribute as much as you gain, you might be the perfect fit. » Learn more and join today. Want more content like this? Sign up for StartUp Health Insider™ to get funding insights, news, and special updates delivered to your inbox.

The insurance industry is purposely complex. Many brokers use confusing jargon and convoluted strategies to maintain the status quo and protect their commissions. But in today's market, complexity kills deals. If you want to stand out to a CFO or HR leader, your ultimate competitive advantage is clarity.My guest, Nicole Quinn-Miles, an employee benefits expert at Marsh McLennan, joins me to discuss why clear, direct communication is the key to driving execution and winning business. We break down why you need to stop trying to be "interesting" and start being "interested," how to explain complex benefit strategies so clients actually take action, and why true trust requires radical honesty. We also discuss Nicole's inspiring journey of personal accountability, her massive weight loss transformation, and how she uses her authenticity to win in a male-dominated industry.▶▶ Sign Up For Your Free Discovery Callcompletegameu.com/agaKEY MOMENTS(0:00) Why Clarity is the Ultimate Sales Weapon In Insurance (3:58) The Wake-Up Call: Nicole's Weight Loss and Accountability Journey (8:40) Using Food as Fuel and Scheduling Time for Yourself (11:26) Surviving a "Male, Pale, and Stale" Industry Through Authenticity (14:14) Stop Trying to Be "Interesting" (And Start Being Interested) (17:56) The "Her View" Movement: Safe Spaces for Women in Business (20:27) The State of Healthcare: Why CFOs Are Demanding Straight Answers (23:31) Execution vs. Ideas: Why Complexity Kills the Deal (29:05) Trust Equals Truth Over Time (33:48) Nicole's Routine: Why She Prefers an Evening RegimenCONNECT WITH ANDY NEARY

For decades, healthcare has trained us to wait. Wait for symptoms. Wait for abnormal labs. Wait for a crisis. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Robert Todd Hurst, MD, FACC, FASE sits down with membership medicine pioneer Tom Blue to unpack why that model is failing, and what's replacing it. Together, they explore the rise of proactive, precision-based care, why insurance is misaligned with true prevention, how technology is compressing the 17-year “translational gap” in medicine, and what it really takes to build a “medical time machine.” They also dive into cognitive longevity, artificial intelligence in healthcare, and why your health is no longer destiny…it's a skill set. If you've ever wondered why traditional healthcare feels rushed, reactive, and one-size-fits-all… this episode explains why, and shows you a better path forward.   About Our Guest: Tom Blue Tom Blue is one of the most influential voices in membership-based medicine and modern healthcare innovation. For over two decades, he has helped physicians build practices centered on prevention, personalization, and patient experience, long before it became mainstream. Through his work at OvationLab, Tom partners with forward-thinking doctors to compress the gap between medical discovery and real-world care. His passion? Turning cutting-edge science into practical systems that help people live longer, sharper, stronger lives.   Connect with Tom Blue:  

On this episode of the Insurance Coffee House, Nick Hoadley is joined by Val Rahmani, a leading board director across insurance and financial markets, currently serving on the boards of London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), RenaissanceRe, and Entrust. Val shares how a 28-year career at IBM, followed by startup CEO experience, shaped her approach to leadership, strategy, and governance.Val reflects on her early career, starting as a chemistry PhD student who wanted to move into sales, and how IBM redirected her into systems engineering so she could learn the product before selling it. She describes the pivotal moment when she was selected to work in the CEO's office and how that fast-tracked her exposure to top-level decision-making. Val shares practical lessons from that period, including how to think clearly under pressure, how to listen to specialists on the ground, and why taking opportunities quickly can change the trajectory of a career.The conversation then moves into Val's transition from big tech to startup leadership. She explains what changes when you move from a large organisation with abundant resources to a startup where every decision is constrained by funding, headcount, and time. Val discusses the realities of raising capital while running the business, why she enjoyed fundraising, and how sales skills translate into leadership by focusing on understanding what people actually need.Nick and Val then explore her board journey and how her first board roles helped her shift from hands-on executive work into governance. Val explains why private company boards can be a strong entry point for executives looking to build board experience, including the higher involvement, the pace, and the learning curve without the full weight of public company regulation. She shares how her first public board appointment at Aberdeen Asset Management came about through a recruiter, and why culture fit matters as much as capability when board appointments are long-term commitments.Val also breaks down what LSEG actually does beyond the exchange, including clearing and its evolution into a data and analytics business, particularly following the acquisition of Refinitiv. She shares how she approached joining RenaissanceRe without an insurance background, and how structured induction, one-to-one time with executives, and asking direct questions helped her get up to speed. Val and Nick discuss the people-centric nature of the insurance market, the importance of understanding industry relationships in reinsurance, and what it takes to become useful before offering strategic input.The episode closes with practical guidance for building a board portfolio. Val explains why her board roles have largely come through recruiters, why those relationships need to be long-term rather than transactional, and how recruiters can match for culture when they know the person behind the CV. She shares what she believes makes an outstanding board director: listening, being selective about where you contribute, respecting time in the boardroom, and doing the work outside the meeting so the questions you bring are truly value-add. Val also outlines how she stays current, including structured reading habits and monitoring market signals, and why every board member needs at least a working awareness of AI and its implications.Connect with Val Rahmani on LinkedIn to follow her work across technology, governance, and board leadership.The Insurance Coffee House Podcast is brought to you by Insurance Search.We are a global Insurance Executive Search Consultancy, supporting Insurance and Insurtech businesses to attract and retain the very best insurance talent.Find out more about showcasing your employer brand as a guest on the Insurance...

Freight Industry Warning: The February 24 edition of the AgNet News Hour tackled a topic that affects every farmer, processor, retailer, and consumer in California — freight. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill devoted the program to a candid and urgent conversation with Mark Woods and Jose Nunez of Wildwood Express, who say the state's trucking industry is approaching a critical breaking point. Woods, who operates a 45-truck fleet based in Kings County, laid out the growing list of challenges facing California freight companies: rising fuel costs, increasing insurance premiums, emissions regulations, equipment mandates, licensing issues, and deteriorating road infrastructure. While growers often talk about water, labor, and regulation, Woods emphasized that none of it matters if product can't move. “If you can't get it to market, you're dead in the water,” McGill noted — a reality that applies to almonds, tomatoes, citrus, livestock, and every other commodity grown in the state. Fuel remains one of the largest burdens. California diesel prices run significantly higher than neighboring states, and with refinery closures looming, uncertainty around supply and future pricing adds another layer of stress. Woods warned that rising transportation costs inevitably trickle down to consumers — whether it's the price of produce, meat, or a restaurant meal. Insurance is another major pressure point. Freight companies are investing in advanced safety technology — including AI-powered monitoring systems and in-cab cameras — to reduce accidents and protect drivers. Yet despite those investments, insurance costs continue climbing. Woods said companies are doing everything they can to operate safely and efficiently, but margins remain razor thin. Regulatory complexity compounds the issue. Emissions testing requirements, equipment standards, and licensing enforcement create additional compliance hurdles. Woods expressed concern that smaller operators may not survive under the weight of expanding mandates, particularly as newer truck models become more expensive. The conversation also addressed workforce challenges. While interest in commercial driving remains steady, language requirements and licensing scrutiny are impacting available drivers. Meanwhile, California's poor road conditions accelerate wear and tear on already costly equipment. Papagni underscored a critical point: everything in your home — from food to furniture — was delivered by truck. Freight is not optional. It is foundational. As Woods put it, the trucking industry isn't asking for special treatment — just a level playing field and practical policies that allow companies to remain profitable while serving California agriculture. Part two of the freight discussion continues tomorrow.

The February 25 edition of the AgNet News Hour continued a powerful two-part discussion on the growing crisis in California trucking, as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill again welcomed Mark Woods and Jose Nunez of Wildwood Express. Their message was urgent: without meaningful policy changes, the trucking industry that agriculture depends on may not survive. Woods, who operates a 45-truck fleet in Kings County, detailed the mounting pressures squeezing freight companies from every direction. New truck prices have climbed close to $200,000 per unit, with 2027 models expected to increase another $15,000 to $25,000 due to additional emissions requirements and new technology mandates. Meanwhile, repair costs at dealership service centers can exceed $240 per hour — and trucks often sit for days or weeks waiting for qualified technicians. The biggest concern, Woods emphasized, isn't engine reliability. Modern engines remain durable. Instead, nearly every mechanical issue stems from emissions systems, sensors, and regulatory compliance components. Diesel exhaust systems, filters, and electronic sensors frequently trigger downtime, leaving trucks parked while payments, insurance, and payroll continue. For many small and mid-sized fleets, there is no margin for extended downtime. Unlike major corporations with large reserves, independent operators cannot afford long-term research and development risks on unproven equipment. As Woods explained, trucking companies don't need government assistance — they need government to step aside and allow them to operate efficiently. Insurance premiums remain another heavy burden. Companies invest in AI-driven safety systems, in-cab cameras, and electronic logging devices to protect drivers and limit liability. Yet insurance rates continue rising, especially in California's increasingly litigious environment. A single accident can jeopardize both a driver's commercial license and a company's financial stability. Fuel costs add further uncertainty. With refinery closures on the horizon, concerns about diesel availability and potential price spikes loom large. If fuel prices rise dramatically, every product transported — from fertilizer and bee hives to finished almonds and fresh produce — becomes more expensive. As Papagni noted, freight touches every step of the agricultural supply chain. Workforce retention remains steady for Wildwood Express, but compliance enforcement and licensing scrutiny create additional hurdles. Meanwhile, deteriorating highway conditions, especially along Highway 99, accelerate wear and tear on already expensive equipment. The takeaway from the conversation was clear: trucking is not optional infrastructure. It is the backbone of agriculture and the broader economy. Without freight, food does not move. As Woods put it, the industry must stand united and demand practical solutions before more companies disappear.

For years, Shane has said don't dabble. Now, he is saying, "Do it smart." We discuss the difference between reckless dabbling and strategic expansion, and why being an informed dabbler may be the shift your agency needs for growth.Learn more at IntegraPartnerNetwork.com.

Episode Info On the back of getting some less-than-great sales outreach on LinkedIn, I thought it would be a great moment to share some more sales advice for startup founders and service or solution providers out there looking to sell into or partner with insurers. This is a follow up the episode I did in Season 7 on the subject, which you can check out at https://future-of-insurance.com/podcast/vendoradvice/.  I'll also be taking a few weeks off from posting new episodes of the show, which makes a great chance for you to catch up on the back catalogue of episodes from all 7.5 seasons (there are 190 episodes of this show so far!). Also, if you're interested in claims or the complexities of coverage discussed in a really entertaining and educational format, check out What's The Scenario from PLRB, available on PLRB's website (membership required), or free for anyone on all the top podcasting platforms and in video format on YouTube. Episode Overview: Key Principles: Industry Foundation: Insurance is a caring, people-driven industry. Genuine intent to help is crucial. Clarity Over Buzzwords: Avoid vague language and jargon ("next generation solutions," "AI"). Be specific about the problem you solve and your solution. Respect Time: Generic, time-wasting outreach is detrimental. Be upfront, honest, and clear. Authenticity Wins: Genuine, dedicated individuals who focus on solving real problems build impactful businesses. Relationship Driven: Success in insurance relies on trust and authentic connections. Actionable Advice for Sellers: Clearly state the problem you solve and your solution. Be direct and avoid unnecessary buzzwords. Communicate genuinely and respectfully. Understand your audience's needs. This episode is brought to you by The Future of Insurance book series (future-of-insurance.com) from Bryan Falchuk. Follow the podcast at future-of-insurance.com/podcast for more details and other episodes. Music courtesy of Hyperbeat Music, available to stream or download on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music and more.

Federal Employees With $1M TSP Should Watch This — deeper insights on TSP retirement strategy, risk management, and portfolio allocation for federal benefits planning.

Join Brian Doyle on this episode of MSP Business School as he sits down with Doug Kreitzberg from SeedPod Cyber to discuss the intricate world of cybersecurity insurance. Kreitzberg, with a rich background in the insurance industry, explores the dynamic relationship between MSPs and cyber insurance providers. He highlights the importance of having well-designed insurance programs that align with the specific technology and risk environments of SMBs (Small and Medium-sized Businesses). Doug's insights shed light on how MSPs can leverage cyber insurance to build trust and offer more value to their clients. In this episode, Doug Kreitzberg delves into the complexities of cyber insurance underwriting, emphasizing the role of MSPs in ensuring their clients are adequately protected. He reveals eye-opening statistics regarding insurance claims and the common pitfalls businesses face when they fail to understand the nuances of their coverage. By partnering with firms like SeedPod Cyber, MSPs can better navigate these challenges, offering their clients tailored insurance solutions that account for evolving risks, including the impacts of AI on cybersecurity protocols. Kreitzberg shares the latest trends in the industry, where insurers are starting to offer managed security services, potentially disrupting traditional MSP roles. Key Takeaways: Understanding Claims: 44% of cyber incidents result in denied claims due to unmet tech stack requirements, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and precise policy coverage. MSP Partnerships: Collaborations between MSPs and cyber insurance providers can enhance risk management and simplify the insurance process, benefiting both parties. Insurer Trends: Some insurance carriers are venturing into offering security services, creating potential conflicts of interest with MSPs. Risk Evaluations: Tools like the Insurability Audit help MSPs communicate risks and insurance needs more effectively to clients, aligning coverage with actual tech environments. Fee Income Opportunities: MSPs can benefit financially by incorporating SeedPod's systems, offering audit processes that create additional revenue streams. Guest Name: Doug Kreitzberg LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougkreitzberg/ Company: SeedPod Cyber Website: https://seedpodcyber.com/ Show Website: https://mspbusinessschool.com/ Host Brian Doyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandoylevciotoolbox/ Sponsor vCIOToolbox: https://vciotoolbox.com

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Johnson, the original specialist insurer to the psychological professions, with unrivalled expertise in providing bespoke professional liability insurance solutions to counsellors, psychotherapists and coaches. Drawing on nearly four decades of experience, Steve explores the unique risks facing talking therapies professionals today, highlighting the critical importance of maintaining safe professional boundaries, managing unrealistic client expectations and navigating the opportunities and challenges of remote working. He shares practical, real-world insights to help practitioners protect their practice, their clients and themselves.   Resources: Altea Insurance https://www.alteainsurance.com/ Follow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/altea-insurance/  

Welcome to RIMScast. Your host is Justin Smulison, Business Content Manager at RIMS, the Risk and Insurance Management Society.   In this episode, Justin interviews Cynthia Garcia about her career journey. She credits mentors and sponsors for paving the way for her success. Justin and Cynthia discuss the demands of the Chief Risk Officer role and how Cynthia works with stakeholders who have competing priorities. Cynthia shares her perspective on construction risk and safety. She is seeing more diversity in the rising generation of risk professionals, with amazing opportunities for all.   Cynthia shares how her Confucianist upbringing still makes it a struggle for her to receive recognition. Despite that, she posted on LinkedIn about receiving the 2025 Bill McIntyre Leadership Award at the International Risk Management Institute (IRMI) Construction Risk Conference. That post led Justin to reach out to her. Cynthia speaks of her involvement with the Spencer Educational Foundation, including being a Risk Manager on Campus. Justin and Cynthia talk about the March 6th Webinar, "Hard Hats & High Stakes: Women Leaders Shaping Construction Risk Management", that she joins as a featured panelist. Listen for tips on careers in risk management for construction.   Key Takeaways: [:01] About RIMS and RIMScast. [:16] About this episode of RIMScast. Our guest is Cynthia Garcia, the award-winning Chief Risk Officer for Bernards. We will talk all about her career in construction risk and get some "inspirado." But first… [:44] RIMS Virtual Workshops. On March 10th and 11th, we have a two-day course led by John Button for the RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep. [:55] On March 17th and 18th, RIMS will align with AFERM for a two-day RIMS-CRMP-FED Exam Prep Course. [1:02] On March 4th and 5th, we have a virtual workshop, "Facilitating Risk-Based Decision Making", with Joe Milan. On April 15th, we have a virtual workshop covering "Emerging Risks", led by Joseph Mayo. [1:20] Register today and strengthen your risk knowledge. RIMS members always enjoy deep discounts on the virtual workshops. [1:27] Webinars. On March 6th, RIMS presents "Hard Hats & High Stakes: Women Leaders Shaping Construction Risk Management". We'll be joined by a Chief Risk Officer, an underwriter, and a broker. [1:42] They will explore their career paths, risk and safety philosophies, and lend some insight as to why this is the time for the next generation of leaders to rise. [1:53] On March 12th, Global Risk Consultants returns with "Don't Waste the Soft Market: Where to Reinvest Insurance Savings Before the Window Closes". Register for these and other webinars by visiting RIMS.org/webinars and the links in this episode's show notes. [2:14] On with the Show! Our guest today is Cynthia Garcia. She is the Chief Risk Officer for Bernards. [2:22] Cynthia made a big impact on the risk landscape in 2025 when she received the Bill McIntyre Leadership Award from the International Risk Management Institute during its Construction Risk Conference. [2:35] I wanted to learn all about her career and what it's like to be the risk officer for a major construction company. [2:42] Earlier, I mentioned the March 6th RIMS Webinar, "Hard Hats and High Stakes," and Cynthia will, in fact, be the Chief Risk Officer mentioned there. [2:51] If you like what you hear in this episode and want to learn more about career development, construction risk, and why rising risk professionals should seize the opportunities in the construction sector, you can register for that Webinar. [3:04] Cynthia is a fascinating individual, and I am so pleased to present this interview! Let's get to it! [3:09] Interview! Cynthia Garcia, welcome to RIMScast! [3:27] Justin and Cynthia are going to be collaborating on a RIMS Webinar on March 6th, "Hard Hats and High Stakes." It's all about how women have and can continue to thrive in construction risk management. Cynthia is the ideal Chief Risk Officer to have on that panel. [3:46] Justin thanks Cynthia in advance for being on that panel and being a guest on RIMScast. [4:07] Cynthia is the CRO for Bernards, based in California. [4:33] Like many in her generation, Cynthia stumbled into risk management. She started as an administrative assistant for Morley Builders, an amazing employee-owned general contractor in Santa Monica, California. [4:52] She was fortunate to have several sponsors and mentors within the organization. They helped her see that she belonged at the table. They saw something in her that she hadn't seen in herself, which is the beauty of a mentor. [5:16] In spaces she was not in, they advocated for her and said, Why don't we give this to Cynthia? That's the beauty of a sponsor. Cynthia says she was blessed to be in the right place at the right time. She was able to lean in. [5:32] Cynthia says that the thing that attracts her about risk management and what she does is finding the hard yes. Risk management doesn't say, "No." [5:50] Risk management, when practicing its craft, is fully integrated with operations and understanding what the business needs. It is strategically aligned and helps make sure the organization is making those thoughtful business decisions that allow taking risks. [6:11] Then, risk management takes it to the next step to ask how this adds to our shareholder equity, how this aligns with who we want to be as a company and as people. Risk management threads the needle between entrepreneurship and "cowboyism." [6:28] Risk management leads with "Help me understand, and help us get to the hard yes. We can do it, but here are some of the things we need to do to make sure that it's successful."  [6:50] Cynthia always likes to start by making sure she is coming in with a lot of curiosity. She asks for help to understand what she's not seeing to try to connect the dots. If Cynthia doesn't understand the needs of her business partners, she's not creating value. [7:11] Cynthia joined Bernards as Chief Risk Officer four years ago next month (March). Bernards created the position for her. She says she's blessed to work with talented people. She credits an amazing group of rockstar individuals. She says a rising tide lifts all boats. [8:00] Cynthia says her team carries the weight and does it beautifully. She says the genius of true leadership is understanding we're paving the way for our replacement. Leaders who are afraid of talent need to pause and rethink what that means. [8:26] Cynthia's Risk and Safety team has 13 staff members. [8:45] Cynthia has a VP of Risk and Safety who is definitely a genius at making the wheels turn. He is Cynthia's only direct report. He does an amazing job setting the tone and the pace. [9:03] Cynthia says, We focus on listening to the voices of our internal and external customers. As an employee-owned company, we try to understand what our business partners need, whether it's accounting, finance, human resources, operations, or estimating. [9:22] Cynthia focuses on what our business partners need from risk management to help achieve mission success. [9:27] Cynthia says, from day to day, it's everything from safety to claims, to insurance issues, to coverage questions, but a fair part of the job is when business teams proactively reach out with questions about issues that have come up. [9:50] Cynthia says the beauty of being in a smaller organization is that Risk Management is not siloed. It's not just insurance and claims but also litigation management and contracts. Risk partners closely with the CHRO on policies and employment practices. [10:13] Risk partners closely with Finance and Accounting on a variety of issues. Cynthia feels it is fortunate that Risk is viewed and valued as an internal resource to its business partners and part of the critical strategy to achieve the company's goals. [10:41] Bernards has a little fewer than 400 employee-owners. Cynthia credits Finance and Accounting for paying vendors on time and treating trade partners fairly. She credits Marketing for helping the brand, highlighting company accomplishments, and creating community buzz. [11:30] Cynthia credits the very customer-centric Tech team, who have helped her a lot, and the Virtual Construction Design team, who help with clash detection and getting ahead of constructability issues early on. [11:59] She notes the estimating team getting ahead of what's out there and making sure we have the right projects to go after. It takes a village. [12:14] Cynthia says we like to think all of us employee-owners have a vested interest in mission success. We're all in construction. [12:27] Quick Break! RISKWORLD 2026 will be held from May 3rd through the 6th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. RISKWORLD attracts more than 10,000 risk professionals across the globe. It's time to Connect, Cultivate, and Collaborate with them. [12:45] Booth sales are open now. General registration and speaker registration are also open right now. Marketplace and hospitality badges will be available starting on March 3rd. Links are in this episode's show notes, and be sure to check out RIMS.org for more information. [13:04] Save the dates March 18th and 19th, 2026, for the RIMS Legislative Summit, which will be held in Washington, D.C.! Join us in Washington, D.C. for two days of Congressional meetings, networking, and advocating on behalf of the risk management community. [13:20] Visit RIMS.org/advocacy for more information and to register. Also, check out the prior episode of RIMScast, Episode 378, featuring RIMS General Counsel and Vice President of External Affairs, Mark Prysock, as we discuss the top priorities for RIMS in 2026 and beyond. [13:41] Let's Return to Our Interview with Bernards' Chief Risk Officer, Cynthia Garcia! [13:58] When Cynthia joined Bernards, there were about 10 people on the Risk and Safety team. Then they went into remodel mode, with a different strategic vision. Continuous improvement is a Bernards core value. It's a 52-year-old company with processes and talent in place. [14:27] Cynthia says we've been looking at the areas where we can have the greatest impact, picking off the low-hanging fruit first, and then building out processes that allow us to scale without reinventing ourselves every few years. [14:57] Cynthia says safety is our priority. Bernards added safety to its core values this year. Cynthia says it was a grass-roots movement. It percolated up through Operations and said, This is who we need to be. [15:24] Cynthia says a risk management team's job is to safeguard all the resources of the organization. That includes people and things, clients, and trade partners. The Risk and Safety team has a holistic view. They can't be good by themselves. They can't be safe by themselves. [15:42] For Cynthia, safety takes on a larger meaning than physical well-being, including creating spaces where people are allowed to be vulnerable. [15:57] Cynthia talks about leading with empathy, with top priority not only for physical safety but also for a psychologically safe environment, where you can show up, be seen, heard, and thrive. [16:41] Cynthia says she works on building connections through conflict. For what could be tough conversations, it helps if you are willing to check your ego at the door and come in curious. Cynthia often states her intention up front. [17:01] Cynthia might say, "My intention isn't to challenge you, it's to have you help me understand your perspective and help me see what I'm missing." Cynthia says she asks a billion questions because there is so much she doesn't know. She always tries to get with the "why." [17:32] Cynthia says, When I try to understand what it is that my counterpart needs to happen, then we can figure out the path forward together. As employee-owners, our goals are aligned. We're looking in the same direction. [17:52] Cynthia says, We may fuss with the GPS a little bit, but we know the destination is set and we have a commitment to one another. Once we are willing to shut up, listen, and ask the questions to learn, then we can figure out how to be of service. [18:16] Cynthia says her job isn't to convince, it's first to understand. [18:22] A Quick Break! The Spencer Educational Foundation's Risk Manager on Campus application period will open on April 1st, 2026, and it will close on June 30th. Grant awardees, colleges, and universities are typically notified in September. [18:51] The Course Development Grant application deadline for Interval Number 2 will be on June 15th, 2026. Award notifications will be sent out in late July. [19:06] General Grant applications will open on May 1st, 2026, and the application deadline is July 30th. Internship Grant applications open on August 15th and close on October 15th. [19:18] Links to each of these grants are in this episode's show notes. Visit SpencerEd.org for more information. [19:27] Let's Conclude Our Interview with Bernards' Chief Risk Officer, Cynthia Garcia. [19:41] As Cynthia mentioned earlier, Bernards is employee-owned. Cynthia thinks that Bernards being 100% employee-owned makes all its employee-owners better businesspeople. The heart of risk management is making those good choices. [20:27] Looking across the table and knowing she is betting with her fellow owner's retirement, makes Cynthia think about that a little bit differently. She thinks the employee ownership structure lends itself to amazing risk management. [20:49] Cynthia says you have to be disciplined. You're not spending somebody else's money on this. We're working together, and when we all make good choices, we are ultimately rewarding ourselves and impacting future generational owners, too. That's quite meaningful. [21:09] Cynthia says it's the best of both worlds. You have the umbrella of a big company paying the bills, but you're rewarded for smart entrepreneurism. [21:27] Cynthia has a long-term view when making decisions. It's not about what's in it for her. It's how does this support who we want to be today, and who we want to try to be tomorrow? It makes us look further into the horizon. [22:24] May 4th through May 8th, 2026, is Safety Week, here in the U.S. That coincides with RISKWORLD 2026. Cynthia will be at RISKWORLD. [22:41] Cynthia says for Safety Week, Bernards has planned activities on each job site to highlight the good things that men and women are doing to build the communities in which they work and live, and doing them in such a way that they go home to families and loved ones. [23:01] Justin notes that settlements from construction site accident injuries can be astronomical. Part of Cynthia's job is to minimize accidents from the outset, which connects to Bernards' core value safety-first mindset. [23:34] Cynthia says client response has been amazing. Recently, one of the project executives at Bernards was invited to the school district and won an award acknowledging their efforts on safety. That felt good because it wasn't Bernards saying it, but the clients saying we see it. [23:58] Bernards has trademarked "A Better Experience." It's a phrase they are proud of. They're building not only to create a better experience for their employee-owners, but also for project success for owners who value safety. [24:15] Bernards is a large school builder, working on many programs up and down the state. Bernards is cognizant of the impact they are having on the future generation of leaders and citizens. They're very grateful to have that acknowledgement from their clients. It's special. [25:29] Cynthia says she is absolutely seeing more opportunities for women in risk management and in construction. Construction tends to be inclusive. It's an industry filled with optimists. Its people bring that can-do attitude. They are very generous and gracious with their support. [26:13] Cynthia says she has been in the risk profession for about 30 years. The demographics have changed, and she sees diversity in the new young talent permeating the industry. [27:10] Cynthia thinks the work that the Spencer Educational Foundation does in partnership with RIMS is tremendous. She says it is amazing that colleges and universities are offering the Risk Management and Insurance degree and concentration. Cynthia never heard of that before. [27:35] Cynthia says that people her age moved into risk management from adjacent areas. She is pleased that now people come into risk management intentionally. She talks about risk managers trying to figure out how to help businesses thrive and grow to the next level. [28:47] Cynthia is one of Spencer's Risk Managers on Campus. She explains how the grants to colleges work. Spencer works tirelessly to make sure the next generation of leaders know what an amazing career this is and the opportunities it offers. Cynthia is grateful to be part of it. [30:15] Justin mentions that other Risk Manager On Campus risk professionals have been guests on RIMScast, and they have inspiring stories to tell. They love reaching the young people who are going to be the future of the profession. [30:35] Megan Miller, Spencer CEO, was a recent RIMScast guest. Check out SpencerEd.org for grants and opportunities. If you know somebody interested, send them the link to explore. If they connect with people like Cynthia through the RMOC grant, their experience will be richer. [31:28] Cynthia came to Justin's attention through a LinkedIn post about her being honored as the 2025 Bill McIntyre Leadership Award recipient at the International Risk Management Institute (IRMI) Construction Risk Conference. [32:08] Cynthia says you're always a little bit surprised but so pleased when you get acknowledged by your peers. As IRMI is pre-eminent in the construction risk management space, it was more special to Cynthia, as she knew of the great work they did. [32:33] Cynthia remembers starting in risk management and going to them as a resource. She knows the people who make IRMI thrive. They're people Cynthia looks up to. She is very grateful that it was her turn to be acknowledged. She feels there are way more qualified folks out there! [33:41] Cynthia says she is an immigrant. English is her second language. She is Korean and grew up in a Confucianist household. In terms of philosophy, you should be seen, not heard. The collective win is celebrated. [34:06] Cynthia has had to work to get over the heebie-jeebies about self-promotion or what could be viewed as arrogance. She's working on it and doing better at accepting compliments. It's an opportunity to show others who are coming up behind her that diversity exists. [34:45] Cynthia says it's hard for us to visualize ourselves in a role without models who came before us. What are the opportunities that exist? Can I also think about this? Cynthia said the marketing team is genius. Justin said that was what caught his eye on LinkedIn. [35:19] Cynthia says she is very fortunate to be supported by so much talent and such a community that helps uplift you. [35:27] Justin comments that the "seen and not heard" thing is not just Confucianism, but also old-world Brooklynism. His old relatives said, "Children should be seen and not heard." [35:52] Cynthia says we all have shared experiences within our collective. People tend to focus on the differences. It is important to celebrate our differences, but there's so much more in common, regardless of the geography and the generation in which we were raised. [36:10] There is so much in shared value. Cynthia says she is constantly inspired by those stories of people who saw a different future or leaned into a hand up. That motivates her to try to be better and drives her. [36:35] Justin says posting is a networking opportunity too. If that post had not gone up, Justin would not have met Cynthia. It's a way to broaden your network and meet more people. Justin says it's OK to do a humblebrag. Justin is known as the shameless self-promoter. [37:11] Justin says it is very special when you are acknowledged outside your company. [37:20] Cynthia's post triggered a series of events, one of which is, in recognition of Women's History Month, RIMS will present the webinar on March 6th, "Hard Hats & High Stakes: Women Leaders Shaping Construction Risk Management", with Cynthia as a featured panelist. [37:38] Cynthia will provide the CRO perspective. Also on the panel are Danette Beck from Astrus and Jessica Risullo from WTW. Cynthia shares how she knows these amazing, trailblazing women. Cynthia is grateful to be on a panel with them. They're rockstars! [38:47] Justin says it's going to be excellent! The link is in this episode's show notes, or visit RIMS.org/webinars. Megan Miller, the CEO of the Spencer Educational Foundation, will kick things off with a special introduction. [39:15] It's going to be a wonderful way to observe and celebrate Women's History Month, ahead of RISKWORLD and Construction Safety Awareness Week. [39:30] Justin thanks Cynthia for joining us on RIMScast, sharing with listeners her construction risk perspective and career path. There's a lot to take away. Justin thanks Cynthia for her perspective and her time. [39:45] Cynthia says she appreciates Justin and the work RIMS is doing to put a spotlight on our amazing industry and the opportunities that exist. She says she is grateful for the opportunities Justin and RIMS are creating and thoughtfully curating. [40:04] Special thanks again to Cynthia Garcia for joining us here on RIMScast. You can hear more from her directly on March 6th during the RIMS Webinar "Hard Hats & High Stakes: Women Leaders Shaping Construction Risk Management". [40:17] RIMS members, keep in mind that RIMS Webinars are complimentary for you. That is one of the many benefits of a RIMS membership. Visit RIMS.org/webinars and the link in this episode's show notes to register. That's going to be a fantastic session! [40:34] Plug Time! You can sponsor a RIMScast episode for this, our weekly show, or a dedicated episode. Links to sponsored episodes are in the show notes. [41:03] RIMScast has a global audience of risk and insurance professionals, legal professionals, students, business leaders, C-Suite executives, and more. Let's collaborate and help you reach them! Contact pd@rims.org for more information. [41:21] Become a RIMS member and get access to the tools, thought leadership, and network you need to succeed. Visit RIMS.org/membership or email membershipdept@RIMS.org for more information. [41:38] Risk Knowledge is the RIMS searchable content library that provides relevant information for today's risk professionals. Materials include RIMS executive reports, survey findings, contributed articles, industry research, benchmarking data, and more. [41:55] For the best reporting on the profession of risk management, read Risk Management Magazine at RMMagazine.com. It is written and published by the best minds in risk management. [42:09] Justin Smulison is the Business Content Manager at RIMS. Please remember to subscribe to RIMScast on your favorite podcasting app. You can email us at Content@RIMS.org. [42:21] Practice good risk management, stay safe, and thank you again for your continuous support!   Links: RIMS Legislative Summit — March 18‒19, 2026 on Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C. | Register now! RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RISKWORLD 2026 Registration — Open for exhibitors, members, and non-members! Reserve your booth at RISKWORLD 2026! Construction Safety Week RIMS-CRO Certificate Program In Advanced Enterprise Risk Management | April‒June 2026 Cohort | Led by James Lam RIMS Compensation Survey 2025 — Download Today RIMS Risk Management magazine | Contribute RIMS Now RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) | Insights Video Series Featuring Joe Milan! The Strategic and Enterprise Risk Center RIMS Diversity Equity Inclusion Council RIMS-CRMP Story, featuring John Button RIMScast Canada — Debut Episode Now Live Spencer Educational Foundation — Scholarships and Grants RIMS Texas Regional Conference 2026 Education Content Submission — Deadline March 18, 2026! Hard Hats & High Stakes: Women Leaders Shaping Construction Risk Management | March 6 | Presented by RIMS — Featuring Today's Guest, Cynthia Garcia! Upcoming RIMS-CRMP Prep Virtual Workshops: RIMS-CRMP Exam PrepMarch 10‒11 | April 21‒22 | June 9‒10 RIMS-CRMP-FED Exam Prep with AFERM | March 17‒18 Full RIMS-CRMP Prep Course Schedule See the full calendar of RIMS Virtual Workshops RIMS Virtual Workshop — "Facilitating Risk-Based Decision Making" | March 4‒5 | Register Now "Risk Appetite Management" | March 25‒26 "Claims Management" | April 7‒8 "Emerging Risks" | April 15 | Register Now! Upcoming RIMS Webinars: "Hard Hats & High Stakes: Women Leaders Shaping Construction Risk Management" | March 6 | Presented by RIMS "Don't Waste the Soft Market: Where to Reinvest Insurance Savings Before the Window Closes" | March 12 | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants RIMS.org/Webinars   Related RIMScast Episodes: "Investing In Yourself with RIMS 2026 President Manny Padilla" "Strategic Risk Career Transitions with Susan Hiteshew" "Supply Chain Integrity and Sustainability with Nicole Sherwin of EcoVadis"   Sponsored RIMScast Episodes: "Secondary Perils, Major Risks: The New Face of Weather-Related Challenges" | Sponsored by AXA XL (New!) "The ART of Risk: Rethinking Risk Through Insight, Design, and Innovation" | Sponsored by Alliant "Mastering ERM: Leveraging Internal and External Risk Factors" | Sponsored by Diligent "Cyberrisk: Preparing Beyond 2025" | Sponsored by Alliant "The New Reality of Risk Engineering: From Code Compliance to Resilience" | Sponsored by AXA XL "Change Management: AI's Role in Loss Control and Property Insurance" | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company "Demystifying Multinational Fronting Insurance Programs" | Sponsored by Zurich "Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding" | Sponsored by Zurich "What Risk Managers Can Learn From School Shootings" | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog "Simplifying the Challenges of OSHA Recordkeeping" | Sponsored by Medcor "How Insurance Builds Resilience Against An Active Assailant Attack" | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog "Third-Party and Cyber Risk Management Tips" | Sponsored by Alliant   RIMS Publications, Content, and Links: RIMS Membership — Whether you are a new member or need to transition, be a part of the global risk management community! RIMS Virtual Workshops On-Demand Webinars RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Strategic & Enterprise Risk Center RIMS-CRMP Stories — Featuring RIMS President Manny Padilla!   RIMS Events, Education, and Services: RIMS Risk Maturity Model®   Sponsor RIMScast: Contact sales@rims.org or pd@rims.org for more information.   Want to Learn More? Keep up with the podcast on RIMS.org, and listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.   Have a question or suggestion? Email: Content@rims.org.   Join the Conversation! Follow @RIMSorg on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.   About our guest: Cynthia Garcia, Risk Manager at Bernards   Production and engineering provided by Podfly.

AM Best Associate Director David Blades discusses a new Best's Special Report that finds E&S premium market growth increased by 9.7% through the third quarter of 2025, down from 13.5% in 2024, reflecting the impact of competitive market pressures.

Most companies do business under the premise that "it's not a problem until it's a problem." This episode, however, will help you understand how important it is to have employment practice liability insurance before you find yourself faced with the inevitable conflict between employee and employer. Sommer Gullette, from Schiff Insurance, shares how vital this coverage is and all the benefits a plan can offer.

Asia is getting wealthier but is it healthier? New research from AIA Group suggests that even as economies across Asia grow, long-held beliefs around emotional restraint and “silent resilience” remain widespread — potentially shaping how people manage stress and seek help. On Industry Insight, Lynlee Foo speaks to Stuart A. Spencer, AIA Group Chief Marketing Officer to find out what are insurers observing across the region, and whether behaviours can shift fast enough to close the wellbeing gap.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Save on essentials. Save the everyday with Amazon. https://www.amazon.com Book your next trip at https://www.bestwestern.com Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TALKIN2026. Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount   Coach Trev is joined by Jomboy Media's WBC Correspondent Joez McFly to break down the World Baseball Classic rosters, who has the best team and they make their predictions on who will win! Who do you have winning the World Baseball Classic? 0:00 Intro 4:10 Rules and how to watch WBC 5:20 Pool Play 14:00 Insurance problems with Puerto Rico 16:00 Nolan Arenado 18:45 Puerto Rico's roster 22:20 What's going on with Cuba's roster 23:50 Canada 25:00 Pool B 25:45 USA  28:50 Mexico  30:30 Italy  32:00 Brazil  34:38 Ohtani can't pitch 36:30 Japan is a force 37:00 Korea 38:44 Australia  40:44 Pool D 41:00 Netherlands 41:55 Venezuela 42:45 Dominican Republic 47:33 Carlos Santana 47:40 Israel 48:21 Odds to win 50:25 Predictions Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Healthcare costs are no longer just a line item — they're a growing liability for employers. In this episode of Insurance Shoptalk, host Eric Stein sits down with Brandy Thompson, CEO of BenefitBay, to explore how ICHRA (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements) is reshaping the way larger employers approach employee benefits. With renewal volatility, self-funded risk exposure, fiduciary pressure, and increasing administrative burden, many CFOs and HR teams are feeling squeezed from every direction. Brandy breaks down how a defined contribution model can restore budget control, preserve pre-tax advantages, and give employees true plan choice across multiple carriers — all while significantly reducing internal administration. The conversation covers: • How ICHRA works for groups 200+ lives • Why large employers are moving away from traditional self-funded models • How employees can shop plans based on their own doctors and prescriptions • The role of technology in simplifying enrollment and payroll coordination • How brokers and P&C agents can expand advisory value in the benefits space If you work with CFOs, HR leaders, or growing organizations facing healthcare cost pressure, this episode offers a fresh perspective on a rapidly evolving market. Watch now and learn how this model is changing the benefits conversation. #InsuranceShopTalk #EmployeeBenefits #ICHRA #HealthcareStrategy #CFOInsights #AgencyGrowth #InsuranceIndustry

The “Real Show” Reminder (and why that matters) We kicked off this episode the way we often do—by being real. A quick tech hiccup, a laugh, and the reminder that this is not a polished production pretending to be perfect. It's a real show, with real people, talking about real money decisions. https://www.youtube.com/live/JDkaHi_66d8 And that imperfect start is a perfect picture of what's happening in the Infinite Banking world right now. As Infinite Banking becomes more popular, the internet makes it look clean and effortless: slick graphics, big promises, “hacks,” and fast results. But families don't need more hype. They need clarity. That's why this Nelson Nash Think Tank 2026 recap matters. It's one of the few environments where serious practitioners gather—not to sell—but to refine thinking, challenge assumptions, and protect the integrity of Nelson Nash's original message. If you're a family leader who wants to use the Infinite Banking Concept as a long-term strategy—not a short-term trend—this is for you. The “Real Show” Reminder (and why that matters)What you'll gain from this Nelson Nash Think Tank 2026 recapWhat is the Nelson Nash Think Tank (and why it's different)?Nelson Nash's first rule and the 2026 themeInternal rate of return vs volume in Infinite Banking: what families are hearing onlineWhy “maximum early cash value” can backfire in Infinite Banking policy designModified Endowment Contract (MEC) and the 7-pay test: what to knowHow to choose an Infinite Banking practitioner (and avoid bad advice)“Insurance companies are not banks”: understanding the banking processThink long range as a way of life, not a quick tacticWhere Infinite Banking is headed: young people, AI, and fintechWhat this Nelson Nash Think Tank 2026 recap means for your familyListen to the full episode (Nelson Nash Think Tank 2026 recap)Book A Strategy Call What you'll gain from this Nelson Nash Think Tank 2026 recap In this article, we're pulling back the curtain on what was shared at the Nelson Nash Think Tank 2026—a practitioner-focused environment where the emphasis was think long range, improve policy design conversations, and address the growing confusion created by clickbait marketing and “shortcut” policy claims. Here's what you'll walk away with: What the Think Tank is (and why it's not a sales event) Why “think long range” was the theme—and why families should pay attention The real issue behind “maximum early cash value” and skinny-based designs How to spot Infinite Banking misconceptions and marketing tactics What's coming with AI and fintech in life insurance—and what isn't changing Practical guidance for families who want to take control of the banking function What is the Nelson Nash Think Tank (and why it's different)? The Think Tank isn't built for the general public. It's designed to sharpen the people who teach and implement the concept. You typically attend as a practitioner, someone in the practitioner program, or as a guest of a practitioner (which can include clients or people considering becoming practitioners). It's also intentionally immersive. The days start early with breakfast, run through sessions into late afternoon, and then continue with dinners, vendor conversations, and deep discussions with fellow practitioners late into the night. You don't go to be entertained. You go to be challenged, stretched, and sharpened. And that matters right now because Infinite Banking has become more searchable, more popular, and—unfortunately—more misrepresented. When something powerful spreads quickly, stewardship matters more. Nelson Nash's first rule and the 2026 theme The theme this year was think long range, and that's not a catchy slogan. It's foundational to the Infinite Banking Concept as Nelson Nash taught it. Short-term thinking is the default posture of our culture. Social media rewards it. Marketing rewards it. Even many financial products are sold with it: “What can you get fast?” “What can you access now?” “How can you win this year?” But Infinite Banking was never meant to be a short-term move. It's meant to be a lifetime strategy. Thinking long range means you're making decisions from the perspective of: building stability, not excitement creating options, not dependence protecting your family's future, not chasing quick wins designing a system that can bless generations, not just solve this month That mindset shift is what separates families who use Infinite Banking wisely from families who get caught in the noise. Internal rate of return vs volume in Infinite Banking: what families are hearing online One of the biggest recurring themes was the temptation to judge policies primarily by internal rate of return (IRR)—especially in the early years. If you've spent any time online looking at Infinite Banking, you've likely seen people argue about illustrations, early cash value, and “best” design strategies. Many of those arguments are framed as if the only goal is maximizing the numbers as quickly as possible. But here's the problem: you can “win” an early IRR argument while losing the long-range strategy. A powerful presentation at the Think Tank used a visual approach—backed by math—to show something families need to hear clearly: focusing on early cash value often creates tradeoffs that reduce your future capacity. There are no solutions—only compromises. And a compromise isn't bad when you understand it. The danger is when someone sells a compromise like it's a guaranteed solution. The heart of the point was this: in Infinite Banking, the rate is not nearly as important as the volume of dollars you can control over your lifetime. That's how commercial banks and major financial institutions think. A small return on a massive volume becomes a large outcome. For families, that translates into a different question entirely:How much of what flows through your hands will you capture and control? That question changes everything. Why “maximum early cash value” can backfire in Infinite Banking policy design One of the most popular marketing angles today is the push for “maximum early cash value,” often achieved through skinny-based policies with high PUAs. The pitch usually sounds like this: get as much cash value as possible early so you can “put your money to work somewhere else.” Here's what often doesn't get explained. Some aggressive designs rely on structures that only allow maximum funding for a limited period (for example, seven years). After that funding window ends—often due to IRS rules tied to MEC limits—the rider or structure may drop off, and you can no longer fund in the same way. The common comeback is: “Just start another policy.” But real life isn't a spreadsheet. Starting over can reset efficiency. Health and insurability can change. Income changes. Goals change. Markets change. And a strategy that depends on you repeatedly starting new policies assumes a stability most families simply can't guarantee. The bigger concern is the mindset that this trains: a series of short sprints instead of building a lifelong system. Thinking long range means designing for durability, flexibility, and sustainability—not just speed. Modified Endowment Contract (MEC) and the 7-pay test: what to know You don't need to be a tax expert to understand why MEC rules matter, but you do need to know that they exist—because many “max fund fast” strategies bump up against them. A Modified Endowment Contract (MEC) is a policy that fails IRS funding limits (often related to the 7-pay test). When a policy becomes a MEC, the tax treatment of distributions changes, and it can reduce some of the advantages families expect when they hear “tax favored.” That's why certain policy designs are built around managing those limits—sometimes by using structures that give you a short window of maximum funding. The key takeaway is simple: if someone is promising “perfect” early cash value without explaining tradeoffs, funding limits, and long-term implications, you're not being educated. You're being marketed to. And marketing can be expensive. How to choose an Infinite Banking practitioner (and avoid bad advice) As Infinite Banking grows, a disappointing trend has emerged: clickbait content designed to stir controversy or attract attention. Some marketers now lead with “what's wrong with IBC” as a hook—even while selling it—because negativity generates clicks. That kind of infighting confuses families and erodes trust. So what should you watch for? Red flags to take seriously Be cautious if someone says or implies: “You don't have to make premium payments.” “These aren't premiums, they're deposits” (without clear explanation that it's life insurance). “You'll get cars for free if you do this long enough.” “This is the only policy design that works.” “You're borrowing at X and earning Y so you're losing money” using simplistic one-year comparisons. Another red flag: when someone makes you feel urgency—like you must act now without fully understanding what you're buying. If it feels too good to be true, your intuition is likely picking up on something real. A healthier question to ask Instead of asking, “How fast can I get cash value?” ask: “How will this policy design serve my family over decades?” “How long can I realistically fund this?” “What compromises are being made to get early access?” “How does this fit into my long-term cash flow strategy?” That's how you protect yourself—and how you start thinking like the kind of leader this strategy requires. “Insurance companies are not banks”: understanding the banking process Insurance companies have been emphasizing that they are not banks. That's true.

Insurance leaders Brandon Schuh and Nick Hartmann unpack the real impact of AI on insurance operations after Insurify's ChatGPT app triggered a 3.9% drop in the S&P 500 Insurance Index. They separate hype from reality, examining how AI actually enhances productivity versus serving as a scapegoat for strategic workforce reductions. The conversation explores Munich Re's Ergo unit cutting 1,000 positions partly through AI integration, while contrasting this with AIG's ambitious 500,000-submission target using their AIG Assist platform by 2030.Major consolidation continues reshaping the industry landscape with Zurich's £8 billion ($11 billion) acquisition of specialty insurer Beazley following rejected initial bids, and Sompo Holdings' regulatory-approved $3.5 billion purchase of Aspen Insurance. Brandon and Nick also analyze the explosive Brown & Brown versus Howden lawsuit after approximately 200 employees departed during holiday season 2025, revealing tensions around non-compete enforcement and talent mobility in brokerage.Beyond M&A drama, Schuh and Hartman discuss underwriting culture at Lloyd's marketplace where reputation risk follows individual decisions, the legal profession's AI adaptation challenges for entry-level associates, and why operational visibility, not more tools, solves agency productivity problems. They emphasize that AI's greatest value lies in eliminating tedious data analysis so professionals can focus on client relationships and strategic advisory work.Key Takeaways- Insurify's ChatGPT integration caused temporary market panic but represents comparison shopping evolution, not industry disruption- AI productivity gains enable faster policy reviews while freeing teams for high-value client advisory work- Munich Re's Ergo unit (not entire company) plans 1,000 position reductions over five years with AI assistance- Zurich secured Beazley acquisition after multiple rejected bids reached £8 billion valuation- Sompo Holdings (not Sampo) received regulatory approval for $3.5 billion Aspen Insurance acquisition- Howden faces multiple lawsuits after approximately 200 Brown & Brown employees departed simultaneously in December 2025- Lloyd's underwriters carry personal reputation risk with each binding decision in the marketplace- Operational visibility tools like FreeFlow.ai solve agency bottlenecks without replacing producersChapters00:00 Episode introduction and sponsor FreeFlow.ai01:35 Return from hiatus and personal updates06:15 Bourbon tasting and Bob Dylan discussion07:14 Insurify ChatGPT app market impact analysis08:42 AI fears versus realistic productivity gains10:33 Legal profession AI adaptation challenges12:48 Policy review efficiency transformation potential13:07 Munich Re Ergo workforce reduction reality check18:15 Industry consolidation: Zurich/Beazley and Sompo/Aspen deals19:39 Brown & Brown versus Howden employee poaching lawsuit21:38 Underwriting culture and reputation risk at Lloyd's marketplace27:22 Ping An and global insurance employment statistics28:44 AIG Assist platform exceeding submission targets30:50 Two truths and a lie game segment33:42 Closing remarks and next episode previewFact Checks Correction: Sompo Holdings (Japanese insurer), not "Sampo," acquired Aspen Insurance for $3.5 billion with regulatory approval expected H1 2026 Clarification: Munich Re's Ergo primary insurance unit (not entire Munich Re) plans 1,000 position reductions in Germany over five years with AI integration Connect with RiskCellar:Website: https://www.riskcellar.com/Brandon Schuh:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552710523314LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-stephen-schuh/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schuhpapa/Nick Hartmann:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjhartmann/

Send a textIf you've ever done the right thing for your patient and then been told you have to write it off — this episode is for you.In 2025, Utah passed one of the most important laws in modern dentistry — part of HB 495 — that made it illegal for insurance companies to force write-offs for services that were already rendered.Support the show

Watch the video on our YouTube: https://youtu.be/Iv9GTvypqdc 109,000 new trucking companies entered the market in 12 months.  That's 300 new competitors per day. So the real question isn't "Is trucking competitive?" It's: How do you win anyway? This is the BEST trucking advice we've captured over the past few years — condensed into one powerful 30-minute masterclass for owner-operators and fleet owners who want to stay profitable, stay booked, and build something that lasts. Inside this video, experienced operators break down: ✅ Why SAFETY must be the foundation of your company (or you're built on sand) ✅ How to avoid going out of business during slow freight markets ✅ The truth about cost per mile (most truckers calculate it wrong) ✅ Why cheap tires actually cost you MORE money  ✅ How to manage cash flow before it's too late ✅ Why balancing your checkbook monthly could save your company ✅ The difference between being busy and being profitable ✅ How diversification protects you when a major customer disappears ✅ Why trust & reputation beat marketing ✅ The difference between a "driver" and a true professional You'll also hear hard-earned lessons about: Growing too fast Insurance mistakes Underestimating accounting Seasonal trucking challenges Fuel efficiency strategies Working on your business vs. just in it This isn't theory. This is real-world trucking experience from operators who've survived downturns, fires, rate swings, and market crashes. If you're serious about building a trucking company that lasts longer than the next freight cycle — this video is for you.

In this episode of Referrals Done Right, Scott sits down with Andrew Cambria, agency owner, father of three and deeply rooted community leader serving Cicero and Camillus. Andrew shares the unlikely path that led him into insurance, including a failed deli venture on Long Island and how that early failure shaped his approach to planning, leadership and long-term thinking. What emerges is a powerful conversation about integrity, culture and why trust is the real product in a commoditized industry Andrew's role as a father and his support of local autism causes deeply shape the integrity and empathy behind his agency. He talks about bringing fun and authenticity into uncomfortable conversations, educating families before claims ever happen and the importance of telling the truth, even when it's not what clients want to hear. This is an episode about legacy, service and building a referral-based business rooted in real relationships.We Cover:• How early business failure shaped Andrew's disciplined, goal-driven approach• Why storytelling builds more trust than “selling” ever will• How to balance serious financial conversations with a human, approachable culture• The role community involvement plays in long-term referral growth• Why honesty and ownership are non-negotiables in a trust-based businessIf referrals are built on reputation, Andrew Cambria is a reminder that the best marketing strategy is simple: be real, serve well, and leave people better than you found them.---Episode Markers:(0:00) - Show Start & Introduction(1:00) - What Inspired Andrew?(2:00) - Surprises & Learning From Failure(4:00) - Standing Out in the Industry(5:15) - Educating & Building Trust(7:30) - Uncomfortable Conversations(9:00) - Family & Business(11:15) - Problem with 15 Minutes or Less(13:00) - Accountability & Community(14:30) - Early Supporters(16:45) - Welcoming New Businesses(20:30) - Charitable Work & Local Autism Organizations(25:00) - Legacy(26:55) - Insurance Misconceptions---Andrew Cambria's Links:Website - https://andrewcambria.comFB - https://www.facebook.com/TheCambriaAgencyInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/andrewcambria

Join Jason Hiquet, FSA, CERA and host Chris Smith, ASA, for an insightful discussion of innovation in insurance. Jason's expertise in the field and advice for those seeking to have an impact is can't-miss for anyone with hopes of driving change in the industry!  Note: This episode refers to the Entrepreneurial & Innovation Section. It was recorded in 2025 prior to the transition from SOA Sections to SOA Communities.

In this episode, Gregory Ricks is joined by Wes Blanchard, of WJ Blanchard Law, to discuss the process behind estate planning and the importance of having a will and trust to manage inheritance and avoid state-imposed defaults. Then Gregory talks about the importance of saving for retirement. For financial news talk radio, tune into "Winning at Life with Gregory Ricks" on Saturday Mornings on:WRNO-News Talk 99.5 FM New Orleans - 10 am - 12 pmWBUV-News Talk 104.9 FM Biloxi - 10 am - 12 pmORFor financial news talk ON DEMAND, tune into the Ask Gregory Podcast for more financial topics that may interest you! Visit: https://gregoryricks.com/podcast/Download the Winning at Life app to never miss a replay!Investment Advisory products and services made available through AE Wealth Management, LLC or registered investment advisor, insurance products are offered through the insurance business Gregory Ricks and Associates, Incorporated AE wealth management does not offer insurance products, the insurance products offered by Gregory Ricks and Associates incorporated are not subject to investment advisor requirements. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal, any references to protection, safety or lifetime income generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying ability of the issuing Carrier. This radio show was intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for a financial decision, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual situation. Gregory Ricks and Associates is not permitted to offer and no statement made during the show shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the US government or any governmental agency. The Information and opinions contained herein provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by Gregory Ricks and Associates. Please remember that converting an employer plan account to a Roth IRA is a taxable event. Increased taxable income from the Roth IRA conversion may have several consequences, including, but not limited to a need for additional tax withholding or estimated tax payments, the loss of certain tax deductions and credits and higher taxes on Social Security benefits and higher Medicare premiums. Be sure to consult with a qualified tax advisor before making any decisions regarding your IRA. Neither AE Wealth Management nor advisors providing investment advisory services through AE Wealth Management recommend or facilitate the buying or selling of cryptocurrencies. Third parties and guests of the show are not affiliated with nor do their opinions reflect those of Gregory Ricks and associates or AE wealth management. Ae Wealth Management provides services without regard to political affiliation. And the views of individual advisors are not necessarily the views of AE Wealth Management.

On this episode of Hope for the Caregiver, I talk about something that has taken me forty years to learn: I'm not chasing happiness anymore. I'm chasing healthiness. Happiness depends on what's happening. Good lab report? I'm happy. Insurance approves something without a fight? That's practically a revival service. But caregiving doesn't offer steady circumstances. If my stability depends on things going well, I won't last long. Joy is different. Joy is anchored. Joy rests in the unchanging character of God. I can be sorrowful and still rejoicing. I can sit in a hospital room and still be steady. I share a real-life conversation with a mother struggling with her alcoholic son and explain how asking one simple question — "Is this healthy?" — can bring clarity when "right or wrong" only creates confusion. I also talk about physical health, financial health, and spiritual health. I say it often because I have to hear it myself: I'm no good to Gracie if I'm fat, broke, and miserable. Healthy caregivers make better caregivers. And I close with one of my father's favorite hymns, Lead On, O King Eternal — a reminder that caregiving is not about swords loud clashing, but about deeds of love and mercy. If you're weary, discouraged, or just tired of trying to feel better in a life that may not improve, this episode is for you. You may not feel happy, but you can be healthier. And you can be anchored.

Send a textOn this episode of Going Under: Anesthesia Answered, Dr. Brian Schmutzler and Vahid Sadrzadeh unpack why hospitals rely on operating rooms for most of their revenue and how private insurer denials, prior authorizations, and payment delays are pushing essential services to the edge. Have a question for Dr. Brian Schmutzler? Submit them to any of the social media pages below or on his website at https://www.drbrianschmutzler.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drbrianschmutzlerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbrianschmutzlerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drbrianschmutzler?lang=enProvider or Medical Student?? Subscribe to his Patreon Page to get exclusive content and access to Medical Blocks:https://www.patreon.com/user?u=89356957&utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkThanks to our show sponsor: Butterfly Networkhttps://store.butterflynetwork.com/us/en/?rsCode=BRIAN25Get $750 off the latest iQ3 at ButterflyNetwork.comSupport the show

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As climate volatility, cyber exposure, and social inflation intensify, insurance availability itself has become a risk for affluent clients. Gia Snape sits down with Diane Delaney of PRMA to explore why modern protection now requires proactive mitigation and a sharper understanding of human risk, and what it truly means to stay insurable in a rapidly shifting landscape.

AM Best Senior Associate Editor Terrence Dopp discusses the early signs of a softening MGA market, the renewed focus on underwriting discipline and capital management, plus how closer alignment with carriers and reinsurers could shape the sector through 2026.

We check in with Joe Zuk, an insuretech guru with private equity firm Altamont Capital Partners. It's an “exciting” time to evaluate new and established firms, he says. … Read More » The post Underwrite People First and Foremost appeared first on Insurance Journal TV.

Steve Pieroway is no stranger to technology or insurance with a career spanning over 25 years across both fields. Now as the founder of Benevolent Marketing Steve has conducted an insuretech trust index survey and recently published the results. We caught up with Steve to help contextualize the results and dive deeper into insuretech consumer sentiment.In this episode:What the data shows and how to interpret itContext to nuances in the questions and responsesWhy positive belief still reigns for most users of insuretechHow insuretechs can improve their value proposition for better satisfactionWhy understanding what ROI is needed before embarking on a purchase is importantSteve explains all this and so much more that is vital information for anyone who is looking to make an insuretech investment.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to Insurance Covered, the podcast that covers everything insurance.In this episode, Peter Mansfield interviews Lewis Davies, a Senior Development Underwriter specialising in medical malpractice insurance. They explore the intricacies of medical malpractice, including its definition, types of claims, and the roles of various healthcare professionals. The conversation delves into who purchases medical malpractice insurance, the coverage provided, and the implications of claims on both patients and medical professionals. They also discuss the NHS's role in the UK healthcare system, the impact of social inflation on claims, and future trends in the industry, particularly regarding AI and its potential implications for malpractice insurance.We hope you enjoyed this episode, if you did please subscribe to be notified when new episodes release. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the full conversation I had with James Laidlaw about how he walked away from a high-paying commission job and built InHome Golf from scratch. We broke down how he scaled a golf simulator business during COVID, reinvested everything back into growth, and navigated the chaos that comes with explosive customer demand. Here's a photo of my simulator setup that James's company installed for me. https://x.com/sweatystartup/status/2011208892353851779 & Here's 22 other things that have that materially improved my quality of life: https://x.com/sweatystartup/status/2012556557674791016?s=20 If you want to reach out to James, email him at James@inhomegolf.com If you've ever thought about leaving your job or building a business of your own, this episode shows you what it actually looks like behind the scenes. Big thanks to James for joining the show. Check out InHome Golf here. I highly recommend them: https://inhomegolf.com/ Grow your business:   https://sweatystartup.com/events   Book:   https://www.amazon.com/Sweaty-Startup-Doing-Boring-Things/dp/006338762X     Newsletter:   https://www.nickhuber.com/newsletter     My Companies:   Offshore recruiting – https://somewhere.com   Cost segregation – https://recostseg.com   Self storage – https://boltstorage.com   RE development – http://www.boltbuilders.com   Brokerage – https://nickhuber.com   Paid ads – https://adrhino.com   SEO – https://boldseo.com   Insurance – https://titanrisk.com   Pest control – https://spidexx.com     Sell a business:   http://nickhuber.com/sell     Buy a business:   https://www.nickhuber.com/buy     Invest with me:   http://nickhuber.com/invest     Social Profiles:   X – https://www.x.com/sweatystartup   Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sweatystartup   TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/404?fromUrl=/sweatystartup   LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sweatystartup     Podcasts:   The Sweaty Startup & The Nick Huber Show   https://open.spotify.com/show/7L5zQxijU81xq4SbVYNs81     Free PDF – How to analyze a self-storage deal:   https://sweatystartup.ck.page/79046c9b03  

This episode features our RhinoGang roundup from #FuryFC116 #CW200 Full #UFCHouston recap, the "Drop of the Night", main card picks for #UFCMexicoCity, Listener Q&A session with the RhinoGang plus 8-0 @LFAfighting bantamweight Amari Sengsavanh goes 10 Rounds with Rhino! Art by @JAYMMAYT

Louisiana has passed a number of laws since the pandemic meant to improve students' reading scores — and they appear to be working. In 2019, Louisiana's fourth graders ranked 50th in the country for reading. As of last year, they'd risen to 16th. WWNO and WRKF's education reporter Aubri Juhasz joins us with more. Earlier this month, Louisiana Rep. Troy Carter and Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse paid a visit to the Bayou State. They addressed problems like climate change, failing infrastructure, and the weather-driven insurance crisis. Louisiana Considered's Managing Producer Alana Schreiber caught up with them at a construction site where they discussed finding both short and long-term solutions to these issues.___Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Alana Schreiber. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber.  We get production support from Garrett Pittman and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, Google Play and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Insurance runs out. Patients still need care. Now what?Melanie Brennan built a nonprofit neuro recovery gym to solve exactly that problem.After seeing patients decline post-discharge from traditional rehab settings, Melanie launched EA Therapeutic Health — a hybrid model blending:Insurance-based PTCash-based extended recovery sessionsPersonal trainers + rec therapists alongside PTsFundraising + grants to subsidize costCommunity-based nonprofit structureNow with 24 employees and a 10,000-square-foot facility, she's proving private practice isn't just for orthopedics.Key TopicsWhy payment is PT's root issueNonprofit conversion strategyBlending insurance and cash ethicallyState-level advocacy vs national reformCollective action with OT and speechServing underserved communities sustainablyGuest InfoEA Therapeutic Health https://chooseea.org

In this episode of Scouting for Growth, Sabine VanderLinden welcomes Gil Arazi—a serial entrepreneur, executive, and leading insurtech investor—to explore the urgent transformation taking place in insurance. Gil Arazi argues that the industry's traditional role of simply paying claims post-loss is outdated and that prevention is the new north star for sustainable growth. Their conversation dives into why insurance must shift from risk transfer to risk mitigation, what the future holds as data, AI, and even quantum computing disrupt business models, and how prevention can actually drive profit—not just avoid cost. Gil Arazi introduces The Spark, a not-for-profit initiative designed to help insurers decrease systemic risk and increase societal resilience through practical collaboration, not empty innovation theater. KEY TAKEAWAYS Reflecting on my conversation with Gil Arazi, several themes truly stood out, affirming both the urgency and opportunity for true transformation across insurance.  First, it's clear that insurance cannot remain content with its legacy of paying claims post-loss. We are entering an era where prevention, not just remediation, is imperative—technological advancements, from AI to quantum computing, now offer insurers the tools to anticipate and prevent systemic risks, fundamentally altering their value to customers and society. The model must evolve from chasing losses to proactively reducing risk, and this shift is not just about cost efficiency, but empowering profitable growth through enhanced customer retention and relevance. In building The Spark as a nonprofit prevention lab, Gil Arazi emphasized a collective responsibility: by leveraging data, domain expertise, and increasingly mature technology, we—insurers, partners, and innovators—can bridge the protection gap and act as genuine “protection architects.” This vision requires us to move beyond innovation theater and toward real operational enablement, where execution trumps experimentation. The challenge, however, is not just technological—it is cultural and emotional. Building trust across competitors demands we fall in love with solving the problem, not just owning the solution. Clear boundaries and shared vulnerabilities create the foundation for meaningful collaboration on the risks no single entity can control alone. BEST MOMENTS “The insurance industry needs to move from reacting to the claim ... to proactive prevention of this damage or systemic risk.”  “The only way insurance can be actually successful and sustainably profitable is by being biased.”  “Technology will predict risk, but humans will decide what to do with it. Algorithms are very good at probability, but they're terrible at responsibility.”  “Do something good for humanity and for yourself. If you can't measure your impact by the loss that never happened, you're just optimizing the decline.”  “The real revolution isn't technological anymore. It is emotional, it is behavioral, and it is strategic.”  ABOUT THE GUEST Gil Arazi is recognized as an insurance industry disruptor and visionary. He's the founder and managing partner of Fintlv Venture Capital—a top insurtech VC fund with close to $1 billion invested globally—and the founder of The Spark, a purpose-driven, not-for-profit global prevention lab.  With a career spanning nearly 30 years, including executive leadership, board roles, and serial entrepreneurship in insurance, Gil Arazi has first-hand insight into the industry's pain points and future opportunities. His work focuses on shifting insurance from loss-payout to loss-prevention, leveraging technology and collaboration to build resilience and drive growth. LinkedIn ABOUT THE HOST Sabine VanderLinden is a corporate strategist turned entrepreneur and the CEO of Alchemy Crew Ventures. She leads venture-client labs that help Fortune 500 companies adopt and scale cutting-edge technologies from global tech ventures. A builder of accelerators, investor, and co-editor of the bestseller The INSURTECH Book, Sabine is known for asking the uncomfortable questions—about AI governance, risk, and trust. On Scouting for Growth, she decodes how real growth happens—where capital, collaboration, and courage meet. If this episode sparked your thinking, follow Sabine VanderLinden on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram for more insights. And if you're interested in sponsoring the podcast, reach out to the team at hello@alchemycrew.ventures