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Insuranceindustry Podcasts
Sitting with Sue insurance questions answered - listen and learn from an insurance industry professional with a breadth and depth of knowledge as she chats to her amazing set of contacts. Sue is bringing her depth of knowledge gained in over 45 years in the insurance industry gleaned as an underwriter, broker and claims consultant. Sue introduces you to her wide network of contacts across all aspects of the industry discussing a wide variety of topics. Whether discussing the technical aspect ...
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Independent Agent Magazine Reviews the Biggest Stories of 2025
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25:41This end-of-year episode of Agency Nation Radio is brought to you by the editors of Independent Agent magazine. Will Jones, editor-in-chief, hosts the discussion and is joined by Olivia Overman, content editor, and AnneMarie McPherson Spears, news editor. Together, they look back at 2025 and highlight the biggest stories that shaped the insurance i…
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Agency, Career and Coastal Growth With Kelley Carter
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13:40On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we chat with Kelley Carter, president of Choice Insurance Agency, Member of Choice Financial Group in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Carter kicked off her career by working for several years in agency marketing roles, helping her understand how marketing strategy is essential to accelerating agency growth. In Octo…
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Legal System Abuse: Rising Costs for Insurance
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29:28On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, host Nathan Riedel, Big “I” senior vice president of federal government affairs, is joined by Jeff Beck, senior vice president of government and regulatory affairs at Selective Insurance, and John Barbour, CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia. Together, they dive into legal system abuse and its …
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Finding a Balance Between Work, Family and the Big 'I' With Dallas Ross
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18:29On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we chat with Dallas Ross, agent at Timmco Insurance. Like many others, Ross was born into the insurance industry and always knew the industry was where she belonged. Right out of college, she landed a job in insurance sales, but after two years, she discovered her true passion wasn’t selling—it was serving cl…
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This episode of Agency Nation Radio is the fourth and final episode in a special series about artificial intelligence (AI) brought to you by the Big “I” Agents Council for Technology’s (ACT) AI workgroup. Host Colby Royal Tunick, founder and CEO of Refocus AI in San Diego, California, is joined by Patrick McBride, owner of The McBride Agency in Dix…
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In this short episode, Sue Taylor addresses the concerns students have when transitioning from the certificate level to the diploma level in their CILA exam journey. She explains how the diploma represents a natural career progression for loss adjusters, emphasizing the importance of applying principles learned rather than simply reciting them. Key…
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Why Indemnity Periods of 12 months are rarely adequate
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20:46Understanding the Complexities of Business Interruption Insurance when considering the adequacy of Indemnity Periods with Rob Ford In this episode of the Sitting With Sue Insurance: Questions Answered podcast, Sue Taylor speaks with Rob Ford, a Business Interruption Specialist from Sedgwick. They discuss the limitations of the 12- month maximum ind…
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GEICO Talks Independent Agents and Highlights from Applied Net 2025
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44:14Recorded live from Applied Net 2025 in Las Vegas, this special edition of Agency Nation Radio features insights from the industry’s biggest event. On this episode, Will Jones, editor-in-chief of Independent Agent magazine, talks with Carrie Poindexter, senior director of agency operations and Jonathan Somich, director of communications at GEICO, ab…
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Embracing Change With Marianne Policastro-Wik
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18:30On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we chat with Marianne Policastro-Wik, owner of Insurance Associates of Central CT in Wethersfield, Connecticut. Raised in Hartford, Connecticut—once known as the insurance capital of the world—Policastro-Wik found the industry to be a natural fit. But it was her passion for helping others that truly defined h…
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This episode of Agency Nation Radio is the third in a special series about artificial intelligence (AI) brought to you by the Big “I” Agents Council for Technology’s (ACT) AI workgroup. Host Kasey Connors, executive director of ACT, is joined by Jake Holehouse, owner of HH Insurance in St. Petersburg, Florida, and Dale Steinke, director, Agent for…
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The Future of Work: Navigating Flexibility and Office Culture
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15:13The Pros and Cons of Flexible Working: Insights from HR Expert Lindsey Moore In this episode of 'Sitting with Sue: Insurance Questions Answered,' host Sue Taylor discusses the ongoing debate around flexible working versus returning to the office. Featuring HR consultant Lyndsey Moore, who brings a wealth of experience from various industries, they …
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From One Generation to the Next: Navigating Agency Succession Planning
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52:29On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Peter van Aartrijk, executive vice president at Aartrijk is joined by Lee Gaudette, president of Gaudette Insurance, and his son, Peter Gaudette, commercial insurance advisor at Gaudette Insurance, and Keith Mangini, Vice President and Commercial Team Leader at InsurBanc. They explore father-son work dynamics…
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This episode of Agency Nation Radio is the second in a special series about artificial intelligence (AI) brought to you by the Big “I” Agents Council for Technology’s (ACT) AI workgroup. Host Kevin Wheeler, Eastern advisory manager at Angela Adams Consulting, is joined by Michelle O’Connor, president of O’Connor Insurance Associates in Charlotte, N…
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On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we chat with Jill Roth, executive vice president at Ahart, Frinzi & Smith in Alexandria, Virginia. Roth started her career on Capitol Hill, working in legislative affairs for a New Jersey congressional representative, where one of the issues she focused on was the insurance industry. Her congressional experie…
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This episode of Agency Nation Radio is the first in a special series about artificial intelligence (AI) brought to you by the Big “I” Agents Council for Technology’s (ACT) AI workgroup. Co-hosts Kasey Connors, executive director of ACT, and JP Pritchard, director of marketing at Rhodian Group, dive into how independent agents can confidently take t…
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Workplace Communication: From Leadership to Email Etiquette
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20:04On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Will Jones, Editor-in-Chief of Independent Agent Magazine at the Big “I” hosts a conversation with workplace communication expert, Jenna Rogers, Founder & CEO of Career Civility, a professional development firm that helps organizations build stronger cultures through better communication. Throughout the episo…
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How to Approach Catastrophic Injury Claims with Mark Gayler
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18:01In this episode of the Sitting with Sue podcast, host Sue Taylor interviews Mark Gayler, a distinguished catastrophic personal injury solicitor from Minster Law. They discuss Mark’s extensive career, focusing on his expertise in amputations, fatal accidents, and serious orthopaedic injuries. The conversation covers the complexities of reserving and…
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Renters, Pet Insurance and a Pawsitive Impact With John Bradford
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17:45On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet John Bradford, founder & CEO of PetScreening in Charlotte, North Carolina. Bradford is on a mission to make life better for pets. After starting out in the property management world—first managing his own rental units, then expanding to investor portfolios—he saw firsthand how pet ownership impacted h…
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Facing the Headlines: Angela Walker Talks Reporting on Major Insurance Incidents
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13:09In this episode of Sitting With Sue, Sue Taylor interviews Angela Walker, an experienced journalist and host of the podcast Angela Walker in Conversation. They discuss the intersection of journalism and insurance, sharing insights on how news events like the Didcot Power Station disaster and annual flooding in Oxfordshire impact people long-term. A…
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Breaking Into Commercial Lines and Smart Tips for New Insurance Agents
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25:41On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Cash McMillen, partner and executive vice president of operations at The Cashion Company Insurance in Little Rock, Arkansas, and chairman of the Big “I” national Young Agents Committee, hosts a discussion with two young agents about getting started as a commercial lines independent insurance agent. Deuel Rome…
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Flood Coverage, Community and Doing Insurance Right With Courtney Jacobs
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24:01On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet Courtney Jacobs, owner of Insurance Done Right (IDR) in Biloxi, Mississippi. Since launching her agency seven years ago, Jacobs has navigated the complexities of growing a business along the Gulf Coast—where the unique challenges of flood insurance and storm exposure are a constant concern—while also …
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On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Ashley Engl, chair of Big I New York’s NextGen young agent committee, hosts a conversation with two Generation Z agents: Jackson Doyle, commercial risk adviser at J. Krug in Itasca, Illinois; and Brooke Stout, receptionist and assistant account manager at Chalk & Gibbs Insurance & Real Estate in Morehead City…
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Navigating Personal Injury Claims and Insurance Law
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21:22Navigating Personal Injury Claims and Insurance Law with Thom Lumley In this episode of the Sitting With Sue insurance questions answered; podcast, host Sue Taylor invites Thom Lumley, a partner at RPC and an insurance lawyer specializing in UK casualty claims, to discuss his career, role, and the intricacies of personal injury claims. They cover t…
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Turning Purpose Into Progress With Brock Elliott
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13:23
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13:23On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet Brock Elliott, Producer and partner at Elliott Insurance Group in Louisburg, Kansas. Elliott got his start in the industry when he turned 21 and bounced around a couple roles before finally finding his stride as an account executive. Throughout his career, Elliott has played a pivotal role in the Big …
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Wondering whether to take the CH4 Liability course instead of the CH3 General course but not sure if it is for you? - well listen to this 2 minute introduction to learn more. Visit my website at www.suetaylor.co.ukBy Sue Taylor
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What Agents Need to Know About Rising E&O Claims
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23:16On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Will Jones, Big “I” director of communications and editor-in-chief of Independent Agent magazine, is joined by Nancy Germond, Big “I” executive director of risk management and education, and Amanda Juratovic, Big “I” vice president of E&O operations, to discuss one of the independent agency channel’s most-pre…
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Introduction to CILA CH3 Advanced Claims Handling
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3:04Mastering the CILA CH3 Exam: Essential Tips and Resources In this episode of the 'Sitting with Sue: Insurance Questions Answered' podcast, Sue Taylor provides an in-depth overview of what you need to study for the CILA CH3 exam on advanced claims handling. Sue details the seven key chapters in the official study material, covering critical topics s…
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Getting Ready for the CILA CH2 Claims Handling Exam? Here's What You Need to Know Are you preparing to take the CILA Certificate CH2 Claims Handling exam? Wondering what’s inside the coursebook, what topics are covered, and whether there’s a more flexible way to study? Let me help you get started on the right foot. 👋 I’m Sue Taylor, long-standing C…
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Switching from Hospitality to Insurance with Jorge Wetenkamp
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13:56On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet Jorge Wetenkamp, agency owner of Desert Crest Insurance in Saint George, Utah. Wetenkamp’s career in insurance was unexpected. After working at In-N-Out Burger and at the DMV, he took a job with AAA Insurance when they started offering DMV services. This opened his eyes to the opportunities for career…
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Scaling Smart: Acquisition Best Practices for Independent Insurance Agencies
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46:33
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46:33On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Peter Van Aartrijk, executive vice president with insurance branding firm Aartrijk, hosts a discussion with Ryan Towle, vice president of Davis & Towle Insurance Group in Concord, New Hampshire, and Keith J. Mangini, vice president and commercial team leader at InsurBanc in Farmington, Connecticut, on best pr…
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Powering Growth and Pushing for Change with Michelle O'Connor
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17:14On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet Michelle O'Connor, president of O'Connor Insurance Associates in Charlotte, North Carolina. When O'Connor and her husband started their insurance agency 25 years ago, they knew from the very beginning that joining the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina (IIANC) was a must. Michelle knew of …
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In Good Company: Women Creating Opportunities for Independent Insurance Agents
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46:32On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Susan Bonner, Big “I” vice president of marketing and communications, chats with Denise Johnson, president and CEO of Big I Oklahoma, and Jill Epstein, CEO of Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of California (IIABCal), about their achievements as women in the independent insurance agency channel and how t…
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CILA Certificate CH1 - Introduction to the Insurance Industry
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2:29Join Sue Taylor in the Sitting With Sue Insurance Questions Answered podcast as she provides a brief overview of the CILA Certificate CH1 coursebook. Sue, a seasoned author and contributor to CILA exam materials, breaks down the 14 chapters that cover essential topics including risk principles, legal aspects, insurance principles, customer service,…
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Building a Business and a Legacy with Kelly Gonyo
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16:39On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet Kelly Gonyo, owner and agent of Blue Line Insurance in Lake Placid, New York. Gonyo worked every role in an independent agency—from working the front desk to producing—before starting her own agency at 32 years old with “minimal money in a tiny little office," she says. Today, Blue Line Insurance has …
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Unlock Your Career Potential with CILA Qualifications
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6:15In this episode Sue outlines the four levels of the qualification process, detailing what each level entails and the progression path from Certificate to Chartered Status. She emphasises the benefits of these qualifications, including how they signal professionalize and enhance career opportunities, whilst providing insights about the exam formats,…
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Recruiting and Attracting Young Professionals to the Insurance Industry
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19:24On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Johanna Holling, volunteer relations program manager at National Invest Program, hosts a conversation about attracting young talent to the insurance industry with Ashley Engl, business development manager at Jencap, and Hal Soden, Jr., principal and risk management advisor at Oliver L.E. Soden Agency Corp. To…
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Stepping Up and Standing Out With Megan Carroll
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23:39On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet Megan Carroll, president of Stein Insurance in Lindstrom, Minnesota. “I worked as a property & casualty reinsurance broker at Willis Re," explains Megan Carroll. “That was my first 'big kid' job." However, the absence of a succession plan at her family's fourth-generation independent insurance agency …
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Strategic Mentorship: Building Better Adjusters and Organisations
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18:12The Impact of Mentorship Inside and Outside Organizations In this second session with Luke Brannigan and Steven Helman, the discussion revolves around the advantages and challenges of internal vs. external mentoring. They, share their insights on the broader impact of mentoring beyond organizational boundaries, highlighting the benefits of diverse …
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From Polls to Policy: Understanding the Post-Election Legislative Agenda
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36:44On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Molly Abboud, Big “I" director of political affairs, hosts a discussion with Charles Symington, Big “I” president & CEO, and Nathan Riedel, Big “I” senior vice president of federal government affairs to discuss the 2024 election results and how they will impact the Big “I” legislative agenda. They examine the…
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Understanding the Personal Injury Discount Rate with Thom Lumley
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6:52In this episode of Sitting With Sue Insurance Questions Answered, host Sue Taylor interviews Thom Lumley, a partner at RPC specializing in UK casualty bodily injury claims. They discuss the personal injury discount rate, a metric used to calculate compensation for major injury claims. The rate, set by the Lord Chancellor and influenced by actuarial…
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Creating the Cyber Insurance ‘Easy Button’ with Jay Fribourg
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15:21Insurance has been a part of Jay Fribourg’s life from the very beginning. His insurance career began when he interned at his family’s agency filing and scanning documents. After graduating from college, Fribourg joined the family agency but eventually broke off and started his own agency, Bentley Insurance, named after his 130-pound Great Dane. In …
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Ellie's Incredible Path to Success in CII and CILA exams
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14:58Ellie Smith from Channel Island Adjusters Limited shares her journey of transitioning from cabin crew to a successful loss adjuster, passing the CII and CILA certificate exams with the support of her mentor, Josh. Ellie discusses the importance of mentorship, describes how to play case law snap, the practical application of theory, and the need for…
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Unlocking Career Doors:The Value of Professional Qualifications
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18:26Building Your Career with Confidence Ever wondered how professional qualifications can transform your career? Tune into my latest podcast episode where I chat with Chris Boggis and Ashley Martin from Woodgate & Clark. We discuss the significance of exams, the doors they open and practical tips for balancing study with a busy work life. Learn how in…
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On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, Jennifer Becker, Big “I” Senior Director of Agent Development and Research and Education, is joined by Andy Siegel of Siegel Insurance and chair of the Big “I” council for Best Practices and Katy Stewart of Olis/Akers/Arney Insurance & Business Advisors and a member of the council for Best Practices to discus…
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The Mentorship Puzzle: Balancing Culture and Strategy
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20:06In this episode, host Sue Taylor discusses the complexities of mentoring within the insurance industry with guests Stephen Helman from Exchange Street and Luke Brannigan from Crawford and Company. The conversation delves into the importance of having clear objectives for mentoring programs. They examine the strategic and cultural elements necessary…
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Going All In on Agency Ownership With Stephanie Dew
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14:22On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we meet Stephanie Dew, President, Agency Owner of WinStar Insurance Group in Cedar Park, Texas. In 2022, Dew, then 20% owner of WinStar, learned that the other two owners would be retiring. She didn’t want to see the agency absorbed by the large buyers circling overhead and decided she would buy it herself—ev…
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Fire and the immediate aftermath - A Major Loss Adjusters perspective
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23:06Major Fires disproportionately occur on weekends or Friday afternoons, creating distinctive challenges for all. In this episode of the 'Sitting With Sue' podcast, host Sue Taylor talks with John Armstrong. They discuss the crucial role of brokers and adjusters in the claim process, particularly in fire claims, and how commercial sensitivities influ…
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Generation Technology: Collaboration for the Future
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56:59On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we explore technology and its real-world impact on independent agencies. Join host Bobbie Collies, chief insurance officer at Coterie Insurance, as she unpacks how technology is not just about tools and software—it’s about people. Collies is joined by two industry leaders: Chris Cline, executive director of t…
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Ever wondered how mentorship can shape a career? Steven Helman and Sue Taylor share their personal experiences exploring the benefits of mentoring from a mentee perspective from confidence building to improving skills and improved job satisfaction. Visit my website at www.suetaylor.co.ukBy Sue Taylor
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Do professional exams really help the recruitment process for loss adjusters?
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12:20Specialist recruitment consultant Steve Helman from Exchange Street explores the benefits of Sitting professional examinations when it comes to that all important job hunt. What is it that companies really look for in a candidate? Steven has extensive knowledge of the loss adjusting world having worked as an adjuster for GAB Robins. His experience …
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