How Should Insurance Brokers Get Paid - Jonathan Lopez Jonathan Lopez's career journey is a testament to the power of hard work and continuous learning. From a shoulder injury in the Marine Corps to earning a doctorate in leadership, Lopez has overcome obstacles and embraced opportunities to shape his professional path. Lopez's commitment to helping others extends beyond his career. He is actively involved in fundraising for wells in Tanzania through the Water Boys organization. This philanthrop...
Dec 05, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 122
In this episode of the podcast Self-Funded with Spencer, hosted by Spencer Smith and featuring Sam Moen, the co-founder of MD Direct, the discussion centered around MD Direct's unique approach to optimizing healthcare and nutrition. MD Direct is a healthcare company that aims to bridge the gap in hospital nutrition and diet, focusing on individual performance and optimizing knowledge to help patients achieve their health goals. One of the key factors that impact MD Direct's approach is the disco...
Nov 28, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 121
Recruit & Retain with Employee Benefits - Kyle Minick The evolving employer market is placing a greater emphasis on HR policies, benefits, and healthcare transparency. In this episode of the podcast "Self Funded" hosted by Spencer Smith and featuring Kyle Minick, the importance of these factors in talent management strategies was discussed. Traditionally, financial compensation has been the primary focus for employers when it comes to attracting and retaining talent. However, surveys have co...
Nov 20, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 120
The TPA Problem-Solver - Madeline Smith of MADDRS Today's episode features Madeline, CEO and Founder of MADDRS. Madeline Smith is a passionate insurance professional with a diverse background in writing, teaching, coaching, and consulting, and a strong desire to improve differentiation and value in the self-funded plan industry. Madeline sees her role evolving to focus more on teaching, supporting, and consulting behind the scenes, rather than being at the forefront trying to sell and produce. S...
Nov 14, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 117
From Military Service to Employee Benefits - Two Veterans' Journey into Healthcare Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be a daunting task for some veterans. However, with the right support and guidance, veterans can find fulfilling careers in various industries. One such industry is insurance consulting, which offers a unique blend of strategic thinking, problem-solving, and client management. In a recent episode of the podcast @SelfFunded with Spencer, hosted by Spencer Smi...
Nov 07, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 118
In this episode of the podcast @SelfFunded with Spencer, hosted by Spencer Smith and featuring Paul Pruitt, the topic of addressing high medication costs in healthcare was discussed. The episode shed light on the challenges faced by individuals and employers due to the financial burden of expensive medications and explored potential solutions to alleviate this issue. Paul Pruitt, CGO of SHARx, shared his personal experience of spending $1.8M on annually on medication for his family. This stagger...
Oct 31, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 117
Pharmacogenetics: Personalized Medicine for the Future In a this episode of the podcast "Self Funded" hosted by Spencer Smith, entrepreneur Nick Glimcher shared his journey from the world of commercial real estate to the healthcare industry. Glimcher's story highlights the importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities in different industries. He emphasizes the link between powerlifting and entrepreneurship, both requiring consistent effort and commitment for success. One of the key challe...
Oct 24, 2023•49 min•Season 1Ep. 116
In this episode of the podcast "Self Funded with Spencer," host Spencer Smith sat down with CJ Brock, the CEO of Better Way Medical Group, to discuss a range of topics related to healthcare innovations and challenges. The conversation covered groundbreaking advancements in heart transplants, the shift of surgical procedures to office settings, and the obstacles faced by healthcare providers. One of the highlights of the episode was the opening discussion on the revolutionary heart box, a device ...
Oct 17, 2023•57 min•Season 1Ep. 115
Executive Medical Benefits with ArmadaCare - Rachel Rutherford This week's episode features Rachel Rutherford, Sales Director at ArmadCare, where she and host of @SelfFunded with Spencer - Spencer Smith, dive into the world of Executive Benefits. In today's competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent is crucial for the success of any organization. Human Resources (HR) directors play a vital role in determining organizational benefits and tailoring them to individual needs. This e...
Oct 10, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 114
Today, we're diving into the world of affordable and accessible healthcare benefits for hourly employees. Meet Hooray Health, a game-changer in the industry that aims to bridge the gap between basic healthcare needs and major medical insurance. With their innovative approach and data-driven insights, Hooray Health is revolutionizing the way we think about healthcare. So, let's jump right in and explore their journey! The Birth of a Vision: Shane Foss, the CEO and founder of Hooray Health. They r...
Oct 03, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 113
Welcome to Episode 112 of Self-Funded with SPencer, featuring Landon Fielding of Brite! Navigating the world of employee benefits can often feel like an overwhelming and confusing task. From understanding different plans to making informed decisions, employees are often left feeling lost and uninformed. This is where Brite Benefits comes in. Co-Founded by Landon Fielding, a seasoned benefits consultant, Brite Benefits is a revolutionary benefits education platform designed to simplify the comple...
Sep 26, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 112
Generic Drugs at Cost with ZERO Markup - ScriptCo In this episode of our podcast, host Spencer Smith welcomes Zach Zeller, the founders of Scriptco. They are on a mission to disrupt the traditional healthcare system by offering transparent medication pricing and emphasizing the importance of affordable generics. Join us as we explore their journey, the benefits of Scriptco, and the potential for change in the healthcare industry. Unveiling the Dark Underbelly of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs):...
Sep 19, 2023•57 min•Season 1Ep. 111
From Tragedy to Triumph: The Journey of Writing 'Wounds' In this week's episode of the podcast "Self Funded" with Spencer, hosted by Spencer Smith, performance coach Ryan Miller shares his unique coaching approach that combines psychology, self-perception, and personal branding. Ryan's coaching journey began with a focus on sales, but it quickly evolved to encompass a deeper understanding of human behavior and the importance of self-perception in achieving success. Ryan believes that influence, ...
Sep 12, 2023•38 min•Season 1Ep. 110
In this week's episode, Spencer Smith and Sean Turner delve into Sean's inspiring journey of establishing his insurance agency, Buffer Insurance. We explore the key takeaways from their conversation, offering practical advice and data-driven insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. Key Highlights: 1. The Challenges of Hiring Employees and Empowering Your Team: Starting an agency often means taking on the responsibility of hiring employees before revenue catches up. Sean Turner initially faced this c...
Sep 05, 2023•54 min•Season 1Ep. 106
Welcome back to another episode of our podcast, where we dive deep into the world of insurance and healthcare. Today, we have a fascinating conversation between Spencer Smith and Elizabeth Vire, Vice President of National Sales at HPI (Health Plans, Inc.). They discuss the importance of a long-term strategy when working with third-party administrators (TPAs) in the insurance industry, along with practical insights and data-driven advice. So, let's jump right in! The Power of Strategy and Excepti...
Aug 29, 2023•47 min•Season 1Ep. 106
The History of Self-Funding - Larry Turell Have you ever wondered how self funding in the insurance industry evolved over the years? Wonder no more because that is the theme of this episode of the Self-Funded with Spencer podcast. In our latest episode, host Spencer Smith and Larry Turrell dive into the fascinating history of self funding, from its humble beginnings to the innovative strategies used today. Discover how Larry's father helped pioneer one of the very first self funded plan for smal...
Aug 22, 2023•57 min•Season 1Ep. 107
A Better Barber Shop - The Gents Place - Founder - Ben Davis 🎧 Discover the fascinating journey of Ben Davis, founder of Gents Place, in the latest episode of Self Funded with Spencer! 🎙️ From starting his business during the 2008 financial crisis to navigating the insurance world, Ben's story is a rollercoaster of entrepreneurship and resilience. Tune in to hear how he turned a men's hair salon into a country club meets Speakeasy meets barber shop experience. Ben describes the model of The Ge...
Aug 15, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 106
Independent Benefits Consulting with Chris Wolpert of GBS In this podcast episode, Spencer Smith and Chris Wolpert discuss their careers, entrepreneurship, healthcare consulting, marketing strategies, and personal connections. They delve into Chris Wolpert's transition from journalism to the insurance industry, highlighting his focus on work-life balance and employee well-being as an insurance consultant. Chris shares his motivations for starting Group Benefit Solutions and his passion for the g...
Aug 08, 2023•47 min•Season 1Ep. 105
PBM Consulting - Bringing Transparency to Pharmacy with Trevor Daer of Granite Peak Analytics Trevor Daer, the founder of Granite Peak Analytics, joins me on the orange couch to explore the world of pharmacy analytics and the importance of data in making informed PBM decisions. This episode of the Self-Funded with Spencer Podcast explores the world of pharmacy rebates and the importance of collaboration in making progress and saving money. Spencer Smith and Trevor Daer discuss the PBM space and ...
Aug 01, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 103
Enhanced Benefits with VB - Eric Silverman - Voluntary Disruption Are you looking for a way to get better engagement among your workforce without employees feeling like they just talked to a used car salesperson? Then you need to listen to the episode of Self Funded With Spencer featuring Eric Silverman! In this episode, Spencer and Eric discuss the enhanced benefit industry, plan design and enrollment, and technology. Voluntary Benefits are employer-sponsored benefits that provide employees wit...
Jul 25, 2023•49 min•Season 1Ep. 103
Unlocking Cost Savings with Reference Based Pricing (RBP) - ClaimDOC - Omar Arif This week I sit down with Omar Arif, SVP of Growth with ClaimDoc to answer the question, "What is Reference Based Pricing, aka "RBP"?" Omar Arif, the SVP of Growth for Claim Doc, a cost containment vendor, was sold on RBP when he discovered it. Claim Doc provides a balanced approach to RBP, combining both "pay and defend" and "negotiate and settle strategies". Omar states that their network replacement is the most b...
Jul 18, 2023•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 102
Pro Soccer, Super Bow Bids, and Formula One? - Neal Carter of Cvent Neal Carter joins me on the orange couch to discuss the logistics of planning Large Conferences, the process of putting together a Super Bowl bid, the impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry, and the 2023 Formula One race season. We also discussed the technical aspects of Formula One, the impact of Lewis Hamilton on the sport, and Neal's new Instagram channel - "American Gearbox". Like me, soccer has been a huge part of N...
Jul 11, 2023•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 101
Episode 100! - The Benefits Roundtable with Seth Denson, Dennis Fowler & Chris Hamilton Self-Funded with Spencer is excited to release the 100th episode of the podcast! For this episode, we set out to deliver a truly unique experience, with 3 guests, 5 cameras, and 90 minutes of insights from the brightest minds in employee benefits! With a wide variety of opinions from their extensive experience in insurance and benefits companies, Spencer, Dennis, Scott and Chris explore major trends in th...
Jun 27, 2023•1 hr 32 min•Season 1Ep. 100
How AI Could Repair our Healthcare System - Meet Healthee Join Spencer Smith in his latest episode of Self-Funded with Spencer as he delves into the world of artificial intelligence with Healthee and their co-founder/co-CEO - Guy Benjamin. Guy shares the story behind "Zoe", Healthee's AI-based personal health assistant. The podcast also discusses biases and inefficiencies in the healthcare industry and how Healthee's platform uses AI to improve the health coverage services and experience for emp...
Jun 20, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 99
he Connective Tissue of a Health Plan - Planned Administrators Inc In the latest episode of "Self-Funded with Spencer," host Spencer Smith invites George Stiles, the President and COO of Planned Administrators Inc (PAI), to discuss the transformation of the TPA industry and what makes a good TPA partner. George shares his journey from claims processor at Blue Cross Blue Shield to his current role at PAI. The conversation covers topics from data analytics, and direct primary care, to how to navig...
Jun 13, 2023•47 min•Season 1Ep. 98
How to Create Better Wealth with The AND Asset - Caleb Guilliams Welcome to the Self-Funded with Spencer podcast! In this episode, we are thrilled to have Caleb Guilliams, founder of Better Wealth and author of "The And Asset." Spencer and Caleb discuss the power of life insurance as an investment tool, and how it can help people achieve their dreams while building wealth. Caleb shares his inspiring story of overcoming his insecurities and using his fear of failure to become a successful busines...
Jun 06, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 97
Health Payment Accounts (HPA) with Paytient CEO - Brian Whorley Welcome to Self-Funded with Spencer, where we dive into the world of healthcare and explore ways to make healthcare coverage more accessible and effortless for everyone. In this episode, Spencer Smith welcomes Brian Whorley, CEO and founder of Paytient. Brian is creating a new category for health payment accounts that helps remove the impediment of out-of-pocket costs for patients. Together they discuss the importance of creating a ...
May 31, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 96
Revolutionizing Healthcare Coordination and Advocacy with Curus Get ready to dive into the world of healthcare benefits and savings with Spencer Smith's Self-Funded podcast, sponsored by Pareto Health. In this episode, COO Jared Mort from Curus Health shares his expertise on clinical care coordination, or as he refers to it "Care Orchestration", and how to help mid-sized employers reduce their healthcare costs. Jared also discusses Curus Health's approach to total life concierge services, which ...
May 23, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 95
Data Analytics for the Modern Benefits Broker - Mike Pattengale - Springbuk Looking to learn about the future of data analytics in healthcare? Look no further than Self-Funded with Spencer! Host Spencer Smith welcomes guest Mike Pattengale from Springbuk to discuss their innovative approach to data analytics and how it helps drive informed decisions. The two discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the healthcare industry and how data analytics can help employers make better decisions regarding the wel...
May 16, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 94
Join podcast host Spencer Smith as he sits down with guest Scott Smith from TRUE Network Advisors to discuss topics ranging from leadership to personal growth in the latest episode of Self-Funded with Spencer. Scott and Spencer delve into the concept of authentic leadership, exploring what it means to be "authentic" (a buzzword that makes them cringe) and striving to be the best version of oneself. The discussion also touches on the challenges of providing mentorship and guidance to others and f...
May 09, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 93
