Educating the federal workforce about their rights and responsibilities in OWCP. "Welcome to 'Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini,' where we bring our same Wednesday chat vibes to the audio world! Join us for insightful conversations, education, and a deeper dive into the topics that matter to you as a federal employee. Tune in for your weekly dose of thought-provoking discussions. Let's break it all down together!" 🎙️🗣️ #BreakingOWCP #Podcast #WednesdayChats #Conversations Just so you know our ...
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Federal Workers Comp Podcasts
Empowering Workers: Federal Employees, Disability and Employment Rights, and Social Security Disability for All is a podcast dedicated to advocating for federal employees and individuals navigating disability and employment challenges. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist and featuring expert insights from attorney Eric Pines, the show dives into critical topics like workplace accommodations, employee rights, and social security disability claims. With actionable advice and compassionate discussions, ...
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A delicious mix of Insurance and TV
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Back to Work Melbourne with Dr. Dorfman is your local guide to navigating federal workers' comp and OWCP claims. Hosted by Dr. Dorfman, an expert in getting claims approved, this podcast offers clear advice to help injured federal employees in Melbourne return to work and get the benefits they deserve.
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Federal Workers' Comp Claims: Why Only 6.78% Get Approved & How to Win Your OWCP Case
1:11:17
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1:11:17Episode Overview Chris and Gini reveal shocking new statistics about federal workers' compensation claims and provide essential guidance for getting your OWCP claim approved. Learn why acceptance rates have dropped dramatically and what you can do about it. Key Topics Covered: 🚨 Breaking News: OWCP Acceptance Rates Plummet Only 6.78% of federal emp…
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Building a Strong SSDI Application from the Start
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8:11By pinesfederal
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Essential Forms Guide - OWCP 957, 915, and CA-7 Explained
59:42
59:42
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59:42Join Chris and Gini for another informative OWCP chat as they break down three critical forms every federal employee should know about. Fresh from successful training sessions in Detroit and Phoenix with Mail Handlers unions, they share essential insights about travel reimbursement, medical expenses, and getting paid for time off. Key Topics Covere…
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EP. 107: From Assistants to Actuaries, AI’s Next Leap in Insurance
22:57
22:57
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22:57On this episode of The Insuring Cyber Podcast, Alena Kharkavets – North American head of claims for WTW’s insurance consulting and technology business – joined to discuss the shift from AI assistants that handle day-to-day, simple tasks, to fully fledged AI actuaries and agents that are planning, decision-making and executing higher level tasks. WT…
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SPG’s Jonah Lipin on AI, Broker Relationships & New Wholesale Division
3:34
3:34
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3:34At the WSIA Annual Marketplace, Peter Van Aartrijk, host of the On Point podcast by Insurance Journal, sits down with Jonah Lipin, Chief Sales Officer at SPG. They discuss how brokers value personal contact with underwriters even as AI enters the industry, and how technology can enable faster, more effective communication without replacing human ex…
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WSIA Annual Marketplace: Peter van Aartrijk Interviews Mary Rimbey, Cardinal E&S
3:49
3:49
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3:49At the WSIA Annual Marketplace in San Diego, Peter van Aartrijk, host of the On Point podcast by Insurance Journal, interviews Mary Rimbey, VP of Wholesale National Distribution at Cardinal E&S. They explore why AI is an efficiency tool rather than a threat, how broker-underwriter relationships remain the backbone of the industry, and where opportu…
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Progressive’s Core Values Guide Decisions
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45:32On this installment we visit with the HR pro who oversees a team fielding tens of thousands of job applications each year at Progressive. Neil Lenane joined the carrier 35 years ago. His love of coaching sports got him interested in a career in human resources. “Leadership carries over to sports and HR. You’re recruiting that talent, onboarding, co…
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Defining AI Risk: A Key Challenge for Insurance Regulators
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1:50In this Insuring Cyber podcast excerpt, the discussion highlights one of the biggest hurdles facing insurance regulators: defining the type of risk AI presents. Regulators are taking a risk-based approach, recognizing that not all risks are the same, with special attention on areas such as life insurance, unfair practices, and algorithmic bias. A m…
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Common Reasons Social Security Disability Claims Are Denied and How to Avoid Them
13:59
13:59
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13:59Episode Summary In this episode of Empowering Workers, attorney Eric L. Pines is joined by Courtney Bolton, a Social Security Disability advocate at Pines Federal, to discuss one of the most frustrating issues for applicants: why Social Security Disability (SSDI) claims get denied. With years of experience guiding clients through the SSDI process, …
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Federal Employee Retirement Masterclass: Complete Guide to TSP, Disability Benefits & Retirement Planning
1:23:28
1:23:28
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1:23:28🎯 Key Topics Covered: TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) Strategy: • Which TSP funds to choose (G, F, C, S, I funds explained) • Traditional vs Roth contributions • Why to avoid mutual funds with high fees • Early withdrawal rules (55+ separation from service) • Rolling TSP to IRA for better flexibility Federal Retirement Eligibility: • Full retirement at 6…
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U.S. AI Action Plan vs. EU AI Act: Competing Approaches to Global Leadership
1:53
1:53
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1:53In this Insuring Cyber podcast highlight, the discussion shows the key contrasts between the U.S. and EU strategies for artificial intelligence. The U.S. AI Action Plan is positioned as a forward-looking roadmap designed to establish America as a global leader in AI innovation, infrastructure, diplomacy, and security. In contrast, the EU’s AI Act t…
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Young Founder Seeks Insurance ‘Transparency’
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44:31
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44:31Could insurance providers forge a new bond of trust with policyholders? Valkyrie Holmes, age 21, is working toward that better world. She founded an insuretech called Faura to help carriers collect more verifiable data on property risk in disaster-prone areas. The industry currently relies primarily on often-outdated data sources. Instead, Faura en…
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Chris and Gini broadcast live from the Federal Injury Center in Greenville, South Carolina during Patient Appreciation Week, revealing the shocking truth about federal workers' compensation claims and providing actionable solutions. Key Topics Covered: • The Hidden Crisis: Only 14% of federal employees have accepted OWCP claims - 86% are missing ou…
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Tariffs, Supply Chains, and Inflation: Challenges Ahead for Insurance Claims
1:46
1:46
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1:46In this Claims Journal Podcast excerpt with Paul Kottler, U.S. president — global technical service, with Crawford and Company, he discusses the mounting pressures on the insurance claims sector as global events ripple through supply chains. From tariffs and public unrest to ongoing wars and extreme weather, these factors are driving material cost …
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EP. 106: Navigating State, Federal and Global AI Regulation
27:49
27:49
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27:49On this episode of The Insuring Cyber Podcast, Claire Davey, senior vice president and head of product innovation and emerging risk at Relm Insurance, and Peter Dugas, executive director at Capco, spoke about the latest news regarding the AI Action Plan in the U.S., what insurers should know about AI regulation both at the state and federal level, …
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The Difference Between SSDI and SSI and Why Eligibility Criteria Matter?
12:25
12:25
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12:25Episode Summary Attorney Eric L. Pines introduces Courtney Bolton, a Social Security disability advocate with 23 years of experience at the Social Security Administration. The episode explores the differences between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), eligibility requirements, benefit calculations, a…
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Anupam Gupta, chief product officer at Applied Systems, offers an update on how the tech provider continues to experiment and roll out AI-embedded tools for independent agents. Commercial lines workflows are a major pain point for agents and carriers and thus a focus of his team’s efforts, he says. Insurance professionals are wrestling with back-an…
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From OWCP Claims to Compound Interest: Building Wealth While Your Money Sleeps
38:03
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38:03Chris and Gini return after a month-long hiatus to share personal challenges and introduce financial expert Gail Ames, who reveals game-changing investment strategies for federal employees and everyday people. Learn how to make your money work while you sleep and protect yourself from market losses. Featured Guest Gail Ames - Former AFGE benefits s…
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EP. 03: The Rest of 2025 Won’t Be Boring for Claims Handlers, Says Crawford Exec
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8:17
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8:17What’s left of 2025 won’t likely make for uninteresting times for claims professionals: steadily increasing claims frequency across several categories, nuclear verdicts, larger loss events that can include entire communities being hit by natural disasters like wildfires in California and other western states, not to mention the uncertain potential …
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EP. 14: Fake Nurse Treats Thousands + Happy Gilmore 2 Review
44:58
44:58
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44:58In this episode of Golfertainment with the Florida Insurance Men, George, Patrick, and Kevin, jump into a bizarre Florida case where a woman treated over 4,000 hospital patients using a stolen nursing license, sparking legal, ethical, and insurance implications. Plus, a lively review of Happy Gilmore 2, praising Adam Sandler’s updated yet nostalgic…
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Nuclear Verdicts and the Legal Battles Shaping Insurance
37:58
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37:58In this episode of The Insurance Wrap-Up, Allen Laman, Elizabeth Blosfield, and Ezra Amacher explore the rising wave of nuclear verdicts—jury awards exceeding $10 million—and the legal and legislative strategies emerging to counter them. From groundbreaking defense tactics and trucking fraud bills to AI-powered litigation tools and evolving risks l…
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In our continuing attempt to unpack AI in insurance, we hear from Dale Steinke, a “company guy” who truly understands the daily challenges faced by independent agents. He’s director of Liberty Mutual’s Agent for the Future Advisors. Dale shares his own research on how AI prompts work on various platforms. And he outlines examples of how AI can save…
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Making Cyber Insurance Work for the Middle Market
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2:20Cyber risk is a top global concern, yet middle market companies often lag in coverage. This excerpt of the Insuring Cyber Podcast, hosted by Elizabeth Blosfield, explores how insurers are tailoring policies with industry-specific endorsements to make cyber insurance more accessible and relevant for businesses that don’t speak “cyber” fluently. To w…
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EP. 13: The British Open, Hurricane Hype and Happy Gilmore Returns!
39:22
39:22
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39:22In this lively new episode, Golfertainment George and the Florida Insurance Men Patrick Wraight and Kevin Amrhein chat about a Florida meteorologist selling hurricane predictions, the rise of concrete “hurricane-resistant” homes, and the cultural comeback of Happy Gilmore 2. They dive into the rich history of golf during The British Open weekend. T…
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SPONSORED: Protect the Inspection: Helping adjusters focus on what truly matters.
25:55
25:55
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25:55Aerial imagery and data are revolutionizing claims adjusting. Our vodcast explores how roof photos, measurements and 3D sketches are critical inputs to streamline claims workflows. Having information before an inspection is powerful, and Eagleview provides important property details so adjusters can work efficiently and settle claims onsite. Jenna …
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On this installment, insuretech exec Ilya Filipov outlines how artificial intelligence will help insurance marketers. This new generation is called agentic AI, where an “agent” mimics the work of a human in approaching problems. Ilya recommends experimenting with AI models — “There’s nothing to be scared about” — and discover how to develop clear, …
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OWCP Claims Process Explained: Complete Guide for Federal Employees (2025)
52:33
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52:33Breaking OWCP Podcast with Chris and Gini, featuring special guests Jennifer and Emmy from Federal Injury Centers. This episode provides an inside look at what happens when you call a Federal Injury Center's office for the first time and walks through the complete OWCP claims process. Featured Guests Jennifer - National Case Manager and Trainer for…
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Should I Take a Settlement or Keep Fighting?
15:22
15:22
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15:22Episode Summary: In this episode, Eric L. Pines discusses the complexities of settlement negotiations for federal employees. He shares insights on evaluating settlement offers, understanding the risks of rejecting settlements, and knowing when to negotiate for more. Eric emphasizes his passion for helping federal employees reach settlements that pr…
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EP. 105: What Insurance Experts Said About Cyber at RIMS 2025
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26:50On this episode of The Insuring Cyber Podcast, take a look back on four interviews recorded on site at RIMS 2025 in Chicago! This episode features Michael Von Gablenz, head of insure AI at HSB and Munich Re, Michelle Chia, Cyber Chief Underwriting Officer for AXA XL, Chris Mather, underwriting lead for Lloyd’s Market Association and Elizabeth Jenki…
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EP. 02 Expert: Cargo Theft up 20% in Last Five Years
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12:25Cargo theft has been on the rise for the last several years, and bad actors are becoming more sophisticated and higher tech. The increased risk along the supply chain as the act of cargo theft is an ever more global endeavor. We spoke with Keith Lewis, Vice President of Operations for Verisk CargoNet, about the trends and what they’re telling us. T…
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10 Biggest OWCP Lies Debunked: Federal Workers' Compensation Myths Exposed
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45:14Chris and Gini debunk the 10 most common OWCP lies federal employees hear from supervisors and HR, revealing the truth about workers' compensation rights and processes. The 10 OWCP Lies Debunked Lie #1: Must Use OWCP Panel Doctor Truth: You can choose ANY doctor. Search "OWCP injury doctor [your city]" on Google. Lie #2: Must Report Injury Immediat…
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SPONSORED: How Independent Agents Are Winning Big in the Rental Market – with Darren Nix, Founder of Steadily
9:10
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9:10In this special podcast episode, Insurance Journal host George Jack sits down with Darren Nix, founder of Steadily, to explore how one burned-down rental property sparked a revolution in landlord insurance. Darren shares his journey from tech founder to insurtech disruptor, diving into early missteps, key lessons, and how Steadily is building a “Ge…
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Broker Leader Combines ‘Analytics and People’
36:21
36:21
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36:21On this installment we meet Olga Collins, CEO of the Worldwide Broker Network, or WBN. Olga is a true woman of the world, speaking six languages, including Polish from her native country. She relays a fascinating life and career story as well as business lessons she’s learned along the way. She says she fell in love with risk management and insuran…
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Staying Afloat: Smart Financial Moves to Make While Your OPM Disability Retirement Claim is Pending
17:41
17:41
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17:41Episode Summary: In this informative episode, federal employment lawyer Eric Pines discusses crucial financial strategies for federal employees waiting for their OPM disability retirement claims. He covers essential topics including health insurance continuation, financial management options, and the interplay between different benefit programs lik…
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Union Presidents Don't Know This Critical Form - And Neither Do You
54:48
54:48
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54:48## Episode: Union Presidents Don't Know This Critical Form - And Neither Do You **Hosts:** Chris Gini & Gini Helms ### Key Timestamps: - **[00:06:00]** - The shocking CA-10 revelation at the National Presidents Convention - **[00:12:00]** - Can management retaliate for filing OWCP claims? - **[00:18:00]** - Medical restrictions violations and what …
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EP. 104: Tariffs, Trade, and Technology: Navigating Supply Chain Risk
18:44
18:44
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18:44In this episode of The Insuring Cyber Podcast, James Crask from Marsh discusses how companies can stay resilient in an era of rising tariffs, trade barriers, and global uncertainty. He shares his perspective on how supply chain risk is evolving and how organizations can leverage advanced technologies like AI to model risk scenarios and strengthen t…
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Independent Broker Maintains Independence
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36:53
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36:53Meet Spencer Mahoney, chief growth officer for CCIG, a Denver-based independent broker with 100 employees generating $30 million in revenue. The firm competes with the big boys in the commercial middle market for p/c and benefits, to include captive strategies. Spencer unpacks what it’s been like for he and his brother to work for dad, who founded …
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The 30-Day Secret: Why Federal Supervisors Don't Want You to Know About Limited Duty Right
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55:17Chris reveals the shocking truth about limited duty assignments that could save your federal career. Discover the 30-day rule supervisors hope you never learn about, why "signing under protest" isn't in the regulations, and how to protect yourself from workplace bullying tactics. 🎯 Key Topics Covered The "Under Protest" Myth Busted Why this phrase …
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Workers' Comp vs. Disability – Understanding Your Options as a Federal Employee
14:19
14:19
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14:19Episode Summary: In this informative episode, federal employment lawyer Eric L. Pines discusses the crucial first steps and best practices for federal employees seeking workplace accommodations. He covers documentation requirements, common mistakes to avoid, important deadlines, and employee rights in the accommodation process. Key Timestamps: 00:0…
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TSA Vice President Reveals 23 Years of Sacrifice and Zero Plane Attacks
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44:24TSA Vice President Reveals 23 Years of Sacrifice and Zero Plane Attacks In this powerful episode of Breaking OWCP Gini welcomes Thomas, TSA Union Vice President for New York & New Jersey. He shares what it’s really like behind the X-ray machine—from protecting the skies with a flawless 23-year safety record to the brutal realities federal employees…
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Why High Net Worth Clients Face Great Cyber Risk
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2:06High net worth individuals often carry public profiles that make them uniquely vulnerable to cyber threats. From executives and celebrities to board members and influencers, their visibility—and the digital footprint that comes with it—attracts sophisticated cybercriminals who may quietly monitor their online presence for months before striking. In…
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Fork in the Road: What happens to your benefits after a federal buyout?
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17:00Episode Summary: In this informative episode, federal employment attorney Eric L. Pines discusses the implications of federal buyouts, retirement benefits, and disability rights for federal employees. He explains different types of separation programs, including VERA (Voluntary Early Retirement Authority) and VSIP (Voluntary Separation Incentive Pa…
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EP. 12: Is Magic the Secret Sauce for Turning Insurance Careers Into Show‑Stopping Success?
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56:05Get ready for an exciting episode of Golfertainment with Golfertainment George, Patrick Wraight, and Kevin Amrhein as they sit down with Tony Cañas for a one-of-a-kind conversation! 🎤 Tony shares his career pivots, from underwriter to blogger, best-selling author/speaker, recruiter, and podcaster – and yes, even a magician! Hear all about his journ…
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Would you relish reading insurance contracts on a Sunday afternoon so you can properly counsel your client on what they should buy? Do we hear a “Hell, no?” That’s okay. Self-described insurance nerd and recovering insurance attorney Dan Schuleman will save you the trouble. He cofounded the insuretech Qumis as an assistive-AI platform to quickly an…
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Overcoming Barriers: Federal Employees and Mental Disability Accommodations
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12:04
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12:04Episode Summary: In this episode, Eric Pines discusses mental disability accommodations for federal employees, covering qualification criteria, common mental disabilities, reasonable accommodations, and challenges faced when requesting accommodations. The conversation explores how mental disabilities are handled differently from physical disabiliti…
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Episode Summary: In this episode, Eric L. Pines discusses OPM disability retirement and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) for federal employees. He explains the qualification requirements, application processes, and how these two disability programs interact. The episode covers common application mistakes, appeals processes, and when fede…
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InsurTech Summit 2025 Wrap-Up: Overcoming Legacy Systems, AI and Industry Transformation
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32:31In the second episode of the insurance wrap-up, the focus is on key insights from the 2025 InsurTech Summit, which showcased notable guests and discussions. Margo Giles highlights the importance of agentic AI in fostering collaboration within the insurance sector, while Alexis Vaughn points out education and job security fears as significant barrie…
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EP. 103: Managing Digital Risks in the High-Net-Worth Space
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28:13In this episode, Jason Ott, President of Aon Private Risk Management, and Diane Delaney, Executive Director of the Private Risk Management Association, spoke about the biggest cyber risks faced by high-net-worth individuals and how insurers can help navigate them. From social engineering scams to fraudulent electronic fund transfers, the risk envir…
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Honeycomb Addresses Multifamily Housing Coverage
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38:26On this installment we’re joined by Itai Ben-Zaken, founder and CEO of Honeycomb, an MGA with AI-driven technology to analyze aerial photographs of commercial building roofs to assess their condition. Honeycomb launched with admitted markets but recently expanded to E&S, opening up more opportunities for retail agents to place tough risks. For exam…
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102: How Recreational Cannabis Laws Have Affected Workers’ Comp Claims
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12:34Has the adoption of recreational cannabis laws affected workers’ compensation claims? A new study from the Workers Compensation Research Institute seeks to answer that question and others related to cannabis use and workers. We spoke with Vennela Thumula, policy analyst at the WCRI and lead author of the study, to get lots of data for the latest ep…
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