Best BCS Financial Podcasts (2024)

1
“Finding the path forward” – Season 2 Finale 56:30

3M ago56:30

56:30

The Firm & Final Season 2 Finale is HERE, with a twist! We’ve brought back some friendly faces to revisit self-funding topics in our very first group podcast session. Mehb serves as moderator for this wide-ranging discussion with Andrew Trupiano of ATS Underwriting, Dan Davey of Alliant Insurance Services, and James Donnelly of Lockton Re. Listen i…

1
Finding Passion | Mike Kroupa 43:27

4M ago43:27

43:27

Join Mehb and Mike Kroupa, Benefits Advisor for Connor & Gallagher OneSource for the next episode of Firm & Final! Mehb and Mike will talk about finding passion in what you do, the parallels between home remodeling and the insurance industry, and the fear of change that is holding many employers back. Plus, Mike shares his tips for transitioning to…

1
Starting Your Own Business | Dave Rowbottom 32:12

5M ago32:12

32:12

This episode features our first actuarial guest of Season 2! Welcome Dave Rowbottom, Founder and CEO of Reinsurance Actuarial Solutions to Firm & Final. Listen in to hear Mehb and Dave discuss career paths, changes in the reinsurance industry, and an honest discussion about the risks and rewards of starting your own business. Actuaries, reinsurance…

1
Relationships Matter | Laura Morrison 36:51

5M ago36:51

36:51

Episode 9’s guest is Laura Morrison, Vice President, National Healthcare Practice, Risk Strategies. Laura shares her career experience, why she decided to get into the insurance business, and the path she’s forging for other women in the industry through women’s networking groups. Mehb and Laura also discuss the risks and opportunities facing the i…

1
Nobody Actively Seeks Out an Insurance Career | Lucy Carter 36:54

6M ago36:54

36:54

Mehb chats with Lucy Carter, Senior Vice President – Accident and Health Practice Leader, BMS Group in this next episode. Their discussion covers a wide-range of topics focusing on the international reinsurance market. You’ll hear about the differences between the U.S. and London healthcare experience, and get a detailed sense of what it’s like bro…

1
Building Your Brand | Spencer Smith 45:17

6M ago45:17

45:17

If you listen to stop loss podcasts, you KNOW this next guest! “Self Funded with Spencer” podcast host and SVP, ParetoHealth joins Mehb for episode 7 of Firm & Final. You won’t want to miss this discussion about the power of content, growing your online audience and building your brand, and changes occurring in the insurance industry. Don’t miss yo…

1
The Power of Relationships | Erin Duffy 41:58

7M ago41:58

41:58

In episode 6, Mehb chats with Erin Duffy, Director of Business Development at Imagine360 about her entrance to the industry, mentor and mentee relationships, and the importance of networking on LinkedIn. Erin, who is Chair of the SIIA Future Leaders Committee, also turns the mic back to Mehb and asks some questions about his goals and impact, too! …

1
The Entrepreneurial Side of the Industry | Ryan Sachtjen 39:46

7M ago39:46

39:46

Season 2 of Firm & Final continues with episode 5, featuring Ryan Sachtjen, Co-Founder and CEO of software company ThreeFlow. The conversation kicks off with the largest single stop loss case Ryan ever sold – which happened to be the last case before he left to start ThreeFlow. Listen in to hear about the entrepreneurial side of the stop loss and r…

1
Captives & Career Development | Dale Sagen 25:05

8M ago25:05

25:05

In episode 4, Mehb chats with Dale Sagen, VP, Business Development Leader at QBE North America about all things captives in the self-funded/stop loss industry. During the wide-ranging discussion, they talk about the early days of Dale's career, the power of social media and AI, and personal development opportunities (shout-out to mentorship and Toa…

1
Growing Up in the Industry | James Donnelly 24:50

8M ago24:50

24:50

Season 2 of Firm & Final continues with episode 3 featuring James Donnelly, Senior Broker (Accident, Health and Life) at Lockton Re. James talks with Mehb about college majors, the power of relationships, the art of the deal, and more. Watch or listen on your preferred channel today! Don’t miss your chance to hear from leaders in the Stop Loss and …

1
Learning & Developing in the Industry | Andrew Trupiano 31:50

9M ago31:50

31:50

Next up on Firm & Final is an energizing discussion with Andrew Trupiano, starting with his beginnings in the family business to his current role as President of ATS Underwriting. Andrew and Mehb chat about growing up in the business, "being a sponge", building your personal brand, and the coming charge of guard in the industry. Watch or listen on …

1
Advice for Starting Out in the Industry | Dan Davey 26:54

9M ago26:54

26:54

Firm & Final Season 2 kicks off with Dan Davey, National Director, Stop Loss at Alliant Insurance Services. Dan chats with Mehb about his career path from intern to industry expert, peppered with advice for newcomers about building relationships and finding your own way in the self-funded industry. Watch or listen on your preferred channel today! D…

1
"Capacity comes and goes" – Gary Nidds, Executive Vice President, Crum & Forster 29:26

1+ y ago29:26

29:26

Episode 16 marks the final episode of season 1! Don't miss out on this conversation with Gary Nidds, Executive Vice President, Crum & Forster, as he chats with Mehb about all things stop loss, reinsurance, and self-funding. Gary's story, and the stories shared over the previous 15 episodes, help us understand the career journeys of some of the lege…

1
"I think people overestimate the number of TPAs" – Larry Thompson, CEO, BSI Consulting 46:40

1+ y ago46:40

46:40

Larry Thompson's career began with "group school" in 1977 and has lasted through a myriad of companies, roles, and even two attempts to leave the industry. He was the youngest EVP in the history of Dun & Bradstreet, worked for all the major carriers (except Cigna), has bought and sold 8 TPAs, and has been heavily involved in industry organizations.…

1
"I just love building businesses" – Richard Fleder, President & CEO, ELMC Risk Solutions 46:19

1+ y ago46:19

46:19

Join Mehb and Richard Fleder, President and CEO of ELMC Risk Solutions, LLC, for episode 14 of Firm & Final! Richard, a serial entrepreneur who has been working in the industry since the 1970s, has started and sold a TPA, a broker/dealer, and a conglomerate of MGUs. Hear more about his experiences, including what has stayed the same and what has c…

1
"We have some of the best and the brightest in this industry" – Alison Saifer, President & CEO, Actuarial Management Strategies 39:42

1+ y ago39:42

39:42

Channel your inner entrepreneur for this episode! Mehb chats with Alison Saifer, President and CEO of independent consulting firm Actuarial Management Strategies about the "dynamic, constantly-changing" stop loss and reinsurance industry. With 26 years of experience on both sides of the aisle, Alison compares and contrasts what it means to work on …

1
"The real conversation has to be about transfer of risk" – Ken Maginot, Partner, Mercer 55:40

1+ y ago55:40

55:40

Tune in to hear Ken Maginot, Partner at Mercer, chat about his background, how he got started in the self-insurance industry, and the processes and innovations he developed at Mercer over the years – many of which are now table-stakes in the industry. Connect with Ken Maginot on LinkedIn Don’t miss your chance to hear from all the legends of the …

1
“Stop Loss is kind of like the Wild West of insurance” – Rob Bachler, Principal & Consulting Actuary, Milliman 45:14

1+ y ago45:14

45:14

In another not-your-average-actuarial discussion, Mehb chats with Rob Bachler, Principal and Consulting Actuary at Milliman, about his 20+ years of experience in the stop loss industry, the term “spaggregate”, and the breadth of work he has done beyond traditional actuarial roles. Connect with Rob Bachler on LinkedIn Don’t miss your chance to hear …

1
"There's still a lot of runway for growth" – Mike Ferguson, President and CEO, SIIA 45:10

1+ y ago45:10

45:10

In episode 10, BCS Chief Actuary Mehb Khoja chats with Mike Ferguson, President & CEO of the Self-Insurance Institute of America, Inc. (SIIA), about the objectives SIIA is driving to bring value to members, the challenges facing the industry, and his advice for the future generation of self-insurance leaders. Packed with insightful discussions and …

1
"Reinsurance is a small industry, and reputation is important"– Joann DeBlasis, Former SVP, The Hartford/Navigators Re 58:37

1+ y ago58:37

58:37

Mehb chats with Joann DeBlasis, who started her career as a CPA working in financial reporting. Joann talks about her career path and the chances she took along the way to find the right fit, ultimately spending 30+ years in reinsurance and retiring as a senior leader at The Hartford/Navigators Re. Listen in now! Connect with Joann DeBlasis: https…

1
"Have fun. Learn new things. Add maximum value." – Ray Marra, President, RJM Insurance Consulting Services 34:27

1+ y ago34:27

34:27

Employee benefits legend Ray Marra talks with Mehb about the "fun, dynamic, and fast-paced" self-funded industry, particularly in the Hartford, Connecticut area. Surprisingly, these two actuaries steer clear of reserves and rates talk, instead focusing on sales distribution, entrepreneurship, and finding the right career fit. Listen and learn! C…

1
"This industry has been driven by the great American entrepreneur" – Hobson Carroll, Former President, MedRisk Actuarial Services 1:02:21

2y ago1:02:21

1:02:21

Mehb chats with Hobson Carroll, who recently retired from his role as President of MedRisk Actuarial Services, Inc. With 45 years of experience and expertise, Hobson's stories take us back in time to a budding industry in the 70s, to the "big debacle" of the late 90s/early 2000s (and the aftermath), and finally to today - with lots of lessons along…

1
"I've never been bored!” – Liz Mariner-Ford, Senior VP of Risk Strategies Company 44:06

2y ago44:06

44:06

Listen in as Liz Mariner-Ford share her learnings from a 40-year career journey, from when she was the only female in the room, to her first SIIA meeting in 1992, and to her "final stop" at Risk Strategies, where she recently pulled a Tom Brady and about-faced her retirement plans. "I was focused on learning, listening, and ignoring the things th…

1
Mini Episode - About Firm & Final 3:27

2y ago3:27

3:27

In this mini episode, Mehb reflects on the first five episodes of Firm & Final and the purpose behind the podcast. “Success leaves clues, and those clues should be something everyone knows.” –Mehb Khoja 🖥️Play on BCS website > https://bcsf.com/firmandfinalpodcast/ 🎧Listen on Spotify > https://spoti.fi/3U7rYuq 🍎Listen on Apple Podcasts > https://app…

1
Episode 5 - Paul Fallisi 20:13

2y ago20:13

20:13

Another stop loss legend, Paul Fallisi, President of Windsor Strategy Partners, Inc., shares his insights through an energetic conversation and rapid-fire Q&A with Mehb. Listen for stories from the beginnings of Paul’s career, stretching to his current role, with a couple wardrobe malfunctions along the way. Connect with Paul Fallisi: https://www.l…

1
Episode 4 - Pat Campola 30:16

2y ago30:16

30:16

If you've ever been a mentor or mentee, episode 4 is for you! Mehb chats with Pat Campola, an industry veteran who has mentored some of the biggest and most successful names in the industry. Pat shares his advice for the next generation, and the secret sauce for success that can be summed up with the acronym, R.A.T.S. Listen and learn! Connect wit…

1
Episode 3 - Ernie Clevenger 34:48

2y ago34:48

34:48

Mehb chats with industry giant Ernie Clevenger, whose popular newsletter (“a hobby that is out of control”) gives back by sharing information to the industry and has helped make him famous in the stop loss and reinsurance world. Listen for his career highlight reel and a lightening round of Q&A full of insights and useful advice. Connect with Ernie…

1
Episode 2 - Bette Sisti 55:56

2y ago55:56

55:56

In episode 2, Bette Sisti – a former SIIA President and mainstay in the industry since the 1970s – shares insights from her decades-long career, her advice for the next crop of leaders, and the humble beginnings of MRM (spoiler alert: one headhunter saw the office and thought it was "a sting operation"). 🖥️Play on BCS website > https://bcsf.com/fir…

1
Episode 1 - Mike McLean 41:58

2y ago41:58

41:58

Mehb chats with Mike McLean – a 36+ year industry veteran, Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, and “the Michael Jordan of Stop Loss” – about his experiences over the years, how the industry has changed, and his advice for future leaders. “When the Michael Jordan of the Stop Loss industry asks you to shoot free throws with him, you don’t say no.”…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

BCS Financial Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

1
Firm & Final

BCS Financial

1
“Finding the path forward” – Season 2 Finale 56:30

1
Finding Passion | Mike Kroupa 43:27

1
Starting Your Own Business | Dave Rowbottom 32:12

1
Relationships Matter | Laura Morrison 36:51

1
Nobody Actively Seeks Out an Insurance Career | Lucy Carter 36:54

1
Building Your Brand | Spencer Smith 45:17

1
The Power of Relationships | Erin Duffy 41:58

1
The Entrepreneurial Side of the Industry | Ryan Sachtjen 39:46

1
Captives & Career Development | Dale Sagen 25:05

1
Growing Up in the Industry | James Donnelly 24:50

1
Learning & Developing in the Industry | Andrew Trupiano 31:50

1
Advice for Starting Out in the Industry | Dan Davey 26:54

1
"Capacity comes and goes" – Gary Nidds, Executive Vice President, Crum & Forster 29:26

1
"I think people overestimate the number of TPAs" – Larry Thompson, CEO, BSI Consulting 46:40

1
"I just love building businesses" – Richard Fleder, President & CEO, ELMC Risk Solutions 46:19

1
"We have some of the best and the brightest in this industry" – Alison Saifer, President & CEO, Actuarial Management Strategies 39:42

1
"The real conversation has to be about transfer of risk" – Ken Maginot, Partner, Mercer 55:40

1
“Stop Loss is kind of like the Wild West of insurance” – Rob Bachler, Principal & Consulting Actuary, Milliman 45:14

1
"There's still a lot of runway for growth" – Mike Ferguson, President and CEO, SIIA 45:10

1
"Reinsurance is a small industry, and reputation is important"– Joann DeBlasis, Former SVP, The Hartford/Navigators Re 58:37

1
"Have fun. Learn new things. Add maximum value." – Ray Marra, President, RJM Insurance Consulting Services 34:27

1
"This industry has been driven by the great American entrepreneur" – Hobson Carroll, Former President, MedRisk Actuarial Services 1:02:21

1
"I've never been bored!” – Liz Mariner-Ford, Senior VP of Risk Strategies Company 44:06

1
Mini Episode - About Firm & Final 3:27

1
Episode 5 - Paul Fallisi 20:13

1
Episode 4 - Pat Campola 30:16

1
Episode 3 - Ernie Clevenger 34:48

1
Episode 2 - Bette Sisti 55:56

1
Episode 1 - Mike McLean 41:58

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