Category: Straight Outta Workers’ Comp Podcast – Audio

Guest(s):  Debra Livingston (ReEmployability), Greg Hamlin (Berkley Industrial Comp (a Berkley Company)), Dr. Les Kertay (Ascellus) Description: In this live podcast from the WCI conference in Orlando on August 19, Mark and Bob were joined by Debra Livingston (ReEmployability), Greg Hamlin (Berkley Industrial Comp (a Berkley Company)), Dr. Les Kertay (Ascellus). They had just finished their session in the Return-to-Work Breakout entitled “The 3 D’s (Deconditioned, Disengaged, and Disinformation) and…

Read More

Guest(s):  Gloria Fagan (Shepherd Center) Description: In this live podcast from the WCI conference in Orlando on August 19, Mark was joined by Gloria Fagan (Shepherd Center). She shared the important difference between “inter” disciplinary and “multi” disciplinary and how that patient-centered, team-oriented approach is the best way to help someone embrace the new normal from a catastrophic injury. Gloria also shared Shepherd Center’s origin story, 50 years ago, and…

Read More

Guest(s):  Chris Letsos (Kids' Chance of America) Description: In this live podcast from the WCI conference in Orlando on August 18, Mark and Bob were joined by Chris Letsos (Kids' Chance of America). This is his third week as the new (and first) CEO of KCOA so the WCI conference was his first big opportunity to network with all of their supporters from chapters around the country. Chris’ long-time experience…

Read More

Guest(s):  Darrell Bruga (Empatha) Description: In this live podcast from the WCI conference in Orlando on August 19, Mark was joined by Darrell Bruga (Empatha). These two friends reminisced about their common passion for the biopsychosocial treatment approach and its trajectory of adoption over the past 15+ years. Darrell discussed how AI and telehealth will help facilitate broader and more consistent implementation of that whole person recovery mindset. One generation,…

Read More

Guest(s):  Jim Anderson (Cattie & Gonzalez)Cameo(s): Catherine Benavidez (IMO) Description: In this live podcast from the WCI conference in Orlando on August 18, Mark and Bob were joined by Jim Anderson (Cattie & Gonzalez). Jim shared a preview of his session entitled “Workers’ Compensation at a Crossroads: Challenges and Opportunities for Reform” that included a defense counsel, claimant counsel, and regulator. Jim pitched the idea of finding common areas across…

Read More

Guest(s):  Stuart Colburn (Downs Stanford), Roberta Mike (Strategic Comp)Cameo(s): Evelyn McGill (Virginia Workers’ Comp Commission) Description: In this live podcast from the WCI conference in Orlando on August 18, Mark and Bob were joined by Stuart Colburn (Downs Stanford) and Roberta Mike (Strategic Comp, Workers’ Compensation Career Mentorship Group on Facebook). This jovial but deep discussion is a recap of their “How it all began” panel in the brand new…

Read More

Advancing Advocacy in Risk Management is a new way of managing the experience of a claimant to maximize the benefit to all stakeholders. The initial focus is on workers’ compensation, but this same mindset can be used for general liability, safety programs, and any other risk management setting where someone is handling a claim. The need for timely, understandable, and empathetic communication has gained traction in the past few years.…

Read More

Episode 7 of Straight Outta Workers’ Comp features Roberta Mike, Field Specialist with Strategic Comp. She has been a work comp adjuster for 44 years, including the last 15 as a field adjuster where she visits with employers, injured workers, and other stakeholders. The conversation is wide-ranging, from what she learned through our WRPA and WRP curriculum (certified in both) to her efforts to help the next generation of claims…

Read More

Episode 6 of Straight Outta Workers’ Comp features Donald Rhea, partner at The Rhea Firm (plaintiff counsel), and Mike Fish, Partner at Fish Nelson & Holden (defense counsel). They are collegial combatants in the battle over the constitutionality of workers’ compensation in Alabama. Interestingly, the primary driver is to get the attention of stakeholders – especially the legislature – to address the unfairness of the maximum weekly wage ($220) and attorney…

Read More

Episode 5 of Straight Outta Workers' Comp features Kristin Carnovale Green, President and Chief Purpose Officer for David Corey Company. She also, importantly, starts her LinkedIn profile with the term "good human," which is a perfect description of who she is. Kristin is a whirlwind of positivity, leaving an imprint on everyone with whom she interacts. Kristin, Mark, and Bob shared their individual journeys in advocating that workers' compensation embrace being kind…

Read More