Insurance After Dark
The Insurance After Dark podcast discusses the real-life, close-to-home issues that are prevalent in our industry. We will have real conversations, no bs'ing, no crazy editing, just the truth because we all deserve to be honest with each other. As agents, business owners, sales people, csrs, carrier reps, we have to cut through the crap if we truly want to make our industry, and each other, stronger.
Agency Owner Mike Campos of Best Buy Insurance joins us
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Special Guest: Dave Rose from bolt says "GO FOR IT"
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Vira and Carlos sit down with Dave Rose, Head of Agency at bolt, for an honest conversation about the independent insurance space. With over 20 years at Liberty Mutual and Travelers under his belt, Dave brings a perspective that's equal parts industry veteran and forward thinker. They dig into what today's insurance consumer actually wants — spoiler: it's not that different from what they always wanted — and why the independent agent has not only survived but continued to gain market share despite years of predictions otherwise. Dave also breaks down how bolt help...
Special Guest: Katie Gold from The Zebra
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New year, same hosts—Carlos and Vira kick things off with a timely conversation on where insurance is headed, featuring Katie Gold, VP of Insurance at The Zebra (TheZebra.com). Katie breaks down how insurtech is evolving, why consumer education is the real “sales strategy,” and how AI can make advisors sharper (not obsolete). Expect real talk, personal stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at scaling a modern insurance operation.
Key Highlights
Meet the guest: Katie Gold, 16+ years in insurance (sales...How to go 100% Virtual with your Agency
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We welcome Majda Baltic back to break down what it really means to run a 100% virtual insurance agency.
In the episode, Majda explains that “virtual” isn’t just working remotely, it’s a full operational model where AI, automations, and centralized systems handle quoting, servicing, and workflows so the business doesn’t rely on individuals. She also unpacks what being “digital” (paperless, cloud-based systems) and “green” (lean operations with lower overhead and higher profit) really means.
The episode sets up a live discussion with agents who want to learn how to...
It's time to get in shape!
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In this episode, we ask you to get in better shape, professionally. We also dive into our 2025 reflections. And, some fun stuff is coming your way in 2026! Wishing you all Happy Holidays.
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From the Classroom to the Capital
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In this episode, we’re joined by Samantha Tradelius, an insurance professional who turns big ideas into real-world impact. With two decades of business experience, a leadership role in the insurance industry, and the heart behind The Sparkle Foundation, she brings grit, generosity, and unmistakable sparkle to everything she touches. From boardrooms to classrooms to global stages, she’s redefining leadership, empowering women, and building communities that actually move the needle. We're excited to have her on Insurance After Dark.
Learn more: www.samanthatradelius.com
Thank you s...
Everything she touches turns to SOLD
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In this episode, you'll meet Majda Baltic (pronounced Mida, like in the expression "she's got the Mida's Touch") an Insurance Agency Owner that went 100% digital before digital was cool (long before carriers embraced the concept). Majda shares her story of struggle, survival and success in this interview that is not to be missed. If you're ready to go digital, take notes as you listen to this episode.
Enter Majda's world here: majdabaltic.com
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Live Interviews From Vegas
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We continue to bring you more from ITC Vegas 2025. In this episode, you'll hear from three amazing guests as they share their experiences in our industry. Tip: if you've been looking for a Home outlet, you can't miss this episode. We hope you enjoy these clips.
Aaron Ealy - Trucker Path Insurance
Brad Stoub - Openly
Jessica - CA Insurance Agent
David Dwanyen, Kerry Sullivan - SuperAgent AI
Jon Spaugy - ABU
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CA Agents Recap - ITC Vegas 2025
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This is our first big group episode and we can't wait for you to hear it. Thank you Jose Arellano, Zaira Fernandez, Mike Campos, Charley Todd and Christine Mason for being on the show!!
Make sure to follow them on Linkedin to keep up with their AI journeys.
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Meet Stephanie Weagant: A Next Gen Agency Owner
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In this episode, Stephanie opens up about stepping into the family business and the lessons she’s learned (and still learning!) along the way. If you’re taking over your parents’ agency, or preparing to hand yours down, you have to listen to this episode.
Learn more about Stephanie and AllRisk
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Special Guest: Tyler Nicholson of Aspire General Insurance
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In this episode, we talk to Chief Revenue & Distribution Officer, and our good friend, Tyler Nicholson of Aspire General Insurance.
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Vegas here we come! ITC Vegas 2025
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We've got Drake from ITC Vegas back on the show, and he has a PROMO code for you. In this episode, you'll hear why as an agency owner you can't miss this year's event in October!
Learn more: ITC Agents & Brokers
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Risky Business with YRP
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In this episode, we meet the Young Risk Professionals of Vegas. If you're an agent in Vegas, this episode is for you.
Learn more about YPR Vegas, Danielle and Alex here: Young Risk Professionals
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Insurance, immigration, conspiracies... all the things
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In this episode, we get into current events and how they impact our industry. And, of course, Carlos rabbit holes on an insurance question.
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Sometimes, you just have to vent a little.
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In this episode, we remark on how quiet things are right and get into something that really bugs Carlos.
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How much TECH is too much TECH?
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Are you overwhelmed by all the Insurtech out there? Listen to this episode before you buy more tech- especially, if you're a newbie!
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"Special" Agent Jose Arellano: "I almost didn't get out of the car"
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You guys are going to get to meet "special" agent, Jose Arellano. He goes deep into the fears of selling something new (in his case, commercial insurance) mentorship and the importance of investing in yourself. He also shares his creative way of getting passed the gatekeeper.
You can find Jose on IG: @jose_arellano013
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Carlos, were you in Vegas? ABU Convention Recap
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If you didn't attend this year's ABU Convention, get the recap here. People from across the US rolled out.
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"I thought I was covered!"
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There are some things an agent never wants to hear from a client... "I thought I was covered for that..."
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Insurance, politicians and tax payer funds
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This episode goes into tax payer funds and public perception. What do you think is the truth?
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Should I start my own agency?
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Is it ever the right time to start your own agency?
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Stay on top of your business
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Commissioner Lara Town Hall Recap
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Carlos breaks down what was discussed at the town hall and gives his perspective.
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Does family work for you?
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Everything's cool until it's not.
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This one is for all my newbies out there
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New to insurance? Welcome! We can't wait to hear all about your shattered expectations. Just kidding! Insurance is the best.
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The sales agent has left the building
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After what CA just experienced, selling is done. You need to educate more than you ever have. You need to listen, be compassionate and patient because the consumer just got harder to sell to.
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RESHARING: What makes us different?
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This episode was first shared on 08/03/2023. In this episode, we reflect on previous conversations and what sets us apart from other podcasts.
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Do you hit it and quit it?
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What happens after you make the sale? Do you forget about your client?
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"I'm mad as heck and I'm not going to take it anymore!"
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We thank the person(s) that emailed us and inspired this episode. Thank you for sharing how you feel right now. It's not easy. We appreciate your openness and we hear you.
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It's Never Too Late To Start - Special Guest Willie Patton Jr
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In this episode, we speak to someone that is living proof that it is never too late to start in insurance.
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Los Angeles: a city on fire
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People are angry with insurance companies right now. There is some justification but there is also a lot of misinformation being spread. We're sad that this is the way we kick off the new year, but life comes at you no matter what.
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Resharing: Are Networking Events Worth It?
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This episode first aired in Feb 2024. Did you attend a few networking events? Are you going to make it a point to attend some in 2025?
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Following up on current events
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In this episode, we spend a little more time discussing the UHC incident.
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December: CURRENT EVENTS
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In this episode, we talk about a few things that took place in during the few weeks we took a break. We'll be back next week with more updates.
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RESHARING: Is insurance your main source of income?
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This episode first aired on September 28, 2023: Do you do other things besides insurance? What other businesses help you stay afloat? Is insurance your main source of income?
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RESHARING: Buying or Selling An Agency
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First aired on Feb 1, 2024: Carey Wallace of Agency Focus digs deep into the mechanism of buying or selling an agency. She shares insights that can benefit your agency valuation immediately.
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Jeff Arnold, the guy that loves insurance even more than Carlos and Vira
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Jeff Arnold, aka the "Insurance Futurist" (as Vira dubbed him), takes IAD on a captivating journey in this episode. We dive into tech, history, ego, limitations, and endless possibilities. Get ready to walk away feeling SO proud to be part of the insurance industry.
To learn more about Jeff, visit: https://jeffarnold.com/
Free resources for you: https://jeffarnold.com/books/
Follow Jeff on Linkedin
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Alien Insurance
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How can you not love an industry that thinks about your family and healthcare should you get abducted by aliens?
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Guest Speaker Rocio Luna talks Workers Comp
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Rocio Luna, a commercial insurance expert, joins us to talk about Workers Comp and risk management- two aspects of insurance that we tend to over-complicate. Listen, learn and apply!
Learn more: https://www.rociolunains.com/
Linkedin: Rocio Luna
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Who are you voting for? Just kidding
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Election day is almost here and things are getting heated. Do you post your political opinions online? Do you think in can hurt your business?
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