The Business of Benefits Podcast

40 Episodes
Subscribe

By: Hi Hello Labs Network

For decades, employers have been fed a lie: “There’s nothing you can do to control healthcare costs.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. The system is doing exactly what it was designed to do—profit off of HR, CFOs, and CEOs who believe that lie year after year.With 180 million Americans relying on employer-sponsored healthcare, it’s time to challenge the status quo. The Business of Benefits is your No BS, No Sales guide to the real solutions. No gimmicks—just the truth about how to take control, transform your benefits, and care for your most valuable asset: your pe...

✂️ Turn this podcast into clips
84. The People's Picks: The Most-Watched Moments of the Year
84. The People's Picks: The Most-Watched Moments of the Year episode artwork
#84
Today at 3:03 PM

This episode is built entirely from your favorite moments. In this year-in-review special, hosts Chelsea Ryckis and Donovan Ryckis of Ethos Benefits count down the most-watched clips of the year, the conversations that changed how employers think about their self-funded health plan. Across seven conversations you'll hear from an HVAC owner who found a 97% price difference on the same medical claim, an HR leader who saved her company $24 million, a PBM insider who exposes who owns who in the drug supply chain, a stop loss expert who makes self-funded vs. fully insured make sense, a reference-based pricing specialist who busts...


84. The People's Picks: The Most-Watched Moments of the Year
84. The People's Picks: The Most-Watched Moments of the Year episode artwork
#84
Today at 11:00 AM

This episode is built entirely from your favorite moments. In this year-in-review special, hosts Chelsea Ryckis and Donovan Ryckis of Ethos Benefits count down the most-watched clips of the year, the conversations that changed how employers think about their self-funded health plan. Across seven conversations you'll hear from an HVAC owner who found a 97% price difference on the same medical claim, an HR leader who saved her company $24 million, a PBM insider who exposes who owns who in the drug supply chain, a stop loss expert who makes self-funded vs. fully insured make sense, a reference-based pricing specialist who busts...


83. “I Don’t Know” Won’t Cut It in a Department of Labor Audit w/ Patrick Williams
83. “I Don’t Know” Won’t Cut It in a Department of Labor Audit w/ Patrick Williams episode artwork
#83
07/30/2026

In this episode, host Chelsea Ryckis sits down with Patrick Williams, Co-Founder of Fiduciary in a Box, to reset what it actually means to be a fiduciary over your company’s health plan, and why “I don’t know” is the one answer that won’t hold up in a Department of Labor audit. We cover the core tenets of fiduciary duty under ERISA, the difference between settlor and non-settlor functions, and why the same prudent-process standard employers already apply to their 401(k) now applies to their health plan under the CAA. Patrick shares real stories from his own client base, incl...


82. A Panel Discussion with 2 Employer Case Studies w/ Jaimie Jarvis & Stephanie Porrino
82. A Panel Discussion with 2 Employer Case Studies w/ Jaimie Jarvis & Stephanie Porrino episode artwork
#82
07/16/2026

At SHRM26, moderator Chelsea Ryckis and Ethos Benefits co-founder Donovan Ryckis brought two employers on stage to show what taking control of a self-funded health plan looks like in dollars and cents. Stephanie Porrino (formerly HR Director at Hendry Marine Industries, now Founder & CEO of Empower Healthcare Insights) and Jaimie Jarvis (HR Director at Kalos Services) walk through the plan changes, broker breakups, and multi-year strategy that took their companies from reactive renewals to governed, fiduciary-driven plans, backed by real claims data. We cover the four moving parts of every health plan (PBM, network, TPA, stop loss), why fully...


81. Why Your Wellness Program Isn't Working: The Data-Driven Fix for Employee Burnout w/ Dr. Romie Mushtaq
81. Why Your Wellness Program Isn't Working: The Data-Driven Fix for Employee Burnout w/ Dr. Romie Mushtaq episode artwork
07/02/2026

In this episode of The Business of Benefits, host Chelsea Ryckis sits down with Dr. Romie Mushtaq, triple board-certified physician, national bestselling author, Chief Wellness Officer at Great Wolf Resorts, and founder of the brainSHIFT Institute, to have the workforce wellness conversation that the benefits industry has been missing.
Dr. Romie pulls back the curtain on why burnout has become one of the most overused and misunderstood terms in corporate America, and what's actually driving the crisis. From her personal story of near-fatal burnout in 2010 to building science-backed, data-driven wellness programs for 14,000+ employees, she brings the clinical receipts to...


80. Built Different: The Ethos Story w/ Chelsea Ryckis & Donovan Ryckis
80. Built Different: The Ethos Story w/ Chelsea Ryckis & Donovan Ryckis episode artwork
06/18/2026

The benefits industry is broken. $37,824. That's the average cost of a family of four on an employer-sponsored health plan in 2026 and it's growing at 9% a year. So how did we get here, and what does it actually look like to fight back?


In this episode, host Austin Townend sits down with Chelsea Ryckis (President) and Donovan Ryckis (CEO) of Ethos Benefits for the origin story nobody asked for but everyone needs to hear. From Donovan's background as a fiduciary securities advisor who saw the same conflicts in healthcare and couldn't look away, to Chelsea getting hit in...


79. Stop Ignoring Women's Health Benefits w/ Brittany George
79. Stop Ignoring Women's Health Benefits w/ Brittany George episode artwork
06/04/2026

In this episode, host Chelsea Ryckis sits down with Brittany George( insurance industry veteran, founder of Her Consulting, and author of A Tale of Two Births) to pull back the curtain on maternal healthcare in America. Brittany brings a rare perspective: 17 years in health insurance, time at Fountain Health, and two profoundly different birth experiences that changed everything she thought she knew about the system she worked in.


They cover the cascade of interventions most women don't know they're signing up for, why the incentives inside hospitals are misaligned against patients, what fentanyl has to do with...


78. The Real ROI of Mental Health Benefits
78. The Real ROI of Mental Health Benefits episode artwork
05/21/2026

What if making mental health care completely free for your employees actually lowered your total plan costs?


In this solo episode, host Chelsea Ryckis breaks down one of the most compelling case studies in Ethos Benefits' history, a manufacturing company with 350–380 employees that eliminated every financial barrier to mental health care. Zero copays. Zero deductibles. Unlimited sessions. Open network. No prior authorization.


The result? 12% utilization (vs. a 4% national benchmark), 594 claims, an average of 14 sessions per member — and a total cost of just $7 per employee per month. Meanwhile, traditional plans with restrictions are benchmarking at $14–$17 PEPM f...


77. A Candid Look at Health Benefits, Compliance, and the State of the Industry
77. A Candid Look at Health Benefits, Compliance, and the State of the Industry episode artwork
05/07/2026

In this special episode of The Business of Benefits, host Austin Townend flips the script and interviews our very own President and Co-Founder, Chelsea Ryckis. Together, they break down exactly what employers need to know about healthcare compliance, vendor accountability, and controlling costs heading into 2026.

We cover the massive compliance shifts from the last 12 months—including the CAA of 2026 and FTC scrutiny on PBMs—and why these changes are the ultimate leverage for plan sponsors. Chelsea unpacks why Direct Primary Care (DPC) combined with HSAs is a game-changer, why ICHRAs are just a bandaid for healthcare inflation, and...


76. The Doctor Who Cut the Middleman Out of Imaging w/ Cristin Dickerson
76. The Doctor Who Cut the Middleman Out of Imaging w/ Cristin Dickerson episode artwork
04/23/2026

In this episode of The Business of Benefits, host Chelsea Ryckis sits down with Dr. Cristin Dickerson, founder of Green Imaging, to uncover the power of direct contracting for employer-sponsored health plans. They dive deep into how getting the "middleman" out of the equation can save plan sponsors up to 60% on medical imaging while actually improving the quality of care for employees.


We cover how direct contracting works in practice, why traditional insurance models artificially inflate imaging costs, and how Green Imaging is flipping the script by providing transparent, cash-pay rates. Dr. Dickerson explains the HIPAA Omnibus...


75. Mark Cuban: Your Broker is Lying To You
75. Mark Cuban: Your Broker is Lying To You episode artwork
04/09/2026

In this explosive episode of The Business of Benefits, host Chelsea Ryckis and Fiduciary Benefits Consultant Talia Hansen sit down with entrepreneur and billionaire Mark Cuban to discuss the massive disruption happening in the healthcare industry. Mark shares the origin story behind Cost Plus Drugs and Cost Plus Wellness, and why employers hold the ultimate power to fix the broken healthcare system.


We cover how employers can stop overpaying for healthcare, the critical importance of aligned incentives, and why direct-to-employer programs are the future. Mark breaks down the hidden games played by traditional PBMs and carriers, and...


74. Benefits Consultant Reacts to Shady Contract Clauses w/ Chelsea Ryckis
74. Benefits Consultant Reacts to Shady Contract Clauses w/ Chelsea Ryckis episode artwork
03/26/2026

Your health plan contracts are full of hidden traps and most employers never read them until it's too late.


In this solo episode of The Business of Benefits, Chelsea Ryckis of Ethos Benefits pulls back the curtain on the most alarming contract clauses she's encountered in the last six to eight months. From undisclosed broker bonuses and spread pricing to termination traps and one-sided indemnification clauses, Chelsea breaks down exactly what to look for and what it actually means for your company.


This episode is essential listening for any business owner, HR professional, or...


73. From Peo to Independent Excellence: The GQR Wynden Stark Healthcare Story
73. From Peo to Independent Excellence: The GQR Wynden Stark Healthcare Story episode artwork
03/13/2026

In this special episode of The Business of Benefits, we pull back the curtain on a real-life, multi-year healthcare strategy transformation. Join our hosts as they sit down with Connie Alvarez, Director of HR at Wynden Stark, to dissect the five-year journey of their self-funded health plan. This is a masterclass for any employer feeling trapped by rising premiums and lack of control.

We explore the highs, the lows, and the unexpected curveballs—from navigating mergers and acquisitions to tackling the complexities of a fluctuating workforce in the healthcare staffing industry. Discover how Wynden Stark, with the guidance of...


72. Future Proofing Your Health Benefits: A Case Study in Multi-Year Planning w/ Julia Watt
72. Future Proofing Your Health Benefits: A Case Study in Multi-Year Planning w/ Julia Watt episode artwork
02/26/2026

In this session, Chelsea Ryckis and Julia Watt, Director of HR at Medical Technology Transfer (MTT), delve into a case study on "Future-Proofing Your Health Benefits." They discuss how MTT, a 125-employee company, achieved a 67% reduction in claims cost over three years through a multi-year strategic plan. This conversation offers a roadmap for employers of all sizes to move away from the traditional, reactive renewal cycle and adopt a proactive, data-driven approach to managing healthcare costs and fiduciary responsibilities.

What you'll learn:How a small employer (125 employees) can implement innovative healthcare strategies often considered only for...


71. The Hospital Programs Your Broker Never Mentioned: 501(r) & Hospital Bill Review with Patrick Haig
71. The Hospital Programs Your Broker Never Mentioned: 501(r) & Hospital Bill Review with Patrick Haig episode artwork
02/12/2026

In this episode of The Business of Benefits, host Donovan Ryckis sits down with Patrick Haig, co-founder and CEO of Goodbill, to reveal the secrets of hospital billing that every employer needs to know. They dive deep into the world of 501(r), a little-known IRS regulation that requires nonprofit hospitals to offer financial assistance, and how it can dramatically reduce healthcare costs for both employees and plan sponsors.
Patrick explains how Goodbill leverages this and other strategies to audit hospital bills, find errors (which appear in about half of all bills), and secure significant savings. This is a must-listen...


70. Redefining Benefits Leadership w/ Stephanie Porrino & Kristina Ewing
70. Redefining Benefits Leadership w/ Stephanie Porrino & Kristina Ewing episode artwork
01/29/2026

In this episode of The Business of Benefits, host Chelsea Ryckis sits down with two trailblazing benefits leaders, Stephanie Porrino, Director of HR at Hendry Marine Industries, and Kristina Ewing, Director of Health and Wellbeing at Shoestring Valley Holdings at the Best of the Best Florida Healthcare Alliance event. Together, they share their journeys of transforming employer health plans through innovative strategies, data-driven decision making, and bold vendor partnerships, offering actionable insights for employers ready to take control of their benefits and deliver real value to their people.


From self-funding and reference-based pricing to no-cost care alternatives...


69. Zero-Copay Generic Drugs & Six-Figure Savings w/ Trace Voshell
69. Zero-Copay Generic Drugs & Six-Figure Savings w/ Trace Voshell episode artwork
01/15/2026

In this episode of The Business of Benefits, host Donovan Ryckis sits down with Trace Voshell, Chief Revenue Officer at GoGoMeds, to expose one of the most overlooked cost drains in employer healthcare: generic drug inflation. While most employers focus on high-cost specialty medications, Trace reveals that generic drugs, covering 80-90% of employees on medication, are systematically overpriced by 30-60% through PBM spread pricing and hidden conflicts of interest.

Trace pulls back the curtain on how PBMs profit twice (on adjudication and through ownership of mail order pharmacies), why brokers often block cost-saving solutions (hint: per-script kickbacks), and...


68. The Great American Healthcare Heist with Guest Chris Deacon
68. The Great American Healthcare Heist with Guest Chris Deacon episode artwork
12/18/2025

In this episode, Donovan and Chelsea sit down with Chris Deacon, a nationally known healthcare reform advocate, attorney, and former director of the State of New Jersey’s massive public sector health plan. Chris pulls back the curtain on how public and private employers are getting overcharged, how procurement and politics protect the status quo, and why nonprofit hospital systems often behave like for-profit empires. They break down real examples of claims, hospital contracts, and “negotiated” rates that actually drive prices higher, not lower.

You will hear Chris unpack key themes from her new book The Great American Health...


67. How One Employer Broke The Renewal Cycle: A Case Study
67. How One Employer Broke The Renewal Cycle: A Case Study episode artwork
12/11/2025

In this episode of The Business of Benefits, Donovan Ryckis guest starred on a Be More Than a Fiduciary Podcast episode with Eric Dyson of 90 North Consulting and Brenda Kruse of Axiom Healthcare Services. Together, they break down how employers can finally escape the renewal treadmill, create a 3–5 year benefits strategy, and apply fiduciary principles to healthcare.


Brenda shares Axiom’s transformation... from repeated renewal frustration to achieving a 13% premium decrease, lowering deductibles, expanding benefits, and reducing employee out-of-pocket costs by 27–38%. Eric and Donovan dig into why the healthcare system fails employers, how to identify misaligned incentives, and wh...


66. Self-Funding Explained in 60 MINUTES with Spencer Smith
66. Self-Funding Explained in 60 MINUTES with Spencer Smith episode artwork
12/04/2025

In this episode, Donovan Ryckis, CEO of Ethos Benefits, sits down with Spencer Smith (SVP of Sales at Pareto Health and host of Self-Funded with Spencer) to unpack captives, stop-loss, PBMs, and the steps plan sponsors can take to finally regain control of healthcare spend.
Spencer shares how short, educational content helped bring self-funding concepts downstream, why captives act like “bumpers” against catastrophic renewals, and where employers should start: data access, pharmacy, and a long-term strategy. They cover real-world examples—NICU and oncology claims, lasers, biosimilars, international sourcing—and discuss why employee contributions keep rising when nothing seems to change.


65. The New Fiduciary Frontier: Transparency, Litigation & the Future of Employer Health Plans
65. The New Fiduciary Frontier: Transparency, Litigation & the Future of Employer Health Plans episode artwork
#65
11/20/2025

In this episode of The Business of Benefits, Donovan Ryckis sits down with attorney and national thought leader Alden J. Bianchi to expose one of the most costly and overlooked failures in employer-sponsored healthcare: the illusion of broker transparency. The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) was supposed to fix hidden compensation. It didn’t. Instead, it created a fiduciary requirement to ask, without ever creating a requirement for brokers to actually tell. Employers are expected to manage fiduciary risk without pricing transparency, claims clarity, or conflict-free advice. Alden brings decades of experience advising Fortune 500 employers, consulting firms, and government agencies on ER...


64. Breaking Free from the Broker Trap with Lori Kleiman
64. Breaking Free from the Broker Trap with Lori Kleiman episode artwork
11/13/2025

In this HR Special, host Chelsea Ryckis sits down with friend and industry leader Lori Kleiman to talk about what it takes to level up from HR department-of-one to strategic business partner, without losing sight of day-to-day realities.


We cover how small to mid-size employers can decide when to hire fractional or in-house HR, why headcount matters more than revenue, and the rising complexity of multi-state compliance. We also unpack the hidden opportunity for HR to lead on healthcare and benefits strategy.

Chelsea explains renewal “stall” tactics, fiduciary responsibility on health plans, and practical steps HR can t...


63. The New Health System: Inside Employer Health with Dr. Zeev Neuwirth
63. The New Health System: Inside Employer Health with Dr. Zeev Neuwirth episode artwork
10/30/2025

In this episode of The Business of Benefits Podcast, Chelsea Ryckis sits down with Dr. Zeev Neuwirth — physician, author of Reframing Healthcare and Beyond the Walls, and host of the Creating a New Healthcare podcast — for an unfiltered conversation about what’s really broken in America’s healthcare system and what employers can actually do to fix it.

From the hidden “healthcare tax” driving wage stagnation to how misaligned incentives have created a medical industrial complex, this episode dives deep into the uncomfortable truth: only 20 cents of every healthcare dollar reaches doctors, nurses, and clinicians. The rest? Lost in layers of...


62. You Don’t Need More Vendors — You Need Accountability
62. You Don’t Need More Vendors — You Need Accountability episode artwork
10/16/2025

Tired of shiny pitches and vague promises? In this solo episode, we break down a practical, repeatable system for holding your benefits vendors accountable so your plan actually performs.  From rock-solid RFPs to airtight contracts and respectful escalation, you’ll learn how to set clear expectations, track outcomes, and course-correct fast.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to design an RFP that prevents surprises laterWhat to demand in contracts: performance guarantees, termination language, fees, BAAs, data sharing, and fiduciary statusThe must-ask questions about integrations, cybersecurity, conflicts of interest, and compensationA simple cadence for accountability meeti...


61. Inside IFEBP: Fiduciary Duty, CEBS & Future Benefits Trends with Justin Held
61. Inside IFEBP: Fiduciary Duty, CEBS & Future Benefits Trends with Justin Held episode artwork
10/02/2025

Welcome back to the No BS. No sales pitch. Just real solutions podcast.  This week our host Chelsea Ryckis sits down with Justin Held, CEBS of the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) to unpack what HR, CFOs, and CEOs need now: neutral education, fiduciary guardrails, and a practical path to future-proof employee benefits.


In this episode:
What IFEBP is and how it helps plan sponsors with objective, non-lobbying educationCEBS breakdown: curriculum, timelines, and why employers fund itFiduciary duty basics after ERISA and why CAA 2021 put health plans under the spotlightThe 2025–2026 benefits agenda: PBM contracts, data analysis...


60. Benefits Red Flags Every Employer Needs to Catch
60. Benefits Red Flags Every Employer Needs to Catch episode artwork
09/18/2025

If you have ever been told “you can’t access your own portal” or “don’t worry, we’ve got great PPO discounts,” this episode is for you. Today host Chelsea unpacks real stories employers have shared with me and the costly myths behind them. Names and details are changed, the situations are real. Use this as a checklist to protect your plan, your data, and your people.


In this episode
The red flag no one should ignore: being blocked from your own carrier portalNo access to your ben-admin system and why that traps you from shoppi...


59. The Big Lie in Healthcare: Nelson Griswold on How Employers Can Cut Costs & Improve Care
59. The Big Lie in Healthcare: Nelson Griswold on How Employers Can Cut Costs & Improve Care episode artwork
09/04/2025

Welcome back to The Business of Benefits Podcast, your no BS, no sales guide to real solutions in employee benefits.

Today, host Chelsea Ryckis sits down with Nelson Griswold of Next Gen Benefits to unpack the so-called “big lie” in healthcare and show employers how to take control of cost and quality. Nelson Griswold is a leading voice in employer-sponsored healthcare reform and author of Healthcare’s C-Suite Solution, Fixing American Healthcare, and Life and Death Decisions in the C-Suite. He helps CEOs and CFOs manage healthcare like a supply chain and turn overspend into free cash flow.  Nelson explains w...


58. Stop Playing the Renewal Game: A Real Roadmap for Employer Healthcare Plans
58. Stop Playing the Renewal Game: A Real Roadmap for Employer Healthcare Plans episode artwork
08/28/2025

Welcome back to The Business of Benefits Podcast – your no-BS, no-sales guide to real solutions in employee benefits.

In this solo episode, host Chelsea breaks down what it really means to have a multi-year healthcare strategy for your company. Instead of reacting to renewals at the last minute and hearing the same excuses year after year, Chelsea shows you how to treat your benefits program like a true business plan—with long-term goals, measurable KPIs, and strategies that actually deliver results.

You’ll hear a real client case study that has achieved five straight years of decrea...


57. Exposing the Flaws in Employer Healthcare: What Brokers Won’t Tell You with Jay Gepfert
57. Exposing the Flaws in Employer Healthcare: What Brokers Won’t Tell You with Jay Gepfert episode artwork
08/07/2025

In this powerful episode, Donovan Ryckis sits down with Jay Gepfert, President of The Culpepper Group, to unpack what employers don't know—and what it’s costing them. With decades of experience on both the retirement and healthcare side of the fiduciary table, Jay brings the receipts on how hidden broker compensation, lack of transparency, and outdated fee structures are draining company resources and exposing employers to serious risk. 

You’ll hear:
Why healthcare benefits need the same due diligence as retirement plansHow compensation models drive broker behavior—and what to demand insteadA real case study showing 46% savings i...


56. The Truth About Reference-Based Pricing: What Employees Really Experience with Danielle Young
56. The Truth About Reference-Based Pricing: What Employees Really Experience with Danielle Young episode artwork
07/24/2025

Welcome back to The Business of Benefits Podcast! In Part 2 of our deep dive with Danielle Young of ClaimDoc, we shift focus from theory to reality — what actually happens when employees engage with a reference-based pricing (RBP) plan?

We break down:
The truth about provider accessHow ClaimDoc achieves a 96%+ acceptance rateFear-based tactics vs real-world outcomesHow to handle balance bills — and prevent themWhy communication before open enrollment is keyThe co-fiduciary model that protects employees and employersWhat brokers should be doing (and what to look out for)Building a proactive communication strategy that WORKSThis episode is a must-listen for HR l...


55. Stop Overpaying for Health Benefits (RBP) for Employers with Guest Danielle Young
55. Stop Overpaying for Health Benefits (RBP) for Employers with Guest Danielle Young episode artwork
07/10/2025

Welcome to The Business of Benefits Podcast — the no BS, no sales guide to transforming your health benefits. In this explosive Part 1 of our two-part series, Chelsea Ryckis sits down with Danielle Young of ClaimDoc and host of Claim Talk to unpack one of the most misunderstood and feared concepts in healthcare: reference-based pricing (RBP). What is RBP? How does it really work?

And is it as scary as traditional brokers and carriers make it seem? Danielle breaks it down with real-world examples, industry insights, and straight talk on what’s broken in the system and how employers can...


54. $24 Million Saved: How Stephanie Koch Took Control of Her Company’s Healthcare Spend
54. $24 Million Saved: How Stephanie Koch Took Control of Her Company’s Healthcare Spend episode artwork
06/26/2025

Today’s episode of The Business of Benefits is a masterclass in bold HR leadership. Meet Stephanie Koch, Director of HR at Hendry Marine, who shares how she went from sitting silently in renewal meetings to transforming her company’s healthcare strategy — saving nearly $24 million in the process.

Host Chelsea Ryckis and Stephanie dive deep into:
Why most companies are stuck in “spreadsheet” healthcareWhat reference-based pricing really means (and how it changed everything)How Stephanie turned HR into a profit centerThe truth behind working with legacy brokersWhy data access, transparency, and courage are key to real changeThe ROI of ons...


53. Is Your TPA Costing You More Than You Think?
53. Is Your TPA Costing You More Than You Think? episode artwork
06/12/2025

In this no-nonsense episode of The Business of Benefits, host Chelsea Ryckis dives into the critical but often misunderstood world of Third Party Administrators (TPAs) with industry veteran Eugene Starks. This episode offers employers and consultants a candid breakdown of why the TPA is arguably the most important player in a health plan—acting as the “quarterback” responsible for claims processing, eligibility management, vendor coordination, and plan integrity.

Eugene brings over two decades of insider expertise to the table, explaining:
The core functions of a TPA—including paying claims, managing eligibility, and building plan logicWhat questions employers should a...


52. Why Bryan Orr Said Goodbye to Traditional Health Insurance—and Won
52. Why Bryan Orr Said Goodbye to Traditional Health Insurance—and Won episode artwork
05/29/2025

This week's episode dives deep into real-world strategies for transforming health plans—rooted in fiduciary responsibility, transparency, and measurable outcomes. 

In this powerful episode, the team sits down with Bryan Orr, CEO of Kalos Services, live from the 2025 Florida Health Care Alliance conference. Bryan shares how he radically redesigned his company’s health plan—cutting costs by 42% below national benchmarks while slashing employee cost share by more than half.

With 10 kids and a 400-person team, Bryan had every reason to care deeply about healthcare outcomes. His story is a masterclass in bold leadership, data-driven decisions, and buildin...


51. Your Benefits, Your Risk: Why Fiduciary Duty Can’t Be Ignored
51. Your Benefits, Your Risk: Why Fiduciary Duty Can’t Be Ignored episode artwork
05/16/2025

In this high-impact episode of  The Business of Benefits Podcast, we're cutting through the legal jargon and post-lunch drowsiness to bring you the most engaging conversation you’ll ever hear on fiduciary compliance. Hosts Chelsea and Donovan Ryckis pull back the curtain on what it really means to be a fiduciary under ERISA, especially in today’s healthcare landscape, where misaligned incentives are costing employers and employees big.

Chelsea shares her personal journey from NCAA athlete to healthcare advocate after a traumatic brain injury exposed the broken realities of the American health system. Donovan breaks down the parallels betwe...


51. Your Benefits, Your Risk: Why Fiduciary Duty Can’t Be Ignored
51. Your Benefits, Your Risk: Why Fiduciary Duty Can’t Be Ignored episode artwork
05/15/2025

In this high-impact episode of  The Business of Benefits Podcast, we're cutting through the legal jargon and post-lunch drowsiness to bring you the most engaging conversation you’ll ever hear on fiduciary compliance. Hosts Chelsea and Donovan Ryckis pull back the curtain on what it really means to be a fiduciary under ERISA, especially in today’s healthcare landscape, where misaligned incentives are costing employers and employees big.

Chelsea shares her personal journey from NCAA athlete to healthcare advocate after a traumatic brain injury exposed the broken realities of the American health system. Donovan breaks down the parallels betwe...


50. Cracking the Code on PBMs: Real Cost-Saving Strategies for Employers with Guest Rachel Strauss
50. Cracking the Code on PBMs: Real Cost-Saving Strategies for Employers with Guest Rachel Strauss episode artwork
05/01/2025

If you've ever felt confused or frankly, duped by your pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), this episode is your wake-up call. Chelsea Ryckis sits down with the “PBM Princess” herself, Rachel Strauss, a 20+ year industry veteran and fierce advocate for transparency, to pull back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood (and most expensive) parts of your health plan.

You’ll learn:
- The origin story of PBMs and how it all went sideways  
- The real story behind rebates and why “pass-through” doesn’t always mean what you think  
- How vertical integration and offshore contr...


49. HR Special: An HR's Guide to the Strategic C-Suite with Guest Andy Najjar
49. HR Special: An HR's Guide to the Strategic C-Suite with Guest Andy Najjar episode artwork
04/17/2025

Are you ready to finally break free from the traditional HR rut and discover the game-changing strategies shaping the future of human resources? In this special episode we are joined by Andy Najjar, COO of FutureSolve and host of The Strategic HR Show.


From redefining the path from HR manager to CHRO, to exploring innovative perks like Uber credits and unlimited PTO, this episode dives deep into what makes HR strategic, and how modern HR leaders can earn and keep their seat at the executive table. Andy shares real-world stories about saving millions on benefits, leveraging automation...


48. JP Morgan ERISA Lawsuit: A Case Study - with Jennifer Berman
48. JP Morgan ERISA Lawsuit: A Case Study - with Jennifer Berman episode artwork
04/03/2025

Could your company be blindsided by an ERISA lawsuit? Join us as we sit down with Jen Berman from MCQ Consulting, who gives us the scoop on a groundbreaking case involving JP Morgan. Unlike previous lawsuits that focused on HR and finance executives, this one takes aim at the board of directors, setting a precedent that could reverberate through companies big and small. Jen unpacks why this case carries more weight and how it impacts employers, particularly those with fewer than 10,000 employees. Her expert insights offer a roadmap for safeguarding your organization against such legal headaches.

The episode...


47. Exposing the Truth About Healthcare Costs: How One Business Took Control with Guest Bryan Orr
47.  Exposing the Truth About Healthcare Costs: How One Business Took Control with Guest Bryan Orr episode artwork
03/20/2025

Are you tired of skyrocketing healthcare costs and feeling like there’s nothing you can do about it? In this special episode of The Business of Benefits Podcast, we flip the script on traditional benefits planning. CEO of Ethos Benefits, Donovan Ryckis, sits down with Bryan Orr, President of Kalos Services and host of the HVAC School Podcast, to dive deep into how Kalos transformed its healthcare strategy—saving money while improving employee benefits.  

From slashing insurance premiums by 40% to eliminating unnecessary costs and navigating a broken system, this conversation is packed with real-world strategies and eye-opening insights. If yo...