Benefits Breakdown

Hosted by Brown & Brown

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Apr 2026

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About the show

It’s no secret, employee benefits are complicated. We’re here to break things down and help you build a roadmap for your approach to benefits. Together with our expert guests, we’ll explore complex, counterintuitive, and compelling topics that give you a better understanding of the “whys” of the industry.

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April 22, 2026Episode 8026 min

Regulatory Reality Check for Employers

In this episode of The Benefits Breakdown, the team is joined by Jessie Campbell, National Practice Leader for Brown & Brown’s Regulatory and Legislative Strategy Group, to break down the growing fiduciary and compliance challenges facing employers. Jessie explains how standards once focused on retirement plans are now being applied to health and welfare benefits, increasing expectations around governance, documentation, and oversight. The discussion covers practical steps employers can take, including formalizing benefits committees, benchmarking fees, understanding vendor compensation, and carefully managing emerging risk areas such as voluntary benefits, GLP-1 weight loss drugs, and wellness surcharges. The key takeaway is that many employers are already doing the right things, but clear documentation, consistent communication, and disciplined processes are now essential to reducing fiduciary risk. Connect with the hosts: Jared Bowcutt Vanessa Longnecker Adam Compton

April 8, 2026Episode 7927 min

Women’s Health Across the Lifespan, Small Changes with Big Impact

In this episode of the Benefits Breakdown podcast, the team explores women’s health across the full lifespan, moving beyond family building to address heart health, mental health, menopause, chronic conditions, and health disparities. Ashley Diaz shares data‑driven insights showing why women’s heart health, access to preventive care, and navigation support are critical issues for employers, particularly as risk factors and inequities continue to rise. The discussion highlights how small, intentional benefit design changes, such as improved access, on‑site or virtual screenings, advocacy services, and population segmentation, can drive meaningful health and financial outcomes. The conversation reinforces that supporting women’s health is both the right thing to do for employees and a strategic opportunity for employers to improve engagement, retention, productivity, and long‑term cost management. Connect with the hosts: Jared Bowcutt Vanessa Longnecker Adam Compton

March 25, 2026Episode 7829 min

Women’s Health in the Workplace: Menopause, Medicine, and the Path Forward

Benefits Breakdown is joined by Brown & Brown teammates Gina Julian, Amy Suss, and Lindsey Ladell for a candid conversation on women’s health with a focus on menopause and perimenopause in the workplace. Together, they explore why menopause is a guaranteed life stage employers can no longer ignore, how symptoms impact health, productivity and retention, and why updated science has reshaped the role of hormone replacement therapy. From destigmatizing the conversation to practical benefit design, workplace flexibility, and access to specialized care, this episode centers on how informed employers can better support women while improving outcomes and managing long‑term cost. Connect with the hosts: Jared Bowcutt Vanessa Longnecker Adam Compton

March 11, 2026Episode 7727 min

Stop Loss 101, 201 & Beyond: Fundamentals to Smarter Risk Strategy

In this episode, the team welcomes Matt Johnson, leader of Brown & Brown’s Stop Loss practice, for a practical conversation on stop loss fundamentals and the realities of managing catastrophic claim risk in today’s market. Matt breaks down specific versus aggregate stop loss, explains leverage trend, and shares why seven-figure claims are becoming more common, driven by specialty pharmacy, oncology, and emerging therapies. The discussion explores how employers can better position themselves through smarter contract structures, including lasers, rate caps, and run-in versus run-out coverage, as well as proactive clinical and pharmacy strategies that matter to stop loss carriers. Whether you are an HR leader, finance executive, or benefits professional, this episode offers clear guidance on navigating stop loss renewals and building a more resilient risk strategy for 2026 and beyond. Connect with the hosts: Jared Bowcutt Vanessa Longnecker Adam Compton

February 26, 2026Episode 7629 min

How Smart Data Decisions Are Reshaping Benefits Strategy

Benefits Breakdown is joined by Mike Reardon who leads the data and analytics team at Brown & Brown. Together, we explore why every employer needs a data strategy, how modern analytics move us from looking backward to predicting what is next, and how smarter use of data directly improves the employee experience while controlling cost. From trend management to point solution ROI to real world examples that change outcomes, this episode is all about turning information into action. Connect with the hosts: Jared Bowcutt Vanessa Longnecker Adam Compton

January 21, 2026Episode 7526 min

Culture, Change and the Future: Powell Brown on Benefits, AI and Leadership

In this episode, Vanessa Longnecker, Jared Bowcutt, and Adam Compton welcome Powell Brown, CEO of Brown & Brown for a candid conversation about the evolving landscape of employee benefits, the impact of rapid growth and the role of AI in shaping the future. Powell shares insights on maintaining culture through expansion, the importance of trust and respect, and how technology can empower teams. The discussion covers regulatory trends, leadership lessons and what excites Powell most about the journey ahead. Whether you’re an HR leader, benefits consultant, or teammate at Brown & Brown, this episode delivers actionable perspectives for 2026 and beyond. Connect with the hosts: Jared Bowcutt Vanessa Longnecker Adam Compton

January 7, 2026Episode 7428 min

Innovation, Affordability, and the Future of Employee Benefits

The team welcomes Mark Abate and John Greenbaum from Brown & Brown’s retail leadership team. Together, they dive into the realities of rising healthcare costs, the challenges of affordability for employees and the evolving landscape of benefit strategies. The conversation explores how prescription drug trends, legislative changes, and rate pressures are shaping employer decisions, and why innovation—both big and small—is critical for the future. From curative drug therapies to simple but impactful benefits like ID theft protection and pet insurance, the team shares insights on how organizations can rethink total rewards to meet the diverse needs of a multi-generational workforce. Whether you’re a benefits leader, HR professional, or simply passionate about workplace wellbeing, this episode delivers practical perspectives and real-world examples to help you navigate complexity and drive positive change. Connect with the hosts: Jared Bowcutt Vanessa Longnecker Adam Compton

December 17, 2025Episode 7328 min

Workforce Well-being Trends | Physical, Mental, Financial Health & Employer Actions

The team is joined by Ellen Kelsay, President & CEO of the Business Group on Health. The discussion highlights how leading employers are responding to rising healthcare costs, global pressures, and evolving employee needs. The team explores trends in physical health, mental health and financial health . They also dive into social connectedness, community involvement, and the growing use of data and dashboards to drive accountability. The episode wraps up with actionable steps employers can take to strengthen well-being programs, boost engagement, and prepare for future challenges. Connect with the hosts: Jared Bowcutt Vanessa Longnecker Adam Compton

December 10, 2025Episode 7229 min

Specialty Drugs, GLP-1s, and the New Employer Pharmacy Reality

In this episode of Benefits Breakdown, the team is joined by Josh Halperin, Senior Vice President of Pharmacy Consulting Services at Brown & Brown. Together, they explore the rapidly changing pharmacy landscape—how the surge in specialty drug approvals, the rise of GLP-1 medications, and shifting oncology treatments are reshaping employer health plans. The conversation unpacks the financial impact of these trends, the promise of biosimilars, and the challenges posed by new legislation, direct-to-consumer pharmacy models, and drug import tariffs. Whether you’re a benefits leader, HR professional, or simply passionate about the future of pharmacy benefits, this episode delivers actionable insights and real-world strategies to help you navigate complexity, control costs, and plan for what’s next. Connect with the hosts: Jared Bowcutt Vanessa Longnecker Adam Compton

November 25, 2025Episode 7131 min

Navigating the Future of Benefits Tech: AI, Engagement & Strategy

In this episode of The Benefits Breakdown, Sean Clem and Steve Piccolino from the Brown & Brown Benefits Technology team join us to explore the rapidly evolving world of benefits technology. From the integration of AI in administration to the critical role of employee engagement, they unpack how strategic tech investments are reshaping the employee experience. The conversation dives into emerging industry trends, the power of communication, and the future of HR technology—highlighting why organizations must adapt to stay ahead in the benefits landscape. Connect with the hosts: Jared Bowcutt Vanessa Longnecker Adam Compton