International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans benefits pros Justin Held, Anne Patterson, and Stacy Van Alstyne dive into retirement, health care, hot trends, or whatever else the benefits industry throws at them.
Listen to episodes
60 recent
May 27, 20267 min
The Art of the Prompt: AI for Benefits Administration
Can AI actually make benefits admin easier? We’re chatting about smart prompts, real-life use cases, and compliance risks you definitely don’t want to miss.
Learn more in Jenny’s blog post:
https://blog.ifebp.org/example-prompts-for-benefits-administration-how-to-direct-ai-effectively/
May 14, 202617 min
Careers in Employee Benefits
In this episode, we explore the surprising and rewarding world of employee benefits careers—how people find their way into the field, the wide range of roles it offers, and the real impact this work has on employees’ lives. Featuring stories from benefits professionals, this conversation highlights why this growing profession matters more than ever.
April 29, 202610 min
Benefits Bonus: Seven Ways AI Can Be Used in Employee Benefits
Curious how AI can improve employee benefits? In this bonus episode, our colleague Kathy Bergstrom shares seven practical use cases—plus what to watch for regarding privacy, security, and human oversight.
Learn more in Kathy's blog post:
https://blog.ifebp.org/seven-ways-ai-can-be-used-in-employee-benefits/
March 25, 20265 min
PBM Fee Disclosure Regulatory and Legislative Update-Explained
Bonus episode: we’re unpacking the DOL’s proposed PBM fee disclosure rules, sharing takeaways from our colleague Jenny Gartman.
Learn more in Jenny’s blog post:
https://blog.ifebp.org/pbm-fee-disclosure-regulatory-and-legislative-update/
March 18, 202618 min
Caring in Action: Bringing Volunteering Opportunities to Your Organization
In this episode, we celebrate National Employee Benefits Day with a deep dive into the power of volunteering and giving back. Our hosts explore the physical, mental, and workplace benefits of employee volunteer programs, share compelling data and trends—including the rise of micro‑volunteering—and discuss best practices for building meaningful, flexible initiatives. The episode also features real stories from organizations making a difference in their communities and wraps up with ideas and resources to help employers and employees get involved.
February 27, 202641 min
GLP-1 Weight Loss Drug Coverage: Lessons Learned
Justin talks to Michael P. Brady, Administrator for the Laborers' Local 157 Benefit Funds in Schenectady, NY about his fund's journey in covering GLP-1 drugs for weight loss and what other organizations can learn from his experience.
Micheal is also a long-time member and volunteer with the International Foundation. He has served on the Health Care Management Committee and has spoken at many IFEBP conferences.
January 30, 20265 min
Benefits Bonus: Prescription Drug Rebate Explainer
This episode is an audio read of a Word on Benefits blog post: : https://blog.ifebp.org/pbm-rebates-explainer/
Read Jenny's post and many other great blog posts at blog.ifebp.org
January 27, 202615 min
The 2026 Benefits Watchlist
Let’s recap last year’s big benefit news and look at what’s ahead of us in 2026!
December 18, 202514 min
Benefits Bonus: Executive Order on Drug Discounts Has Uncertain Impact
This episode is an audio read of a Word on Benefits blog post. Read the post here:
https://blog.ifebp.org/executive-order-on-drug-discounts-has-uncertain-impact-on-employers-price-negotiations/
Read Jenny's post and many other great blog posts at blog.ifebp.org/
December 15, 202528 min
Retirement Planning: More Than Money
Planning for retirement is more than just saving and investing money–there are many other things to consider as well, some of which may not be on your radar. So, we turned to Talking Benefits' own Julie Stich for some insight not only because she's a benefits nerdthusiast, but also because she has first-hand experience! In this episode, Julie takes us through all the things she did to prepare for her recent retirement from finances and fun to health and home improvements.
"Ready or Not", the book Julie found so helpful in her planning, is available to anyone! Get your own copy at http://www.ifebp.org/readyornot
Be sure to listen to the end for Julie's special message to listeners! Yes, you read that correctly - Julie has retired and this is her final episode after 9 (yes, NINE!) years behind the Talking Benefits microphone. The Talking Benefits crew is so incredibly happy for her, but we'll certainly miss her benefits expertise, nerdiness, and especially her warm and ever-present laugh!
Is this your show?
Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.