The Justin Burgess Podcast

25.15 The Storm That Changed Everything: My Hurricane Katrina Story

The Storm That Changed Everything: My Hurricane Katrina Story Twenty years ago, Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and changed my life forever. We didn’t just lose a building—we lost Sid Mar’s, our family’s restaurant and legacy. In this episode, I walk you through what happened, what it felt like, and what it taught me about business, identity, and resilience. We talk loss, legal battles, rebuilding, and what it means to carry forward a legacy you can’t recreate. If you’ve ever had to start over or lead through chaos, this one’s for you.

25.14 Building a Personal Brand in Insurance with Chris Wolpert: Live from Ascend Conference

Live from the Ascend Conference, I sat down with Chris Wolpert—founder of Group Benefit Solutions and a 2024 BenefitsPRO Advisor of the Year finalist. We talked about: * How to build trust and authority as an insurance professional * Lessons from fitness and CrossFit that apply to branding * Breaking out of the traditional broker mold * Real strategies from top advisors in the field * What it takes to grow your business by being yourself If you're a broker, consultant, or anyone trying to stand out in B2B sales—this one's for you.    This week’s podcast episode is sponsored byCrumdale Specialty– the team helping brokers lead with strategy in 2025 and beyond.   Self-funding is gaining serious traction, and Crumdale’s 2025 BrokerPlaybook is quickly becoming a go-to resource for brokers looking to stayahead.   👉Download it here: www.crumdalespecialty.com/playbook [https://url.avanan.click/v2/___http:/www.crumdalespecialty.com/playbook___.YXAzOmJlbnByb2xsYzphOm86NTRhMTgwNzI2MDYzYWViY2EwMjhjMzFiNGE5YTZhNjk6NjphNjE0Ojk3MGY3MTcwNzk3MGRjZTMzNGU4NDc5NjUyODc1MTI1NmZkMDY0Y2Y2OThkNDY3NmZkYzA1YzE1MzE5OWQ4M2Q6cDpUOk4]

25.13 Live from Ascend Conference: Stephanie Koch on Rethinking Employee Benefits

Live from the Ascend Conference — I sit down with Stephanie Koch, nationally recognized HR leader and speaker, to talk about what employers really want from their benefits strategy. From lazy renewals to real alignment with business goals, this episode covers it all.Sponsored by Crumdale SpecialtyDownload the 2025 Broker Playbook: www.crumdalespecialty.com/playbook#employeebenefits #hrleaders #benefitsstrategy #crumdalespecialty #justinburgesspodcast #ascendconference #selfinsurance #brokerinsights #podcastclips

25.12 Live From Ascend: A Real-Time DPC Visit with Dr. Bubanic and Lorenzo Amaya

What does Direct Primary Care actually look like? In this special live episode from the Ascend Conference, I sit down with Dr. Bernard P. Bubanic and Lorenzo Amaya from Integrated Source One (ISO) to walk through a real-time DPC visit — on the podcast. No scripts, no filters. Just a real exam and real conversation about how DPC, when paired with clinical claim review, can reshape the way employers manage healthcare. We break down: * What happens during a DPC visit * How Integrated Source One uses clinical expertise to catch waste and errors * Why this model creates better outcomes for both employers and employees * What most brokers and CFOs are missing when it comes to claims management This is the future of employer healthcare. Watch it happen live. This week’s episode is sponsored by Crumdale Specialty – the team helping brokers lead with strategy in 2025 and beyond. Self-funding is gaining serious traction, and Crumdale’s 2025 Broker Playbook is quickly becoming a go-to resource for brokers looking to stay ahead. 👉 Download it here: www.crumdalespecialty.com/playbook [http://www.crumdalespecialty.com/playbook]

25.11 The Hidden Costs of Pharmacy Benefits: A Local Pharmacist's Perspective

What are you really paying for when you fill a prescription? In this episode, Justin sits down with Dr. Sadie Mannino Bennett, a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist and second-generation pharmacist from Louisiana, to break down the real costs behind pharmacy benefits. They discuss: * What makes up the true cost of a prescription * Why local pharmacies are being reimbursed below cost * The role of PBMs in driving up plan expenses * How "gag clauses" once blocked pharmacists from helping patients * The impact of rebates, clawbacks, and vertical integration * Why independent pharmacies still matter to your plan If you're a CFO, HR leader, or employer trying to control pharmacy spend without sacrificing care, this episode gives you the clarity and context you're not getting from your current PBM.