Shows
Deconstructing CompJoseph Sousa: California LoveSend us a textIn this episode, Yvonne and Rafael chat with Joseph Sousa, Workers' Compensation Program Manager for the City of San Diego. In our conversation, we learn from the perspective of a self-insured, self-administered workers' compensation program administrator, and what is important to that stakeholder perspective. One thing that stands out is the numerous benefits of operating a self-insured, self-administered program for both the employer and employees. The employer gains total control over various aspects, especially compared to purchasing an insurance policy from an external insurer. Since all employees work for the same e...2025-05-0949 minDeconstructing CompAmy Cooper: Time to Rise!Send us a textIn this episode, Yvonne and Rafael talk to Amy Cooper, Vice President Sales, Carrier Practice at Gallagher Bassett, and founder of Rise®, an amazing insurance community dedicated to empowering early-career professionals, attracting new talent, fostering networking opportunities, and providing access to invaluable resources, as described on the Rise® website. We are so excited to have Amy as our guest. We've been watching the tremendous growth of the Rise® community and the annual Rise® Leadership Summit that happens every June. So listen as we...2025-04-3027 minDeconstructing CompLIVE: 2025 FL Bar and WCCP WC ForumSend us a textRecently, Yvonne and Rafael attended the 2025 Florida Bar and WCCP Workers' Compensation Forum, April 9-11, in Orlando, Florida. Unfortunately, there was no wi-fi available to do live streaming, which is what we planned to do, but we did talk to several folks and conducted short interviews to capture their excitement and thoughts about the conference. Conference interviews include: Judge David Langham, Florida Deputy Chief Judge of Compensation ClaimsStacy Hossman, Executive Director of WCCPOneill Martinez, FL MediatorYvonne and Rafael take time to cat...2025-04-1851 minDeconstructing CompA COMPlicated Framework with Joe PadudaSend us a textJoe Paduda joins us to explain the basic framework of our workers' compensation system. In this episode, we discuss why our system is so complicated and some of the key features of several states. While Yvonne tries to keep the conversation focused on basics, Ralph and Joe wander on a few tangents, such as discussing the potential of a federalized workers' compensation system. Joe explains why that is not likely to happen and they explore Medicare and Medicaid components.Whether you are new to workers' comp or are a s...2025-03-1441 min
Deconstructing CompHistory of Workers Comp with Alex SwedlowSend us a textJoin us as we kick off Season 5 with Alex Swedlow, President of CWCI and the "History of Workers' Compensation." Alex Swedlow is the President of the California Workers' Compensation Institute (CWCI). Alex is a previous guest on our podcast and we are so happy to welcome him back with his version of a brief "History of Workers' Compensation." As you will see, he is also a Workers' Compensation "nerd", just like Yvonne and Rafael, and he loves to talk about the history of our system which can be traced ba...2025-02-2847 minDeconstructing CompSeason 5 Intro with Yvonne and RafaelSend us a textHere we go with Season 5! We can't believe we are kicking off the fifth season of Deconstructing Comp! Co-hosts Yvonne Guibert and Rafael Gonzalez are back and ready to welcome a new season of conversations with their guests. This year, we are returning to our original idea of breaking down the workers' compensation system into bite-sized digestible nuggets of information. We call it the "Cliff's Notes" approach to understanding workers' compensation. Please join us on our new journey. We think it will be fun for prof...2025-02-1424 minDeconstructing CompSeason 4 Wrap Up with Yvonne and RafaelSend us a textYvonne and Rafael take some time to relive and review 2024 Season 4 and chat about a few changes they will make for Season 5. Thank you for listening! ¡Muchas Gracias! Thank you for listening. We would appreciate you sharing our podcast with your friends on social media. Find Yvonne and Rafael on Linked In or follow us on Twitter @deconstructcomp 2024-12-2045 minDeconstructing CompMarijo and Jenn: a moment focused on AWWCSend us a textCome along with us as we catch up with two of the brightest leading women in our industry: Marijo Storment and Jenn Ryon. We start, as we usually do at the beginning of our episodes, discovering what Marijo and Jenn studied in school. Then, we chat about what it was like to launch ForzaCare. Next, we take a deep dive to focus on an organization that is near and dear to our hearts: Alliance of Women in Workers' Compensation (AWWC). Yvonne served as a Florida ambassador to the organization fo...2024-09-1453 minDeconstructing CompDr. Tyrone Spears: Be Good, Do Good.Send us a textWe have a special treat for you just in time for a long weekend! Dr. Tyrone Spears, Chief of the Workers' Compensation Division for the City of Los Angeles, is one of the best and brightest in the business. Yvonne and Rafael recently caught up with him for a lively, thought-provoking episode! If you know Tyrone, you know he is a servant leader who continually does good things for others. Find out what he studied in school, what career path he considered, and how he found himself in the...2024-08-3058 minDeconstructing CompBrenda Cogdell: Workplace PossibilitiesSend us a textJoin Yvonne and Rafael as they chat with one of their hometown "sheroes" Brenda Cogdell, Director - Risk and Safety Division, Hillsborough County. Brenda shares her enthusiasm for her role at Hillsborough County and for the risk and insurance industry where she has dedicated her career to shaping a culture of caring for the employees she serves. Together we explore her journey from graduating from Tampa's University of South Florida (Go Bulls!) to entering the risk management industry, serving as the risk manager at the City of Manassas, Virginia, th...2024-08-1442 minDeconstructing CompHalfway There! With Yvonne and RalphSend us a textHere is a bonus episode where your co-hosts Yvonne Guibert and Rafael Gonzalez pause to reflect on Season 4 so far. Can you belief half the year is already gone? Neither can we. Join us for a quick recap of what we've done so far on our podcast. We talk about the guests we've had and those who are joining us soon. ¡Muchas Gracias! Thank you for listening. We would appreciate you sharing our podcast with your friends on social media. Find Yvonne and Rafael on Linked In or f...2024-07-2036 minDeconstructing CompNikki Jackson: I'm Nerdy and I Know It!Send us a textIn this episode, Yvonne and Rafael talk to Nikki Jackson, aka Nerdy Nikki. Why Nerdy Nikki? Because she loves talking about risk management and anything related to Property Casualty Insurance industry and she constantly pushes herself to learn more! She also loves to share her knowledge with others. We are lucky to know her! We get to know more about Nikki during our chat and we talk about how to attract and retrain new talent AND Artificial Intelligence, one of our favorite topics! FACT CHECK CORRECTION: Yvonne mentioned Caryn S...2024-07-1244 minDeconstructing CompJeff Gurtcheff: AI + Talent Gap SolutionsSend us a textLet’s get to know Jeff Gurtcheff, Chief Claims Officer at Corvel. He joins us from just outside Atlanta, GA in Alpharetta, and he is a former neighbor to Rafael! Wow!In this episode, Jeff shares his educational background, a little about what it was like to live next door to Ralph, his journey into the insurance and workers’ compensation industry, and how he has grown up through the insurance industry. We learn how at Corvel they are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to improve the claims management proce...2024-06-2946 minDeconstructing CompDionne Lacey-Artis: What's YOUR Why?Send us a textAre you ready to get to know Dionne Lacey-Artis, Chief Business Officer and Customer Centric Leader at Optum Workers' Comp and Auto No-Fault? Even if you DO know her, we think you will learn some things you DON'T know, when you listen to this podcast episode.Dionne is based in Atlanta, Georgia. 'Yvonne Guibert and Rafael Gonzalez enjoy deconstructing issues in workers' compensation, however, it seems our podcast platform has taken on a new role...deconstructing our guests, and discovering how they came to be in th...2024-05-1346 minDeconstructing CompLaura Michaels: Walking the WalkSend us a textAre you ready to meet Laura Michaels, MS, OT, PSHO, Occupational Health and Safety Manager for City of Palm Springs? Yvonne and Rafael recently met Laura at the PARMA 2024 conference in Indian Wells, CA, and boy do we LOVE her! Shout out to Jennifer Johnson for putting together a beautiful dinner at PARMA that brought us together. From the very first conversation, we knew we liked Laura. She possesses a very particular set of skills that combined make her one powerful risk and safety professional. She is getting it do...2024-04-2647 minDeconstructing CompRamona Tanabe: In Data We TrustSend us a textRamona Tanabe is our latest guest, right on the heals of the 40th Annual WCRI Issues & Research Conference, March 5-6, 2024, in Boston, MA. This is Ramona's second time as a guest on Deconstructing Comp. Join us as we discuss and recount highlights from the recent conference in Boston. Ramona turns the tables on Yvonne and asks her to share what sessions she learned something new at the conference. We also talk about Ramona's first year as CEO and how her experience has been. Plus, a few other fun details. To...2024-03-2943 minDeconstructing CompJoe Paduda: Not So Swiftie!Send us a textIn this episode, we talk to Joe Paduda, Principal of Health Strategy Associates, blogger, Syracuse Lacrosse fanatic, speaker and owner of a 1795 farmhouse in New Hampshire with a super squeaky farmhouse chair! Listen for the squeaky sounds during the episode. This is Joe's second time as our guest. We invited him back, specifically to discuss important issues related to the economy and how they may or may not impact insurance, and more specifically, the workers' compensation industry. Another interesting conversation, where we talk about several important issues, but mostly ab...2024-03-1551 minDeconstructing CompCarlos Luna: Let's Work TogetherSend us a textYvonne and Rafael FINALLY catch up with Carlos Luna, who lives in Denver, Colorado. It took us a while to schedule an interview with Carlos, but it is well worth the wait! So, come along, and let's get all caught up with Carlos about his new role at New Reign Capital, his deep and varied thoughts about our amazing industry, and, sadly, as he shares his thoughts about the recent loss of a beloved work friend and colleague, Joe Frank Rodriguez. Talking to Carlos is very easy. He is ex...2024-03-0149 minDeconstructing CompYvonne and Rafael's 10 Issues for 2024Send us a textFor the second year, Yvonne and Rafael identify ten issues to frame their conversations with guests as they kick off a new season. Here we go with Season 4! Are you ready? Our issues are...Provider Shortages - Healthcare jobs are growing faster than any other industry, yet there is a shortage of experienced doctors and clinicians to fill the openings. This is straining the entire healthcare system; we certainly feel it in workers' compensation. https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/health-202-primary-care-shortage-data/https://fortune.com/2024/02/14/america-shortage-primary-care-doctors-work-ai-physician-burnout-crisis/2024-02-1545 minDeconstructing CompYvonne and Rafael: That's A Wrap for Season 3!Send us a textJoin Yvonne and Rafael as they pause for a few minutes to reminisce about all the fun they had interviewing guests in their 3rd season! Grab your headphones and get ready for a few laughs -- you can always count on Rafael's laughter in each and every episode!¡Muchas Gracias! Thank you for listening. We would appreciate you sharing our podcast with your friends on social media. Find Yvonne and Rafael on Linked In or follow us on Twitter @deconstructcomp 2023-12-2138 minDeconstructing CompDr. Leslie Cadet: Walking in PurposeSend us a textWow, what a fantastic conversation with Dr. Leslie Cadet, a native of Tampa, FL! In this episode, we learn that Leslie grew up in Tampa and started her education at none other than University of South Florida (USF), Yvonne's alma mater and Rafael's adjunct teaching university for 20+ years! From there, she went on to the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where she became a medical doctor, then on to Harvard's T. H. Chan School of Public Health, where she earned her Master of Public Health (MPH), Occupational and Environmental H...2023-12-0837 minDeconstructing CompJulian Robinson: ¡hablamos en español!Send us a text¡Qué lindo! ¡Hablamos con Julian Robinson en español! How lovely! We are speaking with Julian Robinson in Spanish!During our recording of our podcast episode with guest Julian Robinson, we learned he speaks fluent Spanish! So we recorded a short bonus episode talking in Spanish. Well, it's mostly Julian and Yvonne, with Rafael listening in. Still a fun diversion. ¡Disfruten queridos oyentes! Enjoy dear listeners!¡Muchas Gracias! Thank you for listening. We would appreciate you sharing our podcast with your friends on social media. Find Yvo...2023-12-0505 minDeconstructing CompRoberta Mike: Georgia and Mentoring On My MindSend us a textCome along with Yvonne and Rafael and get to know Roberta Serena Mike, Field Claim Adjuster for Strategic Comp in Georgia!As you will learn, Roberta has spent her entire career in the insurance industry. She started with The Travelers and liked workers' compensation early on. In this episode, Roberta shares with us the twists and turns of her career. She talks about leaving Garden City, New York, moving to Georgia, and how she built a name for herself with a solid reputation that had several companies seeking her ou...2023-10-1339 minDeconstructing CompRaja Sundaram: Do. Or do not! There is no try.Send us a textDo you know Raja Sundaram with Plethy, Inc.? If not, you are in for a treat! Raja is a workers' comp newbie. He and his company Plethy have entered the workers' compensation scene in the last few years and they are making some big waves! If you missed the Star Wars reference in the title, it is considered one of the most iconic quotes from the original movie. It is from Yoda during his training with Luke Skywalker: “No, Try Not! Do or Do Not, There Is No Try.” It is very f...2023-10-0651 minDeconstructing CompJim Allsup: Ticket To WorkSend us a textCome along with us and get to know Jim Allsup, founder of Allsup Employment Services and the Ticket to Work program for individuals who qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Individuals who qualify are offered Vocational Return to Work services free of charge. In this episode, Yvonne and Rafael talk to Jim about the Ticket to Work program and what he says is a little-known benefit for individuals who qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Learn more about the Ticket to Work program here: https://www.allsupemploymentservices.com/2023-09-0545 min
Deconstructing CompBrandi Lewis: Live at WCI!Send us a textBrandi Lewis is one busy woman! We were lucky to catch up with her at the WCI conference for a live podcast interview. Join Yvonne and Rafael as we talk with Brandi, learn about what she's been up to lately, and talk to her about the business she founded and now chairwoman of Health Plus Trans, providing transportation, translation, and ancillary services. Among her many skills and talents, Brandi is a phenomenal event planner and turned our WCI Salsa Party into a top-notch, red-carpet event not to be missed! Sh...2023-09-0214 min
Deconstructing CompKirsten Kaiser Kus: WCI Live!Send us a textFinally, Yvonne and Rafael catch up with Kirsten Kaiser Kus, an attorney with Downey and Lenkov, LLC at WCI. We have been hot on her trail for some time now, trying to schedule an interview. Luckily, she had time to spare and sit down with us at WCI. Get to know more about Kirsten and what she has been up to. Visit her profile here: https://www.dl-firm.com/attorneys/kirsten-l-kaiser-kus/¡Muchas Gracias! Thank you for listening. We would appreciate you sharing our podcast with your frie...2023-09-0221 min
Deconstructing CompAsh and Friends: WCI Live!Send us a textWe are so happy to connect with our brand new friends we made at WCI for the first time! Ash Afzal with Bismark Medical. Join us for a fun group conversation with Ash, Amina, Bilal, Mohammed and "T"Another set of first-timers that Yvonne met through the Whova app. Bismarck is a family-owned company in the DME business, and they are looking to expand into the workers' compensation market. Yvonne and Rafael are like two kids in a candy store!For more information about Bismarck Me...2023-09-0218 min
Deconstructing CompRichard Boyer; WCI Live!Send us a textDo you know Maxine Topper? Wowza, do we have a treat for you! Meet her son Richard Boyer, anesthesiologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and co-founder of HoopCare, a Cornell Tech Run Startup. Richard joins us to chat about his tech startup, HoopCare. HoopCare is transforming preoperative medical clearance with telemedicine and AI.Fascinating conversation. Yvonne and Rafael are super pumped up by conversations with such young and driven professionals who have their sights on workers' compensation and how they can improve the system. How lucky are...2023-09-0214 min
Deconstructing CompThe Mod Squad: WCI Live!Send us a textA fun group, we are calling the "mod squad" includes Dr. Geralyn Datz, Jeffrey Adelson, and Stuart Colburn. We have a very fun and energetic conversation about dinner the night before and the beginning of the WCI Conference. Experience the energy of the WCI conference as we chat about this groups thoughts on various topics. They all love to poke fun at Yvonne, so laugh along with the conversation about dingers. We finally pulled ourselves together and talked about the conference opening session and some of the important topics di...2023-09-0219 min
Deconstructing CompAndrew Barson: WCI Live!Send us a textJoin us for an interesting chat with our new friend, Andrew Barson, who works with Frasco Investigative Services. We enjoy chatting about WCI conference fun and shenanigans (and healthy competition) on the new conference app, Whova. During this conversation, we chat about how Yvonne and Andrew met through the app and the importance of networking and cultivating relationships in our industry. Lots of good conversation and interesting surprises along the way. For more information about Frasco Investigative Services, visit:https://frasco.com/Andrew takes a m...2023-09-0116 min
Deconstructing CompChrissy Gaul: WCI LIVE!Send us a textYvonne and Rafael talk to Chrissy Gaul LIVE! Sunday, as we gear up for the WCI Conference starting Monday, 8/21, in Orlando, Florida. This is part of our LIVE! Conference series. These are shorter episodes and are unedited.To learn more about Carisk Partners:https://www.cariskpartners.com/¡Muchas Gracias! Thank you for listening. We would appreciate you sharing our podcast with your friends on social media. Find Yvonne and Rafael on Linked In or follow us on Twitter @deconstructcomp 2023-08-2119 min
Deconstructing CompDuane Johnson and Dr. Tomer Anbar: WCI LIVE!Send us a textYvonne and Rafael talk to Duane Johnson and Dr. Tomer Anbar LIVE! Sunday, as we gear up for the WCI Conference starting Monday, 8/21, in Orlando, Florida. This is part of our LIVE! Conference series. These are shorter episodes and are unedited.To learn more about Institutes of Health:https://institutesofhealth.org/¡Muchas Gracias! Thank you for listening. We would appreciate you sharing our podcast with your friends on social media. Find Yvonne and Rafael on Linked In or follow us on Twitter @deconstructcomp 2023-08-2116 min
Deconstructing CompNatalie Torres: WCI LIVE!Send us a textYvonne and Rafael talk to Natalie Torres LIVE! Sunday, as we gear up for the WCI Conference starting Monday, 8/21 in Orlando, Florida. This is part of our LIVE! Conference series. These are shorter episodes and are unedited. To learn more about PriMedical, visit: https://www.primedicalinc.com/¡Muchas Gracias! Thank you for listening. We would appreciate you sharing our podcast with your friends on social media. Find Yvonne and Rafael on Linked In or follow us on Twitter @deconstructcomp 2023-08-2116 min
Deconstructing CompNick Ferrante: WCI Live!Send us a textYvonne and Rafael talk to Nick Ferrante LIVE! Sunday, as we gear up for the WCI Conference starting Monday, 8/21 in Orlando, Florida. This is part of our LIVE! Conference series. These are shorter episodes and are unedited. To learn more about gain life, visit: https://www.gainlife.com/¡Muchas Gracias! Thank you for listening. We would appreciate you sharing our podcast with your friends on social media. Find Yvonne and Rafael on Linked In or follow us on Twitter @deconstructcomp 2023-08-2116 min
Deconstructing CompDoug Clark: WCI Live!Send us a textYvonne and Rafael talk to Doug Clark LIVE! during the WCI-Give Kids the World Village Volunteer Service Day ahead of the WCI Conference in Orlando, Florida. Doug talks to us about what's going on at the 2023 WCI-GKTW volunteer service day. It's a day that the WCI-Spirit to Serve committee plans for all year! Nearly 600 volunteers, 106 different companies, 25 projects at the village. If you live near the Orlando, FL, area, there is still time to join us tonight for our annual WCI-GKTW Gala! Our theme is Candy Kingdom! Wear something br...2023-08-1908 min
Deconstructing CompStuart Colburn: TXWCC Live!Send us a textFinally, Yvonne and Rafael catch up with their good friend and colleague, Stuart Colburn! Stuart is a defense attorney and partner with the Downs & Stanford, PC law firm headquartered in Austin, Texas. Tune in to this episode and get to know more about Stuart! He is one of the best in the business! Stuart is a regular speaker and moderator for industry events like the Texas Workers' Compensation Conference, National Workers' Comp and Disability Conference, WorkCompCentral webinars and educational events, and so much more! He is also the co-author of...2023-07-1426 min
Deconstructing CompErica and Jennifer: TXWCC Live!Send us a textWow! We have double the fun as Yvonne and Rafael sit down with Erica De La Cruz and Jennifer Hopens of the Texas Division of Workers Compensation (DWC). Erica and Jennifer take time to explain their roles with the DWC; clearly, they both have a passion for what they do. You'll be able to hear that during this conversation. We also discussed the opening session at the Texas Workers' Compensation Conference, the DWC Executives Panel, a great panel discussion where each executive explained their role in the division, what th...2023-07-1420 min
Deconstructing CompAmy Lee: TXWCC Live!Send us a textAmy Lee sat down with Yvonne and Rafael during the Texas Workers' Compensation Conference in Austin, Texas. Amy is currently the President of Steadfast Policy Strategies, LLC. She is a knowledgeable workers' compensation expert, having worked in several roles at the Texas Division of WC for many years. She also spoke during the conference about getting back to the basics of indemnity and medical benefits. Amy is delightful and so smart! When you listen to this episode, you'll find she also has a wicked sense of humor! Plus, she is...2023-07-1414 min
Deconstructing CompDr. Trang Nguyen: TXWCC Live!Send us a textAt the Texas Workers ' Compensation Conference, Yvonne and Rafael talk to Dr. Trang Nguyen. Dr. Nguyen, is the President and owner of MedicusRx. She is a practicing, fellowship-trained Occupational Medicine physician in Houston, Texas. She completed her Doctoral degree in Epidemiology at the University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine. She is a frequent speaker, author, and member of the Advisory Board for several medical journals and the ODG Guidelines. Dr. Nguyen is a physician reviewer for Health and Human Services (HHS) Commission, The Office of the Inspector General for Texas.2023-07-1414 min
Deconstructing CompCommissioner Jeff Nelson: TXWCC Live!Send us a textYvonne and Rafael kick off their live podcasting at the Texas Workers' Compensation Conference with Texas WC Commissioner Jeff Nelson. Listen to our chat with the commissioner as we get to know him and what is on his mind as commissioner. Many thanks to Kate Sidora, Director of External and Media Relations, and Melissa Gale, Communications Dir., Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation for their assistance coordinating our chat with Commissioner Nelson. For more information about the annual Texas Workers' Compensation Conference or the division, please visit:...2023-07-1222 minDeconstructing CompAndrew Sabolic: Get the Led Out!Send us a textThis week's guest is Andrew Sabolic, the new Executive Director at the Workers' Compensation Institute. Andrew shares his educational background, how his career path brought him into the workers' compensation realm, and reflects on his time (20 years!) with the Florida Division of Workers' Compensation. And there's more!Yvonne and Rafael enjoy chatting with Andrew, discovering a few little-known facts, and hearing about his plans for the WCI Conference now and in the future. Why "Get the Led Out?" Well, you'll have to listen all the way to the end o...2023-07-0747 min