Up 2 Speed

Interview 7 of 7: Our Final California Insurance Commissioner Candidate Conversation This week, LyteSpeed Learning and the American Agents Alliance conclude our California Insurance Commissioner Candidate Series with California State Senator Ben Allen. Over the past several weeks, we have had the opportunity to sit down with each candidate seeking to become California’s next Insurance Commissioner...

LyteSpeed Learning and the American Agents Alliance continue this exclusive series introducing the candidates running for California Insurance Commissioner. In this episode, we sit down with Robert Howell to discuss the future of California’s insurance marketplace and the growing challenges facing consumers, agents, and carriers across the state. Howell shares his perspective on California’s insur...

Meet  Jane Kim explores her run for California Insurance Commissioner, focusing on affordability, availability, and fair claims handling. Jane discusses improving department management to speed rate approvals, protecting consumers under Prop 103, and bringing agents, industry, and advocates together. She outlines priorities including expanding low-cost nonprofit auto insurance, investing in risk-r...

This week meet Steven Bradford, a former state senator and candidate for California insurance commissioner, outlines his vision to stabilize the insurance market. He discusses modernizing Prop 103, speeding up rate approvals, improving claims handling, and fostering collaboration between carriers, agents, regulators, and communities. Key topics include reducing delays in rate review, depopulating...

This week meet Merritt Farren, as he shares about his personal wildfire loss, business and legal background, and why he’s running for California insurance commissioner. The episode covers market availability, affordability, Prop 103 and rate-making, forward-looking catastrophe models, the intervener process, and claims handling—highlighting Farron’s proposals for streamlining regulation, encouragi...

LyteSpeed Learning and the American Agents Alliance continue this exclusive series introducing the candidates for California Insurance Commissioner. In this episode, we sit down with Stacy Korsgaden, a longtime Farmers Insurance agent, to discuss the current state of California’s insurance market and why she’s running. Korsgaden shares her perspective on the insurance crisis, including carrier mar...

This week we sit down with candidate Patrick Wolff as he outlines why he’s running for California Insurance Commissioner, drawing on his insurance and finance experience and pledging to refuse corporate gifts. He argues for stronger market-conduct regulation, faster rate reviews, and more competition to benefit consumers. The episode dives into Prop 103, the intervener process, wildfire mitigation...

In this episode, we sit down with Harrison Brooks of Reagan Consulting, one of the industry’s leading experts in insurance agency M&A, valuation, and perpetuation planning. Harrison breaks down exactly what agency owners need to know before selling, merging, or taking on a partner in today’s competitive marketplace. We dive into the latest acquisition trends, what buyers are really looking for...

This week on Up2Speed, we sit down with Chelsy Bell Carpenter for a powerful conversation about burnout in the insurance industry. We break down the latest insurance burnout statistics, explore the root causes of burnout for insurance agents and brokers, and discuss how agency leadership, workplace culture, and personal accountability directly impact mental health and performance. Chelsy shares pr...

Today we breakdown Covered California and the Affordable Care Act changes for 2026, explaining how federal subsidy cuts are raising premiums and who is most affected. They cover California’s $190 million relief plan, eligibility brackets, open enrollment dates, enrollment tools, and practical advice for consumers and agents on checking income, choosing plans, and avoiding surprises at tax time.

🌎 California is Earthquake Country — and the stakes have never been higher. In our latest episode of Up2Speed, we’re joined by three powerhouse voices shaping the future of catastrophe coverage: 💥 John Forney, CEO of GeoVera Nova 💥 Glenn Pomeroy, CSO of GeoVera Nova 💥 Sue Miller of SageSure Together, we unpack: 🔹 California’s earthquake risk — and what it really means for homeowners and commu...

Samantha hosts Drake  Slaikeu-Lawhead and Ryan Hanley to discuss InsurTech Connect (ITC) in Las Vegas — a three-day industry event focused on practical takeaways for agents, brokers, carriers and vendors. They highlight new agent-focused formats like 15-minute "mic drop" talks, the four-hour Brainshare workshop, a WIISE workshop for women/he allies, and opportunities to learn about AI, technology...

Hosts Samantha and Danielle Henderson unpack practical, no-nonsense digital strategies for insurance agents, covering websites, Google Business Profiles, reviews, backlinks, mobile UX, paid ads, and adapting to AI-driven search. They stress consistency, local SEO basics (NAP, keywords, location pages), reputation management, and simple actions any agency can start today to be more discoverable and...

Join us on this episode of "Up2Speed" as we dive into the intricate world of employer compliance with our special guest, Lynn DeMaria, Regional Sales Director and National Municipality Practice Leader at Sterling Administration. Discover the essential compliance requirements that employers need to navigate, involving IRS and DOL regulations, to avoid hefty penalties. Lynn unpacks the complexities...

Join Samantha on 'Up to Speed' as she dives into the crucial topic of earthquake insurance with renowned experts Glenn Pomeroy and Jerry Garcia. In this episode, they explore the dynamic movements of the Earth's plates that lead to tremors felt around the world, particularly in earthquake-prone regions like California. Gain insights into why earthquake insurance is essential, the historical shifts...

Join Samantha and media consultant Haley in this engaging episode of 'Up to Speed' as they dive into the vital topic of social media presence for insurance agents. Discover why having an online presence is no longer optional and how it can significantly boost your agency's visibility and customer engagement. Haley, who specializes in helping insurance agents expand their practices online, shares h...

Join Samantha in a dynamic discussion with Brennen from Rainbow as they delve into the ever-evolving landscape of business and restaurant insurance. Discover how technological advancements are reshaping the way insurance is bought and sold, and why it's crucial for restaurant owners to understand their policy coverage. Brennen shares his journey from a family-run insurance agency to becoming an in...

Join us on this enlightening episode of Up 2 Speed as we delve into the world of business automation and lead generation with the exceptional Ms. Dianne Shelton. Discover her innovative approaches to streamlining backend processes and converting leads into revenue, crucial for anyone struggling with inefficient systems. Dianne shares her expertise in identifying and filling gaps that hinder busine...

In this episode of Up to Speed, join us as we talk with Valkyrie Holmes of Faura, a trailblazer in assessing property risks and transforming insurance practices. Dive into the challenges of the insurance marketplace, particularly regarding property survivability amid increasing natural disasters. Valkyrie shares her unique journey into the insurance sector, leveraging her background in data scienc...

Join Samantha as she dives deep into the world of hiring, firing, and employee management with expert Michael Colitti  A seasoned HR guru. Discover the essential practices business owners need to know to manage their workforce effectively, from understanding the balance between technical skills and behavioral traits to crafting impactful job descriptions. Learn why "hire slow, fire fast" is a mant...

Welcome to another episode of the Up 2 Speed podcast, where we bring valuable insights from industry experts. In this episode, hosts Elliott and Mick Strickler are joined by Paul Kaplan from Back Nine Insurance to discuss everything about life insurance. This conversation provides a comprehensive overview, catering to both seasoned life agents and those new to the field. Explore the fundamental as...

Join us for an enlightening discussion with Tom from Liberate as we delve into the world of AI through an insider's perspective. Discover how AI is transforming the insurance industry, enhancing customer experiences, and streamlining processes for carriers and agencies. Learn about the real-time benefits of AI in handling crisis situations, such as natural disasters, and how it supports insurance...

This episode of Up 2 Speed, hosted by Samantha, focuses on the current challenges posed by the LA fires and the related insurance crisis. Samantha offers insights from the Fair Plan Claims Reporting Webinar, providing updates on claim filing processes, fair rental value, and key resources for policyholders. Listeners are guided on filing claims, including ensuring accurate contact information and...

This episode of 'Up 2 Speed' delves into the critical situation unfolding in Southern California, with six active fires wreaking havoc in LA and Ventura County. In the wake of this devastation, we bring insightful advice from insurance professionals Samantha, Jessica and Stacy, who share their expertise on how to navigate the complex landscape of insurance claims during such mass claim events. Lis...

Welcome to this episode of "Up 2 Speed," where host Samantha chats with Nancy Strickler, an education expert from Lytespeed and her mom, about the latest changes in insurance education due to Senate Bill 263. Nancy breaks down the new training requirements for life and annuity agents, offering clarity amidst the confusion. First, they discuss the new four-hour life policy training mandatory for ag...