ReAudio: ReAssess Your Workers Comp Toolbox

Curiosity fuels career growth—that’s the key takeaway from Ronna Ruppelt’s inspiring journey through law, insurance, non-profit leadership, and now partnership at Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP. From breaking barriers as the only female attorney at her firm to leading major organizational change, Ronna shares how asking “why?” has driven her success. In this episode, she explores the difference be...

A healthcare crisis is hitting workers’ compensation: fewer doctors are treating injured workers. Why are physicians leaving, and what can be done? Woodruff Sawyer, VP | Specialty Claims Consultant, Debbie Hammer, with 35 years of experience, breaks down the complex reasons behind the shortage—from fallout of the Dobbs decision to burdensome paperwork—and its real-world impact on recovery times, d...

In this episode, Jennifer Barrett, Director of Risk Resources at Acrisure, shares proven strategies to cut workers’ compensation costs and support injured employees. Drawing on her deep construction industry experience, Barrett explains how fast communication and proactive return-to-work programs can boost recovery rates—and slash premium costs. Learn why employees who return to modified duty with...

What happens when you blend creativity with one of the most traditional industries out there? Woodruff Sawyer, Senior Claims Consultant, Qiana Redmond—better known as "Q"—is flipping the script on workers’ comp education through personalized learning and interactive games. From turning HR trainings into Family Feud-style competitions to hosting her signature “Ask Q Work Comp Sessions,” Q...

Debbie Lundberg takes you on an inspiring journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of kindness. From overcoming perfectionism to embracing purposeful living, she shares how personal branding, emotional intelligence, and strong communication shape both our professional and personal lives. In this episode, Debbie explores how modern communication bridges generational gaps, why intentiona...

Welcome to Season 5 of ReAudio! When a workplace injury happens, employees are thrown into a system they rarely understand. Dr. Claire Muselman, COO at workerscompensation.com, breaks down the realities of workers’ comp—what it is, what it isn’t, and why expectations often don’t align. She shares her own experience with workplace injuries, explains why the first 48 hours are critical for recovery,...

Explore how economic shifts and technological advancements are transforming the workers' compensation industry with Debra Livingston, founder and CEO of ReEmployAbility. We discuss cost containment strategies amid rising medical and wage inflation, the growing importance of return-to-work programs, and mentorship’s role in addressing the talent shortage. This episode also tackles strategic pl...

How can gratitude reshape the challenging world of workers’ compensation? In this episode, we sit down with Debbie Hammer, a seasoned claims consultant and AVP at Woodruff Sawyer, to explore how cultivating gratitude rebuilds trust among stakeholders. We tackle mistrust, the pandemic's lasting effects, and the surge in litigation, uncovering practical strategies like gratitude journaling and...

Join Sandy Avina, Claims Service Manager at California Schools JPA, as she discusses how kindness can reshape the workers' compensation landscape. By treating injured workers as individuals and focusing on their well-being, organizations can reduce litigation, speed up return-to-work times, and combat compassion fatigue among adjusters.  Sandy also explores strategies to improve workplace cul...

Ever wondered if walking under a ladder truly invites bad luck or if holding your breath while passing a graveyard can keep ghosts at bay? Discover the captivating origins of these Halloween superstitions and more, as we unravel the tales and traditions that haunt our everyday lives. We're bringing an interactive twist to our exploration by challenging you to separate myths from realities in...

Join us for an insightful episode featuring Mindy Murphy, President and CEO of The Spring of Tampa Bay, as we explore the often unspoken complexities of domestic violence. This discussion sheds light on how abuse goes beyond anger, encompassing emotional and economic control as deliberate acts of power. Learn to recognize the signs in those around you, and discover prevention strategies, including...

Have you ever thought about how dressing up as a pirate could help fund college scholarships or how a monkey might become someone's most valuable helper? In this exploration of unconventional and heartwarming nonprofit initiatives, we begin with the origins of International Talk Like a Pirate Day and its connection to Tampa Bay’s Gasparilla Pirate Festival, where pirate-themed fun generates o...

Join us as Mindy Henderson, Vice President of Disability Outreach and Empowerment for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), shares her inspiring journey with spinal muscular atrophy. Mindy offers a profound understanding of living with a neuromuscular disease, the impact of family support, and the transformative role of medical advancements. She also highlights MDA’s critical support, discusse...

Ever wondered about the true significance of Labor Day beyond barbecues and retail sales? Join us as we uncover the rich history and enduring impact of this pivotal holiday with the help of our favorite educator, Chad Reed. Together, we explore the post-Civil War era and the rise of labor unions as a force against worker exploitation, shining a light on critical events such as the Great Railroad S...

Why do we need laws to ensure fair treatment for pregnant workers? What does it say about our workplace culture? Join us as we tackle these tough questions and more with Crystal Hundley, Director of Human Resources at ReEmployAbility. Crystal brings a wealth of knowledge in employee development and a unique perspective shaped by her experiences. In this episode, we explore the Pregnant Workers Fai...

Ever wondered what Santa Claus does when he's not busy delivering gifts? Join us for an enchanting journey as we celebrate Christmas in July with the legendary Santa himself! Discover the fascinating origins of this unique mid-year festivity, and learn how it has grown from a 1933 summer camp tradition into a beloved celebration. Santa opens up about his off-season activities, including his h...

What does freedom mean in a world where personal liberties and collective identities often clash? Join us as we welcome retired Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann, a former Green Beret with extensive experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, who brings a unique perspective on the evolving understanding of freedom. Drawing on his military background and current leadership roles, Scott challenges us to view fr...

With June marking National Safety Awareness Month, we are honored to have the Director of Risk Resources at Acrisure, Paul Bragenzer, share his invaluable insights on balancing safety and productivity. We dive deep into the cultural shift needed to make safety more than just a compliance issue. Hear how understanding the "why" behind safety practices and fostering meaningful relationship...

What if your simple act of kindness could save a life? Join us as we spotlight the critical importance of blood donation in honor of World Blood Donor Day on June 14th. Through a deeply personal narrative, we share how blood donations extended my mother's life during her battle with leukemia, inspiring me to start donating platelets myself. Our guest, Pat Michaels from OneBlood, sheds light o...

What if you could revolutionize your professional development with just a few strategic learning techniques? In our latest episode, we promise to unlock the transformative power of lifelong learning and continuing education. Join us as we delve into the insights of Bob Wilson and Mark Pew, co-founders of WorkCompCollege.com, who share their unique paths and the invaluable lessons they've lear...

When history and politics teacher Chad Reed shared his perspective on Memorial Day, it was clear that this would be an extraordinary journey through the eyes of a passionate educator. He brought the story of Todd Love, a triple amputee veteran, to life, challenging our views on heroism and how personal experiences can transform our understanding of the world. As we delved into the meaning of Memor...

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we dive into the transformative power of perspective in our latest podcast episode, where we navigate the often-overlooked nuances of mental health. From the casual "I'm fine" to the deeper struggles beneath, we examine the importance of genuine dialogue. Coach Lynne Couchara, of Mindset Mental Coaching, joins us to share her expertise on t...

Embark on a journey to financial clarity with Arron Goodrich of Fifth Third Bank, as she shares her ascent from part-time teller to Financial Center Manager and now, your guide through the fiscal maze. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone from young adults navigating their newfound financial independence to seasoned individuals eyeing retirement. Arron's knack for simplifyi...

If you've ever wondered how a Gen Xer's cynicism or a millennial's idealism can shape the future of an industry, our latest conversation is a must-listen. Join me as I sit down with Shawn Deane and the insightful team from ReEmployAbility, Joanna Jewell, and Katie Loadwick, to dissect the fascinating generational dynamics at play in the workers' compensation sector. We tackle t...

March is a beacon of celebration for the formidable women who've blazed trails and shattered ceilings, and who better to share their experiences than ReEmployAbility CEO Debra Livingston and Thought Leader Dr. Claire Muselman?  Their tales of triumph are not just inspiring; they're a testament to the unwavering strength of women everywhere.  Capping off our homage to women's contrib...