Talking Benefits

We're talking point solutions–what they are and how they could improve your plan participants' health outcomes and potentially lower your costs.

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/

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.

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/

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/

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...

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...

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

Let’s recap last year’s big benefit news and look at what’s ahead of us in 2026!

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/

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...

This week, Julie chats with special guest Paula Stop, Director of Total Rewards at The Fresh Market, about savings programs in a diverse workforce

The cost of cancer care is rising in the U.S. for patients and employers. Learn how those costs are shaping some U.S. employers' health care benefit offerings in this bonus episode. Read Rebecca's post and many other great blog posts at https://blog.ifebp.org/ View the entire Cancer/Oncology Care Strategies: 2025 Pulse Survey report at https://www.ifebp.org/CancerCare2025 International Foundation...

This episode is an audio read of a Word on Benefits blog post at www.ifebp.org/blog To find more resources, including a template of a disaster recovery policy and sample documents, visit the Benefits Knowledge Center: www.ifebp.org/resources---news/b…s-knowledge-center

This week, Justin chats with special guest Michael Stoyanovich, Vice President and Senior Consultant in Segal’s Administration & Technology Consulting practice about the use of artificial intelligence in health plans.

The Big Beautiful Bill impacts employee benefits in a big way. We're sorting through it all from retirement plan changes to commuter reimbursements and more.

This week, Anne chats with special guest Dr. Tyler Amell, about the science behind the aging process .

This episode is an audio read of a Word on Benefits blog post. Read the post here: https://blog.ifebp.org/what-the-executive-order-increasing-pbm-fee-transparency-means-for-employers/ To find more resources, including a template of a disaster recovery policy and sample documents, visit the Benefits Knowledge Center: www.ifebp.org/resources---news/b…s-knowledge-center

In this episode we're talking to Chelsea Ryckis, President of Ethos Benefits on what it means to view your health plan through the eyes of a fiduciary and how that perspective could lead to savings and improved benefits for your employees. Chelsea presented on this topic at the 2024 International Society of Certified Employee Benefit Specialists Symposium. Hear many other great presentations like...

Anne and Julie discuss the complicated process of how a bill becomes a law.

This week, Justin chats with special guest Ryan Picarella, Executive Director of the Wellness Alliance, about wellness in the workplace.

This week, we focus on this years theme for National Employee Benefits Day, which is future-ready financial education. We’re diving into the financial stress and mental health of workers. Visit www.ifebp.org/benefitsday for more information.

This episode is an audio read of a Word on Benefits blog post. Read the post here: https://blog.ifebp.org/building-resilience-how-to-prepare-your-organization-for-disasters/ To find more resources, including a template of a disaster recovery policy and sample documents, visit the Benefits Knowledge Center: https://www.ifebp.org/resources---news/benefits-knowledge-center

What do tiny houses have to do with your staff? A lot, as it turns out. Well, kind of. Host Stacy talks with International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans VP of Talent, Andie Gebert, on her advice and insights for how employers can navigate communications, policies and more for employees spanning four, sometimes five generations, all with different sets of values.

This week, we are joined by special guest Jason Sheffield, the National Director of Compliance at The Baldwin Group, Inc. Join us as we discuss best practices in cybersecurity and updates on recent events.