The Business of Benefits Podcast

Welcome back to The Business of Benefits Podcast! In Part 2 of our deep dive with Danielle Young of ClaimDoc, we shift focus from theory to reality — what actually happens when employees engage with a reference-based pricing (RBP) plan? We break down: The truth about provider access How ClaimDoc achieves a 96%+ acceptance rate Fear-based tactics vs real-world outcomes How to handle balance bills —...

Welcome to The Business of Benefits Podcast — the no BS, no sales guide to transforming your health benefits. In this explosive Part 1 of our two-part series, Chelsea Ryckis sits down with Danielle Young of ClaimDoc and host of Claim Talk to unpack one of the most misunderstood and feared concepts in healthcare: reference-based pricing (RBP). What is RBP? How does it really work? And is it as scar...

Today’s episode of The Business of Benefits is a masterclass in bold HR leadership. Meet Stephanie Koch, Director of HR at Hendry Marine, who shares how she went from sitting silently in renewal meetings to transforming her company’s healthcare strategy — saving nearly $24 million in the process. Host Chelsea Ryckis and Stephanie dive deep into: Why most companies are stuck in “spreadsheet” health...

In this no-nonsense episode of The Business of Benefits, host Chelsea Ryckis dives into the critical but often misunderstood world of Third Party Administrators (TPAs) with industry veteran Eugene Starks. This episode offers employers and consultants a candid breakdown of why the TPA is arguably the most important player in a health plan—acting as the “quarterback” responsible for claims processin...

This week's episode dives deep into real-world strategies for transforming health plans—rooted in fiduciary responsibility, transparency, and measurable outcomes.  In this powerful episode, the team sits down with Bryan Orr, CEO of Kalos Services, live from the 2025 Florida Health Care Alliance conference. Bryan shares how he radically redesigned his company’s health plan—cutting costs by 42% belo...

In this high-impact episode of  The Business of Benefits Podcast, we're cutting through the legal jargon and post-lunch drowsiness to bring you the most engaging conversation you’ll ever hear on fiduciary compliance. Hosts Chelsea and Donovan Ryckis pull back the curtain on what it really means to be a fiduciary under ERISA, especially in today’s healthcare landscape, where misaligned incentives a...

If you've ever felt confused or frankly, duped by your pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), this episode is your wake-up call. Chelsea Ryckis sits down with the “PBM Princess” herself, Rachel Strauss, a 20+ year industry veteran and fierce advocate for transparency, to pull back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood (and most expensive) parts of your health plan. You’ll learn: - The origin story...

Are you ready to finally break free from the traditional HR rut and discover the game-changing strategies shaping the future of human resources? In this special episode we are joined by Andy Najjar, COO of FutureSolve and host of The Strategic HR Show. From redefining the path from HR manager to CHRO, to exploring innovative perks like Uber credits and unlimited PTO, this episode dives deep into w...

Could your company be blindsided by an ERISA lawsuit? Join us as we sit down with Jen Berman from MCQ Consulting, who gives us the scoop on a groundbreaking case involving JP Morgan. Unlike previous lawsuits that focused on HR and finance executives, this one takes aim at the board of directors, setting a precedent that could reverberate through companies big and small. Jen unpacks why this case c...

Are you tired of skyrocketing healthcare costs and feeling like there’s nothing you can do about it? In this special episode of The Business of Benefits Podcast, we flip the script on traditional benefits planning. CEO of Ethos Benefits, Donovan Ryckis, sits down with Bryan Orr, President of Kalos Services and host of the HVAC School Podcast, to dive deep into how Kalos transformed its healthcare...

In this episode of The Business of Benefits, host Chelsea Ryckis dives into a crucial topic for HR professionals, CFOs, and employers—how to indemnify the risk of your fiduciary committee. If you're involved in employee benefits decisions, you’re likely acting as a fiduciary under ERISA, which means you have a legal and ethical responsibility to act in the best interest of your employees.   Joinin...

This episode is not just another dialogue; it's an exposé of the often hidden truths within the benefits system. As a registered nurse, Deb sheds light on the intricacies of medical management and its profound impact on healthcare delivery and financing. Listeners will be captivated by personal anecdotes and insights into the tumultuous journey toward healthcare transparency, challenging the statu...

Join hosts Chelsea and Donovan Ryckis in this engaging episode as they join Spencer in his podcast to unravel the complexities and opportunities in the self-funded healthcare space. This episode dives into the importance of fiduciary responsibility, the impact of healthcare costs on employers, and the potential for innovative solutions to transform the industry. Discover why self-funding may be th...

In this episode, we are thrilled to host the dynamic Chris Yarn, CEO and founder of Walk On Clinic. Walk On Clinic is pioneering healthcare delivery with its innovative mobile and on-site clinic model, providing employees with easy access to top-notch primary care services right at their workplace. Chris Yarn isn’t just transforming healthcare from a business perspective; his personal story of bat...

Welcome to Season 2 of The Business of Benefits Podcast—your no BS, no sales, no gimmicks guide to rethinking employee benefits. This season, we're diving deep into the strategies, data, and solutions that transform how businesses approach healthcare and benefits. From cutting through industry jargon to offering actionable insights, we’re here to equip you with the tools to care for your most valu...

180 million Americans rely on their employers for healthcare, but what if there's a hidden truth keeping costs unnecessarily high? In this episode of the Ethos Effect Podcast, host Chelsea Ryckis pulls back the curtain on the healthcare industry's biggest myth: the idea that employers can't control their healthcare costs. Chelsea, President and Founder of Ethos Benefits, shares how misaligned ince...

Listen as we explore a transformative journey that begins with the launch of an insurance agency at just 25, in a fiercely competitive industry. Tune into an inspiring narrative of resilience, adaptability, and strategic growth, marked by a life-altering brain injury and insightful experiences navigating the healthcare system. In this episode, we unravel the myths surrounding healthcare costs and...

In this episode, we dive into the world of employee healthcare with Korie, a dedicated account manager at Ethos Benefits. Kories hares her inspiring journey into the insurance industry and passion for making healthcare more accessible and humanized for both employers and employees. We also tackle pressing challenges, like those faced by pregnant members in Florida, and how Ethos Benefits' innovati...

In this compelling episode of Ethos Effect, host Donovan Ryckis sits down with Patrick Ansara, an Account Executive at Ethos Benefits. Patrick’s journey from studying health policy at the University of Michigan to tackling real-world healthcare financial challenges is nothing short of inspiring. Join us as we dive into the complexities of the American healthcare system, explore innovative approach...

Meghan Anderson, an account executive at Ethos Benefits, joins us as we celebrate our Benefits Pro Luminaries Award for humanizing employee benefits. With a unique dual role that bridges the gap between employers and employees, Meghan shares her expertise on navigating the intricate world of healthcare finance and delivery. Listen as she recounts impactful stories, including how her strategic coll...

Healthcare costs keep soaring while the service remains the same. In this eye-opening episode Chelsea is joined by Andy Najjar to dissect the complex web of incentives, transparency, and innovative strategies within the employer-sponsored healthcare landscape.  Najjar pulls back the curtain on how large agencies often push for higher bonuses at the expense of clients, the crucial need for compensa...

Waking up at 3 AM to drive hundreds of miles, sacrificing personal comforts, and confronting business challenges head-on—all to build a successful seven-figure enterprise isn’t a task everyone is up for.  In this episode, Chelsea Ryckis is interviewed by Justin Thomas to delve into the foundational sacrifices and strategic decisions that led to the growth of Ethos Benefits. Listeners will hear abo...

Imagine being told you'd never succeed, failing repeatedly, and struggling through immense personal hardship—only to emerge stronger, more resilient, and wildly successful. In this riveting episode, we dive deep into the astonishing journeys of two incredible individuals who turned every setback into a stepping stone for greatness. Join Chelsea Ryckis and Taylor Young as they unpack their extraord...

What if you could transform your business operations with just one hour a month? We are joined by serial entrepreneur Heidi DeCoux, who not only built and sold multiple businesses, including a seven-figure deal, but is also revolutionizing small business accounting with her new AI-powered software, CashFlow AI.  This episode dives deep into Heidi's journey from early entrepreneurship to her latest...

In this special episode, hosts Donovan and Chelsea Ryckis sit down with Brian Desind, the visionary entrepreneur behind Privada Cigar Club. Brian shares his remarkable journey from being a sneakerhead in LA to transforming the cigar industry with his innovative subscription service. We explore how he’s built meaningful relationships with manufacturers, pioneered the concept of "farm rolled" cigars...