The H.I.T. Podcast

Employment law continues to evolve—and staying ahead of it is critical for HR leaders and employers. In this episode, employment attorney Brian Koegle joins me in studio to break down the most important legal updates impacting the workplace in 2026. We cover what’s already in effect, what’s changing, and what organizations should be preparing for now. Topics include: Key employment law changes aff...

“Do better. Somehow.” That’s how a lot of professional goals are set — and it’s exactly why they fail. Most goals don’t collapse because people lack motivation. They fail because they’re too vague, unowned, and impossible to measure once real work, real calendars, and real pressure show up. In this episode, we break down what good professional goal setting actually looks like—the kind that survive...

Curious what The H.I.T. Podcast is all about? This episode is the perfect place to start. We’ve pulled together a hand-picked collection of our favorite moments—10 short clips stitched into one episode—to give you a true feel for the conversations, insights, and energy that define the show. Real talk Practical insights Incredible guests Bite-sized, digestible takes on the topics that matter in HR,...

“We’re thinking about switching HRIS…” Famous. Last. Words. This episode is all about how HRIS platforms actually differ—and why so many teams end up frustrated after implementation. If you’ve sat through five demos that all felt exactly the same, this will help you ask better questions before you sign anything. This is a truly neutral guide to HRIS platforms—no selling, no affiliate links, no bia...

It’s that time of year… when HR gets absolutely flooded with FSA questions. Yes — your FSA can buy some pretty weird stuff. Oura rings? Massage guns? DNA tests? Yep. All real. In this episode, we break down unusual (but legit!) FSA purchases, clarify what actually qualifies, and help employees make the most of those use-it-or-lose-it dollars before they disappear. Perfect for HR pros, benefits tea...

This episode features an awesome conversation with Shane Foss, CEO of Hooray Health, about a super affordable and high-value option your employees will actually use and love. We break down a benefit designed specifically for part-time and hourly staff, offering: Low co-pays A large national provider network Virtual care access Rx component Simple, predictable costs A benefit employees genuinely ap...

Some of you know my story, and some of you don’t — but growing up on the run from a violent household, spending time in battered women’s shelters, and even living through a kidnapping are all parts of what shaped me. They’re also why I care so deeply about doing good in this world… and why I’m so proud to serve on the board of Rainbow Services, Ltd., an incredible organization supporting survivors...

The holiday season is officially underway… which means holiday party planning is in full swing! But before you hit send on those invites, this episode breaks down the 9 essential things HR and employers need to consider — the details that can truly make or break your event. We cover: Alcohol or no alcohol? Family-friendly vs. adults-only Expectations, communication & guardrails How to create a...

There’s a fairly new(ish) legislative mandate that’s catching some employers off guard — the Gag Clause Attestation requirement tied to your company’s health insurance plan. In this quick, informative episode, we break down: What the Gag Clause Attestation actually is Who needs to file it (and how often) Important deadlines & compliance steps Simple action items to make sure your organization...

There are a lot of plan designs out there that promise tax advantages, cost savings, or “creative” ways to structure benefits… but not all of them are compliant. Some are even double-dipping schemes that can create major legal and financial risk for employers. So we brought in someone who actually knows this space at the highest level: Alden Bianchi — a nationally-recognized employee benefits atto...

Open enrollment season is here! Whether you’re choosing your health plan for the first time or just need a quick refresher, this under 9-minute episode gives you everything you need to make smart, confident choices. We’ll break down: The difference between HMO and PPO plans What’s the deal with Kaiser Permanente? How to think about deductibles, networks, and coverage levels All delivered with a to...

In this very special (and very scary) episode, we’re diving into all things Halloween at work — from fun ideas and team activities to best practices for keeping it festive and professional. We cover: Office costume contests & team themes Creative treats, decorations, and events How to keep celebrations inclusive & fun for everyone Simple ways to boost morale and team spirit Don’t miss a ch...

Have you heard of an LSA—or wondered why they’re quickly becoming one of the most popular employee benefits out there? In this episode, I sit down with Rob Cinco to break down everything you need to know about Lifestyle Spending Accounts—what they are, how they work, and why both employers and employees can’t get enough of them! We cover: What an LSA is and how it differs from FSAs & HSAs Why...

This episode is all about helping you get ready to make it awesome. Whether you’re a team member, manager, or HR pro, we’ve got fun, thoughtful, and easy ideas to celebrate your boss (or your team leaders!) the right way. We’ll cover: Creative gift ideas that stand out Meaningful ways to show appreciation How to personalize your message Simple gestures that make a big impact Tune in for inspiratio...

We’ve reached the third and final episode in our incredible series with the Podfather himself — Spencer Smith — and we’re closing things out with a bang! In this episode, we dig into point solutions, explore how they’re shaping today’s self-funded landscape, and then take a look into the crystal ball to talk about the future of healthcare. If you want forward-thinking insights from one of the most...

Self-insuring can feel complicated—especially when you get into contract provisions or health insurance captives. In Part 2 of our 3-part series with the Podfather himself, Spencer Smith, CSFS®, we break down: What a health insurance captive actually is When a captive might be the right fit for your group Key contract nuances every employer should understand Practical insights for anyone dealing w...

We’ve got Spencer Smith in the house—and if you know anything about self-funded employer healthcare, you know this guy is the name to listen to. Spencer is the host of “Self Funding with Spencer” and one of the clearest voices in the country at breaking down this complex topic into language everyone can understand. In this 3-part series, we kick things off by covering: What self-insurance really i...

One of the many reasons a skilled, independent actuary is crucial to your health plan strategy: setting the right individual stop-loss limit. Do you just go with what you did last year? Follow “best practices” blindly? Take whatever a vendor recommends? In this episode, we break down: How to approach stop-loss decisions strategically Why good data is your best friend Common mistakes employers make...

In any version of self-funding, you’ll need to know your premium equivalent rates—what to budget for, what to deduct from employees, and how to keep your health plan sustainable. That’s where a skilled, independent actuary comes in. To unpack this crucial role, I’m joined by my friend and insurance expert Nick Allen, a career actuary and the Founder/CEO of Blue Raven. Together, we kick off a 2-par...

What happens if I.C.E. shows up at your workplace? Whether you’re running a private business or a public-facing company like a restaurant, it’s critical to know your responsibilities, your rights, and your company’s official policy. I sat down with Matthew Meltzer, Immigration Attorney and Co-Founder/Partner at Meltzer Hellrung, for an essential conversation on what every employer needs to know ab...

No Trumps were hurt in the making of this episode

Where else are you going to get PBM lore? After 3 bite-sized episodes with John C. Tackman, Director of Strategic Partnerships at MedOne, we’ve reached the big conclusion of our PBM mini-series! In Part 1, we broke down what a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) actually is. In Part 2, we dove into the fascinating world of formularies. Now, in Part 3, we tackle the ALL-IMPORTANT conversation on rebates...

Part 2 of our 3-part mini-series is here! Last time, we broke down what a PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Manager) actually is—now we’re diving into a fascinating conversation about formularies and why they matter so much. I’m joined in-studio by John Tackman, Director of Strategic Partnerships at MedOne, who brings over 15 years of pharmacy experience to the table. In this episode, we cover: What a formula...

If you’ve ever been confused (or frustrated) by how Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) work... you're not alone. I sat down in-studio with John Tackman, Director of Strategic Partnerships at MedOne, for an in-depth, no-fluff breakdown of this complex—but critical—piece of the health insurance puzzle. With over 15 years in the pharmacy space, John brings a wealth of experience to the table—and we’re...

I sat down with the brilliant Sherli Frank, employment attorney and investigator, for a high-impact conversation on what it takes to conduct effective workplace investigations—and how to avoid the biggest mistakes. We cover: Does the situation even require an investigation? Choosing the right investigator (it matters more than you think) Common pitfalls that trip up even experienced HR teams Sherl...