The Subrogation Support Network Podcast

The big 5-0! In this special 50th episode of the Subrogation Support Network, Ashton Kirsch sits down with Carl Van, founder of the International Insurance Institute and one of the most sought-after claims trainers in the country. With 27 years of running workshops for carriers like State Farm, Allstate, and Progressive, Carl has spent more time listening to real claims calls than just about anyon...

Freight brokers have long escaped liability for cargo theft by pointing the finger at carriers — but the Supreme Court's unanimous decision in Montgomery v. Caribe just changed the rules. In this episode, host Ashton Kirsch sits down with MWL's very own cargo subrogation attorney, Lance Jones, to break down what the ruling actually means, why framing your claim around motor vehicle safet...

Before Pete Fowler was one of the country's leading construction defect experts, he was digging ditches to fund a rock and roll career. These days, he trades the stage for the witness stand, but the performance instincts are the same: stay composed, know your material, and never let a smart opponent rattle you. In this episode, Ashton sits down with Pete Fowler, founder of Pete Fowler Constru...

Most work comp carriers are sitting on billions in unclaimed recoveries, and they don't even know it. In this episode, host Ashton Kirsch sits down with Bradley Drew, Senior Managing Director of PACE Claims, to explore one of the most overlooked opportunities in subrogation: toxic tort claims, and specifically asbestos. Brad brings over 30 years of experience managing asbestos and bodily inju...

Join host Ashton Kirsch for a preview of his upcoming CLM Conference presentation on negotiation strategies, featuring claims experts Amber Guenther from Alliant Insurance Services and Cortney Helfrich from Wilbur Group. This episode tackles why negotiation is the most undervalued skill in claims, applicable to everything from subrogation recoveries to defense settlements. The panel discusses prac...

In this episode of the Subrogation Support Network , host Ashton Kirsch sits down with Donnie Vaughn , a 15-year claims professional and author of The AI Advantage in Claims , to unpack what AI actually means for claims teams—and why it’s no longer optional to understand it. Donnie breaks down AI “101” in plain language, compares major tools (beyond just ChatGPT), and explains how claims professio...

Ashton Kirsch sits down with mediator and negotiation professor Lee Mendelson for a practical, subrogation-focused conversation on what actually moves cases to resolution. Lee shares how he transitioned from running a long-time subrogation practice to mediating full-time nationwide, and why subject-matter expertise matters when selecting a mediator—especially in technical and insurance-driven disp...

In this special crossover episode, Subrogation Support Network host Ashton Kirsch sits down with Jerrod Fussnecker, Army veteran, former JAG officer, military judge, and host of the Military Veterans in Law podcast, for a powerful conversation about service, career transitions, and the surprising ways military experience aligns with insurance and subrogation work. Ashton and Jerrod dive into Jerro...

In this episode, Subrogation Support Network host Ashton Kirsch teams up with Subro Sense host Aaron Jacobs for a deep dive into something most people don’t realize happens behind the scenes: true collaboration between subrogation firms. Together, they unpack how attorneys from different organizations coordinate strategies on market-share claims, large-loss commercial property cases, MDLs, mass to...

This episode is packed with energy (literally). Your host, Ashton Kirsch, sits down with Simon Keshishian, Head of Risk Management for Red Bull North America, for a high-octane conversation about what it really means to manage risk when your company is known for pushing limits. From cliff-diving events to contract clauses, Simon shares how Red Bull balances bold ideas with calculated controls, all...

 In this episode of the Subrogation Support Network , host Ashton Kirsch sits down with Caryn Siebert , Vice President of Carrier Engagement at Gallagher Bassett , for a candid conversation about leadership, claims innovation, and the future of subrogation. Caryn shares how her unconventional path, from aspiring veterinarian to attorney to insurance executive, shaped her understanding of people, p...

Two of the subrogation world’s leading voices join forces in this special crossover between the Subrogation Support Network and Claims Hunter podcasts. Host Ashton Kirsch of Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer, S.C. and guest co-host Chris Tidball of SubroIQ dig deep into what really drives successful recoveries—spotting hidden opportunities, investigating fast, and negotiating smart. From missed rec...

From the bright lights of Nevada to the cornfields of Nebraska, subrogation is getting a legislative makeover. In this episode of the Subrogation Support Network , host Ashton Kirsch sits down with Gary Wickert to unpack sweeping workers’ compensation reforms in two states that couldn’t be more different—but are shaping the same conversation. Ashton and Gary explore how Nevada went from one of the...

 What happens when Mardi Gras beads meet the Napoleonic Code? In this episode of the Subrogation Support Network , host Ashton Kirsch sits down with New Orleans partner Jim Busenlener to dive into Louisiana’s one-of-a-kind legal system. They discuss how French civil law still shapes subrogation today, the sweeping tort reforms shaking up the state, and why knowing the difference between “prescript...

Join host Ashton Kirsch and guest Mark Solomon for an in-depth exploration of workers’ compensation subrogation in Texas. This episode of the Subrogation Support Network dives into the unique legal landscape of the Lone Star State, covering first-dollar recovery, non-subscriber rules, intervention strategies, and practical tips for maximizing recoveries. Whether you’re a claims professional, attor...

When cargo shifts, chaos can follow, and so can costly claims. In this episode, we unpack the legal implications of load shift incidents in the trucking industry. From driver responsibility and loading protocols to third-party liability and litigation strategies, Ashton Kirsch and guest speaker Don Henderson cover what happens when the freight doesn't stay put. Whether you’re defending a clai...

 On this episode of The Subrogation Support Network Podcast , Ashton Kirsch is joined by Don Henderson to dive into the journey from law school to legal practice. Together, they explore the transition from textbooks to the courtroom and share valuable lessons learned in the early days of a legal career.

Ashton Kirsch hosts The Subrogation Support Network Podcast for an episode on Autonomous Vehicles. 

Ashton Kirsch hosts The Subrogation Support Network Podcast for an episode on part 2 of Negotiations 101. 

Gary Wickert hosts this episode of the Subrogation Support Network and is joined by MWL's Lead Subrogation Paralegal, Emily Bates to discuss which workers' compensation payments can be subrogated. 

Ashton Kirsch is joined by Patti Rutzinski , Subrogation Supervisor with Secura Insurance,  to discuss Retain Counsel for Subrogation Claims. 

Ashton Kirsch is joined by Partner, Gary Wickert , Shareholder and founding member at Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer, S.C., to discuss selecting and working with experts. 

Ashton Kirsch is joined by Raven Jelinske , an Associate Attorney at Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer, S.C.'s Hartford, Wisconsin office, to discuss Miss Dig Claims.  

Ashton Kirsch hosts The Subrogation Support Network Podcast for an episode on Bomb Throwing Demands. 

Ashton Kirsch is joined by Sally Bruch , Sr. Counsel at Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer, S.C.'s Hartford, Wisconsin office, to discuss cannabis insurance.