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 between knowledge, skills, and competencies—and how professionals can strategically develop each. She also opens up about the power of vulnerability, the value of continuous learning, and how to create a culture that supports growth and curiosity. Whether you’re starting out or seeking fresh momentum, Ronna’s insights offer practical strategies and inspiration for lifelong learning and professional development.

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, disability claims, and costs. Hammer also shares actionable solutions for employers, insurers, and injured workers to navigate this growing challenge and improve care access and outcomes. Whether you're in HR, claims, or healthcare, this episode offers crucial insights into one of the industry’s most urgent issues. Subscribe for more expert discussions on workers’ compensation and return-to-work strategies.

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 within 30 days have a 90% chance of full recovery, and how poor claim management can spike your experience mod by 30 points. Barrett also covers essential tools like nurse triage, telemedicine, and partnering with the right occupational health providers to streamline the claims process. If you're an employer, HR professional, or risk manager ready to take control of workplace injury claims, this episode is packed with actionable tips to protect your people and your bottom line. Listen now to revolutionize your workers' comp strategy.

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,” Qiana makes complex topics not only accessible but also fun. With two decades of experience as a claims examiner and broker, Qiana brings fresh solutions to post-pandemic challenges like remote work injuries and industry knowledge gaps. Her innovative approach proves that even in insurance, creativity isn’t just welcome—it’s essential.

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 intentional kindness is more important than ever, and how small, meaningful actions—like donating a kidney—can create lasting ripple effects. She reflects on lessons learned from hurricane devastation, the importance of active love in times of crisis, and the transformative impact of gratitude. She also offers powerful strategies for having difficult conversations with both kindness and accountability, as well as the best way to provide meaningful support to others. For more insights, connect with Debbie at debbie@debbielundberg.com and tune in to The Business of Life Masterclass Podcast.

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, and discusses how delays and miscommunication can impact both physical and emotional healing. Tune in to learn how organizations can better support injured workers and create a more effective, people-centered claims process. Visit workerscompensation.com, sign up for their newsletter, or connect with our guest on LinkedIn.

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 planning during adversity, including lessons from Florida’s natural disasters and year-end settlement challenges. Plus, discover the potential of AI in the workplace and its impact on efficiency and workplace culture. Join us for insights on growth, resilience, and navigating the trends shaping 2025.

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 face-to-face communication. Join us as we delve into transformative insights and actionable methods to foster collaboration and create a more positive work environment. Some research shows that gratitude can positively impact trust. Explore the resources below: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/can_gratitude_make_our_society_more_trustinghttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/parenting-translator/202409/research-finds-that-hearing-thank-you-really-matters-for-parentshttps://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-gratitude-builds-trust-your-team-sonya-shelton/

Join Sandy Avena, 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 culture, build trust, and foster stronger employer-employee relationships. The conversation touches on the importance of mental wellness in the industry and offers practical steps to support mental health, providing valuable insights for anyone seeking a more empathetic approach in the workplace.

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 the world of workers' compensation. Play along and test your knowledge on topics like the roles of employers in claims and the rights of independent contractors. Participate in our myth-busting quiz for a chance to win a Starbucks gift card! Click the link to take the survey>>

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 resilience-building programs like Camp Hope America for children and innovative support for teens using violence. We also address post-pandemic challenges, the vital role of community advocates, and essential safety planning, all aimed at empowering survivors and fostering informed, supportive communities during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. To learn more about The Spring and their cause, visit thespring.org

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 over $1.1 million for local charities. Next, we highlight extraordinary organizations making a global impact, such as Helping Hands Monkey Helpers, which trains capuchin monkeys to assist individuals with disabilities, and APOPO, which uses African giant pouched rats to detect landmines. Supporting nonprofits that resonate with you is vital, and resources like charitynavigator.org can help ensure your donations make a meaningful impact. Join us for stories that inspire and motivate action toward these unique causes. Thank you to Medium.com for the list of unique Nonprofits: hhtps://medium.com Check out some videos from the nonprofits mentioned in this ReAudio episode: Helping Hands Monkey Helpers: https://youtu.be/MKpTGJ7mD58 APOPO: https://youtu.be/L0swUc492hU ColaLife: https://youtu.be/hH2D2tYgxn8

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, discusses her book "The Truth About Things that Suck," and the film "Good Bad Things." Plus, hear about her upcoming advocacy efforts in Washington D.C., emphasizing the importance of awareness, research, and civic engagement for individuals with muscular dystrophy. Click the link to purchase tickets to stream “Good Bad Things”: veeps.com Learn more about MDA at www.mda.org

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 Strike of 1877 and the Haymarket Square riot. This episode provides a deep dive into how industrialization shaped labor movements and laid the groundwork for the rights and protections we often take for granted today.

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 Fairness Act (PWFA) and its importance in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for expecting employees. She highlights the importance of perspective in building a positive workplace and identifies the key elements that often contribute to negative company cultures, such as poor communication and lack of trust. Learn more about the PWFA and how it can benefit your company culture and expecting employees in our free webinar "Decoding the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA): Understanding Your Role in Supporting Your Pregnant Workforce," live on August 28, 2024 at 1 p.m. (EST). Link to register for the webinar: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/56a1ce4e-408b-4d7a-b73e-389ac44e4a66@d3e0a90c-c12e-4b5c-af10-bc9a227580ec

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 heartfelt work with nonprofits like Secret Sleigh, which are dedicated to bringing joy to children battling serious illnesses. Peek behind the scenes at the North Pole, where reindeer training and crop planting for reindeer feed happen all year round. This episode is a warm reminder of the importance of volunteering and supporting charitable causes long after the holiday season has passed. If you’d like to schedule some time to talk to Santa, check out https://talktosanta.com/

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 freedom as a privilege and a profound responsibility to do what is right. We explore key insights from his upcoming book, "Nobody's Coming to Save You: A Green Beret's Guide to Getting Big Sh*t Done," and discuss how the concept of self-reliance fosters resilience and empowerment. Visit https://scottmann.com/ to learn more about Scott's story and Pre-Order his new book!

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 relationships can lead to a safer work environment. We also highlight the role of purpose and values in creating a successful safety culture, drawing lessons from companies like Alcoa Aluminum. This episode is packed with real-life examples and expert advice, making it essential listening for anyone passionate about modern workplace safety. Ever wondered how we evolved from the perilous work environments of the 1930s to today's stringent safety standards? In our latest episode, we explore this evolution through the captivating lens of Mike Rowe's experiences on "Dirty Jobs." Rowe provocatively argues that putting safety first can sometimes lead to dangerous complacency, emphasizing instead the power of personal responsibility. Listen as we recount his gripping story aboard a crab boat in the Bering Sea and discuss how he believes safety should be prioritized. Contact Paul at PBragenzer@Acrisure.com Watch the Mike Rowe video referenced: https://youtu.be/Km8XxRCuCho

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 on the organization's mission and operations across multiple states, offering valuable insights into the logistics of blood collection and distribution, and the pivotal role regular donors play. Don't miss out on hearing about the Share Your Power Podcast, featuring inspirational stories that make the topic even more relatable and inspiring.

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 learned. Discover why breaking down complex topics and employing effective note-taking can make a world of difference in your learning journey. Looking ahead, Bob and Mark outline their ambitious plans for WorkCompCollege.com, from innovative training solutions to an exciting new certification in the medical field. We discuss the challenges in reaching injured workers and the potential of an educational portal to guide them through the compensation process. Tune in to discover how never-ending learning can transform your career and personal growth.