Podcast Episodes

The Hidden Cost of Staying Captive

Episode 18

The captive agency model has helped many agents enter the insurance industry, build discipline, and learn how to sell. But in 2026, the model is faci…

3 hours ago

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Starting an Insurance Agency? These 5 Things Decide If You Make It

Episode 17

Starting an agency is exciting, but the first 12 to 24 months can also expose every weak spot in a business plan. In this episode of Agency Ascend, C…

3 weeks ago

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The New Rules of Carrier Access and Agency Growth

Episode 16

In this episode of Agency Ascend, Chad, Chris, and Jessica break down what’s really happening with carrier relationships, market access, and agency p…

1 month, 2 weeks ago

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How to Choose the Right Insurance Network Model

Episode 15

Choosing a network, aggregator, or franchise isn’t about finding the “best” option—it’s about finding the right fit for your vision. In this episode,…

2 months, 1 week ago

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Growth, Scale, or Exit: Choosing the Right Agency Path

In this episode, the team breaks down the real paths agency owners take—and why choosing the wrong one can quietly limit growth. From lifestyle agenc…

3 months ago

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Why Most Agency Owners Don’t Actually Own Their Book

In this episode of Agency Ascend, the core team dives deep into one of the most misunderstood topics in the insurance industry: contracts. Building o…

3 months, 3 weeks ago

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Agency Ascend Reacts: Hard Truths About Growth, Exits, and Reality

This special reaction episode of Agency Ascend brings the full core cast back together to revisit and react to standout moments from earlier episodes…

4 months, 1 week ago

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Why Agency Acquisitions Are Exploding in 2026

This episode of Agency Ascend digs into one of the hottest topics in the independent insurance world: acquisitions—why they’re accelerating, what dri…

5 months, 1 week ago

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How ICA is Reinventing Insurance Education with David Allen

Episode 15

In this episode of Agency Ascend, hosts Chad Brummett, Chris Sterlacci, and Jessica McBurney sit down with David Allen, Commercial Lines and Sales In…

6 months, 1 week ago

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Mentorship Meets Metrics: How Growth Coaches Drive Agency Success

In this episode of Agency Ascend, Chad and Jessica sit down with CAA’s Growth Coaches, Mindi Monaco and Robyn Dallas, to discuss how growth coaching …

7 months ago

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