USLI's InTrend: An Insurance Podcast is dedicated to helping listeners navigate the evolving insurance landscape by providing an in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on key topics shaping the insurance industry. Whether it's insurance products, claims management, sales strategies or emerging trends, InTrend is designed to help industry professionals and policyholders stay informed, adapt to change and make informed decisions. Tune in for valuable discussions that support your growth and success in the ever-evolving world of insurance.
The Carrier Behind the Coverage Matters: A Look Into Our AM Best A++ Rating
What really makes an insurance carrier a quality one? In this episode of InTrend, we take a closer look at the qualities insurance professionals should consider when evaluating a carrier — from financial strength and underwriting philosophy to claims service, consistency, responsiveness and long-term stability. Melissa Engel explores how partnering with a quality insurance carrier can create a better experience at every stage of the insurance process and ultimately help strengthen relationships with customers.
3 Aug 2026
Selling a Promise
In this episode of InTrend, the host interviews Patrick Wolgast, senior vice president and chief sales officer at USLI, to discuss the unique psychological challenges of selling insurance. Unlike tangible products, insurance requires selling confidence and trust. Wolgast emphasizes the importance of a consultative approach, using relevant claims examples to educate clients and move the conversation away from a pure focus on price. The discussion covers the necessity of establishing trust through consistent follow-up, the value of walking away from a sale when it doesn't align with client needs, and how to navigate decision paralysis by taking accountability for the client's lack of information. Wolgast concludes by encouraging sales professionals to embrace mistakes as a means of growth and stepping outside their comfort zones.
13 Jul 2026
Insurance Intelligence: Where AI is Making an Impact
AI is changing the way insurance works — from underwriting and claims to customer service and operational efficiency. Join Michael Strobel, Senior Vice President of Administration at USLI, as he shares practical insights on where AI is creating value, the risks insurers need to navigate, and why human judgment remains essential in an increasingly AI-driven industry.
1 Jun 2026
Pour Decisions: Understanding Liquor Liability for Bars and Restaurants
In liquor liability cases, causation used to feel more straightforward.
If other substances were involved, it often strengthened the defense argument:
👉 Was alcohol truly the primary cause?
👉 Or were other factors driving the outcome?
What’s changing now is the perception around that argument—and the impact it has in the courtroom.
🎥 A conversation on how social attitudes are influencing liquor liability litigation.
#Insurance #LiquorLiability #Claims #RiskManagement
1 May 2026
From Claims to Comebacks: Why Subrogation Matters More Than Ever
Subrogation may happen behind the scenes, but its impact on the insurance industry is anything but small.
In this episode of InTrend, we break down the fundamentals of subrogation: what it is, how it works and why it’s becoming a growing priority for carriers navigating rising claim costs and increased catastrophe losses.
Joining us is Caitlyn Kennedy Niedelman, Subrogation Team Captain, who shares insights from over 18 years in the industry. Since launching an in-house subrogation team in 2020, she has helped drive a 120% increase in net recoveries while transforming the process into a more customer-focused experience.
From real-world claim examples to common challenges like liability disputes, state laws and contractual barriers, we explore what it takes to successfully pursue recoveries. We also discuss how subrogation supports underwriting, impacts premiums and ultimately benefits policyholders — sometimes even beyond their coverage.
Whether you’re new to subrogation or looking to sharpen your strategy, this episode highlights why it’s one of the most important, and often overlooked, tools in modern claims management.
10 Apr 2026
Rebuilding Confidence: What's Next for the Property Insurance Market in 2026
After years of volatility, the commercial property insurance market is showing signs of stabilization — but challenges remain. In this episode of InTrend, Will sits down with Stacey Friel to discuss the current state of the property market and what insurance professionals should be watching as conditions evolve.
From catastrophe losses and secondary perils to construction costs, valuation challenges, and underwriting scrutiny, the conversation explores how carriers are balancing profitability with availability. Stacy also breaks down the growing importance of accurate data, modeling tools, reinsurance, and clear communication between carriers, agents, and policyholders.
Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on insuring to value, understanding replacement cost versus actual cash value, and why proactive policy reviews matter more than ever in today’s commercial property landscape.
6 Mar 2026
Filling the Talent Gap: Attracting, Training and Retaining the Next Generation of Insurance Professionals
The insurance industry is facing a growing talent gap driven by retirements, shifting workforce dynamics and evolving perceptions of the profession. In this episode, we break down what’s behind the imbalance — and what organizations can do about it.
From expanding recruiting beyond traditional backgrounds to investing in early, intentional training, we explore practical ways to attract and retain the next generation of insurance professionals. We also discuss the role of technology, why human connection still matters most, and how reshaping the industry’s story can unlock new opportunity.
Whether you’re building a team or building your career, this conversation offers actionable insight on strengthening the future of insurance.
9 Feb 2026
Speed, Ease of Use, and Accessibility: A Conversation with USLI CEO Tom Nerney
In this episode of InTrend, host Melissa Kanbayashi sits down with USLI CEO Tom Nerney to explore why speed, ease of use, and accessibility have become essential drivers of success in today’s insurance industry. Drawing from decades of experience, Tom discusses how these principles impact underwriting, customer relationships, and long-term sustainability, as well as why companies that prioritize them are better positioned for the future.
8 Jan 2026
Positioned for What’s Next: Insurance Trends Carrying Us Into 2026
In this episode of USLI’s InTrend, host Melissa Kanbayashi is joined by Kelly Christ and Drew Hager to reflect on what shaped the insurance industry in 2025 and what those developments signal for 2026. From market competition and M&A activity to talent challenges, profitability by line, AI adoption, and emerging coverage needs like cyber and excess limits, this conversation offers practical insights for navigating a rapidly evolving marketplace.
10 Nov 2025
The Social Inflation Effect
Social inflation is reshaping the insurance landscape. In this episode, guest Steve Parisi unpacks the societal and legal trends fueling this shift and shares practical steps carriers and policyholders can take to protect themselves.
6 Oct 2025
The Future of Quoting
5 Sept 2025
Digital Fires and Deep Fakes
In this eye-opening episode of InTrend, Will sits down with cyber underwriter, Meredith, to explore the rapidly evolving world of cyber threats, data privacy and digital deception. From ransomware gangs that operate like Fortune 500 companies to real-life AI deep fakes fooling executives out of millions, this conversation is packed with startling examples, expert insights and practical tips to protect your business.
Meredith breaks down the latest cyber-attack trends, the surprising sophistication of threat actors and how insurance policies are adapting to meet today’s risks. Learn why even small businesses are vulnerable, how to recognize red flags and why "think before you click" has never been more important.
If your business uses email, software or stores customer information, this is a must-listen episode.
19 Aug 2025
Weathering the Worst
Catastrophic claims are on the rise — and they’re hitting harder than ever. In this episode of InTrend, guest Susan Cianciola breaks down the growing impact of large-scale weather events like hurricanes, wildfires and floods and what policyholders, business owners and insurance professionals can do to prepare.
Learn how to protect property, prevent business interruptions and build a plan before disaster strikes.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
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