Straight Outta Workers’ Comp

Episode 6 - Alabama Workers' Comp Constitutional Challenges

Episode 6 of Straight Outta Workers’ Comp features Donald Rhea, partner at The Rhea Firm (plaintiff counsel), and Mike Fish, Partner at Fish Nelson & Holden (defense counsel). They are collegial combatants in the battle over the constitutionality of workers’ compensation in Alabama. Interestingly, the primary driver is to get the attention of stakeholders – especially the legislature – to address the unfairness of the maximum weekly wage ($220) and attorney contingency fees (15%) not being increased since 1987. The group talked about other issues of fairness and equitability and how that works in the judicial and regulatory environment. The non-severability of the Act, which means that if ANY part of the Act is ruled unconstitutional then the entire Act is, was purposeful to heighten the stakes because that would destroy the entire industry and go back to the “dark ages” of pre-WC. Donald made clear that the constitutional challenges will continue until they capture the attention of a committee of interested parties to initiate much-needed reforms. This conversation is a clarion call for the insurance industry to start this overdue discussion.

Episode 5 - Happy Humans & Better Outcomes

This episode features Kristin Carnovale Green, President and Chief Purpose Officer for David Corey Company. She also, importantly, starts her LinkedIn profile with the term "good human," which is a perfect description of who she is. Kristin is a whirlwind of positivity, leaving an imprint on everyone with whom she interacts.
 
Kristin, Mark, and Bob shared their individual journeys in advocating that workers' compensation embrace being kind while being competent. There are many rules in work comp that guide the management of a claim. However, the rules for managing the human impacts of an occupational injury center around being human(e). These friends discussed how to increase the pace of change to that broader perspective, one person and one claim at a time, and how that approach will not only positively impact the human but also the financial costs.
 
This discussion will hopefully leave you inspired and motivated to do your part.

Straight Outta Workers’ Comp - At the Intersection of Safety and Workers’ Comp

This episode features noted Occ Health Expert Dr. Robert Emery, Professor of Occupational Health at University of Texas School of Public Health. He takes us into the cross section of workplace safety and occupational health with a dynamic discussion around the impact of awareness and prevention. 
A copy of the Performance Based Metrics Study Bob mentions in the podcast is available here.
Bob Emery has over 40 years of experience in health & safety and holds master’s degrees in health physics and environmental sciences, and a doctorate in occupational health. He is responsible for the health and safety of over 17,000 students, faculty, and staff in classrooms, laboratories, offices, and clinical care settings spread over an area equal to the size of the State of Connecticut – as well as regional campuses located across the State of Texas. Bob is unique in that he possesses national board certification and registration in seven main areas of health & safety.

Straight Outta Workers' Comp, Episode 3: Updates in the MSP World

In this episode of Straight Outta Workers' Comp, hosts Bob Wilson and Mark Pew discuss significant changes in the Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) sector with expert guests Heather Sanderson and Brendan D'Souza from Sanderson Firm. The conversation covers upcoming regulatory updates from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), including new mandatory reporting requirements for workers' compensation settlements over $750, the elimination of CMS review for zero-dollar Medicare Set-Asides (MSAs), and the implementation of penalties for non-compliance with Section 111 reporting. The guests also highlight the impact of recent government personnel changes and legislative developments on MSP compliance. With a mix of industry insights and candid discussion, this episode provides valuable updates for professionals navigating the complexities of Medicare compliance in the workers' compensation space.

Episode 2 - Career Reinvention & Rejuvenation

The "Straight Outta Workers' Comp" podcast, hosted by Mark Pew and Bob Wilson, delves into the nuanced world of workers' compensation, featuring candid conversations, personal stories, and industry insights. This episode highlights themes of reinvention and resilience as the hosts welcome Licia Thompson Young, who shares her inspiring journey of transitioning from a long-standing corporate career to starting her own leadership business. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities of mid-life career pivots, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, adaptability, and intergenerational learning. With a mix of humor, authenticity, and actionable advice, the podcast invites listeners to embrace change and find purpose in personal and professional growth.
Download Show Notes and Summary Here.

Episode 1 - Denial, Danger, and Dignity

* Production Note: This podcast series was originally scheduled to be launched in Mid-January 2025. Recent events have accelerated this release for reasons of timeliness and relevancy. There are some references to a later launch within the recording. The decision to launch early was made following the recording of this program. 
Bob Wilson
Stuart Colburn
Mark Pew
The first, or premiere, episode of "Straight Outta Workers' Comp" from WorkCompCollege.com features special guest, Attorney Stuart Colburn of Downs & Stanford, P.C. Stuart has a candid discussion with SOWC hosts Bob Wilson and Mark Pew about the recent death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and what his death possibly means for the workers' compensation industry.