When Hard Work Beats Talent

Ryan Teubner & Wes Becknell

A podcast about business, sports, family and a little insurance

  1. Chris Merideth - Innovation through Collaboration

    10/14/2025

    Chris Merideth - Innovation through Collaboration

    In this episode, Chris Meredith shares his journey from a troubled youth to a dedicated professional in the insurance industry, discussing his candidacy for Insurance Commissioner in Oklahoma. He emphasizes the importance of hard work, personal growth, and the impact of family on his life. Chris addresses the challenges facing the insurance industry, including high rates and fraud, and outlines his vision for building resilient communities through better practices and education. He advocates for a proactive approach to risk management and aims to restore trust in the insurance sector while engaging with the community to drive change. takeaways Chris Meredith's journey reflects the power of resilience and hard work.Family plays a crucial role in motivating personal and professional growth.Cutting off negative influences can be a difficult but necessary decision.Education is key to helping consumers understand insurance.Building fortified homes can significantly reduce insurance claims.Trust in the insurance industry is at an all-time low and needs to be rebuilt.Chris aims to reduce traffic deaths and improve road safety in Oklahoma.Fraud and litigation abuse are major contributors to high insurance costs.Community engagement is essential for driving change in the insurance sector.Chris's vision includes making Oklahoma a leader in insurance reform.titles From Football Dreams to Insurance Reform: Chris Meredith's JourneyBuilding Resilience: Chris Meredith's Vision for OklahomaSound Bites "You can vote to change the system.""I want to regain that mitigation mindset.""I want to reduce traffic deaths by 30% by 2030."

    57 min
  2. Ryan Hanley - Finding Peak

    09/23/2025

    Ryan Hanley - Finding Peak

    summary In this engaging conversation, Ryan Teubner and Ryan Hanley discuss various themes surrounding the insurance industry, the evolution of education, the impact of AI, and the unique challenges and advantages of ADHD. They explore the perception of insurance as a boring field, the need for hands-on experience in education, and the rapid adoption of AI in the workplace. The discussion also delves into time management strategies, the importance of embracing one's strengths, and the role of leadership in business growth. Hanley shares insights from his own experiences, including the founding of Incora, a company focused on improving data quality in the insurance industry. In this engaging conversation, Ryan Hanley and Ryan Teubner explore the dynamics of small agencies, the challenges they face, and the importance of personal growth through parenting and professional setbacks. They discuss influential figures in history, the role of God in society, and the lessons learned from sports and competition, emphasizing the need for emotional maturity and resilience in both personal and professional realms. takeaways Insurance is often perceived as boring, but there are exciting developments on the fringes.Education must evolve to meet the needs of modern learners, especially with the rise of online platforms.Hands-on experience is crucial for effective learning and career success.AI is rapidly changing the landscape of content creation and efficiency in business.Early adoption of AI tools is essential to stay competitive in any industry.Maximizing efficiency with AI can lead to significant growth and productivity.Time management strategies, such as time blocking, are vital for success, especially for those with ADHD.The 10,000 hour rule is important, but iterating on skills can lead to faster mastery.ADHD can be a superpower if managed effectively, allowing for unique perspectives and creativity.Outsourcing weaknesses and focusing on strengths is key to successful leadership and business growth. 90% of agencies are small and face unique challenges.Small agents often overlook the value of comprehensive data.Personal growth can stem from parenting experiences.Overcoming professional setbacks requires mental preparation.Influential figures like Jordan Peterson and Winston Churchill inspire leadership.The removal of God from society leads to divisiveness.Entitlement in youth sports hinders personal development.Competition teaches valuable life lessons and resilience.Emotional maturity is crucial for navigating life's challenges.Data points from failures are essential for growth.

    1h 31m
  3. Fritz & Bob Talk K9 and Life

    03/08/2025

    Fritz & Bob Talk K9 and Life

    Summary In this engaging podcast episode, hosts Ryan Teubner and Wes Becknell welcome canine experts Fritz Vorderbrug and Bob Ungurean. The conversation begins with light-hearted rapid-fire questions, revealing personal insights and hidden talents. As the discussion unfolds, the guests share their experiences in dog training, the challenges they've faced, and the influential figures in their lives. They delve into the importance of humility in the canine community and the financial aspects of dog training, emphasizing the impact of their work on both dogs and their owners. The episode concludes with reflections on learning from industry leaders and the shared passion for canine training. In this conversation, the speakers delve into their experiences in the canine training and law enforcement industry, discussing the challenges, myths, and realities of working with police dogs. They share insights on the importance of training, the evolution of canine breeds, and the personal journeys that have shaped their careers. The discussion also touches on the egos present in the industry and the traits necessary for success, highlighting the need for ambition and a strong internal drive. In this conversation, Fritz Vorderbrug shares his transformative journey from a troubled past to a successful career in dog training, emphasizing the importance of relationships, accountability, and hard work. The discussion highlights the impact of friendships that challenge individuals to rise to their potential, the significance of resilience in overcoming adversity, and the power of personal growth through dedication and effort. Both Fritz and Bob Ungurean reflect on their experiences, offering insights into the value of hard work over talent and the importance of holding oneself and others to high standards.

    1h 17m

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A podcast about business, sports, family and a little insurance