The Modern Insurance Agent

Jumpstart Go
  • 5.0 (4)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

What happens when a millennial couple dives headfirst into the insurance world, scales a million-dollar remote business, and decides to share their journey with the world? You get The Modern Insurance Agent!Join David and Elle Denning as they peel back the curtain on the messy, magical, and often hilarious realities of entrepreneurship. From the joys (and challenges) of working together as a couple to running remote teams and traveling the globe, this podcast is your behind-the-scenes look at building a business and a life you love.

  1. How Insurance Agents Get More Referrals Without Cold Outreach

    2D AGO

    How Insurance Agents Get More Referrals Without Cold Outreach

    Send us Fan Mail Most insurance agents are stuck in the same cycle: Buy leads. Call strangers. Follow up. Hope someone answers. And if we’re being honest… it gets exhausting. In this episode of The Modern Insurance Agent Podcast, David Denning and Elle Denning break down a smarter, more sustainable way to generate consistent leads: Referral partners. Because the real problem usually isn’t effort. It’s trust. And referral partners allow you to borrow trust that already exists, instead of trying to build it from scratch on every call. This episode walks you through how to replace cold outreach with warm, relationship-driven growth that actually compounds. 🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode • Why cold outreach feels harder than ever right now • Why one strong referral partner can outperform hundreds of cold leads • How to identify the right referral partners for your niche • How to start referral relationships without feeling awkward or salesy • What to say instead of asking for referrals too early • How to use a value-first approach to build real alignment • How to stay top of mind so referrals happen consistently • The most common referral marketing mistakes agents make • A simple weekly action plan to start building referral relationships 🚀 Real Results Shared in This Episode This isn’t theory. These are real outcomes from real agents: • 544 referrals in 30 days from one strong partnership • Speaking opportunities through church leaders and pastors • Strategic partnerships with agencies that already have trusted client bases 🔑 Key Takeaways for Insurance Agents Cold leads require constant effort. Referral systems create compounding momentum. The shift is simple: • From chasing → attracting • From pitching → partnering • From volume → trust Agents who build strong referral ecosystems don’t just get more leads… They get better conversations, higher close rates, and longer-term clients. 🎯 Who This Episode Is For ✔ Insurance agents tired of cold calling and lead chasing ✔ Agents who want more referrals without “asking awkwardly” ✔ Producers focused on relationship-driven growth ✔ Anyone ready to build a predictable, trust-based pipeline Connect with Us: 🔗Download the resources & access the full podcast library – jumpstartgonow.com/podcast Join the Movement of Modern Insurance Agents! Ready to become the agent clients trust and refer to their friends? Start by building your personal brand, using social media effectively, and prioritizing relationships over transactions. Let’s change the way people see insurance one client at a time! 🚀 📢 Join the discussion! Connect with like-minded agents and get exclusive marketing tips in the Marketing for Insurance Agents Facebook Group. jumpstartgonow.com/join-group

    33 min
  2. 40+ Years in Insurance: The Real Secret to Longevity (It’s Not What You Think)

    4D AGO

    40+ Years in Insurance: The Real Secret to Longevity (It’s Not What You Think)

    Send us Fan Mail Most agents focus on: ❌ Products ❌ Policies ❌ Commissions But after four decades in the industry, Rich Slavin sees it differently… 👉 Longevity isn’t about selling more. 👉 It’s about mindset, energy, and the ability to evolve. In this episode of The Modern Insurance Agent Podcast, we break down: 🔥 How to build long-term success in insurance without burning out 🔥 Why niching into active empty nesters & retirement planning creates leverage 🔥 The real impact of mindset, discipline, and energy management on performance 🔥 How to adapt using AI, social media, and modern marketing strategies 🔥 Lessons from 40+ years that no course or training can teach This isn’t just about insurance… It’s about building a career and life that actually lasts. If you’re an: ✔️ Insurance agent ✔️ Financial advisor ✔️ Entrepreneur ✔️ Or preparing for retirement This episode will challenge how you think about success. 📲 Connect with Rich Slavin: 👉 https://www.richslavin.com/ 📞 818-515-0660 Connect with Us: 🔗Download the resources & access the full podcast library – jumpstartgonow.com/podcast Join the Movement of Modern Insurance Agents! Ready to become the agent clients trust and refer to their friends? Start by building your personal brand, using social media effectively, and prioritizing relationships over transactions. Let’s change the way people see insurance one client at a time! 🚀 📢 Join the discussion! Connect with like-minded agents and get exclusive marketing tips in the Marketing for Insurance Agents Facebook Group. jumpstartgonow.com/join-group

    47 min
  3. Why Women Feel Overlooked in Financial Conversations (And How to Fix It)

    6D AGO

    Why Women Feel Overlooked in Financial Conversations (And How to Fix It)

    Send us Fan Mail Most insurance conversations sound the same. Facts. Products. Quotes. But something critical gets missed… The human side. In this episode of The Modern Insurance Agent Podcast, we sit down with Robin Hesselgesser an artist, author, speaker, and insurance professional bringing a refreshing, human-first perspective to the industry. Robin is passionate about helping people especially women feel seen, heard, and empowered in financial and insurance conversations. Because the truth is… Most insurance conversations aren’t failing because of bad products. They’re failing because of disconnected communication. This episode challenges the way agents think about trust, connection, and what it really means to serve clients at a deeper level. 🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode • Why many women feel overlooked in financial and insurance conversations • What most agents miss when communicating with clients • How to build real trust instead of transactional relationships • What it actually means to “make insurance human again” • How to connect emotionally without losing professionalism • How to show up authentically on social media • Why it’s never too late to rewrite your life and career 🚀 Key Takeaways for Insurance Agents The best agents don’t just explain policies. They understand people. That means: • Listening more than pitching • Connecting before advising • Simplifying instead of overwhelming In a world where AI and automation are rising, human connection becomes the real differentiator. Agents who lead with empathy, clarity, and authenticity will build deeper trust and longer-lasting relationships. 🎯 Who This Episode Is For ✔ Insurance agents who want deeper client relationships ✔ Advisors serving women and families ✔ Agents tired of transactional, surface-level conversations ✔ Professionals who want to build trust not just close deals 📱 Connect with Robin Hesselgesser: 👉 https://www.facebook.com/RobinJHesselgesser Connect with Us: 🔗Download the resources & access the full podcast library – jumpstartgonow.com/podcast Join the Movement of Modern Insurance Agents! Ready to become the agent clients trust and refer to their friends? Start by building your personal brand, using social media effectively, and prioritizing relationships over transactions. Let’s change the way people see insurance one client at a time! 🚀 📢 Join the discussion! Connect with like-minded agents and get exclusive marketing tips in the Marketing for Insurance Agents Facebook Group. jumpstartgonow.com/join-group

    50 min
  4. AI Recommends People, Not Agencies (How to Get Found in AI Search)

    APR 2

    AI Recommends People, Not Agencies (How to Get Found in AI Search)

    Send us Fan Mail Most insurance agents still think visibility comes from: • Referrals • SEO • Paid ads But that model is changing fast. Today, people aren’t just searching on Google anymore. They’re asking AI platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity AI, and Google AI Overviews… And instead of showing websites, these platforms are recommending people. In this episode of The Modern Insurance Agent Podcast, we sit down with Jimi Gibson, VP of Brand Communication at Thrive Internet Marketing Agency, to break down how this shift is already reshaping how insurance agents get discovered. Jimi works with 1,000+ clients, is a Forbes contributor, TEDx speaker, and is leading the conversation around AI visibility and recommendation-based discovery. This isn’t about ranking pages anymore. It’s about becoming the person AI recommends. 🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode • How AI search is changing how people find insurance agents • Why AI recommends peoplenot websites or logos • What “AI visibility infrastructure” actually means • How to show up in AI platforms like ChatGPT and Google AI • The key signals AI looks for when recommending someone • Why personal branding is now non-negotiable for agents • What happens if you ignore this shift 🚀 Key Takeaways for Insurance Agents AI is shifting discovery from search-based to recommendation-based. That means: • Authority over traffic • Clarity over cleverness • Presence over perfection Agents who build recognizable, trustworthy digital identities will win in this new environment. Those who rely only on traditional SEO and paid ads risk becoming invisible. 🎯 Who This Episode Is For ✔ Insurance agents using (or relying on) SEO and referrals ✔ Agents curious about AI and future-proofing their marketing ✔ Producers building a personal brand online ✔ Anyone who wants to be found, not chased 🌐 Learn more about Thrive Internet Marketing Agency: 👉 https://thriveagency.com/ 💼 Connect with Jimi Gibson: 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimi-gibson/ Connect with Us: 🔗Download the resources & access the full podcast library – jumpstartgonow.com/podcast Join the Movement of Modern Insurance Agents! Ready to become the agent clients trust and refer to their friends? Start by building your personal brand, using social media effectively, and prioritizing relationships over transactions. Let’s change the way people see insurance one client at a time! 🚀 📢 Join the discussion! Connect with like-minded agents and get exclusive marketing tips in the Marketing for Insurance Agents Facebook Group. jumpstartgonow.com/join-group

    47 min
  5. AI Is Changing Insurance Faster Than Most Agents Realize

    MAR 31

    AI Is Changing Insurance Faster Than Most Agents Realize

    Send us Fan Mail AI is already changing insurance. But most agents still don’t fully understand how it actually works inside the sales process. In this episode of The Modern Insurance Agent Podcast, we sit down with Alex Shartsis, CEO of skyp.ai, to break down how AI is transforming insurance from first touch to bound policy. Alex works directly with carriers and MGAs to automate distribution workflows, reduce friction, and accelerate growth without sacrificing relationships, trust, or compliance. This isn’t theory. It’s a real look at how AI-powered insurance systems are being implemented right now. 🚀 Inside This Episode We cover: ✔ How AI is automating the insurance sales pipeline end-to-end ✔ Where agents and carriers lose the most time (and revenue) today ✔ How AI can handle outreach and follow-up without sounding robotic ✔ What AI-driven distribution actually looks like in practice ✔ How embedded insurance is changing how policies are sold ✔ How AI is expanding underwriting using new data sources ✔ What agents need to understand about AI right now to stay competitive 🧠 Why This Matters for Insurance Agents The insurance industry is shifting fast: • Manual processes are being replaced • Response times are shrinking • Customer expectations are rising Agents who understand how to integrate AI into their workflows will: • Close faster • Reduce admin work • Improve client experience • Stay competitive in a tech-driven market Those who don’t… risk falling behind. 🎯 Who This Episode Is For This conversation is perfect for: • Insurance agents exploring AI and automation • Agency owners looking to improve efficiency • Carriers and MGAs modernizing distribution • Anyone curious about insurtech and the future of insurance If you want a clear, practical understanding of how AI fits into insurance sales, this episode delivers. 🌐 Connect with Alex Shartsis 💼 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shartsis/ Connect with Us: 🔗Download the resources & access the full podcast library – jumpstartgonow.com/podcast Join the Movement of Modern Insurance Agents! Ready to become the agent clients trust and refer to their friends? Start by building your personal brand, using social media effectively, and prioritizing relationships over transactions. Let’s change the way people see insurance one client at a time! 🚀 📢 Join the discussion! Connect with like-minded agents and get exclusive marketing tips in the Marketing for Insurance Agents Facebook Group. jumpstartgonow.com/join-group

    42 min
  6. Medicare vs Social Security: What You Need to Know Before Retirement

    MAR 26

    Medicare vs Social Security: What You Need to Know Before Retirement

    Send us Fan Mail Turning 65 should be exciting. But for many Americans, it becomes confusing fast. Medicare.Social Security.Enrollment timelines.Hidden penalties.Unexpected costs.And small mistakes can end up costing thousands. In this episode of The Modern Insurance Agent Podcast, we sit down with Marcia Mantell, founder of Mantell Retirement Consulting and a nationally recognized retirement expert with over 30 years of experience. Marcia has helped thousands of advisors and retirees understand how to navigate Medicare, Social Security, and retirement income planning, and her work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Barron’s, Bloomberg, and AARP. Inside this episode, we break down: • why Medicare is so confusing for people turning 65 • how Social Security and Medicare actually work together • the most common (and costly) retirement mistakes • what happens if you delay Medicare incorrectly • how working past 65 can complicate your decisions • what advisors need to know to better serve their clients • how to simplify complex retirement conversations If you’re approaching retirement or helping clients navigate it, this episode will help you avoid the most common and costly mistakes. Connect with Marcia Mantell https://mantellretirementconsulting.com/ https://boomerretirementbriefs.com/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marciamantell/ Connect with Us: 🔗Download the resources & access the full podcast library – jumpstartgonow.com/podcast Join the Movement of Modern Insurance Agents! Ready to become the agent clients trust and refer to their friends? Start by building your personal brand, using social media effectively, and prioritizing relationships over transactions. Let’s change the way people see insurance one client at a time! 🚀 📢 Join the discussion! Connect with like-minded agents and get exclusive marketing tips in the Marketing for Insurance Agents Facebook Group. jumpstartgonow.com/join-group

    46 min
  7. How He Closes 50% of Final Expense Leads (What Most Agents Miss)

    MAR 24

    How He Closes 50% of Final Expense Leads (What Most Agents Miss)

    Send us Fan Mail Most final expense agents are chasing the same thing: better leads better scripts better systems But what if the real difference isn’t any of those? In this episode of The Modern Insurance Agent Podcast, we sit down with Chris Thompson, a final expense specialist with 18 years in the business and one of the most consistent producers in telesales. Chris wrote $235,000 in premium in his first 5 months in telesales, has had a $450k year, and maintains a ~50% closing ratio far above industry averages. And his philosophy is simple: No magic leads. No shortcuts. Just discipline, consistency, and execution. Inside this episode, we break down: how to increase your closing ratio in final expense telesaleswhat actually builds trust over the phonethe biggest mistakes agents make during sales callswhy most agents overcomplicate the sales processhow to handle leads without constantly switching vendorswhat consistency really looks like in insurance salesthe mindset required to produce at a high levelIf you want to improve your insurance sales, closing ratio, and consistency, this episode is packed with real, practical insight. Connect with Chris Thompson https://lastingmark.com/join-mtp/ Connect with Us: 🔗Download the resources & access the full podcast library – jumpstartgonow.com/podcast Join the Movement of Modern Insurance Agents! Ready to become the agent clients trust and refer to their friends? Start by building your personal brand, using social media effectively, and prioritizing relationships over transactions. Let’s change the way people see insurance one client at a time! 🚀 📢 Join the discussion! Connect with like-minded agents and get exclusive marketing tips in the Marketing for Insurance Agents Facebook Group. jumpstartgonow.com/join-group

    53 min
  8. Why Behavior Is the Real Competitive Advantage in Insurance (AI Can’t Replace This)

    MAR 19

    Why Behavior Is the Real Competitive Advantage in Insurance (AI Can’t Replace This)

    Send us Fan Mail Most insurance agents focus on products, scripts, and sales tactics. But what if the real competitive advantage has nothing to do with any of those? What if the true driver of growth… is behavior? In this episode of The Modern Insurance Agent Podcast, we sit down with Hugh Massie, founder of DNA Behavior International and a pioneer in Behavioral Economics. For more than two decades, Hugh has helped leaders, advisors, and financial professionals understand how behavior directly impacts financial performance, decision-making, and long-term growth. He’s also the creator of the DNA Digital Scan, an AI-powered system designed to deliver instant behavioral personalization from the very first interaction. This conversation challenges the traditional way agents think about sales and reveals why human behavior, not automation, is the real differentiator in the AI era. 🚀 Inside this Episode We break down: ✔ What “Behavior Makes Money” really means in insurance and sales ✔ Why some agents experience exponential growth while others plateau ✔ How behavioral intelligence transforms sales conversations ✔ Where AI personalization enhances not replaces human judgment ✔ Why generic automation creates friction instead of trust ✔ The difference between linear vs exponential growth in agency building ✔ How behavioral clarity improves leadership, hiring, and decision-making And in a world increasingly driven by AI, this becomes even more important not less. 🎯 Who This Episode Is For This episode is perfect for: • Insurance agents who want to improve closing and retention • Agency owners building teams and culture • Financial advisors focused on client relationships • Professionals interested in behavioral economics and decision science • Anyone exploring how AI and human behavior intersect in sales If you want to understand how behavioral intelligence + AI personalization will shape the future of insurance, this episode will expand your perspective. 🌐 Connect with Hugh Massie 🧬 DNA Behavior International https://www.dnabehavior.com 🤖 DNA AI Platform https://www.godna.ai 📚 Behavioral Economics https://www.behavioraleconomics.com ❤️ Boys Without Fathers https://www.boyswithoutfathers.org 💼 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughmassie/ 📱 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hughmassie/ 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@dnabehavior Connect with Us: 🔗Download the resources & access the full podcast library – jumpstartgonow.com/podcast Join the Movement of Modern Insurance Agents! Ready to become the agent clients trust and refer to their friends? Start by building your personal brand, using social media effectively, and prioritizing relationships over transactions. Let’s change the way people see insurance one client at a time! 🚀 📢 Join the discussion! Connect with like-minded agents and get exclusive marketing tips in the Marketing for Insurance Agents Facebook Group. jumpstartgonow.com/join-group

    48 min
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5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

What happens when a millennial couple dives headfirst into the insurance world, scales a million-dollar remote business, and decides to share their journey with the world? You get The Modern Insurance Agent!Join David and Elle Denning as they peel back the curtain on the messy, magical, and often hilarious realities of entrepreneurship. From the joys (and challenges) of working together as a couple to running remote teams and traveling the globe, this podcast is your behind-the-scenes look at building a business and a life you love.

Information

  • Creator
    Jumpstart Go
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    128
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jumpstart Go
  • Show Website
    The Modern Insurance Agent

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