Community Connected Health

Skip Lowe and Colton Storla
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Business

Welcome to Community Connected Health, the podcast where we explore how employers, healthcare innovators, and advisors are transforming the way healthcare is delivered — right in their own communities. Get ready to rethink your health plan, empower your employees, and build something better.

Episodes

  1. Jun 1

    #9: EAPs - The Future of Employee Wellness (ft. Zach Schmit and Chad Charkowski of Covenant Workplace Solutions)

    In this episode of Community Connected Health, hosts Skip Lowe and Colton Storla welcome Zach Schmit and Chad Charkowski from Covenant Workplace Solutions to discuss Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). The guests explore how EAPs have evolved from minimal, underutilized benefits into comprehensive mental health and wellness resources. They address the growing demand for mental health support, strategies for driving employee utilization, and the importance of leadership buy-in in fostering a wellness-focused workplace culture. The conversation also highlights Covenant's innovative integration of mental health, primary care, and wellness services, offering employers a proactive, holistic approach to supporting their workforce year-round. This is Community Connected Health, the podcast where we explore how employers, healthcare innovators, and advisors are transforming the way healthcare is delivered — right in their own communities. This podcast is hosted by Skip Lowe and Colton Storla of North Risk Partners, and new episodes release on the first Monday of each month on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you find your podcasts. You can also connect with the hosts through LinkedIn or via email. If you're ready to rethink your health plan, empower your employees, and build something better — you're in the right place. The opinions expressed within this podcast and any related content are those solely of the hosts and guests respectively and do not necessarily represent the position or opinion of North Risk Partners or any other entities. Additionally, the information and opinions expressed on this show should be taken as such and should not be construed as medical or legal advice.

    1h 2m

  2. May 4

    #8: Replacing the Status Quo (ft. Matt Ohrt of the Free Market Medical Association)

    In this episode of Community Connected Health, hosts Skip Lowe and Colton Storla welcome Matt Ohrt, Executive Director of the Free Market Medical Association (FMMA) and former HR leader. Matt shares his journey transforming employee health benefits at Merrill Steel by implementing Direct Primary Care, self-funding strategies, and bundled pricing models. He emphasizes the importance of replacing traditional, status-quo-driven advisors with transparent, aligned partners. Matt also discusses his two books on health care reform and the FMMA's mission to advance free-market health care solutions, encouraging employers to take incremental steps toward building more effective, cost-efficient health plans. This is Community Connected Health, the podcast where we explore how employers, healthcare innovators, and advisors are transforming the way healthcare is delivered — right in their own communities. This podcast is hosted by Skip Lowe and Colton Storla of North Risk Partners, and new episodes release on the first Monday of each month on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you find your podcasts. You can also connect with the hosts through LinkedIn or via email. If you're ready to rethink your health plan, empower your employees, and build something better — you're in the right place. The opinions expressed within this podcast and any related content are those solely of the hosts and guests respectively and do not necessarily represent the position or opinion of North Risk Partners or any other entities. Additionally, the information and opinions expressed on this show should be taken as such and should not be construed as medical or legal advice.

    1h 7m

  3. Apr 6

    #7: Innovation Through Collaboration (ft. Rich Green of Des Moines Orthopedic Surgeons)

    In this episode of "Community Connected Health," host Skip Lowe is joined by Colton Storla and Rich Green, CEO of Des Moines Orthopedic Surgeons (DMOS). The discussion explores innovative, cost-effective orthopedic care models, including urgent injury clinics and ambulatory surgery centers, and the importance of employer-sponsored health plans. The hosts and guests highlight the value of transparent pricing, bundled payments, and local provider networks in reducing healthcare costs while improving patient outcomes. The episode emphasizes collaboration among brokers, employers, and providers to deliver high-quality, affordable care and shares practical strategies for health insurance professionals and employers. This is Community Connected Health, the podcast where we explore how employers, healthcare innovators, and advisors are transforming the way healthcare is delivered — right in their own communities. This podcast is hosted by Skip Lowe and Colton Storla of North Risk Partners, and new episodes release on the first Monday of each month on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you find your podcasts. You can also connect with the hosts through LinkedIn or via email. If you're ready to rethink your health plan, empower your employees, and build something better — you're in the right place. The opinions expressed within this podcast and any related content are those solely of the hosts and guests respectively and do not necessarily represent the position or opinion of North Risk Partners or any other entities. Additionally, the information and opinions expressed on this show should be taken as such and should not be construed as medical or legal advice.

    57 min

  4. Mar 2

    #6: Turning Healthcare Challenges into Community Triumphs (ft. Dave Chase of Health Rosetta)

    In this episode of "Community Connected Health," hosts Skip Lowe and Colton Storla interview Dave Chase, co-founder of Health Rosetta. They discuss the systemic flaws in U.S. healthcare, focusing on how traditional health plans drive up costs and reduce value for employers and employees. Dave shares Health Rosetta’s mission to create transparent, affordable, and high-quality health plans, highlighting real-world examples of employers reclaiming healthcare dollars for their communities. The conversation emphasizes practical solutions, industry innovation, and the transformative impact of better health plan design on organizations and local economies. This is Community Connected Health, the podcast where we explore how employers, healthcare innovators, and advisors are transforming the way healthcare is delivered — right in their own communities. This podcast is hosted by Skip Lowe and Colton Storla of North Risk Partners, and new episodes release on the first Monday of each month on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you find your podcasts. You can also connect with the hosts through LinkedIn or via email. If you're ready to rethink your health plan, empower your employees, and build something better — you're in the right place. The opinions expressed within this podcast and any related content are those solely of the hosts and guests respectively and do not necessarily represent the position or opinion of North Risk Partners or any other entities. Additionally, the information and opinions expressed on this show should be taken as such and should not be construed as medical or legal advice.

    1h 4m

  5. Feb 3

    #5: Understanding Self-Funded vs. Fully Insured Health Plans

    In this episode of "Community Connected Health," hosts Colton Storla and Skip Lowe discuss the escalating costs and complexities of health insurance for employers. They highlight the limitations of fully insured plans, the growing appeal of self-funded and level-funded options, and the importance of transparency, data access, and customization. Drawing on personal experiences and industry insights, they emphasize the need for ongoing education and strategic partnerships to help employers control costs, improve benefits, and keep healthcare dollars within their communities. The episode encourages employers to seek expert guidance and proactive solutions. This is Community Connected Health, the podcast where we explore how employers, healthcare innovators, and advisors are transforming the way healthcare is delivered — right in their own communities. This podcast is hosted by Skip Lowe and Colton Storla of North Risk Partners, and new episodes release on the first Monday of each month on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you find your podcasts. You can also connect with the hosts through LinkedIn or via email. If you're ready to rethink your health plan, empower your employees, and build something better — you're in the right place. The opinions expressed within this podcast and any related content are those solely of the hosts and guests respectively and do not necessarily represent the position or opinion of North Risk Partners or any other entities. Additionally, the information and opinions expressed on this show should be taken as such and should not be construed as medical or legal advice.

    56 min

  6. Jan 5

    #4: The Hidden Costs of Pharmacy Benefits - What Every Employer Needs to Know

    In this episode, hosts Skip Lowe and Colton Storla of Community Connected Health interview Amy Wadstrom, President of Vivid Clear Rx, a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM). They discuss the challenges of traditional PBMs, including lack of transparency, spread pricing, and poor pharmacy reimbursement. Amy shares how Vivid Clear Rx, created by Hy-Vee, offers a transparent, pass-through PBM model focused on patient care and cost control. The conversation covers contract clarity, biosimilar strategies, employer education, and the importance of customer service. The hosts emphasize the value of innovative, transparent PBMs for employers of all sizes seeking better pharmacy benefit solutions. This is Community Connected Health, the podcast where we explore how employers, healthcare innovators, and advisors are transforming the way healthcare is delivered — right in their own communities. This podcast is hosted by Skip Lowe and Colton Storla of North Risk Partners, and new episodes release on the first Monday of each month on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you find your podcasts. You can also connect with the hosts through LinkedIn or via email. If you're ready to rethink your health plan, empower your employees, and build something better — you're in the right place. The opinions expressed within this podcast and any related content are those solely of the hosts and guests respectively and do not necessarily represent the position or opinion of North Risk Partners or any other entities. Additionally, the information and opinions expressed on this show should be taken as such and should not be construed as medical or legal advice.

    59 min

  7. 12/01/2025

    #3: The Hidden Costs of Traditional Health Insurance

    In this episode of "Community Connected Health," hosts Skip Lowe and Colton Storla discuss innovative, employer-sponsored health plans that prioritize transparency, direct primary care (DPC), and the elimination of unnecessary middlemen like PBMs and traditional carriers. Through case studies from healthcare, public sector, and manufacturing employers, they illustrate how custom plans—featuring independent TPAs, incentive networks, and DPC—lower costs, improve employee satisfaction, and enhance care quality. The hosts emphasize collaboration with local providers and community-focused solutions, demonstrating measurable savings and better outcomes for both employers and employees. This is Community Connected Health, the podcast where we explore how employers, healthcare innovators, and advisors are transforming the way healthcare is delivered — right in their own communities. This podcast is hosted by Skip Lowe and Colton Storla of North Risk Partners, and new episodes release on the first Monday of each month on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you find your podcasts. You can also connect with the hosts through LinkedIn or via email. If you're ready to rethink your health plan, empower your employees, and build something better — you're in the right place. The opinions expressed within this podcast and any related content are those solely of the hosts and guests respectively and do not necessarily represent the position or opinion of North Risk Partners or any other entities. Additionally, the information and opinions expressed on this show should be taken as such and should not be construed as medical or legal advice.

    57 min

  8. 11/03/2025

    #2: Navigating the Healthcare Maze ft. Dr. Jon Van Der Veer, DO

    In this episode, Skip Lowe and Colton Storla of North Risk Partners interview Dr. Jon Van Der Veer, DO, founder of Hy-Vee Health Exemplar Care, to discuss the benefits of direct primary care (DPC). They explore how DPC’s membership model improves patient access, transparency, and preventive care, while reducing costs and administrative burdens for employers. The conversation highlights real-world examples, the importance of strong patient-provider relationships, and the challenges of traditional insurance. The hosts share their own experience implementing DPC in employer health plans, underscoring its potential to transform healthcare delivery for businesses and employees. This is Community Connected Health, the podcast where we explore how employers, healthcare innovators, and advisors are transforming the way healthcare is delivered — right in their own communities. This podcast is hosted by Skip Lowe and Colton Storla of North Risk Partners, and new episodes release on the first Monday of each month on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you find your podcasts. You can also connect with the hosts through LinkedIn or via email. If you're ready to rethink your health plan, empower your employees, and build something better — you're in the right place. The opinions expressed within this podcast and any related content are those solely of the hosts and guests respectively and do not necessarily represent the position or opinion of North Risk Partners or any other entities. Additionally, the information and opinions expressed on this show should be taken as such and should not be construed as medical or legal advice.

    1h 7m

  9. 10/06/2025

    #1: Reimagining Healthcare - From Confusion to Connection

    In the inaugural episode of "Community Connected Health," health insurance professionals Skip Lowe and Colton Storla introduce their backgrounds and discuss the challenges facing today’s healthcare system. They highlight the financial burdens on families and employers, the limitations of traditional insurance, and the growing appeal of direct primary care (DPC) models. Emphasizing collaboration among providers, employers, and patients, the hosts advocate for innovative, community-focused solutions to improve healthcare access and affordability. The episode sets the stage for future discussions with industry leaders, aiming to educate and inspire positive change in healthcare delivery. This is Community Connected Health, the podcast where we explore how employers, healthcare innovators, and advisors are transforming the way healthcare is delivered — right in their own communities. This podcast is hosted by Skip Lowe and Colton Storla of North Risk Partners, and new episodes release on the first Monday of each month on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you find your podcasts. You can also connect with the hosts through LinkedIn or via email. If you're ready to rethink your health plan, empower your employees, and build something better — you're in the right place. The opinions expressed within this podcast and any related content are those solely of the hosts and guests respectively and do not necessarily represent the position or opinion of North Risk Partners or any other entities. Additionally, the information and opinions expressed on this show should be taken as such and should not be construed as medical or legal advice.

    43 min

  10. 09/29/2025

    Trailer: Season One - Community Connected Health

    Welcome to Community Connected Health, the podcast where we explore how employers, healthcare innovators, and advisors are transforming the way healthcare is delivered — right in their own communities. This podcast is hosted by Skip Lowe and Colton Storla of North Risk Partners. Together, they're purposeful about helping businesses take control of their healthcare spend while improving the well-being of their people. This show is for CEOs, CFOs, and HR leaders who are tired of the status quo. We’ll bring you real stories from employers, providers, and changemakers who are reimagining healthcare. Each episode features practical insights, case studies, and conversations with leaders who are proving that better care and lower costs can go hand in hand. New episodes release on the first Monday of each month on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you find your podcasts. You can also connect with the hosts through LinkedIn or via email. So if you're ready to rethink your health plan, empower your employees, and build something better — you're in the right place.

    1 min
  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Community Connected Health, the podcast where we explore how employers, healthcare innovators, and advisors are transforming the way healthcare is delivered — right in their own communities. Get ready to rethink your health plan, empower your employees, and build something better.

Information

  • Creator
    Skip Lowe and Colton Storla
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Skip Lowe and Colton Storla
  • Show Website
    Community Connected Health