Ignite Podcast

Cara Kirsch

Ignite Women in Insurance was founded in 2018 with the goal of bringing women in the insurance industry together for collaboration, friendship and encouragement. Each year, our annual conference hosts more than 200 women in sharing content that will drive confidence and encouragement. In 2023, Ignite was expanded to include all women in business as the issues facing women in insurance are not unique to the industry but rather all women looking to grow, advance, create wealth and kick ass. The Ignite Women In Insurance and Business Podcast is an opportunity to expand the vision of Ignite and explore the stories of the very women that we work to empower and encourage. We will dive into stories of success, opportunities and confidence. The 2024 conference is all about confidence – how do we get it, strengthen it and live in that confidence. What can you expect from the podcast – 1.    Truth – speaking truth to women about how they can grow and sustain their confidence in an era where women continue to thrive for a seat at the decision-making table. 2.    Strength – while much progress has been made to give women a seat at the table, there is much work to do and we are calling on everyone – men and women alike to find strength in numbers as we continue to pave a new path. 3.    Action – what are the ways that you can step into your greatness establishing a confident path that aligns with your overall life objectives. 4.    Energy – the energy we possess is what will take us to the next level – elevating us in ways that bring happiness and joy! This podcast will bring you energy! Social Media LinkedIn: Ignite Women In Insurance Twitter: @IgniteNebraska Facebook: Ignite Women in Insurance Nebraska Instagram: ignitenebraska Website: Ignite! (ignitewomenininsurance.org)

  1. 5D AGO

    We are not robots, we are Real People

    AnnMarie Fereday is the Owner and Digital Strategist at Refine Digital Marketing, where she helps businesses grow by turning complex digital challenges into simple, effective strategies. AnnMarie is not only a digital expert. She is also a wife and mother who has built her career around caring for her family and creating balance in her life. For the past two years, she has been a key part of the Ignite Women in Business and Insurance community. She is the creative mind behind the digital presence that has helped elevate the brand. Outside of work, AnnMarie loves to travel. In 2025, she took her family on a memorable trip through the Greek Islands where they enjoyed time together, incredible food, and great wine. In this episode, she shares practical digital strategy tips, useful insights, and the fun, witty personality that makes her such a standout in her field. You can find AnnMarie on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annmariefereday/. Get Connected! LinkedIn: Ignite Women In Insurance Twitter: @IgniteNebraska Facebook: Ignite Women in Insurance Nebraska Instagram: ignitenebraska Website: Ignite! (ignitewomenininsurance.org)   This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    47 min
  2. JAN 6

    Announcing the 2026 Ignite Women in Business Conference Community Partner

    On this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Abby DiSanti, VP of HR at FNIC and a passionate advocate for women in business. Abby is the driving force behind an incredible partnership for the 2026 Ignite Women in Business & Insurance Conference. With courage and vision, she reached out to connect Ignite with Village Roots, ensuring this Omaha-based nonprofit; and the families it serves; will be honored on a national stage. Her bold outreach reflects true leadership and a deep commitment to creating meaningful change for our community.   Joining Abby is Janece Ferris, Executive Director of Village Roots. Under Janece’s leadership, Village Roots is transforming how communities support families at risk through proactive care, mentorship-driven housing, and essential resources. Their programs, including Integrated Family Care and the Community Closet, help children remain safely at home, reduce foster placements, and build long-term stability; all rooted in the power of collective, compassionate action. Together, Abby and Janece share the story behind this partnership, the impact Village Roots is making, and why collaboration matters now more than ever. Get Connected! LinkedIn: Ignite Women In Insurance Twitter: @IgniteNebraska Facebook: Ignite Women in Insurance Nebraska Instagram: ignitenebraska Website: Ignite! (ignitewomenininsurance.org)   This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    28 min
  3. 02/28/2025

    Hell Yes Girl!

    Do you have a friend or colleague who is your, “Hell Yes Girl”? If you don’t, you need one! Today on the Ignite Women in Business and Insurance podcast, we spoke with Katie Zulkoski, the co-founder of Zulkoski Weber in Lincoln, Nebraska. This small-town girl is far from small – she shows up in big ways, taking up space as she builds her confidence in the people she serves. She’s a wife, a momma, a sister and a daughter and believes firmly in the business community serving the community. She is not afraid to manifest the things she wants and takes the time to be an “issue spotter”. To learn more about the women who is my, “Hell Yes Girl”, take a list to this episode.   Katie Weichman Zulkoski is an attorney specializing in lobbying and government affairs. Katie started Zulkoski Weber in 2015, offering a client-focused, solutions-oriented, professional conduit for businesses and associations to interact with elected officials and public policy leaders. Over the last 10 years, Katie has created successful legislative strategies for Fortune 50 businesses, national non-profits, and Midwest-grown industries. Outside the firm, Katie dedicates much of her time to public service on state-wide, non-profit boards. Katie has received the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Group 4 under 40 award; was selected as a Finalist for the Inspire Lincoln’s Woman of the Year and has been recognized by the community for her work in founding Rise Lincoln, a speaker series and coaching community for Lincoln women in business. Katie graduated first in her class from Creighton University School of Law with a certificate of concentration in Business Law.   Get Connected! LinkedIn: Ignite Women In Insurance Twitter: @IgniteNebraska Facebook: Ignite Women in Insurance Nebraska Instagram: ignitenebraska Website: Ignite! (ignitewomenininsurance.org)   This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or visit Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    49 min
  4. 01/31/2025

    Failure is Not an Option

    Growing up with her Grandparents, Kristen Rivers has demonstrated grit and tenacity as she has worked tirelessly to change the trajectory of her life. Forced to face life as an adult while still a child herself, she was committed to staying out of the foster care system and remain independent. Today, Kristen is a thriving Senior leader with Pareto Health and is working to change the way employers view the financing of their healthcare plans. The people she works with breathe confidence into her every single day which helps her stay aligned personally and professionally. She loves to travel and is a foodie and most of all loves to be outside with her pups. Join us as we dive into Kristen’s story of confidence, bravery and grit.  00:00 – Welcome Kristen Rivers 08:08 – Failing is How You Learn 32:03 – The Role of Insurance Companies 43:44 – Pareto Helps Controls Healthcare Costs 49:08 – Networking is Important 53:45 – What Do You Do for Fun?   Resources: Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenrivers Get Connected! LinkedIn: Ignite Women In Insurance Twitter: @IgniteNebraska Facebook: Ignite Women in Insurance Nebraska Instagram: ignitenebraska Website: Ignite! (ignitewomenininsurance.org)   This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or Hurrdat Media YouTube channel! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    58 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Ignite Women in Insurance was founded in 2018 with the goal of bringing women in the insurance industry together for collaboration, friendship and encouragement. Each year, our annual conference hosts more than 200 women in sharing content that will drive confidence and encouragement. In 2023, Ignite was expanded to include all women in business as the issues facing women in insurance are not unique to the industry but rather all women looking to grow, advance, create wealth and kick ass. The Ignite Women In Insurance and Business Podcast is an opportunity to expand the vision of Ignite and explore the stories of the very women that we work to empower and encourage. We will dive into stories of success, opportunities and confidence. The 2024 conference is all about confidence – how do we get it, strengthen it and live in that confidence. What can you expect from the podcast – 1.    Truth – speaking truth to women about how they can grow and sustain their confidence in an era where women continue to thrive for a seat at the decision-making table. 2.    Strength – while much progress has been made to give women a seat at the table, there is much work to do and we are calling on everyone – men and women alike to find strength in numbers as we continue to pave a new path. 3.    Action – what are the ways that you can step into your greatness establishing a confident path that aligns with your overall life objectives. 4.    Energy – the energy we possess is what will take us to the next level – elevating us in ways that bring happiness and joy! This podcast will bring you energy! Social Media LinkedIn: Ignite Women In Insurance Twitter: @IgniteNebraska Facebook: Ignite Women in Insurance Nebraska Instagram: ignitenebraska Website: Ignite! (ignitewomenininsurance.org)