The Broker Edge

Guardian Edge

Hosted by our thought leadership team, the Guardian Edge provides insights into timely topics that brokers need to know. From workforce well-being challenges to the latest legal and regulatory news, gain a deeper understanding of what employers are facing and ideas to help grow your business.

  1. JAN 29

    EDI to API — Best practice scenarios that reduce work

    This episode makes ben tech practical through real broker–client scenarios. We break down when APIs matter, where EDI still fits, and how brokers can guide clients toward the right ben admin and HCM setup. You’ll also hear best practices from finalist meetings and a consultative playbook brokers can use right away.

    13 min

  2. JAN 16

    The Retailification of Employee Benefits

    The rise of gig work, solopreneurs, and digital platforms is driving a shift toward retail-style benefits offerings. Rick Porterfield explores how brokers can tap into new markets, including non-traditional workers and platform users, by leveraging retail products and alternative distribution channels. Learn how to create value for clients in a world where benefits are increasingly direct-to-consumer.

    21 min

  3. JAN 9

    The broker’s guide to successfully selling supplemental health

    Explore how supplemental health products strengthen broker portfolios. This episode covers bundling strategies, member experience improvements, pricing trends, carrier partnerships, and practical ways to position supplemental health as a value‑driven benefits solution in a competitive market.

    10 min

  4. 12/18/2025

    The AI Advantage: Future-proofing your brokerage practice

    Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the insurance and benefits industry. Rick Porterfield discusses the latest innovations, from agentic AI to care navigation, and what brokers need to know to stay ahead. This episode explores how AI is impacting client service, plan design, and even the structure of employment itself, offering actionable strategies for brokers to adapt and thrive.

    16 min

  5. 12/09/2025

    Hospital Indemnity, Reimagined

    Guardian’s new hospital indemnity offering goes beyond coverage — supporting fertility health, caregiving, mental health, and more. Brokers, here’s how to position this holistic solution for today’s workforce.

    10 min

  6. 11/19/2025

    Breaking Through: Achieving early career wins for brokers and carrier rep

    Want to thrive as a benefits broker? Learn how top performers build lasting success through client-first thinking, strong carrier relationships, and bold growth moves. Guardian’s top sales rep shares practical tips and inspiration for new brokers and mentors alike.

    21 min

  7. 11/13/2025

    PEOs: Friend or Foe? What brokers need to know

    Discover how Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) are transforming employee benefits and reshaping broker strategies. In this episode, Rick Porterfield shares expert insights on leveraging PEO partnerships to boost profitability, optimize distribution, and thrive in a consolidating market.

    17 min

  8. 11/06/2025

    Rented, Swapped, Direct Contracted: Making Sense of Modern Dental Networks

    Dental networks are changing fast. In this episode, we break down the shift from fully owned to hybrid (rented and contracted) networks, what it means for brokers, and how to guide clients through the new landscape. Get practical tips, key questions to ask, and strategies to stay ahead in today’s evolving dental market.

    11 min
See All (28)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Hosted by our thought leadership team, the Guardian Edge provides insights into timely topics that brokers need to know. From workforce well-being challenges to the latest legal and regulatory news, gain a deeper understanding of what employers are facing and ideas to help grow your business.

Information

  • Creator
    Guardian Edge
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Guardian® is a registered trademark of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY. Copyright© 2025 The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. 7234106.1 (10/26)
  • Show Website
    The Broker Edge