The Spirited Agent

Millennium Brokerage Group
  • 5.0 (1)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Pouring wisdom and sipping success, one episode at a time!  The Spirited Agent Podcast was created to empower insurance agents to navigate the ever-evolving world of insurance and grow their business.  Grab your glass and let's get inspired to protect your clients!  Hosted by Jason Combs and Matt Zelenik of Millennium Brokerage Group.

Episodes

  1. No Paycheck, No Pappy: The Case for Covering Your Income

    07/30/2025

    No Paycheck, No Pappy: The Case for Covering Your Income

    🥃 Drink of the Day: Four Roses Single Barrel, Barrel Strength – OESO In this episode of The Spirited Agent, Jason and Matt raise a glass of the bold and complex Four Roses Single Barrel, Barrel Strength (OESO), a high-proof pour packed with spice and depth and explore a topic that’s just as powerful (but often overlooked): disability insurance. We dig into: Why protecting your income is foundational to protecting everything else—your savings, your lifestyle, your long-term goalsWhat makes someone a great candidate for DI (spoiler: it’s more people than you think)The most common myths and mental roadblocks clients have around DI and how to gently reframe themHow to position disability coverage as a core component of a financial strategy, not an afterthoughtReal stories that illustrate just how quickly an injury or illness can derail even the best-laid plansIf your paycheck fuels your life, protecting it should be non-negotiable. This episode is a must-listen for advisors and agents who want to bring real value, and real protection, to their clients. Pour something strong and join us.

    33 min
  2. ‘Insurance Is a Scam!’ — Let’s Talk About It.

    04/30/2025

    ‘Insurance Is a Scam!’ — Let’s Talk About It.

    We’re diving headfirst into the comment we see more than any other: “Insurance is a scam!” In this episode of The Spirited Agent, hosts Matt Zelenik and Jason Combs sit down with special guest Bill Zelenik, Founder and CEO of Millennium Brokerage Group, to unpack the perception—and the reality—behind this common criticism of the insurance industry. Is the frustration rooted in bad experiences, poor communication, or just misunderstanding? We get candid about why people feel this way, what the industry could do better, and which life insurance products actually deliver in the moments that matter. Bill brings deep experience and sharp insights into how the right solutions can change lives—and why that message often gets lost. And as always, we’re sipping something worth talking about. This week’s drink of the day is Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit Single Barrel from Camp Nelson Warehouse F—a sweet, subdued, and incredibly enjoyable pour that pairs perfectly with a thoughtful conversation. Tune in, pour a glass, and join the discussion. Whether you’re a skeptic or a seasoned agent, this one’s worth your time.

    39 min
  3. Fractional Expertise with Sera Cremona & Kerri Burton: Streamlining Business for Success

    03/26/2025

    Fractional Expertise with Sera Cremona & Kerri Burton: Streamlining Business for Success

    Pouring Wisdom and Sipping Success one episode at a time! In this episode of The Spirited Agent, we’re diving into the power of fractional expertise with Sera Cremona, owner of Cremona Consulting, and Kerri Burton, COO of Millennium Brokerage Group and owner of Fraction Force Strategies. Sera and Kerri specialize in helping businesses streamline their operations, optimize marketing efforts, and leverage networking for growth—without the need for full-time hires. They share insights on how fractional services can enhance efficiency, improve processes, and drive success. We’ll also explore the impact of LinkedIn for business growth, the keys to effective networking, and how strategic operations and marketing can make your company run more smoothly. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or industry leader, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to help you work smarter, not harder. And of course, we’re raising a glass to success with Happenstance Whiskey, a woman-owned whiskey company out of Nashville, TN. Tune in and discover how fractional expertise could be the game-changer your business needs! #EstatePlanning #BusinessOwners #Trusts #WealthProtection #TheSpiritedAgent #Whiskey #Happenstance #Podcast Brought to you by Millennium Brokerage Group Instagram: @thespiritedagentpod   Website: https://thespiritedagentpodcast.buzzsprout.com  Connect with MBG on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/millennium-brokerage-group-llc

    45 min
  4. Estate Planning Masterclass: Wills, Trusts and Wealth Protection | ft. Rick Nickels

    02/19/2025

    Estate Planning Masterclass: Wills, Trusts and Wealth Protection | ft. Rick Nickels

    Pouring Wisdom and Sipping Success one episode at a time! In this episode of The Spirited Agent podcast, hosts Jason Combs and Matt Zelenik sit down with estate planning attorney Rick Nickels for a deep dive into the essentials of estate planning. Whether you're just getting started or looking for advanced strategies, this Estate Planning Masterclass has you covered! We break down: ✅ The basics of estate planning and why it’s crucial ✅ Advanced strategies for business owners ✅ The different types of trusts and how they work ✅ How estate planning can protect wealth and assets for future generations And, of course, no episode is complete without our Drink of the Day! This time, we’re sipping on Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch A124 – a powerhouse bourbon that packs a punch, just like a solid estate plan! 🥃 Hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and drop a comment with your biggest estate planning question! Cheers! 🍻 #EstatePlanning #BusinessOwners #Trusts #WealthProtection #TheSpiritedAgent #Whiskey #ElijahCraig #Podcast Brought to you by Millennium Brokerage Group Instagram: @thespiritedagentpod   Website: https://thespiritedagentpodcast.buzzsprout.com  Connect with MBG on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/millennium-brokerage-group-llc

    40 min
  5. Webinars and Whiskey: Hosting Live Events and Marketing Insurance Through Education

    12/18/2024

    Webinars and Whiskey: Hosting Live Events and Marketing Insurance Through Education

    Pouring Wisdom and Sipping Success one episode at a time! In this episode of The Spirited Agent, hosts Jason Combs and Matt Zelenik dive into the art of hosting events to market insurance effectively. From educational webinars to in-person gatherings, they explore what it takes to plan, execute, and follow up on successful client events. Discover strategies to boost engagement, build stronger client relationships, and make events memorable. To keep things spirited, Jason and Matt also sample a trio of Michter’s Rye Bourbons, sharing their tasting notes and personal favorites. Whether you're looking for marketing inspiration or bourbon recommendations, this episode has something for every agent ready to elevate their client experience. Cheers! Drinks of the Day: Michter's 2024 Barrel Strength Rye.  Michter's 2023 Toasted Barrel Strength Rye.  Michter's 2023 10 Year Rye. Like and subscribe for more insurance related content. Brought to you by Millennium Brokerage Group Instagram: @thespiritedagentpod   Website: https://thespiritedagentpodcast.buzzsprout.com  Connect with MBG on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/millennium-brokerage-group-llc

    28 min
  6. Unlocking Potential With Dr. Angelo Valenti: Embrace Your Strengths and NJOYLFE

    11/20/2024

    Unlocking Potential With Dr. Angelo Valenti: Embrace Your Strengths and NJOYLFE

    Pouring Wisdom and Sipping Success one episode at a time! Join hosts Jason Combs and Matt Zelenik as they dive into an enlightening conversation with corporate psychologist and Amazon bestselling author Dr. Angelo Valenti. Angelo, founder of The Company Psychologist, has dedicated his career to helping businesses optimize their hiring practices and maximize employee potential. In this episode, he shares insights from his latest book, You're Making This Way Too Hard: Find Your EASY Way to NJOYLFE, a powerful guide on embracing life by focusing on what you CAN do and the strengths you ALREADY have. Angelo reminds us all not to take life too seriously, offering valuable advice for achieving both professional and personal fulfillment. Don’t miss out on this inspiring episode, perfect for business leaders, aspiring entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to live a more balanced and joyous life.  Drink of the Day: Jefferson's Reserve Old Rum Cask Finish Dr. Angelo Valenti's links: Book: https://www.amazon.com/Youre-Making-This-Way-Hard/dp/B0CKF2S28R Website: https://thecompanypsychologist.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaatAoFnlqnhImvBgxFkWYX3DJoz4bGgH19qQV8HJ3k8sGMGLVbbFwRCZs_aem_3zkEyF94evsyfHzFt318rw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelovalentiphd/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/companypsychdoctor/ Brought to you by Millennium Brokerage Group

    36 min
  7. Insights from the Field: A Wholesaler’s Perspective on Insurance Trends and Top Agent Strategies

    10/23/2024

    Insights from the Field: A Wholesaler’s Perspective on Insurance Trends and Top Agent Strategies

    Pouring Wisdom and Sipping Success one episode at a time! In this episode of The Spirited Agent, we sit down with Justin Sykes, a Regional Vice President at Millennium Brokerage Group. Justin shares valuable insights on what he’s seeing in the life insurance marketplace, strategies from top-performing agents, and actionable tips to help you thrive in today’s competitive environment. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the industry, this episode offers practical advice to elevate your insurance game.  So grab a glass and let's get inspired to protect your clients! Drink of the Day: David Nicholson 1843 Wheated Bourbon Like and subscribe for more insurance related content. Brought to you by Millennium Brokerage Group Instagram: @thespiritedagentpod   Website: https://thespiritedagentpodcast.buzzsprout.com  Connect with MBG on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/millennium-brokerage-group-llc

    38 min
  8. Founding a Legacy: Bill Zelenik on Building Millennium Brokerage Group and Navigating the Industry

    09/18/2024

    Founding a Legacy: Bill Zelenik on Building Millennium Brokerage Group and Navigating the Industry

    Pouring Wisdom and Sipping Success one episode at a time! On today's episode we are Joined by Bill Zelenik, Founder and CEO of Millennium Brokerage Group.  Bill discusses what led him to start his own brokerage general agency along with what he has seen and learned over the last 26 years of running MBG.   Like and subscribe for more insurance related content. Brought to you by Millennium Brokerage Group YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSpiritedAgentPodcast  Instagram: @thespiritedagentpod   Website: https://thespiritedagentpodcast.buzzsprout.com Connect with MBG on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/millennium-brokerage-group-llc

    34 min

  9. 08/21/2024

    Tackling challenges and seizing opportunities: What we see in today's insurance marketplace.

    Pouring Wisdom and Sipping Success one episode at a time! Join us for the inaugural episode of The Spirited Agent!  Your hosts, Jason Combs and Matt Zelenik, talk struggles, solutions and opportunities we see in today's insurance marketplace. So grab a glass and let's get inspired to protect your clients! Brought to you by Millennium Brokerage Group

    35 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

Pouring wisdom and sipping success, one episode at a time!  The Spirited Agent Podcast was created to empower insurance agents to navigate the ever-evolving world of insurance and grow their business.  Grab your glass and let's get inspired to protect your clients!  Hosted by Jason Combs and Matt Zelenik of Millennium Brokerage Group.

Information

  • Creator
    Millennium Brokerage Group
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Spirited Agent
  • Show Website
    The Spirited Agent