An image for the podcast "Broken Benefits" with Lee Lewis.

Welcome to Broken Benefits with Lee Lewis! Whether you are the benefits manager or CEO of your organization, one of the biggest drivers of organizational performance, that most get totally wrong, is the health and benefits strategy. We spend billions on benefits, yet healthcare is unaffordable and complicated. More than half of Americans don’t even take their paid vacation, yet people are burning out faster than ever and remote work is scrambling company cultures.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Great benefits can attract and retain top talent, communicate your values, rejuvenate your productivity, move your stock price, and even save lives.

I know this because I’ve advised and learned from many Fortune 100 employers on how to create wildly profitable and popular benefits programs. I created this podcast in the hopes that together we can save lives, save dollars, and save our talent. Join us for some great conversation with some of the world’s leading experts in this space.

Broken Benefits Podcast

Broken Benefits Videos

Episode 1 - Running Benefits Like an Incubator (Feat: Stephen Hoelper)
Episode 1 - Running Benefits Like an Incubator (Feat: Stephen Hoelper)
Welcome to the inaugural episode of Broken Benefits! We spend billions on benefits, yet healthcare is unaffordable and complicated. More than half of Americans don't even take their paid vacation, yet people are burning out faster than ever and remote work is scrambling company cultures. It doesn't have to be this way. Great benefits can attract and retain top talent, communicate your values, rejuvenate your productivity, move your stock price, and even save lives. On our first episode, we welcome Stephen Hoelper, Digital Health Executive, onto the show for a deep dive into his extremely interesting career with Comcast. Stephen...
Episode 2 - Fighting Political and Operational Headwinds in Healthcare
Episode 2 - Fighting Political and Operational Headwinds in Healthcare
Welcome back to Broken Benefits! We're so excited to follow up out launch of the show with another great episode, featuring Christin Deacon, Thought Leader and Healthcare Disruptor, and a great discussion surrounding some of the political challenges within healthcare at large. Christin not only her experiences with these challenges, but also how she implemented the first reverse auction PBM for a $900,000 plan. There's so much wisdom and great insight packed into this episode and we're thrilled to share this fantastic conversation with you. Enjoy! Timecodes: 0:46 - Introducing Christin Deacon and sharing her background 1:50 - How Chris...
Episode 3 - Developing Foundational Healthcare Strategies
Episode 3 - Developing Foundational Healthcare Strategies
We're back with an all-new episode! Joining us on Broken Benefits is Mike Adams, Innovative Benefits Thought Leader, who shares his experiences as a top benefits executive at Fortune 100 companies throughout his career. Mike was a pioneer and developed foundational healthcare strategies that are now leveraged by many in today's day and age. Listen as we explore his career, the risks he took along the way, and the lives he was able to help change as a result of his innovative work! Timecodes: 0:30 - Introduction and overview on Mike Adams 1:52 - How to approach vendors and manage...
Episode 4 - Benefits Strategies Impacting Over 100 Million People (Feat: Marcus Osborne)
Episode 4 - Benefits Strategies Impacting Over 100 Million People (Feat: Marcus Osborne)
On the latest episode of Broken Benefits, we welcome Former Senior Vice President of Walmart Health to discuss the monumental footprint he left at the world's largest retailer! Marcus Osborne and his team were impacting over 100 million lives with their benefits strategies at Walmart Health and he shares countless experiences that paved the way towards innovative and successful benefits strategies. Marcus provides a wealth of knowledge and expertise within this episode! So, what are you waiting for? Click that play button now! Timecodes: 0:22 - Introduction and overview on the guest of the day 1:53 - How Marcus approached...
Implementing Transformative Benefits Plans (Feat: Brian Marcotte)
Implementing Transformative Benefits Plans (Feat: Brian Marcotte)
On the latest installment of Broken Benefits, we're pleased to welcome Brian Marcotte, Former Vice President of Compensation and Benefits at Honeywell International, for a deep dive into his extensive career in benefits. Brian and his team were responsible for implementing a nationwide network-based point of service plan that was transformative for its time. Additionally, their team was able to achieve seven straight years with a flat trend at Honeywell. On this episode, Brian shares some of his most valuable wisdom along with stories to help inspire today's benefits workers. Timecodes: 0:30 - Introducing Brian Marcotte to the show 1:26...
Controlling the Cost of Healthcare (Feat: Hellen Darling)
Controlling the Cost of Healthcare (Feat: Hellen Darling)
She's led benefits for a Fortune 100 employer, provided countless bits of insight through her consulting work, and was influential in the changing of healthcare costs over the years! On the latest episode of Broken Benefits, we're thrilled to welcome Hellen Darling, a revolutionary healthcare innovator, to share her experiences from a lengthy career in healthcare. Throughout her career, as well as her time leading the National Business Group on Health, Hellen was the primary lead business voice in Washington, DC advocating for jumbo employers. Let's get started! Timecodes: 0:06 - Introduction and welcome to the show! 1:51 - Welcoming...
Advocating for New Healthcare Strategies (Feat: Arielle Bogorad)
Advocating for New Healthcare Strategies (Feat: Arielle Bogorad)
On the latest episode of Broken Benefits, we're taking a closer look at the innovative work Arielle Bogorad has done throughout her career in healthcare, as well as the importance behind advocating for implementing fresh perspectives and strategies. Arielle is a healthcare innovator to her core. Currently, she is the Senior Vice President at Progyny, where she's developing new ways to advance healthcare for the greater good. In this episode, Arielle shares her experiences running benefits at Cerner Corporation for over a decade and leveraging a self-administered program. Let's get right into it! Timecodes: 1:00 - Who is Arielle Bogorad?...
Driving Innovative Change for Large Employer Benefits (Feat: Marilyn Bartlett)
Driving Innovative Change for Large Employer Benefits (Feat: Marilyn Bartlett)
It's not easy to pave the way for innovation among large employers, but Marilyn Bartlett was always up for the challenge! On the latest episode of Broken Benefits, we're joined by Marilyn Bartlett who has quite the decorated resume... to say the least. Marilyn held financial management positions in various industries, narrowing her focus to health care financial management and serving as controller for a Blue Cross Blue Shield carrier, chief financial officer for a regional third-party administrator, Montana State Employee Health Plan administrator, and special projects coordinator for the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance. When she took the...
Approaching Healthcare From a Different Angle (Feat: Bob Galvin)
Approaching Healthcare From a Different Angle (Feat: Bob Galvin)
Dr. Bob Galvin brings looks at healthcare through a unique lens. After graduating medical school, he later became the Executive Director of Services and Chief Medical Officer for General Electric. Later, in 2010, he transitioned over to Blackstone and became the CEO of Equity Healthcare for Blackstone. As a physician, Bob was able to provide a special perspective into the healthcare and medical solutions that were presented to self-funded employers. Bob's medical expertise, alongside his countless years of experience in healthcare benefits, provides our audience with a wide range of stories and key takeaways to help reinforce your company's benefits...
Paving the Way for Strategic Benefits (Feat: Sally Welborn)
Paving the Way for Strategic Benefits (Feat: Sally Welborn)
Advanced healthcare benefits strategies didn't just happen overnight. They were created, enhanced, and innovated over time thanks to the efforts of some key individuals. One of those people, is Sally Welborn. On the latest episode of Broken Benefits, we're thrilled to welcome Sally Welborn, the Former Senior Vice President of Global Benefits for Walmart Stores, Inc., and hear numerous stories that provide benefits leaders with insight into developing strategic benefits strategies at the highest of levels! Sally is an instiution in American healthcare, in running the benefits strategy for America's largest retailer for nearly a decade! This episode is packed...
Going Against the Status Quo (Feat: Erik Sossa)
Going Against the Status Quo (Feat: Erik Sossa)
In this thought-provoking episode of Broken Benefits, we take a journey into the world of corporate healthcare innovation with a true trailblazer, Erik Sossa, the former Vice President of Global Benefits and Wellness at PepsiCo, Inc. Join us as we explore the remarkable initiatives he spearheaded during his tenure that defied the status quo and redefined what is possible in the realm of employee wellness and healthcare. Erik Sossa's impressive career at PepsiCo was marked by a relentless pursuit of groundbreaking solutions for the company's healthcare and benefits programs. With a reputation for pushing boundaries and challenging conventions, he led...
Managing Billions and Redefining Healthcare Spend (Feat: Jason Parrott)
Managing Billions and Redefining Healthcare Spend (Feat: Jason Parrott)
On the latest installment of Broken Benefits, we're joined by an esteemed guest, Jason Parrott. With a wealth of experience as a Former Benefits Executive at both Boeing and AT&T, Jason provides unique perspectives and valuable insights into the complex world of healthcare management. Tune in as Jason delves into the challenges and triumphs of overseeing billions in healthcare spending, sharing stories from his dynamic career in two of the largest corporations in the world. From navigating the intricacies of employee benefits to implementing innovative solutions, Jason offers a behind-the-scenes look at the decisions that shape the well-being of thousands...
Leveraging Data and Maximizing Value for Employees
Leveraging Data and Maximizing Value for Employees
On the latest episode of Broken Benefits, we're thrilled to welcome a true expert at her craft. Candace Jodice, Former CVS Health Executive, brings over 20 years experience managing a health plan of over 300,000 people and expenditures in excess of $4 billion annually. We dive into the intricacies of managing benefits inside of a PBM, as well as the importance behind leveraging the data to generate the highest level of value for those inside a health plan. Enjoy! Chapters: 0:00 - Cold open 1:48 - Welcoming Candace Jodice to the show 4:49 - How contracts are structured when you're...
Embracing Scrutiny and Navigating Innovation (Feat: Pat Pitsch)
Embracing Scrutiny and Navigating Innovation (Feat: Pat Pitsch)
In this illuminating episode of Broken Benefits, we delve deep into the dynamic world of healthcare innovation with a true trailblazer, Pat Pitsch. As a distinguished Medical Benefits Expert, Pat brings a wealth of experience and insight to the table, offering a captivating narrative of her journey through the labyrinth of the healthcare industry. Join us as we explore the challenges and triumphs that have defined Pat's career, and how she has fearlessly tackled obstacles to drive innovation in her field. From navigating complex regulations to revolutionizing traditional practices, Pat's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and...