ReAudio: ReAssess Your Workers Comp Toolbox

Curiosity fuels career growth—that’s the key takeaway from Ronna Ruppelt’s inspiring journey through law, insurance, non-profit leadership, and now partnership at Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP. From breaking barriers as the only female attorney at her firm to leading major organizational change, Ronna shares how asking “why?” has driven her success.

In this episode, she explores the difference between knowledge, skills, and competencies—and how professionals can strategically develop each. She also opens up about the power of vulnerability, the value of continuous learning, and how to create a culture that supports growth and curiosity.

Whether you’re starting out or seeking fresh momentum, Ronna’s insights offer practical strategies and inspiration for lifelong learning and professional development.

A healthcare crisis is hitting workers’ compensation: fewer doctors are treating injured workers. Why are physicians leaving, and what can be done?

Woodruff Sawyer, VP | Specialty Claims Consultant, Debbie Hammer, with 35 years of experience, breaks down the complex reasons behind the shortage—from fallout of the Dobbs decision to burdensome paperwork—and its real-world impact on recovery times, disability claims, and costs.

Hammer also shares actionable solutions for employers, insurers, and injured workers to navigate this growing challenge and improve care access and outcomes.

Whether you're in HR, claims, or healthcare, this episode offers crucial insights into one of the industry’s most urgent issues.

Subscribe for more expert discussions on workers’ compensation and return-to-work strategies.

In this episode, Jennifer Barrett, Director of Risk Resources at Acrisure, shares proven strategies to cut workers’ compensation costs and support injured employees. Drawing on her deep construction industry experience, Barrett explains how fast communication and proactive return-to-work programs can boost recovery rates—and slash premium costs.

Learn why employees who return to modified duty within 30 days have a 90% chance of full recovery, and how poor claim management can spike your experience mod by 30 points. Barrett also covers essential tools like nurse triage, telemedicine, and partnering with the right occupational health providers to streamline the claims process.

If you're an employer, HR professional, or risk manager ready to take control of workplace injury claims, this episode is packed with actionable tips to protect your people and your bottom line.

Listen now to revolutionize your workers' comp strategy.

What happens when you blend creativity with one of the most traditional industries out there? Woodruff Sawyer, Senior Claims Consultant, Qiana Redmond—better known as "Q"—is flipping the script on workers’ comp education through personalized learning and interactive games. From turning HR trainings into Family Feud-style competitions to hosting her signature “Ask Q Work Comp Sessions,” Qiana makes complex topics not only accessible but also fun.

With two decades of experience as a claims examiner and broker, Qiana brings fresh solutions to post-pandemic challenges like remote work injuries and industry knowledge gaps. Her innovative approach proves that even in insurance, creativity isn’t just welcome—it’s essential.

Debbie Lundberg takes you on an inspiring journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of kindness. From overcoming perfectionism to embracing purposeful living, she shares how personal branding, emotional intelligence, and strong communication shape both our professional and personal lives.

In this episode, Debbie explores how modern communication bridges generational gaps, why intentional kindness is more important than ever, and how small, meaningful actions—like donating a kidney—can create lasting ripple effects. She reflects on lessons learned from hurricane devastation, the importance of active love in times of crisis, and the transformative impact of gratitude.

She also offers powerful strategies for having difficult conversations with both kindness and accountability, as well as the best way to provide meaningful support to others.

For more insights, connect with Debbie at [email protected] and tune in to The Business of Life Masterclass Podcast.

Welcome to Season 5 of ReAudio!

When a workplace injury happens, employees are thrown into a system they rarely understand. Dr. Claire Muselman, COO at workerscompensation.com, breaks down the realities of workers’ comp—what it is, what it isn’t, and why expectations often don’t align.

She shares her own experience with workplace injuries, explains why the first 48 hours are critical for recovery, and discusses how delays and miscommunication can impact both physical and emotional healing.

Tune in to learn how organizations can better support injured workers and create a more effective, people-centered claims process.

 Visit workerscompensation.com, sign up for their newsletter, or connect with our guest on LinkedIn.

Explore how economic shifts and technological advancements are transforming the workers' compensation industry with Debra Livingston, founder and CEO of ReEmployAbility. We discuss cost containment strategies amid rising medical and wage inflation, the growing importance of return-to-work programs, and mentorship’s role in addressing the talent shortage.

This episode also tackles strategic planning during adversity, including lessons from Florida’s natural disasters and year-end settlement challenges. Plus, discover the potential of AI in the workplace and its impact on efficiency and workplace culture. Join us for insights on growth, resilience, and navigating the trends shaping 2025.

How can gratitude reshape the challenging world of workers’ compensation? In this episode, we sit down with Debbie Hammer, a seasoned claims consultant and AVP at Woodruff Sawyer, to explore how cultivating gratitude rebuilds trust among stakeholders. We tackle mistrust, the pandemic's lasting effects, and the surge in litigation, uncovering practical strategies like gratitude journaling and face-to-face communication. Join us as we delve into transformative insights and actionable methods to foster collaboration and create a more positive work environment.

Some research shows that gratitude can positively impact trust. Explore the resources below:

• Gratitude Journals: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/can_gratitude_make_our_society_more_trusting
• Thank you: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/parenting-translator/202409/research-finds-that-hearing-thank-you-really-matters-for-parents
• How Gratitude Builds Trust: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-gratitude-builds-trust-your-team-sonya-shelton/

Join Sandy Avina, Claims Service Manager at California Schools JPA, as she discusses how kindness can reshape the workers' compensation landscape. By treating injured workers as individuals and focusing on their well-being, organizations can reduce litigation, speed up return-to-work times, and combat compassion fatigue among adjusters. 

Sandy also explores strategies to improve workplace culture, build trust, and foster stronger employer-employee relationships. The conversation touches on the importance of mental wellness in the industry and offers practical steps to support mental health, providing valuable insights for anyone seeking a more empathetic approach in the workplace.

Ever wondered if walking under a ladder truly invites bad luck or if holding your breath while passing a graveyard can keep ghosts at bay? Discover the captivating origins of these Halloween superstitions and more, as we unravel the tales and traditions that haunt our everyday lives.

We're bringing an interactive twist to our exploration by challenging you to separate myths from realities in the world of workers' compensation. Play along and test your knowledge on topics like the roles of employers in claims and the rights of independent contractors. Participate in our myth-busting quiz for a chance to win a Starbucks gift card! 

Click the link to take the survey>>