This episode made one thing clear: top agencies don’t scale solo. 

This episode breaks down the WHO you need to scale in 2026.
Once you have the right people in place, the fastest way to lose momentum is trying to build training from scratch. Let us help. 👉 Book your call: Let’s Talk

Watch the full episode on YouTube: HERE

What’s in this episode:
This is the first highlight episode heading into 2026, and it sets the tone for what actually drives scalable agency growth — WHO you surround yourself with, not another tactic or tool.

If you’re serious about longevity, production, and leadership endurance in 2026, this episode is a wake-up call.

[00:00] Welcome to 2026: Why WHO matters more than HOW
[01:00] The leadership endurance problem no one talks about
[02:00] Why every great agency owner still needs a coach
[03:00] Sales coaching vs. being a “talking head”
[04:30] Third-party validation and why your team hears it differently
[05:30] The second non-negotiable: outsourcing recruiting
[07:00] Why most agents hate recruiting (and what to do instead)
[08:30] Training future agency owners without fear
[10:00] Determination: the one trait you cannot teach
[11:30] Staffing mistakes that cost quarters — not weeks
[13:00] Why you should always be hiring (even when fully staffed)
[15:00] Mentorship gaps and how to solve them fast
[17:00] “Who has already solved this?” — the scaling shortcut
[18:30] Final takeaway: stop doing it alone in 2026

🎬 Want the Full Conversations?
Episode 374: Leadership Endurance — Build a Career That Doesn’t Burn You Out
👉 https://youtu.be/gXWj8OPiAuk
Episode 397: $2M in 2 Years — Scratch Agent to CEO with Joshua Arnold
👉 https://youtu.be/NMoce9BYVVQ

BOOK A DEMO– Agency Coach AI Learn More: Let's Chat https://agencycoachai.com

The first 24/7 AI sales coaching platform built for insurance pros. Real-time grading, role plays, and coaching that help producers close more deals.

TEXT MICHAEL DIRECTLY
Have a question or want to talk to Michael directly? It’s really him, not a robot. Text “BUZZ” to (816) 727-7610

FREE 7-Day Demo – Weaver Sales Academy
Try it: CLICK HERE

Tools + Free Resources
https://www.weaversa.com

Connect with Michael Online
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelweaverwsa
YouTube: @michaelweavertraining
Facebook: facebook.com/themichaelweaver
Instagram: @michaelweaver

Book a 1:1 Agency Coach AI Demo
See exactly how AI can coach your team, grade every conversation, and increase production—without more meetings or micromanagement.

👉 Book your call: HERE

Watch the full episode on YouTube: HERE

What’s in this episode:
What actually separates average producers from consistent $20–30K-per-month agents?

In this episode of The Insurance Buzz, Michael Weaver and Courtney Weaver sit down with rising producer Dustin Kinkela to break down the exact mindset shift that took him from price-focused quoting to confident, value-driven selling.

If you’re grinding calls, fighting price objections, or stuck at the same production ceiling, this episode shows you what has to change — internally and tactically — to level up.

 [00:00] Why income level doesn’t change the need for protection
 [01:30] Dustin’s first year in insurance — and why he almost hated sales
 [03:00] The moment he stopped selling on price
 [05:00] The slump most agents quit during (and why he didn’t)
 [07:00] The belief shift that changed everything
 [09:00] Why confidence in yourself matters more than the product
 [11:30] What Dustin learned from role-playing in front of hundreds of agents
 [13:30] Feel, Felt, Found — and how he uses it to start conversations
 [15:00] The 3 Ws explained (What, Would it be important, Why)
 [18:00] How to move conversations away from price without being pushy
 [20:00] Why Dustin writes multi-line business consistently
 [22:30] The real path from $30K to $50K+ per month
 [25:00] Final advice for agents stuck at the same production level

CONNECT WITH DUSTIN
Want to follow Dustin’s journey or connect directly?
Facebook: HERE
David Wetoskey Agency: HERE

BOOK A DEMO– Agency Coach AI Learn More: Let's Chat https://agencycoachai.com

The first 24/7 AI sales coaching platform built for insurance pros. Real-time grading, role plays, and coaching that help producers close more deals.

TEXT MICHAEL DIRECTLY
Have a question or want to talk to Michael directly? It’s really him, not a robot. Text “BUZZ” to (816) 727-7610

FREE 7-Day Demo – Weaver Sales Academy
Try it: CLICK HERE

Tools + Free Resources
https://www.weaversa.com

Connect with Michael Online
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelweaverwsa
YouTube: @michaelweavertraining
Facebook: facebook.com/themichaelweaver
Instagram: @michaelweaver

Book a 1:1 Agency Coach AI Demo
See exactly how AI can coach your team, grade every conversation, and increase production—without more meetings or micromanagement. 👉 Book your call: HERE

Watch the full episode on YouTube: HERE

What’s in this episode:
This special Christmas Edition of The Insurance Buzz is part book club, part vision cast. This episode isn’t just about reading lists—it’s about identity, mindset, and momentum.

Michael and Courtney share the books that sharpened their thinking in 2025 and how those lessons are shaping their vision for 2026. If you want better production, better leadership, and a better life, this conversation connects the dots.

[00:00] Why success always starts internally
[01:00] Christmas episode kickoff + why this conversation matters
[02:00] Why reviews fuel growth (and how you can support the show)
[06:00] Courtney’s mindset shift: spirituality, belief, and expansion
[07:30] Health, longevity, and playing the long game
[08:00] Outlive and preventative thinking
[09:30] The book Michael reads every year: The Four Agreements
[12:00] Money mindset reset: Secrets of the Millionaire Mind
[13:30] Measuring progress vs chasing the next goal
[14:30] Expanding belief: Conversations with God
[16:00] Habits, routines, and consistency
[19:00] Manifestation + action: The Secret
[21:00] Courtney’s 2026 reading list + what’s next
[24:00] The book Michael credits for long-term success: Think and Grow Rich
[26:00] Why growth always comes back to who you’re becoming
[28:00] A Christmas-level honest moment (yes… fairy books included)
[29:30] Final message: gratitude, growth, and vision for 2026

BOOK A DEMO– Agency Coach AI Learn More: Let's Chat https://agencycoachai.com

The first 24/7 AI sales coaching platform built for insurance pros. Real-time grading, role plays, and coaching that help producers close more deals.

TEXT MICHAEL DIRECTLY
Have a question or want to talk to Michael directly? It’s really him, not a robot. Text “BUZZ” to (816) 727-7610

FREE 7-Day Demo – Weaver Sales Academy
Try it: CLICK HERE

Tools + Free Resources
https://www.weaversa.com

Connect with Michael Online
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelweaverwsa
YouTube: @michaelweavertraining
Facebook: facebook.com/themichaelweaver
Instagram: @michaelweaver

🎯 Book a 1:1 Agency Coach AI Demo
 See exactly how AI can coach your team, grade every conversation, and increase production—without more meetings or micromanagement.
👉 Book your call: HERE
 
Watch the full episode on YouTube: HERE

What’s in this episode:
In this episode of The Insurance Buzz, Michael and Courtney Weaver sit down with Brett Bortz, a data-obsessed Farmers agent who built a $12.8M book in under two years — without slowing down during one of the toughest markets insurance has seen.

Brett pulls back the curtain on what’s actually happening behind declining close rates, why most agents misread market downturns, and how he uses data, automation, and disciplined lead buying to stay aggressive when others panic.
This is a no-fluff conversation for agency owners who want to control their numbers instead of reacting to them.

[00:00] Why throttling down in a tough market will cost you
[03:00] Brett’s background: Allstate → indie → Farmers
[06:00] How Brett built a $12.8M book in under 2 years
[09:30] What’s driving the market downturn (and why it’s not just you)
[13:00] Brett’s internet lead engine: 700–1,600 leads/day
[17:00] The close ratios Brett actually tracks (lead-to-sale + CPA)
[20:30] Time-to-Sale: why speed matters more than “cheap” leads
[24:00] The automation trap: why follow-up tanks when things get hard
[28:30] What Brett’s data showed when sales dropped July–September
[33:00] Brett’s 2026 plan: reset zip codes, tighten ROI, expand states
[36:30] “Throttle up” mindset: play to win, not to survive
[40:00] Selling part of your book to create cash for the next wave
[42:00] How to connect with Brett + “control your data”

👤 Guest Contact — Brett Bortz
👉 Let Brett know you heard him on The Insurance Buzz
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/brett.bortz.9
Email: [email protected]
CRM Platform:https://inscendoiq.com

BOOK A DEMO– Agency Coach AI Learn More: Let's Chat https://agencycoachai.com

The first 24/7 AI sales coaching platform built for insurance pros. Real-time grading, role plays, and coaching that help producers close more deals.

TEXT MICHAEL DIRECTLY
Have a question or want to talk to Michael directly? It’s really him, not a robot. Text “BUZZ” to (816) 727-7610

FREE 7-Day Demo – Weaver Sales Academy
Try it: CLICK HERE

Tools + Free Resources
https://www.weaversa.com

Connect with Michael Online
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelweaverwsa
YouTube: @michaelweavertraining
Facebook: facebook.com/themichaelweaver
Instagram: @michaelweaver

🎯 Book a 1:1 Agency Coach AI Demo
 See how AI can coach your team, grade every conversation, and increase production—without more meetings or micromanagement. 👉 Book your call: HERE

Watch the full episode on YouTube: HERE

What’s in this episode:
If your agency’s production has stalled, the problem isn’t effort—it’s your coaching system. In this solo episode, Michael Weaver breaks down why traditional coaching models are broken, why listening to endless sales calls is killing your time, and how AI is fundamentally changing the future of leadership, accountability, and performance.

This episode pulls back the curtain on how top agencies are using AI to coach smarter, move faster, and scale production without burning out managers or team leads. You’ll hear real-world examples of how AI-driven coaching creates immediate improvement, stronger accountability, and measurable production gains—without role-playing, micromanaging, or sitting through hours of calls.

If you’re a manager, team lead, or agency owner who wants higher production without adding more to your plate, this episode is required listening.

[00:00] Why listening to sales calls is officially outdated
[01:00] What AI coaching actually replaces (and what it doesn’t)
[02:30] The real reason agents hire coaches in the first place
[03:45] Why peer-to-peer role play doesn’t work
[05:00] How AI delivers unbiased, data-driven coaching
[06:30] Coaching the root cause instead of surface objections
[07:30] Real example: from 250 scores to closed business
[08:30] How one manager got 3.5 hours per day back
[09:45] Why AI makes you a better leader—not obsolete
[10:45] The future of coaching, accountability, and production

BOOK A DEMO– Agency Coach AI Learn More: Let's Chat https://agencycoachai.com

The first 24/7 AI sales coaching platform built for insurance pros. Real-time grading, role plays, and coaching that help producers close more deals.

TEXT MICHAEL DIRECTLY
Have a question or want to talk to Michael directly? It’s really him, not a robot. Text “BUZZ” to (816) 727-7610

FREE 7-Day Demo – Weaver Sales Academy
Try it: CLICK HERE

Tools + Free Resources
https://www.weaversa.com

Connect with Michael Online
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelweaverwsa
YouTube: @michaelweavertraining
Facebook: facebook.com/themichaelweaver
Instagram: @michaelweaver

STRUGGLING WITH RETENTION?
If clients are falling off after the sale, it’s not effort—it’s structure. Weaver Sales Academy gives agency owners a proven system to: 

👉 Book a call: Let's Talk!

Watch the full episode on YouTube: HERE

What’s in this episode:
Retention isn’t a loyalty problem—it’s a process problem.
In Episode 410 of The Insurance Buzz, Michael Weaver breaks down three simple, proven strategies you can implement immediately to keep more clients, reduce cancellations, and build stickier relationships without adding staff or more hours.

This episode is built for agency owners and producers who are tired of chasing new business while revenue leaks out the back door. You’ll hear exactly how better conversations, consistent follow-up, and real accountability dramatically improve retention—and how Agency Coach AI makes it automatic.

If you want higher lifetime value, more referrals, and fewer awkward save-the-policy calls, this episode is your blueprint.

[00:00] Why retention is the fastest way to grow your agency
[02:00] The hidden cost of churn most agents ignore
[04:00] Strategy #1: Consistent client touchpoints (without more work)
[07:00] Why “we’ll follow up later” kills retention
[09:30] Strategy #2: Coaching conversations that actually stick
[12:30] The retention power of saying the right thing at the right time
[15:00] Strategy #3: Accountability systems that prevent cancellations
[18:00] How AI creates retention without micromanagement
[20:30] Final takeaway: Retention is built, not hoped for

BOOK A DEMO– Agency Coach AI Learn More: Let's Chat https://agencycoachai.com

The first 24/7 AI sales coaching platform built for insurance pros. Real-time grading, role plays, and coaching that help producers close more deals.

TEXT MICHAEL DIRECTLY
Have a question or want to talk to Michael directly? It’s really him, not a robot. Text “BUZZ” to (816) 727-7610

FREE 7-Day Demo – Weaver Sales Academy
Try it: CLICK HERE

Tools + Free Resources
https://www.weaversa.com

Connect with Michael Online
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelweaverwsa
YouTube: @michaelweavertraining
Facebook: facebook.com/themichaelweaver
Instagram: @michaelweaver

Want to master relationship-based selling and become irreplaceable in an AI-driven industry?

Weaver Sales Academy gives you the exact transformational framework Michael teaches — the same language, systems, and skills that separate top producers from everyone else. 👉 Book a call https://bit.ly/3KIjBFn

Watch the full episode on YouTube: HERE

What’s in this episode:
If you think selling by text or email will save time, think again—AI can already do that. In Part 2 of The Great Awakening, Michael breaks down what it actually looks like to run a high-performing agency in the next 3–10 years while AI automates more of the transactional work.

This episode gives you the playbook for leveling up your leadership, scaling your brand across communities, building COIs that pour qualified business into your agency, and turning AI into the self-development tool that makes you and your team irreplaceable.

If Part 1 explained why the industry is shifting, Part 2 explains how to dominate inside that shift.

 [00:00] Why text/email selling fails in the AI era
 [01:00] What AI will automate—and what humans must own
 [03:00] Why transactional agencies face extinction
 [05:00] Leadership, delegation & removing yourself as the bottleneck
 [06:00] How to scale your brand across multiple cities or states
 [07:00] Turning team members into community leaders who drive business
 [09:00] Thinking bigger: multi-state growth, more market share
 [10:00] The role Agency Coach AI plays in leveling up your entire team
 [11:00] Why you must choose to level up (and what happens if you don’t)
 [12:00] The rise of COIs and why they matter more than internet leads
 [14:00] Training, coaching & accountability in the new AI-powered agency
 [16:00] Why the next decade will be the best opportunity for insurance pros

BOOK A DEMO– Agency Coach AI Learn More: Let's Chat https://agencycoachai.com

The first 24/7 AI sales coaching platform built for insurance pros. Real-time grading, role plays, and coaching that help producers close more deals.

TEXT MICHAEL DIRECTLY
Have a question or want to talk to Michael directly? It’s really him, not a robot. Text “BUZZ” to (816) 727-7610

FREE 7-Day Demo – Weaver Sales Academy
Try it: CLICK HERE

Tools + Free Resources
https://www.weaversa.com

Connect with Michael Online
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelweaverwsa
YouTube: @michaelweavertraining
Facebook: facebook.com/themichaelweaver
Instagram: @michaelweaver

Want to master relationship-based selling and become irreplaceable in an AI-driven industry?

Weaver Sales Academy gives you the exact transformational framework Michael teaches — the same language, systems, and skills that separate top producers from everyone else. 👉 Book a call: LET'S TALK!

Watch the full episode on YouTube: HERE

What’s in this episode:
If you’re still running a transactional sales model—quoting fast, selling on price, texting instead of talking—you're entering the danger zone. In this episode, Michael breaks down The Great Awakening happening inside the insurance industry and what the next 5–10 years will look like as AI and robotics disrupt the landscape.

Michael lays out exactly what makes agents irreplaceable in an AI-first world: community presence, educational conversations, retention systems, meeting face-to-face, and becoming “the person people know, trust, and want to work with.”

If you want to keep your seat at the table in this new era, this episode is your roadmap.

[00:00] Why transactional selling is the first to be replaced by AI
[02:00] The Great Awakening: What AI will change—and what it won’t
[04:00] The danger zone: Which agents are most at risk
[06:00] The new role of an agent: relationships, community, education
[09:00] Transformational selling: The framework that makes you irreplaceable
[12:00] Why relationships matter more than ever in the AI era
[14:00] What to double down on now to win the next decade

BOOK A DEMO– Agency Coach AI Learn More: Let's Chat https://agencycoachai.com

The first 24/7 AI sales coaching platform built for insurance pros. Real-time grading, role plays, and coaching that help producers close more deals.

TEXT MICHAEL DIRECTLY
Have a question or want to talk to Michael directly? It’s really him, not a robot. Text “BUZZ” to (816) 727-7610

FREE 7-Day Demo – Weaver Sales Academy
Try it: CLICK HERE

Tools + Free Resources
https://www.weaversa.com

Connect with Michael Online
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelweaverwsa
YouTube: @michaelweavertraining
Facebook: facebook.com/themichaelweaver
Instagram: @michaelweaver

Want AI to coach your team daily and grade every call?                                                      👉 Book Your Agency Coach AI Demo: Let's Talk

Watch the full episode on YouTube: HERE

What’s in this episode:
If you’ve ever walked into a sales call unfocused, low-energy, or carrying the negativity from your last conversation—this episode will flip a switch for you. Michael breaks down the Peak State Exercise he learned from Tony Robbins and shows you exactly how to use one simple 60-second routine to reset your mindset, elevate your energy, and win more consistently throughout the day.

Agents freeze when emotions take over. Teams struggle when negativity spreads. Culture slips when leaders aren’t intentional. This episode gives you a tactical, repeatable habit that insurance producers at every level can use to perform at their absolute best—on command.

Whether you’re leading a team or running solo, this is the 60-second habit you need heading into 2026.

[00:00] The habit that instantly resets your mindset
[00:36] Why peak state matters for sales performance
[01:40] The WSA routine: gratitude + peak state
[02:15] The culture shift agencies must embrace in 2026
[03:10] How to recover instantly after a tough call
[05:40] What “peak state” really means for producers
[06:10] The 60-second Peak State Exercise (guided walkthrough)
[08:40] How a peak-state culture transforms your team
[10:00] When to use peak state throughout the day
[11:40] Your challenge heading into 2026

BOOK A DEMO– Agency Coach AI Learn More: Let's Chat https://agencycoachai.com

The first 24/7 AI sales coaching platform built for insurance pros. Real-time grading, role plays, and coaching that help producers close more deals.

TEXT MICHAEL DIRECTLY
Have a question or want to talk to Michael directly? It’s really him, not a robot. Text “BUZZ” to (816) 727-7610

FREE 7-Day Demo – Weaver Sales Academy
Try it: CLICK HERE

Tools + Free Resources
https://www.weaversa.com

Connect with Michael Online
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelweaverwsa
YouTube: @michaelweavertraining
Facebook: facebook.com/themichaelweaver
Instagram: @michaelweaver

Want AI to coach your team daily and grade every call? 👉 Book Your Agency Coach AI Demo: LEARN MORE

Watch the full episode on YouTube: HERE

What’s in this episode:
If your team is “busy” but not productive — this episode is the fix. Michael breaks down the exact two-huddle system top agencies use to build clarity, accountability, and consistent production every single day.

You’ll learn how to run a 5–10 minute morning huddle that sets the tone and a 1:00 PM check-in that guarantees follow-through. No fluff. No excuses. Just a repeatable process to build a winning culture in 2026 and beyond.

Whether you’re tired of chasing your team, frustrated with inconsistency, or determined to level up expectations — this framework will tighten communication, increase confidence, and help you stack dubs every single day.

[00:00] Winning doesn’t happen by accident
[00:45] Why daily huddles matter for building a winning culture
[01:30] The two-huddle system explained
[02:00] Morning huddle: Set expectations + plan of attack
[03:45] What every team member must vocalize daily
[05:00] Afternoon huddle: The accountability check agents avoid
[06:00] “We don’t have time to meet” — the excuse killing your success
[07:30] Why communication + clarity = more production
[08:15] What to do when your team is behind at 1:00 PM
[09:00] The goal: Stack wins daily and build confidence
[10:00] Why 15–20 minutes of huddles can change your entire year

BOOK A DEMO– Agency Coach AI Learn More: Let's Chat https://agencycoachai.com

The first 24/7 AI sales coaching platform built for insurance pros. Real-time grading, role plays, and coaching that help producers close more deals.

TEXT MICHAEL DIRECTLY
Have a question or want to talk to Michael directly? It’s really him, not a robot. Text “BUZZ” to (816) 727-7610

FREE 7-Day Demo – Weaver Sales Academy
Try it: CLICK HERE

Tools + Free Resources
https://www.weaversa.com

Connect with Michael Online
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelweaverwsa
YouTube: @michaelweavertraining
Facebook: facebook.com/themichaelweaver
Instagram: @michaelweaver