The Storm That Changed Everything: My Hurricane Katrina Story

Twenty years ago, Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and changed my life forever.
We didn’t just lose a building—we lost Sid Mar’s, our family’s restaurant and legacy.

In this episode, I walk you through what happened, what it felt like, and what it taught me about business, identity, and resilience.
We talk loss, legal battles, rebuilding, and what it means to carry forward a legacy you can’t recreate.

If you’ve ever had to start over or lead through chaos, this one’s for you.

Live from the Ascend Conference, I sat down with Chris Wolpert—founder of Group Benefit Solutions and a 2024 BenefitsPRO Advisor of the Year finalist.

We talked about:

• How to build trust and authority as an insurance professional

• Lessons from fitness and CrossFit that apply to branding

• Breaking out of the traditional broker mold

• Real strategies from top advisors in the field

• What it takes to grow your business by being yourself

If you're a broker, consultant, or anyone trying to stand out in B2B sales—this one's for you.

   This week’s podcast episode is sponsored byCrumdale Specialty– the team helping brokers lead with strategy in 2025 and beyond.

Self-funding is gaining serious traction, and Crumdale’s 2025 BrokerPlaybook is quickly becoming a go-to resource for brokers looking to stayahead.

👉Download it here: www.crumdalespecialty.com/playbook

Live from the Ascend Conference — I sit down with Stephanie Koch, nationally recognized HR leader and speaker, to talk about what employers really want from their benefits strategy. From lazy renewals to real alignment with business goals, this episode covers it all.Sponsored by Crumdale SpecialtyDownload the 2025 Broker Playbook: www.crumdalespecialty.com/playbook#employeebenefits #hrleaders #benefitsstrategy #crumdalespecialty #justinburgesspodcast #ascendconference #selfinsurance #brokerinsights #podcastclips

What does Direct Primary Care actually look like?

In this special live episode from the Ascend Conference, I sit down with Dr. Bernard P. Bubanic and Lorenzo Amaya from Integrated Source One (ISO) to walk through a real-time DPC visit — on the podcast. No scripts, no filters. Just a real exam and real conversation about how DPC, when paired with clinical claim review, can reshape the way employers manage healthcare.

We break down:

• What happens during a DPC visit

• How Integrated Source One uses clinical expertise to catch waste and errors

• Why this model creates better outcomes for both employers and employees

• What most brokers and CFOs are missing when it comes to claims management

This is the future of employer healthcare. Watch it happen live.

This week’s episode is sponsored by Crumdale Specialty – the team helping brokers lead with strategy in 2025 and beyond.

Self-funding is gaining serious traction, and Crumdale’s 2025 Broker Playbook is quickly becoming a go-to resource for brokers looking to stay ahead.

👉 Download it here: www.crumdalespecialty.com/playbook

What are you really paying for when you fill a prescription?

In this episode, Justin sits down with Dr. Sadie Mannino Bennett, a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist and second-generation pharmacist from Louisiana, to break down the real costs behind pharmacy benefits.

They discuss:

• What makes up the true cost of a prescription

• Why local pharmacies are being reimbursed below cost

• The role of PBMs in driving up plan expenses

• How "gag clauses" once blocked pharmacists from helping patients

• The impact of rebates, clawbacks, and vertical integration

• Why independent pharmacies still matter to your plan

If you're a CFO, HR leader, or employer trying to control pharmacy spend without sacrificing care, this episode gives you the clarity and context you're not getting from your current PBM.

In this episode, Justin sits down with Jacob King, a rising broker in the employee benefits space. They talk about what it takes to succeed as a young advisor, how the broker role is evolving, and why authenticity and work ethic matter more than ever. This is a real conversation about collaboration, grit, and building something better—for employers and their people.

In this solo episode, Justin Burgess shares the real story behind his transformation—from an overworked, burned-out benefits broker to a disciplined, present father, husband, and business owner.

He opens up about:

• Getting started in the insurance industry

• The toll of burnout and corporate pressure

• Losing 50 lbs and regaining mental clarity

• How CrossFit, routine, and community changed his life

• Why discipline—not hustle—is the key to long-term success

• His perspective on weight loss drugs, hormone health, and healthcare reform

• The role of transparency and advocacy in employee benefits

This is a raw, honest look at the lifestyle changes that gave Justin a second wind—in life and in business.

In this solo episode, Justin Burgess breaks down exactly how to build a personal brand in the insurance industry without feeling salesy, overproduced, or fake. Fresh off his appearance on the Andy Neary Accelerate Your Insurance Sales Podcast, Justin shares the strategy behind his content—what works, what doesn’t, and how to stand out in a crowded space.

You’ll learn:

• Why reposting articles isn’t a brand

• The three pillars of Justin’s brand: transparency, advocacy, and accountability

• Where to show up (and how often)

• Post ideas that actually build trust

• Why this is a long game—and how to win it

If you want to grow your benefits business, build real trust, and stop blending in, this episode is for you.

In this solo episode, Justin Burgess shares what it really means to do hard things—personally and professionally. From losing 50 pounds through CrossFit to leaving the comfort of a stable job to pursue employee benefits sales, Justin opens up about the uncomfortable moments that led to real growth. He connects these experiences to helping employers rethink their healthcare strategy, challenging the status quo, and stepping into better solutions for their people.

If you're stuck in a comfortable routine or hesitant to make a big move, this one's for you.

Why Group Disability Insurance Isn’t Enough – with Alex Wesdorf

Most CFOs and HR directors don’t realize that their key executives are underinsured when it comes to disability coverage. Group disability plans cap out at a certain dollar amount, leaving high-income earners exposed to serious financial risk.

In this episode, I sit down with Alex Wesdorf, an expert in individual disability insurance, to break down:
✅ The hidden gaps in group disability plans
✅ Why individual disability is a critical executive benefit
✅ How companies can retain top talent with better income protection
✅ The financial risks of not addressing this issue

If your company has highly compensated executives, this conversation is a must-listen. Don’t wait for a claim to find out they’re unprotected.

Connect with Alex Wesdorf on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-wesdorf-disability-insurance-solutions-independent-advisors/