Agency Nation Radio

Independent Agent Magazine Reviews the Biggest Stories of 2025

This end-of-year episode of Agency Nation Radio is brought to you by the editors of Independent Agent magazine. Will Jones, editor-in-chief, hosts the discussion and is joined by Olivia Overman, content editor, and AnneMarie McPherson Spears, news editor. Together, they look back at 2025 and highlight the biggest stories that shaped the insurance industry and the independent agency channel. From market predictions and homeowners coverage challenges to cybersecurity breaches, tax reform and government shutdowns, they revisit the headlines that captured your attention and impacted your business. Plus, the editors share insights on what these trends mean for independent agents moving forward. “We’ve talked a lot throughout the year about increased [artificial intelligence] usage and the benefits it brings,” Spears says. “But we’re also starting to see some concerns from agents and customers as more of the risks of AI begin to play out.” Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we’ve got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts.

Agency, Career and Coastal Growth With Kelley Carter

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we chat with Kelley Carter, president of Choice Insurance Agency, Member of Choice Financial Group in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Carter kicked off her career by working for several years in agency marketing roles, helping her understand how marketing strategy is essential to accelerating agency growth. In October, she was appointed division president of Choice Insurance Agency, where she is focused on sustaining and expanding its position as one of the fastest-growing brokerages in the country. “We’re growing so fast and we have so many new growth opportunities within Choice”, Carter says. “We’re building an amazing company and group of people all working towards a common goal.” Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we’ve got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts. Carter was also featured in the December issue of Independent Agent. Check out her interview or read the full issue online. https://www.iamagazine.com/2025/12/01/declaration-of-independents-kelley-carter/

Legal System Abuse: Rising Costs for Insurance

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, host Nathan Riedel, Big “I” senior vice president of federal government affairs, is joined by Jeff Beck, senior vice president of government and regulatory affairs at Selective Insurance, and John Barbour, CEO of the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia. Together, they dive into legal system abuse and its impact on insurers and policyholders. They also unpack the key reforms passed in Georgia earlier this year, how they came about and the insights they offer for other states and the federal government moving forward. “Commercial lines, personal lines, every line is being impacted by the legal system abuse,” Beck says. Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we’ve got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts.

Finding a Balance Between Work, Family and the Big 'I' With Dallas Ross

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we chat with Dallas Ross, agent at Timmco Insurance. Like many others, Ross was born into the insurance industry and always knew the industry was where she belonged. Right out of college, she landed a job in insurance sales, but after two years, she discovered her true passion wasn’t selling—it was serving clients, supporting them, and fostering long-term relationships. That realization led her to transition into an account manager role, where she continued to grow her expertise before joining Timmco Insurance in 2021. Meanwhile, Ross’ involvement with Big I Oregon began when her father took her to Big “I” events. Years later, she was elected to the Big I Oregon board of directors in March 2018 and was elected president in January 2025. She also chaired the organization’s Next Gen group from 2018 to 2019. Despite her busy schedule, she still manages to maintain a healthy work-life balance that suits her and her family. “I schedule things that I look forward to, which can help me get through those busy periods—whether it’s a dinner with friends or maybe a vacation,” Ross says. “Making time for things I look forward to helps me avoid burnout.” Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we’ve got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts. Ross was also featured in the November issue of Independent Agent. Check out her interview or read the full issue online. https://www.iamagazine.com/2025/11/01/declaration-of-independents-dallas-ross/

Exploring AI: Optimizing AI Usage