
Hosted by Tedd Hikes and Eric Alvarado · EN
Our podcast is tailored to those in the RIA space. More knowledge equals less fear or the unknown, so we are here to kick open the toolbox, play with the tools, and have a honest/blunt conversations about the insurance toolbox accessable to you and your clients.

This episode highlights Christopher Street Financial, founded in 1981 by Robert Casaletto to serve the unique financial planning needs of the LGBTQ+ community. What began as a bold stand for inclusion has grown into a firm known for empathy, trust, and authentic relationships. Over 40 years later, they remain committed to financial planning that truly understands and supports their clients. Tune in to hear how Mark Lingenfelter and Jamie McGill discuss how Christopher Street Financial is still making a difference.

We sat down with Shane Keith of KDI Wealth to explore how their firm is doing more than just managing money — they’re building a true community. From Valentine’s Day dinners to wellness events, and even international and domestic trips, KDI is finding innovative ways to bring clients together and deepen relationships. It’s a refreshing take on wealth management: creating experiences that connect people, strengthen trust, and make planning more meaningful.

In this episode of CBS Spotlight, Jen Fox, Vice President of Federal and Political Affairs at Finseca, discusses the importance of financial security professionals, the role of life insurance, advocacy efforts, and the challenges facing the financial services industry. She emphasizes the need for better education and accessibility to financial planning, particularly for young adults graduating high school or college. Furthermore, she shares insights on legislation affecting retirement savings and long-term care insurance initiatives, while underscoring the vital role her organization plays in advocating for effective financial security policies.

In this episode of CBS Spotlight, Hector Martinez from John Hancock discusses the transformative impact of generative AI in the insurance industry and elaborates on John Hancock's unique approach to behavioral insurance through the Vitality program. He highlights how this program encourages clients to engage in healthier lifestyles while also providing life-saving medical technology and emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology without replacing human advisors. Hector expresses the vision to cover as many lives as possible and make a lasting difference for clients.

In this episode of CBS Spotlight, hosts Eric Alvarado and Ted Hikes interview Hector Martinez, the Head of Insurance at John Hancock. Hector discusses his extensive career in the insurance industry, sharing insights about his journey from early career to leading roles at various organizations. The conversation delves into the importance of consistency in sales, the role of technology in the insurance sector, and the shift towards behavioral insurance at John Hancock.

In this episode of CBS Spotlight, hosts Eric Alvarado and Ted Hikes discuss the importance of engaging women in the financial industry with Jeanie Underwood from Global Atlantic. They explore strategies that can help financial professionals better connect with female clients, emphasizing that women will control a significant portion of wealth in the coming years. Underwood shares insights on why traditional approaches may leave vast sums of money unclaimed and discusses techniques to improve client retention rates among women.