Listen. Learn. Succeed.
The Nat Alliance NOW podcast series provides risk and insurance professionals with rich, nuanced
conversations that deepen learning and promote the successful completion of National Alliance programs.
Monthly episodes feature active industry experts and guest hosts who explore trends and tackle
challenging course content.

Insurance Producers Coaching: Realize Your Full Potential
Nat Alliance NOW is back for 2023, and to start things off we have Mitch Dunford speaking to the always-incredible Meg McKeen, CIC. As the Founder of

What’s New & Coming Soon: An Online Community, CISR Improvements, and Virtual Reality
Listen in as Mitch Dunford discusses 2023 developments at The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research with President & CEO William Hold, MBA, CRM, CISR, and Chief Experience Officer

Embracing the Past: A Brief History of Lloyd’s of London
In this episode host Paul Martin, CPCU talks with Lloyd’s of London Archivist Victoria Lane and Hank Watkins President of Lloyd’s America. Paul, Victoria, and Hank discuss

University Associate Program- Supporting Education Innovation
Tune in to learn about their amazing Insurance and Risk Management program which provides unique tuition opportunities for students and many educational opportunities for insurance professionals of all ages and experience levels.

Can You Properly Insure Truckers?
If you think a “Kingpin” is a boss out of New Jersey, you don’t know trucking! -Tommy Ruke, CIC, TRS Tune in as host Paul Martin, CPCU

New Agency Library Essential: Fundamentals of Life & Health Insurance
Life and health insurance are the cornerstones of protection for the financial future of individuals, families, and businesses. Written by two industry experts, each with over 30 years

Understanding Contractors’ Insurance
Whether you are working with general contractors or subcontractors, insurance within the contractors’ niche can be challenging. As an insurance professional, getting everything right the first time

Insurance Agents & Brokers
Tune in as Mitch Dunford, National Alliance CMO talks with IA&B CEO Jason Ernest, and Education Senior Director Jess McWilliams about the challenges independent agencies face today.

The Florida Association of Insurance Agents Episode
In this episode of Nat Alliance NOW Mitch Dunford talks with the Florida Association of Insurance Agents (FAIA) executives Dave Newell and Kyle Ulrich, CAE about the

The Next Normal: Agency Operations Post-COVID
Join Mitch Dunford as he talks with the amazing PIA of Wisconsin team. Tune in to hear Pete Hanson, CISR, Ryan Butzke, CIC, and Brenda Steinbach share

Reducing Environmental Liabilities
The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research is pleased to introduce a new self-paced 4-hour Certified Environmental Strategist program designed to empower insurance professionals, producers, agents,

Outstanding CSR of the Year Competition Begins Now!
Join Mitch Dunford and Danielle Janecka as they talk with 2021 OCSRY National Winner, Nella Rodriguez CIC, CRM, CISR, about how to enter or nominate your favorite

Guiding You Through 2022: Update Options for Designation Holders
Tune in as host Mitch Dunford interviews President and CEO, William J. Hold, MBA, CRM, CISR, and Chief Experience Officer, Danielle Janecka about the 2022 course offerings.
MEET THE HOSTS

Mitch Dunford is the Chief Marketing and Content Officer at the National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. Before joining the National Alliance Mitch was CEO of Wells Media Group, Inc. Wells Media is the pubisher of Insurance Journal, Claims Journal, MyNewMarkets.com, Carrier Management Magazine and InsuraneJournal.tv. Mitch is a former police officer and Mitch and Cathy Dunford are the parents of six children.

Paul Martin is an academic director for the national Alliance where he works with Alliance faculty, agents and other industry professionals to deliver industry best education. During his career, Paul has been an adjuster, underwriter, special agent, company manager, independent agent and 20 years as an insurance educator in the state of Texas.

Bob has been a member of the National Faculty of the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC) since 1985 and was named as one of seven “Distinguished Faculty Members” of The National Alliance at the 45th anniversary celebration in 2014. He was named “Insurance Educator of the Year” in 1992 by the Professional Insurance Agents of Texas and was the 1992-1993 Watts Memorial Lecturer at the University of Richmond. He is the chair of the Jerry Montgomery Memorial Research Fund (JMMRF) of The National Alliance Research Academy and serves on the Academy’s Board of Directors. The JMMRF provides scholarships for college students pursuing their CIC and CRM designations through the University Associate CIC and CRM programs. These programs are currently offered at 29 colleges and universities across the United States. Bob also serves on the Board of Governors of Shriners Hospitals for Children-Texas.

Kelly Surles, CIC, CPRM, CISR, ACSR is the Corporate Account Team Lead for The National Alliance. Her prior industry experience includes Personal Lines Account Manager, Personal Lines Manager, and Private Client Account Manager for three large independent insurance agencies in Austin. She served on the board of directors for Independent Insurance Agents of Austin for seven years, including her most recent role as President before joining The National Alliance.