Advertise on podcast: Rev Cycle Unscripted

Ben turns 50 and gets put on the hot seat for a surprisingly revealing conversation about family, faith, identity, marriage, leadership, and the moments that shaped the life he's built. Tina presses Ben on everything from growing up as a pastor's kid in a constantly shifting world to the childhood feeling of being left behind, the independence that came from it, and the ways those early experiences still shape how he leads, loves, and shows up today. Ben opens up about his dad coming out, the impact of divorce, and the hard-earned realization that some wounds don't need to be explained away to be understood. Tina also gets Ben to reflect on parenting two strong-willed daughters, what he's trying to leave behind from his childhood, and the shift that happens when you stop trying to prove you've "made it" and start valuing time, people, and experience instead.

Revenue cycle jobs are about to change faster than most teams are ready for. Nikki Harper breaks down what the future actually looks like, why the old "one person, one task" model is breaking, and how health systems can use AI without turning employees into collateral damage. For anyone wondering whether they need to learn AI, retrain their team, or prepare for a complete workforce shake-up, this conversation gets uncomfortably practical. Nikki makes the case for a more human-centered model of revenue cycle—one where registration, scheduling, financial clearance, billing, and follow-up are connected across the patient journey. Rev101: https://payhip.com/RevCycle101

The way you show up for other people may be the real measure of your life. Rudy shares a deeply personal shift sparked by grief, books, and near-death experience stories, while Ben and Tina unpack what it actually means to be present, empathetic, and human when life gets hard.The conversation starts with a deceptively simple question: how do you truly see the people around you? From there, Rudy opens up about a spiritual reawakening, the decision to stop feeding his mind with constant news, and the themes that keep resurfacing in commencement speeches, eulogies, and near-death testimonials. What emerges is a powerful case for consciousness, compassion, and a life lived more intentionally. Rev101: https://payhip.com/RevCycle101

AI is already changing healthcare operations, but most teams are using it wrong. Jeff Means breaks down why the real opportunity is not automating judgment - it is automating the words, summaries, and review work that slow everything down. Jeff shares a practical, non-engineer explanation of LLMs, agents, and the limits of both, then shows how those tools can help healthcare leaders make better decisions without handing over the wheel. If you work in revenue cycle, patient management, utilization review, or any part of the payer-provider workflow, this episode is packed with the kind of clarity that cuts through the hype. Rev101: https://payhip.com/RevCycle101

Leah Klinke brings sharp insight and a refreshingly candid perspective to this conversation about the realities of healthcare transformation. Drawing on her experience in health systems, payer relationships, and operational strategy, Leah unpacks why innovation in healthcare is so hard to execute—and why the answer may lie in better alignment, smarter workflows, and a willingness to rethink long-standing incentives. Her mix of strategic thinking and practical honesty makes this episode a thoughtful look at the tension between incremental change and the disruptive shifts healthcare really needs. Rev101: https://payhip.com/RevCycle101

Unlock the inspiring journey of Donna Fortson—a leader who transformed adversity into a legacy of empowerment and real impact. In this heartfelt episode, Donna shares how her humble beginnings, relentless resilience, and unwavering commitment to people paved her path from working in customer service to leading major revenue cycle operations. Discover the raw, unfiltered stories behind her rise—her struggles, victories, and how her trailblazing spirit is changing healthcare leadership from within. Donna's story proves that with courage and integrity, you can turn obstacles into opportunities—and inspire others to do the same. If you're ready to lead with purpose and break free from the fear of speaking your truth, this conversation is your blueprint for transformative leadership. Rev101: https://payhip.com/RevCycle101

Erin Hodson is a healthcare leader with deep experience spanning nursing, case management, and revenue cycle leadership at Inova. In this episode, she shares her journey from bedside care to executive leadership and what drew her into the complex world of revenue cycle, payer dynamics, and healthcare operations. Her perspective is especially compelling because she bridges clinical empathy with systems-level thinking, making the conversation both practical and eye-opening. Rev101: https://payhip.com/RevCycle101

In this episode, we welcome Valerie F. Barckhoff, a seasoned expert with over 30 years in the healthcare industry. Valerie's journey began at the University of Kentucky, where she discovered her passion for the business side of healthcare. Her career spans roles at Deloitte, St. Joseph's Hospital, and QHR, where she excelled in revenue cycle management. Now a consultant, Valerie is dedicated to transforming healthcare operations and advocating for strategic leadership in revenue cycles. Her insights into cybersecurity and operational resilience make this conversation a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of modern healthcare. Rev101: https://payhip.com/RevCycle101

Most of us shy away from sharing deeply meaningful conversations — until death teaches us just how powerful words and presence really are. In this heartfelt episode, Ben's college mentor Dr. Kenneth White, a pioneering leader in healthcare and a trailblazer in LGBTQ advocacy, opens up about a lifetime of experiences that shaped his unique perspective on purpose, compassion, and authenticity. Ken's story begins in a small Oklahoma town. From working as a hospital orderly at 16 to pioneering in nursing, healthcare management, and diversity initiatives, his journey is a testament to resilience and purpose. Rev101: https://payhip.com/RevCycle101

After years of working in revenue cycle management, Parson Hicks shares insights on how everyone's taking their piece of the pie, and no one's really cutting costs. Hospitals, insurers, brokers—everyone benefits from the chaos. The system is designed to stay complicated, because more complexity means more profit for many. It's like a bald eagle being attacked by tiny birds—all those little margins add up, but the big bird keeps soaring. We've created an entitlement culture where folks expect coverage for everything, but the accountability is totally blurred. The real fix? Employers and policymakers need to make bold moves—like the railroad split-up in the 1920s—to break up monopolies and simplify. What's your take? Can we rebuild a more transparent, fair healthcare system?

Ever wonder why so many of us are more stressed than ever? What if I told you that today's stress levels might be a mirror of the past, just amplified by technology and expectations? Our guest Rudy shares how, despite all our modern tools, some things haven't changed—like the struggle to manage stress and the importance of perspective. He's lived through early loss and yet remains remarkably grounded. His secret? Accepting that grief and stress are natural—but managing them is key. Maybe it's time to stop fighting for control and start embracing life's unpredictability.

In this episode, we explore the complexities of healthcare efficiency and AI innovation with our esteemed guest, Noel Juaire, who brings a wealth of experience in healthcare finance and strategic cost management. The discussion highlights Noel's insights into the challenges of modeling complex healthcare reimbursements and the transformative role of AI in revolutionizing cost analysis and contract normalization. Noel offers practical strategies for implementing AI and automation while maintaining psychological safety and fostering cultural change. We also dive into holistic health practices, emphasizing the importance of acupuncture and yoga for long-term well-being, and explore the future of healthcare financing through employer-led innovation and transparency.

Ever wondered what it really takes to turn your expertise into a thriving business? Jessica Johnson's journey from small-town Wisconsin to building a multimillion-dollar consulting firm will inspire you to transform obstacles into opportunities. She shares the raw truth behind launching a business—how trusting your gut, embracing failure, and staying true to your values lead to exponential growth. In this episode, Jessica opens up about her early days balancing single motherhood while pursuing a tech career, highlighting the resilience and grit that fueled her rise through healthcare leadership. You'll discover her pivot from corporate roles to founding J2 Consulting, and how she navigated the uncertainty and challenges of growing a business from scratch. Jessica breaks down the impactful mindset shifts, from recognizing the importance of self-accountability to building a team aligned with her mission of excellence. We explore key topics like the power of intentionality in team-building, the realities of scaling quickly without losing your culture, and the crucial lessons learned when letting go of control. Jessica shares actionable strategies for maintaining quality at scale, managing client relationships, and creating a sustainable growth plan—all while staying grounded in servant leadership. Her story emphasizes that success is less about following a perfect blueprint and more about trusting the process—and yourself. If you're ready to unlock your potential and build something meaningful, tune in now. Jessica's insights could be the spark you need to take the first step!

In this episode, we delve into the intricate and often concealed financial practices that shape the US healthcare system. Chris Deacon, an expert in insurance and employer fiduciary responsibilities, sheds light on the deceptive tactics of insurance companies, the historical evolution of health insurance, and the critical legal cases that expose systemic misconduct. With a focus on transparency and innovative employer-led solutions, this episode empowers listeners to rethink healthcare spending and policy reform. Rev101: https://payhip.com/RevCycle101

Adam Cartabiano is a healthcare revenue cycle expert with deep experience in arbitration, compliance, and revenue recovery, known for transforming complex legal and financial systems into profitable opportunities. Join us as we dive into his story. Rev101: https://payhip.com/RevCycle101