In this episode, we sit down with Darrin Tulley, Fractional Operating and People Officer at Koster Keunen, a global manufacturer of waxes. During this conversation, we dive into the world of fractional work—a growing trend that’s changing how companies and professionals connect. Darrin explains why more organizations are turning to fractional roles, and how this approach brings fresh talent, greater engagement, and flexibility for everyone involved. And if you’re passionate about workplace culture, you won’t want to miss Darrin’s insights on building a “people-first” organization. He draws powerful parallels between the productivity of a healthy “beehive” and the success of a thriving workforce, showing us how active listening, genuine empathy, and consistent action can transform a company from the inside out.

Music By: Colin Cross Music

We recently sat down with Daniel Lawhon, the driving force behind First Tracks Health. Daniel shares his unique journey and sheds light on the current mental health landscape, exploring why anxiety and depression are on the rise and what employers can do to support their teams. Jeff Cross and Daniel dive deep into the challenges of accessing quality, affordable care, and how First Tracks Health is pioneering solutions for treatment-resistant mental health conditions. From the debate over medication versus holistic approaches to practical strategies employers can implement today, this episode is packed with actionable insights and fresh perspectives.

Whether you’re an HR leader, a business owner, or simply passionate about mental wellness, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how to foster a healthier, more resilient workplace.

Music By: Colin Cross Music

John Lufburrow, Chief Revenue Officer at ReviveHealth, joins Jeff Cross on the podcast to discuss how employers can move past the traditional EAP programs to drive greater impact on their workforces' mental health. From their successful virtual care clinic solution to mental health Rx (not what you think it is!) and weight health vs. weight loss, these two have a great conversation around how a well-designed mental health strategy is fundamental to an organization's ability to thrive. If you're curious how to support your employees' mental health where they need it most, this episode is for you.

Music By: Colin Cross Music

According to the 2025 Employer Health Care Strategy Survey by Business Group on Health, 27% of an employer's healthcare spending was due to pharmacy costs in 2023, up from 21% in 2021. And it's not slowing down anytime soon as this becomes one of the fastest-growing expense categories for businesses.

To understand why pharmacy costs continue to rise, we invited Richard Lo, Director of Clinical Services on OneDigital's Pharmacy Consulting team, to help our listeners navigate the intricate world of pharmacy benefits. From GLP-1s rise on the scene as a weight loss drug and the highly-debated rebate game to the impact tariffs may have on medications, host Jeff Cross and Richard tackle almost every topic employers are concerned about when it comes to their pharmacy plans. The two also dive into how drug pricing works and innovative strategies employers have started to implement to manage and optimize their pharmacy benefit spend.

If you're a business leader looking to optimize your pharmacy benefits and get a better handle on the pharmaceutical industry overall, this episode is packed with valuable insights and information to take back to your organization.

Music By: Colin Cross Music

We sat down with Dr. Brian Williams, a family medicine physician in Mystic, Connecticut, to get his perspective on the current healthcare system in America and how we, as individuals, can live healthier lifestyles as well as create healthier workplaces for our employees. During this discussion, we delve into why we don't see ads for broccoli or fish on TV, the controversial role GLP-1s play in weight management, and what the state of primary care is in this country. We also ask Dr. Williams how we can shift from a reactive sick-care model to a proactive well-care system and what actionable steps we can take, both individually and collectively, to promote healthier habits. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that aims to inspire healthier lifestyles and systemic change.

Music By: Colin Cross Music

Friends with Employee Benefits is back with another season and this time, we're focused on one underlying theme: help employers contain their healthcare cost by, among other things, helping their employees live healthier lifestyles. This season, we’re tackling the biggest challenges in healthcare today: the obesity crisis, the rise of GLP-1s medications and skyrocketing pharmacy costs. But we’re not stopping there.

We’re diving into financial, mental and physical health – the mind-body connection, the financial stress-health link, and why America’s healthcare system focuses on sick care instead of prevention – and how that needs to change. We’re going to be sitting down with doctors, CEOs and HR professionals, pharmacy consultants, forward-thinking tech businesses, legislators and more – all with one goal – to answer the question: how are we impacting the health of our employees, and in turn, the health of the business.

If you’re ready for real talk, great insights, and practical solutions as it relates to all things healthcare, this season is for you. Tune in and let’s rethink healthcare – together!

Music By: Colin Cross Music

In today’s competitive job market, finding skilled workers has become a pressing challenge for employers across various industries. Jim Bologa, President and CEO at Porter & Chester Institute, joins Jeff Cross to share valuable insights and strategies to help bridge the skills gap. The two speak on workforce shortages and explore how Porter & Chester works with employers across New England to help solve this problem.

Music By: Colin Cross Music

100% retention in 24 months in this labor market? Sounds impossible - but that's been the reality for The Walker Group and co-CEO, Jessica Rich, who over the past year helped her organization turn to a Perpetual Purpose Trust (PPT) ownership structure. PPT for short, made most popular by Patagonia recently turning to this structure in 2022, legally empowers a company to organize around its purpose, rather than just profit. In this episode, Jeff Cross, podcast host, and Jessica Rich dive into why the Walker Group looked into PPT, what it has done for their business, their employees, and the community as well as why employers are reaching out to learn more about this ownership structure.

Join Jessica and her team for a virtual panel discussion on Wednesday, September 25th, from 12-1 PM EST on their transition to a Perpetual Purpose Trust. Click here to get more details!

Check out The Walker Group's website for more details on PPT: https://www.thewalkergroup.com/perpetual-purpose-trust

Music By: Colin Cross Music