Mental health is no longer optional in the workplace - it’s essential. In this episode of Side Affects, hosts Kenzie McEvily and Dave Homan sit down with Tiffany Kuck, Director of Population Health at McGohan Brabender, to discuss how Mental Health First Aid Training is transforming corporate wellness. From skyrocketing stress levels to legal landmines in wellness programs, we uncover the biggest challenges employers face - and the strategies that actually work. Plus, find out how some companies are saving on healthcare costs, boosting productivity, and staying legally compliant while creating a healthier, happier workforce. Tune in for expert insights, real-world success stories, and actionable takeaways!

Side Affects Episode 143 | The Missing Piece in Corporate Wellness: Mental Health First Aid

In this episode of Side Affects, hosts Kenzie McEvily and Dave Homan sit down with Dr. Jeff Eichholz, VP of Pharmacy Solutions at McGohan Brabender, to unpack the rapidly evolving world of pharmacy. From the rise of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, to the growing influence of digital pharmacies and international prescription access, Dr. Jeff shares expert insights on the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of pharmacy. Whether you’re an HR leader, benefits manager, or just curious about where pharmacy is heading, this episode offers a clear, compelling look at what’s next - and how it affects us all.

Side Affects Episode 144 | A New Era of Pharmacy Solutions: Trends, Tech & GLP-1s

In this episode of Side Affects, host Kenzie McEvily and guest co-host, EVP of MB Columbus, Kevin Grabeman sit down with Dr. David Lee, President of the OhioHealthy Medical Plan, to explore innovative alternatives to traditional health insurance. OhioHealthy, backed by the trusted OhioHealth system, is reshaping the benefits landscape with a focus on simplicity, value-based care and better outcomes for employers and their teams. Dr. Lee shares how OhioHealthy balances affordability with personalized support, coordinated care, and transparent pricing. Tune in to learn how this nontraditional solution could be a game-changer for your organization’s health plan strategy.

Side Affects Episode 145 | Alternatives to Traditional Health Plans: Inside OhioHealthy

Choosing the right benefits broker is one of the most important decisions an employer can make — and we’re breaking it down with MB Chief Growth Officer Anne Marie Singleton. Hosts, Kenzie McEvily and Dave Homan explore why companies go to market, what red flags to watch for and why RFPs might not tell the whole story. Anne Marie shares practical steps for evaluating brokers, the key questions to ask, and how to build lasting, strategic partnerships. Whether you're shopping for a new advisor or evaluating your current one, this episode is packed with expert advice to guide your decision.

Side Affects Episode 146 | Broker Selection Process

They’re the creative minds behind the curtain -- until now. In this episode, host, Kenzie McEvily and CMO, Dave Homan introduce the full Strategy & Innovation (S&I) team at McGohan Brabender. Meet the eight talented individuals who bring benefits to life through clear, engaging and customized communication strategies.

From writing and design to video production and digital tools, this team helps simplify complex healthcare messaging, boost employee engagement and reduce the burden on HR teams. Whether it’s Open Enrollment or year-round communication, they specialize in making benefits not just understandable -- but fun.

Tune in to hear how the S&I team supports both internal teams and clients, and why their work is crucial to a better benefits experience.

Side Affects 147 | Who is the Strategy & Innovation Team?

When employees hear “employee benefits,” they might think of healthcare, perks, wellness programs, PTO, 401(k) plans or disability coverage. But when HR professionals hear “employee benefits,” they’re likely thinking about cost management, compensation strategies, open enrollment, and—most importantly—compliance. Compliance is a cornerstone of today’s insurance landscape. With that in mind, let’s dive into your July 2025 breakdown of Compliance in Motion.

Side Affects 148 | Compliance in Minutes - July 2025

The power of data is reshaping how organizations deliver their benefits strategies -- especially through the lens of population health. Historically, only large employers had access to meaningful data insights. But in the last decade, this has changed. Now organizations of all sizes can use data to guide smarter decisions, improve outcomes and control costs.

In this episode, MB Population Health & Data Strategist, Shelly Cherry shares why data is only as valuable as the strategy behind it. She explains how to use data to its full advantage, why organizations must be open to change and how shifting mindsets is just as critical as the numbers themselves.

Side Affects 150 | The Power of Data Guiding Your Benefits Strategy

Employee benefits shouldn’t feel like a burden - for HR teams to design or for employees to use. Yet, unread open enrollment emails and overlooked preventive care show a disconnect in how we communicate. In this episode, McGohan Brabender’s Chief Marketing Officer, Dave Homan, explores how applying behavioral science and Robert Cialdini’s 7 Principles of Persuasion can help HR and benefits professionals ethically capture attention, build trust and inspire action.

Discover how reimagining communication through the lens of human behavior can turn benefits engagement from obligation to connection - motivating, empowering, and energizing your workforce.

Side Affects Episode 153 | The Science of Employee Persuasion | Part I

If you haven’t caught Part I, start there — MB Chief Marketing Officer, Dave and Producer, Kenzie unpacked the first rule of persuasion: reciprocity. In this episode, they continue exploring how behavioral science can transform employee engagement, diving into three new principles of persuasion: scarcity, authority and commitment.

From creating urgency without fear, to leveraging expertise authentically, to building lasting commitment through small actions, this episode reveals practical ways HR and benefits professionals can apply psychology to drive connection, motivation, and trust.

Side Affects Episode 154 | The Science of Employee Persuasion | Part II

Side Affects host, Kenzie McEvily closes out the three-part series with MB Chief Marketing Officer, Dave Homan, exploring the final three of Robert Cialdini’s 7 Principles of Persuasion: Liking, Social Proof and Unity.

In this episode, Dave shares how psychology and human connection can transform benefits communication — from using peer influence and authentic storytelling to fostering a shared culture that drives trust, engagement and participation.

Discover how to move beyond information overload and inspire genuine connection between your employees and their benefits.

Side Affects Episode 155 | The Science of Employee Persuasion | Part III

Side Affects Producer Kenzie McEvily, joined by her guest hosts, spotlights invited industry experts to discuss their best practices that disrupt the norm of health care, leadership, and business. Side Affects: A podcast that prompts you, as an employer, to think differently about the needs of your people and your company. We encourage you to take action by taking a deep look into benefit strategies that will transform your workforce engagement, i.e., diversity, compliance, mental health, and modern reporting. Kenzie and her guests bring these subjects and more to light to better health and productivity. Tune in and learn more!

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