The Spirited Agent
Pouring wisdom & sipping success one episode at a time
The Spirited Agent Podcast was created to empower insurance agents to navigate the ever-evolving world of insurance and grow their business.
Grab your glass and let’s get inspired to protect your clients! Hosted by Jason Combs and Matt Zelenik of Millennium Brokerage Group. Listen whereever you get your podcasts.
Latest Episodes
Eps 9: No Paycheck, No Pappy: The Case for Covering Your Income
In this episode of The Spirited Agent, Jason and Matt raise a glass of the bold and complex Four Roses Single Barrel, Barrel Strength (OESO)—a high-proof pour packed with spice and depth—and explore a topic that’s just as powerful (but often overlooked): disability insurance.
Featured Spirit: Four Roses Single Barrel, Barrel Strength – OESO
Eps 8: ‘Insurance is a Scam’ – Let’s Talk About It
Diving into the common criticism of the insurance industry with special guest Bill Zelenik. Is the frustration rooted in bad experiences, poor communication, or just misunderstanding?
Featured Spirit: Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit Single Barrel from Camp Nelson Warehouse F
Eps 7: Fractional Expertise with Sera Cremona & Kerri Burton: Streamlining Business for Success
In this episode, we explore fractional expertise with Sera Cremona and Kerri Burton. Learn how fractional ops and marketing support can boost efficiency and growth, plus tips on LinkedIn, networking, and strategy. Perfect for entrepreneurs ready to work smarter, not harder.
Featured Drink: Happenstance Whiskey
Stay up-to-date on all the latest from The Spirited Agent and Millinneium Brokerage Group.
Eps 6: Estate Planning Masterclass: Wills, Trusts, and Wealth Protection
In this episode, Jason and Matt are joined by estate planning attorney Rick Nickels for a masterclass on protecting and preserving wealth. From estate planning basics to advanced trust strategies for business owners, this one’s a must-listen for advisors and legacy builders alike.
Featured Drink: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Batch A124
Eps 5: Webinars and Whiskey: Hosting Live Events and Marketing Insurance Through Education
In this episode, Jason and Matt dive into the art of hosting client events—from webinars to in-person gatherings—to boost engagement and build stronger relationships. Plus, they sample Michter’s Rye Bourbons and share their favorites. Marketing tips and bourbon picks? Yes, please. Cheers!
Featured Drink: Michter’s 2024 Barrel Strength Rye. Michter’s 2023 Toasted Barrel Strength Rye. Michter’s 2023 10 Year Rye.
Eps 4: Unlocking Potential with Dr. Angelo Valenti: Embrace Your Strengths and NJOYLFE
Join hosts Jason Combs and Matt Zelenik as they chat with Dr. Angelo Valenti, corporate psychologist and bestselling author. Angelo shares insights from his book on how to stop overcomplicating life, tap into your strengths, and find fulfillment—personally and professionally.
Featured Drink: Jefferson’s Reserve Old Rum Cask Finish
Eps 3: Insights from the Field: A Wholesaler’s Perspective on Insurance Trends and Top Agent Strategies
In this episode, we sit down with Justin Sykes, RVP at Millennium Brokerage Group, as he shares what he’s seeing in today’s life insurance market, strategies from top agents, and tips to help you thrive—whether you’re seasoned or just starting out.
Featured Drink: David Nicholson 1843 Wheated Bourbon
Eps 2: Founding a Legacy: Bill Zelenik on Building Millennium Brokerage Group and Navigating the Industry.
Join us as we sit down with Bill Zelenik, Founder & CEO of Millennium Brokerage Group. He shares what led him to launch his own BGA and the lessons he’s learned over 26 years of leading MBG. So grab a glass and let’s get inspired to protect your clients!
Featured Drink: Redbreast 12 Cask Strength Irish Whiskey
Eps 1: Tackling challenges and seizing opportunities: What we see in today’s insurance marketplace.
Join us for the inaugural episode of The Spirited Agent! Your hosts, Jason Combs and Matt Zelenik, talk struggles, solutions and opportunities we see in today’s insurance marketplace. So grab a glass and let’s get inspired to protect your clients!
Featured Drink: Jack Daniels Single Barrel
Meet Your Hosts
Jason Combs
Executive Vice President at Millennium Brokerage Group
Jason Combs is the Executive Vice President at Millennium Brokerage Group, bringing over 25 years of experience in life insurance, retirement income planning, and advanced markets. Since joining Millennium in 2018, Jason has played a key role in expanding the firm’s reach and helping agents deliver high-impact solutions in wealth transfer, long-term care, and income protection.
Prior to Millennium, Jason spent two decades with Nationwide, where he served in multiple leadership roles including Regional Vice President and Business Development VP, covering key markets across Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama.
Matt Zelenik
Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Millennium Brokerage Group
Matt Zelenik is Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Millennium Brokerage Group, where he’s spent over a decade developing strong client relationships and building the firm’s presence in the disability insurance space. Since stepping into his VP role in 2019, Matt has led association partnerships, driven product marketing strategies, and served as the company’s resident disability insurance expert. He also hosts The Spirited Agent podcast, where he interviews industry leaders and advisors on life insurance, planning, and everything in between.
Insurance Insights &
Premium Spirits
The Spirited Agent was created to empower insurance professionals to navigate the ever-evolving world of insurance and grow their business. Each episode features candid conversations about the insurance industry, financial planning strategies, and the challenges agents face in today’s market.
Our hosts Matt Zelenik and Jason Combs, along with special guests, share valuable insights while sampling premium spirits, creating an engaging and enjoyable listening experience. Whether you’re an insurance professional looking to enhance your practice or someone interested in better understanding insurance and financial planning, The Spirited Agent offers wisdom worth sipping on.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Brought to you by Millennium Brokerage Group, we’re committed to elevating the conversation around insurance while making it accessible and entertaining.
Confidence Starts with the Right Partner
No matter where you are in your insurance career, Millennium Brokerage Group, LLC supports you with education, tools, and expert insight. We meet you where you are and help you move forward. Start building with us.
