Disruption / Interruption

In this episode of Disruption/Interruption, host KJ sits down with John Choate, co-founder of Apogee Travel, to discuss how the travel industry hides value, the illusion of price comparison, and how Apogee is disrupting the online travel agency model by turning every hotel booking into a charitable donation. Discover the truth behind loyalty programs, the commoditization of hotels, and how transparency and social good can reshape an entire industry.

Four Key Takeaways:

1. The Illusion of Comparison Shopping [00:41]
   John explains how consumers believe they are comparison shopping for hotels, but in reality, prices are controlled and nearly identical across platforms.
2. The Birth of Apogee’s Value Model [06:55]
   The story of how a charity hotel stay and a conversation with Steve Wynn inspired the idea of using hotel profits for social good.
3. Exposing Loyalty Program Devaluation [24:15]
   John breaks down how hotel loyalty programs manipulate point values, creating “value blindness” for consumers.
4. How Apogee Travel Disrupts the Industry [32:05]
   Apogee’s unique model: every booking generates a donation to a charity of the traveler’s choice, at no extra cost, while still earning brand rewards points.

Quote of the Show (34:20):
"Most people think charity is emotional. In our model, it's structural. Travel's the largest overlooked fundraising engine in the world. We just plugged it in." – John Choate

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In this episode of Disruption/Interruption, host KJ interviews Matt Seefeld, CEO at MedEvolve, about the chaos and inefficiencies in the US healthcare revenue cycle. Matt shares how generative AI and a focus on human accountability can help providers achieve "zero touch" claims, reduce waste, and improve access to care, especially for small and rural hospitals.

Four Key Takeaways:

1. The Real Cost of Healthcare is Obscured (3:00)
   The US healthcare system lacks alignment between consumers, providers, and payers, making it nearly impossible to know the true cost of care.
2. Administrative Waste is a Billion-Dollar Problem (04:01)
   Most providers touch claims multiple times, with 63% of those touches being wasted effort due to system inefficiencies and payer games.
3. AI is a Tool, Not a Cure-All (31:50)
   While AI can automate and improve processes, more than half of claim errors still require human intervention, and technology alone won't solve systemic issues.
4. Access to Care is Shrinking for Many Americans (24:00, 27:00)
   As costs rise and reimbursements fall, small and rural hospitals are closing, and more Americans are forced to seek care through emergency services or go without.

Quote of the Show (31:50):
"More than half—53%—of the errors that we see that humans have to get involved with come from AI solutions, so they're not smart enough yet." - Matt Seefeld

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In this episode of Disruption/Interruption, host KJ interviews Rob Creighton, founder and CEO of Windlift, about pioneering in the drone industry by advancing unmanned flight abilities and energy efficiencies ready to empower defense and security operations in new ways.

Windlift has created a drone platform that enables airborne surveillance and security systems that can fly higher, see further and stay aloft longer due super-smart, wind-friendly design.

Rob shares his journey from genetics and environmental science to developing tethered drone technology for both military and civilian applications, aiming to create a world of energy abundance and security.

Key Takeaways:

• How Windlift’s airborne wind friendly technology works and its advantages over traditional systems. — [10:55]
• The unexpected military applications of tethered drones for surveillance and security. — [20:30]
• The broader impact on agriculture, security, and global stability. — [36:22]
  

Quote of the Show: (00:15:40)

"We can actually take energy out of the wind, and use it to accelerate the vehicle."
— Robert Creighton

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In this episode of Disruption/Interruption, host KJ interviews Mark Mincy, Chief Commercial Officer at US RX Care, about the hidden complexities and conflicts of interest in the pharmacy benefits industry. Mark shares how his company is disrupting the status quo by demanding transparency, eliminating conflicts, and helping employers reclaim millions in savings. The conversation uncovers the tangled web of PBMs, rebates, and the urgent need for legislative and technological change.

Key Takeaways:

1. The PBM System is Riddled with Conflicts of Interest [2:34]
   Mark explains how pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and consultants often act in their own financial interest, not the employer’s or patient’s, leading to inflated drug costs.
2. Rebates and Purchasing Contributions Inflate Drug Prices [8:59]
   The system of rebates and retrospective payments to PBMs can account for up to 80% of a drug’s cost, forcing manufacturers to raise prices and employers to pay more.
3. Transparency and Fiduciary Duty are Essential for Reform [21:37]
   Mark’s company, US RX Care, operates with complete transparency, passes back all rebates, and offers per-member-per-month guarantees to eliminate guesswork and conflicts.
4. Employers and Consumers Can Take Action [33:34]
   Mark recommends joining healthcare purchaser coalitions, hiring ERISA attorneys, and demanding non-conflicted consultants to protect interests and drive industry change.

Quote of the Show [31:27]:
"Everything's intertwined. You want to move and do the right thing. These employers are between a rock and a hard place, so I do think some legislative action needs to occur." – Mark Mincy

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In this episode of Disruption/Interruption, host KJ interviews Stephan Luna Ng, founder of Moon Five Technologies, about breaking barriers to electric vehicle (EV) charging in apartments and multifamily homes. Stephan shares his journey from environmentalist to entrepreneur, the challenges of EV infrastructure, and how his company is making EV charging accessible, equitable, and resilient for renters and property owners alike.

Key Takeaways:

1. EV Charging for Renters and Multifamily Homes [02:18]
   Stephan explains the unique challenges of providing EV charging in apartments and how Moon Five Technologies is solving them with a tenant-focused approach.
2. Equity and Accessibility in Clean Tech [05:34]
   The current EV infrastructure often favors wealthier communities. Stephan’s mission is to make charging accessible for low-income and disadvantaged communities.
3. Innovative Load Sharing and Resiliency [13:34]
   Moon Five’s system branches off individual tenant meters, enabling smart load sharing and even allowing EVs to power apartments during blackouts.
4. Scaling Impact and Community Engagement [20:01]
   Stephan discusses rapid scaling, the importance of a waitlist, and how community feedback shapes their deployment strategy.

Quote of the Show [24:21]:
"With something as important as changing the earth, do we wanna be signaling that we're retreating?" — Stephan Luna Ng

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