Shared Accounts with CU Times

Peter Strozniak joins us to talk about the top credit union stories and what we are thinking about as we cover your world.

Matt Potere, CEO of Happy Money, discusses how credit unions can leverage digital lending strategies to reduce consumer debt while strengthening member relationships. Also, the stars align, and Michael and Natasha both give an enthusiastic recommendation to "Companion" (2025).

Lauren Culp, the new Executive Director of the National Credit Union Foundation, shares her strategic priorities.  Also, what famous movie star held Natasha as a baby? And old man Ogden talks about Robert Wagner for a bit.

Tri-state League CEO Scott Simpson, along with Stephanie Cuevas, SVP of Federal Government Affairs for the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, share how they're hitting the ground running on the advocacy front for credit unions out West amid regulatory chaos.  Also, with the craziness surrounding, well, everything, Michael, Natasha, and Producer Zach take a breath and discuss childhood TV memories. Is "Welcome Back, Kotter" referenced? Of course it is!

The CEO, COO and CIO, all of whom coincidentally share a first name, take us behind the scenes of their Florida credit union's merger and expansion plans. Also, Michael, Natasha, and Producer Zach discuss irrational (and rational) fears.

Elizabeth Ergubian, partner at Atlas Advocacy and former Director of External Affairs and Communications Policy Advisor for the NCUA, sheds light on what the abrupt removal of NCUA Board Members Todd Harper and Tanya Otsuka means for the agency and credit union industry.  Also, to lighten the mood, Michael, Natasha, and Producer Zach play a rousing game of NCUA Madlibs.

 ViClarity VP Katie Grey Ferrell shares her knowledge and passion for compliance, and how she's keeping credit unions sane amid regulatory chaos. Also, Natasha is still moonlighting the baby bird beat, while Michael refers to notorious 1989 tearjerker "Steel Magnolias" as a "fun movie".

Lee Morgan, CEO at PenAir CU in Florida, shares lessons in CU management success as he walks us through PenAir's recent expansions and major projects. Also, Natasha is back to bird watching and Michael is back to feeling nostalgic about the 1990's.

Consultant and former NCUA Board Member Geoff Bacino talks candidly about the rapid changes happening to credit union regulation in Washington D.C. Also, Natasha and Michael have a quick discussion on 2003 film Oldboy and the lack of representation for octopuses in American movies.

Cathie Mahon, CEO of the credit union industry's CDFI intermediary, shares how her organization is pushing forward to do good amid the chaotic actions of the current administration. Also, Michael, Natasha, and Producer Zach play a thrilling game of "how do you like your water". Can you guess which daredevil of the group takes theirs with ice?

The CEO of the nation's only six-state credit union league reflects on his career and shares his 2025 advocacy priorities. Also, Michael grills Natasha and Producer Zach on the price of groceries, then proceeds to come across as even snobbier than usual by discussing his love of 60s French cinéma.

Henry Meier. Esq. joins us to drill down on the early days of Chairman Hauptman's term at the NCUA and the chaos happening in other parts of the CU industry. Also, Michael and Natasha discuss journalism in 2025 but more importantly, debate how age affects hunkiness by way of Keanu Reeves: who's the bigger beefcake? Young "Speed" era Keanu or salt and pepper modern day "John Wick"?

U.S. Marine Corps veteran and PenFed Credit Union SVP Terry Williams takes us inside a program dedicated to the success of veteran entrepreneurs, as well as an AI-driven novel writing, music composition and coding endeavor.  Also Michael tries out some new taglines for the podcast and Natasha leaves reality TV behind to check out a documentary on mayor turned ... progressive human-interest story pioneer? Jerry Springer!

Ed Maslaveckas, CEO and co-founder at data intelligence fintech Bud Financial, paints a clear picture of AI's abilities for credit unions and its members. Also, Natasha opens up her rainbow unicorn Trapper Keeper and takes us back to elementary school with a discussion on Lisa Frank.

Southwest Financial FCU's President/CEO Melanie Kennedy and VP Luke Campbell share the solutions AI solves for their all-digital credit union. Also, Natasha checks in from the craziness in California to flex her knowledge of celebrity baby names.

DCUC's Chief Advocacy Officer Jason Stverak lays out the priorities and plans for this new congressional year.  Also, Michael gets his crystals out and discusses the numerological implications of 2025 while Producer Zach recommends a twelve year old reality show. Bonus Content Link to Jason's Family Candy Store Link to The Alpine Inn

Glenn Fratangelo of NICE Actimize explains how credit unions can use AI to defend against today's fraud threats – including the rise of the “crimefluencer” – before it's used to defraud them.  Plus Michael, Natasha, and Producer Zach discuss how predictive AI affects them most: algorithm curated social media content. Bonus content alert: to see Natasha's YouTube channel discussed in the show, click here!

Natasha, Michael, and Producer Zach spread holiday cheer by talking about themselves…and fans of the pod. Link to guest playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6GuPe29N8uUfLOtHC4qGWy?si=KZB8kAK8So2xHVA1Nmeo5g&pi=u-ah35-eYWQsqE Link to guest Letterboxd collection: https://boxd.it/B8Jdk

CIO/mambo dancer extraordinaire Joseph Pellissery breaks down the complex topic of AI into real-world use cases for credit unions. Also, Michael, Natasha, and Producer Zach preview what end-of-year beverages they're looking forward to leaning on to make it through the holidays. Bonus: Link to Michael's Pomegranate Punch Recipe.

How is the economy impacting credit unions' ability to succeed in the commercial lending and business services space? CUBG CEO Justin Conrey explains. Also, Michael plays a game with Natasha and producer Zach by having them guess pop songs via dramatic reading. How long does it take producer Zach to identify Miley Cyrus? Not long!

Affinity FCU President/CEO Kevin Brauer speaks candidly about three decades of change, both good and bad, within the credit union space.  Also, Michael and Natasha are back and recovering from the biggest news event of November 2024: the Luminaries Awards!

Fintel Connect CEO Nicky Senyard returns with fresh insights for credit unions from her world of fintech and affiliate marketing. Also, it may not be spooky season any longer but our hosts still love their killers, as Natasha watches "Woman of the Hour" and Michael checks out "Trap".

The Florida credit union's chief information officer discusses AI, a recent digital transformation, hurricane season and more. Also, Michael and Natasha miss the memo that spooky season is over and turkey time is here as they squeeze in a quick discussion of the X Trilogy.

This very special episode is chock-full of spooky surprises, including interviews with two of the credit union industry's biggest Halloween enthusiasts, a dramatic reading of a supernatural encounter at a strategic planning meeting and a live taste test of the most detested Halloween candy hosted by spooky trio NatashAHHHHH Chills-and-scares-ian, My-kill Ogden, and Zach The-End-is-Nigh-heisel. Check out Jodi Rathbun-Briggs' Trail of Terror Facebook page here. View photos of Jim Stickley's haunted house, as well as some of your podcast hosts' childhood Halloween memories here.

UCU CEO David Tuyo discusses his Los Angeles-based credit union's forward-thinking approach to AI, remote work and more. Also, Natasha discovers new favorite reality show "Inmate to Roommate" while Michael sits down to watch "House" only to find out instead of being delighted by Hugh Laurie playing an asocial genius, he had chosen the cult classic 1977 Japanese horror/comedy film.

SVP and General Manager of North America at Boost.ai, Chase Tarkenton guides us into a deeper understanding of AI's relationship with credit unions. Also, host Natasha is back from her travels! And not a moment too soon, as the podcast studio had fallen into total disrepair due to Michael and Producer Zach being left without adult supervision.

Financial crimes expert Allen Eaves discusses the latest threats facing CUs, including the role of AI in the cybercrime game. Also, we're discussing personal iPhone lists. If you've ever been curious about how often Michael sneezed in July 2021 or how many potential pet names Natasha likes that are related to food, you're in luck! Hint, both answers are far too high.

NCUA Chairman Todd Harper talks about his priorities, his health, industry concerns and more. And Michael decides to no longer be old... for about 4 minutes until he complains about social media influencers.

VP of Strategic Growth Marketing and Relationship Management at PSECU Adam Stewart shares solid digital strategy and investment ideas CUs should consider.  And Michael holds an infant and feels the effects of baby fever, symptoms include listening to Amy Grant and Peter Frampton songs and temporary feelings of slight euphoria.

Velera's Principal of Emerging Services, Chris Corse chats with us about how CUs can build strong fintech strategies for future success. Also, it's quiz time again. Only this time, it's Natasha asking the questions! How will Michael do with the tables turned?

We check in with Corporate One CEO Melissa Ashley one year into the launch of FedNow to learn how credit unions are adapting to the new world of immediate payments.  And introducing everyone's favorite new credit union podcast exclusive game show: "Payments Platform or Gremlin?"! You won't want to miss this, the winner gets a thumbs up from host Michael!

James Robert Lay shares realistic goals and attributes for what's needed from credit union leaders today. Also, Natasha gets a little spooky, drawing inspiration from Tarot (2024) while Producer Zach gets jealous of substitute producer Geoffrey Metz. A feud begins.

Hear from Jim DuPlessis, data-cruncher-in-chief at CU Times, on CU member credit, debit and even political donation trends. Also, join Michael, Natasha, and Producer Zach  for a nostalgic trip down memory lane in a short chat that is sure to give you the warm fuzzies.

Paul Kundert opens up about his credit union's impressive new headquarters facility in Madison, Wis., and the current regulatory environment. And, failing to build a hot pod summer bod in time for swimsuit season, host Michael Ogden decides to reinvent himself in an unexpected way.

Just a few months into his new job, the top executive at the nation's largest credit union shares exclusive details about Navy Federal's culture, future and more. Also, it's officially Hot Pod Summer™ for Michael and Natasha so you know what that means! Wisconsin mosquitos and sticking to chairs from nothing more than some desk work!

Addition Financial CEO Kevin Miller discusses being one of the first credit unions to embrace a new marketing opportunity spotlighting student athletes.  And how do we follow up last week's guest appearance from the Federal Credit Union Act? By putting Natasha on the spot with some surprise Credit Union Act trivia!

Matthew DeBisschop and Alvaro Macias, SVP and VP at Iowa's Ascentra Credit Union, take us inside the world of state-level credit union advocacy.  Also, Michael and Natasha celebrate the Federal Credit Union Act turning 90 years old the way only they know how, by, what else but having Michael lean on his producer while doing some passable voice acting.

Simone Suri oversees legal, risk, compliance, audit and fraud for Members Cooperative CU, but enforcing rules is just one part of her story.  And speaking of stories, they all have a beginning, and we get to hear about Natasha sipping wine as an intern for a PNW magazine, while Michael had the slightly less glamorous duty of slinging omelettes at defunct Midwest eatery Max and Erma's.

SchoolsFirst FCU Bill Cheney hops on the pod to talk about the credit union's 90th anniversary and his first decade as CEO.  Meanwhile, Natasha goes meta by watching 2016's "Passenger" as a passenger and Michael returns to his happy place, once again visiting the "Exorcist" franchise.

Get to know TruStage CEO Terrance Williams, who is cruising through his first year at the helm of the credit union insurance powerhouse. Also, Michael watched 2013's "Now You See Me" which leads to a telling of the time a young Natasha met Woody Harrelson at the University of Oregon.

California and Nevada CU Leagues CEO Diana Dykstra gears up for retirement while her successor, Scott Simpson, brings Utah into the fold. Also, Natasha and Michael discuss potential podcast merch in the form of a lunchbox, apparently everybody is in LA, and Michael says two words that should send chills down the spine of anyone on the road: "Baby Driver". Link to Natasha's 2011 interview with Diana Dykstra.

Orange County's CU Chief Lending Officer Jeff Harper tells us what it takes to grow a credit card program. Also, it's allergy talk as Natasha and Michael discuss their itchy, drowsy week that was.

Chief Experience Officer Brian Melter discusses how his CU is building financially healthy lives for its members. Also, Michael talks recipes while Natasha discusses the current title holder for lopsided cute name to disturbing content ratio, "Baby Reindeer".

Louisiana Corporate Credit Union CEO David Savoie shares why more transparency is needed in the months leading up to a credit union merger.  Everyone's feeling nostalgic this week as Natasha watches "Priscilla" and recalls hearing about Elvis' death six years before her birth, while Michael opts for something more warm and fuzzy, the heartwarming story of a priest helping a little girl find herself (but can she help him rediscover his faith?), 1973's "The Exorcist".

The NCUA's head of Minority and Women Inclusion speaks about his vision of making credit unions a better version of themselves.  Also, Natasha is snowed in...again! She shares her thoughts on the glory of not working on East Coast time, while Michael reminisces about perhaps the finest film named in his honor, Steve Martin's classic "The Jerk".

Small credit union consultant Walter Merkle shares his concerns - and hope - for financial cooperatives with $50 million or less in assets. Plus, he gets us all dreaming about shrimp and grits, black-eyed peas and Spanish moss as he shares his love of the South and current home of Savannah, Ga. And for a spooky Episode 13, Natasha's house may be haunted by a creaky door ghost and Michael channels his inner angry mother before setting himself up for disappointment by enjoying "Mindhunter" without realizing it ends by setting up a third season that will never come.

In his first year at NACUSO, Ronaldo Hardy shares his view for “brand clarity” and his roadmap ahead. Meanwhile, a snowed in Natasha pays homage to her French heritage by watching Joaquin Phoenix play Napoleon and Michael picks a losing fight with his producer.

Fintel Connect CEO and Founder Nicky Senyard shares her thoughts on new CFPB guidance on comparison-shopping tools, the role of gender in fintech leadership … and why she'd never delete the Apple Books app from her phone. Also, it's bears on Halloween, brides-to-be on "90 Day Fiancé", and Bernstein played by Bradley Cooper as Natasha and Michael discuss their week that was.

Members Choice Credit Union CIO Ralph Owens discusses how credit unions can transform their IT departments into valued partners...and shares his love for a certain Texas road trip stop. Also, it's a battle of the boybands on Netflix as Natasha's secret love of Nick Lachey's magnum opus "Love is Blind" clashes with Michael's overt disgust for 2023 Justin Timberlake film "Reptile". Who will win? And where is Nick Carter in all of this?

Associate Professor at DePaul University and Filene Fellow Lamont Black (definitely not a big dummy) believes credit unions must stop sitting on the sidelines with AI. Also, Michael gives his very incorrect opinion on 2006 Nicolas Cage masterpiece "The Wicker Man" while Natasha can't stop thinking about those baby eagles at Big Bear.

Ron Shevlin of Cornerstone Advisors brings clarity to a convoluted space where both credit unions and fintechs fight for relevance.