Podcasts about actuaries

Most retirement calculators assume your money needs to last until age 95. But if you're 55 years old today, average life expectancy is actually 79 for men and 82 for women. This single hidden assumption could mean the difference between retiring five years earlier or leaving millions unspent. Key Topics Discussed 00:00:00 - Introduction: The Hidden Assumption Brad introduces the concept that retirement calculators make an invisible assumption about longevity—typically planning to age 90-95—and explains why this matters for financial independence planning. 00:05:30 - Why Planning to 95 Is the Default Dr Bobby Dubois and Aubrey Williams explain why financial advisors default to age 95, the fear of running out of money, and how this ignores the risk of over-saving and under-living. 00:12:00 - Layers of Financial Conservatism Brad discusses multiple layers of conservative assumptions in retirement planning: lower returns, lower withdrawal rates, zero Social Security, and now longevity assumptions. 00:15:45 - Real Life Expectancy Numbers Dr Bobby provides actuarial data showing average life expectancy from birth (71-76) versus age 55 (79-82), and the probability of reaching age 90. 00:21:00 - The Financial Impact of Longevity Aubrey presents modeling showing how nest egg requirements change dramatically based on longevity assumptions—from $714K at age 79 to 41% higher at age 90. 00:28:30 - Dynamic Planning and Annual Updates Discussion of how mortality-adjusted planning changes over time and why annual plan updates are essential rather than lock-and-load strategies. 00:35:00 - Tools to Estimate Your Longevity Dr Bobby outlines practical methods: actuarial calculators, family history, cardiovascular risk calculators like the AHA Prevent tool, and genetic testing including APOE for dementia risk. 00:45:00 - Biological Age vs Chronological Age Discussion of biological clock testing and why these tests aren't ready for prime time, despite heavy marketing in the longevity space. 00:50:00 - Extending Your Healthspan Dr Bobby covers evidence-based interventions to reduce risk of heart disease and dementia: exercise, sleep, blood pressure control, weight management, and avoiding smoking. 00:58:00 - Wrap-up and Resources Final thoughts on updating assumptions, where to find Dr Bobby and Aubrey, and invitation for community feedback on future analysis scenarios. Notable Quotes Brad Barrett: "Every financial calculator has to make assumptions... but there's one assumption that's almost never discussed, even though it might be the single biggest one in the entire model. How long does your money need to last?" Dr Bobby Dubois: "The nest egg you need depends a lot on how long you're going to live. Imagine you're sixty-five and you're only going to live five years. Well, you don't need a whole lot of money. Imagine you're sixty-five and you're going to live to be one hundred five." Aubrey Williams: "Planning to ninety-five does answer one question, but by far, it's not the only question we should be looking at... it completely ignores the opposite risk that we live a shorter life and either we've saved too much, worked too long or spent too little." Dr Bobby Dubois: "If you are 60, what's the likelihood you'll live to be 90? For men, it's about a third, meaning two thirds won't. Women, it's about half might live to be 90." Aubrey Williams: "If hitting FI at 65, you live to age 79, you need $714,000. But if you live to 90, 11 years longer, then that nest egg needs to be 41% higher." Key Takeaways Calculate your own life expectancy using actuarial tools from the Society of Actuaries rather than accepting calculator defaults of 90-95 Research your family history of longevity—genetics account for roughly 50% of how long you'll live, especially for those reaching 100+ Use the American Heart Association's Prevent calculator to assess your 10-year and 30-year cardiovascular disease risk Consider genetic testing for APOE status to understand dementia ris…

Most businesses believe they have outsourced their nature risk. They have not.In this episode we look at why so much climate and nature risk sits in supply chains rather than on the balance sheet, and what that means for any organisation buying from, selling into or manufacturing in Asia.I am joined by Fran van Dijk, CEO and founder of One Stone Advisors, who has just shared a discussion paper on nature and climate risk with the accountancy profession, and Eleanor Whittle, founder of Alopias Earth, who spent a decade in UK government on international biodiversity policy including two years as a diplomat in Beijing, and now advises companies on climate and nature strategy from Taiwan. Together they write the Real World Briefing series. Charlie Luxton and I take the conversation from accounting rules to the water systems that keep global trade moving.The numbers land hard. Drought cut daily Panama Canal crossings by 36%. Low water on the Rhine pushed shipping from around 20 euros a tonne to 150. Around 41% of Asian data centres sit in areas of extremely high water stress, with another 22% in high stress zones. The Asian Development Bank puts roughly 75% of the region's GDP in sectors moderately or heavily dependent on nature, well above the global average.What comes out of it is practical. Separate your risks from your dependencies, because you can diversify a risk and you cannot diversify a dependency. Investigate your supply chain to tier four, not tier one. Build a live risk register. Ask whether you have the regional expertise and local partnerships to turn a disclosure into a credible strategy. And stop filing this under sustainability, because it belongs in business strategy.ABOUT THE GUESTSFran van Dijk, One Stone AdvisorsFran advises boards and senior leadership teams on nature, biodiversity and integrated climate and nature strategy through One Stone Advisors. She is a B Corp founder and a Public Interest Member of the Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland. Fran is also Chief Impact Officer at Subsee, an AI and ocean technology company.Fran recently wrote a paper highlighting the sustainability challenges to conventional accounting, such as its failure to record the erosion of the critical shared assets a company doesn't own, and its reliance on historical data to predict non-linear future risks. Giving examples from published data and major corporate losses at firms like PG&E and Toyota, Fran explains why the profession needs better forward-looking, climate- and nature-related risk models. She draws on the UK Government's National Security Assessment, the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries' Parasol Lost report, and documented corporate information.Fran and Will have known each other since Will moved to Edinburgh. She sat on Green Element's advisory board. She brings the ‘what is actually happening' lens, and the financial translation: unpriced insurance risk, tail risk, going concern, and the questions a CFO cannot answer from a standard risk register.Eleanor Whittle, Alopias EarthEleanor founded Alopias Earth and advises private-sector organisations on climate and nature-related risk and strategy. She spent around ten years in the UK government, including leading major international climate finance programmes and two years as a diplomat in Beijing, where she led UK-China engagement on climate and nature. Eleanor then went on to be Programme Director at global energy think tank Ember. She is based in Taiwan, giving her a working perspective on a region that many European businesses primarily experience through their supply chains and operations. She is also Chief Strategy Officer at Subsee, an AI and ocean technology company. A keen diver and freediver, her connection to the ocean is personal as well as professional.Eleanor co-authors the Real World Briefing series with Fran and wrote the Asia Pacific briefing this episode draws on. She brings the regional and regulatory picture: how nature risk shows up through water, supply chains and infrastructure; why sustainability regulation and disclosure are accelerating across Asian markets; and what this means for European companies buying from, selling into or operating in the region.Eleanor is also an Honorary Fellow of the University of East Anglia.COMPANY SNAPSHOTSOne Stone AdvisorsA specialist advisory practice working with boards and leadership teams on nature, biodiversity and integrated climate and nature strategy. Focus areas include nature-related risk in value chains, board governance and capability, and the financial framing of nature risk. Fran van Dijk is a founder and a B Corp advocate.Alopias EarthA strategic advisory business helping companies understand and respond to climate and nature-related risk, and translate it into strategy and decision-making. Founded by Eleanor Whittle, Alopias Earth brings international policy and regional insight to questions spanning nature-related risk, value chains, regulation and business resilience.The Real World Briefing SeriesA monthly board-level briefing series co-authored by Fran and Eleanor, making the case that nature and biodiversity are business-critical. Four briefings inform this episode:Briefing 1: Nature is Now Business-Critical. Nature moves from voluntary and reputational to material and decision-relevant. TNFD as entry point rather than destination.Briefing 2: Financing Green to Greening Finance. How the financial sector is bringing nature into the mainstream, and why diversification is not enough.Briefing 3: Asia Pacific, the Region That Changes the Equation. Nature risk as geographic and systemic rather than sector-specific.Briefing 4: Europe, a Climate Leader Losing Its Way. The fastest-warming continent, the Omnibus rollback, and cascading food system risk.THE ST ETHELBURGA'S ROUNDTABLEThis summary outlines the findings from the St Ethelburga's Roundtable, held on June 23, 2026, which addressed the gap between climate and nature insight and effective action.Chapters 01:20 Meet Fran van Dijk and Eleanor Whittle 02:23 What climate and nature risk actually means for a business 06:46 What this year's fires and heatwaves have already cost 09:29 Discounting: how accounting makes long-term damage disappear 11:13 Insurers quietly walking away from high-risk assets 15:47 The Panama Canal and the limits of abstract risk 26:34 Asia: data centres, semiconductors and water stress 31:09 Why you cannot outsource risk to a supplier 34:14 Nickel, Indonesia and the energy transition colliding with nature loss 43:12 The gap between net zero claims and verified action 52:18 Putting nature into governance and onto the board 55:27 The questions your board should be asking nowIf you want help turning this into a costed adaptation and resilience plan, that is what we do at 51toCarbonZero: https://www.51tocarbonzero.comSubscribe for more conversations that make sustainability a business decision rather than a reporting exercise.#NatureRisk #SupplyChainRisk #ClimateRisk #TNFD #SustainabilityMentioned in this episode:UPCOMING WEBINAR: The Scope 3 Blind Spot: What Your Supplier Data Isn't Telling YouScope 3 emissions are often the biggest contributor to an organisation's carbon footprint, yet many businesses are making decisions based on incomplete, outdated or estimated supplier data. In this webinar, we'll explore the biggest blind spots in supplier emissions data, why they matter for reporting and decarbonisation, and how leading organisations are moving beyond spreadsheets and assumptions to build a more accurate, scalable approach to Scope 3. LIVE ATTENDANCE BONUS: complimentary gap audit of your top 10 suppliers. Wednesday 16 September | 1pm BST https://www.51tocarbonzero.com/webinar-supply-chain/Supply Chain WebinarKeep informed on Sustainability NewsI'm Will Richardson, Head of Ecosystems at 51toCarbonZero and a sustainability advisor with 25 years in the field. I founded Green Element in 2004 and spent two decades building it into one of Europe's most respected sustainability consultancies before it merged with 51toCarbonZero in November 2025. Climate action is both an obligation and an opportunity, and that's the thread running through everything I write here. I co-created Compare Your Footprint, carbon accounting software recognised as a key player in the Global Carbon Accounting Software Market, and I'm a Fellow of IEMA and a Chartered Environmentalist. Each week, I break down what's actually happening in sustainability: the data,...

Stewardship is one of the few real levers asset owners have over the companies they invest in, but stewardship ambitions have been retreating in recent years. So what still works, and what should schemes and institutional investors be doing differently?In this episode, Amy Sutherland is joined by Sanjay Joshi and Catherine Howarth OBE, chief executive of ShareAction, to explore why stewardship still matters and where it may be falling short. They discuss the case for votes against directors over shareholder resolutions, including a notable example from this year's NatWest Annual General Meeting (AGM). They also examine why bondholder stewardship remains underused and why investors may need to engage with AI firms before they go public.The discussion also covers NEST's Member Assembly and what it could mean for member representation as schemes consolidate. Listeners will come away with practical actions to help trustees and asset owners strengthen stewardship and hold managers and consultants to account.If you have any questions on anything covered throughout the episode, please get in touch.Hymans Robertson disclaimerThis podcast has been prepared by Hymans Robertson LLP, and is based upon our understanding of events as at release date. It is designed to be a general summary of topical investment matters and is not specific to the circumstances of any particular employer or pension scheme.The information contained in this podcast should not be construed as advice and not be considered as a substitute for specific advice as the information is generic in nature. Where a podcast refers to legal matters please note that Hymans Robertson is not qualified to provide legal opinion and therefore you may wish to obtain independent legal advice to consider any relevant law and/or regulation. Hymans Robertson LLP accepts no liability for errors or omissions. Your Hymans Robertson LLP consultant will be pleased to discuss matters raised in this podcast in greater detail. Guests views are separate to that of Hymans Robertson.The information provided in this broadcast is not financial advice. Past performance is not a guide to the future. Please note the value of investments, and income from them, may fall as well as rise. This includes but is not limited to equities, government or corporate bonds, derivatives and property, whether held directly or in a pooled or collective investment vehicle. Further, investments in developing or emerging markets may be more volatile and less marketable than in mature markets. Exchange rates may also affect the value of investments. As a result, an investor may not get back the full amount of the original investment. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Hymans Robertson LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Licensed by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries for a range of investment business activities.

Cori Uccello, FSA, MAAA, FCA, MPP joins host Ankit Nanda, FSA, MAAA, FCA for a tour of the U.S. health insurance coverage landscape, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the ACA marketplaces. Drawing on a career as the senior health fellow at the American Academy of Actuaries, MedPAC commissioner, and Congressional Budget Office panel of health advisers member, she discusses how actuarial analysis enters policy debates, where it carries weight, and what actuaries should understand about the programs shaping the market they price in.

Recorded live at Hymans Robertson's Pensions and Retirement Conference 2026, this podcast explores the role member experience plays in shaping successful endgame outcomes.Donna Prince is joined by Ash Roberts (Pension Insurance Corporation) and Kat Jarvis (Rothesay) to discuss how trustees, sponsors and insurers can put members at the centre of risk transfer decisions. Drawing on research and real retirement experiences, the panel explores what members value most, from clear communications and accessible support to empathy, flexibility and personalised service.The discussion considers how the industry can balance security with member outcomes, covering retirement decision-making, vulnerability, digital support, administration standards and the evolving expectations of pension scheme members. It also explores the practical steps trustees and sponsors can take to help ensure members continue to receive a positive experience when benefits transfer to an insurer.Hymans Robertson disclaimerThis podcast has been prepared by Hymans Robertson LLP, and is based upon our understanding of events as at release date. It is designed to be a general summary of topical investment matters and is not specific to the circumstances of any particular employer or pension scheme. The information contained in this podcast should not be construed as advice and not be considered as a substitute for specific advice as the information is generic in nature. Where a podcast refers to legal matters please note that Hymans Robertson is not qualified to provide legal opinion and therefore you may wish to obtain independent legal advice to consider any relevant law and/or regulation. Hymans Robertson LLP accepts no liability for errors or omissions. Your Hymans Robertson LLP consultant will be pleased to discuss matters raised in this podcast in greater detail. Guests views are separate to that of Hymans Robertson.The information provided in this broadcast is not financial advice. Past performance is not a guide to the future. Please note the value of investments, and income from them, may fall as well as rise. This includes but is not limited to equities, government or corporate bonds, derivatives and property, whether held directly or in a pooled or collective investment vehicle. Further, investments in developing or emerging markets may be more volatile and less marketable than in mature markets. Exchange rates may also affect the value of investments. As a result, an investor may not get back the full amount of the original investment. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Hymans Robertson LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Licensed by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries for a range of investment business activities.

The 2026 NAIC Summer National Meeting brought a wide range of actuarial and regulatory issues into focus, from mortality and expense assumptions to long-term care, artificial intelligence, catastrophe risk, insurance affordability and more. In this episode of the Research Insights Podcast, Dale Hall, Managing Director of Research at the Society of Actuaries Research Institute, is joined by Geralyn Trujillo, Senior Director of Public Policy at the American Academy of Actuaries, for a recap of the meeting in Columbus, Ohio. Together, they explore key developments across the life, health and property and casualty practice areas and discuss what these evolving issues could mean for actuaries, regulators, consumers and the broader insurance system. The conversation examines SOA Research Institute experience studies and emerging research, the Generally Recognized Expense Table (GRET), long-term care and combination products, the growing use and regulation of artificial intelligence in insurance, catastrophe risk, affordability, resilience and the increasingly interdisciplinary role of actuaries. Listen to hear which developments from the NAIC Summer National Meeting may have the most momentum through the remainder of 2026—and what actuaries should keep on their radar.

Coaching Actuaries has become a familiar name to actuarial candidates around the world—but how did it all begin? In this episode, we sit down with Dave Kester, founder of Coaching Actuaries, to discuss the journey of building the company, the evolution of actuarial education, and what the future may hold for aspiring actuaries.

What happens when actuaries move beyond the model and into the heart of business strategy? In this episode of The Strategic Pivot, Jundie Wei, FSA, MAAA, and FP&A leader John Visicaro explore how actuaries are becoming essential partners in forecasting, capital management, and executive decision-making. From translating complex assumptions into business impact to answering the critical "so what?" behind the numbers, this conversation highlights the growing role of actuaries in shaping the future of finance.

In this episode of Actuary Voices: Policy Update, host Ted Gotsch speaks with Will Behnke, public policy manager for the Academy's Risk Management and Financial Reporting Council, and Lisa Slotznick, chairperson of the Academy's International Committee, about why international engagement matters for the U.S. actuarial profession.   The conversation explores how the Academy represents U.S. actuarial perspectives on global issues such as solvency regulation, financial reporting, artificial intelligence, and emerging risks. Will and Lisa also discuss the Academy's growing international role, the importance of participating in the 2026 International Congress of Actuaries in Tokyo, and how international collaboration helps inform public policy and strengthen the profession at home and abroad.

This session explored the successes behind that progress and what the future of pensions, including the private sector, can learn from the LGPS experience so far. Hymans Robertson disclaimerThis podcast has been prepared by Hymans Robertson LLP, and is based upon our understanding of events as at release date. It is designed to be a general summary of topical investment matters and is not specific to the circumstances of any particular employer or pension scheme. The information contained in this podcast should not be construed as advice and not be considered as a substitute for specific advice as the information is generic in nature. Where a podcast refers to legal matters please note that Hymans Robertson is not qualified to provide legal opinion and therefore you may wish to obtain independent legal advice to consider any relevant law and/or regulation. Hymans Robertson LLP accepts no liability for errors or omissions. Your Hymans Robertson LLP consultant will be pleased to discuss matters raised in this podcast in greater detail. Guests views are separate to that of Hymans Robertson.The information provided in this broadcast is not financial advice. Past performance is not a guide to the future. Please note the value of investments, and income from them, may fall as well as rise. This includes but is not limited to equities, government or corporate bonds, derivatives and property, whether held directly or in a pooled or collective investment vehicle. Further, investments in developing or emerging markets may be more volatile and less marketable than in mature markets. Exchange rates may also affect the value of investments. As a result, an investor may not get back the full amount of the original investment. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Hymans Robertson LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Licensed by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries for a range of investment business activities.

Matt Berger, Vice President of Client Investment Strategies at Lincoln Financial, discusses how Lincoln’s Market Intel Exchange helps financial professionals bring clearer market perspective into client conversations. The Market Intel Exchange (MIE) is Lincoln's monthly, client-friendly market resource, featuring charts and insights designed to help advisors explain timely market events, economic trends, and planning topics in plain English. Matt explores how advisors can use the MIE when clients feel uncertain about the economy, markets, or their next move. From the urge to wait until conditions feel better to the hesitation around investing near market highs, he shares how data and perspective can help advisors reframe those instincts and keep clients focused on their long-term plans. He also explains why useful content should be both timely and evergreen, helping advisors frame conversations around long-term investing, retirement income, longevity, and client behavior while creating opportunities for outreach, prospecting, newsletters, and social media. For more information or to subscribe to Lincoln’s Market Intel Exchange, visit LFG.com/MarketInsights Sources: Consumer Sentiment (UMCSENT): 44.8 as of May 2026, record low in continuous series since 1978. Source: Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis/University of Michigan.  Sentiment troughs vs. peaks based on analysis by Lincoln Financial, January 1978 – May 2026; peaks and troughs separated by ≥15-point reversal. Returns from all-time highs since 1990: Source: Morningstar, analysis by Lincoln Financial, January 1990 – May 2026.  Rolling 15-year holding periods of S&P 500 price returns positive 100% of the time. Source: Morningstar/analysis by Lincoln Financial Healthy 65-year-old couple: 74% probability at least one spouse lives to 90. Source: American Academy of Actuaries / longevityillustrator.org. LCN-8987802-062226 Source

In this episode of Get Plugged In, Dale Hall, Managing Director of Research at the Society of Actuaries Research Institute, welcomes Shea Parkes, Actuary and FSA, and one of the authors of the Society of Actuaries Research Institute report, AI-Based Synthetic Medical Claims Data Generation: A Practical Guide for Actuaries. The conversation explores how generative AI can be used to create realistic, privacy-preserving synthetic medical claims data to support research, model development, education, and actuarial analytics. Shea discusses why synthetic data is a promising solution for actuaries and healthcare researchers, how different data-generation approaches can support structure-focused and analytics-focused use cases, and what privacy considerations actuaries should keep in mind when working with AI-generated data. Listen in to learn more about the opportunities, trade-offs, and practical applications of synthetic medical claims data for the actuarial profession. Check out the report:  https://www.soa.org/resources/research-reports/2026/synthetic-medical-claims-data/ Visit our Artificial Intelligence landing page Send us your feedback at AI-Insights@soa.org

Lisa Dees is joined by Louise Lindsay (SAUL), Simon True (Clara Pensions) and Adrian Boulding (Vesta Pensions) to compare the benefits, challenges and trade-offs of open defined benefit (DB) schemes, superfunds and collective defined contribution (CDC) arrangements.The discussion considers each model from both a member and employer perspective, covering retirement outcomes, risk-sharing, affordability, consolidation and the role these approaches could play in the future pensions landscape.Hymans Robertson disclaimer This podcast has been prepared by Hymans Robertson LLP, and is based upon our understanding of events as at release date. It is designed to be a general summary of topical investment matters and is not specific to the circumstances of any particular employer or pension scheme. The information contained in this podcast should not be construed as advice and not be considered as a substitute for specific advice as the information is generic in nature. Where a podcast refers to legal matters please note that Hymans Robertson is not qualified to provide legal opinion and therefore you may wish to obtain independent legal advice to consider any relevant law and/or regulation. Hymans Robertson LLP accepts no liability for errors or omissions. Your Hymans Robertson LLP consultant will be pleased to discuss matters raised in this podcast in greater detail. Guests views are separate to that of Hymans Robertson. The information provided in this broadcast is not financial advice. Past performance is not a guide to the future. Please note the value of investments, and income from them, may fall as well as rise. This includes but is not limited to equities, government or corporate bonds, derivatives and property, whether held directly or in a pooled or collective investment vehicle. Further, investments in developing or emerging markets may be more volatile and less marketable than in mature markets. Exchange rates may also affect the value of investments. As a result, an investor may not get back the full amount of the original investment. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance.  Hymans Robertson LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Licensed by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries for a range of investment business activities.This episode includes AI-generated content.

Markets have navigated a volatile first half of 2026. Equity markets have rebounded strongly, interest rate expectations have shifted, and artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape investment opportunities across the globe.In this episode, Ross MacLeod is joined by Chris Arcari and John Roe, Head of Multi-Asset at Legal & General - Asset Management. Together, they explore the major developments shaping investment markets in 2026, from the continued impact of the AI investment cycle and changing interest rate expectations to evolving opportunities and risks across public and private markets.The discussion looks at how investors are positioning portfolios against a backdrop of elevated equity valuations, tight credit spreads and persistent inflation uncertainty. Chris and John also examine developments in private credit and private equity, highlighting where stresses are beginning to emerge and why manager selection remains critical. The conversation finishes with a look at the long-term investment implications of AI and the outlook for China as its economy continues to evolve.If you have any questions on anything covered throughout the episode, please get in touch. Hymans Robertson disclaimerThis podcast has been prepared by Hymans Robertson LLP, and is based upon our understanding of events as at release date. It is designed to be a general summary of topical investment matters and is not specific to the circumstances of any particular employer or pension scheme. The information contained in this podcast should not be construed as advice and not be considered as a substitute for specific advice as the information is generic in nature. Where a podcast refers to legal matters please note that Hymans Robertson is not qualified to provide legal opinion and therefore you may wish to obtain independent legal advice to consider any relevant law and/or regulation. Hymans Robertson LLP accepts no liability for errors or omissions. Your Hymans Robertson LLP consultant will be pleased to discuss matters raised in this podcast in greater detail. Guests views are separate to that of Hymans Robertson.The information provided in this broadcast is not financial advice. Past performance is not a guide to the future. Please note the value of investments, and income from them, may fall as well as rise. This includes but is not limited to equities, government or corporate bonds, derivatives and property, whether held directly or in a pooled or collective investment vehicle. Further, investments in developing or emerging markets may be more volatile and less marketable than in mature markets. Exchange rates may also affect the value of investments. As a result, an investor may not get back the full amount of the original investment. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Hymans Robertson LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Licensed by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries for a range of investment business activities.

Hymans Robertson disclaimerThis podcast has been prepared by Hymans Robertson LLP, and is based upon our understanding of events as at release date. It is designed to be a general summary of topical investment matters and is not specific to the circumstances of any particular employer or pension scheme. The information contained in this podcast should not be construed as advice and not be considered as a substitute for specific advice as the information is generic in nature. Where a podcast refers to legal matters please note that Hymans Robertson is not qualified to provide legal opinion and therefore you may wish to obtain independent legal advice to consider any relevant law and/or regulation. Hymans Robertson LLP accepts no liability for errors or omissions. Your Hymans Robertson LLP consultant will be pleased to discuss matters raised in this podcast in greater detail. Guests views are separate to that of Hymans Robertson.The information provided in this broadcast is not financial advice. Past performance is not a guide to the future. Please note the value of investments, and income from them, may fall as well as rise. This includes but is not limited to equities, government or corporate bonds, derivatives and property, whether held directly or in a pooled or collective investment vehicle. Further, investments in developing or emerging markets may be more volatile and less marketable than in mature markets. Exchange rates may also affect the value of investments. As a result, an investor may not get back the full amount of the original investment. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Hymans Robertson LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Licensed by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries for a range of investment business activities.

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are making headlines for weight loss, but their potential impact goes far beyond the numbers on a scale. Could these drugs reshape health care spending, insurance coverage, longevity, and even the assumptions actuaries use to model risk?   In this episode of Actuary Voices, Contingencies Editor-in-Chief Preeti Vasishtha speaks with Dr. Kimberly Ferrero, the American Academy of Actuaries' Assistant Director of Research. Drawing on her background in cardiovascular and metabolic disease research, Dr. Ferrero explores the science behind GLP-1 therapies, the promises and uncertainties surrounding their long-term effects, and why actuaries are watching their rapid adoption so closely.  The conversation examines affordability, insurer costs, mortality assumptions, patient behavior, health equity, and the question at the center of today's debate: Will the impressive results seen in clinical trials translate into lasting improvements at the population level?   Additional Resources: Read Dr. Ferrero's article: How GLP-1 Drugs Are Shaping Care, Cost, and Coverage. Learn More About How Weightloss Drugs Effect Health care Costs in the Drivers of 2026 Premium Changes issue brief. Read Sam Gutterman's Last Word article on Weightloss Drugs, Weight and See?

Private markets investors are increasingly looking beyond traditional direct lending opportunities. One area gaining attention is capital call financing, a niche but growing segment of the fund finance market that offers access to investment-grade private credit risk.In this episode, Viran Patel from Hymans Robertson is joined by Penny Cochrane and Shelley Morrison from Aberdeen. Together, they explore how capital call financing works, why the market has grown so rapidly and the role it can play within institutional portfolios.They discuss the evolution of the market, the shift from bank-led lending to greater participation from non-bank investors and the factors driving demand. They also explore the risk and return profile of these facilities, including the importance of manager selection, operational expertise and the quality of underlying investors.You'll hear how capital call financing differs from other private credit strategies, where it may fit within an investment-grade portfolio and the key considerations for investors assessing the opportunity.If you have questions on anything covered throughout the episode, please get in touch.Hymans Robertson disclaimerThis podcast has been prepared by Hymans Robertson LLP, and is based upon our understanding of events as at release date. It is designed to be a general summary of topical investment matters and is not specific to the circumstances of any particular employer or pension scheme. The information contained in this podcast should not be construed as advice and not be considered as a substitute for specific advice as the information is generic in nature. Where a podcast refers to legal matters please note that Hymans Robertson is not qualified to provide legal opinion and therefore you may wish to obtain independent legal advice to consider any relevant law and/or regulation. Hymans Robertson LLP accepts no liability for errors or omissions. Your Hymans Robertson LLP consultant will be pleased to discuss matters raised in this podcast in greater detail. Guests views are separate to that of Hymans Robertson.The information provided in this broadcast is not financial advice. Past performance is not a guide to the future. Please note the value of investments, and income from them, may fall as well as rise. This includes but is not limited to equities, government or corporate bonds, derivatives and property, whether held directly or in a pooled or collective investment vehicle. Further, investments in developing or emerging markets may be more volatile and less marketable than in mature markets. Exchange rates may also affect the value of investments. As a result, an investor may not get back the full amount of the original investment. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Hymans Robertson LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Licensed by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries for a range of investment business activities.

Building resilient investment strategies is becoming increasingly important in a world shaped by uncertainty and change. In this special edition of Hymans Robertson On…, Ben Farmer is joined by David Walker and Ben Fox to explore how pension schemes can design portfolios that remain robust across a range of market conditions.Hymans Robertson disclaimerThis podcast has been prepared by Hymans Robertson LLP, and is based upon our understanding of events as at release date. It is designed to be a general summary of topical investment matters and is not specific to the circumstances of any particular employer or pension scheme. The information contained in this podcast should not be construed as advice and not be considered as a substitute for specific advice as the information is generic in nature. Where a podcast refers to legal matters please note that Hymans Robertson is not qualified to provide legal opinion and therefore you may wish to obtain independent legal advice to consider any relevant law and/or regulation. Hymans Robertson LLP accepts no liability for errors or omissions. Your Hymans Robertson LLP consultant will be pleased to discuss matters raised in this podcast in greater detail. Guests views are separate to that of Hymans Robertson.The information provided in this broadcast is not financial advice. Past performance is not a guide to the future. Please note the value of investments, and income from them, may fall as well as rise. This includes but is not limited to equities, government or corporate bonds, derivatives and property, whether held directly or in a pooled or collective investment vehicle. Further, investments in developing or emerging markets may be more volatile and less marketable than in mature markets. Exchange rates may also affect the value of investments. As a result, an investor may not get back the full amount of the original investment. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Hymans Robertson LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Licensed by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries for a range of investment business activities.

What if many of the answers to better health have nothing to do with another prescription? In this thought-provoking episode, Drs. May and Tim Hindmarsh sit down with Emma Tekstra, actuary, global health consultant, and author of How to Be a Healthy Human, to challenge conventional assumptions about modern healthcare. Drawing on decades of experience analyzing health data and employee health programs, Emma shares why she believes true wellness requires a broader perspective than symptom management alone. The conversation explores personal responsibility, critical thinking, chronic disease trends, the business side of healthcare, and the often-overlooked roles of lifestyle, community, purpose, and spiritual wellbeing. Whether you agree with every point or simply enjoy examining healthcare through a different lens, this episode offers plenty to consider. In This Episode Emma's journey from actuary to health advocate Why she began questioning conventional approaches to chronic illness The difference between healthcare and true wellness How lifestyle choices influence long-term health outcomes The role of critical thinking in healthcare decisions Why social connection and purpose matter for longevity Data-driven perspectives on modern health trends The concept of taking ownership of your health journey Lessons from researching health and longevity around the world What inspired her book, How to Be a Healthy Human About Emma Tekstra Emma Tekstra is an actuary, global health consultant, educator, and author of How to Be a Healthy Human: What Your Doctor Doesn't Know About Health and Longevity. A Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, she spent more than two decades advising major employers on healthcare and benefits strategy before focusing her work on helping individuals and organizations better understand what drives human health and wellbeing. Resources & Links Emma Tekstra: https://www.emmatekstra.com Emma's Substack: https://emmatekstra.substack.com How to Be a Healthy Human: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1510779507 Listen and Subscribe Website: https://www.bsfreemd.com Follow BS Free MD on your favorite podcast platform and join Drs. May and Tim Hindmarsh each week as they challenge assumptions, explore new ideas, and have conversations that go beyond the headlines. Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a physician-patient relationship. Always consult your own healthcare professional regarding medical decisions.

Three drafts, three very different guests. Dan, an actuary with three kids who refuses to howl under any circumstances. Krutches, a best ball grinder who shares his takes on a ton of different players. And, finally Curt Rambus , the exterminator from So You Think You Can Tout who joins from his phone because the $200 Chromebook Pete bought him is still in the box, and spends the Eliminator draft asking Pete to click buttons for him while negotiating his content creator going rate. Want to draft on stream with me?

Most people plan their retirement like they control the date. The data says they don't. A new Society of Actuaries study found that 59% of retirees stopped working earlier than expected -- and for most of them, the decision wasn't theirs. Health setbacks, job loss, caregiving demands, and plain old job dissatisfaction all showed up before the spreadsheet said it was time. Joe and OG dig into what the numbers actually mean, who's most at risk, and the specific steps that create real flexibility before retirement finds you. OG and Anna follow with a full walkthrough of equity compensation -- RSUs, ESPPs, and stock options -- including the tax surprise that catches most people off guard.What You'll Walk Away WithWhy 59% of retirees left the workforce earlier than they planned -- and why only 6% left laterThe income gap nobody talks about: how high earners retire early mostly because they wanted to, while lower earners are pushed out by health and job lossWhy Coast FIRE math falls apart the moment your income stream stops before you planned -- and what that means for how aggressively you should be saving right nowThe one manager change that can end a 20-year career overnight -- and why keeping your network warm is one of the most underrated retirement prep moves availableThe 30-year mortgage paid like a 15-year analogy: why building financial margin now means retirement can happen on your terms, not someone else'sHow to prepare for the emotional side of early retirement -- including the identity shift, the relationship changes, and the pent-up demand that makes the first year unexpectedly wildRSUs versus stock options versus ESPPs: what each one actually means, how they're taxed differently, and why getting a grant without a strategy is the most expensive mistake in equity compThe 5-10% concentration rule: how much of your net worth should be tied to company stock -- and why your paycheck counts in that mathThe RSU tax trap: why your company withholds at 22% but you might actually owe 37% -- and why spending all your RSU money on a pool before April is a terrible ideaStacker Kiki's accountability letter: the complete list of what she's cutting, what she refuses to cut, and why the gamification of frugality is more powerful than white-knuckling itWhy This Matters NowYou may not get to choose your retirement date. But you do get to choose how prepared you are for the day it arrives. The people in this study who retired early by choice had one thing in common: they'd built enough margin that the choice was actually theirs.From the BasementJoe and OG dig into a USA Today piece on the surprising frequency of unplanned early retirement -- and what to do about it before the decision gets made for you. OG and Anna deliver episode five of their financial basics series with a full equity compensation walkthrough, including the tax withholding gap that sends people to April with surprise bills. Doug arrives with Mickey Mantle trivia. A community poll on how often Stackers check their portfolios during headlines produces results that are more honest than most people expected. Stacker Kiki writes a detailed letter about her intentional spending cuts, and OG quietly admits he's been burning through hotel shampoo samples all year.Resources MentionedSociety of Actuaries Retirement Risks Survey -- released May 2026; linked at stackingbenjamins.comUSA Today -- "Most of Us Retire Earlier Than Planned. Here Are the Top Reasons." by Daniel DeVise; linked at stackingbenjamins.comStacking Benjamins Basics Guide -- season one and season two workbooks free at stackingbenjamins.com/basicsguideStacking Benjamins Scorecard -- stackingbenjamins.com/scorecardStacking Benjamins Newsletter (The 201) -- stackingbenjamins.com/201; Kevin Bailey's hot take on this week's pieceStacking Benjamins YouTube channel -- full OG and Anna equity comp series; youtube.com/stackingbenjaminsStacking Benjamins BAD Groups -- meetups in Boston, Seattle, Twin Cities, Mankato, Tucson, and more; stackingbenjamins.com/badStacking Benjamins Vault -- stackingbenjamins.com/vaultStacking Benjamins Community -- stackingbenjamins.com/basementSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

That's the main conclusion of a new report from the Society of Actuaries in Ireland. For the details on this Noel Garvey from the Society of Actuaries.

Kwame Christian, negotiation expert and host of Negotiate Anything, reveals the conversation tactics most speakers never have time to share on stage — including how to regain control when someone else is running the room, how to draw out a person who goes completely silent, and why most hard conversations at home are doomed before they even start. This is a reverse interview. Kwame was the keynote speaker at the Life and Annuity Conference (hosted jointly by the Society of Actuaries, ACLI, and LIMRA LOMA) — and the audience Q&A ran so long they ran out of time on stage. So conference organizers Karen Terry and Joe Wurzburger brought the best questions straight to the podcast.

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE MINUTE:                                                            JEFFERSON HEALTH (PHILADELPHIA) HITS AETNA WITH A LAWSUIT OVER CONTROVERSIAL DOWNCODING POLICY. FROM CSG ACTUARIAL: MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT LOSS RATIOS HAVE INCREASED IN RECENT YEARS; PLAN G RATE INCREASES ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE HIGHER THAN AVERAGE THIS YEAR AND THEN LEVEL OFF AFTERWARD. SOON TO BE CLIENT ROBYN IS CONFUSED ABOUT HOW PART D PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLANS WORK WHEN ONE IS TRAVELING. AI PROVIDES A LENGTHY BUT AUTHORITATIVE EXPLANATION. Contact me at: DBJ@MLMMailbag.com (Most severe critic: A+)                   Visit us on: BabyBoomer.ORG Inspired by: "MEDICARE FOR THE LAZY MAN 2026; SIMPLEST & EASIEST GUIDE EVER!" "MEDICARE ENROLLMENT GUIDE" - DOWNLOAD FREE "MEDICARE DRUG PLANS: A SIMPLE D-I-Y GUIDE" ....AND A PODCAST! @ DBJ@M4TLM.com W medicareforthelazyman.com T (630) 878-5055   Review Us On Google   For sale on Amazon.com. After enjoying the books, please consider returning to leave a short customer review to  help future readers. Official website: https://www.MedicareForTheLazyMan.com.

In this episode of the Research Insights Podcast, Dale Hall, Managing Director of Research at the Society of Actuaries Research Institute, welcomes back Patrick Nolan, Senior Director of Experience Studies at the Society of Actuaries, for a lively conversation about Patrick's recent appearance on Jeopardy!. Patrick shares what it was like to compete against returning champion Jamie Ding during his 29-day winning streak, how contestants approach buzzer timing and wagering strategy, and what was going through his mind during key moments like the "San Marino" Daily Double and Final Jeopardy. Dale and Patrick also discuss the pacing, coaching, preparation and memorable behind-the-scenes elements of appearing on one of television's most iconic quiz shows. Listen in for a fun and insightful conversation about trivia, strategy, composure under pressure and the actuarial mindset on a national stage.

One sunny afternoon in Upstate New York, Suzy and her daughter were outside practicing skip counting. Progress was slow—until her daughter hopped onto the trampoline and began skipping counting with every jump. After hours of struggle, she was suddenly doing it on her own.Suzy once believed she was a “math flunky.” Struggling through school and discouraged by teachers, she never imagined a future in mathematics. But Suzy proved them wrong earning a bachelor's in mathematics, a master's in Statistics, becoming an Associate of the Society of Actuaries, and authoring two books for actuaries: Survival Models Made Easy and Risk Theory Made Easy. Her early challenges inspired her to help others gain confidence in math.Math & Movement began with Suzy's daughter skipping counting on a trampoline and has since reached educators and students worldwide. Our Learner-Centered Design philosophy brings movement-based learning to schools in forty-seven states and parts of Canada, serving Title 1, charter, private, and public-school districts of all sizes.Is your school next? Inspire learning through movement! Access 250+ activities in our Training Manual and receive regular email updates with our best tips. https://mathandmovement.com/http://www.yourlotandparcel.org 

Young Professional Advisory Council's Jake Davis discusses exam education and career development with Eddie Smith, Director of SOA Exams at The Infinite Actuary and FSA exam instructor. Learn about Eddie's transition from practicing actuary to exam educator, effective study strategies for FSA exams, and how exam preparation has and will continue to evolve.

Artificial intelligence is moving quickly, but the real question for actuaries is how to use it well and what it means for the profession.   In this episode of Actuary Voices, Everest's Chief Actuary Melissa McDermott shares what she thinks about her role. We go beyond technical expertise and look into what it means to be a leader and how to navigate the changing AI landscape. Drawing on nearly three decades in the profession, she discusses where AI is already making a real difference in actuarial workflows, what is still overhyped, how leaders can guide teams through transformation, and what early-career actuaries should focus on now to stay valuable in the years ahead. Additional Resources: Read the Academy's paper on generative AI: https://www.actuary.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/professionalism-paper-generative-ai.pdf Read President, Trica Matson's Message on Actuarial & Algorithmic Accountability: https://actuary.org/article/actuarial-algorithmic-accountability-setting-ethical-standards-for-ai/

In this special episode of the Research Insights Podcast, Dale Hall, Managing Director of Research at the Society of Actuaries Research Institute, speaks with Patrick Nolan, Senior Director of Experience Studies at the Society of Actuaries, about Patrick's upcoming appearance on Jeopardy! Stepping away from actuarial research and experience studies for a lighter conversation, Patrick shares the story behind his journey from trivia fan to contestant on one of television's most iconic quiz shows. He discusses how his interest in trivia began, what the audition process was like, how he prepared for the experience, and whether any actuarial skills helped along the way. Listeners will also hear Patrick reflect on what it was like to be on the Jeopardy! set and offer advice for others who may dream of appearing on a quiz show themselves. Tune in for a fun and engaging episode that highlights a different side of an actuarial professional and celebrates the curiosity, discipline, and enthusiasm that can lead to unexpected opportunities.

This episode of the Society of Actuaries' Professional Development Edge podcast features Dave Dillon, Senior Vice President and Principal at Lewis & Ellis; entrepreneur and founder of Cost Plus Drugs, Mark Cuban; and Jon Forster, the SOA's Director of PD Learning and Content Design. Together, they explore entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and the evolving healthcare landscape. The conversations move from what it takes to be successful in business, the current healthcare landscape, and the state of AI in Actuarial work.  Mark shares the origin and mission behind Cost Plus Drugs, underscoring the critical role of price transparency and trust in improving healthcare access and affordability. Listeners will gain practical insights and forward-looking perspectives relevant to actuaries, business leaders, and anyone interested in the future of healthcare and innovation. Contributors: Mark Cuban; Dave Dillon, FSA, FCA, MAAA; Jon Forster, ASA, MAAA

In this episode of the Society of Actuaries Research Insights Podcast, Dale Hall, Managing Director of Research at the SOA Research Institute, is joined by Geralyn Trujillo, Senior Director of Public Policy at the American Academy of Actuaries, for a recap of the 2026 NAIC Spring Meeting held in San Diego, March 22–25. Together, they discuss key highlights from the meeting and share insights from the SOA Research Institute's updates to NAIC committees, including experience studies, practice research, emerging risks, healthcare and long-term care topics, climate and weather-related research, and developments related to artificial intelligence and AI risk management. To explore additional highlights from recent NAIC meetings and other SOA Research Institute publications, visit SOA.org and review the Select Articles from SOA e-Newsletters page. Send us your feedback at ResearchInsights@soa.org

Motheo Khoaripe speaks to George Schwalb, Actuary and member of the Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA), about new research proposing a hybrid compensation model to replace or reform the struggling Road Accident Fund. With thousands of road accident victims waiting years and some even sometimes decades for payouts, the research examines the long-term viability of the Road Accident Fund. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape.    Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa     Follow us on social media   702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702   CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/Radio702 CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

George Wright III interviews financial strategist Jeff Stock, CEO and founder of Stock Alternatives, about tax-optimized wealth building, risk management, and alternative investments. Stock shares his path from actuary to fund manager, including early lessons from losing over 80% in a student-managed endowment fund during the dot-com crash and how it shaped his focus on diversification and correlations. He talks about how many advisors rely too heavily on stocks/bonds and emphasizes alternatives such as real estate development, fix-and-flips, trading strategies, oil and gas, and investments designed to perform in market corrections. Stock highlights advanced tax planning for high earners, including clean energy/EV charger incentives, depreciation, and strategies to reduce taxes by up to 60%, and discusses evaluating opportunities by targeting high returns across multiple deals. He also previews his upcoming podcast and shares ways to connect.01:10 Actuary to Fund Manager02:23 Early Investing Lessons05:19 Actuarial Edge and Tax Savings06:46 What Advisors Miss08:24 Downturn Proof Diversification10:00 EV Charger Tax Strategy12:03 Evaluating Deals Framework13:55 High Earners and After Tax Returns16:09 Advanced Write Off Stories17:41 Why Jeff Started a Podcast20:17 How to Connect and Next Steps21:30 Favorite Alternative InvestmentsThanks for listening, and Please Share this Episode with someone. It would really help us to grow our show and share these valuable tips and strategies with others. Have a great day.George Wright III“It's Never Too Late to Start Living the Life You Were Meant to Live”FREE Daily Mastermind Resources:CONNECT with George & Access Tons of ResourcesGet access to Proven Strategies and Time-Test Principles for Success. Plus, download and access tons of FREE resources and online events by joining our Exclusive Community of Entrepreneurs, Business Owners, and High Achievers like YOU.Join FREE at DailyMastermind.comFollow me on social media Facebook | Instagram | Linkedin | TikTok | YoutubeGrow Your Authority and Personal Brand with a FREE Interview in a Top Global Magazine HERE.About the Guest:Jeff Stock is a private wealth strategist, actuary, and founder of Stock Alternatives, a firm focused on helping high-income and high-net-worth individuals grow and protect their wealth through tax-efficient and alternative investment strategies.He is known for combining risk analysis, financial modeling, and real-world investment strategies to create systems that go beyond traditional financial planning.Guest Resources:Website: https://www.stockalternatives.comPersonal Site: https://www.jeffstock360.comLinkedIn: Jeff Stock, FSA, MAAA

Episode 3: The Actuary's LeapActuaries spend their careers studying risk. Using data, mortality tables, and probability, they calculate what is likely to happen across large populations. This work is built on a mathematical idea called expected value—the attempt to price the future based on what happens on average.But there is a limit to what the math can tell us.Even the best models can't predict what will happen to one specific person tomorrow. They deal in aggregates, probabilities, and likelihoods—not personal certainty.At some point, the calculations end.In this episode, Brian reflects on the moment when analysis gives way to trust. In theology, this kind of trust is called fiducia—not simply believing something is true, but stepping into it. It's the difference between studying a map of a bridge and actually driving across it.Reasonable hope invites us to move beyond merely calculating the likelihood of goodness and begin living as if that goodness is real.Soul Question:You've seen the evidence of beauty and grace in your life. What would it look like to stop running the numbers and finally sit down in that truth today?

In this episode of the Society of Actuaries Research Institute's Research Insights Podcast, Dale Hall speaks with Michael Bean, FSA (also a member of the Casualty Actuarial Society and the Canadian Institute of Actuaries) about the 2026 Emerging Risk Survey Results. Drawing on input from 100+ senior risk leaders—including Chief Risk Officers, Chief Actuaries, lead consulting partners, and other C-suite decision-makers—Michael shares what risk executives see as most impactful in 2026 and what they believe could matter three or more years out. Listeners will hear why economic and geopolitical risks are driving near-term concern, why technological risks (especially adverse AI outcomes) dominate the longer-term view, and which risk combinations (like cyber + AI and financial volatility + AI) leaders believe could create the toughest scenarios to manage. 2026 Emerging Risk Survey Results

Episode 300 marks the 300th installment of The Rainmaking Podcast, and Scott Love celebrates the milestone by bringing back Mo Bunnell, a leading business development coach and author of Give to Grow, for a practical conversation on the power of consistency in business development. Mo explains that the biggest challenge for busy partners isn't knowing what to do—it's staying consistent when client work spikes and results from outreach feel unpredictable. Because BD rewards are “intermittent,” many professionals quit too soon; the winners are the ones who keep making small, repeatable investments over time, letting the law of large numbers work in their favor. Mo shares a simple operating system: plan quarterly, act weekly, execute daily—so you're never trying to “decide and do” in the same moment. Quarterly planning focuses on brand visibility (beating obscurity), targeted relationship investment, measurable actions you control, and treating BD like a project rather than “random acts of lunch.” Weekly execution means choosing three BD actions that are BIG: Big impact, In your control (e.g., “invite Jane,” not “have lunch”), and Growth-oriented (proactive, not just “do great work”). Finally, he recommends a weekly accountability question—Did I do everything I could to grow this week?—plus a mindset shift from BD as an on/off switch to a dimmer, where even 15 minutes keeps momentum alive. Scott mentioned the planner link during this episode, but it's not available just yet. If you'd like to be the first to know when it launches, fill out the form here (https://bunnell-idea-group-inc.kit.com/cffda756bb) , and you'll be added to Mo's email list, where updates are shared first. Visit: https: //therainmakingpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/lIXpPoyoUUk ----------------------------------------

As the world changes, the role of property and casualty (P&C) actuaries is changing too, from the emerging risks they study—including climate change and self-driving cars—to the technologies they employ to devise solutions. On this episode of Critical Point, Milliman recruiter Liz Shickles speaks with two P&C actuarial consultants, Zora Law from Milliman and Dane Grand-Maison from partner firm Eckler, about their own career journeys, the influence of AI (hint: it won't ever replace learning), and advice for students and other professionals who want to enter the field. You can read the episode transcript on our website.

Risk analysis rarely shows up in wellness conversations—but it should. Emma Tekstra brings an actuary's eye to health, questioning why modern medicine excels at intervention yet struggles with prevention. From pharmaceutical incentives to lifestyle tradeoffs we'd rather ignore, this conversation strips wellness down to first principles: data over dogma, accountability over convenience, and long-term human flourishing over short-term fixes. A pragmatic, sometimes uncomfortable rethink of what it actually means to be healthy.GET SOCIAL WITH US!

IN THIS EPISODE WE ARE JOINED BY ESTEEMED GAMBLING TWITTER POSTER AND ORIGINATOR MR PEANUTBETTOR. LISTEN TO HEAR MANY SMART THINGS AND SOME FUNNY JOKES.0:00 Intro10:15 Trading at Deck Prism27:00 Originating57:00 Prediction Markets1:18:00 Listener Q&AWelcome to The Risk Takers Podcast, hosted by professional sports bettor John Shilling (GoldenPants13) and SportsProjections. This podcast is the best betting education available - PERIOD. And it's free - please share and subscribe if you like it. Follow SportsProjections on Twitter: https://x.com/Sports__ProjFollow GP on Twitter: https://x.com/goldenpants013

Last call… Design Your New Life in Retirement New Groups start on Thursday 1/22 & Friday 1/23. Join us…and design your next chapter. Learn more and sign up here _________________________ Bio For decades, Anna Rappaport has studied how people actually transition out of full-time work—not in theory, but in real life. And what she's learned may challenge how you’re thinking about retirement. Anna Rappaport hasn’t just studied retirement—she’s been living a phased retirement for three decades and is still going strong at 85. As a former Society of Actuaries President and one of the profession’s most published and respected retirement experts, she has insights you’ll want to hear. So, today, we're focusing on phased retirement, but not as an HR policy. We're talking about it as a life strategy—one that blends purpose, flexibility, and relationships. Anna introduces a powerful framework she calls the Life Portfolio—Health, People, Pursuits, and Places—and explains why money alone is never enough for a fulfilling next chapter. If you’re wondering Who will I be when I retire?, this conversation is for you. Anna Rappaport joins us from Chicago. ________________________ Bio Anna Rappaport is the founder and president of Anna Rappaport Consulting. Anna is an actuary, consultant, author, and speaker, and is a nationally and internationally recognized expert on the impact of change on retirement systems and workforce issues. She is a phased retiree and is passionate about women's retirement security. Anna is a past-President of the Society of Actuaries and chairs its Committee on Post-Retirement Needs and Risks and its Aging and Retirement Research Initiative Steering Committee. Anna spent 28 years with Mercer as an employee benefit consultant, before she founded her own firm, Anna Rappaport Consulting, after leaving Mercer. _________________________ For More on Anna Rappaport LinkedIn A Conversation With Anna Rappaport & Steve Siegel: Solo-Agers Disconnect Thinking About the Future of Retirement _________________________ Podcast Conversations You May Like Retiring: Creating a Life That Works for You – Teresa Amabile The Portfolio Life – Christina Wallace Is Your Company Ready for the Aging Workforce? – Paul Rupert _________________________ About The Retirement Wisdom Podcast There are many podcasts on retirement, often hosted by financial advisors with their own financial motives, that cover the money side of the street. This podcast is different. You'll get smarter about the investment decisions you'll make about the most important asset you'll have in retirement: your time. About Retirement Wisdom I help people who are retiring, but aren't quite done yet, discover what's next and build their custom version of their next life. A meaningful retirement doesn't just happen by accident. Schedule a call today to discuss how the Designing Your Life process created by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans can help you make your life in retirement a great one — on your own terms. About Your Podcast Host Joe Casey is an executive coach who helps people design their next life after their primary career and create their version of The Multipurpose Retirement.™ He created his own next chapter after a 26-year career at Merrill Lynch, where he was Senior Vice President and Head of HR for Global Markets & Investment Banking. Joe has earned Master's degrees from the University of Southern California in Gerontology (at age 60), the University of Pennsylvania, and Middlesex University (UK), a BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and his coaching certification from Columbia University. In addition to his work with clients, Joe hosts The Retirement Wisdom Podcast, ranked in the top 1% globally in popularity by Listen Notes, with over 1.6 million downloads. Business Insider recognized Joe as one of 23 innovative coaches who are making a difference. He's the author of Win the Retirement Game: How to Outsmart the 9 Forces Trying to Steal Your Joy. __________________________ Wise Quotes On The Portfolio You’re Ignoring “The Life Portfolio assumes that the individual has enough money. So this is on top of money—it’s not instead of money. That’s really important. The four quadrants are: Health, Pursuits, People, and Places. If you’re not in good health, nothing else matters. But pursuits—the things that give you a sense of purpose in your life—that’s critically important. And here’s the key: you need a portfolio of them, not just one or two. Because you can always lose one or two. If your pursuit is playing tennis, you might not be able to play tennis anymore. If it’s work, it might disappear. So people should try to do a few things, see what they like, zero in on it, but not be limited to one thing.” On The Reboot, Rewire, Retire Concept “Rather than saying ‘Okay, I’m done with work, I’m going to play golf all the time,’ Reboot is thinking about this life portfolio. What can I do that brings value to my life? We went around the table asking what people were most concerned about regarding retirement. The biggest issue wasn’t money, wasn’t health, wasn’t caregiving—it was ‘who am I going to be when I’m not who I was anymore?’ That was a real wake-up. Rewire is getting ready—building new skills, keeping up your contacts, maintaining your skills. Those are critical things.” On Preparing for Phased Retirement “The preparation you should do is not when you’re ready for phased retirement—it should be way before that. Think about career planning where you’re always focusing on how you’re creating value. You need to have ways of creating value. If you have a good relationship with your employer, you can work something out. I was probably the most published and well-known retirement person in my firm at Mercer. You need credibility. Learn to use their words, not ours—if I’m talking actuarialese to my client, they’re like ‘what?’ But if I’ve translated that to their language, it’s a lot better.” On Identifying Where You Add Value “I think the big benefit for employees is that they have much more satisfying lives. There are also a lot of people who they get near what like the traditional retirement ages and they want to spend more time with their grandchildren. They want to take more vacations. They want to pursue a hobby, but they don’t just want to say, my work life is over. And it gives them a variety of options. So I think there’s a lot of benefit. It’s really a way of this gradually changing pursuits. And it may involve money and it might not involve making more money. But it does involve value. Now there can be, and we had a Society of Actuaries essay on employees and both, we’ve discussed the value a number of times. We’ve also discussed the routes to phased retirement because it’s not an easy deal that just automatically happens. Not usually. For employers, it’s a different thing. Depending on the kind of employer and the kind of job that people have, it lets them keep value that people have contributed. And what I want to say is that if we look at employees, and of course it varies by type of employment, there’s firm-specific human capital and there’s general human capital. And for example, if you were a currency trader, you could probably move into one job to another in two minutes. But Joe, you were a human resource director, and you had years and years of history, a lot of firm-specific human capital. What we have not done a good job of, and this is a speech I’ve been making for 25 years, probably maybe 30, is identifying what are the things that you contribute, that you really contribute value. It might be that 10% or 20% of your job, you’re doing something where you’re contributing a lot of value. And what I think is really important is for the employee to figure out how they can contribute a lot of value and the employer to figure out, and for them to reach a meeting of the minds.”

In this captivating podcast, Joe Alaimo, CEO of ProComp, sits down once again, two years later, with ChatGPT. Together they talk about what has actually changed in two years, what did not change, and where the profession might be heading next.  What does ChatGPT now see ahead for the actuarial profession? The original Actuaries in the Age of AI: A conversation with ChatGPT was published on Oct 12, 2023  

In this episode of the Society of Actuaries Research Insights Podcast, Dale Hall, Managing Director of Research at the SOA Research Institute, welcomes Geralyn Trujillo, Senior Director of Public Policy at the American Academy of Actuaries. Together, they provide an insightful recap of the 2025 NAIC Fall Meeting held in Hollywood, Florida, December 8-11, 2025. The discussion covers key takeaways from the meeting, including updates from the SOA on climate-related research such as climate-induced migration, sea level rise, and wildfires, as well as important developments in long-term care experience studies and global mortality experience studies from Canada and China. Tune in for a deep dive into the issues shaping regulatory, policy, and actuarial landscapes in the U.S. and globally.

You're financing everything you buy… even when you pay cash.

Dale Hall of the Society of Actuaries explains how to project your longevity and why informed life expectancy matters for retirement planning.

The podcast features a conversation with Willis Towers Watson CEO Carl Hess, who discusses his progression from actuary to CEO, emphasizing the importance of analytical skills, communication, and people management in leadership. Carl highlights how technology and AI are transforming the actuarial profession, noting that automation and AI projects at WTW are helping staff focus on more productive work and better utilize unstructured data. He shares personal anecdotes about using music to maintain focus during actuarial exam studies and explains how he stays connected with WTW's employees through informal interactions and modern communication tools. Carl reflects on key career moments and lessons leaned along the way.   Carl is joined by Chris Lombardi, Karen Grote, and Jon Froster for this thoughtful conversation.   Contributors: Carl Hess, FSA, CERA; Chris Lombardi, FSA, MAAA; Karen Grote, FSA, MAAA; Jon Forster, ASA, MAAA Thanks for watching and don't forget to subscribe! Want to keep up with the latest SOA news? Follow us on our social channels: Instagram: @soactuaries Facebook: Society of Actuaries LinkedIn: Society of Actuaries Twitter: @SOActuaries About Us: With roots dating back to 1889, the Society of Actuaries (SOA) is the world's largest actuarial professional organization with more than 32,000 actuaries as members. Serving as the SOA's research arm, the SOA Research Institute provides objective, data-driven research bringing together tried and true practices and future-focused approaches to address societal challenges and your business needs. It provides trusted knowledge, extensive experience and new technologies to help effectively identify, predict and manage risks. ● Learn more about Influence in the Actuarial Profession and other engaging topics relevant for actuaries on the Professional Development Edge Subscription product.    https://www.soa.org/prof-dev/pd-edge/  

Classic Replay: Medicaid Managed Care – Considerations in Calculating Margin In recognition of National Family Caregivers Month, we're re-releasing this classic episode from June 26, 2017. Dale Hall, Managing Director of Research at the Society of Actuaries, is joined by Steve Siegel, SOA Research Actuary, and Sarah Tepema of Health Care Service Corporation. The conversation explores the SOA's report "Medicaid Managed Care Organizations: Considerations in Calculating Margin in Rate Setting." Listeners will gain insight into how states structure capitation rates for MCOs, how margins are defined and used beyond just profit, and the real-world impacts these margins have on Medicaid programs—especially important for populations relying heavily on caregivers. For more information on this report visit:  https://www.soa.org/resources/research-reports/2017/medicaid-margins/

In this episode of the Society of Actuaries Research Insights Podcast, Dale Hall, Managing Director of Research at the Society of Actuaries, explores the 2019 Individual Life Insurance Mortality Experience Report with two expert guests: Jim Toole, FSA, CERA, MAAA, Chief Luminary at Aurora Actuarial, and Philip Adams, FSA, CERA, MAAA, Senior Experience Studies Actuary at the SOA Research Institute. They discuss the significant shifts in mortality trends from 2012 through 2019, including the dominance of level premium term insurance, the introduction of expanded preferred underwriting classes, and the increase in older age issue ages. The conversation also highlights the transition of data collection from MIB to the NAIC, and how predictive analytics like boosted decision trees and vine copulas were leveraged for data validation and insights. Actuaries will find insights into how these findings can support pricing, reserving, and risk management efforts, along with resources such as Tableau dashboards and downloadable text files that make data analysis more accessible. With post-2019 data expected soon, this episode offers timely reflections on the evolving landscape of individual life insurance mortality. Access the report and related materials by visiting the SOA website at:  https://www.soa.org/resources/research-reports/2024/ilec-mort-2012-19/

In this episode of the Society of Actuaries Research Insights Podcast, host Kara Clark, Senior Research Actuary at the SOA Research Institute, is joined by Al Klein, Principal and Consulting Actuary at Milliman, and Erik Pickett, Actuary and Chief Content Officer at Club Vita. Together, they discuss Chapter 10: Catastrophes from the paper Long-Term Drivers of Future Mortality, authored by Yair Babad and Al Klein for the 2023 Living to 100 Symposium. This episode dives into the complex and varied effects that catastrophes—natural, man-made, and biological—have on mortality. Topics include wildfires, droughts, war, terrorism, pandemics, and the challenges actuaries face when modeling these unpredictable yet impactful events. This is the final chapter in the podcast series based on this important research paper. To explore the full series and access the original report, visit the landing page:  https://www.soa.org/resources/research-reports/2025/longterm-drivers-futuremort-podseries/ 

This is an episode recorded at the PIA VADC conference in Virginia Beach with my man Byron Roberts.  It is a fast, on-the-ground conversation about how Openly built for independent agents, why speed still matters, and how data is shifting from rearview mirror to windshield. Quick recapOpenly's origin story is agent-first. Founders Ty Harris and Matt Duffy asked agents what they actually needed, then shipped a three-question quote experience built to find “diamonds in the rough,” not write everything in sight. The company doubled down on listening loops like ACE, its Agency Council of Excellence, to sanity-check product decisions, fix friction fast, and keep writing business during a stubborn hard market. They are rolling into PL Rating in key states to cut keystrokes, and they see the next frontier as forward-looking data that helps carriers price for tomorrow's weather, not yesterday's. Key takeawaysBuilt by and for independent agents, not DTC. Choice and counsel are the strategy. Three inputs to quote, then verify details to bind accurately and quickly. Think seconds, not hours. ACE council gives Openly real-time agent feedback and a promise to report back on changes. Smart underwriting beats growth at any cost. Openly tightens or tweaks instead of pulling out. PL Rating integrations are in motion to reduce double entry and speed comparisons. Data is shifting from historical to predictive. Actuaries need “crystal balls,” not just rearview mirrors. Notable quotes“Tell me I can't, I'll show you I will.” Byron on persistence. “Three questions, name, date of birth, and address. We can get it.” On the quoting thesis. “We're staying open for these agencies. We don't tighten everything down or pull out.” On disciplined appetite. “We used to look at historical data. Now we need crystal balls.” On forward-looking pricing. Sponsor Smart Choice- The fastest growing insurance network, with 10,000 agencies, 11 billion in written premium written its incredibleCanopy Connect- your 1 click solution to getting the deck pages you need to quote your prospects. 

This week, Tyler wants his wife, Abby, to keep all 450 of his physical movies when he dies. But, Abby isn't a movie person and thinks his collection will be wasted on her. She thinks Tyler's friends and family would enjoy it much more than she would. But Tyler thinks his vast selection of movies will be the best way for Abby to stay connected to him when he's on the other side. Who's right? Who's wrong? With Guest Bailiff Monte Belmonte!Please consider donating to Al Otro Lado. Al Otro Lado provides legal assistance and humanitarian aid to refugees, deportees, and other migrants trapped at the US-MX border. Donate at alotrolado.org/letsdosomething.We are on TikTok and YouTube! Follow us on both @judgejohnhodgmanpod! Follow us on Instagram @judgejohnhodgman!Thanks to reddit user u/Footwear_Critic for naming this week's case! To suggest a title for a future episode, keep an eye on the Maximum Fun subreddit at reddit.com/r/maximumfun! Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!