Podcasts about actuaries

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. 

Will banning insurance commissions actually save owners money? Actuary and industry reformer John Trowbridge and I dive into the numbers, the conflicts, and the path to a cleaner, clearer, fee-for-service model. Plus, what underwriters, brokers, and strata managers need to change now.

Episode Info With a vision of completely transforming the car insurance industry, Alex founded Root in 2015 on the principle that rates should be based primarily on driving behaviors, not demographics. As Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Alex leads the company in revolutionizing this outdated industry using mobile technology and data science to offer personalized car insurance rates to good drivers. Today, Root Insurance is the largest Property & Casualty InsurTech in the country. Throughout his insurance career, Alex has built expertise in pricing and reserving, finance, and mergers and acquisitions. Before founding Root, Alex worked at Nationwide Insurance as a senior strategy consultant for the Property & Casualty lines of the business. Alex is a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society, a Henry Crown Fellow of the Aspen Institute, and a member of the American Academy of Actuaries. Episode Highlights Alex Timm, leveraging his actuarial background and experience in corporate strategy, co-founded Root Insurance to revolutionize the insurance industry by focusing on customer-centric experiences and technological innovation. Root Insurance integrates big data and machine learning to enhance pricing models and customer experiences, notably through partnerships like the one with Carvana. The company prides itself on controlling its technology stack, enabling a seamless insurance purchase process. Alex highlights the importance of diversity and continuous technological investment to address industry challenges and drive innovation. Root Insurance remains committed to transforming the insurance landscape by embedding insurance solutions and refining its technological capabilities. Introduction and Background: Alex Timm, an actuary by training, co-founded Root Insurance on March 14, 2015. His background in the insurance industry is deeply rooted, with his father being an insurance entrepreneur. Timm's passion for math and his experience in corporate strategy at a large insurance carrier led him to identify gaps in customer expectations and technological advancements within the industry. Vision and Innovation: Root Insurance was founded to address the lack of customer-centric experiences in the insurance industry. Timm was driven by the advent of big data and machine learning, aiming to leverage these technologies to match price to risk more effectively . The company has developed a seamless customer experience by embedding insurance directly into the vehicle purchase process, exemplified by their partnership with Carvana. Technological Advancements: Root Insurance controls its technology stack, allowing for seamless integration and a three-click purchase experience. This technological control is a significant advantage, enabling the company to refine pricing models and algorithms continuously. The use of telematics and other data sources is central to Root's strategy, but the company also emphasizes that telematics is just one aspect of their broader technological and pricing strategy. Challenges and Industry Insights: Timm acknowledges the challenges of underwriting profitably and the need for innovation in the insurance industry. He emphasizes the importance of diversity in thought and background to drive innovation. The interview touches on the broader industry context, including the challenges of going public and the need for continuous investment in technology to deploy advanced algorithms. Conclusion: Alex Timm's leadership at Root Insurance is characterized by a commitment to innovation, customer experience, and leveraging technology to transform the insurance industry. The company continues to evolve, focusing on embedding insurance solutions and refining their technological capabilities. This episode is brought to you by The Future of Insurance book series (future-of-insurance.com) from Bryan Falchuk. Follow the podcast at future-of-insurance.com/podcast for more details and other episodes. Music courtesy of Hyperbeat Music, available to stream or download on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music and more.

Roz Briggs, pensions spokesperson for the Society of Actuaries

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!

AI is moving beyond pricing models to transform insurance operations—especially claims, where automation can cut costs, speed decisions, and boost customer satisfaction. Alena Kharkavets – North American head … Read More » The post AI Actuaries and the Next Frontier in Insurance appeared first on Insurance Journal TV.

AI is moving beyond pricing models to transform insurance operations—especially claims, where automation can cut costs, speed decisions, and boost customer satisfaction. Alena Kharkavets – North American head … Read More » The post AI Actuaries and the Next Frontier in Insurance appeared first on Insurance Journal TV.

AI is moving beyond pricing models to transform insurance operations—especially claims, where automation can cut costs, speed decisions, and boost customer satisfaction. Alena Kharkavets – North American head … Read More » The post AI Actuaries and the Next Frontier in Insurance appeared first on Insurance Journal TV.

Defined benefit plans are powerful retirement and tax-saving tools for business owners, yet they can seem highly technical and overwhelming. Unlike 401(k)s where employees contribute individually, defined benefit (DB) plans are employer-sponsored, with the company making large contributions on behalf of the participant—often the business owner. This structure allows much higher contribution limits, sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, providing significant tax deferral and accelerated retirement savings.To operate correctly, a DB plan requires the involvement of an actuary. The actuary determines contributions based on factors like participant age, expected rate of return, and retirement goals. These calculations ensure that the plan can deliver a guaranteed monthly benefit during retirement. While this makes DB plans more complex and costly to administer compared to 401(k)s, the advantages—larger contributions, lower tax liability, and higher long-term retirement savings—often outweigh the costs.Plan sponsors must be mindful of investment risk. If portfolio performance falls short, additional contributions may be required to “true up” the plan, especially when employees are involved. For solo entrepreneurs, this risk is less concerning, but it still requires careful investment oversight. DB plans are generally aligned with more conservative investment strategies and long-term liability matching, ensuring that assets and future retirement obligations remain balanced.Compliance and administration are critical. Sponsors must ensure accurate benefit calculations, proper contribution strategies, and adherence to IRS regulations, including annual reporting and actuarial evaluations. Consultants like Kenner French and his team play a key role in guiding sponsors through these responsibilities, optimizing tax strategies, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Regular plan design reviews, funding adjustments, and communication with participants (when applicable) are essential for smooth plan management.Ultimately, defined benefit plans can be an exceptional retirement and tax strategy, particularly for entrepreneurs who want to maximize savings quickly. They offer higher contribution limits, substantial tax deductions, and long-term wealth-building opportunities. However, they require ongoing oversight, proper plan design, and collaboration with actuaries and consultants to remain compliant and effective. With the right guidance, DB plans can significantly strengthen both retirement readiness and business financial planning.Takeaways• Defined benefit plans are employer-sponsored retirement plans.• Actuaries play a crucial role in calculating retirement benefits.• Tax deferral is a significant advantage of defined benefit plans.• Plan sponsors must ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.• Investment strategies must align with the plan's long-term goals.• Effective communication with participants is essential for plan success.• Regular plan design optimization is necessary for effectiveness.• Market resilience is a key consideration in investment management.• Proper administration can lead to substantial tax savings for business owners.Sound Bites• You have to have an actuary, really smart person• You can put away a lot for savings• You could put away a ton of money, a ton of moneyListen & Subscribe for More:

In this month's YPAC podcast host Shawn Stender, FSA, MAAA will be joined by Simon Gervais, FSA, MAAA to discuss an often-overlooked topic for young actuaries. With so much focus given to career advancement and “managing up,” actuaries looking might overlook the benefits of managing down to promote younger professionals within their organization. This podcast will discuss how managing down can not only benefit your career, but also the actuarial profession. 

In this episode of the Look Forward Podcast, host Andy Critchlow is join by Stephen Smith of the American Academy of Actuaries to explore the intricate relationship between the AAA and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), and the modeling techniques used to assess risk in the actuarial landscape and how the industry is preparing for future challenges. For more content, please register for our upcoming webinar; "Recent NAIC Developments Relating to Insurer Fixed-Income Investments"  The NAIC held its Summer National Meeting from August 10-13, and the NAIC Risk-Based Capital Investment Risk and Evaluation (E) Working Group held an interim meeting on September 8 to discuss the RBC treatment of CLOs.  Join us for a dialogue with Larry Hamilton of Mayer Brown to discuss the latest news on CLOs and key investment-related developments from the Summer National Meeting.

In this episode of the Research Insights Podcast, host Kara Clark, Senior Practice Research Actuary, is joined by returning guests Al Klein, Principal and Consulting Actuary at Milliman, and Erik Pickett, Actuary and Chief Content Officer at Club Vita. Together, they explore Chapter 9 of the SOA Research Institute's paper, Long-Term Drivers of Future Mortality, which focuses on the environment's influence on mortality. This compelling conversation unpacks how pollution, chemical exposure, and climate-related events such as heatwaves, floods, and droughts are shaping mortality risks—both today and in the future. With a focus on geographic disparities and socioeconomic vulnerability, the discussion also highlights the actuarial implications of these long-term environmental trends. This podcast is part of a special series supporting the SOA Research Institute paper Long-Term Drivers of Future Mortality.

On this episode of The Insuring Cyber Podcast, Alena Kharkavets – North American head of claims for WTW's insurance consulting and technology business – joined to discuss the … Read More » The post EP. 107: From Assistants to Actuaries, AI's Next Leap in Insurance appeared first on Insurance Journal TV.

On this episode of The Insuring Cyber Podcast, Alena Kharkavets – North American head of claims for WTW's insurance consulting and technology business – joined to discuss the … Read More » The post EP. 107: From Assistants to Actuaries, AI's Next Leap in Insurance appeared first on Insurance Journal TV.

On this episode of The Insuring Cyber Podcast, Alena Kharkavets – North American head of claims for WTW's insurance consulting and technology business – joined to discuss the … Read More » The post EP. 107: From Assistants to Actuaries, AI's Next Leap in Insurance appeared first on Insurance Journal TV.

In this episode of Hymans Robertson On... Investment, host Jaid Longmore along with Sanjay Joshi, Responsible Investment Consultant at Hymans Robertson, is joined by Dan Mikulskis, Chief Investment Officer at People's Partnership to discuss the future of ESG investing. The ESG pushback has been significant across the investment landscape. Its origins, whether ideological, political, or practical have left asset owners at a crossroads. During this episode, our experts discuss: The origins of the ESG pushback we're currently witnessingTo what extent this pushback is ideological, political or practical.The implications across the investment landscape.We hope you enjoy listening. If you have any questions on anything covered in this episode, please get in touch. Related contentResponsible Investment News and Views - Q2 2025Hymans 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.

In this episode, host Sandy Vance sits with Jon Shreve, CEO of MCG, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of clinical guidelines and decision support. They discuss how MCG is leveraging AI to strengthen its offerings for payer organizations and stakeholders across the healthcare spectrum, why consistent interpretation of guidelines is critical, and how trust plays a central role in the process. The conversation also dives into the question of whether AI standards will ever be unified and gives a sneak peek into the exciting new directions MCG is heading.In this episode, they talk about:How healthcare AI is transforming clinical guidelines and MCG's approachClinical decision support solutions for payers and healthcare organizationsWhy consistent guideline interpretation matters in healthcareBuilding trust in AI-powered clinical decision-makingWill AI standards in healthcare ever be unified?Future innovations in clinical decision support at MCGA Little About Jon:Mr. Shreve oversees all facets of MCG Health's growth and management. He was Chairman of MCG from 2002 to 2009 and became its CEO in 2007. In 2018, Glassdoor recognized him as one of the Top 50 CEOs for Medium and Small Businesses. In 2024, Glassdoor also named MCG a Best Place to Work. Under his leadership, MCG has grown by over 20x. Before MCG's acquisition by Hearst in 2012, Mr. Shreve had been with Milliman for over 25 years as an Equity Principal and Consulting Actuary. In addition to MCG, Mr. Shreve led or sponsored twenty other practices and was on Milliman's Board of Directors. Mr. Shreve received his Bachelor of Arts with distinction in Mathematics from Carleton College in Minnesota, and he is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, as well as a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries.

In this episode of Get Plugged In – AI Insights, host Dale Hall, Managing Director of Research at the Society of Actuaries, sits down with JianGang He, FSA, FCIA (Associate Director, AON PathWise) and Hong Li, FSA, ACIA (Professor, University of Guelph) to discuss the SOA Research Institute report: AI Impact on Insurance Industries in Greater China. Together, they explore how insurers in the Greater China region are rapidly adopting large language models and other AI tools to enhance operations across customer service, underwriting, claims, and agent support. The conversation highlights regional advantages in speed of adoption, strategic partnerships with tech firms, and key challenges like data privacy, governance, and cost. This episode offers actionable insights into how AI is reshaping traditional roles, creating new skill demands, and evolving from an efficiency tool to a strategic driver of innovation.

One of the many reasons a skilled, independent actuary is crucial to your health plan strategy: setting the right individual stop-loss limit.Do you just go with what you did last year? Follow “best practices” blindly? Take whatever a vendor recommends? In this episode, we break down:How to approach stop-loss decisions strategicallyWhy good data is your best friend Common mistakes employers make when self-fundingHow actuaries help you budget accurately & protect your planI was thrilled to have Nick Allen, career actuary and Founder/CEO of Blue Raven, back in the studio for this second half of our 2-part series on why actuaries matter so much in the health plan ecosystem.If you missed Part 1, go back and catch it—then dive into this powerful conclusion!About the Show:The H.I.T. Podcast (Powered by Montage Insurance Solutions): A thought leader in the space, curating the top news and information to deliver a brief, high impact overview designed specifically for the Human Resources professional, business person, and company executive.

Classic Replay: Actuaries with Unconventional Second Acts In celebration of International Literacy Day, the Society of Actuaries Research Institute is re-releasing a standout episode from the Research Insights Podcast archive. This inspiring conversation features actuarial “rock stars” Greg Jacobs and Shane Chalke, who share their extraordinary career journeys and the second acts that followed. Greg found new purpose as a scuba instructor, while Shane transitioned into the world of jazz music! Hosted by Dale Hall, Managing Director of Research at the Society of Actuaries Research Institute, this episode explores how storytelling and life experiences contribute to professional literacy. Tune in for a fresh listen to this memorable episode that reminds us how actuaries can turn their analytical skills into creative, purpose-filled pursuits. Send us your feedback at ResearchInsights@soa.org

In any version of self-funding, you'll need to know your premium equivalent rates—what to budget for, what to deduct from employees, and how to keep your health plan sustainable. That's where a skilled, independent actuary comes in.To unpack this crucial role, I'm joined by my friend and insurance expert Nick Allen, a career actuary and the Founder/CEO of Blue Raven. Together, we kick off a 2-part series that dives into:The value actuaries bring to employers & HR teamsHow premium equivalent rates are calculated Why independence matters in actuarial workHow actuaries fit into the larger ecosystem of health plansThis series will give you the clarity and confidence to make smarter, data-driven decisions about your benefits. Don't miss it!About the Show:The H.I.T. Podcast (Powered by Montage Insurance Solutions): A thought leader in the space, curating the top news and information to deliver a brief, high impact overview designed specifically for the Human Resources professional, business person, and company executive.

In this episode of the Society of Actuaries Research Insights Podcast, host 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 a timely and insightful recap of the NAIC Summer Meeting, held August 10–13, 2025, in Minneapolis. This episode highlights key regulatory discussions, actuarial research presented at CASTF, HATF, and LATF, and emerging issues such as climate-induced migration, the application of machine learning and high-resolution imagery in property insurance, and updated experience studies across disability, annuity, life, and long-term care lines. Listeners are encouraged to explore more details from the meeting once the recap is published by visiting the SOA Select Articles from E-Newsletters landing page.  Tune in for expert insights on where actuarial science meets public policy! Send us your feedbback at ResearchInsights@soa.org 

In this episode of the Get Plugged In podcast, host Dale Hall, Managing Director of Research at the Society of Actuaries, is joined by Joe Alaimo, CEO of ProComp Consulting Inc. Together, they delve into the findings of a recent roundtable discussion focused on the role of generative AI in the actuarial profession. Joe shares highlights from the panel of actuaries and industry professionals who discussed real-world use cases, ethical concerns, and how actuaries are uniquely positioned to navigate the evolving landscape of AI. From code generation and digital coaches to actuarial modeling support, this conversation covers the growing impact of AI in insurance and risk management. Want to explore more? Access the full report and other valuable resources on our Artificial Intelligence landing page at SOA.org Send us your feedback at AI-Insights@soa.org

In this episode of the Research Insights Podcast, Kara Clark, Senior Practice Research Actuary at the Society of Actuaries Research Institute, is joined by Al Klein, Principal and Consulting Actuary at Milliman, and Erik Pickett, Actuary and Chief Content Officer at Club Vita, to explore Chapter 8: Technological Advances from the paper Long-Term Drivers of Future Mortality. This engaging conversation examines how emerging technologies — including wearable tech, bioelectronics, robotics, nanotechnology, predictive analytics, and artificial intelligence — are influencing longevity and reshaping the future of mortality forecasting. Through a lively and insightful discussion, the hosts highlight both the opportunities and challenges posed by technology. Topics range from health-monitoring wearables to ethical concerns around AI and equity of access. This episode provides valuable considerations for actuaries modeling the long-term impacts of rapidly evolving innovations. This podcast is part of a special series supporting the SOA Research Institute paper Long-Term Drivers of Future Mortality. To read the full report, visit the landing page here.

In this episode of Get Plugged In – AI Insights, Dale Hall, Managing Director of Research at the Society of Actuaries, sits down with Dr. Raymond Sheh, Associate Research Scientist at Johns Hopkins University and Guest Researcher at NIST. Together, they explore the concept of Vibe Coding, a new approach to AI-assisted software development that emphasizes intent over syntax. Dr. Sheh unpacks the benefits and the significant risks of relying on tools that “code by vibe,” especially within actuarial workflows. Whether you're a coding novice or an experienced modeler, this episode offers critical insights on how actuaries can use these tools responsibly—without losing rigor or control. To explore more tools and insights about AI in actuarial science, visit the SOA's AI landing page: https://www.soa.org/research/topics/artificial-intelligence-topic-landing Send us your feedback at AI-Insights@soa.org

Join host Justin Le, ASA, MAAA for a talk with Kate Smith FSA, MAAA about finding meaning and purpose in our work as actuaries. Kate is a Director and Actuary working in Valuation at Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company. In this episode Kate shares her perspective and advice on connecting her work to the impact on her company's members.

On this episode of Crazy Wisdom, host Stewart Alsop speaks with Michael Jagdeo, a headhunter and founder working with Exponent Labs and The Syndicate, about the cycles of money, power, and technology that shape our world. Their conversation touches on financial history through The Ascent of Money by Niall Ferguson and William Bagehot's The Money Market, the rise and fall of financial centers from London to New York and the new Texas Stock Exchange, the consolidation of industries and the theory of oligarchical collectivism, the role of AI as both tool and chaos agent, Bitcoin and “quantitative re-centralization,” the dynamics of exponential organizations, and the balance between collectivism and individualism. Jagdeo also shares recruiting philosophies rooted in stories like “stone soup,” frameworks like Yu-Kai Chou's Octalysis and the User Type Hexad, and book recommendations including Salim Ismail's Exponential Organizations and Arthur Koestler's The Act of Creation. Along the way they explore servant leadership, Price's Law, Linux and open source futures, religion as an operating system, and the cyclical nature of civilizations. You can learn more about Michael Jagdeo or reach out to him directly through Twitter or LinkedIn.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversationTimestamps00:05 Stewart Alsop introduces Michael Jagdeo, who shares his path from headhunting actuaries and IT talent into launching startups with Exponent Labs and The Syndicate.00:10 They connect recruiting to financial history, discussing actuaries, The Ascent of Money, and William Bagehot's The Money Market on the London money market and railways.00:15 The Rothschilds, institutional knowledge, and Corn Laws lead into questions about New York as a financial center and the quiet launch of the Texas Stock Exchange by Citadel and BlackRock.00:20 Capital power, George Soros vs. the Bank of England, chaos, paper clips, and Orwell's oligarchical collectivism frame industry consolidation, syndicates, and stone soup.00:25 They debate imperial conquest, bourgeoisie leisure, the decline of the middle class, AI as chaos agent, digital twins, Sarah Connor, Godzilla, and nuclear metaphors.00:30 Conversation turns to Bitcoin, “quantitative re-centralization,” Jack Bogle, index funds, Robinhood micro bailouts, and AI as both entropy and negative entropy.00:35 Jagdeo discusses Jim Keller, Tenstorrent, RISC-V, Nvidia CUDA, exponential organizations, Price's Law, bureaucracy, and servant leadership with the parable of stone soup.00:40 Recruiting as symbiosis, biophilia, trust, Judas, Wilhelm Reich, AI tools, Octalysis gamification, Jordan vs. triangle offense, and the role of laughter in persuasion emerge.00:45 They explore religion as operating systems, Greek gods, Comte's stages, Nietzsche, Jung, nostalgia, scientism, and Jordan Peterson's revival of tradition.00:50 The episode closes with Linux debates, Ubuntu, Framer laptops, PewDiePie, and Jagdeo's nod to Liminal Snake on epistemic centers and turning curses into blessings.Key InsightsOne of the central insights of the conversation is how financial history repeats through cycles of consolidation and power shifts. Michael Jagdeo draws on William Bagehot's The Money Market to explain how London became the hub of European finance, much like New York later did, and how the Texas Stock Exchange signals a possible southern resurgence of financial influence in America. The pattern of wealth moving with institutional shifts underscores how markets, capital, and politics remain intertwined.Jagdeo and Alsop emphasize that industries naturally oligarchize. Borrowing from Orwell's “oligarchical collectivism,” Jagdeo notes that whether in diamonds, food, or finance, consolidation emerges as economies of scale take over. This breeds syndicates and monopolies, often interpreted as conspiracies but really the predictable outcome of industrial maturation.Another powerful theme is the stone soup model of collaboration. Jagdeo applies this parable to recruiting, showing that no single individual can achieve large goals alone. By framing opportunities as shared ventures where each person adds their own ingredient, leaders can attract top talent while fostering genuine symbiosis.Technology, and particularly AI, is cast as both chaos agent and amplifier of human potential. The conversation likens AI to nuclear power—capable of great destruction or progress. From digital twins to Sarah Connor metaphors, they argue AI represents not just artificial intelligence but artificial knowledge and action, pushing humans to adapt quickly to its disruptive presence.The discussion of Bitcoin and digital currencies reframes decentralization as potentially another trap. Jagdeo provocatively calls Bitcoin “quantitative re-centralization,” suggesting that far from liberating individuals, digital currencies may accelerate neo-feudalism by creating new oligarchies and consolidating financial control in unexpected ways.Exponential organizations and the leverage of small teams emerge as another key point. Citing Price's Law, Jagdeo explains how fewer than a dozen highly capable individuals can now achieve billion-dollar valuations thanks to open source hardware, AI, and network effects. This trend redefines scale, making nimble collectives more powerful than bureaucratic giants.Finally, the episode highlights the cyclical nature of civilizations and belief systems. From Rome vs. Carthage to Greek gods shifting with societal needs, to Nietzsche's “God is dead” and Jung's view of recurring deaths of divinity, Jagdeo argues that religion, ideology, and operating systems reflect underlying incentives. Western nostalgia for past structures, whether political or religious, risks idolatry, while the real path forward may lie in new blends of individualism, collectivism, and adaptive tools like Linux and AI.

This week we talk to Karl Murphy, non-executive director at Beazley and previously a partner at actuarial consultancy EMB. We discuss: • The evolution of technology in the insurance market and where it might go next. • Key issues currently facing general insurance markets in 2025 • What makes a great consulting actuary?

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, we continue our August series on artificial intelligence with a thoughtful conversation about voice, values, and the real-world applications of generative AI.Host Meghan Henning sits down with Preeti Vasishtha, Director of Content and Editor in Chief at the American Academy of Actuaries, to explore how she's using AI as both an intern and a strategic partner—from onboarding to a highly technical industry to developing smarter content workflows that save time without sacrificing authenticity.

This interview featured Amanda Hug, the president and chair of the Society of Actuaries, discussing the role of actuaries in building trust with AI models. Amanda shared a personal anecdote from a trip to Uganda, highlighting the global reputation of actuaries. The discussion covered the importance of integrity, excellence, and professionalism in the actuarial field and provided advice on incorporating AI into actuarial processes while maintaining ethical standards.  Contributors: Amanda Hug, FSA, MAAA ;  Jon Forster, ASA, MAAA Thanks for watching and don't forget to subscribe!

Long-Term Drivers of Future Mortality – Medical Advances Guests: Al Klein, Principal and Consulting Actuary, Milliman Erik Pickett, Actuary and Chief Content Officer, Club Vita In this episode of the Research Insights podcast, Kara Clark is joined by Al Klein and Erik Pickett to explore Chapter 7 of the report Long-Term Drivers of Future Mortality. This chapter dives into the crucial role medical advances play in shaping future mortality trends. The discussion covers major 20th-century breakthroughs, today's promising developments in genetics, biomedicine, medical technology, and electronic health records—and the barriers that could limit their impact. With a forward-looking perspective, the guests reflect on how actuaries can model mortality improvements while accounting for accessibility, adoption rates, and societal behavior.

Nick Spencer is a senior consultant and sustainability risk specialist in the Milliman Life and Financial Services practice based in London. He is a Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries and past Chair of its Sustainability Board and a past Council Member. He has written extensively on the integration of climate risks into actuarial work as well as on natural capital, biodiversity and broadly on aspects of the climate transition. Our sweeping discussion starts with risk, which, as an actuary, has been the backbone of Nick's career – analyzing it, measuring it, mitigating it. We look at the challenge of sustainability through a risk lens, and ask whether carbon should remain at the forefront of the discussion or whether it is more critical now to expand the list of priorities. Staying on the topic of risk we speak about standards, reporting and mitigation, and circle into adjacent areas such as the challenge of biodiversity loss, renewable agriculture and the hydrology cycle.  Naturally, some of these seem to be at times insurmountable challenges, and we assess the right mindset for staying in this industry long term.Nick suggested the following resources - see fiftyfaceshub for more details.   Sustainability Accelerator - Chatham House   https://donellameadows.org/systems-thinking-resources/   https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/final-report-the-economics-of-biodiversity-the-dasgupta-review  https://global-tipping-points.org/resources-gtp/Planetary Solvency – Finding Our Balance with Nature and  Planetary Solvency Dashboard ; Thank you to GCM Grosvenor and Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. for sponsoring Series 3 of 2025. GCM Grosvenor is a global alternative asset management firm with a longstanding commitment to supporting small, emerging, and diverse investment managers. For over 30 years, the firm has developed expertise in funding and guiding these managers as part of its broader activity across alternative investments. With over $20 billion in AUM dedicated to small and emerging managers and $16 billion in AUM dedicated to diverse managers, GCM Grosvenor leverages its experienced team, broad network, and proprietary sourcing capabilities to support their success. Through the Small, Emerging, and Diverse Manager Program, the firm creates opportunities for investors to access a wide range of talent while seeking to drive strong returns and impact. For more information, visit www.gcmgrosvenor.com Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. is a diversified, multi-affiliate asset management platform that partners with more than 30 best-in-class affiliated and independent investment managers. Its unique platform delivers strategic value through a full suite of distribution, operational and administrative services available to affiliates and partners.

This classic edition of the Research Insights Podcast, originally published in July 2020, revisits a timely discussion on the ethical use of artificial intelligence in actuarial work. Guest host Gwen Weng, FSA, speaks with the late Neil Raden—founder of Hired Brains and author of the featured report. We republish this episode in tribute to Neil's thoughtful contributions to the profession. Neil Raden Obituary Questions or comments? Email us at researchinsights@soa.org  Report Landing Page:  Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence

Marc Adee is the CEO of Crum & Forster, a leading specialty insurance carrier founded in 1822 and headquartered in Morristown, New Jersey. Marc joined Fairfax in 2000 and holds a B.A. from Northwestern University and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago. He is a fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society and a member of the American Academy of Actuaries. He serves on the boards of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, the Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science, the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center, the Community Foundation of New Jersey, the Tri-County Scholarship Fund, and Fulcrum Digital. In this episode of In the Know, Chris Hampshire and Marc discuss his career path and work as an actuary, his book The Once and Future C & F, and his passion for getting the next generation fired up about being in insurance.   Key Takeaways Marc's career path and focus on preparing the next generation in the insurance industry.  Marc recalls his decision to research and write The Once and Future C & F as a busy CEO. The history of Crum, a great company that lost its way and got another chance. Luck versus strategic decision-making in redefining a company. The impact of culture on driving desired results. Marc's advice for crafting the career path you envision. Characteristics of key leadership individuals. Attracting high-quality talent in today's economy. Marc's blissful advice to his early career self.   In the Know podcast theme music written and performed by James Jones, CPCU, and Kole Shuda of the band If-Then.   To learn more about the CPCU Society, its membership, and educational offerings, tools, and programs, please visit CPCUSociety.org.   Follow the CPCU Society on social media: X (Twitter): @CPCUSociety Facebook: @CPCUSociety LinkedIn: @The Institutes CPCU Society Instagram: @the_cpcu_society   Quotes “Crum is a great company that lost its way and got another chance.” “Getting the right people in and getting them excited is a big part of a company's culture.” “You can have a rich career develop in one place, but it may require you to raise your hand for some of the crummy jobs.”  

Join host Tiana Zhao, FSA, CERA, as she explores the emerging field of marketing actuaries in this insightful episode of the SOA Marketing and Distribution podcast. Discover how these professionals blend actuarial science with marketing strategies to drive data-informed business decisions. Tiana breaks down the key responsibilities of marketing actuaries, including data analysis, predictive modeling, customer segmentation, and pricing optimization. Learn how this evolving role is shaping the future of marketing in our increasingly data-driven business landscape. Whether you're an actuary looking to expand your skillset or a marketing professional curious about the power of actuarial science, this episode offers valuable insights into this exciting intersection of disciplines.

In this podcast, Michael Frings FSA, MAAA, now Chief Actuary at one of the Bermuda insurance companies, shares his experiences on his career path, where he started from an unexpected place -- medical school, which ultimately took him to where he is now -- an actuary. Please join us as we explore how Michael navigated his "unusual" path, how he found success, and what one may expect entering the profession from a different background.

In this special episode of the Research Insights Podcast, Dale Hall, Managing Director of the Society of Actuaries Research Institute, honors the legacy of James C.H. Anderson—a pioneering actuary and visionary in the insurance world. Joining Dale are four esteemed guests who personally knew and worked with Jim: Jay Jaffe, FSA, MAAA, President of Reinsurance Administration, Ltd. Jim MacGinnitie, former Chief Economist of the American Council of Life Insurers Mike Tuohy, Managing Director at Tillinghast Ron Butkiewicz, CEO of First Penn Pacific Together, they reflect on Jim's groundbreaking contributions, including his revolutionary work in gross premium calculations, profit measurement, and the development of Universal Life products. From his early days at Abbey Life to influential consulting roles in London and Atlanta, Jim's ideas reshaped insurance regulation, product development, and actuarial practice for decades to come. Further Resources to Explore James C. H. Anderson's Legacy: Gross Premium Calculations and Profit Measurement for Nonparticipating Insurance James C. H. Anderson ASA, MAAA, FCA 1975 November Edition of Emphasis – The Universal Life Insurance Policy  James C. H. Anderson ASA, MAAA, FCA Insurance Hall of Fame Profile James C. H. Anderson ASA, MAAA, FCA Transactions of Society of Actuaries, 1993 VOL. 45 – Obituary James Charles Henry Anderson Send us your feedback at ResearchInsights@soa.org

In Episode 6 of the Society of Actuaries Research Institute's podcast series Long-Term Drivers of Future Mortality, Kara Clark is joined by Al Klein, Principal and Consulting Actuary at Milliman, and Erik Pickett, Actuary and Chief Content Officer at Club Vita, to discuss the pivotal role of health care in shaping future mortality outcomes. Drawing from the SOA Research Institute report presented at the 2023 Living to 100 Symposium, this episode dives into Chapter 6, which examines health care systems across the globe—from universal government-funded models to private nonuniversal systems—and their implications for access, treatment, prevention, and long-term outcomes. The conversation explores technological innovation, systemic disparities, and the actuarial lens on future health care challenges.

Craig Chu, president of the Sexuality and Gender Alliance of Actuaries, joins host David Nolan on the latest episode of Actuary Voices. Craig shares his journey to becoming an actuary and discusses his role as president of SAGAA.

In honor of National Safety Month, the Society of Actuaries is re-releasing its very first Research Insights podcast — a foundational conversation that still resonates today. Dale Hall, FSA, CERA, MAAA, Managing Director of Research, introduces the episode, which highlights the findings from the 2017 SOA report, "Analysis of Opioid Overdose Death Trends in the United States." This conversation explores key mortality trends, risk factors, and how actuarial analysis can support public health efforts, especially in tackling the opioid crisis. It's a timely reflection during a month dedicated to reducing preventable harm. Explore the original report here: https://www.soa.org/resources/research-reports/2017/2017-opioid-overdose-deaths-us/ Send us your feedback at ResearchInsights@soa.org

This week in the guest chair, we're spotlighting Marina Batliwalla, financial professional and host of the Banking on Girls podcast. Born in India, raised in Australia, and now based in LA, Marina joined Podcast Moguls to launch a show centered around financial literacy for women and girls—and she's done just that, all while working full-time.Marina shares how she overcame mindset hurdles to get started, leveraged her platform to speak at the United Nations, and is now piloting financial education workshops for mothers and daughters.In this episode, she shares:How she found her voice and confidence through Podcast MogulsWhy financial literacy needs to start before the age of 7The early media skills she brought from her radio days in SydneyHow her show opened doors to speak at global institutionsWhy she's now looking at B2B opportunities for her educational workshopsHighlights Include:00:00 Intro02:25 From actuary to advocate: Marina's global journey05:20 How a Girl Scout badge sparked her podcast vision12:30 Naming her podcast Banking on Girls and protecting the brand15:00 Defining her perfect listener: mothers raising daughters22:00 Workshop pilot programs and future monetization strategies31:00 Leveraging her podcast to attend the United Nations40:00 How Marina got over her fear of marketingCheck out episode 465 of Side Hustle Pro podcast out now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTubeLinks mentioned in this episodeBanking on Girls Podcast – https://www.bankingongirls.com United Nations Commission on the Status of Women – https://www.unwomen.org/en/csw Cherie Blair Foundation for Women – https://cherieblairfoundation.orgGirl Scouts' Personal Management Badge Info – https://www.girlscouts.orgStock Market Game – https://www.stockmarketgame.orgClick here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): http://sidehustlepro.libsyn.com/rssAnnouncementsJoin our Facebook CommunityIf you're looking for a community of supportive side hustlers who are all working to take our businesses to the next level, join us here: http://sidehustlepro.co/facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  This podcast features Robert Eaton, Principal and Consulting Actuary at Milliman and Sherry Chan, Managing Director at EY.  They discussed the role of actuaries in overseeing AI models, highlighting their unique skills in data analysis and model evaluation. Robert and Sherry emphasized the importance of actuaries in ensuring AI models are free from bias and leveraging AI to handle routine tasks, allowing actuaries to focus on strategic and analytical roles.   For more info on PD Edge+ click here:   https://www.soa.org/prof-dev/pd-edge/    

In the fifth episode of the Society of Actuaries Research Institute's special podcast series on the Long-Term Drivers of Future Mortality, host Kara Clark, Senior Practice Research Actuary, is joined by Al Klein, Principal and Consulting Actuary at Milliman and co-author of the featured report, and Erik Pickett, Actuary and Chief Content Officer at Club Vita. This episode explores diseases as critical drivers of future mortality. Topics include chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer; mental health and neurodegenerative diseases; and the ongoing threats of infectious diseases and pandemics. The speakers highlight how evolving medical treatments, shifting demographics, and public health infrastructure influence mortality projections—and the implications these have for actuaries. This conversation is grounded in Chapter Five: Diseases from the report, Long-Term Drivers of Future Mortality, originally presented at the 2023 Living to 100 Symposium.

Joe Bill is widely regarded as one of the best teachers of Improvisation in America today. He is one of the founding members of Annoyance Theater Chicago, was the Director of Corporate Training at iO Chicago for 15 years, and a Teacher & Guest Artist in Residence at The Second City Conservatory & Training Center for another 15 years. Joe first practiced improvisation in 1977 and studied and worked with Del Close from 1985 through the mid 90's.Joe is also a Senior Facilitator for The Ariel Group, specializing in Leadership & Personal Presence and Storytelling for Business People. He was the Master Facilitator of the Western U.S. for Ferrazzi Greenlight in their Trusted Advisor Initiative with General Motors from 2015-2016. His clients range from C Level to new hires, in a number of vastly different industries. He is just as comfortable coaching Creative Teams, Corporate Leaders, and Television Stars as he is coaching Engineers, Analysts, and Actuaries.Joe has also been touring internationally as an improvisational performer, teacher, and director for more than 20 years. You can reach him at integratedimprovisation.com. He also has a book coming out soon, called, "Maybe It's Your Fault." Our conversation ranged from basketball theory to CageMatch victories! Don't miss this one! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? Send us a text message!#205: Emma Tekstra is an Actuary and Global Health Consultant who focuses on the data and science of the human body. She explains the difficulties behind making lasting health changes, the motivations people have for improving their health, and how to live a healthier life.   What you'll learn[02:25] What an actuary is and how Emma became a Health specialist. [7:28] The different motivations people have for improving their health. [11:06] Personal experiences to identify before you think about lifestyle changes. [12:54] How to start living a healthier life. [15:45] What to do if you're feeling lonely. [16:03] How to reflect on your life circumstances. [19:44] What improvements you can make to your life. [22:37] How to measure the success of life changes. [26:26] Why it's so difficult to make health changes. [27:16] How to avoid improvement plateaus. [29:16] Universal truths that benefit everyone. [33:52] How to apply critical thinking to lifestyle advice.Resources mentioned in this episodePlease note that some of these are affiliate links and we may get a commission in the event that you make a purchase.  This helps us to cover our expenses and is at no additional cost to you.Just One Thing podcastSignosBowling Alone, Robert PutnamLast Child in the Woods, Richard LouvWilful Blindness, Margaret HeffenenThings That Matter, Joshua BeckerChange Work Life CoachingFor the show notes for this episode, including a full transcript and links to all the resources mentioned, visit:https://changeworklife.com/health-vs-hype-using-data-to-make-smarter-health-choices/Re-assessing your career?  Know you need a change but don't really know where to start?  Check out these two exercises to start the journey of working out what career is right for you!

Hello and welcome!   We have a great episode for you today. Our guest is Geralyn Trujillo, Senior Director of Public Policy at the American Academy of Actuaries. She and our host, Dale Hall, Managing Director of Research at the Society of Actuaries Research Institute, will be walking us through key takeaways from the recent NAIC 2025 Spring Meeting, held in Indianapolis from March 23 to March 26. If you're looking for a clear and thoughtful recap, you're in the right place. Let's get started! SOA e-Newsletter:  NAIC Spring 2025 Meeting Recap Send us your feedback at ResearchInsights@soa.org 

Welcome to the April edition of Research Insights Classic, where we revisit some of our most impactful discussions. In this episode, we delve into the findings from two 2017 reports on climate, weather, and environmental sources. These comprehensive studies explore the intricate relationships between climate patterns and their effects on various sectors, providing valuable insights for researchers and policymakers alike. Join us as we re-release this enlightening conversation, shedding light on the critical data and methodologies that continue to shape our understanding of climate risks and opportunities. Climate, Weather and Environmental Sources for Actuaries Climate Sources for Actuaries Send us your feedback at RsearchInsights@soa.org

How to assess the damage that the conspiring witnesses would have caused if they hadn't been determined to be conspiring: especially with monetary cases, such as the value of a ketubah, for example. But if he were to have died, he'd only have lost the value of the ketubah, without having to pay it out. So the risk of her having been widowed becomes part of the equation - including whether someone might have been willing to buy out the ketubah. Likewise, a case where the person they're testifying against has done the thing they're testifying about - and in that case, how much damage have they caused him? Also, a caveat about whether a loan is made with a promissory note - and how the default 30 days before asking for your money back kicks in only with a formal IOU. Plus, a concern about opening a collar on a shirt - and how that would be a violation of Shabbat, in contrast to removing the stopper from a wine barrel.

 Extinction Rebellion's co-founder Clare Farrell and conservation scientist Dr Charlie Gardner team up once more to discuss issues and stories they feel are not getting enough airtime. They want to make sure that the latest news in science and important reports that are relevant to the climate and ecological crisis are flagged and explained in ways that are easy to understand.EPISODE 22: Unexpected warming, legal success, and how many will dieThis time, Clare and Charlie cover a new scientific paper warning that global warming is accelerating, the bad framing of bats and newts vs growth, the legal cases brought against the government concerning new fossil fuel infrastructure and a report by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries into climate risks.References:New Hansen paper - global warming has accelerated 2C is deadhttps://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00139157.2025.2434494https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/feb/04/climate-change-target-of-2c-is-dead-says-renowned-climate-scientistJanuary was +1.75Chttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/feb/06/hottest-january-on-record-climate-scientists-global-temperatures-highInstitute and Faculty of Actuaries paper on climate riskshttps://actuaries.org.uk/media-release/current-climate-policies-risk-catastrophic-societal-and-economic-impacts/ ---------------------Please, share, comment, subscribe, like, mobilise, and donate!https://chuffed.org/xr/ukExtinction Rebellion UK:https://extinctionrebellion.uk/