Podcast
Research Insights, a Society of Actuaries Podcast
Hosted by Research Insights · EN
Research Insights, hosted by R. Dale Hall, FSA, MAAA, CERA, Managing Director of the SOA Research Institute and occasional guest hosts, highlights Society of Actuaries (SOA) Research Institute research. The podcasts include recently released research reports, research featured at SOA meetings, and other related items produced by SOA research.
30episodes
Episodes
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The Longevity Brief with Siegel and Clark – Episode 4
4w ago00:18:36Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Longevity Brief with Siegel and Clark, host Rose Northon of the Society of Actuaries Research Institute is joined by Steve Siegel and Kara Clark for a timely roundup of recent and upcoming research across the Aging & Retirement and Mortality & Longevity Strategic Research Programs. The discussion highlights newly published essay collections, including Impact of Family Structure on Aspects of Retirement and The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Retirement Professionals and Retirees, along with updates on upcoming projects, open calls, volunteer opportunities and recent research activity. Listeners will also hear what is "on the launchpad" and what is generating buzz across SOA Research Institute longevity-related work. Tune in for a quick, useful briefing on the research shaping conversations around aging, retirement, mortality and longevity.
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Longevity Perceptions and Drivers: How Americans View Life Expectancy
May 1500:15:49Tap to summarizeIn recognition of Older Americans Month, this episode of the Research Insights Podcast revisits "Public Perception of Longevity and its Drivers." As Americans live longer, perceptions of longevity play an important role in shaping retirement planning, financial preparedness, and long-term security. This episode explores how individuals think about life expectancy, what influences those beliefs, and why those perceptions matter for individuals, families, employers, and public programs. Understanding longevity is more than tracking a demographic trend—it informs how we prepare for retirement, health needs, and financial resilience across decades. Listen now to revisit this timely conversation during Older Americans Month and beyond.
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2026 - SOA Research Institute - Student Research Case Study Challenge
May 700:21:28Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Society of Actuaries Research Insights Podcast, Dale Hall, Managing Director of Research at the SOA Research Institute, speaks with the winning team of the 2026 Student Research Case Study Challenge from the University of New South Wales in Kensington, Australia: Vihaan Jain, Sarina Truong, Carol Zhang, Liya Ruan and Alan Steny. They are joined by Lisa Schilling, Director of Practice Research, who shares perspective on the development and coordination of the annual challenge. The conversation highlights how the winning team formed, what they learned from the experience, how they balanced the challenge with coursework and how they navigated the rigor of the competition. Listeners will also hear advice for future participants and gain insight into the volunteer-led effort behind the Student Research Case Study Challenge. Learn more about the SOA Research Institute's Student Research Case Study Challenge by visiting SOA.org, navigating to the Research Institute section and selecting Research Opportunities. There, listeners can explore finalist papers, participating teams, submissions and challenge materials.
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From Actuary to Jeopardy! - No. 2
May 400:31:53Tap to summarizeIn 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.
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April 2026 Classic Edition - Environmental Risk Series
Apr 2200:27:12Tap to summarizeIn honor of Earth Day, this episode of the Research Insights Podcast revisits a timely discussion from the Climate Change and Environmental Risks Series. Originally published on April 5, 2021, the episode explores what environmental risk means today and why it matters for individuals, communities, and the organizations that serve them. From extreme weather to shifting climate patterns, these risks have growing implications for health, property, and economic security. For actuaries and risk professionals, understanding and translating environmental risk into actionable insight is increasingly essential. Listen now and reflect on the role of climate and environmental risk in shaping informed decisions—on Earth Day and beyond.
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From Actuary to Jeopardy!
Apr 1700:19:12Tap to summarizeIn 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.
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NAIC 2026 Spring Meeting Recap
Apr 1600:21:11Tap to summarizeIn 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
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The Longevity Brief with Siegel and Clark – Episode 3
Mar 3100:10:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Longevity Brief with Siegel and Clark, host Rose Northon is joined by Steve Siegel and Kara Clark from the Society of Actuaries Research Institute for a fast-paced update on the latest developments across the Aging & Retirement and Mortality & Longevity Strategic Research Programs. The conversation highlights recent research generating strong interest, including Impact of Climate Change Risk on Retirement: A Collection of Essays and International Reinsurance Landscape Overview for U.S. Life & Annuities. Steve and Kara also preview upcoming work on obesity's potential effect on future mortality trends, while sharing research opportunities, open calls, and ways for listeners to get involved. For actuaries, researchers, and industry professionals looking to stay current on emerging longevity, retirement, and mortality issues, this episode offers practical insights and a look at what is coming next from the SOA Research Institute.
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March 2026 Classic Edition-Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning
Mar 1400:20:26Tap to summarizeIn this classic episode of Research Insights, the discussion centers around the growing impact of predictive analytics and machine learning in actuarial science. The episode explores how actuaries are applying these tools in real-world modeling scenarios to uncover insights, improve decision-making, and navigate complex data environments. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of what's possible with these technologies, as well as important considerations and potential pitfalls. Perfect for Pi Day—or any day you want to celebrate the power of numbers—this episode offers valuable takeaways whether you're a seasoned modeler or simply curious about how machine learning is shaping the business landscape. Tune in to revisit this insightful conversation and discover how data-driven innovation is transforming actuarial work.
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The Longevity Brief with Siegel and Clark – Episode 2
Mar 1100:15:31Tap to summarizeIn this second episode of The Longevity Brief with Siegel and Clark, host Rose Northon of the Society of Actuaries Research Institute is joined by Steve Siegel and Kara Clark, who lead the Society of Actuaries Research Institute's Aging & Retirement and Mortality & Longevity Strategic Research Programs. They share a quick, practical briefing on what's new and what's next—highlighting momentum around the Long-Term Care Wellness Primer, interest in the Longevity Illustrator (a helpful way to explore longevity assumptions), and what's "closest to takeoff" across both research programs, including upcoming work such as Long-Term Services and Supports—A Collection of Essays. The episode closes with additional quick hits on open calls and volunteer opportunities.
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