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.
34episodes
Episodes
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2024 Retirement Risk Survey Series
3w ago00:24:25Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Research Insights Podcast, Dale Hall, Managing Director of Research at the Society of Actuaries Research Institute, discusses the 2024 Retirement Risk Survey Report of Findings with Griffin Lothrop and May Ling Hu of Deloitte. The conversation explores Americans' retirement concerns and preparedness, including retirement income, unexpected financial shocks, caregiving, family support, technology, inflation, and the evolving role of AI in retirement planning and financial decision-making. The survey includes more than 2,000 Americans ages 45 to 80, including both pre-retirees and retirees, and provides a broad view of the forces shaping retirement readiness and risk. Listeners will gain insights into how pre-retirees and retirees are navigating inflation, early retirement, financial challenges, family support expectations, and technology adoption. The episode also highlights important considerations around AI use, data security, and how financial and technology providers can help retirees engage with digital tools safely and confidently. Review the report: https://www.soa.org/resources/research-reports/2025/retirement-risk-survey-series/
Transcribe →The Longevity Brief with Siegel and Clark – Episode 5
3w ago00:18:48Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Longevity Brief with Siegel and Clark, Steve Siegel and Kara Clark share a practical roundup of what is new across the Society of Actuaries Research Institute's Aging & Retirement and Mortality & Longevity Strategic Research Programs. Steve Siegel, longtime SOA leader and contributor, provides updates from Aging & Retirement, including the 2024 Retirement Risk Survey Series, upcoming research launches, open calls, volunteer opportunities, and recent media or social mentions. Kara Clark highlights the latest from Mortality & Longevity, including the essay collection on obesity and its impact on mortality, upcoming launches, open requests for proposals, volunteer opportunities, and other key developments. Listeners will also hear about current opportunities related to AI and large language model tools in retirement, long-term services and supports, macroeconomic indicators for mortality forecasting, and population-to-insured mortality translation. Tune in for a concise briefing on the research, tools, and opportunities shaping longevity, retirement, and mortality work.
Transcribe →Beyond the Headlines: The 2025 Disaster Reshaping Risk
3w ago00:16:25Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Research Insights Podcast, Dale Hall, Managing Director of Research at the Society of Actuaries Research Institute, speaks with Rebecca Owen, FSA, MAAA, one of the authors of the SOA Research Institute report Beyond the Headlines: The 2025 Disaster Reshaping Risk. Their conversation explores the 2025 Alaska floods, an event selected by the Catastrophe and Climate Research Program for its important implications for climate and catastrophe risk. The discussion highlights how this disaster affected remote Alaska Native villages, exposed infrastructure vulnerabilities, and raised important actuarial considerations around historical loss data, catastrophe modeling, pricing, reserving, capital frameworks and long-term climate risk projections. Listeners will gain insight into why actuaries play a critical role in translating complex climate dynamics into actionable guidance for organizations, policymakers and communities preparing for emerging risks. To learn more, read the report: https://www.soa.org/resources/research-reports/2026/2025-disaster-reshaping-risk/
Transcribe →June 2026 Classic Edition -Dementia Neurology Deserts and Long-Term Care Insurance Claims Experience in the United States
Jun 1000:20:38Tap to summarizeIn recognition of Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, this episode of the Research Insights Podcast revisits "Dementia Neurology Deserts and Long-Term Care Insurance Claims Experience in the United States." The discussion explores how limited access to neurology specialists—often referred to as dementia neurology deserts—may correlate with long-term care insurance claims experience. Geography can influence the timing of diagnosis, access to treatment, and the progression of care needs, with meaningful implications for both health outcomes and financial security. As dementia affects individuals, families, and care systems alike, this episode offers important perspective on how gaps in specialty care intersect with long-term care planning. Listen now to revisit this timely and impactful conversation.
Transcribe →The Longevity Brief with Siegel and Clark – Episode 4
May 1900:18:36Tap 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.
Transcribe →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.
Transcribe →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.
Transcribe →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.
Transcribe →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.
Transcribe →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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