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.
35episodes
Episodes
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January 2026 Classic Edition - Race, Precept 1 & Professional Integrity
Jan 1900:17:53Tap to summarizeIn honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, this episode of the Research Insights Podcast invites listeners to reflect on equity, ethics, and professional responsibility. The episode revisits the compelling discussion titled "Race, Precept 1 & Professional Integrity: The Tale of Frederick L. Hoffman," which explores the historical context and actuarial implications of biased data and unethical practices. Through a thoughtful conversation, this episode challenges actuaries and professionals alike to examine the impact of historical bias in data, the role of Precept 1 of the Code of Professional Conduct, and how integrity must underpin actuarial work. As we commemorate Dr. King's legacy, we encourage listeners to think deeply about fairness, justice, and the responsibilities that come with professional designation. Listen now and join the ongoing dialogue on ethics and equity in the actuarial profession.
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Tips for Success: Preparing for the SOA Student Research Case Study Challenge
Jan 1600:20:24Tap to summarizeIn this special episode of the Society of Actuaries Research Insights Podcast, Lisa Schilling, Director of Practice Research at the SOA Research Institute, is joined by four members of the Student Research Case Study Challenge (SRCSC) Committee: Elizabeth Alleman, Carlos Arocha, Russell Hendel, and Lisa Ullman. Together, they share valuable advice and insider tips to help students around the world prepare for the annual Student Research Case Study Challenge. From advice on writing clearly and concisely for a business audience to strategies for managing imperfect data and working effectively in teams, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to excelling in the challenge. The conversation also covers how submissions are judged, how non-native English speakers can succeed, and the important role of faculty advisors. To learn more about the Student Research Case Study Challenge and access current and past cases, visit: https://www.soa.org/research/opportunities/2026-student-research-case-study-challenge/
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Availability, Affordability, and Adequacy of Insurance in Areas Impacted by Climate-related Risks
Jan 1300:24:33Tap to summarizeAvailability, Affordability, and Adequacy of Insurance in Areas Impacted by Climate-related Risks In this episode of the Society of Actuaries Research Insights Podcast, Dale Hall, Managing Director of Research at the SOA Research Institute, speaks with Peter J. Sousounis, PhD—author of the October 2024 SOA report—and Ian Genno, FSA, FCIA, CERA, Chair of the Catastrophe and Climate Research Selection Committee. Together, they explore the challenges and potential solutions surrounding insurance availability, affordability, and adequacy in regions affected by climate-related risks. The conversation draws from insights gathered during an expert panel session that informed the report. Key themes include rising premiums, underinsurance, regulatory limitations, and the growing role of predictive modeling and AI in assessing and managing catastrophe risk. They also discuss innovative insurance models such as parametric insurance, the importance of public-private partnerships, and the future outlook for the insurance industry as climate events increase in frequency and severity. To explore the full report and additional catastrophe and climate research, visit: https://www.soa.org/resources/research-reports/2024/ins-availability-climate-risk-areas/
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Special Holiday Edition - In the Mix for 2026
Jan 100:23:15Tap to summarizeIn the Mix for 2026: Research Goals and Personal Milestones from the Research Institute Kick off the new year with Part 2 of the Society of Actuaries Research Institute's Holiday Season podcast series, hosted by Dale Hall, Managing Director of Research. In this special episode, Dale is joined by a full panel of SOA researchers and team members—including Achilles Natsis, Joe Alaimo, Kara Clark, Lisa Schilling, Nicole Anagnos, Patrick Nolan, Philip Adams, Rob Montgomery, and Steve Siegel—as they look ahead to 2026. Each guest shares professional ambitions across key areas like health care, mortality, annuities, AI, climate, and retirement—along with a few fun personal resolutions for the year ahead. From expanding research on GLP-1s and longevity to launching new studies in mortality and long-term care, this episode is filled with energy, insights, and optimism for the actuarial profession in 2026. 🎧 Start your year with purpose, perspective, and a podcast that brings the future into focus. For feedback or ideas, email us at ResearchInsights@soa.org
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August 2025 Classic Edition – Actuarial Implications – ISSB & Global Climate-related Financial Disclosure Standards
Aug 1000:26:31Tap to summarize🦁 It’s World Lion Day—and we’re thinking bigger than the savannah. Climate change doesn’t just impact ecosystems—it shakes global financial systems too. That’s where actuaries come in. In our featured episode, “Implications for Actuaries from the ISSB and Global Climate-related Financial Disclosure Standards,” we talk with Warren Rodericks, FSA, FCIA, about how actuaries can apply their skills to climate scenario modeling, data interpretation, and risk analysis—key tools in understanding the broader impact of climate risk on everything from portfolios to planet. Let’s protect the world’s ecosystems—one model at a time. Questions or comments? Email us at researchinsights@soa.org. Report Landing Page: https://www.soa.org/resources/research-reports/2024/issb-fin-disclosure-standards/
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Long-Term Drivers of future Mortality – Episode 7 – Medical Advances
Jul 30, 202500:11:03Tap to summarizeLong-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. 📘 Explore the full report and other chapters Send us your feedback at ResearchInsights@soa.org
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July 2025 Classic Edition - Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence for Actuaries
Jul 17, 202500:25:37Tap to summarizeThis 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
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50th Anniversary of The Universal Life Insurance Policy
Jun 26, 202500:39:09Tap to summarizeIn 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
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Long Term Drivers of Future Mortality – Episode 6 – Health Care
Jun 25, 202500:13:06Tap to summarizeIn 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. 📘 Access the full report and explore all podcast episodes here: https://www.soa.org/resources/research-reports/2025/longterm-drivers-futuremort-podseries/ Send us your feedback at ResearchInsights@soa.org
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June 2025 Classic Edition - Opioid Overdose Deaths in the United States
Jun 19, 202500:12:06Tap to summarizeIn 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
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