Actuary Voices

The Hidden Cost of Complexity: Pietro Parodi on Smarter Actuarial Models Jul 16, 2026 23:28 In this episode of Actuary Voices, Pietro Parodi, pricing actuary, author, and thought leader, shares his unconventional path into the actuarial profession, from studying physics and AI to becoming one of the industry's leading voices on pricing and actuarial modeling. Pietro discusses why more data doesn't always lead to better decisions, the importance of building models that are both accurate a

GLP-1s Explained: Beyond the Weightloss with Dr. Kimberly Ferrero Jun 25, 2026 22:42 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, th

Hidden to Heard: Transgender Visibility and the Power of Data with Cynthia Edwalds Jun 4, 2026 17:58 In this episode of Actuary Voices, Cynthia Edwalds, treasurer of the Sexuality and Gender Alliance of Actuaries (SAGAA), talks about her path to becoming an actuary, the importance of visibility and community within the profession, and the challenges of understanding risks when data doesn't tell the full story. She explores how actuaries account for missing data, barriers to insurance acces

Policy Update: Tariffs, Inflation, and Rising Auto Insurance Costs Jun 1, 2026 23:07 In this episode of Actuary Voices: Policy Update, host Ted Gotsch sits down with Rob Fischer, Margo MacKenzie, and Jeff Clinch to explore one of the most pressing issues facing consumers and insurers today: the rising cost of auto insurance. The conversation examines the factors driving affordability challenges across the auto insurance market, including inflation, vehicle repair costs, chang

Leading the Actuarial Profession Forward: Insights from Tricia Matson May 21, 2026 38:48 In this episode of Actuary Voices, Academy President Tricia Matson and Academy Executive Director Bill Michalisin reflect on the challenges and opportunities shaping the actuarial profession today. From AI and climate risk to affordability and demographic changes, they discuss what feels most consequential right now and why actuaries are uniquely equipped to help organizations and society make sen

AI Won't Replace Actuaries: Melissa McDermott on How AI Will Change (Nearly) Everything Apr 23, 2026 19:52 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

Inside the NAIC Spring Meeting with Katie Dzurec: AI, Risk, and What's Next Apr 9, 2026 29:58 Growing affordability concerns. Conversations about how AI is reshaping access to insurance. The NAIC Spring 2026 Meeting covered a lot of ground, and the Academy was at the center of it. In this episode of Actuary Voices, host Ted Gotsch talks with Katie Dzurec, the Academy's Director of State Public Policy Outreach, about the key takeaways from this year's meeting. Katie shares what regulators a

Decoding the Economy & AI Investments: Insights from an Economist Mar 12, 2026 23:51 In the latest episode of Actuary Voices, Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at Cotality, joins host Preeti Vasishtha for a conversation about the economy, housing trends, and AI investments.

The Pipeline to Leadership: Gloria Gilliam Feb 26, 2026 21:47 As we celebrate Black History Month, host David Nolan is joined by Gloria Gilliam, President of the International Association of Black Actuaries, for a new episode of Actuary Voices, in which Gloria shares her journey to becoming an actuary and building the next generation of actuaries.

Telling the Academy's Story: Geralyn Trujillo Feb 12, 2026 18:13 In the latest episode of Actuary Voices, Geralyn Trujillo, the Academy's Senior Director of Public Policy, joins host David Nolan for a conversation about the Academy's policy priorities for 2026.

Telling the Academy's Story: Senior Directors of the Academy Feb 12, 2026 24:05 In the latest episode of Actuary Voices, the Academy's Senior Directors join host David Nolan for a conversation about Academy priorities for 2026 and putting our members front and center.

David Alpher, Katie Dzurec, and Matthew Sonduck Jan 29, 2026 34:46 In the latest episode of Actuary Voices, the Academy's Public Policy Directors join host Ted Gotsch for a conversation about our upcoming Hill visits, how the Academy interacts with federal and state policymakers, as well as the important policy topics that the Academy and its volunteers are focused on for 2026.

Anthony Lucero Jan 8, 2026 28:04 Anthony Lucero, the immediate past-president of the Organization of Latino Actuaries, joined host David Nolan on the latest episode of Actuary Voices. Anthony shares his journey to becoming an actuary and discusses OLA's future plans.

Ethan Sonnichsen & Katie Dzurec Nov 19, 2025 33:44 Tune into the latest Actuary Voices episode featuring Ethan Sonnichsen, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' Chief Government Affairs Officer, and Katie Dzurec, the Academy's Director of Public Policy State Outreach. The two discuss the relationship between the two organizations and how they work together in areas such as health care, casualty, life insurance and more to improve pu

Bobby Jaegers Oct 23, 2025 24:29 For Cybersecurity Awareness Month, in a new Actuary Voices podcast episode, Committee on Cyber Risk member Bobby Jaegers discusses building a strong U.S. cybersecurity infrastructure and cyber resilience at the personal level.

Retirement Symposium Oct 20, 2025 29:35 In the latest episode of Actuary Voices, Academy volunteers Connie Rydberg, Bruce Cadenhead, and Spencer Look join host Ted Gotsch for a conversation about the retirement symposium, Actuarial Perspectives and Solutions for Strengthening the U.S. Retirement System, which they spoke at in Washington, D.C.

Darrell Knapp Oct 3, 2025 23:48 In a special edition of Actuary Voices, Academy President Darrell Knapp discusses the role the Academy plays, and his year as president, with Academy Executive Director and CEO Bill Michalisin.

Kelly Cusick Sep 2, 2025 16:51 Kelly Cusick, the chair of The Actuarial Foundation, joins host David Nolan on the latest episode of Actuary Voices. Kelly shares her journey to becoming an actuary and discusses her position as the chair of The Actuarial Foundation's Board of Trustees.

Craig Chu Jun 23, 2025 26:11 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.

Sandy Lowe Jun 4, 2025 16:43

Charlie Lei May 21, 2025 22:42 Charlie Lei, president of Abacus Actuaries, is the newest guest on Actuary Voices. He discusses his journey to becoming an actuary and his role as president. Listen to the episode now—and don't forget to subscribe so you can be alerted as new episodes are released.

Stephen Abrokwah Apr 28, 2025 30:54 Stephen Abrokwah, president of the International Association of Black Actuaries, joins host David Nolan on the latest episode of Actuary Voices. Stephen shares his journey to becoming an actuary and discusses his new role as president of the IABA.

Insurance Investment Summit Apr 8, 2025 19:44 In the latest episode of Actuary Voices, Life Practice Council Vice President Jason Kehrberg and Insurance Investment Summit participants Steve Smith and Jared Wilner join host Ted Gotsch for a conversation about the upcoming event in New York City.

Academy Senior Fellows Jan 31, 2025 52:00 In the latest episode of Actuary Voices, the Academy's Senior Fellows join host Ted Gotsch for a conversation about the recent election and Academy policy priorities for the coming year.

John Blocher Dec 24, 2024 32:11 The latest Actuarial Voices podcast features an interview with ERM/ORSA Committee volunteer John Blocher, who discusses risk management issues and his work with the group Abacus Actuaries in bringing more actuaries of Asian descent into management-level positions. Subscribe to Actuarial Voices wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Marcela Granados Nov 11, 2024 50:20 Marcela Granados, president of the Organization of Latino Actuaries, joins host David Nolan on the latest episode of Actuary Voices. She shares her journey as an actuary – from her educational experiences in Mexico and at Harvard University to her current role in consulting. Please subscribe to Actuary Voices on your preferred podcast platform.

Isabelle McCullough Oct 21, 2024 22:16 Isabelle McCullough, a member of Academy's Committee on Cyber Risk, joins Actuary Voices host David Nolan for a conversation about the committee's work, trends they're seeing, and what drew her to working in this area.

Ari Moskowitz Sep 25, 2024 42:42 Ari Moskowitz, an Academy volunteer and board member of the Network of Actuarial Women and Allies, joins host David Nolan on the latest episode of Actuary Voices to discuss the importance of allyship and diversity, as well as challenges the profession is currently facing. Please subscribe to Actuary Voices on your preferred podcast platform.

Election Clearinghouse: Rade Musulin Aug 30, 2024 31:15 Rade Musulin, a member of the Academy's Research Committee, joins host Ted Gotsch on this special Election Issues Clearinghouse episode of Actuary Voices. They discuss Rade's wide experience in extreme weather events and their effects on property insurance, both professionally and here at the Academy.

Tamara Burden Aug 22, 2024 36:24 In this episode of Actuary Voices, which is the first in a series about enterprise risk management, David speaks with Tamara Burden, Deputy Chief Risk Officer at National Life Group, about her actuarial career, emerging risks, and her past experience as an Academy volunteer. Please subscribe to Actuary Voices on your preferred podcast platform.

Evelyn Boswell Jul 31, 2024 31:29 The NAIC's first chief diversity officer, Evelyn Boswell, joins Actuary Voices to share the work she has done to establish a diversity, equity and inclusion council at the NAIC. Tune in to hear how she partnered with NAIC departments to build and implement a DE&I framework.

Election Clearinghouse: Geralyn Trujillo Jul 8, 2024 26:10 On this special Election Issues Clearinghouse episode of Actuary Voices, Ted Gotsch speaks with Geralyn Trujillo, the Senior Director of Public Policy at the Academy, about the work the Academy is doing to provide unbiased and balanced resources around some of the primary issues that are central to the upcoming election.

David Daly Jun 18, 2024 35:03 David Daly, president of the Sexuality and Gender Alliance of Actuaries (SAGAA), joins Actuary Voices to share his unique professional journey to becoming an actuary, and how SAGAA seeks to make an impact on the profession. Please subscribe to Actuary Voices on your preferred podcast platform.

Shruti Gupta May 17, 2024 30:47 Actuary Voices welcomes Shruti Gupta, president and co-founder of South Asian Network of Actuaries (SANA). She shares the ups and downs on her journey to becoming an actuary and how she connects her current work to the bigger picture. Also, learn more about SANA's valuable efforts to grow the profession through its student outreach.

Becky Sheppard Apr 24, 2024 35:07 Becky Sheppard joins Actuary Voices to discuss the benefits of volunteering with the Academy, including a wide range of experiences and perspectives through networking. Becky is the co-chairperson of the Health Equity Committee, examining actuarial practices and methods that may affect health disparities. Please subscribe to Actuary Voices on your preferred podcast platform.

Aree Bly Mar 19, 2024 31:09 Aree Bly has decades of experience as an actuary in the healthcare industry and serves on the board of the Network of Actuarial Women and Allies (NAWA). She speaks with David in this episode about her experiences as an actuary, a success coach within the actuarial industry, and as an advocate for women in the profession. Please subscribe to Actuary Voices on your preferred podcast platform.

Patrick Collins Mar 7, 2024 25:54 Academy member and industry executive Patrick Collins joins Actuary Voices to discuss his unique path into the profession, challenges actuaries face in a changing landscape and the profession's ability to adapt to emerging technologies. Please subscribe to Actuary Voices on your preferred podcast platform.

Lisa Slotznick and Bill Michalisin Feb 21, 2024 33:46 In a special edition of Actuary Voices, the Academy's Executive Director, Bill Michalisin, sits down with Academy President Lisa Slotznick for a wide-ranging discussion on their experiences in their respective positions and what lies ahead for the Academy in the coming year.

Monique Hacker Feb 1, 2024 38:04 On the newest Actuary Voices, Monique Hacker, board member and former president of the International Association of Black Actuaries (IABA), highlights the importance of early exposure to the profession and the impact of organizations like IABA in fostering diversity and awareness in the actuarial profession.

Ron Gebhardtsbauer Dec 7, 2023 32:37 Ron Gebhardtsbauer is a former senior pension fellow with the Academy and is one of the authors of the Academy's latest paper Social Security and Financially Disadvantaged Groups. They discuss the paper, his experience as a volunteer and his contributions to the national conversation on Social Security.

Philip Mulder Nov 9, 2023 31:01 Philip Mulder, Assistant Professor of Risk and Insurance at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the recipient of the Academy's inaugural Research Award, joins Actuary Voices to discuss his work on climate finance, real estate and household finance, environmental economics, and insurance.

Sam Tashima Oct 24, 2023 26:53 Sam Tashima, 2023 Rising Actuary award recipient, joins Actuary Voices to discuss the cyber insurance landscape and how actuaries can adjust to these emerging areas. As Cybersecurity Awareness Month draws to a close, he also shares how the Cyber Risk Committee's research contributes to current public policy issues.

Larry Zimpleman Oct 5, 2023 19:43 Past Academy President Larry Zimpleman joins the latest episode of Actuary Voices to share his career journey, the rewarding value of volunteer work at the Academy and his insights on what's next for the actuarial profession.

Maria Kirilenko and Koren Holden Sep 11, 2023 32:18 Maria Kirilenko and Koren Holden, members of the Pension Committee and authors of the new issue brief Valuing Gender Expansive Data join Actuary Voices to discuss issues pension actuaries may consider when performing valuations using sex/gender expansive data. They also discuss their experience as Academy volunteers and how they joined the profession.

Robert Eaton Aug 10, 2023 35:21 Robert Eaton, MAAA, FSA, a longstanding Academy volunteer, joins the latest episode of Actuary Voices to discuss the changing landscape of artificial intelligence in actuarial work. Eaton is the author of a recent Contingencies article on this topic.

Ritu Jain May 31, 2023 23:29 Ritu Jain, co-founder and former president of the South Asian Network of Actuaries (SANA), discusses her professional path, the impetus behind the foundation of SANA and the important work it does, and her thoughts on the future of the profession.

Dwayne Husbands May 4, 2023 31:09 On the latest episode of Actuary Voices, David Nolan speaks with Dwayne Husbands, President of the International Association of Black Actuaries, about the work of IABA and his path to the actuarial profession.

Amber Rohde Mar 31, 2023 41:25 As Women's History Month draws to a close, David is joined by Amber Rohde, the Co-Founder and Board President of the Network of Actuarial Women and Allies (NAWA), as she discusses the origins of NAWA and the organization's efforts aimed at connecting and empowering women to be successful in the actuarial profession. She also opens up about her professional background and what led her to her curren

Linda Lankowski Feb 24, 2023 37:47 On this episode of Actuary Voices, David Nolan is joined by Linda Lankowski, the Chairperson of the PBR Implementation Work Group and longtime Academy volunteer. They discuss how she began her career, how the PBR Bootcamp has evolved over the years, and her thoughts on the future of the profession. Please remember to subscribe to Actuary Voices.

Tricia Matson Dec 20, 2022 37:53 On the latest episode of Actuary Voices, David Nolan is joined by Tricia Matson, the Chairperson for the ASOP No. 41 Taskforce and longtime Academy volunteer. They discuss her professional journey and answer questions related to the ASOP No. 41 Webinar that Tricia hosted in September.

Bruce Weinstein Sep 15, 2022 31:24 Bruce Weinstein, also known as The Ethics Guy®, will be discussing ethical leadership in the workplace, and previewing the session he will be leading on ethics at the Academy's Annual Meeting on November 2, 2022. Bruce is the CEO of the Institute for High-Character Leadership and writes about ethical leadership for Forbes magazine online.

Maryellen Coggins and Bill Michalisin Jun 29, 2022 30:33 In this special edition of Actuary Voices, the Academy's Executive Director, Bill Michalisin, sits down with Academy President Maryellen Coggins for a wide-ranging discussion on their experiences thus far in their respective postions, as well as their visions for the future of the Academy.

Ben Slutsker Apr 26, 2022 33:25 Ben Slutsker, the Academy's Life practice area vice president, is the latest guest on Actuary Voices, discussing his work with the Life Practice Council and why he enjoys volunteering with the Academy so much.

Sherry Chan Mar 15, 2022 31:36 Sherry Chan, the Academy's Pension vice president, is the latest guest on Actuary Voices, discussing her work on the Pension Practice Council and why volunteering with the Academy means so much to her.

Lisa Slotznick Jan 14, 2022 27:08 Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Qualifications Lisa Slotznick joins the latest episode of Actuary Voices to discuss the recent revisions to the USQS and how they relate to the main areas of the actuarial profession.

Christian Benjaminson Nov 22, 2021 24:32 Christian Benjaminson joins the latest episode of Actuary Voices to discuss multiemployer pension plans, the impact of the American Rescue Plan, and his outlook on the Academy's role going forward.

Cande Olsen Oct 21, 2021 25:06 The latest episode of Actuary Voices welcomes guest Cande Olsen, who shares insights about her actuarial career and recalls how networking has enriched her opportunities as a member of the Academy. Listen to her discuss her unique path and her contributions to the profession.

Rich Gibson Sep 1, 2021 24:39 Rich Gibson, property and casualty actuary, joins this episode of Actuary Voices to discuss his work with the Academy, how professionalism influences his day-to-day, and the future of the profession.

Tom Campbell Jun 23, 2021 27:23 On this episode of Actuary Voices, Academy President Tom Campbell shares how he joined the profession, his experience as president during the pandemic, and his vision for the future of the Academy.

Julia Lerche Apr 30, 2021 31:15 On this episode of Actuary Voices, we are joined by Julia Lerche, Chief Actuary and Policy Advisor at NC Medicaid, as she talks about the importance of the actuarial perspective in public service. Julia also serves as the Chairperson of the Medicaid Subcommittee for the Academy.

Linda Stone Mar 26, 2021 26:47 Linda Stone joins the latest episode of Actuary Voices to discuss her work as the Senior Pension Fellow at the Academy and how she helps influence public policy on retirement, pensions and multiemployer plans.

Annette James Feb 12, 2021 38:33 Annette James, MAAA, FSA, the chairman of the Academy's Health Equity Work Group joins us in our latest episode of Actuary Voices to share her insights on the profession and how it can facilitate solutions to health disparities by understanding limitations and bias in data. Listen to this conversation to learn more about the work group's mission and her experiences as a health actuary.

Laura Hanson Aug 14, 2020 26:43 Laura Hanson, Vice President, Life on the Academy's Board of Directors, talks with Academy Executive Director Mary Downs about her experience with unconscious bias, how art influenced her career and her perspective on the Life specialty.

Cathy Murphy-Barron Mar 5, 2020 18:30 The latest episode of Actuary Voices features Academy officer Cathy Murphy-Barron. She shares valuable insights on women actuaries and why she thoroughly enjoys what she does in a conversation with Academy Executive Director Mary Downs.

Tom Wildsmith (Part 2) Jan 30, 2020 30:16 The latest episode of Actuary Voices is the second installment in a two-part series featuring former Academy President Tom Wildsmith. Tom continues the discussion about how he became an actuary and his perspectives on professionalism.

Tom Wildsmith (Part 1) Jan 6, 2020 23:42 The most recent episode of our Actuary Voices podcast features former Academy President Tom Wildsmith discussing how he became an actuary and his perspectives on professionalism. This is the first episode of a two-part series.

Annual Meeting Highlights Nov 26, 2019 29:29 In this special edition of Actuary Voices, we feature highlights from the 2019 Annual Meeting and Public Policy Forum. Listen to Mary D. Miller and Carol Zimmerman receive awards honoring their exceptional contributions to the actuary profession, as well as the Academy's Presidential Transition, featuring remarks from Shawna Ackerman and D. Joeff Williams.

D. Joeff Williams Oct 16, 2019 29:00 In the second episode of Actuary Voices, Academy President-elect D. Joeff Williams is interviewed by Academy Executive Director Mary Downs about how he became an actuary, and the importance of combining business and actuarial skills.

Shawna Ackerman Sep 12, 2019 26:31 The Academy is proud to release the first episode of Actuary Voices. In this episode, Academy President Shawna Ackerman covers a range of topics in a conversation with Academy Executive Director, Mary Downs.

Actuary Voices - Preview Sep 6, 2019 01:03 We're proud to announce the launch of our new podcast, Actuary Voices. This podcast will bring you thoughtful conversations on the role of professionalism in our industry and the Academy's public policy work.

Episodes

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