Research Insights, a Society of Actuaries Podcast

• Long-Term Drivers of Future Mortality - Chapter 10: Catastrophes

  In this episode of the Society of Actuaries Research Insights Podcast, host Kara Clark, Senior Research Actuary at the SOA Research Institute, is joined by Al Klein, Principal and Consulting Actuary at Milliman, and Erik Pickett, Actuary and Chief Content Officer at Club Vita. Together, they discuss Chapter 10: Catastrophes from the paper Long-Term Drivers of Future Mortality, authored by Yair Babad and Al Klein for the 2023 Living to 100 Symposium. This episode dives into the complex and varied effects that catastrophes—natural, man-made, and biological—have on mortality. Topics include wildfires, droughts, war, terrorism, pandemics, and the challenges actuaries face when modeling these unpredictable yet impactful events. This is the final chapter in the podcast series based on this important research paper. To explore the full series and access the original report, visit the landing page:  https://www.soa.org/resources/research-reports/2025/longterm-drivers-futuremort-podseries/  🎧 Tune in to gain key takeaways on how to incorporate catastrophic risk into future mortality projections.

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• October 2025 Classic Edition – Takaful—An Alternative Approach to Insurance

  Classic Replay: Takaful—An Alternative Approach to Insurance In recognition of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, the Society of Actuaries Research Institute is re-releasing a compelling episode from the Research Insights Podcast archive: "Takaful: An Alternative Approach to Insurance." In this conversation, Dale Hall, Managing Director of Research at the SOA Research Institute, sits down with consulting actuary and author Shariq Sikander, FSA, FPSA, CERA, to explore how Takaful—a Shari'ah-compliant, cooperative insurance model—embodies principles of ethical investing, surplus sharing, and community support. Together, they discuss how this values-based system not only aligns with cultural and religious beliefs but also promotes financial inclusion and poverty alleviation across global markets. As we reflect on the importance of economic empowerment and access to financial protection, this classic episode reminds us how innovation in insurance can help build more equitable systems—ones designed to serve, not just insure. Tune in to revisit this thought-provoking discussion and consider how alternative frameworks like Takaful might inspire the next chapter of inclusive financial solutions. Landing page:  https://www.soa.org/resources/research-reports/2024/takaful-alternative-approach/ Send us your feedback at [email protected]

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• Long-Term Drivers of future Mortality – Chapter 9: Environment

  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. 📘 Explore the full report and other chapters Send us your feedback at [email protected]

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• September 2025 Classic Edition – Actuaries with Unconventional Second Acts

  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 [email protected]

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• NAIC 2025 Summer Meeting Recap

  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 [email protected] 

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