Research Insights, a Society of Actuaries Podcast

In 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.

In this episode of the Society of Actuaries Research Institute's Research Insights Podcast, Dale Hall speaks with Michael Bean, FSA (also a member of the Casualty Actuarial Society and the Canadian Institute of Actuaries) about the 2026 Emerging Risk Survey Results. Drawing on input from 100+ senior risk leaders—including Chief Risk Officers, Chief Actuaries, lead consulting partners, and other C-suite decision-makers—Michael shares what risk executives see as most impactful in 2026 and what they believe could matter three or more years out.
Listeners will hear why economic and geopolitical risks are driving near-term concern, why technological risks (especially adverse AI outcomes) dominate the longer-term view, and which risk combinations (like cyber + AI and financial volatility + AI) leaders believe could create the toughest scenarios to manage.
2026 Emerging Risk Survey Results

In this special International Women's Day episode of the Society of Actuaries Research Institute's Research Insights Podcast, host Kara Clark, Senior Practice Research Actuary, speaks with Adina Ciobotea, Partner and Switzerland Actuarial Service Leader at Oliver Wyman (Zurich, Switzerland). Together, they explore Adina's professional journey—her early influences, the women who have inspired her, the challenges she has faced, and the mindset and strategies that helped her navigate obstacles and grow as a leader. Listeners will also hear practical advice for young women pursuing ambitious goals and building meaningful careers in the actuarial profession.

February is often associated with Valentine's Day—a time when many people reflect on partnerships, shared goals, and planning for the future together. In this classic Research Insights episode, the conversation revisits how those themes show up in real life through retirement planning and decision-making among early middle-aged adults.
The episode explores what research reveals about balancing individual priorities with shared household goals, how couples and families navigate joint financial choices, and why decisions made during these years can have a lasting impact on long-term financial security and well-being.
Tune in to hear key takeaways from the research—and consider how these insights can inform better planning and conversations at home.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Longevity Brief with Siegel and Clark—a new podcast series from the Society of Actuaries Research Institute designed to give listeners a periodic "sneak peek" at what's ahead in the Aging & Retirement and Mortality & Longevity Strategic Research Programs.
Host Rose Northon, Research Communications Coordinator at the SOA Research Institute, is joined by two familiar voices: Steve Siegel, Senior Practice Research Actuary and head of the Aging & Retirement Strategic Research Program, and Kara Clark, Senior Practice Research Actuary and head of the Mortality & Longevity Strategic Research Program.
In this kickoff conversation, Steve shares highlights from recent work—including findings from the Retirement Risk Survey, research on "solo agers," caregiving, and what's coming next (including new survey work and opportunities to get involved).
Kara discusses key developments in mortality and longevity research, including updated socioeconomic mortality work, the SOA Longevity Illustrator's visibility, the Quarterly Mortality Monitoring Report, and upcoming research focused on older-age mortality and cardiovascular health.
Tune in to hear what's gaining attention now—and what's on the horizon in longevity research.