A.m. Best Radio Podcast

Robert Wiest, CEO, MS Reinsurance, discusses reinsurance trends, the importance of underwriting discipline and strategies for managing risk in a changing market. Wiest spoke with AM Best TV at the Rendez-Vous de Septembre conference, Monte Carlo.

John Cavanagh, co-founder, Beat Capital Partners, discusses how managing general agents matured into underwriting leaders, specialty growth, client focus and responses to emerging risks. Cavanagh spoke with AM Best TV at the Rendez-Vous de Septembre conference, Monte Carlo.

Kirsten Bot, national director, actuarial services and financial consulting, HUB International, discusses emerging trends in benefits and how proactive strategies can curb medical and pharmaceutical inflation.

Nathan Riedel, SVP, federal government affairs, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, discusses how social inflation and litigation funding drive claims costs and premiums, and how agents can educate clients and advocate for reforms.

Matt Blackley, president and CEO, MapleTech, discusses how the company is leveraging AI, cloud-native platforms and intelligent automation to transform insurance operations while keeping client relationships and human trust at the forefront.

Lawrence “Lars” Powell, director, Alabama Center for Insurance Information & Research, University of Alabama, said a study has found that trees caused nearly half of Hurricane Sally claims, even in fortified homes. Powell spoke with AM Best TV at the 130th annual NAMIC convention, San Diego.

Nate Baseman, head of data and technology, CAC Group, discusses the company’s third-quarter market update and the latest trends and challenges insurers face heading into 2026.

Innovation and transformation coach Ibeth Ayala discusses in her book “No Risk No Fun: The Human Side of Innovation in Insurance” how people-centered leadership helps insurance leaders conquer fear, unlock creativity and lead change.

Ben Rose, co-founder and president of reinsurtech Supercede, said firms lose time pulling data from inconsistent spreadsheets, highlighting the need for cleaner information. Rose spoke with AM Best TV at the Rendez-Vous de Septembre conference, Monte Carlo.

John Menefee, enterprise cyber lead, and Lauren Winchester, head of cyber risk services, both of Travelers, discuss key findings of the 2025 Travelers Risk Index, which shows cyberthreats are the top concern for businesses.

Steve Kinion, captive insurance director, Oklahoma Insurance Department, said OneNexus Insurance was assigned an AM Best Credit Rating. Kinion spoke with AM Best TV at the 2025 Vermont Captive Insurance Association Conference, Burlington.

Gene Lanzoni, head of enterprise content, Guardian Life, discusses how rising financial stress is driving insurers to offer holistic mental, physical and financial wellness solutions.

William Koppelmann, president and CEO, Standard Premium Finance Management Corp., discusses how federal disaster programs, AI and resilient infrastructure can help insurers manage risk, stabilize premiums and better serve communities.

Meredith Brasher, insurance underwriter turned actor and podcast host shares how a quest to perfect her accent during lockdown unexpectedly evolved into “Insurance vs. History,” a podcast that uncovers how insurance has shaped pivotal moments from the Atlantic slave trade to the terror attacks on 9/11.

Dale Hoppe, vice president, workers’ compensation programs, Nationwide E&S/S, said that partnering with return-to-work experts has shown that getting an employee back to work quickly and safely is both psychologically and economically beneficial after an injury.

Professors Patricia Born and Dana Telljohann discuss a Florida State University study on how insurers adjust coverage, filings, and regulatory engagement in response to severe natural disasters, highlighting implications for market stability, policyholders, and the evolving risks of climate change

Anna Tan, head of wholesale casualty, Axis Capital, said persistent loss pressures, evolving AI-driven operations and deepening broker specialization are reshaping casualty insurance.

Vineet Bansal, chief Information and technology officer, The Mutual Group, said mutual insurers can still gain a competitive edge with AI if they focus first on strong core systems, quality data and trust-centered implementation.

Dave Sterner, senior vice president, research & development, ACORD, said top-performing specialty insurers excel through data-driven decision-making, strong distribution partnerships and incremental innovation.

Craig Martin, executive director, insurance intelligence, J.D. Power, discusses findings from a 2025 Independent Agent Satisfaction Study showing despite an improving market, many agents feel underserved by carriers, citing poor communication, unclear risk appetites and a lack of partnership.