A.m. Best Radio Podcast

Sam Haynes, vice president of data analytics at Verisk Maplecroft, discusses how political violence and civil unrest are reshaping insurance portfolios, highlighting new analytic tools such as the first U.S. Strikes, Riots, and Civil Commotion catastrophe model.

The self-described "Insurance Nerds," Nick Lamparelli and Tony Cañas, share the origin, growth, and enduring impact of the Profiles in Risk podcast, a grassroots platform that has educated, entertained, and influenced a generation of insurance professionals through authentic storytelling and passionate industry advocacy.

Stephen Crewdson, senior director of global insurance intelligence at J.D. Power, said rising premiums are challenging small commercial insurers, but service quality, communication and understanding customers’ businesses are now the top factors keeping clients loyal.

Brent Skiles, SVP of insurance operations, Philadelphia Insurance Cos., shares how insurers can streamline process, leverage technology and balance efficiency with strong underwriting discipline.

Nicole Murphy, nonprofit directors and officers liability product manager, Travelers, outlines the key risks facing higher education leaders, including funding shortfalls, donor scrutiny, campus unrest and governance challenges

Kevin Smith, senior vice president, NFP, said that with multimillion-dollar "name, image and likeness” contracts raising the stakes, traditional malpractice coverage is proving inadequate as schools, physicians, and conferences face mounting legal and financial exposures.

Terra CEO and Co-Founder James Benham discusses the power of AI and automation in reducing manual tasks, improving decision-making and reshaping the future of workers’ compensation.

Steven Rodriguez, vice president of Philadelphia Insurance Companies E&S, said that construction has been a standout and now makes up about 60% of their book of business.

Travis MacMillian, president – Americas at Xceedance, said that E&S market participants today are more open than ever to alternative distribution strategies.

David Nelson, executive vice president for E&S Wholesale at Nationwide, said the company’s strategic priorities are enhancing the customer experience, delivering with operational excellence, and managing the business for sustained financial strength and stability.

Reinsurer rankings shift as Swiss Re implements IFRS 17, according to a new Best's Market Segment Report. Chris Pennings, financial analyst, AM Best, discusses the research.

Lisa Miller, founder of the Florida Insurance Roundup podcast, shares how decades of public service and private sector leadership inspired a mission to demystify insurance, champion resilience, and give voice to the issues shaping Florida’s market.

Tanguy Catlin, a senior partner at McKinsey & Co., discusses how insurers can boost performance by integrating AI across operations, focusing on workflow redesign, technology reuse and strong leadership to ensure successful adoption.

EY America's Life and Group Insurance Transformation Leader, Chris Morbelli, breaks down the latest LIMRA-EY Workplace Benefits Report, highlighting how rising costs, a shifting workforce and growing demand for wellness and leave solutions are driving a transformation for brokers, carriers and employers.

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.

David Blades, associate director, AM Best, reflects on the lessons Hurricane Katrina taught the insurance industry, leading to advancements in catastrophe modeling, underwriting practices and public-private partnerships.

George Hosfield, VP and GM of home insurance, and Tanner Sheehan, VP and GM of U.S. claims, LexisNexis Risk Solutions discuss how advanced technology, evolving consumer expectations, and smarter partnerships are reshaping home insurance strategies from underwriting to claims.

Appearing on The State of the Line Podcast, National Council of Compensation Insurance Executive Director and Senior Economist, Stephen Cooper, discusses the most recent U.S. jobs report and how key labor market statistics could potentially impact workers’ compensation insurance.

Sumit Taneja, leader of the AI consulting practice, EXL, highlights how insurers are using generative AI to speed up underwriting, streamline claims and enhance customer service while emphasizing the growing need for strong governance, regulatory awareness and thoughtful integration with legacy systems.

AM Best’s Lee McDonald and Sridhar Manyem discuss the company’s 2026 Student Challenge, which invites college and graduate students to develop creative, real-world solutions to pressing insurance issues, including AI risk, flood coverage gaps, gig economy protection needs. Prizes and industry exposure are offered for the next generation of insurance leaders.