Risky Science Podcast Explores the Models Behind Modern Risk

Montclair State University Assistant Professor Abena Owusu discusses her co-authored study on how insurers can use machine learning to improve risk culture and oversight.

Christopher Westfall discusses how his podcast, Risky Science, brings together researchers, investors and insurers to unpack the science, data, and real-world impact of risk models that shape markets, public policy and emerging threats.

Senior Associate Editor Renee Kirluk-Hill discusses her recent BestWire story highlighting how Florida’s largest personal auto insurers are cutting rates and issuing dividends to policyholders, driven by improved underwriting results, changing driving patterns, and landmark tort reform that has helped stabilize the market.

AM Best News Editor David Pilla discusses reinsurers’ strong 2025 results, driven by underwriting gains and low catastrophe losses, even as softening pricing pressures revenue.

AM Best Director Joseph Zazzera discusses a new Best's Market Segment Report that finds strong health segment financial flexibility and capitalization despite major operating performance concerns.

Wild Horse Fire Brigade Founder and Executive Director William Simpson, an ethologist, discusses how super-hot wildfires create novel toxins, driving health and property risks, and why insurers must rethink prevention and modeling strategies.

Kate Steffanelli, associate director, AM Best, discusses a new Best's Market Segment Report that finds the US annuity market delivered another strong performance that continued into 2025, aided by retirement product demand, favorable rates and product innovation.

AM Best Senior Associate Editor Steve Hallo discusses how ACA, Medicaid and Medicare changes are reshaping U.S. health insurers’ strategies and margins in 2026.

This session, ideal for agents and brokers who need to efficiently track insurer financial strength, shows you how to set up custom notifications, monitor the carriers you work with and use timely alerts to protect your clients and stay ahead of competitors. (Event Date: February 26, 2026) View the Powerpoint Presentation.

Nick Abraham, CEO, Amwins Global Risks, discusses how abundant capacity, social inflation concerns, and growing delegated authority opportunities are shaping broker strategy and client outcomes in the London specialty insurance market.