Shows
Critical PointSo you want to be a P&C actuary?As the world changes, the role of property and casualty (P&C) actuaries is changing too, from the emerging risks they study—including climate change and self-driving cars—to the technologies they employ to devise solutions. On this episode of Critical Point, Milliman recruiter Liz Shickles speaks with two P&C actuarial consultants, Zora Law from Milliman and Dane Grand-Maison from partner firm Eckler, about their own career journeys, the influence of AI (hint: it won’t ever replace learning), and advice for students and other professionals who want to enter the field. You can read the episode...
2026-02-1235 min
mentorDINO100: From Employee to Owner Landscape Architect Edition | Emily MillimanIn this episode of the MentorDINO podcast, join host Katelyn Rossier as she sits down with Emily Milliman, a landscape architect and owner of Milliman Design Studio. They discuss Emily's journey into landscape architecture, the transition to entrepreneurship, and the importance of balancing residential and commercial projects. Emily shares insights on marketing, client relationships, and the significance of work-life balance as a business owner. She also offers valuable advice for young professionals starting their careers in architecture.Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-milliman-pla-asla-leed-ap-a5364912/BIG THANK YOU TO OUR TEAM!Editing an...
2025-10-0255 minCritical PointHow have healthcare costs changed since 2005?Since 2005, the Milliman Medical Index (MMI) has estimated annual healthcare costs for people covered by a typical employer-sponsored health plan. To mark the 20th anniversary of the report, MMI authors past and present gathered to review how healthcare has changed over the past two decades. They discussed the impact of the Affordable Care Act and the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise in drug advertising and outpatient care, and how trends might change again in the next 20 years.You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2025-09-1835 minCritical PointCash balance plans: Why small businesses and professional services firms are adding this retirement benefit.While the number of traditional pensions has been shrinking for decades, one type of defined benefit (DB) plan is expanding: the cash balance plan. Combining features of DB and 401(k) plans, cash balance plans are particularly well-suited to helping small-business owners and highly paid professionals such as doctors and lawyers save for retirement. On this episode of Critical Point, three Milliman employee benefits experts explain why the number of cash balance plans has recently swelled to 25,000, how plans can be tailored to fit organizations of all sizes, and why this hybrid plan style may help address the looming retirement...
2025-06-3027 minCritical PointThe cost of extreme weather in EuropeIn Europe, flooding was the most prevalent—and most expensive—climate peril last year, making 2024 the “Year of the Flood.” On this episode of Critical Point, five authors of Milliman’s annual Extreme Weather in Europe report assess the toll of flooding in their country and the response from insurers, governing bodies, and communities. They discuss what Italy is doing to protect the insurance industry, how construction in the UK and France may be contributing to flood risk, and why new regulations in Romania and the Benelux region may not do enough to keep pace with climate change. Don’t mis...
2025-06-0316 min
The Other Side NDE (Near Death Experiences)Sharon Milliman - Woman Struck By Lightning; Shown Future World Events During NDEFor The Other Side NDE Videos Visit ️ youtube.com/@TheOtherSideNDEYT
Purchase our book on Amazon The Other Side: Stories From the Afterlife https://a.co/d/23Bbbsa
Sharon Milliman describes being struck by lightning while sitting outside, experiencing agonizing pain before peeling out of her body. Inside her house—familiar yet filled with strange furniture—she sensed something was wrong but didn’t realize she had died. A loving presence enveloped her and carried her sideways through clouds into a luminous garden where colors defied earthly description. There, she encountered two glowing young men she instinct...
2025-05-2331 minCritical PointArtificial intelligence and insurance, part 3: Global regulations and trendsAI has taken the world by storm—but not all insurance companies, or countries, are approaching the technology the same way. On this special episode of Critical Point, experts from Munich Re and Milliman who work across five continents come together for a global conversation exploring how insurers and regulators are approaching AI around the world. Plus, don’t miss Part 1 and Part 2 of this series on AI and insurance. You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2025-02-1128 minCritical PointHow can Medicaid pay for cell and gene therapies?Cell and gene therapies have been grabbing news headlines, both for their potential to cure rare diseases and for their million-dollar price tags. Milliman pharmacists and healthcare experts explain why state Medicaid agencies are particularly affected and the strategies many are using for predicting uptake and covering these high costs. You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2024-12-1725 min
Lacrosse All Stars Podcast NetworkLeadership and Legacy: Johns Hopkins Lacrosse Coach Peter Milliman
In this podcast, Johns Hopkins lacrosse head coach Peter Milliman discusses his team’s development and training approach during the offseason. He emphasizes the importance of internal focus, discipline, and leadership as the team prepares for the next season. Milliman reflects on last season's challenges, key player performances, and the competitive schedule they face, noting the role of returning players and the impact of new team members. He also highlights the contributions of the team’s support staff, including a standout social media presence led by Grayson Jones. The conversation ends with personal insights into his life outside coaching.
2024-11-1440 minCritical PointHealthcare costs in a presidential election yearHealthcare costs are a hot topic as we approach open enrollment and the presidential election. In this episode of Critical Point, host Deana Bell sits down with Dave Liner and Jason Clarkson, principals at Milliman and co-authors of the Milliman Medical Index (MMI), to discuss the key drivers of 2024’s healthcare costs. They dive into the effects of government programs like Medicaid and the Inflation Reduction Act, the rising use of weight loss medications, and how these factors are shaping healthcare costs for Americans on employer-sponsored insurance. Learn how policy changes and market trends could impact your healthcare expenses an...
2024-10-0720 min
The Far Side of Faith1. Jesus Wasn't an InfluencerIn this inaugural episode of the The Far Side of Faith, hosts, Simon Milliman and Darian Parker, discuss how Jesus wasn't an influencer as we think of in today's terms, but become one of the most important people in history. The guys also discuss why it is so important to be wrong and admit it. They also discuss their definitions of faith and ponder the current significance of tithing.
Simon Milliman
www.urbanjackproductions.com
Darian Parker
www.doctordarianparker.com
2024-09-111h 23
Divine Encounters: Near-Death Experiences (NDE) & BeyondDE025: Woman DIES After LIGHTNING STRIKE & REVEALS a DETAILED HEAVENLY TOUR with Sharon MillimanOn today's episode, we welcome Sharon Milliman, a soul who has danced with the divine through a series of extraordinary encounters that defy the boundaries of the physical world. Sharon's journey is not just a tale of survival but a profound exploration of what it means to truly live, to be touched by the infinite, and to return with a message of unconditional love that resonates with the deepest parts of our being.Sharon's life, even before her near-death experiences, was marked by a deep spiritual awareness. As a child, she saw the world through a lens that few others...
2024-09-0616 minCritical PointTen questions everyone’s asking about captivesCyber risk, climate change, new pharmaceutical therapies—as companies look for ways to manage increasing costs and unforeseen exposures, captives are a popular mechanism to insure against the unexpected. Around since the 1950s, today there are more than 7,000 captive insurers worldwide, with many headquartered in Vermont, Bermuda, and the Cayman Islands. As these insurance vehicles grow in popularity, Milliman experts answer the top 10 questions everyone’s asking about captives.You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2024-08-1222 minCritical PointIncreasing diversity in clinical trialsDrugmakers are taking steps to make sure clinical trials include participants from a variety of backgrounds—and they are steadily making progress, as evidenced by new studies of multiple sclerosis and sickle cell disease. Milliman health researchers Ellyn Russo and Chris Page unpack a history of distrust in medical research, the implications of failing to attract diverse study participants, and how simple strategies like rideshare vouchers, childcare, and check-in apps can help expand a study’s reach, so more patients have access to the latest treatments and medical research moves forward.You can read the episode transcript on o...
2024-06-2728 minCritical PointWhy life insurers are investing in private equity and real estateLife insurers have historically invested their portfolios in the relative safety of mortgages and bonds, but economic volatility, sticky inflation, and other headwinds have spurred many insurance companies to diversify into alternatives, a trend explored in a recent Milliman paper. On this episode of Critical Point, three of the paper’s authors discuss two alternative asset classes that are particularly attractive to insurers in today’s market: private equity and real estate. They talk about unexpected assets like student housing and storage facilities, the synergy of private equity firms investing in insurers and vice versa, and why many insurance comp...
2024-05-1629 minCritical PointAre corporate pension plans making a comeback?For decades, companies with traditional pensions have been freezing those plans and replacing them with defined contribution options to help their employees save for retirement. But IBM made headlines when it restored its defined benefit program in early 2024. Three Milliman pension actuaries discuss this choice, new hybrid DB plan designs, and how plan sponsors can avoid the mistakes that led them to close their pension plans in the first place.You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2024-03-1119 min
Recovery LabEpisode #71: Transformational Healing with Matt Milliman - A Mercy House PerspectiveIn this compelling 71st episode of the Recovery Lab Podcast, we have the honor of featuring Matt Milliman, the esteemed Executive Director/CEO of Mercy House Adult & Teen Challenge, a beacon of hope for those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. With Drew Hassin away, Stacey Leggitt steps in as our insightful co-host alongside Daniel Anderson, to delve into the powerful stories of transformation, the unique approach Mercy House employs in aiding recovery, and the impactful leadership of Matt Milliman in navigating the challenges and triumphs in the realm of addiction treatment. Tune in for this not-to-be-missed conversation on h...
2024-02-111h 00Recovery LabEpisode #71: Transformational Healing with Matt Milliman - A Mercy House PerspectiveIn this compelling 71st episode of the Recovery Lab Podcast, we have the honor of featuring Matt Milliman, the esteemed Executive Director/CEO of Mercy House Adult & Teen Challenge, a beacon of hope for those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. With Drew Hassin away, Stacey Leggitt steps in as our insightful co-host alongside Daniel Anderson, to delve into the powerful stories of transformation, the unique approach Mercy House employs in aiding recovery, and the impactful leadership of Matt Milliman in navigating the challenges and triumphs in the realm of addiction treatment. Tune in for this not-to-be-missed conversation on h...
2024-02-111h 00
That Sounds Terrific in the 585Ep. 91: (581) Magazine with Jane Milliman and Christine GreenIn this episode, host Nick Koziol speaks with Jane Milliman and Christine Green from (585) Magazine. Join them as they discuss fascinating stories, unique experiences, and the vibrant culture of the 585 area. Discover how (585) Magazine highlights the best in events, people, art, music, and more. Get insights into their process, how they select stories, and the exciting plans for the future such as the upcoming (585) Pets publication. Whether you're a long-time resident or planning a visit to the 585 region, Jane, Christine, and the (585) Magazine team share diverse and interesting stories that are the heart of what makes the 585 such a...
2024-02-0126 minCritical PointGrowing the actuarial profession in the developing world: Where the UNDP-GAIN initiative stands after one yearActuaries are vital to the insurance industry and national economies, but the profession is still emerging in many developing countries. That’s why Milliman and the United Nations Development Programme have launched a program to increase actuarial capacity around the world. In this episode, five Milliman volunteers reflect on the initiative’s first year and their work in 10 countries, from Nigeria to Nepal.You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2023-12-0641 minCritical PointArtificial intelligence and insurance, part 2: Rise of the machine-learning modelsIn our second Critical Point episode about AI applications in insurance, we drill down into the topic of machine learning and particularly its evolving uses in healthcare. Milliman Principal and Consulting Actuary Robert Eaton leads a conversation with fellow data science leaders about the models they use, the challenges of data accessibility and quality, and working with regulators to ensure fairness. They also pick sides in the great debate of Team Stochastic Parrot versus Team Sparks AGI. You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2023-10-1638 minCritical PointArtificial intelligence and insurance, part 1: AI’s impact on the insurance value chainArtificial intelligence has been the buzz term of 2023, evolving at a pace unimaginable when Milliman launched this podcast five years ago. For this 50th episode of Critical Point, we gathered a group of our AI experts to discuss how the technology is poised to reshape the insurance value chain, from hiring practices and actuarial modeling to customer service and communication.You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2023-09-2534 min
Next Level Soul Podcast with Alex FerrariNLS 308: Woman Struck By Lightning & DIES; Tours HEAVEN & Shown FUTURE WORLD Events in NDE with Sharon MillimanSharon Milliman has had four near-death experiences. The first occurred at the age of 13, when she drowned while taking swimming lessons. Sharon was struck by lightning four times over the course of several years. The fourth lightning strike resulted in her second NDE which occurred in 2005,when she was struck while talking on a cordless phone during a storm. Her third NDE occurred in November of 2016 while she was undergoing emergency surgery where she aspirated during the surgery and stopped breathing. Her fourth occurred in December of 2017 due to an adverse reaction to seizure medication, she died from acute respiratory...
2023-08-241h 00Critical PointHow extreme heat affects insurance—and how the industry can respondInsurers are feeling the heat as another record-breaking summer finally cools off. In this episode of Critical Point, Milliman leaders Rich Moyer, Garrett Bradford, and Andi Shah—who have studied the impact of extreme heat from the Middle East to Europe to North Carolina—discussed the ramifications on property, workers’ compensation, health, and other types of insurance. They also talk about data, including available sources for measuring heat risk now, and the data they would like to see to help measure the future effects of a warming planet. You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2023-08-2125 minCritical PointCould pensions save big this year? Experts weigh in on 2023 PBGC premiumsAfter 2022’s rollercoaster of soaring interest rates and plunging investment returns, sponsors of single-employer defined benefit plans face a key choice as they calculate the 2023 variable rate premium they’ll pay to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). Milliman pension actuaries Casey Baldwin and Ryan Cook spoke with Nina Lantz about using the full yield curve, not being afraid of the five-year lock-in, and how switching from the alternative calculation method to the standard method can mean the difference between a $100,000 premium and a premium of $1.7 million.You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2023-08-1013 min
The Dr. Darian Parker Podcast539. Shannon Milliman - Helping People Document Their Stories, Memories and Wisdom with RemembraraShannon Milliman is a TEDx Speaker, performance artist celebrating creativity and artistic expression with a new business called Remembrara that was created to help people document their stories, memories and wisdom through a subscription letter writing service. Over the course of a year of weekly prompts, subscribers are prompted to write 12 letters that are printed on luxury paper, envelopes and archival ink and mailed for you to give to a loved one at a future time. She also coaches people to write their own stories and delivers content marketing with emphasis on storytelling. She is a Certified Professional in Talent...
2023-07-1930 minCritical PointInclusivity in employee benefits: Diversity, equity, and inclusion concerns in plan design and communicationAs companies embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, many are realizing their benefit policies and communications can help address health inequities and be more inclusive. From modernizing the language in plan documents, to simplifying fertility care for same-sex couples, to not showing a skinny marathoner in the ads for your fitness challenge, Milliman’s Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer joined health benefits experts to discuss how plan sponsors can help make sure all beneficiaries get the care they need.You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2023-06-1623 minCritical PointSECURE 2.0, Part 1: Tips for DC plans navigating contribution changesWhen the SECURE 2.0 Act passed in late 2022, it introduced 92 provisions affecting retirement plans—and created a long to-do list for plan professionals. In this episode of Critical Point, Milliman employee benefits expert Nina Lantz talks with Brandy Cross, our director of defined contribution (DC) plan compliance, about how DC plans are coping. Learn which provisions plan sponsors are addressing first, and why it’s OK to wait before making plan changes. Plus, don’t miss Nina’s companion episode on SECURE 2.0’s impact on defined benefit plans.You can read the episode transcript on our website .
2023-05-2323 minCritical PointSECURE 2.0, Part 2: How the new retirement law affects single-employer defined benefit plansIn this companion episode to our look at SECURE 2.0 and defined contribution (DC) plans, Milliman employee benefits expert Nina Lantz explores how the new retirement law affects single-employer pensions. She talks with Milliman Consulting Actuary William Strange about what it means for retirement that life expectancy is rising more slowly, how companies can incentivize long-term employees, and why a reduction in insurance premiums could make corporate pension plan sponsorship appealing again. You can read the episode transcript on our website .
2023-05-2320 minCritical PointThe COVID-19 emergencies are ending. What does that mean for health plans?More than three years after the coronavirus shut down the world, the Biden administration announced in early 2023 the end of the U.S. National Emergency and the Public Health Emergency, two declarations that had mandated health insurance coverage of COVID-19 tests and vaccines, among other requirements. As these regulations are now rolled back, what does that mean for employer-sponsored health plans? In this episode of Critical Point, Milliman health experts discuss the implications, from whether to continue paying for at-home COVID-19 tests and when to phase out standalone telehealth benefits, to how to communicate any changes with p...
2023-04-2520 min
Inside Lacrosse Podcasts4/21 D-Fly & Dixie: Rivalry Week with Peter MillimanOne of the great things about college lacrosse is that there are always many important games every week of the season. Week in and week out it's consistently good. Always.But then Rivalry Week comes, and it’s just better. The tradition and history in the series. The familiarity of the teams. The disdain, yet often mutual respect, between fanbases. The bragging rights to the victor. Then add in the fact that it comes late in the regular season, and the Rivalry Game means there are usually post-season implications at stake. The 2023 edition of Rivalry Week brings all th...
2023-04-211h 02Critical PointRising sea levels, rising rents: How climate change will displace communitiesAs climate change causes more storms and floods, residents of coastal areas are being forced to move inland—driving up rents and displacing current residents of those regions. Milliman recently studied this issue in a paper called “Climate Displacement in New York City: Making Space for Our Neighbors,” published with Rebuild by Design, a nonprofit that helps communities build resilience. On this episode of Critical Point, two of the study authors discuss the groups most at risk, designing Manhattan to be more like Hong Kong, and how 40% of New Yorkers may be displaced without proactive city planning. You can re...
2023-03-1522 minCritical PointMilliman at 75 – An interview with the firm’s first female principalHear from Milliman’s first female principal, Peggy Pearson, about her path from homemaker (and home economics major) to actuarial leader, all while breaking through the cultural barriers of the time. In honor of Milliman’s 75th anniversary, Peggy sits down with current Milliman principals Angela Bolduc and Kim Guerriero to discuss how she “got into actuarial work on a dare,” her experience as a female leader in a primarily male-dominated field, and what has changed – and still needs to change – for women in the workplace.You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2023-03-0134 minCritical PointChurch retirement plans: A look at the Diocese of Fort WorthChurch retirement plan sponsors face unique considerations. While helping to position their clergy and other plan members for a secure future, they also must stay competitive across the wider benefits landscape to recruit and retain lay employees. For a look at how one diocese manages these pressures, Milliman actuaries Jake Pringle and Delbert Zamora sat down with Gary Patton, HR director for the Diocese of Fort Worth, Texas.You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2023-02-1520 min
Lacrosse All Stars Podcast NetworkQuintessential Lacrosse: Peter Milliman (Johns Hopkins)Quint sits down with JHU head coach Peter Milliman.
"Peter Milliman completed his first season as the head coach at Johns Hopkins in 2021. Named the 23rd head coach in program history on April 27, 2020, Milliman came to Homewood after serving as the Richard M. Moran Head Coach of Men’s Lacrosse at Cornell University for three seasons.
In his first season at Johns Hopkins, Milliman guided the Blue Jays to their third consecutive appearance in the Big Ten Championship game, where they narrowly fell, 12-10, to top-ranked and eventual national runner-up Maryland. Johns Hopkins entered the tourn...
2022-12-2930 minLacrosse All Stars Podcast NetworkQuintessential Lacrosse: Peter Milliman (Johns Hopkins)Quint sits down with JHU head coach Peter Milliman.
"Peter Milliman completed his first season as the head coach at Johns Hopkins in 2021. Named the 23rd head coach in program history on April 27, 2020, Milliman came to Homewood after serving as the Richard M. Moran Head Coach of Men’s Lacrosse at Cornell University for three seasons.
In his first season at Johns Hopkins, Milliman guided the Blue Jays to their third consecutive appearance in the Big Ten Championship game, where they narrowly fell, 12-10, to top-ranked and eventual national runner-up Maryland. Johns Hopkins entered the tourn...
2022-12-2930 minCritical PointFrom AI to astronauts’ insurance: A look at the latest insurtech trendsInsurtech never stops evolving. In this episode of Critical Point, Milliman actuaries Sheri Scott and Robert Eaton discuss recent trends they’ve seen and opportunities on the horizon--everything from new motion data and technology for improving the customer experience, to coverage for emerging risks including autonomous trucks, cryptocurrency, and even space travel.You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2022-10-2519 minCritical PointVM-20 for principle-based reserving: Tales from the front officeThe VM-20 requirement is no longer hypothetical—it’s here, and it’s had a big impact on principle-based reserving for the life insurance industry. In this episode of Critical Point, we hear how experts are coping. Michael McCarty from Legal & General America shares the direct carrier’s side, while Laiping Wong-Stewart from RGA brings the reinsurer’s perspective. They are joined by Milliman actuaries Uri Sobel and Paul Fedchak in a conversation about the challenges and successes surrounding assumption setting, governance processes, and other changes created with the new regulation.You can read the episode transcript on our websit
2022-09-0742 minCritical PointSurprises and obstacles SECURE 2.0 could present for plan sponsors and HR professionalsLearn how SECURE 2.0 could derail or reduce participant contributions, and what plan sponsors and HR professionals need to know about this potential regulation. In this episode of Critical Point, Milliman’s Jason Brantley sits down with Charles Clark and Karina Guerrero to talk about surprises in SECURE 2.0 and some of the details below the headlines. They’ll discuss the impact to required minimum distributions (RMDs), catchup contributions, and what this means for companies with non-full-time employees.You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2022-08-0814 minCritical PointRegulatory reviews around principle-based valuationsHear real-life experiences and get an “inside the company” look at the regulatory examination of principles-based reserve valuations for life insurers. PBR is a new method of determining U.S. statutory reserves in life insurance that better quantifies product risks. Milliman’s Karen Rudolph sits down with Catherine Murphy from John Hancock and Sarah Theis from WoodmenLife, qualified actuaries who will share firsthand experiences around the regulatory review of PBR valuations within their respective companies.You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2022-07-1837 minCritical PointGlobal benefits in 2022 – A conversation with Microsoft’s Vicky NevinIn this one-on-one conversation with Vicky Nevin, Microsoft’s head of international compensation and benefits, learn how a leading multinational organization is approaching its compensation and benefits strategy and overcoming global challenges. Vicky speaks with Milliman / MBWL global EB leader John-Paul Augeri to share perspectives and priorities for benefits leaders during this time of global change.You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2022-05-1031 minCritical PointThe workplace has changed, how will the supplemental benefits market change with it?Learn about five trends and creative approaches heading into 2022 for supplemental health benefits. Strategy consultant Christin Kuretich fuses Milliman market intel with a broader lens on society and the shifting nature of the workplace, to make some educated predictions on what we will see change and evolve in the voluntary benefits market. From mental health benefits to pet insurance and product design disruption, Christin gives a high-level overview on emerging approaches to supplemental products. Stay tuned for future episodes in this series, which will take a deeper dive into product design. You can read the episode transcript on...
2022-03-0731 minCritical PointPension risk hibernation – an alternative to annuity buyoutsFor corporate financial officers who are considering a pension annuity buyout, there’s an opportunity cost to 100% risk transfer, as Milliman’s Zorast Wadia and Bret Linton discuss on this episode of Critical Point. With the passage of the COVID-19 stimulus, many CFOs and plan sponsors likely see the second half of 2021 as an opportune time to de-risk their company’s pension liabilities; but pension risk transfer via an annuity buyout creates the potential to leave money on the table. This episode dives into the differences between pension risk mitigation and transfer, and some of the benefits of plan hibern...
2021-10-2612 min
Passion HarvestNDE: God asked me 2 Questions when I DIED! Struck By Lightning & Future Visions w/ Sharon MillimanWATCH THIS INTERVIEW: https://youtu.be/_rYzoRGUXP0
Sharon Milliman has had four Near-Death Experiences.
Sharon’s first NDE occurred at the age of 13, when she drowned while taking swimming lessons.
Sharon was struck by lightning four times over the course of several years. The fourth lightning strike resulted in her second NDE, when she was struck while talking on a cordless phone during a storm. Her third NDE occurred while she was undergoing emergency surgery. Sharon experienced her fourth NDE due to an adverse reaction to seizure medication, she died from acute respiratory acidosis.
Sharon is the author of three bo...
2021-10-0246 minCritical PointWhy did the flu disappear in 2020?In fall 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the looming flu season, public health experts feared the possibility of a “twindemic”—a one-two punch of Coronavirus plus influenza. But that year, flu cases hit historic lows. The so-called twindemic never happened. Milliman health care expert Ellyn Russo discusses why the volume of flu cases decreased, and what health care systems can learn from this phenomenon. You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2021-09-2731 min
MAGIC IS REALSHARON MILLIMAN: A CONVERSATION WITH A FOUR-TIME NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCERSharon Milliman is an ordained minister and author of the book, “A Song In The Wind”, in which she shares the details of her near death experiences and the spiritual journey that followed.
Learn more about Sharon and her book here:
https://www.amazon.com/Song-Wind-Sharon-Milliman/dp/1512755907
https://www.facebook.com/asonginthewindSM/
Music Credits: Track: Wandering — JayJen [Audio Library Release] Music provided by Audio Library Plus Watch: https://youtu.be/1HJbXTXa5WU
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/wandering
FOLLOW Magic Is Real (Host Shannon Torrence) on Instag...
2021-09-061h 18
Phi-Lacrosse-ophy PodcastPhi - Lacrosse - Ophy Podcast Season 4, Ep. 1 Johns Hopkins Head Coach Pete MillimanIn the first podcast of season 4, Jamie talks to Johns Hopkins Head Coach Pete Milliman about his lacrosse journey from growing up in Rochester, NY to becoming the head coach at Johns Hopkins last year. Milliman also discusses his offensive philosophies, what Hopkins likes to do on the defensive side of the ball, as well as what he looks for in recruits!
2021-08-231h 07Critical PointUnderstanding IRS guidance Notice 2021-48 under the American Rescue PlanIn late July, the IRS provided additional guidance on changes to single-employer defined benefit pension plan cash contribution rules under the American Rescue Plan. In this episode of Critical Point, Milliman pension consultants Charlie Clark and Casey Baldwin break down the guidance and what it means for pension plans and their plan sponsors. Baldwin and Clark discuss the implications for interest rate relief, amortization rates, prefunding balances, and written elections, among other things. They also share pitfalls to be aware of under this guidance.You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2021-08-1314 minCritical PointLong-term care insurance and the benefits and challenges of aging-in-placeWhen it comes to long-term care, what are some of the benefits and challenges of aging-in-place services, and how can these work hand-in-hand with long term care insurance? In this episode of Critical Point, Milliman’s Robert Eaton and Missy Gordon are joined by Char Hu, founder and CEO of The Helper Bees, a healthcare insurtech company that offers care concierge services for LTCI carriers and health plans. The three experts discuss trends in the LTCI market, the rise of virtual care, and how aging-in-place services can improve experience for both policyholders and insurers. They also dive into how pr...
2021-07-1925 minCritical PointHow the American Rescue Plan Act can impact single and multiemployer pension plansMilliman pension experts Charlie Clark, Vanessa Vaag, and Grant Camp discuss how the American Rescue Plan Act may impact single and multiemployer pension plans, and why pension funding has been integrated into the bill. The conversation ranges from the $86 billion special financial assistance for multiemployer plans, good faith compliance, and what plan sponsors should to consider when taking potential action as a result of ARPA.You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2021-04-1919 minCritical PointUnderstanding the impact of flooding on mortgage riskFlooding stands out among other natural catastrophes because of the risk it poses to the financial health of the average U.S. homeowner. In this episode, Milliman flood risk experts Dave Evans and Cody Webb are joined by Andrew Netter from Milliman’s mortgage group and Brand Katz from KatRisk to discuss the relationship between flood insurance and mortgage risk, and how that risk can impact financial instruments designed to cover mortgage default exposure. You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2021-04-0728 minCritical PointHow has the COVID-19 pandemic affected mental health in America?The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred—and aggravated—a range of mental health and substance use issues in the United States. In this episode, Milliman’s Stoddard Davenport talks with host Lesley Pink about how different populations are faring on the mental health front, how the rising demand for mental health services is being met, and how recent statistics reveal the depth of the problem in this country.You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2021-01-1227 min
2020-11-1345 minThe Light That Breaks PlanetsThe ReturnSunny and Simon return for a new season and nobody's happy about it.
2020-11-131h 01Critical PointTelehealth in the time of COVIDCOVID-19 has dramatically increased the use of telehealth services across the U.S. In this episode, Milliman’s Susan Philip sits down with Mei Kwong, executive director of the Center for Connected Health Policy, to discuss some of the biggest changes to telehealth in 2020, including regulatory changes around reimbursement and access, provider usage, and ways in which the service has been an integral part of healthcare during the global pandemic.You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2020-09-1041 minCritical PointCOVID-19 and the mortgage credit risk marketCOVID-19 has had far-reaching economic implications, but what does the pandemic mean for the U.S. mortgage market? On this episode of Critical Point, Milliman’s Mike Schmitz from the firm’s mortgage practice, and Chris Harner from Milliman’s Cyber Risk Solutions group, discuss the impact of the pandemic on mortgage defaults and the credit risk market. While unemployment spiked and remains high, Schmitz notes that mortgage risk is much more sensitive to home prices than unemployment rates, and currently all signs point to market trends that will not be as severe as during the global financial crisis.Yo...
2020-07-1723 min
The Shannon Milliman ShowWhat words would you use to describe me?Welcome to the maiden voyage, episode 1 of The Shannon Milliman Show podcast! It took a couple years to imperfectly act but here it is! Shannon celebrates words people use to describe her. Shannon challenges you to ask your people what words describe you. Shannon Milliman remembers a motivating start and honors her belated friend, Shauna Watts (do they listen to podcasts in heaven?) who bequeathed her wardrobe to Shannon.
2020-06-3032 min
The Dr. Darian Parker Podcast144. Simon Milliman - A Journey in Music: 12 Albums in 12 MonthsUrban Jack, the solo project name for, Subterranean Howl, and, Fat Mannequins, front man, Simon Eli Milliman, is embarking on a musical odyssey. The release of the album, Urban Jack and the Savage Sophisticates, marks the first of 12 albums that will be released in the following year. One album per month from May 2020 to May 2021. "It will be officially spring in the year of the rat," says Milliman, "I can't think of a better time to start a new, foolish venture...I don't know of anyone else who has attempted something so silly. I have numerous passions and ambitions, the...
2020-06-221h 30Critical PointThe promise and challenge of using AI for lung cancer detectionArtificial intelligence (AI) along with low-dose CT scans hold promise for the early detection of lung cancer, but there are challenges that come with scaling up this new technology. In this episode of Critical Point, Milliman’s Bruce Pyenson is joined by Jim Mulshine, a thoracic medical oncologist who spent 25 years at the National Cancer Institute and is now with Rush Medical Center. He outlines the promise AI holds in sifting through the reams of digital information from a CT scan to efficiently evaluate results and detect a myriad of diseases. But challenges in data quality and standardization must be...
2020-06-0537 min
The DocPreneur Leadership PodcastConsulting Actuary at Milliman, Fritz Busch, Author of Society of Actuaries, 2020 DPC StudyThe Society of Actuaries (SOA) commissioned Milliman to develop this report to provide health care stakeholders (patients, payers, policymakers and actuaries) with a comprehensive description of Direct Primary Care (DPC) as well as an objective actuarial evaluation of certain claims made about the DPC model of care. Today we sit down with one of the authors of the study, Fritz Busch, a consulting actuary at Milliman. Fritz's experience includes 27 years as an actuary and business leader in the insurance industry. Prior to starting at Milliman, he was with one of the larger Blue...
2020-05-2658 minThe DocPreneur Leadership PodcastConsulting Actuary at Milliman, Fritz Busch, Author of Society of Actuaries, 2020 DPC StudyThe Society of Actuaries (SOA) commissioned Milliman to develop this report to provide health care stakeholders (patients, payers, policymakers and actuaries) with a comprehensive description of Direct Primary Care (DPC) as well as an objective actuarial evaluation of certain claims made about the DPC model of care. Today we sit down with one of the authors of the study, Fritz Busch, a consulting actuary at Milliman. Fritz’s experience includes 27 years as an actuary and business leader in the insurance industry. Prior to starting at Milliman, he was with one of the larger Blu...
2020-05-2658 minCritical PointWhat the CARES Act means for retirement plansThe CARES Act – which stands for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act – has sweeping implications for both defined benefit (DB) and defined contribution (DC) retirement plans in the U.S. From distribution and loan relief for qualified individuals on the DC side, to deferral and election options for single-employer plans on the DB side, the CARES Act is intended to provide fast and direct economic assistance for workers and plan sponsors across the country. On this episode of Critical Point, Charles Clark, Milliman’s Employee Benefits Research Director, and Ginny Boggs, Senior Regulatory Compliance Consultant at Milliman, discus...
2020-05-1125 minCritical PointManaging the costs and risks of black lung diseaseBlack lung disease presents a significant, long-term liability exposure for coal companies, risk pools, and governments – a liability complicated by climate change and its effects on the industry. After the number of reported cases declined in the late 1990s, a recent CDC report indicates that trend has reversed and that cases of black lung in miners are the highest they've been since recordkeeping began in the early 1970s. In this episode of Critical Point, Milliman consultants Christine Fleming and Travis Grulkowski discuss what this means for companies and insurers looking to manage this risk for their employees.You can...
2020-05-0626 minCritical PointCOVID-19 and life insurance risk managementAt the heart of effective risk management is the ability to manage tail events, and the COVID-19 pandemic is raising some quite profound questions for risk practitioners in the life insurance industry. On this episode of Critical Point, Milliman consultants Anthony Dardis, Ariel Weiss, and Chloe Lau discuss enterprise risk management and emerging issues that life insurers may need to confront in the face of the global pandemic, including stress testing and operational risk. You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2020-04-2923 min
Lax Factor Lacrosse PodcastMichael Sowers Chooses Duke & Johns Hopkins Hires Peter Milliman (LaxFactor Lacrosse Podcast #98)It's not official, but it's kind of official, Michael Sowers has reportedly chosen Duke as his landing spot to play lacrosse in 2021 and it makes a lot of sense. Sowers as I've said over and over is the best player in college lacrosse right now and Duke is now instantly a legit contender again. Michael Sowers is that good and now every time Duke takes the lacrosse field, they will do so knowing they have the best player on the field no matter who the foe.
Other big news, Johns Hopkins has hired Cornell Head Coach Peter M...
2020-04-2714 minThe Light That Breaks PlanetsRevenge of the MurderSunny and Simon talk about their current writing, art, and music projects.
2020-04-2400 minCritical PointCOVID-19 and the implications on healthcare costsThe COVID-19 pandemic will have far-reaching implications for both short- and long-term healthcare costs in the U.S., as Milliman consultants Pamela Pelizzari, Stoddard Davenport, Doug Norris, and Matt Kramer discuss on this episode of Critical Point. For the past month, Milliman consultants have been building actuarial models to better understand what costs could look like for consumers, hospitals, and to the healthcare system overall. While there are more questions than answers at this early stage, our subject matter experts discuss the possibility that costs may in fact decrease in the short-term, as people avoid non-essential healthcare services....
2020-04-1325 minCritical PointCyber in emerging marketsManaging cyber risk in emerging markets such as South Africa comes with its own unique challenges and opportunities, as Milliman’s David Kirk and Chris Harner discuss in this episode of Critical Point. Insurers and companies are confronting varying levels of preparedness, with outstanding questions around how to best understand, measure, and quantify the cost of cyber risk and then communicate these metrics to their boards. Harner and Kirk discuss top-of-mind issues such as hardware and software challenges, the latest regulations, security concerns, and what actions insurers can consider when moving forward with managing this risk. You can re...
2020-03-3024 minCritical PointLessons from healthcare systems around the worldEvery country has its own, unique healthcare system, but within these disparate systems there are shared approaches that cross borders and languages. This next episode of Critical Point, which is based on a series of papers by Milliman experts around the world, explores some of those commonalities and shared approaches that we see in healthcare systems globally, and tackles topics such as population health management, risk equalization, and wellness programs in different countries.You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2020-03-0635 min
The Light That Breaks PlanetsThe Podcast Haters Pt. 1In order to endorse their own podcast Sunny and Simon plan to tear down their favorite podcasts.
2020-02-2800 min
The Light That Breaks PlanetsThe Redheaded Stranger said, "Gay Rights"Will Sunny and Simon ever begin a segment? Finish a thought? Will the tangents ever end? Will questions be asked? Will anything be answered? ...probably not.
2020-02-1900 min
The Light That Breaks PlanetsYou're Iced, Bruh!Is Simon a Bro? Sunny investigates. Plus favorite comic books and a little movie talk.
2020-02-1100 min
The Light That Breaks PlanetsDead Animal UnderwearJoin Sunny and Simon as they explore the mythos of Bugs Bunny, pitch to each other ideas for opening a local boutique, and try to convince Simon to work at Subway.
2020-01-2800 minThe Light That Breaks PlanetsA Minor CyborgSunny and Simon finish their discussion of, X-Men Evolution, attempt to get each other to read, and discover that Simon is a minor cyborg and might have an extra 10 chromosomes.
2020-01-2100 minThe Light That Breaks PlanetsFather PantsSunny and Simon explore important dates in history and herstory, foretell the future, and discuss Knight Rider and X-Men Evolutions.
2020-01-2100 minThe Light That Breaks PlanetsThe Space GayzIn the premier episode Sunny and Simon talk about eating worms, John Wayne, Lee Majors, and Surreal Memes.
2020-01-2100 minCritical PointDental insurtech: insurance trends for care and coverageNew trends in dental care and insurance coverage are aimed at improving the patient experience, as Milliman’s Joanne Fontana discusses on this episode of Critical Point. According to the American Dental Association, one-third of adults in the U.S. lack dental insurance, but emerging technologies such as ‘smart’ toothbrushes, teledentistry, and dental therapists are introducing new methods of care, and dental insurtech is rising to meet this changing landscape. You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2019-10-1421 minCritical PointThe future of flood insuranceWhat if, in the future, homeowners had a flood risk score, like a credit score? In this episode of Critical Point, Milliman consulting actuaries Nancy Watkins and John Rollins discuss flood risk, and what flood insurance could look like in the future. They address some of the public misconceptions about flood insurance coverage, the rise of the private market, and what this market could look like decades from now. You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2019-09-0332 minCritical PointHow pensions in America have changed (and should change again)The American pension plan is in flux, but not for the first time in U.S. history. In this episode of Critical Point, Milliman consulting actuaries Kelly Coffing and Becky Sielman discuss why it’s a turbulent time for retirement security in America, and what the next generation of pension plans could – and should – look like given emerging technology and the changing nature of the U.S. workforce. You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2019-07-1735 minCritical PointKey takeaways for insurers managing the US GAAP Targeted ImprovementsInsurance companies that issue long-duration contracts (LDTI) can expect volatility, increased data and disclosure requirements, and the potential for a new market for reinsurers thanks to recent accounting changes, according to Milliman’s William Hines and Francois Dauphin. In the latest episode of Critical Point, Milliman’s life insurance actuaries discuss key takeaways from the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts (LDTI), which will require significant risk management and has a go-live date of January 2021.You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2019-06-2614 minCritical PointClimate change, immigration, and opioids: The effect of global events on mortalityGlobal events like climate change, immigration, and the opioid epidemic have the potential to affect mortality rates, that is, the rate at which people die. Mortality rates drive many factors that affect our everyday living, like pensions, healthcare, and taxes, as Milliman principal and consulting actuary Dale Hagstrom discusses in the latest episode of our Critical Point podcast. You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2019-06-2418 minCritical PointHR communication for Millennials, Gen-Xers and moreWhat constitutes effective HR communication for Millennials, Gen-Xers, and Boomers today? In this episode of Critical Point, Heidi tenBroek, a Milliman employee communication consultant, and Jill Godschall discuss how generational differences, behavioral economics, and technology are driving change in the HR communications space.You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2019-05-3120 minCritical PointCould cyber risk be the next “Big Short”?A cyberattack has the potential to disrupt the global economy, but using traditional underwriting and risk management approaches may leave insurers and businesses vulnerable to large financial losses. In this episode, Milliman’s Chris Harner and Chris Beck discuss how a cyberattack could create a scenario similar to 2008’s financial crisis, and the need for a new risk management paradigm that not only takes into account the interconnectedness of the risk, but provides a way for businesses to measure their exposure and prepare for it.You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2019-05-1329 minCritical PointShea & Anders talk blockchain (Part 3): Insurance applicationsBlockchain has the potential to influence - or disrupt – the insurance industry, but implementing any new technology comes with both benefits and drawbacks. In this episode of Critical Point – the third in our series on blockchain – Milliman consultants Shea Parkes and Anders Larson begin to look at real-world blockchain applications in the health insurance space and some of the compromises that have to be made to implement it.You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2019-05-0822 min
Exploring DeathFace To Face With God With Sharon MillimanBecause of four near-death experiences, and numerous spiritually transformative experiences, Sharon Milliman has a deep interest in how God moves through the lives of herself and others, making her a pilgrim and supporter of many within the NDE community as well as her own broader community. She does this through listening, giving voice to her experiences and through her inspirational writing. Sharon plans to continue her work to promote God’s unconditional love to a hurting world. Do you have an exploring death story you’d like to share with Lisa? Please leave a comment on the podc...
2019-03-2046 minCritical PointWhat is a Critical Point anyway?What is a critical point and why would we name Milliman’s podcast after this mathematical concept? In this episode, host Jeremy Engdahl-Johnson speaks with Milliman consultants Hans Leida and Doug Norris, who are both healthcare actuaries and math PhDs, about the concept of a critical point and how it relates to Milliman’s work.You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2019-03-0420 minCritical PointShea and Anders talk blockchain (Part 2)Using blockchain for insurance continues to grow and develop, but the technology is one with both supporters and detractors. In this episode of Critical Point – the second in our series on blockchain – Milliman consultants Shea Parkes and Anders Larson discuss hashing and public key cryptography. The two concepts are foundational to blockchain, and understanding their function is critical when thinking about how this technology might apply to the insurance industry. Shea and Anders set the stage for a more in-depth look at how blockchain might be used in insurance, including smart contracts, potential use-cases, anti-patterns, and alternatives.You can...
2019-01-2223 minCritical PointPuerto Rico after the hurricane: Managing Medicaid in the face of a natural disasterManaging Puerto Rico’s Medicaid system after Hurricane Maria led to challenges not typically faced by most actuaries. In this episode of Critical Point, host Jeremy Engdahl-Johnson interviews Milliman consultant and Puerto Rican native José Carlo about his work with the Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administration (Administración de Seguros de Salud) directly following the devastation of Hurricane Maria, including Jose’s personal and professional experience on the island as everyone worked to get the healthcare system back up and running after the storm. You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2019-01-1428 minCritical PointDiagnosing and predicting opioid use disorderHost Rebecca Driskill sits down with Milliman’s Stoddard Davenport and Joseph Boschert to discuss their latest research on opioid use in the United States. The conversation includes a discussion about why professionals in the field prefer the term opioid use disorder (OUD) instead of opioid addiction, and touches on the potential for OUD underdiagnoses, how advanced analytics can help predict the risk a patient may develop OUD, and how to keep discussions around this weighty topic patient-centered.You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2018-12-1919 minCritical PointCotton, cow mortality, and climate change: An update on the MicroInsurance Centre at MillimanIn this episode of Critical Point, host Lesley Pink catches up with Michael McCord of the MicroInsurance Centre at Milliman to talk about cow mortality, climate change, and some of the projects he’s helping spearhead across the globe. You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2018-12-1322 minCritical PointHow tech is changing trucking insurance claimsTrucking and trucking companies are not just big tanker trucks on the highway. With the growth of online shopping, these companies are responsible for delivering everything from clothes to kitchen gadgets straight to your door. In this episode of Critical Point, Milliman’s Christine Fleming and Nina Plail discuss trucking insurance, specifically how insurtech is transforming claims management in the industry for both companies and consumers. Over the last five to 10 years, there have been great strides in technology--innovations like photo-estimatic platforms and telematics-- that can improve efficiencies and reduce costs for companies, while making the insurance claims process eas...
2018-12-1015 min
The Not Old - Better Show#302 Senior Games Gold Medalist - Phil Milliman, Pt. 2Senior Games Gold Medalist - Phil Milliman, Pt. 2 Fitness Friday Interview Series Welcome to The Not Old Better Show, I'm Paul Vogelzang and this is episode number 302. Today's show is sponsored by SnugSafe.com Initially known as the National Senior Olympics, the National Senior Games, a member of the USOC, has been hosting senior athletes since 1987. Today, the National Senior Games has grown to one of the largest multi-sport events in the world. The vision has always been: "Instead of looking back as...
2018-12-0922 min
The Not Old - Better Show#301 Senior Games Gold Medalist - Chuck MillimanSenior Games Gold Medalist - Chuck Milliman Fitness Friday Interview Series Welcome to The Not Old Better Show, I'm Paul Vogelzang and this is episode number 301. Today's show is sponsored by Audible. Initially known as the National Senior Olympics, the National Senior Games, a member of the USOC, has been hosting senior athletes since 1987. Today, the National Senior Games has grown to one of the largest multi-sport events in the world. The vision has always been: "Instead of looking b...
2018-12-0521 minCritical PointA primer on telehealth in the U.S.In this episode of Critical Point, Milliman senior healthcare management consultant Susan Philip talks to host Lesley Pink about telehealth. Around for over 50 years, NASA developed the first form of telemedicine to monitor astronauts in space. Today, telehealth is being used to deliver healthcare in the U.S. to a population that might otherwise have difficulty accessing care. Susan Philip joins Critical Point to provide a primer on telehealth including its uses, regulatory landscape, efficacy, and some of the ground-breaking new devices using telehealth to deliver care.You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2018-11-2620 minCritical PointShea and Anders talk blockchain (Part 1)In this episode of Critical Point, Milliman consultants Shea Parkes and Anders Larson provide an introductory look at blockchain for those listeners not already familiar with the technology. The first in a series of episodes on blockchain, Shea and Anders dig into blockchain basics (including what the technology actually is and how it relates to cryptocurrency) in order to set the scene for more in-depth conversations on blockchain and insurance applications. Future episodes in the series will include potential use-cases in insurance, anti-patterns, and alternatives.You can read the episode transcript on our website.
2018-10-3020 minCritical PointAlternative Payment Models 101As healthcare costs continue to increase, the industry is looking for innovative ways to reduce spending. One recent structural change is to modify the way doctors are paid. Over the past few years, payers have begun switching from a fee-for-service model, in which doctors are paid by the volume of services provided, to alternative payment models (APMs), where the emphasis is put on the quality of services provided instead of the quantity. There are many different forms of APMs, and Milliman’s Pamela Pelizzari is sitting down with Critical Point to provide a little APM 101. You can read th...
2018-07-1722 min