That Annuity Show

Live from the LIMRA Annual Conference, host Paul Tyler and guest host, Tom Rios explore the future of carrier communications with Stephanie Warren and Tim Mader of O’Neil Digital Solutions. The conversation looks beyond today’s PDFs to a unified, intelligent platform where print and digital are orchestrated together—with auto-failover (email → mail), real-time delivery confirmation for agents, and 10-year, regulation-ready audit trails.  They sketch what’s next: dynamic, personalized content (QR codes, agent video intros), event-triggered journeys (policy issued, first annuity payment, claim payout), and template consolidation that unlocks governance and speed. Most importantly, they reframe communications as a revenue and referral moment—turning required documents into measurable CX wins while staying compliant. Learn more at  

Recorded live on the floor of the LIMRA Annual Conference, host Paul Tyler and guest host, Tom Rios sit down with Jim Kerley, Managing Partner at Clearview Partners, for a candid conversation on what really moves the needle: going deep with AI (not broad), building a clear roadmap, and supporting people through constant change. Jim shares pragmatic guidance for carrier executives—how to future-proof your career, reduce organizational stress, upskill teams, and use industry resources and peer networks to turn transformation into measurable outcomes. If you’re leading strategy, operations, distribution, or product, this episode is your field guide to doing AI—and leadership—right. Learn more at

Join That Annuity Show hosts for an insightful discussion with Chief Information Officer, Alex Seidita, and Chief Technology Officer, Jason Pedone of Aspida. Hear about the benefits of an API-first architecture for straight-through processing and how they're exploring AI as a productivity multiplier rather than job replacement. The conversation explores the future of insurance technology, industry-wide data standardization challenges, and why emerging opportunities in RIA wealth channels, in-plan annuities, and alternative investments depend on solving current data friction problems that the industry must address before unlocking new possibilities.  Learn more at  

Nassau Financial Group's Chief Investment Officer, Joe Orofino joins Paul Tyler to analyze the current economic landscape and its impact on retirement planning. They examine how Federal Reserve rate cuts affect annuity products, discuss inflation expectations hovering around 3%, and explore the looming Social Security funding crisis. Orofino explains why higher long-term interest rates benefit the annuity industry and shares insights on portfolio diversification strategies, including concerns about the S&P 500's heavy concentration in AI and tech stocks. Key topics include treasury rates, tariff impacts, sovereign wealth funds, and annuities. Learn more at www.thatannuityshow.com

Jeff Affronti, president and CEO of FSD Financial Services, joins our show to delve into the current landscape of annuities, focusing on market trends, the purpose of annuity laddering, and common strategies for younger investors. Jeff shares insights on using MYGAs for retirement income, the impact of inflation on annuities, and some of the latest product features and innovations in the industry. The discussion also touches on the risks associated with life-only annuities and the potential for entering the MYGA market. For more information: thatannuityshow.com

Joe Jordan explores the importance of purpose in retirement, the impact of demographics, and the role of technology, including AI. Joseph emphasizes the significance of life insurance and social security in financial planning, advocating for a human-centered approach to financial services.  The conversation highlights the need for advisors to adapt to changing client needs and the importance of understanding the emotional aspects of financial decision-making. Listen now where you get your podcasts and at  

In this episode of That Annuity Show, Paul Tyler, Tisa Rabun-Marshall, and Bruno Caron speak with Jason Hopper of AM Best about the rapidly evolving annuity market. They discuss emerging product trends, the growing role of private equity and asset managers, shifts in asset portfolio strategies, and how credit risk evaluation is adapting to changing market conditions. The conversation also explores the reinsurance space, spotlighting new market entrants and the regulatory complexities shaping the future of the insurance industry. Learn more at www.thatannuityshow.com

Summary In this episode of That Annuity Show, Paul Tyler speaks with Krish Krishnan, CEO and founder of Magnifact, about the company's mission to streamline data aggregation in the insurance industry. They discuss the challenges of data management, the importance of digital transformation, and how AI is set to revolutionize the industry. Krish shares insights on the evolving relationships between carriers and distributors, the need for mobility in insurance, and his predictions for the future of the industry. Learn more at thatannuityshow.com   

In this episode of That Annuity Show, Paul Tyler, Bruno Caron, and guest Joe Nunes discuss the evolution of retirement planning, focusing on the shift from defined benefit (DB) to defined contribution (DC) plans. They explore the challenges faced by retirees today, the role of annuities, and the importance of adequate contributions to ensure financial security in retirement. The conversation also highlights the differences between the US and Canadian retirement systems, innovations in retirement savings, and strategies to address longevity risk. Listen now: www.thatannuityshow.com  

In this episode, Paul Tyler interviews Kartik Sakthivel, Vice President and CIO of LIMRA, discussing the transformative impact of AI on the insurance industry. They explore the evolution of AI, its ethical implications, and the importance of governance. Kartik shares insights from his personal journey in the industry and emphasizes the need for AI literacy and operational efficiency. The conversation highlights the potential of AI to expand access to insurance and the importance of innovation from all levels within organizations. They conclude with a look at future directions for AI governance and resources available for industry professionals. Learn more at: www.thatannuityshow.com  

In this episode, Paul Tyler and Tisa Rabun-Marshall discuss the intersection of annuities and AI with Jay Singh, founder of Hedgness. Jay and our hosts explore innovation in the annuity space, the importance of compliance, and how AI can enhance sales efficiency without disrupting existing workflows. Jay shares insights on successful AI implementation, the significance of meeting users where they are, and the potential ROI from AI adoption. The conversation also delves into specific use cases, particularly around illustrations for wholesalers, and the broader implications for the insurance industry. Learn more at thatannuityshow.com  

Join executives from Prudential, Global Atlantic, Conning and Zinnia as they dive deep into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the life and annuity industry. Recorded at Hartford AI Day, this candid panel explores the real ROI of AI investments, the dramatic potential for call center cost reduction, and the critical 90% challenge that isn't technology—it's changing human behavior. Learn more at  and more on Hartford AI Day at

In this episode, Paul Tyler and David Czerniecki discuss the current state of the markets, focusing on the interplay between tariffs, inflation, and economic indicators. They explore the implications of the bond market dynamics on the annuity industry, the impact of rising interest rates, and the role of AI and energy in shaping future market trends. David provides insights into the challenges posed by the rising deficit and the potential for economic growth, while also addressing the importance of energy production and regulatory changes.  

In this episode of That Annuity Show, Paul Tyler and Laura Dinan Haber welcome Miles O'Keefe, who shares his journey in the funeral and financial planning industry. The conversation explores the intersection of Medicare and financial planning, the role of technology in enhancing human-centered services, and the challenges of navigating change in the funeral industry. They discuss communication trends in sensitive situations and the importance of maintaining a human touch in a rapidly evolving market.  In this conversation, Miles O'Keefe discusses the evolution of communication in the funeral and Medicare industries, emphasizing the shift to digital platforms post-COVID. He shares strategies for working with funeral directors and Medicare providers, highlighting the importance of seamless communication and adapting to client needs. The discussion also touches on the fear of change in business, the evolving perspectives on death and funerals, and the potential future of technology in the death care industry.

In this episode of That Annuity Show, host Paul Tyler welcomes Roger Kahlon, Vice President and Head of Consulting at Zinnia, to discuss key takeaways from the recent IRI Annual Conference. They explore the industry's digital transformation journey, including the Digital First initiative, the growing importance of Contingent Deferred Annuities (CDAs), and the need for standardization and collaboration to expand the marketplace. Roger shares valuable insights on how carriers can overcome transformation challenges and better serve wealth management firms, providing expert perspective on the future of annuities in an increasingly digital landscape. Learn more at thatannuityshow.com 

In this episode of That Annuity Show, we welcome Bill Bengen, the creator of the 4% rule, to discuss the evolution of retirement planning strategies. Bill shares insights into the origins of the 4% rule, its mechanics, and how it has been adapted in his upcoming book. The conversation delves into the eight essential elements of a comprehensive retirement withdrawal plan, the impact of inflation and market valuation on withdrawal rates, and the role of annuities in retirement income. Bill provides insight on the benefits of maximizing income while managing risks and provides case studies to illustrate effective retirement planning. Learn more at thatannuityshow.com 

Philip Chao, a leading voice in the 401(k) space shares his sharp focus on creating guaranteed retirement income. The conversation explores Philip's background, his companies, and the evolving landscape of annuities within retirement plans. Key themes include the role of fiduciaries, the integration of annuities into target date funds, and the future of guaranteed income products in the retirement market. In this conversation, Philip Chao discusses the evolution and importance of Target Date Funds and Qualified Default Investment Alternatives (QDIAs) in retirement planning. He emphasizes the need for personalized solutions that consider individual data rather than relying solely on averages.  The discussion also highlights the significance of engagement in retirement planning, the challenges of behavioral finance, and how guaranteed income can help ensure financial security in retirement. Chao advocates for transparency and education in financial services to empower individuals in their retirement decisions.

Today, we welcome Ben Faught, Chief Actuary at Oceanview Life. The conversation delves into the success story of Oceanview Life, its unique investment strategies focusing on mortgage-backed securities, and the challenges and considerations in pricing annuities. Ben shares insights on market trends, the importance of understanding asset-liability matching, and the future of fixed index annuities in a changing economic landscape. The discussion emphasizes the role of actuaries in advocating for clients and ensuring sustainable business practices. Learn more at our website, thatannuityshow.com

Tom Totten, an actuary and serial entrepreneur, shares his journey from a defined benefit consultant to advising companies on Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). The conversation delves into the intricacies of ESOPs, their guarantees, and the liquidity risks associated with them. Tom discusses the purpose of lifetime income strategies, including the use of annuities, and reflects on the evolving relationship between employers and employees in the context of retirement planning. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the benefits of including lifetime income solutions in retirement planning, emphasizing the role of the workplace in providing these solutions. They explore the challenges of communicating the value of lifetime income to pre-retirees and retirees, the impact of technology on retirement planning, and the benefits of diversification in investment strategies. The discussion also touches on the potential of ESOPs as a means of wealth creation for employees and the evolving landscape of retirem

Jeff Affronti, president and CEO of FSD Financial Services joins our show to delve into the current landscape of annuities, focusing on market trends, the importance of annuity laddering, and strategies for younger investors. Jeff shares insights on using MYGAs for retirement income, the impact of inflation on annuities, and the latest product features and innovations in the industry. The discussion also touches on the risks associated with life-only annuities and the potential for entering the MYGA market.