Shared Accounts with CU Times

Amanda Estiverne, VP of Global Strategic Partnerships for Money 20/20, discusses the global conference company's foray into credit union-specific content, which debuted at Money 20/20 Las Vegas last month .  Also, as we journey into cozy inside weather, it's time for another edition of the Shared Accounts with CU Times bookclub.

Step into the CU Times newsroom for a discussion with S enior R eporters Peter Strozniak and Jim DuPlessis about one of t he biggest fraud scandal s the industry has ever seen .

Inclusiv President/CEO Cathie Mahon discusses the ongoing grants lawsuit, uncertainty surrounding CDFI funding and what’s ahead for community development credi t unions.  Also, we put some wood paneling on the podcast studio walls and turn it into a rumpus room   as Michael breaks out  a parlor game, this one titled “Most Likely ”.  

Lumin Digital COO Lisa Daniels helps credit union leaders nail the digital banking experience that keeps members loyal, including during the critical days of a merger transition. Also, Michael once again spies on Natasha and Producer Zach under the pretenses of his game "Hey, Whatchu Been Googling?"

Fiserv SVP Ahon Sarkar  gets into the core system weeds  as part of  a lively discussion  that covers   the company's new  agentOS  system, member  trust   and  the  concept of  AI consciousness .    Also Michael puts Natasha and Producer Zach on the spot with his new game, "Hey, What Are the Last Three Things You've Googled?"

One year into the launch of Fuel Solutions, which is  essentially a   CUSO for credit union leagues, Executive Director Stephen Nelson  catches us up on the venture’s evolution to date and  future plans .   Also, Michael plays a game of credit union over/under with Natasha and Producer Zach.  

Velera SVP Jeremiah Lotz says the company's new Atmos ecosystem aims to simplify analytics, improve member  experiences  and help credit union leaders make faster decisions.  Also we're back to the 90's as Natasha regales Michael and Producer Zach with some of her favorite childhood parody humor.

Jeremy Empol , who brings deep roots in advocacy and government affairs  paired with  a passion for the CU mission, discusses his return to the state associations  and priorities for the months ahead. Also, Natasha breaks out her old teen magazines to get to the bottom of the important issues, namely, is Michael the life of the party? And are Producer Zach's BFFs bad news?

Raddon’s Bill Handel says younger consumers are gravitating toward big banks and fintechs, while AI and operational efficiency will shape the future of credit unions. And following some moves and major life changes, Michael pauses to check in with Natasha and Producer Zach.

Carrie Foran Sepulveda, VP of Fraud and Physical Security at Navy Federal, talks romance scams and other top fraud threats facing credit unions today. Also, Michael plays a game with Natasha and Producer Zach he invented based on things he's Googled on a plane, titled "Top Five What??!"

We explore AI, member behavior monitoring, and the growing sophistication of digital fraud with Jeff Scott, VP of Fraud Intelligence at Q2. Also, Michael subjects Natasha and Producer Zach to a new game he invented, this one called "No Kidding?"

2025 CU Times Luminaries finalist Bryce Mortensen, who took the helm at Oregonians CU earlier this year, takes us inside his journey of  moving to a new CU, his first CEO role and a new state all at once .      Also, in honor of Mother’s Day, Michael plays trivia with Natasha and Producer Zach centered on famous pop culture Moms. And to a ll  Moms  out there, Happy Mother’s Day!  

Velera’s BNPL experts,  Denise Stevens, EVP & Chief Product Officer and Cody Banks, SVP Product Enablement & Growth  open up  the doors to BNPL and what changes are happening and why credit unions need to pay atte ntion.    Also, Michael gives Natasha and Producer Zach an aptitude quiz to  determine  if anyone on this show is doing  the work that   they’re  suppo sed to  be doing.  

Pam Cohen, a longtime HR executive and current COO for Affinity FCU,  teaches  CU  professionals how to  maintain  a healthy work-life balance  without sacrificing on-the-job success .   Also, Michael, Natasha, and Producer Zach play another round of “Name that Hum ”,   as well as make an extraordinary leap in discussion from “America’s Next Top Model ”  to “Face/Off ”.  

What’s  on Chuck Fagan’s mind? In short, the  ominous  interchange problem  on   the horizon . Also, Michael, Natasha and Producer Zach play a quick round of financial institution trivia, but more importantly, Michael and Natasha discuss high art, namely the "Sex and the City" and "Twilight" franchises.

TruStage Ventures President/Managing Director, Brian Kass explains this new “collaborative stablecoin model” and what it means for credit unions. Also, Michael discusses the vibe of GAC and D.C.

CEO Daniel Betancourt shares how his credit union, Finanta, is helping underserved families and entrepreneurs meet their financial goals, including through a new bilingual branch.      Also, instead of focusing on how poorly Michael, Natasha, and Producer Zach did playing the TMZ headline game, let's just sadly say RIP Catherine O'Hara.

Raddon’s General Manager & Chief Economist shares his expert insights and predictions for digital banking, AI, payments, member engagement and more as the industry looks ahead to a new year. Also, Michael, Natasha, and Producer Zach all share something they're looking forward to in 2026.

From a Savannah, Ga. church basement to CDFI certification, a tiny credit  union’s  journey offers big lessons. Also, Michael finds out what skills Natasha and Producer Zach would add with unlimited time. Do they use the question as an excuse to discuss eagles and make a dirty joke, respectively? Listen to find out.

Just in time for the Season of Giving, Addition Financial’s Cristina Lehman gives us “all the feels” as she joins us for a philanthropic strategy and impact discussion. Also, for the final time in 2025, Michael brings in Natasha and Producer Zach for a holiday game of Mad Libs.

Doug Donofrio, Head of Credit Union Solutions for Fiserv, shares all the latest core-related insights, tips and innovations . Also, Michael, Natasha, and Producer Zach discuss holiday meal side dishes, including insight into Michael's potato-centric diet.

A full wrap-up of the 2025 CU Times Luminaries Awards show gives us a chance to spread the credit union love.

Danielle Scodellaro with TruStage Executive Benefits Solutions uncovers the crucial role executive benefits play in credit union leadership. Also, in a conversation that he will definitely not use against them in the future, Michael asks Natasha and Producer Zach "what are you afraid of?"

Former credit union CEO and longtime league executive Larry Palochik introduces a new nonprofit, Fuel Solutions, which is providing personalized support to credit union associations in the West. Also, Michael plays "Hey Young Folks, What's This?" as he askes Natasha and Producer Zach to do their best and explain TMZ headlines to him.

The incoming America’s Credit Unions CEO shares his vision for the trade association as he prepares to take the helm. Also, Michael, Natasha, and Producer Zach discuss which podcasts they listen to when they need a break from Shared Accounts, as well as the eternal question of why Hollywood can't stop making bad Wolfman movies.