Alan Demers and Stephen Applebaum

The Connected Podcast

Business EN ↓ 584 episodes

Co-curated by Alan Demers and Stephen Applebaum, The Connected Podcast is a daily scan of all the happenings in the world of Insurance & InsurTech News.

Author

Alan Demers and Stephen Applebaum

Episodes

'There's A Bubble': Car Payments Are Hitting Record Highs 26.05.2026 12:57

Welcome to The Connected Podcast, where we delve into the fascinating world of the insurance ecosystem, covering the latest news and events shaping the industry. In this episode, our hosts, Andreea Plesea, Jean Bezek, and Paul Carroll, explore major developments across automotive, real estate, and recreational vehicles, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape. Diving into the auto...

AI and Geopolitical Shifts Top Emerging Risks for Insurance Industry in 2026 22.05.2026 10:26

The Connected Podcast: Insurance News & Insights Welcome to The Connected Podcast: Navigating the Insurance Ecosystem In this episode of The Connected Podcast, the discussion centers on balancing historical reflection, current actions, and future challenges within the insurance ecosystem. The segment begins with a tribute to Memorial Day, highlighting its origin as Decoration Day post-Civil Wa...

Sandy Fire is 3rd largest wildfire currently burning in CA 21.05.2026 12:05

The Connected Podcast: Navigating the Insurance Ecosystem In this episode of The Connected Podcast, we pay tribute to the late Stephen Applebaum, a distinguished figure in the insurance industry. Known for his expertise in property and casualty claims technology, Stephen contributed significantly to the Insurance Innovation Reporter and worked with prominent companies like CCC Information Services...

US P&C insurance industry faces weaker growth in 2026 despite improved underwriting results 19.05.2026 13:05

Welcome to The Connected Podcast , your go-to source for the latest news and events shaping the insurance ecosystem. In this engaging episode, we begin by honoring the remarkable legacy of Stephen Applebaum, a true giant in the industry. Known for his extraordinary professional expertise and warm spirit, Stephen was celebrated as a master connector, a cherished mentor, and a fervent advocate for i...

Celebrating the Life of Industry Icon Stephen Applebaum at 81 18.05.2026 3:27

The Connected Podcast - Tribute to Stephen Applebaum The Connected Podcast: News and Events in the Insurance Ecosystem In this segment of The Connected Podcast, the hosts pay heartfelt tribute to a luminary in the insurance industry, Stephen Applebaum, who was renowned for his intellectual prowess and exceptional ability to foster meaningful connections. Stephen transitioned from accounting to C...

Americans Pay $150 Billion More Than They Should on Home and Auto Insurance 15.05.2026 13:22

The Connected Podcast: Navigating the Insurance Ecosystem The Connected Podcast: Navigating the Insurance Ecosystem In this episode of The Connected Podcast , we delve into the significant shifts within the insurance ecosystem, highlighting crucial trends and challenges reshaping the industry. A pivotal study by the Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator has set the industry abuzz, suggesting that insura...

Comp posts 91% combined ratio in 2025, extends underwriting gains 14.05.2026 14:29

In this episode of The Connected Podcast , the focus is on current trends and challenges shaping the insurance ecosystem. The 2025 workers' compensation landscape reveals a mixed picture: while underwriting profitability continues for the twelfth year with a 91% combined ratio, challenges arise from increasing claim severity and a slight dip in net written premiums. The rise in medical and in...

Auto Insurance Shopping and New Policy Growth Registers "Warm" 13.05.2026 13:27

The Connected Podcast The Connected Podcast: Navigating the Insurance Ecosystem Welcome to the latest edition of The Connected Podcast, where we delve into the dynamic world of insurance, uncovering the latest news, trends, and events shaping the ecosystem. Join us as we explore the intricate changes within the U.S. auto insurance market for Q1 2026, based on the latest insights from the U.S. Insu...

Trump task force recommends sweeping changes to FEMA — but not eliminating it 12.05.2026 12:01

In this episode of The Connected Podcast , the discussion centers around evolving news and developments within the insurance ecosystem , particularly those affecting disaster response and flood insurance in the United States. Key insights are drawn from President Trump's task force recommendations on FEMA, which propose a significant shift of disaster management responsibilities from federal...

State Insurance Regulators Share Coordinated Work to Oversee Markets During Meeting with U.S. Treasury 11.05.2026 12:54

In a recent episode of The Connected Podcast , the discussion centered on noteworthy developments in the insurance ecosystem. State insurance regulators, along with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, emphasized the critical role of state oversight in managing risks and investments within the insurance sector. Elizabeth Dwyer from Rhode Island highlighted the effectiveness of the U.S. state-bas...

Specialty rates fall in 2025 and at Jan. 1 renewals: WTW 07.05.2026 10:57

The Connected Podcast The Connected Podcast: Dive into the Latest in the Insurance Ecosystem In the latest segment of The Connected Podcast on the insurance ecosystem, several pivotal developments were discussed. The specialty insurance market is witnessing a significant rate decline, with 75% of classes seeing reductions during January 2026 renewals, a sharp reversal from the steady gains recorde...

Global InsurTech funding extends decline as investment falls 50% in April 06.05.2026 9:50

The Connected Podcast: News and Events in the Insurance Ecosystem The Connected Podcast: Exploring the Insurance Ecosystem In this episode of The Connected Podcast , we delve into the latest developments shaping the insurance sector. April witnessed a notable downturn in global InsurTech investments, with a mere $119 million raised across eight deals—a 50% decrease from March. This decline signifi...

California sues to take State Farm's license away and seeks record penalties 05.05.2026 12:14

The Connected Podcast - Insurance Ecosystem The Connected Podcast: Navigating the Insurance Ecosystem In this episode of The Connected Podcast , we explore a major development in the insurance sector involving California regulators' enforcement action against State Farm General Insurance Company. This unprecedented legal challenge, potentially resulting in fines and operational restrictions,...

IIHS finds drivers reach for the phone more often when they're already speeding 04.05.2026 10:22

The Connected Podcast: Shaping the Future of Insurance Welcome to The Connected Podcast , your essential source for the latest news and events in the ever-evolving insurance ecosystem! Tune in as we delve into the innovative changes and strategic shifts impacting this vital industry. In our latest episode, we kick off the discussion with a surprising revelation from the Insurance Institute for Hig...

Zurich shares firsthand insights in 'Data center risks right now' 01.05.2026 12:54

Welcome to the latest episode of The Connected Podcast , where we dive into the dynamic world of the insurance ecosystem, focusing on the latest news and events that are shaping the industry. This episode unpacks key developments across data centers, corporate growth, catastrophe reinsurance, regulatory changes, and digital transformation within the insurance sector. This week, Zurich North Amer...

Strong and Record Earnings Across P&C Incumbents, Insurtechs and Brokers in Q1 30.04.2026 9:59

The Connected Podcast: Navigating the Dynamic Insurance Landscape In this episode of The Connected Podcast , we delve into the latest dynamic developments in the insurance ecosystem, starting with the impressive first-quarter performance of Allstate Corporation in 2026. With revenues soaring to $16.9 billion and a net income of $2.4 billion, Allstate has demonstrated significant growth in auto, ho...

US Supreme Court Split Over Bayer's Fight Against Roundup Lawsuits 28.04.2026 12:46

The Connected Podcast - Insurance News & Events The Connected Podcast: Latest News & Events from the Insurance Ecosystem In this episode of The Connected Podcast, hosts Alan Demers and Stephen Applebaum delve into significant developments within the insurance industry and wider InsurTech sectors. This episode serves as an audio digest for the latest trends and changes, designed for busy pr...

Q1 2026 Natural Catastrophe Losses Fall Well Below Average, Leaving Insurers in Strong Position 27.04.2026 13:28

In the latest episode of The Connected Podcast , the focus is on current happenings and trends within the insurance ecosystem. The segment begins by examining Gallagher Re's Natural Catastrophe and Climate Report, highlighting that global insured losses from natural disasters totaled $20 billion in Q1 2026, remarkably 26% below the decade average. The U.S. held a large portion of these losses...

The Hartford’s Quarterly Profit Jumps on Rising Business Insurance Demand 24.04.2026 11:45

The Connected Podcast - Insurance Ecosystem News The Connected Podcast - Insurance Ecosystem News and Events In a recent episode of The Connected Podcast , the spotlight was on significant developments within the insurance industry. The Hartford reported a robust Q1 performance with a 36% rise in profits, spurred by strong premium growth in its business insurance segment despite economic challenge...

Supply-Demand Softening Property at a Pace "I'll Only Describe as Dumb" - Chubb CEO Greenberg 23.04.2026 14:47

The Connected Podcast - Episode on Insurance Ecosystem News & Events The Connected Podcast - Exploring Recent Shifts in the Insurance Ecosystem In this episode of The Connected Podcast , we delve into the transformative changes within the insurance ecosystem, exploring pivotal developments in property insurance, automotive theft rings, and global market trends. We kick off with an in-depth a...

Lower Q1 Cat Losses Bolster Reinsurance Capacity On This Earth Day 2026 22.04.2026 14:33

Welcome to The Connected Podcast , your premier source for insightful discussions on the latest news and events shaping the insurance ecosystem. Join us as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the insurance industry, covering pertinent topics from global catastrophe losses to environmental milestones, financial performances, and groundbreaking advancements in technology. In this episode, w...

Class Action Filings Spike 25% 21.04.2026 12:25

The Connected Podcast - Insurance Ecosystem News Welcome to The Connected Podcast Exploring the Latest Developments in the Insurance Ecosystem In the latest episode of The Connected Podcast, the hosts explore recent shifts in the insurance and legal landscapes. The discussion begins with a detailed analysis of Lex Machina's latest report, highlighting a 25% increase in class action litigation...

Severe storm losses stay above $50 billion for third year 20.04.2026 12:49

The Connected Podcast: Navigating the Future of Insurance In this episode of The Connected Podcast , the discussion centers on key developments in the insurance ecosystem, highlighting severe storms as the primary drivers of insured disaster losses in the U.S. The Insurance Information Institute reports that since 2023, severe weather events have consistently caused damages exceeding $50 billion a...

AI, Cyber, and Climate Top Strategic Themes for Reinsurers 17.04.2026 12:20

In this episode of The Connected Podcast , the hosts delve into transformative developments within the insurance ecosystem, highlighting the themes introduced in the Tech Trend Radar 2026 by Munich Re and ERGO. The discussion focuses on four pivotal areas: artificial intelligence, cyber resilience, climate analytics, and new liability risks. These elements are transitioning from theory to practica...

U.S. P/C Industry Delivers Best Results in 20 Years 16.04.2026 11:15

The Connected Podcast: Insurance Ecosystem Insights Welcome to The Connected Podcast: Navigating the Insurance Ecosystem In the latest episode of The Connected Podcast, we dive deep into the state of the U.S. property and casualty insurance industry as it stands in 2025, a year marked by its best underwriting performance in two decades according to Fitch Ratings. Our analysis unpacks this success...