The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI

Navigating Builders Risk Delay in Opening Coverage and Claims

Builders risk policy forms vary significantly, and one of the most misinterpreted elements of these forms is the "delay in opening" coverages. Join The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI with Jake Parsons, managing director of disputes, claims, and investigations at Stout, in an informative discussion on time element losses in builders risk policies. In this 24-minute episode, Mr. Parsons provides a high-level summary of the three main types of delay in opening coverages, highlights important coverage extensions, and gives examples of typical yet significant exclusions. He also offers helpful tips for insureds to navigate a delay claim.

Nuclear Verdicts: The Legal Tsunami

Why is there such a rising phenomenon of nuclear verdicts? This 17-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI features Nick Lucas, executive director of research and data analytics at the US Chamber of Commerce Institute of Legal Reform.

Listen to this important discussion on how massive jury awards have surged in popularity, and learn the underlying factors driving this trend. After this podcast, you will also understand that almost no industry escapes the effects of nuclear verdicts—even agriculture.

Tax Strategy for Captive Insurance: Avoiding Pitfalls, Maximizing Compliance

In this episode of The Edge of Risk by IRMI, we explore one of the most complex and consequential aspects of captive insurance: tax qualification and compliance. Host Joel Appelbaum is joined by Allan Autry, CPA, and partner at Johnson Lambert, who brings deep experience advising hundreds of captive insurance companies across the country.

Mr. Autry breaks down the essential criteria for qualifying as insurance for federal tax purposes, clarifying how those differ from regulatory requirements. The discussion covers key tax considerations in captive formation, the impact of entity type, and scenarios where tax qualification may not even be necessary. Mr. Autry also flags common pitfalls—from failing the risk distribution test to overlooking self-procurement tax—and shares thoughts on evolving tax strategies as captive insurance companies take on climate, cyber, and supply chain exposures.

Whether you're involved in captive formation, management, or as an adviser, this episode offers actionable guidance on compliance, structure, and strategic planning.

Alaska Airlines' Captive Insurance Strategy: Navigating Risk, Innovation, and Long-Term Growth

In this episode of The Edge of Risk by IRMI, host Joel Appelbaum speaks with David Beyer, director of risk management at Alaska Airlines and board chair of ASA Assurance, Inc., the airline's Hawaii-based captive insurance company. David shares the story behind the creation of ASA Assurance, including why Hawaii was chosen as a captive insurance domicile and how long-term education efforts helped gain board approval.

Listeners will learn how Alaska Airlines uses its captive insurer to manage a wide range of complex exposures—from workers compensation and aircraft damage to cyber liability and auto risk. David offers insights into how Alaska balances innovation with its conservative risk posture, including the use of artificial intelligence to analyze safety trends and avoid losses before they occur. He also touches on governance strategy, the role of third-party administrators, and key considerations for companies exploring a captive of their own.

Whether you're in aviation, transportation, or simply curious about how captive insurance can transform enterprise risk management, this episode provides a grounded, strategic perspective from a seasoned captive owner.

Navigating the Future of Agribusiness: Insights on Insurance, Technology, and Family Farms

Why are affordability and tech advances important to farmers? This 24-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI features Craig Smith, vice president of Agribusiness and Food Services for Alliant Insurance Services and a keynote panelist for the 2025 IRMI Emmett J Vaughan Agribusiness Conference. Listen to this impactful discussion of these challenges and what's happening on the family farm. After this podcast, you will have even more appreciation for the importance of strong advocates for farmers and ranchers.

How Private Equity Is Impacting the Construction Industry

Private equity is investing in the construction industry—but what does that mean? In The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, join Rob Langtry, global private equity director at Liberty Mutual, as he provides clarification as to why private equity is interested in the construction industry. In this 15-minute podcast, gain an understanding of the typical structure of a private equity program in construction and learn how insurance is generally addressed in such transactions.

What Tariffs Are Really Doing to Insurance Costs

Join Joel Appelbaum, chief content officer at IRMI, as he dives into the real economic impact of global trade and tariffs with special guest Bob Passmore, department vice president of personal lines at the American Property Casualty Insurance Association.

In this short, 12-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, you'll explore how tariffs influence claims costs, repair cycles, and underwriting strategies.

Strategic Approaches to Global Captive Insurance

In this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast, host Joel Appelbaum speaks with Steven Bauman, head of global programs and captive practice for AXA XL in North America. With over 35 years in the insurance industry, Steven brings a depth of expertise on how multinational organizations can structure captives to navigate regulatory complexity, diversify risk, and support global growth strategies.

The conversation covers best practices for aligning captive programs with parent company objectives, the importance of selecting the right partners, and how emerging risks—from cyber threats to climate exposures—are influencing the future of captive insurance. Steven also shares reflections on his long career and offers final advice for companies looking to launch or expand their global captive footprint.

Water Damage Mitigation: Trends and Risk Management Strategies

Water damage is a perpetual risk for all insureds but significantly so for contractors. This month, The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI welcomes Tony Grieser, technical director of construction loss control at Nationwide, for a thorough discussion of water damage mitigation programs. In this episode, learn about key tools a construction insured can utilize to reduce water damage losses and gain clear action items to establish and implement a water damage mitigation program for contractors of every size. 

Empowering Farmers: Insights from California Farm Bureau

What's the raison d'être of American Farm Bureau, and how does California Farm Bureau fit into that? This 24-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI features Dan Durheim, chief operating officer, California Farm Bureau, and 2025 IRMI Emmett J Vaughan Agribusiness Conference (AgriCon) keynote panelist. Listen as Mr. Durheim explains the value proposition of Farm Bureau and why it continues to remain strong since its start in 1919. After this podcast, you will have even more appreciation of the organization that serves as the "voice of the farmer."