The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI

Keeping 831(b) Micro-Captives Focused on Insurance Fundamentals

In this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, Joel Appelbaum speaks with Dustin Carlson, president of the 831(b) Institute, about maintaining the credibility and long-term viability of Section 831(b) micro-captives. The discussion centers on Mr. Carlson's three-part series in Captive Insurance Company Reports outlining proposed reforms aimed at addressing practices that have drawn regulatory scrutiny while preserving legitimate captive insurance programs.

Mr. Carlson explains how the Section 831(b) election allows small insurance companies to exclude underwriting income up to the statutory premium threshold while remaining taxable on investment gains. He outlines concerns around structures used for estate planning, investments such as life insurance or annuities inside captives, and related-party lending practices. The conversation explores practical policy proposals designed to curb abuses while reinforcing insurance fundamentals—such as proper underwriting, claims processes, and governance practices—to ensure micro-captives remain focused on risk management rather than investment or wealth transfer strategies.

Captive Insurance Advocacy in Action: VCIA's Legislative and Hill Day Strategy

In this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, Joel Appelbaum welcomes Ian Davis, president of the Vermont Captive Insurance Association (VCIA), for a detailed discussion on how captive insurance advocacy works in practice. Building on a prior conversation about Vermont's legislative framework, this episode focuses on VCIA's state and federal engagement efforts—including Vermont Legislative Day and Hill Day in Washington, DC—and what captive owners, managers, and service providers should be tracking in today's regulatory environment.

Mr. Davis explains how VCIA sets advocacy priorities, collaborates with regulators, and proactively engages policymakers on issues such as Terrorism Risk Insurance Act reauthorization, National Association of Insurance Commissioners model law discussions, federal tax developments, and emerging regulatory concerns. The conversation highlights how education, relationship-building, and real-world captive owner participation shape effective advocacy—and why staying informed early is critical for the broader captive community.

Energy Investment in Flux: Risk Signals Leaders Can't Ignore

In this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, host Joel Appelbaum sits down with Michael Kolodner, Marsh's US energy and power leader, to unpack how geopolitical shifts, market volatility, and evolving incentives are reshaping energy investment priorities. Together, they explore why cross-industry collaboration is becoming essential for building operational resilience in a rapidly changing risk landscape. They also highlight the risks of hyperspecialization and share practical insights leaders need to navigate today's turbulent energy landscape, driven by generative artificial intelligence growth.

Navigating the Energy Market: How Top Brokers Are Preparing for 2026

This podcast is a snapshot of the insights you'll find at an IRMI Energy Risk & Insurance Conference—where sponsors like Marsh, attendees, and industry thought leaders come together to tackle the latest challenges. Host Joel Appelbaum and Scott Smidlein, managing director and senior client executive at Marsh, break down the 2026 energy insurance outlook in this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, recorded at the 2026 Marsh Risk North American Energy Industry Conference. They examine artificial intelligence and data center-driven power demand, policy signals from Washington, and the strain of aging assets running at full tilt.

Innovation Under Pressure: Insurance Solutions for a Changing Energy Mix

Are traditional insurance models keeping pace with innovation? In this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, host Joel Appelbaum speaks with Bill Kost, senior vice president, energy, power, and renewables risk consulting leader at Marsh, about how the insurance industry is adapting to rapid energy innovation. From emerging technologies like battery storage to the growing role of captives, they explore where traditional approaches fall short—and how risk strategies are evolving to meet a changing energy mix.

Bricks or Sticks? Insurance Cost Considerations for Construction Materials

Recorded live at the 2025 IRMI Construction Risk Conference (CRC) in Indianapolis, this 7.5-minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI features a Snap Talk with Rachel Dobbs, client executive at Hylant. Ms. Dobbs describes how construction materials affect property insurance costs during and after construction and how they vary across different regions of the United States. Listen in for a technical breakdown utilizing data from a recent study comparing these costs.

The Hidden Threat on America's Farm‑to‑Market Roads

In this 30‑minute episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast by IRMI, Scott Cornell, vice president of transportation risk and strategy and crime and theft specialist at LogistIQ Insurance Solutions, pulls back the curtain on the growing sophistication of agricultural cargo theft. Mr. Cornell explains how criminals are leveraging technology and organized networks and what these evolving tactics mean for risk managers, insurers, and the agricultural supply chain.

One Big Beautiful Bill Act and Renewables—What Independent Power Producers Need to Know

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has had an immediate impact within the renewable energy space. Katie Burke, vice president, US Specialty Energy and Power growth leader at Marsh Specialty Energy and Power, shares key insights into the most important components of the Act, including the sunsetting of critical tax credits and the challenges of financing projects and accelerated timelines considering such repeals. With energy needs at an all-time high, renewable energy providers must use long-term, not short-term, strategies for the longevity of the industry.

Better Outcomes: Navigating Complex Casualty Claims

Casualty claims are growing more complex—and risk professionals need practical strategies to stay ahead. In this episode of The Edge of Risk Podcast, we're joined by Rachael Chen, Senior Vice President in Marsh’s U.S. Casualty Energy Practice, and Phil Educate, Senior Vice President in Marsh’s Claims Practice. Together, they’ll explore the factors that lead to complex claims, the shift in jury dynamics, and proactive tactics to manage troublesome claims and achieve better outcomes.

Vermont's Regulatory Perspective: Captive Application Best Practices and Pitfalls

In this episode of The Edge of Risk podcast by IRMI, host Joel Appelbaum speaks with Jim DeVoe-Talluto, assistant director of captive insurance at the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation, about what organizations need to know when applying to form a captive insurance company. Drawing on more than 2 decades of regulatory experience, Mr. DeVoe-Talluto outlines the steps applicants should expect, the most common barriers to approval, and the importance of a strong feasibility study and experienced advisers. Mr. DeVoe-Talluto also discusses Vermont's regulatory philosophy and why early planning, clarity of purpose, and strong executive buy-in significantly improve the chance of success. Whether you're exploring a first-time captive or seeking insight into regulator expectations in one of the world's largest captive domiciles, this conversation delivers timely, practical guidance directly from the source.