Following our conversation with TomTom’s Vinod Poomalai on personalized insurance and mobility data, Geoff Werner joins Alicia Burke and guest co-host Mallika Bender to go deeper into telematics. From harsh braking to pricing fairness, Geoff explains how telematics is evolving from add-on to centerpiece—and why actuaries can’t afford to ignore it.They explore data portability, behavioral insights, equity concerns, and the role of telematics in claims, underwriting, and even urban planning. A must-listen for anyone serious about the future of auto insurance.
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48:51
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48:51
Max and Alicia talk sponsorships
Max Martinelli and Alicia Burke pull back the curtain on sponsored episodes. Almost Nowhere will always feature thoughtful, unsponsored conversations—but we also partner with select companies that have something real to offer our audience. We’ll keep asking the hard-hitting questions you count on. No fluff.Curious about sponsorship or ad opportunities? Reach out at [email protected].
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4:22
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4:22
Vinod Poomalai from TomTom
When actuaries talk about location data, most are still thinking in zip codes. Vinod Poomalai of TomTom joins Alicia Burke and Max Martinelli to challenge that mindset—and introduce a new world of map, traffic, and mobility data that’s reshaping pricing, claims, fraud, and more.This is our first sponsored episode of Almost Nowhere, created in partnership with TomTom. You’ll hear how one in four cars on the road today is powered by TomTom data, and how that data is now being used by insurers to improve loss ratios, sharpen driver scores, and even influence public infrastructure. Vinod also shares why small and midsize carriers shouldn’t sit this wave out—and how to get started without getting overwhelmed.
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38:24
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38:24
Anne Cope from IBHS
Dr. Anne Cope doesn’t just study storms, she builds them. In this episode, Alicia Burke and guest co-host Len Llaguno talk with the Chief Engineer of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) about the science behind resilience. From full-scale house destruction to wildfire ignition labs and hailstorms on demand, Anne shares how engineering, data, and insurance come together to drive real-world change.They explore how research influences building codes, how insurers can use that data, and why actuaries have a critical voice in shaping the future of resilience. Whether you’re in underwriting, modeling, or policy, this one’s for you.
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48:49
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48:49
Sergey Filimonov is back
Sergey Filimonov is back—and the AI landscape looks radically different than it did just seven months ago. In this follow-up conversation with Alicia Burke and Max Martinelli, we explore what's changed, what’s been overhyped, and what’s only just beginning. From reasoning models and GPU economics to the race for decentralized AI and the energy crisis no one’s talking about, this episode cuts through the noise.We also dig into the core message of Sergey’s newly published paper, “Bridging Data Divides: AI as a New Paradigm for Unstructured Data,” and why the real value of AI for actuaries isn’t just in replacing work—but in reshaping it entirely.Read Sergey’s article in the CAS E-Forum
Almost Nowhere explores the intersection of data science, AI, and actuarial thinking in the P&C insurance industry—and beyond. In a world where innovation feels slow and risk is constantly evolving, we ask the hard questions, spotlight real-world progress, and talk with the people driving change. Whether you're an actuary, a data scientist, or just curious about what’s next, this show dives into how emerging tech is reshaping insurance from the inside out.
Canada - english