Risky Science Podcast Explores the Models Behind Modern Risk

Why It Matters

By demystifying complex risk models, the podcast equips investors, insurers, and policymakers with clearer insights, fostering more informed capital allocation and regulatory decisions in an increasingly data‑driven market.

Key Takeaways

• Podcast explores catastrophe modeling across natural and man-made perils.
• Host blends journalism with deep technical interviews of modelers and users.
• Episodes feature insurers, ILS managers, researchers, and policy experts.
• Listeners include asset managers and traders seeking model-driven insights.
• Future plans add live events and webinars to expand engagement.

Summary

The Risky Science podcast, hosted by veteran financial journalist Christopher Westall, delves into the science of risk modeling for both natural catastrophes and man‑made threats. Produced by AM Best Audio, the series has released roughly thirty episodes since its summer launch, each ranging from 45 to 50 minutes and featuring in‑depth conversations with model developers, insurers, ILS managers, and public‑policy experts. Westall leverages his 25‑year finance background—spanning asset management, banking, and accounting research—to bridge the gap between technical modelers and market participants. Episodes dissect earthquake and wildfire models, explore AI‑driven risk tools, and examine how prediction markets influence capital allocation. Notable guests include epidemiologist Neil Ferguson, whose COVID‑19 modeling sparked policy debates, and leading catastrophe‑model researchers who discuss data quality and model robustness. Listeners are primarily asset managers, traders, and other market‑facing professionals seeking to understand how model outputs shape investment decisions and underwriting strategies. Feedback often surfaces indirectly, such as references to podcast insights during earnings calls, underscoring its influence on real‑world risk assessments. Looking ahead, Westall plans to expand the format with live podcasts, webinars, and broader audience outreach, aiming to deepen the dialogue around model efficacy, data integrity, and the evolving role of analytics in insurance and finance.

Original Description

Christopher Westfall discusses how his podcast, Risky Science, brings together researchers, investors and insurers to unpack the science, data, and real-world impact of risk models that shape markets, public policy and emerging threats.