Shared Accounts with CU Times

Step into the CU Times newsroom for a discussion with Senior Reporters Peter Strozniak and Jim DuPlessis about one of the biggest fraud scandals the industry has ever seen.

Inclusiv President/CEO Cathie Mahon discusses the ongoing grants lawsuit, uncertainty surrounding CDFI funding and what's ahead for community development credit unions.

Also, we put some wood paneling on the podcast studio walls and turn it into a rumpus room as Michael breaks out a parlor game, this one titled "Most Likely".

Lumin Digital COO Lisa Daniels helps credit union leaders nail the digital banking experience that keeps members loyal, including during the critical days of a merger transition.

Also, Michael once again spies on Natasha and Producer Zach under the pretenses of his game "Hey, Whatchu Been Googling?"

Fiserv SVP Ahon Sarkar gets into the core system weeds as part of a lively discussion that covers the company's new agentOS system, member trust and the concept of AI consciousness.

Also Michael puts Natasha and Producer Zach on the spot with his new game, "Hey, What Are the Last Three Things You've Googled?"

One year into the launch of Fuel Solutions, which is essentially a CUSO for credit union leagues, Executive Director Stephen Nelson catches us up on the venture's evolution to date and future plans.

Also, Michael plays a game of credit union over/under with Natasha and Producer Zach.

Velera SVP Jeremiah Lotz says the company's new Atmos ecosystem aims to simplify analytics, improve member experiences and help credit union leaders make faster decisions.

Also we're back to the 90's as Natasha regales Michael and Producer Zach with some of her favorite childhood parody humor.

Jeremy Empol, who brings deep roots in advocacy and government affairs paired with a passion for the CU mission, discusses his return to the state associations and priorities for the months ahead.

Also, Natasha breaks out her old teen magazines to get to the bottom of the important issues, namely, is Michael the life of the party? And are Producer Zach's BFFs bad news?

Raddon's Bill Handel says younger consumers are gravitating toward big banks and fintechs, while AI and operational efficiency will shape the future of credit unions.

And following some moves and major life changes, Michael pauses to check in with Natasha and Producer Zach.

Carrie Foran Sepulveda, VP of Fraud and Physical Security at Navy Federal, talks romance scams and other top fraud threats facing credit unions today.

Also, Michael plays a game with Natasha and Producer Zach he invented based on things he's Googled on a plane, titled "Top Five What??!"

We explore AI, member behavior monitoring, and the growing sophistication of digital fraud with Jeff Scott, VP of Fraud Intelligence at Q2.

Also, Michael subjects Natasha and Producer Zach to a new game he invented, this one called "No Kidding?"

2025 CU Times Luminaries finalist Bryce Mortensen, who took the helm at Oregonians CU earlier this year, takes us inside his journey of moving to a new CU, his first CEO role and a new state all at once.

Also, in honor of Mother's Day, Michael plays trivia with Natasha and Producer Zach centered on famous pop culture Moms. And to all Moms out there, Happy Mother's Day!

Velera's BNPL experts, Denise Stevens, EVP & Chief Product Officer and Cody Banks, SVP Product Enablement & Growth open up the doors to BNPL and what changes are happening and why credit unions need to pay attention.

Also, Michael gives Natasha and Producer Zach an aptitude quiz to determine if anyone on this show is doing the work that they're supposed to be doing.

Pam Cohen, a longtime HR executive and current COO for Affinity FCU, teaches CU professionals how to maintain a healthy work-life balance without sacrificing on-the-job success.

Also, Michael, Natasha, and Producer Zach play another round of "Name that Hum", as well as make an extraordinary leap in discussion from "America's Next Top Model" to "Face/Off".

What's on Chuck Fagan's mind? In short, the ominous interchange problem on the horizon.

Also, Michael, Natasha and Producer Zach play a quick round of financial institution trivia, but more importantly, Michael and Natasha discuss high art, namely the "Sex and the City" and "Twilight" franchises.

TruStage Ventures President/Managing Director, Brian Kass explains this new "collaborative stablecoin model" and what it means for credit unions.

Also, Michael discusses the vibe of GAC and D.C.

CEO Daniel Betancourt shares how his credit union, Finanta, is helping underserved families and entrepreneurs meet their financial goals, including through a new bilingual branch.

Also, instead of focusing on how poorly Michael, Natasha, and Producer Zach did playing the TMZ headline game, let's just sadly say RIP Catherine O'Hara.

Raddon's General Manager & Chief Economist shares his expert insights and predictions for digital banking, AI, payments, member engagement and more as the industry looks ahead to a new year.

Also, Michael, Natasha, and Producer Zach all share something they're looking forward to in 2026.

From a Savannah, Ga. church basement to CDFI certification, a tiny credit union's journey offers big lessons.

Also, Michael finds out what skills Natasha and Producer Zach would add with unlimited time. Do they use the question as an excuse to discuss eagles and make a dirty joke, respectively? Listen to find out.

Just in time for the Season of Giving, Addition Financial's Cristina Lehman gives us "all the feels" as she joins us for a philanthropic strategy and impact discussion.

Also, for the final time in 2025, Michael brings in Natasha and Producer Zach for a holiday game of Mad Libs.

Doug Donofrio, Head of Credit Union Solutions for Fiserv, shares all the latest core-related insights, tips and innovations.

Also, Michael, Natasha, and Producer Zach discuss holiday meal side dishes, including insight into Michael's potato-centric diet.