Broadcast Retirement Network

Andrew G. Biggs, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a leading voice on Social Security and retirement policy, examines a critical question facing lawmakers: could fixing Social Security with tax hikes actually backfire? Drawing on a new study from the Penn Wharton Budget Model, Biggs explains why the program's looming 2032 trust fund shortfall — and the automatic benefit cuts that would follow — demands urgent action, and why the model suggests that reforms centered on benefit adjustments may drive stronger long-term economic growth than tax increases, which can discourage work and saving.

On this episode, we're joined by Betsy Mayotte, Founder and President of The Institute of Student Loan Advisors (TISLA), to break down the latest federal student loan data and what it means for millions of borrowers. With defaults climbing to more than 9 million and nearly one in four recent graduates already falling behind, Betsy explains why student debt is no longer just a young person's concern, how borrowers of every age can avoid the steep costs of default, and what steps to take right now to protect yourself, from forbearance and income-driven repayment to loan rehabilitation.

Dr. Li Li of Georgia Southern University explains “movement span,” the often-overlooked third dimension of longevity alongside lifespan and healthspan. He discusses how strength, balance, mobility and regular activity can help reduce fall risk, preserve independence and improve quality of life as we age. Learn why movement should be treated as a lifelong priority rather than something addressed only after physical limitations appear.

America is heading toward a nursing home crisis: as the 80+ population surges, the number of nursing homes keeps shrinking—driven by staffing shortages, low wages, high turnover, immigration pressures, and looming Medicaid cuts. In this conversation, we sit down with Dr. Mark Aaron Unruh, Associate Professor of Population Health Sciences at Weill Cornell Medicine and a leading expert on the economics and policy of long-term care, whose research has informed the Senate Finance Committee, the Senate Special Committee on Aging, and the White House.

Sarah Van Giezen of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how inflation is measured. She explains why secondhand apparel and thrifting were added to the Consumer Price Index in early 2025, how data collectors gather prices from stores across the country, and the rigorous multi-step review process that ensures accuracy before each monthly CPI release.

In this episode, we sit down with Professor Richard Kreider, Texas A&M professor who has spent over 35 years researching creatine to separate fact from fiction on one of the most studied supplements in the world. Backed by more than 800 studies, creatine isn't just for athletes—it may play a powerful role in brain health, cognitive function, and healthy aging.

Dr. Paul Robbins of the University of Minnesota joins us to examine the science of healthy aging and the practical choices that support a longer health span, including regular physical activity, nutritious food, restorative sleep, and maintaining social connection.

Phillip Snyder, CLU, The Warner Companies, addresses a critical challenge facing the life insurance industry: client retention. According to recent LIMRA research, 40% of policyholders rarely or never hear from their insurer after purchase.

College costs are rising and federal student loan rules are changing. Join us as Cathy Mueller from Mapping Your Future breaks down new loan policies, parent loan caps, and alternative funding strategies to help your family afford education without overwhelming debt. Whether you're planning for your children or grandchildren, this conversation will give you the clarity and tools you need to make smart financial decisions.

Should you wait to book Thanksgiving or Christmas travel? Don't. In this interview, Nick Ewan, Editor-in-Chief of The Points Guy, breaks down why holiday airfares are already spiking — up 13% for Thanksgiving and nearly 20% for Christmas and New Year's — and shares insider strategies to score the best deals, track prices even after you book, and get money back when fares drop (he personally saved $95 on a family flight to Denver!).