Explore every episode of the podcast 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.

A full wrap-up of the 2025 CU Times Luminaries Awards show gives us a chance to spread the credit union love.

Danielle Scodellaro with TruStage Executive Benefits Solutions uncovers the crucial role executive benefits play in credit union leadership.

Also, in a conversation that he will definitely not use against them in the future, Michael asks Natasha and Producer Zach "what are you afraid of?"

Former credit union CEO and longtime league executive Larry Palochik introduces a new nonprofit, Fuel Solutions, which is providing personalized support to credit union associations in the West.

Also, Michael plays "Hey Young Folks, What's This?" as he askes Natasha and Producer Zach to do their best and explain TMZ headlines to him.

The incoming America's Credit Unions CEO shares his vision for the trade association as he prepares to take the helm.

Also, Michael, Natasha, and Producer Zach discuss which podcasts they listen to when they need a break from Shared Accounts, as well as the eternal question of why Hollywood can't stop making bad Wolfman movies.

From Brazil's open banking boom to U.S. credit union collaboration, Mambu's Amber Harsin shares bold lessons on trust, technology, and leadership.

Also, Michael creates a new game to play with Natasha and Producer Zach. It's a real humdinger.

In this episode, Chief Information Officer at MAX Credit Union Dale Watkins, reflected on his two decades in credit union technology and how member needs continue to drive his team's work.

Also Michael, Natasha, and producer Zach embrace their inner nerd and pick what singular piece of technology they can't do without. 

Get to know Annie Sebastian, Chief Member Strategy Officer for Navy Federal, and how she's setting a new standard for member-centricity as the leader of the credit union's Member Strategy Office. 

And we take a short break to celebrate teachers! Who had a teacher at their wedding? Who had a teacher encourage them to continue their path to journalism? And who had a teacher help a scared little boy make friends? Listen to find out!

Just in time for back-to-school season, Oscar Cordoba, Financial Education & External Affairs Manager at Affinity Federal Credit Union in New Jersey, teaches us all about his credit union's approach to financial education and what fellow credit unions can learn from it.

Also, Papa Michael pulls rank and calls a Shared Accounts family meeting with Natasha and Producer Zach to discuss, what else? Family meetings. Meta!

The embedded finance expert explains how stablecoin fits into the digital currency landscape, why credit unions should have it on their radar and the role Fiserv's soon-to-launch stablecoin is expected to play in financial institutions' digital asset strategies.

Also, it's Producer Zach's birthday! Michael and Natasha honor him by talking about themselves.

It's sunshiny. It's sweaty. It's also credit union-y! Join us for Shared Accounts With CU Times' first-ever summer special, where you'll hear top travel tips from credit union jet setter Josh DeTar, learn what childhood summers and first jobs were like for Michael, Natasha and Producer Zach, and gain some fresh new recs for your summer reading and movie-watching lists. 

Credit union legal expert Henry Meier, Esq. brings us inside the possible ramifications to credit unions from recent Supreme Court rulings.

Also, it's game time once again, as Michael introduces Natasha and Producer Zach to Five Second Guess.

Elizabeth Eurgubian, partner at Atlas Advocacy and former NCUA policy advisor helps us break down the legal significance of the judge's ruling in the Harper-Otsuka case. 

Bancography President Steve Reider takes us behind the scenes of his branch strategy consulting business and shares best practices for building a network that supports growth.

And it's Mad Libs time again! Did Michael learn his lesson and keep it under twenty minutes or did he follow his heart and create a timeless epic? Listen to find out!

Get to know recently-appointed NuMark CU CEO and Chicago native Michelle Balog, whose legal background is sure to come in handy as regulatory uncertainty persists.

Also, because they're total pros, Michael, Natasha, and Producer Zach discuss AI without mentioning Skynet or Arnold Schwarzenegger once.

Peter Strozniak joins us to talk about the top credit union stories and what we are thinking about as we cover your world.

Matt Potere, CEO of Happy Money, discusses how credit unions can leverage digital lending strategies to reduce consumer debt while strengthening member relationships.

Also, the stars align, and Michael and Natasha both give an enthusiastic recommendation to "Companion" (2025).

Lauren Culp, the new Executive Director of the National Credit Union Foundation, shares her strategic priorities. 

Also, what famous movie star held Natasha as a baby? And old man Ogden talks about Robert Wagner for a bit.

Tri-state League CEO Scott Simpson, along with Stephanie Cuevas, SVP of Federal Government Affairs for the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, share how they're hitting the ground running on the advocacy front for credit unions out West amid regulatory chaos. 

Also, with the craziness surrounding, well, everything, Michael, Natasha, and Producer Zach take a breath and discuss childhood TV memories. Is "Welcome Back, Kotter" referenced? Of course it is!

The CEO, COO and CIO, all of whom coincidentally share a first name, take us behind the scenes of their Florida credit union's merger and expansion plans.

Also, Michael, Natasha, and Producer Zach discuss irrational (and rational) fears.

Elizabeth Ergubian, partner at Atlas Advocacy and former Director of External Affairs and Communications Policy Advisor for the NCUA, sheds light on what the abrupt removal of NCUA Board Members Todd Harper and Tanya Otsuka means for the agency and credit union industry. 

 ViClarity VP Katie Grey Ferrell shares her knowledge and passion for compliance, and how she's keeping credit unions sane amid regulatory chaos.

Also, Natasha is still moonlighting the baby bird beat, while Michael refers to notorious 1989 tearjerker "Steel Magnolias" as a "fun movie".

Lee Morgan, CEO at PenAir CU in Florida, shares lessons in CU management success as he walks us through PenAir's recent expansions and major projects.

Also, Natasha is back to bird watching and Michael is back to feeling nostalgic about the 1990's.

Consultant and former NCUA Board Member Geoff Bacino talks candidly about the rapid changes happening to credit union regulation in Washington D.C.

Also, Natasha and Michael have a quick discussion on 2003 film Oldboy and the lack of representation for octopuses in American movies.

Cathie Mahon, CEO of the credit union industry's CDFI intermediary, shares how her organization is pushing forward to do good amid the chaotic actions of the current administration.

Also, Michael, Natasha, and Producer Zach play a thrilling game of "how do you like your water". Can you guess which daredevil of the group takes theirs with ice?

The CEO of the nation's only six-state credit union league reflects on his career and shares his 2025 advocacy priorities.

Also, Michael grills Natasha and Producer Zach on the price of groceries, then proceeds to come across as even snobbier than usual by discussing his love of 60s French cinéma.

Henry Meier. Esq. joins us to drill down on the early days of Chairman Hauptman's term at the NCUA and the chaos happening in other parts of the CU industry.

Also, Michael and Natasha discuss journalism in 2025 but more importantly, debate how age affects hunkiness by way of Keanu Reeves: who's the bigger beefcake? Young "Speed" era Keanu or salt and pepper modern day "John Wick"?

U.S. Marine Corps veteran and PenFed Credit Union SVP Terry Williams takes us inside a program dedicated to the success of veteran entrepreneurs, as well as an AI-driven novel writing, music composition and coding endeavor. 

Also Michael tries out some new taglines for the podcast and Natasha leaves reality TV behind to check out a documentary on mayor turned ... progressive human-interest story pioneer? Jerry Springer!

Ed Maslaveckas, CEO and co-founder at data intelligence fintech Bud Financial, paints a clear picture of AI's abilities for credit unions and its members.

Also, Natasha opens up her rainbow unicorn Trapper Keeper and takes us back to elementary school with a discussion on Lisa Frank.

Southwest Financial FCU's President/CEO Melanie Kennedy and VP Luke Campbell share the solutions AI solves for their all-digital credit union.

Also, Natasha checks in from the craziness in California to flex her knowledge of celebrity baby names.

DCUC's Chief Advocacy Officer Jason Stverak lays out the priorities and plans for this new congressional year. 

Also, Michael gets his crystals out and discusses the numerological implications of 2025 while Producer Zach recommends a twelve year old reality show.

Bonus Content

Link to Jason's Family Candy Store

Link to The Alpine Inn