Bill Handel, General Manager and Chief Economist at Raddon, joined us on the show to share a rather tumultuous economic update  -- with a bit of optimism -- since we last spoke at 2026 GAC.

Some of the pressing items Bill commented on include:

• Gas prices/oil prices
• Food costs
• Housing market
• Jobs (as well as AI impact)
• Interest rates with new Fed Chair
• Midterms (primaries) impact on the economy
• Inflation

Bill talked about how much of all of this revolves around the war in Iran -- as well as, once they get resolved, how soon will prices come back to some normalcy.

And, lastly, he shared his insights on what credit unions should be doing in the meantime to be that true financial resource for their members.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to watch the entire episode below for all the details.

Blend’s Head of Digital Transformation Reva Rao stopped by the show to share her insights and expertise on the topic of:
“High-Tech, High-Touch: Preserving the Credit Union Mission in an Algorithmic World." In other words, how credit unions can use AI to free staff from manual, mundane tasks for more meaningful member conversations that enhance the value of the credit union.

Specifically, Reva explained that high-tech, high-touch AI implementation in credit unions involves using advanced tools to remove friction and busy work so staff can focus on meaningful human conversations. She shared examples of Blend's Autopilot system, including how AI can demonstrate empathy by recognizing member life events and adjusting follow-up timing appropriately.

She also emphasized that the right kinds of automation should remove routine tasks, while preserving human judgment for high-stakes moments that allow staff to operate at a higher level consistent with credit union missions.

Lastly, Reva outlined three key gains for credit unions implementing this approach: (1) more efficient growth, (2) deeper member loyalty and trust, and (3) better jobs for staff who can focus on coaching and problem-solving rather than repetitive tasks.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to watch the entire episode below for all the details.

Scott Simpson, President/CEO at America's Credit Unions, joined us in the Studio Lounge to share highlights from his Q&A session with Montana's Credit Unions President/CEO Gerry Singleton -- as well as revealing his rather hectic travel schedule touring the country to visit credit unions, leagues, etc. (62 trips in 2026 already and counting).

Scott also addressed the significant regulatory and legislative challenges facing credit unions today, as well as highlighting the importance of industry collaboration to combat fraud and emphasizing that growth strengthens, rather than dilutes, the cooperative model.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to watch more of our episodes from 2026 Montana's Credit Unions' Power Up Conference here -- as well as supporting our Studio Lounge sponsors/hosts: Trellance Cooperative Holdings, Backbone, and Despite Impossible podcast.

NOTE: Apologies for the possible sound issues. Microphones were not connected correctly -- chances are astronomically high that it was operator error.  

Gerry Singletong, President/CEO at Montana's Credit Unions, joined us in the Studio Lounge to wrap up 2026 Power Up, sharing the backstory of the conference's "Ignite the Future" theme. Gerry also talked about credit union community presence, and their "advocacy champions" program.

In addition, he highlighted Trellance's impactful advocacy initiative and the "Be Aware" program focused on fraud prevention -- underscoring the strong collaborative spirit and engagement within Montana's credit union system.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to watch more of our episodes from 2026 Montana's Credit Unions' Power Up Conference here -- as well as supporting our Studio Lounge sponsors/hosts: Trellance Cooperative Holdings, Backbone, and Despite Impossible podcast.

NOTE: Apologies for the possible sound issues. Microphones were not connected correctly -- chances are astronomically high that it was operator error.  

Anthony Demangone, Chief Membership and Engagement Officer at America’s Credit Unions, joined us in the Studio Lounge to open our coverage of Montana's Credit Unions' 2026 Power On Conference, highlighting his session on “20 Ideas to Change Yourself, Your Credit Union, and the World.”

Anthony also talked about industry leadership transitions, the transformative potential of AI for credit unions, and the importance of understanding member needs.  He also shared insights on NCUA appointments (new Chair John Crews) and effective communication strategies.

Lastly, Anthony touched on practical AI applications for efficiency and member service, emphasizing its growing accessibility for credit union leaders.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to watch more of our episodes from 2026 Montana's Credit Unions' Power Up Conference here -- as well as supporting our Studio Lounge sponsors/hosts: Trellance Cooperative Holdings, Backbone, and Despite Impossible podcast.

NOTE: Apologies for the possible sound issues. Microphones were not connected correctly -- chances are astronomically high that it was operator error.