#United States #Washington, D.C. #AARP #Retirement Security #Dan Doonan

National Institute on Retirement Security Launches New Podcast: Retirement in America

On May 14, 2026, the National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS) unveiled its latest initiative—a podcast series entitled Retirement in America. This monthly series is designed to delve into the intricate challenges, innovative ideas, and potential solutions related to retirement security in the United States. Both audio and video formats will be available on YouTube and other major podcast platforms, making it more accessible to a wider audience.

The debut episode features an insightful discussion with Debra Whitman, the Chief Public Policy Officer at AARP, alongside NIRS Executive Director Dan Doonan. Their conversation focuses on the significant shifts that have occurred in the retirement landscape in America over recent decades. With a host of economic and policy factors at play, the issue of retirement security is more pressing than ever.

As the podcast series unfolds, listeners will hear from policymakers, economists, journalists, and everyday individuals who are navigating the complexities of retirement planning. Topics will cover a wide range of essential issues, from the evolution of Social Security and pension plans to the increasing reliance on 401(k) savings and the impending challenges that involve work-life changes and economic realities. Each episode aims to foster informed dialogue among listeners, helping them to understand how various trends impact retirement preparedness.

Dan Doonan emphasizes this need by stating, "Many Americans are currently grappling with retirement preparations, and it's vital to address these issues through meaningful discussions on policy and economic trends that shape these personal realities. Our podcast aims to gather diverse voices to illuminate the challenges facing American workers and potential solutions for enhancing retirement security for future generations."

The inaugural episode serves as a critical introduction to this dialogue, featuring Debra Whitman, who brings a wealth of knowledge and research-backed insights to the table. In their conversation, Whitman and Doonan examine the drastic evolution of retirement in the U.S., discussing how the landscape has changed from defined benefit pension systems to an increasing dependency on individual savings strategies. This shift poses a unique set of financial pressures on both current workers and retirees.

Whitman commends AARP for being a longstanding ally in advancing discussions about retirement security and aging policies. "I’m thrilled to be part of this important series. The dialogue around retirement is crucial as we collectively navigate the complexities of aging and financial security."

Future episodes of Retirement in America are poised to continue this essential conversation, covering topics like retirement policy implications, demographic trends, and the actual experiences of Americans who are preparing for or already living in retirement. NIRS hopes that through these discussions, the podcast series will enlighten and engage the public, as well as contribute to informed policymaking that furthers understanding around retirement security's value to employees and the economy.

The National Institute on Retirement Security is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing knowledge and awareness around retirement security, fostering a robust understanding of how it benefits not just employees but also the broader economy. Based in Washington, D.C., NIRS draws membership from various sectors including financial services, trade associations, and retirement service providers.

For more information and to listen to the inaugural episode, visit NIRS Online.