2026-3 Life Over Debt: When a Diagnosis Destroys More than Health

 Recorded live at the 1934 Event during GAC 2026, this episode features Andy Janning, founder of Life Over Debt, and Tom Kazar from Empathy. Andy shares the personal story behind the movement—how a cancer diagnosis in his own family exposed a harsh reality: many financial institutions unintentionally make crises worse. 

This conversation goes deeper than inspiration. It breaks down the real barriers credit unions face—time, bandwidth, and uncertainty—and challenges leaders to rethink what’s already possible within their existing systems. It also introduces groundbreaking research studying how financial interventions directly impact physical and emotional health.  

 Key Takeaways 

1. The Biggest Barrier Isn’t Money—It’s Mindset 

Most credit unions aren’t resisting programs like this out of apathy—they’re overwhelmed. The real challenge is shifting thinking from “this is extra work” to “this is already within reach.”  

2. There’s a Hidden Crisis Members Aren’t Talking About 

Members facing cancer often avoid their financial institutions out of fear. That silence creates a dangerous gap—problems escalate because no one is asking the right questions early enough.  

3. This Work Is Creating an Entirely New Category 

Life Over Debt isn’t just a program—it’s becoming a measurable, research-backed model. For the first time, financial interventions are being studied for their impact on physical and emotional health, redefining what financial institutions can do. 

Shine a light where it matters.