Life Matters – A Penn Mutual Podcast

In this episode of the Life Matters Podcast, host Jenna Washatka, Head of Advanced Sales at Penn Mutual, welcomes Jonathan Forster, an estate planning attorney and leader in the private wealth space at Baker & Hostetler LLP, to discuss estate planning after tax reform and what financial professionals should know.

Estate planning involves more than how much a client can pass on without paying federal estate taxes. Jonathan explains why it helps to look at the family's full financial picture and how financial professionals can help clients make decisions without overwhelming them.

You'll hear about:

In this episode of the Life Matters Podcast, host Bill Bell, VP of Advanced Sales at Penn Mutual welcomes Riley Thornburgh, AVP of Product Strategy, Andrew Skyrm, AVP & Actuary, and Carla Miller, Regional Marketing Director, for an inside look at Penn Mutual’s Protection Indexed Universal Life product, also known as Protection IUL or PIUL.

Protection IUL is designed for clients seeking affordable, long-term death benefit protection. Riley and Andrew discuss the strategy and pricing philosophy behind the product, where it fits within Penn Mutual’s life insurance portfolio and how it performs across a range of fund...

In this episode of the Life Matters Podcast, host Bill Bell, Vice President of Advanced Sales at Penn Mutual, welcomes Hunter Gimbel, CEO and Managing Partner of Gaber Group, for a conversation about the power of collaboration and how strategic partnerships can help financial professionals grow their practices with greater confidence.

Successful financial professionals understand they do not have to navigate every opportunity alone. Hunter shares how mentorship, joint work and partnerships with other financial professionals have shaped his career, strengthened his firm and helped deliver greater value to clients. He also explores how relationships with attorneys...

In this episode of the Life Matters Podcast, host Bill Bell, Vice President of Advanced Sales at Penn Mutual, welcomes John “Hutch” Hutchinson, Founder of BankingTruths.com, and Mark Jones, Director of Multilife Sales at Penn Mutual, for a conversation on multilife opportunities and how financial professionals can approach these cases with greater confidence.

Multilife cases can be complex, particularly when covering larger groups, but the right technology and support can make the process significantly more manageable for financial professionals. Hutch and Mark share insights from a real client case, exploring why a multilife solution made sense, how...

In this episode of the Life Matters Podcast, host Bill Bell, Vice President of Advanced Sales at Penn Mutual, welcomes Daria Lee Sharman, Executive Director of Launch by NTT DATA, and Nick Bowman, Co-Founder of Xcela AI, for a conversation on artificial intelligence and its growing role in financial services. 

As AI continues to gain attention across industries, many financial professionals are asking how it may impact their businesses, client relationships, and day-to-day operations. Daria and Nick share practical perspectives on how AI is being used today to improve efficiency, streamline administrative tasks, enhance client communication, and s...

In this episode of the Life Matters Podcast, host Bill Bell, Vice President of Advanced Sales at Penn Mutual, is joined by co-host Jenna Washatka, Director of Advanced Sales at Penn Mutual, and special guest Bryan Hodgens, Senior Vice President and Head of LIMRA Research, for a conversation on retirement preparedness, annuity planning, and the growing impact of the “Peak 65” retirement wave.

According to LIMRA’s “Peak of Peak 65” research, more than 11,000 Americans are expected to turn 65 each day between 2024 and 2027, retirement income conversations may become increasingly important for financial professionals and their clients. Bryan shares research-driven perspectiv...

In this episode of the Life Matters Podcast, host Bill Bell, Vice President of Advanced Sales is joined by Ray Caucci, Chief Product Officer at Penn Mutual, for a thoughtful conversation on product philosophy, long-term thinking, and what it takes to build solutions that endure.

As Ray prepares for retirement, he reflects on the principles that have helped shape Penn Mutual’s approach to product design, focusing on discipline over trends and durability over hype. The discussion offers financial professionals insight into what often goes unseen behind product launches and why restraint plays a critical role in lo...

In this Women’s History Month special of Life Matters, Bill Bell and Jenna Washatka spotlight three powerhouse practice owners redefining what modern financial planning looks like as wealth shifts into women’s hands.

First, Deborah Stavis, CFP® and CEO of Stavis Wealth Transfer Solutions, shares how she built integrated, relationship-driven planning and why women’s readiness for the wealth transfer is about confidence, not competence. 

Then Jennifer Larson and Jessica Walker, co-founders of Wohlstand Wealth Strategies, explain how they designed a client experience that helps women feel seen, heard, and empowered, plus how community leadersh...

In this special episode of the Life Matters Podcast, host Bill Bell, Vice President of Advanced Sales at Penn Mutual, is joined by Dave O’Malley, Chairman, President, and CEO of Penn Mutual, to break down what’s driving Penn Mutual’s momentum and what it means for financial professionals throughout 2026. 

You’ll hear practical insights on: 

• What’s behind Penn Mutual’s record setting growth in 2025  

• Why consistent execution not good intentions is what wins in today’s market 

• How a diversified product portfolio helps financial professionals pivot as trends shift • Why mutuality is...

In this episode of the Life Matters Podcast, host Bill Bell, Vice President of Advanced Sales at Penn Mutual, is joined by Jason O’Dell, Managing Partner, and Carole Foos, Chief Financial Officer of OJM Group (now part of Earned), to explore why physicians are one of the most underserved client segments and how financial professionals can work with them more effectively.

You’ll hear practical insights on:

• Why doctors can feel intimidating to work with and how to overcome common challenges
• How an education-first approach helps attract and retain the right physician clients<...

In this special year-end episode of the Life Matters Podcast, Bill Bell and co-host Jenna Washatka look back at their favorite moments of 2025, the topmost listened to episodes of 2025, and celebrate the show’s 25th episode milestone.

You’ll hear highlights from the year’s most valuable conversations, including:

Whether you focus on bus...

In this special episode of Life Matters Podcast, hosts Bill Bell, VP of Advanced Sales, and Jenna Washatka, Director of Advanced Sales, bring together the entire Penn Mutual Advanced Sales team for a unique financial professional driven conversation built mostly from questions submitted by financial professionals across the country.

Joining the discussion are Lindsay Cigler, Amy Bryant, George Bradley, Jay Perlman, and Bruce Guillemette, Directors of Advanced Sales, as they tackle the most timely and technical topics shaping today’s advanced planning landscape. From the effects of new legislation to evolving executive benefit strategies and emerging market op...

Tax planning is one of the most pressing challenges for business owners, and Penn Mutual is helping financial professionals uncover strategies that can preserve cash flow, protect assets, and strengthen succession planning. In this episode of The Life Matters Podcast, Bill Bell, VP of Advanced Sales at Penn Mutual, is joined by Alex Jones, Founder of Guardian Tax Consultants, to break down the role of Management Services Organizations (MSOs) in advanced planning.

Together, they explore how MSOs can reduce taxable income, provide creditor protection, and create liquidity that can be redirected into long-term growth and life insurance...

Special needs planning is one of the most important and often overlooked areas in financial services, and Penn Mutual is equipping financial professionals with the tools and expertise to make a meaningful impact. In this episode of The Life Matters Podcast, Bill Bell, VP of Advanced Sales at Penn Mutual, is joined by Jenna Washatka, Director of Advanced Sales at Penn Mutual, and special guest Pat Bergmaier, financial planner with 1847Financial, to explore how thoughtful planning can protect benefits, provide lifelong care, and bring peace of mind to families with loved ones who have special needs.

Together...

Multilife sales are opening new doors for financial professionals and Penn Mutual is making it easier than ever to step in. In this episode of The Life Matters Podcast, Bill Bell, VP of Advanced Sales at Penn Mutual, sits down with Justin Gladieux and Michael Ori, co-founders of Institutional Architects, to explore how guaranteed and simplified issue life insurance can transform executive benefit strategies.

They unpack how multilife works, where the biggest opportunities are, and why industries from professional services to large corporations are turning to these solutions to fund long-term obligations, reward key talent, and strengthen...

The biggest tax reform in years has officially been signed into law and it brings sweeping changes that financial professionals can’t afford to ignore.

In this episode of The Life Matters Podcast by Penn Mutual, Bill Bell, VP of Advanced Sales, sits down with Jen Fox, VP of Government Affairs at Finseca, to break down what’s in the Triple B Tax Bill (H.R. 1) and how it impacts your clients.

Whether you're advising on estate planning, Qualified Business Income (QBI), State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions, or life insurance strategies, this episode is your...

In this episode of Life Matters, a Penn Mutual podcast, Bill Bell, VP of Advanced Sales, sits down with Ruvin Levavi, former trust and estate attorney and now Founder of Power Forward Group to explore how financial professionals can effectively serve specialized niches, such as corporate attorneys, and address their unique planning needs. 

Ruvin shares firsthand insights into why many high-earning professionals feel financially stuck—and how strategic planning, including the use of life insurance as a non-correlated asset, can help unlock long-term financial freedom.

In this episode, you’ll gain perspective on:
• How to guid...

The way clients discover and choose financial professionals has evolved—and outdated marketing tactics just don’t cut it anymore.

In this episode of the Life Matters Podcast by Penn Mutual, Bill Bell, VP of Advanced Sales, sits down with Samantha Russell, Chief Evangelist at FMG, to discuss how modern marketing is reshaping the financial services industry. From the rise of short-form video to the importance of authenticity and consistency, Samantha shares practical strategies to help financial professionals stay relevant and build trust in today’s digital world.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Premium financing is often pitched as a silver bullet for high-net-worth clients—but is it really that simple? In this episode of the Life Matters Podcast, we’re cutting through the industry noise and getting real about what works… and what doesn’t. 

Join Bill Bell, Penn Mutual’s VP of Advanced Sales, as he sits down with Marc Schechter, President of Schechter Wealth, for a candid conversation about the real-world mechanics of premium financing. With decades of experience and a second-generation firm behind him, Marc pulls back the curtain on the strategies, the risks, and the mindset nee...

Women are transforming the financial industry with expertise, leadership, and a client-first mindset. As more women take on financial professional roles, they’re building trust, specializing in niche markets, and addressing the unique financial needs of business owners and families.

In this episode of the Life Matters Podcast, Bill Bell Penn Mutual’s VP of Advanced Sales and Jenna Washatka Penn Mutual’s Director of Advanced Sales at Penn Mutual, speak with Kate Seastone, CEO of Simplicit Financial, and Claire Gallagher, a financial professional with Empire Wealth Strategies, to discuss how women are reshaping financial services and making...

Estate planning isn’t just about passing on wealth—it’s about protecting it, maximizing flexibility, and ensuring a seamless financial transition for future generations. With tax laws evolving, high-net-worth individuals must stay ahead to safeguard their legacies.

In this episode, Bill Bell, VP of Advanced Sales at Penn Mutual, sits down with renowned estate planning attorney Jonathan Forster of Baker & Hostetler to break down key strategies for minimizing estate taxes and preserving wealth in an uncertain tax environment.

Key Topics Covered:

Get ready for a deep dive into tax reform and its potential impact on financial professionals, estate planning, and wealth transfer strategies in this episode of the Life Matters Podcast. Bill Bell, VP of Advanced Sales at Penn Mutual, sits down with Jen Fox, Vice President of Federal Affairs at Finseca, to explore the latest developments in financial services legislation.

Key Topics Covered:

• The upcoming tax reform and its possible effects on financial professionals and their clients. 

• Changes to federal transfer taxes and the Qualified Business Income deduction. 

• The increased regulatory scrutiny...

In this must-listen episode of the Life Matters Podcast, host Bill Bell, VP of Advanced Sales at Penn Mutual, sits down with Tom Harris, President of Penn Mutual's Life and Annuity Division, for one of his final interviews before his upcoming retirement at the end of the year. Packed with invaluable insights, this conversation captures decades of leadership wisdom and strategic foresight from one of the industry's most respected voices.

Tom reflects on the challenges and opportunities shaping the life insurance landscape, revealing how Penn Mutual’s innovative operational model attracts top-tier talent and ensures long-term stability. Th...

In this riveting episode of the Life Matters Podcast, host Bill Bell, VP of Advanced Sales for Penn Mutual, sits down with Caleb Guilliams, the visionary founder of BetterWealth, to explore how the life insurance industry is evolving and how financial professionals can thrive in this changing landscape. Caleb shares his innovative approaches to client engagement, marketing, and company culture—offering practical, transformative strategies that can empower financial professionals and strengthen relationships with clients.

Key Takeaways:

In this insightful episode, Bill Bell and Jenna Washatka are joined by the entire Advanced Sales Team at Penn Mutual. Directors of Advanced Sales—Lindsay Cigler, Jay Perlman, George Bradley, and Amy Bryant—dive into a range of critical topics in financial and estate planning. From the evolving implications of the SECURE Act and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD) to strategic uses of Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRT) and life insurance, this episode offers practical guidance on navigating the complexities of year-end planning. The team also addresses the approaching sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, highlighting innovative wealth tran...

Glen Wright, the CEO and Founder of Worth Advisors, and Matt Fones, the Area Senior Vice President at Gallagher, join this episode of Life Matters, with host and Advanced Sales VP, Bill Bell.  Together, they discuss the incredible power, speed, and effectiveness of Penn Mutual's ACE platform, the upcoming expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and so much more!

Key Takeaways for Financial Professionals:

1. Penn Mutual’s ACE platform is Revolutionizing Underwriting:

2. Impact of the Tax Cuts and...

Chief Product Officer at Penn Mutual, Ray Caucci, and Director of Product Strategy and Competitive Analysis, Riley Thornburgh join this episode of Life Matters, with host and Advanced Sales VP, Bill Bell.  Together, they discuss the latest in life insurance product innovations at Penn Mutual, the hottest market trends, and so much more!

Key Takeaways for Financial Professionals:

1. New Product Launch:

2. Product Philosophy and Evolution at Penn Mutual:

Amy Bryant, Director of Advanced Sales at Penn Mutual and Tim McFarland, the Vice President of Advanced Sales at NFP join this episode of Life Matters, with host and Advanced Sales VP, Bill Bell and co-host and Director of Advanced Sales, Jenna Washatka.  Together, they explore estate planning strategies amid the upcoming tax law changes with the sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and so much more!

Key Takeaways for Financial Professionals:

1. Strategize for Liquidity and Business Succession:

2. L...

Bobby Samuelson, the Executive Editor of The Life Product Review joins this episode of Life Matters, with host and Advanced Sales VP, Bill Bell.  Together, they discuss the latest industry trends and market innovations. Bobby also shares his thoughts on product updates that he finds exciting.  Plus they talk about private equity entering the life insurance industry, and so much more!

Key Takeaways for Financial Professionals:

1. Liquidity in Life Insurance versus Banks:

2. Market Trends and Private Equity Involvement:

On this episode of Life Matters, Brian Bertini, Vice President and Chief Underwriter, and Gretchen Dinucci, Head of Mortality Management at Penn Mutual join host and Advanced Sales VP, Bill Bell to discuss the critical role that underwriting and mortality management play in the insurance process, the latest advances, and so much more!

Key Takeaways for Financial Professionals:

1. Auto-bind and Facultative Cases:

2. Large Case Management and Coordination:

On this episode of Life Matters, Regional Vice President for Penn Mutual, Tom Meyer, joins host and Advanced Sales VP, Bill Bell to share his insights into what's driving growth in the Life Insurance Industry around the country, and so much more!

1. Product Popularity In Different Regions:

2. Technology Integration and Efficiency:

3. Sales Strategies and Market Perspectives:

Updated as of March 12, 2026

Welcome to Part 2 of this special 'Women in Finance’ edition of Life Matters, featuring 

Melanie Colusci, President at Bridger Financial Group and Joanna Craney, Founder, Partner, and Special Needs Planner at Empowered Financial Strategies, alongside guest host and Director of Advanced Sales, Jenna Washatka.

Key Takeaways for Financial Professionals:

1. Growing Need for Female Financial Professionals:

2. The Importance of Mentorship:

3...

Updated as of March 6, 2026

Optimize your professional toolkit with our must-listen 'Women in Finance' edition on the Life Matters podcast. This episode brings together industry trailblazers Jeri Turley, Principal at Winged Keel, Eryka Morehead, President and CEO at Collaborative Planning Group, and our insightful guest host Jenna Washatka, Director of Advanced Sales.

Essential Insights for Financial Professionals:

1. Empowerment through Economic Influence:

2. Fostering Female Leadership in Finance:

Updated as of March 10, 2026

Join us for a special 'Tax Mulligan Season' episode of Life Matters, featuring Scott McHenry, President and Chief Actuary of McHenry Advisers, alongside our Advanced Sales VP, Bill Bell.

Key Takeaways for Financial Professionals:

1. Maximize Retirement Benefits:

2. Decode 'Tax Mulligan Season':

3. Navigating Fiduciary Rules:

To launch and kick-off the podcast with a bang, in the first episode of Life Matters: A Penn Mutual Podcast, Advanced Sales VP, Bill Bell sits down with none other than the President & CEO of Penn Mutual, Dave O’Malley.  Dave, who began his career at Penn Mutual in 1994 as an intern, shares his experience and insights that bring unique knowledge for financial professionals.  Together, Dave and Bill talk all about the current state of the industry, what’s on the horizon for Penn Mutual, and so much more!  Plus, Dave also shares his thoughtful perspective on leadership and what it...

Welcome to Life Matters: A Penn Mutual Podcast, a show dedicated to helping financial professionals tap into the latest advanced sales strategies and learn from industry experts on tips and tactics to grow their practice. With seasoned Advanced Sales VP, Bill Bell, as the podcast’s host, listeners can expect episodes packed with insight, energetic conversations, and a fun and exciting take on life insurance topics that matter most. So whether you're looking for expert perspectives on the latest market trends or you want tips on how to boost your performance, this is the podcast for you. Grow a st...