Life Matters – A Penn Mutual Podcast

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 funding approaches. Carla then shares how financial professionals can position Protection IUL and its Enhanced Chronic Illness Accelerated Benefit Rider within client planning conversations.

You’ll hear insights on:

• Which clients may benefit from a protection-focused life insurance solution

• How Protection IUL can provide affordable, long-term death benefit protection

• How different payment options can help address a range of client needs

• How the Enhanced Chronic Illness Accelerated Benefit Rider may provide added protection following a qualifying chronic illness

• How financial professionals can introduce protection and chronic illness planning in client-friendly language

This episode is designed for financial professionals who want to better understand Protection IUL, identify potential client opportunities and explore how death benefit protection and chronic illness planning can work together within a comprehensive financial strategy.

Have a question or comment for Bill? Drop him an email at: [email protected]   

Follow Us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennMutual/    

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PennMutual/    

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/penn-mutual/    

Penn Mutual's Financial Professional Resource Site: https://gateway.pennmutual.com/  

This podcast is for informational purposes. Guests’ views, comments, and opinions on products, services, or strategies do not necessarily represent the views of or imply endorsement by The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company or its affiliates. Product availability, benefits and provisions vary by state. 

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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, CPAs and other professional advisors can create new opportunities and lead to better client outcomes.

You'll hear insights on:

This episode is designed for financial professionals looking to expand their capabilities, navigate complex client needs, and understand how the right collaborative relationships can help them deliver greater value and build a stronger practice.

Have a question or comment for Bill? Drop him an email at: [email protected]  

Follow Us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennMutual/  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PennMutual/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/penn-mutual/  

Penn Mutual's Financial Professional Resource Site: https://gateway.pennmutual.com/  

This podcast is for informational purposes. Guests’ views, comments, and opinions on products, services, or strategies do not necessarily represent the views of or imply endorsement by The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company or its affiliates. Product availability, benefits and provisions vary by state. 

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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 the case came together, and how Penn Mutual’s Accelerated MultiLife Platform (AMP) helped streamline the experience.

You'll hear insights on:

This episode is designed for financial professionals looking to better understand multilife planning opportunities and discover how the right resources and approach can help simplify the experience for both their firms and their clients.

Have a question or comment for Bill? Drop him an email at: [email protected]  

Follow Us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennMutual/   

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PennMutual/  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/penn-mutual/   

Penn Mutual's Financial Professional Resource Site: https://gateway.pennmutual.com/  

This podcast is for informational purposes. Guests’ views, comments, and opinions on products, services, or strategies do not necessarily represent the views of or imply endorsement by The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company or its affiliates. Product availability, benefits and provisions vary by state. 

Accumulation Whole Life (Policy form number ICC18-TL) is a whole life insurance policy offered by The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company. Policy form number may vary by state. Product and features may not be available in all states. This product is not offered in New York.

Accumulation IUL (Policy form ICC22-PI-IFL) is an indexed universal life policy issued by The Penn Insurance and Annuity Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company. Policy form numbers may vary by state. Products and features may not be available in all states. This product is not offered in New York.

Accumulation Variable Universal Life (ICC23-PI-VFL) is a flexible premium, adjustable variable universal life insurance policy offered by the Penn Insurance and Annuity Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company. Policy form numbers vary by state. Product availability and features may vary by state. This product is not offered in New York.

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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 support business growth. 

You'll hear insights on: 

• How financial professionals and insurance carriers are using AI today 

This episode is designed for financial professionals looking to better understand AI and explore practical ways to leverage emerging technology while maintaining the human relationships that drive long-term client success. 

Have a question or comment for Bill or Jenna? Drop him an email at: [email protected]    

Follow Us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennMutual/     

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PennMutual/     

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/penn-mutual/     

Penn Mutual's Financial Professional Resource Site: https://gateway.pennmutual.com/   

Artificially Planned Advance Sales Insight: Artificially planned | Gateway | Penn Mutual

This podcast is for informational purposes. Guests’ views, comments, and opinions on products, services, or strategies do not necessarily represent the views of or imply endorsement by The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company or its affiliates. Product availability, benefits and provisions vary by state. 

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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 perspectives on the evolving retirement landscape, some of the challenges retirees may face, and how annuities may help support retirement income planning strategies.

The conversation also explores topics such as longevity risk, market volatility, sequence of returns risk, and how alternative income solutions may help create greater predictability and confidence in retirement planning conversations.

You’ll hear insights on:

• What the “Peak 65” retirement wave could mean for retirement planning

This episode is designed for financial professionals looking to deepen retirement planning conversations and better understand some of the evolving risks and considerations facing today’s retirees.

Have a question or comment for Bill or Jenna? Drop him an email at: [email protected]  

Follow Us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennMutual/  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PennMutual/  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/penn-mutual/  

Penn Mutual's Financial Professional Resource Site: https://gateway.pennmutual.com/

LIMRA's PEAK 65 Zone: https://www.limraconsumer.com/peak65/

This podcast is for informational purposes. Guests’ views, comments, and opinions on products, services, or strategies do not necessarily represent the views of or imply endorsement by The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company or its affiliates. Product availability, benefits and provisions vary by state. 

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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 long-term planning confidence.

You’ll hear practical insights on:

This episode is designed for financial professionals who want a deeper understanding of how product philosophy impacts real-world planning and why products may evolve, but the principles behind them matter most.

Have a question or comment for Bill? Drop him an email at: [email protected]   

Follow Us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennMutual/   

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PennMutual/    

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/penn-mutual/   

Presented by Penn Mutual: https://www.pennmutual.com/   

This podcast is for informational purposes. Guests’ views, comments, and opinions on products, services, or strategies do not necessarily represent the views of or imply endorsement by The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company or its affiliates. Product availability, benefits and provisions vary by state. 

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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 leadership and a true partnership model can strengthen outcomes for clients. 

If you serve families, business owners, or multigenerational clients, this episode is packed with perspective you can apply immediately, especially as the “women’s market” becomes the mainstream future of wealth.

Have a question or comment for Bill? Drop him an email at: [email protected] 

Follow Us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennMutual/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PennMutual/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/penn-mutual/ 

Presented by Penn Mutual: https://www.pennmutual.com/ 

This podcast is for informational purposes. Guests’ views, comments, and opinions on products, services, or strategies do not necessarily represent the views of or imply endorsement by The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company or its affiliates. Product availability, benefits and provisions vary by state.

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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 a long-term advantage for policyholders and the professionals who serve them 

• What’s ahead in 2026: top-tier service, corporate marketplace opportunities, and platform innovation 

Have a question or comment for Bill? Drop him an email at: [email protected]   

Follow Us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennMutual/   

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PennMutual/    

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/penn-mutual/   

Presented by Penn Mutual: https://www.pennmutual.com/   

This podcast is for informational purposes. Guests’ views, comments, and opinions on products, services, or strategies do not necessarily represent the views of or imply endorsement by The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company or its affiliates. Product availability, benefits and provisions vary by state. 

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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
• How healthcare consolidation impacts both practice and personal planning
• Balancing student loan debt, retirement savings, and long-term financial goals
• Where life insurance fits, from protection and tax-efficient income to asset protection and business planning

Have a question or comment for Bill? Drop him an email at: [email protected]

Follow Us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennMutual/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PennMutual/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/penn-mutual/

Presented by Penn Mutual: https://www.pennmutual.com/

This podcast is for informational purposes. Guests’ views, comments, and opinions on products, services, or strategies do not necessarily represent the views of or imply endorsement by The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company or its affiliates. Product availability, benefits and provisions vary by state.

For federal income tax purposes, life insurance death benefits generally pay income tax-free to beneficiaries pursuant to IRC Sec. 101(a)(1). In certain situations, however, life insurance death benefits may be partially or wholly taxable. Situations include, but are not limited to: the transfer of a life insurance policy for valuable consideration unless the transfer qualifies for an exception under IRC Sec. 101(a)(2)(i.e. the transfer-for-value rule); arrangements that lack an insurable interest based on state law; and an employer-owned policy unless the policy qualifies for an exception under IRC Sec. 101(j).

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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:

• What the Accelerated MultiLife Platform (AMP) means for executive benefits and multilife market
• Essential insights on special needs planning, tax reform, and H.R. 1
• When Management Services Organizations (MSOs) make sense for business owners and where life insurance fits
• Modern estate and advanced planning strategies

Whether you focus on business owners, special needs families, or high-net-worth estate planning, this recap is packed with advanced sales insights you can use in client conversations right away.

Have a question or comment for Bill? Drop him an email at: [email protected]

Follow Us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennMutual/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PennMutual/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/penn-mutual/

Presented by Penn Mutual: https://www.pennmutual.com/

This podcast is for informational purposes. Guests’ views, comments, and opinions on products, services, or strategies do not necessarily represent the views of or imply endorsement by The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company or its affiliates. Product availability, benefits and provisions vary by state.

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