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. They also discuss how the pandemic has reshaped business practices and dive into the game-changing ACE (Accelerated Client Experience) platform, revolutionizing the way clients and financial professionals engage with life insurance.

What You’ll Learn:

1. The Mutual Advantage: How mutual companies like Penn Mutual deliver stability and lasting value for financial professionals and their clients.

2. Winning the Talent War: How innovation and flexibility are key to attracting and retaining top talent.

3. Staying Ahead of Industry Trends: Why personalized guidance still outshines direct-to-consumer models in today’s market.

4. Driving Efficiency with ACE: How the Accelerated Client Experience platform is making life insurance easier, faster, and more intuitive for professionals and clients alike.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear Tom’s reflections and forward-thinking strategies as he prepares to close an incredible chapter in his career. Tune in for actionable takeaways and fresh inspiration to elevate your financial practice!

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

Follow Us

• Twitter @pennmutual
• Facebook @PennMutual
• Instagram @pennmutual
• LinkedIn @Penn Mutual

Presented by Penn Mutual
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. 

7407347NS_DEC26

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:

1. Starting with "Why": Creating Meaningful Client Connections
   Learn how asking the right questions can turn financial planning into a powerful tool for helping clients live more fulfilling lives. By uncovering deeper motivations, you can build lasting trust and transform how clients view their wealth.
2. Refining Your Offer for Maximum Impact
   Discover the secret to creating a clear, client-centered offer that resonates. By defining your ideal client and addressing their specific needs, you’ll not only stand out from the competition but also build stronger, more engaged relationships.
3. Penn Mutual: Values + Innovation
   Explore how Penn Mutual’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and unwavering core values equips advisors to provide real, lasting value—strengthening client trust and fostering long-term satisfaction.

Press play to be entertained, informed, and inspired! Get ready for an episode packed with actionable insights to help you grow a stronger financial practice.

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

Follow Us

• Twitter @pennmutual
• Facebook @PennMutual
• Instagram @pennmutual
• LinkedIn @Penn Mutual

Presented by Penn Mutual
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. 

7265343NS_NOV26

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 transfer strategies that span generations. Tune in for expert advice on optimizing your clients’ financial plans.

1. Key Takeaways for Financial Professionals:

Proactive Estate Planning Before Tax Law Changes

Understand the importance of updating estate plans before the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act sunsets. Learn how to maximize transfer tax exemptions and minimize future tax liabilities for your clients.

2. Navigating the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 Sunset

Discover critical strategies that leverage life insurance and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) plans to help business owners ensure long-term financial security, even in a shifting tax landscape.

3. Charitable Planning for Tax Optimization

Explore the advantages of Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD) and Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRT) to optimize tax deductions while providing steady income for beneficiaries, creating dual benefits for clients.

4. Efficient Retirement and Wealth Transfer Strategies

Gain insights into managing Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) and utilizing life insurance as a tax-efficient tool for passing wealth to future generations, ensuring clients leave a lasting legacy.

Press play to be entertained, informed, and inspired! Get ready for an episode packed with actionable insights to help you grow a stronger financial practice.

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

Follow Us

• Twitter @pennmutual
• Facebook @PennMutual
• Instagram @pennmutual
• LinkedIn @Penn Mutual

Presented by Penn Mutual
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. 

7174836NS_OCT26

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:

• Learn about the specific features and efficiency driving power of this cutting-edge tool.

2. Impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Sunset:

• Gain insights into why it is so important to take advantage of the increased transfer tax exemption before the sunset occurs.

3. The Penn Mutual Advantage:

• Understand why more and more financial professionals are turning to Penn Mutual for the solutions to meet their client’s needs.

Press play to be entertained, informed, and inspired! Get ready for an episode packed with actionable insights to help you grow a stronger financial practice.

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

Follow Us

• Twitter @pennmutual
• Facebook @PennMutual
• Instagram @pennmutual
• LinkedIn @Penn Mutual

Presented by Penn Mutual
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. 

7024391NS_SEP26

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:

• Learn about the specific enhancements made to new products, with the launch date set for late September.

2. Product Philosophy and Evolution at Penn Mutual:

• Gain insights into Penn Mutual's emphasis on providing simple, transparent products with flexible and competitive features.

3. Adjustments to Dividend Scale:

• Understand the implications of raising the dividend scale and its impact on the internal rates of return.

Press play to be entertained, informed, and inspired! Get ready for an episode packed with actionable insights to help you grow a stronger financial practice.

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

Follow Us

• Twitter @pennmutual
• Facebook @PennMutual
• Instagram @pennmutual
• LinkedIn @Penn Mutual

Presented by Penn Mutual
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. 

6962505NS_SEP26

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:

• Gain insights into the need for liquidity and income replacement in estate planning.

2. Legal Implications of Recent Decisions:

• Understand the impact of Connelly v. Internal Revenue Service decision by the Supreme Court on life insurance planning.

3. Insights on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:

• Hear discussions on how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act impacts estate planning and strategies for navigating its sunset in 2026.

Press play to be entertained, informed, and inspired! Get ready for an episode packed with actionable insights to help you grow a stronger financial practice.

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

Follow Us

• Twitter @pennmutual
• Facebook @PennMutual
• Instagram @pennmutual
• LinkedIn @Penn Mutual

Presented by Penn Mutual
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. 

6810104NS_JUL26

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:

• Learn about the implications of liquidity pressures in banking versus life insurance.

2. Market Trends and Private Equity Involvement:

• Gain insights into private equity's focus on annuities over life insurance.

3. Bobby Samuelson’s Analysis and Insights:

• Understand Bobby’s perspective on the importance of commitment over scale in the life insurance business.

Press play to be entertained, informed, and inspired! Get ready for an episode packed with actionable insights to help you grow a stronger financial practice.

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

Follow Us

• Twitter @pennmutual
• Facebook @PennMutual
• Instagram @pennmutual
• LinkedIn @Penn Mutual

Presented by Penn Mutual
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. 

6715447NS_June26

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:

• Learn about the implications of recent increases in retention and auto-bind limits.

2. Large Case Management and Coordination:

• Gain insights into the best strategies for managing substantial life insurance cases, including coordination with carriers and reinsurers.

3. Evolution and Future of Underwriting:

• Understand the integration and potential roles of artificial intelligence in underwriting and the importance of keeping up with mortality trends and medical advancements.

Press play to be entertained, informed, and inspired! Get ready for an episode packed with actionable insights to help you grow a stronger financial practice.

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

Follow Us

• Twitter @pennmutual
• Facebook @PennMutual
• Instagram @pennmutual
• LinkedIn @Penn Mutual

Presented by Penn Mutual
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. 

6622394NS_May26

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:

• Learn which products tend to be most popular in different areas of the country.

2. Technology Integration and Efficiency:

• Understand how Penn’s Accelerated Client Experience (ACE) has simplified and accelerated the life insurance application experience for you and your clients.

3. Sales Strategies and Market Perspectives:

• Gain insights from Tom’s extensive experience in the life insurance industry and learn practical tips to better shape your financial practice.

Press play to be entertained, informed, and inspired! Get ready for an episode packed with actionable insights to help you grow a stronger financial practice.

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

Follow Us

• Twitter @pennmutual
• Facebook @PennMutual
• Instagram @pennmutual
• LinkedIn @Penn Mutual

Presented by Penn Mutual
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. 

6556332NS_April26

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:

• Learn why the financial services industry needs to recruit and retain more women.

2. The Importance of Mentorship:

• Understand why mentorship is paramount to engaging and empowering female financial professionals.

3. Harnessing New Technology:

• Gain insights into the latest ways that technology is being used to innovate and shape financial practices.

Press play to be entertained, informed, and inspired! Get ready for an episode packed with actionable insights to help you grow a stronger financial practice.

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

Follow Us

• Twitter @pennmutual
• Facebook @PennMutual
• Instagram @pennmutual
• LinkedIn @Penn Mutual

Presented by Penn Mutual
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. 

6481873NS_Mar26