Podcast
Life, Money, and Living Well
Hosted by Ben Beshear · EN
After 20 years as a financial services professional and completing thousands of financial plans for clients…Ben shares the secrets to building wealth, but more importantly building a fulfilling life.
23episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Investing Through Uncertainty: A $300 Billion Perspective with Jeb Bentley
2w ago00:49:31Tap to summarizeIf you've ever wondered how large institutions invest through uncertainty and still keep promises decades into the future, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look. Ben sits down with Jeb Bentley, Chief Investment Officer of Northwestern Mutual, who oversees more than $300 billion in assets. With experience spanning public markets, private investments, and wealth management, Jeb has had a front-row seat to multiple market cycles, shifting interest rate environments, and major structural changes in capital markets. Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account. This material does not constitute investment advice and is not intended as an endorsement of any specific investment or security. Please remember that all investments carry some level of risk, including the potential loss of principal invested.
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Good Financial Groundwork Takes Flexible Goals-Based Planning
4w ago00:07:24Tap to summarizeWhat if the goals you're planning for today… aren't the ones that will actually matter most tomorrow? In this Life, Money, and Living Well Reflections episode, we bring to life an article by Brad Weeks exploring a simple but powerful idea: financial planning shouldn't be rigid, it should be flexible. Most financial plans are built around clearly defined goals. But in reality, goals evolve as life unfolds. The challenge is learning how to plan ahead while leaving room for change. This episode walks through a practical framework for building a strong financial foundation using four core categories: traditional goals, milestone goals, lifestyle goals, and philanthropic goals. Instead of trying to predict the exact future, this approach helps you prepare for a range of meaningful possibilities. Because ultimately, great planning isn't about getting every detail right. It's about creating a structure that can adapt as your life does. Read the article here: https://www.livewellcapital.com/good-financial-groundwork.htm Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.
Transcribe →John Pepper's Masterclass in Leadership: Character, Curiosity, and Courage
Apr 701:01:06Tap to summarizeNot all CEOs are created equal. Some are visionaries, seeing possibilities that others don't. Some are autocratic, my-way-or-the-highway leaders. Some lead by delegating, while others micromanage. But the most effective leaders? They lead by example. That's John Pepper. We could use the rest of the time reading off his accomplishments. John served as the CEO and then Chairman of the Board for Fortune 100 juggernaut Procter and Gamble. He was the CEO of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and served as Chairman of the Board of the Walt Disney Company. A thoughtful, reflective leader, John raised the water level everywhere he went by focusing on character, significance, and values. A proponent of inclusive leadership long before it was a buzz word, John spent his life putting his money where his mouth is. He is a quiet heavyweight who, at 87 years-old, is still learning and leading with fervor. Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.
Transcribe →Five Strategies That Will Keep You Calm During Volatile Markets : Ben Beshear
Mar 1700:05:26Tap to summarizeMarket volatility has a way of shaking even the most disciplined investors. Elections, interest rates, geopolitical tension, inflation, tax changes. The headlines shift daily, and so does the anxiety. In this Life, Money, and Living Well Reflections episode, Ben begins with a simple but honest admission: no one knows what will happen next. But while we cannot predict markets, we can prepare for them. Drawing on nearly a century of S&P 500 data, Ben walks through five practical strategies designed to reduce panic and increase clarity during uncertain times: • Use safer assets for liquidity • Resist the temptation to time the market • Diversify thoughtfully • Rebalance consistently • Think long term The message is simple but powerful: control what you can control. The goal is not to eliminate volatility. It is to build a plan that can endure it. As always, your financial plan should be built for your life, not the other way around. This episode is a narrated version of a written article originally published by LiveWell Capital, created for listening on the go. You can read the original article here: Five Strategies That Will Keep You Calm During Volatile Markets Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal, or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, or financial planning professional before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast series expresses opinions that are subjective at the time of recording and are subject to change without notice and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.
Transcribe →The Family Team Advantage with Jeremy Pryor
Mar 300:48:58Tap to summarizeModern life is built around the individual: your goals, your schedule, your preferences. But for many families, the results have been painful: more loneliness, more stress, more disconnection. In this conversation, Ben sits down with Jeremy Pryor, founder of Family Teams, to explore a countercultural idea: what if we were designed to live on teams, and the ultimate team is your family? Jeremy shares how a transformative season in Israel reshaped his view of fatherhood and legacy, and why he believes strong families are built through shared purpose, shared work, and shared rhythms. Jeremy unpacks practical ways families can move from "a shared last name" to "a unified team," including the power of a weekly multi-generational meal, creating spaces where siblings learn to cheer for each other, and making intentional decisions about business, sports, and even where you live. Along the way, he offers a compelling challenge: what if we spent as much time investing in our kids as we do trying to protect them from future mistakes? If you've ever felt pulled in ten directions, this episode will give you a fresh framework for building something that lasts. Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.
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A New Way to Think About Retirement : Ben Beshear
Feb 1700:11:01Tap to summarizeRetirement is often treated as a finish line, but history, longevity, and real life suggest it may be time to rethink that assumption. In this audio article from LiveWell Capital, Ben Beshear explores a new way to think about retirement by walking through five common philosophies he sees among clients. From retiring early to working longer, taking mini-retirements, reframing work into a second act, or choosing to keep working indefinitely, this episode challenges the idea that retirement must look the same for everyone. Rather than focusing on a single age or outcome, this reflection emphasizes flexibility, purpose, and financial independence as the foundation for a well-lived life. The goal is not simply to stop working, but to design a life that balances meaningful work, time with family, rest, and freedom of choice. This episode is a narrated version of a written article originally published by LiveWell Capital, created for listening on the go. You can read the original article here: A New Way to Think About Retirement Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal, or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, or financial planning professional before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast series expresses opinions that are subjective at the time of recording and are subject to change without notice and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.
Transcribe →The Curiosity Mindset & How to Lead with Compassion : Kim Botto
Feb 301:00:15Tap to summarizeEveryone that knows Ben knows he is a huge Ted Lasso fan. And one line from season one sets the tone for this conversation: "Be curious, not judgmental." Ben is joined by Kim Botto, an advocate, trainer, author, and longtime champion for kids and teens whose voices are often minimized, especially those impacted by neurodivergence, disability, trauma, adoption, and foster care. Kim has spent decades equipping church and nonprofit leaders to create spaces that are safe and welcoming for everyone. She is also a mom of five and a grandmother of eleven. In her book, Boundless Hope for Every Child, Kim shares lessons from more than 30 years of experience working with children and teenagers, with a simple but powerful takeaway: disruptive behavior is often communication, and curiosity is the first step toward connection. In this episode, Ben and Kim talk about: Why "fixing behavior" often misses what a child actually needs What trauma can look like in everyday moments, and why kids may resist adults What neurodivergence means, and how environments can overwhelm without us noticing How to choose your parenting battles and focus on long term formation, not short term compliance How curiosity improves every relationship, including with coworkers, spouses, and ourselves Why hope matters, and how speaking identity into kids can change the trajectory of a life You do not have to be a parent to benefit from Kim's wisdom. This conversation is about becoming the kind of person who seeks to understand first and leads with compassion. Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.
Transcribe →Leadership That Lasts: Influence, Integrity, and Impact : Dr. Doug Howe
Jan 601:01:34Tap to summarizeLeaders come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes they have the corner office, sit in a trusted seat on a board, or make decisions that influence thousands. But you'll also find incredibly effective leaders at home, in schools, and among friends. Leadership guru, John Maxwell, said that "Everyone is a leader, because everyone influences someone else." So whether you've got a nameplate on your desk, or your wiping snotty noses at home, your leadership—your influence—is key. Today, we're going to talk about how we can become better and more effective leaders with one of the most effective leadership coaches around, Dr. Doug Howe. Doug has been a trusted advisor to companies and leaders in business, non-profits, education, and government for over three decades. He's worked with clients like Procter & Gamble and Duke Energy, had advisory meetings with government leadership including President George W. Bush, and founded the Insignia Foundation, a nationwide non-profit helping leaders overcome the past, grow toward the future, and become better versions of themselves. With experience as a business owner, social entrepreneur, non-profit director and pastor, Doug's wisdom around leadership has come from being on the front-lines. He's going to help us all improve, no matter where we're leading and influencing. Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.
Transcribe →A Year to Remember : Ben Beshear
Dec 200:50:57Tap to summarizeBen and Dave look at the past year in podcast guests, television, life highs, and what to look foward to in the new year. After 20 years as a financial services professional and completing thousands of financial plans for clients…Ben shares the secrets to building wealth, but more importantly building a fulfilling life. Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.
Transcribe →How to Make Tomorrow Better Today : Hal Hershfield
Nov 400:49:10Tap to summarizeIf you could get a snapshot into your future, would that simplify your life now? To know if the decisions you are making will pan out; if the financial finish lines you are chasing will be met; if the health and fitness goals will be worth the time and effort. Time travel into the future has long been the realm of science-fiction… but professor Hal Hershfield thinks it also might be the key to making better decisions today. A professor of Marketing, Behavioral Decision Making, and Psychology at UCLA's Anderson School of Management, Dr. Hershfield is a leading researcher and expert on the intersection of time, decision-making, and imagination. Why do you choose the fatty steak over the salad? Why is it easier to go for the instant gratification of spending instead of saving? Why is it more compelling to sleep-in than get up and exercise? Dr. Hershfield believes it's because we're not considering, or seeing, our future selves correctly. He believes better decision making today begins with correctly understanding how each of those decisions influences our future selves. He recently distilled over a decade of his incredible research into a new book, Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today. In it, Dr. Hershfield explores the power that considering your future self can have on improving our lives, and how we can begin to do that today. Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.
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