John Pepper's Masterclass in Leadership: Character, Curiosity, and Courage

What is it really like to spend 25 years in the CIA?

Ben Beshear recently sat down with former CIA officer David Bridges for one of the more fascinating conversations we've hosted yet. This wasn't just a conversation about intelligence… it was a conversation about leadership, decision-making, risk, and what makes America unique. Here's a glimpse of what you'll hear: 🇺🇸 Is being a CIA operative anything like the movies? 🌍 How has the geopolitical landscape changed—and how are drones reshaping modern warfare? 🤫 How much can undercover operatives actually tell their own families? 🧠 What does 25 years in intelligence teach you about making better decisions? 📈 Why does David remain optimistic despite everything he's seen around the world? ⭐ And perhaps our favorite discussion… what makes America so special? There were also a few topics we intentionally didn't cover. We agreed to stay away from domestic politics, and naturally there are aspects of David's career that remain confidential. Even with those boundaries, this conversation covered an incredible amount of ground. As our nation celebrates 250 years of the American experiment, we couldn't think of a better time to hear the perspective of someone who spent a career protecting it.

Positive Distractions

What if the secret to spending less has nothing to do with budgeting? In this episode of Life, Money, and Living Well Reflections, we bring to life an article by Davie Cochran exploring an often-overlooked cause of lifestyle creep: too much unstructured time. Many professionals assume that financial success is simply a matter of earning more. Yet as income rises, spending often rises right alongside it. The challenge isn't always a lack of discipline. Sometimes it's boredom, stress, and the natural tendency to fill free time with expensive habits and purchases. This episode introduces the idea of "positive spending distractions" — meaningful activities that provide purpose, connection, growth, and fulfillment without putting constant pressure on your finances. From physical activity and skill-building to deeper relationships, passion projects, and intentional downtime, Davie shares practical ways to create a richer life while avoiding the trap of lifestyle inflation. Because ultimately, the way you spend your time has a profound impact on the way you spend your money. 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.

Why the Best Leaders Focus on Formation, Not Performance : Calvin Renfroe

What if the most important thing a coach builds isn't a winning team, but better people? In this episode, Ben Beshear talks with Calvin Renfroe, Head Football Coach at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy and the National Christian School Athletic Association's National Coach of the Year. Known for building a culture rooted in faith, discipline, brotherhood, and joy, Calvin shares the leadership principles that have shaped both his program and his life. Together, Ben and Calvin discuss identity, parenting, resilience, purpose, and why athletics remains one of the most powerful tools for developing character in the next generation. This conversation isn't really about football. It's about leadership, culture, and becoming the person you were created to be. 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.

Books to the Rescue: Teaching Your Children About Money

What if the most important money lessons your kids learn… don't come from you directly? In this Life, Money, and Living Well Reflections episode, we bring to life an article by John Brannon exploring a simple but often overlooked idea: sometimes the best way to teach your children about money is by borrowing better words. Talking about money can feel complicated, especially with kids. But it doesn't have to be. This episode walks through a practical, age-by-age approach to building financial understanding, from early childhood stories to teenage decisions and young adult realities. Along the way, it highlights helpful books, simple frameworks, and everyday moments that can shape how kids think about earning, spending, saving, and giving. Because ultimately, teaching your kids about money isn't about having the perfect explanation. It's about creating shared experiences, starting conversations, and helping them build a healthy story around money over time. If you're a parent, or hope to be one someday, this episode offers a simple place to start. Listen now to learn how small conversations today can shape your child's financial future. Read the article here: https://www.livewellcapital.com/books-to-the-rescue.htm [https://www.livewellcapital.com/books-to-the-rescue.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.

Investing Through Uncertainty: A $300 Billion Perspective with Jeb Bentley

If 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.