Advisor Mentorship Podcast

Simplicity InsurMark
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Biweekly

Systems work, people fail. In today’s crowded marketplace, advisors must find a way to differentiate themselves from the competition. Learn how to elevate your game and accomplish incredible feats as Jeremy Houser teaches you proven systems and processes to successfully build a 21st century advisory practice, and discover how developing a work-life balance is not only possible but achievable.

  1. 23h ago

    The Future of Retirement Income with Athene CEO Grant Kvalheim (Ep. 120)

    Helping clients create dependable retirement income has become one of the biggest challenges financial professionals face as pensions continue disappearing. In this episode, Jeremy Houser welcomes Grant Kvalheim, CEO of Athene to discuss how the retirement income industry is evolving. Grant shares Athene’s approach to long-term growth, transparency, product innovation, and private credit investing while explaining why lifetime income continues to become a larger part of retirement planning.  He also explores opportunities to improve the annuity experience for consumers and financial professionals, along with the leadership principles that have helped guide Athene’s continued growth. Key takeaways: How lifetime income solutions are evolving as fewer workers retire with traditional pension benefits. Why private credit plays an important role in supporting competitive retirement income products today. How transparency, financial discipline, and long-term planning influence Athene’s business decisions. Why improving the consumer and advisor experience can expand access to retirement income products. How leadership, vision, and continual innovation support sustainable growth over many years. And more! Connect with Grant Kvalheim: LinkedIn: Grant Kvalheim Website: Athene Athene for Producers Connect with Jeremy Houser: jeremy.houser@simplicitygroup.com  713-808-8548 Schedule a Call Our Teams Website Connect with Jeremy @jeremyhouser_amp @jeremyhouserAMP About Our Guest: Grant Kvalheim is CEO of Athene, where he is responsible for expanding market share, prioritizing innovation, entering new markets and leading the company through its next phase of growth. As CEO, he serves on Athene’s board and is a member of the Executive Committee. Grant joined Athene in January 2011 as its CFO and later served as President, a role he held until July 2025. As President, Grant was responsible for running the company’s U.S. operations with a focus on growing organic origination. In that capacity, he led Athene’s entry into the U.S. annuity business, where it has become the market leader. He also developed Athene’s Funding Agreement program, where Athene is the largest issuer, and guided Athene’s Pension Group Annuity franchise. Prior to joining Athene, Grant was Co-President of Barclays Capital, where he grew the European investment-grade credit business into a leading global credit franchise. Earlier in his career, he held senior executive positions in the investment banks of Deutsche Bank and Merrill Lynch. Grant holds a B.S. degree in economics from Claremont McKenna College, and an M.B.A. in finance from the University of Chicago. Grant currently serves on the board of directors of the American Council of Life Insurers, Great Outdoors Foundation, SolHealth, Mottahedeh & Co., Inc., and a member of the Geneva Association. Disclosure #: 5717541 – 0726

  2. Jul 28

    Using AI to Build a More Efficient Financial Advisory Practice with Greg DuPont (Ep. 119)

    Financial advisors are under pressure to serve more clients, improve efficiency, and keep up with rapidly changing technology. How do you use AI without losing the personal relationships that clients value most? And where should advisors begin if they want technology to improve their daily work instead of creating more complexity? In this episode, Jeremy Houser sits down with Greg DuPont, JD, CFP®, CEO of Advocate Wealth Solutions and host of The March to a Million Podcast, to discuss how AI is reshaping advisory firms from the inside out. Greg shares how he’s built AI into his planning process, why he believes human relationships become even more valuable as technology improves, and how automation is helping him create better experiences for clients while operating a leaner business. They also explore estate planning, advisor productivity, and the growing need for tax education as more families prepare to transfer wealth. Key takeaways: Building AI systems that support advisors without replacing personal relationships Using estate planning conversations to attract better-qualified prospective clients Creating daily AI workflows that improve accountability and follow-through Helping families understand retirement tax exposure before it becomes a surprise Combining technology with human judgment to improve the client experience And more! Resources:  March to a Million Podcast with Greg DuPont Connect with Greg DuPont: LinkedIn: Greg DuPont Website: Greg DuPont Website: Wealth Solutions Network Website: Advocate Wealth Solutions Connect with Jeremy Houser: jeremy.houser@simplicitygroup.com  713-808-8548 Schedule a Call Our Teams Website Connect with Jeremy @jeremyhouser_amp @jeremyhouserAMP About Our Guest: Greg DuPont is the CEO of Advocate Wealth Solutions, an attorney, financial advisor, entrepreneur, and host of the March to a Million and Your Financial Advocate podcasts. Through his work, Greg helps attorneys, professionals, and business owners reduce lifetime tax costs, manage risk, and create financial strategies that support the lives they want to live. Driven by his mission, “The March to a Million,” Greg aims to positively impact one million U.S. families by 2030 by helping them preserve more of their wealth through thoughtful tax planning, estate planning, and comprehensive financial guidance. He believes true financial planning extends beyond today’s tax return and focuses on reducing lifetime tax exposure while improving wealth preservation and transfer. In addition to leading Advocate Wealth Solutions, Greg has mentored financial professionals across the country, is a contributing author to The Recipe for Success, and is an Expy Award-winning presenter for Business on Broadway. Outside of work, he’s a passionate supporter of The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Columbus Blue Jackets, enjoys cooking, and unwinds with a glass of red wine or a Bombay Sapphire martini. Disclosure #5717546 – 0826

  3. Jul 14

    Building Stronger Fixed Indexed Annuity Strategies with Tom Haines (Ep. 118)

    Retirement planning isn’t only about finding higher returns. It’s also about deciding how different pieces of a portfolio work together over time. What should advisors look for when evaluating indexed annuities? How can product design, diversification, and long-term thinking influence retirement outcomes? In this episode, Jeremy Houser welcomes Tom Haines, Executive Vice President of Capital Markets and Index Solutions at Annexus, to discuss how fixed indexed annuity strategies have evolved. Tom explains the importance of portfolio construction inside FIAs, how research influences index development, why diversification continues to matter, and how product design can improve consistency for clients throughout retirement planning. Key takeaways: Building FIA portfolios around diversified index strategies instead of relying on a single allocation approach Evaluating product design beyond illustrations, including renewal consistency and long-term implementation Using global diversification alongside domestic exposure to improve return consistency over time Looking beyond accumulation by considering income, legacy planning, and changing family needs Focusing product innovation on practical retirement challenges instead of following industry trends And more! Connect with Tom Haines: LinkedIn: Tom Haines Website: Annexus Connect with Jeremy Houser: jeremy.houser@simplicitygroup.com 713-808-8548 Schedule a Call Our Teams Website Connect with Jeremy @jeremyhouser_amp @jeremyhouserAMP About Our Guest: Tom leads the index diligence and selection process for Annexus and coordinates the firm’s relationships with asset managers, academic experts, and investment banks in conjunction with Annexus’ carrier partners. Tom is also one of the lead architects of the Lifetime Income Builder TDFs at Annexus Retirement Solutions (ARS). In his role within ARS, Tom works closely with the insurers and asset managers that partner with ARS on implementing the Lifetime Income Builder within portfolios and funds. Prior to joining Annexus, Tom led Equities Solutions Structuring at UBS Investment Bank. He began his career in index and statistical arbitrage trading within BNP Paribas’ Cooper Neff Division (Paris office) before serving as vice president in the Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) Group at NYSE Group and head of ETPs and Derivative Product Solutions at RBS. Tom’s research on index products has been published in top financial journals. He formerly served as a member of FINRA’s Investment Management Committee. Tom holds a bachelor’s degree in Quantitative Finance from James Madison University in Virginia. Disclosure #: 5635414 – 0726

  4. Jun 30

    AI, Investing, and the Future of Financial Planning with Benjamin Shiller (Ep. 117)

    Technology is advancing quickly, and investors, business owners, and retirees are all trying to understand what it means for their future. Will artificial intelligence create new opportunities, change career paths, reshape investing, or alter retirement planning? Understanding how innovation influences markets and personal finances may become increasingly important in the years ahead. In this episode, Jeremy Houser welcomes Benjamin Shiller, Associate Professor of Economics at Brandeis University and Author. They explore how artificial intelligence could affect jobs, productivity, investing, and financial planning. Benjamin shares insights on market narratives, valuation concerns, the CAPE ratio, and the risks of chasing popular investments.  The conversation also examines retirement planning, global investment opportunities, AI-related market enthusiasm, and why disciplined decision-making may matter more than reacting to headlines and trends. Key takeaways: How AI may reshape careers, productivity expectations, and long-term job stability for many workers Why market narratives often influence investment decisions more than company fundamentals How valuation metrics can help identify opportunities overlooked by popular market trends Why diversification remains important during periods of enthusiasm around emerging technologies How financial planning helps connect investment decisions to personal goals and risk tolerance And more! Resources:  AI Economics: How Technology Transforms Jobs, Markets, Life, & Our Future by Benjamin Shiller Connect with Benjamin Shiller: LinkedIn: Benjamin Shiller Website: Benjamin Shiller Website: Brandeis University Connect with Jeremy Houser: jeremy.houser@simplicitygroup.com  713-808-8548 Schedule a Call  Our Teams Website Connect with Jeremy @jeremyhouser_amp @jeremyhouserAMP About Our Guest: Benjamin Shiller is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics at Brandeis University and the author of AI Economics: How Technology Transforms Jobs, Markets, Life, & Our Future. His research primarily focuses on the economic impacts of digitization and new technologies. Within this domain, he has analyzed questions relating to personalized pricing, resale, and supplier coordination. His research has been covered in notable publications including The Atlantic, The Conversation, The Economist, Forbes, Fortune, The Guardian, VOX EU, and The Washington Post. Disclosure #: 5566633 – 0726

  5. Jun 16

    This is How Prospects Find Financial Advisors with Samantha Russell (Ep. 116)

    Today, clients are asking better questions online, and the firms that show up clearly may earn more attention. What does your digital presence tell search tools, social platforms, and real prospects about who you help? In this episode, Jeremy Houser talks with Samantha Russell, Chief Evangelist of FMG, about how financial advisors can improve their online visibility, build trust through social proof, and create content that answers real client questions. Samantha explains why niche messaging, fresh website content, reviews, podcast appearances, and strong LinkedIn activity matter as AI changes how prospects find advisors. Samantha discusses: Why advisors need clear niche messaging so AI tools can connect them with the right prospects How reviews, testimonials, and LinkedIn recommendations help build digital trust signals Why fresh blogs, social posts, and podcast transcripts help keep advisor content visible How to use AI tools to test whether your firm appears in client-style search prompts Why relatable stories and client questions can shape stronger advisor content ideas And more! Resources: FMG: 2026 Marketing Guide FMG AI Guide Connect with Samantha Russell: LinkedIn: Samantha Russell Website: FMG Connect with Jeremy Houser: jeremy.houser@simplicitygroup.com  713-808-8548 Schedule a Call Our Teams Website Connect with Jeremy @jeremyhouser_amp @jeremyhouserAMP About Our Guest: Samantha helps financial advisors create digital marketing strategies that produce exponential growth through channels such as content marketing, SEO, website development, social media and video.  A prolific speaker and content contributor, over 10,000 financial professionals have heard Samantha speak at industry conferences and even more have read her educational content in the pages of well-known industry publications.  Samantha is Investment News 40 Under 40 award winner, a ThinkAdvisor Luminary, and a WealthManagement.com “10 to Watch”.  She was part of the original five-person team that launched Twenty Over Ten and now serves as Chief Evangelist at FMG. There is nothing Samantha finds more inspiring than being able to empower advisors to market themselves effectively, and she gets a thrill from each message received from those financial advisors who are enjoying returns on their marketing investments. Disclosure #5441228 – 0626

  6. Jun 2

    How Advisors Can Use AI, Data, and Referrals to Grow Smarter with David DeCelle (Ep. 115)

    For financial advisors trying to grow in a world where AI, digital marketing, and client expectations are changing fast, one of the biggest questions right now is this: How do you use technology to scale without losing the human connection that actually builds trust? In this episode of the Advisor Mentorship Podcast, Jeremy Houser sits down with David DeCelle, Co-Founder of WealthReach and CEO of Model FA, to unpack how advisors can use AI, marketing data, and modern growth strategies to build more meaningful client relationships while scaling their businesses. This conversation is especially relevant for advisors, firm owners, and growth-focused professionals who want to improve prospecting, create more intentional marketing systems, and better understand how discoverability is changing across Google, AI tools, YouTube, and social platforms. David discusses: Why most advisor marketing still feels disconnected from how people actually search for financial guidance today How AI tools can help advisors create efficiency without replacing trust or relationships What website visitor tracking and intent data can reveal about prospective clients Why many advisors struggle with referrals, even when clients are happy And more! If you’re an advisor trying to balance growth, visibility, and authentic relationship-building in a rapidly changing digital environment, this episode offers a practical perspective on where the industry is headed and how to adapt intentionally.  Resources:  Model FA Podcast  Connect with David DeCelle: LinkedIn: David DeCelle Wealth Reach AI Model FA Connect with Jeremy Houser: jeremy.houser@simplicitygroup.com 713-808-8548 Schedule a Call Our Teams Website Connect with Jeremy @jeremyhouser_amp @jeremyhouserAMP About Our Guest: Most financial advisors are great at managing money. They are not always great at growing a business. That gap is what David has spent the last decade working to close. David is the CEO of Model FA, a consulting and coaching company built specifically for financial advisory firms that want to grow with intention. Model FA works with advisors who are serious about building systems, not just chasing tactics. The foundation of everything they do is the Feedback Marketing methodology, a behavioral science-based approach to referrals and relationship-driven growth that actually moves the needle, originally created by Dan Allison. He is also the Co-Founder and Chief Partnership Officer of WealthReach, an AI-powered Growth Platform built for advisors. Put simply, David helps financial advisors grow their firms in ways that feel authentic and sustainable, whether that is through coaching, content, technology, or all three. Along the way, he has hosted over 200 episodes of the Model FA Podcast, co-authored the book “Organic Growth Revolution” with Dan Allison, and had the privilege of working with some of the most growth-minded advisors and firms in the industry. If you are a financial advisor looking to build a firm that runs like a real business, or a platform or enterprise looking to support advisor growth at scale, David would love to connect. This is the work he is most excited about, and he is just getting started. Disclosure #: 5441226 – 0626

  7. May 19

    How Advisors Can Prepare for Gen X, AI, and the Next Wealth Shift (Ep. 114)

    Retirement planning is changing quickly, and advisors who fail to adapt may struggle to connect with the next generation of clients. How are Gen X and millennials changing the conversation around retirement, income planning, and financial advice? What role will AI, digital marketing, and client experience play in the years ahead? In this episode, Jeremy Houser talks about how advisors can prepare for shifting client expectations, use AI to improve efficiency, and strengthen their digital presence. He also shares why younger generations may be more open to guaranteed income conversations, why mentorship and human connection still matter, and how advisors can stand out as more wealth moves to Gen X and millennial clients over the next two decades. Key takeaways: Why younger generations may think differently about retirement income and financial planning How AI can help advisors reduce repetitive tasks and create more time for growth Why building a stronger digital footprint may matter more over the next several years How client experience and community-building can help advisors stand out from larger firms Why mentorship, adaptability, and constant learning still matter in a changing industry And more! Resources:  Using AI to Move Faster, Connect Deeper, and Win More Clients with Matt Halloran (Ep. 112) Narrative-Driven Investing with Ronnie Sadka (Ep. 113) Connect with Jeremy Houser: jeremy.houser@simplicitygroup.com 713-808-8548 Schedule a Call Our Teams Website Connect with Jeremy @jeremyhouser_amp @jeremyhouserAMP Disclosure #: 5441215 – 0526

  8. May 5

    Narrative-Driven Investing with Ronnie Sadka (Ep. 113)

    Markets are often viewed through numbers, charts, and economic data, but there is another layer influencing how they move.  How can advisors better understand these forces and connect them to portfolio performance? And how can they explain those movements in a way that resonates with clients? In this episode, Jeremy Houser interviews Ronnie Sadka, Founder and Managing Partner of MKT MediaStats and Professor at Boston College’s Carroll School of Management, about narrative-driven investing. He explains how media data, behavioral finance, and systematic research can help advisors track what is driving market attention. Ronnie also shares how identifying narrative momentum and asset sensitivity can provide clearer explanations for performance and offer a different lens on diversification and long-term strategy. Ronnie discusses: How public narratives can influence markets before they fully appear in asset prices Why slow-moving themes like inflation, AI, and conflict may affect portfolios over time How MKT MediaStats tracks digital media data to quantify market attention Why advisors can use narrative exposure to explain portfolio movement to clients How long-short strategies may add a different source of portfolio diversification And more! Connect with Ronnie Sadka: LinkedIn: Ronnie Sadka Website: MKT MediaStats Website: Boston College Carroll School of Management Connect with Jeremy Houser: jeremy.houser@simplicitygroup.com 713-808-8548 Schedule a Call Our Teams Website Connect with Jeremy @jeremyhouser_amp @jeremyhouserAMP About Our Guest: Ronnie Sadka is the founder and managing partner of MKT MediaStats, senior associate dean for faculty, chairperson and professor in the Seidner Department of Finance, and the Haub Family Professor at the Boston College Carroll School of Management. His research focuses on the liquidity in financial markets. Ronnie is a frequent speaker at academic and practitioner conferences, his work has appeared in various outlets including Journal of Finance, Journal of Financial Economics, Journal of Accounting Research, Journal of Accounting and Economics, Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, and Financial Analysts Journal, and has been covered by New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and CNBC. Prior academic experience includes teaching at the University of Chicago (Booth), New York University (Stern), Northwestern University (Kellogg), and the University of Washington (Foster). Industry experience includes Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Lehman Brothers (quantitative strategies). Sadka recently served on the economic advisory board of NASDAQ OMX. Professor Sadka earned a B.Sc. (Magna Cum Laude) in industrial engineering and a M.Sc. (Summa Cum Laude) in operations research, both from Tel-Aviv University. He received a Ph.D. in finance from Northwestern University (Kellogg). Disclosure #: 5366624 – 0526

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About

Systems work, people fail. In today’s crowded marketplace, advisors must find a way to differentiate themselves from the competition. Learn how to elevate your game and accomplish incredible feats as Jeremy Houser teaches you proven systems and processes to successfully build a 21st century advisory practice, and discover how developing a work-life balance is not only possible but achievable.

Information

  • Creator
    Simplicity InsurMark
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    121
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Advisor Mentorship Podcast © Simplicity InsurMark
  • Show Website
    Advisor Mentorship Podcast

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