Prime Life

Deciding when to claim Social Security can be confusing, especially when a spouse's benefits are part of the picture. Mary Beth Franklin, a Certified Financial Planner and host of public television's Social Security & You , joins Prime Life Podcast hosts Mary Crean and Frank Corbo to explain claiming options, how couples can coordinate benefits and how Medicare premiums affect monthly Social Secur...

Insurance is built around understanding and managing risk. But how do you know when taking a risk yourself could lead to something new? Brian Stricker joins Prime Life Podcast host Mary Crean and co-host Frank Corbo for a conversation about resilience, leadership and a career in the insurance industry. From lessons learned running marathons to mentorship and innovation, Brian shares what has helpe...

Medicare Supplement applications can raise questions about underwriting requirements, documentation and the review process. Understanding what happens behind the scenes can help insurance agents better prepare for each step. In this episode of Prime Life Podcast , Mary Crean and Frank Corbo welcome R.J. Hyson and Nick Scarfo from Nassau Financial Group to discuss underwriting considerations, appli...

Setbacks, self-doubt, career transitions, and unexpected life changes can make it difficult to see what's next. Host Mary Crean sits down with Tiffany Young , speaker and leadership advocate, to discuss resilience, self-validation, and why challenges don't have to define the rest of the story. Their conversation explores finding purpose through change, overcoming imposter syndrome, and stepping in...

Medicare is changing, and those changes can affect healthcare costs and retirement planning. Matt Feret joins Prime Life Podcast host Mary Crean and co-host Frank Corbo to discuss what's changing in Medicare, why healthcare costs are part of the retirement conversation and why Medicare can require attention beyond enrollment. They also discuss the value and transfer of a Medicare book of business...

Money can be personal, and understanding the financial world isn't always easy. Long-time financial journalist Ellen Sheng joins Mary Crean to share insights from her career writing for The Wall Street Journal, CNBC , Forbes , Fast Company and other publications. Today, she consults with asset managers and wealth managers, helping firms communicate more clearly with the people they serve. Ellen an...

Every generation can face a different set of financial and life challenges when thinking about retirement. How can those differences shape the way Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z approach retirement? In this episode of Prime Life , host Mary Crean is joined by Brittney McKenzie, Virginia Harvey and Brynn Peters for a multi-generational conversation about retirement. They explore how factors like hous...

What if aging is less about the number of years we've lived and more about how we approach the years ahead? In this episode of Prime Life Podcast , host Mary Crean talks with Mesha Mebane, CEO of Infrared Vision , about the role mindset can play in healthy aging, resilience and personal growth. Mesha shares her 3 R's framework: Redefine, Rebuild and Restore , and explores how shifting from a fixed...

What can years of experience teach us about business, relationships, and what keeps us moving forward? In this episode of Prime Life , host Mary Crean talks with entrepreneur, and marketing expert Brian Snider about the lessons he has learned through building businesses, overcoming challenges, and adapting over time. They discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, the value of listening and relationshi...

Retirement income planning continues to evolve as people live longer and traditional withdrawal strategies may face new challenges. In this episode, host Mary Crean sits down with Sheryl O'Connor, CEO of Income Conductor , to discuss how technology, retirement income strategies, and annuity planning may help advisors navigate an increasingly complex retirement landscape. Listen for perspectives on...

Healthcare can feel increasingly complex, making it difficult to understand what is driving the changes. In this episode of the Prime Life Podcast, Mary Crean sits down with physician and author Jordan Grumet to examine the forces shaping today's healthcare system. From the doctor-patient relationship to the role of insurers, pharmaceutical companies, and private equity, Jordan offers his perspect...

How do you stay relevant in a rapidly changing world while building a life that supports longevity? In this episode, Mary Crean talks with Frank Sentner, a 50-year insurance technology veteran, about the evolution of the industry, the growing importance of data privacy, and the habits that have shaped his life. From lifelong learning and travel to meditation and community involvement, Frank shares...

What if retirement planning isn't about reaching a finish line, but preparing for what comes next? In this episode of the Prime Life Podcast, Mary Crean is joined by Women of Nassau leaders Brittney McKenzie and Virginia Harvey to discuss how career changes, personal milestones, and evolving priorities can shape financial decisions over time. Their conversation explores the value of planning with...

What if retirement isn't about slowing down, but about redesigning what's next? In this episode of the Prime Life Podcast, Mary Crean speaks with business advisor, author and adjunct professor at Harvard, Ted Fleming about using design thinking, curiosity, and value-focused networking to explore new opportunities beyond a traditional career. Their conversation covers ageism, relationships, and pra...

Staying active as you age can be challenging without the right support, guidance, and community. In this episode of the Prime Life Podcast, Mary Crean talks with Fernanda and Dave Jacobs, owners of Fleet Feet, about how they built a community centered on movement and healthy aging. They discuss proper shoe fitting, adapting training over time, and creating inclusive programs that help people of al...

Retirement can leave women feeling unseen, disconnected, or unsure how to rebuild community and purpose after leaving long-held roles. In this episode, host Mary Crean speaks with Karen Wagner and Erica Baird, founders of Lustre, an advocacy platform for retired career women. They explore how community, shared experiences, and embracing new opportunities can help women navigate retirement with con...

What if a lifelike robotic puppy could bring comfort to someone living with Alzheimer's disease? In this episode, Mary Crean talks with Tom Stevens , CEO and co-founder of Tombot, about the personal experience that inspired him to create Jennie, a robotic companion designed to support seniors and individuals with cognitive disabilities. Tom shares the challenge he witnessed firsthand while caring...

What can turn a fitness class into a lasting habit? Host Mary Crean sits down with Tory Brogan, co-owner of Hartford Sweat, to explore how hot yoga, community, and connection create an environment where people want to keep showing up. From hot yoga to building a welcoming culture, Tory shares insights on movement, mindset, and the habits that can help people stay active and engaged as they age. Li...

Why does time feel like it's speeding up and how can you live more intentionally? In this episode of The Prime Life Podcast, host Mary Crean speaks with Dr. Bridget Cooper, author, speaker and leadership coach who talks about how our perception of time evolves with age and the impact it has on decision making, purpose, and life transitions. Together, they explore how small mindset shifts and inten...

As the life insurance industry continues to address challenges around accessibility, engagement, and the protection gap, generative AI and digital innovation may help create more efficient and personalized customer experiences. This episode explores how technology could reduce friction in underwriting and distribution while supporting advisors and insurers in delivering more accessible protection...

Staying motivated, building confidence, and maintaining long-term wellness can become more challenging during periods of growth and change. In this episode of The Prime Life Podcast, host Mary Crean speaks with Jen Anderson about how fitness, mindset, and embracing challenges may help support resilience, entrepreneurship, and healthy aging. The conversation explores confidence through action, the...

Aging is changing and so is the technology that supports it. Host Mary Crean speaks with Adam Wilensky, Business Development Manager at Eugeria, about how innovation, human-centered design, and new approaches to senior care are helping people stay independent and connected longer. From tackling social isolation to supporting cognitive challenges, this conversation explores what's next in aging tec...

Following Medicarians 2026, this special PrimeLife Podcast compilation brings together conversations with leaders across distribution, service, and AI. Explore how the industry is evolving that can better serve today's Medicare-eligible population—from smarter distribution strategies to AI-powered service models and personalized retirement experiences. These insights go beyond the buzz, highlighti...

Feeling stuck despite career success—or unsure how to create financial independence on your own terms? This episode explores how to rethink success and take practical steps toward what can be a more meaningful path. Melissa Reilly, founder of Stlth Consulting, shares her transition from corporate healthcare to entrepreneurship, along with insights on navigating change, approaching financial decisi...

As people live longer, planning for retirement increasingly involves navigating healthcare costs, long‑term care considerations, and complex financial decisions over time. In this episode of the Prime Life Podcast , Chris Heye, CEO of Whealthcare Solutions and Research Fellow at LIMRA's Retirement Income Institute shares educational insights on longevity planning and how structured decision‑suppor...