The Planning Perspectives Podcast

This special live episode of the Planning Perspectives Podcast , recorded at the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Healthcare Awards, features a series of short, high-energy conversations with six leading healthcare executives and innovators. Each guest offers a concise perspective on the most pressing challenges and opportunities shaping healthcare today, creating a dynamic snapshot of an industry...

Estate planning is often seen as something for the wealthy or something to tackle later—but the reality is far more immediate. The decisions you make today can shape how your loved ones navigate difficult moments in the future. In this episode of The Planning Perspectives Podcast, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy are joined by Garrett Spangler, JD, LLM, Senior Wealth Strategist at Bryn Mawr Trust Advi...

Retirement plans have long been seen as expensive, complex, and difficult to manage—especially for small businesses. But that perception is changing. In this episode of the Planning Perspectives Podcast, Jackie Reeves joins Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy to explore what’s different today, the opportunities many employers may be overlooking, and why taking a fresh look at your current plan could deli...

Roth accounts can shape how and when taxes are paid, but the right choice depends on timing, income, and long-term goals. How can savers use Roth planning to create more flexibility before and during retirement? In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy explain how Roth IRAs, Roth 401(k)s, conversions, and backdoor Roth contributions fit into a broader financial plan. They compare Roth and tra...

Growth can look exciting from the outside—but behind every new location, partnership, or expansion are tough calls, people challenges, and the constant pressure to get it right. So how do you scale a business without losing the culture that made it successful in the first place? And what does it really take to build a company people want to grow with? In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy...

Banking is personal—money touches nearly every major life moment, from big milestones to unexpected challenges. When clients have a trusted advisor, financial planning, problem-solving, and growth feel more human and more connected. In this episode of the Planning Perspectives Podcast, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy speak with Shari Kruzinski, Executive Vice President and Chief Consumer Banking Offi...

What does it take to think differently—and still win? In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy sit down with Jay Sugarman, Principal Owner of the Philadelphia Union and Chairman and CEO of Safehold, to explore how unconventional thinking has defined his career. Jay reflects on how frequent change early in life built resilience, sharpened pattern recognition, and shaped a disciplined, principl...

Strong businesses are not just built on strategy; they are shaped by relationships, trust, and shared experiences. What happens when leadership, family, and growth all intersect? And how do you balance speed, alignment, and long-term vision without losing what matters most? In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy interview Eric Faggioli, President of Delaware Valley Paving, about scaling a f...

Giving is often seen as something reserved for the wealthy, but the truth is far more personal and accessible. How do you decide where your money, time, and energy can truly make a difference? And how can you feel confident that your contributions are creating real impact? In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy are joined by Elizabeth Wagner, Senior Vice President and Director of Endowments...

What does it take to build a brand that inspires lasting loyalty while navigating decades of growth and rapid change? In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy sit down with Chris Gheysens, CEO and Chairman of Wawa Inc., to explore the leadership mindset, ownership structure, and long‑term strategy behind one of the nation’s most recognizable retail brands. Chris shares how servant leadership,...

College costs keep rising, but the financial side is only part of the story. How do you plan for education while balancing emotions, expectations, and long-term goals? In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy break down smarter, more flexible ways to fund education while navigating the emotions, expectations, and values that shape these decisions. They unpack practical strategies around tax‑f...

What does life look like after selling the business you’ve poured decades into building? How do you prepare for one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make? In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy are joined by Mark Bradford, Director of Wealth Planning at Bryn Mawr Trust Advisors, to explore the critical process of exit planning for business owners. They discuss why...

Why does tax time feel so overwhelming, and what can be done throughout the year to avoid those stressful moments in April? In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy are joined by Michael W. Valenti, CPA, CFP®, CEPA®, MAcc, Tax Director at Bryn Mawr Trust Advisors, to break down why taxes feel emotional and how proactive planning can ease that burden. They explore common causes of under-withho...

Periods of rapid growth can be both exhilarating and overwhelming—especially when new opportunities arrive faster than the plans to support them. So how do family‑run businesses scale without losing their values, identity, or sanity? In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy talk with Katey Evans, Founder of The Frozen Farmer, about how she transformed upcycled fruit into a beloved national br...

For those who receive a year-end bonus, it can be tempting to splurge or treat yourself. But what if that extra money could help you check off a major financial goal? ?  In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy dive into the psychology behind bonuses and why timing, taxes, and emotions matter more than you think. They share practical strategies to turn windfalls into long-term wins, covering...

Periods of economic uncertainty often lead people to question their financial choices, yet most long-term outcomes are shaped by steady decisions rather than day-to-day noise. Why do we feel worried even when the data looks stable? How do rising prices, interest rates, and shifting job conditions influence real-life planning? In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy talk with Andrew Davis, CF...

Many people talk about relationships in business, but few live it the way Sal Patti does. His story shows how community, authenticity, and servant leadership can shape a career and the people around you. From quiet beginnings to becoming Senior Vice President and Director of Commercial Banking at WSFS Bank, he reflects on the moments and mentors that shaped his success. In this episode, Jamie Hopk...

Conversations about money, family, and purpose can be the hardest ones to have, yet they’re often the most important. In this episode of The Planning Perspectives Podcast, hosts Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy sit down with Dr. George James, LMFT, MBA, licensed therapist, executive coach, and CEO of George Talks, to explore how communication, family roles, and personal narratives shape the way we liv...

Retirement isn’t just about reaching a number or a specific age. It’s a significant life transition that requires preparation beyond financial planning. How do you shift from a lifetime of saving to spending? How do you build new communities and find purpose when work becomes optional? In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy explore the concept of “practicing retirement&#82...

Leadership transitions often bring uncertainty, but with the right mindset, they can create opportunity and growth. How do you step into bigger roles with confidence? How do mentorship, values, and community shape the journey of a leader? In this episode of The Planning Perspectives Podcast, hosts Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy welcome Rodger Levenson, Chairman, President, and CEO of WSFS Financial...

In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy sit down with Chris Buccini, Co-founder of the Buccini Pollin Group (BPG), to explore how a local dream grew into a $6 billion enterprise.  Chris shares lessons from three decades in real estate, the power of teamwork, and how hospitality drives business success. His story blends family, community, and bold decisions that have helped shape the city of...

Retirement isn’t just about money; it’s about how you spend your time, maintain relationships, and create a meaningful life. In this episode, Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy welcome Christine Benz, Morningstar’s Director of Personal Finance, to explore how retirement planning is shifting from purely financial to a more holistic approach. Christine shares insights from her book How to Retire, highligh...

Hosts Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy share their journeys, first money memories, and the life lessons behind financial planning. From gravel shovels to fog machines, ballroom dancing to estate planning, they reveal how personal experiences shape the way we view money and life choices. Their candid reflections highlight the emotional and behavioral aspects of financial planning, underscoring why conv...

Welcome to The Planning Perspectives Podcast with Jamie Hopkins and Kate Duffy from Bryn Mawr Trust, a WSFS company. In this podcast, we bring you real, relatable conversations on being strategic with your mo ney, thriving as a business leader, a nd powering through life’s transitions—all through the lens of intentional planning. With over a century of experience and insights from industry-leading...