Top Plan Advisers Share Their Favorite Podcasts

Plan advisers spend much of their day listening, whether to clients, colleagues or the latest market developments. But when it is time to plug in their headphones or earbuds, many turn to podcasts for insights, inspiration and a break from retirement plan talk.

This year’s PLANADVISER Retirement Plan Adviser of the Year finalists shared their podcast recommendations, spanning topics based both in and out of the office.

Podcasts To Inform Advising

For advisers looking for insights directly related to retirement, Nate Moody, a partner in and senior adviser at Lebel & Harriman Retirement Advisors, recommends “Retireholics,” hosted by J.D. Carlson.

Trent Bryson, CEO of Bryson Wealth Management, hosts his own podcast, “Grit Rising.” Bryson, a finalist in the plan participant service category, describes it as an opportunity to explore the behavioral and mindset patterns of guests.

“Hosting the podcast allows me to stay close to that curiosity and continuously learn from others,” Bryson says. “In many ways, it mirrors how I approach my work, focused less on short-term results and more on the long-term habits that drive meaningful change.”

Jenna Witherbee, vice president and investment adviser at Thurston Capital, says she loves podcasts and is usually listening to “The Ramsey Show” with Dave Ramsey, which offers callers guidance on financial challenges. Witherbee, a plan participant service finalist, says she enjoys the authenticity of the podcast’s conversations.

“Listening to these stories has made me a better adviser, not only in how I connect with participants, but also in how I support plan sponsors,” Witherbee says. “It serves as a constant reminder that behind every data point … is a real person navigating real financial pressures.”

Christine Sivak, a financial adviser at Signature Estate and Investment Advisors and a finalist in the closing the coverage gap with micro and startup plans category, says her favorite podcast is “Morning Brew Daily.” The business, economics, sports and entertainment news-filled episodes help inform how Sivak approaches clients.

“Talking about retirement planning and financial matters can feel intimidating for many participants,” she says. “‘Morning Brew’ arms me with timely headlines and fun conversation starters that help break the ice, so educational sessions feel less like a lecture and more like a dialogue.”

Podcasts as an Escape From Work

For those looking for something beyond the advisory world, Domenic DiPiero, president and founder of Newport Capital Group, says one of his favorite podcasts is “The Rest is History,” which retells historical events.

“It brings historical events and figures to life in such a compelling and thoughtful way,” says DiPiero, a finalist in the 403b plan service category. “I appreciate how the hosts make complex topics both accessible and entertaining, often drawing connections between the past and the present.”

Other podcasts recommended by finalists include:

• “Thrifty Traveler” and “Miles to Go”—recommended by Kelli Davis, 403(b) Plan Service;
• “The William Montgomery Show”—recommended by Jeff Belton, Closing the Coverage Gap with MEPs and PEPs;
• “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend”—recommended by Christopher Connolly, Closing the Coverage Gap with Micro and Starup Plans;
• “The Mel Robbins Podcast”—recommended by Wendy Eldrige, Plan Participant Service;
• “The Rewatchables Podcast”—recommended by Micheal Ready, 403(b) Plan Service;
• “The Bible Project Podcast”—recommended by Matthew Vandre, Plan Participant Service;
• “The Diary of a CEO” and “The Splendid Table”—recommended by Ann-Marie Sepuka, Plan Participant Service;
• “Switched on Pop”—recommended by Sarah Colotto, Plan Sponsor Service.