Hosted by Old National Bank Financial Empowerment Director Ben Joergens, each Real-Life Finance® episode focuses on everyday financial solutions that empower listeners to build the financial future they richly deserve.

How do you keep a 160-year-old tradition relevant? In this episode of Real-Life Finance®, Minnesota State Fair CEO Renee Alexander shares the leadership philosophy behind one of America's largest state fairs, discusses the power of community and relationships, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at what keeps the fair thriving year after year. Plus, hear surprising insider stories, including the time an unknown Taylor Swift performed at the fair.

Hosted by Old National Bank Financial Empowerment Director Ben Joergens, each Real-Life Finance® episode focuses on everyday financial solutions that empower listeners to build the financial future they richly deserve.

What if families could start investing in a child’s future before that child ever earns a paycheck? In this episode, Old National Wealth Advisor Gidget Rowe joins host Ben Joergens to break down Trump accounts, a new savings option designed to help families jump-start long-term investing for children. Gidget explains how the accounts work, who can contribute, and what families should know about seed money, tax treatment, contribution limits, and potential uses down the road. She also compares Trump accounts with options like 529 plans and custodial brokerage accounts, offering practical conversation to help parents and caregivers think through how this tool may fit into their broader financial plan.

Hosted by Old National Bank Financial Empowerment Director Ben Joergens, each Real-Life Finance® episode focuses on everyday financial solutions that empower listeners to build the financial future they richly deserve.

In this episode, PGA Professional and Old National Bank Golf Ambassador Michael Brennan shares a real-life look at the journey behind professional golf – from early dreams to earning his place on the PGA Tour. Along the way, Michael opens up about navigating performance and uncertainty, his approach to staying consistent, and the financial lessons that guide him today. Plus, he shares a few personal favorites – from his favorite courses to the dream golf partners he’d most like to tee it up with.

Hosted by Old National Bank Financial Empowerment Director Ben Joergens, each Real-Life Finance® episode focuses on everyday financial solutions that empower listeners to build the financial future they richly deserve.

In this episode, Rafael Sanchez, Chief Impact Officer at Old National Bank, and Al London, President and CEO of Generations Community Bank, join host Ben Joergens to discuss the creation of Indiana’s first Minority Depository Institution and its mission to expand access to financial opportunity. They explore why MDIs matter, how Generations Community Bank is working to serve underserved communities, and the role relationship-based banking plays in building trust, financial capability, and long-term wealth.

In this episode, Matt Finn, Chief Economist Managing Director at Old National Bank, joins host Ben Joergens for an economic check-in focused on what everyday consumers should pay attention to and what they can tune out. They discuss inflation, interest rates, tariffs, oil prices, housing affordability, labor trends and AI, with practical takeaways to help listeners make sense of the headlines and feel more confident in their financial decisions.

Kyle Aiton, Small Business Banking Relationship Manager at Old National Bank, joins host Ben Joergens to share a real‑life perspective on saving for education through 529 plans. In recognition of 529 Day, they discuss how starting small, automating savings, and planning around busy family life can help parents build confidence and take meaningful steps toward their children’s future. 

Christen Osowski, Community Banking Market Manager, joins the conversation to break down the money basics that help reduce stress and build confidence. From budgeting and everyday spending habits to credit, saving, and getting started with investing, Christen shares practical, easy-to-apply guidance designed to help listeners start small, build awareness, and feel more comfortable with their financial decisions.

Hosted by Old National Bank Financial Empowerment Director Ben Joergens, each Real-Life Finance episode focuses on everyday financial solutions that empower listeners to build the financial future they richly deserve.

In this episode, Laura Nowinski, Attorney at Deig Law, joins the conversation to discuss how legal and financial choices intersect during major life transitions. From planning ahead and protecting assets to managing budgets during stressful moments, Laura shares practical insight on reducing financial risk, avoiding costly mistakes, and making informed decisions when it matters most.

Hosted by Old National Bank Financial Empowerment Director Ben Joergens, each Real-Life Finance episode focuses on everyday financial solutions that empower listeners to build the financial future they richly deserve.

Tim Burke, President and COO of Old National Bank, joins us to share what new and aspiring entrepreneurs should know as they build financial confidence. He offers practical guidance on preparing for your first banker meeting, understanding key financial basics, avoiding early‑stage pitfalls, and knowing when it’s the right time to go all‑in. Tim also reinforces the role of discipline, budgeting, and long‑term vision — providing straightforward insight to help entrepreneurs make thoughtful, sustainable decisions.

Hosted by Old National Bank Financial Empowerment Director Ben Joergens, each Real-Life Finance episode focuses on everyday financial solutions that empower listeners to build the financial future they richly deserve.

Carmen Maciariello—former Division I scholar-athlete, professional player, and Division I head coach—is now a basketball recruiting consultant helping athletes and families navigate the modern landscape. Join us as Carmen shares financial lessons from college athletics—covering cash flow, discipline with money, and navigating NIL contracts. He offers insights to help student athletes manage earnings, avoid financial pitfalls, and build trusted support networks for long-term success, on and off the court.

To listen go to: Real-Life Finance

Hosted by Old National Bank Financial Empowerment Director Ben Joergens, each Real-Life Finance episode focuses on everyday financial solutions that empower listeners to build the financial future they richly deserve.

Old National Bank’s Chief People Officer, Carrie Ellspermann, shares practical and relatable insights to help you maximize your benefits. This episode explores the importance of understanding and leveraging employee benefits—including health insurance, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, and mental health support—to enhance your financial well-being.

Hosted by Old National Bank Financial Empowerment Director Ben Joergens, each Real-Life Finance episode focuses on everyday financial solutions that empower listeners to build the financial future they richly deserve.

Chief Information Officer Matt Keen shares how his early interest in programming led to his role guiding technology strategy at Old National Bank. He highlights the importance of aligning innovation with business goals and the power of cross-functional collaboration. In this episode, Matt explores how curiosity has influenced his career path, how he’s leveraging AI as a personalized entry point for financial education, and what forward-thinking looks like for the future of the industry.

Hosted by Old National Bank Financial Empowerment Director Ben Joergens, each Real-Life Finance episode focuses on everyday financial solutions that empower listeners to build the financial future they richly deserve.

Old National Bank Foundation President Joe Kiser reflects on the foundational values that shaped his approach to money, mentorship and meaningful impact, sharing stories that connect everyday decisions to long-term financial vision.

Hosted by Old National Bank Financial Empowerment Director Ben Joergens, each Real-Life Finance episode focuses on everyday financial solutions that empower listeners to build the financial future they richly deserve. 

Chief Technology Officer Jason Berkowitz discusses the intersection of tech and baking and highlights the importance of balancing security with customer experience. Hear practical advice for future tech leaders and real-world stories from the world of banking technology, and much more.  

Hosted by Old National Bank Financial Empowerment Director Ben Joergens, each Real-Life Finance podcast episode focuses on everyday financial solutions that empower listeners to build the financial future they richly deserve.

Jamie Hermann says homeownership is in reach for first-time buyers. In this episode, Old National's Regional Manager for Community Development Lending explains what sitting down with a knowledgeable lender can do in terms of down payment assistance programs, forgivable grants, state agency assistance, avoiding mortgage insurance, and more.

This podcast is a special one for Old National. Junior Achievement (JA) has been our longtime partner, and we speak with Marcia Forsten, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Southwest Indiana, on how creating choice-filled lives for students leads to thriving communities, the importance of financial literacy, new and expanded directions for JA, and how you can get involved locally in volunteering to prepare future-ready youth in your community. 

Hosted by Old National Bank Financial Empowerment Director Ben Joergens, each Real-Life Finance episode focuses on everyday financial solutions that empower listeners to build the financial future they richly deserve.

Chief Economist Matt Finn again joins the Real-Life Finance Podcast to discuss timely topics such as tariffs, why the Fed is in a "very good spot" with the economy, employing a long-term strategy for your savings and retirement, why the U.S. is so far ahead of Europe with technology, AI, and infrastructure, and much more!

Hosted by Old National Bank Financial Empowerment Director Ben Joergens, each Real-Life Finance episode focuses on everyday financial solutions that empower listeners to build the financial future they richly deserve.
 
This episode features Old National Chief Communication, Culture and Social Responsibility Officer Kathy Schoettlin, who discusses building a company culture, crisis communications, the value of mentoring, partnering with community organizations, and much more.

Hosted by Old National Bank Financial Empowerment Director Ben Joergens, each Real-Life Finance episode focuses on everyday financial solutions that empower listeners to build the financial future they richly deserve.

This episode features Old National Chairman and CEO Jim Ryan, who discusses his start and journey in banking, creating and maintaining a strong company culture, talking to children and the benefits of early financial education, and more.

Hosted by Old National Bank Financial Empowerment Director Ben Joergens, each Real-Life Finance episode focuses on everyday financial solutions that empower listeners to build the financial future they richly deserve.

This episode welcomes guest Moussa Ibrahim, Old National’s Financial Empowerment & Community Development Officer, who discusses turning peoples’ lives around via financial education, his career in banking, strategies for dealing with debt, the power of relationships, and much more.

Hosted by Old National Bank Financial Empowerment Director Ben Joergens, each Real-Life Finance episode focuses on everyday financial solutions that empower listeners to build the financial future they richly deserve.

This episode welcomes guest Matt Finn, the Chief Economist for Old National Bank and 1834 Wealth Management. He will discuss the post-election economy, the "why" of rising prices, budgeting, where the economy is trending and much more.

Hosted by Old National Bank Financial Empowerment Director Ben Joergens, each Real-Life Finance episode focuses on everyday financial solutions that empower listeners to build the financial future they richly deserve.

This episode welcomes guest Luke Zeller, the former Notre Dame and NBA player, and current Executive Recruiter for Old National. Zeller shares stories from his playing days, the financial challenges of climbing the ranks in pro basketball, and overcoming odds to find career success.