As a self-proclaimed economist, I enjoy thinking of things from a systemic perspective, incentive structures and behavioral economics. To that end, I have been reading and learning about the insurance industry.
Main Conclusion: Buy Term Insurance; invest the difference in an index fund.
What type of life insurance do actuaries buy?
http://alephblog.com/2012/08/14/what-insurance-do-actuaries-buy/
Advice from an Actuary
http://www.mymoneyblog.com/life-insurance-advice-from-actuary.html
A Life Insurance Agents Quest to Shine Light on the Industry
http://www.breadwinnersinsurance.com
What are some good insurance companies?
https://www.goodfinancialcents.com/insurance-quotes/life/companies/ (I still need to vet this, but their recommendation about https://havenlife.com and http://lemonade.com).
Note: this is a living post and will continually be updated