Advertise on podcast: Bridge the Gap: The Senior Living Podcast

On this episode of Bridge the Gap, Josh and Lucas sit down with Andrew Gall, Director of Customer Growth at Nobi, to explore how technology is transforming senior living. Andrew shares a unique perspective shaped by both operations and tech and dives into the opportunities of integrating technology into caregiving environments and the challenge of maintaining human connection. Key Topics Covered The evolution from paper-based systems to digital care trackingWhy 2026 is a pivotal year for senior living technologyThe growing role of predictive and preventative careBalancing operational efficiency with human connectionThe importance of dignity and “feeling at home” for residentsShifting expectations from investors and consumers Meet the Hosts: Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/ Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/ Connect with Our Guest Andrew Gall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewmgall/ Learn More about Nobi https://www.linkedin.com/company/nobi-smart-lights-us/ Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing. Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap. Connect with BTG on social media: YouTube Instagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn TikTok

What does the future of senior living really look like? In this episode of Bridge the Gap, Andrew Smith, VP of Operations and Innovation at HumanGood, shares a bold vision: transforming senior living communities into measurable “laboratories for healthy aging.” Andrew dives into how the industry is evolving beyond social engagement to delivering proven health outcomes. From AI-driven operational intelligence to cohort-based fitness programs with measurable results, this conversation explores how senior living operators can meet the expectations of a new generation of residents. Key Topics Covered The shift from social engagement to measurable health outcomesUsing clinical and non-clinical data to track health improvementsCohort-based fitness programs and measurable resultsAI’s role in operational intelligence and efficiencyRobotics in senior living: where to startPrivacy vs. convenience in passive monitoring technologies Meet the Hosts: Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/ Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/ Connect with Our Guest Andrew Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewsmith608/ Learn More about HumanGood https://www.humangood.org/ Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing. Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap. Connect with BTG on social media: YouTube Instagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn TikTok

Senior living design is evolving rapidly, and architects like Rocky Berg are helping shape what the future looks like. In this episode of Bridge the Gap, Josh and Lucas sit down with Rocky, Principal, Director of Business Development at Three Architecture, to discuss how senior housing design is shifting to meet the expectations of the boomer generation. This conversation explores how thoughtful design can elevate the resident experience while balancing operational efficiency and financial realities. Key Topics CoveredHow senior living development is beginning to accelerate againThe influence of hospitality design on modern senior living communitiesWhy food and dining experiences play a major role in community designHow technology, lighting, and acoustics are improving resident experiencesTrends toward larger residential units and open floor plans Meet the Hosts: Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/ Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/ Connect with Our Guest Rocky Berg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rocky-berg-913b7b17/ Learn more about Three Architecture https://threearch.com/ Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing. Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap. Connect with BTG on social media: YouTube Instagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn TikTok

What if senior living felt like home, not just looked like it? In this episode of Bridge the Gap, Josh and Lucas sit down with George Kutnerian of Wellpointe Inc. to explore their fast-growing residential care home model. With over 67 locations across California, George shares how small, six-resident homes are reshaping the future of assisted living by prioritizing intimacy and personalization. If you’re interested in the future of aging, this episode offers a powerful look at what’s next. Key IdeasWhat defines a residential care home vs. traditional assisted livingScaling a fragmented model to 67 locationsCapital challenges and educating lenders on a new asset classStaffing advantages with higher caregiver-to-resident ratiosWorkforce retention through benefits, career ladders, and support programs Meet the Hosts: Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/ Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/ Connect with Our Guest George Kutnerian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-kutnerian/ Learn more about Wellpointe Inc. https://www.wellpointe.com/ Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap. Connect with BTG on social media: YouTube Instagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn TikTok

SHOWNOTES: Senior housing has officially moved beyond recovery and into its next growth phase, and the data proves it. In this episode of Bridge the Gap, hosts Josh Crisp and Lucas McCurdy welcome back Arick Morton, CEO of NIC MAP, to break down the latest trends shaping the senior living industry. They also discuss why senior housing is currently the top-performing real estate asset class, how investors are viewing the sector, and why developers willing to move forward today may be positioned for exceptional returns as demographic demand accelerates. Key Topics Covered The 20-year evolution of NIC MAP and its role in institutionalizing senior housingCurrent occupancy and rent growth trends across the industryThe impact of historic lows in new constructionHow AI and data analytics are accelerating investment decisionsWhy senior housing is now the best-performing real estate asset clas Meet the Hosts: Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/ Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/ Connect with Our Guest Arick Morton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arickmorton/ Learn more about NIC MAP https://www.nicmap.com Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing. Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap. Connect with BTG on social media: YouTube Instagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn TikTok

What does disciplined growth look like in today’s senior housing market? In this episode of Bridge the Gap, Todd Marsh, CEO of Triple Crown Senior Living, shares how his team is scaling smarter in 2026 and beyond. After a season of rapid growth, Triple Crown hit pause to refocus on operational excellence before accelerating growth again. If you’re an operator, investor, or developer in senior living, then don’t miss this important conversation. Key Topics Lessons learned from growing too quicklyScaling from 1 to 10 communities, and why they pausedGround-up development vs. value-add acquisitionsDemographic demand vs. supply constraintsAdvice for young professionals entering senior living Meet the Hosts: Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/ Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/ Connect with Our Guest Todd Marsh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-marsh-08a39410 Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing. Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap. Connect with BTG on social media: YouTube Instagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn TikTok

The senior living referral system is at an inflection point, and Greg Mason of SilverAssist believes it’s time for a fundamental shift. In this episode of Bridge the Gap, Greg shares the vision behind SilverAssist’s acquisition of Caring.com and how the move expands their digital reach while transforming how families experience the transition into senior living. If you’re an operator frustrated with legacy referral models, or a professional navigating care transitions, this episode offers a compelling look at what’s next. Key Topics CoveredThe acquisition of Caring.com and what it means for the industryIntegrating digital reach with local senior advisorsThe importance of ADL matching and community fitFinancial consultation as a core part of senior placementVeteran benefits and alternative funding options Meet the Hosts: Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/ Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/ Connect with Our Guest Greg Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-mason-a026292/ Learn more about SilverAssist: https://www.silverassist.com/ Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing. Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap. Connect with BTG on social media: YouTube Instagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn TikTok

How do you scale a senior living organization without losing the heart behind your mission? This week, Tim Bryant of StoryPoint Group discusses their 1440 philosophy, a daily reminder that there are 1,440 minutes in every day to create the absolute best experience in every interaction, for every person. The conversation also explores the senior living industry’s recovery and advice for emerging leaders in senior living. If you care about scaling with purpose and ensuring every life truly counts, this episode delivers the insights you need. Key Topics CoveredThe meaning behind StoryPoint’s “1440” leadership mantraWhy StoryPoint is an employee-first organizationThe importance of regional density and market controlHow culture drives performance and scalabilityAdapting to the next generation of residents Meet the Hosts: Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/ Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/ Connect with Our Guest Tim Bryant: https://www.storypoint.com/ Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing. Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap. Connect with BTG on social media: YouTube Instagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn TikTok

In this episode of Bridge the Gap, Jim Kovac joins the show to give an exclusive look at this year’s Senior Living 100 Conference, where they’ll tackle why the industry must shift from playing defense to confidently claiming its “longevity advantage.” We dive into the conference theme “The Future Is Personal: Macro Thinking, Micro Intent,” unpacking what it means for leadership, workforce engagement, and resident experience. If you’re an operator, investor, or innovator in senior housing, you won’t want to miss this episode. Key IdeasWhy senior living must move from defense to offenseThe “longevity advantage” as a core value propositionClosing the technology gap in senior housingIntergenerational and mixed-generational housing trendsWellness as strategy Meet the Hosts: Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/ Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/ Connect with Our Guest Jim Kovac: https://www.seniorliving100.com/about/about-us Learn More About SL100 https://www.seniorliving100.com/ Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing. Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap. Connect with BTG on social media: YouTube Instagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn TikTok

The senior living industry is at a pivotal turning point, and this episode of Bridge the Gap captures exactly why. Josh and Lucas sit down with returning guest Traci Taylor-Roberts, newly appointed CEO of Harmony Senior Services, to discuss leadership transitions, portfolio growth, and, most importantly, the changing expectations of today’s senior living customer. From resident advisory boards and technology feedback loops to customization in design and resident-led programming, this conversation highlights how listening to residents is becoming a competitive advantage. Key Topics: Why structure, technology, and people must evolve togetherResident advisory boards as a tool for engagement and innovationHow technology expectations are changing in senior livingDesigning communities with, not just for, residentsWhy the future of senior living is partnership-driven Meet the Hosts: Josh Crisp Lucas McCurdy Connect with Our Guest Traci Taylor-Roberts Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing. Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap. Connect with BTG on social media: YouTube Instagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn TikTok

The NIC Spring Conference is heading to Nashville, Tennessee, and this episode of Bridge the Gap offers a deep dive into what you can expect on the conference floor. Josh and Lucas welcome back Amy Peters of NIC to break down the biggest themes driving senior housing today, and how NIC is addressing them. Amy shares how NIC is discussing unprecedented demand, new HUD financing strategies, and scalable solutions that meet both resident and family needs. We DiscussAffordability challenges and the rise of small-home senior living modelsHUD financing and scalable residential care solutionsNavigating state-by-state regulations and Medicaid waiver modelsCMS innovation initiatives and what they mean for senior housingLabor strategies for recruiting, incentivizing, and retaining leaders Meet the Hosts: Josh Crisp Lucas McCurdy Connect with Our Guest Amy Peters Register for NIC https://springconference.nic.org Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing. Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap. Connect with BTG on social media: YouTube Instagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn TikTok

In this episode of Bridge the Gap, Keri Moore of 828id goes on a deep dive into how life plan communities (CCRCs) are adapting to today’s market realities. With new senior living development at historic lows and occupancy on the rise, operators are turning to strategic renovations, reprogramming, and interior-led transformations to stay competitive. Keri shares practical insights on maximizing limited capital, from rethinking FF&E investments and flooring strategies to activating underused spaces and creating signature experiences that attract both residents and the broader community. The conversation explores how resident committees influence design decisions in not-for-profit communities, why first impressions matter more than ever, and how specialized senior living design expertise reduces risk while improving outcomes. Key Topics CoveredWhy senior living renovations are outpacing new developmentInterior-led repositioning strategies for life plan communitiesBudget-conscious flooring, furniture, and FF&E decisionsResident committees and managing design consensus Meet the Hosts: Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/ Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/ Connect with Our Guest Keri Moore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keri-moore-muniz-38643717 Sponsored by Aline, NIC MAP, Procare HR, Sage, Hamilton CapTel, Service Master, The Bridge Group Construction and Solinity. Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing. Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap. Connect with BTG on social media: YouTube Instagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn TikTok

Artificial intelligence is everywhere—but most leaders still aren’t sure how to use it effectively. In this episode of Bridge the Gap, we sit down with Tiffany Karlin and Nate Sundheimer of Wipfli to unpack what it truly means to be an AI-empowered leader in senior living. Rather than focusing solely on tools, Tiffany and Nate emphasize that successful AI adoption starts with a new mindset and self-awareness. They explore why culture, not technology, is the biggest barrier to transformation, how leaders can balance innovation with compliance, and why delegating work to both humans and AI is becoming essential. We unpack: Why AI adoption starts with leadership mindset, not toolsThe concept of the “AI-empowered leader”Delegating work to humans vs. AIOffensive vs. defensive AI strategies in senior living Meet the Hosts: Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/ Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/ Connect with Our Guests Tiffany Karlin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-karlin-b2942b Nate Sundheimer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathansundheimer Sponsored by Aline, NIC MAP, Procare HR, Sage, Hamilton CapTel, Service Master, The Bridge Group Construction and Solinity. Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing. Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap.

As senior living enters a new era of growth, workforce challenges are quickly becoming the industry’s biggest bottleneck. Recorded live from the LeadingAge National Show in Boston, hosts Josh Crisp and Lucas McCurdy sit down with Paul Jarvis, EVP of Sales and Marketing at Procare HR, to unpack what operators must do to prepare for 2026 and beyond. This conversation explores why “getting a little bit better at everything HR-related” can have massive downstream impacts on financial performance, care outcomes, and employee satisfaction. Paul explains how viewing HR as a full employee journey, from application and onboarding to scheduling, retention, and compliance, helps operators scale confidently, especially amid acquisitions and regulatory complexity. This week we cover: Why workforce strategy is becoming senior living’s biggest growth constraintRetention vs. agency staffing and care outcomesPreparing for 100% occupancy scenarios Meet the Hosts: Josh Crisp Lucas McCurdy Connect with Our Guest Paul Jarvis Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing. Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap.

Employee retention remains one of the most pressing challenges in senior living, but according to The Queen of Retention, Cara Silletto, the problem isn’t that “nobody wants to work anymore.” In this episode of Bridge the Gap, Josh Crisp and Lucas McCurdy welcome Cara back to unpack why retention failures are often rooted in leadership, culture, and outdated assumptions. Cara introduces her Employee Retention Ecosystem, a holistic framework that assigns shared responsibility across employees, managers, and executives. Using a simple but powerful gardening analogy, she explains how leaders must individualize care, equip managers, and create environments where people can thrive. This week we discuss: The myth behind “nobody wants to work anymore”The Employee Retention Ecosystem explainedGen Z priorities and mental health realitiesBalancing empathy with accountability Meet the Hosts: Josh Crisp Lucas McCurdy Connect with Our Guest Cara Silletto Learn more about the Employee Retention Ecosystem employeeretentionecosystem.com magnetvault.com Produced by Solinity Marketing. Sponsored by Aline, NIC MAP, Procare HR, Sage, Hamilton CapTel, Service Master, The Bridge Group Construction and Solinity. Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap. Connect with BTG on social media: YouTube Instagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn TikTok