Bridge the Gap: The Senior Living Podcast

Bridge the Gap Network
Bridge the Gap Network
  • 4.8 (80)
  • Management
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Bridge the Gap with hosts Lucas McCurdy and Joshua Crisp. A podcast dedicated to informing, educating and influencing the future of housing and services for older adults in senior living.

  1. 3d ago

    The Future of Senior Living Through the Eyes of Young Professionals

    At the NIC Spring Conference in Nashville, Josh and Lucas sit down with two emerging leaders preparing to enter the senior living industry. Listen as these students share their paths into senior living and why they believe the industry offers tremendous opportunities for growth and impact. The conversation explores how young professionals are discovering senior housing, the importance of mentorship, lessons learned from networking at NIC, and innovative care models from around the world. The guests discuss demographic trends, the growing demand for senior living solutions, and the need to attract more students and young professionals into aging services careers. Key Topics How students discover careers in senior livingThe value of NIC's Young Professionals and Scholars programsReal estate opportunities within senior housingHealthcare administration and long-term care leadershipThe role of mentorship in career developmentDemographic trends driving industry growthInnovative memory care village models from EuropeBuilding professional networks early in a careerThe importance of industry awareness among studentsCreating meaningful impact through aging services Meet the Hosts: Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/ Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/ Connect with Our Guests Michael Pittenger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-pittenger-b4a645321/ Michael Giovacco: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-giovacco-75915527a/ Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing. Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap.

    The Future of Senior Living Through the Eyes of Young Professionals

  2. Jul 20

    Why Senior Living M&A Is Booming Again | Bobby Guy

    On this episode of Bridge the Gap, hosts Josh and Lucas sit down with Bobby Guy to unpack the massive changes happening across senior living, healthcare investing, and capital markets. Bobby shares why senior housing M&A activity is reaching record levels, how demographic shifts are reshaping the future of senior care, and why the industry desperately needs innovation aimed at the middle market, not just luxury communities. Bobby argues that healthcare innovation requires new access to capital and explains why bringing more public companies into healthcare could transform the industry’s future. Key Ideas: The return of large-scale healthcare and senior living M&AWhy senior housing development is underserved in the middle marketThe demographic realities impacting luxury senior housingHow tax credits and incentives could reshape affordable senior housingAI’s future impact on healthcare operations and patient outcomesWhy public healthcare companies have declined since Sarbanes-OxleyThe relationship between private equity and healthcare innovationHealthcare integration across behavioral health, pharmacy, rehab, and senior livingThe future of capital markets in senior housingRecord-setting healthcare transaction activity in 2026 Meet the Hosts: Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/ Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/ Connect with Our Guest Bobby Guy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-guy-4a25967/ Learn More about the Polsinelli https://www.polsinelli.com/ Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing. Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap.

    Why Senior Living M&A Is Booming Again | Bobby Guy

  3. Jul 13

    How Bethesda Senior Living Is Solving the Middle Market Crisis | Kimberly Erickson

    On this episode of Bridge the Gap, Josh and Lucas sit down with Kimberly Erickson, COO of Bethesda Senior Living, to explore the future of attainable senior housing and the role nonprofit operators can play in serving the growing middle-market population. Kimberly shares insights from her transition from the for-profit sector into nonprofit leadership, highlighting how mission, culture, and compassion shape operational decisions at Bethesda. The conversation dives into middle-market senior living strategies, charitable care programs, affordable housing models, labor and staffing realities, and why culture cannot be reduced to buzzwords or technology platforms. Key Topics The transition from for-profit to nonprofit senior living leadershipWhy middle-market senior housing remains underservedHow Bethesda approaches charitable care and resident affordabilityShared-suite housing models for attainable senior livingLabor challenges and maintaining margins in senior careThe role of PACE partnerships in serving more seniorsWhy culture starts with presence and human connectionLeadership lessons rooted in counseling and faith-based serviceThe importance of staff engagement and emotional intelligenceWhy senior living careers offer purpose-driven opportunities Meet the Hosts: Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/ Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/ Connect with Our Guest Kimberly Erickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-erickson-89a23351 Learn More about Bethesda Senior Living https://www.bethesdaseniorliving.com Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing. Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap.

    How Bethesda Senior Living Is Solving the Middle Market Crisis | Kimberly Erickson

  4. Jul 6

    Changing the Narrative on Aging Through Podcasting | Anna Hall

    What if the future of senior living isn't about healthcare—it's about purpose? This week, we welcome Anna Hall, Chief Culture and Community Officer at Front Porch Communities and host of the Front Porch Podcast. Anna shares her journey through more than 25 years in senior living and explains why purpose, belonging, and meaningful relationships are becoming the foundation of the industry's future. Key Ideas: Purpose is a critical component of well-being and healthy aging.Senior living communities are becoming centers of connection, growth, and belonging.Authentic storytelling helps reshape public perceptions of aging.Team member retention is deeply connected to meaningful relationships with residents.Future generations are increasingly seeking purpose-driven careers.Loneliness and social isolation create opportunities for senior living providers to make a profound impact.Aging should be viewed as continued growth rather than decline. Meet the Hosts: Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/ Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/ Connect with Our Guest Anna Hall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annakhall1/ Listen to Anna's Podcast https://frontporch.net/podcast/ Learn More about the Front Porch Communities https://frontporch.net/ Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing. Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap.

    Changing the Narrative on Aging Through Podcasting | Anna Hall

  5. Jun 29

    Inside NIC MAP’s AI-Powered Deal Intelligence Platform | Kyle Gardner

    Josh and Lucas sit down with Kyle Gardner from NIC MAP to discuss the evolution of data-driven decision-making in senior housing and the launch of NIC MAP’s new AI-powered underwriting platform: Deal Intelligence. Kyle shares how institutional investors, private equity firms, and lenders are increasingly entering the senior housing market, fueled by improved access to reliable industry data. The conversation explores how NIC MAP’s 20-year data milestone has transformed capital markets, reduced financing costs, and accelerated confidence in the sector. Key Ideas NIC MAP celebrates 20 years of senior housing data collectionExpansion from 31 to 214 markets nationwideWhy institutional capital is rapidly entering senior housingThe impact of data transparency on valuations and cap ratesHow Deal Intelligence automates underwriting workflowsThe role of AI in acquisitions and investment analysisWhy “human-in-the-loop” decision-making still mattersFuture applications of AI for development and operations teamsEmerging trends in proptech and commercial real estate analyticsHow operators can compete with larger acquisition teams Meet the Hosts: Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/ Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/ Connect with Our Guest Kyle Gardner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-gardner-nm/ Learn More about the NIC MAP https://www.nicmap.com/ Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing. Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap.

    Inside NIC MAP’s AI-Powered Deal Intelligence Platform | Kyle Gardner

  6. Jun 22

    Senior Living’s Labor Crisis and the Fix Operators Are Missing | Matt Strange

    The senior living workforce conversation is changing fast, and operators who adapt now will have the advantage moving forward. In this episode of Bridge the Gap, Josh and Lucas sit down with Matt Strange, COO of Procare HR, to unpack the evolving labor landscape in senior housing and what operators must do to attract, retain, and engage frontline teams. Matt shares why predictable scheduling may be one of the biggest hidden drivers of employee retention, revealing ProCare HR’s research around the “14-day scheduling sweet spot” that improves attendance, reduces turnover, and creates workforce stability. Key Ideas: The current state of the senior living labor market in 2026Why predictable scheduling improves retention and attendanceThe “14-day scheduling” workforce strategyHow geography impacts workforce expectationsCompeting against retail, logistics, and remote work opportunitiesWhy culture matters more than compensation aloneThe connection between employee engagement and resident experienceLeadership strategies for rapidly growing operatorsThe role of AI and workforce technology in senior livingHow labor analytics can help prevent turnover and burnout Meet the Hosts: Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/ Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/ Connect with Our Guest Matt Strange: https://www.linkedin.com/in/strangem/ Learn More about the Procare HR https://procarehr.com/ Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing. Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap.

    Senior Living’s Labor Crisis and the Fix Operators Are Missing | Matt Strange

  7. Jun 15

    Why Is Senior Housing Entering a Historic Growth Cycle? | Aron Will

    Senior housing is no longer a niche asset class; it’s become one of the most talked-about sectors in real estate and institutional investing. On this episode of Bridge the Gap, Aron Will returns to break down why senior living is entering what he calls a “historic growth cycle.” Aron explains the powerful convergence of demographics, limited new development, strong occupancy growth, and increasing institutional capital flows driving unprecedented momentum in the sector. Key Topics Why senior housing is attracting institutional investors The demographic wave driving demand growth Occupancy trends and rental rate growth in senior living Why development has slowed dramatically Construction costs and replacement cost challenges The difference between real estate value and operating business performance Positive leverage opportunities in senior housing Risks of irrational exuberance in the sector Why senior housing is more insulated than office and multifamily Capital markets outlook for 2026 and beyond Meet the Hosts: Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/ Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/ Connect with Our Guest Aron Will: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aron-will-b05395a Learn More about the CBRE https://www.cbre.com/ Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing. Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap.

    Why Is Senior Housing Entering a Historic Growth Cycle? | Aron Will

  8. Jun 8

    How Nobi Is Transforming Fall Prevention in Senior Living | Roeland Pelgrims & Stijn Verrept

    This week on Bridge the Gap we sit down with the Roeland Pelgrims and Stijn Verrept of Nobi to discuss how technology is reshaping the future of senior living. The conversation explores the operational realities caregivers face daily, the challenges senior living operators encounter amid staffing shortages, and why discreet, intelligent technology is critical to the future of aging services. Key Topics The origin story behind Nobi’s smart lighting platform Why caregiver workflows inspired the company’s mission The operational burden of fall-related investigations How AI-powered fall detection works in senior living Reducing falls by 50–55% in assisted living and memory care The importance of dignity-centered technology design Staffing shortages and operational efficiency in senior housing Why connected ecosystems are the future of care delivery AI’s role in simplifying senior living technology adoption Meet the Hosts: Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/ Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/ Connect with Our Guests Roeland Pelgrims: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roeland-pelgrims-2749805/ Stijn Verrept: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stijn-verrept/ Learn More about Nobi https://nobi.life Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing. Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap.

    How Nobi Is Transforming Fall Prevention in Senior Living | Roeland Pelgrims & Stijn Verrept
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Welcome to Bridge the Gap with hosts Lucas McCurdy and Joshua Crisp. A podcast dedicated to informing, educating and influencing the future of housing and services for older adults in senior living.

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