Bridge the Gap: The Senior Living Podcast

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

    4d ago

    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.

    22 min
  2. Senior Living’s Labor Crisis and the Fix Operators Are Missing | Matt Strange

    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.

    21 min
  3. Why Is Senior Housing Entering a Historic Growth Cycle? | Aron Will

    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.

    21 min
  4. How Nobi Is Transforming Fall Prevention in Senior Living | Roeland Pelgrims & Stijn Verrept

    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.

    13 min

  5. Jun 1

    Evolution Over Revolution: How AI Is Reshaping Senior Living Technology | Brandon Logsdon

    On this episode of Bridge the Gap, hosts Josh and Lucas sit down with Brandon Logsdon to discuss how technology, AI, and operational alignment are shaping the future of senior living. Brandon reflects on his first year leading Aline and shares how the company unified six separate organizations into one cohesive culture focused on “elevating the aging experience.” Meet the Hosts: Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/ Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/ Connect with Our Guest Brandon Logsdon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-logsdon-325481212 Learn More about Aline https://alineops.com/ Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing. Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap.

    18 min
  6. Redefining Senior Housing Investment Through Collaboration | Michael Bowden & Shae Portnoy

    May 25

    Redefining Senior Housing Investment Through Collaboration | Michael Bowden & Shae Portnoy

    This week on Bridge the Gap, Josh and Lucas sit down with Michael Bowden and Shae Portnoy of LTC REIT to explore how the company is redefining senior housing investment. Moving beyond the traditional “landlord” model, LTC is embracing a more collaborative, relationship-driven approach with operators The conversation dives into how LTC’s shift has transformed their company culture, opened doors to best-in-class operators, and created a more dynamic, people-first investment strategy. Key Topics: Why relationships and trust are central to investment successBreaking the “landlord” stigma in senior housingAligning incentives between capital partners and operatorsThe importance of on-the-ground engagement with residentsHow LTC is curating a best-in-class portfolioMarket outlook for senior housing growth in 2026 and beyondCultural alignment as a key investment criterionThe role of operations in driving asset valueRecruiting new talent into the senior living industry Meet the Hosts: Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/ Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/ Connect with Our Guests Michael Bowden: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-bowden-70592020 Shae Portnoy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaeportnoy Learn more about LTC https://www.ltcreit.com/ Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing. Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap.

    21 min
  7. Why Senior Living Is the Most Rewarding Career You’re Overlooking | Justin Ladd

    May 18

    Why Senior Living Is the Most Rewarding Career You’re Overlooking | Justin Ladd

    On this episode of Bridge the Gap, Justin Ladd of Arrow Senior Living shares his journey from a young nursing home trainee to a senior living leader shaping culture, growth, and innovation across multiple states. Justin dives into the three key pillars driving success in today’s senior living industry: building a strong culture and embracing emerging technologies like AI. Key Topics CoveredThe three pillars of senior living success: culture, operations, and technologyHow AI and data are shaping decision-making in senior livingCreating purpose-driven experiences for residentsThe importance of operational discipline in a complex industryGrowth strategies: acquisitions vs. new developmentsBuilding internal leadership pipelinesWhy senior living careers are rewarding and dynamicChanging perceptions with #WhatSeniorLivingLooksLikePersonal inspiration and lessons from family experience Meet the Hosts: Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/ Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/ Connect with Our Guest Justin Ladd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djustinladd Learn More about Arrow Senior Living https://www.arrowseniorliving.com/ Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing. Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap.

    17 min
  8. How to Build the Future of Senior Living Talent | Nancy Swanger

    May 11

    How to Build the Future of Senior Living Talent | Nancy Swanger

    On this episode of Bridge the Gap, Josh and Lucas sit down with Nancy Swanger of the Granger Cobb Institute for Business of Aging at Washington State University. Nancy shares the origin story of the program and how it has grown into a pioneering academic pathway preparing students for careers in senior living. Nancy highlights the powerful role of purpose-driven work in attracting the next generation. She also discusses how industry collaboration, mentorship, and real-world exposure are key to the program’s success, and why the future of senior housing depends on innovative workforce solutions. Key Topics Covered The founding story of the Granger Cobb InstituteHow hospitality education connects to senior living careersThe evolution from a single course to a full degree programIndustry partnerships driving curriculum and student successWorkforce challenges and opportunities in senior housingShifting perceptions among younger generationsThe importance of purpose-driven careersOnline education and professional development pathwaysSuccess stories of students entering the industryThe future of aging services education Meet the Hosts: Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/ Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/ Connect with Our Guest Nancy Swanger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyswanger/ Learn More about the Granger Cobb Institute https://business.wsu.edu/granger-cobb-institute-for-business-aging/ Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing. Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap.

    22 min
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4.8
out of 5
80 Ratings

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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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