Bridge the Gap: The Senior Living Podcast

Bridge the Gap Network
  • 4.8 (79)
  • 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. Redefining Senior Housing Investment Through Collaboration | Michael Bowden & Shae Portnoy

    6d ago

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. How to Plan for the Next Wave in Senior Living | Tiffany Karlin & Robert Zondag

    May 4

    How to Plan for the Next Wave in Senior Living | Tiffany Karlin & Robert Zondag

    The senior living industry is on the brink of massive transformation—but are operators truly prepared? In this episode of Bridge the Gap, hosts Josh and Lucas sit down with Tiffany Karlin and Robert Zondag to unpack the realities behind the much-discussed “silver tsunami.” While many assume baby boomers are already filling communities, the data tells a different story: the surge is just beginning. From rising Alzheimer’s rates to workforce shortages and limited new development, the challenges are complex—and urgent. Tiffany and Robert break down why strategic alignment across organizations is critical and how leaders can simplify complex plans into clear, actionable directions for their teams. Key Topics CoveredThe myth vs. reality of baby boomers entering senior livingWhy the biggest demand surge is still aheadAlzheimer’s and dementia trends reshaping care needsThe gap between demand and new housing supplyDifferences in strategy between for-profit and nonprofit operatorsAgile strategic planning and the “North Star” approachThe importance of simplifying strategy for organizational alignmentWorkforce challenges and the role of technologyChange management and stakeholder buy-inWhy leadership must “radiate” strategy clearly across teams 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.wipfli.com/about-wipfli/partners-and-associates/tiffany-karlin Robert Zondag: https://www.wipfli.com/about-wipfli/partners-and-associates/robert-zondag 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

    26 min
  5. Navigating Insurance: Risk & ROI in Senior Living | Ryan Spalding

    Apr 27

    Navigating Insurance: Risk & ROI in Senior Living | Ryan Spalding

    On this episode of Bridge the Gap, Josh and Lucas sit down with Ryan Spalding of Gibson Insurance to unpack one of the most overlooked, but critical, components of senior living operations: insurance and risk management. Ryan shares a behind-the-scenes look at the pressures operators face today. He also highlights real-world operator strategies, including creative staffing solutions and embedded technologies that reduce falls and claims. If you're a senior living operator, owner, or executive, this episode offers practical insights into reducing risk, controlling costs, and turning insurance from a pain point into a strategic advantage. Key Topics CoveredThe evolution of senior living risk from COVID to todayWhy litigation against operators is increasingRising insurance premiums and shrinking marginsCommon frustrations with brokers and insurance processesHow to “tell your story” to underwriters effectivelyThe importance of proactive risk management and transparencyStaffing challenges and creative retention solutionsHow technology (fall prevention, wound care) reduces claimsThe role of broker relationships in securing better coverageTurning insurance into a revenue-generating opportunity Meet the Hosts: Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/ Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/ Connect with Our Guest Ryan Spalding: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanspalding07/ Learn More about Gibson Insurance https://www.thegibsonedge.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

    25 min
  6. Finding the Balance Between Tech & Human Care in Senior Living | Andrew Gall

    Apr 20

    Finding the Balance Between Tech & Human Care in Senior Living | Andrew Gall

    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

    19 min
  7. Is Senior Living Falling Behind on AI Adoption? | Andrew Smith

    Apr 13

    Is Senior Living Falling Behind on AI Adoption? | Andrew Smith

    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

    23 min
  8. Designing the New Blueprint for Senior Housing | Rocky Berg

    Apr 6

    Designing the New Blueprint for Senior Housing | Rocky Berg

    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

    17 min
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4.8
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79 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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