People Worth Caring About

Peter Murphy Lewis
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Most people overlook them. We won’t. On "People Worth Caring About," documentary producer Peter Murphy Lewis—creator of the hit series now streaming on smart TVs across the U.S.—and Jalene Carpenter, the long-term care visionary who helped build it, shine a light on the quiet heroes holding our communities together. From Nebraska, Ohio, New Mexico, and Kentucky, their stories come alive in four groundbreaking seasons—and continue here through raw, revealing conversations about dignity, trust, and human connection. Tune in—and discover why these are the people worth caring about.

  1. What Happens When Caregivers Become Owners with Zach Cram of Rehab Strategies and Devon Cram of The Strategies

    FEB 5

    What Happens When Caregivers Become Owners with Zach Cram of Rehab Strategies and Devon Cram of The Strategies

    Zach Cram, President of Rehab Services at Rehab Strategies, and Devon Cram, Chief Financial Officer at The Strategies, share the story of building a clinician-led, family-owned long-term care organization in Indiana. They reflect on growing up in nursing homes, taking the risk to purchase facilities during COVID, and why putting patient care and community first shapes every decision they make. The conversation explores leadership, succession, culture, and the unseen people who make high-quality care possible. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 02:56 ChatGPT helped them identify and pursue media opportunities. 04:24 A clinician-owned model shapes every care decision. 06:24 Clinical experience informs leadership across the organization. 07:46 Finance and operations require constant collaboration. 11:28 Patient-first care guides business strategy. 15:38 Staffing demands constant availability and accountability. 17:11 Running facilities requires managing countless vendors. 23:12 Investing in staff growth creates internal experts. 27:33 Celebrating employees strengthens culture and retention. Resources Mentioned: Zach Cram https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-cram-a95881222/ Rehab Strategies https://www.linkedin.com/company/rehab-strategies Devon Cram https://www.linkedin.com/in/devon-cram-mba-hfa-963368185/ The Strategies | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/thestrategies/ The Strategies | Website http://www.thestrategies.net Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories. For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com. #HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

    34 min
  2. What Medicaid Reform Means for Disabled and Aging Americans with Rep. Mike Flood of Nebraska

    JAN 29

    What Medicaid Reform Means for Disabled and Aging Americans with Rep. Mike Flood of Nebraska

    On this episode, Peter Murphy Lewis and Jalene Carpenter are joined by Rep. Mike Flood, Member of the United States Congress, who represents Nebraska’s First Congressional District. A lifelong broadcaster and former Nebraska state legislator, Mike brings a deeply personal and practical lens to public service, shaped by decades of listening to constituents and showing up in local communities. Mike reflects on why town halls still matter, how media can bring people together in moments of crisis, and what responsible stewardship looks like when it comes to Medicaid and public spending. From his “Quarantine Tonight” television show during COVID to difficult conversations around health care access, Mike shares why trust, accountability, and human connection remain at the center of leadership. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 03:16 Creative programming can sustain community connection during public crises. 04:06 Nostalgic entertainment offers comfort for isolated and widowed older adults. 05:40 Smart travel strategies make constant work-related flying more sustainable. 07:00 In-person forums remain essential tools for civic accountability today. 08:39 Targeted Medicaid reforms aim to preserve long-term funding sustainability. 09:18 Work expectations increase fairness for taxpayers funding public health care. Resources Mentioned: Rep. Mike Flood https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-flood-72a5a262/ United States Congress | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-s-house-of-representatives/ United States House of Representatives | Website https://www.house.gov/ House Financial Services Committee | Website https://financialservices.house.gov/ Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories. For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com. #HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

    11 min
  3. From CNA to CEO: A 25-Year Masterclass in Purpose with Nash Mahupete of QLI

    JAN 22

    From CNA to CEO: A 25-Year Masterclass in Purpose with Nash Mahupete of QLI

    Nash Mahupete, President and CEO of QLI, shares a deeply personal journey that begins in Zimbabwe and leads to a 25-year career inside one organization. He reflects on arriving in the US as an immigrant, starting as a CNA with no intention of staying in health care, and slowly discovering the meaning of mission, community, and leadership. Nash opens up about grief, regret, impostor syndrome, and the moments that reshaped how he views people, work, and responsibility. His story is not about titles, but about learning when to speak up, how to serve others with dignity, and why believing in people changes everything. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 04:52 Leaving your home country to seek better opportunities requires courage. 08:56 Personal connection transforms work from being transactional to deeply meaningful. 11:20 A clear organizational mission attracts and connects talented team members. 13:28 Self-doubt can be reframed using supportive mentors and repeated success experiences. 16:00 Nash’s grandmother taught him that unconditional care creates loyal communities. 19:16 Your past circumstances do not determine your future success trajectory. 30:24 An organizational mission should encompass all stakeholders, not just customers. 34:32 Teach children values repeatedly, like doing things right the first time. Resources Mentioned: Nash Mahupete https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahupete/ QLI | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/qlirehab/ QLI | Website https://qliomaha.com/ Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories. For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com. #HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

    38 min
  4. The Seven-Year Journey to Creating a Sacred Space with Kelly Sparr and Jace Cooley of The Grace Space

    JAN 15

    The Seven-Year Journey to Creating a Sacred Space with Kelly Sparr and Jace Cooley of The Grace Space

    In this episode, hosts Peter Murphy Lewis and Jalene Carpenter sit down with the heart and soul of The Grace Space, a hospice facility in Nebraska. Kelly Sparr, the founder who spent seven years bringing her vision to life, and Jace Cooley, a dedicated CNA turned nursing student, discuss the profound beauty found in end-of-life care. From the unconventional path Jace took from installing sprinklers to guarding souls, to the vital role of Pickles the therapy dog, this conversation reframes hospice as a place of deep human connection, dignity, and even joy. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 03:12 Documentary episodes help comfort families from long distances. 07:53 Seeing oneself on screen reveals personal communication strengths. 11:01 CNA work is a challenging yet rewarding career. 17:40 Pickles the dog provides comfort that humans cannot. 21:11 Employee retention requires personalized connection and genuine listening. 25:00 End-of-life care is a raw and vulnerable privilege. 27:47 Education helps normalize death as a beautiful transition. Resources Mentioned: Kelly Sparr https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-sparr-895284102/ Jace Cooley https://www.linkedin.com/in/jace-cooley-07301a389/ The Grace Space | Website https://thegracespace.com/ Southlake Village Rehab | Website https://www.southlakevillagerehab.com/ Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories. For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com. #HealthcareLeadership #HospiceCare #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

    30 min
  5. A Good Plan Today Is Better Than a Perfect Plan Tomorrow with Steven Boulware of Priority Management

    JAN 8

    A Good Plan Today Is Better Than a Perfect Plan Tomorrow with Steven Boulware of Priority Management

    Steven Boulware, Managing Partner of Priority Management Group, shares his journey and leadership insights from the world of long-term care. As a licensed nursing facility administrator, he values the daily, hands-on satisfaction of solving problems for residents and their families. Steven discusses the unexpectedly non-boring nature of the sector, the philosophy of taking action over seeking perfection, and the essential value of putting resident happiness and safety first. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 02:57 The flat management model empowers administrators over corporate rules. 05:46 Hard work and dedication earn respect in a family business. 07:54 Long-term care stays interesting because every day brings new challenges. 08:59 A good plan started today beats a perfect plan delayed. 12:26 Resident happiness and safety come before everything else. Resources Mentioned: Priority Management Group | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/priority-management-group/ Priority Management | Website https://prioritymgt.com/ Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories. For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com. #HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

    13 min
  6. Why Storytelling Matters for the Future of Health Care with Philip Scalo of Bartley Healthcare

    12/18/2025

    Why Storytelling Matters for the Future of Health Care with Philip Scalo of Bartley Healthcare

    Peter Murphy Lewis and Jalene Carpenter are joined by Philip Scalo, Founder and Chairman of Bartley Healthcare and Chairman of Preferred Care Management. An attorney who began his career representing health-care clients, Phil pivoted in the 1980s to build a better model for long-term care, founding Bartley Healthcare in 1984. He has grown it into one of New Jersey's most awarded senior living organizations, spanning skilled nursing, rehab, assisted living, memory care, hospice, and home care. Phil shares his perspective on the industry's big wins, the fight for regulatory relief, and the formative moments that have shaped his leadership philosophy. He discusses the critical role of the AHCA in supporting its members and the importance of changing the public perception of the entire long-term care sector. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 03:24 Building a better care model was the best way to argue for better care. 06:08 Quality senior care is found even in rural communities across the country. 08:20 Representing long-term care professionals is a great honor for leadership. 11:00 Industry-wide legal action requires uniting diverse state perspectives. 13:28 Surviving existential threats requires unity around a great mission. 16:16 Documentary storytelling effectively portrays the reality of long-term care. 19:08 The care profession must combat the feeling of being "just a" worker. 23:56 Cautious optimism for more appropriate regulations. 27:40 Success in any field is built on hard work, passion, and humble aspiration. 37:52 Every team member makes a difference and has great, valued potential. Resources Mentioned: Philip Scalo https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-scalo-3350b210/ Bartley Healthcare | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/bartley-healthcare-nursing-rehabilitation/ Bartley Healthcare | Website https://bartleyhealthcare.com/ Preferred Care Management | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/preferred-care-health-centers/ Preferred Care Management | Website https://preferredcarehc.com/ “Getting to Yes” by Roger Fisher and William Ury https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Yes-Negotiating-Agreement-Without/dp/0143118757 Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories. For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com. #HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

    41 min
  7. 30 Years of Shaping Healers with Peggy Abels of the University of Nebraska at Kearney

    12/11/2025

    30 Years of Shaping Healers with Peggy Abels of the University of Nebraska at Kearney

    Peggy Abels, Director of Health Sciences at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, joins Peter to share her 30-year journey guiding students into health care careers. She discusses her rural roots, the growing needs across Nebraska, and the programs UNK and UNMC have built to strengthen the state’s health care workforce. Peggy walks through the creation of Health Science Explorers and the Kearney Health Opportunities Program (KHOP), explaining how these initiatives spark interest early, support first-generation students, and help rural communities build long-term access to care. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 01:48 Seeing rural roots shape her path toward health care service. 02:50 Nebraska’s rising need for a stronger rural health care workforce. 05:29 Health care education remains hands-on despite industry shifts. 07:17 KHOP supports rural students from college to eventual practice. 08:24 Nebraska builds a uniquely comprehensive health care workforce pipeline. Resources Mentioned: Peggy Abels https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggy-abels-396557162/ University of Nebraska at Kearney | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-nebraska-at-kearney University of Nebraska at Kearney – Health Sciences | Website https://www.unk.edu/academics/health_sciences/ Kearney Health Opportunities Program (KHOP) https://www.unk.edu/academics/health_sciences/kearney-health-opportunities-program.php Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories. For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com. #HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

    10 min
  8. When Good Vibes Lead to Great Care with Jessica Guerrero of Emerald Nursing and Rehab Lakeview

    12/04/2025

    When Good Vibes Lead to Great Care with Jessica Guerrero of Emerald Nursing and Rehab Lakeview

    On this episode, host Peter Murphy Lewis talks with Jessica Guerrero, Administrator of Emerald Nursing and Rehab Lakeview, whose journey from a teenage dietary aide to a respected health care leader is as inspiring as it is heartfelt. Jessica shares her path from working at Subway to building a culture of compassion and belonging within her facility. She opens up about overcoming fear and imposter syndrome, leading through vulnerability, and transforming a once-struggling workplace into a true home for residents and staff alike. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 01:24 A coworker’s encouragement sparked passion for a health care career path. 03:01 Imposter syndrome nearly cost Jessica her administrator position twice. 03:57 Perfectionism as a manager can scare employees away. 05:08 Building a team with aligned values fills organizational gaps automatically. 06:34 Creating a genuine culture can transform the workplace environment and satisfaction. 10:32 Therapy can help leaders recognize their accomplishments and overcome self-doubt. 12:52 Having amazing energy can bless other people in long-term care. Resources Mentioned: Jessica Guerrero https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-guerrero-lnha-744b83160/ Emerald Nursing and Rehab Lakeview |Website https://emeraldlakeview.com/ Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories. For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com. #HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

    14 min
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About

Most people overlook them. We won’t. On "People Worth Caring About," documentary producer Peter Murphy Lewis—creator of the hit series now streaming on smart TVs across the U.S.—and Jalene Carpenter, the long-term care visionary who helped build it, shine a light on the quiet heroes holding our communities together. From Nebraska, Ohio, New Mexico, and Kentucky, their stories come alive in four groundbreaking seasons—and continue here through raw, revealing conversations about dignity, trust, and human connection. Tune in—and discover why these are the people worth caring about.

Information

  • Creator
    Peter Murphy Lewis
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    137
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Peter Murphy Lewis
  • Show Website
    People Worth Caring About