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. 6h ago

    The Extraordinary Journey of a Four-Time Cancer Survivor

    Keep Going: Alicia Staley on Four-Time Cancer Survivorship, Patient Advocacy, and Building Better Clinical Research Peter Murphy Lewis sits down with Alicia Staley, Chief Patient Officer at Medidata and a four-time cancer survivor, for a conversation about identity, resilience, and why patient experience should shape healthcare technology. Alicia shares how surviving cancer four times changed the way she sees time, work, and purpose, and why she now fully embraces patient advocacy as part of who she is. They also discuss the overlooked roles that make clinical research work, the stubbornly outdated parts of healthcare that still frustrate her, and the simple message she would put on a billboard for anyone facing hard seasons: keep going. KEY TOPICS Alicia’s Four-Time Cancer Survivor Story• Processing what it means to survive cancer four times• Her first diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma in college• Learning to embrace survivorship as part of her identity How Personal Experience Shapes Leadership• Connecting an engineering background with patient advocacy• Improving the experience of patients in clinical trials• Putting the right tools in front of patients at the right time The Unseen People Behind Clinical Research• Clinical research site workers• Engineers and product teams• Patient-facing staff whose work often goes unrecognized Why Healthcare Technology Feels Extraordinary• Connecting patient data across systems• Improving access to medical information• Making clinical trial opportunities easier to explore What Still Feels Outdated• Alicia’s frustration with fax machines in healthcare• How outdated communication methods can damage the patient experience Mentorship and Personal Growth• The impact of Alicia’s career coach, Jill• Learning from multiple mentors and relationships• Turning personal experiences into a resource for others A Book Worth Reading• The Magic of Thinking Big• Why Alicia recommends it to her team and others The Message She Would Put on a Billboard• “Keep going”• Resilience, persistence, and taking life one step at a time EPISODE TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introducing Alicia Staley, four-time cancer survivor and Medidata Chief Patient Officer 01:12 – Wrestling with what it means to survive cancer four times 02:08 – How a college diagnosis reshaped her outlook on time and purpose 04:19 – Why she stopped resisting the cancer survivor identity 06:05 – Bringing an engineer’s mindset into patient advocacy 07:28 – Using technology to improve the patient experience in clinical trials 09:05 – The clinical research roles that rarely get public recognition 10:42 – How Alicia encourages and celebrates her team’s impact 13:00 – Why healthcare data integration is extraordinary 14:23 – How modern patient tools changed access to information 16:11 – Why fax machines still feel shocking in healthcare 17:57 – The value of a career coach and learning from many mentors 20:03 – Why The Magic of Thinking Big is her most recommended book 21:40 – The billboard message she would share with the world: “Keep going” ABOUT PEOPLE WORTH CARING ABOUT Thank you for listening to People Worth Caring About. If you found value in this episode, please follow the podcast and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories. For more information and to connect with our guests, visit:https://peopleworthcaringabout.com #HealthcareLeadership #PatientAdvocacy #ClinicalResearch #CancerSurvivorship #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

  2. Sep 4

    From Dirty Jobs to Caregiving: What Unusual Work Taught Peter

    This episode is a personal conversation about how Peter Murphy Lewis’ unusual career path shaped the way he thinks about caregiving. Jalene and Peter discuss listening, observation, emotional resilience, and why hands-on care is one of the hardest and most undervalued kinds of work. We also touch on identity and community through sports mascots and school pride, using Nebraska and Gonzaga as examples of how symbols create connection. Key Topics: In this episode, Peter explains how working more than a hundred unusual jobs taught him to be a better listener and observer, which later translated directly into caregiving. He shares how filming a South America version of Dirty Jobs initially made him too mental and calculated, until he learned to relax and focus on the person in front of him. Peter and Jalene discuss how healthcare and long-term care are hard to “sell” because so much of the work is intangible, unlike visibly celebrated jobs like firefighter, FBI detective, or subway driver. Peter describes one of his earliest filming experiences as a gravedigger, where he moved the remains of an 83-year-old woman, and how that brought up grief about not being present for his own grandparents’ funerals. He explains that the emotional weight of that day, including becoming unable to talk near the end, prepared him for the emotional strain caregivers face. Another formative experience involved filming a woman who did handyman and repair work, then later learning she took her life six months after they became close. Peter reflects on how caregivers can pour everything into supporting someone in deep depression and still not be enough, which is part of the emotional reality of the job. Jalene asks what a full CNA shift would really be like, and Peter says he worked three full shifts during CNA training, running everywhere under a strict supervisor named Robert. He emphasizes that the hardest part of caregiving is being on your feet all day while supporting people who may be combative, confused, or unable to communicate their needs. Peter closes by saying caregiving also teaches life-changing human intangibles that make you a better spouse, parent, community member, church member, or Boy Scout. Timestamps: 00:00 - Why Peter’s unusual jobs matter for caregiving 01:06 - Learning to stop overthinking and just be present 02:39 - “Celebrated” jobs versus invisible caregiving work 05:19 - The gravedigger job that changed his perspective on grief 07:25 - A close connection that ended in tragedy 08:54 - What CNA training and three full shifts were really like 10:23 - The hardest part of being on your feet all day 11:17 - How caregiving makes you better in every part of life 12:25 - Why sports teams use mascots and identity language 13:11 - Nebraska pride as a community signal 14:15 - Why Gonzaga gear still sparks conversation  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

  3. Aug 19

    How to Find Hidden Storytellers Inside Your Organization

    This conversation looks at why the people with the most meaningful stories are often the ones least comfortable on camera. Peter and Jalene discuss how trust, relatability, and lower production pressure help surface authentic stories from direct care staff, leaders, and quiet contributors inside organizations.They also break down a practical approach to helping people tell their story, from asking better questions to framing everyday work as valuable, human, and worth caring about. Key topics In this episode, Peter Murphy Lewis and Jalene explore why ego can hurt on-camera resonance, even when someone is polished or “good” on camera. Jalene shares that the most compelling people are often the ones doing genuine work for heartfelt reasons, not for visibility. Peter explains that viewers connect most with relatability, not perfection, and that small human quirks can make someone more trustworthy on screen. Jalene gives the example of “Judy in housekeeping” - a person everyone in the organization knows is special, but who would never raise her hand to be filmed. They discuss how “share your story” is often too vague, especially for direct care staff who may think storytelling requires a grand life event. Peter says the first requirement for getting someone to open up is trust, and that the interviewer should already have a relationship with the person. Jalene emphasizes that the goal must be clear and genuinely altruistic, so the person feels they are sharing for the mission, not being used for content. They suggest making the setting feel safer by reducing production pressure, including fewer people in the room, minimal lighting, and starting with familiar voices. Peter pitches a powerful leadership concept: record executives talking about an important caregiver before revealing that the caregiver is in the room to hear it. They reflect on how long-term care stories often become most meaningful around postmortem care, family presence, gratitude, and forgiveness. Timestamps (00:00) Why the most interesting people often avoid the camera (01:20) Ego, relatability, and what viewers immediately notice (02:40) Finding the quiet storytellers inside an organization (03:51) Why “share your story” is too vague for most people (04:54) Trust first - why the relationship has to come before the recording (05:40) Reducing pressure with fewer people and less production (06:25) Making a camera feel safe for someone who has never been on one (07:21) A leadership video idea that honors an unnamed caregiver (08:13) Revealing the caregiver in the room for a genuine reaction (09:41) Helping leaders and staff discover their “why” through a before-and-after story (11:37) Postmortem care, family presence, and why these stories matter (12:52) The beauty of work that long-term care rarely talks about 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

  4. Aug 12

    The Unexpected Power of Organic Moments in Advocacy Filmmaking

    In this episode, Peter Murphy Lewis and Jalene share behind-the-scenes insights from filming a documentary with frontline caregivers at the Capitol, highlighting the power of storytelling in advocacy and leadership. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to filming with frontline caregivers 00:07 The challenge of directing on the run 00:33 Experiencing the Capitol filming journey 01:20 The group's humility and lack of ego 02:03 Capturing organic, emotional moments 03:07 Unexpected insights during interviews 04:22 Pulling footage together around a journey theme 06:10 The physical and emotional journey from Nebraska to DC 07:07 Caregivers' transformation from timid to empowered 08:27 Impactful moments with legislative staff 10:37 Authentic interactions and genuine interest 11:53 Caregivers' understanding of the association's role 12:34 Strategies for sharing the story effectively 14:03 Engaging caregivers through social media and email 15:58 Lessons learned from on-the-fly filming challenges 16:32 Reflections on communication and coordination 17:08 Humor and candid moments on set 19:04 Final thoughts and next steps for advocacy storytelling 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

  5. Aug 5

    How to Make America Curious About Aging

    In this episode, Peter and Jalene explore innovative ways to raise curiosity about aging and long-term care through engaging content and street experiments. They share practical ideas, testing methods, and creative projects to inspire change and awareness. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Stories about World Cup and Soccer 02:21 Introducing the Project to Raise Curiosity About Aging 03:11 Defining Curiosity and How to Capture Attention 04:01 Goals of the Gerontology Content Project 05:26 Ideas for Content and Engagement Strategies 07:20 Using Street Experiments to Connect with People 09:12 Testing Curiosity with Questions About Aging and Fears 11:06 Street Interviews and Sharing Personal Stories 13:04 Practical Challenges and Solutions in Street Content Creation 14:04 Creative Viral Ideas to Promote Aging Awareness 15:34 Wrapping Up and Next Steps for Content Projectst 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

  6. Jul 21 ·  Bonus

    The Power of Caregiver Stories in Advocacy

    In this episode, Peter and Jalene discuss the importance of advocacy for frontline caregivers, the upcoming congressional briefing in DC, and how sharing authentic stories can influence policy decisions. They highlight the transformative power of caregiver voices and the impact of storytelling in advocacy efforts. Chapters: 00:08 Peter shares excitement about advocacy event 00:43 Personal story of Jace, a CNA making an impact 01:21 Upcoming trip to DC for congressional briefing 02:20 Goals for advocacy: showcasing caregiver stories 02:55 What success looks like in advocacy events 03:31 Observing confidence growth in caregivers 04:01 The importance of authentic storytelling 04:28 Travel plans and weather considerations 05:08 Closing remarks and anticipation of the event 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

  7. Jul 9

    The Ripple Effect of Giving: A Community Story

    In this episode, Jalene Carpenter shares the inspiring story of the Cars for Caregivers program, highlighting how providing reliable transportation transforms lives and communities. Peter Murphy Lewis joins to discuss scalable solutions and the ripple effects of giving. Chapters: 00:00 Excitement for the World Cup 02:54 Innovative Fundraising: Cars for Caregivers 05:27 The Emotional Impact of Giving 08:42 Building Community Through Support 11:19 Looking Ahead: Future Initiatives 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

  8. Jun 30

    How Joy and Purpose Transform Senior Living: Insights from Filming Across the US

    Join us as we explore the impactful stories from Peter Murphy Lewis's recent filming adventures across Florida, Kentucky, and North Dakota. Discover how these stories highlight the human connection, purpose, and innovative approaches in long-term care. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Touches 02:12 Filming in Florida: A Journey of Joy 05:27 Kentucky: Stories of Transformation 10:04 The Power of Purpose in Caregiving 13:33 Current Adventures in North Dakota 18:00 Impact and Future of People Worth Caring About 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

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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
    149
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Peter Murphy Lewis
  • Show Website
    People Worth Caring About