Bridge the Gap: The Senior Living Podcast

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

1. The founding story of the Granger Cobb Institute
2. How hospitality education connects to senior living careers
3. The evolution from a single course to a full degree program
4. Industry partnerships driving curriculum and student success
5. Workforce challenges and opportunities in senior housing
6. Shifting perceptions among younger generations
7. The importance of purpose-driven careers
8. Online education and professional development pathways
9. Success stories of students entering the industry
10. The 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.

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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.

1. The myth vs. reality of baby boomers entering senior living
2. Why the biggest demand surge is still ahead
3. Alzheimer’s and dementia trends reshaping care needs
4. The gap between demand and new housing supply
5. Differences in strategy between for-profit and nonprofit operators
6. Agile strategic planning and the “North Star” approach
7. The importance of simplifying strategy for organizational alignment
8. Workforce challenges and the role of technology
9. Change management and stakeholder buy-in
10. Why 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.

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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.

1. The evolution of senior living risk from COVID to today
2. Why litigation against operators is increasing
3. Rising insurance premiums and shrinking margins
4. Common frustrations with brokers and insurance processes
5. How to “tell your story” to underwriters effectively
6. The importance of proactive risk management and transparency
7. Staffing challenges and creative retention solutions
8. How technology (fall prevention, wound care) reduces claims
9. The role of broker relationships in securing better coverage
10. Turning 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/

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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

1. The evolution from paper-based systems to digital care tracking
2. Why 2026 is a pivotal year for senior living technology
3. The growing role of predictive and preventative care
4. Balancing operational efficiency with human connection
5. The importance of dignity and “feeling at home” for residents
6. Shifting 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.

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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

1. The shift from social engagement to measurable health outcomes
2. Using clinical and non-clinical data to track health improvements
3. Cohort-based fitness programs and measurable results
4. AI’s role in operational intelligence and efficiency
5. Robotics in senior living: where to start
6. Privacy 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.

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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.

1. How senior living development is beginning to accelerate again
2. The influence of hospitality design on modern senior living communities
3. Why food and dining experiences play a major role in community design
4. How technology, lighting, and acoustics are improving resident experiences
5. Trends 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.

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What if senior living felt like home, not just looked like it? In this episode of Bridge the Gap, Josh and Lucas sit down with George Kutnerian of Wellpointe Inc. to explore their fast-growing residential care home model. With over 67 locations across California, George shares how small, six-resident homes are reshaping the future of assisted living by prioritizing intimacy and personalization. If you’re interested in the future of aging, this episode offers a powerful look at what’s next.

1. What defines a residential care home vs. traditional assisted living
2. Scaling a fragmented model to 67 locations
3. Capital challenges and educating lenders on a new asset class
4. Staffing advantages with higher caregiver-to-resident ratios
5. Workforce retention through benefits, career ladders, and support programs

Meet the Hosts:

Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/

Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/

Connect with Our Guest

George Kutnerian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-kutnerian/

Learn more about Wellpointe Inc.

https://www.wellpointe.com/

Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing

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SHOWNOTES:

Senior housing has officially moved beyond recovery and into its next growth phase, and the data proves it.

In this episode of Bridge the Gap, hosts Josh Crisp and Lucas McCurdy welcome back Arick Morton, CEO of NIC MAP, to break down the latest trends shaping the senior living industry. They also discuss why senior housing is currently the top-performing real estate asset class, how investors are viewing the sector, and why developers willing to move forward today may be positioned for exceptional returns as demographic demand accelerates.

Key Topics Covered

1. The 20-year evolution of NIC MAP and its role in institutionalizing senior housing
2. Current occupancy and rent growth trends across the industry
3. The impact of historic lows in new construction
4. How AI and data analytics are accelerating investment decisions
5. Why senior housing is now the best-performing real estate asset clas

Meet the Hosts:

Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/

Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/

Connect with Our Guest

Arick Morton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arickmorton/

Learn more about NIC MAP

https://www.nicmap.com

Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing.

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What does disciplined growth look like in today’s senior housing market?

In this episode of Bridge the Gap, Todd Marsh, CEO of Triple Crown Senior Living, shares how his team is scaling smarter in 2026 and beyond. After a season of rapid growth, Triple Crown hit pause to refocus on operational excellence before accelerating growth again. If you’re an operator, investor, or developer in senior living, then don’t miss this important conversation.

Key Topics

1. Lessons learned from growing too quickly
2. Scaling from 1 to 10 communities, and why they paused
3. Ground-up development vs. value-add acquisitions
4. Demographic demand vs. supply constraints
5. Advice for young professionals entering senior living

Meet the Hosts:

Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/

Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/

Connect with Our Guest

Todd Marsh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-marsh-08a39410

Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing.

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The senior living referral system is at an inflection point, and Greg Mason of SilverAssist believes it’s time for a fundamental shift. In this episode of Bridge the Gap, Greg shares the vision behind SilverAssist’s acquisition of Caring.com and how the move expands their digital reach while transforming how families experience the transition into senior living. If you’re an operator frustrated with legacy referral models, or a professional navigating care transitions, this episode offers a compelling look at what’s next.

1. The acquisition of Caring.com and what it means for the industry
2. Integrating digital reach with local senior advisors
3. The importance of ADL matching and community fit
4. Financial consultation as a core part of senior placement
5. Veteran benefits and alternative funding options

Meet the Hosts:

Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/

Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/

Connect with Our Guest

Greg Mason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-mason-a026292/

Learn more about SilverAssist:

https://www.silverassist.com/

Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing.

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