This episode of Into the Pines features Dushyanth Biyyala, Head of Growth at Sage, in a conversation with host Joe Hessley about the growing role of safety technology in senior living. They discuss how fall detection and AI-driven tools are improving response time, strengthening operations, and supporting a more connected care environment across communities.

What does it really take to create a senior living community that goes beyond day-to-day functionality and fosters genuine connection?

In this episode of Into the Pines, host Joseph Hessley sits down with RJ Flowers, President of Pines Senior Living, for an in-depth conversation on the building blocks of exceptional senior living. Joseph explores the operational foundations that keep communities running smoothly, while Raymond dives into the people-first side of the industry—sharing how thoughtful marketing, intentional hiring, and tools like the color personality test help strengthen communication, culture, and relationships across teams and residents alike.

Together, they unpack what makes a senior living community not just well-managed, but truly connected.

Into the Pines is presented in association with Pines Senior Living.

In the first episode of Into the Pines, host Joe Hessley, CEO of Pines Senior Living, shares how he went from passing out in a pre-med lab to becoming the CEO of Pines Senior Living. Joe reflects on discovering his passion for senior care, what makes Pines stand out in the industry, and why empathy, is one of the most important traits you can have in this work. He also discusses what listeners can expect from the podcast moving forward and his motivation for making a difference in the lives of seniors and their families. Join us in future episodes as we explore the heart, the hustle, and the human stories behind senior living.