Roundtable Talk

Data tells a much bigger story than occupancy rates alone. In this episode of Varsity's Roundtable Talk, Derek sits down with Lisa McCracken, Head of Research and Analytics at the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC), to discuss the trends shaping the future of senior living.

Lisa explores why demand is outpacing supply, why demographics alone won't guarantee success and how providers can use data to better understand their markets, demonstrate value and prepare for the next generation of older adults.

Technology has become an essential part of everyday life for older adults, yet many organizations still underestimate how comfortable they are using it. In this episode of Varsity's Roundtable Talk, Derek talks with AgeTech strategist Ginna Baik about how technology is reshaping the future of aging and senior living.

Ginna discusses why today's older adults are more tech-savvy than many assume, how senior living providers can create better digital experiences, where AI can have the greatest impact for residents and caregivers, and why the future of senior living begins long before someone moves into a community.

The work of caring for aging parents often begins long before caregiving itself. In this episode of Varsity's Roundtable Talk, Derek Dunham talks with Dr. Allison Alford, Baylor University professor, researcher and author of Good Daughtering, about the often invisible emotional, mental and logistical work adult daughters perform to keep families connected.

Together, they explore the concept of "daughtering," why so much of women's family labor goes unrecognized, how daughters can set healthier boundaries without guilt and why honest conversations about aging and caregiving should begin long before a crisis.

Growth doesn't stop with age, but it often begins with stepping outside your comfort zone. In this episode of Varsity's Roundtable Talk, Derek sits down with award-winning journalist and bestselling author Chris Ballard to discuss his new book, The Plunge, and what cold-water immersion can teach us about resilience, health and aging.

Chris explores the science behind cold plunging, why swimming is one of the best lifelong activities, how embracing discomfort can build resilience, and why confidence comes from taking action, not waiting until you feel ready. He also shares lessons from reporting on extraordinary people who continue to challenge themselves well into later life.

Finding the right senior living community starts long before someone schedules a tour. In this episode of Varsity's Roundtable Talk, Derek sits down with Brad Breeding, founder of MyLifeSite, author of Your Best Path Forward and a nationally recognized expert on helping older adults and their families navigate senior living decisions.

Brad shares why so many families struggle to compare community options, the questions people should ask themselves before beginning a search, and how financial concerns often go far beyond monthly costs. He also discusses the growing influence of adult children, why community culture matters more than flashy amenities and the trends he believes will shape the future of senior living.

Every one of us is aging, yet most of us think of it as something that happens to other people later in life. In this episode of Varsity's Roundtable Talk, Derek sits down with writer, editor and Oldster founder Sari Botton to explore why growing older is a lifelong experience.

Through her writing and community, Botton is helping reshape the conversation around aging by bringing together perspectives from every generation. In their conversation, Derek and Sari discuss why our youth-obsessed culture fuels fear of aging, how intergenerational conversations can replace anxiety with optimism, and why there is no universal timeline for life's milestones.

Fraud has become one of the fastest-growing crimes in America, fueled by AI, stolen data and increasingly sophisticated scams. In this episode of Varsity's Roundtable Talk, Derek talks with Kathy Stokes, director of fraud prevention programs at AARP, and Matt Mizenko, general manager of Nomorobo, about how consumers can stay one step ahead.

Together, they discuss why scammers prey on emotion, how AI is making fraud more convincing, why older adults aren't the only targets and the simple habits and technologies that can dramatically reduce your risk. They also explain why reporting fraud is critical to protecting others and driving broader solutions.

Music can do more than entertain, it can create connection, reflection and even healing. In this episode of Varsity’s Roundtable Talk, Derek sits down with Stuart Malina, longtime Music Director and Conductor of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra and Tony Award-winning orchestrator.

In their conversation, Derek and Stuart discuss why music often resonates more deeply as we age, how live concerts create powerful shared experiences and the surprising ways music can unlock memory and emotion. Stuart also reflects on working with Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp on Broadway’s Moving Out and shares advice about creativity, confidence and defining success for yourself.

The future of senior living may depend less on new buildings and amenities and more on whether the industry is willing to rethink culture, autonomy and the resident experience itself. In this episode of Varsity’s Roundtable Talk, Derek sits down with Steve Moran, founder and publisher of Senior Living Foresight, one of the industry’s most influential media platforms.

Known for his candid commentary and sharp observations, Moran has spent years challenging operators to rethink leadership, culture, transparency and the overall resident experience. Derek and Steve discuss why the industry may have more of a culture crisis than a staffing crisis, how operators can better empower residents and families and why storytelling may be the key to changing perceptions of senior living for future generations.

Aging rarely happens the way people expect. It arrives gradually, bringing changes in identity, relationships and perspective that can feel difficult to navigate. In this episode of Varsity’s Roundtable Talk, Derek sits down with bestselling author, cartoonist and former special education teacher J.J. Hubal, whose book Goodbye Old, Hello Bold uses humor and visual storytelling to explore the realities of growing older with more curiosity and courage.

In their conversation, Derek and J.J. discuss why aging often creates anxiety, how humor can make difficult topics more approachable and why reinvention becomes increasingly important later in life. J.J. also shares personal reflections on loneliness, friendship, creativity and the importance of continuing to step outside your comfort zone as you age.