Roundtable Talk

The stage doesn't just reflect life, it reshapes how we see ourselves, each other, and the possibilities that come with every new chapter. In this episode of Varsity's Roundtable Talk, Derek sits down with Jerry Mitchell, two-time Tony Award-winning director and choreographer, whose Broadway credits include Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde, and most recently Boop and The Devil Wears Prada on London's West End.

In their conversation, Derek and Jerry explore how live theater uniquely connects audiences across generations, and what it means to stay creatively relevant over a 45-year career.

Dementia is often defined by what people lose, but a more helpful question is what abilities remain. In this episode of Varsity’s Roundtable Talk, Derek sits down with Teepa Snow, occupational therapist, educator and founder of Positive Approach to Care, one of the most influential voices in dementia care.

Their conversation explores why fear still shapes public perceptions of dementia, how communication must adapt as brain changes occur and why Snow prefers the term “care partner” over caregiver. She also discusses caregiver burnout and the importance of building stronger community support around people living with dementia.

Clutter isn’t about things, it’s about memory, identity and the fear of being forgotten. In this episode of Varsity’s Roundtable Talk, Derek sits down with Matt Paxton, nationally recognized downsizing expert and longtime host of A&E’s Hoarders, who has spent decades helping families navigate life’s toughest transitions through his company, Clutter Cleaner.

Matt shares why possessions feel like proof that we mattered, how trauma and loss often sit beneath clutter and why families must lead with love, not judgment, when starting the conversation.

The senior living industry is at an inflection point, shaped by rising demand, shifting expectations and rapid change across care, workforce and media. In this episode of Varsity’s Roundtable Talk, Derek welcomes Kimberly Bonvissuto, content editor at McKnight’s Senior Living. Kimberly sits at the center of the senior living conversation, helping operators make sense of what matters now and what’s coming next.

During the discussion, Kimberly unpacks the arrival of the “silver wave,” the growing gap between senior living supply and demand and assisted living’s evolution into a more healthcare-driven model.

Season 1 of Roundtable Talk set out to challenge everything we think we know about aging and ended up reframing what’s possible across an entire lifetime.

Across more than 20 conversations, Varsity’s aging and longevity podcast brought together gerontologists, policymakers, innovators, artists, journalists, and senior living leaders who are reshaping how we live, work, and contribute as we age. From public health and technology to purpose, creativity, and community, each guest added a vital layer to a more hopeful, human-centered narrative of longevity.

Longevity isn’t the prize if the years aren’t lived with joy, purpose and real connection. In this episode of Varsity’s Roundtable Talk, Derek talks with Dr. Kerry Burnight, a nationally recognized gerontologist, author of the New York Times bestselling JoySpan, and a longtime leader in aging research, policy and elder abuse prevention.

They unpack why joy is deeper than situational happiness, how many strengths actually improve with age, and why most of the aging experience is shaped more by choices than genes.

Culture doesn’t burn out overnight, it leaks energy through small breakdowns in communication, trust, and everyday civility. In this episode of Varsity’s Roundtable Talk, Derek sits down with Kathy Parry, a corporate energy expert who helps senior living organizations strengthen culture, recharge teams, and reignite purpose.

In their conversation, Derek and Kathy dig into the difference between morale and energy, the early warning signs of a team running out of gas and how leaders’ personal energy sets the tone for the entire culture.

Inventing isn’t just for the young—or the tech-savvy. Brian Fried, accomplished inventor, author, and founder and CEO of Inventor Smart, proves that creativity and innovation can thrive at any age. With more than 15 patents and nearly 20 years of experience coaching inventors, Brian has built a career helping people turn everyday ideas into real-world success stories.

In this episode of Roundtable Talk, Brian shares what inspires older adults to pursue invention later in life and the satisfaction that comes from seeing their ideas come to life. He discusses the biggest myths about inventing, the power of simple problem-solving, and how digital tools like AI and 3D printing are revolutionizing the process.

Agetech is one of the fastest-growing frontiers in innovation, with the potential to transform how older adults live, connect, and thrive. At the center of this movement is Rick Robinson, Vice President and General Manager of the Agetech Collaborative from AARP, who is building a vibrant ecosystem of startups, investors, and enterprises committed to reshaping the future of aging.

In this episode of Roundtable Talk, Rick discusses how the collaborative accelerates startups, drives inclusivity in product design, and helps older adults embrace new technology. He also highlights the promise of AI and embodied devices to ease challenges like social isolation and the caregiver shortage.

On this episode of Varsity’s Roundtable Talk, we sit down with Peter Murphy Lewis, documentary filmmaker and co-creator of People Worth Caring About, a YouTube series that shines a spotlight on caregivers in long-term care communities across the country.

Peter shares how his grandparents’ positive experiences in senior living inspired his work and why focusing on staff stories helps shift public perception. He recalls moving encounters in hospice, lessons about dignity and language, and how storytelling can inspire young people to see caregiving as a calling.