TALATalks: The Podcast From The Texas Assisted Living Association

In this episode of TALATalks, host Anthony Ormsbee-Hale is joined by Aaron Fish, Founder and CEO of Trestle Hospitality Concepts, for a conversation that goes beyond food—it’s about leadership, culture, and the power of hospitality to transform senior living communities.

Aaron shares his leadership philosophy and how strong culinary operations can serve as a cornerstone for operational success, team engagement, and resident satisfaction. Together, Anthony and Aaron discuss how intentional leadership in dining programs creates ripple effects across staffing, retention, and community reputation.

This episode explores:

• Why hospitality should be a core leadership competency in senior living
• The connection between strong dining culture and workforce stability
• How leaders can coach, empower, and retain frontline hospitality teams
• The role of innovation, empathy, and consistency in culinary leadership
• Practical steps for transforming food service into a leadership-driven differentiator

Whether you lead operations, manage a team, or support culinary staff, this episode delivers actionable insights on how to lead through hospitality—and why doing so is essential in today’s competitive senior living landscape.

To learn more about TALATalks and stay updated on upcoming episodes, visit https://tala.org/talatalks/ or reach out to Anthony Ormsbee-Hale at [email protected].

In less than 10 minutes, discover how to turn your first 90 days as an Executive Director into a launching pad for long-term success. In this episode of TALATALKS, host Anthony Ormsbee-Hale shares three proven strategies to help senior living leaders build trust, secure early wins, and develop a compelling roadmap for their community.

Packed with real-world examples and powerful statistics—like why 30% of new hires leave within 90 days and how 90% of managers form early impressions—this quick episode delivers practical insight you can apply immediately. Whether you're stepping into the ED role for the first time or supporting someone who is, this episode is your go-to guide for making a lasting impact, fast.

To learn more about TALATalks and stay updated on upcoming episodes, visit https://tala.org/talatalks/ or reach out to Anthony Ormsbee-Hale at [email protected].

In this episode of TALATalks, Anthony Ormsbee-Hale sits down with Helen Hunsinger, Director of Communications at the Texas Assisted Living Association (TALA), and Rose Saenz, TALA’s Workforce Development Advisor, to explore how TALA is leading the charge in both advocacy and action across Texas’s senior living landscape.

Helen shares how TALA is elevating the visibility of assisted living communities through strategic communication, innovative member resources, and a renewed focus on telling the authentic story of senior living in Texas.

Then, the conversation transitions to Rose, who discusses TALA’s bold workforce development initiatives—including veteran outreach, career pipeline partnerships, and building purpose-driven pathways into the industry. Together, Helen and Rose offer a compelling look at how TALA is empowering providers, supporting professionals, and shaping the future of senior living.

Whether you're a provider, professional, or policymaker, this episode offers insight into the critical work being done behind the scenes to strengthen the sector’s foundation—one story, and one team member, at a time.

Resources from Podcast: 

Operation Serving Seniors: https://tala.org/operation-serving-seniors/ 

TALA Events Calendar: https://tala.org/events/ 

To learn more about TALATalks and stay updated on upcoming episodes, visit https://tala.org/talatalks/ or reach out to Anthony Ormsbee-Hale at [email protected].

Welcome back to TALATalks! In this episode, we dive into a powerful reflection sparked by the 2025 TALA Conference: how purpose drives resilience, engagement, and leadership in senior living. We’ll explore why cultivating purpose isn’t just a personal journey—it’s a strategic advantage for organizations seeking to thrive in a changing world. Learn how to integrate purpose discovery into the employee journey, connect daily tasks to deeper meaning, and create growth pathways that reward strengths, not just titles. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or new to the field, this conversation offers actionable insights to build mission-driven teams and leave a lasting impact. Plus, hear about our upcoming in-person AL Manager’s course this May!

To learn more about TALATalks and stay updated on upcoming episodes, visit https://tala.org/talatalks/ or reach out to Anthony Ormsbee-Hale at [email protected].

Join host Anthony Ormsbee-Hale on this episode of TALATalks as he converses with Alex Yndo, the conference and events coordinator for the Texas Assisted Living Association (TALA). 

This episode takes you behind the scenes of the upcoming TALA conference at the scenic Kalahari Resorts in Round Rock, happening from April 2nd to 4th. Alex shares her personal journey into senior living and breaks down her pivotal role at TALA before diving into the conference agenda and new additions. 

Get a first look at the exciting conference theme that marries the thrill of travel and adventure with essential topics like workforce development. Alex discusses key details such as registration deadlines, special accommodations, and the debut of a senior leadership track aimed at enhancing the professional growth of attendees.

The discussion also features a lineup of dynamic speakers and previews the entertaining aspects of the conference like the board reception with live music from The Mellows and an interactive expo loaded with surprises.

Wrapping up, Alex shares essential tips for attendees, from wardrobe advice to maximizing engagement with the conference’s digital community. She also clarifies the process for earning continuing education units (CEUs), ensuring every participant is equipped to gain the most from their experience. 

Tune in for a comprehensive preview that promises to make the 2024 TALA conference an unforgettable gathering for professionals in the senior living industry.

To learn more about TALATalks and stay updated on upcoming episodes, visit https://tala.org/talatalks/ or reach out to Anthony Ormsbee-Hale at [email protected].

In this insightful episode of TALATalks, host Anthony Ormsbee-Hale sits down with Kelly Singleton Myers, Founder and Chief Vision Officer at KJB Sales Consulting, to explore the transformative power of curiosity in sales and leadership within the senior living industry. 

With a rich background that spans over two decades, including a pivotal role as Senior VP of Sales at Sunrise Senior Living, Kelly shares her journey from social work to senior living sales, illustrating how a foundation in social care can uniquely equip one for success in sales. The conversation delves into her innovative approaches to leadership and sales processes, her advocacy for executive directors' involvement in sales, and the profound impact of personal touches like writing anniversary cards to team members. 

Kelly also introduces her new book, "The More You Know, The More You Close: The Power of Curiosity Driven Sales," offering listeners actionable insights on harnessing curiosity to enhance engagement and drive sales. 

Join us to discover how executive directors can leverage these strategies to foster a sales culture that celebrates community and connection.

Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-singleton-myers-a915a87/ 

Check out Kelly's new book: The More You Know, the More You Close: The Power of Curiosity-Driven Sales

To learn more about TALATalks and stay updated on upcoming episodes, visit https://tala.org/talatalks/ or reach out to Anthony Ormsbee-Hale at [email protected].

In this exciting episode of TALA Talks, host Anthony Ormsbee- Hale delves into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the senior living industry.
As we kick off 2025, Anthony explores how AI can enhance productivity, safety, and personalized care for residents while maintaining ethical standards. Joined by a unique AI guest, the discussion covers innovative applications like AI-powered fall detection, medication reminders, and social robots that combat loneliness. The episode also highlights the importance of privacy, data security, and transparency in implementing AI solutions.

Listeners will gain insights into AI's role in operational efficiency, personalized nutrition, and even virtual reality experiences for seniors. Whether you're a senior living manager or just curious about AI's impact, this episode offers valuable tips, real-world examples, and key considerations for responsibly integrating AI into your community.

Resources & Upcoming Events:
The program used in this episode is Google Notebook LM: https://notebooklm.google/ 
  
Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace: Thoughtfully Crafting a Company AI Use Policy - https://www.gislason.com/artificial-intelligence-in-the-workplace-thoughtfully-crafting-a-company-ai-use-policy/

TALA Members can access the WiseOx Chatbot for Texas Regulations: 
https://tala.org/wp-login.php 

Join us in Houston on Feb 5-7 for the next in-person AL Manager's course: 
https://tala.org/assisted-living-manager-courses/ 

Learn more about TALA Advocacy Day (Feb 25) here: 
https://tala.org/advocacy-day/

See you April 2-4 at the 2025 TALA Conference: 
https://tala.org/2025-annual-tala-conference-and-industry-expo/

Don't miss the upcoming TALA events and resources shared in this episode, and stay tuned for more engaging discussions. 

To learn more about TALATalks and stay updated on upcoming episodes, visit https://tala.org/talatalks/ or reach out to Anthony Ormsbee-Hale at [email protected].

The holidays are a time for connection, joy, and tradition—but for individuals living with dementia, this season can also bring unique challenges. In this episode of TALATalks, we explore how caregivers, families, and senior living staff can create meaningful and stress-free holiday experiences for those with dementia.

Join our host, Anthony Ormsbee-Hale, as we share evidence-based strategies, practical tips, and heartwarming examples to inspire your holiday planning. From music therapy and sensory activities to intergenerational storytelling and simplified traditions, this episode is packed with ideas to make the season brighter for everyone.

Whether you’re a caregiver, family member, or memory care professional, you’ll gain valuable insights to help foster joy and connection during this special time of year.

Tune in and discover how to make this holiday season unforgettable for those who matter most. 

To learn more about TALATalks and stay updated on upcoming episodes, visit https://tala.org/talatalks/ or reach out to Anthony Ormsbee-Hale at [email protected].

Assisted Living Quality Study Reveals Outstanding Care and Services

In this insightful episode of TALATalks, host Anthony Ormsbee-Hale is joined by Diana Martinez, President and CEO of the Texas Assisted Living Association. They delve into the remarkably positive outcomes of a comprehensive quality of care study in Assisted Living communities across Texas. Conducted by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Excellence in Aging Services and Long-term Care, this study was mandated by the Texas Legislature to assess the level of care provided in these facilities.

Throughout the episode, Anthony and Diana explore the study's extensive methodology, which included hundreds of on-site visits, staff interviews, and resident meetings, as well as detailed questionnaires comprising over 150 questions. They highlight key findings that show a majority of residents reporting improved or stable health conditions, a high level of mental well-being, and a deep appreciation for their ability to maintain independence and choice within their living environments.

To learn more about TALATalks and stay updated on upcoming episodes, visit https://tala.org/talatalks/ or reach out to Anthony Ormsbee-Hale at [email protected].

In this enlightening episode, we explore the compassionate mission of the Dallas Furniture Bank with special guest Liesl Gray Manone, Chief Executive Officer. 

This conversation delves into the critical role of the Dallas Furniture Bank in providing essential furnishings to families and individuals transitioning from homelessness or other precarious living situations.

Liesl discusses the unique challenges and rewards of running a nonprofit focused on repurposing gently used furniture, thereby preventing waste and significantly aiding environmental sustainability. 

Listeners will gain insights into the collaborative dynamics between the Dallas Furniture Bank, local communities, and senior living facilities, uncovering the profound impact of these partnerships. Liesel also shares valuable opportunities for volunteer engagement and how listeners, particularly from senior living communities, can contribute to this noble cause.

Tune in to this inspiring episode to learn more about the transformative effect of community support and the significant difference that a simple piece of furniture can make in transforming houses into homes. Discover how you can help make a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need, whether in Dallas or in your own community.

Find a local furniture bank near you:

Amarillo Area | https://www.amarillo.gov/departments/community-development/coming-home

Austin Area | https://www.austinecho.org/

Bryan/College Station Area | https://www.twincitymission.orghttps://www.twincitymission.org/

Dallas Area | https://www.dallasfurniturebank.org/

El Paso Area | https://www.epchomeless.org/

Fort Worth Area | https://ahomewithhope.org/

Houston Area | https://houstonfurniturebank.org/

Other Texas | https://www.thn.org/

San Antonio Area | https://www.closetohomesa.org/

Waco Area | https://www.heartoftexashomeless.org/

Wichita Fallas Area | https://nortexrpc.org/housing/

To learn more about TALATalks and stay updated on upcoming episodes, visit https://tala.org/talatalks/ or reach out to Anthony Ormsbee-Hale at [email protected].