Bridge the Gap: The Senior Living Podcast

Hosted by Bridge the Gap Network

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Episodes

200

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Bridge the Gap with hosts Lucas McCurdy and Joshua Crisp. A podcast dedicated to informing, educating and influencing the future of housing and services for older adults in senior living.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 15, 202620 min

Why Is Senior Housing Entering a Historic Growth Cycle? | Aron Will

Senior housing is no longer a niche asset class; it’s become one of the most talked-about sectors in real estate and institutional investing. On this episode of Bridge the Gap, Aron Will returns to break down why senior living is entering what he calls a “historic growth cycle.” Aron explains the powerful convergence of demographics, limited new development, strong occupancy growth, and increasing institutional capital flows driving unprecedented momentum in the sector.Key TopicsWhy senior housing is attracting institutional investorsThe demographic wave driving demand growthOccupancy trends and rental rate growth in senior livingWhy development has slowed dramaticallyConstruction costs and replacement cost challengesThe difference between real estate value and operating business performancePositive leverage opportunities in senior housingRisks of irrational exuberance in the sectorWhy senior housing is more insulated than office and multifamilyCapital markets outlook for 2026 and beyondMeet the Hosts:Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/Connect with Our GuestAron Will: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aron-will-b05395a Learn More about the CBREhttps://www.cbre.com/Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing.Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap.

June 8, 202613 min

How Nobi Is Transforming Fall Prevention in Senior Living | Roeland Pelgrims & Stijn Verrept

This week on Bridge the Gap we sit down with the Roeland Pelgrims and Stijn Verrept of Nobi to discuss how technology is reshaping the future of senior living. The conversation explores the operational realities caregivers face daily, the challenges senior living operators encounter amid staffing shortages, and why discreet, intelligent technology is critical to the future of aging services.Key TopicsThe origin story behind Nobi’s smart lighting platformWhy caregiver workflows inspired the company’s missionThe operational burden of fall-related investigationsHow AI-powered fall detection works in senior livingReducing falls by 50–55% in assisted living and memory careThe importance of dignity-centered technology designStaffing shortages and operational efficiency in senior housingWhy connected ecosystems are the future of care deliveryAI’s role in simplifying senior living technology adoptionMeet the Hosts:Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/Connect with Our GuestsRoeland Pelgrims: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roeland-pelgrims-2749805/Stijn Verrept: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stijn-verrept/ Learn More about Nobihttps://nobi.life Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing.Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap.

June 1, 202618 min

Evolution Over Revolution: How AI Is Reshaping Senior Living Technology | Brandon Logsdon

On this episode of Bridge the Gap, hosts Josh and Lucas sit down with Brandon Logsdon to discuss how technology, AI, and operational alignment are shaping the future of senior living. Brandon reflects on his first year leading Aline and shares how the company unified six separate organizations into one cohesive culture focused on “elevating the aging experience.”Meet the Hosts:Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/Connect with Our GuestBrandon Logsdon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-logsdon-325481212 Learn More about Alinehttps://alineops.com/ Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing.Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap.

May 25, 202621 min

Redefining Senior Housing Investment Through Collaboration | Michael Bowden & Shae Portnoy

This week on Bridge the Gap, Josh and Lucas sit down with Michael Bowden and Shae Portnoy of LTC REIT to explore how the company is redefining senior housing investment. Moving beyond the traditional “landlord” model, LTC is embracing a more collaborative, relationship-driven approach with operators The conversation dives into how LTC’s shift has transformed their company culture, opened doors to best-in-class operators, and created a more dynamic, people-first investment strategy.Key Topics:Why relationships and trust are central to investment successBreaking the “landlord” stigma in senior housingAligning incentives between capital partners and operatorsThe importance of on-the-ground engagement with residentsHow LTC is curating a best-in-class portfolioMarket outlook for senior housing growth in 2026 and beyondCultural alignment as a key investment criterionThe role of operations in driving asset valueRecruiting new talent into the senior living industryMeet the Hosts:Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/Connect with Our GuestsMichael Bowden: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-bowden-70592020 Shae Portnoy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaeportnoy Learn more about LTChttps://www.ltcreit.com/ Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing.Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap.

May 18, 202616 min

Why Senior Living Is the Most Rewarding Career You’re Overlooking | Justin Ladd

On this episode of Bridge the Gap, Justin Ladd of Arrow Senior Living shares his journey from a young nursing home trainee to a senior living leader shaping culture, growth, and innovation across multiple states. Justin dives into the three key pillars driving success in today’s senior living industry: building a strong culture and embracing emerging technologies like AI.Key Topics CoveredThe three pillars of senior living success: culture, operations, and technologyHow AI and data are shaping decision-making in senior livingCreating purpose-driven experiences for residentsThe importance of operational discipline in a complex industryGrowth strategies: acquisitions vs. new developmentsBuilding internal leadership pipelinesWhy senior living careers are rewarding and dynamicChanging perceptions with #WhatSeniorLivingLooksLikePersonal inspiration and lessons from family experienceMeet the Hosts:Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/Connect with Our GuestJustin Ladd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djustinladd Learn More about Arrow Senior Livinghttps://www.arrowseniorliving.com/Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing.Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap.

May 11, 202621 min

How to Build the Future of Senior Living Talent | Nancy Swanger

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 CoveredThe founding story of the Granger Cobb InstituteHow hospitality education connects to senior living careersThe evolution from a single course to a full degree programIndustry partnerships driving curriculum and student successWorkforce challenges and opportunities in senior housingShifting perceptions among younger generationsThe importance of purpose-driven careersOnline education and professional development pathwaysSuccess stories of students entering the industryThe future of aging services educationMeet the Hosts:Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/Connect with Our GuestNancy Swanger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyswanger/ Learn More about the Granger Cobb Institutehttps://business.wsu.edu/granger-cobb-institute-for-business-aging/Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing.Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap.

May 4, 202626 min

How to Plan for the Next Wave in Senior Living | Tiffany Karlin & Robert Zondag

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.Key Topics CoveredThe myth vs. reality of baby boomers entering senior livingWhy the biggest demand surge is still aheadAlzheimer’s and dementia trends reshaping care needsThe gap between demand and new housing supplyDifferences in strategy between for-profit and nonprofit operatorsAgile strategic planning and the “North Star” approachThe importance of simplifying strategy for organizational alignmentWorkforce challenges and the role of technologyChange management and stakeholder buy-inWhy leadership must “radiate” strategy clearly across teamsMeet the Hosts:Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/Connect with Our GuestsTiffany 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.Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap.Connect with BTG on social media:YouTubeInstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInTikTok

April 27, 202624 min

Navigating Insurance: Risk & ROI in Senior Living | Ryan Spalding

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.Key Topics CoveredThe evolution of senior living risk from COVID to todayWhy litigation against operators is increasingRising insurance premiums and shrinking marginsCommon frustrations with brokers and insurance processesHow to “tell your story” to underwriters effectivelyThe importance of proactive risk management and transparencyStaffing challenges and creative retention solutionsHow technology (fall prevention, wound care) reduces claimsThe role of broker relationships in securing better coverageTurning insurance into a revenue-generating opportunityMeet the Hosts:Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/Connect with Our GuestRyan Spalding: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanspalding07/ Learn More about Gibson Insurancehttps://www.thegibsonedge.com/ Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing.Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap.Connect with BTG on social media:YouTubeInstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInTikTok

April 20, 202619 min

Finding the Balance Between Tech & Human Care in Senior Living | Andrew Gall

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 CoveredThe evolution from paper-based systems to digital care trackingWhy 2026 is a pivotal year for senior living technologyThe growing role of predictive and preventative careBalancing operational efficiency with human connectionThe importance of dignity and “feeling at home” for residentsShifting expectations from investors and consumersMeet the Hosts:Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/Connect with Our GuestAndrew Gall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewmgall/ Learn More about Nobihttps://www.linkedin.com/company/nobi-smart-lights-us/ Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing.Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap.Connect with BTG on social media:YouTubeInstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInTikTok

April 13, 202623 min

Is Senior Living Falling Behind on AI Adoption? | Andrew Smith

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 CoveredThe shift from social engagement to measurable health outcomesUsing clinical and non-clinical data to track health improvementsCohort-based fitness programs and measurable resultsAI’s role in operational intelligence and efficiencyRobotics in senior living: where to startPrivacy vs. convenience in passive monitoring technologiesMeet the Hosts:Josh Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcrispsocial/ Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/ Connect with Our GuestAndrew Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewsmith608/ Learn More about HumanGoodhttps://www.humangood.org/ Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing.Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap.Connect with BTG on social media:YouTubeInstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInTikTok