Summary

What happens when a Grammy-nominated drummer turns his passion for music into a powerful tool for dementia care? Jesse Tillman Pitts joins the show to share how his background in music, his philosophy of immersion, and a deep commitment to leadership are transforming life enrichment in senior living. From redefining engagement to launching global research partnerships, Jesse’s work is grounded in purpose and connection—and he's just getting started.

Guest Bio

Jesse Tillman Pitts is the Regional Director at Angel Senior Living, founder of Aravine Consulting, and author of Living With Purpose: The Tillman Framework for Activities in Senior Living. A two-time Latin Grammy-nominated drummer and producer, Jesse bridges the gap between art and care, using music and immersive engagement strategies to elevate life enrichment for residents—particularly those with dementia. He’s also leading collaborative research on the effects of music in memory care across universities and practitioners globally.

Timestamps:
[01:00] Intro by Matt Reiners
[02:06] Jesse’s winding path from music to senior living
[05:11] How being a husband, musician, and businessman shapes Jesse’s leadership
[10:38] When music became more than background noise—it became a care tool
[12:50] The collaborative research effort on music and dementia care
[17:30] Why this work needs scientific backing, not just feel-good stories
[20:17] Real-world examples of music calming and connecting residents
[25:05] Rethinking what meaningful engagement really means
[30:30] Jesse’s book, and how communities can begin transforming enrichment programs
[34:13] A call for collaboration: Jesse’s research needs operators and communities

Overview:
In this episode, Matt sits down with Andy Bailey, CMO of Be My Eyes, to explore how accessibility tech is reshaping daily life for blind and low-vision individuals. From a humble idea sparked by a furniture maker in Denmark to a global platform combining AI and human kindness, Be My Eyes is a masterclass in purpose-driven innovation. Andy shares how they balance automation with real connection, support aging populations, and create scalable impact in senior living and beyond.

Guest Bio

Andy Bailey is the Chief Marketing Officer at Be My Eyes, a platform that connects blind and low-vision individuals with sighted volunteers and AI support to navigate daily life. With a background in purpose-driven tech and a passion for accessibility, Andy leads efforts to scale human-centered innovation across the globe.

01:00 – Introduction and welcome
02:01 – Meet Andy Bailey, CMO at Be My Eyes
02:55 – Andy’s career journey and pursuit of purpose-driven work
05:03 – The origin story of Be My Eyes: from a Danish furniture maker to a global platform
08:52 – How AI is enhancing—not replacing—human support
09:53 – Balancing human connection and artificial intelligence
12:35 – Loneliness, human connection, and surprising volunteer demand
13:54 – Reaching older adults: Designing tech with accessibility first
16:45 – Real-world use cases: From soup cans to supermarket aisles
19:19 – Opportunities in senior living: efficiency, dignity, and connection
22:43 – What’s next: smart glasses and deeper integration into aging services
24:53 – How to learn more and get involved with Be My Eyes

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Website: https://www.bemyeyes.com/

Director of Living Revolution, Brandi Beckley, joins Matt to demystify FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) for senior living communities. They break down the common design and purchasing mistakes, why cheap furniture costs more in the long run, and how thoughtful choices impact resident and staff experiences. Brandi shares practical insights on creating cohesive, functional spaces that elevate community image and operational ease.

Guest Bio

Brandi Beckley is the Director at Living Revolution, a Chicago-based firm specializing in FF&E solutions for senior living communities. With a background in event management and nonprofit advocacy at LeadingAge Illinois, Brandi brings a unique blend of strategy and empathy to designing functional, beautiful environments that reflect a community’s mission and values.

Timestamps:

• 01:01 – Brandi’s path from international business to senior living

• 02:51 – Why FF&E is more than just furniture shopping

• 04:30 – New builds vs. refreshes: What’s trending in senior living design

• 05:20 – The top 3 mistakes communities make when refreshing spaces

• 09:58 – A real-world refresh gone wrong—and how to fix it

• 12:41 – Which products don’t hold up in senior living environments

• 14:35 – Rethinking artwork: function, emotion, and wayfinding

• 15:38 – The right first step for a successful refresh

• 16:48 – Brandi’s own furniture hacks (and what she doesn’t buy for her house)

Overview:

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Matt Reiners speaks with Sasha Dawn, founder and CEO of Utopia Experiences — the company behind Spintopia, a live, customizable game show platform designed to combat isolation and spark connection in senior living communities.

Sasha shares the deeply personal story that inspired her to create Utopia, and how a powerful interaction with a single activities director during the COVID-19 crisis changed her perspective on care and connection. From hilarious cat names to cross-country game show competitions, this conversation blends emotion, innovation, and joy — showing how intentional play can radically improve quality of life for older adults.

Guest Bio:

Sasha Dawn is the founder and CEO of Utopia Experiences, the creator of Spintopia — a customizable, senior-focused game show platform designed to combat isolation and spark joy in aging communities. Her journey from personal crisis to purposeful innovation has made her a passionate advocate for meaningful engagement in senior care. With a background in entertainment and a drive to create human connection, Sasha leads her team with what she calls “insightful passion and intuition.”

Timestamps:

• 01:00 — Meet Sasha Dawn: Game show host, CEO, and joy-giver

• 03:00 — A father's stroke and the phone call that changed everything

• 06:30 — The birth of Utopia Experiences: From grief to innovation

• 08:30 — What is Spintopia? A game show built for senior living

• 10:00 — A cat named McSneezy McSnotfly... and the magic of memory

• 13:15 — Lessons in leadership, learning, and the $4 yellow blazer

• 16:30 — Measuring impact: 75% increase in resident participation

• 19:30 — Cross-community competition and virtual family moments

• 22:00 — How engagement tech can reshape elder care

• 25:00 — A 109-year-old’s birthday game show and what’s next for Utopia

Rebecca Adelman, a trailblazer at the crossroads of law, leadership, and legacy, joins Matt Reiners for an in-depth conversation about the human side of risk management in senior living. Drawing on 30+ years in litigation and personal caregiving experiences, Rebecca shares how misaligned expectations—not just adverse events—often drive litigation. She introduces Guide Path, her certification program redefining how communities engage with families, reduce risk, and enhance care.

If you’re a senior living leader navigating complex challenges, this episode delivers a new lens—and a roadmap.

Rebecca Adelman, Esq. is a nationally recognized attorney, risk strategist, and founder of the Adelman Firm and Guide Path, a certification program focused on expectation alignment in senior living. With over 30 years in healthcare litigation, she’s also a caregiver, educator, and passionate advocate for intergenerational care. Her philosophy of “Work-Life-Being” shapes her mission to drive human-centered change across the care ecosystem.

Timestamps:
01:00 — Introduction to Rebecca Adelman: attorney, risk strategist, and founder of Guide Path
03:41 — Rebecca’s entry into senior living through healthcare litigation
06:52 — The personal turning point: caregiving for her father
09:50 — What drives lawsuits in senior living (it’s not what you think)
12:56 — Designing Guide Path: expectations management as risk mitigation
14:27 — What proactive alignment looks like in practice
18:28 — Resident and Family Insights Survey: where risk really lives
21:41 — How unmet expectations fuel litigation
23:27 — What sets Guide Path apart from other certifications
27:40 — Rebecca’s life philosophy: Work-Life-Being
33:33 — Real-world impact: from personal relationships to global reach
38:23 — Aligning training with compliance and federal regs
41:29 — Rebecca’s lens on leadership in male-dominated spaces

Links:

• Adelman Law Firm
• Guide Path
• Parasol Alliance

Phil Gorski shares his deeply personal journey from a life-altering diagnosis and liver transplant to founding a company that’s transforming how families experience senior living options. Through immersive virtual tours, Phil helps communities build trust, reduce stress, and improve transparency during one of life’s most emotional decisions.

Phil Gorski is the CEO and President of Ova-Nee Productions, the company behind Senior Living 360 Tours. After a successful career in enterprise tech and a life-changing liver transplant, Phil shifted gears to focus on creating digital experiences that bring clarity, comfort, and transparency to the senior living search process. His mission is rooted in empathy and powered by tech.

Timestamps:

• [02:00] Phil’s backstory: IBM, illness, and an unexpected pivot

• [05:00] How a liver transplant reshaped his values around trust and empathy

• [08:00] Discovering 3D scanning and founding OVNI Productions

• [10:00] The moment a friend’s comment sparked the senior living 360 idea

• [13:00] What families really want when researching senior living

• [16:00] The emotional weight of decisions and why websites fall short

• [19:00] Why virtual tours are more than just tech—they're digital storytelling

• [22:00] How virtual tours reduce stress and align family members

In this episode, Matt Reiners is joined by Dr. Malinda Shultice, Founder and CEO of MS Healthcare Consulting and an educator at Iowa State University, to explore how curiosity can be a transformative tool in senior living leadership. From her unexpected entry into the field to the creation of her own company, Dr. Shultice shares actionable advice on how leaders can reduce burnout, foster empowerment, and reignite passion for their work through simple, curiosity-driven practices.

With over a decade of experience in senior living, Malinda now helps current and future leaders reignite curiosity and build healthier, more empowered teams. She is also a faculty member at a business school in Spain, where she teaches leadership and entrepreneurship.

Timestamps :

• 2:00 – How a part-time job led Malinda to a decade-long career in senior living

• 4:00 – The pivotal moment that shifted her career goals

• 6:30 – Teaching and consulting: a new way to support the next generation of leaders

• 8:00 – Defining “leadership curiosity” in a fast-paced, regulated environment

• 11:00 – Why curiosity and creativity fade—and how to bring them back

• 13:30 – A simple 5-minute exercise to reconnect and listen better

• 17:30 – Empowering vs. solving: the leadership shift that reduces burnout

• 21:00 – Soft skills, hard impact: balancing curiosity with accountability

• 25:00 – What’s next: embedding curiosity into leadership development

• 28:00 – Final thoughts and takeaways from Dr. Shultice

Lori Alford, Founder and CEO of Avanti Senior Living, shares her incredible journey through the senior living industry, a personal health crisis that transformed her perspective, and how she’s built a thriving career without sacrificing wellness or family. In this episode, Lori and Matt dive into proactive aging, brain health, boundaries, parenting, and leading a mission-driven team in one of the most demanding industries out there.

Lori Alford is a visionary operator and developer reshaping the future of aging. With nearly 30 years in the industry, Lori blends fierce leadership with a passion for brain health, longevity, and proactive aging. A two-time brain surgery survivor, she advocates for wellness-first work cultures and deeply believes in modeling the behavior she expects—from setting boundaries to building resilience. She’s also a proud mom, red light therapy enthusiast, and self-proclaimed cool mom.

Timestamps:

• 01:03 – Lori’s unconventional start in senior living

• 02:57 – From market research to operations to founder

• 05:42 – What “proactive aging” really means

• 07:36 – Surviving two brain aneurysms and transforming recovery into advocacy

• 09:18 – Incorporating wellness into senior living teams

• 13:23 – Red light therapy, saunas, and the Chick-fil-A experiment

• 16:51 – Sleep, water, food, and rhythms: her essential wellness habits

• 18:03 – Raising healthy kids through modeling and gratitude

• 21:52 – Work-life integration vs. balance: giving yourself grace

• 27:02 – Parenting reflections: being real, not perfect

• 29:45 – Boundaries, burnout, and the future workforce

• 34:01 – How Gen Z is changing the aging and wellness conversation

• 36:33 – Advice to those just starting their journey in senior living

Senior living executive Kate Bertram shares how authentic, courageous leadership can boost engagement, retention, and culture. Learn why “Creating Stickiness” is more than just her book—it’s a blueprint for the future of aging services.

Kate Bertram is a senior living executive, workforce strategist, and author of Creating Stickiness. With over two decades of experience, Kate helps providers build cultures where people want to stay and grow residents and staff alike.

Link to book.

[00:00] Introduction by Matt
[01:00] Kate Bertram’s journey into senior living and the moment that changed everything
[04:00] Leadership as “business with soul”—how Kate found purpose
[05:25] The two leadership traits that matter most: authenticity and courage
[08:50] What courageous leadership looks like under tight margins
[11:55] Why people really leave (or stay) in senior living roles
[16:30] Burnout vs. belonging: How to create meaning in daily work
[20:47] Why most “total rewards” programs fail—and how to fix them
[26:35] Where to start: The crucial first step to transforming culture
[29:46] The gap between HQ initiatives and frontline reality
[30:21] Balancing margin with mission: Dual stewardship in action
[33:23] The Tide story—and why even small decisions leave big marks
[34:16] Kate’s closing thoughts on workforce, the future, and her book

What happens when a seasoned senior living operator crosses over to the “dark side” of technology? In this episode, Matt reconnects with Dan Wolen, now at Teton, to unpack the real-world impact of predictive insights and AI in senior living. From staffing efficiencies to reducing adverse incidents, Dan shares how communities can move from reactive to proactive—and why it all starts with giving teams the right tools, not more tasks.

Timestamps :
01:00 – Intro and welcoming Dan back
02:36 – Dan’s early “aha” moments after joining the tech vendor world
04:04 – What “predictive insights” really means in senior living
05:31 – Real-time data visibility and frontline decision-making
06:45 – Bridging clinical care and operational efficiency
08:03 – Resident outcomes: measurable improvements with predictive tools
09:35 – Barriers to adoption and how communities can overcome them
11:13 – Concrete examples: caregiver apps and mobile spot checks
13:59 – Department-level and executive dashboards for broader impact
16:30 – Boosting satisfaction and length of stay through proactive care
18:03 – What the future holds: AI and predictive tools at scale
19:08 – Dan’s advice to curious but hesitant operators
20:11 – The one question every operator should ask a tech vendor

In this conversation, Scot Masters, an expert in dining services and senior living, shares his journey from restaurant kitchens to leading dining experiences in senior living communities. He discusses the unique challenges and opportunities in this sector, emphasizing the importance of creating meaningful dining experiences for residents. Scot highlights trends in the industry, the role of technology, and the significance of investing in food service leadership. He also reflects on the importance of relationships in enhancing the dining experience and the impact of spontaneity in creating memorable moments for residents.

Guest: Scot Masters, Founder & Principal Consultant, Masters Consulting Group

Scot Masters is the founder and principal consultant of Masters Consulting Solutions. With decades of experience across restaurants, hotels, and senior living communities, Scot brings a dynamic blend of operational expertise and human-first leadership. He’s helped hundreds of communities transform their dining services into strategic, culture-building assets.

What happens when you combine bingo with exercise? In this episode, Matt Reiners sits down with Dr. Crandall, creator of Bingocize, and Megan from the Atlanta Regional Commission to explore how this evidence-based program is breaking barriers in senior health, fighting social isolation, and making movement fun.

Timestamps:

• 01:02 – Meet Dr. Crandall & Megan, and the origins of Bingocize

• 02:06 – How bingo became the hook for exercise adherence

• 03:51 – Implementation in Atlanta & building true community champions

• 07:43 – Why engagement matters more than the perfect program

• 10:37 – Results: mobility, social connection, and empowerment

• 15:00 – The evidence: studies, NIH grant, and clinical trials

• 18:59 – Special stories from participants & volunteers

• 23:15 – The Maryland group transformation and centenarian participants

• 27:46 – Lessons learned: adapting to community needs

• 30:50 – Tools, partnerships, and ongoing support for facilitators

• 37:08 – Future vision: expanding globally and intergenerational wellness

• 39:56 – Final thoughts: impact across the spectrum of care

Guest Bios:

• Dr. Jason Crandall is the creator of Bingocize® and CEO of Exercize Innovations. With over a decade of research, he’s built an evidence-based program that combines bingo with exercise and health education to improve the lives of older adults.

In this episode of What's the Yap, Rachel Keller and I dive into the fast-growing world of AI agents, autonomous helpers that can manage everything from wardrobe choices to lead generation. Rachel shares her personal experience using AI to perfect her personal brand and streamline content creation, while Matt breaks down how he’s building agents to power both his professional and personal life. They explore practical steps for creating your own agents, address concerns about over-reliance on AI, and share a vision for the future of digital assistants.

Timestamps:

• 01:02 – Welcome back & Rachel’s AI obsession

• 01:36 – The risks of over-relying on AI (inspired by Sam Altman)

• 04:24 – How Rachel uses ChatGPT to choose outfits & design her home

• 07:11 – Creating a personal stylist AI agent

• 08:18 – Defining “AI agents” & how they run playbooks for you

• 11:36 – Examples of agents for content creation, trend tracking & more

• 15:18 – Live demo: ChatGPT suggests custom agents for Matt

• 18:41 – Structuring agents like an AI “team”

• 20:10 – Dream scenarios for agents (including laundry!)

• 22:12 – Building agents for sales & marketing workflows

• 26:49 – Other AI tools: Motion AI, Zapier & automation stacking

• 29:13 – Concerns about brain power & over-dependence on AI

• 31:57 – Guardrails for balanced living (apps like Opal)

• 33:09 – Using AI for journaling & mental health

• 34:12 – Audience call-to-action & show naming debate

Laurie Schultz – Principal & Co-Founder, Avenue / Viva Bene
Laurie returns to share what she’s learned from the frontlines of creating proactive, wellness-focused communities for today’s active adults.

Timestamps

• 00:31 – Welcome back, Laurie Schultz: change maker and visionary

• 01:24 – The evolution from “senior” to “boomer” housing

• 03:15 – What today’s boomers want vs. past generations

• 04:21 – The reality of middle-market development and affordability

• 06:47 – “Accessible” living and creative development strategies

• 08:47 – Wellness trends shaping the future of senior living

• 11:48 – The vital role of technology and health data in community design

• 16:19 – Balancing autonomy, healthcare, and community

• 20:35 – Advice for operators: niche over everything

• 24:04 – Laurie’s call to action for industry collaboration

SEO Keywords: senior living innovation, boomer housing, wellness community, Laurie Schultz, Viva Bene, affordable senior housing, aging in place, proactive health aging, senior housing design

Guest Bio:

Laurie Schultz is a change maker in the senior living space, co-founder of Avenue and its flagship concept Viva Bene. With deep experience in development, operations, and strategic partnerships, she’s helping redefine how boomers live well as they age.

In this episode, we get real about what matters most in senior living marketing; occupancy. Not lead counts. Not clicks. Actual move-ins.

Too many operators are still buying “leads” from sources that churn out looky-loos and window shoppers. That strategy? It’s broken. We break down why that is and what your marketing partner should be doing instead.

You’ll learn:

• Why most “lead-gen” metrics are a distraction

• What true occupancy-focused marketing looks like

• The non-negotiables your agency or in-house team should be delivering

• Real strategies that convert interest into residents—not just inquiries

If you’re responsible for census growth and tired of fluffy reports and vague promises, this one’s for you.

Let’s move beyond vanity metrics and talk about what really drives move-ins.

Drake Strategic: https://www.drakestrategic.com/

This week, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with my friend and all-around senior living powerhouse, Mandy Hampton — CEO of The Ridge Senior Living out in beautiful Montana. (Still haven’t made it out there... working on it!)

We dive deep into the untold truths of senior living conferences, from how CEOs really define a “successful” event to the behind-the-scenes prep that makes or breaks the experience for operators and vendors alike. Mandy drops some real wisdom on how her team plans a year ahead, how to build meaningful vendor relationships without being annoying, and the one thing every leader should walk away with from a conference.

And yes, we talk about how I may or may not professionally stalk Mandy at every event (in the friendliest way possible, of course).

Whether you’re a vendor looking to break through the noise or a leader figuring out how to make conferences worth it, this episode’s packed with insights — and a few laughs along the way.

What do playing the piano, leading with heart, and running operations at a senior living company have in common? Apparently, a lot if your name is Blair Quasnitschka.

In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend Blair, VP of Operations at the Maxwell Group (and LinkedIn's most underrated musical talent). We dive into his unique journey — from chasing a dream in the sports world to stepping into the senior living space inspired by his late father’s legacy.

We cover a lot of ground in this one: how Blair builds trust across generations, the power of consistency in mentorship, and why vulnerability in leadership might be the biggest strength of all. Oh, and yes we talk pianos too.

Whether you're in senior living, leadership, or just trying to figure out your next step this episode's got something for you..

What does it really mean to hustle—and still lead with heart? This week, I’m joined by Dr. Julie Whitbeck-Lewinski, a Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Certified Senior Advisor, and co-owner of multiple Care Patrol offices, to talk about her journey from clinician to senior care entrepreneur.

Julie shares how she and her husband took the leap to open their business just one week before COVID hit New York, the challenges they faced, and how those moments tested—and strengthened—their commitment to serving older adults and their families.

We dig into:
✅ Why “hustle” doesn’t have to mean burnout, and how to align your work with your values.
✅ The lessons she’s learned building a mission-driven business in the senior care space.
✅ The realities of pivoting quickly when the world shuts down—and why having a heart-centered mission can keep you moving forward.
✅ Why it’s never too late to redefine your path, especially in midlife.
✅ Her advice for families and professionals navigating the aging journey.

Julie’s story is one of grit, purpose, and the power of showing up for the people who need you most—without losing yourself in the process.

If you care about senior living, entrepreneurship, or finding purpose in your work, this episode will leave you inspired (and maybe challenge how you think about “hustle”).

Today, I’m hanging out with my friend Erin Thompson, founder of Aspire for More with Erin and co-founder of The Mentoring Company, and let me just say, this conversation brought it.

We talk about how Executive Directors can move from feeling overwhelmed to truly empowered by using AI the right way without losing the human touch that makes senior living special.

Erin shares her journey from volunteering in senior living at 19 to becoming an Executive Director, and now helping leaders build growth cultures while prioritizing what actually matters.

We dive into:

✅ How AI can take busy work off your plate so you can spend time with your people.
✅ Why “feels like cheating” is a good thing when it comes to freeing your brain for leadership.
✅ How to test AI in your workflows today (even if you’re not techy).
✅ Why the future of senior living leadership requires embracing change—imperfectly, but intentionally.

Plus, we have a little fun along the way (there may or may not be a bald joke in there…).

If you’re an ED, regional, or anyone in senior living who’s felt like there’s never enough time in the day, this episode is for you.

Give it a listen, and let me know your biggest takeaway!

In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Michelle Daniel, President and CEO of The Eden Alternative and a true force in the world of elder care. With over 30 years in the industry, Michelle shares her deeply personal journey that began as a teenager visiting nursing homes and asking the tough questions most adults weren’t ready to face.

We dive into the systemic challenges of traditional senior living models and explore how The Eden Alternative is flipping the script, moving from institutional care to a model rooted in empowerment, dignity, and human connection.

Michelle gets candid about what’s broken, what’s working, and what the future should look like for aging in America. We talk about being a “recovering bingo hostage taker,” the power of social justice in shaping her career, and how reframing elder care can create real, lasting impact in people’s lives.

If you’re in senior living, care deeply about the future of aging, or just want to hear from someone who’s leading with heart and hustle, this one’s for you.

The Eden Alternative: https://www.edenalt.org/