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.

On this episode of Varsity’s Roundtable Talk, we sit down with Bridget Weston, CEO of SCORE, a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring and educating small business owners. Bridget has spent more than 16 years helping lead SCORE’s mission, which has long relied on the expertise of retired and older mentors who bring decades of business experience to the entrepreneurs they serve. Derek and Bridget discuss how SCORE pairs seasoned professionals with younger entrepreneurs, how older mentors stay engaged and purposeful through volunteering and the role of encore entrepreneurs (age 55+) in starting new ventures.

On this episode of Varsity’s Roundtable Talk, we're joined by Laurie Orlov, a leading expert in aging and technology. As the founder of Aging and Health Technology Watch, Laurie leverages her extensive experience in IT and personal caregiving challenges to offer insights into how technological innovations can enhance the lives of older adults. In our conversation, Laurie shares her journey to becoming a thought leader in age-related technology. Laurie also discusses the transformative potential of AI in senior care, advocating for proactive technological solutions and greater inclusivity of older adults in product design processes.

Bob Kramer, a nationally renowned authority on aging and senior living, shares his insights as the newest guest on Varsity’s Roundtable Talk. As the co-founder of the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care (NIC) and founder of Nexus Insights, Bob has been called a “disruptive force” in the field — always challenging us to think differently about aging, housing and care. In this episode, Bob challenges the prevailing negative perceptions of aging, describing ageism as a prejudice against our future selves. He also highlights the significant, yet overlooked, potential of older adults in the workforce and addresses the epidemic of loneliness.

On this episode of Varsity’s Roundtable Talk, we sit down with Barbara Sullivan, National Director of the Village to Village Network. With a background in long-term care and nonprofit leadership, Barbara has been a key force behind the village movement, which helps older adults age in place with community support. Derek and Barbara discuss how villages serve the “missing middle,” the vital role of volunteers, and creative partnerships with senior living, healthcare, and faith-based groups. Barbara also shares how villages combat social isolation and her vision to expand the movement

On this episode of Varsity’s Roundtable Talk, we sit down with Marvell Adams, Jr., a longtime leader in aging services and the founder of W. Lawson, a consulting firm focused on equity and inclusion. He also serves as CEO of Caregiver Action Network, supporting millions of unpaid family caregivers across the country. Marvell shares how the Longevity and Inclusion Alliance Fellows Program helps leaders embed belonging into aging services. He also discusses the emotional realities of caregiving, the importance of succession planning, and why the future of senior living must be more inclusive, intergenerational, and community-connected.

On this episode of Varsity’s Roundtable Talk, we sit down with Dr. Linda Fried, a world-renowned geriatrician, public health expert, and Dean of Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. A pioneer in the science of healthy aging and frailty, Dr. Fried has dedicated her career to understanding how we can build systems and communities that support longer, healthier, and more purposeful lives. Derek and Dr. Fried explore the medical realities of frailty, why physical activity is the best prevention strategy, and how public health systems must evolve to meet the needs of an aging population.

On this episode of Roundtable Talk, Dr. Tom Kamber, founder of Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) and Senior Planet, shares how he's helping older adults thrive through digital connection, education, and empowerment. He discusses the evolution of OATS, the power of community-centered tech education, and how tools like smart homes, AI, and telehealth are reshaping what it means to age well in the digital era.