Roundtable Talk

EP 33 / Steve Moran / Senior living thought leader and outspoken voice on aging, culture and innovation

The future of senior living may depend less on new buildings and amenities and more on whether the industry is willing to rethink culture, autonomy and the resident experience itself. In this episode of Varsity’s Roundtable Talk, Derek sits down with Steve Moran, founder and publisher of Senior Living Foresight, one of the industry’s most influential media platforms. Known for his candid commentary and sharp observations, Moran has spent years challenging operators to rethink leadership, culture, transparency and the overall resident experience. Derek and Steve discuss why the industry may have more of a culture crisis than a staffing crisis, how operators can better empower residents and families and why storytelling may be the key to changing perceptions of senior living for future generations.

EP 32 / J.J. Hubal / Author, cartoonist and advocate for embracing aging with humor

Aging rarely happens the way people expect. It arrives gradually, bringing changes in identity, relationships and perspective that can feel difficult to navigate. In this episode of Varsity’s Roundtable Talk, Derek sits down with bestselling author, cartoonist and former special education teacher J.J. Hubal, whose book Goodbye Old, Hello Bold uses humor and visual storytelling to explore the realities of growing older with more curiosity and courage. In their conversation, Derek and J.J. discuss why aging often creates anxiety, how humor can make difficult topics more approachable and why reinvention becomes increasingly important later in life. J.J. also shares personal reflections on loneliness, friendship, creativity and the importance of continuing to step outside your comfort zone as you age.

EP 31 / Colin Milner / Founder of ICAA and leading voice in active aging and longevity

Aging has long been framed as a slow narrowing of possibilities, but that perspective is beginning to shift. In this episode of Varsity’s Roundtable Talk, Derek sits down with Colin Milner, founder and CEO of the International Council on Active Aging, whose work has helped redefine aging as a dynamic, engaged and opportunity-filled stage of life. In their conversation, Derek and Colin explore why changing perceptions around aging takes time, the growing importance of closing the gap between lifespan and health span and how simple behaviors like staying active and curious can have outsized impact.

EP 30 / Jerry Mitchell / Tony Award-Winning Director, Choreographer & Broadway Storyteller

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.

EP 29 / Teepa Snow / Dementia care educator and founder of Positive Approach to Care

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.