Tag: roundtable talk

Aging rarely happens the way people expect. It arrives gradually, bringing changes in identity, relationships and perspective that can feel difficult to navigate. In a recent episode of Varsity’s Roundtable Talk, Derek sat 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. discussed 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 shared personal reflections on loneliness, friendship, creativity and the importance of continuing to step outside your comfort zone as you age.

Check out the full episode here.

WHAT DOES “HELLO BOLD” MEAN TO YOU?

I started the whole project at about 72 years old and I had the old part down, but I definitely didn’t have the bold part. So I’m the perfect author. I had zero bold. To me, bold is different things for different people. Sometimes it’s something very small. Sometimes it’s something very large. Most of my time was spent wallowing in self-pity that life hadn’t worked out for this reason, that reason. The whole project was really a search for bold. I didn’t start it even as a book. I certainly didn’t start it with a whole pile of bold ideas. I had absolutely nothing.

WHY DO SO MANY PEOPLE APPROACH AGING WITH ANXIETY INSTEAD OF CURIOSITY?

I think people get stuck in the negative, what didn’t go right. We also fill our minds with things that aren’t realistic anymore. There’s nobody blazing the trail for us. We’re pioneers. There are 10,000 boomers turning 65 every day and millions turning 80. You’re overwhelmed with loss and change. All loss causes change and even change you choose ends up with losses. You just have fewer people. If you’ve lost health, money, people or security, all of those things keep us stuck for a while.

WHY IS HUMOR SUCH A POWERFUL TOOL WHEN TALKING ABOUT AGING?

Humor is a powerful tool for talking about anything sensitive or difficult. Adding a cartoon takes you out of a live person saying something. It’s just a drawing. Humor makes the medicine go down easier. Reality can be a tough thing to deal with. The old humor acts like a spoonful of sugar. It lets people face difficult truths without feeling attacked or overwhelmed.

HOW IS THE CULTURAL NARRATIVE AROUND AGING CHANGING?

It’s definitely changing and it’s most evident in media and advertising. Years ago, if somebody was even 50, it was treated like they were almost ready for the grave. Now it’s becoming more natural. We’re investing less in clinging tooth and nail to old images and more in what’s next. People are experimenting more. We’ve opened up both ends of the spectrum. I see younger generations being less rigid too. There’s more freedom now to age honestly.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST FEARS PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT AGING?

One of the most popular cartoons I’ve done is just a sign in a yard that says, ‘Estate Sale: Everything My Children Told Me They Don’t Want to Inherit.’ People react to it because the stuff we hang onto has emotional power. It represents pieces of our lives, our history, our memories. It’s not just about cleaning out a room. It’s about realizing the past isn’t coming back. I had to stop looking backward and understand that I was stopping any positive input into my life.

QUOTES

“One day I was young and I went to bed. I woke up. I was old. That’s how it happens. Suddenly, without warning, you’re there.” (J.J.)

“It was really a search for bold. I didn’t start it even as a book. I certainly didn’t start it with a whole pile of bold ideas. I had absolutely nothing.” (J.J.)

“Everybody’s got a story. Everybody’s got stuff. You can’t base a relationship on sharing your victim story, or at least not very long or successfully.” (J.J.)

“I think a thumbnail definition of bold is facing reality and stepping up and doing what you need to do.” (J.J.)

“Getting older is a very big deal. Anyone who says it happened in a different way or that getting old is no big deal is a liar, liar, pants on fire.” (J.J.)

“Humor is a powerful tool for talking about anything sensitive or difficult.” (J.J.)

“As long as you’re fighting the word old, you’re never going to move forward.” (J.J.)

“Every time someone dies, it’s like a small library burning down.” (J.J.)

“Fear of the future and longing for the past can keep you stuck in place.” (J.J.)

“The good news is your world can get bigger much faster than it took for it to shrink.” (J.J.)

“Nobody was going to rescue me. I had to make this happen.” (J.J.)

“Be careful who you invest time in. How many viable years do I really have left? I don’t have a lot of time to make big mistakes with.” (J.J.)

NOTES

J.J. Hubal is a bestselling author, cartoonist and former special education teacher whose work explores aging through humor, honesty and visual storytelling. Her book Goodbye Old, Hello Bold encourages readers to rethink aging, embrace change and approach later life with more curiosity, courage and self-awareness.

J.J. Hubal is the author of Goodbye Old, Hello Bold, a visually driven book that blends cartoons, essays and reflections on aging. Through humor and deeply personal observations, the book addresses topics like loneliness, grief, reinvention, friendship and resilience while encouraging readers to embrace the realities of growing older.

Hubal spent decades working as a special education teacher before fully embracing writing and cartooning later in life. She has published cartoons and essays for years, with many of her cartoons focused on aging, memory, relationships and the realities of later life. She currently lives in Savannah, Georgia, where she continues writing, drawing and speaking about aging, creativity and personal growth.

J.J. said aging often creates anxiety because people become overwhelmed by loss, change and unrealistic expectations about what later life is supposed to look like.

She described “bold” as facing reality honestly and stepping up to do what needs to be done, even when the actions are small or unnoticed by others.

J.J. explained that humor helps people approach difficult conversations about aging because cartoons and comedy create emotional distance while still communicating truth.

She shared that many of the cultural narratives around aging are shifting, including the growing acceptance of using the word “old” openly and honestly.

J.J. talked about how loneliness became a turning point in her own life and inspired her to actively seek new friendships, experiences and communities.

She discussed the importance of staying open to reinvention later in life and said even small steps, like attending an art class or joining a group, can dramatically expand someone’s world.

J.J. emphasized that many fears around aging stem from clinging too tightly to the past instead of creating space for new experiences, relationships and possibilities.

She encouraged people to think proactively about aging by preparing emotionally, socially and practically for future changes rather than waiting until challenges become crises.

The Broadway stage doesn’t just reflect life, it reshapes how we see ourselves, each other, and the possibilities that come with every new chapter. In a recent episode of Varsity’s podcast, Roundtable Talk, Derek sat 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 explored how live theater uniquely connects audiences across generations, and what it means to stay creatively relevant over a 45-year career. The following are some fresh perspectives from their conversation. Check out the full episode here.

HOW DO YOU SEE STORYTELLING IN THEATER SHAPING THE WAY PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THEIR OWN LIVES?

Well, theater has the great ability to bring people together in a dark space without anything to distract them. So everyone’s there to hear the same story at the same time. And when they leave the theater, they walk away with that story. It’s a very, very special and unique experience that can only happen with that particular group of people you happen to show up with. It’s a very powerful tool to communicate with people.

HAVE YOU NOTICED DIFFERENCES IN HOW YOUNGER AND OLDER AUDIENCES CONNECT TO YOUR WORK?

I find that audiences do connect in different ways. Young kids responded to a high school story in a way that was truly magical because they are living it. They were so much wiser to what was going on. And then the parents respond to the adult version—how do you care for a child who is different than you and you don’t have the tools? Watching parents and grandparents cry at that emotional journey is really wonderful.

WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED TO KEEP REINVENTING YOURSELF?

I’m inspired by people I’ve looked up to my entire life who are still working. Even those who are gone, their work still exists and I go back and watch it. But I’m also inspired by the younger generation and the way they see the world. Watching young performers have their Broadway debut is magical. I remember my own debut at 20. It was something I had worked toward, and when it happened, it was such a milestone.

HOW DOES CREATIVITY FUEL LONGEVITY, BOTH PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY?

I mean, it is what keeps you young, isn’t it? Being able to work. As a dancer and choreographer, my life is based on physical work. I’m in the studio or the gym. As I get older, I have great associates who do what I used to do, but I’m still very active. Dancers are athletes. The maintenance is part of your daily process. I’ve been doing it for 45 years on Broadway, and that physical engagement keeps you going.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT THE BODY’S ABILITY TO ADAPT OVER TIME?

The body is an incredible instrument that can do incredible things. What I’ve learned as I’ve aged is that diet and exercise work much better together than separate. The food you eat and how you fuel your body is as important as how you use it. That fuel will help you with longevity without question.

QUOTES

“Theater has the great ability to bring people together in a dark space without anything to distract them. So everyone’s there to hear the same story at the same time. And when they leave the theater, they walk away with that story.” (Jerry)

“Live theater is a very, very special and unique experience that can only happen with that particular group of people you happen to show up with for the same performance.” (Jerry)

“I looked into her eyes and I saw a 19-year-old. She was so eager to be the best that she could be, even at that age. Here’s this young choreographer, and she was willing to listen and take the notes because I was out front watching.” (Jerry)

“Making musicals is like fishing with a net. You throw it into the sea. If it comes back with a lot of fish, you’re going to have success. But if it comes back half empty, you’re not going to run very long.” (Jerry)

“There are more letters in the word business than there are in show. My mom always used to say, it’s our job to get them to come back tomorrow.” (Jerry)

“By giving to my community and creating a safe space and raising money with the help of millions of other dancers and creative artists, that philanthropic event gave me a career.” (Jerry)

“Michael Bennett used to say to me, don’t wait for the muses. Just show up and do the work. And really, that’s what it is. It’s about showing up.” (Jerry)

“The food that you eat, how you fuel your body, is as important as how you use your body to exercise and express itself. The fuel will actually help you in the longevity, without question.” (Jerry)

“When people are in physical spaces together, they are actually doing a dance not to bump into each other. And patterns start to emerge.” (Jerry)

“Finding space for those stories is important, because along with them comes a lot of young, new artists that have new voices. And we need those voices.” (Jerry)

“My relationships with my younger creative artists fuel me as much as I’m giving them advice and fueling them. It’s a give and take, there’s no question.” (Jerry)

“Patience. Patience is the one thing that so many young artists have to learn.” (Jerry)

NOTES

Jerry Mitchell is a two-time Tony Award-winning director and choreographer known for shaping iconic Broadway productions like Hairspray, Kinky Boots, and Legally Blonde. With a career spanning decades, he has built a reputation for blending storytelling, movement and emotion to create memorable theatrical experiences.

Beyond his creative work, Jerry is deeply involved in the Broadway community, contributing as a mentor, collaborator and philanthropist. His leadership and influence extend across generations of performers and creators, helping shape both the art and business of theater.

Jerry is also the creator of Broadway Bares, a long-running fundraising initiative that has generated over $30 million for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. His philanthropic impact earned him the Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award, recognizing his commitment to community and giving back.

Live theater creates a shared experience that connects audiences in a way no other medium can.

Great performances evolve over time, with shows becoming stronger and more refined as actors fully inhabit their roles.

Different generations engage with stories in unique ways, often reflecting their own personal experiences and perspectives.

Success in creative work comes from consistently showing up and putting in the effort.

Strong collaboration is essential, requiring alignment, trust and a shared vision to bring ideas to life.

Mentorship is a two-way exchange, where experienced artists and younger talent learn from each other.

Staying relevant requires adapting to changing audiences and understanding what resonates across generations.

Patience is a critical ingredient for long-term growth, especially for those early in their careers.

Season 1 of Roundtable Talk set out to challenge everything we think we know about aging and ended up reframing what’s possible across an entire lifetime.

Across more than 20 conversations, Varsity’s aging and longevity podcast brought together gerontologists, policymakers, innovators, artists, journalists, and senior living leaders who are reshaping how we live, work, and contribute as we age. From public health and technology to purpose, creativity, and community, each guest added a vital layer to a more hopeful, human-centered narrative of longevity.

The season opened with cultural icons and truth-tellers like Garrison Keillor and Mo Rocca, who reminded us that humor, curiosity, and engagement don’t fade with age—they sharpen. Terry Farrell brought a deeply personal perspective on reinvention and authenticity, while Diane Harris and Dr. Sara Zeff Geber tackled the realities of solo aging, financial longevity, and planning for independence without fear.

Leading voices in aging science and public health—including Dr. Linda Fried, Dr. Louise Aronson, Dr. Kerry Burnight, and Dr. David Katz—challenged ageism head-on, reframed frailty and wellness, and made a compelling case for focusing on health span, not just life span. Their insights made it clear that aging well isn’t accidental—it’s systemic, behavioral, and deeply connected to how we design communities and care.

Innovation emerged as a recurring theme through conversations with Rick Robinson, Laurie Orlov, Dr. Tom Kamber, and Rob Liebreich, who explored how technology—from AI to digital literacy to cognitive health tools—can support independence, connection, and dignity when designed with older adults, not just for them.

The season also spotlighted bold models for aging with purpose and belonging. Andrew Carle and Lindsey Beagley explored university-based retirement communities and lifelong learning as antidotes to isolation. Barbara Sullivan highlighted the power of grassroots villages. Bridget Weston showed how older adults are fueling entrepreneurship through mentorship, while Brian Fried proved creativity and invention have no expiration date.

Rounding out the season, industry leaders like Larry Carlson, Scott Townsley, Marvell Adams Jr., Peter Murphy Lewis, and Dr. Robyn Stone confronted the hard truths facing senior living, caregiving, workforce sustainability, and inclusion, offering both critique and optimism for what comes next.

Longevity isn’t the prize if the years aren’t lived with joy, purpose and real connection. In a recent episode of Varsity’s podcast, Roundtable Talk, Derek talked with Dr. Kerry Burnight, a nationally recognized gerontologist, author of the New York Times bestselling JoySpan, and a longtime leader in aging research, policy and elder abuse prevention.

They unpacked why joy is deeper than situational happiness, how many strengths actually improve with age, and why most of the aging experience is shaped more by choices than genes.

The following are some fresh perspectives from the conversation. Check out the full episode here. 

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE JOYSPAN?

I had been a gerontologist for more than 30 years, and for the first 20 I worked with people in the roughest situations—elder abuse, financial exploitation, profound loneliness. I realized we were waiting too long. The research shows us what fortifies people for long lives, but that information wasn’t getting out in a readable, everyday book. I wanted to fortify people internally the way we try to fortify our bodies externally.

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE JOY IS A CRITICAL MEASURE OF AGING WELL?

Lifespan is how long you live, healthspan is how many of those years are healthy, but something was missing—the well-being component. The American Psychological Association defines joy as well-being and satisfaction. Joy isn’t toxic positivity. Happiness is circumstantial, but joy can exist even in challenge because it’s inside out. And I don’t know any older adults who haven’t had significant challenges.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTIONS PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT JOY AND AGING?

One misconception is that aging well is about luck or genetics. Research shows genetics only predict about 13 to 25 percent of our aging experience. Most of it is up to us. Another misconception is that joy has to look like a big smile. It doesn’t. Joy can be quiet contentment. And another is that you’re just born with it—that there are Eeyores and Tiggers. What I’ve seen is that people can learn this.

HOW DO YOU DEFINE AND MEASURE “JOYSPAN”?

The measures come from decades of research on psychological well-being, but one thing was missing—adaptability. When I brought that in, it became clear there are four components people who thrive in longevity share. They are verbs, not traits: growing, connecting, adapting, and giving. People who invest in those areas tend to enjoy very long lives.

Want to hear more from Dr. Burnight? Check out the full episode of Roundtable Talk for more fresh perspectives. Watch new episodes of Roundtable Talk on the Varsity website and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.

Culture doesn’t burn out overnight, it leaks energy through small breakdowns in communication, trust, and everyday civility. On Varsity’s podcast, Roundtable Talk, Derek sat down with Kathy Parry, a corporate energy expert who helps senior living organizations strengthen culture, recharge teams, and reignite purpose.

In their conversation, Derek and Kathy discussed the difference between morale and energy, the early warning signs of a team running out of gas and how leaders’ personal energy sets the tone for the entire culture.

The following are some fresh perspectives from the conversation. Check out the full episode here. 

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE WORK YOU DO AS A CORPORATE ENERGY EXPERT?

I chose the term energy because the work I do revolves around culture and how a culture stays energized. Energy is a great way to describe what it feels like to be on a team. You know when you’re on an energized team and you know when you’re not. Culture should feel energized.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ENERGY AND MORALE?

Morale is a little bit narrow. Energy permeates all parts of the culture. You can have a bad morale day, but energy is what gets things done. It means things are firing on all the right pistons.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SIGNS YOU SEE OF A LEADERSHIP TEAM RUNNING OUT OF ENERGY?

You see people showing up late, leaving teams, and poor communication is one of the first signs. When teams don’t feel transparency, energy breaks down quickly. Civility issues, burnout and physical exhaustion from being short staffed can all drain a team’s energy.

HOW DOES A LEADER’S PERSONAL ENERGY IMPACT THE OVERALL CULTURE?

There’s a definite trickle-down effect. You feel a leader’s energy right away. If a leader is burned out or stressed, they’re not showing up as their best self. How a leader shows up directly affects how the team shows up.

WHAT TACTICS HAVE YOU FOUND MOST EFFECTIVE IN HELPING LEADERSHIP TEAMS POWER UP?

Clear, concise communication sounds basic, but it’s critical. When people don’t get answers, they create their own information and that’s where gossip starts. Teams need to know how to get information, where it comes from, and that they can trust it.

Want to hear more from Kathy? Check out the full episode of Roundtable Talk for more fresh perspectives. Watch new episodes of Roundtable Talk on the Varsity website and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.

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.

On a recent episode of Varsity’s podcast, Roundtable Talk, Brian shared what inspires older adults to pursue invention later in life and the satisfaction that comes from seeing their ideas come to life. He discussed the biggest myths about inventing, the power of simple problem-solving, and how digital tools like AI and 3D printing are revolutionizing the process.

The following are some fresh perspectives from the conversation. Check out the full episode here. 

WHAT MOTIVATES OLDER ADULTS TO PURSUE INVENTION?

Maybe they’re bored and realize they have a better way to do something and they have the time and some funds. Others want to leave a legacy. Maybe build a company they can leave for their family. It’s very interesting to see seniors say, “You know what, I want to give this a shot.” And it’s fun, I get a chance to do it with them.

WHAT ARE COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS THAT HOLD PEOPLE BACK?

A lot of people say, “I came up with this great invention. I’m going to make a gazillion dollars, I just want to sell my idea.” It doesn’t necessarily work that way most of the time. We step back and ask: is it something you can call your own? Is it different than what’s out there? Is the window big enough that enough people will buy it to make it worth your time, money, energy and effort?

DO LIFE EXPERIENCES GIVE OLDER ADULTS AN ADVANTAGE?

Yes! One inventor related his invention to his IT background—wires and cable management. Another watched people pour pills and spill them and came up with Pillspoons. Everyday life experiences get that spark in their heads. Anybody can be an inventor. The question is, are you going to stop and work on it?

WHAT’S THE FIRST STEP SOMEONE SHOULD TAKE WITH A NEW IDEA?

Capture that idea. Otherwise, poof, it’s gone. Text yourself, email yourself, tell somebody. Then do a search—Google, images—be real about what’s already out there. If there’s enough of a difference, do a patentability search with a patent attorney or agent to compare your idea to prior art and see if it’s something you can call your own.

Want to hear more from Brian? Check out the full episode of Roundtable Talk for more fresh perspectives. Watch new episodes of Roundtable Talk on the Varsity website and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.

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.

On a recent episode of Varsity’s podcast, Roundtable Talk, Rick discussed how the collaborative accelerates startups, drives inclusivity in product design, and helps older adults embrace new technology. He also highlighted the promise of AI and embodied devices to ease challenges like social isolation and the caregiver shortage.

The following are some fresh perspectives from the conversation. Check out the full episode here. 

HOW DO YOU DEFINE AGETECH AND THE COLLABORATIVE’S MISSION?

We define it very simply: we’re here to make aging easier for everyone. That’s our mission. It’s broad, but it keeps us focused on impact. We show up at major events like CES, InVive, and Wired gatherings — not just to showcase technology, but to tell the story of how massive and important this space is. When people see that older adults drive trillions of dollars in spending and demand better solutions, the light bulb goes on.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE CUTTING-EDGE INNOVATION WITH THE REAL NEEDS OF OLDER ADULTS?

I love taking bleeding-edge technology — right now that’s generative AI — and making it accessible. We’ve done it before with VR to fight loneliness, and with AR to create immersive experiences. The key is to make the technology itself disappear so that what comes forward is the experience. People shouldn’t be intimidated by the tech; they should feel the value. That’s what makes innovation meaningful.

HOW DOES THE COLLABORATIVE PROMOTE INCLUSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE INNOVATION?

We push that philosophy out to every startup that joins. We give them access to diverse audiences and volunteers across the country — people from all backgrounds. We help startups identify and co-create with the right older adult audiences for their products. A lot of founders think they know their target market, but we’ll stop them and say, “Let’s talk to your audience first.” We help them test and refine products so they’re built with older adults, not just for them.

WHAT DO COMPANIES OFTEN GET WRONG WHEN DESIGNING FOR OLDER ADULTS?

They over-engineer or oversimplify. The key is balance. You want simplicity without being patronizing. Older adults don’t need “dumbed down” — they need intuitive. It’s about thoughtful design, not stripped-down design. And it’s crucial to involve older adults early in the process so the product reflects their real needs and preferences.

WHERE DO YOU SEE THE BIGGEST OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD IN AGETECH?

Caregiving is the biggest. There’s a massive shortage of caregivers, and costs are high. I think AI, combined with embodied devices, is going to play a big role in solving that. Within five years, we’ll see major advances in how technology supports both older adults and their caregivers — making care more personal, affordable, and available.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ENTREPRENEURS ENTERING THE AGETECH SPACE?

Start by truly understanding your audience. Don’t assume — go talk to older adults. Build with empathy and flexibility. Be ready to pivot when you learn something new. And don’t underestimate the market. This isn’t a niche; it’s one of the largest, fastest-growing opportunities in the world. If you can make aging easier, you’re not just building a business — you’re changing lives.

Want to hear more from Rick? Check out the full episode of Roundtable Talk for more fresh perspectives. Watch new episodes of Roundtable Talk on the Varsity website and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.

Every great story starts with someone worth caring about. On Varsity’s Roundtable Talk, documentary filmmaker Peter Murphy Lewis shared how his series People Worth Caring About gives voice to the caregivers whose compassion and commitment define long-term care communities across the country.

Peter shared how his grandparents’ positive experiences in senior living inspired his work and why focusing on staff stories helps shift public perception. He recalled moving encounters in hospice, lessons about dignity and language, and how storytelling can inspire young people to see caregiving as a calling.

The following are some fresh perspectives from the conversation. Check out the full episode here. 

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE “PEOPLE WORTH CARING ABOUT”?

It was a personal story that started it. When I began working in long-term care, I realized caregivers were fighting against a negative perception that existed even before COVID and was made worse by the pandemic. My own grandparents had incredible caregivers — people who treated them with love and dignity. But those caregivers rarely get the recognition they deserve. I wanted to change that narrative.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO FOCUS ON STAFF STORIES RATHER THAN RESIDENTS?

My background helped shape that decision. I used to host a TV show in South America similar to Dirty Jobs, where I interviewed people doing hard, meaningful work. So when I started this project, I naturally focused on caregivers. Looking back, that choice was “accidentally strategic.” When you put caregivers front and center, people don’t criticize — they empathize. You can’t look at someone like LaVita, who’s worked in memory care for 30 years, and not feel admiration.

WAS THERE A MOMENT THAT MADE YOU REALIZE YOU WERE ONTO SOMETHING SPECIAL?

Yes, on the very first day of filming in Nebraska. We visited a hospice called the Grace Space. One of the residents, Kim, was nonverbal, but she communicated with her CNA, a young man about 19 or 20, through her phone. She wrote that she felt blessed to have him caring for her and that she was excited to go to heaven, where she could dance again. That moment showed me how deep these relationships go — and I knew right then we weren’t just making a short film. We had a full season’s worth of powerful stories.

HOW DO CAREGIVERS STAY GROUNDED IN SUCH EMOTIONALLY DEMANDING WORK?

They’re stronger than I am. I think a lot of them have a love language rooted in service — they feel fulfilled by doing things for others. They find purpose in making people feel valued and comfortable. It’s not easy, but they have this incredible ability to compartmentalize and keep giving. Their hearts are built for it.

WHAT KIND OF IMPACT HAS THE SERIES HAD ON THE INDUSTRY?

The feedback has been incredible. Leaders from the American Healthcare Association called it an authentic depiction of long-term care. State associations are even using clips for advocacy — geofencing them around the U.S. Capitol so lawmakers see them. They’re also using the series for fundraising and to show the real faces behind the work. The reactions from caregivers themselves, and even my own father’s emotional response at the premiere, reminded me why this storytelling matters.

Want to hear more from Peter? Check out the full episode of Roundtable Talk for more fresh perspectives. Watch new episodes of Roundtable Talk on the Varsity website and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.