Host Peter Murphy Lewis is joined on this episode by Danielle Rasmussen, Life Enrichment Coordinator at Linden Court. Danielle shares her journey from librarian to life enrichment, her high-energy approach to engaging residents, and the meaningful stories that shape her work in senior living. From celebrating 104th birthdays to helping a 101-year-old find renewed purpose, she illustrates the power of connection, dignity, and joy in long-term care.

Brenda Van Leer, Program Director at Grandview Assisted and Independent Living, shares how she stepped into long-term care and quickly built programs that stand out statewide. In just over a year, she introduced fresh ideas that have energized residents, strengthened community partnerships, and earned national recognition. From launching a traveling balloon volleyball league to hosting Nebraska volleyball coach John Cook, Brenda shows how creativity and teamwork can shape a thriving culture. She also reflects on how daily connections with residents have reshaped her patience, perspective, and sense of purpose — insights that matter to anyone leading in senior care.

On this episode, host Peter Murphy Lewis talks to Jenni Torres, Education Service Coordinator at Nebraska Health Care Association. Jenny shares how her first year in the role has focused on outreach, education, and supporting students from diverse communities across Nebraska. She highlights her work connecting schools and agencies, building CNA pathways, and promoting programs like their Spanish track to better serve the local Latino community.

On this episode, host Peter Murphy Lewis talks to Julie Masters, Professor of Gerontology at the University of Nebraska Omaha. Julie shares her passion for reframing how we view aging and why education, community design, and storytelling are essential to creating meaningful experiences for older adults. She reflects on shifts in gerontology programs, her own experiences navigating health care systems, and the urgent need to make communities more age-friendly.

On this episode, host Peter Murphy Lewis talks to Sean Baessler, Assistant Executive Director of Elk Ridge Village. Sean shares how a part-time job at 17 grew into a two-decade career in senior care, the mentors who shaped his path, and the small daily actions that make a big difference in community life. From pranks with residents to board-level leadership in Nebraska, Sean reflects on the people and moments that defined his calling.

On this episode, we’re joined by Kyle Benesch, Director of Business Development at QRM. From mortician to long-term care advocate, Kyle shares a raw, emotional, and often hilarious journey through grief, growth, and deep purpose. He reflects on the lessons learned from managing people, surviving burnout, and finding belonging in the world of senior care. For Kyle, advocacy isn't a marketing line — it’s a calling shaped by personal loss, bold vulnerability, and a commitment to serving caregivers with respect and sincerity.

On this episode, hosts Peter Murphy Lewis and Jalene Carpenter talk to Traci Haglund, Licensed Nursing Home Administrator of Wakefield Health Care Center. She shares an unfiltered look at the realities of rural long-term care — balancing limited beds, unpredictable Medicaid rates, and staff recruitment with deep community commitment. From leveraging association leadership to shaping workplace culture that attracts teens and retirees alike, this conversation offers timely insights for anyone navigating the pressures of rural health care leadership.

On this episode, we’re joined by Tim Craig, Managing Director of LTC 100 at Lincoln Healthcare Leadership. Tim shares the groundbreaking insights behind LTC 100’s consumer perception initiative and why the long-term care field urgently needs to rethink how it communicates its value. From the importance of storytelling and social media to the danger of clinging to outdated terminology, Tim challenges leaders to take ownership of their message — and their future.

On this episode, we’re joined by Don Woods, Senior Living Advisor at Valley Lakes Assisted Living. Don shares how a single opportunity in a small-town care community shaped his life-long commitment to senior care. From washing dishes to becoming a trusted leader, his journey is rooted in compassion, connection, and a desire to leave every team better than he found it.

In this episode, Aimee Middleton, Chief Operating Officer at Good Samaritan, shares stories from her journey into long-term care, lessons learned through leadership transitions, and her vision for the future of senior care. From evacuating an entire campus during a hurricane to reducing agency reliance by over 40%, Aimee offers insight into what it takes to lead with heart, grit, and clarity in a challenging industry.

On this first episode of “People Worth Caring About," hosts Peter Murphy Lewis and Jalene Carpenter talk to Tracy Lichti, President and CEO of New Cassel Retirement Center. Tracy shares her journey and opens up about the emotional depth, purpose, and leadership required in the long-term care industry. She reflects on launching the Nebraska LEAD Program, the power of planting seeds in others, and what it really means for caregivers to make space for families just to be family.