LTC Heroes - A podcast on Long Term Care, Senior Living, Senior Care & Skilled Nursing Facilities

About LTC Heroes - A podcast on Long Term Care, Senior Living, Senior Care & Skilled Nursing Facilities

Most people overlook them. We won’t. On "People Worth Caring About," documentary producer Peter Murphy Lewis—creator of the hit series now streaming on smart TVs across the U.S.—and Jalene Carpenter, the long-term care visionary who helped build it, shine a light on the quiet heroes holding our communities together. From Nebraska, Ohio, New Mexico, and Kentucky, their stories come alive in four groundbreaking seasons—and continue here through raw, revealing conversations about dignity, trust, and human connection. Tune in—and discover why these are the people worth caring about.

Publisher

Peter Murphy Lewis

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

28 Jan 2021

Latest episode

19 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

153 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   19 Oct 2026

   The Best Kept Secret in Healthcare: Why Nurse Practitioners Deserve Your Attention

   Uncover the untold power of nurse practitioners in the healthcare system. Dr. Valerie Fuller, President of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, reveals why these highly trained professionals are the best-kept secret in healthcare. Are you aware of the vital role they play in providing high-quality, cost-effective care? Tune in to discover how nurse practitioners are reshaping patient care and what keeps them under the radar. In this compelling episode, Dr. Fuller shares her journey advocating for over 461,000 nurse practitioners nationwide. With 28 years of experience as a nurse practitioner, she discusses the misconceptions surrounding the role and the unique, holistic approach they bring to healthcare. You’ll learn how nurse practitioners can diagnose, treat, and prescribe, yet still remain lesser-known compared to their physician counterparts. You’ll discover: - How nurse practitioners bridge the gap in healthcare access, especially in underserved areas. - The legislative barriers that prevent them from fully exercising their training and how they’re working to change this. - Real-life examples of the impact nurse practitioners have on patient outcomes and satisfaction. Dr. Fuller emphasizes the importance of understanding the full scope of practice available to nurse practitioners and how misconceptions can lead to missed opportunities for patients to receive quality care. With a focus on listening and understanding patient needs, she highlights why nurse practitioners are essential in today’s healthcare landscape. Don’t miss out on this essential conversation that challenges the status quo and advocates for a transformation in healthcare delivery. Perfect for anyone interested in healthcare, policy, or simply looking to understand more about the hidden gems in our medical system. Listen now to empower yourself with knowledge that could change lives! Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Dr. Valerie Fuller 01:05 - What nurse practitioners do 02:40 - Explaining the nurse practitioner role to patients 04:15 - Why nurse practitioners are still “the best kept secret” in healthcare 06:39 - Nurse practitioners in rural and underserved communities 08:16 - Policy barriers to practicing at full scope 09:24 - How outdated Medicare rules affect patient care 11:36 - The I Can Act and federal advocacy 12:13 - Using storytelling to reach legislators 12:45 - Full practice authority and the Texas–New Mexico contrast 14:53 - The patient-centered philosophy of nursing 15:57 - Valerie’s path into advocacy and association leadership 18:41 - Why patient stories move policy 20:18 - Rural health advocacy at the White House 22:01 - What Valerie enjoys most about leading the association 23:09 - Favorite and least favorite airports 24:12 - Building a postoperative delirium program 25:53 - Researching patients’ experiences with delirium 26:59 - Closing remarks Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories. For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com (http://peopleworthcaringabout.com). #HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

2. 

   14 Oct 2026

   From Airbnbs to Apps: How One Founder is Changing Cancer Care Forever

   Transforming the cancer care experience is no small feat, but Christina Merrill is doing just that. In this riveting episode of People Worth Caring About, she unveils how her journey from social worker to founder and CEO of the Bone Marrow and Cancer Foundation (https://bonemarrow.org/) has changed the lives of countless patients and families facing the daunting challenges of cancer treatment. You'll discover the innovative strategies Christina implemented, including a groundbreaking partnership with Airbnb that allows patients to access crucial care without the burden of housing costs. She reveals the heartwarming stories behind her organization’s mission, detailing how they provide financial assistance, therapy programs, and essential peer support that truly make a difference in the cancer community. Peter Murphy Lewis and co-host Jalene Carpenter dive into Christina's entrepreneurial spirit, discussing how her experiences led to the creation of Cancer Buddy, an app that connects patients with peer support through a familiar swiping mechanism. This unique approach not only helps patients find others who understand their struggles but also fosters a sense of community and connection that is often lacking in healthcare. This episode is not just about healthcare; it's a powerful reminder of the human spirit's resilience and the importance of support systems during life's toughest battles. If you’re a caregiver, a healthcare professional, or someone affected by cancer, Christina’s insights are invaluable and could inspire you to make a difference. Join us for this heartwarming and enlightening conversation that showcases the power of compassion, innovation, and community in overcoming the challenges of cancer. Perfect for anyone seeking hope and practical solutions in the face of adversity. Timestamps: 00:35 - Welcome and host catch-up 01:43 - Introducing Christina Merrill and the conversation ahead 02:13 - Lighthearted opening banter 02:46 - Christina’s formal welcome 03:32 - Christina’s path into cancer care 04:39 - Building the Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation 07:02 - The inspiration behind Cancer Buddy 08:19 - Creating peer support and community 09:34 - Building the app from the ground up 10:13 - From bone marrow transplants to serving all cancer patients 11:17 - Storytelling, fundraising, and the Airbnb partnership 13:20 - Persistence and not giving up 14:30 - The patient story that changed everything 16:22 - Family, purpose, and raising four sons 16:52 - Technology, AI, and preserving human connection 17:59 - Bringing the Cancer Buddy community together in person 18:29 - Why patient navigation needs a human touch 19:40 - Discipline, health, and loving your work 21:18 - Peter reflects on Christina’s vision 21:49 - Lessons for long-term care 22:30 - Closing thoughts Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories. For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com (http://peopleworthcaringabout.com). #HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

3. 

   8 Oct 2026

   Why Our Views on Aging Are Holding Us Back

   Aging, Stigma, and Why the Conversation Belongs Everywhere Peter Murphy Lewis and Jalene continue a conversation about aging and gerontology: where should it be discussed, and how can we move beyond seeing aging only as decline? They explore gaps in healthcare training, the stigma older adults face, the influence of everyday language, and why thinking about aging should include identity, relationships, and wellness - not just the body. In this episode: • Why aging and gerontology deserve attention beyond college campuses and long-term care • How aging is covered in healthcare administrator and CNA training • Why an acute-care model may not reflect the realities of aging • The stigma that older adults have little value or productivity • What it means to consider the “youth side” of aging • How aging can shape identity, wellness, and relationships • Why words like “old” can carry a negative connotation • How people can reclaim language and shift its meaning • Why Dr. Masters could add a valuable perspective to the conversation Timestamps 00:00 - Opening the aging conversation 01:26 - How aging is covered in healthcare training 02:21 - The limits of an acute-care approach to aging 02:44 - Stigma and misconceptions about older adults 03:44 - Introducing the “youth side” of aging 04:11 - A younger person’s question about identity and the future 04:39 - Aging beyond the body: wellness, family, and relationships 05:10 - Using “old” as a negative label 06:17 - Owning words and changing their meaning 07:33 - Why Dr. Masters should join the conversation 07:51 - Peter’s emotional interview project 08:05 - The “Aging is Hot” T-shirt 09:15 - Closing thoughts Thank you for listening to People Worth Caring About. If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories. For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com. #HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

90,323

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

17 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

19 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 74 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

98

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

51

Contact LTC Heroes - A podcast on Long Term Care, Senior Living, Senior Care & Skilled Nursing Facilities

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.