Roundtable Talk is a podcast about longevity, senior services marketing and the quality of life as one ages. In each episode, we’ll talk with industry experts and thought leaders about how to solve the many mature market challenges facing our industry today.
Dr. Joan Salge Blake – Nutrition expert and advocate for healthy aging and longevity
Living longer is one thing. Staying healthy enough to enjoy those extra years is another. In this episode of Varsity’s Roundtable Talk, Derek sits down with Dr. Joan Salge Blake, a registered dietitian, Boston University nutrition professor and nationally recognized expert on nutrition and wellness, to explore how what we eat can influence our health and quality of life as we age.
In their conversation, Derek and Dr. Blake discuss how nutritional needs change with age, why frozen and canned foods deserve more credit and how to separate sound nutrition advice from the latest food fads. They also explore the Mediterranean approach to healthy living and why enjoying meals with others may be just as important as what's on the plate.
14 Oct 2026
Ashton Applewhite – Author, activist and internationally recognized expert on ageism
Ageism is one of the few prejudices we direct at our own future selves, yet its influence on how we think about growing older often goes unnoticed. In this episode of Varsity’s Roundtable Talk, Derek sits down with Ashton Applewhite, an internationally recognized ageism expert, activist and author of This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism, to challenge the myths and stereotypes surrounding aging.
In their conversation, Derek and Ashton explore how everyday language reinforces ageist assumptions, why our attitudes toward aging can influence our health and well-being, and how the idea of “successful aging” can do more harm than good.
17 Sept 2026
Assaf Gad – AI innovator and driving force behind older adult companion ElliQ
AI has the potential to do more than make life easier. It can help older adults stay connected, engaged and independent. In this episode of Varsity’s Roundtable Talk, Derek sits down with Assaf Gad, VP of Strategy and General Manager at Intuition Robotics, the company behind ElliQ, an AI-powered companion designed specifically for older adults.
In their conversation, Derek and Assaf explore how ElliQ builds relationships without replacing human connection, why trust and privacy are critical when designing AI for older adults and what real users have taught the company about emotional attachment to technology. Derek also puts the technology to the test, talking directly with ElliQ about loneliness, mindfulness, love and even her sense of humor.
Who has been a guest on Roundtable Talk
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Marvell Adams Jr
Dr Linda Fried
Dr Tom Kamber
Diane Harris
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 27 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
42
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Roundtable Talk
Who hosts Roundtable Talk?
Derek host the show. Published by Varsity Branding.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes bi-weekly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Roundtable Talk take guests?
The show does not typically feature guests, based on episode analyses.
Host of Roundtable Talk?
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