This podcast is all about rethinking the aging experience and making it truly iconic. We’ll be chatting with amazing people like senior living leaders, industry innovators, and even iconic senior influencers to share fresh ideas on keeping communities happy, healthy, and thriving.
S2. E9. Cailey Massey - Why Creativity Matters More Than Ever in Senior Living
Artful Enrichment founder Cailey Massey joins the Smart Aging™ Podcast to discuss how art programs build confidence, encourage self-expression, and create meaningful connections for older adults, including those living with dementia.
23 Jun 2026
S2. E8 Kelly Burnett - Teaching Confidence, Not Just Compliance
Kelly Burnett discusses how senior living communities can move beyond mandatory dementia training to build confident, compassionate care teams that create better outcomes for residents and families.
23 Jun 2026
S2.E7. Lisa Shauf - Seeing the Person Beyond Dementia
When dementia becomes personal, everything changes. In this episode, Lisa Shauf shares how her father's early onset vascular dementia reshaped her understanding of care, connection, and meaningful engagement. From supporting families to creating purpose-driven activities, this conversation offers practical insights for anyone working with older adults living with dementia.
22 Jun 2026
S2.E6 Julianne Wenzcel - Building Trust Before Move-In Through Marketing, Technology and Human Connection
In this episode, Karina Stickle talks with Julianne Wenczel of Peconic Landing about how technology, AI, storytelling, and personalized experiences are helping senior living communities build trust before move-in. Discover practical ideas for creating meaningful connections while keeping the human touch at the center of the journey.
17 Jun 2026
S2. E5. Joe Smith - Why Playing It Safe Is Holding Programming Back
What happens when we stop planning activities and start creating experiences?
In this episode of the Smart Aging Podcast, Karina Stickle talks with Joe Smith, Regional Activity Specialist and Activity Director at Carriage House Nursing and Rehab, about challenging traditional programming, trying new ideas, and giving residents more choice.
From themed events and sensory spaces to community partnerships and social media success, Joe shares how thinking outside the box can create memorable moments and stronger resident engagement.
If you're looking for fresh inspiration and permission to try something different, this episode is for you.
16 Jun 2026
S2. E4. Abbie Richie - From Resistance to Confidence with Tech in Senior Living
Karina and Abbie discuss how technology in senior living has shifted from optional to essential. They explore common barriers to adoption, the importance of ongoing education, and why repetition and real-life application matter. The episode highlights practical strategies like tech concierge support, building trust with residents, and positioning AI as a simple, helpful tool. The key takeaway: successful adoption comes from meeting residents where they are and supporting them consistently.
27 May 2026
S2.E1. Rita Porreca: How Resident Led Programming Transforms Community Culture
In this episode, Karina chats with Rita Porreca about how resident-run programming is transforming life at Folkways. With over 100 resident-led committees, programming is driven by residents’ passions, creating stronger engagement, purpose, and community connection. Rita shares how this model works, why it’s so effective, and how other communities can start moving in this direction.
27 May 2026
S2.E2. Jennifer Boonstra: Rethinking Engagement in Memory Care
Purposeful programming in memory care is about moving beyond keeping residents busy and helping them feel useful, valued, and engaged. In this episode, Jennifer Boonstra shares Anthem Memory Care’s Pathways of Purpose approach, focusing on invitation, personalization, and everyday moments that create meaning.
27 May 2026
S2.E3. Danielle McAnally - How to Build a Volunteer Program That Actually Works in Senior Living
Building a strong volunteer program starts small. Dani McNally shares how one connection can grow into a thriving, intergenerational network by tapping into local schools, families, and community groups.
Her approach focuses on simple recruitment, quick orientation, and matching volunteers to their strengths. The result is deeper resident connection, stronger community culture, and volunteers who keep coming back.
1 Oct 2025
Episode 7: How Music and the Arts Transform Aging
On this episode of the Smart Aging™ Podcast, Karina talks with Bruce Lipnick, founder of Stage Access, about bringing world-class performances into senior living. They explore how music supports memory, brain health, and connection—and how technology shaping the future of resident engagement.
17 Sept 2025
Episode 6: Building Bridges Across Generations at Friendship Village Kalamazoo
In this Smart Aging episode, Karina and Nancy Kotarski from Friendship Village of Kalamazoo explore how intergenerational programs spark connection, resilience, and learning—showing seniors as active, engaged, and full of wisdom to share.
20 Aug 2025
Episode 5: Inside Blakeford Senior Living’s Team Culture
In this episode of the Smart Aging™ Podcast, host Karina Stickle speaks with three leaders from Blakeford Senior Living—Katelyn Morales, Laura Ann, and Emily—about what “Smart Aging™” means in practice, the importance of team dynamics, and the role of technology in senior living.
30 Jul 2025
Episode 4 (Part 2): Reimagining Senior Living with Wellness, Tech, and Personalization
In part two of this powerhouse conversation, industry leaders Lori Alford and Stephanie Boreal zoom out to explore how senior living is transforming through personalization, wellness, and groundbreaking technologies like AI. From longevity science and proactive care to AI-driven resident engagement, they share real-world examples and bold ideas that are reshaping communities for the better.
16 Jul 2025
Episode 4 (Part 1): Wellness, Wisdom, and Leading Well in Senior Living with Lori Alford & Stephanie Boreale
In this episode of the Smart Aging™ podcast, host Karina engages with Lori Alfred and Stephanie Boreale, two influential leaders in senior living. They discuss their personal journeys into the industry, the importance of health and wellness, and the challenges of burnout. The conversation emphasizes the need for work-life integration, the significance of nutrition and sleep, and the empowerment of the next generation of leaders in the field.
2 Jul 2025
Episode 3: Brain Health Meets Innovation: Inside the Kinnections Program with Dr. Sue Paul
Karina interviews Dr. Sue Paul about the Kinnections program, which integrates lifestyle, movement, and technology to enhance brain health, ultimately helping seniors maintain active and independent lives.
18 Jun 2025
Episode 2: Sue Dukes: Gamifying Wellness: How Fleet Landing is Redefining Resident Engagement
Sue Dukes, Director of Wellness Services, discusses how Fleet Landing is redefining resident engagement by gamifying wellness programs to encourage participation and celebrate every win in this interview with Karina.
4 Jun 2025
Episode 1: Rethinking Senior Living with Smart Aging™: A Conversation with Ryan Galea
GoIcon CEO Ryan Galea discusses technology's role in transforming senior living with Karina, exploring communication, engagement, and dispelling misconceptions about tech adoption in this interview.
13 May 2025
Sneak Peak of Episode 1
GoIcon CEO Ryan Galea shares the personal story and pivotal moment with his grandmother that sparked his passion for revolutionizing the aging experience through technology in this interview.
Who has been a guest on Smart Aging™ Podcast
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Dr Sue Paul
Sue Dukes
Ryan Galea
Podcast Authority Score: 32 / 100
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