Tips from Trestle: The Senior Living Food and Hospitality Podcast

Discover how empathy is transforming leadership in senior living on this episode of Tips from Trestle. Host Aaron Fish welcomes Joseph Cope, “The Empathy Guy,” to break down the actionable CARGO Model for building genuine human connection and accountability in senior living communities. Learn the difference between empathy and sympathy, why empathy is a measurable business skill, and how leaders can foster a culture that improves r...

Come explore the transformative impact of Zinnia TV on dementia care in this episode of Tips from Trestle! Aaron sits down with Allyson Schrier, co-founder and president of Zinnia TV, who shares her deeply personal journey from caregiver to dementia advocate and tech innovator. Learn how Zinnia’s research-driven, plot-free video content is revolutionizing engagement for people living with dementia—reducing agitation, fostering remi...

Join Aaron and guest Carrie Aalberts, aka Dementia Darling, for a lively exploration of dementia care through the lens of food, hospitality, and joyful living. Discover how understanding “behaviors” as communication transforms senior dining, why nonverbal cues matter, and how to create truly person-centered environments. Packed with practical tips on reducing overstimulation, designing dignified dining spaces, and honoring resident...

Discover how senior living dining is being transformed in this episode of Tips from Trestle. Aaron welcomes Liz Oba Killinger, Real Food Mission Ambassador at Thomas Cuisine, to discuss the shift from processed foods to nutrient-dense, scratch-made meals in senior living communities. Liz shares practical strategies for balancing resident preferences with a real food philosophy, engaging both staff and residents in the journey towar...

We kick off our summer season with another great conversation form the ALAA Spring Conference! This week’s episode finds Aaron catching up with Joyce Lamilla, Director of Healthcare and Nutrition Solutions at Ben E Keith Foods, to explore the evolving role of dietitians in senior living food service. Joyce shares her journey from clinical dietitian to distributor, revealing how her team customizes menus, leverages technology, and ...

Discover how video is transforming the senior living industry in this latest episode of Tips from Trestle. Aaron sits down with Christie Freeze, senior care guide and video communication expert, to explore the power of authentic video in building trust, boosting occupancy, and nurturing resident loyalty. Christie shares actionable strategies for senior living operators, from using evergreen and personalized videos to reduce no-show...

On this episode of Tips from Trestle, Aaron welcomes Michelle Magner, founder of Inspired Caring, to discuss supporting families through the transition to memory care. Recorded live at the ALAA Spring Conference, Michele draws from her extensive experience as a caregiver and certified dementia practitioner, to share practical strategies for calming the chaos, focusing on the “Three C’s” - curiosity, communication, and compassion. T...

This episode of Tips from Trestle features Todd Smith, founder of Odessa Connect, exploring how technology can truly serve seniors in living communities. Smith introduces the concept of "the last five feet" - the critical final step where technology meets the user, often overlooked in design. He discusses Odessa Connects journey to a TV-based solution, emphasizing intuitive interfaces, inclusive design, and meaningful fam...

This episode of Tips from Trestle - recorded live at the ALAA Spring Conference - features risk management expert Steve Growth, who reveals that risk management in senior living is definitely more than just having really good insurance. Steve explains why prioritizing employee safety goes far beyond workers’ compensation-it directly affects staff retention, company culture, resident satisfaction, and operational success. Listeners ...

Let’s learn how to create a voice that will resonate with any audience! This episode of "Tips from Trestle" features Dana Weaver, a leadership and communication coach with deep roots in senior living. Dana shares her journey from nursing home administrator to empowering women entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of magnetic leadership—rooted in authentic communication, deep listening, and storytelling. She discusses ...

Let’s explore the haunted halls of senior dining innovation in this spine-tingling episode of "Tips from Trestle!” Aaron joined by culinary conjurers Jasmine Killebrew & Chad Lauderbaugh, who reveal how The Sharon at South Park summoned a ghost kitchen—Allison’s—to deliver fine dining straight to residents and those lurking on the waitlist. Discover the tricks and treats behind launching a DoorDash-powered phantom kitchen,...

This episode of Tips from Trestle finds Aaron connecting with Alexis Baker, a board-certified music therapist and dementia practitioner, about the transformative power of music therapy in senior living communities. Alexis explains how music therapy goes beyond entertainment, using evidence-based methods to enhance cognitive, emotional, and social well-being for seniors, particularly those with dementia. She shares inspiring stories...

In this episode of Tips from Trestle, Aaron is joined by Dr. Rodney Harrell, Vice President of Family, Home, and Community at AARP, to discuss the seven housing mega trends shaping the future of senior living. From demographic shifts and affordability challenges to the importance of community connections and local government collaboration, Dr. Harrell shares insights on creating inclusive, adaptable, and livable environments for ag...

In this episode of Tips from Trestle, Aaron dials up Chris Heinz, President of Westport One, a leader in senior living executive recruitment. With over 27 years of experience, Chris shares invaluable insights on how senior living communities can streamline their hiring process to attract top leadership talent. They discuss the importance of balancing speed and thoroughness in interviews, why a structured hiring strategy is crucial,...

Get ready to vibe out with Gary Solomonson, founder of Virtical Learning Systems, as he shares his far-out insights on creating a community experience in senior living that will definitely pass the “vibe” check. With over 45 years in the industry, Gary breaks down the magic of creating the right “Community Vibe” into his five key touchpoints. He shares a tale of transforming a potential client's visit into a memorable experienc...

On this week’s Tips from Trestle, Aaron chats with Heather Burns, a seasoned resident engagement professional, to explore innovative strategies for enhancing senior living communities. Heather shares her resident-first philosophy, emphasizing holistic well-being that foster independence and purpose. She highlights the importance of bridging departmental silos, fostering teamwork, and training staff on empathy and compassion to elev...

This week’s episode of Tips from Trestle finds Aaron immersing himself into the world of Residential Assisted Living (RAL) with guest Isabelle Guarino, COO of the Residential Assisted Living Academy. Together, they explore how RAL homes offer a unique, personalized alternative to traditional senior living communities by blending residential comfort with professional care. Isabelle shares insights on staffing, creative resident enga...

In this episode of Tips from Trestle, Aaron catches up with Sara Mitchell, co-founder and president of Solinity Marketing, to explore how food and hospitality can elevate senior living communities. Sara shares her unique journey from sports reporting to senior living marketing, emphasizing the power of storytelling in connecting with residents and families. They discuss leveraging culinary excellence as a key marketing strategy, th...

This episode of Tips from Trestle features Corey Fein, a senior market strategist at Hireology, who shares actionable strategies for improving recruitment and retention in senior living communities. Corey emphasizes applicant-centric hiring practices, the importance of speed in recruitment, and diversifying applicant sources beyond job boards. He introduces the concept of a recruitment marketing funnel and highlights the role of em...