NIC Chats

In this first episode in the NIC Chats series on value-based care, host Lisa McCracken, Head of Research & Analytics at NIC, sits down with Anne Tumlinson, CEO and founder of ATI Advisory, to demystify value-based care in the senior living sector. Together, they break down what value-based care really means and why it matters for operators and residents alike.  

Tumlinson explains how senior living communities can leverage their...

In this episode of NIC Chats, host Lisa McCracken sits down with Eric Winograd, Chief Economist at AllianceBernstein, to unpack the economic turbulence shaking markets, businesses, and households across the U.S. and beyond. From dramatic policy shifts and new tariffs to the ripple effects on inflation, growth, and consumer confidence, Winograd offers a candid, data-driven look at what’s driving today’s volatility, and what it could...

What does the future of senior living look like when real estate trends intersect with the needs of a new generation? Host Lisa McCracken sits down with real estate researcher John Burns, CEO of John Burns Research and Consulting, to uncover the surprising ways baby boomers are rewriting the rules of retirement living. Learn why most retirees choose to age in place, the rise of multi-generational living, and the growing popularity ...

Is the caregiver shortage keeping you up at night? You're not alone—and there's a solution. In this episode of NIC Chats, recorded live at the 2025 NIC Spring Conference in San Diego, Lisa McCracken, Head of Research & Analytics at NIC, sits down with Jennifer Adams of Smartlinx to explore how innovative workforce technology is transforming post-acute care. With over 25 years in the industry, Smartlinx offers solution...

The traditional HR department is undergoing a transformation in senior care. What was once a siloed administrative function is now emerging as a strategic driver of business outcomes—when implemented correctly.

This eye-opening conversation with Paul Jarvis from Procare HR explores how senior living and skilled nursing organizations can reimagine their HR functions to directly support broader business goals. Jarvis breaks ...

In this episode of NIC Chats, Lisa McCracken sits down with Ryan Novaczyk, CEO of New Perspective Senior Living, to explore his insights as an operator in the senior living industry pursuing a growth strategy. 

Novaczyk shares a personal story of how his grandmother's struggle with Alzheimer's inspired him and his father to create a better living environment for seniors. He discusses how his family's experience led to...

Is the aging population a golden opportunity for entrepreneurs? Hear from an expert in the world of AgeTech and longevity investing, Abby Miller Levy, managing partner and founder of Primetime Partners, a venture fund focused on aging and longevity. In this illuminating episode of NIC Chats, host Lisa McCracken unlocks the secrets of what investors look for in companies and products focused on the aging population.

Drawing from her ...

Sean Kelly, President and CEO of Front Porch, one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit senior living providers, joins the NIC Chats podcast to discuss the evolving landscape of senior living. Sean shares his unique journey into the industry, reflecting on childhood experiences that shaped his perspective on community and intergenerational connections. He offers insights into the changing needs and expectations of baby boomers, em...

In this episode of NIC Chats, host Lisa McCracken welcomes Jim Lydiard, Chief Strategic Advisor for Pine Park Health, to discuss value-based care in senior living. Jim shares his journey from a personal connection with senior care to becoming a leader in healthcare innovation. The conversation delves into the complexities of value-based care, comparing ACO and Medicare Advantage models, and exploring the evolution of healthcare par...

How can senior housing operators position themselves for success in the evolving healthcare landscape? Hear insights on this and more from Dianne Munevar, Vice President of Healthcare Strategy at NORC at the University of Chicago. In conversation with Lisa McCracken, Dianne shares her professional journey and her passion for developing public policies that improve the lives of vulnerable populations, particularly older adults. 

The ...

In this episode of NIC Chats, recorded live at the NIC Fall Conference in Washington DC, host Lisa McCracken interviews ProCare HR’s Brett Landrum, founder and co-CEO, and Paul Jarvis, head of sales and marketing. The conversation explores ProCare's evolution from a foundational HR services provider to a data-driven solutions company for HR in the senior care industry. Landrum and Jarvis discuss the transformative role of data...

Has the labor market reached a tipping point? And, why is healthcare one of the few sectors with employment numbers still below pre-pandemic peaks? Listen in as Paul Ashworth, Chief North America Economist for Capital Economics joins Lisa McCracken on the NIC Chats podcast to answer these questions and more. As they discuss current economic trends, learn why Ashworth thinks the U.S. economy is in a Goldilocks period, but what chall...

Fresh off the release of his new book, A Culture of Promise, Fee Stubblefield, Founder and CEO of The Springs Living, joins Lisa McCracken on a new episode of the NIC Chats podcast. Listen in as Fee shares his motivation for writing the book and what he’s learned about the importance of culture in an organization.

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Live from the 2024 NIC Spring Conference, listen in as Lisa McCracken, Head of Research & Analytics at NIC, sits down with Brett Landrum, Procare HR Founder and Co-CEO. Landrum expands on the capabilities that allow Procare HR to help operators deliver better quality of care, resident satisfaction, and financial results. Joining the discussion was Susie Koenig, Founder & CEO of healthcare management and consulting services ...

Listen in as Beth Mace, Senior Advisor at NIC, sits down with Zach Bowyer, Senior Managing Director and head of living sectors at Cushman and Wakefield to discuss today’s capital markets, including the intersection of property market fundamentals and capital market pressure as well as how current conditions are affecting valuations and investment strategies. 

From discussing distressed properties and buyer profiles to exploring the ...

Are you ready to unravel secrets to success with the senior living workforce? In this episode of the NIC Chats podcast, broadcast live from the 2023 NIC Fall Conference in Chicago, NIC’s Head of Research & Analytics, Lisa McCracken, discusses solutions to senior living workforce challenges with Brett Landrum, Co-CEO of Procare HR. 

Listen in as they uncover the crucial elements of successful human resources strategies in senior ...

Delve into the senior housing transaction market with Beth Mace, Senior Advisor at NIC, in this captivating conversation with Al Della Porta, Managing Director and head of the Capital Markets Group at AEW Capital Management. Learn about the challenges and opportunities arising from the swiftly changing interest rate environment, and gain insights into how seasoned professionals like Della Porta are adapting to market shifts. Explor...

In this first episode of our new NIC Chats podcast series focused on today's capital market conditions and implications for senior housing and care, NIC senior advisor Beth Mace speaks with Jim Costello, chief economist on the MSCI Real Estate Assets team. Learn why Costello likens today’s capital markets to a stretchy rubber band, why he believes distressed assets may prompt a transactions turning point, and when he thinks th...

In this special episode, discover the remarkable experiences and lessons learned from our very own host, NIC Chief Economist, Beth Mace. This time, Chuck Harry, NIC’s Chief Operating Officer, poses the very questions Beth has expertly asked more than 25 other industry leaders over the years. 

Drawing from her vast experience, Beth offers wisdom and perspectives that can only come from a true expert in the field. Gain insights into t...