VERSED: A VIUM Capital Podcast

On this episode of VERSED powered by VIUM Capital, Steve Kennedy sits down with James Balda, President & CEO of Argentum, to unpack the biggest forces shaping the future of senior housing. From workforce shortages to access to capital, Balda shares a clear-eyed view of the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today. The conversation explores the growing supply-demand imbalance, with projections showing a major shortfall in senior housing units, alongside rising costs and regulatory uncertainty.  Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing.

In this episode of VERSED, Steve Kennedy sits down with Rod Burkett, Chairman and Co-Founder, and Julie Simpkins, Co-CEO of Gardant Management Solutions, to explore the growing importance of affordable assisted living. They discuss how this model fills a critical gap between private pay assisted living and skilled nursing, why it creates value for residents, states, and investors, and how advocacy, smart Medicaid policy, and long-term financing support sustainable growth. The conversation also looks ahead to Gardant’s people-driven vision for the next three to five years as demand continues to accelerate. VERSED Podcast, powered by VIUM Capital, brings the best thought leaders in the sector to the forefront, sharing inspirational stories from their careers, their best practices for getting through difficult times, and their views on the future of seniors housing and healthcare. VERSED is hosted by Steve Kennedy.

Hear why relationships matter in transactions, common misconceptions about seniors housing and financing in healthcare, and current trends in the healthcare financing product. On this episode of VERSED, Steve Kennedy sits down with Mike Dury, President and CEO of Merchants Capital, the joint venture partner of VIUM Capital. Mike reflects on his journey from a small agency lending shop to leading a national platform and shares takeaways from scaling an organization while maintaining culture. The conversation also highlights a shared commitment to community impact through the Cristo Rey High School partnership, where both Merchants and VIUM welcome student interns into their offices to learn daily operations and gain exposure to careers in capital and financial services. VERSED Podcast, powered by VIUM Capital, brings the best thought leaders in the sector to the forefront, sharing inspirational stories from their careers, their best practices for getting through difficult times, and their views on the future of seniors housing and healthcare. VERSED is hosted by Steve Kennedy.

In this episode of VERSED, Steve Kennedy sits down with Tim Fields and Barry Carr, Co-founders and Principals of Ignite Medical Resorts, to discuss how they’ve reimagined skilled nursing through a hospitality-driven approach. From their origin story to their rapid growth across six states, Tim and Barry share the challenges of building a new model, the importance of culture, and why execution matters just as much as vision. VERSED Podcast, powered by VIUM Capital, brings the best thought leaders in the sector to the forefront, sharing inspirational stories from their careers, their best practices for getting through difficult times, and their views on the future of seniors housing and healthcare. VERSED is hosted by Steve Kennedy.

In a recap conversation of the 2025 ASHA Mid-Year Meeting, David Schless, President & CEO of ASHA, shares how the federally focused, boutique association is leading in federal policy, research, consumer education, and meetings for the seniors housing industry. In addition, he comments on ASHA’s amicus brief in support of Silverado Senior Living and the impact of immigration policies on operators.   VERSED Podcast, powered by VIUM Capital, brings the best thought leaders in the sector to the forefront, sharing inspirational stories from their careers, their best practices for getting through difficult times, and their views on the future of seniors housing and healthcare. VERSED is hosted by Steve Kennedy.

In this episode of VERSED, Steve Kennedy sits down with Vikas Gupta, CIO of Omega Healthcare Investors, to discuss Omega’s investment philosophy, UK market expansion, government reimbursement models, debt structures, and the ongoing policy landscape affecting senior housing and healthcare. Vikas shares valuable insights on how Omega evaluates opportunities, why operator relationships matter most, and how Omega balances traditional REIT structures with creative deal-making. VERSED Podcast, powered by VIUM Capital, brings the best thought leaders in the sector to the forefront, sharing inspirational stories from their careers, their best practices for getting through difficult times, and their views on the future of seniors housing and healthcare. VERSED is hosted by Steve Kennedy.

On this episode of VERSED Podcast, Bill Killmer, Senior Vice President, Legislative & Political Affairs with Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) joins VIUM Capital’s Steve Kennedy to dive into the latest developments in Washington, D.C., and their impact on the commercial real estate (CRE) sector, particularly focusing on seniors housing and healthcare. Hear insights on the primary decision-makers shaping policy, the issues the MBA is currently focused on, and crucial advocacy advice for operators, owners, and stakeholders in the skilled nursing and seniors housing sectors. Plus, we discuss valuable resources for staying ahead in this evolving space. VERSED Podcast, powered by VIUM Capital, brings the best thought leaders in the sector to the forefront, sharing inspirational stories from their careers, their best practices for getting through difficult times, and their views on the future of seniors housing and healthcare. VERSED is hosted by Steve Kennedy.

In this new Election 2024 Series, Brian Perry, Vice President, Government Affairs at Direct Supply, joins Scott Tittle on VERSED to discuss the political landscape in the final days leading up to Election Day. They explore possible shifts in the White House, as well as House and Senate leadership, with implications for healthcare policy, regulations, Medicaid, and private equity in the long term care and senior living sectors. The conversation highlights how both Democratic and Republican wins could reshape the sector, emphasizing that a sweep of the White House and Congress for either party presents vastly different opportunities and challenges. VERSED Podcast, powered by VIUM Capital, brings the best thought leaders in the sector to the forefront, sharing inspirational stories from their careers, their best practices for getting through difficult times, and their views on the future of seniors housing and healthcare. VERSED is hosted by Scott Tittle.

Using a data-driven approach, Joel Theisen, Founder and CEO at Lifespark, aims to reduce unnecessary emergency room visits through his company’s newly launched Urgent Response Services program which will allow certain emergency room services, such as x-rays, lab work, EKGs, and sutures, to be provided directly in a senior’s own home. Joel also shares why the leadership mindsets, “failing forward” and “slowing down and getting clear,” are his keys to growth and innovation. He also discusses his love of getting outdoors and competing in Ironman triathlons. VERSED Podcast, powered by VIUM Capital, brings the best thought leaders in the sector to the forefront, sharing inspirational stories from their careers, their best practices for getting through difficult times, and their views on the future of seniors housing and healthcare. VERSED is hosted by Scott Tittle.

Bridging relationships between universities and providers to determine how best to attract, educate, and train future leaders in long term care and senior living is the mission of Doug Olson, President & CEO at The Vision Centre. Doug highlights the Centre's recent 6th annual symposium, which gathered various stakeholders to guide the organization’s direction and enhance its efforts to raise awareness about the critical role higher education plays in the development of the next generation of leadership in the sector. VERSED Podcast, powered by VIUM Capital, brings the best thought leaders in the sector to the forefront, sharing inspirational stories from their careers, their best practices for getting through difficult times, and their views on the future of seniors housing and healthcare. VERSED is hosted by Scott Tittle.

LaShuan Bethea, Executive Director of the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), joins Scott Tittle on VERSED to discuss current topics in assisted living, including the Senate Aging Committee's hearings in early 2024 that focused on the committee members’ concerns over transparency, resident safety, and rising prices. She emphasizes the importance of educating the public and policymakers about the true nature and costs of assisted living, and the role Medicaid waivers can play in many states.  Bethea also shares about NCAL’s push for more affordable assisted living options and the need for federal and state partnerships to support further expansion of this concept. She also discusses NCAL’s efforts to improve quality through data collection initiatives and the AHCA/NCAL Quality Awards program.   VERSED Podcast, powered by VIUM Capital, brings the best thought leaders in the sector to the forefront, sharing inspirational stories from their careers, their best practices for getting through difficult times, and their views on the future of seniors housing and healthcare. VERSED is hosted by Scott Tittle.

Erin Hennessey, President and CEO of Health Dimensions Group, joins Scott Tittle on VERSED to discuss her life-long commitment to the long term care sector, the trend towards value based care, the potential role of AI technology, and the labor crisis post-COVID. As a certified gerontologist with 20+ years of experience in senior health care, Erin also discusses the impact of CMS's minimum staffing ratio rule on skilled nursing facilities, expressing concerns about its feasibility and potential consequences, particularly for rural providers where staffing is scarce. VERSED Podcast, powered by VIUM Capital, brings the best thought leaders in the sector to the forefront, sharing inspirational stories from their careers, their best practices for getting through difficult times, and their views on the future of seniors housing and healthcare. VERSED is hosted by Scott Tittle.   Connect with Scott Tittle. Subscribe to VERSED on YouTube. Learn more about VIUM Capital.

Bob Kramer, Founder/Fellow of Nexus Insights, and Co-Founder, Former CEO, and Strategic Advisor at the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care (NIC), joins Scott Tittle on VERSED to discuss his recent LinkedIn post on why he thinks we will finally have long term care as a part of every presidential candidate’s campaign platform in the 2028 election and what those top priorities will be. Plus, hear insights about his thoughts on the ’24 election and what it will mean for the industry. VERSED Podcast, powered by VIUM Capital, brings the best thought leaders in the sector to the forefront, sharing inspirational stories from their careers, their best practices for getting through difficult times, and their views on the future of seniors housing and healthcare. VERSED is hosted by Scott Tittle.   Connect with Scott Tittle. Subscribe to VERSED on YouTube. Learn more about VIUM Capital.

Emmett Reed, President of the Florida Health Care Association, joins Scott Tittle on VERSED to highlight the work he has orchestrated for Florida throughout his career and what is happening now in his state’s legislative sessions. Emmett also addresses Mark Parkinson’s retirement from AHCA/NCAL and the vast contributions to the sector, plus hear insights into the future of the Florida State college football. VERSED Podcast, powered by VIUM Capital, brings the best thought leaders in the sector to the forefront, sharing inspirational stories from their careers, their best practices for getting through difficult times, and their views on the future of seniors housing and healthcare. VERSED is hosted by Scott Tittle.   Connect with Scott Tittle. Subscribe to VERSED on YouTube. Learn more about VIUM Capital.

Clif Porter, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at AHCA/NCAL, joins Scott Tittle on VERSED to discuss how his career path led him from running skilled nursing facilities in Virginia right out of college to now advocating for the long term care sector in DC at the highest levels.  Clif previews what could be next with respect to President Biden’s SNF minimum staffing ratio as well as what’s on the horizon for the industry this year with the 2024 elections around the corner.   VERSED Podcast, powered by VIUM Capital, brings the best thought leaders in the sector to the forefront, sharing inspirational stories from their careers, their best practices for getting through difficult times, and their views on the future of seniors housing and healthcare. VERSED is hosted by Scott Tittle.   Connect with Scott Tittle. Subscribe to VERSED on YouTube. Learn more about VIUM Capital.

Alan Fairbanks, President of the Value-Based Care Alliance at Serviam Care Network, joins Scott Tittle on VERSED to discuss his role at Serviam and how providers from across the continuum, including assisted and independent living, can and should participate in a value-based care network.  Hear how Alan believes data shared amongst network partners plays a critical role in Serviam’s success as well as how he values personal development greatly and highlights its role in his life and career.   VERSED Podcast, powered by VIUM Capital, brings the best thought leaders in the sector to the forefront, sharing inspirational stories from their careers, their best practices for getting through difficult times, and their views on the future of seniors housing and healthcare. VERSED is hosted by Scott Tittle.   Connect with Scott Tittle. Subscribe to VERSED on YouTube. Learn more about VIUM Capital.

Mark Traylor, President of Traylor Porter Healthcare, joins Scott Tittle on VERSED to discuss his experience in the industry, Alabama’s unique state-wide approach to value-based care, and President Biden’s proposed SNF minimum staffing ratio rule. Plus, hear from a die-hard Alabama football fan on how correctly taking advantage of luck can make you a better leader. Mark is an independent owner in Alabama and holds leadership positions on the AHCA Board of Governors as well as the Alabama Nursing Home Association Board of Directors. VERSED Podcast, powered by VIUM Capital, brings the best thought leaders in the sector to the forefront, sharing inspirational stories from their careers, their best practices for getting through difficult times, and their views on the future of seniors housing and healthcare. VERSED is hosted by Scott Tittle.   Connect with Scott Tittle. Subscribe to VERSED on YouTube. Learn more about VIUM Capital.

Tom Coble, President and CEO of Elmbrook Management Company in Oklahoma, joins Scott Tittle on VERSED Podcast to discuss how value-based care has changed over the years and where it may be headed in the near future. Tom also serves as Chief Strategy Officer of American Health Plans and is credited for forming the very first provider-owned iSNP in the country. Tom also emphasizes the impact the staffing ratio proposed by CMS would have on facilities big and small, as well as the families of residents.

Marquis Companies, Consonus Healthcare and AgeRight CFO, Steve Fogg joins VIUM’s Scott Tittle to discuss his family’s investment in the long-term care sector which spans five generations, the groundbreaking progress he’s had with their Institutional Special Needs Insurance Plan (ISNP), and his leadership in supporting value-based care developments nationally. This conversation highlights the importance of aligning Medicare payments with quality outcomes, as well as Steve’s thoughts on the potential for future alignment of Medicare and Medicaid, the increasing penetration of Medicare Advantage Plans, and the critical role of third party providers to achieve the best results in value-based care.

ATI Advisory CEO and Founder of Daughterhood Anne Tumlinson joins Scott Tittle on VERSED Podcast with insights into the world of value based care, including its benefits, downsides, and opportunities for savings in various communities. Anne also discusses how to go about implementing value based care into a community while assessing the risks and nuances that come along with it.

AHCA/NCAL President and CEO Mark Parkinson joins Scott Tittle on VERSED Podcast to discuss opportunities for the skilled nursing industry and regulatory agenda items facing the sector. Additionally, when discussing census and workforce challenges in a post-Covid world, Mark shares that despite ongoing obstacles, mortality and hospitalization rates are at an all-time low.

Seema Verma is the former Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). As the head of CMS, she sought to improve the lives of the nearly 100 million Americans that benefit from federal programs under CMS’ authority, and specifically long term care residents, by reducing unnecessary paperwork for providers and putting patients first, modernizing the survey and certification system, and, of course, leading the way through COVID.     Tune in to hear about what those early COVID days were like at CMS, what she is up to now, and what she thinks about the Biden Administration's efforts to create a national minimum staffing ratio for SNF operators. This is an episode not to be missed!

We spoke with Derek Prince, CEO of HMG Healthcare out of Texas, about the issues he’s facing as an owner/operator in the long term care sector, as well as an advocacy leader at the highest levels in Texas and Washington, D.C. Listen to this fascinating discussion about his career beginning on the front lines as a certified nursing assistant to now serving as the CEO of one of the largest operators in Texas. Despite the numerous workforce, reimbursement, and regulatory challenges facing the sector, Derek remains very optimistic about its future.

Join Scott Tittle, host of Versed: A VIUM Capital Podcast, along with Bernie McGuiness, CEO of Majestic Care, as we hear about the incredibly innovative work Bernie and his team are doing to attract and retain high quality staff during these very difficult times. Bernie’s passion for his team members and residents is evident in his lifelong commitment to the profession in which he’s played so many important roles. As the CEO of Majestic Care, he’s perfectly positioned to share some very informative thoughts on President Biden’s Nursing Home Reform Proposal, especially the looming national minimum staffing standards, and CMS’s recent announcement that SNF Medicare payments could be cut by nearly 5%. Learn more about VIUM Capital. Subscribe to Versed Podcast on YouTube. 

A discussion with Zach Shamberg, President & CEO of the Pennsylvania Health Care Association, about the workforce crisis and agency staffing challenges

Heath Boddy, the former President of the Nebraska Health Care Association & the new Chief Business Development Officer for Vetter Senior Living. Heath shares his story of growing up in long-term care, his days as an operator himself, his time as an advocate for the sector in Omaha & in Washington D.C., & what he’s up to next in his new role with Vetter Senior Living.