VERSED: A VIUM Capital Podcast

Discussion with Rod Burkett, Chairman and Co-Founder and Julie Simpkins, Co-CEO at Gardant Management Solutions

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.

Discussion with Mike Dury, President and CEO of Merchants Capital

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.

Discussion with Barry Carr, Chairman and Co-Founder at Ignite Medical Resorts and Tim Fields, CEO and Co-Founder at Ignite Medical Resorts

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.

Discussion with David Schless, President & CEO at ASHA

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.

Discussion with Vikas Gupta, Chief Investment Officer at Omega Healthcare Investors

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.

Discussion with Bill Killmer, SVP, Legislative & Political Affairs at MBA

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.

Discussion with Brian Perry, Vice President, Government Affairs at Direct Supply

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.

Discussion with Joel Theisen, Founder & CEO at Lifespark

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.

Discussion with Doug Olson, President & CEO at the Vision Centre

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.

Discussion with LaShuan Bethea, Executive Director of the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL)

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.