In this episode of The Back Office Show with Steve, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Azen an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Washington. She has been a longstanding member and attending physician of the University's PALTC team. For the past several years she is also the Medical Director of the Addiction Medicine Service at the University of Washington. Dr. Azen also practices in the outpatient setting in one of the UW outpatient clinics.

We dig into the prevalence of addiction and substance use disorders in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), the real-world issues these challenges create for residents and staff, and practical advice for healthcare leadership. She also discusses a study she is currently conducting on the use of GLP-1 medications to help address substance use disorder (SUD).

The conversation wraps with a light game-show segment on her famous metaphors, and ends with a message to providers to take a chance on patients they normally wouldn't.

Tune in for an honest, insightful discussion on senior care, addiction, and the future of healthcare.

*The Back Office Show x Meir Kay: Creating Transformation in yourself and Transformational Experiences for others*

Meir Kay needs no introduction , but you don't know the half of it.

You know him from his viral videos that brought millions of people closer to their humanity. High-fiving commuters, hosting Super Bowl parties for the homeless, or stopping strangers on the street to make them smile.

Today, Meir Kay creates something much deeper: transformational experiences for CEOs, teams, couples, and men who want to show up more powerfully in work and life.

In this episode of *The BOSS Podcast* Steve sits down with Meir to talk about his 10-year journey from content creator to experience creator, why play is the fastest path to trust, and how healthcare leaders can build real connection in a world of burnout and defense mechanisms.

If you lead a team, run a practice, or just want to understand why people do what they do, this one is for you.

*About Our Guest:*

*Meir Kay* is a speaker, facilitator and creator of transformational experiences. After building a global following with his viral videos centered on human connection, he now leads men's retreats, couples retreats, and corporate offsites and workshops that help people build deeper connection and trust. His work combines experiential learning, behavioral psychology, and play.

Want to be a guest or suggest a topic? Reach out to Steve at steveshain@gmail.com

The latest episode of the LTC BOSS Podcast is here, featuring Brian Perry, VP of Government Affairs at Direct Supply.

Brian brings a candid, thoughtful perspective on what advocacy really looks like in long-term care and why the most important work often happens long before there is a crisis.

Here is a sneak peak at what you can look forward to in this episode:

-Finding his way into advocacy: Brian shares how an early interest in politics, hands-on experience with Indiana Healthcare Reimbursement, and even a background in performance arts shaped the way he represents the industry today.

-Playing the long game: He emphasizes that advocacy is about planting seeds, building understanding and trust with policymakers so the groundwork is in place when decisions need to be made.

-The art of hearing "no": Brian explains why a clear no can be valuable, how a maybe can stall progress, and why burning bridges is never worth it in public policy.

-Changing the narrative through storytelling: He talks about the importance of sharing the real, human moments in long-term care that rarely make the headlines.

-The next 10-year challenge: With more decisions shifting to the states, Brian explains that the real work ahead is with legislators and governors making the case for why investing in seniors has to stay a priority over the next decade.

If you are curious about what happens behind the scenes in advocacy, this is a conversation worth hearing.

The latest episode of the LTC BOSS Podcast is a special one, recorded live at the LTC Leadership Summit, featuring LTC Ally founders Michael Bauman and Mark Josefovic as they share how it all began.

As LTC Ally approaches its 20-year milestone, Michael and Mark reflect on the company's journey, from introducing the concept of outsourcing to smaller operators to leading one of the most innovative and people-focused organizations in long-term care.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn from this episode:

Building around client needs: From the start, LTC Ally's focus was understanding what operators truly need and designing services around that.

Changing how the industry works: In the early days, LTC Ally had to convince smaller operators that outsourcing could work. Two decades later, it's the go-to model, and today LTC Ally focuses on staying ahead of the curve so they're the partner operators choose with confidence.

Leadership that develops leaders: Part of LTC Ally's success comes from leaders who know when to step back and let others rise. Michael and Mendy share how true leadership means staying focused, keeping emotions in check, and giving people the opportunity and training to grow into their potential.

Innovation with purpose: LTC Ally continues to lead with technology, not to replace people, but to expand impact and strengthen performance.

As LTC Ally nears two decades of service, Michael and Mendy express deep gratitude to their team and clients for being part of the journey and look forward to what's next.

The latest episode of the LTC BOSS Podcast is here, featuring Bluma Broner, Head of Healthcare at CIBC Bank USA.

Here's what you can look forward to:

• Balancing it All: Bluma shares her perspective as a working mom and how mastering time management makes anything possible.
  
  

• Staying Nimble: With regulations constantly shifting, she explains how operators can stay ahead whether by building internal expertise or leveraging outside consultants.
  
  

• Purpose-Driven Success: Facilities that put care first end up with stronger reputations, fuller occupancy, and better long-term outcomes.
  
  

• Medicaid Realities: What rate changes meant in the past, and what they mean for operators today - as far as refinancing.
  
  

• Reimbursement & Quality: As more states tie payment to quality, Bluma stresses the need to demonstrate quality when meeting with insurers and hospitals and the importance of strong relationships.

The latest episode of the LTC BOSS Podcast is here, and it's packed with insights from Tom Parker, Director of Policy and Reimbursement at FHCA.

Tom plays a crucial role in supporting long-term care providers, helping them navigate Medicaid, Medicare, budgeting, and managed care challenges, while also shaping legislative policies that impact the industry.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn from this episode:

• Advocacy that delivers results: FHCA has successfully secured nearly $1 billion in Medicaid rate increases over the past six years, proving that strategic lobbying works. Tom shares how they engage lawmakers to understand their needs.

• The Florida factor: With over 700 nursing facilities, Florida presents a unique and challenging healthcare environment. Tom discusses how FHCA navigates Florida's unique political landscape and large senior population.

• Strength in numbers: Learn how FHCA has opened new doors for providers, with a quality-driven provider network . While it won't solve Medicare Advantage challenges overnight it's a major step forward, and FHCA's collaboration with AHCA has been key to its success.

• Lessons in leadership & networking: Whether it's tackling workforce shortages post-COVID, supporting providers during storms, or pushing for regulatory changes, Tom emphasizes the power of teamwork, persistence, and connection. Plus, he shares practical tips for networking.

If you're in long-term care, this episode is a must-listen. You'll walk away with actionable insights on policy, reimbursement, and industry leadership.

I'm excited to share the latest episode of the Back Office Show (BOSS) podcast!

This time, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Julie Thorson, CEO and Head Coach at Friendship Haven. Julie's leadership philosophy is rooted in coaching, trust, and building a culture where both staff and residents thrive.

Here's a sampling of what you'll take away from this powerful conversation:

• Coaching vs. commanding: Julie's background, growing up with a football coach as a father, shaped her leadership style. She believes that great leaders coach. And if you're not coaching as a leader, you're missing a huge opportunity.

• More than a facility – a home: "We are our residents' home," Julie reminds us. Being a part of that is a calling and a privilege.

• The power of fun at work: Yes, regulations and stress are part of the job, but Julie insists that laughter and joy are just as essential. Small moments of fun create comfort, connection, and better outcomes for everyone.

• The 4 Ps of leadership: Julie emphasizes that great leadership is built on personal relationships, practical approaches, public recognition, and private support. And she shares great tips on how to implement these principles.

If you're ready to rethink leadership and bring more energy, purpose, and fun into your workplace, this episode is a must-listen!

I'm thrilled to bring you the fourth episode of the Back Office Show (BOSS) podcast!

This time, I had the privilege of sitting down with Clif Porter, the newly appointed President and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. Clif's story is one of profound personal connections to caregiving and unwavering dedication to improving long-term care.

Here's what you'll gain from this inspiring episode:

• The Power of Leadership: Clif dives deep into why the best buildings have the best leaders and how great leaders develop even greater ones. Learn how layering strong leadership drives exceptional outcomes.

• A Personal Journey: Clif shares how his firsthand experiences shaped his career path and fueled his passion for senior care.

• Advocacy Insights: Hear why Clif believes growing companies should have a dedicated government relations representative, and his call for the industry to unite as a single, powerful voice to improve regulations and workforce development.

• Fixing the System: Clif lays out his vision for tackling the challenges of regulatory reform and the critical need for innovative approaches to grow the healthcare workforce.

• Human Connection: Discover the importance of celebrating the moments when residents get better and how we can shift the narrative around skilled nursing care.

We wrapped up with an engaging game and plenty of practical wisdom for anyone in healthcare leadership.

If you're ready to be inspired by Clif's vision and learn how to lead with purpose, passion, and strategy, tune in today!