Find out how to maximize technology, overcome challenges and deliver innovative, on-demand services in the 21st century. Dr. Mike Strouse (GoodLife Innovations President and CEO) leads us on a quest for the good life.
Send us Fan Mail
Explore innovative approaches to care delivery through the Neighborhood Network, emphasizing bewitching services, privacy, and technology integration. Learn how this model reimagines independence, safety, and personalized support in community settings.
Key topics:
- Design of bewitching services from the ground up
- The five federally protected outcomes of care
- Hierarchy of least intrusive care approaches
- The role of remote support and smart technologies
- The impact of the Neighborhood Network on independence and safety
Stay in the Loop with GoodLife Innovations:
Website: https://mygoodlife.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodLifeInnovations
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodlifeinnov/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodlifeinnovations
Donate: https://mygoodlife.org/donate/
Donate:
Check out: Relevant Video
Check out: Relevant Blog
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, Dr. Mike Strouse, Megan McKinney Todd, David McDonald, Abby Baden and co-host Ivo Ivanov explore the quest for the good life through innovative care models, addressing the complexities of the privacy paradox, the importance of independence and self-direction, and the role of technology in enhancing care delivery. They discuss the challenges posed by regulatory barriers and staffing issues, emphasizing the need for meaningful choices in care. The dialogue culminates in the introduction of the Neighborhood Network as a potential solution to improve care outcomes while respecting privacy and personal safety.
Additionally, Dr. Mike Strouse and his colleagues discuss the evolving landscape of remote care, emphasizing the importance of privacy, self-direction, and the role of technology in providing effective support. They explore the choices available to individuals receiving care, the hierarchy of intrusion related to different support methods, and the necessity of organic decision-making in care planning. The discussion highlights the advantages of remote support over traditional in-home care, particularly in terms of privacy and autonomy, while also addressing the challenges and misconceptions surrounding the use of technology in caregiving.
Stay in the Loop with GoodLife Innovations:
Website: https://mygoodlife.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodLifeInnovations
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodlifeinnov/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodlifeinnovations
Donate: https://mygoodlife.org/donate/
Check out: Relevant Video
Check out: Relevant Blog
Send us Fan Mail
In this episode, Dr. Mike Strouse and legal expert Lewis Walton discuss the intersection of privacy, technology, and care. They explore the implications of remote support technologies, the ownership of privacy, and the evolving landscape of healthcare. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by new technologies, emphasizing the importance of choice and the least intrusive approaches to care. They also reflect on societal attitudes towards technology and privacy, drawing parallels with historical technological advancements.
Takeaways:
Send us Fan Mail
In this conversation, Dr. Mike Strouse welcomes Beth McCoach and David McDonald to discuss the complexities of privacy in care, emphasizing the paradox of seeking privacy while relying on intrusive methods. He explores how technology can enhance independence and care delivery, advocating for remote support as a less intrusive alternative to in-home care. The discussion also highlights the role of sensors in modern care and the regulatory challenges that hinder the adoption of innovative care solutions.
Takeaways
Send us a text
Today we welcome Nate Beers, the founder and host of the popular "IDD Leader" podcast. The conversation explores the critical role of frontline supervisors in staff retention and the lack of training they often receive in leadership. Nate Beers introduces the Leadership Lab, a new initiative aimed at providing comprehensive training, accountability, and community support for supervisors, focusing on essential skills like having difficult conversations and giving effective feedback.
Takeaways
Do your frontline supervisors sometimes unintentionally contribute to staff turnover?
Most were never trained to lead.
Training almost always has it bent towards compliance.
What is the "Leadership Lab"?
Training, accountability and community.
How to have hard conversations.
How to give informal feedback.
How to avoid repetition
Practical tools that are very evidence-based.
Please visit Idd Leader here: https://iddleader.com
Watch and subscribe to the podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@IDDLeader
Stay in the Loop with GoodLife Innovations:
Website: https://mygoodlife.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodLifeInnovations
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodlifeinnov/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodlifeinnovations
Donate: https://mygoodlife.org/donate/
Send us a text
In this episode of 'The Quest for the Good Life,' Dr. Mike Strouse and Ivo Ivanov welcome Marcy Davis, CEO of Candeo, who shares her journey in transforming the lives of individuals with disabilities through the innovative workforce strategies developed by GoodLife. The conversation explores the successful implementation of new work schedules that have led to a significant increase in applications and a decrease in vacancies. Marcy emphasizes the importance of communication and collaboration in navigating workforce challenges, providing valuable insights for other agencies facing similar issues.
Visit Candeo Iowa here: https://www.candeoiowa.org/
Send us a text
The Quest continues way up north as Dr. Mike Strouse travels to the stunning, vast and unforgiving state of Alaska! Our distinguished guests are Amanda Elder and Kim Champney.
The conversation explores the unique challenges and innovative solutions in delivering disability services in Alaska. Among other things the discussion highlights the economic factors affecting workforce availability, the diversity of service providers, and the transition to a three-day work week as a response to changing workforce demands. The guests share insights on the need for flexibility and innovation in service delivery, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the unique needs of Alaskan communities.
Takeaways
Alaska's vast geography presents unique challenges for service delivery.
Transportation issues significantly impact access to services in remote areas.
Extreme weather conditions affect community inclusion and service provision.
Diversity among service providers is essential to meet varying community needs.
Economic factors, such as the oil industry, influence workforce availability.
Innovative care models are necessary to address service gaps in Alaska.
The transition to a three-day work week can improve work-life balance for employees.
Flexibility in service delivery is crucial for adapting to community needs.
Technology can enhance service delivery but requires careful integration.
Collaboration among providers is key to overcoming challenges in the system.
Send us a text
In this episode Dr. Mike Strouse addresses the enduring challenges facing service providers such as:
wonky schedules
reliance on part-time labor
early turnover
working short
reliance on PRN and pool staffing
Finding the right solutions starts with asking the right questions.
What are the twelve important questions service providers must ask themselves to make the first step towards arriving at the right solutions?
The conversation also delves into the ongoing workforce stability crisis, emphasizing the multifaceted challenges beyond just pay. It explores the importance of metrics for assessing staffing stability, strategies for improving staffing capacity, and the role of local providers in the care ecosystem.
To continue on the quest for the good life we must rise up, look back and step forward.
Chapters
00:00
Overview of Workforce Stability Crisis
02:39
Challenges Beyond Pay in Workforce Management
05:33
Metrics for Assessing Staffing Stability
08:58
Strategies for Improving Staffing Capacity
11:50
Addressing Staffing Challenges and Solutions
14:44
The Future of Care and Workforce Collaboration
Send us a text
In this episode, Dr. Mike Strauss discusses the challenges faced by seniors in accessing effective care, particularly the limitations of traditional in-home care and assisted living. He introduces the Neighborhood Network, a new model that combines community support, technology, and professional caregivers to provide affordable, on-demand assistance for seniors. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preventative health practices and the role of technology in empowering seniors to maintain their independence while receiving the care they need.
Senior Neighborhood Network - Learn More
Takeaways
In-home care often fails due to unpredictable staffing and needs.
Assisted living is expensive and not always desired by seniors.
The Neighborhood Network aims to provide facility-level support at home.
Technology can enhance senior care but must be user-friendly.
Preventative health practices can significantly extend seniors' lives.
Community support and volunteerism are vital for senior well-being.
The iCoach offers 24/7 remote support for seniors.
Seniors should only pay for the services they actually use.
Engaging in simple health practices can prevent costly care later.
The Neighborhood Network is a scalable solution for senior care.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Senior Care Challenges
02:53 The Viability of In-Home Care
06:03 The Need for a New Care Model
08:46 Introducing the Neighborhood Network
11:43 Characteristics of Effective Senior Care
15:04 The Role of Technology in Senior Care
17:54 The iCoach and Remote Support
20:55 Cost-Effective Solutions for Seniors
23:58 Community and Volunteer Support
26:56 The Importance of Preventative Practices
29:53 Engaging Seniors in Their Care
32:44 Conclusion and Call to Action
Send us a text
What does it truly mean to live a “normal life”? In this episode of The Quest for the GoodLife, Dr. Mike Strouse and Ivo Ivanov explore how technology, shifting expectations, and the lessons of the pandemic are transforming care. From “place killers” like Netflix and Amazon to the enduring vision of the Final Rule, they reimagine what’s possible for people with disabilities, seniors, and communities everywhere.
Join us as we uncover how care must evolve beyond old models—like Blockbuster and group homes—toward a future where people have home-field advantage, time for what matters most, and support that fits seamlessly into everyday life.
Send us a text
What happens when MacGyver meets Wonder Woman in the world of human services? In this episode, Dr. Mike Strouse and Ivo Ivanov sit down with Veronica St. Cyr, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Navigating Life. Together, they explore how private social platforms can foster connection, build trust, and transform care for individuals, families, and communities. From GoodLife’s award-winning Neighborhood Network to the bold vision of creating new “blue zones,” this conversation is all about redefining what’s possible with creativity, technology, and heart.
Episode Links:
Send us a text
What happens when you combine the wisdom of the world’s healthiest communities with a vision to reinvent how we age?
In this episode, Dr. Mike Strouse and co-host Ivo Ivanov take listeners from stories of synchronicity and small-town magic to a bold plan for creating America’s first “Blue Zone” without walls. Learn how logistics, technology, and purpose-driven living could help people age in place, stay connected, and live longer, healthier, more meaningful lives.
Episode Links:
Send us a text
Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jG4M1him8Hk?si=4qKdXTWneqaS5y3o
Watch this Episode on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/goodlifeu/quest13?share=copy
About this Episode:
In this special video episode of The Quest for the GoodLife Podcast, Dr. Mike Strouse travels to Arkansas to meet Noel—an insightful, passionate young man with cerebral palsy—and Whitney Garrison, Director of Regional Services for GoodLife.
What unfolds is a deeply personal, eye-opening conversation that lays bare the realities of support systems for people with disabilities. Noel shares his experiences navigating Arkansas’s fragmented care landscape, his struggle to remain independent, and the emotional toll of unreliable staffing, limited transportation, and bureaucratic complexity.
With humor, grace, and wisdom beyond his years, Noel reminds us what it truly means to live a “good life”—not just with support, but with friendship, dignity, and the freedom to contribute meaningfully to one's community.
Send us a text
In this episode of The Quest for the GoodLife, Dr. Mike Strouse and co-host Ivo Ivanov welcome Todd Lewis, VP at IMA and a passionate advocate for those who care for others. Together, they unpack the complex world of ICHRAs—Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements—and why these innovative benefits are gaining traction across the caregiving industry.
With over 400% growth in recent years, ICHRAs empower employers to offer flexible, individualized, and portable healthcare options for employees—especially critical for the hourly caregiving workforce. Todd and Mike discuss how these plans can break the one-size-fits-all model, ease the financial burden on staff, and stabilize a workforce under strain.
If you’re a CEO, HR leader, or policymaker navigating rising insurance costs and caregiver retention challenges, this episode offers a fresh perspective—and a path forward.
👉 Learn how to customize benefits, contain costs, and truly “take care of the people who take care of people.”
Send us a text
Is your workforce strategy stuck in the past? In this episode, Dr. Mike Strouse and co-host Ivo Ivanov dig into the hidden traps of traditional scheduling in the care industry. Through powerful analogies and data-driven insights, they explore how rigid five-day workweeks, fragmented part-time roles, and outdated scheduling models are driving workforce instability—and what you can do to fix it.
Listeners will learn:
Whether you're a leader in healthcare, disability services, or just curious about human-centered operations, this episode offers fresh perspectives and practical frameworks to help you pivot with purpose.
Send us a text
In this episode, Dr. Mike Strouse and Ivo Ivanov sit down with Lewis Walton—attorney, tech innovator, longtime board member, and one of the most respected professional family teachers in GoodLife’s history. Together, they revisit the pivotal years between 1999 and 2002, when the seeds of remote support, professional family living, and the three-day work week were planted—years before the rest of the field caught on.
Lewis shares his unique path from philosophy student to tech leader to extended family caregiver. You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories of GoodLife’s first analog-to-digital transition, the birth of the extended family model, and the invisible infrastructure that has supported some of the nation’s most innovative care models. The trio also dives into professional wrestling, podcasting, neighborhood networks, and why some lives—and careers—just don’t punch in and out.
🎧 Tune in to explore what happens when care becomes a lifestyle, not a shift—and how technology, relationships, and purpose are transforming what’s possible.
Send us a text
This week on The Quest for the GoodLife podcast, Mike & Ivo honor the legacy of Diane Bannermen Juracek, the first employee of GoodLife, and explore how her pioneering spirit still fuels innovation today. Dr. Mike Strouse, Ivo Ivanov, and newly-appointed Executive Director Megan McKinney Todd reflect on the roots and future of GoodLife U—a bold, evidence-based initiative tackling workforce stability and technology-driven service models.
You’ll discover how the “coaching tree” of behavioral science mentors continues to inspire transformative leadership, how teaching family models evolved from KU to Boys Town and beyond, and why implementation science and mentorship remain at the heart of building lasting systems change.
This is more than a podcast—it’s a call to pioneers in healthcare, disability services, and human services to forge forward and “wrestle dragons” together.
Episode Links:
Send us a text
In this episode of The Quest for the GoodLife, Dr. Mike Strouse is joined by Beth McCoach and David MacDonald—GoodLife’s leaders in operations and tech innovation—for a compelling conversation on how smart technology is reshaping the way we support independence, safety, and connection.
Together, they explore:
Plus, hear insights from a thriving off-the-grid community, the philosophy behind “one button, one finger” design, and why duct tape might still be the ultimate survival tool.
🎧 Please note: This episode includes a few sections with reduced audio quality due to technical difficulties. We have the transcript available if you need it! Thanks for your patience—and your curiosity.
Link from Episode:
EastWind Community
Send us a text
In this heartfelt and visionary episode of The Quest for the GoodLife, Dr. Mike Strouse and co-host Ivo Ivanov explore the power of real communities—what makes them work, why they matter, and how GoodLife's Neighborhood Network is redefining intentional, inclusive living. From memories of small-town Missouri to the story of a remote Alaskan building that houses an entire town, Mike and Ivo reflect on the deep human need for connection and interdependence. Learn how professional neighbors, purposeful design, and organic supports can build what Dr. Strouse calls “Powder Blue Zones”—places where everyone belongs and everyone contributes.
Links:
Whittier, AK & City of Whittier
Smith Center, KS
Roger Barta
Norman Rockwell Museum
Send us a text
In our typical candid manner, Dr. Mike Strouse, Ivo Ivanov, and Lauren Vohland dive into the systems behind success in care services. From zeroing in on medication error rates to designing personalized health dashboards and embracing tech-driven remote care, this conversation reveals how performance metrics and system design fuel real outcomes. Discover why good systems—not JUST good people—are essential in an industry plagued by turnover, and how culture, accountability, and unconventional thinking create measurable impact.
What you’ll hear about:
Whether you're leading a care organization, managing a team, or just love learning how great systems empower great people, this episode is your roadmap to rethinking performance in the care services sector.
Links & References:
Send us a text
In this episode Dr. Mike Strouse and Dr. Florence DiGennaro Reed discuss topics relevant to current challenges in I/DD and senior services such as:
and much more
Our guest:
Dr. Florence DiGennaro Reed is the Chief Operating Officer of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. She is a board certified behavior analyst with a doctorate in school psychology from Syracuse University. She also completed a clinical post-doctoral fellowship at the Institute for Child Development and a pre-doctoral internship in clinical psychology at the May Center for Education and Neurorehabilitation and the May Center for Child Development.
Formerly, Florence was an Associate Professor in and Chairperson of the Department of Applied Behavioral Science at the University of Kansas where she directed the Performance Management Laboratory. Her research examined effective and efficient staff training and performance improvement practices. She also conducted translational research in on-campus laboratory facilities.
Florence has published articles and book chapters on a variety of topics including training, performance management, assessment, and intervention. Florence is co-editor of two books published through Springer titled Handbook of Crisis Intervention for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities and Bridging the Gap Between Science and Practice in Autism Service Delivery.
Florence has published over 100 articles and book chapters and two edited books on a variety of topics including training, performance management, assessment, and intervention. With co-authors Drs. Gregory Madden and Derek Reed, Florence recently published a textbook titled An Introduction to Behavior Analysis. Moreover, Florence has been an Associate Editor for Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, Journal of Behavioral Education, and Behavior Analysis in Practice.
Send us a text
In this episode of The Quest for the GoodLife, we’re redefining what’s possible in workforce benefits, disability services, and staffing solutions.
Join Dr. Mike Strouse, Ivo Ivanov, and special guests Lauren Vohland and Megan McKinney Todd as they dive deep into what it truly takes to build a thriving workforce in care services. From innovative benefit structures and staffing models to the power of flexibility, personal choice, and work-life balance, this conversation might just change your mind about benefits at your company.
How can organizations retain top talent while operating in an industry with limited funding? What if we reimagined benefits to better serve both caregivers and those they support? And how can thinking beyond traditional compensation—like housing, transportation, and scheduling—lead to a win-win-win for employees, organizations, and the people they serve?
Through personal stories, industry insights, and a few movie references (yes, Indiana Jones makes an appearance!), this episode is packed with actionable takeaways for HR professionals, disability service providers, and anyone passionate about creating sustainable, people-first workforce solutions.
Listen now to discover how GoodLife is rewriting the rules.
Send us a text
Are you ready to challenge the status quo in care services, staffing models, and organizational behavior? In this episode of The Quest for the GoodLife, Dr. Mike Strouse and co-host Ivo Ivanov take you on a deep dive into the science of change management, implementation strategies, and innovative solutions that redefine what's possible in disability services and beyond.
From behavioral analysis to workforce stability, Dr. Strouse reveals how GoodLife has pioneered groundbreaking models—leveraging technology, refining staffing structures, and pushing the boundaries of what traditional care looks like. Learn why standing still is not an option, why active listening and strategic delegation matter, and how the lessons of Netflix and Blockbuster apply to transforming human services.
If you’re passionate about change, leadership, and making a meaningful impact, this is the conversation for you. Tune in and discover why at GoodLife, Impossible is What We Do Best.
Listen now!
Links & References:
Send us a text
What if the key to a long, fulfilling life wasn't just genetics but the environment you build around you? In this episode of The Quest for the GoodLife, Dr. Mike Strouse and co-host Ivo Ivanov dive into the fascinating concept of Blue Zones—communities around the world where people live longer, healthier, and more connected lives.
From lessons in purpose-driven living to why traditional caregiving models must evolve, this episode will inspire you to rethink how communities can support independence, self-direction, and meaningful connection. What does your Blue Zone look like?
Also:
Tune in now!
Links & References:
Send us a text
Can unconventional thinking unlock the key to a better life?
Dr. Mike Strouse, President & CEO of Good Life Innovations, takes listeners on an exhilarating journey into creative problem-solving, disability services innovation, and leadership transformation in the premiere episode of The Quest for the Good Life.
Inside this episode, you'll discover:
Whether you’re in the disability services field, an organizational leader, or simply someone who craves innovative ideas that challenge the status quo, this episode will ignite your imagination and empower you to pursue your own quest for a meaningful life.
Listen now and rethink what’s possible!
Links & References:
This episode is called Back to the Future and for good reason! Every now and then since the 1960’s, the vision for care has been cast and it’s a bit like a broken record. The story is always the same: people with different abilities want what we all want—a good life.
When we talk about what a good life looks like, we’ve got to admit that technology is absolutely integral to our lives. Especially since the pandemic, we rely more on technology than ever:
Other industries give us tremendous examples that help us imagine what technology makes possible and how to improve the delivery of goods and services.
But in the human service industry specifically, we have somehow let the delivery of care get in the way of leveraging technology. GoodLife’s stance is clear: those served should not have to choose between being served virtually or being served in person. You and I don’t ever have to make that choice. Our lives are integrated with technology and our human connections are improved and streamlined by technology. Withholding this from the lives of people with different abilities will only impede our ability to make the vision of CMS’s final setting rules a reality.
This month, Dr. Mike Strouse talks with Ivo Ivanov about how to grasp a simple and attainable vision of The Final Rule, where individuals—regardless of their abilities—can access the support they need in the ways they most want. ( @GoodLife Innovations )
Mike Strouse goes further in depth in part three of the series. This episode includes visual demonstrations of cutting edge iLink technology integrated within service models to improve independence, privacy, and safety. To get the full benefit of the demonstration, please visit our YouTube channel @GoodLife Innovations and watch the HD video.
Technology is forever changing. What’s possible for virtual care as it is used to empower self-direction, care, privacy, and independence is rapidly evolving. That said, there are some important current system design and practice considerations that providers using virtual support technologies should know. Dr. Strouse introduces series of episodes dedicated to the rapidly evolving technology enabled service models, their practical implementation, and significance.
Mike Strouse discusses ICHRA and how bifurcation creates opportunities, flexibility, and savings for both the workforce and the employers.
Replacement staffing represents multiple challenges. In this episode, Dr. Strouse introduces practical solutions specifically designed to address each one of these challenges.
GoodLife's 36 and 48 Contingency is specifically designed to meet the challenges of the new workforce reality.
Paid time off presents unique challenges for service providers. A robust strategy can mitigate problems associated with the search for quality replacements and the increased number of people involved in care. In addition, a new reality demands a novel approach to your agency's payday schedule.
Find out how elevating direct support positions into a professional lifestyle can produce better compensation, schedule management, and work-life balance.
What is the Professional Extended Family Model? How did it start? What are the ingredients needed for its success and why it has become transformative?
Let's take a look back and review the first season of the GoodLife U podcast and at some important questions, each service provider should consider.
The new realities offer unique challenges making the traditional hiring methods insufficient. Now more than ever bridging the vacancy gap is imperative for service providers.
Discover what the five faucets are and how they can be turned on to achieve a steady flow of stable schedules.
How do schedules become "wonky" and what can service providers do to mitigate the ensuing challenges.
Definition: won·ky /wäNGkē/Slang: shaky, groggy, unsteady, off-kilter, unbalanced, faulty, unreliable.
In this episode, Dr. Mike Strouse will take you on an in-depth exploration of technology leveraged service models. The challenges experienced in the last year made it abundantly clear: traditional services are not the answer anymore. New technologies have made huge strides and opened vast possibilities but to achieve the potential benefits services must be carefully designed around a new, innovative paradigm. Discover how GoodLife's Neighborhood Network is revolutionizing the way services are delivered to vulnerable populations. This episode will also take you under the hood and show you the inner workings of GoodLife's Applied Technology Center where a variety of remote support components are meticulously constructed and organized to deliver the highest quality 24/7 support across multiple residential locations.
Learn about GoodLife's innovative services architecture and approach to data management and protection.
How does GoodLife's Applied Technology Center factor in the new ecosystem of delivering services.
In this episode, Dr. Strouse takes us on a detailed tour of an iLink home and explains how each component contributes to the safety, independence, and privacy of GoodLife residents.
Our focus: Taking all the beneficial aspects of an old-fashioned neighborhood and combining them with a great care model, technology, and the spirit of volunteerism.
What exactly is "the quest for the good life"? Our unprecedented times require an unprecedented and innovative approach to delivering safe and effective services. Dr. Mike Strouse introduces "GoodLife Innovations" and addresses the challenges and intricacies of improving the lives of people who need help to live independently.