The Front Porch Podcast Podcast Por Anna Hall arte de portada

The Front Porch Podcast

The Front Porch Podcast

De: Anna Hall
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Welcome to the Front Porch Podcast! Join us as we uncover the extraordinary stories of people who are part of Front Porch Communities and Services—a dynamic not-for-profit organization that provides high quality services through senior living communities, affordable housing communities and other programs and services. In each episode we'll explore how intergenerational connections and purpose in community shape our lives, how creative engagement builds belonging, and how each of us contributes to a thriving community culture. From young professionals just starting their journeys to lifelong learners pursuing new passions, our guests' experiences reflect the heart of Front Porch—a place where innovation and compassion come together to reimagine what's possible in retirement communities and beyond. Together, we'll explore how purpose, creativity, and community shape us all, with stories that will inspire you to discover your own unique contribution. Host – Anna Hall Producer & Editor – Carmen Elena Mitchell Theme Music – Geoven Snaer and Dianne Kay Enrique Recording Engineer – Jeff Gall Show Art Design – Joseph Escobar Production and Marketing Support – Laura Darling The Front Porch Podcast is a production of Front Porch Communities and Services. Front Porch is a dynamic not-for-profit organization, dedicated to empowering individuals to live connected and fulfilled lives through community and innovation. In support of this vision, Front Porch provides high quality, accessible and welcoming human services through senior living communities, affordable housing communities and other programs and services. The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered, legal, health, tax, or professional advice. Always consult a licensed professional for specific advice related to your situation.2025 Ciencias Sociales Desarrollo Personal Éxito Personal
Episodios
  • Belonging: The Heart of Community—with Arthur Liggins & Candace Young-Schult

    Belonging: The Heart of Community—with Arthur Liggins & Candace Young-Schult
    Feb 9 2026
    Carlsbad By The Sea residents Arthur and Candace were born in adjacent towns in Virginia, but their lives unfolded along very different paths. While Art, with the support of his church community, was navigating life under Jim Crow eventually finding his path in the military, Candace became a school psychologist in rural Illinois, where she learned to gather scarce resources to improve student outcomes. They found their way back to each other, becoming fast friends at Carlsbad By The Sea, where they run a women's and men's group respectively. Arthur and Candace join host Anna Hall for a fascinating discussion on the many ways our various communities empower us to keep us safe, lift us up and help us thrive. Chapters 00:44 – Why Belonging Matters Anna frames the episode around belonging as a basic human psychological need essential to well-being and motivation. 02:13 – The Front Porch Belonging Statement Anna shares Front Porch's Belonging Statement and sets the tone for the conversation ahead. 02:48 – Meet Arthur and Candace Arthur Liggins and Candace Young-Schult are introduced, along with their backgrounds and paths to Carlsbad by the Sea. 04:02 – Born in Adjacent Virginia Towns A surprising connection emerges as Arthur and Candace discover they were born in neighboring towns but lived very different lives. 04:54 – Growing Up Under Jim Crow Arthur reflects on navigating segregation, pressure and resilience while growing up in Jim Crow–era Virginia. 06:06 – The Church as a Safe Haven Arthur shares how church and mentorship provided safety, belonging, and guidance in a hostile environment. 07:06 – Candace's Early Life and Education Candace describes growing up in Illinois within an academic community shaped by curiosity and cultural exposure. 08:03 – Anna's Personal Connection Anna relates her connection to both Art and Candace stories as the biracial daughter of a Black father who grew up under segregation and later became a college professor. 09:23 – Candace's Career as a School Psychologist Candace discusses working in rural Illinois schools and learning how communities come together with limited resources. 11:36 – Listening Without Judgment Candace reflects on the importance of curiosity, listening and suspending judgment in human relationships. 12:02 – College and the Civil Rights Movement Arthur recounts participating in sit-ins while balancing ROTC obligations during the height of the Civil Rights era. 14:03 – Military Life and Leadership Arthur shares lessons from his Air Force career, including navigating race, leadership and opportunity. 16:42 – Choosing Carlsbad by the Sea Arthur and Candace explain what drew them to CBTS and how the move became a meaningful transition. 18:26 – Creating the Men's Group Arthur describes facilitating the men's group as a space for fellowship, dialogue and mutual respect. 20:57 – Creating the Women's Group Candace explains how the women's group fosters deeper connection, learning and community building. 22:44 – "I Belong Here" The conversation centers on intentional belonging—creating spaces where people feel seen, missed and valued. 24:09 – Inclusion Takes Intention Arthur and Candace discuss how inclusion requires effort, invitation and care, especially post-pandemic. 25:35 – Advice for Those Considering Senior Living Arthur and Candace reflect on CBTS as home, challenging common assumptions about senior living. 26:56 – A Third Chapter of Life Arthur describes this stage of life as a "third awakening," focused on contribution, connection and purpose. 28:02 – Gratitude and Closing Reflections Anna thanks Arthur and Candace for their leadership and care as the episode comes to a close. Key Takeaways ● Belonging is a basic human psychological need and essential for motivation and well-being. ● Community does not happen by accident; it requires intention, inclusion, and leadership. ● Listening with curiosity—not judgment—is foundational to meaningful connection. ● Safe spaces allow people to share, heal, and grow, especially later in life. ● Senior living communities can be places of continued growth, purpose, and engagement. ● Relationships—between residents, staff, and neighbors—are what truly make a place feel like home. Resources mentioned: Carlsbad By The Sea - a Front Porch Community Front Porch Communities & Services Front Porch Foundation Guest Bios: Arthur Liggins grew up in a segregated community in Virginia. After high school he attended an all-black college in Greensboro, North Carolina, majoring in engineering and was accepted in the advanced ROTC program. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the US Air Force upon graduation in 1963 where he met his wife, Eloise, who was also an Air Force officer. Arthur retired from the Air Force after twenty years and then worked ...
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    29 m
  • Commander Beth Coye: A Warrior for Equality

    Commander Beth Coye: A Warrior for Equality
    Jan 26 2026
    Beth F. Coye, a retired U.S. Navy Commander, writer, and Wesley Palms resident, shares her remarkable journey as a life-long advocate for social justice. From authoring a groundbreaking study on women in the Navy, to helping shape lasting change through her work on the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Beth has been a warrior for equality and inclusion. Now at Wesley Palms, Beth has continued her activism by establishing the first LGBTQ+ group for residents and team members. In this episode, Beth reflects on "what makes her come alive," reminding us that bravery is not separate from community—but essential to its growth. Chapters 00:45 – Standing with and Standing up to Community Host Anna Hall asks: what happens when you feel betrayed by your own community? And how can speaking up help a community to evolve. 01:33 – Meet Beth F. Coye Beth's background as a retired U.S. Navy Commander, educator, writer, and Wesley Palms resident. 02:17 – Leaving the Navy: Betrayal and Bravery Beth shares why she retired early after being targeted for her sexual orientation. 03:02 – Belonging in the Military Finding purpose and professional belonging while serving in intelligence and NATO-related roles. 04:38 – The Coye Study and Advancing Women in the Navy How Beth led a landmark study that helped open ranks and opportunities for women. 06:49 – Family, Expectations, and Choosing a Path Reflections on her parents, independence, and what drew her to the Navy. 08:00 – Military Brat to Warrior Spirit Beth's childhood, identity, and sense of service shaped by military family life. 09:27 – Love, Identity, and Life in the Closet Personal reflections on love, secrecy, and the emotional cost of hiding one's identity. 11:21 – Coming Out Beth discusses coming out to her parents and later living openly after leaving the Navy. 13:51 – My Navy Too Beth introduces her book and its importance for understanding women's and LGBTQ+ experiences in the Navy. 15:04 – Repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Beth's activism and lobbying work in Washington, D.C., to support repeal efforts. 17:12 – Finding Community at Wesley Palms Life as the first openly lesbian resident at Wesley Palms and helping build LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion. 18:08 – Continuing Activism in Senior Living Launching an LGBTQ+ gathering and serving as Resident Representative. 21:33 – What Matters Now Aging, companionship, purpose, and joy in later life. 22:12 – Meet CT Beth introduces her dog CT and reflects on care, connection, and community support. 24:26 – Final Reflections Beth shares a quote from Howard Thurman and a call to live fully and authentically. Key Takeaways Belonging is a fundamental human need—but true belonging often requires courage. Bravery is not the absence of fear; it is choosing integrity and service despite risk. Systems change when individuals speak up, document inequities, and persist. Identity suppression can have profound psychological costs, comparable to trauma. Purpose and activism do not end with retirement—they evolve. Inclusive senior living communities can be powerful spaces for continued growth, leadership, and advocacy. Living fully means doing what makes you come alive, at every stage of life. Resources Mentioned My Navy Too, a novel by Beth F. Coye The Coye Study – Landmark study on the status of women in the Navy Z-116 Policy Change – Career and advancement reforms for women in the Navy Service Members Legal Defense Network (SMLDN) – Advocacy organization supporting LGBTQ+ service members Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Howard Thurman – Theologian and author, quoted at the end of the episode The Military Brat by Mary Wertsch W.A.V.E.S Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service Guest Bio Beth F. Coye is a retired U.S. Navy commander. She had two sub-specialties on active duty: Intelligence/National Security and Human Resource Management, and was one of the first women to command a shore activity. A graduate of Wellesley College, the American University School of International Service and the School of Naval Warfare, Beth taught International Relations, Seapower, and Organizational Development at the Naval War College, and Political Science at Mesa Community College; University of San Diego; and San Diego State. A freelance writer and activist, she lives in Pacific Beach, California. Since 2019, Beth has called Wesley Palms home. Host Bio Anna Hall is a purpose-driven leader with over 25 years in senior living, spanning employee engagement, life enrichment, training, and innovation in age-tech and program design. A certified life coach and dynamic speaker, she helps people connect with meaning and motivation at every stage of life. She is the creator of The Purpose Equation®, an evidence-informed framework that empowers individuals to define and activate their unique purpose to enhance wellbeing, engagement, and collaboration. As Chief Culture & ...
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    26 m
  • "It's Not Just Housekeeping": What Gives Work Meaning? A conversation with Randi Jorgenson

    "It's Not Just Housekeeping": What Gives Work Meaning? A conversation with Randi Jorgenson
    Jan 12 2026

    Randi Jorgenson began her career as a housekeeper at Spring Lake Village and now leads a team of 36 employees while overseeing 400 resident apartments in her role as Housekeeping Manager. In this episode, Randi reflects on how opportunities for growth and advancement, respect for each team member's unique contributions, and a strong community culture are essential ingredients in nurturing team members' commitment to an organization. From everyday moments of connection to navigating fires, evacuations, and COVID, she shares what it truly means to serve with purpose and heart.

    Chapters

    00:44 - Rethinking Community in Senior Living
    Host Anna Hall reflects on how community functions as an interconnected ecosystem.

    04:19 - Meet Randi Jorgensen
    Randi's 35-year journey at Spring Lake Village, from housekeeper to housekeeping manager.

    04:50 From Job to Calling
    What drew Randi to senior living and why she stayed.

    06:22 Leadership, Trust, and Follow-Through
    How consistency and reliability build trust with residents and staff.

    08:24 - Housekeeping as Care Work
    The role of housekeeping staff as the "eyes and ears" of the community.

    09:02 - Moments That Matter
    Stories of resident connection, appreciation, and aging in place.

    11:44 - Crisis and Commitment
    Navigating fires, evacuations, and COVID as essential workers.

    12:48 Purpose, Growth, and Gratitude
    What Randi has learned about life, work, and staying open to growth.

    13:25 - Looking Back with Pride
    Reflecting on a career built on service and community.

    Key Takeaways

    • Employee retention grows where people feel valued, trusted, and respected.

    • Purposeful work often comes from everyday acts of care, not job titles.

    • Housekeeping plays a critical, relational role in senior living communities.

    • Opportunities for growth and advancement encourage long-term commitment.

    • Strong communities are built through follow-through, presence, and heart.

    • Crisis moments reveal the depth of care, resilience, and shared responsibility.

    Guest Bio:

    Randi Jorgenson is the Housekeeping Manager at Spring Lake Village. After joining Spring Lake Village as a housekeeper in May 1990, Randi has been serving Spring Lake Village residents with increasing levels of responsibility ever since. She was first promoted to lead housekeeper, scheduling the maintenance of (then) 260 cottages and apartments, before being promoted to Housekeeping Manager overseeing the teams that clean homes for the more than 400 people who live at Spring Lake Village. Randi has a passion for animals and enjoys spending time with family and friends. She has a daughter and has been happily married for over 25 years.

    Host Bio:

    Anna Hall is a purpose-driven leader with over 25 years in senior living, spanning employee engagement, life enrichment, training, and innovation in age-tech and program design. A certified life coach and dynamic speaker, she helps people connect with meaning and motivation at every stage of life. She is the creator of The Purpose Equation®, an evidence-informed framework that empowers individuals to define and activate their unique purpose to enhance wellbeing, engagement, and collaboration. As Chief Culture & Community Officer at Front Porch Communities & Services, Anna leads initiatives that foster belonging, creativity, and human thriving—building communities where everyone feels valued and inspired to make a difference.


    Resources Mentioned

    • Spring Lake Village – A Front Porch community in Santa Rosa, California

    • Front Porch Communities and Services – Nonprofit organization supporting engaged senior living and community services

    The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered, legal, health, tax, or professional advice. Always consult a licensed professional for specific advice related to your situation.

    #FrontPorchPodcast
    #PurposeThroughWork
    #MoreThanHousekeeping
    #EmployeeRetention
    #MeaningfulWork
    #SeniorLiving
    #CommunityCare
    #LeadershipWithHeart
    #FrontlineLeadership
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    15 m
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