The Quest for the GoodLife with Dr. Mike Strouse

How do we redefine what’s possible in care services, care & support models, and community living?
The Quest for the GoodLife is where bold ideas, innovative solutions, and next-generation technology come together to transform lives.

Hosted by Dr. Mike Strouse, a visionary leader in disability services, this podcast challenges conventional wisdom and explores groundbreaking approaches to independence, self-direction, staffing models, technology-enabled care, and workforce stability. Through candid conversations, real-world examples, and thought-provoking analogies, Dr. Strouse and co-host Ivo Ivanov unpack the science of implementation, the art of change management, and the future of human-centered care.

This podcast is designed for:
• Leaders of care service organizations seeking forward-thinking strategies.
• Advocates, parents, and guardians wanting to empower their loved ones.
• Legislators and policy-makers shaping the future of care.
• Individuals with care needs looking for a more independent, connected life.

Join us on this journey as we push boundaries, reimagine care, and challenge the status quo—because at GoodLife, impossible is what we do best.
Tune in, challenge the norm, and start your own Quest for the GoodLife.

Contributors

Host

Dr. Mike Strouse

For more than 39 years, Mike has led GoodLife Innovations, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including iLink Technologies. Mike’s extensive work encompasses research, development, refinement, and dissemination of evidence-based, nationally-regarded community service models that consistently produce person-centered care and high quality-of-life outcomes and also improve the capacity of the direct support workforce. Mike earned his Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior Management and holds a courtesy faculty appointment in the Department of Applied Behavioral Science at the University of Kansas. He continues to participate in research, assist with training graduate students, and successfully nurtures this important, 50-year partnership with the University.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-michael-strouse/

Co-host

Ivo Ivanov

Ivo Ivanov is a talented Bulgarian author, marketer, creator, humanist, husband, father, and much more. He has been with GoodLife for over 30 years and, in that time, has played an invaluable role in GoodLife's growth and success. Ivo earned his Master's degree from the University of Kansas and has a background in journalism. His work includes several books (such as "The Happiness Curve" and "A Chronicle of Pain"), articles and blogs for the Kansas City Star, articles for news publications and sports media in Bulgaria, and more. Perpetually curious, Ivo travels often to explore the unique and interesting, the wild, and the inspirational while drawing from his experiences to weave the powerful stories he encounters into compelling narratives that challenge his readers to think freely and feel deeply. If you'd like to hear more from Ivo, check out his other podcast: "Transatlantic Perspective" with Neil Rasmussen.

Guests

Guest

Lauren Vohland

With over 15 years of experience working with mission-driven nonprofit organizations, Lauren directs GoodLife operations, including day and residential programs, employee recruitment and retention, performance management, and advocacy. Her key projects involve employee recruitment and retention, performance management, employee compensation and benefits, operational systems, organizational outcomes, and financial efficacy. She has extensive knowledge of 501(c)(3) operations and project management. Lauren enjoys exploring innovative solutions to streamline operations and maximize existing resources/partnerships. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-vohland-86774121/

Guest appearance on:

Guest

Megan McKinney Todd

Megan leads GoodLife University’s internal and external collaborations, driving the outreach and dissemination of innovative solutions for workforce stability and technologies. Megan leans on decades of experience in strategic planning to optimize growth, outreach, and the development of GoodLife University’s ever-expanding toolbox. With a degree in English, graduate coursework in rhetoric and professional communication, and more than 20 years of professional nonprofit and business experience, Megan thrives as an engaging and articulate ambassador of GoodLife University's service models and approaches.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmegan/

Guest appearance on:

Conquering Turnover Through Benefits Flexibility