Looking Forward Our Way

Are you curious about culinary classes, hands-on cooking, or community outreach at Columbus State? Learn more in this episode. This episode of "Looking Forward Our Way" features Tommy Tucker, coordinator of the School of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts at Columbus State Community College. Recorded on-site at Mitchell Hall, our discussion explores The Mix, the college’s innovative culinary...

Did you know your will isn’t enough for funeral instructions in Ohio? Get crucial insights with attorney Larae Schraeder from Schraeder Law. Ever wondered who’s legally responsible for your final arrangements when you pass away? Estate attorney Larae Schraeder joins Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson to decode Ohio’s Disposition of Remains law. It's a critical and often misunderstood part of estate...

Confused about Medicare changes for 2027? Discover the latest enrollment tips, cost shifts, and plan insights here. Open enrollment for Medicare is 10/1/26 through 12/7/26, and with rising costs, shifting plan options, and potential pitfalls, it’s more important than ever for adults turning 65 and over 65 to stay informed. Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson welcome back Josh Kinzel from Seniority B...

Discover how Women Giving Together grew from eight women to a million-dollar giving circle supporting Delaware County (OH) nonprofits. Are you curious how local communities are transforming philanthropy and addressing urgent nonprofit needs, even with limited resources? This episode brings you face-to-face with Sue Mahler, co-founder of Women Giving Together, to reveal the step-by-step strategies...

Curious how technology shapes nonprofits and small businesses? Brad Griffith states that technology, at its best, is a tool to enhance human connection, eliminate operational barriers, and level the playing field for all organizations. Regardless of size or resources. We sit down with Brad Griffith, Founder and CEO of Buckeye Innovation , to explore the impact of technology on nonprofits, small bu...

Are Ohio elections secure? The League of Women Voters' Jen Miller reveals how to protect your vote and fight misinformation. How to Secure Your Vote, Understand Ohio’s Election System, and Confront Misinformation With the midterm elections approaching, political ads and social media can overwhelm voters with both facts and falsehoods. In this episode, Jen Miller from the League of Women Voters Ohi...

Imagine reconnecting with classmates after 50 years—rekindling memories, building new traditions, and leaving a legacy for future generations. That’s exactly what the Otterbein University Class of 1976 achieved, and in this episode, you’ll hear their step-by-step journey. Unlock the secrets to a successful college reunion with firsthand stories from Otterbein’s 50th class committee leaders. Hosts...

Hear the incredible story of Shirley Brooks-Jones, a 9/11 "Plane Person" who turned tragedy into hope. We welcome Shirley Brooks-Jones, a remarkable individual whose life was forever changed by the events of September 11, 2001. Shirley shares her compelling story as a passenger on Delta Flight 15, which was rerouted to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, amid the chaos of 9/11. Along with near...

Feeling stuck after a sudden job loss or career shift? Get inspired by a real-life story of resilience, reinvention, and the pursuit of purpose. On this episode of Looking Forward Our Way, hosts Brett Johnson and Carol sit down with Randy Robertson, who candidly shares how he navigated an unexpected end to his 30-year corporate journey and found new meaning as a regional storyteller at Special Oly...

Harnessing AI for Better Recruiting: Balancing Efficiency and the Human Touch Chad Delligatti, CEO and owner of InnoSource , along with Brett Johnson and Carol Ventresca, explores the world of artificial intelligence (AI) in recruiting. We cover the journey of recruitment technologies, the significance and challenges posed by AI, and how to balance technology with the crucial human element within...

How AI Can Accelerate and Improve Your Job Search Process Sharon Hamersley discusses how we can all make the best use of artificial intelligence (AI) during a job search. With AI now part of our daily lives at home, school, and work, it’s become an essential tool for job seekers and employers alike. Yet, for many, AI can also be intimidating, especially when it comes to writing resumes, preparing...

Meeting the Needs of Delaware County’s Growing Older Adult Population with SourcePoint We talk with Fara Waugh. Chief Executive Officer, LISW-S, CEO of SourcePoint , to explore how Delaware County, Ohio, is innovating to meet the needs of its rapidly growing population of older adults. As the county’s senior population doubles, SourcePoint stands out by offering a broad spectrum of services—from i...

How Values Shape Financial Success with Ben Hoeger In this episode of Looking Forward Our Way, we talk with Ben Hoeger, financial advisor and Director of Private Wealth Management at the Hedley Hoeger Group at Baird Private Wealth Management . Ben provides practical advice on navigating the often intimidating world of financial planning, especially during turbulent economic times. We begin by cele...

If you’re leading a business or organization and want to separate marketing myth from practical strategy, this conversation will give you the clarity—and courage—to build real momentum for growth. We sit down with returning guest Darlene Ziebell—an accomplished entrepreneur, business consultant, strategy specialist, and multi-book author—to unpack the real story behind successful marketing for sma...

Hear insights that will help you navigate the ups and downs of your professional life, strengthen your self-confidence, and embrace the winding paths your career might take. Brett Johnson and Carol Ventresca are joined by Ken Lazar, CEO of Ability Professional Network and a seasoned recruiter in the community. They talk about today's challenging employment environment—covering everything from the...

Whether you’re anticipating a move, supporting a loved one, or simply looking for ways to give back, this conversation is filled with practical tips, community resources, and inspiring stories about how ordinary items can turn a house into a home of hope. Welcome to "Looking Forward Our Way." In this episode, hosts Brett Johnson and Carol Ventresca discuss the sometimes daunting topic of downsizin...

Brett and Carol sit down with Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano for an in-depth conversation about the property tax process, skyrocketing home values, and the upcoming triennial property value update. As property tax concerns reach new heights alongside rapidly rising home valuations, Auditor Stinziano brings much-needed clarity on what his office does—and doesn’t do—when it comes to taxes...

If you’re job searching, making a career pivot, or just want some real advice from people who get it, this episode has you covered. Welcome, Jami Phillips from New Directions Career Center —who’s a pro at helping people tackle career changes and job hunts, no matter what curveballs the economy throws our way. Things definitely aren’t the same as they were five years ago, especially with technology...

Discover how each of us can contribute to keeping our neighborhoods cleaner, our environment safer, and our economy thriving—one recycled can, bottle, and newspaper. We are joined by Amy Densborn, Program Manager at SWACO—the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio. While trash and landfills aren’t always easy or exciting topics, SWACO’s pioneering efforts are transforming what we throw away into re...

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply interested in how local banking can catalyze growth, this conversation is packed with real-world insight and actionable advice for anyone looking to bring their financial story to life. Hosts Brett Johnson and Carol Ventresca sit down with Ashley Dick, Chief Retail and Community Development Officer at Fortuna Bank. Based...

Healthy aging isn’t just about years—it's about living well NOW to enjoy vibrant decades ahead! Or as we jokingly say in this episode, "two-steppin' your way to better health!" We had the pleasure of featuring Dr. Jacob Coffman of Optimize Chiropractic . The conversation isn’t just about pain relief; it’s about mastering mobility, building healthspan, and making sustainable changes for the long ru...

Whether you’re already an avid library fan or just looking for ways to explore Columbus on a budget, this episode has everything you need to know about unlocking incredible cultural adventures through your local library. We are shining the spotlight on one of Central Ohio’s most exciting community resources—the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Culture Pass program. Joined by special guest Stephanie...

Whether you’re passionate about the performing arts or curious about building community through creativity, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and practical ways to support and connect with the arts in Columbus. In this episode, hosts Brett Johnson and Carol Ventresca sit down with Christy Farnbaugh, executive director of the Contemporary Theatre of Ohio. Columbus has long been kno...

Happy New Year—and thank you for being part of the journey! As we celebrate the show’s sixth year—and nearly a decade since our very first podcast together—we pause to express heartfelt gratitude to you, our dedicated listeners. We discuss the rapid growth of podcasting among adults over 50, the importance of feedback and topic suggestions, and the exciting changes introduced this year—including a...

This episode of Looking Forward Our Way is a special one for us as we sit down with our good friend Kelly Fuller, Senior Vice President of Workforce and Workplace Innovation for the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. The conversation is bittersweet, as Kelly will be retiring from the chamber in early 2026. We’re grateful for her friendship and years of commitment to workforce development and Employment...