Looking Forward Our Way

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 resources that power local communities...

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 in Columbus, Fortuna is a women-owne...

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 run.

Here are our top 3 takeaways:

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 Burley, the library’s manager of ci...

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 known for its vibrant arts community, a...

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 fresh logo and revamped newsletter.

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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 for Seniors in Central Ohio. Even ...

The True Purpose of Prenups - "I think people think of prenuptial as Just planning for divorce. But all marriages end in one of two ways, divorce or death. And so where I find that some agreements fall short is in planning for the second scenario, whichever it is." - Larae Schraeder

Let’s be honest—talking about prenups with a partner, friend, or family member can feel uncomfortable and sticky. The conversat...

If you’ve ever wondered what makes Central Ohio tick—beyond the headlines and rumors—this episode is for you.

We welcome Matthew Martin, Director of Community Research at The Columbus Foundation, for an in-depth look at the Benchmarking Central Ohio 2024 report.

We dig into the strengths, challenges, and unique features that define our rapidly growing region and shed light on how data-driven research is helping shape smarter philant...

Whether you’re a veteran, an employer, or someone who wants to support veterans in your community, this episode is packed with practical advice and up-to-date resources to help ensure our veterans thrive after service.

Welcome to another episode of "Looking Forward Our Way." This time, we’re putting the spotlight on the unique challenges faced by military veterans as they re-enter the civilian workforce. Joining hosts Carol Ventresc...

Whether you’re a veteran, a family member, an educator, or simply someone interested in history and service, this episode offers a profound look at the enduring legacy of America’s veterans—and the power of storytelling to unite and inspire us all.

Welcome to Looking Forward Our Way! In this special episode, hosts Brett Johnson and Carol Ventresca take us inside the National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM) in Columbus, Ohio, for...

We sit down with former Whitehall Mayor Kim Maggard for an engaging and insightful conversation about her impressive journey in public service, community leadership, and what lies ahead in her own encore career.

From her early days working in librarianship and education to her breakthrough moment mobilizing the community for important school levies, Kim shares how her adaptability, collaborative spirit, and commitment to transparenc...

We welcome back Josh Kinzel from Seniority Benefit Group for his sixth visit to the podcast. The focus of this conversation is on the upcoming changes to Medicare enrollment and coverage for 2026, as well as practical advice for those approaching or currently navigating Medicare options.

Breaking Down the Medicare Alphabet Soup

Josh walks us through the parts of Medicare and why understanding them is so important:

• Original Medicar...

We sit down with Arielle Galinsky, CEO and co-founder of The Legacy Project Incorporated. Arielle is not only a dual-degree graduate student at Yale Law and Harvard's Kennedy School, but she’s also a passionate advocate for intergenerational connections and storytelling.

The Legacy Project, which now spans 25 college campuses, began from Arielle’s personal drive to preserve the life stories of older adults—a mission fueled by loss i...

The Unsung Heroes of Healthcare: "Community pharmacists are maybe the most trusted and most accessible health care provider. They're unsung heroes in our communities but rich with knowledge." - Dr. Taylor Reed

We shine a spotlight on a vital resource in Central Ohio: the Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio.

For 15 years, this nonprofit has been dedicated to providing free, life-saving prescription medication...

Age Diversity in the Workplace: Benefits, Challenges, and Strategies for Employers

In this episode of Looking Forward Our Way, Brett and Carol are joined by Dr. Jennifer Crittenden, Assistant Professor of Social Work at the University of Maine and Associate Director for Research at the University of Maine Center on Aging. The focus is on the challenges and opportunities facing older adults as they transition into paid employment, an...

"And people kept saying to her, well, why don't we have something like that in Ohio? Why don't we have something like that in Ohio? And so she never intended to start a nonprofit organization, but she got enough feedback that people really wanted to have the option to at least start working on it." Molly McMahon Graziano - Director of Outreach for Ohio End of Life Options

We’re talking about the sensitive an...

We shine a spotlight on one of Columbus’s newest community treasures: The Fran Ryan Center. Opened in January 2025 as part of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, this vibrant, creative arts and wellness hub sits just east of downtown and serves residents of all ages. We're joined by Kyle Farnbaugh, the center’s manager, who takes us inside the mission, innovative programs, and community partnerships that make the Fran Rya...

We discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Central Ohio as the region experiences rapid—yet manageable—growth.

Our special guest, Adam Porr, the Research and Data Officer for the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), joins us to demystify how strategic planning helps drive sustainable development in everything from transportation and housing to air quality and infrastructure.

We’ll explore how MORPC’s collaborative ...