Looking Forward Our Way

For anyone interested in senior wellness and innovation, this episode is a gold mine of insights—pun intended.

Welcome to "Looking Forward Our Way," where we welcome Daniel Seltzer, executive director of Evergold at Home. Daniel shared how Evergold's Life Plan at Home program is revolutionizing the experience of aging, with wellness management and financial protection.

From the empowering use of smartwatches to personalized care co...

In this episode of "Looking Forward Our Way," the focus is on the opportunities for lifelong learning in Central Ohio and the specific Lifelong Learning Community (LLC) program at Otterbein University.

Hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson are joined by guest experts Dana Viglietta, the executive director of engagement at Otterbein University, and Kevin Byrd, a member of Otterbein's LLC. The episode emphasizes that Central Ohio o...

On this episode of "Looking Forward Our Way," hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson welcome expert Darlene Ziebell to share her strategies for turning around failing businesses and to dive into the challenges small business owners face.

Darlene Ziebell, a seasoned strategist and consultant, begins by discussing the critical process of assessing a struggling business. She stresses the importance of understanding financials and moni...

In this episode of "Looking Forward Our Way," hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson welcome Jennifer Bechtel, the program manager for geriatrics and gerontology at Ohio State University's College of Medicine.

The discussion focuses on the challenges and opportunities in the field of gerontology, navigating healthcare for aging populations, empowering individuals to advocate for their own healthcare needs, and the importance of ch...

In this episode of "Looking Forward Our Way," hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson are joined by expert guest Sharon Hamersley to discuss the crucial topic of career ownership within the job market.

As a local expert in job searching and skill-building, Sharon emphasizes the importance of intentional networking and skill acquisition, catering to job seekers and those seeking to advance in their current roles. The conversation de...

We welcome Christine Happel, the assistant director of the Age Friendly Innovation Center, to discuss the vital services and resources available to seniors in Central Ohio.

Christine elaborates on the Senior Services Roundtable, a platform that connects seniors with essential resources and services in the community. The Roundtable's effectiveness is in promoting collaboration, networking, and resource sharing.

Christine sheds light ...

Looking Forward Our Way

99 Ohio's Workforce Evolution and Opportunities Ahead

In this episode of "Looking Forward Our Way," hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson welcome Kelly Fuller, Vice President of Talent and Workforce Development at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. This insightful conversation delves into the innovative strategies employed by businesses in Central Ohio to tap into underutilized workforce pools, such as olde...

Looking Forward Our Way

98 Signal Ohio is Bridging News Deserts and Fueling Civic Empowerment

In this episode of "Looking Forward Our Way," hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson welcome Rita McNeil Danish, the CEO of Signal Ohio, to discuss the transformative impact of nonprofit journalism in Ohio communities.

With a focus on promoting civic engagement, fostering community involvement, and addressing news deserts, this insightful...

In the podcast episode "New Year Job Search Tips," Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson, along with expert guests Marilyn Bury-Rice, Sharon Hamersley, Rebecca Heslep, Jill Kulman, Darlene Ziebell, and Kelly Fuller, provide valuable insights and tips for job seekers. The episode focuses on various essential aspects of the job search process, from creating a strong resume to utilizing effective networking strategies.

The episode emphasiz...

Welcome to "Looking Forward Our Way," where we bring you the latest insights and expert advice on issues relevant to those 50 and older in Central Ohio and beyond.

As we celebrate our 4th year of podcasting, we reflect on the past 3 years of providing over 100 episodes. With a focus on bringing valuable information and entertainment to our 50-plus Ohioans, we discuss our goal of highlighting diverse topics that impact our lives, fr...

We tackle a pressing issue that is impacting Central Ohio: the housing crisis. Joining us as our special guests are Michael Wilkos and Carlie Boos, who will shed light on the current state of affordable housing in the region and discuss potential solutions. We'll explore the allocation of funds for affordable housing, efforts to update zoning codes, and the impact of restrictive suburban communities.

Additionally, we delve into the...

We had the pleasure of talking with Kimberly Schwind, Assistant Director & Training Programs Administrator, Ohio Traffic Safety Office for the Ohio Department of Public Safety. And Angie Wise, Ohio Statewide CarFit Coordinator for the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, about important initiatives to support the mobility and safety of older Ohioans behind the wheel.

Here are 3 key takeaways from our conversation:

1️⃣ Self-Assessm...

We are joined by Russ Brand and Chad Greenwald, the passionate individuals behind this unique music education program that has been making waves in the community. Throughout the episode, they discuss the core values, transformative experiences, and the continuous growth of School of Rock Columbus.

Passion and fun are the driving forces behind School of Rock Columbus. Russ and Chad believe that when work is combined with enjoyment, i...

We sit down with guest Ed Zirkle, a veteran and photographer. Ed begins by sharing that his involvement with a TED Talk on PTSD has led him to conduct extensive background research on the topic. He emphasizes that PTSD affects only a small percentage of people, particularly veterans, and is often considered an invisible wound.

Ed's primary goal is to help people understand what PTSD is from both the perspective of those who have it ...

We are joined by guest Mark Seven, Owner, Producer, Director of Get Away With Murder, a traveling improv mystery comedy dinner theatre.

The episode begins by acknowledging the struggle that theaters and entertainment venues face in terms of declining attendance and difficulty in marketing to their regular customers. One potential reason for this decline, suggested by Mark, is that older customers may be hesitant to gather in public...

We are joined by guest Larae Schraeder, an attorney specializing in elder law and Medicaid eligibility and planning. Schraeder shares her expertise and personal experiences while discussing the intricacies of Medicaid and the importance of proper planning for long-term care.

Larae emphasizes the need for strategic preparation when it comes to potential long-term care or assisted living needs. She advises individuals to gather and re...

Josh Kinzel from Seniority Benefits Group is back in the studio to talk about the 2024 Medicare Open Enrollment.

Josh starts off by explaining that when it comes to Medicare choices, you have some flexibility. You can go with a supplement and drug plan or opt for a Medicare Advantage plan. The decision really depends on your own risk tolerance when it comes to health insurance events. If you have chronic conditions, you might lean t...

Our featured guest, Anthony Santilli from the Fangs & Fur Podcast, talks about his personal journey feeding his pet, sharing how a crisis in the pet food industry compelled him to reevaluate his career path.

Witnessing the transformative impact of real, fresh, and raw food on dogs' health, he developed a passion for promoting healthier diets for our four-legged companions.

We delve into the connection between diet and health iss...

We have a very special guest joining us once again - Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano. Together, we will explore the hot topic of property tax reappraisal in 2023 and its impact on homeowners across the county.

As we discuss the importance of modernizing the Homestead exemption and preventing property taxes from driving long-time residents out of their neighborhoods, we will also explore potential solutions such as capping...