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Looking Forward Our Way

Looking Forward Our Way

Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

The Looking Forward Our Way podcast addresses today’s critical issues that impact the lives, and livelihood, of those traveling their own way. Looking Forward Our Way is co-hosted by veteran and award-winning podcasters, Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson. Each episode provides information, resources and ideas to our listeners, all available at the click of a link! Here’s what you can expect to hear us talk about... Employment Financial and legal issues Technology Healthy living Housing Discover New episodes every first and third Mondays of the month. Find out more on our website at www.lookingforwardourway.com Email us at [email protected]
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Top 10 Looking Forward Our Way Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Looking Forward Our Way episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Looking Forward Our Way for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Looking Forward Our Way episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Looking Forward Our Way - Preview - What's On The Horizon for Central Ohio's Workforce
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04/25/22 • 2 min

In our next episode, we have the opportunity to talk with Kelly Fuller. She is the Vice President of Talent and Workforce Development for the Columbus Chamber. She has a unique perspective on the issues and challenges for the central Ohio workforce and how to grow our economic picture.

This episode will be in your podcast player on Monday 5/2/2022.

We would love to hear from you.

Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2023 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

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"This was a a really strong convening then for employers and education to to better communicate and then plan on how to improve that connectivity between graduating students and employment."

We welcome guest experts John Hambrick, Work-Based Learning Coordinator at the Educational Service Center (ESC) of Central Ohio, and Lauren Stowe Jones, Senior Director of K-12 Partnerships at Columbus State Community College.

John Hambrick, who moved to Columbus in 1998, transitioned from a background in education and restaurant industry work into non-profit roles, ultimately leading him to his current position in workforce development at ESC of Central Ohio. The Educational Service Center serves 30 member school districts across eight counties, working to bridge the gap between K-12 education and industry needs.

Lauren Stowe Jones started her educational journey as a 7th-grade teacher in Boston but returned to Central Ohio due to high living costs. She joined Columbus State Community College, where she worked on reforming developmental education to reduce the need for remedial courses. Presently, she oversees 10,000 high school students taking college credit courses through the College Credit Plus program. This significant initiative offers free college courses to high school students, impacting their educational pathways.

Both guests emphasize preparing students for future job markets by aligning educational programs with evolving industry demands in Central Ohio. They highlight dual enrollment and teacher education programs as critical strategies. Lauren discusses how dual enrollment influences teaching demographics and necessitates changes in teacher preparation to deploy educators quickly and support their continuous development. John highlights Ohio's emphasis on expanding registered apprenticeship programs, especially to address teacher shortages, and mentions the creation of teacher academies in school districts as pre-apprenticeships.

Ohio's alternative licensure models are also a focal point, creating pathways for veterans and industry professionals to enter teaching roles. John outlines significant state funding to support education, including a $100 million investment from the Ohio legislature for career technical education equipment and workforce boot camps. While the full impact of these initiatives on students remains to be seen, the guests express optimism about creating more informed and prepared students.

The conversation turns to the integration of technology, particularly the role of AI, in education. AI is viewed as a complement to traditional teaching methods rather than a replacement. Teachers will need to adapt, and educational policies will have to guide the use of AI in schools. Community involvement is also essential, with partnerships between colleges, businesses, and economic development sectors shaping educational messages and providing resources.

Educational innovation is discussed, including the creation of innovation labs equipped with VR, 3D printers, and augmented reality tools. These efforts aim to provide equitable access to technology for all students. Programs like the Intel project highlight economic development activities, with a need to communicate future manufacturing and economic opportunities to the community. Columbus State has introduced career educators focused on in-demand industries and developed tailored educational materials for various audiences to spread awareness about regional career opportunities.

Partnerships with economic development partners are crucial to bring business insights into the educational realm, helping prepare students for new career pathways. Emerging technologies, smart mobility, and connected technology in Central Ohio are also highlighted, with resources provided by entities like the Department of Transportation and DriveOhio. Columbus State’s advanced training center in New Albany serves as a hub for technology and business-education interactions.

We take a look at a shift in educational focus, integrating career relevance within disciplines and emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptability in response to rapid technological changes, particularly post-COVID-19. The importance of critical thinking skills in employability contexts is underlined, and the discussion covers the need to equip students with broader skill sets necessary for job market readiness.

Dual enrollment programs and career education paths are becoming essential as high school education alone no longer suffices for well-paying jobs. Community colleges play a significant role, providing flexible and tailored programs to transition students into careers efficiently. Initiatives such as the Central Ohio Compact exemplify regional cooperation between K-12, higher education, and employers, facilitating direct feedback loops to ensure education aligns with workforce ...

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Looking Forward Our Way - The Central Ohio Affordable Housing Crisis
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12/18/23 • 63 min

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 interdependence of transportation and housing, the consequences of the eviction crisis caused by COVID-19, and the unique challenges and opportunities that Central Ohio faces in meeting housing demands.

Here are three key takeaways:

1️⃣ Affordability and Accessibility: The City of Columbus is taking bold steps to tackle the housing crisis. Through bond packages and updated zoning codes, they are creating more affordable housing options and ensuring accessibility for all residents, regardless of income level.

2️⃣ Collaborative Approach: It's not just Columbus that needs to address the housing crisis. As part of the greater metropolitan region, collaboration is key. By working together, different communities can contribute to and benefit from the creation of adequate housing options.

3️⃣ Intersection of Housing and Infrastructure: Housing and transportation are intertwined. The LinkUS project, aimed at improving bike lanes, sidewalk connectivity, and transit lines, recognizes the importance of housing and infrastructure working hand in hand to create thriving communities.

Carlie Boos, Executive Director, Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio

https://www.ahaco.org/

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ahaco/

Michael Wilkos, Senior Vice President/Community Impact, United Way of Central Ohio

https://liveunitedcentralohio.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-wilkos-7b40655/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/united-way-of-central-ohio/

We would love to hear from you.

Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2025 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

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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 tax increases and targeted tax breaks. Our guest sheds light on a Cleveland Ohio model and how it could prove to be an effective solution.

But that's not all - we'll also take a deep dive into the intricacies of the property tax system, the importance of understanding how taxes are established, and how a slight change in property values can have significant implications for homeowners.

The best way to get a handle on all of this is to go to their new website, Know Your Home Value.

So, whether you're a homeowner interested in the 2023 property tax reappraisal, or simply intrigued by the interplay between property taxes and community development, this episode has something for you.

Get ready to gather valuable insights from Franklin County Auditor Michael Stinziano as we explore this timely and important topic.

We would love to hear from you.

Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2025 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

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On this episode of Looking Forward Our Way, we examine the issue of BBB scams with guest Lee Anne Lanigan, Director of Consumer Relations & Investigations - Better Business Bureau Serving Central Ohio.

You are going to hear valuable tips on how to avoid scams and warn against buying into products and services that are "too good to be true." We urge listeners to use secure payment methods like credit cards instead of unconventional methods like wire transfers and prepaid money cards.

We also discuss the BBB Scam Tracker website, which allows consumers to report scams they have experienced and read about.

In addition, Lee Anne explains the process by which scammers convince victims to purchase gift cards and provides tips on how to block spam calls and report them.

Finally, you will hear insights into customer reviews and how to use them to make informed decisions.

In the last year, April 2022 - April 2023, the BBB office received 655 scam tracker reports from Central Ohio consumers who also reported losing $600,000 to scams.

Online purchases were the number one scam for Central Ohio consumers as well as nationally.

Nationally, online retail fraud losses approached $380M in 2022. Online purchases include everything from puppies, trademark merch like MLB jerseys, women's clothing, CBD products, and weight loss products. Here is that study.

Resources mentioned in the podcast.

Scam Studies

BBB Scam Tracker

We would love to hear from you.

Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2025 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

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Looking Forward Our Way - Empowering Holistic Health with the Harding-Buller Foundation
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06/19/23 • 50 min

In the latest episode of Looking Forward Our Way, we are joined by guest David Polakowski to discuss the Harding-Buller Foundation of Worthington (OH).

Here are 3 key takeaways from the episode:

Harding Hospital, built in 1925, not only offered medical treatment but also focused on alternative therapies such as horticulture, music, and art therapy.

The Harding and Kellogg families were instrumental in promoting nutritional wellness and vegetarianism, and their work still influences the community today.

The Harding-Buller Foundation is working to empower individuals to live a spiritual, holistic, and healthy lifestyle, and has organized community health chats to discuss mental health issues and alternatives for coping.

Here is a list of resources mentioned in the podcast.

We would love to hear from you.

Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2025 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

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On this episode of Looking Forward Our Way, we hear from Matthew Goldstein, the founder of Besa, a nonprofit organization that aims to reduce barriers to volunteering and connect people to opportunities to give back to their community.

Matthew shares his personal journey of discovering a love for connecting with others through volunteering, and how Besa has grown to offer 50-70 volunteer projects every month. He also discusses the challenges facing volunteerism, such as decreasing rates and busy schedules, and how Besa is working to overcome these obstacles.

With inspiring stories of volunteers going above and beyond to help others, this episode showcases the power of community engagement and the positive impact it can have on both individuals and society as a whole.

We would love to hear from you.

Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2025 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

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Looking Forward Our Way - Building Bridges: The Art of Networking and Connecting
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05/15/23 • 68 min

Ken Lazar, CEO, of Ability Professional Network, and Frank Agin, Principal of AmSpirit Business Connections are our guests.

They share their insights into the world of networking, emphasizing its importance in today's job market and business world. Listeners will learn about the critical practices for successful networking, such as adding value to others, being a good listener, and building trust.

Whether you are a job seeker, entrepreneur, or professional looking to expand your network, this podcast offers valuable insights and strategies for building relationships and achieving success.

We would love to hear from you.

Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2025 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

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Housing for seniors has become an urgent focus area in Central Ohio.

Our guests are Frances Krumholtz, Volunteer and Engagement Coordinator · Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, and the Nesterly liaison. And Donald Wiggins, Executive Director at Village Connections.

Nesterly is an intergenerational home-sharing platform that allows two or more people who are not related to share a home together. The platform provides financial benefits for hosts and affordable living options for guests, as well as social benefits that positively impact physical well-being. COAAA ensures the safety of older adults who are hosting, by conducting background checks and providing built-in payment processing. Furthermore, the platform has a task exchange feature that allows hosts to find guests willing to do extra chores around the house in exchange for a greater reduction in rent.

Village Connections is a volunteer-powered organization that provides rides to medical appointments and grocery shopping for older adults who may not be able to drive or have access to transportation. The organization requires that volunteers go to the door, help the member into the car, and provide a familiar face and personalized service for their safety and well-being. The organization is membership-based, with a fee of $500 annually for single-person households and $750 for two or more person households.

There are many programs and resources available to support seniors to remain in their homes, including social groups, senior centers, home-delivered meals, home health aides, and case management. The Franklin County Office on Aging and the Central Ohio Agency on Aging are good resources for finding these programs. Furthermore, the Village program has mentored other organizations from other states and has been contacted by people interested in starting similar programs. The Village to Village network also refers people to the program.

We would love to hear from you.

Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2025 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

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Welcome to the new year!

We are celebrating our five-year mark as we enter 2025.

We began during the COVID-19 pandemic and have since produced over 124 episodes.

We appreciate our loyal listeners and enjoy making the podcasts.

We emphasize the importance of having the right co-host and maintaining a good rhythm in their conversations.

Our podcast focuses on interviewing experts to provide valuable information to listeners.

We encourage listener feedback and suggestions for future topics, aiming to be a resource for the community.

The show plans topics well in advance and is open to exploring new experts and international perspectives.

We are implementing a "Buy Me A Coffee" app to help cover podcast costs and receive feedback.

If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs of producing the podcast!

We stress the accessibility of podcasts for all age groups and provide instructions for listening.

Thanks to you, our listener, and wish you happy holidays and a happy New Year.

Key Moments

[00:00:00]: Reflecting on the Year and Looking Ahead

[00:00:14]: Celebrating Five Years of Podcasting

[00:00:41]: Overcoming Challenges and Reaching 100 Episodes

[00:01:25]: The Importance of Finding the Right Co-Host

[00:02:08]: Conducting Interviews: Virtual vs. In-Studio

[00:02:52]: Providing Resources and Expert Advice

[00:04:26]: Planning and Preparing for the Upcoming Year

[00:06:21]: Encouraging Listener Feedback and Topic Suggestions

[00:07:48]: Expanding Topics and Expert Network

[00:11:05]: Introducing the 'Buy Me a Coffee' Feature

We would love to hear from you.

Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.

Email us at [email protected].

Find us on Facebook.

Please review our podcast on Google!

And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2025 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs of producing the podcast!

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FAQ

How many episodes does Looking Forward Our Way have?

Looking Forward Our Way currently has 217 episodes available.

What topics does Looking Forward Our Way cover?

The podcast is about Society & Culture, Podcasts, Self-Improvement and Education.

What is the most popular episode on Looking Forward Our Way?

The episode title 'Making Informed Choices for Medicare Open Enrollment with Josh Kinzel' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Looking Forward Our Way?

The average episode length on Looking Forward Our Way is 28 minutes.

How often are episodes of Looking Forward Our Way released?

Episodes of Looking Forward Our Way are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of Looking Forward Our Way?

The first episode of Looking Forward Our Way was released on Jan 20, 2020.

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