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Brett Johnson and Carol Ventresca Looking Forward Our Way Podcast

The Looking Forward Our Way Podcast is co-hosted by Dr. Carol Ventresca, a recently retired Encore Careerist, who is expanding her horizons through a variety of opportunities. And Brett Johnson, owner of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants. He works with entrepreneurs, businesses, brands, and non-profits to plan, launch, produce, and implement podcasts into their marketing strategies. And he's affectionately known to his podcast clients as "My Podcast Guy."

Carol and Brett have been working together co-hosting this podcast, now in its "encore career," since 2017.

Recent Content

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Tips To Maximize Your Job Search With Artificial Intelligence &Raquo; 3000X3000 Speech Bubble 1
Tips to Maximize Your Job Search with Artificial Intelligence

How AI Can Accelerate and Improve Your Job Search ProcessSharon 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 …

How AI Can Accelerat…

How AI Can Accelerate and Improve Your Job Search ProcessSharon 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 for interviews, and navigating online job applications.Across our conversation, we explore not only how AI can make your search faster and more effective, but also why it is crucial to maintain your …

Listen · 45:43
How Sourcepoint Meets The Needs Of Delaware County’s Growing Older Adult Population &Raquo; 3000X3000 Speech Bubble 1
How SourcePoint Meets the Needs of Delaware County’s Growing Older Adult Population

Meeting the Needs of Delaware County’s Growing Older Adult Population with SourcePointWe talk with Fara Waugh. Chief Executive Officer, LISW-S, CEO of SourcePoint, to explore how Delaware County, Oh…

Meeting the Needs of…

Meeting the Needs of Delaware County’s Growing Older Adult Population with SourcePointWe 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 in-home care and Meals on Wheels to robust community programs and resource navigation—ensuring older adults remain independent, connected, and thriving.With funding structures, caregiver challenge…

Listen · 35:17
Ai, Financial Strategizing, And Life Planning With Ben Hoeger &Raquo; 3000X3000 Speech Bubble 1
AI, Financial Strategizing, and Life Planning with Ben Hoeger

How Values Shape Financial Success with Ben HoegerIn this episode of Looking Forward Our Way, we talk with Ben Hoeger, financial advisor and Director of Private Wealth Management at the Hedley Hoeger …

How Values Shape Fin…

How Values Shape Financial Success with Ben HoegerIn 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 celebrating Ben’s team’s recent recognition by Forbes and Shook Research as a best-in-state wealth management team—a testament to their teamwork and dedication. Ben shares some of his own journey into …

Listen · 39:53
Why Small Businesses Need Strategy Before Marketing With Darlene Ziebell &Raquo; 3000X3000 Speech Bubble 1
Why Small Businesses Need Strategy Before Marketing with Darlene Ziebell

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 growt…

If you’re leading …

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 Small Businesses.As business owners face rising costs, dwindling customer bases, and mounting challenges, the temptation to lean on marketing as a quick fix has never been stronger. But is throw…

Listen · 34:53
Overcoming Self-Doubt And Embracing Career Growth With Ken Lazar &Raquo; 3000X3000 Speech Bubble 1
Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Career Growth with Ken Lazar

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 Ven…

Hear insights that w…

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 emotional pitfalls facing both job seekers and employees, to how self-doubt, fear of rejection, and age discrimination can impact our professional lives.Together, they explore the complexities of fin…

Listen · 46:11
Downsizing With A Heart With The Furniture Bank Of Central Ohio &Raquo; 3000X3000 Speech Bubble 1
Downsizing With A Heart with The Furniture Bank of Central Ohio

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…

Whether you’re ant…

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 Downsizing, a reality many of us face when life changes require a new living situation.Packing, moving, and deciding what to do with cherished possessions can be overwhelming, but there’s a compassionate al…

Listen · 38:57
Property Taxes In The News Again And Again &Raquo; 3000X3000 Speech Bubble 1
Property Taxes In The News Again And Again

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…

Brett and Carol sit …

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.Together, they break down the history of Ohio’s property tax system, the recent legislative efforts for relief, and practical steps homeowners can take to ensure their property values are accu…

Listen · 40:52
Tackling The Modern Job Hunt: Digital Skills, Ai, And The Power Of Networking &Raquo; 3000X3000 Speech Bubble 1
Tackling the Modern Job Hunt: Digital Skills, AI, and the Power of Networking

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…

If you’re job sear…

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 and artificial intelligence shaking up how we find jobs and how employers evaluate candidates. Jami shares what’s working now, what challenges are new (and old), and how New Directions Career…

Listen · 35:25
Swaco’s Impact On Recycling, Composting, And Community Innovation &Raquo; 3000X3000 Speech Bubble 1
SWACO’s Impact on Recycling, Composting, and Community Innovation

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, Pr…

Discover how each of…

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, spark new markets, and build a greener future.Together, we dig into the incredible breadth of SWACO’s programs—from recycling and composting in homes, …

Listen · 43:50
Inside Fortuna Bank’s Mission To Support Community And Small Business &Raquo; 3000X3000 Speech Bubble 1
Inside Fortuna Bank’s Mission to Support Community and Small Business

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 ad…

Whether you're an as…

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-owned institution reshaping how entrepreneurs and communities access financial resources and support.Together, they discuss Fortuna's inspiring origin story, the challen…

Listen · 42:34
From Back Pain To Balance: Building Resilient Health With Dr. Coffman &Raquo; 3000X3000 Speech Bubble 1
From Back Pain to Balance: Building Resilient Health with Dr. Coffman

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 o…

Healthy aging isn’…

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:Healthspan should MATCH lifespan: Don’t just aim to live longer; aim to maximize the years you’re strong, mobile, and active. Dr. Coffman highlights that the av…

Listen · 57:37
How The Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Culture Pass Connects The Community &Raquo; 3000X3000 Speech Bubble 1
How The Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Culture Pass Connects the Community

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 throu…

Whether you’re alr…

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 circulation, we explore the origins, growth, and behind-the-scenes workings of this innovative program that gives library cardholders free access to nearly 2…

Listen · 33:37