Looking Forward Our Way

We had an incredible year creating new and interesting episodes for Looking Forward Our Way podcast.  

Here are some of our favorites:

• Transportation doesn’t sound exciting – but Thea Ewing from MORPC always has the most interesting details on what’s getting built in our community and of course when we can expect passenger trains.
• Larae Schroeder has brought incredibly important information to listeners, parental debt or why wills and estates are so important.
• We have also highlighted some wonderful programs that support our seniors – help people age in place! Anna Tobin directs the Fairfield County Meals on Wheels Lisa Stockdale from “Aging in Full Bloom”, and Josh Kinzel from Seniority Benefit Group to give us tips on Medicare changes and Encore Ohio featured various senior housing programs and the legal ramifications for local communities. And we have to give a shout-out to the newly retired director of COAAA – Cindy Farson – for an incredible overview on the history of senior services in the U.S. and the new director of COAAA – Katie White – who has directed not only a “Village”, but also the Age Friendly Columbus/Franklin County program – with a broad perspective on the issues we need to recognize and plan for the changes!

• We dove into media issues - social media, news, and particularly the issues of political reporting. Thanks to Rodney Dunigan from Channel 6, Bonnie Rutledge from the Harrison County News-Herald, and Mike Thompson, news director from WOSU – all provided us with incredible insight into the difficulties of not only reporting news but finding and providing the truth.

• We have provided support to job seekers, particularly those who are having difficulty in their search due to age or skills. Our friend Sharon Hamersley discussed age-proofing your resume, as well as what to expect in job searching in 2023.

• We brought in experts to discuss the issues of Ohio businesses, including the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership, our friend Kelly Fuller from the Columbus Chamber, as well as Steve Stivers, President of the Ohio Chamber. Our friend Darlene Ziebell discussed business strategies and Peggy Tidwell from Park National Bank provided guidance on business financial strategies. And we featured several local businesses – shout out to Ava Edmond from Ava’s Jewelers in Lancaster, Kathleen Carmody from Senior Matters Home Healthcare

• We featured special topics – the Nice Guy Technology team always brings in great information for our personal and business technology use. Judge Mary Kay Ryan Fenlon discussed her encore career. Mandy Morckel helped us save money through easy couponing programs. Tammy Wharton, CEO of the local Girl Scouts XXXX, discussed the need for STEM programs for young women. Franklin County Auditor Mike Stinziano and Katie White from COAAA discussed a study they published focusing on the struggles of older citizens paying for their property taxes, as well as the costs of housing. And you and your wife, Dr. Angela Beumer Johnson gave us an inner look on “empty nesting”.  

• There were two very important programs we had this year that I am particularly proud of – the first was a special look at the employment services programs developed during the pandemic by two local nonprofits – New Directions Career Center and Jewish Family Services. Jami Philips and Malka Bendor discussed the new avenues taken by each agency so those job seekers to successfully prepare for their job search and employment. The second program was an emotional roller-coaster – Dr. Dana Robinson-Street is a Doctorate prepared Nurse Practitioner with the Ohio Health Urgent Care and Telehealth Clinic. Dr. Street’s 25+ year military career, retiring as a Navy Lt, provided us with incredible insight into the issues of our female military members and veterans. Dr. Street continues to serve not only her current patients but those veterans who are in need.

And be looking for our listener survey coming soon!

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 Bluesky and 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 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

This year will be the year for small business growth. And we couldn't bring you a better expert on growing your small business than Darlene Ziebell, Prominent Entrepreneur, Business Consultant and Business Strategy Specialist, and the author of “A Dozen Avalanches Threaten Small Business: Which One Will Bury You Alive?”

In this upcoming episode, we will be providing information on the issues that challenge small business owners. Plus focus on the top tips for foundation building, vision and success in the new year.

In your podcast player 1/2/23.

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

Job searching in the new year will be like no other time in your career. We welcome Sharon Hamersley, The LinkedIn Coach and The Resume Coach to talk us through what will be important in a successful job search in the new year.

You'll hear information on the issues that confront job seekers and what to expect in the new year. Plus we are focusing on three areas:

• Resumes
• Cover Letters and other documents including networking letters
• Follow up to applications and thank you docs

The most important document in a job search is a resume. We review what has changed in resumes over the past few years. Then what do we need to ensure is part of our resume?

There are other items that are integral to a solid job application, particularly cover letters. There have been so many changes in cover letters over the years, and no one likes to write them. Are they necessary?

What else is on the list to create with the goal of employment change or transition or even a promotion? How about the importance of follow-up and thank-you notes?

Older job seekers experience ageism; they have difficulty in showing technology aptitude, and often cannot clearly show their skill levels. But in this economy, employers need all qualified candidates. How can older job seekers establish their credentials to move their applications toward successful employment?

One of the most important issues creating change in our current workforce is salary levels. Many employees are leaving jobs for higher salaries. Some are attempting to work with their employer for increases. Are there tips on how older job seekers should approach these situations?

And finally, social media has taken a larger and larger role in the application/hiring process. Sharon shares tips on the value of social media and how to make the most of your “tweets”!

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 Bluesky and 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 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

Job searching in the new yeear will be like no other time in your career. We welcome Sharon Hamersley, The LinkedIn Coach and The Resume Coach to talk us through what will be important in a successful job search in the new year.

You'll hear information on the issues that confront job seekers and what to expect in the new year. Plus we are focusing on three areas

• Resumes
• Cover Letters and other documents including networking letters
• Follow up to applications and thank you docs

This episode will be in your podcast player 12/19/22.

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

The new year is fast approaching and economic issues are at the forefront. Today’s program features small business owners and the challenges they may be meeting in the new year. Park National Bank has one hundred years in banking with over 96 locations across Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and the Carolinas.

We welcome Peggy Tidwell, who is the Vice President of Columbus Commercial Lending for Park National Bank.

When you have a customer attempting to create a business what are your “top tips” to get them on the right track?

What resources and programs have been developed by Park National for your business customers?

The owner wants to grow. What steps should they be taking?

What about resources in the community that are available to business owners?

Peggy also focuses on technology – both the tech utilized by Park National to provide services to customers, as well as the security issues that business owners must face in their daily work.

She also offers her thoughts on how (or if) age plays a role in business ownership. Just like succession, an owner needs to deal with their age, and the age of employees, in future planning.

Also, check out these two episodes. We reference debts and wills in this episode, and these would be great to go back to and check out.

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 Bluesky and 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 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

The economy is going through major challenges and changes. How is it affecting small businesses?

Our guest is Peggy Tidwell, the Vice President of Columbus Commercial Lending for Park National Bank.

Here's what you are going to learn...

• What is expected in the new year by financial institutions?  
• Is financing available?  And what do business owners need to do to be successful in getting funding?
• What resources are available to small businesses? 

The episode will be in your podcast player Monday, November 21, 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

We welcome back to the podcast Steve Stivers, President & CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. We spoke with him earlier, when he was just beginning his position with the Chamber. Now more than a year into the job, we get an update on what is happening in Ohio, and more detail on The Blueprint.

The critical issue from the episode – supporting the growth of Ohio’s businesses for 2023 and building the Ohio economy

• We look at Ohio’s growing business economy
• What is The Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s role in expanding new businesses or company expansions in our state?  
• How did Ohio fare in 2020-2022? Let's talk about INTEL and the Honda expansion.
• Will we see more industries and businesses coming to Ohio, or further expansions, in the new year?  
• Are there other companies in the pipeline that haven’t received as much attention but will also impact our growth?

What issues are expected to impact Ohio businesses in 2023?  

Most of this comes from training. Where should it begin? K-12, or on the job? Or both?

How do we solve the issues to keep the flow of companies and jobs coming into the state like:

• Supply chain disruptions affecting parts/inventory
• Transportation and logistics issues
• Inflation
• Need for continued financial support post-COVID

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 Bluesky and 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 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

We welcome back to the podcast Steve Stivers, President & CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. We spoke with him earlier, when he was just beginning his position with the Chamber. Now more than a year into the job, we get an update on what is happening in Ohio, and more detail on The Blueprint.

What you will hear about are the critical issues around the growth of Ohio’s businesses for 2023 and building the Ohio economy.

This episode will be in your podcast player 3/6/22.

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

During this Veterans and Military Family Month, we focus on the challenges for women in the military, and as they gain veterans status.

We welcome Dr. Dana L. Robinson-Street - Hybrid Urgent Care Provider for Ohio Health in the Urgent Care and Telehealth Clinic. She is also a Doctorate prepared Nurse Practitioner with a master's certification as a Health Professional Educator and 25+ years of active service in the United States Navy.

Some of the topics we cover with her include:

• What is the current situation for women in the military?
• Are the opportunities equal for all while in service?
• Do female members of various branches gain needed education/training to move up in the ranks?  
• Are there role models/mentors to assist service women?  Special programs for women in service (e.g., employment training, financial, etc.)?  
• What is the current situation for female veterans?
• What benefits are provided to female veterans when they first leave service:  job counseling and training, financial counseling, medical services, assistance with housing, etc.?
• How are women coping with their return home?  Have mental health services expanded?
• Are job opportunities provided for female vets as they are for male vets?  Are salary levels equal?
• What does the future look like for Ohio’s female veterans 
• Have services/programs been built specifically for female veterans?
• How are female vets identified, as they often do not self-identify?

Ohio is 6th in the nation for the number of vets (900,000), how has the state reacted to vets' needs?

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 Bluesky and 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 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

During this Veterans and Military Family Month, we focus on the challenges for women in the military, and as they gain veterans status.

We welcome Dr. Dana L. Robinson-Street - Hybrid Urgent Care Provider for Ohio Health in the Urgent Care and Telehealth Clinic. She is also a Doctorate prepared Nurse Practioner with a master's certification as a Health Professional Educator and 25+ years of active service in the United States Navy.

Some of the topics we cover with her include:

• What is the current situation for women in the military?
• Are the opportunities equal for all while in service?
• How are women coping with their return home?

This episode will be in your podcast player Monday 11/7/22.

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