Looking Forward Our Way

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, from financial stability and neighborhood issues to special events and the arts community.

We also introduce exciting new features such as curated collections of episodes and emphasize our commitment to providing expert guidance and resources to our audience.

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 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 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 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-Assessment: It's crucial for older drivers to regularly assess their comfort and capabilities on the road. Visit the Stay Fit to Drive website to access a helpful self-assessment checklist. Identifying areas of discomfort will allow you to adjust your driving habits accordingly and plan road trips during the day if night driving is a concern.

2️⃣ Improve Your Skills: Taking driving courses, such as those offered by AAA or AARP, can enhance your driving skills and help you adapt to new technologies in vehicles. Whether you love or find certain features tiresome, becoming familiar with technology will boost your confidence behind the wheel.

3️⃣ Community Support: Approaching the conversation of giving up driving can be difficult, but remember that numerous resources are available to maintain your independence. Driver rehabilitation specialists throughout Ohio can help evaluate your abilities, suggest alternative transportation options, and provide adaptive equipment if needed. Additionally, explore support within your community, such as neighbors, relatives, or spiritual community members, who may be able to serve as alternative drivers.

Here are the resources we mention 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 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 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, it greatly benefits the students. They understand that learning music extends beyond mastering instruments and techniques. By fostering an environment where students can have fun and express themselves, School of Rock Columbus also becomes a platform for building friendships and acquiring essential life skills.

What sets School of Rock Columbus apart is their authenticity and genuine care for their students' growth. They prioritize creating a community that reflects their passion, compassion, openness, and the ability to be oneself. They aren't solely focused on making money, but rather on developing children who share their love for music. School of Rock Columbus believes that the more music they generate within the community, the better the community becomes.

The school's approach revolves around the belief that music should be educational and enjoyable. Learning techniques, scales, and theory through songs allows students to not only improve their musical skills but also immerse themselves in the joy of creating music. This holistic approach is evident in the various performance groups they have formed, catering to different age ranges and musical genres.

Both children and adults actively participate in the program, with even an adult band taking center stage at end-of-season shows. The camaraderie and support among participants from different age groups is truly remarkable.

Here are some resources we mention 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 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 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 and those who interact with them. However, unlike some individuals with disabilities, he does not want to announce or openly display his own experiences with PTSD. He also mentions that he is grateful for the support he receives from the VA, including a monthly check, which allows him the independence and resources to pursue his passion for photography.

As a photographer, Ed sees himself as a documentarian. Currently, he is focused on documenting the stories of World War II veterans through portraits and interviews. He aims to capture their lives and experiences, ensuring that their stories are preserved for future generations. Once he has completed this project, he plans to seek out current serving frontline soldiers to document their stories as well.

In the late 1960s, Ed landed an internship at the Louisville Courier-Journal. He considers himself fortunate to have worked with prominent figures in club journalism, such as Bill Stroud, Thomas Harden, and Billy Lester. Eventually, he joined the Evansville Sunday Courier and Press, where he had a memorable encounter with a professional photographer who caught his attention while using an Instamatic camera.

Ed also shares a fascinating and unexpected experience during his time at Fort Bragg. He recounts a theft of a "gamma goat" from a medical vehicle on-post, which resulted in a high-speed pursuit involving MPs, sheriff units, and state police. As a photographer, Ed was tasked with photographing the minimal damage to the vehicle after the thief was stopped and apprehended. Little did he know at the time that he was experiencing symptoms of PTSD, including bad dreams and a feeling that something wasn't right.

Throughout the episode, Ed highlights the freedoms he enjoyed as a photojournalist, including access to police and fire training and the trust and close relationship he had with law enforcement. He acknowledges that these freedoms may have been influenced by his time in the service, where his photos frequently made front-page news.

Ed also touches on his experiences documenting different cultures, such as Indigenous communities, rodeos, and religious events. He expresses concern about the indoctrination of children into cult-like religions and highlights the importance of preserving one's cultural roots.

Towards the end of the episode, Ed discusses the limited resources available to veterans and the importance of mentorship. He aims to be a mentor to other veterans, offering workshops and guidance to help them navigate the world of photography.

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

In our upcoming episode, 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.

As a photographer, Ed sees himself as a documentarian. Currently, he is focused on documenting the stories of World War II veterans through portraits and interviews. He aims to capture their lives and experiences, ensuring that their stories are preserved for future generations. Once he has completed this project, he plans to seek out current serving frontline soldiers to document their stories as well.

Here's a preview of what you will be hearing.

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

What does it take to make live theater not just survive — but thrive? In this episode, we sit down with Mark Seven, Owner, Producer, and Director of Get Away With Murder — a traveling improv mystery comedy dinner theatre based in Ohio that turns every audience member into a suspect.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why live entertainment venues are struggling to fill seats — and what smart operators are doing differently
• How Get Away With Murder works: think live-action Clue, where the audience participates as suspects, props, and all
• The role of immersive, interactive storytelling in creating "wow" moments that audiences talk about for weeks
• How the company pivoted during COVID-19 by producing vintage-style radio mystery programs on YouTube
• What the "graying of theater" means for the future of live entertainment — and why it matters now
• A behind-the-scenes look at two upcoming holiday productions: The Elf Who Knew Too Much and The Great Reindeer Hoax
• How guest curiosity and actor improvisation literally write the show — real stories from the stage

Get Away With Murder is a traveling dinner theatre company offering both public murder mystery shows and private party experiences across Ohio and beyond. In public shows, audience members are cast as suspects with props to wear. In private events, the host pre-assigns roles. No one in the audience knows who the killer is until the final arrest. This keeps every performance completely unpredictable.

The company also offers corporate events, fundraisers, and custom private parties. This makes it a versatile option for groups looking for a memorable, fully interactive entertainment experience.

A Get Away With Murder event is a highly interactive mystery dinner party where guests take on character roles, receive clues, and help solve a murder case. Mark Seven describes it as similar to being in a live-action Clue game, with audience members participating as suspects and helping to solve the mystery by the end of the night (04:37).

You can view all upcoming shows and purchase tickets by visiting getawaywithmurder.com and clicking on the live events tab. There you’ll find links to events at venues like Spaghetti Warehouse in Akron and Toledo, as well as other partner locations (29:23).

Yes, according to Mark Seven, the humor and content are timeless and intergenerational, making the events suitable for adults of all ages. The shows are designed to be inclusive and enjoyable for a broad audience (27:51).

When attending a public event, guests may be assigned character roles complete with simple costume pieces like hats or boas. Private party guests may receive their roles in advance and even come dressed as their characters if they wish (04:52).

Connect with Detective Mark Seven

www.MyKillerParty.com

www.GetAwayWithMurder.com

[email protected]

Toll-Free: (888) MRE-PRTZ / (888) 673-7789

P.O. Box 2, Tallmadge, OH 44278

Find live events on Eventbrite — filter for Ohio, then search "Get Away With Murder dinner parties."

Have a topic suggestion or feedback? Leave us a voice message, email us at [email protected], or find us on Bluesky and Facebook. Everything lives at lookingforwardourway.com.

Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

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.

In this upcoming episode, we'll be discussing the fascinating world of dinner theater and murder mystery shows.

Our guest is Mark Seven, Owner, Producer, and Director of Get Away With Murder, a traveling improv mystery comedy dinner theatre.

We'll explore how theaters and entertainment venues are adapting their strategies to attract new audiences while keeping their traditional patrons engaged. Mark, who runs a successful dinner theater program, will share his insights on the industry, the challenges they face, and the exciting ways they keep audiences entertained.

Get ready to unravel the mystery of dinner theater on this upcoming edition of "Looking Forward Our Way"!

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 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 retain financial documents, such as bank statements, during hospital stays and to consult and receive advice on preserving assets.

The topic of spending down to the $2000 asset limit for Medicaid is discussed, with Larae highlighting that it may not always be necessary but steps can be taken to meet the criteria.

Larae discusses the importance of transparency when filling out Medicaid information, particularly regarding gifts that have been made. There can be debates over eligibility, especially when it comes to defining what constitutes a gift.

Medicaid, a program that includes federal funding but is administered by individual states, is then explored. Larae explains the various benefits covered, including the SNAP program, health insurance for children, assistance with Medicare premiums for older adults, and long-term care for adults who meet certain criteria.

The parameters for qualifying for long-term care benefits in Ohio are outlined, including residency, meeting income limits, and having restricted assets. Larae also highlights the importance of strategic asset planning to prevent impoverishment for families stuck in the middle, who have too much to qualify for Medicaid but too little to afford necessary care.

The discussion then shifts to the challenges faced by facilities and the limitations they may have in providing legal advice regarding preserving assets. Larae cautions that qualifying for Medicaid does not guarantee the ability to keep assets and leave them to chosen individuals after death.

Larae explains the Medicaid estate recovery program in Ohio, where assets are reported to the state upon the Medicaid recipient's death. Schraeder assures listeners that estate recovery constitutes a small portion of the budget spent on Medicaid programs and is not a significant source of revenue.

Here are the resources we mention in this episode.

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

In our next episode coming to your podcast player 10/2/23 -

This episode explores the complexities of Medicaid and the importance of proper planning for long-term care. Larae shares her expertise, personal anecdotes, and valuable insights, highlighting the challenges faced by families, the role of facilities, and the necessity of advocacy.

You will be gaining a comprehensive understanding of Medicaid eligibility, asset preservation, and the need for strategic preparation to ensure the dignity and well-being of older individuals.

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