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!
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Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.
Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
