Looking Forward Our Way
Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
Recent Episodes
In this episode we welcome back Tammy Wharton, President and CEO of Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland, to give an update on the Dream Big initiative and the new STEM Leadership Center at Camp Ken-Jockety.
Tammy shares the excitement surrounding the opening of the building and its functional purpose, emphasizing that it serves not only the girls but also the wider community and youth in Central Ohio.
Top takeaways
- STEM Leadership Center: The Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland has opened a STEM Leadership Center, fulfilling the Dream Big program's promise of promoting STEM education for young girls in Central Ohio.
- Dream Big Initiative: The program started in 2018, aiming to put 2.5 million girls in the STEM pipeline by 2025. It's a transformational step aimed at providing immersive STEM experiences.
- Community Engagement: The STEM Leadership Center is for all children and community members in Central Ohio, offering various programs and collaborations with schools and community groups.
- Ohio State of the Girl Report: This report, created by Girl Scout councils across Ohio, addresses the challenges girls face and includes actionable steps for teachers, caregivers, and mentors to support them.
- Digital Literacy: A significant focus is on teaching girls digital literacy, as many challenges such as cyberbullying are linked to technology use.
- Importance of Physical Activity: Limiting screen time and encouraging outdoor physical activities are vital for improving girls' physical and mental well-being.
- Combating Bullying: Strategies to combat bullying include establishing supportive connections with caring adults and providing anti-bullying education in schools.
- Economic and Social Importance of STEM for Girls: Recruiting more women into STEM fields is critical for the workforce, as women make up over 50% of the population but are underrepresented in STEM.
- Hands-On Learning at the STEM Center: Programs at the center are designed to provide girls with hands-on learning opportunities, like building a dollhouse with a 3D printer, and showcasing potential career paths.
- Building Confidence and Support Networks: It's crucial for girls to build self-confidence and have supportive networks to improve academic success, fight bullying, and create a positive body image.
If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs of producing the podcast!
Key moments
04:10 Investing Early in Girls' STEM
07:29 "Essential Report for Educators"
11:52 Unrealistic Beauty Standards in Media
15:59 Promote Anti-Bullying Education
20:09 Empowering Girls Through Construction Skills
23:32 "Embrace Failure to Succeed"
27:15 Building Confidence to Prevent Bullying
29:58 Boosting Women in STEM
33:51 Empowering Gold Award Girl Scouts
39:46 Observations on Booth Interactions
42:16 Outdoor Classroom for All Schools
We would love to hear from you.
Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.
Email us at hello@lookingforwardourway.com.
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 2025 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/
The views and opinions expressed by the experts interviewed on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. The information provided in these interviews is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for specific advice or information related to their individual circumstances. The podcast host and producers do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided by the experts interviewed. Listener discretion is advised.
Mentioned in this episode:
Listener Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed by the experts interviewed on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. The information provided in these interviews is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for specific advice or information related to their individual circumstances. The podcast host and producers do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided by the experts interviewed. Listener discretion is advised.
Facing Retirement: "But isn't it interesting that once you retire, as we call it, right, and you leave that organization...you're faced with that "what am I gonna do now?" Well, what do I wanna do? Well, you haven't thought about it because remember, those thirty years, they were spent all about the organization, all about the next career move, the promotion, the stock options, the 401k." - Eric Pennington, Spirit of EQ
We look into the complex and often misunderstood concept of retirement with the guidance of expert guest, Eric Pennington. As the managing partner of Spirit of EQ and author of "The Well-being Guide," Eric brings a unique perspective on the emotional intelligence required to face retirement's challenges and opportunities.
Together, we explore the fear and misconceptions surrounding retirement, the pressure from societal norms and marketing, and the essential resources needed for a fulfilling post-career life.
Eric emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, building emotional intelligence, and preparing mentally and physically for this new chapter.
Whether you're nearing retirement age or just starting to consider your future, this episode offers valuable insights on redefining retirement and creating a meaningful and purposeful life beyond traditional career paths. We uncover the myths of retirement and learn how to navigate the emotional journey toward this next adventure.
If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs of producing the podcast!
Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:
- Rewire Your Mindset: Your brain is capable of being rewired, even as you approach retirement. Building emotional intelligence is crucial to facing retirement without fear. Embrace the idea of lifelong growth and redefine what retirement means to you.
- Build Your Resources: Whether it’s financial savings, health, or emotional support, start building your resources now. Remember, this isn't just about money. Focus on mental, physical, and emotional well-being to prepare for a fulfilling journey ahead.
- Curiosity and Purpose: Never stop asking questions about your purpose and emotional experiences. Cultivate curiosity and explore what genuinely matters to you, so that when the time comes, you know what your next step will be.
Episode Highlights
00:00 Developing Emotional Intelligence with Data
06:00 "Evolved Minds, Ancient Instincts"
07:51 Marketing and the "Not Enough" Culture
12:49 Challenging Age-Related Cultural Norms
14:17 "Age is Just a Number"
18:22 Retirement Planning and Adaptation
22:39 Defining Life's Next Journey
27:18 "Defining Life's Purpose"
28:09 "Post-Retirement Purpose Dilemma"
31:19 Exploring Self-Knowledge and Growth
36:55 Reflecting on Career Preferences
40:02 Weekend Retreat for Self-Discovery
42:50 "Empowerment Beyond Retirement Age"
46:00 "The Power of Curiosity"
48:37 Timely Adaptation Challenges
53:26 "Building Your Resource Pillars"
57:40 Insights on Thinking Fast and Slow
59:05 "Lisa Feldman Barrett Books"
We would love to hear from you.
Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.
Email us at hello@lookingforwardourway.com.
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.
The views and opinions expressed by the experts interviewed on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. The information provided in these interviews is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for specific advice or information related to their individual circumstances. The podcast host and producers do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided by the experts interviewed. Listener discretion is advised.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/
Copyright 2025 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
Mentioned in this episode:
Listener Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed by the experts interviewed on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. The information provided in these interviews is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for specific advice or information related to their individual circumstances. The podcast host and producers do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided by the experts interviewed. Listener discretion is advised.
Rethinking Retirement: "People now look at that phase of life after you leave your career, 65 or older, could be 55 or older, as an opportunity to live life differently than you have before." Mark Matson
We sit down and talk with Mark Matson about transitioning into new phases of life and building a rewarding encore career while giving back to the community. As Mark nears 70, he finds himself with more time for personal interests like swimming and planning a cross-country adventure, though he still enjoys his current job and the surprises it brings.
Mark shares a touching story about helping a guy named Paul move from an 1800 square foot house to a much smaller assisted living space. This wasn't just about logistics; it involved handling strong emotional attachments and practical needs. He talks about the importance of guiding people through such transitions with respect, understanding the sentimental value of their belongings, and finding new homes for cherished items.
If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs of producing the podcast!
Shifting gears, Mark talks about his past in HR, where he spent years working on talent assessment, training, and development. Over time, he collected a ton of personal assessments like Myers-Briggs, DISC, and Enneagram, helping him understand his strengths, weaknesses, and creativity. This eventually led him to explore new interests like interior decorating, thanks to encouraging words from friends and colleagues.
Retirement planning is another big topic in Mark’s journey. He created a program called "Career Encore" with an HR firm and explored the idea of retirement coaching. Through interviews with retirees, he gained insights on staying active and avoiding a stagnant retirement.
Mark’s venture into business happened almost by accident. A friend needed help managing home renovations and asked Mark to step in. Applying his HR skills in this new context, he discovered a love for home improvement projects. This led to him starting his own “residential concierge” business, handling everything from beekeeping to home renovations. The gig let him use his talent management, emotional intelligence, and communication skills in a new, exciting way, rekindling his joy for seeing tangible results.
Mark recounts the stress of his previous HR role, particularly dealing with layoffs, and his decision to leave in search of more fulfilling work. This resonates with many in his age group who face unexpected career shifts and the challenges that come with them.
Starting his own business wasn't easy, but Mark got invaluable help from accountants and attorneys. He stresses that his journey wasn't meticulously planned—he took it one day at a time, staying motivated and faithful. Networking, researching opportunities, and putting positive intentions out there were crucial.
Mark's approach to Medicare is pretty creative too—he's got a visual “thermometer” to count down the months until eligibility, cutting down health insurance costs. Through his career shifts, he discovered skills he didn't know he had, getting to enjoy personal fulfillment and flexibility by being his own boss.
This episode embodies the value of recognizing transferable skills. It's a conversation full of insights and encouragement for anyone looking to transition into a new chapter in life while making a meaningful impact.
Memorable Moments
00:00 Career journey from Congress to HR director.
07:17 Wish society forewarned uncertain job losses sooner.
14:51 Divine intervention helped avoid challenging job situation.
21:10 Daily reliance and unexpected opportunities unfold daily.
26:50 Developed career encore course with retirement coaching.
31:21 Faith led me to take bold steps.
33:55 Asked to project manage home renovations, surprisingly.
41:16 Empathy, curiosity, listening, question-asking for service.
44:31 Everything learned is eventually used in life.
51:54 Grateful; Universe provides unexpectedly every month.
54:15 Helping navigate moving and letting go process.
01:00:51 Embrace change, avoid binary trap, gain presence.
We would love to hear from you.
Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.
Email us at hello@lookingforwardourway.com.
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 2025 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/
Mentioned in this episode:
Listener Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed by the experts interviewed on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. The information provided in these interviews is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for specific advice or information related to their individual circumstances. The podcast host and producers do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided by the experts interviewed. Listener discretion is advised.
What steps should you take if you suspect your identity has been stolen?
We are joined by guest Victor Russell, Operations Manager at Apprisen, to explore the pervasive issue of financial scams and how individuals can protect themselves.
The discussion covers various scams, primarily targeting seniors, such as the "grandparent scam" where victims are manipulated into sending money continuously until they realize they have been deceived.
Another prevalent scam involves romance, where lonely individuals are exploited into giving money, leading to severe financial repercussions like unmanageable debts.
Russell underscores the importance of regularly obtaining a credit report to defend against identity theft, given the frequency of database breaches. He recommends using AnnualCreditReport.com to obtain detailed reports from the three major agencies.
To add another layer of protection, Russell recommends freezing credit reports, which can prevent unauthorized loans but must be unfrozen before applying for new personal loans.
Victor advises against responding to unsolicited digital communications, especially those with suspicious links, as they are often scams. Government agencies like the IRS and the Social Security Administration do not request sensitive information via email or phone.
He also stresses the importance of younger individuals being cautious about their online presence, sharing an example involving his daughters and potentially compromising online content.
For those who fall victim to identity theft, Russell outlines a process:
- contact financial institutions and credit card companies
- notify the Social Security office
- file a police report.
- ftc.gov and the AARP Fraud Watch Line assist identity theft victims
- Social Security Administration and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau also offer support.
Apprisen, the organization Russell represents, is a non-profit agency providing a range of financial services for over 70 years, including debt management, credit health education, housing counseling, and assistance with student loan management.
Most services are free, though some may have fees based on income eligibility.
Apprisen’s free & secure financial analysis: https://iris.apprisen.com/
Key Moments
00:00 Negotiating terms, managing expenses, and providing credit education.
04:26 Lower interest rates boost homebuying and counseling.
08:04 Rise in grandparent scam targeting seniors via phone.
10:42 Rising scams target financially stable, vulnerable individuals.
13:17 Check credit reports for identity theft detection.
19:29 Verify contacts and email sources for security.
22:53 Fraud incident led to insurance and identity loss.
25:51 Be cautious responding to unsolicited digital surveys.
28:28 Be cautious with text communication; it's public.
31:46 File police report, and notify financial institutions immediately.
37:08 Protect and monitor investments against potential threats.
40:02 Unfreeze credit report for loan approval issues.
41:24 Keep Medicare card secure to prevent theft.
47:19 Listener resources included in show notes.
49:12 Regularly check and reconcile financial statements.
We would love to hear from you.
Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.
Email us at hello@lookingforwardourway.com.
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 2025 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/
Mentioned in this episode:
Listener Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed by the experts interviewed on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. The information provided in these interviews is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for specific advice or information related to their individual circumstances. The podcast host and producers do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided by the experts interviewed. Listener discretion is advised.
Our focus is on VOICECorps, an essential service for individuals with visual impairments in Ohio.
Featuring guests Mark Jividen, the Executive Director, and Dana Sims, the Marketing and Development Director, the episode explores the organization's impactful work, its adaptation to new technologies, and the crucial role of volunteers.
Mark Jividen starts by discussing how the prevalence of blindness has shifted over time. Previously, many young people were affected by diseases now largely conquered. Today, the issue is more prevalent among the aging population due to conditions like diabetes, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This rise in blindness among the elderly population coincides with a reduction in traditional support systems, leading to increased isolation.
Dana Sims outlines how Voicecorps serves this community by providing real-time news and information, such as reading grocery ads, which helps foster independence. The service also offers entertainment and a friendly voice, creating a sense of community and combating isolation.
Volunteers, who often form long-term relationships with listeners, are integral to VOICECorps' operations. Sims notes that the service's programming is reminiscent of old-time radio, blending news and entertainment in a holistic manner.
Daily broadcasting operations at Voicecorps are comprehensive, starting with live broadcasts from 7 AM to 10:30 AM, including segments like the Wall Street Journal and local news. Most content is prerecorded and undergoes quality checks before broadcast.
If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs of producing the podcast!
The organization has consistently upgraded its equipment to a fully digital operation, funded by state capital budgets and local foundations over the past six years. VOICECorps offers programming in two formats: live and on-demand, akin to podcasting, and began streaming content in 2001. They are now transitioning to a podcast platform for easier access and subscription.
Listeners can provide feedback and suggest new materials through a feedback line, and the service is accessible via several methods including live streaming on their website, smart speakers, over-the-air broadcasting in several Ohio cities, virtual TV channels, and SAP channels on Ohio cable. Applications are available for both Android and iPhone users. Voicecorps encourages listener engagement to provide feedback to supporters and volunteers.
Founded by individuals with visual impairments and utilizing FM radio subcarriers for background music, VOICECorps launched on November 17, 1975, and is approaching its 50th anniversary. It was one of the first such services in the U.S. and remains unique due to its initiation by service recipients. The podcast highlights how Voicecorps reduces isolation among people, particularly the elderly, by providing timely information and connecting them to resources. The episode ends with a call to foster relationships, share contact information, and continue to impact lives positively.
Key Moments
00:00 Broadcasting career spanned decades in Columbus radio.
06:05 Early talking books: vinyl for accessibility.
07:20 Voicecorps began broadcasting timely news, 1975.
12:51 Empowering independence through accessible news and advertisements.
16:05 Volunteers read, diverse backgrounds, remote flexibility.
20:32 Programs can be recorded and shared remotely.
23:25 Technology accelerated growth during pandemic challenges.
28:31 Broadcast isn't live after 10:30; it's prerecorded.
32:04 Transitioning from streaming to podcast subscription service.
34:27 Listeners' ideas wanted for new programming suggestions.
37:55 Watch us on PBS or Ohio SAP channel.
41:05 Intended for low vision; copyright considerations exist.
45:30 Understanding listeners enables expansion and information equity.
46:38 Volunteering and support needed to make impact.
We would love to hear from you.
Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.
Email us at hello@lookingforwardourway.com.
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 2025 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/
Mentioned in this episode:
Listener Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed by the experts interviewed on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. The information provided in these interviews is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for specific advice or information related to their individual circumstances. The podcast host and producers do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided by the experts interviewed. Listener discretion is advised.