Looking Forward Our Way

About Looking Forward Our Way

We feature expert guests who provide real-world insights, inspiration, and resources, making each episode a valuable touchpoint for adults. You can expect to hear us discuss a wide range of topics, including employment and entrepreneurship, financial advice, legal issues, technology, healthy living, housing, and much more. New episodes are released twice a month. You can also sign up for our free newsletter, access additional resources, or contact the hosts directly at hello@lookingforwardourway.com. If you’re interested in joining a supportive community, learning from experts, and staying ahead of important trends and issues, tune in and subscribe today! The podcast is co-hosted by veteran and award-winning podcasters Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson.

Publisher

Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

Category

education · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

20 Jan 2020

Latest episode

19 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

179 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   19 Oct 2026

   Take the Guesswork Out of Your Funeral—Pick Your Person, State Your Wishes

   Did you know your will isn’t enough for funeral instructions in Ohio? Get crucial insights with attorney Larae Schraeder from Schraeder Law. Ever wondered who’s legally responsible for your final arrangements when you pass away? Estate attorney Larae Schraeder (https://schraederlawllc.com/) joins Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson to decode Ohio’s Disposition of Remains law. It's a critical and often misunderstood part of estate planning that goes beyond wills and trusts. If you’ve ever faced confusing funeral decisions for a loved one, you know how complex it can be. This episode reveals how Ohio empowers individuals to choose their own representative for those important end-of-life decisions. And why relying on just a will or family default isn’t enough. Larae details the law’s background, how to create a declaration, who has the right to decide in different scenarios, and how these choices can spare your loved ones stress and uncertainty. Key Takeaways: Why Ohio’s Disposition of Remains law matters: Learn the difference between a will and a disposition declaration, and why both are necessary. Who can make your final decisions: Discover the legal pecking order for funeral decisions, and how you can choose your own representative instead. How to document your wishes: Find out when to create a declaration, what’s included, and how to update it as your life changes. Avoiding family disputes: See how clear planning protects loved ones and prevents conflicts among relatives, stepparents, or distant kin. What happens without a declaration: Understand the role of next of kin, probate court, and what your executor can, and cannot, do. If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs (https://buymeacoffee.com/lookingforwardourway) of producing the podcast! 5 Frequently Asked Questions about Ohio's Disposition of Remains Law What is Ohio’s Disposition of Remains law? Ohio’s Disposition of Remains law, passed in 2006, lets you legally appoint someone to make decisions about your funeral and final arrangements, separate from your will or financial plans 02:50. Who can make decisions if I don’t complete a declaration? If you don’t have a declaration, Ohio law defaults to your next of kin in a specific order: spouse, children, parents, siblings, and so on 04:09, 16:08. Should funeral instructions be in my will? No. Wills are often not immediately accessible after death and may not be effective for funeral decisions. A disposition declaration should be readily available 13:02-14:21. What happens if my family disagrees on my funeral arrangements? If there’s conflict and no declaration, the probate court can intervene to resolve disputes and authorize final arrangements 20:14. Does the person I appoint have to pay for my funeral? Not necessarily. The declaration may list the source of funds, usually your estate, and the person appointed does not automatically have access to your finances 29:43. We would love to hear from you. Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message. (https://podinbox.com/LFOW) Email us at hello@lookingforwardourway.com. Find us on Bluesky (https://bsky.app/profile/lfow.bsky.social) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/lookingforwardourway/). Please review our podcast on Google! (https://g.page/looking-forward-our-way/review?gm) And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way. (https://my.captivate.fm/www.lookingforwardourway.com) Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios (https://my.captivate.fm/www.channel511.com). A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants (https://my.captivate.fm/www.circle270media.com). 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. Brick House Blue Hilliard (https://looking-forward-our-way.captivate.fm/bhbhilliard) Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson Mentioned in this episode: This episode was recorded at Brick House Blue Brick House Blue at TruePointe in Hilliard Book at tour today! https://www.brickhouseblue.com/contact-us/?goTo=book-a-tour Brick House Blue Hilliard (https://looking-forward-our-way.captivate.fm/bhbhilliard)

2. 

   5 Oct 2026

   Medicare Open Enrollment 2027 Essential Updates

   Confused about Medicare changes for 2027? Discover the latest enrollment tips, cost shifts, and plan insights here. Open enrollment for Medicare is 10/1/26 through 12/7/26, and with rising costs, shifting plan options, and potential pitfalls, it’s more important than ever for adults turning 65 and over 65 to stay informed. Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson welcome back Josh Kinzel from Seniority Benefit Group (https://www.senioritybenefitgroup.com/) to break down what’s new and what to watch out for in the 2026–2027 enrollment period. You’ll learn: A clear, jargon-free explanation of Medicare, Medigap, Advantage, and Part D prescription plans, and how their coverage and costs may change The most significant shifts for 2027, including fewer available Part D and Advantage plans, premium increases, and drug price negotiations How to assess your personal healthcare needs, risk tolerance, and avoid surprises with plan coverage or provider networks Real-world scenarios of plan mistakes, like employer coverage, COBRA pitfalls, and why spouses may need different plans Actionable advice to avoid scams, telemarketing traps, and misleading plan marketing Whether you’re enrolling for the first time, updating your coverage, or supporting loved ones through the process, this episode arms you with the language, questions, and resources to make a smart, confident Medicare decision. Key Takeaways: Do your homework: Know the differences between Medicare, Medigap, and Advantage, and how upcoming changes affect your options Part D plan choices are shrinking and premiums are rising; check for newly negotiated drug prices Don’t assume the cheapest or employer-offered plan is best. Evaluate for your health, risk tolerance, and provider preferences Beware of scams, even “official” calls, emails, and flex card offers can be fraudulent Use trusted, local resources for Medicare advice; never hesitate to ask questions before choosing or changing plans If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs (https://buymeacoffee.com/lookingforwardourway) of producing the podcast! 5 Frequently Asked Questions about Medicare Open Enrollment When is Medicare open enrollment for 2027? Open enrollment runs from October 15th to December 7th for Medicare plans covering 2027. What are the biggest changes to Medicare Advantage and Part D plans for 2027? Fewer plans will be available, premiums and Part D costs may rise, some extra benefits are being reduced, and more drugs have negotiated prices. How can I avoid Medicare scams during open enrollment? Remember, Medicare will not call you unsolicited. Never give out your Medicare number over the phone, verify all sources, and beware of “flex card” offers or calls requesting payment for new cards. Should my spouse and I enroll in the same Medicare plan? Not necessarily; spouses may have different healthcare needs, risk tolerances, or provider preferences, so evaluate plans individually. Is COBRA considered credible coverage to delay Medicare enrollment? No, COBRA is not recognized as credible coverage by Medicare, so relying on COBRA can result in penalties if you delay Medicare enrollment past eligibility. 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: This episode was recorded at Brick House Blue Brick House Blue at TruePointe in Hilliard Book at tour today! https://www.brickhouseblue.com/contact-us/?goTo=book-a-tour Brick House Blue Hilliard (https://looking-forward-our-way.captivate.fm/bhbhilliard)

3. 

   21 Sept 2026

   How Women Giving Together is Growing Impact in the Community

   Discover how Women Giving Together grew from eight women to a million-dollar giving circle supporting Delaware County (OH) nonprofits. Are you curious how local communities are transforming philanthropy and addressing urgent nonprofit needs, even with limited resources? This episode brings you face-to-face with Sue Mahler, co-founder of Women Giving Together, to reveal the step-by-step strategies that turned a small group of passionate women into a million-dollar force for good. Sue shares her journey from school advocacy to nonprofit leadership, how Women Giving Together launched and scaled, and why focusing flexible resources on community needs can catalyze change far beyond what’s possible alone. What you’ll learn in this episode: The origins and explosive growth of Women Giving Together, from 8 to 65+ women and $1 million in grants How giving circles operate, evaluate grant applications, and maintain transparency and focus as they grow The importance of strategic partnerships like the Delaware County Foundation for financial management and community connections Tips for starting your own giving circle or joining an existing one, including alternative models and easy entry points Real-world impact stories, like how one site visit led to a $100,000+ capital campaign for a local free store Looking to amplify your marketing with powerful community stories, or searching for sustainable fundraising ideas? Listen now and get inspired to lead change in your own backyard. Ready to learn, give, or launch your own impact circle? Connect with Women Giving Together by emailing womengivingtogether@gmail.com (mailto:womengivingtogether@gmail.com) or find them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064388121749). 5 Frequently Asked Questions about Women Giving Together What is Women Giving Together? Women Giving Together is a collective giving circle in Delaware County, Ohio, comprised of 65+ women who pool annual donations to fund grants for local nonprofits. How do the group’s grantmaking and review process work? Members meet annually to decide focus areas, review nonprofit applications, conduct site visits, and use an objective evaluation system to award funds. How is Women Giving Together structured financially? The circle operates as a donor-advised fund with the Delaware County Foundation, ensuring financial protection, investment, and efficient grant disbursement without needing their own nonprofit status. Can anyone join Women Giving Together or attend events? Anyone with a kind, giving heart can apply for membership by emailing the group. There’s no pressure—members can participate as much or as little as they wish, and prospective members are invited to attend meetings and events. What advice does Women Giving Together offer to others wanting to start a giving circle? Find and learn from existing giving circles before starting your own—there are multiple models, and connecting with experienced groups saves time and strengthens success. If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs (https://buymeacoffee.com/lookingforwardourway) of producing the podcast! 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. Copyright 2026 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. This episode was recorded at Brick House Blue Brick House Blue at TruePointe in Hilliard Book at tour today! https://www.brickhouseblue.com/contact-us/?goTo=book-a-tour Brick House Blue Hilliard (https://looking-forward-our-way.captivate.fm/bhbhilliard)

Who has been a guest on Looking Forward Our Way

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Brad Griffith
• Jen Miller
• Lizette Peter
• Chuck Erickson
• Shirley Brooks-Jones

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.3 / 5

10 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 66 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

99

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

84

Contact Looking Forward Our Way

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Looking Forward Our Way