A heartfelt Happy New Year from Brett and Carol—plus a look back, listener feedback, and what’s next for the podcast.
Celebrating Another Year: Thank You, Listeners!
As another year draws to a close, the team behind Looking Forward Our Way—hosted by Brett Johnson and Carol Ventresca—takes a moment to express their deepest gratitude to you, the loyal listener. This “off” episode is less about a specific subject and more about celebration, appreciation, and looking ahead to another year of learning, sharing, and community-building.
From Brett Johnson’s opening words wishing everyone a happy new year, to Carol Ventresca’s reflection on how far the podcast has come, this episode is a love letter to the community that’s made the show thrive.
Six Years—and Counting! The Evolution of the Podcast
What started nearly nine years ago, as a podcast for employment for seniors, has blossomed into a show that enters its sixth official year as Looking Forward Our Way. Carol Ventresca recalls their journey fondly, highlighting the invaluable feedback and topic suggestions from listeners over the years. Podcasting has exploded in popularity, and while there’s plenty of competition, the show’s growing audience tells them they’re hitting the right note.
What’s behind this success? A commitment to relevance, variety, and most of all, a genuine connection to the Central Ohio community and adults over 50—an audience Brett Johnson points out is now the fastest growing group of podcast listeners.
Listener Engagement: Your Feedback Shapes the Show
One of the best things about Looking Forward Our Way is how open the hosts are to listener participation. Whether it’s suggestions for new topics, offers to appear as guests, or feedback on episodes, Brett Johnson and Carol Ventresca truly value hearing from their audience.
They even encourage financial support via a simple “buy us a coffee” link—never a requirement, but always appreciated as a token of thanks for the time, energy, and resources poured into producing meaningful content.
But most importantly, they want your thoughts: Is the show too long, too short, or just right? Do you enjoy the format of expert introductions, deep dives, and summary comments? Would you be interested in video versions of the show? Are the newsletter and website working for you? Your responses guide the evolution of the podcast and ensure it continues to serve the community’s needs.
Spotlight on Experts and Community Resources in the New Year
A huge part of the show’s mission is bringing expert voices to the table. Brett Johnson and Carol Ventresca love introducing listeners to the incredible resources available in Central Ohio and beyond. Their network is expansive, allowing for access to a wide range of professionals who aren’t just knowledgeable but also passionate about sharing their expertise.
This past year has featured an “incredible array of people,” many of whom are eager repeat guests—a testament to the respect and enthusiasm the podcast fosters. Looking forward to 2026, listeners can expect even more diverse voices, sometimes from outside the local area, all thanks to the magic of technology.
Growing, Adapting, and Communicating
Evolution is a constant theme. The show recently got a fresh new logo—a speech bubble symbolizing conversation and the expert voices that shape each episode. The newsletter has also been revamped, with a cleaner look and more focused content. While social media isn’t the show’s main outreach method (thanks, algorithms), the newsletter continues to engage and inform more listeners each issue.
The podcast’s audience continues to grow, and Brett Johnson encourages feedback on user experience: Is it easy to find and share episodes? Would clearer instructions or new formats help? Direct communication is welcomed, and the hosts are ready to walk listeners through sharing episodes, subscribing, or submitting ideas.
Looking Forward—Together
As they sign off for the year, Brett Johnson and Carol Ventresca express hope for a joyful 2026 and a future full of “wonderful new journeys.” The return of fan-favorite guests, bold new topics, and enhanced listener involvement are all part of what lies ahead.
Thank you for being part of this community—your ears, input, and enthusiasm make every episode possible. Here’s to another year of learning, connecting, and, yes, looking forward our way!
Have an idea, want to share the show, or just say hello? Visit the podcast website for easy ways to get involved. Happy New Year!
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.
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Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.
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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.
