We are joined by career expert Sharon Hamersley, known to many as the LinkedIn and Resume Coach. Together, we talk about the complex world of job searching, especially for those who've spent years in their careers and now face a rapidly changing job market.

From recognizing the early warning signs that your job might be at risk, to crafting a job search strategy, and making the most of professional networks and community resources, this episode is packed with practical advice for job seekers of all ages.

Whether you're navigating an unexpected layoff, planning your next career move, or considering retirement but not quite ready to stop working, Sharon's insights will help you take control, stay prepared, and approach your next step with confidence.

Plus, we highlight how resources like libraries, state agencies, and networking can empower you on your journey. Grab a notebook because this episode is full of actionable tips to make your job search more successful and less overwhelming.

Whether you’re thinking about a career move, worried about stability, or planning for retirement, this episode packs real-world advice you can put to use right now. Here are our top 3 takeaways:

• Stay Ready, Not Paranoid: Don’t wait for a crisis. Regularly update your resume, LinkedIn profile, and keep notes on your skills, achievements, and networking connections, never on your work computer!
• Networking is Research, Not Begging: True networking isn’t about asking for a job, it’s about gathering information and advice, expanding your perspective, and forming mutually beneficial connections. Start by reaching out to alumni groups, professional organizations, and even local volunteering opportunities.
• Use Community Resources: Libraries, state/county agencies, and nonprofits like Goodwill are goldmines for free career services, workshops, databases, and upskilling opportunities (like LinkedIn Learning via your library).

If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs of producing the podcast!

Moments

05:12 Reorganization and Leadership Change

08:59 "Layoff Risks for All Levels"

12:04 "Prepare for Unexpected Job Changes"

14:53 Career Evaluation Strategy

16:38 Job Search: Avoid Desperation

20:16 Choosing Your Ideal Work Environment

23:33 Columbus Library's Career Resources

29:24 Building Connections Through Volunteering

30:38 Reach Out: Networking Beyond Management

35:03 Concise Resume & Cover Letter Tips

39:49 Essential Record Keeping Tips

43:07 "Applicant's Diligence Secures Job"

44:54 Expand Networks Through Informational Interviews

48:35 Preparedness Key for Job Assistance

53:17 Vet and Upskill for Employment

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We sit down with the multi-talented Eric Gnezda—an award-winning singer-songwriter, storyteller, and the creative force behind PBS’s Songs At The Center. Broadcasting from Columbus, Ohio, and airing on over 400 PBS stations nationwide, Songs at the Center celebrates the power of music and the often unsung art of songwriting.

Eric opens up about his journey from radio and newspaper columns to producing and hosting a nationally syndicated TV series. He shares how humor and heartfelt honesty shape his songwriting, the pivotal lessons he’s learned from both the music industry and personal challenges, and why he believes music is a profound healing art.

We explore the evolution of musical storytelling, the unexpected road to launching a beloved television show, and the importance of authenticity in art and life. Plus, Eric offers a backstage look into the show’s origins, memorable guest moments, upcoming highlights, and his thoughts on guiding the next generation of songwriters.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about creativity, community, and the magic that happens when music brings people together.

If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs of producing the podcast!

Moments

00:00 "Self-Discovery at 30"

10:17 "Nashville's Geographic Influence"

13:58 Music as Healing Art

16:22 Healing Through Songwriting

24:51 Amusing Financial Adviser Visit

28:31 Songwriters' Unique Renditions

35:15 Annex Memories and Song Lyrics

41:50 Internet's Impact on Music Industry

45:28 Music Creation Democratized

50:57 "Encore Careers and New Opportunities"

57:48 The Power of Songwriting Stories

01:01:15 Listen and Learn for Songwriting

Our top 3 takeaways:

• Say Yes to Opportunities—Even Unpaid Ones: Eric’s early career was defined by seizing every chance, paid or not, which opened doors in radio, TV, and print. Experience and learning often outweigh immediate income in the long run.
• Authenticity Creates Impact: Eric shared how blending humor and vulnerability in his songwriting didn’t just shape his music—it created space for healing and authentic connection, both for himself and his audience.
• Build Your Own Stage: Instead of waiting for permission or the “right place,” Eric launched "Songs at the Center" right in Columbus, Ohio. By owning his platform, he brought national exposure to local creativity, proving it’s not where you build. It's what you build.

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And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

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We sit down with returning guest Ben Hoeger, Director at the Hedley Hoeger Group at Baird Private Wealth Management, to help us navigate the unpredictable world of personal finance. With the stock market experiencing constant ups and downs, rising interest rates, and ongoing uncertainty about retirement savings, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed about securing your financial future.

Ben brings his decades of experience and a passion for guiding clients through both the good times and the bad, sharing practical tips on building—and, more importantly, maintaining—a financial plan that works for your unique situation. From the importance of having a solid, adaptable plan to understanding how your values and “why” shape your financial decisions, Ben helps break down complex topics like tax strategies, saving vs. spending, and the emotional side of money.

Whether you’re just starting your career, eyeing retirement, or somewhere in between, this episode is packed with actionable advice and a reassuring reminder: information, planning, and the right guidance can help you weather any financial storm. So grab a notebook and get ready to learn how to cushion the blows, protect your future, and feel more confident about your money, no matter what the headlines say.

Here are 3 key takeaways for anyone keen on building financial stability:

• Personalization is Everything: There’s no one-size-fits-all plan. Financial strategies must be anchored in your unique values, history, and life goals. Understanding your “why” helps you stay the course—no matter what the markets do.
• Planning Is a Verb, Not a Noun: A financial plan isn’t a one-and-done document. Life changes—so should your plan. Treat it as a living guide and make ongoing adjustments to reflect both your current reality and future vision.
• Build Strong Moats Around Your Castle: Protect yourself from volatility by diversifying not only your investments, but your tax buckets and income sources. Secure “moats” like sufficient cash reserves and flexible insurance solutions are crucial, especially as you approach retirement.

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

06:23 Tailored Financial Strategies Vary

07:56 "Root Goals in Personal Values"

11:46 Balancing Financial Planning and Life

17:24 "Evolving Plans: Resumes & Finances"

21:25 "Crisis as Opportunity"

22:31 Career Crisis Perspective and Adaptation

27:21 Retirement Expenses and Tax Planning

31:07 Values-Based Financial Planning

32:41 Dynamic Financial Planning Essentials

35:58 Retirement Readiness Essentials

40:46 Generational Team Commitment Benefits

44:10 Establishing Trust: Addressing Conflicts

48:10 Financial Advisors' Due Diligence Explained

48:55 Building a Comprehensive Professional Network

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We welcome Charity Eilerman, manager of Senior Hunger Programs at the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, to discuss the organization's remarkable efforts to support Ohioans facing food insecurity.

Since 1980, the Mid-Ohio Food Collective has been a crucial part of the community, providing nourishing meals and supportive services to those in need. Charity shares her extensive background in social services and her passion for addressing senior hunger and nutrition.

We explore various programs and services offered by the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, including the unique "farmacy" program that connects patients to fresh food options through health clinics, the Mid-Ohio Kitchen's freshly prepared healthy meals, and the Mid-Ohio markets providing a grocery shopping experience with a focus on fresh foods.

Charity also highlights the impact of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), which delivers shelf-stable boxes of food to seniors, and the Senior Mobile Market bringing fresh produce directly to senior housing communities.

We discuss the challenges and opportunities of navigating eligibility for programs like SNAP and CSFP, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between agencies to meet the vast needs of the community. The upcoming Eastland Prosperity Center, a human services hub, is another exciting development that will house various programs and services for increased accessibility.

Volunteerism and community involvement play crucial roles in the success of the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, relying on dedicated volunteers and generous donors to fulfill its mission of ending hunger one nourishing meal at a time.

What You'll Learn:

1. The Evolution of the Mid-Ohio Food Collective: Discover how this community pillar has grown from its early days as a food bank into a comprehensive collective with diverse programs.
2. Holistic Approaches to Fighting Hunger: Charity shares how addressing food insecurity involves more than just providing meals – it's about nurturing the whole community.
3. The Power of Collaboration: Learn how working alongside over 630 partner agencies strengthens the collective’s mission and impacts countless lives.
4. Senior Hunger and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): Understand the unique challenges faced by seniors and how programs like CSFP are making a difference.
5. Innovative Solutions and Community Initiatives: From "farmacies" to farming, discover the creative programs supporting food stability and community health.

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

06:30 "Explaining Food Bank vs. Pantry"

09:10 "Collaborative Nonprofit Efforts in Ohio"

12:17 Healthy Food Access Program

16:27 SNAP Support for Struggling Families

18:07 Mid-Ohio Collaborative Service Hub

22:19 Program Expansion Eases Senior Isolation

24:33 Senior Mobile Markets for Accessibility

27:46 Maximizing Food Resources for Seniors

31:53 Help Needed: Volunteers and Donors

36:04 Community Gardening and Cooking Groups

38:04 Mid-Ohio Food Collective Insights

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Here’s the heart of this episode in a nutshell:

This “Looking Forward Our Way” episode is all about helping Ohioans make sense of their utility bills and understand their rights as utility customers. We sit down with Kathryn Metz from the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC)—basically the state’s watchdog and advocate for regular folks when it comes to utilities like electricity, gas, water, and even landline phones.

Why should anyone care? Because utilities are something we all have to deal with, and lately, the costs and choices just keep getting more complicated (and expensive).

The OCC isn’t just there for emergencies—they’re fighting every day so you don’t get overcharged, educating you about your options (like how to shop for energy and avoid sneaky contracts), and making sure vulnerable Ohioans (seniors, people with tight budgets) can get help paying bills when they’re struggling. They even break down confusing bills and warn about energy scams that pop up every time prices go up.

The episode also dishes on hot topics like the fallout from the House Bill 6 scandal (where Ohio residents ended up footing the bill for a shady energy bailout), the crazy impact of new data centers using tons of electricity, and issues with submetered utilities that can make your bills skyrocket without many protections.

Bottom line: If you pay for utilities in Ohio, this is stuff you need to know so you can protect your wallet, avoid scams, and make smart choices about your energy. The OCC is there to help, but step one is staying informed—and that’s exactly what this episode is all about.

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 for every Ohioan:

OCC Is Your Advocate: The OCC was established in 1976 to serve as an independent voice for Ohio's residential utility consumers, helping save billions by holding utility companies accountable and ensuring fair pricing.

Know Your Options—And Your Bill: Ohioans can shop for energy suppliers, but staying with your utility’s standard offer is often the most cost-effective choice. Always read your bill closely—delivery and supply charges are different, and misinformation or scams can lead to costly mistakes.

Beware of Scammers & Protect Your Info: Never share your utility account number freely—it should be as protected as your Social Security number. Beware of aggressive door-to-door marketers and unintended contract changes. You can request to be put on a utility "Do Not Contact" list for extra protection.

Key Moments

00:00 Journey from Humanitarian Aid to Teaching

03:57 Ohio Utility Consumer Advocacy Agency

07:53 Ohio Summer Cooling Assistance Program

11:52 AEP Rate Increase Alternatives

15:19 "Compare Ohio Energy Suppliers Easily"

19:04 Traveling Speakers Share Critical Info

21:29 Ohio's Costly Coal Plant Subsidies

24:57 Ohio Data Centers Settlement Decision

27:30 Beware of Energy Market Scams

30:03 Protect Your Utility Account Number

33:24 Utility Scams and Submetering Issues

36:37 Future Uncertainty for LIHEAP Funding

39:07 Ohio Energy Aggregation Rate Changes

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We explore the remarkable contributions of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, a vital institution supporting our city's thriving community. We are joined by expert Benjamin Reid, Public Services Director for the Columbus Metropolitan Library. Together, we unveil the transformative programs and services offered by the library, from literacy initiatives for young readers to life skills development, workforce preparation, digital equity, and community partnerships.

You will learn how the library is not just about books, but a hub of opportunity, inclusion, and support for all ages.

Key Takeaways:

• Digital Inclusion and Skills: Columbus Metropolitan Library is making strides in bridging the digital divide with its Digital Equity Coalition, digital navigators, and awesome programs like Digital Skills Hub. They're not just about books anymore; they’re about equipping people with the necessary digital tools and skills for today’s world.
• Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning: From hosting internship fairs to comprehensive job help resources like JobNow and LinkedIn Learning, the library is a powerhouse for job seekers of all ages. They emphasize the importance of lifelong learning to adapt to evolving job markets.
• Community-Building and Partnerships: Partnerships are key to the library's success. By collaborating with local nonprofits and organizations, they provide extensive support, including services for the justice-impacted and programs for English Language learners. It's all about fostering a thriving, inclusive community.

If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs of producing the podcast!

Memorable Moments

06:11 "Library Growth and Community Impact"

08:44 Carnegie's Impact on Local Libraries

11:30 Young Minds Early Literacy Strategy

15:46 Essential Life Skills: Digital Inclusion

17:52 Franklin County Digital Equity Coalition

22:34 Youth Career Preparation Initiatives

24:19 Enhancing Library's Community Support

26:55 Library Programs & Resources Overview

33:10 Main Library's New Hybrid Workspace

34:24 Nonprofit Support and Resource Expansion

39:21 Leveraging Community Partnerships for Expertise

46:53 Supporting English Language Learners (ESL) Together

51:30 Rock Photography Exhibit at Library

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And of course, everything can be found on our website,

In this episode, we look into the pressing issue of the housing crisis and its impact on property taxes in Ohio. Joining us is Ohio State Senator Bill DeMora of the 25th District, who shares his journey from being the "accidental senator" to his current role in public office.

Together, we dissect the challenges posed by skyrocketing housing costs and lack of availability, leading to a dramatic 35% increase in property taxes following a recent reappraisal process. Senator DeMora provides insight into the complex property tax system, touching on the intricacies of state and local revenue impacts, as well as the pivotal role taxes play in supporting essential community services such as schools, fire departments, and police.

Our discussion also highlights the crucial need for legislative action to address these taxing issues, as citizens grapple with burdensome levies while demanding fair solutions.

We encourage you to get involved in the political process, be it through testifying in committees or participating in local government meetings, further underlining the importance of civic engagement in instituting change.

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 Takeaways

• Understanding Property Taxes: How the rise in housing costs and lack of availability have sparked a significant increase in property taxes. Senator DeMora explained the appraisal process affecting both personal and business properties.
• Legislation & Relief Efforts: The need for practical solutions to address the tax burden, like the suggested circuit breaker, raising the homestead exemption, and freezing property taxes for seniors. It's crucial for legislative action to keep pace with the changing demands.
• Civic Engagement: The importance of getting involved in local government processes. From testifying at committee hearings to participating in city council meetings, citizen engagement can influence policy changes and bring attention to vital community issues.

Key Moments

00:00 Accidental Senator Due to Redistricting

03:23 State's Funding Shift Sparks Controversy

09:11 Civic Participation in Government

10:50 "Children's Hearing Aid Bill Passed"

14:53 County Property Tax Distribution

16:41 Franklin County Housing Demand Surge

20:48 Races Influence Ballot Issues Outcome

23:38 "Addressing Property Tax Relief Options"

28:15 Central Ohio's Collaborative Economic Strategy

29:36 Intel Project's Uncertain Future

36:03 Property Tax Reforms Needed

37:10 Ohio School Funding and Voucher Impact

40:16 Ohio's Declining Education Funding

45:54 Columbus School Board Overhaul

49:16 Franklin County Grants and Resources

51:19 Columbus Demands Suburbs Support Affordable Housing

54:36 Addressing Property Tax and Housing Issues

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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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Digital Literacy: A significant focus is on teaching girls digital literacy, as many challenges such as cyberbullying are linked to technology use.
6. Importance of Physical Activity: Limiting screen time and encouraging outdoor physical activities are vital for improving girls' physical and mental well-being.
7. Combating Bullying: Strategies to combat bullying include establishing supportive connections with caring adults and providing anti-bullying education in schools.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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

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