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Looking Forward Our Way

Looking Forward Our Way

De : Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
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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.Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson Développement personnel Réussite personnelle Sciences sociales
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  • Tips to Maximize Your Job Search with Artificial Intelligence

    Tips to Maximize Your Job Search with Artificial Intelligence
    Jun 15 2026
    How AI Can Accelerate and Improve Your Job Search ProcessSharon Hamersley discusses how we can all make the best use of artificial intelligence (AI) during a job search. With AI now part of our daily lives at home, school, and work, it’s become an essential tool for job seekers and employers alike. Yet, for many, AI can also be intimidating, especially when it comes to writing resumes, preparing for interviews, and navigating online job applications.Across our conversation, we explore not only how AI can make your search faster and more effective, but also why it is crucial to maintain your own authenticity and judgment throughout.Understanding AI as a Job Search ToolRather than fearing AI, we should treat it like any other revolutionary technology of the last fifty years. AI is the "fourth industrial revolution," following the creation of machinery, the development of infrastructure, and the advent of computers.We talk about AI not as a replacement for human skill, but as a support tool. A fast research assistant and brainstorming partner. AI can process information quickly, identify patterns, and generate responses, but it’s only as helpful as the clarity of the instructions you give and the critical thinking you apply to its suggestions.What AI Can—and Can’t—Do for YouOne of the key topics we cover is the ways AI helps job seekers. AI can analyze job postings, pick out transferable skills, and suggest ways to improve resumes.However, AI cannot write your resume for you. If you ask AI to generate your resume solely from a job description, you risk ending up with generic, possibly exaggerated claims. This is a phenomenon we refer to as "hallucination," where the AI makes up details that don't reflect your real experience.Instead, AI’s strength lies in helping you organize information, identify missing keywords, refine wording, and prepare for interviews. It’s particularly useful for brainstorming bullet points, summarizing complex career achievements, and checking your material for relevance to a particular role.Using AI Ethically and Protecting Your PrivacyIf you use AI in your job search, you need to be careful about what information you put into the system. Always remove personal and proprietary data before uploading anything to an AI tool. By creating a plain text (.txt) version of your document, you strip away identifying markers, making it safer to use AI for feedback or analysis.Never feed sensitive information to public AI databases. If you don’t want something available to the public, keep it out of the system.Maximizing the Benefits, Avoiding the PitfallsHere are practical strategies for using AI effectively:Use AI to identify gaps in your resume compared to job descriptions.Ask AI specific, targeted prompts; focus on context, specifics, and objectives.Double-check everything AI generates—treat its output as a draft or starting point, not a final product.Request citations or sources when using AI for research, so you can verify the accuracy of information.Remember, your own experience and judgment must lead the process. AI cannot think critically or judge what best represents your skills.Advice for EmployersWe discuss how employers can use AI to clarify job postings, but stress that AI should never replace human judgment in hiring decisions. Overly broad or unclear job descriptions harm both candidates and organizations. Employers should use AI to support—not automate—key talent decisions and ensure both sides of the interview bring their best, authentic selves.If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs of producing the podcast!FAQ: Smart Ways to Use AI in a Job Search1. Can AI write my resume for me?No, AI cannot write your resume for you. According to Sharon Hammersley, AI can help improve resumes by identifying transferable skills and missing keywords, but it generates generic content and may overstate experience. You must always refine and personalize the output to reflect your authentic experience 08:07, 12:19.2. How can AI help me prepare for a job interview?AI can assist in preparing for interviews by helping you understand the real intent behind interview questions (the "question behind the question") and by coaching you to prepare stronger, more relevant answers 08:13, 17:37. It’s especially useful for brainstorming and identifying areas where you can demonstrate your value.3. Is it safe to put my personal information into AI resume tools?No, you should never input personal, sensitive, or proprietary information into AI systems. Sharon Hammersley advises removing all identifying details and even using plain text files to anonymize your inputs, as anything entered may become public or used for AI training 14:10–15:57.4. How do I check if a job posting is legitimate when using AI or internet tools?Always verify a job posting directly on the company’s official website. Be wary of recruiters ...
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    46 min
  • How SourcePoint Meets the Needs of Delaware County’s Growing Older Adult Population

    How SourcePoint Meets the Needs of Delaware County’s Growing Older Adult Population
    Jun 1 2026
    Meeting the Needs of Delaware County’s Growing Older Adult Population with SourcePointWe talk with Fara Waugh. Chief Executive Officer, LISW-S, CEO of SourcePoint, to explore how Delaware County, Ohio, is innovating to meet the needs of its rapidly growing population of older adults.As the county’s senior population doubles, SourcePoint stands out by offering a broad spectrum of services—from in-home care and Meals on Wheels to robust community programs and resource navigation—ensuring older adults remain independent, connected, and thriving.With funding structures, caregiver challenges, and the digital divide in focus, this episode looks at the everyday issues facing seniors, the critical importance of local support, and what the future holds for aging in the 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!Here’s What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Delaware County’s Unique Growth - Find out why Delaware County stands out as its population 65+ has doubled since 2010—and what that means for community services.SourcePoint’s Spectrum of Services - From Meals on Wheels and transportation to arts classes and caregiver support, get the inside scoop on how SourcePoint helps older adults live life to the fullest.The Realities of Caregiving - Hear honest stories about caregiver challenges, the “crisis point,” and why having the right information early can make all the difference.How Funding Shapes Services - Learn how federal, state, and most importantly, local levy dollars keep programs like SourcePoint running—and what happens when that funding is at risk.Bridging the Digital Divide - Discover how technology—and the lack thereof—affects independence, social connection, and access to services for older adults.1. What services does SourcePoint offer for older adults in Delaware County?SourcePoint provides a wide range of services for older adults including in-home care (such as Meals on Wheels, personal care, homemaking, and medical transportation), community programs like fitness and wellness classes, caregiver support, creative arts, educational workshops, and Medicare guidance.2. How is SourcePoint funded?SourcePoint is primarily funded through a local property tax levy in Delaware County, which makes up 75% to 80% of its overall funding. Additional support comes from federal and state funds, grants, donations, service fees, and volunteer support.3. Who can use SourcePoint’s services?Services are targeted to adults aged 55 and older in Delaware County, as well as their caregivers. Many programs begin with a needs assessment to create a personalized care plan and connect individuals or families with appropriate resources.4. How can I contact SourcePoint for help or information?You can call SourcePoint, visit their website, or drop in to connect with community resource navigators for guidance and support related to aging services.5. Are there opportunities to volunteer or work with SourcePoint?Yes. SourcePoint relies on dedicated volunteers, especially for programs like Meals on Wheels, and offers opportunities for community members to get involved, starting as volunteers or interns and sometimes leading to employment.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.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett JohnsonFull transcript & key moments from "SourcePoint":https://app.castmagic.io/share/Z99mtFMG7l17gNjyMentioned in this episode:Listener DisclaimerThe 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.
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    35 min
  • AI, Financial Strategizing, and Life Planning with Ben Hoeger

    AI, Financial Strategizing, and Life Planning with Ben Hoeger
    May 18 2026
    How Values Shape Financial Success with Ben HoegerIn this episode of Looking Forward Our Way, we talk with Ben Hoeger, financial advisor and Director of Private Wealth Management at the Hedley Hoeger Group at Baird Private Wealth Management. Ben provides practical advice on navigating the often intimidating world of financial planning, especially during turbulent economic times.We begin by celebrating Ben’s team’s recent recognition by Forbes and Shook Research as a best-in-state wealth management team—a testament to their teamwork and dedication. Ben shares some of his own journey into this field, shaped by his education at Otterbein and early career experiences that focused not just on investments, but on supporting people through life’s twists and turns.Ben explains the key questions to ask when choosing a financial advisor, emphasizing the importance of understanding an advisor’s process, communication style, and compensation. More critically, he highlights the personal side of financial planning: finding a relationship rooted in trust and genuine interest in your life, not just your money.We walk through what it’s like to become a new client—starting with conversations around personal values and goals long before crunching numbers. Ben underlines how effective financial planning is built on clarity around what matters most to you, so decisions during life’s expected and unexpected changes always circle back to those core values.Our conversation covers techniques for balancing savings for near-term needs, emergencies, and longer-term goals, using a “bucket” approach to risk and time horizons. We also round out the discussion by addressing how tools like artificial intelligence fit into the advisor-client relationship, and why the human touch remains irreplaceable.Ben introduces the Life Planning Initiative at his firm, which supports clients’ broader well-being—not just their balance sheets—and leaves us with wise advice: align your financial strategy with your values for a more fulfilling journey ahead.If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs of producing the podcast!Moments00:00 Discovering a passion for finance06:40 Choosing the right team expertise08:58 Building lasting client relationships11:01 Discussing financial advisor background checks15:15 Discussing personal financial motivations19:25 Importance of financial goals23:22 Using the bucketing approach24:39 Discussing investment risk strategies27:45 Aligning risk tolerance with guidance31:56 AI and Social Security advice35:03 Finding purpose beyond retirement38:04 Aligning investments with personal valuesFAQ1. What should I ask a financial advisor in my first meeting?According to Ben Hoeger at 06:06, you should ask about their process, the type of clients they typically serve, how and how often they communicate, their investment philosophy, and critically, how they get paid. It's also important to ensure their approach aligns with your needs and that you feel comfortable and can trust them.2. How do I start working with a financial advisor?Ben Hoeger explains at 12:51 that the process usually starts with an introductory conversation focused on getting to know each other and discussing your motivations for seeking financial advice, rather than diving into numbers right away. The next steps typically involve discussing your values, vision, and goals before moving on to financial details.5. How do I check a financial advisor's background or credentials?At 11:01, Ben Hoeger recommends reviewing a financial advisor's "U4" report, which documents their work history, licenses, and any complaints. This is an essential part of doing your due diligence before entrusting someone with your finances.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.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett JohnsonMentioned in this episode:Listener DisclaimerThe 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.
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    40 min
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