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Looking Forward Our WayAuthor: Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
The Looking Forward Our Way podcast addresses todays critical issues that impact the lives, and livelihood, of those traveling their own way. The podcsat is co-hosted by veteran and award-winning podcasters, Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson. Each episode provides information, resources and ideas to our listeners, all available at the click of a link! You can expect to hear us talk about employment and entrepreneurship, financial advice and legal issues, technology, healthy living, housing, and so much more. New episodes every first and third Mondays of the month. Follow us on Facebook to stay updated! Find out more on our website at www.lookingforwardourway.com Email us at hello@lookingforwardourway.com Language: en Genres: Education, Self-Improvement, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Behind the Music: Eric Gnezda and the Journey of Songs At The Center
Episode 139
Monday, 30 June, 2025
The Healing Power of Songwriting: "I don't know how to write a song that doesn't have something to do with healing." - Eric GnezdaWe 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!Moments00:00 "Self-Discovery at 30"10:17 "Nashville's Geographic Influence"13:58 Music as Healing Art16:22 Healing Through Songwriting24:51 Amusing Financial Adviser Visit28:31 Songwriters' Unique Renditions35:15 Annex Memories and Song Lyrics41:50 Internet's Impact on Music Industry45:28 Music Creation Democratized50:57 "Encore Careers and New Opportunities"57:48 The Power of Songwriting Stories01:01:15 Listen and Learn for SongwritingOur 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.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...
