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Looking Forward Our WayAuthor: Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
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 youre 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. Language: en Genres: Education, Self-Improvement, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio's Impact on Central Ohio Arts
Episode 155
Monday, 5 January, 2026
Whether you’re passionate about the performing arts or curious about building community through creativity, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and practical ways to support and connect with the arts in Columbus.In this episode, hosts Brett Johnson and Carol Ventresca sit down with Christy Farnbaugh, executive director of the Contemporary Theatre of Ohio. Columbus has long been known for its vibrant arts community, and today, Christy shares her journey from Otterbein music major to arts administration leader, highlighting the importance of mentors, networks, and resilience in the arts.We explore the role of the Contemporary Theatre of Ohio—formerly CATCO—and its impact on local artists, education programs for kids, and community building. Christy reveals how the organization navigated a dramatic transformation during the pandemic, from rebranding to embracing virtual performances, and discusses the importance of intergenerational connections and producing timely, empathetic stories for Central Ohio.Moments00:00 "Christy's Theater Journey Unveiled"09:59 "Pursuing Passion Amid Challenges"15:49 "Career Paths and Connections"20:21 "Arts and Community Value Proposition"23:42 "Revamping Name and Brand Strategy"28:58 "Columbus Talent with Local Ties"33:13 "Kids' Anxiety Through Humor"39:25 "Pandemic, Laughter, and Aging Arts"44:40 Empowering Kids Through Writing51:34 "Zoom and Teams' Lasting Impact"58:46 "Diverse Plays for Columbus"01:00:13 "Primary Trust: Identity and Imagination"01:04:39 Volunteer Opportunities and Education InvolvementIf 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:The Power of Local Storytelling: The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio tells stories rooted in the current moment to build empathy, hiring local artists so the art created directly enriches our community.Building an Ecosystem, not Competition: Columbus boasts a unique arts ecosystem, where professional, community, and educational theaters work together to expand opportunities for artists, creators, and audiences.Arts as a Vehicle for Wellness & Growth: Whether through creative aging programs, anxiety-reducing children’s workshops, or supporting mentorship, theater provides pathways for well-being, social-emotional learning, and intergenerational connection.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
