Let’s be honest—talking about prenups with a partner, friend, or family member can feel uncomfortable and sticky. The conversation is often laced with worries about trust, fairness, and what it means for a relationship.

That’s exactly why we felt it was important to bring clarity to this conversation.

To help us do just that, we invited Larae Schraeder, an award-winning attorney from Schraeder Law, who specializes in estate planning, probate, and elder law. Larae brings a wealth of experience, with her background in both law and financial services, making her perspective especially valuable for this topic.

We explore the ins and outs of prenups and postnups, why open conversations about finances are critical before tying the knot, and how these legal documents can go far beyond just preparing for divorce.

From protecting children and business interests to navigating new changes in Ohio law, this episode is packed with practical advice and personal stories to help couples (and their families) prepare for whatever the future may hold.

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

Why talking finances before marriage is a must—even if you’re not Bill Gates (spoiler: it’s about all relationships, not just the rich ones).

What a prenup really covers—it’s not just about divorce, but also what happens when marriage ends by death.

How enforceable is your napkin agreement? (Hint: Notarization, signatures, and full disclosure are everything!)

The lowdown on postnups—did you know Ohio just updated its laws, making postnuptial agreements an option for couples already married?

Myths vs. reality: Prenups aren’t just about protecting yourself—they can also protect children, address business ventures, and even outline how to handle unexpected windfalls (hello, surprise royalties or farm booms!).

Moments

04:55 Notarization for Real Estate Promises

06:52 Prenups: Beyond Divorce Planning

10:54 Undisclosed Assets in Divorce Settlements

15:24 Marital Agreements and Estate Planning

16:53 Prenuptial Agreements: Motivations and Considerations

20:43 Prenup Considerations for Unique Needs

23:14 Medicaid Impact on Long-Term Care

26:06 Updated Divorce Agreement Strategies

30:06 Contracts Beyond Marriage: Versatile Agreements

32:29 Podcast Insights with Larae Schrader

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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Please review our podcast on Google!

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

If you’ve ever wondered what makes Central Ohio tick—beyond the headlines and rumors—this episode is for you.

We welcome Matthew Martin, Director of Community Research at The Columbus Foundation, for an in-depth look at the Benchmarking Central Ohio 2024 report.

We dig into the strengths, challenges, and unique features that define our rapidly growing region and shed light on how data-driven research is helping shape smarter philanthropy, more effective local policy, and a better quality of life for everyone who calls Central Ohio home.

Matthew walks us through the origins and purpose of the benchmarking report, what sets Columbus apart among its peer cities, and why it’s critical to not just gather data, but also fuel ongoing conversations for positive community change.

Whether you’re interested in regional growth, housing, public health, or the diverse fabric that makes up Central Ohio, get ready for a conversation packed with insights, optimism, and a fresh perspective on how research is powering our region’s future.

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 3 key takeaways from the discussion:

• Research-Backed Change: The Columbus Foundation’s benchmarking study isn't just about numbers—it’s a comprehensive review comparing Central Ohio to 22 peer regions, helping community leaders move beyond rumors to real, actionable insights.
• Complex Challenges, Collaborative Solutions: Central Ohio’s growth, diversity, and resilience are matched by persistent challenges—especially in areas like infant mortality, housing, and public health. The data doesn’t give prescriptive answers, but sparks essential community conversations and inspires collaborative solutions across nonprofit, public, and corporate sectors.
• It’s a Community Effort: Philanthropy in Columbus isn’t just about big-dollar donors; it’s about countless individuals making an impact together. The city’s unique strengths—like its youthful population and outstanding libraries—are the result of broad-based civic engagement and informed action.

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.

Copyright 2025 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Mentioned in this episode:

Listener Disclaimer

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...

Whether you’re a veteran, an employer, or someone who wants to support veterans in your community, this episode is packed with practical advice and up-to-date resources to help ensure our veterans thrive after service.

Welcome to another episode of "Looking Forward Our Way." This time, we’re putting the spotlight on the unique challenges faced by military veterans as they re-enter the civilian workforce. Joining hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson is Ryan Blackburn, Senior Manager for Military and Federal Programs at Jobs Ohio and a veteran himself.

Together, they explain the realities behind veteran employment, from overcoming resume roadblocks and translating military skills, to the vital support services Ohio offers. You’ll learn what’s working, where gaps still exist, and how local employers can play a pivotal role in creating meaningful job opportunities for those who have served.

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 "Advancing Veteran Workforce in Ohio"

03:36 Supporting Veterans Through Education

08:57 "Veteran Hiring Resources in Ohio"

12:23 Helping Veterans Highlight Individual Contributions

13:16 Translating Military Skills for Jobs

16:48 Veteran Job Transition Challenges

20:02 Guiding Veterans in Corporate Growth

23:17 "Ohio Jobs for Veterans"

26:24 Military Transition Support Conversations

32:40 DoD SkillBridge: Transition Internship Program

35:34 Ohio's Economic and Military Development

39:44 "County Veteran Services: First Stop"

40:55 Shoutout to Murphy, Air Force

Top takeaways for professionals, employers, and anyone passionate about supporting veterans:

• Bridging the Employment Gap: Veterans often struggle to translate their military skills into civilian resumes. Programs like OhioMeansJobs Centers and Jobs Ohio’s "Find Your Ohio" initiative are connecting veterans with job resources and employers—sometimes before they even separate from the service.

• Supporting Underemployed Veterans: While veteran unemployment rates are typically low, underemployment remains a concern. Employers and workforce agencies are collaborating to ensure vets find roles that match their skill sets and leadership experience—not just a quick paycheck.

• Empowering Through Local & National Resources: Ohio offers veteran services offices in every county, and there’s an abundance of government and nonprofit support for veterans and their families. The key? Knowing where to look and leveraging those resources—from federal Small Business Administration support to local mentorship and networking programs.

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