The Blind Chick

When Courage Has No Backup Plan

Aftersight — Thu, 07 May 2026 02:00:00 -0600

1) Episode Summary

In this episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses welcome back Jean Parker for a deeper and more powerful conversation about journalism, blindness, courage, emergency preparedness, and the kind of storytelling that does not come from a press release—it comes from walking into complicated places and refusing to look away.

Jean shares stories from her career as a blind female journalist working in South Asia, including a tense but transformative assignment in Libya where she unexpectedly had to cover an international conference alone. She talks about navigating risk, cultural barriers, government minders, technical challenges, and the constant need to hold firmly to both adaptive skills and adaptive philosophy.

The conversation then moves into Jean’s doctoral work, which focused on emergency preparedness education through community radio in North Indian villages. She explains how her field research was shaped by her journalism background, her observations after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, and her desire to understand how trusted local radio could help communities receive life-saving information before and during disasters.

Jean also reflects on the importance of trust, local storytelling, community voices, and staying rooted in values—especially in a media landscape where original reporting and local journalism are becoming harder to find. The episode closes with warmth, humor, and a reminder that courage often shows up when the plane is already moving and there is no graceful way to back out.

2) Contact Info

Guest:
Jean Parker
LinkedIn: Add verified link before publishing

Aftersight:
Website: aftersight.org
Email: feedback@aftersight.org

Producer Contact:
Jonathan Price
Podcast and Program Producer, Aftersight
jonathan@aftersight.org
(720) 712-8856

3) Show Credits

Podcast: The Blind Chick
Hosts: Penn Street and Moses Street
Guest: Jean Parker
Producer: Jonathan Price
Organization: Aftersight

(00:00) - — Welcome Back to The Blind Chick
(00:21) - — What’s Bringing Joy This Week
(02:11) - — Jean Parker Returns
(04:27) - — Why This Conversation Matters
(06:14) - — Jean’s Journalism Career in South Asia
(08:35) - — The Libya Assignment That Changed Everything
(12:38) - — Covering the Conference Alone
(14:50) - — Challenge, Risk, and Victory
(16:55) - — Early Audio Description in the Field
(19:29) - — Navigating Dangerous and Complicated Places
(21:20) - — Reporting from Sri Lanka
(23:04) - — What Is a Government Minder?
(26:10) - — The Minder Who Became a Friend
(28:19) - — Adaptive Skills and Adaptive Philosophy
(30:13) - — Jean’s Dissertation and Emergency Preparedness
(32:07) - — The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami
(34:08) - — Community Radio and Disaster Education
(36:28) - — Field Research in North India
(39:50) - — Inequality in Disaster Information
(40:58) - — Why the Messenger Matters
(43:27) - — Building Trust Through Community Radio
(45:51) - — Working with a Research Assistant
(48:56) - — Finding the Right Partner for the Field
(53:46) - — Testing Trust and Access Before the Work Began
(55:23) - — Documenting the Research Through Audio and Photos
(57:45) - — Managing Tension in the Field
(01:00:24) - — What’s Next for Dr. Jean Parker
(01:03:06) - — Advice for the Next Generation of Journalists
(01:04:36) - — Closing Reflections and Listener Contact

Legally Blind, Historically Iconic, and Somehow Still Better at Photos Than Us

Aftersight — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 02:00:00 -0600

1) Episode Summary

In this episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses Street jump into a fun, honest, slightly chaotic, and very human conversation about YouTube, listener comments, meaningful memories, photography, and the legacy of blind and low-vision creatives. After a hilarious “take two” opening, Penn and Moses celebrate the show’s move to YouTube and thank listeners for the growing engagement and heartfelt comments.

The conversation moves into a personal question about favorite photos, which leads Moses into a powerful reflection on how people often dislike photos not because of how they look, but because of how they feel when the camera captures them. Penn shares one of her favorite images Moses ever took of her at the sand dunes, describing it as a symbol of freedom and stepping into a new chapter.

From there, the episode highlights Matthew Brady, the famous Civil War photographer and portrait artist who experienced significant vision loss. Moses shares how Brady built a team of photographers, documented the Civil War, photographed major historical figures, and helped shape the way Americans visually remember that era. Penn and Moses connect Brady’s story to other low-vision photographers they have known, reminding listeners that creativity does not disappear when vision changes.

The episode closes with a strong encouragement for blind and low-vision listeners to get outside, socialize, create, move, and be part of what Moses calls a “blind renaissance.” Penn also invites Colorado listeners to join Aftersight and Foresight Adventure Guides for the Blind for a walk at Cherry Creek State Park on May 30, and both hosts encourage listeners to leave comments, send feedback, and share stories of historical figures with vision loss.

2) Contact Info

The Blind Chick / Aftersight
Website: aftersight.org
Email: feedback@aftersight.org

Event Mentioned
Aftersight and Foresight Adventure Guides for the Blind walk
Date mentioned: May 30
Location mentioned: Cherry Creek State Park
Registration: aftersight.org, under the events button

Producer
Jonathan Price
Podcast and Program Producer, Aftersight
Email: jonathan@aftersight.org
Phone: (720) 712-8856

3) Show Credits

Show: The Blind Chick
Hosts: Penn Street and Moses Street
Produced by: Jonathan Price
Organization: Aftersight

(00:00) - — Welcome Back to The Blind Chick
(02:03) - — The Show Is Now on YouTube
(03:26) - — Reading a Listener Comment
(04:00) - — Don’t Wait to Make Meaningful Memories
(05:35) - — Question of the Week: Favorite Photo
(06:06) - — Moses on Emotion and Photography
(08:33) - — Penn’s Favorite Photo and the Meaning Behind It
(10:33) - — Introducing Matthew Brady
(12:32) - — Matthew Brady’s Place in American Photography
(14:23) - — Photographing the Civil War
(15:20) - — Matthew Brady and Vision Loss
(16:32) - — Possible Causes of Brady’s Vision Loss
(17:55) - — Why So Many Photos Were Credited to Brady
(19:13) - — Brady’s Decline After the Civil War
(20:27) - — Remembering Low-Vision Photographer Lou Dakin
(22:45) - — Blind and Low-Vision Photographers Today
(23:43) - — Listener Feedback and Story Invitations
(25:25) - — The Importance of Getting Out and Socializing
(26:36) - — May 30 Cherry Creek State Park Walk
(27:44) - — Closing Thoughts and Aftersight Reminder

Dancing Beyond Limits with Brandy Mimms AKA Unique The Deaf Dancer

Aftersight — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 02:00:00 -0600

1) Episode Summary

In this episode of The Blind Chick, Penn Street and Moses Street welcome Brandy Mimms AKA: Unique The Deaf Dancer for a powerful conversation about identity, resilience, art, and refusing to let other people’s limitations define your future. Brandy shares her story of being adopted, growing up hard of hearing, losing her parents at a young age, surviving Hurricane Katrina, and eventually building a life in Arkansas rooted in dance, advocacy, and creativity.

What makes this conversation land is Brandy’s honesty. She talks about the pain of being underestimated, the long road of learning who she really was, and the discipline it took to keep moving forward when doors did not open easily. From trying out for cheerleading without formal experience, to pushing through college dance programs, to learning how to navigate performance spaces with both hearing and vision challenges, Brandy’s story is a vivid reminder that calling is often forged through adversity, not comfort.

The heart of the episode is Brandy’s message: never let the wrong “no” become the final word over your life. She encourages listeners to try, to fail, to keep learning, and to pursue what they love even when the path is unconventional. The result is an episode full of courage, humor, and deeply earned wisdom.

2) Contact Info

Guest / Organization
Brandy Unique The Deaf Dancer
Socials listed in the episode: Unique the Deaf Dancer on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
Website listed in the transcript: www.brandy.com (verify before publishing, since this comes from transcription)
Brandy also invites listeners to reach out through social media for performances, presentations, speaking, and possible virtual dance classes.

Aftersight
Feedback / guest questions: feedback@aftersight.org

Producer Credits
Produced by Jonathan Price for Aftersight.

3) Show Credits

Hosts: Penn Street and Moses Street
Guest: Brandy Mimms - Unique The Deaf Dancer
Producer: Jonathan Price
Network: Aftersight

(00:00) - — Penn and Moses welcome Brandy to The Blind Chick
(01:39) - — Brandy shares her early story, adoption, and hearing loss
(08:02) - — The cheerleading tryout that changed her life
(16:26) - — Hurricane Katrina and starting over in Arkansas
(22:11) - — Going back to school and choosing dance anyway
(28:06) - — Learning more about her hearing and vision challenges
(30:04) - — How Brandy navigates stages, darkness, and performance spaces
(38:39) - — Why she created Listen With Your Eyes
(46:30) - — Her sons, music, and the freedom of improvisation
(51:51) - — Brandy’s message: try, persevere, and reject the wrong “no”
(53:52) - — Where listeners can follow and connect with Brandy
(57:33) - — Closing encouragement and Aftersight contact info

What the World Missed About Helen Keller

Aftersight — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 02:00:00 -0600

1) Episode Summary

Penn and Moses open with a lively recap of their recent trip to Colorado Springs for the 2026 Access and Functional Needs Annual Conference, a stop at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and Penn’s visit with her prosthetic ocular specialist. That conversation turns into a fun listener prompt about prosthetic eyes before the episode shifts into a new recurring segment: pulling listener-style questions from a deck of cards.

From there, the episode settles into a thoughtful and personal conversation about the first blind person each of them remembers meeting, old stereotypes around blind people “making brooms,” and why those assumptions still matter. Penn and Moses use that thread to move into a larger reflection on blind history, with Helen Keller as the centerpiece of the conversation. They talk about Keller’s life, advocacy, education, legacy, and their own visit to her home in Alabama, while also naming the frustration of seeing a place tied to disability history remain inaccessible in key ways.

The heart of the episode is not just biography. It is a challenge to the sympathy-based prejudice that still surrounds blindness. Penn and Moses argue that blind and low-vision people are often underestimated, overlooked, or spoken for, even though they are fully capable, deeply skilled, and often extraordinary. The episode ends with a clear invitation: listeners can send in questions, suggest historical figures to feature, or reach out if they want to be on The Blind Chick.

2) Contact Info

Guest/Topic: No guest this week — host-led conversation focused on Helen Keller, blind history, and public assumptions around blindness.

Listener Contact: feedback@aftersight.org

Organization: Aftersight

Producer: Jonathan Price

3) Show Credits

Show: The Blind Chick
Hosts: Penn Street and Moses Street
Producer: Jonathan Price
Presented by: Aftersight

Who Gets to Tell the Story? with Jean Parker

Aftersight — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 02:00:00 -0600

Episode Summary

Jean Parker returns to The Blind Chick for a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about journalism, truth, and what gets lost when stories are filtered through power, ownership, and incomplete perspectives. She shares how she entered journalism almost by accident, moving from disability-focused radio into international reporting, documentary work, and NPR coverage across South Asia, while often producing stories alone in the field.

From there, the episode turns into something deeper than a career story. Jean reflects on South Africa, human rights reporting, the limits of journalism’s power to create change, and the steady decline of trust in legacy media. Penn and Moses press into censorship, the collapse of local newsrooms, nonprofit journalism, podcast ethics, media literacy, fact-checking, and the importance of asking who gets to write the story in the first place. The result is a grounded, challenging episode about truth, responsibility, and why thoughtful journalism still matters.

Contact Info

Guest: Jean Parker — blind journalist, former international reporter, and documentary producer. A specific current organization or direct contact was not included in the pasted transcript.

Aftersight:
Website: aftersight.org
Email: feedback@aftersight.org
Phone: (720) 712-8856

Producer Credit:
Jonathan Price — Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight

Show Credits

Show: The Blind Chick
Hosts: Penn Street and Moses Street
Guest: Jean Parker
Producer: Jonathan Price
Network: Aftersight

When the Mirror Says 30

Aftersight — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 02:00:00 -0600

1) Episode Summary

This episode of The Blind Chick is raw, funny, and deeply human. Penn and Moses open with an update on Moses’s recent radiation treatment and reflect on the emotional weight of seeing age, health, and mortality up close. From there, the conversation moves into something bigger: what legacy really means, what actually lasts after we’re gone, and why impact is often more personal and less glamorous than people imagine.

They also talk candidly about therapy, marriage, and the long work of learning how to communicate well. Penn and Moses unpack how family patterns shape relationships, why “all we need is love” is not enough on its own, and how real connection takes honesty, patience, and intentional effort. The episode lands on a hopeful note, reminding listeners to pursue quality time now, to create memories while they can, and to choose kindness toward themselves and others.

2) Contact Info

Penn Street & Moses Street
Feedback / Listener Email: feedback@aftersight.org
Aftersight: aftersight.org
Produced by Jonathan Price for Aftersight

3) Show Credits

Show: The Blind Chick
Hosts: Penn Street and Moses Street
Organization: Aftersight
Producer: Jonathan Price

(00:00) - — Moses returns and shares a health update after radiation
(04:49) - — Therapy, aging, and facing mortality with honesty and humor
(09:31) - — Legacy, fame, and the hard truth about what lasts
(17:08) - — Photography, the White Cane Project, and impact beyond recognition
(24:42) - — Reflections on couples, commitment, and why therapy matters
(27:59) - — Family patterns, marriage, and the people we unconsciously choose
(41:51) - — Making quality memories now instead of waiting for retirement
(45:08) - — Learning how to communicate without fighting
(50:01) - — Listener call to action: legacy, connection, and kindness

Blind Dates, Strokes of Grace, and a Glam Cane with Shawn and Mindy Keen

Aftersight — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0600

1) Episode Summary

Penn and Moses welcome Shawn and Mindy for a heartfelt conversation about blindness, marriage, sobriety, health, resilience, and the strange grace of learning each other all over again. Shawn shares growing up with glaucoma, losing the rest of his vision as a young adult, surviving a stroke, and how AI became part of his recovery and creative life. Mindy shares her sudden vision loss at 17 during pregnancy, the crushing isolation that followed, and the life-changing moment she finally discovered blind services and met Shawn through tech training. Together, they talk candidly about addiction, choosing respect and patience in marriage, rebuilding life after crisis, finding healthier rhythms, and why real partnership means learning to like yourself and your spouse again.

2) Contact Info

Guest / Org Info
Shawn — host of the Feeling a Bit Keen podcast and creator of the AI for the Blind Club on Facebook.
Mindy — creator of Life with Mindy, a page centered on healthy products, wellness, and lifestyle content.

Aftersight
feedback@aftersight.org

Producer Credits
Produced by Jonathan Price for Aftersight.

3) Show Credits
Hosts: Penn Street and Moses Street
Guests: Shawn and Mindy Keen
Network: Aftersight
Producer: Jonathan Price

Getting Real with The Blind Chick

Aftersight — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0600

1) Episode Summary

In this deeply personal solo episode of The Blind Chick, Penn Street shares why Moses is away from the show for the moment and opens up about the difficult medical journey he has been facing. She walks listeners through a series of diagnoses over the past couple of years, including a slow-growing cancer, skin cancer, and now a tumor affecting his hearing and balance that requires radiation treatment.

Penn speaks with raw honesty about what it means to support someone you love through serious illness, especially while navigating her own disability and the emotional weight of caregiving. She reflects on the difference between being the patient and being the support person, the fear of not being able to fully read someone’s pain, and the intentional communication that is helping carry them both through this season.

The episode is heartfelt, vulnerable, and grounded in gratitude. Penn asks listeners for prayer, positive thoughts, and encouragement for Moses as treatment begins. She also thanks the Blind Chick audience for their support, ratings, comments, and kindness, reminding everyone to spread light, care for themselves, and show compassion to others.

2) Contact Info

Guest / Featured Voice:
Penn Street
Co-Host, The Blind Chick

Topic / Mentioned Contact:
Listener encouragement and advice can be sent to: feedback@aftersight.org

Organization:
Aftersight
Website: Aftersight.org
Email: feedback@aftersight.org
Phone: (720) 712-8856

Producer:
Jonathan Price, Podcast and Program Producer, Aftersight

3) Show Credits

Show: The Blind Chick
Host: Penn Street
Co-Host: Moses Street
Producer: Jonathan Price
Organization: Aftersight

(00:00) - – Penn opens with a special solo episode
(02:22) - – Moses’ cancer journey and recent health challenges
(04:02) - – Hearing loss leads to the discovery of a tumor
(06:24) - – The emotional weight of being the support person
(08:02) - – A request for prayer, hope, and encouragement
(08:48) - – Gratitude for listeners and a closing reminder to be kind

Healing, Hustle, and a Possible Nude Beach

Aftersight — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0600

1) Episode Summary

In this lively and deeply honest episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses Street welcome back world traveler, healer, and future travel coach Orly Corcos for a conversation that moves from hilarious beach banter to profound reflections on healing, courage, and self-discovery.

Orly shares her background as the only Canadian-born member of her Moroccan and Israeli family, her move to Fort Lauderdale, and her lifelong love of travel. What begins with humor quickly turns into a powerful testimony as she opens up about chronic pain, long-term prescribed narcotic use, ICU scares, and the holistic healing journey that changed her life. She explains how travel became more than a getaway—it became a tool for emotional, physical, and spiritual restoration.

The conversation explores how Orly used retreats, holistic health practices, plant medicine, and adventurous travel experiences to reclaim her identity and rebuild her life. She speaks candidly about fear, surrender, inner healing, and the difficult but necessary decisions that followed—including leaving her marriage, stepping away from corporate life, and choosing a new path rooted in truth and freedom.

Penn, Moses, and Orly also talk about food as healing, the difference between merely seeing and truly experiencing, and the unique confidence that can come from traveling as a blind woman. Orly shares stories of skydiving, solo travel to Bali and Thailand, walking the Camino with her guide dog, and preparing for an upcoming trip to the Galápagos through accessible travel company Travelize.

This episode is funny, freeing, and full of wisdom. At its heart, it is a reminder that our greatest limitations are often not physical, but internal—and that courage, healing, and joy are still available when we decide to move forward anyway.

2) Contact Info

Guest / Featured Contact
Orly Corcos
Facebook: Orly Corcos
Facebook / Instagram: The Blind Chef

Aftersight Contact
Email: feedback@aftersight.org
Phone: (720) 712-8856
Website: Aftersight.org

Producer
Jonathan Price
Podcast and Program Producer, Aftersight
Email: jonathan@aftersight.org

3) Show Credits

Show: The Blind Chick
Hosts: Penn Street and Moses Street
Guest: Orly Corcos
Producer: Jonathan Price
Organization: Aftersight

4) Chapter Markers

00:00 – Penn and Moses open with humor and travel banter
02:00 – Welcoming Orly Corcos back to The Blind Chick
03:12 – Orly shares her family background and move to Florida
06:44 – Blind Travel Summit, Waymo, and autonomous travel freedom
11:16 – Why Penn and Moses wanted Orly back for a full episode
12:54 – Travel as healing, expansion, and personal restoration
14:52 – Orly opens up about chronic pain and narcotic dependence
17:46 – Her first holistic healing retreat and the turning point
20:17 – Doctors, blindness, and being underestimated
23:38 – Skydiving, fear, and learning to trust herself
27:11 – Experiencing beauty beyond eyesight
30:23 – Penn asks about ayahuasca and deep healing work
34:02 – Safety, vulnerability, and navigating healing as a blind woman
36:18 – What Orly gained most from the experience
41:49 – Divorce, freedom, memoir writing, and becoming a travel coach
43:53 – Food as healing and Orly’s love of cooking
49:24 – Solo travel, Bali, Thailand, and traveling without fear
52:20 – The Camino, guide dogs, and accessibility abroad
53:05 – What’s next: the Galápagos with Travelize
56:09 – Orly’s message to anyone afraid to try something new
57:41 – How to follow Orly and stay connected
58:58 – Closing jokes, gratitude, listener feedback, and final encouragement

Kim Wardlow: The Journey Behind Aftersight

Aftersight — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 12:06:23 -0700

1) Episode Summary

In this special Aftersight Original, Kim Wardlow shares the personal story behind her leadership and the road that led her to become Executive Director of Aftersight. She reflects on growing up in Lamar, Colorado, her early love for creativity, 4-H, cooking, service, travel, and the many work experiences that quietly prepared her for nonprofit leadership.

Kim walks listeners through pivotal moments in her life—from studying abroad in Scotland and working internationally, to volunteering at what was then Radio Reading Service of the Rockies, to unexpectedly finding both her calling and her husband through the organization. She also shares how Aftersight has evolved over the years from volunteer-read programming into a wider community-centered organization offering podcasts, peer support, book club, white canes, and more.

This episode is both a personal milestone and a mission-centered reflection. As Kim celebrates her 60th birthday and approaches 25 years with Aftersight, she invites listeners to see the deeper heart behind the organization: building community, increasing independence, and creating meaningful access for people who are blind, low vision, deafblind, or in need of alternatives to print. The episode closes with an invitation to support Aftersight’s work through her birthday giving campaign.

2) Contact Info

Guest / Organization:
Kim Wardlow — Executive Director, Aftersight
Aftersight website: aftersight.org
Birthday campaign / donations: Visit the donate page at aftersight.org

Aftersight:
Aftersight Originals network featuring Navigating Life with Vision Loss, The Blind Chick, Blindsight, and Blind Level Tech

Producer Credit:
Jonathan Price — Podcast Producer, Aftersight

3) Show Credits

Special Aftersight Original
Featuring Kim Wardlow
Opening by Jonathan Price
Produced by Jonathan Price
Organization: Aftersight

4) Chapter Markers

00:00 — Jonathan’s welcome and special Aftersight introduction
00:53 — Kim introduces herself, Aftersight, and the reason for sharing her story
03:14 — Childhood in Lamar, creativity, 4-H, and early PBS dreams
05:38 — Learning leadership, service, and community values
08:03 — Solar panels, first jobs, and developing a strong work ethic
10:28 — College, Scotland, travel, and broadening her world
12:54 — Early professional life, proposal writing, and service work
15:14 — Volunteering with Radio Reading Service and working at GE Access
17:37 — Friendship, snowshoeing, travel, and a season of transition
20:02 — Layoff, September 2001, and joining Radio Reading Service
22:21 — Meeting Doug, discovering purpose, and seeing the bigger calling
24:43 — Outreach across Colorado, music, and the value of volunteers
27:04 — How Aftersight expanded into podcasts, groups, and broader services
29:29 — Leadership, rebrand, relocation, and adapting through COVID
31:44 — Community, connection, and why the work matters
34:07 — Life purpose, independence, and the mission behind Aftersight
36:31 — Kim’s birthday campaign and invitation to support Aftersight

(00:00) - Tempo: 120.0

TBC on location Playa del Carmen!

Aftersight — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:47:57 -0700

1) Episode Summary

Penn and Moses bring listeners on-location to Playa del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue for a sound-rich “audio postcard”—live music, vendors, birds, shoppers, perfume wafting from storefronts, and the rhythm of a city that never quite stops moving. They share how walking the avenue night after night turns strangers into familiar faces, how the best meals often live off the main tourist strip, and why listening can be its own kind of “people watching.”

The episode takes a turn into heart-and-human territory when Penn meets Apollo, a big white standard poodle, and feels a wave of grief and gratitude after recently losing their own dog, Beethoven—“a beautiful sadness.” They close with what the trip taught them the hard way: don’t run your life until your cup is empty. Pause sooner. Rest deeper. And for blind travelers especially: carry your cane proudly—it’s not just mobility; it’s connection.

2) Contact Info

Featured voices (on mic): Penn Street, Moses Street, Jonathan Price
Aftersight (questions / feedback): feedback@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856
Book The Blind Chick: https://outlook.office.com/book/TheBlindChick@aftersight.org/?ismsaljsauthenabled
Producer credit: Jonathan Price (Podcast Producer, Aftersight)

3) Show Credits

Show: The Blind Chick (Aftersight)
Hosts: Penn Street, Moses Street
Producer: Jonathan Price
Format: Special travel field audio / soundscape episode (Playa del Carmen, Mexico)

4) Chapter Markers

00:00 — Welcome + Playa del Carmen setup (Fifth Avenue field audio)
00:36 — Fifth Avenue vibe + “best vegan food ever” discovery
02:33 — Nightly walks, live music, vendors, accents, smells
05:59 — Meeting blind travelers + wheelchair users; “cane visibility” matters
07:18 — Off the main strip: “old Mexico” feel + dinner highlights
08:45 — Apollo the standard poodle: grief, comfort, “beautiful sadness”
10:35 — Trip reflections: rest, people met, and why this vacation worked
11:24 — New connections: Ash, Eric (musician), Sweet Maria
13:23 — Big point: get outside with your cane; it opens conversations
15:16 — Self-care lesson: refill the cup before it empties
17:01 — Closing: travel encouragement + listener feedback + birthday card mention

(00:00) - Tempo: 120.0

Playin In Playa - The Blind Chick Escapes the Office!

Aftersight — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0700

1) Episode Summary

Penn and Moses check in from Playa del Carmen, Mexico—just a few blocks from the ocean—sharing a nostalgic “then vs. now” look at the Yucatán. Moses reflects on visiting the region as far back as the early 1970s, while the two of them compare Playa’s fishing-village past to today’s explosive growth: a once-small Fifth Avenue now feeling like “the Vegas strip on steroids,” and a jungle-lined two-lane road now a major highway.

They talk through what they’ve loved (food, social warmth, quieter lodging close to the action) and what’s been hard to watch (beach access shrinking, hotels built right up to the water, old haunts gone or unrecognizable). Penn also notes the accessibility shift—still imperfect, but dramatically improved compared to earlier trips—while pointing out she hasn’t seen other cane or guide-dog travelers during this visit.

Underneath the travel memories is a deeper thread: aging, change, grief, and gratitude—how you don’t always realize what you had until time has moved on. They share upcoming meetups with friends in the area, invite listeners to share their own “returning after years” stories, and close with listener mail and birthday notes—plus a reminder to be kind to yourself and someone else this week.

2) Contact Info

Listener feedback + birthday ideas/cards: feedback@aftersight.org
Mailing address (as stated in the episode):
Aftersight
1802 Highway 42, Suite 201
Louisville, CO 80027
Producer: Jonathan Price (Aftersight)

3) Show Credits

Show: The Blind Chick
Hosts: Penn Street, Moses Street
Producer: Jonathan Price
Network/Org: Aftersight

4) Chapter Markers

00:00 — Welcome back; quick banter and intros
00:10 — Coming to you from Playa del Carmen (Yucatán)
00:28 — Moses’ first Yucatán trips (1973/74) and early Playa memories
01:09 — “1990-ish” timeline check; realizing how long it’s been
01:15 — Playa as a fishing village; Fifth Avenue was only a few blocks
01:55 — “Stop here for the bathroom” era; Cozumel as the main reason
01:59 — Doing Mexico cheaply: Cozumel airport → ferry → Playa
02:44 — Watching Playa “explode” between visits (5x, 10x growth)
03:16 — Last big trip 18 years ago; coming back after a gap
04:26 — Finding old haunts; almost nothing is the same
05:02 — Fifth Avenue today: wild, global, late-night culture
06:29 — Eating times, crowds, and the feeling of nostalgia
07:27 — Winter of 2000: living right on Fifth Avenue (when it was tolerable)
08:47 — Wedding dress + dental work stories: the old Mexico price shock
10:06 — The beach reality now: access, guards, and what’s changed
12:40 — Accessibility reflections: improved, but still not “U.S. sidewalks”
13:45 — Moses’ “shallow male” era: European tourists, celebrity sightings
17:14 — Getting older: naps, heat, air conditioning, and “luxury now”
18:45 — Upcoming meetups: Scott Garrison’s parents; Megan Huffnagle & Greg
21:49 — The deeper point: returning after years, sadness, gratitude, perspective
23:12 — Rough year + loss; why this trip mattered
24:36 — Fifth Avenue at night; family culture differences
26:07 — Social warmth + travel humor (language, Americans jumping away)
27:04 — Listener mail + Penn’s birthday; send ideas and cards
28:03 — Closing thanks; be kind to yourself and others

Even Broken Crayons Still Color — Krista Webb on Usher Syndrome and Joy

Aftersight — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0700

1) Episode Summary

Krista Webb returns for a full-length conversation after the 2025 Blind Travel Summit in Austin, Texas. She shares her deafblind journey with Usher syndrome (Type 2)—born hard of hearing, diagnosed at 19, and living with progressive vision loss from retinitis pigmentosa (RP) (now under five degrees of central vision at age 38). She talks candidly about what changed (night blindness, stopping night driving, then stopping driving entirely) and what didn’t: her identity as a wife, mom of two boys, and a determined creator.

From there, the episode turns into a masterclass on creative grit. Krista explains how wood burning went from a $10 tool to a serious craft (and “religion”), how she learned the process (sanding, grip, machines), and how her art opened doors—connecting her to the wider deafblind community and to creators like Matthew and Paul (including the custom hat collaboration tied to “blindness is a spectrum”).

The conversation widens into travel, confidence, and culture: the crew swaps stories about navigating unfamiliar terrain, being underestimated, and choosing adventure anyway—right up to Krista’s upcoming plan to climb an active volcano in Guatemala (with adaptations like ATVs if needed). They also dig into a surprisingly big topic: “body shaming” vs. what actually happens in blind/low-vision spaces, including the idea of “tech shaming,” how style and comfort intersect with vulnerability, and what respectful guiding should sound like (including when “too much narration” becomes noise).

Krista closes with a grounded takeaway: you don’t need perfect circumstances to live meaningfully—find something, even small, that gives you a reason to look forward to tomorrow.

2) Contact Info

Guest

Krista Webb — Instagram: @blindlove.woodburning (DM to connect; she mentions she’s not actively taking orders right now)

Aftersight / The Blind Chick

Listener email: feedback@aftersight.org
Phone (general): (720) 712-8856

Producer Credit

Produced by Jonathan Price

3) Show Credits

Hosts: Penn Street, Moses Street
Guest: Krista Webb
Produced by: Jonathan Price
Aftersight team shout-outs (as mentioned in the episode): Evan, Jennifer, Kim, Michael

4) Chapter Markers

00:00 — Cold open: “old person calendar,” wrinkle cream, and rapid-fire banter
00:40 — Re-introducing Krista from the Blind Travel Summit (Austin)
01:56 — What Usher syndrome is (types, hearing + vision, balance)
04:18 — Diagnosis at 19, RP progression, and stopping driving
06:41 — Family life: marriage, motherhood, and adapting as vision changes
08:53 — How wood burning started (and why it took over)
11:17 — Connecting with Matthew & Paul; “blindness is a spectrum” hats
13:42 — Social media, representation, and being “real” in the community
18:12 — Travel stories: humor, independence, and doing life fully
22:50 — Guatemala trip + volcano climb: excitement, risk, and adaptation
30:43 — Body shaming, style, and why comfort matters when you feel vulnerable
35:29 — “Tech shaming,” community dynamics, and educating with grace
42:32 — Guiding etiquette: asking what help is actually wanted
47:02 — What’s next: Krista’s biggest wood-burn project (whimsical, inclusive art)
51:43 — Can wood burning be accessible without vision? (hard truth + alternatives)
58:45 — Closing message: “even broken crayons still color” + daily purpose
61:06 — Where to find Krista + thank-yous
63:18 — Final sendoff: kindness to self, kindness to others

Meditation, Travel, and Vision Loss: Jordan Hankins on Healing, Self-Advocacy, and Rebuilding Life

Aftersight — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0700

Penn and Moses open with a call for listeners to mail physical birthday cards to Aftersight (to be read on air), emphasizing the meaning of handwritten notes over “one-click” social media greetings. They then welcome guest Jordan Hankins (joining from Austin, Texas) for a wide-ranging conversation on vision loss, identity, and rebuilding life with intention.

Jordan shares her “before and after” story: years of grinding in real estate with freedom and travel as the goal, followed by a major crossroads as her vision rapidly declined. She describes a dark transition period, then a turning point—choosing to travel anyway—and how immersion in wellness communities (including Thailand) reshaped her outlook on healing, lifestyle, and personal agency.

The discussion explores holistic health practices (nutrition, time outside, movement, acupuncture, herbs, meditation), the challenge of reintegrating into U.S. “grind” culture after experiencing slower, wellness-centered environments, and the practicality of returning to basics (real food, nature, reducing screen time). Jordan also explains why she began publicly documenting her journey—moving from “real estate Barbie” highlights to honest vulnerability—and the importance of boundaries when people reach out for support.

The episode closes with meditation as a core practice Jordan credits with her transformation, her developing work teaching meditation, and early plans for accessible retreats (starting with Mexico). Penn and Moses underline the theme that life keeps bringing waves—growth is learning to ride them with better tools, self-awareness, and community.

2) Contact Info

Guest / Platform

Jordan Hankins
Socials + Podcast: “Sighted by Soul” (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Podcast)

Birthday Card Mailing Address (Aftersight)

Aftersight
1805 Highway 42, Suite 220
Louisville, CO 80027

Aftersight Contact

Phone: (720) 712-8856
Email: feedback@aftersight.org

Producer Credit

Produced by: Jonathan Price (Aftersight)

3) Show Credits

Podcast: The Blind Chick (An Aftersight Original)
Hosts: Penn Street and Moses Street
Guest: Jordan Hankins
Producer: Jonathan Price
Organization: Aftersight

4) Chapter Markers

00:00 — Birthday cards: why physical mail matters (and where to send it)
02:19 — Guest welcome: Jordan Hankins joins from Austin
04:30 — Austin vibes, community, and the Blind Travel Summit mention
06:54 — “Before”: real estate grind, money, freedom, and travel
09:17 — The dark season: fear, uncertainty, and deciding to keep living
14:33 — The “screw it” moment: choosing travel as the turning point
16:54 — Thailand: wellness communities, retreats, and reframing “healing”
21:29 — Coming back to the U.S.: holding onto “mountaintop” energy
28:27 — Practical basics: outside time, whole foods, movement, screens
33:10 — Social media tension: sharing purposefully without losing presence
35:30 — Why she went public: from highlights to real life and vulnerability
42:24 — Meditation: YouTube beginnings vs deeper training/retreat learning
44:41 — What’s next: retreats (Mexico) + balancing purpose with real estate
60:57 — Riding the wave: tools, seasons, and not getting taken under
63:07 — Closing: online meditation plans and a call to be kind to yourself

From Cupid to Chaos: Keeping Love Alive in a Divided World

Aftersight — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0700

Episode Summary

Penn and Moses kick things off (from separate locations) with Valentine’s Day around the corner—framing it less as a “couples-only holiday” and more as an excuse to show kindness to anyone (including handing out valentines to strangers). From there, the conversation turns serious: how to stay connected with people you love when you’re on opposite sides of politics and religion.

Penn shares how painful it felt to hear her sister propose a new boundary—no politics, no religion—after a lifetime of being able to talk about anything. Moses offers a counterbalance: focus on in-person conversations, keep humor as a pressure-release valve (“street humor”), and remember that people often agree on the problem even if they disagree on the solution. They reflect on how social-media hostility amplifies division, and Penn points to a Grammys moment (Bad Bunny’s “approach with love instead of hatred” idea) as a north star for how to engage.

They wrap with lighter updates: they’re heading to Playa del Carmen soon, they’ll be recording the next “just the two of us” episode from Mexico, and they shout out Evan Starnes and Blind Level Tech for making a real impact. They invite listeners to send feedback and join them on social media—and promise to post an old photo of Moses dressed as Cupid.

Contact Info

Listener feedback: feedback@aftersight.org (as stated in the episode)
Aftersight (main line): (720) 712-8856
Social: Search “The Blind Chick” on Facebook (Penn also mentions Instagram and TikTok)

Show Credits

Show: The Blind Chick (An Aftersight Original Podcast)
Hosts: Penn Street and Moses Street
Producer: Jonathan Price (Aftersight)

Chapter Markers

00:05 — Intro: Penn & Moses are back
00:26 — Recording separately today
00:45 — Valentine’s Day: love beyond romance
01:33 — Grade-school valentines (and doing it again as adults)
02:31 — “Real life” topics brought to listeners
02:58 — Navigating political divides with people you love
04:23 — Penn took a class on talking politics across disagreement
05:03 — Moses on disagreement with his brother (Marco Polo)
07:30 — “Street humor” as a safe-word for joking
09:59 — Penn’s sister: deep bond, now opposite political aisle
11:01 — The heartbreak: “no religion, no politics”
13:18 — Why in-person political conversations work better
15:35 — Penn: why this moment feels more harmful than “just policy differences”
15:56 — Grammys moment: approaching issues with love vs hatred
18:10 — Old rule: don’t talk religion/politics; and why it “worked”
20:40 — Listener prompt: how do you keep relationships intact?
23:49 — Mexico countdown begins
25:12 — Story: walking away from politics in Mexico due to danger/stress
27:22 — Playa del Carmen meetup: Scott Garrison connects them with his parents
28:43 — Shoutout: Scott guiding blind hikers up a volcano in Guatemala
30:57 — Penn’s stomach health issues; excited for Mexico food
31:13 — Playa del Carmen then vs now
36:31 — Next “just us” episode will be recorded from Mexico
36:45 — Shoutout: Blind Level Tech and Evan Starnes
39:10 — Kindness + feedback request
39:36 — Social media plugs + Cupid photo promise
40:16 — Sign-off (and joking about an “X rating” Cupid depiction)

(00:00) - Tempo: 120.0

Living with CHARGE Syndrome: Deafblindness, Guide Dogs & Thriving | Bethany Joy Boring

Aftersight — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 08:24:14 -0700

1) Episode Summary

Bethany Joy Boring joins Penn and Moses for a candid, funny, and deeply practical conversation about living with CHARGE syndrome, navigating combined vision + hearing loss, and the mindset shifts required to move from “proving yourself” to simply being yourself (as introduced in the recording you provided). Bethany shares her guide-dog journey (including the fear and stigma that delayed her cane use), how Toastmasters became her on-ramp to public speaking, and why she believes storytelling and community are essential to resilience. The episode also clarifies coaching vs. therapy (future-forward growth vs. past-rooted healing), introduces her “egg carton” approach to sharing your story safely, and closes with concrete ways listeners can practice gratitude and “step out and thrive.”

2) Contact Info (guest/org + Aftersight + producer credits)

Guest / Bethany

Step Out & Thrive (official links hub, plus podcast + socials):
“Interactive Appreciation Guide” (download page):
Note: the official links hub uses the name “Bethany B. Joy.”

Aftersight

The Blind Chick (show page / show info):
Listener feedback contact (email + phone):
Low-Vision Support Group: Weekly Wednesdays at 2:00pm (MST), online via Zoom:

Producer Credit

Produced by Jonathan Price (Aftersight).

3) Show Credits

Podcast: The Blind Chick (Aftersight Original)
Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street
Producer: Jonathan Price

4) Chapter Markers

00:00 — Show open: “Blindness can be an adventure”
00:28 — Penn & Moses banter + New Year’s check-in (Jan 2026 mention)
02:46 — Bethany intro + “spy novel name” riff
05:09 — CHARGE syndrome explained (what it impacts)
07:08 — Hearing loss realities + “offline” joke
09:22 — Finding the unexpected “perks” + parenting humor
11:36 — Why she resisted the cane + choosing independence
13:52 — New guide dog user story + social media reactions
16:16 — Public speaking with hearing loss: reading the room differently
18:40 — Hearing the audience for the first time (wireless mic moment)
21:00 — Speaking without notes + connecting to the audience
23:23 — “How did you start speaking?” + Toastmasters origin story
25:36 — Purposeful living: everyday “stages” and practicing presence
27:44 — Listening well: “WAIT — Why Am I Talking?”
30:02 — Coaching vs therapy (future growth vs past tracing)
32:13 — Penn’s therapy reflections + disability fatigue and motivation
34:31 — The “prove yourself” burden + redefining worth
36:48 — Work, disability, and the pressure to overperform
39:15 — “What do blind people look like?” + visibility and assumptions
41:35 — “Superpowers” and the hidden skill-building of adaptation
43:59 — Thriving vs chasing goals: becoming more alive
46:24 — Mission mindset: living on purpose (even for small errands)
48:51 — “Egg carton” storytelling: sharing safely, one “egg” at a time
51:11 — Bethany’s podcast: Step Out & Thrive + what it’s for
53:29 — Stages beyond big stages: zoom calls, talks, parenting moments
55:53 — Community impact: people change goals but feel more alive
58:17 — Snorkeling vs scuba: tools for deeper work and resilience
60:30 — Where to find Bethany + appreciation guide resource
62:52 — Closing encouragement + Aftersight resources and support group mention

TSA and Other Funny Travel Mishaps

Aftersight — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 02:00:00 -0700

1) Episode Summary

Penn and Moses kick off the new year with humor about “non-resolutions” and sore gym arms, then share why they’re planning a Mexico trip: they’re still grieving the loss of Penn’s guide dog, Beethoven, who passed on December 22, and they want something hopeful on the calendar.

They talk through how vision loss changes travel—starting with the planning stage. Penn explains why location matters (walkability to food, shopping, and the ocean), why she always packs a primary cane plus a backup, and how she’s thinking about bringing new tech (smart glasses) on the trip. Moses adds his essentials—hammock and ceiling fan—and they both reflect on how Mexico has changed over the years, from sleepy villages and “shacks on the beach” to today’s more built-up destinations.

A major focus is airport stress and accommodations. Penn and Moses discuss using assistance through airports (especially through TSA and confusing layouts), how different the experience can be abroad versus in the U.S., and why they don’t hesitate to ask for help. They also share a specific frustration with airline systems that charge extra to speak to a human, and they invite listeners to share travel stresses, solutions, favorite tools, and “cane debacle” stories.

They wrap with practical travel habits—researching thoroughly, reading reviews for noise issues, sticking to a budget, and choosing convenience over unnecessary expenses—plus a warm note about Valentine’s Day as a chance to love people well in many kinds of relationships.

2) Contact Info

Aftersight Feedback: feedback@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856
Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer (Aftersight)

3) Show Credits

Hosts: Penn Street, Moses Street
Producer: Jonathan Price
Network: Aftersight

4) Chapter Markers

00:00 — Intro + Happy New Year banter and gym “non-resolutions”
02:03 — Why travel now: grief, goals, and planning a Mexico reset
04:30 — Mexico then vs. now: from sleepy villages to busy destinations
06:51 — Choosing chill: Playa del Carmen plans and “penthouse” reality check
09:19 — Travel prep with vision loss: canes, backup plans, and smart glasses
11:45 — Old-school travel memories: hammocks, rooftops, and budget lodging
14:11 — Biggest travel stress: TSA, assistance, and “using the blind card”
16:35 — Airport navigation stories: Iceland maze, Denver changes, and help lanes
18:56 — International contrast: being treated better abroad and smooth customs
20:48 — Tools and hacks: what to pack, what helps, and what listeners should share
23:11 — TSA realities: gear, clothing, and why Moses always gets searched
25:37 — Booking strategy: reviews, noise warnings, and choosing walkable locations
27:59 — Frontier nerves: cheap flights, upgraded seats, and expectations
30:24 — Money lessons: car rentals, local transit, and researching costs
32:42 — Mexico logistics: when to rent a car and how they plan movement
35:07 — Show teasers: last week’s Elise + next week’s Bethany episode
37:31 — Valentine’s Day reframed: gratitude, love, and closing invitation to write in

From Darkness to Drafts with Elyse Draper: Writing as Survival

Aftersight — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 20:00:00 -0700

Episode Summary

Elise Draper joins Penn Street and Moses Street for a candid, funny, and deeply real conversation about living with progressive vision loss—and refusing to let society set the ceiling on what’s possible.

Elise shares her diagnosis (PIC), the long road through misdiagnosis, treatments, and the layered realities of chronic eye disease (including autoimmune inflammation, scarring, injections, and early-onset glaucoma). She also explains Charles Bonnet syndrome in practical terms—what it can look like, why it’s so disorienting, and why being dismissed by medical professionals can be as damaging as the symptoms themselves.

The conversation moves from the darkest seasons (depression, isolation, relationships fracturing under the strain) to rebuilding: community support, independence tools like the white cane, and a mindset shift that replaces “lowered expectations” with agency. Elise then spotlights the work she’s leading through the VIMB Creatives Workshop under the umbrella of IPub Global (iPub Cloud): creating a platform for blind and low-vision creatives to publish, get feedback, build professional skills (including resumes), and raise visibility for marginalized voices.

Contact Info

Guest: Elise Draper — author, publisher, freelance writer; marketing director/CMO (as discussed in the episode)
Creative Platform: VIMB Creatives Workshop (Elise notes you can find it by searching “VIMB Creatives Workshop”)
Spotify: “VIMB Creatives Workshop” (as named in the episode)
Aftersight: Aftersight.org
- General contact: feedback@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856
Producer: Jonathan Price

Show Credits

Hosts: Penn Street, Moses Street
Guest: Elise Draper
Producer: Jonathan Price
Network: Aftersight (Aftersight Original Podcast)

Chapter Markers

00:00 — Show intro and welcome
02:19 — Elise’s name origin and pen name story
04:29 — Diagnosis: PIC (punctate inner choroidopathy) and current vision
06:51 — Life disruption, resilience, and “switching lanes”
11:03 — Early symptoms, misdiagnosis, and not being believed
13:26 — Mental health impact, sleep disruption, and depression
15:43 — Charles Bonnet syndrome explained (and why it gets dismissed)
18:04 — When it becomes unsafe: driving, vivid visuals, and the “time” moment
20:28 — Rebuilding independence: DVR support, mentors, and community
25:11 — Sheltered employment, systemic ableism, and raising the bar
32:28 — The white cane: stigma vs. freedom (and bruises as evidence)
34:55 — VIMB Creatives Workshop: what it is and who it’s for
39:30 — Submitting work, editing support, workshops, and author branding
44:20 — Accessibility hurdles in marketing and practical ways forward
46:43 — Elise’s recommended starting point: Free Will (2nd edition)
49:06 — Favorite author influence: Octavia Butler
51:28 — Wrap-up, gratitude, and Aftersight support message

The Long Road Traveled on Four Legs

Aftersight — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 20:00:00 -0700

1) Episode Summary

Penn and Moses open with a quick New Year check-in and some light banter about January weather in Colorado, then shift into the heart of the episode: grieving the sudden loss of Penn’s guide dog, Beethoven, who passed away on December 22. They reflect on what a guide dog means as a working partner and family member, and they thank the community for the wave of condolences, cards, and memorial gifts.

They also share brighter moments from the holiday break—traveling to Ouray, Colorado to spend several days with family, enjoying the hot springs, and visiting Box Canyon and its waterfall. The conversation closes with encouragement around mental health support (including therapy), staying socially connected, and a listener invitation to share New Year’s resolutions and stories with the show.

2) Contact Info

Listener Email: contact@aftersight.org
Producer: Jonathan Price — Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight

3) Show Credits

Show: The Blind Chick (Aftersight Original)
Hosts: Penn Street, Moses Street
Producer: Jonathan Price

4) Chapter Markers

00:00 — Show open
00:29 — New Year check-in + Colorado weather
02:51 — Remembering Beethoven and what he meant
07:38 — Community support and shout-outs
09:54 — Ouray family trip + Box Canyon
14:33 — Mental health, therapy, and staying connected
21:46 — Resolutions invite + wrap and calls-to-action

Phoenix Rising: Ashley Purdy’s Second Chance After Losing Her Sight

Aftersight — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 20:00:00 -0700

1) Episode Summary

Penn and Moses kick off with a New Year check-in (less “new me,” more gratitude) and give a clear warning that the episode includes suicide.

Ashley Purdy, a blind advocate and speaker, shares the trauma-filled path that led to her suicide attempt at 17, her clinical death for 17 minutes, and the long rehab that followed—including the crushing moment she realized she was blind. Over time, she reframed survival as a “rebirth,” identifying with the phoenix.

The conversation also covers independence, pushing back on “over-helping,” Perkins School for the Blind, isolation and social anxiety, and Ashley’s interest in getting a guide dog. The episode ends with encouragement to speak up if someone is in crisis, plus 988 resources and the reminder that one person showing up can save a life.

2) Contact Info

Guest: Ashley Purdy — Blind advocate & public speaker (no direct contact info shared in the provided transcript)
Aftersight / The Blind Chick:

Website mentioned on-air: aftersight.org
Email mentioned on-air: contact@aftersite.org (spelled this way in the provided transcript; verify spelling if needed)

Crisis resource mentioned on-air (US):

Call/Text: 988
Website: 988lifeline.org

Producer: Jonathan Price (Aftersight)

3) Show Credits

Show: The Blind Chick (Aftersight Original)
Hosts: Penn Street, Moses Street
Producer: Jonathan Price

4) Chapter Markers (mm:ss)

00:00 — Show intro
00:27 — New Year talk + listener resolutions invite
02:41 — Suicide content warning + self-care note
04:54 — Ashley joins; Arlington (Virginia) + opening banter
07:13 — Childhood: instability, early responsibility, family dynamics
09:37 — Crisis stabilization + foster care separation
12:02 — Guilt, grief, and how memories can distort reality
14:28 — Returning home; “kid raising kids” reality
16:46 — Sexual assault at 13; reporting; court outcome
19:09 — Self-harm, hospitalizations, and cumulative strain
21:35 — The “tipping point” at 17; why she seemed happier
23:35 — Memory gaps; what she recalls from that night
25:58 — Clinically dead 17 minutes; prognosis; survival
28:22 — Rehab + communication; Zootopia/DMV analogy
30:48 — Not realizing blindness at first; what she perceived
33:15 — “Peace” before attempt; missed warning signs
35:39 — Ripple effects; urging listeners to tell someone
38:04 — Ongoing hard days; starting Perkins
40:04 — Perkins explained
42:26 — Over-helping vs independence; soda-can moment
44:40 — Finding “your people” and belonging challenges
47:06 — Isolation, social anxiety, and partner support
49:09 — Guide dog schools and options
51:31 — Hosts on guide dog freedom + reality
53:57 — Hermit habits + encouragement to get out
56:16 — Dogs as daily movement + sensory joy
58:36 — Ashley’s advice: know who truly shows up
61:00 — Hosts reflect on non-judgment support
63:25 — 988 resources + Aftersight wrap + closing encouragement

Christmas with The Streets

Aftersight — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 20:00:00 -0700

1) Episode Summary

Penn Street and Moses Street close out the year with a Christmas Day (2025) holiday check-in—reflecting on a packed season of gatherings, the weirdly warm and windy Colorado December, and why wind can be especially disorienting for blind and low-vision folks.

They look back on standout 2025 guests and moments—mixing heartfelt gratitude with playful delirium from “too much sugar”. The conversation shifts into Christmas traditions and the very real tension of navigating holidays as a couple: different family backgrounds, different expectations, and a running debate about “taking turns” opening gifts.

Penn and Moses also talk favorite Christmas movies (classic titles only, please), recent movies they loved, favorite Christmas songs (including an intentionally weird Tiny Tim recommendation), and the gift-giving stress Moses experiences—sharing why therapy is part of his real, practical approach to getting through the season.

They close by inviting listeners to email in holiday stories (best, worst, or funniest gifts; traditions; whatever the season looked like), and they end with a simple challenge: be kind to yourself, and be kind to someone else.

2) Contact Info

Featured voices: Penn Street, Moses Street
Listener email (shared on-air): feedback@aftersight.org
Aftersight phone: (720) 712-8856
Producer: Jonathan Price (Aftersight)

3) Show Credits

Show: The Blind Chick (an Aftersight Originals podcast)
Hosts: Penn Street, Moses Street
Producer: Jonathan Price
Organization: Aftersight

4) Chapter Markers

00:00 — Show open and mission
00:27 — Welcome back + host roll call
00:41 — Holiday season chaos + Colorado wind talk
03:04 — Guests of 2025 shout-outs (with jokes)
05:21 — More shout-outs (Steven Vine, Shawn Cheshire)
07:41 — Disaster preparedness reflections + Marty Sobo / Code Orange mention
09:57 — Upcoming episode tease: Ashley Purdy on New Year’s Day
11:58 — Christmas is hard for Moses; Penn is “Mother Christmas spirit”
14:22 — Childhood Christmas differences + traditions
16:48 — Christmas tree fights + family memories
19:10 — “Taking turns” opening gifts debate
21:34 — Why Moses dislikes getting gifts; joke presents
23:56 — Favorite Christmas movies + holiday movie tradition
26:15 — “The Housemaid” as a surprise favorite (no spoilers)
28:38 — Ouray trip plans + Moses’s birthday (Jan 3)
31:00 — Favorite Christmas songs (incl. Tiny Tim)
33:21 — Favorite gifts + shopping together as a strategy
35:41 — Gift-buying stress + holiday shopping misery (and Valentine’s Day contrast)
38:08 — “One gift” simplicity + listener email call-in request
40:34 — Send your holiday story to feedback@aftersight.org + closing kindness message

The Blind Chick Halloween Special: Ghosts, Giggles, and the Haunted Past

Aftersight — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0600

Penn and Moses dive headfirst into the spooky side of storytelling for this Halloween edition of The Blind Chick. Between haunted houses, eerie Estes Park encounters, and mysterious footsteps in the night, they share their most chilling (and hilarious) ghost stories — from cigarette-scented spirits to musical hammocks and haunted barns.
The conversation mixes humor, disbelief, and genuine spine-tingling moments as they recall the haunted homes they’ve lived in across Colorado — and even reveal a terrifying discovery made years after they moved out. They also invite listeners worldwide, including fans from Estonia and Russia, to share their own paranormal experiences.
The episode wraps with lighthearted warmth as Penn recounts a funny exchange with her grandson about “The Blind Chick” mascot, reminding us that even amid the eerie, laughter and kindness shine brightest.

Contact Info
Aftersight
📧 contact@aftersight.org
🌐 www.aftersight.org
The Blind Chick
🎙 Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street
🎧 Producer: Jonathan Price

Show Credits
An Aftersight Original Podcast
Produced by Jonathan Price
Edited by the Aftersight Audio Team
Recorded at Aftersight Studios in Colorado
Music by the Aftersight Network

Chapter Markers

00:00 — Welcome to The Blind Chick: Halloween Edition
02:20 — Haunted Houses and Talking Scales
04:40 — The Ghost of Blackhawk
09:25 — Footsteps in the Night
16:10 — The Ghost in the Barn
18:30 — Estes Park’s Haunted Home
23:00 — The Midnight Footsteps
27:40 — The Baker’s Ghost Revealed
30:10 — The Loveland House and the Tree
32:35 — The Final Move and the Evil Ghost
39:35 — The Garage Discovery
42:00 — Ghost Stories from Around the World
43:45 — White Cane Day and the “Blind Chick” Story
44:20 — Closing Thoughts and Halloween Wishes

Badass, by Design — with Day Al-Mohamed

Aftersight — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0600

Penn and Moses welcome filmmaker, author, and policy expert Day Al-Mohamed. She shares her blindness story, trauma and recovery, and a practical view of advocacy from campus to Congress to the White House. The conversation covers ADA pressures, why state-level action matters, AI bias and disability, fencing as a confidence lab, and the power of authentic media (“Renegades” on PBS). Day closes with steady counsel for hard seasons: it will be okay—because we plan, support each other, and figure it out.

Contact Info
Guest — Day Al-Mohamed
Website: dayalmohamed.com
Books/Film: The Labyrinth Archivist; Renegades (PBS)

Aftersight
Web: aftersight.org
Phone: (720) 712-8856
Email: feedback@aftersight.org
Producer
Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight — jonathan@aftersight.org

Show Credits
Hosts: Penn Street, Moses Street
Guest: Day Al-Mohamed — filmmaker, author, disability policy leader
Producer: Jonathan Price
An Aftersight Original

Chapter Markers
00:00 — Cold open + show intro
00:28 — Cabin banter and Halloween setup
02:49 — Guest intro: policy, filmmaking, and advocacy
05:10 — Blindness origin and the “first question” problem
09:00 — Trauma, community, and rebuilding life
11:27 — From social work to law: rules that actually work
13:51 — Fencing and refusing limits
18:20 — First steps in policy and data-driven advocacy
20:43 — Statehouse internship to Capitol Hill
24:37 — ADA, regs, and where erosion happens
26:58 — What to do now: act local, build state protections
31:43 — How real constituents move votes
36:20 — AI bias, oversight, and disability truth
41:01 — Why stories change policy: books and film
45:46 — “Renegades” and disability history without inspiration porn
50:19 — What’s next: season two hopes and the blind detective
52:44 — The White House guide dog story
55:08 — What I’d whisper then, what I’d shout now
57:18 — Where to find Day + closing and Aftersight CTA

The Blind Chick: 38 Years Sober — Penn Street’s Journey from Addiction to Purpose

Aftersight — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0600

In this heartfelt and often humorous episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn and Moses Street open up about one of the most defining moments of their lives — Penn’s decision to get sober on October 9, 1987, and how that choice led to their lifelong partnership. The pair recounts the story of how a photography session meant to help teenage girls find confidence ended up transforming Penn’s life, sparking her sobriety journey and ultimately bringing the two together.
From addiction and recovery to photography, love, and laughter, this episode dives deep into what it means to rebuild your life from the ground up. Penn and Moses share the struggles, the therapy, the humor, and the enduring gratitude that have carried them through 38 years of marriage, recovery, and shared purpose.
It’s a story of second chances, unconditional love, and the courage to see yourself — and others — through a new lens.
Contact Info
Guests / Hosts:
Penn & Moses Street — Hosts, The Blind Chick Podcast
Organization:
Aftersight — Empowering the blind and low-vision community through accessible audio content.
📧 feedback@aftersight.org
🌐 aftersight.org
📞 (720) 712-8856
Producer:
Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer — Aftersight

Show Credits
Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street
Producer: Jonathan Price
Editing & Mixing: Jonathan Price
Presented by: Aftersight — Where Blindness Meets Insight

Chapter Markers
00:00 — Opening and Technical Glitches
02:20 — Why October 9th Matters
04:42 — The Photography Project That Changed Everything
09:24 — Penn’s Struggle with Self-Image
16:33 — A Baby, a Realization, and Sobriety
21:21 — From Pain to Purpose
26:06 — Falling in Love with Two Little Girls
30:48 — Rehab and Redemption
35:02 — Marriage, Therapy, and Healing
39:29 — Gratitude, Growth, and The Blind Chick Legacy
41:50 — Turning Your Partner Into a Muse

Scott Garrison and Trekking Volcanos: Watch Out, That Last Step is a Doosy

Aftersight — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0600

In part two of our conversation with adventurer and founder of Blind Pilots, Scott Garrison, we dive deeper into his remarkable journeys across the globe. Scott shares his upcoming expeditions in Costa Rica, Uganda, and Tanzania, and reflects on the unique sensory experiences of trekking volcanoes and rainforests as a blind traveler. He, Penn and Moses discuss the challenges of navigating trails like the Inca Trail, the importance of trustworthy guides, and the freedom of having independent experiences alongside loved ones. Scott also recounts his intense Kilimanjaro summit attempt, where trust, teamwork, and survival came together in unforgettable ways. This episode is about resilience, trust, and the power of shared adventure in the blind travel community.
Contact Info
Guest: Scott Garrison — Founder of Blind Pilots
Website: blindpilots.org
Email: scott@blindpilots.org
Facebook: Scott Garrison (personal) + Blind Pilots page
Aftersight
Website: aftersight.org
Phone: (720) 712-8856
Email: feedback@aftersight.org
Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer at Aftersight

Show Credits
Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street
Guest: Scott Garrison
Producer: Jonathan Price
An Aftersight Original Podcast

Chapter Markers
00:00 — Intro and recap with Scott
02:00 — Upcoming treks: Costa Rica, Uganda, and Tanzania
04:30 — Independence in travel as a blind couple
06:40 — Volcano hikes and sensory experiences
09:00 — The Inca Trail challenge and dangers
13:40 — Fitness requirements for adventure trips
16:10 — Discovering Aftersight and the Audio Trekkers hike
18:30 — Hiking with blind and low-vision groups
20:50 — Trust and safety in adventure travel
23:00 — Kilimanjaro climb and emergency evacuation
25:30 — How to connect with Blind Pilots
27:50 — Shoutout to Awarewolf Gear and Blind Travel Summit
29:00 — Closing thanks and Aftersight donation reminder

Blind Pilots: Journey through Volcanos with Scott Garrison

Aftersight — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0600

In this episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn and Moses welcome Scott Garrison, a world traveler and founder of Blind Pilots, who joined Aftersight’s Audio Trekkers Hike all the way from Guatemala. Scott shares his journey from being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at 19 to becoming an adventurer who refuses to let blindness limit his independence.
Scott recalls early hints of vision loss, his time as a 15-year-old exchange student in Australia, and his years of living abroad in Prague. He describes the challenges of returning years later with less vision, including resisting the white cane until a friend’s tough love changed his perspective.
The conversation turns to the creation of Blind Pilots—a program designed to make international travel accessible and empowering for blind and low-vision individuals. Scott explains how the program blends cultural immersion, local history, tactile activities, and well-trained sighted guides, all to ensure efficiency, independence, and memorable experiences. From luxury picnics on lava fields to adaptive skiing in Colorado, Blind Pilots aims to transform the way blind travelers explore the world.
This episode is equal parts adventurous, raw, and practical, showing how resilience, creativity, and community can turn vision loss into a gateway for new horizons.

Contact Info
Guest: Scott Garrison — Blind Pilots
Website: blindpilots.org
Aftersight: feedback@aftersight.org
| (720) 712-8856 | aftersight.org
Producer: Jonathan Price, Aftersight

Show Credits
Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street
Guest: Scott Garrison
Produced by Jonathan Price for Aftersight

Chapter Markers
00:00 — Intro and welcome back
00:27 — Audio Trekkers Hike recap
02:43 — Scott’s diagnosis with RP
05:05 — Early signs and struggles in sports
06:24 — Travel bug ignited in Australia
08:47 — Life and independence in Prague
11:00 — Camino de Santiago and challenges with independence
13:19 — The cane debate and acceptance
17:21 — Adventures, mishaps, and humor
19:51 — The birth of Blind Pilots
22:08 — Designing accessible cultural adventures
24:31 — Integrating history, food, and tactile experiences
26:47 — Training guides and preparing safe trips
29:11 — Looking ahead with Blind Pilots

Ireland vs USA for accessibility: David Redmond Part 2

Aftersight — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0600

Penn and Moses welcome David Redmond from Vision Ireland for a wide-ranging, honest conversation about accessibility in everyday life—from airports and public transit to the awkward magic of speed dating. David shares how he navigates disclosure on dating apps, why voice and character matter more than looks, and how Ireland’s implementation of the European Accessibility Act is already nudging banks, apps, and services toward better design. The trio contrasts EU momentum with current U.S. headwinds around the ADA, then zooms out: universal design lifts everyone, and today’s tech (including AI) is expanding what’s possible for blind and low-vision folks—yes, even flying and autonomous vehicles. Quick updates include Aftersight’s Code Orange launch and details for the Sept 13 Boulder hike.

Contact Info
Guest — David Redmond / Vision Ireland: vi.ie • Podcast: Talking Technology with VI
Aftersight: feedback@aftersight.org
• (720) 712-8856 • aftersight.org
Producer: Jonathan Price
Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street

Show Credits
A production of Aftersight.
Host: Penn Street • Co-Host: Moses Street
Guest: David Redmond (Vision Ireland)
Producer: Jonathan Price

Chapter Markers
00:00 — Show open & welcome
00:35 — Producer update: Code Orange + Sept 13 hike
02:22 — Travel abroad: airports, transit, and accessibility
04:41 — Dating apps: to disclose or not?
06:58 — Speed dating made accessible
09:25 — When disclosure lands… or doesn’t
11:47 — First impressions, voices, and character
14:07 — What makes a voice attractive
16:31 — Ireland’s European Accessibility Act goes live
18:52 — U.S. ADA worries and cultural whiplash
21:12 — Global ripple effects & corporate compliance
23:21 — “Blind people can do anything” — new frontiers
25:40 — Public-service mindset: why shows like this matter
28:01 — CTAs: hike details, how to connect with Aftersight

Vision Ireland: David Redmond on Advocacy and Accessibility

Aftersight — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0600

In this episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn and Moses Street welcome special guest David Redmond from Vision Ireland. David shares his personal story growing up with congenital glaucoma and other vision conditions in Cork, Ireland, and how his journey led him into the world of accessible technology and media. He opens up about the challenges of vision loss, the role of assistive technology like JAWS, ZoomText, and VoiceOver, and how his career path shifted from mainstream radio to producing podcasts and tech content for Vision Ireland.
The conversation explores similarities and differences between Ireland and the United States when it comes to employment challenges, accessibility, and available resources for blind and low-vision individuals. David also highlights the mission of Vision Ireland as a one-stop shop for support, advocacy, and technology training, while sharing his own perspective on building community and friendships within the blind community.
Listeners are reminded about Aftersight’s upcoming Accessible Hike in Boulder, Colorado on September 13th, and encouraged to register for a day of inclusion, support, and adventure in the mountains.

Contact Info
Guest: David Redmond, Vision Ireland
Website: https://www.visionireland.ie
Aftersight
Phone: (720) 712-8856
Email: feedback@aftersight.org
Website: https://aftersight.org
Producer: Jonathan Price, Aftersight

Show Credits
Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street
Guest: David Redmond (Vision Ireland)
Producer: Jonathan Price, Aftersight

Chapter Markers
00:00 — Intro & banter with Penn, Moses, and Jonathan
02:01 — Aftersight Accessible Hike announcement (Sept. 13)
03:00 — Meet David Redmond: growing up in Cork, Ireland
04:15 — Navigating school with glaucoma and assistive tech
06:36 — Facing fears and preparing for possible vision loss
08:53 — Everyday independence vs. acting “more blind” in new settings
10:20 — From media studies to Vision Ireland
13:19 — Talking Technology: podcasts, newsletters, and advocacy
15:43 — Employment struggles and accessibility barriers
18:04 — Vision Ireland’s “one stop shop” of services
20:23 — Building friendships through camps and blind community events
22:42 — Differences between U.S. and Ireland’s blindness services
25:01 — Rebranding from NCBI to Vision Ireland
27:16 — Outro & preview of Part 2 with David Redmond

Superpowers and Spilled Gravel: Shawn Cheshire Unleashed

Aftersight — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0600

In this third and final part of Shawn Cheshire’s powerful conversation, she takes us deeper into her story of resilience, adventure, and relentless courage. From navigating hostile ignorance at a hotel to recounting her harrowing cross-country bike ride along the Continental Divide, Shawn shares how she transforms personal grief into legacy-building triumphs. She speaks candidly about shattering misconceptions of blindness, training for the Wonderland Trail, and her mission to expand possibilities for the blind and low-vision community. With raw honesty, humor, and fire, Shawn makes it clear—blindness isn’t a limitation, it’s a superpower.

Contact Info
Shawn Cheshire / Choosing to See Foundation: choosingtosee.org
Film Website: blindasfuck.com
Aftersight: feedback@aftersight.org
| (720) 712-8856 | aftersight.org
Producer: Jonathan Price

Show Credits
Host: Penn & Moses Street
Guest: Shawn Cheshire
Producer: Jonathan Price
An Aftersight Original Podcast

Chapter Markers
00:00 – Intro & Content Warning
01:20 – Hotel confrontation & misconceptions of blindness
04:25 – Jonathan shares his biking trauma
06:49 – What kept Shawn on the bike through falls and setbacks
09:13 – Blindness as a superpower
11:34 – Film festivals & Sedona Dave connection
13:54 – Impact screenings & conversational advocacy
16:16 – Crossing the Grand Canyon solo
20:51 – Tour Divide: Canada to Mexico ride
23:09 – Lessons with guides & being called a pioneer
25:30 – Staying out of the black hole of grief
27:34 – Aftersight Hike reminder & closing

Rising from the Pain Cave: Part 2 Shawn Cheshire

Aftersight — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0600

In part two of this powerful conversation, Penn and Moses continue their interview with Shawn Cheshire. Shawn opens up about the devastating year that changed her life: a traumatic brain injury, sudden vision loss, and the painful custody battle that separated her from her child. She shares how therapy became a lifeline, the moment of brutal honesty she had with herself in a shower, and the resilience that carried her into adaptive sports and eventually the Paralympics.
The discussion digs into stigma—both from the general public and within disability communities—and the surprising challenges Shawn faced as an elite blind athlete. With raw honesty and unfiltered courage, Shawn reflects on the choices that shaped her journey, the discipline forged through trauma, and the deep healing that comes from therapy and community.
This is a conversation about pain, perseverance, and transformation. Shawn’s story reminds us that identity isn’t something we inherit—it’s something we choose and fight for.

Contact Info
Aftersight: aftersight.org
| feedback@aftersight.org
| (720) 712-8856

Show Credits
Hosts: Penn & Moses Street
Guest: Shawn Cheshire
Producer: Jonathan Price
An Aftersight Original Podcast

Chapter Markers
00:00 — Intro & Hike Reminder
02:20 — Injury, Vision Loss & Custody Battle
04:44 — Returning to Work & Identity as a Paramedic
07:09 — Therapy, Night Terrors & Trauma
09:24 — The Shower Aha Moment
11:42 — Choices, Consequences & Growth
14:03 — Therapy as Practice, Not Stigma
16:25 — Trauma Defined & No Comparisons
18:46 — Discovering Cycling & Training Resilience
21:14 — Stigma & Bias in the Paralympics
23:34 — Accusations of “Not Really Blind”
25:26 — Embracing Identity & Handling Judgment
27:00 — Wrap-Up & Teaser for Part 3

Blind AF: Part 1 with Shawn Cheshire

Aftersight — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0600

In Part 1 of our bold and moving conversation with Shawn Cheshire, Penn and Moses explore her remarkable journey from a difficult childhood in South Texas to breaking barriers as one of the first women in her Army specialty, and later serving as an EMT and paramedic. Shawn shares with raw honesty about growing up without love or nurture, surviving abuse, and how the voice of her grandmother’s encouragement shaped her resilience. She recounts her military service as a helicopter armament systems mechanic, the challenges of proving herself in a male-dominated field, and her transition into emergency medical services. The episode builds toward the life-changing on-the-job brain injury that left her blind, as Shawn reflects on the events, traumas, and triumphs that shaped her into the unstoppable athlete and advocate she is today. This is a gripping start to a story you will not forget.

Contact Info
Guest: Shawn Cheshire — https://www.shawncheshire.org/
Aftersight: feedback@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856 | aftersight.org/podcast
Producer: Jonathan Price: Jonathan@aftersight.org

Show Credits
Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street
Producer: Jonathan Price
Executive Producer: Aftersight
Recorded for: The Blind Chick — An Aftersight Original Podcast

Chapter Markers
00:00 — Introduction & Content Warning
02:14 — Why "Blind AF" and the Power of Shawn’s Story
03:15 — Childhood in South Texas & Early Trauma
06:40 — Joining the Army at 17 to Escape
08:20 — Breaking Barriers as a Female Helicopter Armament Mechanic
11:23 — Injuries, Discharge, and Moving Forward
13:47 — Surviving Abuse & Planning an Escape
16:10 — The Grandmother’s Voice That Saved Her
18:32 — EMT Training and Leaving in the Middle of the Night
20:49 — Life as a Paramedic & Finding Purpose
22:53 — The Accident That Changed Everything
25:19 — Diagnosis, Vision Loss, and the Long Road of Recovery
27:15 — Closing & Preview of Part 2

From “Nope” to Next Rep Part 2 with Jared Ciner

Aftersight — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 02:00:00 -0600

Penn and Moses sit down with Spirit Club founder Jared Ciner to unpack a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to fitness for the blind and low-vision community. Jared shares Michael’s step-by-step journey from “not for me” to thriving in group classes—proof that small wins compound. They discuss functional movement you can do anywhere (no fancy gear required), how partnerships with agencies like Aftersight expand access, and Spirit Club’s new Denver hub launching in-person programs by September. Jared also previews an NIH-supported expansion for brain-injury-friendly content and encourages “exercise snacks”—quick bursts that boost mood and momentum. Listeners get a discount with promo code AFTERSIGHT at checkout. Plus: details on Aftersight’s fully accessible Audio Trekkers Hike on September 13 in Boulder.

Contact Info
Spirit Club
Website: spiritclub.com (virtual & in-person programs; certification coming soon)
Promo code: AFTERSIGHT (discount at checkout)

Aftersight
Website: aftersight.org/hike (Audio Trekkers Hike info) • aftersight.org
General inquiries / guests: feedback@aftersight.org • (720) 712-8856

Show Credits
Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street
Producer: Jonathan Price

Chapter Markers
00:00 — Cold open, Part 2 setup, Spirit Club promo + hike tease
02:21 — Michael’s story: from “nope” to group classes and front-desk greeter
04:44 — Trauma-informed, strengths-based coaching vs. drill-sergeant fitness
07:08 — Adaptive equipment? Start with bodyweight and real-life movements
09:30 — Breaking down “get up from the floor” into four learnable steps
11:56 — Garden squats, standing desks, and building everyday endurance
14:19 — Partnering with agencies; how orgs stream Spirit Club to members
16:41 — Advocacy: Spirit Club Foundation, funding access, pro certification
19:03 — Join the movement; Denver hub launches in-person by September
21:27 — “Everybody can move”: mood, support, and 100% progress stories
23:51 — Penn’s dance class win; connecting mental and physical health
26:12 — “Exercise snacks”: five-minute bursts that change your day
28:34 — Call-to-action: try Spirit Club, use AFTERSIGHT, and join the Sept 13 hike in Boulder

Fitness Is a Human Right: Spirit Club with Jared Ciner

Aftersight — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0600

In this lively and heartfelt episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses recap their recent blindfolded cornhole tournament, sharing laughs, insights, and the importance of focus in blind navigation. Their conversation segues beautifully into the main interview with Jared Ciner, founder of Spirit Club, a fitness organization on a mission to make physical health accessible and inclusive for all people, regardless of ability.
Jared shares the personal and professional journey that led him to create Spirit Club, a revolutionary platform that offers both live and on-demand fitness classes designed with accessibility at their core. He discusses the human right to fitness, building confidence through adaptive movement, and why taking up space—physically and socially—is an act of empowerment.
Penn shares her own experiences with Spirit Club, explaining how it has not only helped her stay active but also helped her build confidence in moving freely as a person with vision loss. Jared also dives into Spirit Club’s group exercise experience, technology innovations, community impact, and the belief that fitness is not a privilege—it’s a right.
🔗 Contact Information:
Guest: Jared Ciner
Website: https://spirit-club.org
Aftersight Contact:
📧 feedback@aftersight.org
📞 (720) 712-8856
🌐 https://aftersight.org

🎟️ Register for the September 13 Audio Trekkers Hike:
https://aftersight.org/hike

🎧 Listen to more episodes:
https://aftersight.org/podcasts/the-blind-chick

⏱️ Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Welcome to The Blind Chick + Cornhole recap
02:10 – Sound, focus, and how blind folks dominated the game
04:30 – Why blind folks listen better (and win more)
06:55 – Introducing Jared Ciner and Spirit Club
08:50 – Jared’s story: Psychology, fitness, and a missing link
11:15 – Building an accessible fitness platform from scratch
13:45 – What “inclusive fitness” actually looks like
16:20 – Online classes, group sessions, and on-demand options
18:30 – Penn’s personal story: building confidence through movement
21:00 – Creating authentic connection through live-class recording
22:45 – The mission: Fitness is a human right
24:30 – Taking up space, building confidence, and pushing back against shame
26:00 – Final thoughts + Promo for Spirit Club and Aftersight Hike

Tags, Canes, and Confidence (Part 2 with Neva Fairchild)

Aftersight — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0600

🔍 Episode Summary & Show Notes: In this empowering follow-up conversation, The Blind Chick welcomes back Neva Fairchild for Part 2 of her inspiring story. Neva, an advocate, educator, entrepreneur, and unapologetic braille and cane enthusiast, shares practical tools and wisdom for navigating life with vision loss.
From mastering WayAround tags for labeling appliances and tracking repair history, to embracing the white cane as a tool of confidence, this episode dives deep into the intersection of tech, identity, and independence.
Penn and Moses keep it real and lighthearted while tackling serious topics like shame, stigma, and self-worth — reminding us all that blindness is not a character flaw.

Neva also shares insights about:
Her business Experts on Blindness and work as an expert witness in legal cases
Her late-in-life discovery of braille and passion for braille literacy
Her advocacy for older adults who are newly blind and feel trapped in their homes
The myth that using a cane makes you vulnerable — and why it actually empowers you to walk confidently
Real-life humor about travel, crowds, and how blind folks get the best concert seats!
This conversation will move you, challenge you, and most of all — encourage you to embrace the tools that bring freedom.
🎧 Don’t miss this bold, funny, and refreshingly honest episode.

🔖 Chapter Markers
00:00 — Intro & Hike Announcement
01:23 — How WayAround Tags Work
03:57 — Appliance Tagging & Memory Tools
06:45 — Buying Tags & App Walkthrough
08:00 — Tech Neva Uses Every Day
09:15 — Experts on Blindness & Legal Education
10:35 — Braille Advocacy & Late Learners
13:00 — Fighting the Stigma of the White Cane
15:00 — Neva’s “Aha” Moment in the Woods
18:00 — Confidence vs. Vulnerability with the Cane
21:00 — Crowds, Airports & Humor
23:00 — Where to Find Neva & Final Thoughts
25:00 — Audio Trekkers Hike Info & Closing

🔗 Resources & Contact
📍 WayAround Website: https://www.wayaround.com
🔗 Neva Fairchild on LinkedIn – The only one by that name!
🗓️ Register for the Audio Trekkers Hike (Sept 17): aftersight.org/hike
📧 Feedback & Questions: feedback@aftersight.org
📞 Listener Line: 720-712-8856
🌐 Discover more Aftersight Originals: aftersight.org

Neva Fairchild: From Misconceptions to Mastery in Blind Living

Aftersight — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0600

In this powerful episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses sit down with Neva Fairchild—a fierce advocate, rehabilitation counselor, and accessibility expert. Neva shares her extraordinary journey from a childhood of partial sight, misdiagnosis, and bullying to embracing blindness at 30 and diving into advocacy and innovation. The trio explores Neva's late introduction to the white cane and Braille, her evolving career in vision rehabilitation, and her pivotal role in supporting accessible technologies like WayAround.
Through emotional honesty and humor, Neva opens up about stigma, independence, and the power of learning to navigate life on your own terms. Don’t miss the inspiring insights, practical tools, and bold truths in this episode.
Also: Be sure to check out Neva’s tech-focused episode on Blind Level Tech, and mark your calendars for Aftersight’s upcoming hike on September 13! Register now at aftersight.org/hike.

⏱️ Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Welcome & Reflections from Helen Keller’s Birthplace
02:19 – Dystopian Society Analogy: A Sighted Person’s Insight
03:30 – Introducing Neva Fairchild
04:41 – Accessibility Gaps in the U.S. vs. Abroad
06:55 – Neva’s Early Life and Vision Diagnosis
09:26 – Education, Missed Blindness Skills, and a Military Family Childhood
11:41 – Braille, Cane Travel, and Losing Sight in Her 30s
13:54 – Misconceptions and Delayed Discovery of Blindness Tools
16:10 – College, Social Dynamics, and Career Aspirations
18:25 – How Neva Got Involved with WayAround
20:48 – WayAround vs. PenFriend: Accessible Labeling Then and Now
23:06 – WayAround Tags: How They Work and What They Can Do
25:28 – Using WayAround in Public Spaces & Orientation Features
27:50 – Outro: More to Come + Hike Reminder

Tips and Tricks for Your Speed Cubing Success

Aftersight — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0600

In this thought-provoking and unexpectedly fun continuation, The Blind Chick welcomes back author, tech blogger, and blind speedcubing pioneer Paul Martz for Part 2 of a conversation that bends the mind as much as the Rubik’s Cube does.
Paul, Penn, and Moses unpack how blind speedcubing works, why accessibility gaps in tech still exist (and what we can learn from curb cuts), and how Paul’s book Solve It is breaking down barriers for blind cubers everywhere. Paul shares how he hacks tactile cubes, connects with a small but growing blind cubing community worldwide, and compares speedcubing to the artistry of musicianship.
He also dives into his punk rock days in the 1980s—bands, bar gigs, and brushes with musical legends—proving the life of a blind innovator can be as unpredictable as a scrambled cube. Finally, the team reminds listeners that everyone has a part to play in pushing accessibility forward—one request to Bard at a time.
It’s witty, inspiring, and might just convince you to dust off your old Rubik’s Cube, make it tactile, and get your brain moving again—whether you’re blind, sighted, or somewhere in between.

⏱️ Chapter Markers
00:00 — Welcome Back + Summer Vibes
00:40 — Blind Speedcubing: Why It Matters
01:50 — ADA, Curb Cuts & Digital Accessibility
04:00 — AppleViz, Blogging & Making the Impossible Possible
07:00 — Tactile Cubes: DIY or Buy?
09:15 — Writing Solve It: No Pictures Needed
11:30 — Requesting Bard & Bookshare Access
13:00 — Speedcubing Records & Community
16:00 — Rubik’s Cube as Brain Exercise
18:00 — Paul’s Punk Rock Past
22:00 — Brushes with Fame & Hotel Stories
25:00 — Final Words: Pay It Forward

📚 Get Paul’s Book
Title: Solve It: The Only Speed Solving Guide for Blind Cubers
Find It: Search “Solve It Paul Martz” or visit PaulMartz.com
Where to Request: NLS Bard, Bookshare, RNIB (UK), Sela (Canada)

📞 Stay Connected
Aftersight: (720) 712-8856
Email: feedback@aftersight.org

Blind and Speed Cubing?... Sure why not.

Aftersight — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 08:00:56 -0600

🎙️ Episode Summary In this lively episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses welcome Colorado’s own Paul Martz — a retired software engineer, Rubik’s Cube speed-solver, sci-fi writer, and relentless advocate for accessible tech. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) at age 13, Paul shares candidly how losing vision shaped his life: from the family role models who taught him blindness doesn’t mean isolation, to the hard truths about ego, identity, and finally embracing the white cane.
Penn, Moses, and Paul unpack the subtle social shifts that come with using a cane or guide dog — how these tools can change perceptions overnight, even among family and close friends. Paul brings his trademark humor, reminding listeners that adaptability is less about eyesight and more about problem-solving — like speed-solving a Rubik’s Cube with your fingertips and your mind.
They also celebrate The Blind Chick’s recent IWIS International Award win for “On Location Production” and invite listeners to get out, get seen, and get moving at Aftersight’s fifth annual Audio Trekkers Hike — happening September 13th in Boulder, Colorado.
Stay tuned for part two, where Paul will share more about the world of speed-cubing, accessible tech, and the surprising places life’s puzzles can take you.

Be Ready App and John Romano Part 2

Aftersight — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0600

In this powerful episode of The Blind Chick, John Romano from Disaster Central joins Penn and Moses to explore emergency preparedness through a lens of accessibility, technology, and community resilience. John shares the heart behind the Be Ready app and how it helps people with disabilities plan ahead for disasters — not only with gear and gadgets but with mindset and connection. The episode features raw stories of past emergencies, including how one blind man refused to leave his guide dog behind during a flood.
Listeners are encouraged to participate in upcoming pilot programs and advocate for inclusive planning in their own cities. The message is clear: preparedness isn’t just about surviving a storm, it’s about building strong community ties before the storm ever hits.

⏱️ Chapter Markers
00:00 – Welcome to The Blind Chick
00:27 – Jonathan introduces John Romano & previews Code Orange
01:30 – The mindset of preparedness and the role of battery banks
02:30 – Customizing the Be Ready app for your household
04:50 – Real stories: flood evacuations, guide dogs, and being left behind
07:00 – Planning on the community level: Colorado Functional Needs Conferences
09:25 – 70% of first responders are your family and friends
11:40 – How to bring this program to your city
13:55 – Funding models & donor support for Be Ready
15:55 – Future features: AI & GIS integration
18:15 – Predictive tech and where emergency preparedness is heading
20:35 – The real call to action: Get involved!
22:55 – The power of preparation and community kindness
25:15 – Let's not admire the problem — let’s solve it
27:40 – Closing thoughts and thanks

📞 Contact Info & Resources
Disaster Central: https://disastercentral.org
Be Ready App: Included in pilot discussions via Disaster Central
Interested in the pilot program?
Contact Curtis Garrett or Atlantis Community to request local training and preparedness offerings.

🗣️ Key Quotes
“70% of your first responders are your family and friends.” — John Romano

“Let’s not just admire the problem. Let’s work the problem.” — John Romano

“This isn’t about doing it for us — it’s with us.” — Penn Street

📲 Other Shows by Aftersight
Blindsight – Mental health and blindness
Blind Level Tech – Accessible tech reviews and interviews
Navigating Life with Vision Loss – Weekly show coming back this fall with a 16-week safety series
Code Orange – Coming soon! Focused on disability-inclusive emergency preparedness

Disaster Central: Planning with Purpose with John Romano Part 1

Aftersight — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0600

In this eye-opening episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn and Moses Street sit down with John Romano—nonprofit leader, former relief worker, and founder of Disaster Central. John shares how his experience as a pilot, motorcyclist, and Hurricane Sandy relief worker shaped his approach to risk mitigation and inspired the creation of the Be Ready app.
The conversation explores how the Be Ready app simplifies emergency planning, especially for individuals with disabilities and access needs. Though accessibility features are still evolving, the app already offers powerful tools like cloud-based document storage, community contact sharing, and preparedness prompts for building continuity in crises.
John breaks down his "Dare to Prepare" program, built in collaboration with global research partners and Independent Living Centers across Colorado. From Thailand to Estes Park floods, the stories shared reinforce the urgent need for personalized disaster readiness. The episode ends with a hopeful call for community input to shape the next generation of inclusive emergency tech.

⏱️ Chapter Markers
00:00 – Welcome to The Blind Chick
00:28 – Penn and Moses return from Iceland
01:45 – Introducing John Romano
03:20 – Motorcycle, piloting, and risk management
05:10 – Hurricane Sandy and discovering his purpose
07:22 – Founding Disaster Central
08:40 – Including people with disabilities in emergency planning
09:45 – Developing the Be Ready app
11:35 – Climate change and disaster trends
13:00 – The app as an easy button for preparedness
14:15 – Features: Cloud vault, encrypted storage, pets & guide dogs
17:00 – Accessibility and shared household planning
18:25 – Using the app with family and caretakers
20:25 – Uploading documents and offline access
22:50 – Teaching preparedness like fly fishing
24:00 – The “Dare to Prepare” training program
25:30 – Working with SILCs and CILCs in Colorado
27:40 – AI, accessibility, and the future of the app
29:00 – Outro and teaser for next week's deep dive

📱 Follow & Subscribe
Listen to more Aftersight Originals:
Blindsight – Mental health & resilience
Blind Level Tech – Accessible tech and innovation
Navigating Life with Vision Loss – Advocacy, safety & daily life
🌐 Aftersight.org | 🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts

I Aint Makin Salt and Pepper Shakers: Zach Tidwell Part 2

Aftersight — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0600

In this raw and inspiring continuation of Zach Tidwell’s story, The Blind Chick dives deeper into Zach’s journey of survival, addiction, recovery, and resilience. After surviving a self-inflicted gunshot wound and waking up totally blind, Zach faced cognitive dissonance, identity loss, and multiple layers of trauma—but he also found something unexpected: purpose.
Zach walks us through the blurry, painful months of relearning everything from brushing his teeth to walking again, confronting the reality of permanent blindness, and battling crippling depression—all while defying odds. His path includes learning to snowboard, going back to college, coding an award-winning app, and discovering a new identity through service to the blind and disabled community.
He candidly shares his relapse into alcoholism and how he ultimately found the strength to get sober, develop accessible tech, and start a podcast and book that continue to help others. Zach’s story reminds us that failure isn’t final and that purpose can be forged in even the darkest fires.

⏱️ Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Intro + Welcome Back to Part 2
00:28 – Zach’s Awakening + Immediate Aftermath of Attempt
02:54 – ICU, Life Support, and “He’s Still in There”
05:13 – Learning He’s Totally Blind + Initial Reactions
07:16 – Blind Rehab, Adaptive Sports, and Getting Back Up
09:39 – Depression Despite Independence + Sobriety Struggle
12:03 – The Turning Point: Speaking Up to a Therapist
14:19 – The Trigger: Statistics Class + Alcohol Relapse
16:41 – Dropping Out to Code: Creating Accessible Tech
19:04 – Battling Huntington’s Diagnosis + Deeper Addiction
21:20 – Zanagrams: Building the First Fully Accessible Game
22:44 – Sobriety, Speaking, and a Future Reclaimed
24:51 – Final Words: Speak Up + Adapt to Thrive
27:07 – Where to Find Zach + Outro

A Shot at Life: Zach Tidwell’s Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

Aftersight — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0600

In this powerful and emotional episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses welcome Zach Tidwell, a blind Marine Corps veteran, suicide survivor, and resilience advocate whose story will leave you speechless—and ultimately inspired.
Zach opens up about his time in the military, the deep emotional wounds following betrayal and traumatic brain injury, and the dark spiral into alcoholism and isolation that followed. At his lowest point, Zach attempted to take his own life and survived a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. His recovery, however, would become a testimony not only to medical miracles but to the power of community, perseverance, and purpose.
This is part one of a two-part episode. While today's conversation dives into the pain and trauma Zach endured, next week’s episode will celebrate the transformation—highlighting how Zach rebuilt his life, embraced his blindness, launched a podcast (Going In Blind), and became a voice of hope for others battling mental health challenges.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of depression, suicide, and trauma. Listener discretion is advised.

⏱️ Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Intro: Blindness is an adventure
00:27 – Summer vibes, camping, and introducing Zach Tidwell
02:46 – A “Hollywood” journey: the setup before the turnaround
05:12 – Military legacy and why Zach joined the Marine Corps
07:26 – Deployment betrayal: The Jody story and its aftermath
09:53 – Motorcycle accident and traumatic brain injury
12:07 – Downward spiral: alcohol, depression, and impulse
14:26 – Functioning alcoholic with hidden pain
16:39 – Faking wellness: snowboarding, dirt bikes, and silence
19:00 – The Marine mindset: Suffer in silence
21:23 – March 27: Holding a gun to his head
23:49 – Family fallout and silence during visits
26:32 – March 31: The suicide attempt
28:52 – Jonathan’s close and preview for part two

Dr. Charles Powell: Breaking Stereotypes, Building Legacy (Part 3)

Aftersight — Thu, 29 May 2025 02:00:00 -0600

In this powerful conclusion to our three-part series with Dr. Charles Powell, we dive into his inspiring story of perseverance, professionalism, and pride. Charles shares a transformative moment in his career—an interview that turned into a life-changing opportunity with one of the largest oil and gas companies in the country. With authenticity and passion, he breaks down the stereotypes placed on the blind community—both from the outside world and within.
We talk about technology, independence, appearance, work ethic, and the need to raise the bar—not just for others to see what’s possible, but so our own community stops selling itself short. Dr. Powell also opens up about the influence of his blind grandfather, who ran a working farm with grit and dignity long before there was assistive technology.
This episode is a rally cry to challenge assumptions, claim our value, and celebrate the unsung mentors whose stories shaped us long before hashtags or headlines.

Key Topics Covered:
How Dr. Powell landed a role with a billion-dollar company
Challenging and embracing stereotypes in the blind community
Personal pride, grooming, and presentation as advocacy
Honoring the legacy of blind family members who paved the way
The role of representation in media and mentorship
The growing movement of disability pride and leadership
Why we must let go of control and allow purpose to grow organically

Quotable Moments:
“I didn’t do all this to prove I was blind and could do it. I did it because I wanted to contribute to my family.” – Dr. Charles Powell
“We need to break our own stereotypes before we expect the world to.” – Dr. Charles Powell
“You don't need a big start. Just start. The movement is already growing.” – Penn Street

Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Welcome and Introduction to Part 3 with Dr. Charles Powell
01:08 – Charles Returns to Finish His Story: The Job Interview That Changed Everything
03:40 – Showcasing Assistive Tech in the Interview
05:15 – The Surprise CEO Reveal and Job Offer
06:55 – Working for a Billion-Dollar Company
08:20 – Breaking Stereotypes from the Inside
10:30 – Blind Pride: Dressing, Grooming, and Showing Up
12:05 – Public Perception vs. Blind Capability
13:40 – Changing the Narrative Within the Blind Community
15:05 – Penn Reflects on Representation and Role Models
16:30 – Building a Movement: Connection, Advocacy, and Collaboration
18:25 – Celebrate the Wins and Keep the Fire Burning
20:00 – Charles on Legacy: Honoring His Blind Grandfather
23:00 – The Real Motivation: Family, Not Fame
25:10 – Penn on Learning from Her Mom’s Low Vision Journey
26:30 – Closing Remarks and Call to Action
28:00 – Gratitude for the Audience and Aftersight Team
28:45 – Final Encouragement: Be Kind to Yourself and Others

Final Words from Penn:
“To all our listeners: thank you for making The Blind Chick a top-ranked show. Your ratings, your shares, your belief in what we’re doing—it’s everything. This week, be kind to yourself. Be kind to someone else. It’s good for your soul.”

Connect with Dr. Charles Powell:
You can find Dr. Powell and his organization, Divine Visions, online to learn more about his advocacy, consulting, and business support services.

Stay in Touch:
Follow The Blind Chick on your favorite podcast platform, leave a five-star review, and join us next week for another empowering conversation.

Produced by:
Jonathan Price at Aftersight | jonathan@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856

Dr. Charles Powell Part 2: Blindness, Brilliance, and Building Your Own Table

Aftersight — Wed, 21 May 2025 11:11:45 -0600

In this inspiring second part of our conversation with Dr. Charles Powell, we dive deeper into his story of perseverance, grit, and triumph over systemic barriers. From taking the ADA bus to business college to washing dishes at Chick-fil-A while earning his third master’s degree, Dr. Powell shows us what it really means to defy expectations. When the world wouldn't hire him, he founded Divine Visions, a legal consulting business rooted in justice, faith, and service.
Dr. Powell unpacks the stigma blind individuals face in employment and challenges the notion of being "overqualified." He also shares the heartwarming story behind the name Divine Visions and how it reflects both his spiritual purpose and his unwavering clarity of vision. This episode is packed with real talk, legal advocacy, a splash of apple pie, and a whole lot of hope.

Contact Us:
📧 feedback@aftersight.org
📞 (720) 712-8856
💬 Send us your questions or comments for Penn, Moses, or any of our Aftersight hosts!
Follow & Rate:
✅ Don’t forget to hit the five-star rating and subscribe!
📱 Join us on Facebook: The Blind Chick

Chapter Markers
00:00 – Welcome Back & Shoutout to Penn and Moses
01:05 – Charles Shares How He Enrolled in Paralegal School
02:45 – Learning Together: A Blind Student Meets Unsure Professors
04:48 – From 4.0 GPA to a Bachelor's and Beyond
06:50 – Applying for Jobs While Studying—Even as a Dishwasher
09:10 – The Chick-fil-A Hustle and Dishwasher Excellence
11:30 – Launching Divine Visions: When the System Says No
13:55 – Meaning Behind the Name ‘Divine Visions’
16:30 – Justice, Poverty, and a Slice of Apple Pie
18:55 – Consulting for the Same Offices That Rejected Him
21:00 – Overqualified? Or Just Threatening to the System?
23:20 – Why Blind Workers Make the Best Employees
25:45 – From Chick-fil-A to Corporate Oil and Gas: The Hook for Part 3

Blind, But Not Broken with Dr. Charles Powell

Aftersight — Thu, 15 May 2025 02:00:00 -0600

In this raw and riveting episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses welcome the unforgettable Dr. Charles Powell—a blind legal consultant, business owner, and fierce advocate for accessibility and policy reform. Dr. Powell shares his powerful journey from sudden vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa to battling alcoholism, identity loss, and depression—and ultimately rising with the help of his fiancée, his daughter, and a newfound community. With candor and humor, he takes listeners through the darkest day of his life and the transformation that followed.
This is the real story—what most people don’t hear after the success. Dr. Powell reminds us all that being “blind” doesn’t mean being broken.

🔹 Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Welcome to The Blind Chick
00:27 – Meet Dr. Charles Powell: “Blind, But Not Broken”
01:45 – The Day Everything Changed
05:13 – Depression, Alcohol, and Losing Identity
07:37 – A Daughter’s Words That Changed Everything
10:02 – First Steps: Community, Technology & iPhone Discovery
12:25 – Learning to Walk Proud with the White Cane
17:12 – From Pity Party to Progress
21:54 – Choosing Family Over Systems
24:11 – Becoming a Paralegal (And Owning the Room)
25:33 – Outro & What’s Next in Part 2

📲 Stay Connected:
Have a question or comment for Penn and Moses?
📧 Email: feedback@aftersight.org
📞 Call: (720) 712-8856
🌐 Visit: Aftersight.org

Aftersight Hosts Unleashed Part 2

Aftersight — Thu, 08 May 2025 02:00:00 -0600

In this exciting follow-up to Part 1, The Blind Chick brings together the voices behind Aftersight’s most beloved shows: Kim Wardlow (Navigating Life with Vision Loss), Bill Lundgren (Blindsight), Evan Starnes (Blind Level Tech), and Marty Sobo (Code Orange), hosted by Penn and Moses Street. This roundtable-style episode dives deep into the heart of each show, exploring their missions, major topics, most memorable moments, and where they’re heading in the future. Plus, we celebrate a major milestone—Jonathan Price’s three-year anniversary and his role in elevating Aftersight podcasts to a global stage. Join us as we laugh, reflect, and look forward to what’s next.
Whether you're tuning in for practical tips, powerful stories, mental health support, or emergency preparedness, this episode is a love letter to our listeners—and to the incredible community we’ve built together.

📌 Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Intro: Blindness as adventure
00:28 – Welcome back: Hosts Unleashed Pt. 2
01:15 – Navigating Life with Vision Loss: Kim’s vision and show overview
05:10 – Blind Level Tech: Evan’s mission, humor, and future goals
09:58 – The story behind BLT Bytes and the Sandwich of the Week
12:25 – Blindsight: Bill on mental health and normalizing therapy
17:05 – Perfectionism, hope, and emotional awareness
18:55 – Code Orange: Marty on preparedness and practical survival tips
21:20 – Thanking Jonathan Price and celebrating 500+ episodes
23:45 – The global growth and future of Aftersight podcasts
25:45 – Closing gratitude and encouragement

📞 Contact Us:
Have guest suggestions, feedback, or want to get involved?
📧 feedback@aftersight.org
📞 (720) 712-8856

Aftersight Hosts Unleashed

Aftersight — Thu, 01 May 2025 02:00:00 -0600

In this special crossover edition of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses bring together the entire AfterSight podcast family for the very first time. This lively, heartfelt roundtable introduces each host—Kim Wardlow (Navigating Life with Vision Loss), Evan Starnes (Blind Level Tech), Bill Lundgren (Blindsight), and Marty Sobo (Code Orange)—as they share how their shows began, what fuels their passion, and what listeners can expect next. With laughs, stories, and a few technical hiccups, the crew unites around a shared mission: empowering the blind and low vision community through storytelling, education, and advocacy. Whether you’re a techie, a mental health advocate, or simply curious about navigating life with blindness, there’s something in this episode for everyone.

Chapter Markers
00:00 – Welcome to the Blind Chick
01:00 – Introducing the dream episode: All the AfterSight hosts
02:47 – Meet Kim Wardlow & Navigating Life with Vision Loss
05:20 – Kim’s journey from volunteer reader to podcast host
09:41 – Exploring the seasonal approach to NLVL
10:40 – Meet Evan Starnes & Blind Level Tech
12:00 – From tech nerd to intern to podcast creator
14:19 – Tech for everyone: BLT’s mission
15:10 – Jonathan’s podcast “prison” joke
16:08 – Meet Bill Lundgren & Blindsight
18:28 – From no podcast knowledge to host of a vital mental health show
20:50 – Meet Marty Sobo & Code Orange
23:07 – The birth of Code Orange through lived disaster experience
24:30 – What’s next for AfterSight’s podcast lineup

Contact Information
Website: www.aftersight.org
Phone: (720) 712-8856
Email: feedback@aftersight.org

Locked, Loaded, and Listening: Hunting, Healing, and Hearing Loss with Darren Zenger

Aftersight — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0600

In this episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn and Moses sit down with therapist and avid hunter Darren Zenger for a powerful, raw, and deeply insightful conversation. Darren shares his journey of vision and hearing loss, recovery through the 12-step program, and how he rediscovered his love for the outdoors and hunting using adaptive tech and strong community support.
The conversation dives into trauma, addiction, neuroplasticity, and the importance of family systems in healing. Darren's story reveals how blindness and deafness don’t limit one's identity—they demand innovation, patience, and community. Plus, you won’t want to miss the story of how Darren bagged a deer at over 500 yards using adaptive hunting gear.

⏱️ Chapter Markers
00:00 – Welcome to The Blind Chick
00:28 – Meet Darren Zenger: Therapist, hunter, and mental health advocate
01:45 – The link between trauma and addiction
02:50 – Vision loss and its role in addiction risk
04:10 – Medications and treatments for curbing addiction
05:15 – The importance of mental health in recovery
06:00 – Brain spotting, neuroplasticity, and healing the unseen
09:45 – The blind brain: how sensory loss rewires neural activity
11:20 – Family systems and community in recovery
12:15 – The opposite of addiction is connection
13:30 – Everyday trauma in the blind community
14:10 – Can blind people hunt? (Short answer: YES!)
16:00 – Adaptive hunting: crossbows, scopes, and 5-inch monitors
18:50 – Taking the shot: a 525-yard success
21:15 – Hunting as healing and connection
23:40 – Final thoughts: resilience, community, and not letting blindness define you
25:35 – Closing remarks: Be kind to yourself—and someone else

📞 Contact Info
Website: aftersight.org
Email: feedback@aftersight.org
Phone: (720) 712-8856

Healing Beyond Words: Trauma, Sobriety, and Brain-spotting with Darran Zenger

Aftersight — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0600

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn and Moses Street sit down with Darran Zenger, a licensed clinical social worker at Cirque Lodge in Utah. Darran shares his personal journey with Usher Syndrome, his experience with cochlear implants, and how his own life challenges led him to become a trauma-informed addiction counselor. He introduces us to brainspotting, a groundbreaking therapeutic approach rooted in EMDR, and explains how it helps clients unlock stored trauma in the nervous system. This episode is a deep dive into resilience, recovery, and redefining life after trauma.

⏱️ Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Welcome to The Blind Chick
00:28 – Meet the hosts + Moses’s “muse” confession
01:30 – Intro to guest Darran Zenger
02:36 – Darran’s background and where he’s from
05:01 – Living with Usher Syndrome and hearing loss
07:20 – Public school with accessibility support
09:19 – Becoming a stay-at-home dad & finding his calling
10:37 – Fear, faith & the journey to cochlear implant
12:44 – Music, retraining the brain & the power of sound
15:10 – Adjusting to dual cochlear implants
17:38 – Discovering social work & substance use counseling
20:00 – Working at the Moran Eye Center
22:02 – Brainspotting: What it is and how it works
24:27 – Real stories of healing through brainspotting
27:00 – The miracle moments of trauma therapy
29:00 – Closing thoughts & feedback invitation

📞 Contact Info:
Email us: feedback@aftersight.org
Call us: (720) 712-8856
Website: aftersight.org

If You Can Do It, Do It – Part Two with Steven Vine

Aftersight — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0600

In Part Two of this powerful and heartfelt interview, The Blind Chick welcomes back Canadian disability advocate and podcaster Steven Vine, host of Disability Diaries. This episode dives deeper into Steven’s journey navigating life with blindness, a prosthetic leg, chronic pain, and a passion for podcasting.
Steven shares how self-teaching and mentorship helped him master his smartphone, the critical role that asking for help has played in his life, and why he transitioned from being an individual in need of advocacy to becoming an advocate himself. He offers a glimpse into the Canadian disability landscape and challenges both able-bodied individuals and the disability community to stop underestimating what is possible.
Steven’s words—“If you can do it, do it”—echo throughout this episode as a rallying cry to push past limitations and find purpose through adversity. His humor, sincerity, and resilience shine as he talks podcasting, politics, and the power of community.

Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Opening and Welcome Back to Steven Vine
00:42 – Learning Technology as a Blind Person
02:20 – The Power of Asking for Help
03:15 – Living with Chronic Pain and Wheelchair Use
04:37 – Positivity, Potential, and the Birth of His Podcast
06:58 – Becoming a Podcaster: Purpose and Passion
09:18 – Building a Show that Advocates and Educates
11:31 – Featuring Diverse Guests from Politicians to Artists
13:53 – The Shift from Needing an Advocate to Being One
16:16 – Empowering the Disability Community from Within
18:30 – Where to Find Steven Vine and His Podcast
20:42 – Clarifying Canadian-American Relations and Booing at Hockey Games
22:46 – Focusing on What You Can Control
24:00 – Final Thoughts from Steven Vine
25:00 – Closing Remarks and Listener Call to Action

Where to Find Steven Vine:
Podcast: Disability Diaries with Steven Vine (available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Buzzsprout, and more)
Facebook: Disability Diaries with Steven Vine
Email: sgv44isback@gmail.com

The Price of Not Slowing Down (Part 1)

Aftersight — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 02:00:50 -0600

In this powerful episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses sit down with Canadian podcaster Stephen Vine, host of Disability Diaries. Known for his sharp wit and musical heart, Stephen shares the intimate, harrowing story of how ignoring warning signs, overworking, and a high-stress lifestyle led to a catastrophic health crisis that changed his life forever. After surviving a near-fatal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), Stephen lost his sight, his leg, and his colon—but not his sense of humor or determination.
The conversation explores his fast-paced past as a restaurant owner serving celebrities like Mel Gibson, Linda Blair, and John Candy. Stephen walks us through the day his life changed and the emotional toll that followed. With vulnerability and hope, he shares how he moved from bitterness to purpose—learning to adapt, reconnect with joy, and begin his podcast, which has become a platform for elevating voices within the disability community.
Listeners will gain insights into resilience, the power of listening, and how choosing to stop digging can help you climb out of life’s deepest holes.

Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Welcome to The Blind Chick
01:05 – Penn and Moses banter, Superman joke
02:18 – Guest intro: Stephen Vine of Disability Diaries
03:10 – Quote of the Day: “Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens” – Jimi Hendrix
04:38 – Learning to listen after blindness
06:57 – Celebrity clientele from Stephen’s former career
08:45 – Workaholism, stress, and health warnings
11:40 – The day of the aneurysm: ignored signs and collapse
14:01 – Waking from the coma: adjusting to total blindness
16:24 – Drinking culture, grief, and changing relationships with alcohol
18:38 – Healing, rehab, and redefining identity
21:02 – Finding support through Kristin and taking back his life
23:18 – Empowerment, advocacy, and thriving through disability
25:00 – Closing remarks and teaser for Part 2

Can’t See It, Still Nailed It: The Brushstrokes of John Bramblitt

Aftersight — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 02:00:33 -0600

This heartwarming and visually vibrant episode of The Blind Chick opens with a special birthday celebration for co-host Penn Street. Listeners from around the world, including touching messages from Oksana in Russia and friends from GFI Grand Junction, share their love and gratitude for Penn’s impact.
The episode then transitions into an unforgettable conversation with world-renowned blind painter John Bramblitt. John shares his journey as a blind artist, his unique process for understanding color and texture, and how tactile and auditory technologies help him “see” and recreate realistic portraits—including celebrities like Jeff Bridges. From texturized paint techniques to sound-based image translation, John paints a compelling picture of accessibility in art.
He and the hosts explore imagination, how we all build “visual” worlds differently, and the importance of feeling oversight in artwork. John also speaks on his work with international museums, his Yellow Dog Art Bar in Texas, and the emotional honesty that fuels his art.
The show closes with a reflection on the courage to fail, and how each mistake is a brushstroke on the journey toward success.

⏱️ Chapter Markers:
00:00 – 🎉 Penn’s Birthday Celebration
01:30 – Listener Birthday Messages
02:19 – Tribute to Penn’s Advocacy
03:00 – The Power of Textured Paint for the Blind
04:43 – John’s Ever-Changing Studio Techniques
07:06 – Painting Realistic Portraits Without Sight
09:31 – Tech That Helps Blind Artists “See”
11:54 – NVDA, Cat Eyes, and Future Apps
14:12 – 3D Printing & Tactile Art Innovations
16:35 – Dream World vs. Real World in Art
18:59 – The Importance of Emotional Honesty in Art
21:11 – How to Contact John Bramblitt & Visit His Gallery
23:35 – John's Book & Accessibility Options
24:50 – Final Thoughts on Failure & Art
25:54 – Show Close & Calls to Action

No Sight, No Problem: The Bob Ross of Blind Art

Aftersight — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 02:00:18 -0600

In this episode, The Blind Chick welcomes world-renowned blind artist John Bramblitt. Penn and Moses dive into John's inspiring journey from losing his sight to becoming an internationally celebrated artist. They discuss the impact of blindness on identity, the challenges of transitioning from sighted to blind, and how John found new ways to express himself through art.
John shares how painting became a way for him to regain control of his world, developing unique tactile techniques to navigate the canvas. The conversation touches on advocacy, humor, and breaking stereotypes about blindness. Penn also shares how John's art class at the No Barriers Summit helped her reclaim a lost passion for art.
This episode is packed with powerful stories about resilience, creativity, and adapting to life’s unexpected turns. Part two of this conversation will be available next week!

Chapter Markers
📍 00:00 – Welcome to The Blind Chick!
📍 02:21 – Introducing guest John Bramblitt
📍 04:45 – John's impact at the No Barriers Summit
📍 07:09 – The emotional journey of losing sight
📍 09:11 – John's artistic background and childhood struggles
📍 11:35 – The turning point: Adapting to blindness
📍 16:13 – The social dynamics of blindness: Cane vs. Guide Dog
📍 18:33 – How people treat blind individuals differently
📍 20:58 – Finding purpose through art after vision loss
📍 23:14 – Transitioning from anger to advocacy
📍 27:22 – The therapeutic power of art
📍 29:55 – Closing thoughts & preview for part two

Call to Action
✅ Subscribe to The Blind Chick on your favorite podcast platform.
✅ Leave a review—your feedback helps us grow!
✅ Send us a message: Have a question or comment? Reach out!
✅ Check out our other Aftersight podcasts:
🎙 Blindsight – Tackling mental health in the blind community
🎙 Blind Level Tech – Exploring accessibility in technology
🎙 Navigating Life with Vision Loss – Now in its Advocacy Series!

✨ Stay tuned! A new Aftersight show is coming soon—announcement coming in a few weeks!

Jazz, Jokes, and a Birthday Serenade: A Special Episode with Diane “Deeds” Schuur

Aftersight — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 02:00:59 -0600

In this heartwarming and music-filled episode of The Blind Chick, host Penn Street and co-host Moses Street welcome the legendary Diane “Deeds” Schuur—jazz icon, two-time Grammy Award winner, and all-around incredible soul. With laughter, deep conversations, and a surprise musical performance, this episode is one for the books.
🎂 Penn’s Birthday Surprise! The crew kicks things off by inviting listeners to send physical birthday cards to Penn Street for her special day on March 24th at 1700 55th Street, Suite A, Boulder, CO 80301.
🎵 Music, Advocacy, and Life’s Beautiful Twists: Deeds shares incredible stories about her career, collaborations with music legends like B.B. King, Count Basie, and Stevie Wonder, and her thoughts on music accessibility and the power of sound over visuals.
💡 Deeds’ Life Philosophy: She opens up about gratitude, faith, and the importance of finding joy—even in life’s toughest moments. We hear about her love for soap operas (or as she calls it, The Hung and the Restless), her tech companion Lenny the Laptop, and her skydiving adventure (!), proving she’s as fearless as ever.
🎶 A Birthday Gift Like No Other: In a spontaneous and touching moment, Diane gifts listeners with a live performance, singing a heartfelt song for Penn’s birthday. This raw, unfiltered musical moment will leave you in tears (happy ones, we promise!).
💫 Final Thoughts: Diane shares her wish for world peace, kindness, and gratitude, and reminds us all to embrace life’s journey with open arms.
Next Week: We continue our journey with more inspiring guests, stories, and surprises. Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with friends!

📌 Episode Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome to The Blind Chick! 🎙️
00:27 – Penn’s Birthday Shoutout! 🎂
02:00 – Diane Schuur on Concert in the Dark Controversy 🎶
05:10 – Life After Touring: Deeds’ Perspective 🏡
07:30 – A Special Song for Penn 🎵 (Tissues ready!)
12:00 – The Power of Music & Gratitude ❤️
18:00 – What’s Next for Diane? 🌟
22:30 – Why You Need to Listen to Diane Schuur 🎤
25:20 – Wisdom, Laughter & Soap Operas 📺
27:45 – Final Thoughts & Farewells 💛

📲 Connect with Us!
📩 Email: contact@aftersight.org
📱 Follow Us on Social Media: @AftersightOrg
💌 Send Penn a Birthday Card!
📍 Address: 1700 55th Street, Suite A, Boulder, CO 80301

Diane Schuur Spills the Tea: Vertigo, Jazz, & Cat Chaos!

Aftersight — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 02:00:59 -0700

In this heartfelt episode, Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Diane Schuur (affectionately called "Deeds") returns to The Blind Chick for a deeply personal conversation. She shares updates on her life, the challenges of Meniere’s disease, her transition to assisted living at the Motion Picture Television Fund, and the loss of her beloved cat, Puss Puss.

Deeds reflects on the resilience she’s built throughout her career, her 35 years of sobriety, and how she continues to find joy in music, friendships, and storytelling. She also reminisces about Concert in the Dark, her past experiences on the show, and her connection with hosts Penn and Moses Street.

✨ Stay tuned for Part 2, where Deeds has a special birthday surprise for Penn!

Chapter Markers
📌 00:00 – Welcome to The Blind Chick
📌 00:27 – Penn’s upcoming birthday & a past birthday surprise
📌 02:46 – A special global birthday card idea for Penn
📌 04:58 – Introducing guest Diane “Deeds” Schuur
📌 07:20 – Deeds’ diagnosis with Meniere’s disease
📌 09:49 – A major life transition & moving to an assisted living facility
📌 13:37 – Reflecting on Concert in the Dark
📌 16:05 – The loss of Puss Puss, her beloved cat
📌 18:28 – Finding peace and spreading joy despite life’s challenges
📌 20:54 – Celebrating 35 years of sobriety
📌 22:50 – Singing & playing piano at her new residence
📌 25:12 – Memories of impromptu piano performances with Penn & Moses
📌 27:37 – Looking ahead: What’s next for Deeds?
📌 30:00 – Closing thoughts & Part 2 preview

Follow & Connect
📢 Share this episode to help The Blind Chick continue growing!
💌 Send Penn a birthday card! Let’s fill her mailbox with love.

📍 Website: Aftersight.org
📩 Email: feedback@aftersight.org
📞 Contact: (720) 712-8856

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe & tune in next week for Part 2!

Dr. L Penny Rosenblum Advocating for your Education

Aftersight — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 02:00:21 -0700

In this episode of The Blind Chick, we continue our conversation with Dr. L Penny Rosenblum, diving deeper into education, advocacy, and empowering individuals with low vision. Penny discusses strategies for parents raising children with blindness, the importance of realistic expectations, and how small steps in advocacy can lead to big changes. We also explore transportation challenges, the impact of policy changes on accessibility, and how individuals can take action in their communities. Plus, a special birthday surprise for Penn Street—make sure to send in your birthday cards and messages!

Chapter Markers
00:00 – Introduction & Penn’s Birthday Surprise
02:16 – Recap of Part 1 & Introduction to Penny Rosenblum
04:34 – Overcoming Overprotective Parenting
06:58 – Teaching Kids Life Skills & Responsibilities
09:20 – The Importance of Explaining the World to Blind Children
11:32 – Navigating Transportation Challenges with Low Vision
13:48 – Adapting to a Life Without Driving
15:58 – Teaching Children to Use Different Forms of Transportation
17:50 – The Impact of Policy Changes on Accessibility & Inclusion
20:10 – The Future of Advocacy in the Blind & Low Vision Community
22:29 – How to Stand Your Ground & Advocate for Rights
24:50 – Encouragement to Take Small Steps in Advocacy
27:15 – Final Thoughts & The Power of Planting Seeds of Change

The Value of Advocacy with Dr. Penny Rosenblum

Aftersight — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 02:00:36 -0700

In this episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses Street sit down with Dr. Penny Rosenblum, an educator and advocate who has made a significant impact in the field of visual impairment. They discuss her background, her personal journey with low vision, and the role her mother played in shaping her advocacy skills. Dr. Rosenblum shares valuable insights on self-advocacy, the importance of accessible education, and strategies parents can use to empower their children with blindness or low vision.
Additionally, Moses kicks off the episode with a special birthday initiative for Penn, encouraging listeners to send physical birthday cards instead of just virtual greetings.
This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation, with Part 2 airing next week.

Chapter Markers:
📍 00:00 – Introduction to The Blind Chick
📍 01:10 – Special birthday initiative for Penn Street
📍 04:00 – Welcoming guest Dr. Penny Rosenblum
📍 06:30 – The story behind Penny’s name
📍 09:00 – Early childhood experiences and vision challenges
📍 13:00 – The role of advocacy in education
📍 15:30 – Choosing a career in teaching and visual impairment advocacy
📍 18:00 – The importance of having an adaptive ‘toolbox’
📍 20:25 – Encouraging children to be self-advocates
📍 22:50 – Teaser for Part 2 airing next week

Contact & Engagement:
📬 Send Penn a Birthday Card!
📍 Address: 1700 55th Street, Suite A, Boulder, CO 80301

📣 Want to support the show?
Leave a review and share this episode!
Follow Aftersight’s other podcasts:
Blindsight – Exploring mental health and addiction recovery
Navigating Life with Vision Loss – A new season on advocacy launching soon!
Blind Level Tech – Exploring the latest in accessible technology
📧 Contact us: jonathan@aftersight.org
📞 Voicemail/Text: (720) 712-8856

Clarke Reynolds Part 2

Aftersight — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 02:00:35 -0700

In this inspiring episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses sit down with Clark Reynolds, a blind artist who is revolutionizing Braille by bringing it into the 21st century. Clark shares his journey as an artist, his advocacy for Braille accessibility, and his upcoming children’s book, Mr. Dot and His Magical White Cane Adventures. The conversation touches on breaking barriers in the art world, the importance of universal Braille, and the power of community in creative industries.
Clark discusses his efforts to integrate Braille into everyday spaces, his dream of making Braille signage more accessible and aesthetically pleasing, and how art has been his light in a world that is getting darker. The conversation also explores the societal perception of disability, the parallels between blind individuals and the X-Men, and the importance of collaboration in breaking stereotypes.

🔹 Key Topics:
The importance of Braille and making it universal
Clark’s journey as a blind artist and his struggles in the art world
Using art to challenge perceptions of disability
His book Mr. Dot and His Magical White Cane Adventures
The need for community among disabled artists
Advocacy for better Braille signage and accessibility

📌 Guest Contact Info:
🌐 Website: Seeing Without Seeing
📷 Instagram: @ClarkReynoldsOfficial

Chapter Markers:
⏱️ 00:00 – Introduction (Jonathan Price opens the show)
⏱️ 00:30 – Recap of Previous Episode (Clark Reynolds Pt. 1)
⏱️ 02:16 – Clark Reynolds Introduces His Passion for Braille
⏱️ 04:40 – Advocating for Universal Braille Use
⏱️ 06:58 – Challenges of Braille Accessibility in the UK vs. US
⏱️ 09:23 – Clark’s Journey as a Blind Artist
⏱️ 11:49 – Breaking Barriers in the Art World
⏱️ 14:07 – The X-Men Analogy: Embracing Superpowers
⏱️ 16:24 – Building a Community of Blind Artists
⏱️ 18:53 – Clark’s Upcoming Book: Mr. Dot’s Adventures
⏱️ 21:17 – The White Cane: A Symbol of Freedom, Not Disability
⏱️ 23:40 – Encouraging More Braille in Public Spaces
⏱️ 26:01 – Final Thoughts & Clark’s Message to the World
⏱️ 28:24 – Closing Remarks & Where to Find Clark’s Work

Braille Art Revolution with Clarke Reynolds

Aftersight — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 02:00:48 -0700

n this episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn Street and Moses Street welcome Clark Reynolds, an extraordinary blind Braille artist and soon-to-be-published author. Clark shares his journey growing up with low vision, his love for art, and how he transformed his artistic expression after losing his sight. He discusses his innovative Braille-based artwork, which not only creates beautiful visual pieces but also gives blind individuals a deeper, more meaningful experience. His unique approach challenges the traditional way art is consumed, making Braille an artistic and storytelling medium.
The conversation also touches on Clark's experiences with homelessness, his career in dental artistry, and his upcoming projects, including Braille portraits and educational toys that teach Braille in a fun and engaging way. Clark’s inspiring journey and artistic vision redefine accessibility in the art world, proving that blindness is not a barrier to creativity.

Episode Highlights & Chapter Markers
00:00 - Welcome to The Blind Chick! Introduction by Penn and Moses Street.
02:07 - Introducing Clark Reynolds: The Braille artist and soon-to-be author.
03:27 - Clark’s background: Growing up with low vision and discovering art at age six.
08:08 - The impact of vision loss and navigating life changes.
10:31 - The shift from dental artistry to exploring tactile art.
17:30 - Learning Braille in just three weeks and using it as an artistic medium.
19:54 - Creating Braille typography and art that tells stories.
22:14 - Braille portraits, the Donald Trump piece, and upcoming projects.
24:36 - Changing how blind individuals experience art vs. sighted people.
26:57 - Clark’s work in education: Teaching over 13,000 children Braille through art.
28:00 - Upcoming projects: Educational toys, Braille puzzles, and a Braille cube.
29:30 - Outro: Teasing Part 2 and other Aftersight podcasts.

Listen & Subscribe
🔹 Follow The Blind Chick on your favorite podcast platform!
🔹 Check out other Aftersight podcasts:
Blindsight – Mental health in the blind community
Blind Level Tech – Accessible technology
Navigating Life with Vision Loss – Advocacy season coming soon!

📢 Help Us Grow!
⭐ Leave a 5-star review and share with your family & friends!

Emergency Preparedness with Marty Sobo (Part 2)

Aftersight — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 02:00:15 -0700

In this powerful follow-up conversation, The Blind Chick welcomes back Marty Sobo to continue the discussion on emergency preparedness for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Marty shares firsthand experiences from surviving the California wildfires, highlighting critical gaps in emergency alert systems, evacuation challenges, and the importance of self-advocacy, community support, and preparedness strategies.
This episode builds on Part 1, where Marty shared the harrowing details of his experience navigating the LA fires. If you haven’t heard it yet, be sure to listen to Part 1 to fully grasp the impact and significance of this conversation.

Key Topics & Takeaways:
? Alert System Inefficiencies: Why emergency alerts vary by location and how some fail to reach those who need them most.
? Disaster Preparedness for the Blind Community: Practical steps to create a personal evacuation plan, including backup supplies, accessible communication strategies, and designating safe meetup locations.
? The Importance of Knowing Your Neighbors: Building relationships with your local community can be life-saving in an emergency.
? How to Prepare in Advance: The significance of having a "go bag," storing essential documents at multiple locations, and keeping extra mobility aids (like a folding cane) with trusted family members or friends.
? Emergency Drills & Rehearsing Your Plan: How practicing evacuations can reduce stress and panic when disaster strikes.

Chapter Markers:
? 00:00 – Intro: Welcome to The Blind Chick! Why this episode matters.
? 01:15 – Recap of Part 1: Marty Sobo’s experience with the LA fires.
? 02:30 – Emergency Alert Systems: Why accessibility is a major issue.
? 05:00 – California vs. Colorado: How disaster notifications vary by state.
? 08:45 – The Role of Fire Departments & Local Agencies.
? 12:10 – How to Build a Personal Emergency Plan.
? 16:00 – Self-Advocacy: What to communicate with neighbors & emergency responders.
? 19:30 – The Importance of Practicing Evacuation Plans.
? 24:00 – Final Thoughts: Marty’s key takeaways on disaster preparedness.
? 27:30 – Closing Remarks: Stay prepared & connected!

? Call to Action:
? Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners. ? Share this episode with your friends, family, and community—preparedness saves lives! ? Questions or suggestions? Email us at [Insert Email] or follow us on social media at @Aftersight. ? Subscribe to The Blind Chick wherever you listen to podcasts!

Surviving the California Wildfires with Marty Sobo (Part 1)

Aftersight — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 02:00:26 -0700

This episode of The Blind Chick dives into the harrowing realities of navigating natural disasters as a blind individual. Hosts Moses and Penn Street welcome back Marty Sobo, who shares his firsthand experience of the devastating California wildfires. The discussion highlights the challenges posed by environmental disasters, from emergency evacuations to the importance of preparedness. Marty also recounts his insights from working in fire service and how blind individuals can better prepare for emergencies.

Listeners gain a deep understanding of the unique hurdles faced by those with vision loss during disasters and practical steps for creating an emergency plan. Stay tuned for Part 2, where Marty will provide detailed advice on assembling a go-bag and creating a robust preparedness strategy.

Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Introduction and Overview
02:18 – Welcome Back: Marty Sobo Returns
04:41 – Firestorm Beginnings: Marty’s Account
07:02 – Evacuation Challenges and Traffic Chaos
11:46 – Horror Stories from the Frontlines
14:04 – Preparing for the Unexpected
16:26 – Lessons from the Field: Marty’s Fire Service Background
20:59 – Practical Emergency Preparedness Tips
23:12 – The Reality of Alerts and Miscommunication
27:59 – Closing Remarks and Preview of Part 2

Exploring Intimacy, Therapy, and Insight with Raquel Perez (Part 2)

Aftersight — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 02:00:48 -0700

This episode of The Blind Chick continues the conversation with Raquel Perez, a licensed couples and sex therapist, focusing on the intersection of intimacy, mental health, and personal growth. Raquel shares insights into therapy approaches, including ketamine-assisted therapy, and discusses the significance of creating a safe space for exploration and self-awareness. The hosts, Penn and Moses, reflect on their personal experiences with therapy and the role of curiosity in overcoming societal taboos surrounding sex, drugs, and vision loss. Raquel emphasizes the importance of addressing trauma, fostering open dialogue, and finding safety to explore one's inner world.

Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Introduction and content warning by Jonathan Price
02:19 – Understanding lived experiences and their impact on intimacy
04:30 – Normalizing discussions about sex and relationships through humor
06:50 – Raquel’s unique approach to couples and sex therapy
09:12 – Ketamine therapy: Process, benefits, and misconceptions
13:42 – Addressing societal stigmas surrounding drugs and therapy
16:09 – Drawing parallels between taboo topics like sex and drug use
18:31 – Importance of breaking the secrecy surrounding vision loss
20:52 – The role of curiosity and open conversations in healing
23:09 – How to contact Raquel Perez and her therapy modalities
25:14 – Final thoughts: Embracing curiosity, insight, and self-awareness

Contact Information:
Raquel Perez
Website: www.intimacounseling.com
Email: Raquel@intimacounseling.com
Social Media: @RaquelPerez.Intima (YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok)

Have questions for Raquel Perez or the hosts? Email us at feedback@aftersight.org or call (720) 712-8856. Don’t forget to tune in next week for more insightful discussions!

Understanding Intimacy: A Conversation with Raquel Perez

Aftersight — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 02:00:02 -0700

This episode of The Blind Chick dives into a candid and eye-opening discussion about sex education, intimacy, and navigating the complexities of relationships within the blind and low-vision community. Guest Raquel Perez shares her journey from being a young mother with retinitis pigmentosa to becoming a sex therapist, highlighting the importance of normalizing conversations about sexuality. The episode addresses stigma, the impact of cultural and familial silence around sex, and the unique challenges faced by blind individuals in learning about intimacy.

Key topics include:
The evolution of Raquel’s career and her experiences with vision loss.
Addressing the lack of sex education for blind youth and its consequences.
Strategies for fostering open dialogue about sex and intimacy, starting in childhood.
How societal perceptions shape our understanding of relationships and sexuality for atypical populations.
Content Warning: This episode contains adult content and is not suitable for young listeners.

Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Listener Discretion Advised
00:50 – Introduction to Raquel Perez and Her Journey
02:49 – Navigating Vision Loss and the Spectrum of Blindness
07:30 – Challenges of Shame and Visibility in RP Families
12:10 – Raquel's Path to Becoming a Sex Therapist
16:40 – Sex Education and Advocacy for the Blind Community
21:24 – Shifting Perspectives on Sex and Normalizing Conversations
23:49 – Cultural Silence and Sex in Retirement Communities

Denise Leigh: Britain's Got Talent and Other Silly Stories!

Aftersight — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 02:00:34 -0700

In this heartwarming episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses welcome Denise Leigh for the third and final part of their incredible conversation. Denise, a blind musician, cancer survivor, and mother, shares her inspirational journey through life, career, and motherhood. From discussing her groundbreaking role in Britain's disability arts scene to her appearances on Britain's Got Talent and performances at iconic venues like the London Paralympics, Denise offers insight into her resilience and mindset.
The episode explores the "secret sauce" for success among blind individuals, the importance of visibility in the arts, and the role of advocacy in breaking down barriers. Denise also shares personal stories, such as her son's cheeky reaction to her Operatunity win and her methods for navigating the stage as a blind performer. As the conversation wraps up, Denise emphasizes the critical role of support and belief in helping children with disabilities achieve their dreams.
Listeners are reminded of the value of programs like The Blind Chick and how they can support Aftersight’s mission to empower the blind and low-vision community.

Chapter Markers
00:00.077 – Introduction by Jonathan Price
02:22.402 – Denise Leigh: The Secret Sauce of Thriving Blind
03:47.728 – "I'm a Musician Who Happens to Be Blind"
06:01.424 – From Operatunity to Britain's Got Talent
08:19.464 – Challenges and Triumphs in Mainstream Arts
10:40.137 – Navigating Blindness on Stage
13:07.561 – BGT Audition and Simon Cowell’s Encouragement
15:29.043 – Denise’s Sons React to Her Success
17:46.549 – Reflections on Parenting and Advocacy
19:48.841 – Closing Thoughts and Future Collaborations
24:27.861 – Call to Action: Supporting Aftersight

Denise Leigh: Blindness, Brass Bands, and Battling Breast Cancer

Aftersight — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 02:00:53 -0700

Summary: In part two of this heartfelt three-part series, Denise Leigh shares her journey of living with genetic blindness, parenting children with vision loss, and discovering her remarkable talent for music and opera. Denise recounts the challenges and triumphs of her early life, her musical beginnings, and her path to becoming a classically trained singer—all while navigating the unexpected twists of her family's genetic story. She also reflects on her battle with breast cancer and the enduring support of her best friend, Tess. This episode continues the inspiring conversation hosted by Penn and Moses, highlighting resilience, the power of community, and living life with grace and humor.

Chapter Markers:
00:00: Introduction and thank you for Colorado Gives donations
02:22: Denise's family learns about a rare genetic condition
04:47: Parenting challenges and the power of resilience
07:09: Genetic discoveries and their surprising outcomes
09:34: Denise’s early education and musical beginnings
12:01: Discovering a passion for brass instruments
14:17: Transitioning to opera and finding a lifelong mentor
19:14: Denise’s breast cancer journey and her enduring strength
23:59: The bond with Tess through shared struggles
26:18: Closing reflections and gratitude

Contact Information:
? Phone: (720) 712-8856
? Email: feedback@aftersight.org
? Website: Aftersight.org

Denise Leigh: A Life of Light in Darkness (Part 1 of 3)

Aftersight — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 02:00:05 -0700

In this episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn Street and Moses Street kick off an inspiring three-part series with Denise Leigh. Denise shares her extraordinary journey of living with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), raising four children, and navigating life as a blind parent. From her early years in a challenging residential school system to raising her youngest son with RP, Denise's story is filled with resilience, humor, and deep love for her family.
This episode explores the joys and challenges of parenting while blind, the importance of community, and the emotional toll of passing on RP. Don’t miss the beginning of this incredible story.

Chapter Markers:
00:00 - Introduction: Welcome to The Blind Chick!
02:26 - Thanksgiving in 1920s Style
04:42 - Meet Denise Leigh: Her Village and Early Life
06:57 - Early School Years: A Tough Start
11:44 - Parenting Challenges as a Blind Mother
16:15 - Raising Four Kids: The Village Approach
20:50 - Discovering RP in Her Youngest Child
25:37 - The Emotional Toll of Passing on RP
27:55 - Closing and Colorado Gives Day Reminder

Contact Aftersight:
www.aftersight.org
info@aftersight.org
(720) 712-8856

Back to sports with Wendy Fagan

Aftersight — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 02:00:31 -0700

In this inspiring episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses Street interview Wendy Fagan, the director of Envision Blind Sports. Together, they explore how Envision Blind Sports empowers individuals of all ages through adaptive sports, promoting independence, confidence, and joy.

Chapter Markers:
00:00 - Introduction
00:28 - The Philosophy of Envision Blind Sports
02:51 - Adaptive Sports Techniques
07:37 - The Bigger Picture of Sports
10:03 - Outreach and Accessibility
14:43 - Funding and Volunteer Support
19:21 - Participant Costs and Accessibility
24:00 - Future Plans: Blind Adult Camp
26:14 - Closing Remarks

Contact Information:
Envision Blind Sports
Website: www.EnvisionBlindSports.org Facebook & Instagram: Envision Blind Sports
LinkedIn: Envision Blind Sports
Volunteer, donate, or learn more through their website's contact form.

Aftersight
Website: www.AfterSight.org
Phone: (720) 712-8856
Email: feedback@aftersight.org

Colorado Gives Day
Support transformative programs like Envision Blind Sports and Aftersight by donating on December 10th. Your contributions help create life-changing opportunities for individuals with low vision or blindness.
Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on The Blind Chick!

Thanksgiving with The Blind Chick

Aftersight — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 02:00:35 -0700

The Blind Chick: Thanksgiving Special

In this heartfelt and humorous Thanksgiving episode, hosts Penn and Moses Street reflect on their 37 years of shared Thanksgivings, highlighting the challenges, joys, and quirky memories that make the holiday meaningful. From hilarious stories about green Jell-O salads to the significance of creating new traditions with family and friends, this episode captures the spirit of gratitude and community. The hosts also share personal milestones, reflect on life's difficulties, and celebrate their listeners for helping them surpass 40,000 downloads.

Chapter Markers:
[00:00] Intro and Reflections – Thanksgiving memories and the evolution of traditions.
[05:15] Gratitude for the Community – Celebrating 40,000 downloads and listener appreciation.
[08:30] Hike and Community Events – Highlights from Aftersight's annual hike.
[13:00] Nostalgic Thanksgiving Memories – Moses’ mom’s green Jell-O salad story.
[20:00] Modern-Day Thanksgivings – Friendsgiving and family gatherings.
[26:00] Gratitude Highlights – Penn and Moses share what they’re most thankful for.
[31:00] Wrap-Up and Call to Action – Kindness, gratitude, and Colorado Gives Day.

This Thanksgiving, consider supporting Aftersight by donating on Colorado Gives Day. Your contributions help create resources and community events that uplift the lives of people with low vision.

Visit Colorado Gives Day and search for Aftersight or contact us directly at (720) 712-8856 or email us at feedback@aftersight.org to learn more.

Thank you for being part of our journey. From all of us at The Blind Chick, we wish you a joyful and memorable Thanksgiving!

Stay Connected:
Follow Aftersight on Facebook and Instagram for updates on events and new podcast episodes. Be sure to subscribe to The Blind Chick for more stories, laughs, and inspiration.

Envision Blind Sports Part 1

Aftersight — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 23:51:29 -0700

In this engaging episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn Street and Moses Street sit down with Wendy Fagan, founder of Envision Blind Sports, to discuss the life-changing impact of adaptive sports for blind and visually impaired individuals. Wendy shares her journey from discovering goalball and beat baseball to founding Envision Blind Sports, a nonprofit that introduces participants to over 25 different sports and activities.
Together, they explore how sports can break stereotypes, inspire confidence, and foster independence. Wendy shares heartwarming stories of athletes who found joy and purpose through adaptive sports, while emphasizing the importance of exposing participants to a variety of opportunities. From rock climbing to skiing, Envision Blind Sports is helping athletes discover their passions and integrate into their local communities.
The episode also delves into the broader challenges and misconceptions surrounding blindness and adaptive sports. Wendy and the hosts discuss how sports can be a universal language, breaking barriers and bringing people together.
Looking ahead, the hosts preview part two of their conversation with Wendy, as well as upcoming special episodes, including a Thanksgiving message and highlights from Colorado Gives Day.

Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Welcome and introduction.
05:10 – Meet Wendy Fagan.
07:34 – Origins of The Blind Chick podcast.
12:20 – Discovering adaptive sports.
14:24 – About Envision Blind Sports.
19:02 – Breaking stereotypes in sports.
23:42 – Inspiring inclusion through education.
27:50 – Part two preview and closing.

Contact Information:
Aftersight is a nonprofit organization producing The Blind Chick podcast and other empowering content for the blind and visually impaired community. Support their work through donations, and check out their other podcasts:
Website: Aftersight.org
Phone: (720) 712-8856
Email: feedback@aftersight.org

Envision Blind Sports
Envision Blind Sports introduces individuals to adaptive sports, fostering confidence, independence, and joy through movement. With programs spanning 25+ sports, they empower participants of all ages to discover their passions.
Website: EnvisionBlindSports.org

Colorado Gives Day
Support Aftersight this Colorado Gives Day on December 10th! Your donations help fund inclusive programming like The Blind Chick, making a difference in the lives of blind and visually impaired individuals.
Donate Here: ColoradoGives.org

Join us next week for part two of our conversation with Wendy Fagan, and don’t miss our Thanksgiving message from Penn and Moses. Keep tuning in, and thank you for being part of the Blind Chick family!

Uncommon Vision: Matt Hendrick on Art, UFOs, and Purpose

Aftersight — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 02:00:22 -0700

Join hosts Penn and Moses as they continue their captivating conversation with Matt Hendrick in the second installment of his story. Matt delves deeper into his extraordinary life journey, sharing more about his out-of-body experiences, encounters with the unexplainable, and the artistic inspirations that shape his unique style. The episode highlights the role of disability in discovering purpose, finding beauty in unexpected places, and the uncharted paths that emerge from life’s challenges. Tune in to explore thought-provoking discussions on spirituality, art, and resilience.

Contact Information

Matt Hendrick:
Website: hendrickmedia.com
Social Media: @MattHendrickArt on Facebook and Instagram
Book: Uncommon Vision: Embracing the Unseen

Aftersight:
Email: info@aftersight.org
Contact Number: (720) 712-8856
Website: aftersight.org

Support Aftersight on Colorado Gives Day! Help us continue producing impactful content by contributing to Aftersight this holiday season. Colorado Gives Day is December 10th, and every donation fuels our mission to create accessible resources for the blind and low-vision community. Your contributions make a difference in building a more inclusive world. Donations are tax-deductible, and every dollar counts toward creating content like The Blind Chick.

Chapter Markers
00:00 - Introduction and Colorado Gives Day
02:12 - Matt’s Experiences with UFOs and Openness
04:36 - Spiritual Encounters and Family Reflections
06:22 - Guardian Angel Memories and Childhood Stories
08:38 - Discussion on Ancient Art and Mysticism
10:59 - Artistic Inspiration and Techniques
13:21 - Use of AI in Art and Creating Alien Imagery
15:21 - Reflections on Disability and Purpose
17:45 - Facing Life with a Disability and Needing Support
20:09 - Finding Connection Through Disability
22:34 - Contact Information for Matt and Final Thoughts

Uncommon Vision: The Matt Hendrick Story Part 1

Aftersight — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 02:00:12 -0700

In this captivating episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn and Moses Street sit down with artist and author Matt Hendrick to explore his remarkable journey. Matt, who has survived numerous near-death experiences, shares his inspiring path from a life-altering car accident to becoming an artist who paints using his mouth and hand. His newest book, Uncommon Vision: Embracing the Unseen, delves into his experiences and the profound insights he's gained from his journey, including unique perceptions, synchronicities, and the spiritual connections he's encountered. Matt also reveals his creative process, including how he utilized technology like ChatGPT to craft his memoir, bringing his story to life in ways he hadn't imagined.
Penn and Moses, known for their own adventurous lives, connect with Matt's experiences of life beyond physical limitations and share anecdotes about spiritual connections and the role of art and storytelling in processing trauma and celebrating resilience.
Stay tuned for Part Two next week, where Matt delves even further into his life and experiences.

Resources and Contact Information:
Matt's Book: Uncommon Vision: Embracing the Unseen – Available in audiobook, Kindle, and paperback.

Support Aftersight for Colorado Gives Day (December 10th): Donate and support shows like The Blind Chick, Blindsight, Navigating Life with Vision Loss, and Blind Level Tech. Your contributions make it possible to produce accessible content for the blind community.
Colorado Gives Day Donation Link

Thank you for listening and supporting accessible storytelling. Be kind to yourself and others—it’s good for the soul!

Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Moses introduces his mountain lion story and The Blind Chick podcast.
02:23 – Moses and Penn share about meeting new friends on the trail.
04:50 – Matt describes his journey with painting as a quadriplegic.
07:15 – Matt discusses the process of writing his memoir.
09:40 – Matt and hosts discuss near-death experiences and spirituality.
12:06 – Moses shares his own experiences with premonitions and intuition.
14:30 – Penn talks about her connection with her angel, Casey.
16:53 – Penn recalls her childhood near-death experience.
19:21 – Matt and hosts discuss finding balance in spiritual connection.
21:47 – Jonathan closes Part One, encourages Colorado Gives Day donations, and thanks listeners.

You Want Me to Boat Race?

Aftersight — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 02:00:33 -0600

The Blind Chick Podcast Summary
In this episode of The Blind Chick, your hosts Penn and Moses Street dive into a conversation with Chelsea Elder from Adaptive Adventures. Together, they explore the power of adaptive sports and how they create a supportive, tight-knit community for people with disabilities. Chelsea shares the excitement of their unique Dragon Boat Racing program and how it fosters camaraderie and confidence, especially for participants with blindness or low vision. She also highlights other inclusive programs at Adaptive Adventures, from kayaking and paddleboarding to indoor fitness and climbing.
Throughout this episode, you'll learn how Adaptive Adventures works to reduce barriers for individuals of all abilities, connecting them to a range of year-round activities and even offering specialized programs for veterans. Don’t miss this inspiring discussion on how these adaptive programs empower participants to embrace challenges and discover new passions.

Contact Information:
Aftersight
Website: aftersight.org
Phone: (720) 712-8856
Email: feedback@aftersight.org

Adaptive Adventures
Website: adaptiveadventures.org
Email: info@adaptiveadventures.org

Colorado Gives Day
Support Aftersight and Adaptive Adventures on Colorado Gives Day, happening on December 10th! Your donations help keep these programs thriving and accessible. Contribute to help expand resources for the blind and low vision community across Colorado.

Chapter Markers:
00:00 – Welcome to The Blind Chick
00:28 – Message from Producer Jonathan Price
02:43 – Introducing Chelsea Elder and Adaptive Adventures
04:34 – Dragon Boat Racing and Community Building
06:53 – The Spirit of Dragon Boat Racing
09:11 – Benefits of Adaptive Adventures Programs
11:27 – Getting Started with Adaptive Adventures
13:44 – Dragon Boat Seasons and Continuation
16:03 – Access Adventure Days and Multi-Sport Events
18:15 – Adaptive Adventures Funding and Corporate Partnerships
18:42 – Winter Programs and Indoor Activities
20:48 – Veterans and PTSD Programs
22:55 – How to Get Involved and Volunteer

Who Said You Needed Sight to Play Sports?

Aftersight — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 02:00:41 -0600

Join hosts Penn and Moses Street as they tackle misconceptions about blindness and share personal, humorous stories in this episode of The Blind Chick. They’re joined by Chelsea Elder from Adaptive Adventures, who highlights the life-changing impact of adaptive sports programs. Chelsea shares how her organization provides outdoor recreation opportunities across the country for people with disabilities, along with their families and caregivers.
From kayaking to Dragon Boat racing, this episode shows that blindness is just the beginning of the adventure.
For more on Adaptive Adventures, visit adaptiveadventures.org. Have questions or comments for The Blind Chick? Reach out at (720) 712-8856 or email feedback@aftersight.org.
Also, don’t forget that Colorado Gives Day is coming up on December 10th! Donations open on November 1st and support Aftersight’s mission. Make a difference by contributing—it's a great tax write-off and helps us continue our work! Visit coloradogives.org for more information and to donate.
Takeaways
Blindness is often misunderstood, leading to misconceptions about what blind people look like.
Adaptive Adventures provides inclusive sports opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Community engagement is crucial for creating sustainable adaptive sports programs.
Lived experience among staff enhances the support provided to participants.
Adaptive sports can help individuals with disabilities regain confidence and independence.
Inclusion of families in adaptive sports fosters a sense of togetherness and support.
The importance of collaboration with other organizations to expand resources and reach.
Celebrating small victories can lead to significant changes in individuals' lives.
Adaptive Adventures focuses on removing barriers to participation in sports.
Creating a supportive community is essential for the success of adaptive sports programs.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to The Blind Chick Podcast
02:50 Exploring Blindness and Perception
06:00 Adaptive Adventures: A Passion for Inclusion
12:05 Community Engagement and Support
18:46 The Importance of Lived Experience
24:00 Celebrating Achievements and Community
26:53 Conclusion and Future Discussions

Blind Chick Designs Part 2

Aftersight — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 02:00:44 -0600

Welcome back to The Blind Chick! In this episode, Penn and Moses continue their conversation with Tricia, the founder of Blind Girl Designs. Tricia shares her journey in the fashion industry as a blind business owner, discussing how she uses her white cane as a symbol of freedom and how her designs break down stereotypes around blindness. She talks about the inspiration behind her products, the importance of accessibility, and the empowering connections she's made within the blind community. Tune in for an inspiring story of resilience and creativity!
Contact Info:
Website: Blind Girl Designs
Phone: (862) 448-1011
Support Aftersight: aftersight.org
Remember to be kind to yourself and someone else—it's good for your soul.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to The Blind Chick Podcast
00:30 Revisiting Tricia's Journey
01:53 Navigating Challenges in Design
05:17 Embracing the White Cane
06:45 Designs that Spark Conversations
10:29 Creative Inspirations and Collaborations
14:16 Breaking Stereotypes of Blindness
19:27 The Impact of Social Media on Blindness Awareness
22:51 Reflections on Identity and Adversity
24:40 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

Blind Girl Designs: Tricia Waechter Part 1

Aftersight — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 02:00:38 -0600

In this episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn and Moses Street share their relaxing getaway to Colorado’s Hot Sulphur Springs, discussing the importance of self-care and rejuvenation.
Special guest Tricia Waechter joins the conversation, sharing her journey with vision loss and how she built her company, Blind Girl Designs, after transitioning from a career in fashion.
This episode is full of humor, heart, and inspiration, reminding us all to embrace life’s challenges. Don’t miss part two next week!
#TheBlindChick #BlindGirlDesigns #SelfCare #VisionLoss #Resilience
Takeaways
Self-care is essential for mental and physical well-being.
Hot springs can provide a unique and rejuvenating experience.
Living with vision loss presents unexpected challenges.
Transitioning to blindness can be a difficult journey.
Building a business can be a way to reclaim independence.
Community support is vital for those with disabilities.
Self-accommodation is a common experience for those with vision loss.
The fashion industry can be inclusive and adaptive.
Embracing change can lead to new opportunities.
Finding joy in small moments is important.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to The Blind Chick Podcast
02:23 The Importance of Self-Care
04:41 Living with Vision Loss
12:49 Transitioning to Blindness and New Beginnings
23:28 Building Blind Girl Designs

Evan Schwabrock's Journey: Fitness, Empowerment, and Thriving with Vision Loss

Aftersight — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 02:00:40 -0600

In this episode of The Blind Chick podcast, hosts Penn and Moses Street dive into an inspiring conversation with Evan Schwabrock, who opens up about his journey of adapting to vision loss from Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy. Evan shares the real challenges he’s faced—both personally and from societal misconceptions about blindness—and how he’s pushed through to prove his capabilities. He also talks about his passion for fitness and empowerment through his initiative, Kane and Able Fitness, which is dedicated to helping the visually impaired community reach their fitness goals. You can learn more about his work at KaneAndAbleFitness.com.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Aftersight at (720) 712-8856 or email feedback@aftersight.org. Tune in to hear how physical fitness can fuel personal growth and help overcome life's obstacles.
Takeaways
Blindness can be an adventure if we embrace it.
Vision loss is only a barrier if we let it be.
Adapting to vision loss requires determination and support.
Societal perceptions often underestimate the capabilities of the blind.
Fitness can empower individuals with visual impairments.
Kane and Able Fitness aims to provide accessible fitness resources.
Overcoming challenges in fitness can translate to life skills.
Movement should be enjoyable, not a punishment.
Personal growth often starts with physical fitness.
Everyone deserves to feel confident and capable, regardless of disability.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Blindness
02:25 Evan's Diagnosis and Initial Challenges
07:33 Adapting to Vision Loss and Independent Living
12:09 Overcoming Societal Doubts and Misconceptions
17:00 Kane and Able Fitness: Empowering the Visually Impaired
23:00 The Broader Impact of Fitness on Life Goals

Joel Schneider - Soul Dogs Part 2

Aftersight — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 02:00:38 -0600

We know you have questions for Penn and Moses. Why not drop them the line and ask them those burning questions that you can't keep inside? Call us at 720-712-8856 or email us at feedback@aftersight.org.
In this episode of The Blind Chick podcast, Penn and Moses engage in a heartfelt conversation with Joel Schneider about the journey of training service dogs and the impact they have on individuals with disabilities. They discuss the unique experiences with guide dogs, the training processes involved, and the importance of community support in fostering a better understanding of service animals. The conversation emphasizes the humane treatment of all creatures and the need for more resources and awareness in the field of service dog training.
If you would like to find out more about a soul dogs, you can visit their website at
https://www.soul-dogs-inc.org/
Takeaways
Blindness can be an adventure and a journey of strength.
Guide dogs have unique personalities and relationships with their handlers.
Soul Dogs operates as a job development program for individuals with disabilities.
Training methods for dogs can vary widely, similar to different cuisines.
Many guide dogs do not complete their training for various reasons.
Humane treatment of all animals is a core value in service dog training.
Community involvement is crucial for the success of service dog programs.
There are significant costs and time commitments involved in obtaining a service dog.
Support for service dog training can come from various community resources.
Everyone can contribute to animal welfare by fostering or adopting dogs.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to The Blind Chick Podcast
00:26 The Journey with Guide Dogs
05:13 Soul Dogs: Training and Career Development
10:16 The Process of Guide Dog Training
14:04 Challenges in Service Dog Training
18:45 Community Involvement and Support
22:30 The Importance of Humane Treatment
24:28 Conclusion and Call to Action

Joel Schneider: Soul Dogs

Aftersight — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 08:35:19 -0600

Thank you for listening to this episode of the Blind Chick. I know you have questions for Penn and Moses, so why not ask? Give us a call at (720) 712-8856 or email us at feedback@aftersight.org
In this episode of The Blind Chick podcast, hosts Penn and Moses Street engage with Joel Schneider, the executive director of Soul Dogs, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to training service dogs for individuals with disabilities. The conversation explores the mission of Soul Dogs, the process of training service dogs, and the profound impact these animals have on the lives of their handlers. Schneider shares insights into the unique abilities of service dogs, the importance of temperament in training, and the distinction between service dogs and emotional support animals. The episode highlights the healing power of the human-animal bond and the transformative experiences of those involved with Soul Dogs.
Takeaways
Blindness can be an adventure and a journey of strength.
Soul Dogs, Inc. was founded to support individuals with disabilities.
The connection between animals and healing trauma is profound.
Training service dogs involves understanding their temperament.
Service dogs can be trained to detect medical conditions like seizures.
The journey of training a service dog is both rewarding and challenging.
Emotional support animals differ from service dogs in their roles.
Community involvement is crucial for the success of nonprofits like Soul Dogs.
Every dog has unique abilities that can be harnessed for support.
The bond between humans and dogs is a source of joy and healing.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to The Blind Chick Podcast
02:23 Meet Joel Schneider and Soul Dogs, Inc.
03:20 The Mission and Impact of Soul Dogs
12:41 The Journey of Training Service Dogs
18:24 Understanding the Unique Abilities of Service Dogs
21:10 The Difference Between Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals

Paula Kissinger: Train them how to train you. It's not that hard!

Aftersight — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 02:00:32 -0600

We're so glad you're listening to The Blind Chick. If you have any questions for Penn or Moses, email them at feedback@aftersight.org or give them a call at (720) 712-8856.
In this episode, Paula Kissinger is back for part 2 as she talks with Penn and Moses Street. They discuss their experiences with adaptive sports, including swimming, hiking, and working on a cattle ranch. They share tips for swimming in the ocean and hiking with a visual impairment. They also talk about how participating in sports has impacted their lives and provided them with valuable life skills. The episode concludes with a discussion on finding resources and services for adaptive sports.
Takeaways
There are adaptive ways to participate in various sports, such as swimming and hiking, even with a visual impairment.
Participating in sports can teach valuable life skills, such as perseverance and the ability to overcome challenges.
Sports can have a positive impact on career choices and relationships.
It is important for parents to allow their children with disabilities to experience struggles and learn independence.
There are many resources and services available for adaptive sports, and getting involved in a program can be a great experience.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:51 Various Sports and Magic Tricks
01:48 Swimming and Echolocation
06:28 Swimming in the Ocean
09:44 Hiking with a Visual Impairment
12:37 Impact of Sports on Career and Relationships
18:50 Working on a Cattle Ranch
21:11 Takeaway: Overcoming Challenges and Finding Independence
21:39 Takeaway: Adaptive Sports for Everyone
22:06 Finding Resources and Services for Adaptive Sports25:23 Conclusion

Paula Kissinger: Finding Normalcy and Community Through Sports

Aftersight — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 02:00:13 -0600

Summary
Paula Kissinger, a guest on The Blind Chick podcast, shares her story of how sports became her compass through vision loss. She grew up loving sports and found a sense of normalcy and community at a summer camp for kids with visual impairments. She discovered her love for judo at the camp and went on to compete in able-bodied competitions. Paula also talks about her passion for skiing and how she learned to ski at a young age. She now mentors young skiers and encourages them to overcome their fears.
Takeaways
Sports can be a compass for navigating vision loss and provide a sense of normalcy and community.
Judo is an accessible sport for people with visual impairments due to its tactile nature.
Skiing can be enjoyed by blind and low vision individuals with the help of guides and proper training.
Parents should encourage their blind or low vision children to try sports and support their progress.
Overcoming fear is an important part of participating in sports and achieving personal growth.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:20 Growing Up in Colorado and Moving to Philadelphia
03:40 Paula's Vision Diagnosis and Journey
06:03 Discovering Sports and Judo at Summer Camp
08:23 The Impact of Sports on Paula's Life
10:38 The Accessibility of Judo for People with Visual Impairments
13:29 Skiing with Guides and Overcoming Fears
16:20 Different Styles of Guiding in Skiing
19:11 Paula's Love for Skiing and Favorite Ski Areas
22:40 Paula's Role as a Mentor for Young Skiers
24:08 Encouraging Blind and Low Vision Children to Try Sports
25:52 Overcoming Fear in Sports and Achieving Personal Growth
26:23 Conclusion and Preview of Part 2

Live From the Shine Festival

Aftersight — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 02:00:30 -0600

Summary
The Blind Chick podcast is a platform for people with disabilities to share their stories. The hosts Penn and Moses Street interview individuals from all over the world, including para-Olympians, gamers, photographers, artists, writers, and activists. In this episode, they interview Ted Tahquechi, a blind art photographer, who creates 3D printable art that can be touched and experienced by people with visual impairments. They also interview Jacqueline and Alexa, the creators of the Dateability app, a dating app designed for disabled and chronically ill individuals. Lastly, they speak with Shawn Satterfield, the founder of the Shine Music Festival, which focuses on accessibility and inclusivity in live music events.
Takeaways
The Blind Chick podcast provides a platform for people with disabilities to share their stories.
Ted Takuichi creates 3D printable art that can be experienced by people with visual impairments.
The Dateability app is a dating app designed for disabled and chronically ill individuals.
The Shine Music Festival focuses on accessibility and inclusivity in live music events.
Chapters
00:00 Empowering Stories from Around the World
05:19 Creating Tactile Art for the Visually Impaired
10:47 Finding Love and Connection with the Dateability App
16:18 Promoting Accessibility and Inclusivity in Live Music Events
Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. It was so much fun seeing you all at the Shine Festival, and we are so blessed to get to do this every week. If you have any questions for Penn and Moses, reach out to us at feedback@aftersight.org or give us a call at (720) 712-8856. Have a great week.

Marty Sobo: Don't Forget to Unmute yourself

Aftersight — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 02:00:36 -0600

Summary
In this episode of The Blind Chick podcast, hosts Penn and Moses interview Marty Sobo, a podcaster and tech guru who is a strong advocate for accessibility in the tech world. Marty shares his personal journey of losing his sight 10 years ago and how it changed his life. He discusses the challenges faced by blind individuals in learning and using technology, as well as the importance of advocating for oneself and the blind community. The conversation also touches on the need for better resources and support for those who receive a vision loss diagnosis.
Takeaways
Losing one's vision can be a life-altering experience, requiring individuals to learn new skills and adapt to a world that heavily relies on technology.
Blind individuals often face challenges in accessing and using technology, and there is a need for better resources and support to help them navigate the digital world.
Advocacy plays a crucial role in empowering blind individuals to ask for help, seek resources, and educate others about their needs and experiences.
Receiving a vision loss diagnosis can be overwhelming, and there is a need for improved support systems to guide individuals through the process and connect them with relevant resources.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:19 Marty's Journey and Diagnosis
03:09 The Challenges of Accessing and Using Technology
07:00 The Emotional Journey and the Power of Advocacy
15:58 Unmuting Yourself and the Blind Community
21:32 Unmuting Your Potential: Asking Questions and Advocating for Yourself
24:22 Improving Support Systems for Vision Loss Diagnoses
27:08 Closing Remarks and Call to Kindness
Thank you for listening to The Blind Chick. If you have questions, please email us at feedback@aftersight.org or call us at (720) 712-8856.

Dominick Petrillo Part 2

Aftersight — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 02:00:00 -0600

Summary
In this episode, Penn and Moses interviews Dominic Petrello, a writer and advocate for the blind community. They discuss Dominic's upcoming kidney transplant, his journey with diabetes, and the challenges faced by blind individuals in sports journalism. Dominic shares his perspective on the misconceptions about blindness and the need for society to value individuals based on their abilities rather than their disabilities. He also talks about his aspirations to become a full-time sports writer and his desire to help others through his words.
Takeaways
Blind individuals face misconceptions and stereotypes, but they should not let them define their abilities or limit their aspirations.
Society needs to value individuals based on their abilities rather than their disabilities.
Blindness can enhance other senses, such as hearing and smell, and individuals should embrace and utilize these heightened senses.
Mentorship and support from others can play a crucial role in overcoming challenges and achieving success.
Dominic aspires to become a full-time sports writer and hopes to make a difference in the world through his words.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Recap
00:55 Dominic's Kidney Transplant Journey
02:15 Living with Diabetes and Other Health Challenges
03:09 Discussing the Documentary 'Hoop Dreams'
04:33 Making Sports Journalism More Accessible for the Blind
05:52 Challenging Misconceptions about Blindness
07:18 The Importance of Empathy and Understanding
08:17 Navigating Relationships and Dating as a Blind Individual
09:41 The Deeper Sense of Perception in the Blind Community
10:59 The Desire for a More Inclusive Society
12:24 Utilizing Enhanced Senses and Cognitive Abilities
13:47 The Challenges and Benefits of Heightened Sense of Smell
15:11 Living with a Partner with a Good Sense of Smell
16:08 Connecting with Dominic and Seeking Mentorship
18:59 Dominic's Aspirations as a Writer and Mentor
21:20 Defining Success as a Sports Writer
23:45 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
Thank you for listening to The Blind Chick. Give us a call at (720) 712-8856 if you have any questions for our hosts. Have a great week!

Dominick Petrillo: The Sports Writer's New Vision

Aftersight — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 02:00:21 -0600

Summary
In this episode, Penn and Moses interviews Dominic Petrillo, a blind sportswriter, about his journey and experiences in the sports industry. Dominic shares his passion for sports and how he became a sportswriter after losing his vision. He also discusses the challenges he faces as a blind journalist and advocate for accessibility in the field. The conversation highlights the importance of mental health in the sports world and the power of sharing personal stories to inspire and help others.
Takeaways
Blindness does not limit one's passion for sports and the ability to work in the sports industry.
Sharing personal stories of struggles and mental health challenges in the sports world can inspire and help others.
Advocacy for accessibility in the sports industry is crucial to ensure equal opportunities for people with disabilities.
The blind community pioneers accessibility solutions that benefit everyone.
Building connections and relationships with industry professionals can open doors and create opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Excitement for Shine Festival
03:18 Guest Introduction: Dominic Petrillo
09:03 Growing Up in Philadelphia and Love for Sports
13:23 Losing Vision and Finding Purpose in Sports Writing
16:47 Writing Process and Advocacy for Accessibility
20:29 Challenges and Progress in Accessibility
25:16 Milestones and Connections in the Sports Industry
26:13 Upcoming Events and Conclusion
Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick if you have any questions for Penn or Moses please give us a call at 720-712-8856 or you can visit us at feedback@aftersight.org

Prioritizing Self-Care: Melodie Paubert Part 2

Aftersight — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 02:00:25 -0600

Summary
In this episode, Melodie Paubert discusses her goal of helping others who are in the same situation as her, providing financial education and literacy to those who need it. She shares her strategies for growing her business through social media and emphasizes the importance of having a goal and budgeting. Melodie also talks about her experience as a blind parent and the challenges she faces, as well as the importance of self-care. The takeaway from this episode is that being diagnosed with a progressive degenerative eye disease is not the end of the world, but rather an opportunity to define one's purpose and build a supportive community.
Takeaways
Financial education and literacy are important for everyone, especially those who are blind or low vision.
Having a goal and budgeting are essential for success as an entrepreneur.
Being a blind parent comes with unique challenges, but support and resources are available.
Self-care is crucial for maintaining overall well-being.
Building a supportive community is key to navigating the challenges of vision loss.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:25 Goal of Financial Education
02:44 Growing Business Through Social Media
05:01 Challenges and Importance of Budgeting
08:19 Challenges and Joys of Being a Blind Parent
11:30 Navigating Disability Accommodations
13:21 Prioritizing Self-Care
15:58 Empowering Others Through Community
19:41 Motivation Behind the Podcast
23:26 Upcoming Event and Conclusion
Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. If you have any questions for Penn or Moses please give us a call at 720-712-8856 or you can leave us an email at feedback@aftersight.org! Have a great week!

Empowering Girls Through Education: Melodie Paubert Part 1

Aftersight — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 02:00:19 -0600

Summary
Melody Paubert, an entrepreneur from Madagascar, shares her journey of growing up in a small town and eventually coming to the United States. She discusses her diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and her involvement in a nonprofit organization called Nofy i Androy (NiA), which provides access to education for girls in Madagascar. Melody also talks about her work as a disease intervention specialist and her passion for financial education. The episode ends with a reminder about an upcoming event and a call to share and subscribe to the podcast.
Takeaways
Growing up in a small town in Madagascar, Melody faced challenges in accessing education and opportunities.
The nonprofit organization Nofy i Androy (NiA), started by Melody's mother, aims to provide girls in Madagascar with access to education and improve gender equality.
Melody is involved in disease investigation as a disease intervention specialist at the Seattle King County Public Health Department.
She is also an entrepreneur and is passionate about financial education and helping others improve their financial situations.
The episode ends with a reminder about an upcoming event and a call to share and subscribe to the podcast.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Solo Hosting
01:24 Guest Introduction and Growing Up in Madagascar
04:30 Diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa and Coming to the United States
09:28 Starting the Nonprofit Organization Nofy i Androy (NiA)
16:48 Meaning of Nofy i Androy (NiA) and Empowering Girls Through Education
18:14 Educating Parents and Providing Life Skills Workshops
20:36 Supporting the Nonprofit and Call to Action
21:04 Melody's Full-Time Job and Entrepreneurship
25:12 Upcoming Event and Conclusion
Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick! If you have any questions for Penn or Moses give us a call at 720-712-8856 or you can email us at feedback@aftersight.org

Redefining Abilities: Rebecca Shields, Part 1

Aftersight — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 02:00:30 -0600

Summary
Rebecca Shields, a blind advocate and educator, shares her journey of living with blindness and the challenges she faced as a parent. She emphasizes the importance of independence and not allowing blindness to hold you back. Rebecca is passionate about helping others with disabilities and connecting them with resources and services. She has dedicated her life to advocating for the blind community and fighting against prejudice and discrimination. Rebecca's story is an inspiration to others and serves as a reminder that blindness does not define a person's abilities or potential.
Takeaways
Blindness should not hold you back or be used as an excuse. It is important to have a strong work ethic and pursue independence.
Parents with disabilities, including blindness, may face prejudice and discrimination. It is important to advocate for yourself and your children.
Education and support are crucial for blind individuals to live fulfilling lives. Access to resources and services can make a significant difference.
Blindness does not define a person's abilities or potential. It is important to challenge societal perceptions and stereotypes.
Helping others and being involved in the community can bring joy and fulfillment, regardless of disability.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Denver Pride Parade
02:00 Guest Introduction: Rebecca Shields
03:02 Rebecca's Journey with Blindness
06:31 Discovering a Passion for Helping Others
11:56 Facing Prejudice and Discrimination
23:00 Becoming an Advocate and Educator
25:22 Living a Fulfilling Life with Blindness
29:00 Rebecca's Impact and Contact Information
Thank you for listening to the Blind Chick. Lets us know what you would like to hear and reach us at (720) 712-8856

Embracing Blindness as a Gift Jamiee Kadish Part 2

Aftersight — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 02:00:14 -0600

Summary
In this episode, Penn and Moses continue their conversation with Jamiee Kaddish. They discuss the importance of slowing down, finding peace within oneself, and embracing the unique perspective that blindness brings. Jamiee shares her journey of starting a nonprofit called Insight Outreach, which focuses on providing movement resources for children with visual impairments. They also talk about the societal perception of blindness and the power of shifting our mindset to see it as a gift rather than a limitation.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Recap
01:22 The Power of Slowing Down and Finding Peace
02:50 Embracing Blindness as a Gift
06:26 Providing Movement Resources for Children with Visual Impairments
09:11 Shifting Society's Perception of Blindness
Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 720-712-8856. Don't forget to register for the hike at www.aftersight.org/hike.

The Power of Being Present in the Body

Aftersight — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 02:00:22 -0600

Summary
In this episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses interview Jamie Kaddish, a teacher of movement and life. Jamie shares her journey of transitioning from being a dancer to using movement as a way to heal and support others. She discusses the importance of being present in the body and using movement to connect with the nervous system. The conversation also touches on the benefits of Feldenkrais, a method that helps reorganize the body and improve overall well-being. The episode ends with announcements about upcoming events and the importance of kindness.
Takeaways
Movement can be a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery.
Being present in the body and aware of movement patterns can lead to a greater sense of well-being.
Feldenkrais is a method that can help reorganize the body and improve overall physical and mental health.
Upcoming events include a hike and the Shine Music Festival, both of which offer opportunities for connection and community.
Kindness towards oneself and others is essential for personal growth and a positive mindset.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Announcement of Hike
03:16 Guest Introduction: Jamie Kaddish
10:12 Transitioning from Dancer to Movement Teacher
15:01 Exploring Feldenkrais
Thank you for checking out this episode of The Blind Chick. If you have any questions for Penn and Moses let them know by giving them a call at &20-712-8856. Don't forget to register for the hike here: www.aftersight.org/hike.

Making Art Accessible for Everyone

Aftersight — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 02:00:32 -0600

Summary
In this episode, Penn and Moses rejoin Ted Tahquechi and discuss his journey as a travel blogger and photographer after losing his sight. He shares his experiences traveling as a blind person and the importance of educating others about blindness. Ted also talks about his passion for making art accessible and his work with tactile art and 3D printing. He offers advice for those going through vision loss and emphasizes the importance of asking for help and finding resources. The episode concludes with a discussion about the upcoming Shine Music Festival and the accessibility it offers.
Takeaways
Blindness can be an adventure, and it's important to make travel accessible for everyone.
Educating others about blindness and advocating for accessibility is crucial.
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, and there are resources available for those with vision loss.
Making art accessible, both visually and tactilely, opens up new opportunities and markets.
The Shine Music Festival is a highly accessible event that offers a unique experience for all attendees.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:22 Getting Started with Travel Blogging
06:25 The Importance of Education and Advocacy
09:19 Making Art Accessible for Everyone
13:39 The Power of Asking for Help
23:44 The Shine Music Festival: A Model of Accessibility
25:06 Conclusion

The Therapeutic Power of Photography for Vision Loss

Aftersight — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 02:00:36 -0600

Summary
In this episode, Penn and Moses interview Ted Tahquechi, a travel blogger, award-winning photographer, and public speaker who lost his vision in a car accident. Ted shares how picking up his camera again helped him regain his life with vision loss. He discusses his projects, including creating tactile art through 3D printing and his ongoing work with the human form. The conversation also touches on the importance of social interactions and the therapeutic aspect of photography.
Takeaways
Picking up his camera again was the first step for Ted Tahquechi in getting his life back after losing his vision in a car accident.
Ted uses photography as a tool for social interactions and to capture moments he can later experience through magnifiers and digital technology.
Ted is working on a project to create tactile art through 3D printing, allowing visually impaired individuals to touch and experience visual art.
Ted's ongoing project focuses on the human form, representing people of different ages, genders, and physical abilities.
Photography can be therapeutic and help individuals with vision loss navigate social interactions and understand non-visual cues.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to The Blind Chick podcast and recent events
03:11 Introduction to Ted Tahquechi and his background
04:06 Using Photography as a Tool for Life with Vision Loss
08:20 The Importance of Slowing Down and Focusing on Composition
10:14 Photography as Psychotherapy and Social Interaction
13:53 Ted Tahquechi's Projects: Tactile Art and the Human Form
21:52 Exploring the Human Form and Inclusivity
25:12 The Journey of Ted Tahquechi's Projects
26:08 Conclusion and Future Events
Thank you for listening to this episode of the blind chick. If you have any questions for Penn or Moses, please give us a call at 720-712-8856 or you can email us at feedback@aftersight.org. Thanks for listening, and don't forget to check out our hike at www.aftersight.org/hike.

Breaking Down Polarization with Storytelling and Music

Aftersight — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 14:43:15 -0600

Summary
Cordelia Zars, the executive director of Empathy Theater Project, discusses the mission of the organization to develop original theater that fosters empathy and connection across divisions in America. The theater company creates original musicals and monologues that tackle complex issues and aim to bring people together. Cordelia emphasizes the importance of storytelling and music in breaking down polarization and promoting understanding. She also shares upcoming events, including a concert called Sing for Peace and a production of their show 'We Are Still Here.' The conversation highlights the need for kindness and recognizing our shared humanity.
Takeaways
Empathy Theater Project creates original theater that fosters empathy and connection across divisions in America.
Storytelling and music are powerful tools in breaking down polarization and promoting understanding.
Upcoming events include a concert called Sing for Peace and a production of the show 'We Are Still Here.
Kindness and recognizing our shared humanity are essential in creating a more compassionate society.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Summer Activities
01:53 Introduction of Cordelia Zars and Empathy Theater Project
04:13 Empathy Theater Project's Mission and Inspiration
06:20 The Power of Music and Theater in Fostering Empathy
07:19 Balancing Perspectives in Storytelling
09:11 Exploring Nuance and Complexity in Issues
12:31 Upcoming Events: Sing for Peace and 'We Are Still Here'
13:57 Expanding 'We Are Still Here' Production
19:56 Encouragement for Kindness and Unity
22:23 Announcements: Audio Trek Hike and Shine Music Festival
25:26 Closing Remarks and Call for Kindness
Thank you for listening to this episode of the blind chick. If you have any comments, questions or feedback for the show, please give us a call at 720-712-8856. Thanks and have a great week.

Inspiration Behind Blind Delights

Aftersight — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 02:00:48 -0600

Summary
Stephanie Barrera Valdes shares her journey of vision loss, career impact, and the creation of Blind Delights. She discusses her diagnosis, moving to the United States, and her work with the Foundation for Children with Special Needs. Additionally, she talks about the inspiration behind Blind Delights and its environmental-friendly products. Stephanie Barrera Valdes discusses her zero waste, waterless skincare products and the inspiration behind her brand, Blind Delights. She shares insights on the benefits of waterless products, the challenges of finding natural alternatives, and the personal experiences that led to the creation of her products. Stephanie also highlights the importance of natural, chemical-free products and the positive impact they can have on people's lives.
Register for the Aftersight Audio trekkers Hike here and make sure you put Team Blind Chick in the registration form for your chance to win some cool prizes. https://aftersight.org/hike/
Takeaways
Stephanie's vision loss was the result of a brain injury and optical nerve atrophy, leading to a significant impact on her career path. Moving to Boston was motivated by the need for better medical attention and support for her vision loss. Stephanie's work with the Foundation for Children with Special Needs involves filling gaps in education and medical support for families and children with special needs. The creation of Blind Delights was inspired by Stephanie's son's eczema, leading to the development of environmental-friendly skincare products. Blind Delights offers solid lotion bars and other products that are both effective and environmentally friendly. The benefits of zero waste, waterless skincare products The importance of natural, chemical-free products The impact of personal experiences on product creation The challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship as a blind individual
Chapters
00:00 Journey of Vision Loss and Career Impact 05:59 Moving to Boston and Work with the Foundation 11:17 Inspiration Behind Blind Delights 15:09 The World of Zero Waste Skincare 30:36 From Personal Experience to Product Creation
Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. If you have any questions for Penn and moses let them know. Give them a call at (720) 712-8856 or email them at feedback@aftersight.org

Living Full Out: Taking Action and Finding Balance

Aftersight — Thu, 30 May 2024 02:00:51 -0600

Summary
The episode features a conversation with Nancy Solari, a woman who is changing the world with her work. The hosts, Penn and Moses Street, share their recent challenging experiences and discuss the importance of reaching out for help. Nancy talks about her journey, her show, and her upcoming project. The conversation emphasizes the value of connection, support, and taking action in life.
Takeaways
The importance of reaching out for help during challenging times The value of connection and support in life The significance of taking action and living life to the fullest The impact of inspiring stories and personal growth
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Challenges 03:08 Living Full Out: The Power of Connection and Support 08:35 Inspiring Stories: Overcoming Challenges and Growth
Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. If you have any questions, give us a call at 720-712-8856, or you can email us at feedback@aftersight.org. Thanks for listening and have a great week.

Oksana Chuchunkova Part 2

Aftersight — Thu, 23 May 2024 02:00:02 -0600

Summary

In this conversation, Oksana Chichikova discusses the challenges and discrimination faced by blind individuals in Russia and the United States. She shares her experiences with accessibility in voting and the workplace, as well as her advocacy work for inclusion and diversity. Oksana also highlights the beauty and hospitality of Russia and invites listeners to visit Moscow. The conversation concludes with a message of positivity and kindness.

Takeaways

Blind individuals face discrimination and challenges in both Russia and the United States.
Accessibility in voting and the workplace is still a work in progress.
Advocacy for inclusion and diversity is important to create positive change.
Russia and Moscow offer beautiful sights and a welcoming culture.
Choosing positivity and kindness can make a difference in people's lives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:22 Challenges and Discrimination Faced by Blind Individuals
08:28 Advocacy for Inclusion and Diversity
10:46 The Beauty and Hospitality of Russia

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick if you have any questions for Penn or Moses please feel free to email us at feedback@aftersight.org or if you're feeling bold you can give us a phone call at 720-712-8856. I hope you have a great week.

Growing Up Blind in Russia: Finding Belonging

Aftersight — Thu, 16 May 2024 02:00:16 -0600

Summary

In this episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses interview Oksana Chuchinkova, the diversity and inclusion manager at a global institution and an advocate for blind beauty. They discuss Oksana's favorite season, her involvement with Bold Blind Beauty, her experiences growing up blind in Russia, and the challenges faced by blind individuals in finding employment. They also touch on the importance of representation and breaking stereotypes. The conversation ends with a teaser for the next episode, where they will explore the accessibility differences between growing up blind in Moscow and the United States.

Takeaways

Blind individuals face challenges in finding employment due to prejudice and inaccessible software.
Representation and breaking stereotypes are important for blind individuals.
Oksana shares her experiences growing up blind in Russia and the importance of finding a sense of belonging.
The next episode will explore the accessibility differences between growing up blind in Moscow and the United States.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Summer Plans
02:17 Introducing Oksana Chuchinkova
03:00 Favorite Season and Bold Blind Beauty
05:40 What is Bold Blind Beauty?
09:30 Passions and Belonging
12:42 Growing Up Blind in Russia
21:33 Unemployment Statistics and Inaccessible Software
24:50 Project for Blind Employment
26:39 Teaser: Accessibility Differences

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 720-712-8856 or email us at feedback@aftersight.org. Thanks for listening, and we'll see you next week.

Unsightly Opinions

Aftersight — Thu, 09 May 2024 02:00:21 -0600

Summary

In this conversation, Tamara, also known as Unsightly Opinions, discusses her fashion sense, social media presence, vision loss due to albinism, education, and advocacy work. She shares her daily routine and the challenges of managing social media and editing videos. Tamara's goal is to show possibility, demonstrate capability, and remove barriers for individuals with disabilities. The conversation concludes with a discussion about Mother's Day and the importance of being kind to oneself and others.

Takeaways

Tamara, also known as Unsightly Opinions, is a vlogger, musician, and advocate for individuals with disabilities.
She has a passion for fashion and shares her unique style on social media.
Tamara has albinism, a genetic condition that results in a lack of pigment and affects her vision.
She had a supportive education experience and advocates for equity and accessibility in education.
Tamara's daily routine is busy, as she balances her work as a vlogger and musician with other commitments.
Managing social media and editing videos is time-consuming but rewarding for Tamara.
Her goal is to show possibility, demonstrate capability, and remove barriers for individuals with disabilities.
Mother's Day is an important time to appreciate and honor the special women in our lives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Yoga Class
03:00 Tamara's Fashion Sense
07:58 Tamara's Social Media Presence
13:03 Tamara's Vision Loss and Albinism
16:01 Tamara's Education and Advocacy
22:58 Managing Social Media and Editing Videos
26:58 Tamara's Goals and Impact
29:00 Mother's Day and Conclusion

Thank you for listening to this episode of the blind chick. If you have any questions for PanzaPenn and Moses, please feel free to give us a call at 720-712-8856 or you can email us at feedback at at firstsight.org. Have a great week.

Leaving a Legacy of Love

Aftersight — Thu, 02 May 2024 02:00:22 -0600

Summary

In this episode, Penn and Moses welcome Precious Perez, a talented musician and author. They discuss Precious' background in music, her journey as an artist, and the inspiration behind her book 'Vision: My Story of Strength'. Precious shares her passion for music and her desire to break barriers as a Latina woman in the industry. She also emphasizes the importance of love and kindness in leaving a positive legacy. The episode concludes with a reminder to be kind to oneself and others.

Takeaways

Follow your passion and keep working towards your goals.
Don't be afraid to ask for help and lean on the support of others.
Choose love and kindness in all aspects of life.
Leave a positive legacy by making a difference in the lives of others.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Costa Rica Trip
03:18 Precious' Background and Book
08:32 Passion for Music and Career Path
10:50 Preferred Genre and Musical Journey
13:14 Recording Music in Costa Rica
14:10 Legacy and Impact
15:56 Takeaway and Contact Information

Thank you for listening to this episode of the blind chick if you have any questions for Penn or Moses, please call us at 720-712-8856 or email us at feedback@aftersight.org. Thanks for listening and will see you next week.

The Power of Humility in Fostering Curiosity

Aftersight — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 02:00:58 -0600

Summary

In this episode, Penn and Moses Street are back for Part 2 as they chat with Andre Van Hall about overcoming prejudice and embracing change. Andre shares his personal experiences as a blind individual and offers insights on how to shift from prejudice to curiosity. He emphasizes the importance of humility and acceptance in fostering curiosity and understanding. Andre also discusses the concept of neuroplasticity and the need to rewire our expectations and prejudices. The conversation highlights the power of choosing to see the light in difficult situations and the impact of curiosity on personal growth.

Takeaways

Prejudice can be transformed into curiosity through humility and acceptance.
Neuroplasticity allows us to rewire our expectations and prejudices.
Choosing to see the light in difficult situations can lead to personal growth.
Curiosity and understanding are fostered by humility and acceptance.
Embracing change requires a willingness to rewire our thinking and overcome prejudices.

Chapters

00:00 Introducing Andre Van Hall and the Power of Curiosity
06:41 Andre's Book: A Practical Guide to Embracing Change
12:47 Challenging Preconceived Notions of Blindness
23:39 Choosing to See the Light: Personal Growth

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick if you have any questions for Penn or Moses, please feel free to email us at feedback@aftersight.org or call us at 720-712-8856. Have a fantastic week.

Curiosity as a Tool for Navigating Change

Aftersight — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 02:00:17 -0600

Summary

In this episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn and Moses interviews Andre Van Hall, a motivational speaker and curiosity instigator. Andre shares his journey of overcoming challenges, including losing his vision, losing his career, and battling cancer. He emphasizes the importance of humility and reaching out for support during difficult times. Andre also discusses the power of curiosity in navigating change and finding new opportunities. The episode ends with a teaser for part two and an announcement about a new podcast called Game Changers.

Takeaways

Humility is key in navigating difficult change and accepting support from others.
Curiosity can help reduce stress and open up new opportunities during times of change.
Reaching out for help and being open to new experiences can lead to personal growth and success.
Overcoming prejudices and misconceptions about blindness can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Sound Bites

"We tend to underestimate the strength of people that surround us and how willing they are to help us."
"I need to start to go in a different direction."
"The best way to deal with stress is get curious."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Costa Rica Trip
05:16 Facing Life Disruptors
09:22 The Power of Humility and Support
15:26 Using Curiosity to Navigate Change

Thank you for listening to The Blind Chick. If you have any questions for Penn or Moses, give us a call at (720) 712-8856 or email us at feedback@aftersight.org

From Capitol Hill to Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind

Aftersight — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 02:00:10 -0600

Summary

In this episode, Jocelyn Hunter, Senior Director of Communications at Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind, shares her experiences and insights. She discusses the top three things to experience in Washington, DC, including the US Capitol Tour, the Portrait Gallery, and a baseball game. Jocelyn also talks about her journey of gaining confidence and independence after being diagnosed with a rare eye condition. She shares her work experience on Capitol Hill and her career growth at Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind. Jocelyn emphasizes the organization's mission of creating independence for the blind and visually impaired and highlights the services they offer.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
03:19 Top Three Things to Experience in Washington, DC
06:09 Gaining Confidence and Independence
08:04 Working on Capitol Hill
13:03 Career Growth at Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind
22:29 Creating Independence for the Blind and Visually Impaired
23:31 Services Offered by Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind
26:43 Closing Remarks

Thank you for listening to this episode of The blind Chick. We know you have questions, so let us know what they are. Call us at (720) 712-8856 or email us at feedback@aftersight.org. Have a great week.

Belief Beyond Sight: Kayla Jenkins

Aftersight — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 10:13:42 -0600

Walking by Faith, Not Sight: Kayla Jenkins' Inspiring Journey on The Blind Chick Podcast

In this episode of 'The Blind Chick,' hosts Moses and Penn Street bring to the fore stories of resilience and the triumphs over life's hurdles, particularly focusing on living with vision impairment. The narrative unfolds with Moses and Penn encouraging audience engagement through feedback and announces the addition of a new podcast, 'Game Changers,' about adaptive sports. The highlight of the episode is an inspiring conversation with guest Kayla Jenkins, a young woman who, despite an aggressive form of glaucoma that led to significant vision loss, earned her law degree and is pursuing seminary studies. Jenkins, the youngest of twelve siblings, shares her journey from aspiring lawyer to founding Blind Faith Ministries, a platform rooted in faith and resilience against adversity. Throughout, the hosts and Jenkins touch upon the importance of self-advocacy, the distinction between sight and vision, and the role of faith in navigating life's challenges. The episode not only sheds light on Kayla's personal journey and aspirations but also discusses broader themes of adaptation, support, and the impact of loss on life's path.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to The Blind Chick Podcast!
00:45 Engaging with Our Audience: Feedback and Announcements
01:32 Introducing Game Changers: A New Podcast on Adaptive Sports
02:00 Don't Miss the Audio Trekker Hike Event!
03:11 Meet Kayla Jenkins: Law Graduate and Seminary Student
05:02 Kayla's Love for Vintage Fashion and Overcoming Vision Challenges
07:13 Finding Personal Style with Vision Loss
08:36 Kayla's Family Background and Hereditary Glaucoma
10:04 Kayla's Journey to Becoming a Lawyer
11:42 Facing Vision Loss During Law School
14:55 The Birth of Blind Faith Ministries
20:16 Kayla's Vision for Blind Faith Ministries and Being a Light for Others
24:58 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. If you would like to make a comment or suggest a guest or have questions for Penn or Moses, please call us at 720-712-8856 or email us at feedback@aftersight.org. Have a great week.

All the Light We Cannot See: Joe Strechay

Aftersight — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 02:00:21 -0600

Summary

In this episode, Penn and Moses are joined again by Joe Strechay, a blind filmmaker and advocate for disability representation in the film industry. Joe shares his experience working on the film 'All the Light We Cannot See' and the challenges of casting actors with low-vision. He discusses the importance of realistic representation and the impact it can have on changing societal perceptions of blindness. Joe also talks about his journey in the film industry and his future projects. He emphasizes the need for more opportunities for blind and low-vision individuals in the industry and the power of storytelling to create positive change.

Takeaways

Realistic representation of blindness in film and television can help change societal perceptions of blindness.
Casting actors with visual impairments can bring authenticity and depth to characters with disabilities.
There is a need for more opportunities for disabled individuals in the film industry, both in front of and behind the camera.
Storytelling has the power to challenge stereotypes and create positive change.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
01:10 Guest Introduction
03:32 Casting Process
04:27 Challenges in Casting
05:48 Impact of Blindness Representation
06:47 Meeting Aria
07:44 Bringing the Book to Life
08:34 Creating Realistic Blindness
09:30 Sound Design and Immersion
10:56 Attention to Detail
11:55 Joe's Journey in the Film Industry
13:45 Future Projects
14:44 Impact of Joe's Work
16:37 Joe's Background and Passion for Film
19:33 Transition to Writing and Consulting
20:25 Representation in the Industry
21:51 Breaking Barriers
23:46 Upcoming Projects
25:41 Consulting Work and The Dot Experience
26:33 Conclusion

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. If you have any questions, please call us at 720-712-8856 or you can email us at feedback@aftersight.org. Thanks for listening.

In Darkness We See: Joe Strechay Unleashed

Aftersight — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 02:00:42 -0600

Empowerment and Inclusion: A Conversation with Joe Stretchay on 'The Blind Chick' Podcast

This episode of 'The Blind Chick,' an Aftersight original podcast, features hosts Moses and Penn Street engaging in a heartfelt conversation with Joe Stretchay, a renowned figure in the film industry known for his work on advocating for the inclusion of blind and low-vision actors. The discussion covers a range of topics, including overcoming adversity, the significance of representation in media, and the impact of Stretchay's work on challenging ableism in the film industry. Stretchay shares insights from his involvement in major productions like 'See,' 'Daredevil,' and 'The OA,' emphasizing the importance of authentic representation and innovative techniques that cater to blind and low-vision individuals. The episode not only celebrates the achievements and contributions of Joe Stretchay but also underscores the broader themes of strength, resilience, and the transformative power of representation in media.

00:00 Welcome to The Blind Chick Podcast!
00:33 Listener Feedback and Contact Info
01:15 Celebrating Birthdays and Special Guests
01:32 Joe Stretchay: A Visionary in the Film Industry
03:57 Exploring Ableism in Entertainment
05:09 The Art of Touch Language in 'See'
08:12 Behind the Scenes: Creating a World for the Blind
16:50 The Impact of Authentic Representation in Film
17:33 Universal Design and Accessibility in Set Design
26:57 Concluding Thoughts and Birthday Wishes

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. If you would like to have your question answered by Penn and Moses, please give us a call at 720-712-8856 or if you would rather email us you can do so at feedback@aftersight.org

Shine Music Festival

Aftersight — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 02:00:04 -0600

Creating Inclusive Music Festivals: The Story of Shine Music Festival

This episode of 'The Blind Chick' podcast features a conversation with Shawn Satterfield, a pioneer in making music festivals inclusive for people with disabilities. Shawn shares her journey of recognizing her purpose after a revealing experience at a concert, and how it led to the creation of the Shine Music Festival. The festival is designed to be universally accessible, not just in terms of physical accessibility but also in representing a diverse set of performers on stage. The hosts and Shawn discuss the importance of inclusivity beyond just the ADA section at concerts, highlighting the festival's approach to accommodating neurodiverse individuals and ensuring all attendees can enjoy the festival equally. The discussion also touches on the impact of such inclusive festivals on both the disability community and the broader audience, fostering a more understanding and inclusive society. Additionally, Shawn mentions future plans for expanding the festival and the need for sponsorship and support to continue making inclusivity at music festivals the norm.

00:00 Welcome to The Blind Chick Podcast!
00:48 Easter Memories and the Joy of Childhood
01:39 Introducing Shawn Satterfield: A Pioneer for Inclusion
02:09 The Birth of a Purpose: From ADA Sections to Inclusive Festivals
06:12 Expanding the Vision: Beyond Accessibility to Universal Design
12:35 The Impact of Inclusion: Changing Perceptions and Building Community
16:39 Looking Ahead: The Future of Shine Music Festival and Inclusive Events
23:10 How You Can Support Shine Music Festival
26:12 Closing Thoughts and How to Get Involved

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at feedback@aftersight.org or call us at (720) 712-8856. Thank you for joining us this week.

Blindly Globe-Trotting: Tales of Travel and Adaptability

Aftersight — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 02:00:04 -0700

In this episode of 'The Blind Chick,' hosts Penn and Moses welcome clinical social worker and licensed therapist Lea Gaffen-Kessel. Lea shares her personal journey with vision loss, her professional work in mental health, and her love for travel despite the challenges her condition presents. Lea discusses the process of seeking accommodations for her condition in the workplace and highlights the importance of support groups and accessible travel opportunities. Throughout the conversation, the hosts explore Leah's path to becoming a therapist, inspired by her own mental health journey, and the resources available for those experiencing vision loss. Guest stories and inquiries about accessible travel and mental health in the context of vision loss are central to this engaging discussion.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to The Blind Chick Podcast
00:25 Meet the Hosts: Moses and Penn
00:47 Introducing Guest: Lea Gaffen-Kessel
01:36 Getting to Know Leah: Personal Interests and Travels
05:45 Lea's Journey with Vision Loss
13:23 Lea's Adventures in Accessible Travel
19:29 Lea's Career as a Clinical Social Worker
22:59 Lea's Support Group for Vision Loss
26:18 Conclusion and Contact Information

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at feedback@aftersight.org or call us on our voice mail line at (720) 712-8856. Have a great day and we'll see you next week.

Professor Blindie's Guide to Seeing the Funny Side of Blindness

Aftersight — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 02:00:32 -0700

Resilience and Rediscovery: Ariana Dewberry's Journey from Sight to Insight

This episode of The Blind Chick podcast features host duo Moses and Penn Street engaging in conversation with guest Ariana Dewberry, also known as Professor Blindie. Ariana shares her profound journey of sudden vision loss in 2018 due to pseudotumor cerebri, leading to legal blindness. Despite the setbacks, including misdiagnosis and significant mobility loss, Ariana emphasizes resilience, the transition to learning new skills such as Braille and cane navigation, and her motivation to start her business, Blind Intelligence. The discussion also covers the impact of the loss of Ariana's son and how she channels her grief into positive actions, including initiating a scholarship in his name. Her story underlines the theme of overcoming adversity and using personal experiences to inspire and assist others in the community.

00:00 Introduction to The Blind Chick Podcast
00:25 The Hosts' Banter and Introduction to the Episode
02:01 Introducing the Guest: Arianna Dewberry
02:43 Ariana's Childhood Hero and the Origin of 'Professor Blindie'
04:11 Ariana's Sudden Vision Loss Journey
06:01 The Struggles and Challenges of Losing Vision
10:42 Ariana's Rehabilitation and Learning New Skills
15:59 Starting Blind Intelligence and Overcoming Personal Loss
21:30 Ariana's Takeaway and How to Connect with Her
24:56 Closing Remarks and Shout-outs

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to email us at feedback@aftersight.org or give us a call on our voicemail line at 720-712-8856.

Embracing Adaptive Sports and Changing Paths

Aftersight — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 02:00:22 -0700

The Blind Chick Podcast: Conversation with Emily Shavers

In this episode of The Blind Chick, hosts converse with Emilee Schevers who talks about her experiences as a visually impaired individual. Emily discusses her engagement with goalball, an adaptive sport for visually impaired individuals, and her passion for advocacy and inclusivity in the Miss Personality Eastern Canada pageant. Additionally, she shares her experiences working in a camp that accommodates visually impaired individuals. Emilee emphasizes the impact of trying new things and boosts confidence in individuals facing similar situations.

00:00 Introduction to The Blind Chick Podcast
00:58 A Glimpse into the Hosts' Lives and Their New Year Resolutions
01:25 Guest Introduction: Emily Shavers, the Goalball Enthusiast
02:57 Getting to Know Emily: Her Heroes, Theme Song, and Vision Loss
04:49 Unique Experience with Color Vision
10:15 Journey into Goalball
12:55 Experience in Pageantry and the Birth of Personality Pageant
17:38 Love for Camp and Her Role as a Camp Coordinator
20:10 Takeaway Message and Final Thoughts
22:04 Advocacy Work and Her Social Media Platform, Tru Faces

Thank you for listening to this episode of the blind chick. We hope you have an amazing week if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please leave us a message at feedback@aftersight.org or give us a call if you have a question for one of our hosts at 720-712-8856.

Love and Self-Care: Nefertiti Matos-Olivares' Path to Happiness

Aftersight — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 02:00:35 -0700

Overcoming Life’s Challenges: The Blind Chick Podcast ft. Nefertiti Matos-Olivares

In this episode of The Blind Chick podcast, the hosts Penn and Moses Street have an enlightening and emotional conversation with Nefertiti Matos-Olivares. Nefertiti, a successful blind woman, shares her journey of dealing with blindness, the struggles she encountered while writing audio descriptions as a blind person, and how coping with the end of a long-term relationship while undergoing a major double transplant surgery. Nefertiti emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself, finding joy within yourself, self-care, therapy, and various physical activities to help maintain mental and physical health. She also shares how she employs rest as a radical, rejuvenating act. The conversation ends with information on how listeners can connect with her and join her in her quest to uplift and represent the visually impaired community.

If you would like to follow along with a transcription of this episode, click on the link below.
https://share.descript.com/view/fx9vqlW2gak

00:00 Introduction to The Blind Chick Podcast
00:36 Valentine's Day Reflections
01:37 Interview with Nefertiti: Part 1
02:13 The Struggles and Triumphs of Being a Blind Professional
02:37 Nefertiti's Personal Journey and Challenges
04:35 The Importance of Self-Care and Mental Health
14:56 Nefertiti's Experience with Heartbreak and Disappointment
17:49 Finding Strength and Resilience in Difficult Times
21:57 How to Connect with Nefertiti and Learn More
23:42 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes

Thank you for listening to this episode of the blind chick. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please email us at feedback@aftersight.org or give us a phone call at 720-712-8856. Thanks for listening and have a great week.

The Power of Descriptive Narration: Nefertiti's Journey

Aftersight — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 02:00:35 -0700

The Journey of Nefertiti Matos-Olivares: Audio Description Pioneer

In this enlightening episode of 'The Blind Chick' podcast, we have a discussion with Nefertiti Matos-Olivares, a professional audio describer and a prominent figure in creating accessible experiences. Nefertiti shares her personal journey from being a library worker to her role in Descriptive Video Works and her active involvement in the Social Audio Description collective. She also shares her struggles and the road to achieving her current status in a world not designed for her. This episode highlights the evolution of accessible experience in cinema with audio description and the impact it has on the visually impaired community. The second part of the discussion is scheduled for next week, where we touch on self-care and self-love.

If you would like to follow along with a transcript of this podcast, please click on the link below.
https://share.descript.com/view/7ixlxxTYV4g

00:00 Introduction to The Blind Chick Podcast
00:38 Movie Reviews: The Beekeeper and American Fiction
00:58 The Importance of Audio Description in Movies
01:52 Guest Introduction: Nefertiti Matos-Olivares
03:30 Nefertiti's Journey into Audio Description
04:57 Challenges and Triumphs in Nefertiti's Career
10:23 The Impact of Audio Description on the Blind Community
16:41 Nefertiti's Work with Sundance and the Social Audio Description Collective
23:10 Overcoming Barriers and Embracing Change
26:37 Conclusion and Teaser for the Next Episode

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. If you like this episode, please like subscribe and send us your feedback. We need to push this show to the top of the charts, so more people can be inspired by the stories of the community. You can reach us through email at feedback@aftersight.org or calling our voicemail line at (720) 712-8856.

From Darkness to Empowerment

Aftersight — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 02:00:37 -0700

From Darkness to Empowerment

This podcast episode continues an engaging and enlightening interview with Charlie Kramer, a disability life coach and public speaker. Charlie discusses his unique approach to coaching, his experiences with client transformations, and his insights into redefining disability. He also highlights the importance of owning one's disability, and the need for creating a new sense of 'normalcy' around disabilities in our society. This episode touches on the struggle of living with disabilities, the power of changing one's personal perspective, and the impact of personal growth on societal perceptions.

If you would like to follow along with a transcript of this show, please click on the link below.
https://share.descript.com/view/O40HNEa1izc

00:00 Introduction to The Blind Chick Podcast
00:45 Diving into Part Two with Charlie Kramer
01:37 The Importance of Life Coaches
03:22 When to Seek a Life Coach
05:35 Embracing Disability and Changing Belief Systems
07:18 The Power of Acceptance and Self-Perception
09:16 Redefining Disability and Embracing All Aspects of Self
21:26 The Impact of Language and Self-Identification
25:51 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have any questions for any of our house, please email us at feedback after site.org or call us at 720-712-8856. We hope you have a wonderful week.

Living a Kick-Ass Life with a Disability

Aftersight — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 02:00:57 -0700

The Blind Chick Podcast: Exploring Strength, Overcoming Hurdles, and Embracing an Adventurous Lifestyle

Would you like to give somebody a shout-out because they've done something awesome or have achieved a personal goal, or it's a holiday that you want to send them a special message? You can now purchase shout-outs at aftersight.org/shoutout. Receive 50% off by using the code LOVE at check out. When you purchase a shout-out, we will read it on one of our shows for the whole world to hear.

Join us for an insightful episode of The Blind Chick, an Aftersight original podcast. Listen to inspiring stories of strength, overcoming hurdles, and embracing life's adventures despite visual impairment. A week prior we introduced a new feature, 'Shout-out', allowing listeners to share their experiences, and we're thrilled to have received our first response from a listener, who shared her empowering journey of increased self-awareness and independence. In this episode, we have an incredible guest on board - Charlie Kramer - a renowned disability life coach who empowers people with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives. Known for his catchphrase 'live kick-ass lives,' Charlie inspires us all to step into our true selves rather than assimilate. So join us as we discuss Charlie's unique approach, the difference between a life coach and a therapist, and the empowering choice of expressing a full identity. Enjoy listening!

If you would like to follow along with the transcript of this show, please click on the link below.

https://share.descript.com/view/HLX0pYrLzgL

00:00 Introduction to The Blind Chick Podcast
00:39 Engaging with Listeners: Shout Out Segment
01:05 Appreciating Listener's Feedback: Michelle's Story
02:20 Introducing the Guest: Charlie Kramer
03:07 Getting to Know Charlie: Personal Background
05:55 Charlie's Travel Recommendations
08:14 Charlie's Journey with Retinitis Pigmentosa
10:50 Charlie's Approach to Living with Vision Loss
18:50 Charlie's Unique Approach as a Life Coach
23:58 Connecting with Charlie: Social Media and More
25:34 Wrapping Up and Looking Forward to Part Two

If you enjoyed this show, we would love to hear from you! You can reach us at feedback at after sight.org or call us on our voicemail line at 720-712-8856 as always thank you for listening to The Blind Chick.

Lights, Camera, Self-Esteem: Unveiling the Truth Behind Photographs

Aftersight — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 02:00:04 -0700

Overcoming Self Esteem Challenges & Story Time with The Blind Chick

Tune in for an uplifting and insightful episode of 'The Blind Chick' where Penn Street, the blind chick, and her husband Moses Street share their personal experiences in boosting self-esteem through the power of perception. They share how they survived a severe winter with improvised warmth and a lot of humor. Penn discusses her fondness for sunglasses and the empowering effect they have on her self-image. Tune in as they dive deep into the impact of appearance in media and social media. They explain how emotions play a crucial role in photography and discuss some practical tips to feel more confident in front of the camera. The show concludes with both emphasizing the importance of embracing uniqueness and practicing kindness.

If you would like to follow along with a transcript of this show, please click on the link below.

00:00 Introduction to The Blind Chick Podcast
00:54 Surviving the Polar Vortex: A Personal Experience
02:32 High School Memories and Mean Girls
04:45 The Impact of Media on Self Esteem
05:41 The Secret to Being Photographed
07:16 Photography Tips and Tricks
23:25 Embracing Your Differences in Photos
25:10 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up

Well if you enjoyed this show then I know you're going to love next week. If you have any questions of the hosts of The Blind Chick, then shoot them an email at feedback@aftersight.org or give them a call at (720) 712-8856.
Don't forget to give a shoutout to your loved one, or just anyone who may need a little pick-me-up. Just head to www.aftersight.org/shoutout and type in the promo code LOVE for 50% off your purchase. We'll see you next time.

S3E2: From Victim to Victor: The Story of Safety Positive

Aftersight — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 02:00:49 -0700

The Blind Chick Podcast: Discussing Self-Advocacy and Safety for the Visually Impaired with Amy Wilson

In this enlightening episode of The Blind Chick Podcast, hosts Penn and Moses dive deep into the world of self-advocacy and safety for the blind with Amy Wilson, founder of the Safety Positive Foundation. Discussing troubling statistics around abuse of the blind, Amy sheds light on her foundation's mission to educate people, ultimately improving personal safety of the visually impaired community. From offering self-advocacy training to partnering with law enforcement and healthcare, Amy's dedication is truly inspiring, creating lasting change in the community. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion about empowerment, resilience, and safety in the blind community.

If you would like to follow along with a transcript of this show, please click on the link below.

https://share.descript.com/view/4WKVEDAJeF8

00:00 Introduction to The Blind Chick Podcast
00:28 Hosts' Personal Stories and Insights
01:39 Guest Introduction: Amy Wilson
02:05 Getting to Know Amy Wilson
03:46 Amy's Journey: From Vision Loss to Empowerment
07:34 Amy's Involvement with OneTouch Project
08:46 The Dark Side of OneTouch Project
13:23 The Importance of Verbal Craft Training
20:14 Pepper Spray Training for the Blind
23:03 Future Plans for Safety Positive Foundation
25:38 How to Connect with Amy and Safety Positive Foundation
27:09 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Thank you for listening to this episode of the blind check to find out more information about Amy Wilson and the Safety Positive Foundation, please visit safetypositivefdn.org. If you would like to reach us, email us at feedback@aftersight.org or through our phone line 720-712-8856. Have a great week.

Paving The Way With Jo

Aftersight — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 02:00:50 -0700

The Blind Chick Podcast: An Insightful Conversation with Author Joe Pinto

In this episode of The Blind Chick podcast, hosts Penn and Moses Street delve into an enriching discussion with pioneering blind author, Jo Elizabeth Pinto. Amidst New Year resolutions banter, the conversation unravels Pinto's life journey, beginning with her groundbreaking entrance into mainstream education in the 1970s. She recalls the daunting challenges faced by blind children at school, ingeniously highlighting the intersectionality of disability prejudice and sexism. The discussion fortuitously segues into the importance of inspiring characters in her books who are not defined by their disabilities. The hosts also highlight Joe's mentoring efforts in supporting others to adapt to their new condition of blindness. Lastly, the episode underscores the need to challenge societal norms and follow individual passions, as Jo culminates with powerful advice drawn from her life experiences. The discussion from this thought-provoking episode urges listeners to see past physical disabilities and acknowledge the capabilities each one possesses.

If you would like a transcript of this podcast, please click on the link below.

https://share.descript.com/view/1YQVDKq17Pg

00:00 Introduction and Hosts' New Year Resolutions
01:03 Exciting Guest Introduction
01:45 Journey to the Podcast
02:36 Experience as a Pioneer in Mainstream Schooling
06:31 Challenges of Unemployment Among the Blind
11:07 Writing Journey and Books
14:15 Experience as a Blind Parent
21:59 Jo's Mentoring Experiences
24:37 Conclusion and Contact Information

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. If you have any comments or questions, you can get a hold of us in two ways

feedback@aftersight.org
(720) 712-8856

Goodbye Aftersight, Hello Blind Chick

Aftersight — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 02:00:53 -0700

Aftersight: Year-end Wrap Up

In this final episode of Aftersight for 2023, host Penn Street reflects on the year's milestones and memorable highlights. From connecting with Olympic athletes and artists to discussing innovative technology with entrepreneurs, Aftersight has touched various aspects of life. It also played an important role in preserving braille for future generations and providing comfort through a memorial episode dedicated to a dear friend. This episode is beautifully wrapped up by an inspiring message from Jonathan and a ‘mashup of voices’ that have left their impact throughout the year. As Aftersight transitions into 'The Blind Chick', Penn sends out a warm and hopeful message to all her listeners as we step into 2024.

A transcript of this episode can be found here:

https://share.descript.com/view/kM1FpkGsdMk

00:03 Introduction and Welcome
00:22 Transition to New Year and New Name
00:42 Year in Review: Highlights and Milestones
02:53 Guest Interview: Mike May
07:04 Guest Interview: Chad Allen
12:13 Guest Interview: Ginny Owens
18:58 Guest Interview: Kelvin Crosby
22:58 Guest Interview: Ricky McKinney
24:36 Closing Remarks and Looking Forward

We are so excited to have Moses Street joining the Blind Chick show. If you have questions for Penn and Moses, please reach out at feedback@aincolorado.org or call us at (720) 712-8856

From Singin' and Dancin' to Journalism

Aftersight — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 02:00:39 -0700

Aftersight with Bridget Kuenning-Pollpeter

In this episode of 'Aftersight', host Penn Street engages with esteemed guest Bridget Kuenning-Pollpeter. Bridget is a journalist, mom, and performer who fought adversity from birth. She shares her experiences with diabetes, vision loss, and an eating disorder, using her story to inspire and change lives. Bridget later pursued a career as a creative nonfiction writer and journalist, circling back to her love for creativity. She discusses her favorite works and how she navigates the freelance writing world. Topping it off with talks about identity and body image and the importance of kindness, this episode emanates an aura of resilience and positivity.

If you would like to follow along with a transcript of this episode, please click on the link below.

https://share.descript.com/view/O9nNMo7U2WF

00:03 Introduction and Welcome
00:25 Meet the Guest: Bridget
01:50 Getting to Know Bridget: Ice Breaking Questions
04:28 Bridget's Struggles with Health and Eating Disorders
05:17 The Impact of Body Image and Eating Disorders
11:08 Bridget's Journey in Performing Arts
14:52 Transition to Writing and Journalism
22:10 Bridget's Favorite Pieces and How to Follow Her Work
27:04 Closing Remarks and Holiday Wishes

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Aftersight. Thank you for joining us. If you would like to reach any of the hosts or ask a question, please reach us at feedback@aimcolorado.org or call us on our voicemail line at (720) 712-8856.

Penn Gets A Co-host!

Aftersight — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 08:20:33 -0700

Aftersight Episode: Introducing A New Co-Host and Exciting Future Plans

In this episode of Aftersight, Penn Street, the host, introduces her husband Moses Street as the new co-host for her podcast. She explains that the show's name will soon change to 'The Blind Chick', a reference to her own experiences as a low-vision individual and her willingness to see change. Penn dives into the history of how she came up with the new name for the show and the need for a co-host. Furthermore, she shares about the fun and challenges of hosting a podcast by oneself. Several notable guests and past interviews are mentioned, which includes celebrities like Diane Schuur and Chloe Duplessis. Excitingly, Penn reveals that Aftersight is now in the top 25% of USA podcasts, and she looks forward to what's to come in 2024.

If you would like to follow along with a copy of this podcast, click on the link below.

https://share.descript.com/view/SVyhJ1A48K1

00:03 Introduction and Welcome
00:25 Introducing the New Co-Host
01:33 The Story Behind 'The Blind Chick'
02:12 The Journey
04:17 The Impact
07:11 The Evolution
07:46 Controversy and Acceptance
08:49 The Need for a Co-Host
10:14 The Dynamic Duo: Penn and Moses
12:26 Favorite Episodes and Future Guests
20:38 Celebrating Success and Looking Forward
24:58 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

Thank you for listening to this episode of Aftersight. If you would like to ask Penn and Moses a question, you can do so using the following links:

Feedback@aincolorado.org
(720)712-8856

Jeff Hanson: An 'Extra'ordinary Life Part 2

Aftersight — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 02:00:19 -0700

Celebrating Jeff Hanson's Legacy, Part 2

In this episode of 'Aftersight', host Penn Street welcomes back Julie and Hal Hanson, parents of Jeff Hanson, a remarkable artist who passed away three years ago. They share more about Jeff's unique style, how he adapted to low vision, and his deep passion for raising donations for charity through his art. They also discuss Jeff's ambitious goal of raising $10 million for charity, which has so far reached the $8 million mark. The episode ends with an introduction to the upcoming 'Growing Kindness' sculpture project, inspired by Jeff's beloved poppy artwork.

If you would like to follow along with a transcript of this recording, please click on the link below.

https://share.descript.com/view/9xa9pmmLIgB

00:03 Introduction and Welcome

00:21 Remembering Jeff Hanson: A Remarkable Artist
01:37 Jeff's Unique Artistic Techniques
05:26 Jeff's Love for Poppies and Their Influence on His Art
07:15 Jeff's Vision and Its Impact on His Art
10:19 Jeff's Philanthropic Journey and Goals
12:30 The Growing Kindness Sculpture: A Tribute to Jeff's Legacy
19:08 Jeff's Love for Fine Things and His Unfulfilled Dreams
23:09 Jeff's Theme Song and His Parents' Reflections
25:03 How to Learn More About Jeff and Support His Legacy
26:47 Conclusion: A Tribute to Jeff's Impact

Thank you for listening to this episode of Aftersight soon to be named "The Blind Chick". If you have a question for Penn or would like to reach one of our other guests, please email us or call us on our voice mail line listed below. Have a wonderful week and we'll see you next time.

feedback@aincolorado.org
(720) 712-8856

Jeff Hanson an 'Extra'ordinary Life - Part 1

Aftersight — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 02:00:49 -0700

Aftersight: A Tribute to an Extraordinary Life - Part 1

This episode of Aftersight features the parents of Jeff Hanson, a young, award-winning artist who excelled despite suffering from severe vision loss due to neurofibromatosis. Jeff's work, combining unusual colors and heavy, tactile textures, raised over a million dollars for charities nationwide by the time he turned 20. He also had a memorable friendship with Sir Elton John, initiated through a Make-A-Wish experience. The episode encourages listeners to visit Jeff's website, jeffhansonart.com. Learn more about his inspiring life and art.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:25 Introducing the Special Guests
01:08 The Story of Jeff Hanson: Early Life and Challenges
02:22 Jeff's Parents Share Their Grieving Process
04:01 Jeff's Artistic Journey Begins
05:32 The Evolution of Jeff's Art
13:52 Jeff's Art Becomes a Business
22:08 Jeff's Make-a-Wish Experience
26:41 How to Learn More About Jeff's Legacy
27:14 Conclusion and Farewell

If you would like to follow along with a transcript of this show, please click on the link below.
https://share.descript.com/view/rwCVQ5Xhkgx

If you have a question for any of our AINC original hosts, please email us at feedback@aincolorado.org or call our voicemail line at (720) 712-8856.

Medicare vs. Medicaid

Aftersight — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 02:00:03 -0700

Medicare and Enrollment Periods: Insight With Brenda Trey Hosts - After Sight Podcast

In this episode of the Aftersight Podcast, host Penn Street welcomes guest Brenda Trejos to discuss Medicare, its history, and how it works. They also cover enrollment periods, the different types of Medicare and who qualifies for them. Brenda stresses the need for caution in responding to commercials related to Medicare and the importance of seeking advice from a certified, licensed, authorized agent for personalized advice. The discussion also touches on the benefits of Medicare Advantage programs and the necessity of understanding one’s healthcare coverage fully. Brenda reveals that she provides her services across the country, helping clients understand and select the best options for their specific needs.

00:03 Introduction and Welcome
00:25 Podcast Name Change Announcement
01:51 Introduction of Guest - Brenda Trey
02:53 Getting to Know Brenda
04:53 Understanding Medicare
06:02 Medicare vs Medicaid
13:48 Medicare Enrollment Period
20:16 Contacting Brenda for Medicare Assistance
25:35 Closing Remarks and Announcements
If you would like a transcript of this episode, please click on the link below.

https://share.descript.com/view/yAXqLzkVYHn To make a comment or suggestion, you can email us at feedback@aincolorado.org or call us at (720) 712-8856

Aftersight's 100th Episode

Aftersight — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 02:00:49 -0700

Aftersight's Special 100th Episode: Reflection, Celebrations and New Beginnings

In this milestone 100th episode of the podcast Aftersight, host Penn Street celebrates with a few special guests who have greatly influenced the show. Listeners are reminded of the diversity and unique perspectives brought in by past guests from different walks of life. Penn shares that the show's initial intention was to help someone in their life journey using stories of people from around the world, a value she notes that the show has managed to consistently embody. Additionally, the episode informs the listeners that 'After Sight' will soon be the organization's name and the show will transition into being called, 'The Blind Chick', to reflect Penn's social media persona. The episode ends on an encouraging note, urging people to be kind to themselves and extend kindness to someone else as well.

00:03 Introduction and Welcome
00:19 Interview with Penn Street Begins
00:55 Penn's Daily Life and Work Ethic
01:23 Penn's Favorite Aspects of Fall
02:43 Penn's Favorite Theme Songs
03:31 Penn's Current Playlist
04:02 Recap of the Last Two Years
06:50 Guest Appearance: Mike May
07:45 Penn's First Meeting with Mike May
11:55 Guest Messages and Reflections
13:18 Guest Appearance: Alex Flynn
20:37 Chloe's Impact and the Concept of Seasons
22:42 Guest Appearance: Kelvin Crosby
25:43 Guest Appearance: Evan Starnes
29:57 Memorable Episodes and Impactful Stories
31:36 Guest Appearance: Kim Wardlow
40:33 The Evolution of Aftersight
44:01 The Blind Chick: A New Chapter

For a transcription of this show please visit https://share.descript.com/view/IXg65qYpYdE

Fall 2023 Aging At Altitude

Aftersight — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 02:00:54 -0600

Every so often we do these Aging at Altitude events and it's wonderful to see so many vendors and stories coming from this community.

If you would like to give a suggestion for the new Name for Aftersight you can do so at the address below.
feedback@aincolorado.org

If you would like a transcript of this episode please click on the link below.
https://share.descript.com/view/wYuNTWzXuap

Story Telling From a Blind Perspective

Aftersight — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 02:00:30 -0600

Chad is back this week as we dive into part two. It's funny when you think of the art of storytelling, and it comes to the use of our imagination. Effective storytellers bring you along in the journey, and many times it's all about the journey rather than the end of the story. Sit back and relax and enjoy the journey of part 2 with Chad Allen.

If you would like a transcript of this recording, you can find it at the link listed below.
https://share.descript.com/view/f8bhJw9uBDe

The Blind Magician

Aftersight — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 02:00:49 -0600

From Penn and Teller to the magicians, numerous moves, no O&M training for many years and a wonderfully successful career and Chad Allen will say, it's all been part of the journey! It was amazing having Chad on this part 1 episode. Tune into next week as well.

Don't forget to help us find a new name for our podcast. Aftersight will now be the name of the organization, and the Aftersight show will be under a new name. If you have any naming thoughts, please reach out to our producer Jonathan at Jonathan@aincolorado.org.

If you have a suggestion for the show we would love to hear it, whether it's a guest suggestion, a question for Penn, or a question for any of our hosts please send them to:
www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guest/

Transcription for this episode can be found by accessing the link below.
https://share.descript.com/view/Au2nNXUNVco

Braille Isn't Dead

Aftersight — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 02:00:18 -0600

Samuel makes an encore appearance on our flagship show, Aftersight. Penn and Samuel discuss the importance of Braille and why it's not a dying communication form. This is a fascinating episode and one I can't wait to share with you. Enjoy the show!
If you would like a transcription of the show please click on the link below

https://share.descript.com/view/pzCAZw4B31A

Oh Say Can you See Liza Jo

Aftersight — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 02:00:42 -0600

From one Star-Spangled Banner to another, Liza Jo has begun her journey into country music on the Stars and Stripes of America, riding on the wings of an eagle through faith as she navigates life with vision loss. This was a fun conversation of a wonderful young lady who is quickly becoming someone to be reckoned with. We hope you enjoy this wonderful episode of Aftersight.

To find out more about Liza Jo you can visit her here
https://www.lizajomusic.com/

To find a transcript of this show please click on the link below
https://share.descript.com/view/ikfN4qATGKt

Chloe Duplessis and the "I Voted" Sticker

Aftersight — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 09:18:19 -0600

Welcome to part three of this amazing story from Chloe Duplessis. I how you have enjoyed this miniseries as we have delved deep into the life and heart of Chloe. I hope you have taken at least one good nugget from this series, and I hope that you find someone who could use this encouragement and share with them. Have a wonderful week!

To access a transcription of this episode, click on the link below.
https://share.descript.com/view/YakzNhrJ8PM

Chloe Duplessis: I'm An Artist. Period.

Aftersight — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 02:00:15 -0600

We just had to have Chloe back for another week of amazing discussion from Penn and Chloe. Many times we deal with what qualifies us to do what we do and we put "ands" in our lives to justify what we do either for a living, or for fun, or for some other purpose. Chloe shows us that no matter what you do you never have to put and after the title of you.

You can find a transcription of this episode here.
https://share.descript.com/view/pnnMvocXG3N

Chloe Duplessis: It's ok, It's Already Done.

Aftersight — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 02:00:28 -0600

This is part 1 of an incredible interview with the Chloe Duplessis. She is an amazing artist and more than that she has a gift for story telling and her story will touch your heart and soul. If you would like to know more about Chloe's journey and to see her art work, visit the link below and make sure you follow her on the social media site of your choice. Enjoy the show.

https://www.duplessisart.com/

for a full transcription of the show, please click on the link below.
https://share.descript.com/view/ZnU0ENuJNpp

Audio Trekers Hike

Aftersight — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 02:00:07 -0600

It was so much fun being on this incredible hike with so many amazing people. Evan and Penn sit down to reflect on their time on the mountain. Even did an amazing job capturing the stories from the hikers and he gave you a glimpse into just what you missed out on. Don't worry, there's always next year.

www.aincolorado.org

Rebroadcast Ginny Owens

Aftersight — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 02:00:39 -0600

The Potter's Wheel

Aftersight — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 02:00:16 -0600

I know last week we left you with quite the cliffhanger and while I am sorry for doing that we wanted you to come back and experience the rest of Kalvin's story. If you missed part 1 last week, listen to it first and then get the rest of the context for this week. If you would like to donate to the Seemecane fund, please visit the links below.

https://www.seemecane.com/

https://www.deafblindpotter.com/

We hope you enjoyed this episode. Also, please go visit our other shows, Blindsight, Blind Level Tech, and Navigating Life With Vision Loss.
Transcription Link https://share.descript.com/view/XQI4kMCBbZP

Not Bears... But God...

Aftersight — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 21:53:44 -0600

WARNING: THIS EPISODE DOES TALK ABOUT CHILD SUICIDE. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. You will not believe this story until you hear it. This is Kelvin Crosby. His story is not for the faint of heart. There is pain and ultimately triumph in these two part series featuring the Seemecane inventor and CEO. Penn does an amazing job as always, and you will not leave this episode unchanged. Enjoy the show.

www.deafblindpotter.com

www.seemecane.com

Ricky McKinnie and the Blind Boys of Alabama Part 2

Aftersight — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 02:00:45 -0600

We're back with part 2 of this wonderful interview with Ricky McKinnie. Ricky and Penn discuss what's next for the Blind Boys of Alabama, and they make sure to throw out some very memorable t-shirt quotes that you're going to need to write down. We hope you enjoy this episode, and we look forward to seeing you on our hike!

www.blindboys.com

www.aincolorado.org

Ricky McKinnie and the Blind Boys of Alabama

Aftersight — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 02:00:22 -0600

This was such a fun episode! Ricky McKinnie of the Blind Boys of Alabama joins Penn on this week's episode of Aftersight. Ricky is a wealth of knowledge and wisdom, and I'm sure you will want to get a pen and paper because there will be so many wonderful quotes from this episode. Join us next week for part 2 as Ricky takes the hot seat again and dives more into the Blind Boys of Alabama and their history.

https://www.blindboys.com/

www.aincolorado.org

Cazerney Bussey and the Blind Money Gang

Aftersight — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 02:00:11 -0600

Look out now! Cazerney Bussey is on the move as now he's joining Penn Stree on Aftersight and spend a few weeks with the boys over at Blind Level Tech. Caz is one of the founders of Blind Money Gang. A company that houses, producers, musicians, and engineers all from the blind community. Get to know Caz and his amazing story!

www.blindmoneygang.com

www.aincolorado.com

Trischa Zorn: Going Before the Olympic Committee

Aftersight — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 02:00:01 -0600

This episode of Aftersight is bringing back Penn and Trischa, and they are talking about all the exciting times that Trischa went before the Olympic Committee and all the things they were able to change. Thank you for listening to Aftersight and making this who what it is!

Trischa Zorn: But That's Not Who I Am

Aftersight — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 02:00:54 -0600

Tricha and Penn are teaming up for this wonderful two part episode as they discuss the impact that sports and advocating for not only your self has in society. If you have any questions for Penn and would like to have your questions read on the air, please email Jonathan Price at jonathan@aincolorado.org. We would love to hear your questions.

www.aincolorado.org/hike

www.aincolorado.org/resources

A Completely New Approach to Physical Health

Aftersight — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 02:00:07 -0600

So take all your knowledge about stretching, exercise, movement, and health; now throw it out the window! Erik comes to flip the physical education world on its head and talks about healthy whole-body movement. Erik brings fire when talking about how much your life will benefit from these easy tips to get back into shape.

enliveenergy.com

Mohammed Laachir: No, Not That JAWS

Aftersight — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 02:00:10 -0600

This was a fun week as Penn is joined all the way from Amsterdam by Mohammed Laachir who work for JAWS. He has an incredible story and talks about how his journey into technology and school led him down some interesting roads and right into the JAWS of the blind community.

Ginny Owens: I Will Go Through the Valley if You Want Me To

Aftersight — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 02:00:56 -0600

Ginny Owens is an amazing woman first and foremost. She has won awards for her music and is a celebrated author. Penn and Ginny discuss a lot of aspects about her faith and why she believes God has not healed her blindness so that she can be a light for this world. you can find all of her work here

https://ginnyowens.com/

Rebroadcast Tanveer

Aftersight — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 23:29:47 -0600

Tanveer came to us through a good friend of the show, and his story is so worth repeating. Enjoy.

A Rare Story from a Story Teller

Aftersight — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 02:00:13 -0600

Paulette Foss, had a rough time getting into the AINC studios this week, but her tenacity and drive allowed her to get to the studios and share not only her story but a story that she tells to people when she travels from schools to nursing homes and really anywhere that would have her. She has been through so much and is going to change the world one story at a time.

Surviving 9/11

Aftersight — Thu, 18 May 2023 02:00:52 -0600

Penn is joined by an amazing man who has authored and spoken worldwide since 2003. Michael is a survivor of 9/11. He was on the 78th floor of Tower 1 when the plane hit. Through his guide dog, he was able to make it down the stairs and out of the building. When people started shouting, his guide dog knew how to get him to safety before Tower 2 fell. It's important to remember how to not only know a route but to explore your surroundings and areas when working travel or living. We hope you enjoy this episode. Thank you to all the service men and women who were there during the horrific events of 9/11.

www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guest

https://michaelhingson.com/

Thunder Dog: https://www.amazon.com/Thunder-Dog-Story-Blind-Triumph/dp/1400204720/

Running with Roselle: https://www.amazon.com/Running-Roselle-Together-Survived-Americas/dp/0615905234/

Unstoppable Mindset: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unstoppable-mindset/id1589492551

Please be sure to rate, review, comment, and subscribe, so you don't miss a single episode.

Concert in the Dark Behind the Scenes

Aftersight — Wed, 10 May 2023 02:00:31 -0600

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported AINC with our concert in the Dark event. It was wildly successful, and we loved seeing you all out there. Penn is joined this week by our producer Jonathan. They talk about all the ins and outs of the show and just how it came together. Enjoy these behind-the-scenes stories and we can't wait to see you at the next one.
www.aincolorado.org

Blake Steinecke and Clusiv

Aftersight — Thu, 04 May 2023 05:28:49 -0600

Blake lost his vision shortly after getting his driver's license and was forced to adapt while attending college. This adaptation led him to land a position with Clusiv which is an online help tool for those looking for hard skills for job placement. If you're interested in honing your skills or going to find employment, go check them out at Clusiv home page: https://clusiv.io/ Request Clusiv training: https://clusiv.io/students/ Clusiv mobile app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/clusiv/id6443922292 Blake's YouTube channel, Adapting Sight: https://www.youtube.com/@AdaptingSight/featured

Deed's Rebraodcast and Concert in The Dark

Aftersight — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 02:00:31 -0600

In honor of our Concert in the Dark event coming up, we wanted to replay the episode that Penn shared with Diane Deeds Schuur. This was an amazing interview and I can't wait for the May 4th show. Please get your tickets and use the promo code BVI to receive 20% off your purchase. Have a great week and we'll see you at the show.

See It Our Way

Aftersight — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 02:00:26 -0600

Check out the transcription here: https://vportal.aincolorado.org/wl/?id=9OghCli5cujhkEQ05AybTHDclPPQ8YOt This episode was a beautiful glimpse into what you can do for a community if you're willing to put in a lot of hard work and believe in not only yourself, but others around you. Penn is joined this week by Jared, the future CEO of the Foundation for Blind Children. They discuss some of the most amazing success stories coming out of the 77-year history. Enjoy this episode and let AINC know how we're doing by leaving us some feedback on Apple Podcasts or where ever you consume your podcasts. www.aincolorado.org

Audio Descriptions and Museums

Aftersight — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 02:00:36 -0600

Robyn has a wealth of knowledge as she has spent of her life in museums and studying Jewish history while living in Jerusalem. She is an Audio Describer focusing on Ballet and National Parks. If you would like more information about some of her work, you can visit the app mentioned in the podcast, linked below. https://unidescription.org/ www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guest/

Braille Isn't Working!

Aftersight — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 02:00:36 -0600

Well, Penn and Tanveer pullout all the stops talking about why braille is dying or needs to be substituted for a better method of learning. Tanveer is a researcher from Florida Tech university and his work is going to change the way we see both literally and figuratively. If you have any comments or questions, please let us know in the comments section or email us at www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guest/ Have a wonderful week!

Holding On By Letting Go: The Heather Hutchison Story

Aftersight — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 02:00:29 -0600

Heather has been a champion of mental health and suicide prevention by sharing her own story of overcoming crippling anxiety and depression and fighting her own battle with suicide. Heather is an author and musician, and her passion is quite contagious. Please visit her social media sites from her main page, which you can find below. Also, check out her music and her book. Have a wonderful week, and thank you for making Aftersight a staple in the blind and low-vision community. https://heather-hutchison.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Holding-Letting-Go-Heather-Hutchison-ebook/dp/B094674YMR https://open.spotify.com/artist/07t3LapcWFZmhrUN5FJ15n?si=UHXzLwBvRX6uM7lBKvsH2g https://music.apple.com/us/album/if-i-could-ep/1602620045

Prescription Advocacy

Aftersight — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 06:00:20 -0600

JJ and Melissa have been through it for the past several months, and they come on Aftersight to bring awareness to a huge issue facing the blind community. This show focuses on what's happening around prescriptions and how to make them accessible for the blind community. Of course, this also has a lot of fun laughter and love so grab your coffee and relax. www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guest Penn@aincolorado.org (Host) jonathan@aincolorado.org (Producer)

Who Needs Sight When You Have Vision: Revisited (Originally Aired January 5, 2023)

Aftersight — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 15:07:11 -0600

Being a Wife, Mom and Model Fighting Depression

Aftersight — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 02:00:14 -0700

Joy Ross is a wife, mother, and model. Her blindness lead her to some very dark days which brought her to an unorthodox treatment. Penn walks us through her journey and take us behind the scenes of Joy Ross. https://www.youtube.com/@JoyRoss https://www.instagram.com/blindjoyross/ https://www.tiktok.com/@joyrossblind https://www.facebook.com/throughtheeyesofjoy www.aincolorado.org/resources www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guest/

Penny Forward

Aftersight — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 02:00:51 -0700

Have you ever thought about getting yourself to a place of financial independence, or even thought about financial freedom? Penn sits down with Chris from Penny Forward, a non-profit financial service provider specializing in helping those with blindness or low vision reach their goal in money management. If you like what you hear go subscribe to their service at pennyforward.com. Use Promocode AINCO2023 to get 25% off of your first payment by joining Penny Forward. www.aincolorado.org www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guest/

From Photography to Finger Paints

Aftersight — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 02:00:29 -0700

This is a full-of-life story from Nanci Minger. She started losing her sight in her twenties and due to an accident decided she was no longer able to live the life she once had. From photography to now finger painting, her art keeps her going. https://www.instagram.com/theartofnanci/ www.aincolorado.org/resources

Two Loves One Life

Aftersight — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 02:00:00 -0700

Penn and Moses met in 1987. Through many trials and tribulations, their love story is something to be revered. Moses was the first guest on Aftersight over a year ago, and he and Penn fought side by side and back to back, to have the relationship they have today! Happy Valentine's Day from AINC and Aftersight!

Billy Parker: NSITE

Aftersight — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 00:17:44 -0700

Penn and Billy have a discussion on a sensitive topic in bridging the gap between those who are blind and the employers looking to hire them. Billy and his wonderful team at NSITE help those with visual impairments get valuable training and job placements. Take a listen. All links are below. Enjoy! Website: https://nsite.org/ Customer-Centered Communications (CCC) workshop: https://bit.ly/NSITE-CCC ProMOTE: https://nsite.org/training/nsite-promote/ Cisco Networking Academy: https://nsite.org/training/nsite-cisco-academy/ NSITE Sourcing Specialist: https://nsite.org/training/sourcing-certificate-program/ AINC Website: www.aincolorado.org

Jennifer Cleveland: From Saving Lives To Healing Them

Aftersight — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 02:00:39 -0700

Jennifer lost her sight due to a rare diagnosis called Autoimmune Retinopathy due to Celiac Disease. She was a thrill-seeking paramedic with a speed and passion for life, and when she lost her vision, she felt like her world ended. Through divorce, fighting for her new future, and overcoming many obstacles, she is now a healer in multiple disciplines. Innersightliving.com www.aincolorado.org/resources www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guests/

Diane "Deeds" Schuur

Aftersight — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 02:00:49 -0700

Well this should be interesting. What happens when you combine a 2-time Grammy-winning artist with a chatty Penn Street? Lots of giggles, wild topics, and hi jinx galore. Penn is joined by Diane "Deeds" Schuur who has played with some of the most illustrious artists on the planet. We hope you enjoy this fun-filled episode and make sure you check out Deeds' website for access to all of her music. https://www.dianeschuur.com/ www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guest/ www.aincolorado.org

In Memoriam: Scott Lebarre

Aftersight — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 02:00:55 -0700

Join Penn in this emotional episode as we remember the life and legacy of Scott Lebarre. Penn is joined by Julie and Kevin and they discuss the life and accomplishments of this amazing man who achieved so much before his passing on December 10th, 2022. www.nfb.org To join the Celebration of Life Event for Scott, click the link below Zoom via web: https://zoom.us/j/93503048437 Zoom One Tap Mobile: +13017158592,,93503048437# Zoom via phone: +1 301 715 8592 Zoom Meeting ID: 935 0304 8437

What Got You There Will Keep You There

Aftersight — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 02:00:23 -0700

Being a guide takes great attention to detail. You always have to be looking out for any obstacle coming from any direction. Jerome Avery does that on an Olympic level, literally. Jerome is a guide for the Paralympic USA team and has worked with Lex Gillette, David Brown, and other world-class athletes. Enjoy this amazing episode. jeromeavery.com www.aincolorado.org penn@aincolorado.org

Who Needs Sight When You Have Vision?

Aftersight — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 02:00:01 -0700

When you get the opportunity to have a world record holder and an Olympian on the show, you take it. Lex Gillette is just that. He has done so many wonderful things and has overcome a lot in order to get to the Olympic Podium. As a kid, launching himself off the front porch onto the grassy slope gave way to launching himself off a runway and into a sandpit. Penn and Lex enjoy a heartfelt conversation about being blind and addressing some of the things that have shaped his life. To learn more about Lex and his journey, visit www.lexgillette.com. www.aincolorado.org/resources www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guest/

A Truly Tactile Experience

Aftersight — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 02:00:54 -0700

Matt Gesualdi joins Penn for a cool conversation about tactile art for the blind, museums, and pitch-black escape rooms. Matt was an architect and fell in love with creating things to scale and giving blind people the opportunity to see just how big or small we really are compared to other objects. I hope you enjoy this episode of Aftersight. Website: https://tact-ed.org/ Email Matt: matt@tact-ed.org www.aincolorado.org Host: Penn@aincolorado.org Producer: Jonathan@aincolorado.org

Moguls: Financial and Slope Style

Aftersight — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 02:00:59 -0700

Penn is joined by Gena Harper who lost her vision at an early age and fought to become one of the most successful skiers as a blind woman and then after conquering that she hit the financial sector and became one of the most prominent financial advisors around. Her story and get in touch with her at the links below. https://www.instagram.com/genablindwomanofaction/ https://www.tiktok.com/@genablindwomanofaction/video/7164523935361584430 www.aincolorado.org/resources www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guest/

Science Isn't Only for the Sighted

Aftersight — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 02:00:46 -0700

Charis is a scholarship winner for her work in chemistry. Her passion for the sciences and getting kids into science is contagious. She loves to learn and grow and fight for better education for everyone, especially blind students. She just happens to be blind herself. Hear her amazing story of how she got into the filed and where she plans on going next! https://www.msudenver.edu/epic-scholars/ www.aincolorado.org www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guest/

A Big Heart Joins AINC

Aftersight — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 02:00:02 -0700

Michael Sisneros is the newest addition to the AINC family. He comes with a huge heart and a deep affinity for help anyone who needs it. Penn and Michale share a special bond tieing them together. Take a listen. Michale@aincolorado.org aincolorado.org/resources

Badge of Shame or Badge of Honor?

Aftersight — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 02:00:41 -0700

Penn is joined by Evan Starnes Who works in the tech and volunteer departments. They have a very heartfelt topic over the idea of your blindness being a badge of shame or a badge of honor. If you would like to reach out to Evan or Penn, you can find their contact info below. We would love to hear from you. Aincolorado.org Evan@aincolorado.org Penn@aincolorado.org

An AINC Thanksgiving Message

Aftersight — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 02:00:50 -0700

Blindness and The VA

Aftersight — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 02:00:42 -0700

Heather Fogle talks with Penn about the cool work she is doing with the VA and between you and me I think they had too much fun in this conversation. https://vets.colorado.gov/ www.aincolorado.org

Aging At Altitude

AINC — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 02:00:29 -0700

Penn is off this week and we are bringing you a wonderful episode full of cool stories from around the community from past and future volunteers, clinicians and just all around cool people with cool stories. We took to the Aging At Altitude event in Boulder, CO to take everyone stories and here's what we got. Enjoy! www.aincolorado.org/resources www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guest/

S2:E1 - The All-Terrain Cane

Aftersight — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 02:00:16 -0600

Welcome to season 2 of Aftersight. We're going to be bringing you the same great hosts and more incredible guests. We're starting off this season with David Epstein, who invented the All-Terrain Cane. His passion for helping people with low vision in the quest for the great outdoors is truly contagious. Take a look at his website listed below and preorder yours today! www.awarewolfgear.com www.aincolorado.org www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guest/

Aftersight Ep. 52: Erik Weihenmayer

Aftersight — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 02:00:24 -0600

It's time to celebrate 1 year of Aftersight! Penn is joined by the great Erik Weihenmayer who was the first blind man to summit Mt. Everest. This episode does NOT talk about that experience, rather his passions in life including his kids, No Barriers, and overcoming his own struggle in life. Thank you, Erik, for being an amazing guest! aincolorado.org/resources aincolorado.org/podcast-guest/

Aftersight: Ep. 51: Lauren Bear

Aftersight — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 02:00:37 -0600

AINC's newest member Lauren Bear joins Penn for this beautiful discussion about moving to Colorado, joining AINC, and many other things that Lauren finds interesting. Check out her life songs How Far I'll Go: https://open.spotify.com/track/6mb6lVLNrcUgLnEN8QnDJd?si=78efacac796b4585 Fetch Your Life: https://open.spotify.com/track/1CuLDXJZw8JuP6wCJw90Ko?si=b3a366dc6e434613 www.aincolroado.org www.aincolorado.org/podcasts-guest/

Aftersight Ep. 50 Kristin Parker

Aftersight — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 02:00:48 -0600

Probably one of our most emotional shows yet. As we close in one season one and our one-year anniversary, Penn sits down with Kristin Parker, who is an independent contractor specializing in braille transcription. Her road to redemption and providing braille services is nothing short of a miracle and provides tears, laughter and everything in between. Enjoy this week's episode. I Will Not Bow - Breaking Benjamin https://open.spotify.com/track/2yXyz4NLTZx9CLdXfLTp5E?si=40b1663648954802 Kristin Parker: kmetz198@gmail.com www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guest/ penn@aincolorado.org jonathan@aincolorado.org

Aftersight Ep. 49: Liz and Maddie "Courageously Kind"

Aftersight — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 02:00:18 -0600

Penn gets to talk with Liz and Maddie of the Courageously Kind Podcast. These girls are quite an incredible pairing and their story of hope and kindness will touch your heart. Enjoy this episode, and please leave a comment and tell us what you think of the show, we would love your feedback. https://www.courageouslykind.org/ https://www.instagram.com/courageouslykindpodcast/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/discover/Courageously-Kind?lang=en https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkJcXnN5dC2H8sy-LjszVGw https://www.facebook.com/courageouslykindpodcast/ www.aincolorado.org/resources www.aincolorado.org/podcast-resources

Aftersight Ep. 48: Sam Morris Zen Warrior Training

Aftersight — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 16:03:12 -0600

This week on Aftersight Penn talks with Sam Morris, founder of Zen Warrior. From tragic accident to public speaker and coach, Sam has overcome some amazing circumstances. Enjoy her conversation with this Zen Warrior! https://zenwarriortraining.com/about-sam/ www.aincolorado.org/resources www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guest/

Aftersight Ep 47 Ensight Skills with Denny Moyer

Aftersight — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 02:00:37 -0600

This week on Aftersight Penn talks with Denny Moyer of Ensight Skills Center about her vision loss journey and how she became involved in the development and creation of Ensight Skills Center. If you have any questions, please use the links below. www.ensightskills.org www.aincolorado.org/resources www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guest/

Aftersight Ep. 46 Elli Carlson

Aftersight — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 02:00:14 -0600

Penn is joined by Ellie Carlson, who is an advocate and guide dog trainer. She runs caninesandcane.com which will help you get through the process of getting your guide dog from education access to financial options and everything in between. Enjoy. www.caninesandcanes.com www.aincolorado.org/resources www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guest/

Aftersight Ep. 45 Whats your Summit?

Aftersight — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 02:00:05 -0600

AINC was a part of a very special weekend, bringing people together with all different types of disabilities for one special hike in Estes Park. Evan Starnes the Audio Production Technician at AINC and Jonathan Price the Podcast Producer sit down with some of the special hikers to talk about their experiences with the hike and talk about their journey with disabilities. To visit the stories in more detail, please visit the links below. You will also find more information to make an impact in their lives if you so desire. Kara Bourhard (Star of the World) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXWVHjWpEJQ Noel Beauvais https://hopeinholland.org/ AINC Recources www.aincolorado.org/resources AINC Guest Request www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guest/

Aftersight Ep. 44: Be My Eyes Part 2

Aftersight — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 02:00:04 -0600

We're back for part 2 of Be My eyes with Joe Weber. In Part 1 we talked about the initial user and the interface while being blind. This week we transition the discussion to more of the business side of things and how businesses can get involved and what Be My Eyes looks like on a practical level. Please leave a show review, as this will help get the word out to many more in the blind community. Check the links below for resources and the Be My Eyes website. www.bemyeyes.com www.aincolorado.org/resources www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guest/

Aftersight Ep. 43: Be My Eyes Part 1

Aftersight — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 06:00:50 -0600

Joe Weber joins Penn for this exciting look into the service app Be My Eyes. Be My Eyes is a completely free app for the use and assistance for the blind and visually impaired. Check out the link below, and we'll see you next week for part 2. www.bemyeyes.com www.aincolorado.org/resources www.aincolorado.org/podcast-guests

Aftersight Ep 42. Beyond Vision: A Tactile Experience

Aftersight — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 06:00:28 -0600

Penn sits down with the wonderful Molly Brockman, who is launching Beyond Vision. Beyond vision specializes in bring art and museum exhibits to life through various shows with themes and specific branding messages for those with blindness and vision loss. Hear her amazing story as she talks about her journey into vision loss and how she has overcome some amazing things. www.beyondvisionart.com aincolorado.org/podcast-guest aincolorado.org/resources

Aftersight Ep. 41 Abuse and Crisis Prevention Part 2

Aftersight — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 06:00:53 -0600

This week, we continue our conversation with Sabrina and Jody from The Crisis Center in Littleton, Colorado. This is a heavy topic, so we understand if you may need to skip this episode. On the flip side of that, if you know someone who is going through a tough situation, we want to make sure we are a resource for you. Below you will find several links and a phone number for your convenience. You are supported and loved. www.thecrisiscenter.org Phone: 303-688-1094 Toll-free Number: 888-247-7472 AINC: aincolorado.org/resources If you have a guest suggestion or a story you this we should hear please reach out to us: aincolorado.org/podcast-guest/

Aftersight Ep. 40: Abuse and Crisis Prevention Part 1

Aftersight — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 06:00:46 -0600

This week Penn hits on a very heavy topic with Sabrina and Jody from The Crisis Center here in Littleton, Colorado. Dealing with crises and abuse is something no one should go through. We are here to help in any way possible. Please note that this episode along with next week's episode will be quite heavy and could be burdensome for some people dealing with abuse and trauma. Please reach out to The Crisis Center for help. If you find yourself in an emergency, please dial 911. The Crisis Center http://www.thecrisiscenter.org/ AINC Resource Page https://aincolorado.org/resources/ AINC Questions and guest recommendations https://aincolorado.org/podcast-guest/

Aftersight Ep. 39: Kat in Memoriam

Aftersight — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 06:00:53 -0600

This week we remember our colleague and friend Kat Bradbury. Kat was a strong, gracious, wonderful and funny woman. Penn sits down with the staff of AINC to talk about Kat and remember the good time we shared Kat. Get your tissues ready. Kat, you will be deeply missed.

Aftersight Ep. 38: Rob Johnson

Aftersight — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 06:00:02 -0600

Rob and Penn have had quite the journey together. They met at guide dog school and have been friends ever since. One thing they bonded over was the fact that they were both involved in Lions. Hear his great story of vision loss and giving back through Lions

Aftersight Ep. 37: Linda Errante

Aftersight — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 06:29:03 -0600

Penn is joined this week by a dear friend, Linda Errante. Penn and Linda met while attending the Guide Dog training and have been friends ever since. If you have any questions or recommended guests, please email us at the address listed below. Have a wonderful day! www.aincolorado.org www.aincolorado.org/resources/ Host: Penn Street Penn@aincolorado.org Producer: Jonathan Price jonathan@aincolorado.org Guide Dog Foundation www.guidedog.org

Aftersight Ep. 36: Jonathan Price

Audio Information Network of Colorado — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 08:24:35 -0600

Penn sits down with AINC's new Podcast Producer to talk about all the new exciting things happening with Aftersight and upcoming shows and events.

Aftersight Ep. 35: Robert Lamm

Aftersight — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 10:52:05 -0600

This week on Aftersight Penn Street talks with Robert Lamm. Rob has had to overcome more obstacles than a ninja warrior. From battles with addiction to loss of a family member, he was put through the ringer. Somehow, he came out of it with a beautiful outlook on life. Take a listen. www.aincolorado.org www.aincolorado.org/resources Host: Penn Street Penn@aincolorado.org Producer: Jonathan Price jonathan@ainciolorado.org

Aftersight Ep. 34 Mike Hess

Host Penn Street Producer Jonathan Price — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 06:00:10 -0600

In this episode of Aftersight, Penn sits down with Mike Hess, founder of Blind Institute of Technology. Mike has been a champion for those seeking job placement with vision loss. Working in Corporate America for many years, he decided that enough was enough. Hear this wonderful story of fight and grit as he navigated the waters being the token "Blind Guy" and starting BIT where he sets his aim at helping people get great careers. Links and Resources www.blindit.org www.aincolorado.org www.aincolorado.org/resources/ www.aincolorado.org/audio-publications/aftersight/

Aftersight Ep. 33: Walters

Aftersight — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 06:00:31 -0600

On today's episode of Aftersight Penn talks with Robin Walters. Robin discusses her journey with blindness and finding her niche in training service dogs and using her gifts to help others in need. www.aincolorado.org www.aincolorado.org/resources/ If you have any questions about the show or would like to make a guest suggestion, please email: Penn@aincolorado.org or Jonathan@aincolroado.org

Aftersight Ep. 32: Flodin

Aftersight — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 06:00:26 -0600

In this episode, Penn talks with Jeff Flodin. He has authored over 200 blogs (and still counting!) since the inception of Jalapeños in the Oatmeal: Digesting Vision Loss in 2010. He is the recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Creative Access Fellowship and his work has appeared in venues including Magnets and Ladders, The Rockford Review, Chicago Arts Journal, Kaleidoscope and the Chicago Tribune. Links to the blog and his contact info are listed below. https://jalapenosintheoatmeal.wordpress.com/ jkflodin@gmail.com https://aincolorado.org/ https://aincolorado.org/resources/

Aftersight Ep. 31: Aging

Aftersight — Wed, 25 May 2022 10:55:00 -0600

In this episode of Aftersight, our Audio technician, Evan Starnes, has conversations with seniors looking for resources for those who have vision loss or are blind. We also address suggestions on services needed to make living as a senior in this day and age easier.

Aftersight Ep. 30: Blind Warrior Sven

Aftersight — Wed, 11 May 2022 11:04:00 -0600

Blind Warrior Sven is a Dutch video game streamer who also happens to be fully blind. His game is Street Fighter V, he’s ranked in the top 1% of players globally, and he plays completely by sound. It’s so incredible that sometimes people do not believe it - even though he wears a mask to prove he is the real deal. But Sven is so much more than a high tier gamer. He’s a kind soul who wants to bring community and joy to those around him. He’s a man with a powerful story, an even temperament, and candid honesty. Join Penn and Sven today! And, check out his links! https://www.twitch.tv/blindwarriorsven https://www.youtube.com/c/blindwarriorsven https://twitter.com/svenvandewege

Aftersight Ep. 29: Sara Chung - Judo Paraolympian

Aftersight — Wed, 04 May 2022 10:55:00 -0600

Sarah works - and that’s not just to say she has a job as an accessessibility analyst. Sarah WORKS. When she decides to do something, she commits. Even when things are hard or when things maybe aren’t looking perfect, she thinks back to the word of her father and says, “Yes, I can!” That attitude led her to judo, and through judo that led her to Rio for the paralympics. It led her to take a great job in a new city. It led her to where she is today - a vibrant, interesting, engaging person who is willing to share it with the world. Join Penn and Sarah today on Aftersight! Penn@aincolorado.org

Aftersight Ep. 28: Ellie White - Live to the Fullest

Aftersight — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 10:56:00 -0600

Ellie is a bright light with a huge heart who says, “This is me, I’m doing this, you can’t tell me no!” And this is how she lives. Ellie was born with Wolfram Syndrome, a very rare genetic disorder that causes type one diabetes, progressive vision loss, and other progressive issues. But her response to being born with a disorder that takes was to give - and she keeps giving and giving and giving. She founded the Ellie White Foundation for Rare Genetic Disorders, and her efforts have spread awareness across the country and across the world. And now, she is studying social work and law to keep on giving. Today on Aftersight, Ellie shares her unbelievable story, about how she achieved so much without any adaptive training or technology, and about how much her life opened up once she decided to learn those skills and use those technologies. Join her and Penn now! The Ellie White Foundation for Rare Genetic Disorders https://www.elliewhitefoundation.org/ Penn@aincolorado.org

Aftersight Ep. 27: Tracy Anderson Julie Melton - Do what you feel

Aftersight — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0600

This week Penn talks with Tracy and Julie, two musicians who form Heart – and Music. Born in very different parts of the world these two have walked very different lives. But, they both have found music to be a centering and empowering force in their lives. Join Penn, Tracy, and Julie today! 720 724 8877 suggestions@heart-and-music.com

Aftersight Ep. 26: Chris Monnette - Seeing Clearly

Aftersight — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 10:55:00 -0600

Chris’s dad was a World War II navy man, and Chris himself attended a military high school and eventually joined the marines. His whole life, he was told, “You just need to be strong, buck up, and do what needs to be done.” And then on his honeymoon he realized he was struggling to see. It turned out he wasn’t just tired… he had macular degeneration. In his own words, he had to learn to be vulnerable. He had to learn to say, ”Excuse me, can you help me, I’m visually impaired,” which took great strength of a different kind. Join Penn and Chris as he talks about his journey. Chris’s website: https://www.chrismonnette.com/ Chris’s book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Seeing-Clearly-emotional-blindness-finding/dp/0578385139/ref=sr_1_fkmr3_1?keywords=seeing+clearly+chris+monette&qid=1649877435&sprefix=seeing+clearly+c%2Caps%2C76&sr=8-1-fkmr3

Aftersight Ep. 25: Daniel Varela: Don’t let the World Eat You, Eat the World!

Aftersight — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 10:55:00 -0600

Daniel was born in Mexico and came to the US when he was six years old. His family moved straight to KS city, where he was EVENTUALLY diagnosed with a form of Retinitis Pigmentosa. But Daniel struggled - at the time he didn’t speak English and he wasn’t getting the resources he needed to thrive. So, at age seven his family moved again, this time to Estes Park. Daniel still struggled, but in Colorado his life changed. Daniel was given the tools and he put in the work. He wasn’t stopped by doubting teachers, debilitating migraines, or by the 2013 flood (when he lived in Estes Park!). And now, Daniel has started his own business and shares his story on social media. Join Penn and Daniel today! Seeinghands.massagetherapy.com https://twitter.com/danielsworldtv https://www.tiktok.com/@danielsworldtv?lang=en Call: 970 599 0834 Penn@aincolorado.org

Aftersight Ep. 24: Penn’s Story, Her Life After Sight

Aftersight — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 10:55:00 -0600

This week Penn opens up. She realized that the people that she interviews have shown that bravery - so she decided it was her turn. Some of the guests on Aftersight are born with conditions that cause vision loss, others - like Penn - experience something that forever changes them… like a rattlesnake bite. Penn was a healthy, strong tomboy when she was bitten twice, and the treatment caused a rare reaction that almost killed her. Her body attacked itself, viciously. The result was so bad that she was treated in a burn unit and had to be put into an induced coma. When she came out, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome had damaged much of her body - including her eyes. But - true to the name of the podcast - Penn has really lived AFTER sight. It hasn’t always been easy, in fact, she admits that sometimes it’s been overwhelming and miserable. But she keeps trying and keeps finding strength within. https://aincolorado.org/ https://nobarriersusa.org/

Aftersight Ep. 23: Michelle Smith, Focus on yourself, love yourself

Aftersight — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 10:49:00 -0600

Michelle has put the work in. At birth, her parents were told she would never be able to walk - but today she’s able to do that, and so much more. She skis, rafts, boats, rides a horse... Michelle talks with Penn about the barriers that she faced starting at a very young age. She talks about how hard it was to have her disabilities recognized, how overwhelming it was to be diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, and about the catharsis that came with her diagnosis. She explores her growth and her and how she came to love herself. That love helped her to heal and to grow. And now that she’s accepted who she is, she has moved to help others who are struggling. Michelle tutors and has mentored. She’s a monumental person! Join Penn and Michelle today on Aftersight!

Aftersight Ep. 22: Penn and Evan Go Skiing!

Aftersight — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 10:45:00 -0600

On a special episode, Penn and Evan (Aftersight’s Audio Production Technician) go to Vail and ski with Foresight Ski Guides. ?Foresight Ski Guides, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to making challenging recreational opportunities through snow sports both affordable and accessible to visually impaired and blind skiers. Penn and Evan collected the thoughts of the other skiers and guides who joined them on the trip. Hear all about it! https://www.foresightskiguides.org/

Aftersight Ep. 21: Melissa Simpson - From my Window

Aftersight — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 09:58:00 -0700

Melissa was featured in a short movie, “From my Window,” which is about how she wanted to live life out in the world and not just live through what she could see through her window. She made a commitment to hike a mountain - but she had no idea how she was going to do it. Like the rest of us, Melissa faced a number of barriers in 2020, but she didn’t let the pandemic or cerebral palsy stand in her way. On this episode of Afterisght, Melissa and Penn talk about how Melissa didn’t always feel like a “light,” and about how life was a struggle. But Melissa moved past that, and she turned things around for herself. She wants to go back at those who doubted her and say, “Look at me now!” And, when people see her, they are inspired. Join Penn and Melissa on Aftersight! On this episode of Afterisght, Melissa and Penn talk about how Melissa didn’t always feel like a “light,” and about how life was a struggle. But Melissa moved past that, and she turned things around for herself. She wants to go back at those who doubted her and say, “Look at me now!”

Aftersight Ep. 20: Tricia Cavallaro - Educator, Adventurist, Pioneer

Aftersight — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 15:00:00 -0700

Tricia is an adventurous spirit, and she was also a passionate educator for youth with special needs. However, her Retinitis Pigmentosa affected her vision enough that she needed reasonable accommodations to keep working. When her school refused, she fought back, and she became her own champion. Now, Tricia continues to do the things she loves - go on cruises, hike, snowshoe, ski, and so much more. Each activity is its own adventure for her, and when she experiences barriers she breaks through them. Penn and Tricia’s mentions: https://ensightskills.org/ https://dvr.colorado.gov/ https://www.fightingblindness.org/ https://Aincolorado.org https://www.ohsu.edu/casey-eye-institute

Aftersight Ep. 19: Christine Holmberg - Executive Director of Foresight Ski Guides

Aftersight — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 17:24:41 -0700

Foresight offers transformational experiences in the mountains. In the winter, they offer skiing that is really led by the skier and supported by the guide - not the other way around. In the summer, they offer paddleboarding, rock climbing, and a lot of other activities. Experiences are almost “concierge” where for a nominal tax deductible donation, Foresight will provide lift tickets, equipment rental, transportation and discounted lodging assistance, and a trained volunteer guide and shadow for your ski trip. Experience are open to both youth and adults. Christine talks about what an experience with Foresight is like, what it takes to find them, and the reactions of people who've taken part. https://www.foresightskiguides.org/ info@foresightskiguides.org 303-506-3859

Aftersight Ep. 18: Trevor Hahn, Art through Touch

Aftersight — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 17:04:34 -0700

Trevor is an activist, artist, and outdoor enthusiast - oh, and he’s also a new dad! He talks about finding peace in ice climbing and about how rock climbing led him to sculpture to make “art through touch.” Trevor also talks about his travels, particularly to Nepal shortly after he lost his remaining vision. There, he helped at a center for children with disabilities and climbed to 17,775 feet. This was a momentous first for him, and a kickoff to “doing cool things,” as he put it. He also candidly talks through his diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis, his treatment, and his subsequent vision loss. And, he talks about his realization that he could still be active and creative. Join Penn and Trevoy today on Aftersight! Find Trevor and his art on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrevorHahnsArtThroughTouch/photos

Aftersight Ep. 17: Peggy Chong - the Blind History Lady

Aftersight — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 11:15:14 -0700

Born to a mother who is also blind, Peggy Chong has been blind her whole life, and she has been active in the community ever since she can remember. She’s an astounding person and a published author who brings life to women and men in history who were blind. It all started when she was asked to clean out some files at the Home for the Blind in Minnesota when it closed. Instead of tossing all of the records directly into the trash, she stopped to read some of them. Then she stumbled across the story of a blind congressman. That spark lit a passion to learn and share the stories of other blind individuals. Married with a love of genealogy, she turned to writing and sharing stories. Join Penn and Peggy on Aftersight! Join her mailing list by contacting Peggy at: theblindhistorylady@gmail.com She is self published on Smashwords.com - search for Peggy Chong or the Blind History Lady Find her book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Don-Mahoney-Television-Peggy-Chong/dp/1098082958/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=peggy+chong&qid=1644438458&sr=8-1

Aftersight Ep. 16: Nick Isenberg, The Tactile Traveller

Aftersight — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 16:00:25 -0700

Nick was born 90 days too early back in 1942, so early that the doctors told his mother to “pick a name so they could bury him.” But, with the help of an incubator, Nick survived - even if the process took most of his vision. He has been leading an incredible life ever since. As an advocate for people with disabilities, he spoke truth to power… and was fired and blackballed for his effort. He has been a broadcaster, a reporter, bureau chief, photographer, student, teacher, and so much more. Nick is an astounding and endearing person who shares his life and his work. Join Nick and Penn on Aftersight today! You can find Nick at tactiletraveler@gmail.com -or- (970) 945-8936 Listen to the Tactile Traveler wherever you find podcasts!

Aftersight Ep 15: Don Opeka Author of Why a Reverse Mortgage?

Aftersight — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 16:18:50 -0700

Certified Senior Advisor and author of, Why a Reverse Mortgage, Don talks us through what a reverse mortgage is and how a reverse mortgage can solve financial issues for homeowners. Don Opeka is with Orion Mortgage, INC. He knows that a reverse mortgage is not for everyone, but is an expert in when it makes sense, and how it can positively impact the lives of seniors and their families. Orion Mortgage, Inc. specializes in providing personal loan consultations to refinance Colorado properties with both traditional “forward” mortgages and Reverse Mortgages. Orion understands that each borrower is different and we are committed to helping people find the right mortgage product for your needs. They make the process of securing a mortgage as simple and straightforward as possible.

Aftersight Ep. 14: Jaden, Student at the Colorado Center for the Deaf and Blind

Aftersight — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 05:37:00 -0700

Diagnosed with a rare eye disease called Leber’s congenital amaurosis, a genetic condition carried by her parents. Effects the retinas and slowly degrades the vision. Jaden talks about how her parents recognized her symptoms of failing vision, and her journey through misdiagnosis to finally understanding her condition. She talks about how the signs were there from the age of two, but how it took a while for her to be diagnosed… and how much longer it took before she was given the resources she needed to be successful in public school. She also talks about the struggles of being different But Jaden is tenacious, lively, and engaging. She advocated for herself and hasn't let anything stand in her way. And, while she very openly talks about her life, her vision, and her experiences, it's so obvious that she's not being defined or limited by her vision loss. She has dreams of teaching and working with young people as a teacher of the visually impaired. She loves music and plays the keyboard and bass. Join Penn and Jaden today on Aftersight!

Aftersight Ep. 13: Olive, Granddaughter

Aftersight — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 09:59:04 -0700

Penn and Olive chat together about the relationship between a granddaughter with vision and a grandmother who is visually impaired. Olive is a bright, effervescent spirit with a fun and candid take. Olive, who is nine, shares her thoughts on the positives and negatives of having a “Nana” who can’t see very well - but mostly, she makes it obvious that it’s really not a big deal for her. Join Penn and Olive this week on Aftersight!

Aftersight Ep. 12: Bill Johnson, An Author with Stunning Resilience

Aftersight — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 01:00:00 -0700

Bill Johnson was walking to the subway station with two colleagues when a lone gunman jumped out of the shadows and shot all three of them. Bill was the lucky one. The bullet that struck him entered one temple and exited the other, destroying his optic nerve. The other two men were killed. Now profoundly blind, Bill had to learn to navigate this new, dark world. Today on Aftersight, Bill talks with Penn about his experiences… about the shooting and about his realization that his life had changed forever. But Bill also talks about his matter-of-fact acceptance of his new situation and talks about how that let him get back to living. He said he was in a huge hurry before the incident, and he carried that sense of urgency with him as he worked to get back to living his life. He talks about his relationships, learning to get around again, and the adaptive technology that has empowered him. Authorwilliamjohnson.com Amazon Book link: https://amzn.to/3FVzBMJ

Aftersight Ep. 11: Jose Gutierrez, Young Dreams

Aftersight — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 09:57:14 -0700

Born months too soon, Jose's parents were told he only had 12 hours to live. But, Jose was a fighter. That fighting spirit has helped him persevere in spite of blindness (blindness of prematurity) and cerebral palsy. He is a recent graduate of Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind, and has dreams of becoming a DJ. Jose also hosts his own podcast: It is my job. Blind students interview blind adults who discuss how they use adaptive technology and thrive. Search for it on Facebook (https://pages.facebook.com/AskItsMyJob/)

Aftersight Ep. 10: Bill Lundgren, "Licensed Psycho"

Aftersight — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 09:01:00 -0700

Bill is a working psychotherapist and an honest, engaging, and entertaining human… who also happens to be blind. Bill has Usher Syndrome, Type 2, a rare genetic disease that causes hearing issues and vision loss due to Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). On Aftersight Bill talks about “coming out” as someone with a disability - specifically vision loss. Because of his experience, he talks not just about the clinical phases that accompany vision loss, but his journey. He talks about denying his reality all while tripping over fire hydrants, and he talks about the nauseating eye tests he experienced while hungover that led to his diagnosis. Through friends, he learned to accept help and be who he is. Join Bill and Penn on Aftersight, this week!

Aftersight Ep. 9: Beth Gustin, Therapist, on Managing Grief and Trauma

Aftersight — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 11:35:00 -0700

Beth Gustin is a therapist with a specialty in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Beth, who is visually impaired, talks about her work and her and explains this method of therapy which can help people coping with past trauma - even individuals who are blind. On this episode of Aftersight, Beth talks us through EMDR and therapy techniques that can help us as we work through trauma and anxiety. The human body and mind are fascinating, and they need to work in concert. Learn about Beth and what that repair looks like. Transitioning Through Change, PLLC beth@transitioningthroughchange.com www.transitioningthroughchange.com 303-335-9059

Lorna Greene recites Mr. Mortensen's Very Long Day (Hanukkah Special)

Aftersight — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 09:34:00 -0700

Lorna is a retired teacher. She taught special ed, on reservations, and helped create the structure of Colorado's preschool system. Lorna also taught at Front Range Community College the next generation of Special Education teachers. She enjoys retirement with her dog, Frodo.

Alice George and AINC's History

Aftersight — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 13:10:31 -0700

It’s almost Colorado Gives day! This year, we're celebrating our 30th anniversary of our first news broadcast in 1991. On this episode of Aftersight, Alice George walks us through AINC’s history - through various changes to programming and technology. She also talks about her vision loss and loss of hearing - but none of that has stopped her from having a powerful impact on the world. https://aincolorado.org/30years/ https://www.coloradogives.org/AINColorado/overview?step=step1

Gail Hamilton: Author, Singer, Speaker, Financial Advisor, Lion, and Visually Disabled

Aftersight — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 08:00:00 -0700

Gail doesn’t believe in letting barriers stand in the way of life. Born ten weeks early, the treatment that helped her survive also caused retrolental fibroplasia - or complete blindness. Today on Aftersight, we explore her life, from how she struggled with depression and even contemplated suicide to her adventures singing opera, climbing the 75-story Story bridge, and her work as a writer on Soaring into Greatness: A Blind Woman's Vision to Live her Dreams and Fly. Gail believes that the struggles you have faced can be weights or that they can give you wings. She chooses wings. www.soringintogreatness.com and her email is gail@soaringintogreatness.com

Aftersight Ep. 5 Esubalew “Ethan” Johnston, Passionate Soul

Aftersight — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 14:29:44 -0600

Ethan’s story is as staggering as it is heartwarming. Born in Ethiopia, he was taken and blinded at a young age - then forced to beg for those who injured him. Believed dead by his mother, Ethan was adopted in 1997 and relocated to Missouri where he lived with 20 other adopted siblings. Today, Ethan is a father, an employee of the federal government, a founder of a nonprofit, and an unbelievably resilient soul. Join Penn and Ethan on Aftersight as they hear about their friendship, his passion for life, his reunion with his mother.

Ep. 4 Bonnie Barlow, Audio Describer

Aftersight — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 14:46:38 -0600

Bonnie Barlow is a professional audio describer. That is, Bonnie narrates what is going on during movies, plays, ballets, television shows, and even rodeos for people who can’t see the action. Bonnie talks about how she started her journey as a professional audio describer almost 30 years ago and what makes for a vibrant audio description. Audio description is a fascinating topic that is extremely relevant in 2021. So many of us spend our day with a virtual “companion” in the room in the form of a podcast or youtube, and audio-described content can play much the same role. There are also varieties of audio description for people on the Autism Spectrum to help with comprehension. Join Penn and Bonnie as they dive into the world of audio description! Contact Bonnie: bonniejbarlow@gmail.com DCPA: https://www.denvercenter.org/plan-your-visit/accessibility/

Ep. 3: Dale Hill, President of the CCBIB

Aftersight — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 11:13:29 -0600

The week on Aftersight, Penn talks with Dale Hill, who talks us through his life and his experience with Bardet-Biedl syndrome, an inherited disease causing progressive loss of night and peripheral vision from retinitis pigmentosa. BBS can also cause a number of other symptoms and problems including: obesity, extra fingers and toes, kidney disease, and developmental disabilities. Dale is lively, and he talks us through his start in Washington State, his move to Colorado, his education, his slow loss of vision, his struggles with finding employment, and his eventually becoming Vice President at the Colorado Council for the Visually Impaired and Blind (CCBIB). Join Penn and Dale Hill on Aftersight!

Ep. 2: Robert Weinberg

Aftersight — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 12:21:32 -0600

In Community Conversations #2, Penn talks with Robert Weinberg - a passionate and talented photographer who was struck with central vision loss when he was about 50 years old. Robert, now 74, talks us through his journey and career in photography and talks candidly about the finality of his diagnosis and the depression that followed. He shares the path he walked toward renewed independence and the second career he worked for 17 years. Now retired, Robert is reengaging with photography and full of encouragement for anyone who finds themself in a similar situation. Join Penn and Robert Weinberg on Aftersight!

Ep. 1: Moses and Penn, a Life Together

Aftersight — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 09:19:46 -0600

Our host, Penn Street, lost most of her eyesight at age nine to Stevens Johnson Syndrome after being bitten by a rattlesnake. Her husband, Moses Street, is a professional photographer. In our first-ever Community Conversation, they have a warm and candid conversation about the 30+ years they’ve spent together and the realities living, working, and travelling side by side. After a few decades, they seem to have mostly figured each other out, and with any luck they’ll sort the rest of it out in a few more decades. Join Penn and Moses on Aftersight!