PODCAST · religion
Blind and Refined
by John Powers
A routine physical for 28 year old John Powers led to an eye specialist informing John that half his sight was gone. He had no idea. A degenerative eye disease (choroideremia) would eventually lead to blindness. 30 years later, John recounts what helped and hindered him on his “challenging and messy” journey of sight loss. This is a candid narrative in which denial and resistance eventually gave way to acceptance and the assistance of a supportive community and the riches of his Christian faith. “I think there are others out there who get a life changing diagnosis, and all of a sudden, they have to find a new way forward.”
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Episode 7 - Getting Lost to Find My Way
In this final episode of Blind and Refined Season 1, John recounts lessons from his blindness training in Des Moines—where getting lost, quite literally, became a path to finding confidence and independence. Reflecting on how discomfort and challenge can refine us, he invites listeners to consider what has helped and hindered their own growth. With gratitude and humor, John and his guide dog Gibbs wrap up Season 1 with encouragement to keep growing, even when the way forward isn’t clear.Cover artwork: Jennie LodienEditing assistance, Ann Powers and Wayne Hepler Audio Editing: Reed SeelyMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/christopher-galovan/peace-be-with-youLicense code: 6BBTWLZGASK3QFNM
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Episode 6 - Tapping in to the Divine
John reflects on the spiritual side of living with disability, likening it to tapping into a hidden artesian well that brings life and strength. He weaves together research on the benefits of spirituality, his own story of grief after the loss of his son, and the hope he finds in the teachings of Jesus. This episode points to a God who enters into human suffering and offers rest, resilience, and renewed perspective for the journey.Cover artwork: Jennie LodienEditing assistance, Ann Powers and Wayne Hepler Audio Editing: Reed SeelyMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/christopher-galovan/peace-be-with-youLicense code: 6BBTWLZGASK3QFNM
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Episode 5 - The White Cane Moment: From Shame to the First Step
John tells the pivotal story of a clinic visit and a blunt, compassionate exchange that exposed his embarrassment about losing sight and pushed him toward acceptance — including the humbling but clarifying “confrontational” vision test and the suggestion to train with a white cane. He explains how naming feelings early, sharing them with trusted people (and caring for partners/caregivers), and embracing grief as a refining process helped him stop lashing out and begin healthier, braver steps forward. Cover artwork: Jennie LodienEditing assistance, Ann Powers and Wayne Hepler Audio Editing: Reed SeelyMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/christopher-galovan/peace-be-with-youLicense code: 6BBTWLZGASK3QFNM
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Episode 4 - Refined by Loss: Facing the Grief We’d Rather Avoid
John challenges the myth of positivity in the face of suffering and the danger of avoiding grief. He explores how unacknowledged pain can fester—and how facing grief head-on can lead to real healing. The episode prepares listeners for an even deeper look at loss and refinement in the next installment. Cover artwork: Jennie LodienEditing assistance, Ann Powers and Wayne Hepler Audio Editing: Reed SeelyMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/christopher-galovan/peace-be-with-youLicense code: 6BBTWLZGASK3QFNM
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Episode 3 - Help I Didn’t Want, but Desperately Needed
In this episode, John unpacks the resistance many of us feel to asking for help—even when we need it most. He shares candid stories of pride, frustration, and a pivotal moment when his wife challenged him to take ownership of his condition. It’s a call to humility and a celebration of how community, training, and resources can empower us when we finally ask.Cover artwork: Jennie LodienEditing assistance, Ann Powers and Wayne Hepler Audio Editing: Reed SeelyMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/christopher-galovan/peace-be-with-youLicense code: 6BBTWLZGASK3QFNM
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Episode 2 - Roots of Resilience: Breaking Isolation with Connection
John dives into the emotional aftermath of receiving a diagnosis of progressive blindness. He reflects on the pull toward isolation and how critical it is to build community and share vulnerably. Through a powerful story of emotional breakdown and breakthrough, he reveals how connection with others offers strength during deep personal loss.Cover artwork: Jennie LodienEditing assistance, Ann Powers and Wayne Hepler Audio Editing: Reed SeelyMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/christopher-galovan/peace-be-with-youLicense code: 6BBTWLZGASK3QFNM
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Episode 1 - Losing Sight, Gaining Vision
John introduces Blind and Refined, recounting the life-altering moment he was diagnosed with vision loss. He sets the stage for a journey of struggle, spiritual wrestling and personal growth.Cover artwork: Jennie LodienEditing assistance, Ann Powers and Wayne Hepler Audio Editing: Reed SeelyMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/christopher-galovan/peace-be-with-youLicense code: 6BBTWLZGASK3QFNM
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A routine physical for 28 year old John Powers led to an eye specialist informing John that half his sight was gone. He had no idea. A degenerative eye disease (choroideremia) would eventually lead to blindness. 30 years later, John recounts what helped and hindered him on his “challenging and messy” journey of sight loss. This is a candid narrative in which denial and resistance eventually gave way to acceptance and the assistance of a supportive community and the riches of his Christian faith. “I think there are others out there who get a life changing diagnosis, and all of a sudden, they have to find a new way forward.”
HOSTED BY
John Powers
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Blind and Refined have?
Blind and Refined currently has 7 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Blind and Refined about?
A routine physical for 28 year old John Powers led to an eye specialist informing John that half his sight was gone. He had no idea. A degenerative eye disease (choroideremia) would eventually lead to blindness. 30 years later, John recounts what helped and hindered him on his “challenging and...
How often does Blind and Refined release new episodes?
Blind and Refined has 7 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Blind and Refined?
You can listen to Blind and Refined on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Blind and Refined?
Blind and Refined is created and hosted by John Powers.
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