Mystic Access Podcast

If you enjoyed our last episode, you’re in luck! This one continues the theme with more helpful tools, fun discoveries, and practical demos to make everyday life a little easier—and a lot more enjoyable. Don’t Forget Our Library Event! Before we dive into today’s topics, here’s a friendly reminder that we’re headed to the library—virtually, of course! Join us on Thursday, June 11 at 8:00 PM Eastern Time for a free community event all about making the most of your local library. We’ll discuss: How to find your local library How to get a library card How to access audiobooks, ebooks, magazines, and more Whether your library offers services like Libby and Hoopla How those services work Ways to take advantage of both in-person and online library offerings Bring your questions, experiences, and favorite library stories to share. We’d love to hear them! Activate this link to register your free seat. Can’t attend live? No worries, and no need to register. We’ll post a recording for everyone within about a week, so you won’t miss any of the fun. A Berry Helpful Kitchen Find For those who love practical products you can actually hold in your hands, Kim has a new favorite to share. This episode features a demonstration of a set of nestable fruit and vegetable storage containers with built-in colanders. Note that this is our affiliate link and we receive a small commission if you purchase using our link. Rinse your produce directly in the colander, place it in the container, seal it for freshness, and stack it neatly in the refrigerator. We’ve been especially impressed with how well they work for berries. Our blackberries stayed fresher much longer, making these containers an easy recommendation from us. We’ll explain why we love them, how we use them, and why they may earn a permanent spot in your fridge. Meet VAL, a Highly-Customizable Audio Clock Next, we explore the new VAL clock app for iOS. If you heard our discussion of Steve’s Clock in the previous episode, some of the sounds in VAL may seem familiar. That’s because you can import clock sounds directly from Steve’s Clock into VAL. Listen along as we: Sample several clock sounds Explore the app’s many customization options Demonstrate how it works Share our impressions of this brand-new app Since VAL is so new, we wanted to give it a little well-deserved attention and introduce it to listeners who enjoy accessible audio utilities. Add Sound to Your Browsing with Finch Finally, we return to the web to explore the Finch browser extension by Akash Kakkar. Available for both Chromium-based browsers and Gecko-based browsers like Firefox, Finch adds subtle, informative sounds to your browsing experience. These audio cues can make navigation feel more intuitive while providing useful feedback as you move around the web. In this segment, we: Demonstrate several of Finch’s built-in sounds Show you how to configure the extension Discuss how it enhances everyday browsing Share why we’ve both become fans Sometimes the smallest additions can make a surprisingly big difference, and Finch is a great example. Thanks for Listening As always, thank you for spending part of your day with us. We appreciate every listener who tunes in, shares an episode, or tells a friend about the podcast. We’ll catch you again later in June with more demos, discussions, and discoveries! The post A Sound Approach to Tech appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

Welcome to today’s episode, featuring: Tabs, Time, and Techy Goodness! If you browse the web on a desktop or laptop, we’ve got tips, tools, and fun discoveries to make your online life smoother and more productive. But before we dive into demos, we have two exciting announcements for our community! Join Our Virtual Library Event — June 11 Did you know you can borrow books from your local library without ever leaving home? You absolutely can, and we’re going to show you how! Join us on Thursday, June 11 at 8:00 PM Eastern for a free virtual event all about discovering the amazing digital resources your local library offers. We’ll talk about: Researching your local library Accessing digital audiobooks and ebooks Supporting your library while expanding your reading options Learning about library programs, guest speakers, and events Reconnecting with the community during a fun virtual evening together We’ve missed gathering with everyone and look forward to connecting again after so many months away. Be sure to register your free spot! Meet the Our Special Magazine Team — June 3 Kim also shares news about a special event for readers of the Our Special magazine from National Braille Press! Join Kim, NBP editor Natalie, and several columnists on Wednesday, June 3 at 8:00 PM ET for a virtual conversation open to both current and former subscribers. During this hour-long event, you’ll: Learn more about the magazine Explore the women’s-interest topics it covers Hear about a brand-new feature added this year Share your feedback and ideas for the magazine’s future Meet the people behind the publication To attend, email editor at NBP dot org (replace with the @ sign and period and remove spaces), or check your inbox—and maybe your Spam folder too—for meeting details sent by Natalie last week. HelloTabs Demo—Tame Your Browser Chaos Next up, we explore a browser extension that may completely change how you manage tabs: HelloTabs. If your browser currently looks anything like Kim’s—dozens upon dozens of tabs open at once —this tool could become your new best friend. We demonstrate: Jumping instantly between tabs with keyboard shortcuts Smarter tab organization Customization and configuration options Better time management while working and browsing Faster navigation with less frustration You’ll even hear Kim flying effortlessly from tab to tab like a browser wizard. It’s available for Chromium-based browsers and Firefox alike. Steve’s Clock Returns! Speaking of time management, Chris introduces an old favorite: Steve’s Clock. This classic talking clock application for Windows may be old-school, but it still delivers plenty of charm and usefulness. In this demo, you’ll learn: How the talking clock works Ways to configure announcements and settings How it fits into a modern Windows workflow Why talking clocks are still surprisingly delightful Yes… it really was “a great time had by all.” we couldn’t resist the pun. Thanks for Listening! As always, thank you so much for spending your precious time with us. We appreciate every listen. We’ll see you in June! The post Browser Magic and Talking Time appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

Something exciting is brewing in the podcast world! We kick off this episode with a sneak peek at a brand-new podcast client for iOS that Chris has been beta testing. While we’re keeping the app under wraps for now, there’s already plenty to be excited about. We share some early impressions, favorite features, and why even longtime podcast app loyalists may want to keep this one on their radar. Better yet, the developer will be joining us in the magic castle when the app officially launches, so this is only the beginning. Then we head somewhere a little more classic… the library! Whether you love wandering the stacks in person or borrowing books while curled up in pajamas at home, today’s libraries offer far more than many people realize. We take a nostalgic trip through some of our library memories before talking about recently signing up for new library cards ourselves. After a quick house ad (they’re back, OG listeners), Kim gives a beginner-friendly overview of the Libby app and then walks through the basics of Hoopla, including how to sign up and start exploring what your library has available digitally. And if you’d like to dive deeper with us, we’re excited to announce our very first virtual event of 2026! Join Us Live — Thursday, June 11 at 8:00 PM ET. During this free virtual event, we’ll talk more about: * Getting and using library cards * The Libby and Hoopla services * Searching for and borrowing ebooks and audiobooks * Tips for getting started * Making the most of your local library resources We’ll also open things up so everyone can share favorite library services, reading discoveries, and tips of their own. If your talking book library doesn’t always have the titles you want—or you’re tired of long wait times—your local library might become your new favorite resource. Register for free by visiting the linked page above. As always, thanks for reading… we mean listening! We appreciate every single one of you. The post Library Cards, Libby, and a Mysterious New Podcast App appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

Episode Overview This episode kicks off with a little bit of magic—literally—as we head to the “magic castle” for a fascinating conversation with a special guest from HumanWare. We’re joined by Mathieu Paquette to explore a device that’s been generating serious buzz: the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. Are these glasses just a flashy gadget, or do they offer real value for people with low or no vision? We dig into what makes them stand out, share some real-world stories, and highlight some very cool features. Whether you’re tech-curious or already intrigued, there’s a lot here to spark your imagination. And don’t blink—there’s a special announcement tucked into this segment about some exciting upcoming audio from us! Tiny Speaker, Big Sound Keeping the Bluetooth theme rolling, Kim takes the spotlight with a hands-on look at the Tribit Pocket Go speaker. Don’t let the size fool you—this little speaker packs a punch. You’ll get a full tour of the device, hear what makes it stand out, and of course, enjoy some audio samples so you can judge the sound quality for yourself. If you’re on the hunt for something portable without sacrificing performance, this might be your new favorite travel buddy. If you purchase from the above link, we may receive a small commission. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: What makes the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses unique—and who they’re really for Real-life use cases and standout features from our chat with HumanWare A special announcement you won’t want to miss A detailed demo of the Tribit Pocket Go speaker Why “small but mighty” is the perfect description for this compact device Final Thoughts From futuristic eyewear to pocket-sized audio powerhouses, this episode is all about tech that fits into your life—and maybe even enhances it in ways you didn’t expect. Thanks so much for spending some time with us. We’re glad you’re here. The post Smart Glasses & Small Speakers: Big Tech, Big Fun appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

This episode is truly out of this world—and not just metaphorically. We kick things off by diving into the excitement surrounding the recent Artemis II mission, NASA’s bold step toward returning humans to the Moon. We share our personal experiences following the mission, how we stayed connected to the action, and what it sparked in our imaginations. Along the way, we explore the question: what would it be like to be blind in space? — Stay Connected to Space If you’ve ever wanted to keep up with space exploration without needing to rely on visuals, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of our favorite resources: The NASA app–A fantastic way to follow missions, read updates, and explore space content NASA’s YouTube channel– Surprisingly engaging even without the visuals The podcast Houston We Have a Podcast The daily space bites from StarDate The ever-fascinating 365 Days of Astronomy We were genuinely surprised by how much we could enjoy and learn from these historic moments—no telescope required. — A New Chapter in Reading Next, Kim introduces a service she’s seriously excited about: Everand. This platform offers: * Ebooks * Audiobooks * Podcasts We walk through how the subscription works, what you can expect from the app, and why it might just become your next favorite reading companion. — Then vs. Now: Reading Through the Years We wrap up with a nostalgic (and eye-opening) look at how reading has evolved over the years—especially in terms of accessibility. From older devices to today’s on-demand digital libraries, it’s amazing to reflect on just how far things have come. — Final Thoughts Whether you’re gazing at the stars, diving into a new book, or reminiscing about the way things used to be, this episode is all about discovery—of the universe, and of the tools that help us explore it. Thanks so much for listening—we appreciate you more than words (or rocket launches) can say! The post Artemis, Audiobooks, and Adventures Beyond Earth appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

In this special episode, we’re doing something a little different… we’re telling a story—our story. But before we hop in the time machine, we’ve got an exciting announcement that longtime listeners (and newcomers!) won’t want to miss… — Special Announcement: A Classic Returns! We’re thrilled to share that the very first piece of audio documentation Chris and Kim ever created together—the Victor Stream 2 tutorial—is now completely free! This is the recording that helped put Mystic Access on the map back in 2015, and now you can experience a little piece of history (and maybe a few nostalgic smiles at how we sounded back then ). Still using a Stream 2? This tutorial remains an incredibly valuable resource to help you get the most out of your device. Head over to our Free Downloads site to grab the MP3 version (and don’t worry—a DAISY version is available there too!). — The Main Event: Our Origin Story April 1 marks the anniversary of Mystic Access, and we’re celebrating by going all the way back to the beginning. In this episode, we share: * How Mystic Access first came to life * The inspiration behind what we do * Why we’ve made the choices we have along the way * And how our journey has shaped the products we offer today Whether you’ve been with us since day one or just found us recently, you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of who we are—both as people and as professionals. — Thank You for Being Here Your support means everything to us, and we’re so grateful to have you as part of the Mystic Access community. Enjoy this walk down memory lane with us—and we’ll see you in April for more! The post Rewind with Us: How Mystic Access Began appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

If you love curling up with a good book from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, this episode is especially for you. We recently received our brand-new Digital Advanced Players (DA2) from the library, and of course we couldn’t resist taking them for a thorough spin. We start by sharing our first impressions of the player and giving you a friendly tour of the hardware. From the layout of the controls to how everything feels in your hands, we walk through what makes the new player different and why we’re so excited about it. Then it’s time for the fun part: a full demo. You’ll hear two of the built-in text-to-speech voices, follow along as we download a book, explore the wish list feature, check out settings, and more. While there are still a few things we’d love to see improved, we’re already big fans of the functionality—and especially the hardware design. If you’re curious about the DA2 player or wondering whether you might want one, this demo should give you a helpful preview. In the second half of the episode, we shift gears to a slightly less delightful discovery involving our new Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. After picking them up during the holidays, we recently ran into an unexpected change that may impact some blind and visually impaired users. We talk about what happened, what we think about it, and why it might matter if you rely on accessibility when using Bose products. As far as we know, this doesn’t affect all Bose hardware, but it’s definitely something some users may encounter. Thanks as always for listening! And if you’re tuning in on release day, we hope your St. Patrick’s Day luck is going strong. We’ll talk to you again on the last day of March! The post The DA2 Debut Plus a Bose Curveball appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

Do you love an episode that gives you a little bit of everything? High tech, low tech, practical info, and a dash of surprise? Yes, please. WiFi That Thinks It’s Invincible? In this episode, we kick things off with a deep dive into the Invincible Wifi internet Package from Spectrum. Chris walks you through: * What’s actually included in the package * What the equipment offers (and who it’s best for) * A fun little surprise he discovered during the unboxing After a few days of real-world use, we share our honest impressions—what’s working well, what’s interesting, and what you might want to consider before upgrading your own setup. If you love hearing about tech from the perspective of people who actually live with it, this one’s for you. — A Cleaner Way to Search, Shop, and Book Let’s be real: the modern web can feel like an obstacle course, especially for screen reader users. Cluttered layouts. Mystery buttons. Popups everywhere. No thanks. That’s where InnoSearch comes in. This service aims to simplify the experience of: * Shopping online * Ordering food * Booking flights Chris takes the Android version of the InnoSearch app for a spin and explores how it behaves with a screen reader. Then, Kim shares what the AI-powered phone interface experience is like—you’ll hear how it sounds, discover how intuitive you think it is, and learn whether it lives up to the promise of less clutter and more clarity. If you’re curious about accessible alternatives to traditional websites, this segment is packed with insight. For even more on InnoSearch, check out this recent Tek Talk presentation. — Until Next Time… Thanks, as always, for being part of our community. We appreciate you showing up, listening in, and exploring new tools with us. We’ll see you again closer to St. Patrick’s Day—maybe with a little extra luck on our side. The post The Quest for Better Bars (and Better Browsing) appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

This episode is a delightful mixed bag—in the best possible way. We’ve got two very different low-tech demos, a juicy tech update for the gadget lovers, and one topic that surprised even us. Think of it like Kim’s column in Our Special from National Braille Press—something for every skill level. So buckle up. This ride has range. Low-Tech Fun: The BrailleDoodle We kick things off with a hands-on (literally) demo of the BrailleDoodle—a creative tactile board that’s equal parts braille learning tool and STEM art canvas. We spotted it in Dallas last year and Kim immediately knew one had to come home. It’s refreshingly low tech. No batteries. No updates. Just tactile creativity and skill-building magic. Whether you want to sharpen your braille, explore spatial concepts, or secretly unleash your inner artist, this little product delivers. We demo it live and share our impressions. Curious? Find tutorials and videos at the link above: TouchPadProFoundation.org/instructions. Winter Gloves… But Make Them Techy Yes, we’re talking about gloves. It’s been *that* cold. We recently picked up some cozy wool gloves with touchscreen capability, and they’ve been a total game changer. But—and this is important—not all touchscreen gloves are created equal. There’s one key thing you absolutely need to check before buying if you want them to actually work well with your phone or tablet. We break it down so you don’t end up with warm hands and frozen frustration. Android 16 + Braille Displays = Big Win Chris recently updated his Samsung phone to Android 16 and TalkBack 16, and there’s a very exciting accessibility perk: support for HID-compliant braille displays. That’s right—plug and play just got easier. We also chat about the Samsung braille keyboard, which feels a lot like Braille Screen Input on iOS. If you’re a braille user curious about what’s new on Android, this segment is for you. Demo: CVS Spoken Rx To wrap things up, Chris demos the Spoken Rx prescription reader from CVS Pharmacy. You can access Spoken Rx through the CVS app, but we focus on the standalone hardware version—which is free, simple, and incredibly convenient. If managing prescriptions independently is important to you (or someone you love), this is worth a look. We walk through how it works and provide some useful tips. Learn more and register at the above link. — Thanks so much for spending time with us. We appreciate you. Catch you in March! The post Tactile Art and Talking Prescriptions appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

We hope you’re in the mood for some hands-on learning, because this episode is packed with not one, but TWO demos that run under Windows 10/11—plus a cozy bonus to help you survive winter in style. Demo #1: FastPlay Media Player for Windows Chris kicks things off with a walkthrough of FastPlay, a free Windows-based media player that comes with some pleasantly unexpected features. In this demo, we: * Tour the menus and layout * Explore handy keyboard commands * Learn how to control and manage music playback * Discover a few cool touches that make this player stand out If you’re looking for a lightweight, accessible media player, FastPlay might be your new favorite. Download it directly free from GitHub by activating this link. Demo #2: BlindRSS Feed Reader Next up, we dive into BlindRSS, another free Windows program—this time designed to help you keep up with your favorite websites and blogs. Not sure what RSS is? No problem! We explain: * What RSS feeds are * How RSS readers organize content for you * Why this can be a game-changer for staying informed Chris demonstrates how to: * Read articles from feeds * Add items to favorites * Navigate your subscriptions If you love efficient, distraction-free reading, BlindRSS is worth a look. Grab it directly from GitHub using this link. Cozy Pick of the Episode Since it’s been extra chilly here in Western NY (brrr!), we wrap things up with a winter comfort recommendation: a high-quality blanket that keeps you wonderfully toasty — and includes a fun little surprise that Chris shares in the episode. You can check it out through our Amazon affiliate link. Using this link helps support Mystic Access at no extra cost to you. As always, we only share products we genuinely love. Happy February! Stay warm, stay curious, and thanks so much for listening. We’ll be back with another episode in two weeks! The post Press Play, Stay Informed, Get Cozy appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

You may be relieved to know that today’s episode gives hospitals and medical talk a well-deserved rest. Instead, we’re cozying up with ideas to keep you entertained, informed, and moving through the coldest months of the year. Grab a blanket—let’s dive in. Reading, Reimagined What kind of reader are you? In this episode, we take a nostalgic stroll down Memory Lane while exploring different reading formats—some beloved, some… controversial. We chat about: * The **perils and pitfalls of abridged books** * **Free TTS narration** and when it shines (or doesn’t) * **Dramatized audiobooks, original audio series, and where to get them** Along the way, we share recommendations and tips on how to research and discover formats that best match *your* reading style. Our hope is to introduce—or reintroduce—you to new ways to enhance your reading pleasure. (Yes, we noticed the irony of talking about reading while being a podcast. Roll with us.) Lights, Camera… Audio Description! If you know us, you know we’re huge fans of audio described movies and TV shows. Good news: the free streaming service Pluto TV is slowly but surely growing its collection of AD content. In this episode, we: * Show you how to **find and access AD titles on Pluto TV** * Talk honestly about the current (still small) selection * Celebrate the fact that it *is* expanding Progress is progress—and we love to see it. Move It (Even When It’s Freezing Outside) When winter weather makes the outdoors uninviting, staying active can be a challenge—but not an impossible one. We share: * **Chris’s love of Zombies, Run!—a perfect blend of exercise and dramatized storytelling * **Kim’s return to Walk at Home, an app she mentioned long ago and is happy to revisit Best of all? Accessibility has improved significantly in both apps, which gives us hope that more fitness and wellness apps will continue to follow suit. Thanks for Listening As always, thank you so much for spending part of your day with us. We truly appreciate you and your support. Stay warm, stay curious, and we’ll talk to you again in two weeks! The post Escaping Winter One Story at a Time appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

In this episode, Chris and Kim share even more adventures from their daily lives. They kick things off by talking about Chris’s We-Walk cane—and the mystery of why it decided to walk away on its own. Next, they discuss and demonstrate a talking blood pressure monitor that connects to a smartphone app via Bluetooth, sharing their thoughts and experiences with it. They also chat about a cool pill organizer they picked up on Amazon and how it fits into their routine. Some links on this page are our Amazon affiliate links. Purchasing from this page we may receive a small commission. To wrap things up, Chris and Kim send heartfelt thanks to everyone who reached out with kind words and well wishes. As always, thank you for listening and for being part of the podcast community. — The post We-Walk Took a Walk appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

We’re excited to both be here for this episode! Chris is now out of the hospital and back home. We decided to devote this episode to sharing some tips and things we’ve learned during this experience. If you’re faced with an emergency room visit or hospitalization, what do you need to take into account physically, emotionally, and financially? What should you bring? What should you do and not do? We hope our tips, perspectives, and personal experiences are helpful if you ever go through this stressful situation, either as the patient or the primary family member involved. We close the episode with holiday wishes for all of you. Have a happy, merry season, hold your loved ones close, and stay safe and well if at all possible. Talk to you in the new year! The post Chris Is Back and We have Hospital Tips to Share appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

Today’s episode is very different than what we expected to release. Please listen to the first few minutes where Kim shares important news about the immediate future of Mystic Access and our podcast. Then, stay tuned as Kim and Lisa deliver two delicious holiday recipes. We’ll get these posted in the show notes as soon as possible. Thanks, as always, for listening. The post Important announcement and Food Edition appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

Today’s episode is short but definitely sweet—think mini-pumpkin-pie sweet. Both of us are a little under the weather (Chris especially… send tissues!), but we still have a fun demo to share with you. First Things First: Our Annual Open House! Before we dive in, here’s your cheerful reminder that our annual *post-Turkey Day* open house is happening **Friday, November 28, from 1–5 PM ET**. Bring your leftovers-fueled stories, your tech questions, and your best holiday giggles—we always have an amazing time reconnecting with all of you. Register quickly and freely using this link. We can’t wait to see who pops in! Demo Time: The GNMDNR Bluetooth Pillow Speaker Kim cozies up to the mic to talk about the GNMDNR Bluetooth pillow speaker, a compact bedtime buddy with: * **Stereo sound** * **Two wonderfully distinct buttons** (yay, tactile controls!) * **A few dreamy features to help you drift into la-la land** One important note: the Amazon title says it includes white noise… but it doesn’t. No worries, though — you can stream all the white noise, pink noise, whale sounds, or softly crackling campfires your heart desires through your favorite app or playlist. If you’d like to learn more or get one for yourself, check out our affiliate link above. We only recommend products we actually try and enjoy, so your support means the world. **Happy Thanksgiving! To everyone celebrating this weekend—we’re wishing you a joyful, delicious Thanksgiving. We’re so grateful for each and every one of you. See you in December! The post Sniffles, Snuggles, and a Pillow Speaker appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

Get ready for a little bit of everything in this festive episode! We’ve got an exciting announcement, a magical castle interview, and a cozy demo perfect for chilly evenings. First up: We’re thrilled to invite you to our day-after-Thanksgiving open house! It’s one of our favorite Mystic Access traditions, full of laughter, friendship, and a few surprise reunions over the years. And it’s free to join for everyone. Mark your calendars for Friday, November 28, 1–5 PM EDT, grab your virtual leftover turkey sandwich (or a slice of pie—no judgment here), and join us for an afternoon of great company and community fun. You can register your seat right here—before that pie coma hits! Then, in the castle: We welcome Natalie Mauceli, Editor with National Braille Press, who brings a sleigh-full of sparkle and delight! She’ll share NBP’s 2025 holiday picks, including brand-new books, classic returning favorites like the Peanuts calendar, and can’t-miss magazines such as Our Special and Syndicated Columnists Weekly. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or a fellow book lover, you’ll want to take notes! Finally, grab your remote (or in this case, your iPhone): We demo the DIRECTV iOS app sharing what we love, what could be improved, and why it might be your next favorite way to watch TV as the weather turns frosty. Wrap-Up: Thanks so much for tuning in! We’re so grateful for you—our listeners, friends, and fellow tech adventurers. We’ll see you again in two weeks with more fun! The post From the Castle to the Couch: Holiday Fun Awaits! appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

Short & Sweet: Cool Tech + Big News! Chris might be a bit under the weather this week , but we’re still bringing the heat with a super cool audio demo and a juicy announcement! Price Drop Alert! We’ve permanently reduced the price of our Windows 10 Audio Documentation! Originally $75 → now just $60! Still rocking Windows 10? Need a friendly tour of the Desktop, Taskbar, and all those basics that make PCs tick? This guide has your back! Meet Mrmorale: The Stand That Can Kim takes the spotlight with a demo of the Mrmorale Bluetooth-Induction Speaker—a gadget that totally earns its cape! This is an Amazon affiliate link, purchasing from this link we will receive a small commission. Why we love it: • It’s a phone/tablet stand • It doubles as a power bank • It handles Bluetooth and induction sound tech What’s induction? It’s magical audio sorcery that makes your tiny device sound bigger, bolder, and clearer—no pairing required! Kim shows off both modes with her iPhone and her Victor Reader Stream 3. Save the (Day After) Date! Our Day After Thanksgiving Open House is almost here! Registration will be ready by our next episode. It’s free, it’s fun, and we want YOU there—bring your questions, your comments, and yes… your virtual leftovers. Thanks for tuning in and hanging with us on this bite-sized episode! Rest up, Chris! And thanks for listening, everyone—we’ll catch you next time! The post Permanent Price Drop, A Bluetooth Speaker with a Terrific Twist, and a Day After Turkey Day Announcement appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

Today’s episode is jam-packed with practical tips, tech demos, a minor mystery, and even a dramatic drop test. Buckle up—we’ve got something for everyone! Tiny Accessories, Big Impact Who knew AirPods cases could spark so much excitement? We kick things off by proving that even the smallest accessories can change your entire tech experience. • Kim and Chris unveil their brand-new protective cases for the AirPods Pro 2. • Features, finishes, favorite perks—we cover it all. • And because Chris can’t resist science… he drop-tests his case live. For research, of course. You can purchase Chris’s case here. Kim’s is available from this link. These are both Amazon affiliate links, so Mystic Access receives a small commission if you buy through them The moral: whether it’s earbuds or kitchen gadgets, protect your gear, especially when traveling! Hable + BlindShell = Accessibility Power Duo A helpful tip from a listener sent us into full-on detective mode. The result? Chris demos how the Hable One keyboard pairs with the BlindShell Classic 3 phone—and yes, it works with the Classic 2 as well! If you’re a BlindShell user wondering about external input options, this is a must-hear moment. The Case of the Missing Shipt Item Kim recounts our first-ever delivery hiccup with Shipt. One lonely item vanished from the order—but fear not! She walks through how we got it resolved in record time. Spoiler: the refund process was surprisingly painless. Alexa+ — Round Two! We wrap things up with a fresh review and demo of Alexa+. We covered it earlier this summer, but enough has changed that it deserved another look. You’ll hear: • What’s better now • What’s still a bit bumpy • And how Amazon Prime Music sneaks its way into the conversation Thanks for spending part of your day with us—we’ll be back in two weeks with more tech talk, tales, and possibly more drop tests. The post AirPods Armor, Hable Hacks & Alexa+ Reloaded appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

Show Notes: Sales, Scares, Stories, and So Much More! Today’s episode is a grab bag of goodness—updates, unboxings, tech tales, sales news, and even a sprinkle of story time. Settle in and enjoy the ride! A Surprise “Welcome to Fall” Sale We kicked off an impromptu autumn celebration with 17% off most products now through Friday, October 3. It’s the perfect moment to snag something you’ve had your eye on — including our latest offering, Audible Adventures. This is our best deal until Black Friday, so don’t miss it! Kim vs. iOS 26: A Cautionary Tale iOS 26 has landed, and Kim has quite the hair-raising story about updating her device. Don’t worry — it ends well! Tune in for lessons learned and things you might want to watch out for before you tap “Install Now.” AirPods Pro 3: Kim’s Big Decision Kim also dives into the AirPods Pro 3 experience with an unboxing clip and first impressions. Stick around toward the end of the episode to hear the unexpected decision she made about keeping them… or not. Chris’s Ear Tip Upgrade + A Must-Have Accessory While we’re on the topic of earbuds, Chris picked up new ear tips for his AirPods Pro 2. He also scored a bonus accessory in the box that he thinks every earbud owner needs. He’ll tell you what it is and why it’s awesome a bit later in the show. A Tour of MysticAccessDownloads.com We’ve refreshed the layout of MysticAccessDownloads.com! Chris walks you through the updated site and gives you the lay of the land. You can explore the new design right now. Amazon Smart Oven Update: Plot Twist! Remember our chat last episode about the Amazon smart oven ghosting voice commands? Turns out… it fixed itself! We share what happened and thank everyone who chimed in with your own experiences and ideas. Plus a Few Stories… There are extra tidbits and tales sprinkled throughout this episode, but we’ll let you discover those on your own. Thanks so much for listening—we’re grateful you’re here and hope you find something fun, helpful, or just plain entertaining in this week’s mix! The post Earbuds, Ovens, and Autumn Surprises appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

In this episode, we’ve got a little bit of everything—updates, surprises, demos, and stories that might make you smile: • Site Maintenance Notice – Our free downloads site, Mystic Access Downloads, will be offline for a short time while we make some changes on the backend. Don’t worry, the site will be back soon; it’ll just be in maintenance mode until it returns. When it’s online again, you’ll be able to download files as you always have. This has nothing to do with the downloadable products you may have purchased from Mystic Access! These can be downloaded from within your user account as normal. • Smart Oven Woes – Our Amazon smart oven suddenly stopped responding to Alexa voice commands. We share our experience, theories, and ask if you’ve run into the same issue. (Thankfully, our braille overlay is currently saving the day!) • Apple Event Reactions – Did you watch the latest Apple event? We share what caught our eye, what we’re dreaming about, and whether there’s anything we’re tempted to buy. • UPS Meets Ring – A fun story about chatting with our UPS driver through the Ring app while being hundreds of miles from home—complete with the audio! • Ring AI Event Descriptions – A look at how Ring is using AI to provide event descriptions, and what we think of the results. • App Demo: Local Now – Kim demos the Local Now iOS app, which features hundreds of free channels covering news, lifestyle, movies, and more. Also available for Android and on the web at LocalNow.com. As always, thanks for listening! Enjoy the rest of your September, and we’ll be back on the last day of the month with a fresh episode. The post AI at the Door, Apple on the Brain, and Local Now on Demo appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

Today’s episode is a melting pot of cautionary tales and practical tips from our recent adventures. Our goal isn’t to scare you, but to remind you to stay careful and vigilant—especially while traveling. In this episode, we cover: • Travel & Canes – A follow-up on our cane conversation from last time, sharing how our two-section telescopic canes performed during our flight home. Lots to recommend, but also one big concern. • Airport Security – A new and eye-opening experience before even boarding the plane. • Kim’s Scary Mistake – An unnerving incident in Buffalo that you’ll definitely want to learn from. • Transaction Monitoring – Why you should pay attention to those “annoying” notifications from services like Life Lock (we learned this the hard way). • Switching Phone Plans – Helping Kim’s mom move to a new provider came with its own set of complications—here’s what to watch out for when porting a number. • Verizon Home Internet Perks – We share why taking a gift card perk might not have been the best idea. (This story will have a sequel in a future episode!) • New Coffee Discovery – A brand we’re loving and think you will too. • Kim’s Product Demo – The Sticro Moist Heat Sinus Mask for sinus pressure relief. It has three heat settings, five timers, and options for both dry and moist heat. Kim swears by it! (Affiliate link included—thank you for supporting us when you purchase through it.) As always, thanks for listening! We hope our rambling adventures offer something useful for your own journey. Until next time! The post Security Scares, Gift Card Gimmicks, and Kim’s Big Oops appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

Welcome to our final 2025 episode recorded in North Carolina! To kick things off, we brought you outside to experience some late-summer nature sounds. Unfortunately, the ambiance was interrupted by the air conditioner, so we moved the recording indoors. We hope the natural setting was a nice touch before the interruption! In this episode, we’re picking up where we left off last time with our tease about canes. An unexpected situation at the ACB convention has led us to new discoveries, and we’re now the proud owners of some telescoping canes! In This Episode: • Telescoping Cane Talk: We dive into two different telescoping canes we’ve recently tried out: • Ambutech’s Two-Section Graphite Cane: We’re big fans of Ambutech for their customizable options and top-notch quality. This cane is adjustable, making it a fantastic travel companion. However, we do have a small concern we share in the episode. Learn more about the cane and order yours by activating this link. • Sam Seavey’s Recommended Titanium Cane: You can find this sturdy option on Amazon (via our affiliate link). Sam from the great YouTube channel The Blind Life has a great review of it, and we share our thoughts on why it might be a fabulous travel buddy. • Classic Apps for the Blind: Chris takes us down memory lane with a discussion of two reliable Windows apps: • Remind-Me, and • Handy Address Book by Beiley Software These apps are a throwback but are still packed with practical and helpful features. Best of all, this company cares about accessibility. We discuss how these terrific Windows apps stand the test of time. • Hurricane Tracker App: With Hurricane Erin making waves in the Atlantic, we introduce you to My Hurricane Tracker from jRustonApps. It’s a great, accessible tool for tracking hurricanes and tornadoes. We also share about the past hurricanes this app lets you explore—perfect for those who want to dig into storm history! • New Book Release: We’re excited to announce the release of our latest book from National Braille Press, Staying Safe: Tips And Tools For A Secure Home, Body, And Spirit. It’s filled with advice and tips to help readers stay safe in various situations, like building a secure home, while walking, using rideshare services, in airports, dealing with stress or anxiety, safety in romantic relationships, and more. We think this would also make a nice companion to our book about staying safe online. We feel this book would make a great addition to your library or as a thoughtful gift! As always, thanks for tuning in! We’ll see you in September with more insights and updates. The post Telescoping Canes, Hurricane Tracking, Our New Safety Book, and More appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

Most of this episode is dedicated to all things Amazon. We have numerous demos and thoughts to share on several products. First, however, we’re announcing a twenty-five percent off sale to celebrate our fourth wedding anniversary on August 11. The sale runs from Friday August eighth through end of day Tuesday August twelfth, and you’ll save on all our audio documentation, including our new Audible Adventures product. We highly recommend it for all book-lovers! We begin our look at Amazon products with a discussion of our new latest generation Echo. We share the sad circumstances that led us to purchase it, and through the magic of editing you’ll be there with us as we unbox and set it up. We also play some tunes to show you its sound quality. On Prime day we also purchased new Fire tablets. This was yet another cool setup process. Chris talks about his, and Kim takes you through hers in close to real time so you can experience it, too. Finally, we take you with us as we check out Alexa+. this demo was recorded in June, but it still gives you an idea of the differences between Alexa and Alexa+. Of course, we share our likes and dislikes. Finally, we close by teasing an upcoming podcast topic we’ll discuss next time. Thanks, as always, for listening! The post Echos, Fire Tablets and Alexa+, Oh My! appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

In this episode, we discuss our travels to and from the ACB Convention. Links coming soon. Stay tuned. The post Convention Adventures appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

This episode is a short and sweet one—many of us are busy enjoying both virtual and in-person convention fun! Convention Season Sale Our summer sale is live! From now through July 14, save 30% on all digital audio documentation. • We’re currently at the ACB convention in Dallas, then heading to our summer home in North Carolina, and will be back at our desks on August 25. • Hardware orders (like speakers and cables) will ship after we return to New York. • If you order physical media (thumb drives, SD cards, or NLS cartridges), we’ll do our best to ship from North Carolina, though some delays may occur. • Kim will personally reach out to anyone ordering hardware or physical media to keep you informed. Activate this link to begin shopping. Chris’s Walk with WeWALK and Voice Vista Chris recently took a stroll using his WeWALK Smart Cane 2 along with the Voice Vista app for iOS. Sorry, Android users, there’s currently no equivalent app for you. We chat about: • The origin of Voice Vista • Chris’s first impressions • Features he’s loving • What he’s excited to explore further • Hopes for future updates Wishing everyone a joyful, safe, and inspiring convention season. Thanks for listening—we appreciate you! The post Convention Season, Summer Sales, and a Walk with Voice Vista appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

Hi everyone, We’re excited to share a brand-new episode with you! In this release, we introduce our latest product — Audible Adventures. This comprehensive offering explores the accessibility of the Audible service across a variety of platforms, giving you a clearer picture of how to enjoy your favorite audiobooks no matter how you listen. Thanks so much for tuning in and being part of our podcast community! The post Minisode – New Product announcement appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

In this episode, we’ve got a little something for everyone—from tech updates to travel logistics to summer savings! Summer Convention Sale We’re kicking things off with an announcement: our Summer Convention Sale is on! From June 24 through July 14, enjoy 30% off all audio documentation (hardware not included). If you’ve been interested in something from our catalog, now’s a great time to explore and purchase. Please note: • We’ll be attending the ACB convention in Dallas, followed by time in North Carolina from July 5 to August 25. • Hardware orders will ship after we return, but we’ll do our best to ship physical media like SD cards and cartridges while in North Carolina. Note that there may still be delays, however. • Kim will personally email all customers who order hardware or physical media with shipping reminders. Apple’s Latest Updates We briefly discuss highlights from the recent WWDC Apple event, including some upcoming software features we’re excited to try. We also touch on Apple’s new naming convention—with a helpful article Chris found that breaks it all down. Rural Internet Adventures Next up, we dive into our search for internet service at our rural summer home. After a few hiccups (you’ll hear all about them!), we landed on Verizon LTE Home Internet. In this segment, we share: • What equipment we received and a physical description • The setup experience • How it performs here in Western New York Bonus: It even worked post-Hurricane Helene in North Carolina—a big win! App Tour: Audiobooks.com To round things out, Kim takes you on a tour of the Audiobooks.com app. She explains how the service compares to Audible, why she decided to give it a try, and what she likes (and doesn’t) about the iOS app. Android users, don’t worry—there’s a version for you too. As always, thanks so much for listening. We’re grateful for your support! The post Summer Sales, Rural Internet Adventures, and a Tour of the Audiobooks.com App appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

In this episode, we demonstrate the X-Sense Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm featuring voice location technology. Hear how it works, what sets it apart from traditional alarms, and why it might be a great addition to your home safety setup. If you choose to purchase through our Amazon affiliate link above, we may earn a small commission thanks for supporting the show! — The post A Smarter Way to Stay Safe: Exploring the X-Sense Talking Smoke Alarm appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

We hope you have as much fun listening to this episode as we had creating it! Come along as we walk a few steps (maybe more, maybe less—no judgment here!) through a mix of nostalgic tech, helpful tools, and safety tips. In This Episode: Blast from the Past: The Primula Talking Coffee Maker We revisit our Blast from the Past series to chat about the quirky and charming Primula talking coffee maker from 2009—billed as “the world’s first talking coffee maker.” Chris gives a live demo and walks you through the speech prompts this unique machine offers. StepUp App: A Fun Way to Track Your Steps Next, we step into the world of modern health apps with StepUp, a free and fun step-counting app available for iOS and Android. We explore its features, settings, and why it makes walking a little more rewarding (even if our step counts are embarrassingly low… oops!). Screen Protectors: Worth It or Not? We share personal horror stories and practical advice about screen protectors. Spoiler alert: Yes, they’re worth it—and yes, quality matters! If you have a device with a glass screen, this section is for you. Smoke Detectors & Safety Tips Finally, we discuss the now discontinued Google Nest Protect smoke detectors and our plan to refit our home with new ones after all these years. We also share a super important tip: Smoke detectors expire after ten years! This segment is part teaser, part public service announcement—we want you to be safe! Thanks for joining us! Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss our upcoming demos and discussions. The post Steps, Screens, and Speaking Coffee Machines appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

In this episode, we kick things off with a travel tip that recently saved us $200—and it just might save you money too! Whether you’re booking flights, rental cars, or hotel stays (especially via Expedia), this simple trick is worth knowing. While we haven’t found an equivalent for train travel yet, we hope this helps with your summer plans! Next, we’re thrilled to share our official plans for ACB Dallas in July! If you’re attending, come say hi—we’d love to meet you while wandering the exhibits. With over 30 hours of train travel ahead, we decided it was time for some helpful new headphones. Enter the Tagry wireless headphones—featuring a 100-hour battery life, active noise cancellation, and great comfort. Kim unboxes them and demos pairing, voice prompts, and music playback. Chris shares his impressions after a few days of use. If you purchase from the above link, we will earn a small commission. To wrap up, Kim talks about a recent earthquake near her hometown. We introduce and briefly overview two accessible apps—My Shake and My Earthquake Alerts—that help track seismic activity in real time and are friendly to screen reader users. Both these are available for iOS and android. Thanks, as always, for listening and spreading the word. we appreciate you. The post 200 Dollars Saved, 100 Hours of Music, and a Whole Lot of Rattling appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

Episode Summary: In this episode, Chris and Kim kick things off by sharing some listener feedback, including a mention of Hartgen Consultancy’s valuable products and services. Next, with the deadline for obtaining a REAL ID quickly approaching, we dive into what you may need to know if you plan to fly and still need to get yours. We also take a moment to remind listeners about our upcoming Mac event and where you can find more details. Activate this link to download a free introduction. Activate this link to purchase the full product. As always, thank you so much for tuning in and being part of our community! The post Taste a New Place appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

In this episode, we’re helping you prep for late spring and summer with affordable ways to stay cool and escape the heat—wherever you are. Cool Gadgets for Warmer Days Chris shares his experience with the Vornado TRANSOM window fan, which he used in our summer home last year. This powerful fan features a weather-resistant case, reversible exhaust mode, and four speeds. There are two versions available—one with a remote, and one that works with Alexa. Chris explains the differences and demos the Alexa-compatible version he just installed in his NY office. Want to grab one for yourself? Click here to check it out on Amazon – both versions are listed, so be sure to choose the one that fits your setup. Check the correct radio button to choose the version you want. Note that this is an affiliate link, so we’ll receive a small commission if you purchase from it. We also chat about: – Tower fans and why touch buttons might not be ideal – Windmill fans and how they compare – Those quirky personal coolers you fill with ice (aka “swamp coolers” in the South) Need an Escape? We demo two relaxing Alexa skills that can mentally transport you far away: Virtual Vacation and Forest Sounds Summer Travel Plans We wrap up with exciting news—we’re headed to ACB in Dallas this July by train! We share why we love train travel and hope to see many of you there. Thanks so much for tuning in. Whether you came for practical tips or a bit of virtual escape, we’re glad you’re here. The post Beating the Heat + Planning for Summer Adventures appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

In This Episode: A Smarter Checkout, A Soothing Sleep Mask, and Budget-Friendly Streaming In this episode, we’re diving into three exciting updates and discoveries we think you’ll love. First up, we’ve made a helpful improvement to the checkout process at [MysticAccess.com](https://www.MysticAccess.com). Whether you’re updating your shipping address or entering one for the first time, the process is now much smoother and more intuitive. Next, we unbox a feature-rich sleep mask that’s become a new favorite around here. With speedy Bluetooth pairing, over 35 relaxing nature sounds, a comfy fit, and more than 15 hours of playtime, it’s a dreamy companion for a restful night. Tune in to hear our first impressions, and stick around for our follow-up thoughts after more hands-on use. The above link is our Amazon affiliate link. If you purchase from this link we may receive a small commission. Finally, if you’re looking for affordable, family-friendly TV and movies, [Frndly TV](https://www.frndlytv.com/choose-plan-2) could be just what you need. It offers over 50 channels, a rewind feature for live shows, and works beautifully with VoiceOver on iOS—a huge accessibility upgrade from the past! Kim walks you through the app and shows how it compares to another budget streaming service, [Philo](https://agoodmovietowatch.com/cord-cutting/comparaisons/philo-vs-frndlytv/). Thanks so much for tuning in and sharing the podcast with others. We appreciate you! Until next time… The post Site Checkout Improvements, An Innovative Bluetooth Sleep Mask, and an Older Cord Cutting App Becomes Incredibly Accessible on iOS appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of podcasts! Whether you’re new to podcasting or a seasoned listener, we’re covering everything from finding topics that interest you to following your favorite shows. We’ll also discuss common pitfalls to avoid and share insights from our own experiences with Apple Podcasts, the Wondery app, and other podcatchers we love. Not sure what a “podcatcher” is? No worries! We’ll break down helpful podcast terminology and take a nostalgic journey through the early days of podcasting. Plus, we’ll explore how podcast accessibility has evolved over the past two decades, especially for screen reader users. Want to dive deeper? Check out our in-depth audio documentation on efficient and enjoyable ways to listen to podcasts, whether you’re a tech expert or just getting started. Thinking about launching your own podcast? We’ve got you covered! Our step-by-step audio guide walks you through everything you need to know. There’s more to podcasting than you might think! Thanks for tuning in—we’re so glad you’re here! The post Exploring the World of Podcasts: How to Listen, Discover, and Enjoy appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

In this episode, we dive into a variety of topics—so even if something doesn’t seem relevant to you at first, stick around! You might pick up some valuable insights or learn some lessons along the way. **Ring Camera Accessories & the Importance of Research** Chris shares his experience with the accessories he purchased for our newest Ring camera after an issue with the included mount. This serves as a reminder of why researching products and reading reviews carefully is so important. **The iPhone 16E & What’s Missing** With Apple’s recent announcement of the [iPhone 16E](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/02/apple-debuts-iphone-16e-a-powerful-new-member-of-the-iphone-16-family/), we highlight some well-loved features that didn’t make the cut. We also offer tips on navigating the phone without a Home button, learning to successfully use Face ID, and adapting to the switch to a USB-C port. **Phone Cameras & Their Growing Importance** Phone camera quality continues to improve, and for those of us using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) or learning new skills, a high-quality camera can make a big difference. We discuss why this matters and what to look for. **The ESIM Advantage** As eSIM technology becomes more common, we explore why we personally like it, the benefits it offers, and why doing your research before switching is essential. **Affordable Phone Plans & Data Conservation** Major carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T still dominate the market, but there are ways to access their networks at significantly lower costs. We break down the pros and cons of budget-friendly phone plans and share tips to help you conserve your precious mobile data. **Looking Ahead: Alexa+ & AI in Our Workflow** With Alexa+ set to launch in a few weeks, we discuss how to find out if your device will support it (some won’t) and share our thoughts on its potential impact. Plus, we touch on one way we use AI—specifically ChatGPT—in our professional lives. **Podcast Update: Changes to Our Episode Titles** Finally, we share an important update regarding our podcast episode titles. As always, thank you for listening and for spreading the word about Mystic Access! We truly appreciate your support. The post On Purchasing Electronics Accessories, Tips for Using the iPhone 16E, Cheaper Phone Plans, and Helpful AI appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

In this episode, we dive into a mix of tech, fun, and surprises! We start by discussing our upcoming event focused on the BlindShell Classic 3 phone and how it compares to its predecessor. Then, we explore the WeWalk smart canes, comparing the first and second generations to see what’s new and improved. Next, things take a playful turn as we test out a transforming radio-controlled truck— Note: this is our Amazon affiliate link, ordering from this link, we may receive a small commission. Chris’s awesome birthday gift! And to wrap things up, Chris shares an unexpected discovery about his new office chair that might just surprise you. Topics Covered in This Episode: BlindShell Classic 3 vs. Previous Model– What’s new and what’s changed? – WeWalk Smart Canes– Comparing Generation 1 and 2. – Fun with a Radio-Controlled Truck – A hands-on test of Chris’s birthday gift. -A Surprise on Chris’s Indulgear Office Chair – Braille in unexpected places! Note: this is our Amazon affiliate link, ordering from this link, we may receive a small commission. Tune in for a mix of insightful discussion and lighthearted fun! The post Exploring Smart Canes, Toys, and a Surprise Feature appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

Today we announce an event comparing the BlindShell 2 and 3 cell phones, and have demos of JAWS Picture Smart, and the meal delivery service Factor. This is one of our really long episodes, so grab a snack and a drink before getting started. first, we’re very excited to announce our upcoming event comparing and contrasting the BlindShell 2 and 3 cell phones. If you’re looking for a high-quality, totally accessible cell phone for yourself, already own a BlindShell 2 and wonder if an upgrade to the 3 is worthwhile, or have purchased the 3 and are curious about the new features, this event has something for you. Join us on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 8:30 PM eT. The event will run about 75 minutes for the presentation with lots of additional time for your questions. This is a paid event, but we’ve kept your registration super low at only $10. Visit this page to learn more and purchase your seat. A recording will be provided for all registrants. Next, Chris demonstrates the power of JAWS Picture Smart. He describes some photos featuring both people and places, and also shows how to use Picture Smart in conjunction with free USPS Informed Delivery emails to read about your upcoming mail. We think this feature is a real game changer, particularly for reading about what mail will be coming to your mailbox. Hope this is helpful. We share about our experience having our Ring camera professionally installed. For us, this was very positive, and we’d definitely do so again. Finally, we discuss the Factor meal delivery service. Kim demos the website, which is far more accessible than the app for making selections and changes to your orders. We talk about our first delivery, what we think so far, and possible advantages and disadvantages of the service. Thanks so much for listening. We appreciate you! The post Plush it is Not appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

We’re back with a number of small discussions and two quick demos, so we hope you find something enjoyable among the talking points. First, we update you on our use of tiles. Chris shares about another version of a tile he plans to purchase and why. He demos finding his phone, how the tile works with Alexa and Google, and we discuss our thoughts on using tiles versus air tags in our own lives. Next, Kim talks about her COVID test that wasn’t. Learn about what she read about “accessible” COVID tests, what happened when she received one via mail, and what happened next. Chris is trying to cut back on his coffee consumption. Learn about the handy gadgets he’s now using to make that happen and what he thinks so far. Kim mentioned in a previous episode that she was recently interviewed for APH’s Career conversations series. She highly recommends the entire series for anyone seeking career tips, advice, and just wanting to hear stories from others in the work force. Check out Kim’s episode on YouTube here. She hopes you’ll be helped by something shared. There are so many cool folks to meet in this series. Visit APH’s YouTube channel to find many more career conversations. About a year ago we talked quite a bit across several episodes comparing Ring and Google for security. We wanted to update you on our experience and why we’re about to join one of those universes exclusively. What works for us may not be best for you, but we hope something we share is useful if this is something you’ve thought about. Next, Kim demos the restaurant deliveries available as part of Instacart. We explain the pros and cons to consider based on our recent experience. Finally, Kim teases a food service we’ll be discussing in more detail in a near future episode. Thanks as always for listening! We appreciate you! The post Trying to Find Your Couch appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

Today you’ll learn a bit about tracking things with Tile! We’re both rather under the weather for this episode, but hopefully our cool topic makes up for our weird-sounding voices. Tile is a versatile way to track your keys, wallet, and lots of other items no matter which platform you use. There are various types of tiles available depending on what you want to keep track of. We talk a bit about the free tile we received with our Life360 subscription, show you the iOS app, and share some available ringtones. You don’t need Life360 to use Tile. Download the Tile app for your favorite platform from this page. We’re also now on Bluesky for any of you who use that platform. Find us: @mysticaccess.com. Our podcasts will begin posting there upon release from now on. If you follow us on Mastodon, you’ll also receive the link to our latest episode when it posts. Thanks for listening, and happy 2025. The post I Was A Century Behind appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

From us to you, HAPPY 2025, hope it is a great one! The post Happy New Year 2025 appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

It’s our Christmas Eve edition and we have some updates and tips to present. LOL Sorry, had to go there. First, what do you think of our new mics? These are the Hollyland Lark M2 model and we love them so far. There are several versions you can purchase depending on whether you use Android, iOS, or both. Plus, their magnetic accessories are awesome! Next, we have a very important announcement about ordering from us on NLS cartridges. If you like to order your documentation on cartridge, please listen carefully. We’ll update you all here as soon as we know more. Chris has a clarification to share about using ChatGPT for weather. Speaking of cool apps, we’ve begun using the paid version of Life360 after having used it for free in the past. This is a great way to keep track of your loved ones when you’re apart. Visit Life360.com to learn more about this great software. Or visit this link directly. Next, Chris introduces you to Rocky, the cuddly weighted crocodile. He’s made by the same company that makes my bunny, Hazel. Some gifts are a little unexpected, especially when you’re purchasing sight unseen. LOLChris tells the story of one Christmas gift I purchased him that was nearly a flop. It isn’t currently available from Amazon, but I’ll put in a link here if it returns. Finally, we talk about some free and inexpensive ways to relax over the holiday break. However you spend yours, we wish you a wonderful, peaceful and delightful holiday season. We appreciate you! Happy merry everything! Talk to you next year! The post Pop The Bubble appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

This is our last full episode of 2024. We do have one more coming out on Christmas Eve, but it will just be short and sweet. So we’ve packed a few fun discussions and some heart-felt thanks into this one. First, a friendly reminder that the mail is pretty slow this time of year, so be sure to order those presents as soon as possible at this stage. We still have some hardware available if you’re looking for gifts, and of course, lots of digital audio, too. Visit mysticaccess.com/shop for all the available goodies. Activate this link to shop with us. I also want to remind you of a cool APH event I’ll be participating in soon after this podcast airs. I’ll be interviewed for the APH ConnectCenter’s career Conversations series on Thursday, December 12 at 6:00PM ET. I highly recommend checking out this series if you’re a high school or college student, work in Voc Rehab, or want to gain employment skills. Find the series archives on YouTube. That link takes you to a full playlist. Check out my bio for my appearance on this page, and register your seat for free using the provided link. I’ll link to my archived appearance in a future episode. Next, we discuss our experiments with AI, specifically ChatGPT and Gemini. Learn what we like, what we feel needs improvement, and how these two AIs differ. If you want to learn more about this topic, we’ll be announcing a free class sometime early in the new year. Speaking of AI, well, sort of, Chris found a new use for his Meta glasses that he shares. Want a great gift for a safety-conscious friend or family member? We share about our new book for National Braille Press. Chris discusses a scam attempt he just experienced, and we share a tip for keeping our parents and those of a certain age safer. Speaking of tips, we have a few good ones for saving some cash this winter. Finally, we end with those heart-felt thanks I mentioned earlier. we couldn’t do this without you, and as always we appreciate your support, encouragement, kind comments, helpful feedback, and being part of our community. Happy merry everything, and wishing you joy from our hearts and home to yours. The post Your Screen Will Go to Sleep appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

This episode is jam-packed with goodies, so we hope you enjoy the fun. First, you’re all warmly invited to our post-Thanksgiving open house. It’s free, fun, and festive, and takes place on Friday, November 29 between 1-5 PM eastern time. To register your seat. please visit this link. We also mention some of our hardware that’ll be on sale for Black Friday. Check out the episode for all the details, and shop with us between Friday the 29th and Monday December 2nd to save twenty-five percent on nearly everything on MysticAccess.com. We know the holidays are a super stressful time for many, and we provide some tips we hope may prove helpful. We also discuss some tools we recently purchased to help with our own stress, including these cuddly pizzas, some pretty fidget rings, and this adorable weighted bunny. Note that these are affiliate links; purchasing from these links gives Mystic Access a small commission. We only recommend products and services we use and love ourselves. Finally, it’s the food edition this time around, and Lisa Salinger joins Kim in the castle kitchen to share some yummy recipes. Kim shares: Mashed Potato Sou; Taken from: Mashed Potato Soup Total Time: 25 minutesYield: 4-6 servingsDiet: Vegetarian INGREDIENTS • 2 tablespoons butter • ½ small onion, diced • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour • 2 cups vegetable or chicken stock • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning • 3 cups leftover mashed potatoes • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated • salt and pepper (to taste) • cheddar cheese, shredded (optional, for topping) INSTRUCTIONS 1. In a large stockpot melt butter over medium-high heat, until it starts to bubble, about 1 minute. Add onion and sauté until soft and tender and starting to brown, about 3-4 minutes. 2. Add flour and mix well until evenly combined with the onion mixture and continue to cook for another minute. Pour in stock and Italian seasoning and mix well. Bring the mixture to a simmer, about 3-4 minutes, 3. Add in mashed potatoes and Parmesan cheese. Mixing until all the potatoes have broken up and the cheese has melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until thickened to a desired consistency, stirring occasionally. 4. Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese. NOTES How to store: Keep leftover mashed potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. How to freeze: Although you can safely freeze mashed potato soup, I don’t recommend it. Potatoes break down when frozen and the soup will lose some of its creamy texture, can become grainy, and lose some flavor. If you do want to freeze it, store it in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. How to reheat. Reheat mashed potato soup on the stove over medium-low heat until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes. If the soup has thickened up too much in the fridge, add in some water or stock until desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Lisa shares: Jiffy Corn Mix Taken from: https://www.backtomysouthernroots.com/jiffy-corn-pudding/#recipe Ingredients • 1 egg • 14 oz. creamed corn • 14 oz. whole kernel corn drained • 1 cup sour cream • 1 box of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix • 1/2 cup butter melted INSTRUCTIONS 1. Start by adding an egg to a medium-sized bowl and beat it a little. 2. Next, add the creamed corn. 3. Drain the liquid (and get rid of the liquid) off of the can of whole kernel corn and add the corn to the bowl. 4. Add the sour cream and mix well. 5. Finally, add the box of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix and mix well. 6. Pour the melted butter into a greased 8″ x 8″ baking dish. 7. Add the Jiffy mixture to the baking dish and bake for one hour. Thanks, as always, for listening. The post Calorie Free Pizza appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

In this informative episode we begin by discuss the importance of backing up your information. We recently switched our password manager to one we simply like more, and starting from scratch would have been annoying and lengthy. Backing up is important no matter what your software or files consist of, though, and we hope this reminder is helpful. Next, we share an upcoming event in which Mystic Access is featured. We’ll be presenting on Tek Talk during their Stocking Stuffers series on Monday, November 18 at 5:00 PM Pt, 8:00 PM ET. Join the fun, and the meeting, by visiting this link. And speaking of hanging out with us, we’ll be having our post-Thanksgiving Day open house on Friday, November 29 between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM eastern time. Bring your tech finds and questions and get ready for lots of fun! Register to join the call by visiting this page. It’s free. You’ll receive an email with your personal joining info. Finally, we explain how you can experience more affordable rates on your Internet, TV, and phone services. Two cell phone providers we focus on are Visible and US Mobile. Thanks, as always, for listening! We appreciate you. The post Virtual Leftovers appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

This episode has it all; something spooky, something sappy, and something practical. But first, Kim discusses a cool voting tool she found this year. While it’s unfortunately too late in the election cycle to be helpful in 2024, she wanted to share anyway in case someone is interested in using it later if it’s available in your state. For Halloween this year, we bought a plush talking pumpkin. While he may sound cute in theory, our demo may surprise you, or even give you a scare. You can purchase him yourself at the above link. Please note that we receive a small commission if you buy through our links. Speaking of Halloween, guess what we plan to be on a future Halloween night? Find out in this episode. We end by talking about the importance of organization and how it plays a big role, at least for us, in making a house a home. Chris has gotten some new office furniture to assist him in being better-organized, including this eight-drawer double dresser with a sturdy steel frame, a wood top, and fabric drawers. We hope you enjoyed today’s episode. Thanks for listening and sharing. Happy Halloween! The post Peanut Butter And Jelly appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

In this episode Chris and Kim unbox and set up the Ray-ban Meta Smart Glasses. They each decided to purchase a pair for themselves. They discuss why they ultimately chose to purchase, which glasses they bought, and an experience that caused them to buy sooner than they may have otherwise. Each setup process is a little different, so we hope you’ll enjoy listening and learning more. Please note: The above link is our Amazon affiliate link. If you purchase from this link we may receive a small commission. Please note: At the moment, Aira explorers must have a WhatsApp account in order for agents to connect with their Meta Ray-bans. To learn more about the process and how you can advocate for a more seamless integration, check out this informative article from Aira. If you’ve considered purchasing a pair of these for yourself, we hope this podcast is helpful. Thanks for listening. The post The End of The Story appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

Have you ever had loved ones impacted by a hurricane, flood, tornado, or other natural disaster? Did you have accessible methods for finding accurate information? This podcast is for those times when you’re feeling helpless and want to know what’s going on in such a scary situation. In the wake of the devastation of Helene, we thought now was as important a time as any to share some tips. Learn ways to get information, cautions when making donations, and much more. We hope this info is valuable. A Note From Kim As mentioned in this episode, my hometown in the western part of NC was decimated by floodding from Helene. Entire communities are washed away, and it will likely take years to build back lost infrastructure. People have lost their homes and everything they own. I know mine isn’t the only state impacted, and thousands are hurting, but if you decide to offer some well wishes, prayers, or even donations, I know those affected would be tremendously grateful. Our summer home is there, but more importantly, many of my family members are there, including my parents. I’m the only kid, and being so far away and out of touch with them right now is horible. Here are just a few ways to donate and help flood victims in Western NC after Helene. There are plenty of others, but I thought this article gave some good ones. Thanks, as always, for listening, especially this time. The post The Worst Part Is Waiting appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

In this episode Chris and Kim remind users of the Free event on the mac coming up on the 24th of the month. Next we use RIM to show how easy it is to connect and receive remote help. Finally we discuss Glide from glidance.io. The post Waiting To Get Activated appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

This episode offers an upcoming class announcement, a castle interview, a fun demo, and more. Let’s dive in! First, Chris provides an update on the pathfinder cane tip. He loves it, but there’s one important thing you must know before you buy. Listen to learn more. Next, Kim demos the Merlin bird identification app. This free app is available for iOS and Android, and helps you identify birds from across the US and Canada. We love Merlin and hope you’ll enjoy this demo. Next, we enter the castle for an interview with Emily Romero. Emily is a long-time Mac user. She explains why she prefers the Mac, some comparisons between Mac and Windows, the costs and benefits involved, and more. We’ll be holding a free event on the Mac on Tuesday, September 24. Emily will be co-hosting with us. If you’ve ever wondered about Mac accessibility, features, Windows comparisons, and more, we’d love for you to join us. To Register your seat, please visit this link. If you know others who may be interested, please feel free to share our interview with Emily and the link to register for the class. Weknow it’ll be both informative and fun. Thanks, as always, for listening and spreading the word. We appreciate you. The post Roll Down The Wall appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.

This episode features are pre-sunrise porch ambiance as we share about a variety of topics. You’ll hear about everything from bees, to crows, to raindrops–and a lot of crickets. So, get ready for the sounds and subjects of this crazy conversation. Chris begins by sharing about his unfortunate run-in with a tiny winged critter. Has anything like this happene to you? We next discuss a very cool story about a recent Ambutech purchase. Not only can we highly recommend their customer support, but so far we really like the Pathfinder cane tip we purchased. Stay tuned for more thoughts as we use it more. Speaking of mobility aids, they pop up regularly in this episode. Are you familiar with the Glide robot from Glidance? We share our initial thoughts and those of some friends and colleagues. We can’t wait to see this device inaction ourselves! Back to canes… the WeWalk Smart Cane 2 is available for preorder. Chris owns the first version and has had mixed feelings during his time using it. We wonder how we’ll feel about the new version when it arrives? One final cane story to share; this one will make you go yikes! Be prepared in case something like this happens to you. those of you who are regulars know we watch a lot of scam baiting videos. One thing scammers regularly ask their potential victims to do is to let them remotely connect to the person’s computer. Don’t ever let someone you don’t know connect to your device. They’re usually out to steal your data and/or money. This leads us to a discussion of Remote Incident Manager, which Aira is now using as it’s remote connectivity tool. Chris took RIM for a test-drive and shares his experience. One of Kim’s new favorite things is a ball chair with an included stabilizing ring. She explains the concept and why she loves it. We next talk about our two new cases from Turtleback LV. In both cases (hahaha) our first impressions appear to be incorrect regarding these, and we’re happy about that. Listen for all the details. Finally, if you need more office space, Chris highly recommends a printer stand! He discusses his setup here at the summer home and why he likes it so much. We close by giving a hint about an upcoming podcast demo that you might want to sing about. Thanks so much for listening! The post Marshmallow Lovers appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.