Rare with Flair

hi hello hey — we’ve got some questions. And by questions, we mean ChatGPT came up with some questions for us to answer! We’ve done full episodes on some of the questions we answer, but for a little “flair” break from our recent “rare” episodes, why not talk about some very unimportant opinions? if you ever have a question for us, you can always DM us on Instagram or email us at [email protected]! related episodes For more little things that make us happy, check out 54. happy little things For pet peeves and things that get under our skin, check out 67. a how-to guide on how to annoy us Cass + Case at the NOAHCon 2026 — credit: Positive Exposure show notes If you’re interested in Cass’ new puzzle book purchase, check it out on Amazon

hi hello hey–do you hear that?? it’s a new episode! Once upon a time, we did an episode about our favorite things, which included a few favorite smells. As visually impaired women, we’re still visual people, but we also rely on our other four senses quite a bit. We thought it would be fun to create a little “Sensory Series” exploring our favorite things from each nonvisual sense (and maybe our least favorites too?). To kick things off, we’re talking all about our favorite sounds! Some are universally satisfying, while others are incredibly specific sounds tied to memories and people in our lives. From ocean waves and crackling fire to the jingle of keys and the click of high heels, we’re sharing the sounds that make us smile. Do you have favorite sounds we missed? We’d love to hear from you at [email protected]! And keep an eye out for future episodes in our Sensory Series! Case + Cass enjoying some of their favorite sounds: the beach and Disney background music! 2026 show notes Want more soothing sounds in your life? Check out this guide to turn on Background Sounds on your iPhone for free!

hi hello hey, we’re making our canes accessories now. We’ve done many an episode about mobility tools, but it’s been two years since we last talked canes, when Case got her all-pink cane and Cass got a No-Jab cane. We’re back—and thanks to our friends at Ambutech, we’re here to debut canes for all seasons, including matching beautiful, bedazzled canes and a cane setup specifically made for the outdoorsy! Besides showing off our new additions, we take our canes for a stroll down memory lane to review the many canes of our lives, from our very first canes to the cane tips that have definitely seen better days. Thanks again to Ambutech for our new canes! If you’re interested in a bespoke cane of your own, email them at [email protected] and tell them Rare with Flair sent you! Cass in Copenhagen with her no-jab cane and Case pretty in pink as Glinda for the NOAH Con with her new bedazzled pink cane, 2026 show notes Cass’ No-Jab cane with the red leather grip Case’s graphite cane — you can select a grip color like pink and tape colors for some added flair Want to recreate Cass’ hiking cane? Here’s what you’ll need: Adult Fiberglass cane — you can select the tape colors for each section (Cass picked green) Standard marshmallow tip (non-rolling) Support cane tip — this slips over the standard marshmallow tip Flip up ice spike attachment — for extra grip in the ground

who could’ve predicted we’d still be hi, hello-ing, and hey-ing 6 years later?! Wow, podience! We can’t believe this is our SIXTH podaversary. 2020 seems like a lifetime ago, and we had to take a beat to think about everything that’s changed since then. Since recording in our parents’ houses during a global pandemic, we’ve each made a myriad of changes, both large and small, all while keeping the pod a constant in our evolving lives. While “things change” isn’t exactly breaking news, we wanted to take a moment to honor where we started and where we are now. Of course, we also wanted to take a moment to thank all our listeners. From the OGs to new fans who binge the entire show to casual listeners in between, we would just be FaceTiming into the void without you. Thank you to anyone who’s ever emailed us or approached us at a conference to tell us you enjoy the show. If we’ve ever made you feel less alone as someone with a disability, or if you’ve learned something new from us, we feel like we’ve accomplished what we’d hoped. Thank you for six lovely years of storytelling, laughter, and growth. We truly couldn’t have done it without you! related episodes If you’d like to take a stroll down memory lane, start with our very first episode, or check out our five other podaversary episodes in the Podaversary category. Especially check out last year’s podaversary episode, where we revisited some of our opinions on disability-related topics and discovered that, shockingly, we’ve changed our minds about a few things. For some of the early episodes we mention in this one, check out our early style episode to see just how much we’ve changed (and to date ourselves a little), along with our early music episode. Six years later, we’re still here, and apparently we still have things to say. Here’s to many more! Case + Cass caught in true form at the HPS conference, 2026

hi hello hey, we lost our voices but filled our hearts We’re back from the 2026 albinism conference in Columbus, Ohio, and somehow managed to fit a week’s worth of memories into just three short days. Join us as we recap volunteering at the HPS Network booth, speaking on panels, rehearsing and performing with the Person with Albinism (PWA) Choir, trying adaptive sports, dominating (or attempting to dominate) trivia night, and catching up with friends from all over the country. We also share all the behind-the-scenes details from the most magical Wicked-themed bridal shower that Cass secretly planned for Case at the sweetest little French café. 💚🩷 Whether you’ve attended an albinism conference before or are just curious what it’s like, come relive one unforgettable weekend with us filled with community, laughter, meaningful conversations, and a whole lot of joy. related episodes For past NOAH conference episodes, check out 98. rolling out the red carpet for the albinism conference (2024 con) 50. squinting in orlando: albinism conference recap (2022 con) Cass references our recent episode on visual processing: 137. sorry, my brain was buffering For all other conference episodes, listen to our Conference recap category! Cass, Case, + Anaheim at the NOAH Conference in Columbus, Ohio, 2026

hi hello hey — the old Rare with Flair can’t come to the phone right now. why? because they’re busy ranking Taylor Swift albums. After an unexpected little summer hiatus, we’re finally back behind the microphones and so excited to kick off the second half of the season with an episode we’ve somehow never done before. We’re ranking every Taylor Swift album in a full-blown tier list. From debut to Showgirl, we’re sharing our hottest takes, defending our rankings, and proving that even our “lowest” tier still isn’t all that low. If you’ve been around for a while, you might remember last year’s episode all about attending live events as blind concertgoers. We talk about our Eras Tour experiences there, so consider this episode the perfect companion piece—this time, we’re leaving the stadium behind and focusing on the music itself. If you’re a Swiftie like us or just curious to see which albums made our S tier, we hope you’ll listen along… and maybe yell at us just a little. 😉 Cass + Case at The Eras Tour, 2024/2023

hi hello hey — apparently our eyeballs demande Back in 2022, we dedicated an entire episode to our experiences with glasses and contacts, and while our diagnoses haven’t changed, our relationships with corrective lenses definitely have. So naturally, it was time for a sequel. This week, Case shares her journey from trying progressives to fully embracing bifocals (granny-core, but make it functional), while Cass talks about wearing tinted contacts more often to help with photophobia and why they work so well for her and shares potentially the least glamorous contacts story ever told. We also swap stories about the strange realities of “corrected” vision, including the irony that our prescriptions can reduce eye strain and help us distinguish more detail… while still not letting us recognize faces from across the room.

hi hello hey — apparently we needed more hobbies??This week, we’re catching up on all the deeply important developments in our lives: hair journeys, nail journeys, emotional support apps, LinkedIn games, coloring books, rock climbing, baking projects, and the media consuming habits of two visually impaired women with access to streaming services. Basically, this is our annual “what are we into lately?” episode where we talk about the random little things currently bringing us joy and occupying our brains. From Case setting goals with Finch to our shared obsession with Phineas and Ferb, consider this a cozy catch-up and proof that hobbies are, in fact, alive and well. Case + Cass showing off what they’re into lately, including nails and rock climbing, 2025

hi hello hey — we’re visually impaired Hopefully this isn’t news to our audience considering we’ve made nearly 150 episodes of us yapping, largely about our blindness. We’ve done many an episode about disclosing our disabilities in different settings — jobs, friendships, dating, and learning how to say just enough without accidentally info-dumping on unsuspecting strangers. Even with the same jobs and friends, we still find ourselves disclosing all the time, but nowhere does it feel more constant than while dating. Cass is out there, and before meeting the love of her life, Case also often found herself playing what felt like a game: trying to disclose casually in a way that felt conversational instead of Serious™. Somewhere along the way, we realized we’d both become oddly skilled at finding ways to bring up blindness in nearly any topic of conversation. Naturally, we decided to turn it into an actual game. In this episode, we put our disclosure abilities to the test: can we find a way to disclose our blindness with any conversation prompt? related episodes For more episodes on disclosing, check these out: 14. life, love, & dating with a disability for our thoughts on dating way back in 2021 38. our jobs, discrimination, & unattainable goals on disclosing for work 44. the beginner’s guide to disclosing disability on disclosing in dating and beyond 97. how we stopped word-vomiting all our struggles on oversharing or disclosing too soon 114. please, read the room!!! on when to disclose vs. when to let it go 124. we’ve changed our minds?: our 5 year podaversary on the ways we’ve changed over the years, including disclosure and accepting help Case + Cass during Case’s bachelorette, 2026

hi hello hey… we’re not ready to be back Physically, we’re home, but mentally, we’re still at the Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Conference. This year was extra special because we secured a Grant—Newkirk, that is. Case’s fiancé, Grant, joined the conference chaos for the first (and certainly not the last) time, and it made everything even more fun. We get into the excitement (and vulnerability) of bringing someone new into a space that feels so unique to our community—and spoiler alert: Grant was welcomed with open arms. This year’s conference was on the smaller side, but still just as meaningful. We’re recapping it all—from our many involvements to our favorite moments. To everyone we saw—old friends and new—it’s always such a joy to connect with this community. HPS is just the first of three conferences we’ll be at this year, so stay tuned for more recaps in the coming months… some of which may turn into chaotic live episodes. Case + Grant (+ Cass) at the HPS conference, 2026 related episodes Check out past HPS conference eps to relive the magic 16. a family reunion with blood draws: the hps conference (2021): a primer on all things conference 66. hps conference: reuniting our community after four years (2023) 91. doctors at a bar, cute lab mice, & dancing dinosaurs: hps conference recap (2024) 117. few but many: hps conference 2025 Still on a conference kick? Enjoy other episodes where we recap conferences: 50. squinting in orlando: albinism conference recap NOAH 2022 98. rolling out the red carpet for the albinism conference NOAH 2024 120. still alive but barely breathing lmao: ats recap our time at the American Thoracic Society in 2025

Case + Cass get real about the underrated perks of not driving—saving money, staying safe, and fully embracing passenger princess life

Case + Cass rank 30+ salty, crispy snacks—and not everyone makes S-tier. Expect controversy + a bonus sour gummy ranking.

Case + Cass share cozy blindie moments—from doctor visits to fighting for their lives trying to find a fork.

Case + Cass unpack how they’ve influenced each other in big and small ways and how it’s changed them for good.

Case + Cass unpack delayed visual processing, awkward brain lag, and how their low-vision brains brilliantly fill in the gaps.

Case + Cass review five more cartoons, reveal their future watchlist, and humbly ask for your cartoon recommendations.

Case + Cass dive into their most ambitious 2026 vision boards yet—big dreams for mind, health, spirit, home, and life.

Case + Cass recap their 2025 by the seasons, talking guide dogs, rings, Spotify Wrapped, and travel adventures.

Case + Cass talk accessibility, curb-cut effects, designing for disability, and the everyday products that double as “secret assistive tech.”

Case + Cass explore the Wizarding World with house sweaters, a guide dog, and all the magic (plus the accessibility tea).

Case + Cass unpack the blurry line of helping too much vs. not enough, and why that “middle ground” makes them feel truly included.

Case + Cass face off in a friendship fight club game debating hot takes like pineapple on pizza and the right way to eat cereal.

Case + Cass share the unexpected perks of being blind, some that make life fairer, and others that are just plain fun!

Case + Cass share stories from Cass’ guide dog training journey with her new partner, Mr. A, and celebrate graduation in part 2!

Case and Cass dive into Cass’ two-week guide dog training experience and introduces her new partner in part 1 of this special podcast series.

Case + Cass share the movies, hobbies, albums, scents, and little joys that bring them comfort when life gets tough.

Case + Cass share their fitness journeys, from childhood sports to how things have changed in 5 years and what keeps them moving today.

Case + Cass celebrate their 5th podaversary by reflecting on how they’ve grown, and what they’d do now that they wouldn’t back then.

Case + Cass (but mostly Cass) chat guide dogs—how to decide, apply, pick a school, and what it takes for a dog to become a guide.

Case + Cass take throwback quizzes from vintage American Girl books for peak slumber party vibes and a look back at their former selves.

Case + Cass hand out A–F grades to more disabled characters from TV, movies, books, and more. Who makes the honor roll?

Case + Cass live from the American Thoracic Society conference, sharing their experience advocating for HPS!

Case + Cass talk about what they've been into, including music, language learning, and how they've inspired each other to try new things!

Case + Cass talk healthcare advocacy, teaching doctors, and navigating the medical world with vision impairment + rare disease.

Case + Cass recap the HPS Network Conference weekend—the highs, lows, and the six-minute walk for awareness.

Case + Cass share their skincare faves—from holy-grail cleansers to sunscreens, moisturizers, and acne must-haves.

Case + Cass share concert stories, artist and fan meet-ups, and the accommodations that help them rock out—even at music festivals!

Case + Cass discuss reading the room—when to disclose disabilities for accommodations and when it’s okay to let things go.

Case + Cass explore their personalities in a new way through the lens of personality tests from Instagram reels.

Case + Cass talk about the grocery delivery services they use, shocking mishaps, and the kindest shoppers who went above and beyond.

Case + Cass share how they pay it forward, from thanking friends for rides to showing care for loved ones in thoughtful ways.

Case + Cass share their 2025 vision boards, their word for the year, and what they plan to stop, start, or continue in the new year.

Case + Cass review their vision boards for 2024 to see how their years measured up. They also give highlights of their year in seasons.

Case & Cass share frustrating discrimination experiences—rideshare denials, job stories, and some shocking, never-told moments.

Case + Cass chat about childhood video games, what they play now, and their tips for making gaming more accessible with low vision.

Case + Cass talk about how, despite their best efforts, they always look a little odd in public when trying to look "normal."

Case + Cass talk about four more cartoons they've watched together in the last year and a half and plug other cartoons they've seen lately.

Case + Cass share the uncomfortable, rude, silly, and ableist things people have said to them in public about their vision.

Case visits Cass in Columbus! The two recap their jam packed weekend of candles, bookstores, bakeries, and the renaissance fair.

Case + Cass bought new canes and give their reviews. They also share hot takes on different cane styles and explain the benefits of cane use.