RNIB Conversations

In this episode of Guide Dog Blogs, Hubert chats to Mike Brace about his first of 2 guide dogs Izzy, which he has gotten quite late, but has very much enhanced his life. 

In our Sight Loss Story this week, Hubert chats to Joanna Hogg. They discuss her sight loss, how she adapted to it, and her passion she has thanks to supporting her children who also have sight loss and other conditions, and for whom Joanna wants to have the same experiences as everyone else. 

We’re joined on the Happy Hour show by storyteller and songstress, Yuna Rose. She is the founder of Yuna's Young Friends, as well as Story & Rhyme Time with Yuna Rose, a YouTube channel with stories and poems for young children which are written and performed by Yuna herself.She spoke with RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew about her stories and what inspired her.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

With a lot in the news at the moment about the possible side affects of some medicines we thought that for this week’s check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick we should talk about some of those potential side effects and what happens if a medicine needs to be recalled.Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about the potential issues of the overdose of vitamin D in children. Then to what happens if there was a faulty product such as a supplement and how that is dealt with differently to what happens when there is a problem with a medicine.To then looking at what happens when a medicine needs to be recalled and the Yellow Card System within the Pharmacy that informs the MHRA if there is a problem with a medicine.To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email [email protected] or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.comImage: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter.Audio described shows and events included:Please Please Me - Thursday 7 May, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Kiln theatre, LondonDisney’s Hercules - Friday 15 May, 7.30pm, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, LondonNorthern Ballet’s Gentleman Jack - Saturday 23 May, 2.30pm, touch tour 12noon, Sadler’s WellsSherlock Holmes - Saturday 6 June, 2pm, touch tour 12.15pm, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, LondonThe Hunger Games On Stage - Thursday 11 June, 7.30pm, Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, LondonTo find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What’s On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk(Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

On guide dog blogs this week, Hubert welcomes back Kate, as they chat about her guide dog Cassie, we once again hear what sort of car she was like, and more importantly, what change she made to Kate's life. We also hear about how skillful she was at making sure she gets a nice rest spot as well. 

What’s the connection between the May Queen and the Green Man and what flowers bloom in abundance this month? Amelia is here with the May almanac.Learn more about  nature on the RSPB website - RSPB Bird & Wildlife Conservation CharityImage shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font. 

Barry Snell catches up with visually impaired Milton Keynes DJ, Jake Hypastep, who takes his musical inspiration from the 90’s rave era.#RNIBConnectImage Shows RNIB Connect Radio Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters, A Solid Pink Line Below With Connect Radio Underneath

In our sight loss story this week, Hubert chats to Rimple about her journey. They also chat about going to the gym, how it helps with so many aspects, and also how to make the experience more accessible. 

Imagine losing not just your sight, but the very memory of it. That's a different kind of blindness.RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew went along to the "Everything Near Becomes Distant" exhibition by Digital Photographic Artist Robert H. King.The Exhibition is on ad Clydebank Town Hall until 14th of May. Find out more here: Robert H. King | Photography and Digital ArtImage shows Robert posing in front of his favourite image at the exhibition. He's dressed in black, has light short hair a light short beard peppered with white and is wearing his dark glasses. The print behind him is a swirl of bright oranges and yellows at the centre with gradients of blue and cream above and green and grey below. 

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter.Audio described shows and events included:Six the Musical - Saturday 25 April, 8pm, touch tour 6.15pm, Vaudeville Theatre, LondonMagic Mike Live - Wednesday 29 April, 7pm, The Hippodrome Casino LondonJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Saturday 2 May, 2.30pm, Buxton Opera HouseInter Alia - Wednesday 13 May, 7.30pm, Wyndham’s Theatre, LondonBuddy – The Buddy Holly Story, Saturday 16 May, 2.30pm, Wales Millennium Centre, CardiffZog - Saturday 16 May, 3.30pm, MAST Mayflower Studios, SouthamptonTo find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What’s On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk(Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

In this podcast, you can find out some of the best bug bears submited by the blind and partially sighted community which we feature on The Lunch Break on RNIB Connect Radio. 

In this episode Hubert chats to the education team from Thomas Pocklington Trust, as he finds out more about the education transitions conference that is taking place this week and what people can expect. 

With recent new research on what constitutes healthy exercise for this week’s regular check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick we are talking all about exercise.Elizabeth began by giving an overview of the new research to RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey.Then to explaining what Zone 2 exercise is all about, whether walking is still a good form of exercise to do and finally some thoughts on the benefits of resistance training too.There is more about the benefits of exercise on the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-health-benefits/To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email [email protected] or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.comImage: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

Paul Hotchkiss' life changed when he lost his sight overnight. With support from MySight York he has found new hobbies, great friends and re-gained his confidence.He told Amelia more...Learn more about MySight York on their website - MySight York

If your guide dog could be described as a car, what would it be? This is what we find out on Guide Dog Blogs this week with Kate Lindgren, plus we found out about what her first guide dog was like and we hear some stories of the lengths she went to in order to get hold of a yummy treat. 

Looking to try a new style or add a piece to your wardrobe?Alice Christina-Corrigan shares how she finds new makeup and style inspiration as a visually impaired fashion-lover.Follow Alice on Instagram @aliceccorrigan and tiktok @alicechristinacorrigan and learn more on her website - Alice Christina-Corrigan – Actor, Maker & All Things AccessImage shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font. 

On the Happy Hour we're joined by Penny Melville-Brown, a British Royal Navy veteran, blind baker and winner of the Holman Prize.Over the last 30 years, Penny has worked in the disability field, raising awareness and pushing for societal change to better support those living with long-term lifechanging health conditions. She spoke to Happy Hour's Paulina Kuchorew about her book: It Could Be You...Find out more about Penny's work and her book here: Penny Melville-Brown | Baking Blind & Disability DynamicsImage shows the cover of the book. A bright yellow cover with a white hand pointing a finger at the reader. Text above reads: "It Could be You." Bellow: "Handbook for real people and policymakers.

Lianne Orr has had Uveitis since childhood and shares her experiences of sight loss, parenting and life on Tiktok.Amelia learned more about her...Follow Lianne on @iamliliorrImage shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font. 

This week, Clarke Reynolds will be running the Brighton Marathon, with help of volunteers and technology. In this podcast he tells Hubert how it'll all work and where the idea came from. 

Here's our latest review and this time we're looking at a family friendly magical release based on a popular book by Enyd Blythe.Reviewing The Magic Faraway Tree it's Emmy.Image shows a scene from the movie. A little girl looks ahead in awe. On the left, a blonde fairy in a bright green outfit and to the right, a man dressed in saucepan armor. Two stacked on top of his head making him look extra funny.

Kay received a SSI registration in her 70s and has been learning how to use a long cane and embrace life with sight loss. She told Amelia about her diagnosis journey and sharing her experiences on social media.Find Kay On Youtube, Facebook, Tiktok And Instagram under kaybmusicfitnessdance.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font. 

With spring in the air plus the days getting warmer and longer, this week’s check-in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick is all about hay fever.  Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey what happens in the body when we get hay fever and the types of symptoms people get with hay fever too. Then to what people can take to help combat hay fever. You will find more information about hay fever on the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email [email protected] or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.com Image: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

Marvel fans assemble! RNIB Connect Radio's Robert Kirkwood spoke with executive producer Sana Amanat and showrunner and executive producer Dario Scardapane about accessibility, keeping up with the MCU and Daredevil's new suit in Daredevil: Born Again.Blinded as a child, Matt Murdock works as a lawyer by day and a vigilante by night. Season 2 of the show is now streaming on Disney+ with the all important audio description.Image shows the lead character of the show. He's sitting in an American diner in a smart suit and dark shaded glasses.

Finally in our coverage, Hubert spoke to RNIB's very own Robin Spinks following his AI presentation. 

Sarah and Nina chat to Hubert in this podcast about their workshop, and we find out more about what the Insight Network actually is. 

Hubert also went to some workshops at the the lived experience conference, one of them, was technology based, regarding accessibility challenges and solutions, and a bit of AI of course. He spoke to the organisers of the workshop afterwards. 

Hubert catches up with inspirational speaker Nick Elston after he gave his presenation to kick off day 2 of the conference. 

In this episode, you can find out what thoughts people who attended the first day of the conference have had, and what they were looking forward to in regards to day 2 of the event. 

In this episode of guide dog blogs, we welcome back Gary once more to tell us about his newest K9 friend Chip who he has been starting a new partnership with. We find out a lot about him, and how he can chill out when needed, but we find out what work skills  he shows off when he's guiding. 

On Guide dog blogs this time, Hubert once again chats to Gary Mazin, this time about his second guide dog Herbie. 

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter.Audio described shows and events included:Romeo & Juliet - Saturday 18 April, 2.30pm, Harold Pinter Theatre, LondonTeeth ‘N’ Smiles - Tuesday 21 April, 7.30pm, duke of York’s Theatre, London The Bodyguard - Thursday 23 April, 2pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Mayflower Theatre, SouthamptonWaitress - Friday 24 April, 7.30pm, touch tour 5.30pm, new Victoria Theatre, Woking,English touring Opera - The Gondoliers - Saturday 25 April, 7.30pm, Norwich Theatre RoyalMAMMA MIA! - Thursday 30 April, 2.30pm, Winter Gardens, Blackpool Opera House.  To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What’s On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk(Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

With Easter just around the corner here on RNIB Connect Radio we thought it would be a good time to chat with our friends from Torch Trust, the Christian Sight Loss charity, to find out more about what they are able to offer to blind and partially sighted people of all ages who might be looking for an accessible Bible, Bible reading notes, Christian books and magazines plus much more too. Sarah Dawkins, Chief Executive of Torch Trust, firstly gives RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey an overview of their services for blind and partially sighted people including their Lambs Project - cuddly Lambs that play Bible stories for young visually impaired people, their extensive library of accessible Bibles, Christian books and resources available a range of formats for all ages. To find out more about Torch Trust, the Lambs Project, their accessible library and much more do visit - https://www.torchtrust.orgDon’t forget you can catch ‘Reflections’ Torch Trust’s radio show focusing on disability and faith in today’s world on RNIB Connect Radio every Sunday at 9am.(Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font)

Following on from the recent news reports about shortages of medications such as Co-codamol 30/500 For this week’s check-in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about what to do when there are shortages of medications.Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about what we should do if we have problems getting our medicines.  Then to whether it is possible to buy cocodamol over the counter and can your GP change your prescription to something that is more widely available when there are shortages to medication such as cocodamol.Elizabeth ended by outlining what happens in the Pharmacy when your medication is not available and why it is good to get to know our pharmacist and the Pharmacy staff as they can help in so many ways including when there are shortages of certain medications.To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email [email protected] or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.comImage: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

In our sight loss story this week, Hubert chats with Dominick about his journey, and his love of gaming. You can also hear an extended version of our chat with him by searching for RNIB Tech Talk in your favourite podcast app. 

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter.Audio described shows and events included:The Play That Goes Wrong - Sunday 22 March, 3pm, touch tour 1.45pm, The Duchesss Theatre, Aldwych, LondonEvening All Afternoon - Saturday 28 March, 2.30pm,, Donmar Warehouse, LondonJersey Boys - Tuesday 7 April, 7.3pm, touch tour 6pm, Marlowe Theatre, CanterburyTuesday 21 April, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Curve Theatre, LeicesterBlood Brothers - Wednesday 15 April, 7.30pm, Bournemouth PavilionThe Woman in Black - Wednesday 15 April, 2.30pm, touch tour 1.30pm, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, GuildfordPriscilla Queen of the Desert - Saturday 25 April, 2.30pm Wales Millennium Centre, CardiffTo find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What’s On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk(Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font)

Phil Harrison is registered blind and at the end of April will run his first ever marathon as he takes on the 2026 London Marathon with his guide runner for Team RNIB. Phil spoke to RNIB Connect Radio about this exciting challenge alongside film-maker Reuben Armstrong, who has created an amazing documentary 'An Exercise in Perspective' about Phil's journey. Watch the documentary and support Phil here: Reuben & CoImage shows a fisheye camera angle points back at Phil as he runs. He is an older white man wearing dark sunglasses. His surrounding environment is a blur of motion. His bright orange vest reads ‘blind runner’ in bold capitals, the only part of the image coloured in with a scruffy marker pen. The whole image is treated with a punk-inspired, black and white photocopy texture. 

On Guide Dog Blogs this week, Hubert chats to Gary to start a series about his guide dogs. Firstly, we hear about Gibson, Gary's first dog, and the special bond they had together. 

Charity VICTA UK is supporting young people is working to develop some exciting accessible materials for the Canal Museum in London. They recently held workshops around it in Scotland and Paulina caught up with one of the participants, Emmy Anstee, to learn more.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

On Guide dog blogs this week, Hubert chats to George Plumridge about his guide dog, and how his life has changed. They chat learning new environments and the joy of having very vocal guide dogs.  

In this week's sight loss story, Hubert chats to Lee Roak. They talk his sight condition, Lee's passion for the support he has been given throughout his education journey, how he wants to give back, and his love for doing radio. 

With International Women’s Day celebrated on Sunday 8th of March, we’re discussing what it’s like to navigate the online space as a visually impaired woman.Joining Paulina Kuchorew on the Happy Hour are RNIB’s Social Media Officer Lisa Adams and blogger and Social Media Manager with RNIB Holly Tuke.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter.Audio described shows and events included:The Devil Wears Prada - Tuesday 10 March, 7.30pm, touch tour 5.15pm, Dominion Theatre, LondonFawlty Towers The Play - Thursday 12 March, 7.30pm, Ipswich Regent Theatre,The Mesmerist - Saturday 21 March, 3pm, touch tour 2pm Watford Palace Theatre,Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile - Wednesday 1 April, 7.30pm, Theatre Royal BrightonMarie & Rosetta - Saturday 4 April, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, @Soho Theatre, London.To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What’s On email newsletter do visit -https://vocaleyes.co.uk(Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

The landmark exhibition “Tracey Emin: A Second Life’ at Tate Modern traces 40 years of her ground-breaking practice, showcasing career-defining sensations alongside works never exhibited before.The exhibition celebrates Tracey Emin’s raw and confessional approach as she poses profound questions on love, trauma, and autobiography. Demonstrating her lifelong commitment to painting, showing her recent work as the culmination of the ways she has channelled her life into her art.At the Press View of the ‘Tracey Emin: A Second Life ‘ exhibition at Tate Modern on Wednesday 25 February 2026 RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Jess Baxter Assistant Curator of the exhibition for an insight into the work on display along with a look into the life of Tracy Emin the Artist too.The ‘Tracey Emin: A Second Life’ exhibition continues at Tate Modern until 31 August 2026.There will be an audio described tour of the exhibition on Wednesday 1 April 2026 at 5.30pm and more about these and other audio described tours can be found on the Tate website or by either emailing [email protected] or calling 020 8778 8888.Do visit the following pages of the Tate website for more about the ‘Tracey Emin: A Second Life’ exhibition - https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/tracey-eminImage description:Tracey EminMy Bed1998 © Tracey Emin. All rights reserved, DACS 2026. Photo credit:CourtesyThe Saatchi Gallery, London / Photograph by Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd

In our sight loss story this week, Hubert chats to Graham. They talk sight loss, how Braille has helped him with his education, and his business. 

This week on Guide Dog Blogs, Hubert chats to Jane Manley about her guide dog Rosie. They talk about Jane's first thoughts up on meeting her guide dog, and also Rosie's love of police uniforms together with other things. 

Ni Maxine is an award-winning Neo-jazz singer-songwriter based in Liverpool who has cemented herself as a rising star in the UK jazz scene. Championed across the NME, Jazz FM and the EFG London Jazz Festival, Ni is celebrated for her conscious, rich and resonant musical storytelling. ‘The Jazz Club's’ Jake Hart caught up with Ni to discuss the release of her debut EP ‘Mother’s Arms’, her upcoming UK tour, her journey to find community within music and the Liverpool jazz scene.   For more information and to keep up to date with Ni Maxine visit her website - https://www.nimaxine.com/ 

The Design Museum’s landmark exhibition Wes Anderson: the Archives charts the evolution of Anderson’s films from early experiments in the 1990s to more recent productions. Through the up-coming audio described tour of the exhibition on Friday 27 February at 10.30am blind and partially sighted people will get the opportunity to explore the design stories behind some of his award-winning and iconic films including; The Grand Budapest Hotel, Fantastic Mr. Fox and Isle of Dogs to just name a few.RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey was joined by Nao Zaragoza, Assistant Curator: Public Practice at the Design Museum and Johanna Agerman Ross the Curator of the Wes Anderson: the Archives exhibition to find out more about what blind and partially sighted people can expect and explore during the audio described tour on Friday 27 February 2026 at 10.30am.More about the Wes Anderson: the Archives exhibition and the audio described tour along with how to book a place on the tour can be found by visiting -  https://designmuseum.org/whats-on/talks-courses-and-workshops/audio-described-tour-of-wes-anderson-the-archivesImage shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font. 

Hubert talks to Mike and Andy from Be My Eyes about their new product which aims to support blind and partially sighted people a work, and providing them with an equal experience with their fellow staff. You can catch a longer version of this interview by checking out RNIB Tech Talk.