The Blind Chick

SummaryIn this episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses talk about digital accessibility, the ADA, and the recent delay of federal web accessibility deadlines. Penn shares her frustration over accessibility being treated like an optional kindness instead of a basic civil right, while Moses connects the issue to larger historical fights for equal access, voting rights, public infrastructure, technology, and independence.Together, they remind listeners that accessibility benefits everyone. Whether it’s websites, voting machines, medical forms, sidewalks, restaurants, or digital platforms, equal access is not a luxury. It is part of living with dignity, freedom, and full participation in society.Contact InfoHave an accessibility story, a website that needs to be called out, or a company that deserves praise for doing it right?Email: [email protected] by Penn Street and Moses StreetProduced by Jonathan PriceAn Aftersight Podcast (00:00) - — Welcome back to The Blind Chick (00:23) - — Summer, gardening, and Colorado life (02:52) - — Penn introduces the accessibility issue (03:37) - — ADA web accessibility deadlines and government websites (04:36) - — Why accessibility helps everyone (05:25) - — DOJ/HHS deadline delays (06:30) - — What digital accessibility means in daily life (08:41) - — Voting machines and equal access (09:52) - — Penn’s soapbox: accessibility should not be an afterthought (10:35) - — Why advocacy still matters (11:00) - — Supporting accessible companies and calling out barriers (12:01) - — Moses connects accessibility to women’s voting rights (16:18) - — Digital access, employment, and independence (18:16) - — Blind people, employment, and technology (20:17) - — Ways listeners can take action (21:00) - — ADA rights and why we cannot go backward (22:19) - — Historical examples of access changing society (25:21) - — Speak out when you see injustice (26:12) - — Contacting companies about inaccessible websites (27:27) - — Accessibility is not charity (28:11) - — Real-world accessibility failures (29:10) - — Celebrating companies that do accessibility well (29:28) - — Accessibility and the freedom to leave your house (31:30) - — Closing thoughts and listener call to action

1. Episode Summary In this powerful episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses sit down with Aaron Hale for a conversation that is raw, funny, sobering, and deeply human. Aaron shares his journey from Navy cook to Army EOD technician, the Afghanistan blast that took his sight, the later illness that took his hearing, and the long road of rebuilding a life that refused to stay broken. Along the way, he talks about family, faith, cooking, running, entrepreneurship, adventure, and the mindset shift from “I have to” to “I get to.” This episode is not just about survival. It is about responsibility, purpose, grit, humor, and the holy stubbornness of getting back up when staying down would be easier. 2. Contact Info Guest: Aaron Hale Podcast: Point of Impact with Aaron Hale Business mentioned: EOD Fudge Aftersight Website: Aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Email: [email protected] Producer Contact Jonathan Price Podcast and Program Producer, Aftersight [email protected] 3. Show Credits The Blind Chick is brought to you by Aftersight. Hosts: Penn Street and Moses Street Guest: Aaron Hale Producer: Jonathan Price Presented by: Aftersight Thank you for listening to The Blind Chick. Be kind to yourself this week, and find a way to be kind to somebody else. It’s good for your soul. 

1. Episode Summary Penn and Moses Street return with their signature humor, honesty, and warmth after a full weekend at Cherry Creek State Park for Canes, Tails, and Trails, a collaborative walk with Foresight Adventure Guides for the Blind. They reflect on the joy of gathering with the blind and low-vision community, the exhaustion that follows meaningful work, and the possibility of making the event an annual tradition. The conversation then turns personal as Penn and Moses answer a listener question about age-gap relationships. With a 20-year age difference between them, they share what has helped their marriage endure: communication, commitment, therapy, humility, and the willingness to keep choosing each other as life changes. Later, Penn and Moses highlight Claude Monet, exploring how vision loss shaped some of his most powerful work. They reflect on creativity, low vision, identity, and the truth that limitation does not have to end a person’s purpose. The episode closes with encouragement for listeners to pursue their dreams, reject “stinking thinking,” and remember to be kind to themselves and others. 2. Contact Info The Blind Chick / Aftersight Website: aftersight.org Email: [email protected] Phone: (720) 712-8856 Mentioned in This Episode Foresight Adventure Guides for the Blind Ruckus in the Alley Producer Contact Jonathan Price Podcast Producer, Aftersight Email: [email protected] 3. Show Credits Hosts: Penn Street and Moses Street Podcast: The Blind Chick Produced by: Jonathan Price Presented by: Aftersight

1) Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses Street welcome Shanell Matos for a powerful conversation about vision loss, motherhood, advocacy, and rebuilding life with courage and honesty. Shanell shares how she celebrated ten years of vision loss by completing a 44-mile tandem bike ride in New York City, reflects on losing her vision as a new mom, and talks about learning Braille, asking for help, finding resources, and stepping into advocacy through tools like RightHear and Discover Live. Her story is a reminder that success does not always start pretty, but showing up, doing the hard thing, and refusing to let fear write the story can change everything. 2) Contact InfoGuest: Shanell Matos Featured Resources: RightHear and Discover LiveAftersight Website: aftersight.org Email: [email protected] Phone: (720) 712-8856Producer Contact Jonathan Price Podcast and Program Producer, Aftersight [email protected]) Show CreditsHosted by: Penn Street and Moses Street Guest: Shanell Matos Produced by: Jonathan Price Podcast: The Blind Chick Presented by: Aftersight

1) Episode Summary In this solo episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses catch listeners up on life, travel, gardening, Memorial Day reflections, St. Louis adventures, and the power of learning to advocate for yourself. Moses opens with his “summer gym,” also known as the garden, before the conversation moves into honoring Memorial Day with the reverence it deserves. Penn shares highlights from the 2026 GiveCon conference in St. Louis, including a surprise live podcast appearance and visits to the zoo and Cardinals games. She also highlights Aftersight’s upcoming walk with Foresight Adventure Guides at Cherry Creek State Park in Aurora on Saturday, May 30th, 2026, inviting listeners to register, donate, and join the community for a five-mile walk, lunch, music, and connection. The heart of the episode comes through Penn’s reflection on self-advocacy: how people often advocate fiercely for loved ones but struggle when it comes time to speak up for themselves. With humor, honesty, and their usual back-and-forth rhythm, Penn and Moses remind listeners that blindness, disability, age, or health challenges do not erase a person’s intelligence, personality, experience, or place in the world. 2) Contact Info The Blind Chick / Aftersight Website: Aftersight.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 720-712-8856 Mentioned in this episode: Purpose and Profit Club podcast Foresight Adventure Guides Rocky Mountain Cyber Lions Club Ruckus in the Alley Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast and Program Producer at Aftersight 3) Show Credits The Blind Chick is brought to you by Aftersight. Hosted by Penn Street and Moses Street. Produced by Jonathan Price. For more information, visit Aftersight.org or reach out at [email protected].  (00:00) - — Welcome Back to The Blind Chick (00:40) - — Moses’ Summer Gym: The Garden (04:07) - — Memorial Day and Remembering Sacrifice (05:47) - — Penn’s Trip to 2026 GiveCon (07:48) - — Moses Reconnects with an Old Friend (10:46) - — St. Louis, the Arch, and the Zoo (14:52) - — Aftersight’s Cherry Creek Walk on May 30th (17:26) - — Penn Is Apparently Out of Focus (19:36) - — Learning the Skill of Self-Advocacy (21:27) - — A Surprise Reunion with Paula (24:25) - — Advocating for Others vs. Yourself (27:21) - — The Space Between Action and Reaction (31:34) - — Advocacy, Employment, and Entrepreneurship (33:43) - — Learning to Pause Before Saying No (35:43) - — Where Penn and Moses Want to Travel Next (38:19) - — Famous Blind and Low-Vision Figures (39:40) - — You Are Still You (42:21) - — Closing: Be Kind to Yourself and Others

1) Episode Summary In this episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses Street welcome Elizabeth Long, an outdoor adventurer from Ridgway, Colorado, whose story moves through hearing loss, vision loss, spinal injury, adaptive sports, and the long process of learning how to stop hiding and start living fully. Elizabeth shares how growing up around unspoken family attitudes toward disability shaped her early silence around hearing loss, and how learning ASL later became a doorway into community, confidence, and identity. She talks about moving from Michigan to southwest Colorado, falling in love with the mountains, rock climbing, ice climbing, skiing, and eventually discovering adaptive sports. The conversation becomes especially powerful as Elizabeth describes how adaptive skiing, including mono-skiing, helped her rediscover freedom without pretending her body had no limits. Penn connects deeply with Elizabeth’s story, especially around the grief of possibly giving up skiing and the possibility of finding a new way forward. At its heart, this episode is about not closing the door on your life when disability changes the rules. Elizabeth’s message is clear: you may have to do things differently, but differently does not mean lesser. 2) Contact Info Guest: Elizabeth Long Instagram: @sanjuanmtnchick Spelled: S-A-N-J-U-A-N-M-T-N-C-H-I-C-K Aftersight Website: Aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Email: [email protected] Producer: Jonathan Price Podcast and Program Producer, Aftersight 3) Show Credits Show: The Blind Chick Hosts: Penn Street and Moses Street Guest: Elizabeth Long Producer: Jonathan Price Presented by: Aftersight

1) Episode Summary In this warm, funny, and reflective episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses open with Mother’s Day reflections, their first Sprinter van camping trip of the season, and a very important audience assignment: help name the van. Their trip to Saratoga, Wyoming includes hot springs, a late-night knock from the police, a Google Maps prairie adventure, and the discovery that they had unknowingly parked just steps from the lake. Penn then shares a moving story about meeting Diane, a woman adjusting to vision loss, and helping her find tools, encouragement, and a new cane. The conversation turns toward the deep value of connecting with others who understand blindness and low vision from the inside. Moses shares his current family photo project, scanning thousands of old photographs and negatives, some unseen for nearly 80 years. The episode then centers on a listener question about how Penn and Moses “live above the noise.” Their answer blends humor and wisdom as they discuss choosing peace, protecting their marriage, avoiding emotional drama, and refusing to let outside negativity poison their relationship. The episode closes with a historical spotlight on Harriet Tubman, including Penn’s reflections on Tubman’s low vision, courage, and almost unimaginable resilience. Penn and Moses also share listener feedback, invite people to connect on YouTube, and promote the May 30 Aftersight walk at Cherry Creek Reservoir. 2) Contact Info The Blind Chick / Aftersight Website: Aftersight.org Feedback Email: [email protected] YouTube: Search Aftersight on YouTube Event Mentioned Aftersight walk at Cherry Creek Reservoir Date: May 30 Location: Cherry Creek Reservoir, Aurora, Colorado Details available at Aftersight.org Producer Credit Produced by Jonathan Price Podcast and Program Producer, Aftersight 3) Show Credits Show: The Blind Chick Hosts: Penn Street and Moses Street Produced by: Jonathan Price Organization: Aftersight Closing Reminder: Be kind to yourself this week and find a way to be kind to somebody else. It’s good for your soul. (00:05) - — Welcome Back to The Blind Chick (00:28) - — Mother’s Day Reflections (01:59) - — Help Penn and Moses Name the Sprinter Van (03:23) - — Camping in Saratoga, Wyoming (04:04) - — Van Repairs, Oil Lights, and Travel Stress (05:06) - — A Late-Night Knock at the Van Door (06:02) - — Google Maps Takes Them Through the Prairie (06:54) - — Waking Up Right Beside the Lake (07:22) - — Penn Meets Diane at Aftersight (08:20) - — The Exhaustion of New Vision Loss (09:18) - — Tools, Canes, Hiking Poles, and Encouragement (10:14) - — The Importance of Shared Blindness Experience (11:38) - — Moses Begins His Family Photo Project (12:37) - — Scanning Negatives Nearly 80 Years Old (14:57) - — Listener Question: Living Above the Noise (16:44) - — Choosing Peace Instead of Reacting (19:16) - — Making End-of-Life Planning Surprisingly Funny (21:23) - — Calling Out Drama and Protecting the Relationship (23:33) - — Don’t Let Others Tear Down Your Spouse (25:16) - — Recognizing Work Stress Without Taking It Personally (27:00) - — Blind History Spotlight: Harriet Tubman (28:24) - — Low Vision, Courage, and the Underground Railroad (31:31) - — Listener Note from Dr. Jim Valenzuela (32:15) - — Moses’ Red Face on YouTube (33:47) - — Reminder to Listen to Jean Parker’s Episode (34:41) - — Aftersight Walk on May 30 (35:24) - — Closing: Be Kind to Yourself and Others

1) Episode Summary In this episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses welcome back Jean Parker for a deeper and more powerful conversation about journalism, blindness, courage, emergency preparedness, and the kind of storytelling that does not come from a press release—it comes from walking into complicated places and refusing to look away. Jean shares stories from her career as a blind female journalist working in South Asia, including a tense but transformative assignment in Libya where she unexpectedly had to cover an international conference alone. She talks about navigating risk, cultural barriers, government minders, technical challenges, and the constant need to hold firmly to both adaptive skills and adaptive philosophy. The conversation then moves into Jean’s doctoral work, which focused on emergency preparedness education through community radio in North Indian villages. She explains how her field research was shaped by her journalism background, her observations after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, and her desire to understand how trusted local radio could help communities receive life-saving information before and during disasters. Jean also reflects on the importance of trust, local storytelling, community voices, and staying rooted in values—especially in a media landscape where original reporting and local journalism are becoming harder to find. The episode closes with warmth, humor, and a reminder that courage often shows up when the plane is already moving and there is no graceful way to back out. 2) Contact Info Guest: Jean Parker LinkedIn: Add verified link before publishing Aftersight: Website: aftersight.org Email: [email protected] Producer Contact: Jonathan Price Podcast and Program Producer, Aftersight [email protected] (720) 712-8856 3) Show Credits Podcast: The Blind Chick Hosts: Penn Street and Moses Street Guest: Jean Parker Producer: Jonathan Price Organization: Aftersight  (00:00) - — Welcome Back to The Blind Chick (00:21) - — What’s Bringing Joy This Week (02:11) - — Jean Parker Returns (04:27) - — Why This Conversation Matters (06:14) - — Jean’s Journalism Career in South Asia (08:35) - — The Libya Assignment That Changed Everything (12:38) - — Covering the Conference Alone (14:50) - — Challenge, Risk, and Victory (16:55) - — Early Audio Description in the Field (19:29) - — Navigating Dangerous and Complicated Places (21:20) - — Reporting from Sri Lanka (23:04) - — What Is a Government Minder? (26:10) - — The Minder Who Became a Friend (28:19) - — Adaptive Skills and Adaptive Philosophy (30:13) - — Jean’s Dissertation and Emergency Preparedness (32:07) - — The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami (34:08) - — Community Radio and Disaster Education (36:28) - — Field Research in North India (39:50) - — Inequality in Disaster Information (40:58) - — Why the Messenger Matters (43:27) - — Building Trust Through Community Radio (45:51) - — Working with a Research Assistant (48:56) - — Finding the Right Partner for the Field (53:46) - — Testing Trust and Access Before the Work Began (55:23) - — Documenting the Research Through Audio and Photos (57:45) - — Managing Tension in the Field (01:00:24) - — What’s Next for Dr. Jean Parker (01:03:06) - — Advice for the Next Generation of Journalists (01:04:36) - — Closing Reflections and Listener Contact

1) Episode Summary In this episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses Street jump into a fun, honest, slightly chaotic, and very human conversation about YouTube, listener comments, meaningful memories, photography, and the legacy of blind and low-vision creatives. After a hilarious “take two” opening, Penn and Moses celebrate the show’s move to YouTube and thank listeners for the growing engagement and heartfelt comments. The conversation moves into a personal question about favorite photos, which leads Moses into a powerful reflection on how people often dislike photos not because of how they look, but because of how they feel when the camera captures them. Penn shares one of her favorite images Moses ever took of her at the sand dunes, describing it as a symbol of freedom and stepping into a new chapter. From there, the episode highlights Matthew Brady, the famous Civil War photographer and portrait artist who experienced significant vision loss. Moses shares how Brady built a team of photographers, documented the Civil War, photographed major historical figures, and helped shape the way Americans visually remember that era. Penn and Moses connect Brady’s story to other low-vision photographers they have known, reminding listeners that creativity does not disappear when vision changes. The episode closes with a strong encouragement for blind and low-vision listeners to get outside, socialize, create, move, and be part of what Moses calls a “blind renaissance.” Penn also invites Colorado listeners to join Aftersight and Foresight Adventure Guides for the Blind for a walk at Cherry Creek State Park on May 30, and both hosts encourage listeners to leave comments, send feedback, and share stories of historical figures with vision loss. 2) Contact Info The Blind Chick / Aftersight Website: aftersight.org Email: [email protected] Event Mentioned Aftersight and Foresight Adventure Guides for the Blind walk Date mentioned: May 30 Location mentioned: Cherry Creek State Park Registration: aftersight.org, under the events button Producer Jonathan Price Podcast and Program Producer, Aftersight Email: [email protected] Phone: (720) 712-8856 3) Show Credits Show: The Blind Chick Hosts: Penn Street and Moses Street Produced by: Jonathan Price Organization: Aftersight  (00:00) - — Welcome Back to The Blind Chick (02:03) - — The Show Is Now on YouTube (03:26) - — Reading a Listener Comment (04:00) - — Don’t Wait to Make Meaningful Memories (05:35) - — Question of the Week: Favorite Photo (06:06) - — Moses on Emotion and Photography (08:33) - — Penn’s Favorite Photo and the Meaning Behind It (10:33) - — Introducing Matthew Brady (12:32) - — Matthew Brady’s Place in American Photography (14:23) - — Photographing the Civil War (15:20) - — Matthew Brady and Vision Loss (16:32) - — Possible Causes of Brady’s Vision Loss (17:55) - — Why So Many Photos Were Credited to Brady (19:13) - — Brady’s Decline After the Civil War (20:27) - — Remembering Low-Vision Photographer Lou Dakin (22:45) - — Blind and Low-Vision Photographers Today (23:43) - — Listener Feedback and Story Invitations (25:25) - — The Importance of Getting Out and Socializing (26:36) - — May 30 Cherry Creek State Park Walk (27:44) - — Closing Thoughts and Aftersight Reminder

1) Episode Summary In this episode of The Blind Chick, Penn Street and Moses Street welcome Brandy Mimms AKA: Unique The Deaf Dancer for a powerful conversation about identity, resilience, art, and refusing to let other people’s limitations define your future. Brandy shares her story of being adopted, growing up hard of hearing, losing her parents at a young age, surviving Hurricane Katrina, and eventually building a life in Arkansas rooted in dance, advocacy, and creativity. What makes this conversation land is Brandy’s honesty. She talks about the pain of being underestimated, the long road of learning who she really was, and the discipline it took to keep moving forward when doors did not open easily. From trying out for cheerleading without formal experience, to pushing through college dance programs, to learning how to navigate performance spaces with both hearing and vision challenges, Brandy’s story is a vivid reminder that calling is often forged through adversity, not comfort. The heart of the episode is Brandy’s message: never let the wrong “no” become the final word over your life. She encourages listeners to try, to fail, to keep learning, and to pursue what they love even when the path is unconventional. The result is an episode full of courage, humor, and deeply earned wisdom. 2) Contact Info Guest / Organization Brandy Unique The Deaf Dancer Socials listed in the episode: Unique the Deaf Dancer on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube Website listed in the transcript: www.brandy.com (verify before publishing, since this comes from transcription) Brandy also invites listeners to reach out through social media for performances, presentations, speaking, and possible virtual dance classes. Aftersight Feedback / guest questions: [email protected] Credits Produced by Jonathan Price for Aftersight. 3) Show Credits Hosts: Penn Street and Moses Street Guest: Brandy Mimms - Unique The Deaf Dancer Producer: Jonathan Price Network: Aftersight (00:00) - — Penn and Moses welcome Brandy to The Blind Chick (01:39) - — Brandy shares her early story, adoption, and hearing loss (08:02) - — The cheerleading tryout that changed her life (16:26) - — Hurricane Katrina and starting over in Arkansas (22:11) - — Going back to school and choosing dance anyway (28:06) - — Learning more about her hearing and vision challenges (30:04) - — How Brandy navigates stages, darkness, and performance spaces (38:39) - — Why she created Listen With Your Eyes (46:30) - — Her sons, music, and the freedom of improvisation (51:51) - — Brandy’s message: try, persevere, and reject the wrong “no” (53:52) - — Where listeners can follow and connect with Brandy (57:33) - — Closing encouragement and Aftersight contact info

1) Episode Summary Penn and Moses open with a lively recap of their recent trip to Colorado Springs for the 2026 Access and Functional Needs Annual Conference, a stop at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and Penn’s visit with her prosthetic ocular specialist. That conversation turns into a fun listener prompt about prosthetic eyes before the episode shifts into a new recurring segment: pulling listener-style questions from a deck of cards. From there, the episode settles into a thoughtful and personal conversation about the first blind person each of them remembers meeting, old stereotypes around blind people “making brooms,” and why those assumptions still matter. Penn and Moses use that thread to move into a larger reflection on blind history, with Helen Keller as the centerpiece of the conversation. They talk about Keller’s life, advocacy, education, legacy, and their own visit to her home in Alabama, while also naming the frustration of seeing a place tied to disability history remain inaccessible in key ways. The heart of the episode is not just biography. It is a challenge to the sympathy-based prejudice that still surrounds blindness. Penn and Moses argue that blind and low-vision people are often underestimated, overlooked, or spoken for, even though they are fully capable, deeply skilled, and often extraordinary. The episode ends with a clear invitation: listeners can send in questions, suggest historical figures to feature, or reach out if they want to be on The Blind Chick. 2) Contact Info Guest/Topic: No guest this week — host-led conversation focused on Helen Keller, blind history, and public assumptions around blindness. Listener Contact: [email protected]: Aftersight Producer: Jonathan Price 3) Show Credits Show: The Blind Chick Hosts: Penn Street and Moses Street Producer: Jonathan Price Presented by: Aftersight 

Episode Summary Jean Parker returns to The Blind Chick for a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about journalism, truth, and what gets lost when stories are filtered through power, ownership, and incomplete perspectives. She shares how she entered journalism almost by accident, moving from disability-focused radio into international reporting, documentary work, and NPR coverage across South Asia, while often producing stories alone in the field. From there, the episode turns into something deeper than a career story. Jean reflects on South Africa, human rights reporting, the limits of journalism’s power to create change, and the steady decline of trust in legacy media. Penn and Moses press into censorship, the collapse of local newsrooms, nonprofit journalism, podcast ethics, media literacy, fact-checking, and the importance of asking who gets to write the story in the first place. The result is a grounded, challenging episode about truth, responsibility, and why thoughtful journalism still matters. Contact Info Guest: Jean Parker — blind journalist, former international reporter, and documentary producer. A specific current organization or direct contact was not included in the pasted transcript. Aftersight: Website: aftersight.org Email: [email protected] Phone: (720) 712-8856 Producer Credit: Jonathan Price — Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight Show Credits Show: The Blind Chick Hosts: Penn Street and Moses Street Guest: Jean Parker Producer: Jonathan Price Network: Aftersight 

1) Episode Summary This episode of The Blind Chick is raw, funny, and deeply human. Penn and Moses open with an update on Moses’s recent radiation treatment and reflect on the emotional weight of seeing age, health, and mortality up close. From there, the conversation moves into something bigger: what legacy really means, what actually lasts after we’re gone, and why impact is often more personal and less glamorous than people imagine. They also talk candidly about therapy, marriage, and the long work of learning how to communicate well. Penn and Moses unpack how family patterns shape relationships, why “all we need is love” is not enough on its own, and how real connection takes honesty, patience, and intentional effort. The episode lands on a hopeful note, reminding listeners to pursue quality time now, to create memories while they can, and to choose kindness toward themselves and others. 2) Contact Info Penn Street & Moses Street Feedback / Listener Email: [email protected] Aftersight: aftersight.org Produced by Jonathan Price for Aftersight 3) Show Credits Show: The Blind Chick Hosts: Penn Street and Moses Street Organization: Aftersight Producer: Jonathan Price  (00:00) - — Moses returns and shares a health update after radiation (04:49) - — Therapy, aging, and facing mortality with honesty and humor (09:31) - — Legacy, fame, and the hard truth about what lasts (17:08) - — Photography, the White Cane Project, and impact beyond recognition (24:42) - — Reflections on couples, commitment, and why therapy matters (27:59) - — Family patterns, marriage, and the people we unconsciously choose (41:51) - — Making quality memories now instead of waiting for retirement (45:08) - — Learning how to communicate without fighting (50:01) - — Listener call to action: legacy, connection, and kindness

1) Episode Summary Penn and Moses welcome Shawn and Mindy for a heartfelt conversation about blindness, marriage, sobriety, health, resilience, and the strange grace of learning each other all over again. Shawn shares growing up with glaucoma, losing the rest of his vision as a young adult, surviving a stroke, and how AI became part of his recovery and creative life. Mindy shares her sudden vision loss at 17 during pregnancy, the crushing isolation that followed, and the life-changing moment she finally discovered blind services and met Shawn through tech training. Together, they talk candidly about addiction, choosing respect and patience in marriage, rebuilding life after crisis, finding healthier rhythms, and why real partnership means learning to like yourself and your spouse again. 2) Contact Info Guest / Org Info Shawn — host of the Feeling a Bit Keen podcast and creator of the AI for the Blind Club on Facebook. Mindy — creator of Life with Mindy, a page centered on healthy products, wellness, and lifestyle content.Aftersight [email protected] Credits Produced by Jonathan Price for Aftersight. 3) Show Credits Hosts: Penn Street and Moses Street Guests: Shawn and Mindy Keen Network: Aftersight Producer: Jonathan Price  

1) Episode SummaryIn this deeply personal solo episode of The Blind Chick, Penn Street shares why Moses is away from the show for the moment and opens up about the difficult medical journey he has been facing. She walks listeners through a series of diagnoses over the past couple of years, including a slow-growing cancer, skin cancer, and now a tumor affecting his hearing and balance that requires radiation treatment.Penn speaks with raw honesty about what it means to support someone you love through serious illness, especially while navigating her own disability and the emotional weight of caregiving. She reflects on the difference between being the patient and being the support person, the fear of not being able to fully read someone’s pain, and the intentional communication that is helping carry them both through this season.The episode is heartfelt, vulnerable, and grounded in gratitude. Penn asks listeners for prayer, positive thoughts, and encouragement for Moses as treatment begins. She also thanks the Blind Chick audience for their support, ratings, comments, and kindness, reminding everyone to spread light, care for themselves, and show compassion to others.2) Contact InfoGuest / Featured Voice: Penn Street Co-Host, The Blind ChickTopic / Mentioned Contact: Listener encouragement and advice can be sent to: [email protected]: Aftersight Website: Aftersight.org Email: [email protected] Phone: (720) 712-8856Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast and Program Producer, Aftersight3) Show CreditsShow: The Blind Chick Host: Penn Street Co-Host: Moses Street Producer: Jonathan Price Organization: Aftersight (00:00) - – Penn opens with a special solo episode (02:22) - – Moses’ cancer journey and recent health challenges (04:02) - – Hearing loss leads to the discovery of a tumor (06:24) - – The emotional weight of being the support person (08:02) - – A request for prayer, hope, and encouragement (08:48) - – Gratitude for listeners and a closing reminder to be kind

1) Episode Summary In this lively and deeply honest episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses Street welcome back world traveler, healer, and future travel coach Orly Corcos for a conversation that moves from hilarious beach banter to profound reflections on healing, courage, and self-discovery. Orly shares her background as the only Canadian-born member of her Moroccan and Israeli family, her move to Fort Lauderdale, and her lifelong love of travel. What begins with humor quickly turns into a powerful testimony as she opens up about chronic pain, long-term prescribed narcotic use, ICU scares, and the holistic healing journey that changed her life. She explains how travel became more than a getaway—it became a tool for emotional, physical, and spiritual restoration. The conversation explores how Orly used retreats, holistic health practices, plant medicine, and adventurous travel experiences to reclaim her identity and rebuild her life. She speaks candidly about fear, surrender, inner healing, and the difficult but necessary decisions that followed—including leaving her marriage, stepping away from corporate life, and choosing a new path rooted in truth and freedom. Penn, Moses, and Orly also talk about food as healing, the difference between merely seeing and truly experiencing, and the unique confidence that can come from traveling as a blind woman. Orly shares stories of skydiving, solo travel to Bali and Thailand, walking the Camino with her guide dog, and preparing for an upcoming trip to the Galápagos through accessible travel company Travelize. This episode is funny, freeing, and full of wisdom. At its heart, it is a reminder that our greatest limitations are often not physical, but internal—and that courage, healing, and joy are still available when we decide to move forward anyway. 2) Contact Info Guest / Featured Contact Orly Corcos Facebook: Orly Corcos Facebook / Instagram: The Blind Chef Aftersight Contact Email: [email protected] Phone: (720) 712-8856 Website: Aftersight.org Producer Jonathan Price Podcast and Program Producer, Aftersight Email: [email protected] 3) Show Credits Show: The Blind Chick Hosts: Penn Street and Moses Street Guest: Orly Corcos Producer: Jonathan Price Organization: Aftersight 4) Chapter Markers 00:00 – Penn and Moses open with humor and travel banter 02:00 – Welcoming Orly Corcos back to The Blind Chick 03:12 – Orly shares her family background and move to Florida 06:44 – Blind Travel Summit, Waymo, and autonomous travel freedom 11:16 – Why Penn and Moses wanted Orly back for a full episode 12:54 – Travel as healing, expansion, and personal restoration 14:52 – Orly opens up about chronic pain and narcotic dependence 17:46 – Her first holistic healing retreat and the turning point 20:17 – Doctors, blindness, and being underestimated 23:38 – Skydiving, fear, and learning to trust herself 27:11 – Experiencing beauty beyond eyesight 30:23 – Penn asks about ayahuasca and deep healing work 34:02 – Safety, vulnerability, and navigating healing as a blind woman 36:18 – What Orly gained most from the experience 41:49 – Divorce, freedom, memoir writing, and becoming a travel coach 43:53 – Food as healing and Orly’s love of cooking 49:24 – Solo travel, Bali, Thailand, and traveling without fear 52:20 – The Camino, guide dogs, and accessibility abroad 53:05 – What’s next: the Galápagos with Travelize 56:09 – Orly’s message to anyone afraid to try something new 57:41 – How to follow Orly and stay connected 58:58 – Closing jokes, gratitude, listener feedback, and final encouragement

1) Episode Summary In this special Aftersight Original, Kim Wardlow shares the personal story behind her leadership and the road that led her to become Executive Director of Aftersight. She reflects on growing up in Lamar, Colorado, her early love for creativity, 4-H, cooking, service, travel, and the many work experiences that quietly prepared her for nonprofit leadership. Kim walks listeners through pivotal moments in her life—from studying abroad in Scotland and working internationally, to volunteering at what was then Radio Reading Service of the Rockies, to unexpectedly finding both her calling and her husband through the organization. She also shares how Aftersight has evolved over the years from volunteer-read programming into a wider community-centered organization offering podcasts, peer support, book club, white canes, and more. This episode is both a personal milestone and a mission-centered reflection. As Kim celebrates her 60th birthday and approaches 25 years with Aftersight, she invites listeners to see the deeper heart behind the organization: building community, increasing independence, and creating meaningful access for people who are blind, low vision, deafblind, or in need of alternatives to print. The episode closes with an invitation to support Aftersight’s work through her birthday giving campaign. 2) Contact Info Guest / Organization: Kim Wardlow — Executive Director, Aftersight Aftersight website: aftersight.org Birthday campaign / donations: Visit the donate page at aftersight.org Aftersight: Aftersight Originals network featuring Navigating Life with Vision Loss, The Blind Chick, Blindsight, and Blind Level Tech Producer Credit: Jonathan Price — Podcast Producer, Aftersight 3) Show Credits Special Aftersight Original Featuring Kim Wardlow Opening by Jonathan Price Produced by Jonathan Price Organization: Aftersight 4) Chapter Markers 00:00 — Jonathan’s welcome and special Aftersight introduction 00:53 — Kim introduces herself, Aftersight, and the reason for sharing her story 03:14 — Childhood in Lamar, creativity, 4-H, and early PBS dreams 05:38 — Learning leadership, service, and community values 08:03 — Solar panels, first jobs, and developing a strong work ethic 10:28 — College, Scotland, travel, and broadening her world 12:54 — Early professional life, proposal writing, and service work 15:14 — Volunteering with Radio Reading Service and working at GE Access 17:37 — Friendship, snowshoeing, travel, and a season of transition 20:02 — Layoff, September 2001, and joining Radio Reading Service 22:21 — Meeting Doug, discovering purpose, and seeing the bigger calling 24:43 — Outreach across Colorado, music, and the value of volunteers 27:04 — How Aftersight expanded into podcasts, groups, and broader services 29:29 — Leadership, rebrand, relocation, and adapting through COVID 31:44 — Community, connection, and why the work matters 34:07 — Life purpose, independence, and the mission behind Aftersight 36:31 — Kim’s birthday campaign and invitation to support Aftersight  (00:00) - Tempo: 120.0

1) Episode Summary Penn and Moses bring listeners on-location to Playa del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue for a sound-rich “audio postcard”—live music, vendors, birds, shoppers, perfume wafting from storefronts, and the rhythm of a city that never quite stops moving. They share how walking the avenue night after night turns strangers into familiar faces, how the best meals often live off the main tourist strip, and why listening can be its own kind of “people watching.” The episode takes a turn into heart-and-human territory when Penn meets Apollo, a big white standard poodle, and feels a wave of grief and gratitude after recently losing their own dog, Beethoven—“a beautiful sadness.” They close with what the trip taught them the hard way: don’t run your life until your cup is empty. Pause sooner. Rest deeper. And for blind travelers especially: carry your cane proudly—it’s not just mobility; it’s connection. 2) Contact Info Featured voices (on mic): Penn Street, Moses Street, Jonathan Price Aftersight (questions / feedback): [email protected] | (720) 712-8856 Book The Blind Chick: https://outlook.office.com/book/[email protected]/?ismsaljsauthenabled Producer credit: Jonathan Price (Podcast Producer, Aftersight) 3) Show Credits Show: The Blind Chick (Aftersight) Hosts: Penn Street, Moses Street Producer: Jonathan Price Format: Special travel field audio / soundscape episode (Playa del Carmen, Mexico) 4) Chapter Markers 00:00 — Welcome + Playa del Carmen setup (Fifth Avenue field audio)00:36 — Fifth Avenue vibe + “best vegan food ever” discovery02:33 — Nightly walks, live music, vendors, accents, smells05:59 — Meeting blind travelers + wheelchair users; “cane visibility” matters07:18 — Off the main strip: “old Mexico” feel + dinner highlights08:45 — Apollo the standard poodle: grief, comfort, “beautiful sadness”10:35 — Trip reflections: rest, people met, and why this vacation worked11:24 — New connections: Ash, Eric (musician), Sweet Maria13:23 — Big point: get outside with your cane; it opens conversations15:16 — Self-care lesson: refill the cup before it empties17:01 — Closing: travel encouragement + listener feedback + birthday card mention (00:00) - Tempo: 120.0

1) Episode Summary Penn and Moses check in from Playa del Carmen, Mexico—just a few blocks from the ocean—sharing a nostalgic “then vs. now” look at the Yucatán. Moses reflects on visiting the region as far back as the early 1970s, while the two of them compare Playa’s fishing-village past to today’s explosive growth: a once-small Fifth Avenue now feeling like “the Vegas strip on steroids,” and a jungle-lined two-lane road now a major highway. They talk through what they’ve loved (food, social warmth, quieter lodging close to the action) and what’s been hard to watch (beach access shrinking, hotels built right up to the water, old haunts gone or unrecognizable). Penn also notes the accessibility shift—still imperfect, but dramatically improved compared to earlier trips—while pointing out she hasn’t seen other cane or guide-dog travelers during this visit. Underneath the travel memories is a deeper thread: aging, change, grief, and gratitude—how you don’t always realize what you had until time has moved on. They share upcoming meetups with friends in the area, invite listeners to share their own “returning after years” stories, and close with listener mail and birthday notes—plus a reminder to be kind to yourself and someone else this week. 2) Contact Info Listener feedback + birthday ideas/cards: [email protected] address (as stated in the episode): Aftersight 1802 Highway 42, Suite 201 Louisville, CO 80027Producer: Jonathan Price (Aftersight)3) Show CreditsShow: The Blind ChickHosts: Penn Street, Moses StreetProducer: Jonathan PriceNetwork/Org: Aftersight4) Chapter Markers00:00 — Welcome back; quick banter and intros00:10 — Coming to you from Playa del Carmen (Yucatán)00:28 — Moses’ first Yucatán trips (1973/74) and early Playa memories01:09 — “1990-ish” timeline check; realizing how long it’s been01:15 — Playa as a fishing village; Fifth Avenue was only a few blocks01:55 — “Stop here for the bathroom” era; Cozumel as the main reason01:59 — Doing Mexico cheaply: Cozumel airport → ferry → Playa02:44 — Watching Playa “explode” between visits (5x, 10x growth)03:16 — Last big trip 18 years ago; coming back after a gap04:26 — Finding old haunts; almost nothing is the same05:02 — Fifth Avenue today: wild, global, late-night culture06:29 — Eating times, crowds, and the feeling of nostalgia07:27 — Winter of 2000: living right on Fifth Avenue (when it was tolerable)08:47 — Wedding dress + dental work stories: the old Mexico price shock10:06 — The beach reality now: access, guards, and what’s changed12:40 — Accessibility reflections: improved, but still not “U.S. sidewalks”13:45 — Moses’ “shallow male” era: European tourists, celebrity sightings17:14 — Getting older: naps, heat, air conditioning, and “luxury now”18:45 — Upcoming meetups: Scott Garrison’s parents; Megan Huffnagle & Greg21:49 — The deeper point: returning after years, sadness, gratitude, perspective23:12 — Rough year + loss; why this trip mattered24:36 — Fifth Avenue at night; family culture differences26:07 — Social warmth + travel humor (language, Americans jumping away)27:04 — Listener mail + Penn’s birthday; send ideas and cards28:03 — Closing thanks; be kind to yourself and others

1) Episode Summary Krista Webb returns for a full-length conversation after the 2025 Blind Travel Summit in Austin, Texas. She shares her deafblind journey with Usher syndrome (Type 2)—born hard of hearing, diagnosed at 19, and living with progressive vision loss from retinitis pigmentosa (RP) (now under five degrees of central vision at age 38). She talks candidly about what changed (night blindness, stopping night driving, then stopping driving entirely) and what didn’t: her identity as a wife, mom of two boys, and a determined creator. From there, the episode turns into a masterclass on creative grit. Krista explains how wood burning went from a $10 tool to a serious craft (and “religion”), how she learned the process (sanding, grip, machines), and how her art opened doors—connecting her to the wider deafblind community and to creators like Matthew and Paul (including the custom hat collaboration tied to “blindness is a spectrum”). The conversation widens into travel, confidence, and culture: the crew swaps stories about navigating unfamiliar terrain, being underestimated, and choosing adventure anyway—right up to Krista’s upcoming plan to climb an active volcano in Guatemala (with adaptations like ATVs if needed). They also dig into a surprisingly big topic: “body shaming” vs. what actually happens in blind/low-vision spaces, including the idea of “tech shaming,” how style and comfort intersect with vulnerability, and what respectful guiding should sound like (including when “too much narration” becomes noise). Krista closes with a grounded takeaway: you don’t need perfect circumstances to live meaningfully—find something, even small, that gives you a reason to look forward to tomorrow. 2) Contact Info Guest Krista Webb — Instagram: @blindlove.woodburning (DM to connect; she mentions she’s not actively taking orders right now)Aftersight / The Blind ChickListener email: [email protected] (general): (720) 712-8856Producer CreditProduced by Jonathan Price3) Show CreditsHosts: Penn Street, Moses StreetGuest: Krista WebbProduced by: Jonathan PriceAftersight team shout-outs (as mentioned in the episode): Evan, Jennifer, Kim, Michael4) Chapter Markers 00:00 — Cold open: “old person calendar,” wrinkle cream, and rapid-fire banter00:40 — Re-introducing Krista from the Blind Travel Summit (Austin)01:56 — What Usher syndrome is (types, hearing + vision, balance)04:18 — Diagnosis at 19, RP progression, and stopping driving06:41 — Family life: marriage, motherhood, and adapting as vision changes08:53 — How wood burning started (and why it took over)11:17 — Connecting with Matthew & Paul; “blindness is a spectrum” hats13:42 — Social media, representation, and being “real” in the community18:12 — Travel stories: humor, independence, and doing life fully22:50 — Guatemala trip + volcano climb: excitement, risk, and adaptation30:43 — Body shaming, style, and why comfort matters when you feel vulnerable35:29 — “Tech shaming,” community dynamics, and educating with grace42:32 — Guiding etiquette: asking what help is actually wanted47:02 — What’s next: Krista’s biggest wood-burn project (whimsical, inclusive art)51:43 — Can wood burning be accessible without vision? (hard truth + alternatives)58:45 — Closing message: “even broken crayons still color” + daily purpose61:06 — Where to find Krista + thank-yous63:18 — Final sendoff: kindness to self, kindness to others

Penn and Moses open with a call for listeners to mail physical birthday cards to Aftersight (to be read on air), emphasizing the meaning of handwritten notes over “one-click” social media greetings. They then welcome guest Jordan Hankins (joining from Austin, Texas) for a wide-ranging conversation on vision loss, identity, and rebuilding life with intention. Jordan shares her “before and after” story: years of grinding in real estate with freedom and travel as the goal, followed by a major crossroads as her vision rapidly declined. She describes a dark transition period, then a turning point—choosing to travel anyway—and how immersion in wellness communities (including Thailand) reshaped her outlook on healing, lifestyle, and personal agency. The discussion explores holistic health practices (nutrition, time outside, movement, acupuncture, herbs, meditation), the challenge of reintegrating into U.S. “grind” culture after experiencing slower, wellness-centered environments, and the practicality of returning to basics (real food, nature, reducing screen time). Jordan also explains why she began publicly documenting her journey—moving from “real estate Barbie” highlights to honest vulnerability—and the importance of boundaries when people reach out for support. The episode closes with meditation as a core practice Jordan credits with her transformation, her developing work teaching meditation, and early plans for accessible retreats (starting with Mexico). Penn and Moses underline the theme that life keeps bringing waves—growth is learning to ride them with better tools, self-awareness, and community. 2) Contact Info Guest / Platform Jordan HankinsSocials + Podcast: “Sighted by Soul” (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Podcast)Birthday Card Mailing Address (Aftersight)Aftersight 1805 Highway 42, Suite 220 Louisville, CO 80027Aftersight ContactPhone: (720) 712-8856Email: [email protected] CreditProduced by: Jonathan Price (Aftersight)3) Show CreditsPodcast: The Blind Chick (An Aftersight Original)Hosts: Penn Street and Moses StreetGuest: Jordan HankinsProducer: Jonathan PriceOrganization: Aftersight4) Chapter Markers00:00 — Birthday cards: why physical mail matters (and where to send it)02:19 — Guest welcome: Jordan Hankins joins from Austin04:30 — Austin vibes, community, and the Blind Travel Summit mention06:54 — “Before”: real estate grind, money, freedom, and travel09:17 — The dark season: fear, uncertainty, and deciding to keep living14:33 — The “screw it” moment: choosing travel as the turning point16:54 — Thailand: wellness communities, retreats, and reframing “healing”21:29 — Coming back to the U.S.: holding onto “mountaintop” energy28:27 — Practical basics: outside time, whole foods, movement, screens33:10 — Social media tension: sharing purposefully without losing presence35:30 — Why she went public: from highlights to real life and vulnerability42:24 — Meditation: YouTube beginnings vs deeper training/retreat learning44:41 — What’s next: retreats (Mexico) + balancing purpose with real estate60:57 — Riding the wave: tools, seasons, and not getting taken under63:07 — Closing: online meditation plans and a call to be kind to yourself

Episode Summary Penn and Moses kick things off (from separate locations) with Valentine’s Day around the corner—framing it less as a “couples-only holiday” and more as an excuse to show kindness to anyone (including handing out valentines to strangers). From there, the conversation turns serious: how to stay connected with people you love when you’re on opposite sides of politics and religion. Penn shares how painful it felt to hear her sister propose a new boundary—no politics, no religion—after a lifetime of being able to talk about anything. Moses offers a counterbalance: focus on in-person conversations, keep humor as a pressure-release valve (“street humor”), and remember that people often agree on the problem even if they disagree on the solution. They reflect on how social-media hostility amplifies division, and Penn points to a Grammys moment (Bad Bunny’s “approach with love instead of hatred” idea) as a north star for how to engage. They wrap with lighter updates: they’re heading to Playa del Carmen soon, they’ll be recording the next “just the two of us” episode from Mexico, and they shout out Evan Starnes and Blind Level Tech for making a real impact. They invite listeners to send feedback and join them on social media—and promise to post an old photo of Moses dressed as Cupid. Contact Info Listener feedback: [email protected] (as stated in the episode)Aftersight (main line): (720) 712-8856Social: Search “The Blind Chick” on Facebook (Penn also mentions Instagram and TikTok)Show CreditsShow: The Blind Chick (An Aftersight Original Podcast)Hosts: Penn Street and Moses StreetProducer: Jonathan Price (Aftersight)Chapter Markers00:05 — Intro: Penn & Moses are back00:26 — Recording separately today00:45 — Valentine’s Day: love beyond romance01:33 — Grade-school valentines (and doing it again as adults)02:31 — “Real life” topics brought to listeners02:58 — Navigating political divides with people you love04:23 — Penn took a class on talking politics across disagreement05:03 — Moses on disagreement with his brother (Marco Polo)07:30 — “Street humor” as a safe-word for joking09:59 — Penn’s sister: deep bond, now opposite political aisle11:01 — The heartbreak: “no religion, no politics”13:18 — Why in-person political conversations work better15:35 — Penn: why this moment feels more harmful than “just policy differences”15:56 — Grammys moment: approaching issues with love vs hatred18:10 — Old rule: don’t talk religion/politics; and why it “worked”20:40 — Listener prompt: how do you keep relationships intact?23:49 — Mexico countdown begins25:12 — Story: walking away from politics in Mexico due to danger/stress27:22 — Playa del Carmen meetup: Scott Garrison connects them with his parents28:43 — Shoutout: Scott guiding blind hikers up a volcano in Guatemala30:57 — Penn’s stomach health issues; excited for Mexico food31:13 — Playa del Carmen then vs now36:31 — Next “just us” episode will be recorded from Mexico36:45 — Shoutout: Blind Level Tech and Evan Starnes39:10 — Kindness + feedback request39:36 — Social media plugs + Cupid photo promise40:16 — Sign-off (and joking about an “X rating” Cupid depiction) (00:00) - Tempo: 120.0

1) Episode SummaryBethany Joy Boring joins Penn and Moses for a candid, funny, and deeply practical conversation about living with CHARGE syndrome, navigating combined vision + hearing loss, and the mindset shifts required to move from “proving yourself” to simply being yourself (as introduced in the recording you provided). Bethany shares her guide-dog journey (including the fear and stigma that delayed her cane use), how Toastmasters became her on-ramp to public speaking, and why she believes storytelling and community are essential to resilience. The episode also clarifies coaching vs. therapy (future-forward growth vs. past-rooted healing), introduces her “egg carton” approach to sharing your story safely, and closes with concrete ways listeners can practice gratitude and “step out and thrive.”2) Contact Info (guest/org + Aftersight + producer credits)Guest / BethanyStep Out & Thrive (official links hub, plus podcast + socials): “Interactive Appreciation Guide” (download page): Note: the official links hub uses the name “Bethany B. Joy.” AftersightThe Blind Chick (show page / show info): Listener feedback contact (email + phone): Low-Vision Support Group: Weekly Wednesdays at 2:00pm (MST), online via Zoom: Producer CreditProduced by Jonathan Price (Aftersight).3) Show CreditsPodcast: The Blind Chick (Aftersight Original) Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street Producer: Jonathan Price4) Chapter Markers00:00 — Show open: “Blindness can be an adventure” 00:28 — Penn & Moses banter + New Year’s check-in (Jan 2026 mention) 02:46 — Bethany intro + “spy novel name” riff 05:09 — CHARGE syndrome explained (what it impacts) 07:08 — Hearing loss realities + “offline” joke 09:22 — Finding the unexpected “perks” + parenting humor 11:36 — Why she resisted the cane + choosing independence 13:52 — New guide dog user story + social media reactions 16:16 — Public speaking with hearing loss: reading the room differently 18:40 — Hearing the audience for the first time (wireless mic moment) 21:00 — Speaking without notes + connecting to the audience 23:23 — “How did you start speaking?” + Toastmasters origin story 25:36 — Purposeful living: everyday “stages” and practicing presence 27:44 — Listening well: “WAIT — Why Am I Talking?” 30:02 — Coaching vs therapy (future growth vs past tracing) 32:13 — Penn’s therapy reflections + disability fatigue and motivation 34:31 — The “prove yourself” burden + redefining worth 36:48 — Work, disability, and the pressure to overperform 39:15 — “What do blind people look like?” + visibility and assumptions 41:35 — “Superpowers” and the hidden skill-building of adaptation 43:59 — Thriving vs chasing goals: becoming more alive 46:24 — Mission mindset: living on purpose (even for small errands) 48:51 — “Egg carton” storytelling: sharing safely, one “egg” at a time 51:11 — Bethany’s podcast: Step Out & Thrive + what it’s for 53:29 — Stages beyond big stages: zoom calls, talks, parenting moments 55:53 — Community impact: people change goals but feel more alive 58:17 — Snorkeling vs scuba: tools for deeper work and resilience 60:30 — Where to find Bethany + appreciation guide resource 62:52 — Closing encouragement + Aftersight resources and support group mention

1) Episode SummaryPenn and Moses kick off the new year with humor about “non-resolutions” and sore gym arms, then share why they’re planning a Mexico trip: they’re still grieving the loss of Penn’s guide dog, Beethoven, who passed on December 22, and they want something hopeful on the calendar.They talk through how vision loss changes travel—starting with the planning stage. Penn explains why location matters (walkability to food, shopping, and the ocean), why she always packs a primary cane plus a backup, and how she’s thinking about bringing new tech (smart glasses) on the trip. Moses adds his essentials—hammock and ceiling fan—and they both reflect on how Mexico has changed over the years, from sleepy villages and “shacks on the beach” to today’s more built-up destinations.A major focus is airport stress and accommodations. Penn and Moses discuss using assistance through airports (especially through TSA and confusing layouts), how different the experience can be abroad versus in the U.S., and why they don’t hesitate to ask for help. They also share a specific frustration with airline systems that charge extra to speak to a human, and they invite listeners to share travel stresses, solutions, favorite tools, and “cane debacle” stories.They wrap with practical travel habits—researching thoroughly, reading reviews for noise issues, sticking to a budget, and choosing convenience over unnecessary expenses—plus a warm note about Valentine’s Day as a chance to love people well in many kinds of relationships.2) Contact InfoAftersight Feedback: [email protected] | (720) 712-8856 Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer (Aftersight)3) Show CreditsHosts: Penn Street, Moses Street Producer: Jonathan Price Network: Aftersight4) Chapter Markers00:00 — Intro + Happy New Year banter and gym “non-resolutions”02:03 — Why travel now: grief, goals, and planning a Mexico reset04:30 — Mexico then vs. now: from sleepy villages to busy destinations06:51 — Choosing chill: Playa del Carmen plans and “penthouse” reality check09:19 — Travel prep with vision loss: canes, backup plans, and smart glasses11:45 — Old-school travel memories: hammocks, rooftops, and budget lodging14:11 — Biggest travel stress: TSA, assistance, and “using the blind card”16:35 — Airport navigation stories: Iceland maze, Denver changes, and help lanes18:56 — International contrast: being treated better abroad and smooth customs20:48 — Tools and hacks: what to pack, what helps, and what listeners should share23:11 — TSA realities: gear, clothing, and why Moses always gets searched25:37 — Booking strategy: reviews, noise warnings, and choosing walkable locations27:59 — Frontier nerves: cheap flights, upgraded seats, and expectations30:24 — Money lessons: car rentals, local transit, and researching costs32:42 — Mexico logistics: when to rent a car and how they plan movement35:07 — Show teasers: last week’s Elise + next week’s Bethany episode37:31 — Valentine’s Day reframed: gratitude, love, and closing invitation to write in

Episode SummaryElise Draper joins Penn Street and Moses Street for a candid, funny, and deeply real conversation about living with progressive vision loss—and refusing to let society set the ceiling on what’s possible.Elise shares her diagnosis (PIC), the long road through misdiagnosis, treatments, and the layered realities of chronic eye disease (including autoimmune inflammation, scarring, injections, and early-onset glaucoma). She also explains Charles Bonnet syndrome in practical terms—what it can look like, why it’s so disorienting, and why being dismissed by medical professionals can be as damaging as the symptoms themselves.The conversation moves from the darkest seasons (depression, isolation, relationships fracturing under the strain) to rebuilding: community support, independence tools like the white cane, and a mindset shift that replaces “lowered expectations” with agency. Elise then spotlights the work she’s leading through the VIMB Creatives Workshop under the umbrella of IPub Global (iPub Cloud): creating a platform for blind and low-vision creatives to publish, get feedback, build professional skills (including resumes), and raise visibility for marginalized voices.Contact InfoGuest: Elise Draper — author, publisher, freelance writer; marketing director/CMO (as discussed in the episode)Creative Platform: VIMB Creatives Workshop (Elise notes you can find it by searching “VIMB Creatives Workshop”)Spotify: “VIMB Creatives Workshop” (as named in the episode)Aftersight: Aftersight.orgGeneral contact: [email protected] | (720) 712-8856Producer: Jonathan PriceShow CreditsHosts: Penn Street, Moses StreetGuest: Elise DraperProducer: Jonathan PriceNetwork: Aftersight (Aftersight Original Podcast)Chapter Markers00:00 — Show intro and welcome02:19 — Elise’s name origin and pen name story04:29 — Diagnosis: PIC (punctate inner choroidopathy) and current vision06:51 — Life disruption, resilience, and “switching lanes”11:03 — Early symptoms, misdiagnosis, and not being believed13:26 — Mental health impact, sleep disruption, and depression15:43 — Charles Bonnet syndrome explained (and why it gets dismissed)18:04 — When it becomes unsafe: driving, vivid visuals, and the “time” moment20:28 — Rebuilding independence: DVR support, mentors, and community25:11 — Sheltered employment, systemic ableism, and raising the bar32:28 — The white cane: stigma vs. freedom (and bruises as evidence)34:55 — VIMB Creatives Workshop: what it is and who it’s for39:30 — Submitting work, editing support, workshops, and author branding44:20 — Accessibility hurdles in marketing and practical ways forward46:43 — Elise’s recommended starting point: Free Will (2nd edition)49:06 — Favorite author influence: Octavia Butler51:28 — Wrap-up, gratitude, and Aftersight support message

1) Episode Summary Penn and Moses open with a quick New Year check-in and some light banter about January weather in Colorado, then shift into the heart of the episode: grieving the sudden loss of Penn’s guide dog, Beethoven, who passed away on December 22. They reflect on what a guide dog means as a working partner and family member, and they thank the community for the wave of condolences, cards, and memorial gifts. They also share brighter moments from the holiday break—traveling to Ouray, Colorado to spend several days with family, enjoying the hot springs, and visiting Box Canyon and its waterfall. The conversation closes with encouragement around mental health support (including therapy), staying socially connected, and a listener invitation to share New Year’s resolutions and stories with the show. 2) Contact Info Listener Email: [email protected]: Jonathan Price — Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight3) Show CreditsShow: The Blind Chick (Aftersight Original)Hosts: Penn Street, Moses StreetProducer: Jonathan Price4) Chapter Markers00:00 — Show open00:29 — New Year check-in + Colorado weather02:51 — Remembering Beethoven and what he meant07:38 — Community support and shout-outs09:54 — Ouray family trip + Box Canyon14:33 — Mental health, therapy, and staying connected21:46 — Resolutions invite + wrap and calls-to-action

1) Episode Summary Penn and Moses kick off with a New Year check-in (less “new me,” more gratitude) and give a clear warning that the episode includes suicide. Ashley Purdy, a blind advocate and speaker, shares the trauma-filled path that led to her suicide attempt at 17, her clinical death for 17 minutes, and the long rehab that followed—including the crushing moment she realized she was blind. Over time, she reframed survival as a “rebirth,” identifying with the phoenix. The conversation also covers independence, pushing back on “over-helping,” Perkins School for the Blind, isolation and social anxiety, and Ashley’s interest in getting a guide dog. The episode ends with encouragement to speak up if someone is in crisis, plus 988 resources and the reminder that one person showing up can save a life. 2) Contact Info Guest: Ashley Purdy — Blind advocate & public speaker (no direct contact info shared in the provided transcript) Aftersight / The Blind Chick: Website mentioned on-air: aftersight.orgEmail mentioned on-air: [email protected] (spelled this way in the provided transcript; verify spelling if needed)Crisis resource mentioned on-air (US): Call/Text: 988Website: 988lifeline.orgProducer: Jonathan Price (Aftersight) 3) Show Credits Show: The Blind Chick (Aftersight Original)Hosts: Penn Street, Moses StreetProducer: Jonathan Price4) Chapter Markers (mm:ss) 00:00 — Show intro00:27 — New Year talk + listener resolutions invite02:41 — Suicide content warning + self-care note04:54 — Ashley joins; Arlington (Virginia) + opening banter07:13 — Childhood: instability, early responsibility, family dynamics09:37 — Crisis stabilization + foster care separation12:02 — Guilt, grief, and how memories can distort reality14:28 — Returning home; “kid raising kids” reality16:46 — Sexual assault at 13; reporting; court outcome19:09 — Self-harm, hospitalizations, and cumulative strain21:35 — The “tipping point” at 17; why she seemed happier23:35 — Memory gaps; what she recalls from that night25:58 — Clinically dead 17 minutes; prognosis; survival28:22 — Rehab + communication; Zootopia/DMV analogy30:48 — Not realizing blindness at first; what she perceived33:15 — “Peace” before attempt; missed warning signs35:39 — Ripple effects; urging listeners to tell someone38:04 — Ongoing hard days; starting Perkins40:04 — Perkins explained42:26 — Over-helping vs independence; soda-can moment44:40 — Finding “your people” and belonging challenges47:06 — Isolation, social anxiety, and partner support49:09 — Guide dog schools and options51:31 — Hosts on guide dog freedom + reality53:57 — Hermit habits + encouragement to get out56:16 — Dogs as daily movement + sensory joy58:36 — Ashley’s advice: know who truly shows up61:00 — Hosts reflect on non-judgment support63:25 — 988 resources + Aftersight wrap + closing encouragement

1) Episode SummaryPenn Street and Moses Street close out the year with a Christmas Day (2025) holiday check-in—reflecting on a packed season of gatherings, the weirdly warm and windy Colorado December, and why wind can be especially disorienting for blind and low-vision folks.They look back on standout 2025 guests and moments—mixing heartfelt gratitude with playful delirium from “too much sugar”. The conversation shifts into Christmas traditions and the very real tension of navigating holidays as a couple: different family backgrounds, different expectations, and a running debate about “taking turns” opening gifts.Penn and Moses also talk favorite Christmas movies (classic titles only, please), recent movies they loved, favorite Christmas songs (including an intentionally weird Tiny Tim recommendation), and the gift-giving stress Moses experiences—sharing why therapy is part of his real, practical approach to getting through the season.They close by inviting listeners to email in holiday stories (best, worst, or funniest gifts; traditions; whatever the season looked like), and they end with a simple challenge: be kind to yourself, and be kind to someone else.2) Contact InfoFeatured voices: Penn Street, Moses StreetListener email (shared on-air): [email protected] phone: (720) 712-8856Producer: Jonathan Price (Aftersight)3) Show CreditsShow: The Blind Chick (an Aftersight Originals podcast)Hosts: Penn Street, Moses StreetProducer: Jonathan PriceOrganization: Aftersight4) Chapter Markers00:00 — Show open and mission00:27 — Welcome back + host roll call00:41 — Holiday season chaos + Colorado wind talk03:04 — Guests of 2025 shout-outs (with jokes)05:21 — More shout-outs (Steven Vine, Shawn Cheshire)07:41 — Disaster preparedness reflections + Marty Sobo / Code Orange mention09:57 — Upcoming episode tease: Ashley Purdy on New Year’s Day11:58 — Christmas is hard for Moses; Penn is “Mother Christmas spirit”14:22 — Childhood Christmas differences + traditions16:48 — Christmas tree fights + family memories19:10 — “Taking turns” opening gifts debate21:34 — Why Moses dislikes getting gifts; joke presents23:56 — Favorite Christmas movies + holiday movie tradition26:15 — “The Housemaid” as a surprise favorite (no spoilers)28:38 — Ouray trip plans + Moses’s birthday (Jan 3)31:00 — Favorite Christmas songs (incl. Tiny Tim)33:21 — Favorite gifts + shopping together as a strategy35:41 — Gift-buying stress + holiday shopping misery (and Valentine’s Day contrast)38:08 — “One gift” simplicity + listener email call-in request40:34 — Send your holiday story to [email protected] + closing kindness message

Penn and Moses dive headfirst into the spooky side of storytelling for this Halloween edition of The Blind Chick. Between haunted houses, eerie Estes Park encounters, and mysterious footsteps in the night, they share their most chilling (and hilarious) ghost stories — from cigarette-scented spirits to musical hammocks and haunted barns. The conversation mixes humor, disbelief, and genuine spine-tingling moments as they recall the haunted homes they’ve lived in across Colorado — and even reveal a terrifying discovery made years after they moved out. They also invite listeners worldwide, including fans from Estonia and Russia, to share their own paranormal experiences. The episode wraps with lighthearted warmth as Penn recounts a funny exchange with her grandson about “The Blind Chick” mascot, reminding us that even amid the eerie, laughter and kindness shine brightest. Contact Info Aftersight 📧 [email protected] 🌐 www.aftersight.org The Blind Chick 🎙 Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street 🎧 Producer: Jonathan Price Show Credits An Aftersight Original Podcast Produced by Jonathan Price Edited by the Aftersight Audio Team Recorded at Aftersight Studios in Colorado Music by the Aftersight Network Chapter Markers 00:00 — Welcome to The Blind Chick: Halloween Edition 02:20 — Haunted Houses and Talking Scales 04:40 — The Ghost of Blackhawk 09:25 — Footsteps in the Night 16:10 — The Ghost in the Barn 18:30 — Estes Park’s Haunted Home 23:00 — The Midnight Footsteps 27:40 — The Baker’s Ghost Revealed 30:10 — The Loveland House and the Tree 32:35 — The Final Move and the Evil Ghost 39:35 — The Garage Discovery 42:00 — Ghost Stories from Around the World 43:45 — White Cane Day and the “Blind Chick” Story 44:20 — Closing Thoughts and Halloween Wishes

Penn and Moses welcome filmmaker, author, and policy expert Day Al-Mohamed. She shares her blindness story, trauma and recovery, and a practical view of advocacy from campus to Congress to the White House. The conversation covers ADA pressures, why state-level action matters, AI bias and disability, fencing as a confidence lab, and the power of authentic media (“Renegades” on PBS). Day closes with steady counsel for hard seasons: it will be okay—because we plan, support each other, and figure it out. Contact Info Guest — Day Al-Mohamed Website: dayalmohamed.com Books/Film: The Labyrinth Archivist; Renegades (PBS) Aftersight Web: aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Email: [email protected] Producer Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight — [email protected] Show Credits Hosts: Penn Street, Moses Street Guest: Day Al-Mohamed — filmmaker, author, disability policy leader Producer: Jonathan Price An Aftersight Original Chapter Markers 00:00 — Cold open + show intro 00:28 — Cabin banter and Halloween setup 02:49 — Guest intro: policy, filmmaking, and advocacy 05:10 — Blindness origin and the “first question” problem 09:00 — Trauma, community, and rebuilding life 11:27 — From social work to law: rules that actually work 13:51 — Fencing and refusing limits 18:20 — First steps in policy and data-driven advocacy 20:43 — Statehouse internship to Capitol Hill 24:37 — ADA, regs, and where erosion happens 26:58 — What to do now: act local, build state protections 31:43 — How real constituents move votes 36:20 — AI bias, oversight, and disability truth 41:01 — Why stories change policy: books and film 45:46 — “Renegades” and disability history without inspiration porn 50:19 — What’s next: season two hopes and the blind detective 52:44 — The White House guide dog story 55:08 — What I’d whisper then, what I’d shout now 57:18 — Where to find Day + closing and Aftersight CTA

In this heartfelt and often humorous episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn and Moses Street open up about one of the most defining moments of their lives — Penn’s decision to get sober on October 9, 1987, and how that choice led to their lifelong partnership. The pair recounts the story of how a photography session meant to help teenage girls find confidence ended up transforming Penn’s life, sparking her sobriety journey and ultimately bringing the two together. From addiction and recovery to photography, love, and laughter, this episode dives deep into what it means to rebuild your life from the ground up. Penn and Moses share the struggles, the therapy, the humor, and the enduring gratitude that have carried them through 38 years of marriage, recovery, and shared purpose. It’s a story of second chances, unconditional love, and the courage to see yourself — and others — through a new lens. Contact Info Guests / Hosts: Penn & Moses Street — Hosts, The Blind Chick Podcast Organization: Aftersight — Empowering the blind and low-vision community through accessible audio content. 📧 [email protected] 🌐 aftersight.org 📞 (720) 712-8856 Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer — Aftersight Show Credits Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street Producer: Jonathan Price Editing & Mixing: Jonathan Price Presented by: Aftersight — Where Blindness Meets Insight Chapter Markers 00:00 — Opening and Technical Glitches 02:20 — Why October 9th Matters 04:42 — The Photography Project That Changed Everything 09:24 — Penn’s Struggle with Self-Image 16:33 — A Baby, a Realization, and Sobriety 21:21 — From Pain to Purpose 26:06 — Falling in Love with Two Little Girls 30:48 — Rehab and Redemption 35:02 — Marriage, Therapy, and Healing 39:29 — Gratitude, Growth, and The Blind Chick Legacy 41:50 — Turning Your Partner Into a Muse

In part two of our conversation with adventurer and founder of Blind Pilots, Scott Garrison, we dive deeper into his remarkable journeys across the globe. Scott shares his upcoming expeditions in Costa Rica, Uganda, and Tanzania, and reflects on the unique sensory experiences of trekking volcanoes and rainforests as a blind traveler. He, Penn and Moses discuss the challenges of navigating trails like the Inca Trail, the importance of trustworthy guides, and the freedom of having independent experiences alongside loved ones. Scott also recounts his intense Kilimanjaro summit attempt, where trust, teamwork, and survival came together in unforgettable ways. This episode is about resilience, trust, and the power of shared adventure in the blind travel community. Contact Info Guest: Scott Garrison — Founder of Blind Pilots Website: blindpilots.org Email: [email protected] Facebook: Scott Garrison (personal) + Blind Pilots page Aftersight Website: aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Email: [email protected] Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer at Aftersight Show Credits Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street Guest: Scott Garrison Producer: Jonathan Price An Aftersight Original Podcast Chapter Markers 00:00 — Intro and recap with Scott 02:00 — Upcoming treks: Costa Rica, Uganda, and Tanzania 04:30 — Independence in travel as a blind couple 06:40 — Volcano hikes and sensory experiences 09:00 — The Inca Trail challenge and dangers 13:40 — Fitness requirements for adventure trips 16:10 — Discovering Aftersight and the Audio Trekkers hike 18:30 — Hiking with blind and low-vision groups 20:50 — Trust and safety in adventure travel 23:00 — Kilimanjaro climb and emergency evacuation 25:30 — How to connect with Blind Pilots 27:50 — Shoutout to Awarewolf Gear and Blind Travel Summit 29:00 — Closing thanks and Aftersight donation reminder

In this episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn and Moses welcome Scott Garrison, a world traveler and founder of Blind Pilots, who joined Aftersight’s Audio Trekkers Hike all the way from Guatemala. Scott shares his journey from being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at 19 to becoming an adventurer who refuses to let blindness limit his independence. Scott recalls early hints of vision loss, his time as a 15-year-old exchange student in Australia, and his years of living abroad in Prague. He describes the challenges of returning years later with less vision, including resisting the white cane until a friend’s tough love changed his perspective. The conversation turns to the creation of Blind Pilots—a program designed to make international travel accessible and empowering for blind and low-vision individuals. Scott explains how the program blends cultural immersion, local history, tactile activities, and well-trained sighted guides, all to ensure efficiency, independence, and memorable experiences. From luxury picnics on lava fields to adaptive skiing in Colorado, Blind Pilots aims to transform the way blind travelers explore the world. This episode is equal parts adventurous, raw, and practical, showing how resilience, creativity, and community can turn vision loss into a gateway for new horizons. Contact Info Guest: Scott Garrison — Blind Pilots Website: blindpilots.org Aftersight: [email protected] | (720) 712-8856 | aftersight.org Producer: Jonathan Price, Aftersight Show Credits Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street Guest: Scott Garrison Produced by Jonathan Price for Aftersight Chapter Markers 00:00 — Intro and welcome back 00:27 — Audio Trekkers Hike recap 02:43 — Scott’s diagnosis with RP 05:05 — Early signs and struggles in sports 06:24 — Travel bug ignited in Australia 08:47 — Life and independence in Prague 11:00 — Camino de Santiago and challenges with independence 13:19 — The cane debate and acceptance 17:21 — Adventures, mishaps, and humor 19:51 — The birth of Blind Pilots 22:08 — Designing accessible cultural adventures 24:31 — Integrating history, food, and tactile experiences 26:47 — Training guides and preparing safe trips 29:11 — Looking ahead with Blind Pilots

Penn and Moses welcome David Redmond from Vision Ireland for a wide-ranging, honest conversation about accessibility in everyday life—from airports and public transit to the awkward magic of speed dating. David shares how he navigates disclosure on dating apps, why voice and character matter more than looks, and how Ireland’s implementation of the European Accessibility Act is already nudging banks, apps, and services toward better design. The trio contrasts EU momentum with current U.S. headwinds around the ADA, then zooms out: universal design lifts everyone, and today’s tech (including AI) is expanding what’s possible for blind and low-vision folks—yes, even flying and autonomous vehicles. Quick updates include Aftersight’s Code Orange launch and details for the Sept 13 Boulder hike. Contact Info Guest — David Redmond / Vision Ireland: vi.ie • Podcast: Talking Technology with VI Aftersight: [email protected] • (720) 712-8856 • aftersight.org Producer: Jonathan Price Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street Show Credits A production of Aftersight. Host: Penn Street • Co-Host: Moses Street Guest: David Redmond (Vision Ireland) Producer: Jonathan Price Chapter Markers 00:00 — Show open & welcome 00:35 — Producer update: Code Orange + Sept 13 hike 02:22 — Travel abroad: airports, transit, and accessibility 04:41 — Dating apps: to disclose or not? 06:58 — Speed dating made accessible 09:25 — When disclosure lands… or doesn’t 11:47 — First impressions, voices, and character 14:07 — What makes a voice attractive 16:31 — Ireland’s European Accessibility Act goes live 18:52 — U.S. ADA worries and cultural whiplash 21:12 — Global ripple effects & corporate compliance 23:21 — “Blind people can do anything” — new frontiers 25:40 — Public-service mindset: why shows like this matter 28:01 — CTAs: hike details, how to connect with Aftersight

In this episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn and Moses Street welcome special guest David Redmond from Vision Ireland. David shares his personal story growing up with congenital glaucoma and other vision conditions in Cork, Ireland, and how his journey led him into the world of accessible technology and media. He opens up about the challenges of vision loss, the role of assistive technology like JAWS, ZoomText, and VoiceOver, and how his career path shifted from mainstream radio to producing podcasts and tech content for Vision Ireland. The conversation explores similarities and differences between Ireland and the United States when it comes to employment challenges, accessibility, and available resources for blind and low-vision individuals. David also highlights the mission of Vision Ireland as a one-stop shop for support, advocacy, and technology training, while sharing his own perspective on building community and friendships within the blind community. Listeners are reminded about Aftersight’s upcoming Accessible Hike in Boulder, Colorado on September 13th, and encouraged to register for a day of inclusion, support, and adventure in the mountains. Contact Info Guest: David Redmond, Vision Ireland Website: https://www.visionireland.ie Aftersight Phone: (720) 712-8856 Email: [email protected] Website: https://aftersight.org Producer: Jonathan Price, Aftersight Show Credits Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street Guest: David Redmond (Vision Ireland) Producer: Jonathan Price, Aftersight Chapter Markers 00:00 — Intro & banter with Penn, Moses, and Jonathan 02:01 — Aftersight Accessible Hike announcement (Sept. 13) 03:00 — Meet David Redmond: growing up in Cork, Ireland 04:15 — Navigating school with glaucoma and assistive tech 06:36 — Facing fears and preparing for possible vision loss 08:53 — Everyday independence vs. acting “more blind” in new settings 10:20 — From media studies to Vision Ireland 13:19 — Talking Technology: podcasts, newsletters, and advocacy 15:43 — Employment struggles and accessibility barriers 18:04 — Vision Ireland’s “one stop shop” of services 20:23 — Building friendships through camps and blind community events 22:42 — Differences between U.S. and Ireland’s blindness services 25:01 — Rebranding from NCBI to Vision Ireland 27:16 — Outro & preview of Part 2 with David Redmond

In this third and final part of Shawn Cheshire’s powerful conversation, she takes us deeper into her story of resilience, adventure, and relentless courage. From navigating hostile ignorance at a hotel to recounting her harrowing cross-country bike ride along the Continental Divide, Shawn shares how she transforms personal grief into legacy-building triumphs. She speaks candidly about shattering misconceptions of blindness, training for the Wonderland Trail, and her mission to expand possibilities for the blind and low-vision community. With raw honesty, humor, and fire, Shawn makes it clear—blindness isn’t a limitation, it’s a superpower. Contact Info Shawn Cheshire / Choosing to See Foundation: choosingtosee.org Film Website: blindasfuck.com Aftersight: [email protected] | (720) 712-8856 | aftersight.org Producer: Jonathan Price Show Credits Host: Penn & Moses Street Guest: Shawn Cheshire Producer: Jonathan Price An Aftersight Original Podcast Chapter Markers 00:00 – Intro & Content Warning 01:20 – Hotel confrontation & misconceptions of blindness 04:25 – Jonathan shares his biking trauma 06:49 – What kept Shawn on the bike through falls and setbacks 09:13 – Blindness as a superpower 11:34 – Film festivals & Sedona Dave connection 13:54 – Impact screenings & conversational advocacy 16:16 – Crossing the Grand Canyon solo 20:51 – Tour Divide: Canada to Mexico ride 23:09 – Lessons with guides & being called a pioneer 25:30 – Staying out of the black hole of grief 27:34 – Aftersight Hike reminder & closing

In part two of this powerful conversation, Penn and Moses continue their interview with Shawn Cheshire. Shawn opens up about the devastating year that changed her life: a traumatic brain injury, sudden vision loss, and the painful custody battle that separated her from her child. She shares how therapy became a lifeline, the moment of brutal honesty she had with herself in a shower, and the resilience that carried her into adaptive sports and eventually the Paralympics. The discussion digs into stigma—both from the general public and within disability communities—and the surprising challenges Shawn faced as an elite blind athlete. With raw honesty and unfiltered courage, Shawn reflects on the choices that shaped her journey, the discipline forged through trauma, and the deep healing that comes from therapy and community. This is a conversation about pain, perseverance, and transformation. Shawn’s story reminds us that identity isn’t something we inherit—it’s something we choose and fight for. Contact Info Aftersight: aftersight.org | [email protected] | (720) 712-8856 Show Credits Hosts: Penn & Moses Street Guest: Shawn Cheshire Producer: Jonathan Price An Aftersight Original Podcast Chapter Markers 00:00 — Intro & Hike Reminder 02:20 — Injury, Vision Loss & Custody Battle 04:44 — Returning to Work & Identity as a Paramedic 07:09 — Therapy, Night Terrors & Trauma 09:24 — The Shower Aha Moment 11:42 — Choices, Consequences & Growth 14:03 — Therapy as Practice, Not Stigma 16:25 — Trauma Defined & No Comparisons 18:46 — Discovering Cycling & Training Resilience 21:14 — Stigma & Bias in the Paralympics 23:34 — Accusations of “Not Really Blind” 25:26 — Embracing Identity & Handling Judgment 27:00 — Wrap-Up & Teaser for Part 3

In Part 1 of our bold and moving conversation with Shawn Cheshire, Penn and Moses explore her remarkable journey from a difficult childhood in South Texas to breaking barriers as one of the first women in her Army specialty, and later serving as an EMT and paramedic. Shawn shares with raw honesty about growing up without love or nurture, surviving abuse, and how the voice of her grandmother’s encouragement shaped her resilience. She recounts her military service as a helicopter armament systems mechanic, the challenges of proving herself in a male-dominated field, and her transition into emergency medical services. The episode builds toward the life-changing on-the-job brain injury that left her blind, as Shawn reflects on the events, traumas, and triumphs that shaped her into the unstoppable athlete and advocate she is today. This is a gripping start to a story you will not forget. Contact Info Guest: Shawn Cheshire — https://www.shawncheshire.org/ Aftersight: [email protected] | (720) 712-8856 | aftersight.org/podcast Producer: Jonathan Price: [email protected] Show Credits Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street Producer: Jonathan Price Executive Producer: Aftersight Recorded for: The Blind Chick — An Aftersight Original Podcast Chapter Markers 00:00 — Introduction & Content Warning 02:14 — Why "Blind AF" and the Power of Shawn’s Story 03:15 — Childhood in South Texas & Early Trauma 06:40 — Joining the Army at 17 to Escape 08:20 — Breaking Barriers as a Female Helicopter Armament Mechanic 11:23 — Injuries, Discharge, and Moving Forward 13:47 — Surviving Abuse & Planning an Escape 16:10 — The Grandmother’s Voice That Saved Her 18:32 — EMT Training and Leaving in the Middle of the Night 20:49 — Life as a Paramedic & Finding Purpose 22:53 — The Accident That Changed Everything 25:19 — Diagnosis, Vision Loss, and the Long Road of Recovery 27:15 — Closing & Preview of Part 2

Penn and Moses sit down with Spirit Club founder Jared Ciner to unpack a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to fitness for the blind and low-vision community. Jared shares Michael’s step-by-step journey from “not for me” to thriving in group classes—proof that small wins compound. They discuss functional movement you can do anywhere (no fancy gear required), how partnerships with agencies like Aftersight expand access, and Spirit Club’s new Denver hub launching in-person programs by September. Jared also previews an NIH-supported expansion for brain-injury-friendly content and encourages “exercise snacks”—quick bursts that boost mood and momentum. Listeners get a discount with promo code AFTERSIGHT at checkout. Plus: details on Aftersight’s fully accessible Audio Trekkers Hike on September 13 in Boulder. Contact Info Spirit Club Website: spiritclub.com (virtual & in-person programs; certification coming soon) Promo code: AFTERSIGHT (discount at checkout) Aftersight Website: aftersight.org/hike (Audio Trekkers Hike info) • aftersight.org General inquiries / guests: [email protected] • (720) 712-8856 Show Credits Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street Producer: Jonathan Price Chapter Markers 00:00 — Cold open, Part 2 setup, Spirit Club promo + hike tease 02:21 — Michael’s story: from “nope” to group classes and front-desk greeter 04:44 — Trauma-informed, strengths-based coaching vs. drill-sergeant fitness 07:08 — Adaptive equipment? Start with bodyweight and real-life movements 09:30 — Breaking down “get up from the floor” into four learnable steps 11:56 — Garden squats, standing desks, and building everyday endurance 14:19 — Partnering with agencies; how orgs stream Spirit Club to members 16:41 — Advocacy: Spirit Club Foundation, funding access, pro certification 19:03 — Join the movement; Denver hub launches in-person by September 21:27 — “Everybody can move”: mood, support, and 100% progress stories 23:51 — Penn’s dance class win; connecting mental and physical health 26:12 — “Exercise snacks”: five-minute bursts that change your day 28:34 — Call-to-action: try Spirit Club, use AFTERSIGHT, and join the Sept 13 hike in Boulder

In this lively and heartfelt episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses recap their recent blindfolded cornhole tournament, sharing laughs, insights, and the importance of focus in blind navigation. Their conversation segues beautifully into the main interview with Jared Ciner, founder of Spirit Club, a fitness organization on a mission to make physical health accessible and inclusive for all people, regardless of ability. Jared shares the personal and professional journey that led him to create Spirit Club, a revolutionary platform that offers both live and on-demand fitness classes designed with accessibility at their core. He discusses the human right to fitness, building confidence through adaptive movement, and why taking up space—physically and socially—is an act of empowerment. Penn shares her own experiences with Spirit Club, explaining how it has not only helped her stay active but also helped her build confidence in moving freely as a person with vision loss. Jared also dives into Spirit Club’s group exercise experience, technology innovations, community impact, and the belief that fitness is not a privilege—it’s a right. 🔗 Contact Information: Guest: Jared Ciner Website: https://spirit-club.org Aftersight Contact: 📧 [email protected] 📞 (720) 712-8856 🌐 https://aftersight.org 🎟️ Register for the September 13 Audio Trekkers Hike: https://aftersight.org/hike 🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://aftersight.org/podcasts/the-blind-chick ⏱️ Chapter Markers: 00:00 – Welcome to The Blind Chick + Cornhole recap 02:10 – Sound, focus, and how blind folks dominated the game 04:30 – Why blind folks listen better (and win more) 06:55 – Introducing Jared Ciner and Spirit Club 08:50 – Jared’s story: Psychology, fitness, and a missing link 11:15 – Building an accessible fitness platform from scratch 13:45 – What “inclusive fitness” actually looks like 16:20 – Online classes, group sessions, and on-demand options 18:30 – Penn’s personal story: building confidence through movement 21:00 – Creating authentic connection through live-class recording 22:45 – The mission: Fitness is a human right 24:30 – Taking up space, building confidence, and pushing back against shame 26:00 – Final thoughts + Promo for Spirit Club and Aftersight Hike

🔍 Episode Summary & Show Notes: In this empowering follow-up conversation, The Blind Chick welcomes back Neva Fairchild for Part 2 of her inspiring story. Neva, an advocate, educator, entrepreneur, and unapologetic braille and cane enthusiast, shares practical tools and wisdom for navigating life with vision loss. From mastering WayAround tags for labeling appliances and tracking repair history, to embracing the white cane as a tool of confidence, this episode dives deep into the intersection of tech, identity, and independence. Penn and Moses keep it real and lighthearted while tackling serious topics like shame, stigma, and self-worth — reminding us all that blindness is not a character flaw. Neva also shares insights about: Her business Experts on Blindness and work as an expert witness in legal cases Her late-in-life discovery of braille and passion for braille literacy Her advocacy for older adults who are newly blind and feel trapped in their homes The myth that using a cane makes you vulnerable — and why it actually empowers you to walk confidently Real-life humor about travel, crowds, and how blind folks get the best concert seats! This conversation will move you, challenge you, and most of all — encourage you to embrace the tools that bring freedom. 🎧 Don’t miss this bold, funny, and refreshingly honest episode. 🔖 Chapter Markers 00:00 — Intro & Hike Announcement 01:23 — How WayAround Tags Work 03:57 — Appliance Tagging & Memory Tools 06:45 — Buying Tags & App Walkthrough 08:00 — Tech Neva Uses Every Day 09:15 — Experts on Blindness & Legal Education 10:35 — Braille Advocacy & Late Learners 13:00 — Fighting the Stigma of the White Cane 15:00 — Neva’s “Aha” Moment in the Woods 18:00 — Confidence vs. Vulnerability with the Cane 21:00 — Crowds, Airports & Humor 23:00 — Where to Find Neva & Final Thoughts 25:00 — Audio Trekkers Hike Info & Closing 🔗 Resources & Contact 📍 WayAround Website: https://www.wayaround.com 🔗 Neva Fairchild on LinkedIn – The only one by that name! 🗓️ Register for the Audio Trekkers Hike (Sept 17): aftersight.org/hike 📧 Feedback & Questions: [email protected] 📞 Listener Line: 720-712-8856 🌐 Discover more Aftersight Originals: aftersight.org

In this powerful episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses sit down with Neva Fairchild—a fierce advocate, rehabilitation counselor, and accessibility expert. Neva shares her extraordinary journey from a childhood of partial sight, misdiagnosis, and bullying to embracing blindness at 30 and diving into advocacy and innovation. The trio explores Neva's late introduction to the white cane and Braille, her evolving career in vision rehabilitation, and her pivotal role in supporting accessible technologies like WayAround. Through emotional honesty and humor, Neva opens up about stigma, independence, and the power of learning to navigate life on your own terms. Don’t miss the inspiring insights, practical tools, and bold truths in this episode. Also: Be sure to check out Neva’s tech-focused episode on Blind Level Tech, and mark your calendars for Aftersight’s upcoming hike on September 13! Register now at aftersight.org/hike. ⏱️ Chapter Markers: 00:00 – Welcome & Reflections from Helen Keller’s Birthplace 02:19 – Dystopian Society Analogy: A Sighted Person’s Insight 03:30 – Introducing Neva Fairchild 04:41 – Accessibility Gaps in the U.S. vs. Abroad 06:55 – Neva’s Early Life and Vision Diagnosis 09:26 – Education, Missed Blindness Skills, and a Military Family Childhood 11:41 – Braille, Cane Travel, and Losing Sight in Her 30s 13:54 – Misconceptions and Delayed Discovery of Blindness Tools 16:10 – College, Social Dynamics, and Career Aspirations 18:25 – How Neva Got Involved with WayAround 20:48 – WayAround vs. PenFriend: Accessible Labeling Then and Now 23:06 – WayAround Tags: How They Work and What They Can Do 25:28 – Using WayAround in Public Spaces & Orientation Features 27:50 – Outro: More to Come + Hike Reminder

In this thought-provoking and unexpectedly fun continuation, The Blind Chick welcomes back author, tech blogger, and blind speedcubing pioneer Paul Martz for Part 2 of a conversation that bends the mind as much as the Rubik’s Cube does. Paul, Penn, and Moses unpack how blind speedcubing works, why accessibility gaps in tech still exist (and what we can learn from curb cuts), and how Paul’s book Solve It is breaking down barriers for blind cubers everywhere. Paul shares how he hacks tactile cubes, connects with a small but growing blind cubing community worldwide, and compares speedcubing to the artistry of musicianship. He also dives into his punk rock days in the 1980s—bands, bar gigs, and brushes with musical legends—proving the life of a blind innovator can be as unpredictable as a scrambled cube. Finally, the team reminds listeners that everyone has a part to play in pushing accessibility forward—one request to Bard at a time. It’s witty, inspiring, and might just convince you to dust off your old Rubik’s Cube, make it tactile, and get your brain moving again—whether you’re blind, sighted, or somewhere in between. ⏱️ Chapter Markers 00:00 — Welcome Back + Summer Vibes 00:40 — Blind Speedcubing: Why It Matters 01:50 — ADA, Curb Cuts & Digital Accessibility 04:00 — AppleViz, Blogging & Making the Impossible Possible 07:00 — Tactile Cubes: DIY or Buy? 09:15 — Writing Solve It: No Pictures Needed 11:30 — Requesting Bard & Bookshare Access 13:00 — Speedcubing Records & Community 16:00 — Rubik’s Cube as Brain Exercise 18:00 — Paul’s Punk Rock Past 22:00 — Brushes with Fame & Hotel Stories 25:00 — Final Words: Pay It Forward 📚 Get Paul’s Book Title: Solve It: The Only Speed Solving Guide for Blind Cubers Find It: Search “Solve It Paul Martz” or visit PaulMartz.com Where to Request: NLS Bard, Bookshare, RNIB (UK), Sela (Canada) 📞 Stay Connected Aftersight: (720) 712-8856 Email: [email protected]

🎙️ Episode Summary In this lively episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses welcome Colorado’s own Paul Martz — a retired software engineer, Rubik’s Cube speed-solver, sci-fi writer, and relentless advocate for accessible tech. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) at age 13, Paul shares candidly how losing vision shaped his life: from the family role models who taught him blindness doesn’t mean isolation, to the hard truths about ego, identity, and finally embracing the white cane. Penn, Moses, and Paul unpack the subtle social shifts that come with using a cane or guide dog — how these tools can change perceptions overnight, even among family and close friends. Paul brings his trademark humor, reminding listeners that adaptability is less about eyesight and more about problem-solving — like speed-solving a Rubik’s Cube with your fingertips and your mind. They also celebrate The Blind Chick’s recent IWIS International Award win for “On Location Production” and invite listeners to get out, get seen, and get moving at Aftersight’s fifth annual Audio Trekkers Hike — happening September 13th in Boulder, Colorado. Stay tuned for part two, where Paul will share more about the world of speed-cubing, accessible tech, and the surprising places life’s puzzles can take you. ⏱️ Chapter Markers 00:00 | Welcome & IWIS Award Celebration 02:16 | The Audio Trekkers Hike — September 13th 04:35 | Meet Paul Martz — Diagnosed with RP at 13 06:50 | Family Role Models & Early Acceptance 09:11 | College, Depression & Finding Counseling 11:28 | The First White Cane — Fears & Reactions 13:39 | The Cane as a Social Signal 15:56 | Family & Friends: How Perception Changes 18:21 | Humor as Survival Tool 20:29 | From Programming to Writing Sci-Fi & Braille Books 22:34 | Adapting in the Early PC Era 24:40 | Transition to Screen Readers & Braille 26:55 | Final Reflections — The Puzzle Keeps Turning 29:00 | Closing & Hike Reminder

In this powerful episode of The Blind Chick, John Romano from Disaster Central joins Penn and Moses to explore emergency preparedness through a lens of accessibility, technology, and community resilience. John shares the heart behind the Be Ready app and how it helps people with disabilities plan ahead for disasters — not only with gear and gadgets but with mindset and connection. The episode features raw stories of past emergencies, including how one blind man refused to leave his guide dog behind during a flood. Listeners are encouraged to participate in upcoming pilot programs and advocate for inclusive planning in their own cities. The message is clear: preparedness isn’t just about surviving a storm, it’s about building strong community ties before the storm ever hits. ⏱️ Chapter Markers 00:00 – Welcome to The Blind Chick 00:27 – Jonathan introduces John Romano & previews Code Orange 01:30 – The mindset of preparedness and the role of battery banks 02:30 – Customizing the Be Ready app for your household 04:50 – Real stories: flood evacuations, guide dogs, and being left behind 07:00 – Planning on the community level: Colorado Functional Needs Conferences 09:25 – 70% of first responders are your family and friends 11:40 – How to bring this program to your city 13:55 – Funding models & donor support for Be Ready 15:55 – Future features: AI & GIS integration 18:15 – Predictive tech and where emergency preparedness is heading 20:35 – The real call to action: Get involved! 22:55 – The power of preparation and community kindness 25:15 – Let's not admire the problem — let’s solve it 27:40 – Closing thoughts and thanks 📞 Contact Info & Resources Disaster Central: https://disastercentral.org Be Ready App: Included in pilot discussions via Disaster Central Interested in the pilot program? Contact Curtis Garrett or Atlantis Community to request local training and preparedness offerings. 🗣️ Key Quotes “70% of your first responders are your family and friends.” — John Romano “Let’s not just admire the problem. Let’s work the problem.” — John Romano “This isn’t about doing it for us — it’s with us.” — Penn Street 📲 Other Shows by Aftersight Blindsight – Mental health and blindness Blind Level Tech – Accessible tech reviews and interviews Navigating Life with Vision Loss – Weekly show coming back this fall with a 16-week safety series Code Orange – Coming soon! Focused on disability-inclusive emergency preparedness

In this eye-opening episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn and Moses Street sit down with John Romano—nonprofit leader, former relief worker, and founder of Disaster Central. John shares how his experience as a pilot, motorcyclist, and Hurricane Sandy relief worker shaped his approach to risk mitigation and inspired the creation of the Be Ready app. The conversation explores how the Be Ready app simplifies emergency planning, especially for individuals with disabilities and access needs. Though accessibility features are still evolving, the app already offers powerful tools like cloud-based document storage, community contact sharing, and preparedness prompts for building continuity in crises. John breaks down his "Dare to Prepare" program, built in collaboration with global research partners and Independent Living Centers across Colorado. From Thailand to Estes Park floods, the stories shared reinforce the urgent need for personalized disaster readiness. The episode ends with a hopeful call for community input to shape the next generation of inclusive emergency tech. ⏱️ Chapter Markers 00:00 – Welcome to The Blind Chick 00:28 – Penn and Moses return from Iceland 01:45 – Introducing John Romano 03:20 – Motorcycle, piloting, and risk management 05:10 – Hurricane Sandy and discovering his purpose 07:22 – Founding Disaster Central 08:40 – Including people with disabilities in emergency planning 09:45 – Developing the Be Ready app 11:35 – Climate change and disaster trends 13:00 – The app as an easy button for preparedness 14:15 – Features: Cloud vault, encrypted storage, pets & guide dogs 17:00 – Accessibility and shared household planning 18:25 – Using the app with family and caretakers 20:25 – Uploading documents and offline access 22:50 – Teaching preparedness like fly fishing 24:00 – The “Dare to Prepare” training program 25:30 – Working with SILCs and CILCs in Colorado 27:40 – AI, accessibility, and the future of the app 29:00 – Outro and teaser for next week's deep dive 📱 Follow & Subscribe Listen to more Aftersight Originals: Blindsight – Mental health & resilience Blind Level Tech – Accessible tech and innovation Navigating Life with Vision Loss – Advocacy, safety & daily life 🌐 Aftersight.org | 🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts

In this raw and inspiring continuation of Zach Tidwell’s story, The Blind Chick dives deeper into Zach’s journey of survival, addiction, recovery, and resilience. After surviving a self-inflicted gunshot wound and waking up totally blind, Zach faced cognitive dissonance, identity loss, and multiple layers of trauma—but he also found something unexpected: purpose. Zach walks us through the blurry, painful months of relearning everything from brushing his teeth to walking again, confronting the reality of permanent blindness, and battling crippling depression—all while defying odds. His path includes learning to snowboard, going back to college, coding an award-winning app, and discovering a new identity through service to the blind and disabled community. He candidly shares his relapse into alcoholism and how he ultimately found the strength to get sober, develop accessible tech, and start a podcast and book that continue to help others. Zach’s story reminds us that failure isn’t final and that purpose can be forged in even the darkest fires. ⏱️ Chapter Markers: 00:00 – Intro + Welcome Back to Part 2 00:28 – Zach’s Awakening + Immediate Aftermath of Attempt 02:54 – ICU, Life Support, and “He’s Still in There” 05:13 – Learning He’s Totally Blind + Initial Reactions 07:16 – Blind Rehab, Adaptive Sports, and Getting Back Up 09:39 – Depression Despite Independence + Sobriety Struggle 12:03 – The Turning Point: Speaking Up to a Therapist 14:19 – The Trigger: Statistics Class + Alcohol Relapse 16:41 – Dropping Out to Code: Creating Accessible Tech 19:04 – Battling Huntington’s Diagnosis + Deeper Addiction 21:20 – Zanagrams: Building the First Fully Accessible Game 22:44 – Sobriety, Speaking, and a Future Reclaimed 24:51 – Final Words: Speak Up + Adapt to Thrive 27:07 – Where to Find Zach + Outro

In this powerful and emotional episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses welcome Zach Tidwell, a blind Marine Corps veteran, suicide survivor, and resilience advocate whose story will leave you speechless—and ultimately inspired. Zach opens up about his time in the military, the deep emotional wounds following betrayal and traumatic brain injury, and the dark spiral into alcoholism and isolation that followed. At his lowest point, Zach attempted to take his own life and survived a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. His recovery, however, would become a testimony not only to medical miracles but to the power of community, perseverance, and purpose. This is part one of a two-part episode. While today's conversation dives into the pain and trauma Zach endured, next week’s episode will celebrate the transformation—highlighting how Zach rebuilt his life, embraced his blindness, launched a podcast (Going In Blind), and became a voice of hope for others battling mental health challenges. ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of depression, suicide, and trauma. Listener discretion is advised. ⏱️ Chapter Markers: 00:00 – Intro: Blindness is an adventure 00:27 – Summer vibes, camping, and introducing Zach Tidwell 02:46 – A “Hollywood” journey: the setup before the turnaround 05:12 – Military legacy and why Zach joined the Marine Corps 07:26 – Deployment betrayal: The Jody story and its aftermath 09:53 – Motorcycle accident and traumatic brain injury 12:07 – Downward spiral: alcohol, depression, and impulse 14:26 – Functioning alcoholic with hidden pain 16:39 – Faking wellness: snowboarding, dirt bikes, and silence 19:00 – The Marine mindset: Suffer in silence 21:23 – March 27: Holding a gun to his head 23:49 – Family fallout and silence during visits 26:32 – March 31: The suicide attempt 28:52 – Jonathan’s close and preview for part two

In this powerful conclusion to our three-part series with Dr. Charles Powell, we dive into his inspiring story of perseverance, professionalism, and pride. Charles shares a transformative moment in his career—an interview that turned into a life-changing opportunity with one of the largest oil and gas companies in the country. With authenticity and passion, he breaks down the stereotypes placed on the blind community—both from the outside world and within. We talk about technology, independence, appearance, work ethic, and the need to raise the bar—not just for others to see what’s possible, but so our own community stops selling itself short. Dr. Powell also opens up about the influence of his blind grandfather, who ran a working farm with grit and dignity long before there was assistive technology. This episode is a rally cry to challenge assumptions, claim our value, and celebrate the unsung mentors whose stories shaped us long before hashtags or headlines. Key Topics Covered: How Dr. Powell landed a role with a billion-dollar company Challenging and embracing stereotypes in the blind community Personal pride, grooming, and presentation as advocacy Honoring the legacy of blind family members who paved the way The role of representation in media and mentorship The growing movement of disability pride and leadership Why we must let go of control and allow purpose to grow organically Quotable Moments: “I didn’t do all this to prove I was blind and could do it. I did it because I wanted to contribute to my family.” – Dr. Charles Powell “We need to break our own stereotypes before we expect the world to.” – Dr. Charles Powell “You don't need a big start. Just start. The movement is already growing.” – Penn Street Chapter Markers: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction to Part 3 with Dr. Charles Powell 01:08 – Charles Returns to Finish His Story: The Job Interview That Changed Everything 03:40 – Showcasing Assistive Tech in the Interview 05:15 – The Surprise CEO Reveal and Job Offer 06:55 – Working for a Billion-Dollar Company 08:20 – Breaking Stereotypes from the Inside 10:30 – Blind Pride: Dressing, Grooming, and Showing Up 12:05 – Public Perception vs. Blind Capability 13:40 – Changing the Narrative Within the Blind Community 15:05 – Penn Reflects on Representation and Role Models 16:30 – Building a Movement: Connection, Advocacy, and Collaboration 18:25 – Celebrate the Wins and Keep the Fire Burning 20:00 – Charles on Legacy: Honoring His Blind Grandfather 23:00 – The Real Motivation: Family, Not Fame 25:10 – Penn on Learning from Her Mom’s Low Vision Journey 26:30 – Closing Remarks and Call to Action 28:00 – Gratitude for the Audience and Aftersight Team 28:45 – Final Encouragement: Be Kind to Yourself and Others Final Words from Penn: “To all our listeners: thank you for making The Blind Chick a top-ranked show. Your ratings, your shares, your belief in what we’re doing—it’s everything. This week, be kind to yourself. Be kind to someone else. It’s good for your soul.” Connect with Dr. Charles Powell: You can find Dr. Powell and his organization, Divine Visions, online to learn more about his advocacy, consulting, and business support services. Stay in Touch: Follow The Blind Chick on your favorite podcast platform, leave a five-star review, and join us next week for another empowering conversation. Produced by: Jonathan Price at Aftersight | [email protected] | (720) 712-8856

In this inspiring second part of our conversation with Dr. Charles Powell, we dive deeper into his story of perseverance, grit, and triumph over systemic barriers. From taking the ADA bus to business college to washing dishes at Chick-fil-A while earning his third master’s degree, Dr. Powell shows us what it really means to defy expectations. When the world wouldn't hire him, he founded Divine Visions, a legal consulting business rooted in justice, faith, and service. Dr. Powell unpacks the stigma blind individuals face in employment and challenges the notion of being "overqualified." He also shares the heartwarming story behind the name Divine Visions and how it reflects both his spiritual purpose and his unwavering clarity of vision. This episode is packed with real talk, legal advocacy, a splash of apple pie, and a whole lot of hope. Contact Us: 📧 [email protected] 📞 (720) 712-8856 💬 Send us your questions or comments for Penn, Moses, or any of our Aftersight hosts! Follow & Rate: ✅ Don’t forget to hit the five-star rating and subscribe! 📱 Join us on Facebook: The Blind Chick Chapter Markers 00:00 – Welcome Back & Shoutout to Penn and Moses 01:05 – Charles Shares How He Enrolled in Paralegal School 02:45 – Learning Together: A Blind Student Meets Unsure Professors 04:48 – From 4.0 GPA to a Bachelor's and Beyond 06:50 – Applying for Jobs While Studying—Even as a Dishwasher 09:10 – The Chick-fil-A Hustle and Dishwasher Excellence 11:30 – Launching Divine Visions: When the System Says No 13:55 – Meaning Behind the Name ‘Divine Visions’ 16:30 – Justice, Poverty, and a Slice of Apple Pie 18:55 – Consulting for the Same Offices That Rejected Him 21:00 – Overqualified? Or Just Threatening to the System? 23:20 – Why Blind Workers Make the Best Employees 25:45 – From Chick-fil-A to Corporate Oil and Gas: The Hook for Part 3