Connected & Curious with Andy

 Episode title and number:  A Conversation That Connects: Storytelling, Community, and Advocacy with Julie Grutzmacher  2-#3 In this episode, Julie Grutzmacher shares her inspiring journey within Prevent Blindness, highlighting the transformative power of storytelling in advocacy and community building. Discover how her background in social work and public health fuels her passion for creating inclusive spaces and empowering individuals with vision loss.Bullet points of key topics & timestamps: 00:00  - Introducing Julie Gritzmacher and her work at Prevent Blindness   04:42 - The origins of Julie’s passion for storytelling and community impact  09:04 - Building the innovative storytelling program from scratch  16:42 - Memorable moments that affirm Julie’s purpose   21:56 - What the blind and visually impaired community has taught Julie  26:02 - Detailed overview of the Aspect Program and advocacy training   30:09 - Current and upcoming program initiatives, including the 2026 Capitol Hill event   36:49 - How sighted allies can support and get involved   42:24 - Resources & upcoming content on mental wellness for vision loss   47:38 - How to connect with Julie for more information and collaboration  Julie's Bio:  Julie Grutzmacher, MSW, MPH, is the Senior Director of patient advocacy and population health initiatives at Prevent Blindness.  She was instrumental in establishing the ASPECT patient engagement program, which trains the visually impaired and blind community and their allies to be storytellers and advocates for change. She is dedicated to creating a space where diverse perspectives can be heard, and individuals are empowered to discover and use their voices for advocacy.  Resources & Links:Living Well with Low Vision websitePrevent BlindnessConnect with Julie Grutzmacher:[email protected] LinkedIn: Prevent BlindnessRemember, building awareness starts with understanding and empathy. Join Julie and others in shaping a more inclusive future by sharing stories, asking questions, and supporting community-driven initiatives.  Connect with Bold Blind Beauty to learn more about our advocacy:Join our Instagram community @BoldBlindBeauty/Subscribe to our YouTube channel @BoldBlindBeautyCheck out our website www.boldblindbeauty.com/ Thanks for listening!❤️ 

Episode title and number:  The Emotional Power of Audio Description Nobody Talks About with Roy Samuelson 2-#2Summary of the show: Join Andy Chadwick in a heartfelt conversation with Roy Samuelson, a pioneer in audio description for visual media. Discover how audio description transforms entertainment for the visually impaired, the artistry behind it, and Roy's inspiring journey from Pennsylvania to Hollywood.Bullet points of key topics & timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Roy Samuelson and His Work02:53 The Personal Journey Behind Audio Description06:05 Understanding Audio Description09:00 The Emotional Connection to Audio Description11:58 Accessibility as Artistry in Entertainment14:51 The Role of Hospitality in Audio Description17:56 The AD Playback Lounge: A New Initiative21:00 AI's Impact on Audio Description24:00 Bridging the Gap Between Blind and Sighted Audiences27:05 Future Projects and Collaborations29:55 Final Thoughts and Reflections  Supporting Our Advocacy Work:⦁ Be a part of the change! Support our advocacy efforts. Bio:Roy Samuelson ensures blind people enjoy watching videos. With thousands of AD credits across Netflix, HBO Max, Disney, A24, and other major studios, he transforms accessibility from a compliance checkbox into a creative and strategic advantage. The work became personal when a close friend lost his sight — and they stayed connected, laughing and debating their favorite shows, because the AD was good enough to carry the experience. Roy saw what was possible. He's been closing the gap ever since. RoySamuelson.com for the AD Playback Lounge, a membership-based Audio Description Performance practice place. Connecting With Roy Samuelson: Website: royssamuelson.com AD Playback LoungeA Voice Actor’s Guide to Audio Description Performance  Connect with Bold Blind Beauty to learn more about our advocacy:Join our Instagram community @BoldBlindBeauty/Subscribe to our YouTube channel @BoldBlindBeautyCheck out our website www.boldblindbeauty.com/ Thanks for listening!❤️ 

 Connected & Curious with Andy is now its own podcast series. This episode was originally released on October 3, 2025, on Bold Blind Beauty On AIR and is now part of Connected & Curious, a conversation series grounded in curiosity, dialogue, and connection across the blindness spectrum. ***Episode title and number: Mara Hutchinson: Redefining Disability in Social Media 1-#1Summary of the show:Host Andy Chadwick talks with Mara Hutchinson, a vibrant content creator, model, and digital influencer. They explore her daily life, experiences as a blind parent with retinitis pigmentosa and Usher Syndrome, and her bold style and love for Soca music. The episode centers on acceptance, communication, and the power of authentic living. Tune in for inspiration and insights on resilience.Bullet points of key topics & timestamps:00:00 Exciting Announcements and New Segments01:12 Introduction to Connected and Curious with Andy02:07 A Day in the Life of Mara Hutchinson04:09 Balancing Authenticity and Online Presence06:53 Challenges and Misconceptions of Blindness12:47 Parenting with RP and Usher Syndrome17:36 Fashion and Personal Style23:41 Music and What Lights You Up28:24  Final Thoughts and Upcoming Projects31:31 Closing RemarksSupporting Our Advocacy Work:⦁ Be a part of the change! Support our advocacy efforts. Connecting With Mara Hutchinson: Instagram: @atemara Connect with Bold Blind Beauty to learn more about our advocacy:Join our Instagram community @BoldBlindBeauty/Subscribe to our YouTube channel @BoldBlindBeautyCheck out our website www.boldblindbeauty.com/ Thanks for listening!❤️