theblindsportpodcast's podcast

In episode 69 we chat with DeafBlind Adventurer Bill Barkeley. Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro, Being the first DeafBlind person to run the Boston Marathon, and recently hiking 500 miles from France to Spain are just some of the challenges that Bill has taken on. Here's a guy who by being solutions focused, encouraging teamwork and striving for both his own success as much as others is truly leading by example. Visit his website Bill also talks about the great work being done by No Barriers USA. Check out their website This is a great conversation and I am sure that you will find it both informative and entertaining. I also include some motivational quotations. You can subscribe, download and listen to this podcast for free via iTunes, a smartphone podcast app, a Victor Reader Stream, or at The Blind Sport Podcast website. Please share this podcast with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters.

In episode 68 we chat with vision impaired Skateboarder Daniel Mancina from Michigan. Daniel's determination and passion for this sport has allowed him to adapt and master methods and skills that give him the ability to do some pretty cool stuff on a skateboard. This is yet again another great story of someone who won't let vision impairment stop him from doing what he wants to do. This is a great conversation and I am sure that you will find it both informative and entertaining. I also include some motivational quotations. You can subscribe, download and listen to this podcast for free via iTunes, a smartphone podcast app, a Victor Reader Stream, or at The Blind Sport Podcast website. www.theblindsportpodcast.com Cheers, Mike.

In episode 67 we chat with vision impaired runner Chaz Davis from Denver Colorado. On debut at the California International Marathon Chaz was not only the first vision impaired finisher, but he also set a new US VI record of 2:31:48. He recently competed at the Rio Paralympics in the 1,500 and 5,000 meters, so didn't have much time to change his training focus to build up to run 42.2km 26.2 miles. This is a great conversation and I am sure that you will find it both informative and entertaining. I also include some motivational quotations. You can subscribe, download and listen to this podcast for free via iTunes, a smartphone podcast app, a Victor Reader Stream, or at The Blind Sport Podcast website. Please share this podcast with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters.

In episode 66 we chat with blind sprinter David Brown from the USA as he returns from the Rio Paralympics, where he ran with his guides Jerome Avery and Mason Rhodes. Not only did David win gold in the T11 (or totally blind) category in the 100 meter sprint, but he set a new Paralympic record in the process of 10.99 seconds. Fantastic effort! - But not all of his plans worked out. Check out his story. This is a great conversation and I am sure that you will find it both informative and entertaining. I also include some motivational quotations. You can subscribe, download and listen to this podcast for free via iTunes, a smartphone podcast app, a Victor Reader Stream, or at The Blind Sport Podcast website. Please share this podcast with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters. Cheers, Mike.

In episode 65 we chat with vision impaired ultra-runner Rhonda-Marie Avery from Canada. This lady has taken on some amazing challenges including running Canada's 885km Bruce Trail in 20 days. She was also the first vision impaired person to enter the Barkley Marathons in Tennessee, which is an almost impossible to finish 100 mile challenge. And if that wasn't enough, she is now training to do a double Ironman in Florida. Check out Rhonda-Marie's Envisions Project website http://www.envisionsproject.com This is a great conversation and I am sure that you will find it both informative and entertaining. I also include some motivational quotations. You can subscribe, download and listen to this podcast for free via iTunes, a smartphone podcast app, a Victor Reader Stream, or at The Blind Sport Podcast website. Please share this podcast with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters. Cheers, Mike.

In episode 64 we chat with blind sprinter David Brown from the USA as he prepares for the Rio Paralympic Games, where he will run with his guides Jerome Avery and Mason Rhodes. David has an impressive list of achievements on the athletics track in the 100, 200 and 400 meter events. He was the first totally blind runner to get under 11 seconds for the 100 meters, and holds the T11 world record of 10.92 seconds. Check out David's website http://www.running4hisglory.com This is a great conversation and I am sure that you will find it both informative and entertaining. I also include some motivational quotations. You can subscribe, download and listen to this podcast for free via iTunes, a smartphone podcast app, a Victor Reader Stream, or at The Blind Sport Podcast website. Please share this podcast with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters.

In episode 63 we chat with blind track and field athlete and Paralympian Lex Gillette from the USA as he prepares for Reo. Lex has a stack of national, world and Paralympic achievements as a track sprinter as well as in triple jump and long jump. He has set a world record in the F11 long jump of 6.73 metres (22.1 feet). Check out his website http://www.lexgillette.com This is a great conversation and I am sure that you will find it both informative and entertaining. I also include some motivational quotations that include the word "Jump". You can subscribe, download and listen to this podcast for free via iTunes, a smartphone podcast app, a Victor Reader Stream, or at The Blind Sport Podcast website. Please share this podcast with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters.   Cheers, Mike.

Triathlon is a challenging game, and in order to do well, you need to love the focus and commitment that this sport demands. In episode 62 we chat with vision impaired Paratriathlete Amy Dixon from the U.S. Amy ranks in the world's top ten of blind and vision impaired female triathletes. Check out her website www.amydixonusa.com For more information about Paratriathlon check out www.triathlon.org/paratriathlon This is a great conversation and I am sure that you will find it both informative and entertaining. I also include some motivational quotations that include the word "Try". You can subscribe, download and listen to this podcast for free via iTunes, a smartphone podcast app, a Victor Reader Stream, or at The Blind Sport Podcast website. Please share this podcast with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters. Cheers, Mike.

In episode 61we chat with blind triathlete Gillian Walker from New Zealand. Gillian has completed 17 full Ironman triathlons including being the first blind person to compete in New Zealand as well as the home of Ironman - Hawaii. A 3.8km swim, a 180km cycle followed by a 42km marathon run makes for a big day out. So how does a blind person compete in this endurance  multi-sport when no blind people have done it before? Well, with some good old guts and determination I'd say. This is a great conversation and I am sure that you will find it both informative and entertaining. I also include some motivational quotations that are based around the concept of "Pioneering". You can subscribe, download and listen to this podcast for free via iTunes, a smartphone podcast app, a Victor Reader Stream, or at The Blind Sport Podcast website. Please share this podcast with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters. Cheers, Mike.

In episode 60 we chat with Blind Alive founder Mel Scott. www.BlindAlive.com is a result of Mel's desire to find accessible fitness programs that can be done in the comfort of your own home (With or without sight). How do you follow a fitness instructor when the instructions are mostly visual? By designing routines that can be followed with audible instructions. That's how, and that's just what Mel and her team did. This is a great conversation and I am sure that you will find it both informative and entertaining. I also include some motivational quotations that include the word "Alive". You can subscribe, download and listen to this podcast for free via iTunes, a smartphone podcast app, a Victor Reader Stream, or at The Blind Sport Podcast website. Please share this podcast with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters.

In episode 59 we chat with Blind Adventurer Miles Hilton-Barber from England. Despite being blind for over 25 years, Miles has still lived his dreams, (and man, does this guy dream big), encouraging us to realise that "The only limits in our lives are those we accept ourselves." Some of his adventures have included running Ultra-marathons, mountain climbing, trekking in Antarctica, driving supercharged drag-racing cars, speed boats, setting a grand prix track record, piloting a microlight from London to Sydney and being the first blind person to break the sound barrier in a fighter jet. And believe me, the list goes on.   For a look at his impressive list of achievements and adventures, I recommend that you check out his website www.mileshilton-barber.com This is a great conversation and I am sure that you will find it both informative and entertaining. I also include some motivational quotations. You can subscribe, download and listen to this podcast for free via iTunes, a smartphone podcast app, a Victor Reader Stream, or at The Blind Sport Podcast website. Please share this podcast with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters. Cheers, Mike.

Are you wanting to be more fit, more self-confident and more physically capable? Well, whether you become a multiple black belt lethal Ninja or just someone who can fall over without hurting yourself, then maybe Martial Arts is worth considering. There are so many styles of Martial Arts to choose from that you can train in, and some, that are more suited to people with limited or no vision than others. In episode 58 we chat with David Kuttnauer from San Diego, California, or as he is known as within certain circles "Blind Fury", who in the last few years has got involved in mixed martial arts. We discuss his experiences with Mixed Martial Arts and discuss how this sport  can be of benefit to blind and Vision Impaired people. For more information or to contact David email [email protected] is a great conversation and I hope you find it both informative and entertaining. I also include some motivational quotations.You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio.Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters. Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcastCheers, Mike.

When was the last time that you rode a bike? Can you remember how great that felt? Being part of a tandem team of sighted captain and blind stoker is pretty amazing. Whether your goal is to improve your fitness, to cycle at a competitive level or just have a bit of weekend fun, riding a tandem could be the sport for you. In episode 57 we chat with Dave White (Club Director and sighted tandem captain) and Andy Granda(Deaf Blind Stoker) from the Blind Stokers Club in San Diego about their club and how this organisation is supporting the blind and Vision Impaired to enjoy the sport of Tandem Cycling. For more information or to contact the Blind Stokers Club visit their website www.blindstokersclub.org or follow the Blind Stokers Club on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/BlindStokersClubThis is a great conversation and I hope you find it both informative and entertaining. I also include some motivational quotations.You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio.Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters. Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcastCheers, Mike.

So is the Apple Watch just an expensive gimmicky fashion accessory? Or could it actually help me with my sport or physical activities?In episode 56 we chat with Jonathan Mosen from Wellington New Zealand about the Apple Watch and how it can be used to assist your sport or physical fitness goals. Jonathan is a well-respected voice in the world of accessible technology for the Blind and vision impaired. Listen to how he has recently benefitted from using many features of the Apple Watch to support his personal health and fitness goals. For more information or to contact Jonathan check out Mosen Consulting - Blindness technology eBooks, audiobooks and training http://Mosen.orgFor additional resources on the accessibility of the Apple Watch as well as other Apple technologies for the blind check out http://applevis.comThis is a great conversation and I hope you find it both informative and entertaining. I also include some motivational quotations.You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio.Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters. Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcastCheers, Mike.

Blind people are running the streets unassisted? Well Yes! Blind runner Simon Wheatcroft from Doncaster England is doing just that. In episode 55 we chat with Simon about the methods, adaptions and technologies that he uses to allow him to run alone around his local area. Some of Simon's running achievements have included marathons and ultra-distance events including his 2014 epic run from Boston to New York to finish off with the New York City Marathon. Simon is currently training towards his goal of being the first blind person to run a 160 mile ultra-distance run across the desert solo.For more information or to contact Simon check out his website http://andadapt.com - Facebook http://facebook.com/andadapt - Twitter @andadaptWhether you are a beginner or an experienced blind or vision impaired runner or walker, you may like to check out Achilles International http://www.achillesinternational.org as they can assist people to run in various countries and even assist you to participate in the TCS New York City Marathon. Some technology mentioned by Simon in this conversation include the "Run Keeper" app https://www.runkeeper.com and Techno Gym treadmills and the "MyRun" iPad app https://itunes.apple.com/bg/app/myrun-app/id918088000?mt=8This is a great conversation and I hope you find it both inspiring and entertaining. I also include some motivational quotations.You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio.Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters. Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcastCheers, Mike.

Running as a blind person can be an adventure, but for Daniel Berlin from Colorado, he makes sure that it is. In episode 54 we chat with Dan about his running journey and cover some of his epic adventures which include marathons, triathlons and ultra-distance off-road challenges. Some of Dan's achievements include running the Inca Trail in Peru in one day and running rim to rim to rim of the Grand Canyon with "Team See Possibilities". Let's find out how his passion for adventure along with a great support team have allowed him to take on some amazing long distance runs (both on and off-road) at the same time as raising money for various blindness related organisations.For more information or to contact "Team See Possibilities" check out their website. http://teamseepossibilities.com - Facebook. teamseepossibilities - Twitter. @teamseepossWhether you are a beginner or an experienced blind or vision impaired runner or walker, you may like to check out Achilles International http://www.achillesinternational.org as they can assist people to run in various countries and even assist you to participate in the TCS New York City Marathon. This is a great conversation and I hope you find it both inspiring and entertaining. I also include some motivational quotations.You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio.Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters. Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcastCheers, Mike.

Can you imagine riding a motorbike without sight? What about attempting a world record speed challenge? In episode 53 we chat with Stuart Gunn from Edinburgh Scotland about breaking the world record as the fastest blind motorcyclist. When we think about the sports typically pursued by people who are blind, Motorbike riding doesn't usually feature very high in the list of options, but for Stuart Gunn it is his passion. Let's find out how this man’s enthusiasm for a sport and the ability to adapt allowed him to fulfill a dream. Stuart holds the motorcycling world speed record of 167.1 miles per hour as both a blind and disabled person.This is a great conversation and I hope you find it both inspiring and entertaining. I also include some motivational quotations.You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio.Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters. Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcastCheers, Mike.

Volunteers providing sighted assistance can make such a huge difference in how blind and vision impaired people approach their chosen sport or physical activity. Vision impaired runner and snow skier Kyle Robidoux chats with us about his involvement working with volunteers and peer support groups for MABVI (Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired). He also explains the various ways that he uses sighted guides to assist him to enjoy his chosen sports of long distance running and alpine skiing. Kyle's blog can be found at http://www.blindbeerrunner.blogspot.comFor your reference, some initiatives that have been created to match blind/vision impaired runners with sighted running guides are: United In Stride http://www.unitedinstride.comAchilles International http://www.achillesinternational.orgAlso check out these two groups on Facebook, Running Eyes, bringing Guides & Visually Impaired runners/joggers together and Visually Impaired and Blind Runners and GuidesThis is a great conversation and I hope you find it both entertaining and educational.I also include some motivational quotations.You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio.Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters. Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcastCheers, Mike.

Could you be better at sport if you made clicking sounds with your mouth? Daniel Kish from California talks to us in episode 51 about how he has mastered the skill of Echo Location to assist him to interpret his surrounding environment in order to not only safely navigate around, but even more than that, be able to enjoy solo activities such as running, cycling and hiking as a blind person. Daniel explains the work that he does with World Access For The Blind http://www.worldaccessfortheblind.org and how their training methods are having a massive impact on the way that many blind people interact with their environment, independently navigate the world and participate in many sports and physical activities.This is a very thought provoking conversation and may challenge some of your views and beliefs. Is it possible to do more than you think without sight? I also include some motivational quotations.You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio.Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters. Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcastCheers, Mike.

In episode 50 I share my experience of participating in my seventh New York City Marathon. On November 1 along with 50,000 other runners, I hit the streets of New York's five boroughs with the enthusiastic support of two to three million spectators. Wow! What an amazing adventure. Listen to why this specific marathon is so special to me and probably anyone else that has had the privilege to experience it. A huge thank you to my guide/support team, Achilles New Zealand/Achilles New York and everyone else who has played a part in getting me to that finish line. What an absolutely epic adventure it has been. If you are blind or have a disability, I hope my story will encourage you to say "Yes" to doing what it takes to run or walk a marathon. As the saying goes, "You can learn everything that you ever wanted to know about yourself (and more) in just 26 miles/42 kilometres."I also include some motivational sayings/quotations seen along the course.You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio.Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters. Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcastCheers, Mike.

How amazing would it be for you and your team to be powering your boat towards the finish line of a rowing race? Well, in episode 49 we chat with Victoria Nolan from Toronto Canada about Rowing for the blind. Victoria has competed in five World Championship's and two Paralympic Games where she has taken away an impressive array of medals. She is also the author of the book Beyond Vision - The story of a blind rower. Victoria talks about the methods required to learn how to row without sight and outlines why rowing is such a great sport for people with either low or no vision. Listen to how the sport of Rowing has changed her life. To find out more about Victoria visit her website http://www.blindrower.comI also include some motivational quotations.You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio.Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters. Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcastCheers, Mike.

How cool would it be to be blind and be on a surfboard, waiting to capture that big wave? Then to ride that wild water towards the beach. Well, In episode 48 we chat with Larry Graff from California USA about surfing for the blind. For over 20 years Swami's Surfing Association has been running programs to support vision impaired and blind people to be involved with surfing.Larry talks about the methods required to learn how to surf without sight and outlines why this is a great sport for people with either low or no vision. I also include some motivational quotations.You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio.Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters. Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcastCheers, Mike. 

In episode 47 we chat with 3rd degree black belt and Instructor Joshua Loya from California USA about the Martial Art of Karate.Joshua talks about the methods required to learn Karate without sight and outlines why this is a great sport for people with either low or no vision. For more information about Joshua visit http://www.servantwarrioronline.comI also include some motivational quotations.You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio.Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters. Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcastCheers, Mike

You don't need sight to sail a yacht. Feel the breeze, listen to what the boat is doing and ride the waves. What could be better?In episode 46 we take a sail out on Auckland Harbour with the New Zealand B1 sailing team as they get some last minute training in before they head off to compete in the World Blind Sailing Fleet Championships in Chicago USA. We talk to Disabled Sailing Coordinator, Helena Horswell from Yachting New Zealand about the various options available for vision impaired, blind and disabled sailors.After that we chat with former B2 world champion Paulien Eitjes from Tauranga New Zealand about her experiences as a vision impaired sailor.For more information about blind sailing visit http://blindsailinginternational.comThe website for Blind Sailing New Zealand is http://blindsailing.org.nzI also include some motivational quotations.You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio.Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters. Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcast

"Crossfit" the sport of fitness has become a worldwide phenomenon. In episode 45 I chat with blind Crossfit trainer  Bettina Dolinsek from Iowa USA. Join us and listen to how Crossfit can be done as a blind person. Bettina shares her story of how Crossfit has changed her life as well as various handy tips to getting the most from your training.This is a great conversation and outlines both the physical and mental benefits gained by participating in Crossfit.I also include some motivational quotations. You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio. Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters.  Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcastCheers, Mike.

Is running a Marathon getting too easy? How about running an Ultramarathon?In episode 44 I chat with vision impaired ultramarathon runner Jason Romero from Colorado.Join us and listen to how running Ultramarathons can be done as a blind person. Jason shares his stories of ultra-distance events as well as various handy tips to running in different environments with limited vision.Jason has just completed the Death Valley Badwater Ultramarathon which is a 135 mile (217 km) run with 13,000 feet (4,000 m) of cumulative elevation gain in temperatures of up to 120 degrees F (48 degrees C). Check out Jason's website for more information on his achievements http://www.relentlessromero.comThis is an amazing conversation and an interesting insight into the physical and mental preparation required to take on endurance events.I also include some motivational quotations. You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio. Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters.  Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcastCheers, Mike.

Do you enjoy feeling your way through a dark, unfamiliar, obstacle filled environment? If you don't get enough of this as part of everyday life as a blind person, then you could go caving.In episode 43 I chat with vision impaired caver Graham Owen from England and his caving guide Jimmy.Join us and listen to how caving (or Potholing as it is known) can be done as a blind person. Graham shares his stories of various underground adventures, handy tips and funny experiences. Jimmy shares his approach to guiding a blind person through a variety of terrains which include navigating caverns full of crystal formations, abseiling down rock faces and squeezing through rock tunnels that are only as wide as your body. Are you feeling claustrophobic yet?This is a great conversation and an interesting overview of a challenging sport for the underground adventurer.I also include some motivational quotations. You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio. Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters.  Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcast Cheers, Mike.  

That blind guy rides his own mountain bike? Yes, he sure does. Let's find out how that works.Bobby McMullen is vision impaired and has survived diabetes, kidney failure, years of dialysis, two kidney/pancreas transplants, open-heart surgery, and has battled a particularly aggressive form of cancer. He has broken more bones than he can count. In spite of challenges that would take most people out, Bobby lives life full-on. He is a passionate extreme sport competitor - a tenacious adrenaline junkie who competes alongside fully able racers. As a downhill mountain bike racer, his “life support” is the bike. In 1993, during his first year of law school, Bobby lost his eyesight as a result of complications related to diabetes. It was a sudden loss. He was totally blind in a month.Undeterred from pursuing his love of competitive sports, Bobby learned to ski with a guide. Within a year he qualified for the U.S. Disabled Ski Team. He spent seven years as a member of the U.S. Team, was a two-time U.S. Disabled Overall Downhill champion, and earned his spot on the Nagano Paralympic ski team.He competed in the 1998 Paralympics in Nagano, Japan, taking fifth place in the Alpine downhill ski competition. He continued to race with the U.S. team until his body rejected his first transplant organs. He endured another two years of dialysis before receiving his second double transplant in 2003.Through his ski career, Bobby used cycling as a means of balance, strength and endurance conditioning during off-season. He worked with other riders to develop a method of “guide-follow” (similar to that used in skiing) for use in both road and mountain bike riding. He works with a “ride guide” who rides ahead of him and calls out obstacles. Bobby’s passion is mountain bike downhill competition, though he competes in cross-country races as well. In 2006 he completed the 3,000-mile Race Across America, riding for Team Donate Life to raise money for transplant research.Bobby’s life and philosophies are subjects of the international award-winning documentary "The Way Bobby Sees It" (Check it out on YouTube)2012 threw some powerful obstacles in Bobby’s path. He underwent heart bypass surgery to unclog arteries, had a pacemaker inserted in his chest, was diagnosed with cancer that metastasized to his lymph nodes and required multiple surgeries along with a radical regimen of radiation treatments. Nevertheless, he came through not much worse for wear, still pedalling, still smiling and optimistic. He continued to participate in race events and to motivate others through speaking events.By participating in these events, Bobby has been able to spread awareness of and appreciation for disabled athletes, to inspire and motivate thousands of people world-wide, and to demonstrate all that is possible in life.For more information about Bobby visit his website rideblindracing.comI also include a very special quotation from Bobby. You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio. Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters.  Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcast  

Steve Baskis is an American Army Veteran that was blinded in 2008 while on patrol in Iraq. Since then he has been active in a variety of sports including running, triathlon, skiing, kayaking, biathlon, climbing mountains and much more.In episode 41 I chat with Steve and discuss his accomplishments, his attitude to living an active life and his work helping others.The Blind Endeavors Foundation was founded by Steve Baskis in 2014 with a mission to raise awareness through adventure and exploration. To not only share great stories of human resilience, but to increase general awareness about the accessible technology, medical advancements and adaptive recreation that exist in our world today for people with physical and mental disabilities.By raising awareness through media and educational presentations, they aim to get more people outside to enjoy what life has to offer and to inspire others to develop new technology and techniques that will benefit all those with disabilities.For more information about Steve and the Blind Endeavors Foundation, visit http://www.blindendeavors.orgThis is an inspirational conversation and you are invited to join us and hear Steve's triumphant stories. I also include some motivational quotations. You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio. Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters.  Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcast

Let's learn about Adaptive Technology, Orientation and Mobility and Daily living skills used to enjoy fishing as a blind person. In episode 40 I chat with Lawrence Gunther from Canada about his fishing experiences. Lawrence is a fishing blogger, podcaster and TV presenter and is soon to release a documentary. For tips on blind fishing, visit http://blindfishingboat.com He is also working hard in the area of conservation. Check out his Blue Fish Radio podcast at https://www.spreaker.com/page#!/show/the_blue_fish_radio_show For more information about Lawrence, visit his website http://www.lawrencegunther.com This is a great conversation and you are invited to join us for a bit of fun and hear Lawrence's insightful stories. I also include some motivational quotations.  You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio.  Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters.  Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcast  Cheers, Mike

In episode 39 I chat with Dave Heeley from West Bromwich in the UK about his epic endurance experiences. Dave, or "Blind Dave Heeley" (as he is known) shares with us his story of vision loss, his involvement in sport growing up and his amazing sporting accomplishments. Some of Dave's achievements include:• Being the first blind person to complete 7 marathons in 7 days in 7 continents.• Completing the Top2Toe, which is a 1,000 mile combination of running & cycling between John O’groats and Lands End (the top to the bottom of Great Britain), where each day consists of  Running a marathon followed by a 70+ mile cycle for ten days straight. • 13 London Marathons.• Cycling through 7 European countries. • Completing the Marathon Des Sables which is a 156 mile (251km) run across the Sahara Desert. For more information about Dave, visit his website http://blinddaveheeley.co.uk This is a great conversation and you are invited to join us for a bit of fun and hear Dave's amazing story. I also include some motivational quotations.  You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio.  Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters.  Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcast

"Come on Ref! Are you blind or something?" Just how many times have you heard that at a footy game? Well Yes, this time, actually she is!In episode 38 I chat with Julie Woods from Dunedin New Zealand about her experiences of being the blind referee at the Nude Touch Rugby. Julie, or "That Blind Woman" (as she is known) shares with us her story of vision loss, her involvement in sport and her passion to spread her message of "Why not". This is a great conversation and you are invited to join us for a bit of fun. I also include some motivational quotations about enthusiasm. You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio. Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters.  Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcast Cheers, Mike.

Have you been wanting an easy to use, 60 minute audio timer, to assist you with your workouts or training sessions? Well here it is. Listen to, or download this 60 minute audio timer. This recording will play a bell sound every minute, and speak the time every 5 minutes. After 30 minutes, both the elapsed, and remaining time will be announced. You can play this audio timer on any audio device that supports MP3 files. Whether you are walking, running, or interval training on the treadmill or outdoors, this can be a handy tool. When you are on the rower, exercycle or cross-trainer at the gym Or for any other type of workout, the 60 minute audio timer will allow you to keep track of the time elapsed and the time remaining. This recording has no included music or additional sound apart from the one minute interval bells and the five minute time notifications. This means that it will not conflict with any other music source in your workout environment. This is also good for outdoor situations where you need to hear your surroundings unimpeded. If you are playing this audio timer on a device that allows you to start playback at a specified time, and you want to use a countdown timer of a specified length, then you can begin the audio timer to suit your training session needs. For example if you start the audio timer at 40 minutes, you will hear the bell followed by 40 minutes completed and 20 minutes remaining. In this way it can be a very flexible timing tool. This timer is proudly brought to you by the blind sport podcast, and is a free mp3 download from the blind sport podcast.com Please email me with any comments about how you have made use of this recording. All feedback welcome. Enjoy your 60 minute workout.

Can sport influence my employment opportunities? In episode 37 I chat with Dr Karen Wolffe from Texas about how being involved with sport can have many advantages in relation to seeking and maintaining employment. Karen has an extensive career working in the area of employment for the blind and vision impaired as an author, consultant and career councillor. In this episode I let you know about a new free blind sport resource that you might find useful. I also include some motivational quotations about attitude.  You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio.  Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters.  Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcast

Blind people play Ice Hockey? Yes, we are talking about that fast and furious sport. In episode 36 we talk with Gary Steeves from Courage Canada about Blind Ice Hockey. The sport of Blind Ice Hockey has existed in various forms across Canada for over 40 years. This mixed-gender sport has provided countless Canadians who are blind or visually impaired with the opportunity to play Canada’s favorite game, along with all the social, mental, emotional, and physical health benefits of belonging to a hockey team. Established in 2008,  Courage Canada leads the development of the sport of Blind Ice Hockey by working collaboratively with Blind Hockey teams to grow the sport in Canada and is attempting to spread awareness to other countries. Courage Canada provides children, youth and adults with the opportunity to learn to skate and try Blind Hockey and supports nationwide training programs. They have also been successful in establishing the annual "Courage Canada National Blind Hockey Tournament". The game of Blind Ice Hockey is essentially the same exhilarating, fast-paced game that the Sighted play, but with a few minimal rule and puck adaptations. This sport features an adapted puck that makes noise, and is both bigger and slower than a traditional puck. Players levels of vision range from legally blind – approximately 10% vision or less – to totally blind, with the lowest vision athletes playing defence or goal. For more information about Blind Ice Hockey, check out these websites: Courage Canada http://www.couragecanada.ca/Courage USA http://courageusa.org I also include some motivational quotations.  You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio.  Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters.  Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcast

How do blind people play Football? Yes, we are talking about Soccer, the round ball game. In episode 35 we talk with Tony Larkin from England about Blind Football. Football for the blind and partially sighted started out as a playground game for school children in special schools for the visually impaired. This five per side game (four field players plus a Goal Keeper) has now become one of the most popular sports for people with a visual impairment worldwide. The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) has two types of football - B1 for footballers who are completely blind and B2/B3 for players who are partially sighted. B1 football has become one of the biggest sports on the Paralympic Games programme following its debut at the Athens 2004 games. During a footballing career spanning fifteen years Tony Larkin made over 450 professional appearances for several English teams.  It was while he was playing for Shrewsbury that he first became involved with the Royal National College for the Blind after doing some voluntary work there. Impressed with the enthusiasm of the students he returned to RNC to coach sports after finishing his playing career at Hereford United. Tony was instrumental in helping to establish the United Kingdom's first football academy for visually impaired players. He has lead the Great Britain blind football team to several Paralympic Games, European and World Championships and now runs training programs for other coaches from around the United Kingdom and throughout Europe. Tony became Patron of British Blind Sport in March 2013. For more information about blind football check out http://www.ibsasport.org/sports/football/ I also include some motivational quotations.  You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio.  Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters.  Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcast

How do blind people play Golf? In episode 34 we talk with Jeremy Poincenot from California and Ty Thompson from Kentucky about Blind Golf. Jeremy is four times U.S National Blind Golf Champion and the 2010 World Blind Golf Champion (B2). Ty is three times U.S National Blind Golf Champion (B2).   For more information on Blind Golf visit these websites. United States Blind Golf Association - USBGA www.usblindgolf.com International Blind Golf Association - IBGA - www.internationalblindgolf.com I also include some motivational quotations.  You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio.  Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters.  Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcast  Cheers, Mike.

In episode 33 we talk with Hein Wagner from Capetown South Africa. Hein's passion is to tackle extreme adventure sports in order to raise funds for the VisionTrust to provide adaptive technology options so blind people can achieve their vocational goals. From braking landspeed records to participating in the Antarctica Marathon or Absa Cape Epic, no challenge is to extreme for Hein when it comes to helping others. Hein became the first blind person to run the Antarctica Marathon.Hein became the first blind person to complete the Absa Cape Epic mountain bike race, commonly known as the Tour De France of mountain biking. Hein broke the blind landspeed record when he drove a car at over 200 miles per hour (322.5 KPH).On top of all that, he can add Ironman, international sailing, cricket, parachuting and much more to the vast list of sports that he has been involved with. Hein Wagner is living proof that despite the challenges that come our way, anything is possible. He does not allow his blindness to stand in the way of his dreams and people often refer to him as a blind man with exceptional vision. For more information or to support VisionTrust, visit http://www.heinwagner.co.za, or email [email protected] This is a great conversation and I hope that you get as much out of it as I did. I also include some motivational quotations.  You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio.  Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters.  Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcast  Cheers, Mike

In episode 32 we talk with Mike May from California USA. Mike is an American business executive, skier and enthusiast of other sports who was blinded by a chemical explosion at the age of three. Among his many accomplishments, Mike holds the record for downhill skiing by a person who is completely blind (racing at 65 mph). He competed in the alpine skiing event at the 1984 Winter Paralympics and won three bronze medals in the downhill, giant slalom, and combination events. He regained partial vision in 2000 after cornea transplants and a pioneering stem cell procedure. We discuss how this effected his approach to sport. In 1999, Mike founded the Sendero Group which is a company that develops accessible GPS navigation technology for the blind. So how can blind people use GPS tools to enhance their enjoyment of sport? This is a great conversation and I hope that you get as much out of it as I did. I also include some motivational quotations.

What would it be like to water ski blind? How cool would it be to slalom, perform tricks or go over a ski jump? In episode 31 we talk with Janet Gray from Northern Ireland to find out how blind and vision impaired people can enjoy the sport of water skiing. Janet is blind, and won three consecutive world disabled water skiing titles in 1999, 2001 and 2003. Then in 2004, Janet suffered horrific injuries when she collided with a water ski jump ramp at high speed in Florida. Her heart stopped four times while she was in intensive care in a US hospital and her husband Paul was even told to arrange her funeral. Throughout her long and painful recovery, Janet was determined to walk again, regain her independence again and even got back behind a boat again. Incredibly, Janet took the world title again in 2007. She also set a host of still unbeaten world and European records and she became the first blind woman in history to jump beyond 50 feet. Janet is the author of her book "Blind Ambition", and is a motivational speaker. She was also awarded an MBE in 2002 for her work with sport for the disabled. This is a great conversation and I hope that you get as much out of it as I did. I also include some motivational quotations.  You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio.  Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters.  Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcast

Did you hear the one about the blind guy who swam country to country? In episode 30 we talk with James Pittar from Australia to find out how blind and vision impaired people can enjoy the sport of long distance swimming. James was the first blind person to swim the English Channel, New Zealand's Cook Straight and many other international ocean swims. He has participated in many swimming events to raise money and awareness for a variety of organisations such as the Paralympics and The Fred Hollows Foundation. James has also been inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame. Listen to James share many fascinating stories including swimming in five degree water, battling four metre waves and avoiding sharks. I am sure that you will find our conversation to be as enlightening as much as I did. James is yet another great example of a guy who doesn't let his disability dictate how he lives his life. I also include some motivational quotations.

How can blind people play Lawn Bowls? In episode 29 we talk with David Monk and Kevin Smith from New Zealand to find out how blind and vision impaired people can enjoy the sport of Lawn Bowls. David became B1 world champion when he won the gold medal at the 2013 World Blind Lawn Bowls Championships in England with his wife Kath as Director. Learn how this game can be adapted for blind and vision impaired players of all ages. We also speak to Kevin Smith about how local bowling clubs as well as other sighted players can support, coach and compete alongside blind and vision impaired bowlers. Kevin is a NZBLBA administrator, team manager and director. I also include some motivational quotations based on Skill.

How can blind people exercise at the Gym? In episode 28 we talk with Bill Kociaba from South Florida to find out how blind and vision impaired people can successfully workout at their local or home gym. As a blind personal trainer, massage therapist and former gym owner, Bill shares some insightful gym tips from his years as both a fitness industry professional as well as being a personal gym user. Learn how to turn your public gym sessions into a more accessible and enjoyable experience. Get some great hints on how to setup your own home gym. Find out what it takes to have a successful career as a blind fitness professional. Visit his website at http:kociaba-fitness.com to follow his blogs, listen to interviews and gain great training tips. Bill can be contacted via email at [email protected]. I also include some motivational quotations based on exercise.

How can blind people play Tennis? In episode 27 we talk with Alan Whetherly from England to find out how blind and vision impaired people can enjoy the sport of Tennis. Alan is the advisor to the Tennis Foundation for visually impaired tennis in the UK. He has partial vision and has been playing visually impaired tennis since this adapted sport was introduced into England by the Japanese in 2007. Alan is also a Level 2 coach (one of 3 visually impaired coaches in the UK). His role is to increase participation,  develop a coach education programme and increase the number of clubs offering sessions. Alan can be contacted via email at [email protected]. I also include some motivational quotations based on Tennis.

How can blind people Scuba Dive? In episode 26 we chat with Jim Elliott from Diveheart to find out how blind and vision impaired people can enjoy the sport of scuba diving. For more information or to contact this amazing organization that is changing lives for people with disabilities, visit the Diveheart Foundation website http://diveheart.org. Jim outlines the objectives of Diveheart and shares his experiences of how diving has positively effected people with a variety of disabilities and of a wide range of ages. He explains how with adapted training and technology, how totally blind, partially sighted and deafblind divers can pursue life-changing under water adventures. I also include some motivational quotations based on diving.  You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio.  Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters.  Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcast

What is Beep Kickball?  In episode 25 we chat with Judy Byrd from the Beep Kickball Association in Atlanta USA. Find out how this game is played and why it is such a popular sport for the blind and vision impaired. A great game for kids as well as people of all ages. I also include some motivational quotations.  You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio.  Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters.  Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcast  Cheers, Mike.

What is Deep Water Running?  In episode 24 we chat with Kiri Price from the Millennium Institute Of Sport in Auckland New Zealand about Deep Water Running which can often be referred to as Pool Running or Aqua Jogging. Find out how it is done and why it is such a great tool for general fitness, recovery, injury management or to supplement your training program. I also include some motivational quotations.  You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio.  Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters.  Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcast  Cheers, Mike.

What is Swish?  In episode 23 we chat with David Truong from Brisbane Australia about the blind sport of Swish. This is a modified version of Table Tennis specifically designed for blind and vision impaired players of all ages. Find out how it is played and why it is such a great sport. I also include some motivational quotations.  You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio.  Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters.  Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcast  Cheers, Mike.

 In episode 22 we chat with John Stratford from New Zealand about being the world's first blind person to run a marathon. In 1965, distance runners had a very different approach to racing in the marathon. Wearing tennis shoes, no water during the race and a 20 mile recovery run the day after was just the way things worked. There are some great stories of how he would train alone, running the streets totally blind and dealing with injuries and attitudes. I also include some motivational quotations.  You can subscribe, download and listen to The Blind Sport Podcast for free via iTunes or the website http://theblindsportpodcast.com. It is also on AGOGO, Tune in, Stitcher and IBlink Radio.  Please share this podcast link with your social networks as the more that people get to listen, the greater the ability to create a community of blind sport supporters.  Be a friend of the show by following @blindsportmike on Twitter or liking our page on Facebook http://facebook.com/theblindsportpodcast  Cheers, Mike.