The Blind Chick

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. 📧 feedback@aftersight.org 🌐 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

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: feedback@aftersight.org Producer Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight — jonathan@aftersight.org 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 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: scott@blindpilots.org Facebook: Scott Garrison (personal) + Blind Pilots page Aftersight Website: aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Email: feedback@aftersight.org 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: feedback@aftersight.org | (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: feedback@aftersight.org • (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: feedback@aftersight.org 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: feedback@aftersight.org | (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 | feedback@aftersight.org | (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: feedback@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856 | aftersight.org/podcast Producer: Jonathan Price: Jonathan@aftersight.org 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: feedback@aftersight.org • (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: 📧 feedback@aftersight.org 📞 (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: feedback@aftersight.org 📞 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: feedback@aftersight.org

🎙️ 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 | jonathan@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856