The Blind Chick

This heartwarming and visually vibrant episode of The Blind Chick opens with a special birthday celebration for co-host Penn Street. Listeners from around the world, including touching messages from Oksana in Russia and friends from GFI Grand Junction, share their love and gratitude for Penn’s impact. The episode then transitions into an unforgettable conversation with world-renowned blind painter John Bramblitt. John shares his journey as a blind artist, his unique process for understanding color and texture, and how tactile and auditory technologies help him “see” and recreate realistic portraits—including celebrities like Jeff Bridges. From texturized paint techniques to sound-based image translation, John paints a compelling picture of accessibility in art. He and the hosts explore imagination, how we all build “visual” worlds differently, and the importance of feeling oversight in artwork. John also speaks on his work with international museums, his Yellow Dog Art Bar in Texas, and the emotional honesty that fuels his art. The show closes with a reflection on the courage to fail, and how each mistake is a brushstroke on the journey toward success. ⏱️ Chapter Markers: 00:00 – 🎉 Penn’s Birthday Celebration 01:30 – Listener Birthday Messages 02:19 – Tribute to Penn’s Advocacy 03:00 – The Power of Textured Paint for the Blind 04:43 – John’s Ever-Changing Studio Techniques 07:06 – Painting Realistic Portraits Without Sight 09:31 – Tech That Helps Blind Artists “See” 11:54 – NVDA, Cat Eyes, and Future Apps 14:12 – 3D Printing & Tactile Art Innovations 16:35 – Dream World vs. Real World in Art 18:59 – The Importance of Emotional Honesty in Art 21:11 – How to Contact John Bramblitt & Visit His Gallery 23:35 – John's Book & Accessibility Options 24:50 – Final Thoughts on Failure & Art 25:54 – Show Close & Calls to Action

In this episode, The Blind Chick welcomes world-renowned blind artist John Bramblitt. Penn and Moses dive into John's inspiring journey from losing his sight to becoming an internationally celebrated artist. They discuss the impact of blindness on identity, the challenges of transitioning from sighted to blind, and how John found new ways to express himself through art. John shares how painting became a way for him to regain control of his world, developing unique tactile techniques to navigate the canvas. The conversation touches on advocacy, humor, and breaking stereotypes about blindness. Penn also shares how John's art class at the No Barriers Summit helped her reclaim a lost passion for art. This episode is packed with powerful stories about resilience, creativity, and adapting to life’s unexpected turns. Part two of this conversation will be available next week! Chapter Markers 📍 00:00 – Welcome to The Blind Chick! 📍 02:21 – Introducing guest John Bramblitt 📍 04:45 – John's impact at the No Barriers Summit 📍 07:09 – The emotional journey of losing sight 📍 09:11 – John's artistic background and childhood struggles 📍 11:35 – The turning point: Adapting to blindness 📍 16:13 – The social dynamics of blindness: Cane vs. Guide Dog 📍 18:33 – How people treat blind individuals differently 📍 20:58 – Finding purpose through art after vision loss 📍 23:14 – Transitioning from anger to advocacy 📍 27:22 – The therapeutic power of art 📍 29:55 – Closing thoughts & preview for part two Call to Action ✅ Subscribe to The Blind Chick on your favorite podcast platform. ✅ Leave a review—your feedback helps us grow! ✅ Send us a message: Have a question or comment? Reach out! ✅ Check out our other Aftersight podcasts: 🎙 Blindsight – Tackling mental health in the blind community 🎙 Blind Level Tech – Exploring accessibility in technology 🎙 Navigating Life with Vision Loss – Now in its Advocacy Series! ✨ Stay tuned! A new Aftersight show is coming soon—announcement coming in a few weeks!

In this heartwarming and music-filled episode of The Blind Chick, host Penn Street and co-host Moses Street welcome the legendary Diane “Deeds” Schuur—jazz icon, two-time Grammy Award winner, and all-around incredible soul. With laughter, deep conversations, and a surprise musical performance, this episode is one for the books. 🎂 Penn’s Birthday Surprise! The crew kicks things off by inviting listeners to send physical birthday cards to Penn Street for her special day on March 24th at 1700 55th Street, Suite A, Boulder, CO 80301. 🎵 Music, Advocacy, and Life’s Beautiful Twists: Deeds shares incredible stories about her career, collaborations with music legends like B.B. King, Count Basie, and Stevie Wonder, and her thoughts on music accessibility and the power of sound over visuals. 💡 Deeds’ Life Philosophy: She opens up about gratitude, faith, and the importance of finding joy—even in life’s toughest moments. We hear about her love for soap operas (or as she calls it, The Hung and the Restless), her tech companion Lenny the Laptop, and her skydiving adventure (!), proving she’s as fearless as ever. 🎶 A Birthday Gift Like No Other: In a spontaneous and touching moment, Diane gifts listeners with a live performance, singing a heartfelt song for Penn’s birthday. This raw, unfiltered musical moment will leave you in tears (happy ones, we promise!). 💫 Final Thoughts: Diane shares her wish for world peace, kindness, and gratitude, and reminds us all to embrace life’s journey with open arms. Next Week: We continue our journey with more inspiring guests, stories, and surprises. Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with friends! 📌 Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome to The Blind Chick! 🎙️ 00:27 – Penn’s Birthday Shoutout! 🎂 02:00 – Diane Schuur on Concert in the Dark Controversy 🎶 05:10 – Life After Touring: Deeds’ Perspective 🏡 07:30 – A Special Song for Penn 🎵 (Tissues ready!) 12:00 – The Power of Music & Gratitude ❤️ 18:00 – What’s Next for Diane? 🌟 22:30 – Why You Need to Listen to Diane Schuur 🎤 25:20 – Wisdom, Laughter & Soap Operas 📺 27:45 – Final Thoughts & Farewells 💛 📲 Connect with Us! 📩 Email: contact@aftersight.org 📱 Follow Us on Social Media: @AftersightOrg 💌 Send Penn a Birthday Card! 📍 Address: 1700 55th Street, Suite A, Boulder, CO 80301

In this heartfelt episode, Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Diane Schuur (affectionately called "Deeds") returns to The Blind Chick for a deeply personal conversation. She shares updates on her life, the challenges of Meniere’s disease, her transition to assisted living at the Motion Picture Television Fund, and the loss of her beloved cat, Puss Puss. Deeds reflects on the resilience she’s built throughout her career, her 35 years of sobriety, and how she continues to find joy in music, friendships, and storytelling. She also reminisces about Concert in the Dark, her past experiences on the show, and her connection with hosts Penn and Moses Street. ✨ Stay tuned for Part 2, where Deeds has a special birthday surprise for Penn! Chapter Markers 📌 00:00 – Welcome to The Blind Chick 📌 00:27 – Penn’s upcoming birthday & a past birthday surprise 📌 02:46 – A special global birthday card idea for Penn 📌 04:58 – Introducing guest Diane “Deeds” Schuur 📌 07:20 – Deeds’ diagnosis with Meniere’s disease 📌 09:49 – A major life transition & moving to an assisted living facility 📌 13:37 – Reflecting on Concert in the Dark 📌 16:05 – The loss of Puss Puss, her beloved cat 📌 18:28 – Finding peace and spreading joy despite life’s challenges 📌 20:54 – Celebrating 35 years of sobriety 📌 22:50 – Singing & playing piano at her new residence 📌 25:12 – Memories of impromptu piano performances with Penn & Moses 📌 27:37 – Looking ahead: What’s next for Deeds? 📌 30:00 – Closing thoughts & Part 2 preview Follow & Connect 📢 Share this episode to help The Blind Chick continue growing! 💌 Send Penn a birthday card! Let’s fill her mailbox with love. 📍 Website: Aftersight.org 📩 Email: feedback@aftersight.org 📞 Contact: (720) 712-8856 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe & tune in next week for Part 2!

In this episode of The Blind Chick, we continue our conversation with Dr. L Penny Rosenblum, diving deeper into education, advocacy, and empowering individuals with low vision. Penny discusses strategies for parents raising children with blindness, the importance of realistic expectations, and how small steps in advocacy can lead to big changes. We also explore transportation challenges, the impact of policy changes on accessibility, and how individuals can take action in their communities. Plus, a special birthday surprise for Penn Street—make sure to send in your birthday cards and messages! Chapter Markers 00:00 – Introduction & Penn’s Birthday Surprise 02:16 – Recap of Part 1 & Introduction to Penny Rosenblum 04:34 – Overcoming Overprotective Parenting 06:58 – Teaching Kids Life Skills & Responsibilities 09:20 – The Importance of Explaining the World to Blind Children 11:32 – Navigating Transportation Challenges with Low Vision 13:48 – Adapting to a Life Without Driving 15:58 – Teaching Children to Use Different Forms of Transportation 17:50 – The Impact of Policy Changes on Accessibility & Inclusion 20:10 – The Future of Advocacy in the Blind & Low Vision Community 22:29 – How to Stand Your Ground & Advocate for Rights 24:50 – Encouragement to Take Small Steps in Advocacy 27:15 – Final Thoughts & The Power of Planting Seeds of Change

In this episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses Street sit down with Dr. Penny Rosenblum, an educator and advocate who has made a significant impact in the field of visual impairment. They discuss her background, her personal journey with low vision, and the role her mother played in shaping her advocacy skills. Dr. Rosenblum shares valuable insights on self-advocacy, the importance of accessible education, and strategies parents can use to empower their children with blindness or low vision. Additionally, Moses kicks off the episode with a special birthday initiative for Penn, encouraging listeners to send physical birthday cards instead of just virtual greetings. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation, with Part 2 airing next week. Chapter Markers: 📍 00:00 – Introduction to The Blind Chick 📍 01:10 – Special birthday initiative for Penn Street 📍 04:00 – Welcoming guest Dr. Penny Rosenblum 📍 06:30 – The story behind Penny’s name 📍 09:00 – Early childhood experiences and vision challenges 📍 13:00 – The role of advocacy in education 📍 15:30 – Choosing a career in teaching and visual impairment advocacy 📍 18:00 – The importance of having an adaptive ‘toolbox’ 📍 20:25 – Encouraging children to be self-advocates 📍 22:50 – Teaser for Part 2 airing next week Contact & Engagement: 📬 Send Penn a Birthday Card! 📍 Address: 1700 55th Street, Suite A, Boulder, CO 80301 📣 Want to support the show? Leave a review and share this episode! Follow Aftersight’s other podcasts: Blindsight – Exploring mental health and addiction recovery Navigating Life with Vision Loss – A new season on advocacy launching soon! Blind Level Tech – Exploring the latest in accessible technology 📧 Contact us: jonathan@aftersight.org 📞 Voicemail/Text: (720) 712-8856

In this inspiring episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses sit down with Clark Reynolds, a blind artist who is revolutionizing Braille by bringing it into the 21st century. Clark shares his journey as an artist, his advocacy for Braille accessibility, and his upcoming children’s book, Mr. Dot and His Magical White Cane Adventures. The conversation touches on breaking barriers in the art world, the importance of universal Braille, and the power of community in creative industries. Clark discusses his efforts to integrate Braille into everyday spaces, his dream of making Braille signage more accessible and aesthetically pleasing, and how art has been his light in a world that is getting darker. The conversation also explores the societal perception of disability, the parallels between blind individuals and the X-Men, and the importance of collaboration in breaking stereotypes. 🔹 Key Topics: The importance of Braille and making it universal Clark’s journey as a blind artist and his struggles in the art world Using art to challenge perceptions of disability His book Mr. Dot and His Magical White Cane Adventures The need for community among disabled artists Advocacy for better Braille signage and accessibility 📌 Guest Contact Info: 🌐 Website: Seeing Without Seeing 📷 Instagram: @ClarkReynoldsOfficial Chapter Markers: ⏱️ 00:00 – Introduction (Jonathan Price opens the show) ⏱️ 00:30 – Recap of Previous Episode (Clark Reynolds Pt. 1) ⏱️ 02:16 – Clark Reynolds Introduces His Passion for Braille ⏱️ 04:40 – Advocating for Universal Braille Use ⏱️ 06:58 – Challenges of Braille Accessibility in the UK vs. US ⏱️ 09:23 – Clark’s Journey as a Blind Artist ⏱️ 11:49 – Breaking Barriers in the Art World ⏱️ 14:07 – The X-Men Analogy: Embracing Superpowers ⏱️ 16:24 – Building a Community of Blind Artists ⏱️ 18:53 – Clark’s Upcoming Book: Mr. Dot’s Adventures ⏱️ 21:17 – The White Cane: A Symbol of Freedom, Not Disability ⏱️ 23:40 – Encouraging More Braille in Public Spaces ⏱️ 26:01 – Final Thoughts & Clark’s Message to the World ⏱️ 28:24 – Closing Remarks & Where to Find Clark’s Work

n this episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn Street and Moses Street welcome Clark Reynolds, an extraordinary blind Braille artist and soon-to-be-published author. Clark shares his journey growing up with low vision, his love for art, and how he transformed his artistic expression after losing his sight. He discusses his innovative Braille-based artwork, which not only creates beautiful visual pieces but also gives blind individuals a deeper, more meaningful experience. His unique approach challenges the traditional way art is consumed, making Braille an artistic and storytelling medium. The conversation also touches on Clark's experiences with homelessness, his career in dental artistry, and his upcoming projects, including Braille portraits and educational toys that teach Braille in a fun and engaging way. Clark’s inspiring journey and artistic vision redefine accessibility in the art world, proving that blindness is not a barrier to creativity. Episode Highlights & Chapter Markers 00:00 - Welcome to The Blind Chick! Introduction by Penn and Moses Street. 02:07 - Introducing Clark Reynolds: The Braille artist and soon-to-be author. 03:27 - Clark’s background: Growing up with low vision and discovering art at age six. 08:08 - The impact of vision loss and navigating life changes. 10:31 - The shift from dental artistry to exploring tactile art. 17:30 - Learning Braille in just three weeks and using it as an artistic medium. 19:54 - Creating Braille typography and art that tells stories. 22:14 - Braille portraits, the Donald Trump piece, and upcoming projects. 24:36 - Changing how blind individuals experience art vs. sighted people. 26:57 - Clark’s work in education: Teaching over 13,000 children Braille through art. 28:00 - Upcoming projects: Educational toys, Braille puzzles, and a Braille cube. 29:30 - Outro: Teasing Part 2 and other Aftersight podcasts. Listen & Subscribe 🔹 Follow The Blind Chick on your favorite podcast platform! 🔹 Check out other Aftersight podcasts: Blindsight – Mental health in the blind community Blind Level Tech – Accessible technology Navigating Life with Vision Loss – Advocacy season coming soon! 📢 Help Us Grow! ⭐ Leave a 5-star review and share with your family & friends!

In this powerful follow-up conversation, The Blind Chick welcomes back Marty Sobo to continue the discussion on emergency preparedness for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Marty shares firsthand experiences from surviving the California wildfires, highlighting critical gaps in emergency alert systems, evacuation challenges, and the importance of self-advocacy, community support, and preparedness strategies. This episode builds on Part 1, where Marty shared the harrowing details of his experience navigating the LA fires. If you haven’t heard it yet, be sure to listen to Part 1 to fully grasp the impact and significance of this conversation. Key Topics & Takeaways: ? Alert System Inefficiencies: Why emergency alerts vary by location and how some fail to reach those who need them most. ? Disaster Preparedness for the Blind Community: Practical steps to create a personal evacuation plan, including backup supplies, accessible communication strategies, and designating safe meetup locations. ? The Importance of Knowing Your Neighbors: Building relationships with your local community can be life-saving in an emergency. ? How to Prepare in Advance: The significance of having a "go bag," storing essential documents at multiple locations, and keeping extra mobility aids (like a folding cane) with trusted family members or friends. ? Emergency Drills & Rehearsing Your Plan: How practicing evacuations can reduce stress and panic when disaster strikes. Chapter Markers: ? 00:00 – Intro: Welcome to The Blind Chick! Why this episode matters. ? 01:15 – Recap of Part 1: Marty Sobo’s experience with the LA fires. ? 02:30 – Emergency Alert Systems: Why accessibility is a major issue. ? 05:00 – California vs. Colorado: How disaster notifications vary by state. ? 08:45 – The Role of Fire Departments & Local Agencies. ? 12:10 – How to Build a Personal Emergency Plan. ? 16:00 – Self-Advocacy: What to communicate with neighbors & emergency responders. ? 19:30 – The Importance of Practicing Evacuation Plans. ? 24:00 – Final Thoughts: Marty’s key takeaways on disaster preparedness. ? 27:30 – Closing Remarks: Stay prepared & connected! ? Call to Action: ? Enjoyed this episode? Please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Your feedback helps us grow and reach more listeners. ? Share this episode with your friends, family, and community—preparedness saves lives! ? Questions or suggestions? Email us at [Insert Email] or follow us on social media at @Aftersight. ? Subscribe to The Blind Chick wherever you listen to podcasts!

This episode of The Blind Chick dives into the harrowing realities of navigating natural disasters as a blind individual. Hosts Moses and Penn Street welcome back Marty Sobo, who shares his firsthand experience of the devastating California wildfires. The discussion highlights the challenges posed by environmental disasters, from emergency evacuations to the importance of preparedness. Marty also recounts his insights from working in fire service and how blind individuals can better prepare for emergencies. Listeners gain a deep understanding of the unique hurdles faced by those with vision loss during disasters and practical steps for creating an emergency plan. Stay tuned for Part 2, where Marty will provide detailed advice on assembling a go-bag and creating a robust preparedness strategy. Chapter Markers: 00:00 – Introduction and Overview 02:18 – Welcome Back: Marty Sobo Returns 04:41 – Firestorm Beginnings: Marty’s Account 07:02 – Evacuation Challenges and Traffic Chaos 11:46 – Horror Stories from the Frontlines 14:04 – Preparing for the Unexpected 16:26 – Lessons from the Field: Marty’s Fire Service Background 20:59 – Practical Emergency Preparedness Tips 23:12 – The Reality of Alerts and Miscommunication 27:59 – Closing Remarks and Preview of Part 2

This episode of The Blind Chick continues the conversation with Raquel Perez, a licensed couples and sex therapist, focusing on the intersection of intimacy, mental health, and personal growth. Raquel shares insights into therapy approaches, including ketamine-assisted therapy, and discusses the significance of creating a safe space for exploration and self-awareness. The hosts, Penn and Moses, reflect on their personal experiences with therapy and the role of curiosity in overcoming societal taboos surrounding sex, drugs, and vision loss. Raquel emphasizes the importance of addressing trauma, fostering open dialogue, and finding safety to explore one's inner world. Chapter Markers: 00:00 – Introduction and content warning by Jonathan Price 02:19 – Understanding lived experiences and their impact on intimacy 04:30 – Normalizing discussions about sex and relationships through humor 06:50 – Raquel’s unique approach to couples and sex therapy 09:12 – Ketamine therapy: Process, benefits, and misconceptions 13:42 – Addressing societal stigmas surrounding drugs and therapy 16:09 – Drawing parallels between taboo topics like sex and drug use 18:31 – Importance of breaking the secrecy surrounding vision loss 20:52 – The role of curiosity and open conversations in healing 23:09 – How to contact Raquel Perez and her therapy modalities 25:14 – Final thoughts: Embracing curiosity, insight, and self-awareness Contact Information: Raquel Perez Website: www.intimacounseling.com Email: Raquel@intimacounseling.com Social Media: @RaquelPerez.Intima (YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) Have questions for Raquel Perez or the hosts? Email us at feedback@aftersight.org or call (720) 712-8856. Don’t forget to tune in next week for more insightful discussions!

This episode of The Blind Chick dives into a candid and eye-opening discussion about sex education, intimacy, and navigating the complexities of relationships within the blind and low-vision community. Guest Raquel Perez shares her journey from being a young mother with retinitis pigmentosa to becoming a sex therapist, highlighting the importance of normalizing conversations about sexuality. The episode addresses stigma, the impact of cultural and familial silence around sex, and the unique challenges faced by blind individuals in learning about intimacy. Key topics include: The evolution of Raquel’s career and her experiences with vision loss. Addressing the lack of sex education for blind youth and its consequences. Strategies for fostering open dialogue about sex and intimacy, starting in childhood. How societal perceptions shape our understanding of relationships and sexuality for atypical populations. Content Warning: This episode contains adult content and is not suitable for young listeners. Chapter Markers: 00:00 – Listener Discretion Advised 00:50 – Introduction to Raquel Perez and Her Journey 02:49 – Navigating Vision Loss and the Spectrum of Blindness 07:30 – Challenges of Shame and Visibility in RP Families 12:10 – Raquel's Path to Becoming a Sex Therapist 16:40 – Sex Education and Advocacy for the Blind Community 21:24 – Shifting Perspectives on Sex and Normalizing Conversations 23:49 – Cultural Silence and Sex in Retirement Communities

In this heartwarming episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses welcome Denise Leigh for the third and final part of their incredible conversation. Denise, a blind musician, cancer survivor, and mother, shares her inspirational journey through life, career, and motherhood. From discussing her groundbreaking role in Britain's disability arts scene to her appearances on Britain's Got Talent and performances at iconic venues like the London Paralympics, Denise offers insight into her resilience and mindset. The episode explores the "secret sauce" for success among blind individuals, the importance of visibility in the arts, and the role of advocacy in breaking down barriers. Denise also shares personal stories, such as her son's cheeky reaction to her Operatunity win and her methods for navigating the stage as a blind performer. As the conversation wraps up, Denise emphasizes the critical role of support and belief in helping children with disabilities achieve their dreams. Listeners are reminded of the value of programs like The Blind Chick and how they can support Aftersight’s mission to empower the blind and low-vision community. Chapter Markers 00:00.077 – Introduction by Jonathan Price 02:22.402 – Denise Leigh: The Secret Sauce of Thriving Blind 03:47.728 – "I'm a Musician Who Happens to Be Blind" 06:01.424 – From Operatunity to Britain's Got Talent 08:19.464 – Challenges and Triumphs in Mainstream Arts 10:40.137 – Navigating Blindness on Stage 13:07.561 – BGT Audition and Simon Cowell’s Encouragement 15:29.043 – Denise’s Sons React to Her Success 17:46.549 – Reflections on Parenting and Advocacy 19:48.841 – Closing Thoughts and Future Collaborations 24:27.861 – Call to Action: Supporting Aftersight

Summary: In part two of this heartfelt three-part series, Denise Leigh shares her journey of living with genetic blindness, parenting children with vision loss, and discovering her remarkable talent for music and opera. Denise recounts the challenges and triumphs of her early life, her musical beginnings, and her path to becoming a classically trained singer—all while navigating the unexpected twists of her family's genetic story. She also reflects on her battle with breast cancer and the enduring support of her best friend, Tess. This episode continues the inspiring conversation hosted by Penn and Moses, highlighting resilience, the power of community, and living life with grace and humor. Chapter Markers: 00:00: Introduction and thank you for Colorado Gives donations 02:22: Denise's family learns about a rare genetic condition 04:47: Parenting challenges and the power of resilience 07:09: Genetic discoveries and their surprising outcomes 09:34: Denise’s early education and musical beginnings 12:01: Discovering a passion for brass instruments 14:17: Transitioning to opera and finding a lifelong mentor 19:14: Denise’s breast cancer journey and her enduring strength 23:59: The bond with Tess through shared struggles 26:18: Closing reflections and gratitude Contact Information: ? Phone: (720) 712-8856 ? Email: feedback@aftersight.org ? Website: Aftersight.org

In this episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn Street and Moses Street kick off an inspiring three-part series with Denise Leigh. Denise shares her extraordinary journey of living with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), raising four children, and navigating life as a blind parent. From her early years in a challenging residential school system to raising her youngest son with RP, Denise's story is filled with resilience, humor, and deep love for her family. This episode explores the joys and challenges of parenting while blind, the importance of community, and the emotional toll of passing on RP. Don’t miss the beginning of this incredible story. Chapter Markers: 00:00 - Introduction: Welcome to The Blind Chick! 02:26 - Thanksgiving in 1920s Style 04:42 - Meet Denise Leigh: Her Village and Early Life 06:57 - Early School Years: A Tough Start 11:44 - Parenting Challenges as a Blind Mother 16:15 - Raising Four Kids: The Village Approach 20:50 - Discovering RP in Her Youngest Child 25:37 - The Emotional Toll of Passing on RP 27:55 - Closing and Colorado Gives Day Reminder Contact Aftersight: www.aftersight.org info@aftersight.org (720) 712-8856

In this inspiring episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses Street interview Wendy Fagan, the director of Envision Blind Sports. Together, they explore how Envision Blind Sports empowers individuals of all ages through adaptive sports, promoting independence, confidence, and joy. Chapter Markers: 00:00 - Introduction 00:28 - The Philosophy of Envision Blind Sports 02:51 - Adaptive Sports Techniques 07:37 - The Bigger Picture of Sports 10:03 - Outreach and Accessibility 14:43 - Funding and Volunteer Support 19:21 - Participant Costs and Accessibility 24:00 - Future Plans: Blind Adult Camp 26:14 - Closing Remarks Contact Information: Envision Blind Sports Website: www.EnvisionBlindSports.org Facebook & Instagram: Envision Blind Sports LinkedIn: Envision Blind Sports Volunteer, donate, or learn more through their website's contact form. Aftersight Website: www.AfterSight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Email: feedback@aftersight.org Colorado Gives Day Support transformative programs like Envision Blind Sports and Aftersight by donating on December 10th. Your contributions help create life-changing opportunities for individuals with low vision or blindness. Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on The Blind Chick!

The Blind Chick: Thanksgiving Special In this heartfelt and humorous Thanksgiving episode, hosts Penn and Moses Street reflect on their 37 years of shared Thanksgivings, highlighting the challenges, joys, and quirky memories that make the holiday meaningful. From hilarious stories about green Jell-O salads to the significance of creating new traditions with family and friends, this episode captures the spirit of gratitude and community. The hosts also share personal milestones, reflect on life's difficulties, and celebrate their listeners for helping them surpass 40,000 downloads. Chapter Markers: [00:00] Intro and Reflections – Thanksgiving memories and the evolution of traditions. [05:15] Gratitude for the Community – Celebrating 40,000 downloads and listener appreciation. [08:30] Hike and Community Events – Highlights from Aftersight's annual hike. [13:00] Nostalgic Thanksgiving Memories – Moses’ mom’s green Jell-O salad story. [20:00] Modern-Day Thanksgivings – Friendsgiving and family gatherings. [26:00] Gratitude Highlights – Penn and Moses share what they’re most thankful for. [31:00] Wrap-Up and Call to Action – Kindness, gratitude, and Colorado Gives Day. This Thanksgiving, consider supporting Aftersight by donating on Colorado Gives Day. Your contributions help create resources and community events that uplift the lives of people with low vision. Visit Colorado Gives Day and search for Aftersight or contact us directly at (720) 712-8856 or email us at feedback@aftersight.org to learn more. Thank you for being part of our journey. From all of us at The Blind Chick, we wish you a joyful and memorable Thanksgiving! Stay Connected: Follow Aftersight on Facebook and Instagram for updates on events and new podcast episodes. Be sure to subscribe to The Blind Chick for more stories, laughs, and inspiration.

In this engaging episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn Street and Moses Street sit down with Wendy Fagan, founder of Envision Blind Sports, to discuss the life-changing impact of adaptive sports for blind and visually impaired individuals. Wendy shares her journey from discovering goalball and beat baseball to founding Envision Blind Sports, a nonprofit that introduces participants to over 25 different sports and activities. Together, they explore how sports can break stereotypes, inspire confidence, and foster independence. Wendy shares heartwarming stories of athletes who found joy and purpose through adaptive sports, while emphasizing the importance of exposing participants to a variety of opportunities. From rock climbing to skiing, Envision Blind Sports is helping athletes discover their passions and integrate into their local communities. The episode also delves into the broader challenges and misconceptions surrounding blindness and adaptive sports. Wendy and the hosts discuss how sports can be a universal language, breaking barriers and bringing people together. Looking ahead, the hosts preview part two of their conversation with Wendy, as well as upcoming special episodes, including a Thanksgiving message and highlights from Colorado Gives Day. Chapter Markers: 00:00 – Welcome and introduction. 05:10 – Meet Wendy Fagan. 07:34 – Origins of The Blind Chick podcast. 12:20 – Discovering adaptive sports. 14:24 – About Envision Blind Sports. 19:02 – Breaking stereotypes in sports. 23:42 – Inspiring inclusion through education. 27:50 – Part two preview and closing. Contact Information: Aftersight is a nonprofit organization producing The Blind Chick podcast and other empowering content for the blind and visually impaired community. Support their work through donations, and check out their other podcasts: Website: Aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Email: feedback@aftersight.org Envision Blind Sports Envision Blind Sports introduces individuals to adaptive sports, fostering confidence, independence, and joy through movement. With programs spanning 25+ sports, they empower participants of all ages to discover their passions. Website: EnvisionBlindSports.org Colorado Gives Day Support Aftersight this Colorado Gives Day on December 10th! Your donations help fund inclusive programming like The Blind Chick, making a difference in the lives of blind and visually impaired individuals. Donate Here: ColoradoGives.org Join us next week for part two of our conversation with Wendy Fagan, and don’t miss our Thanksgiving message from Penn and Moses. Keep tuning in, and thank you for being part of the Blind Chick family!

Join hosts Penn and Moses as they continue their captivating conversation with Matt Hendrick in the second installment of his story. Matt delves deeper into his extraordinary life journey, sharing more about his out-of-body experiences, encounters with the unexplainable, and the artistic inspirations that shape his unique style. The episode highlights the role of disability in discovering purpose, finding beauty in unexpected places, and the uncharted paths that emerge from life’s challenges. Tune in to explore thought-provoking discussions on spirituality, art, and resilience. Contact Information Matt Hendrick: Website: hendrickmedia.com Social Media: @MattHendrickArt on Facebook and Instagram Book: Uncommon Vision: Embracing the Unseen Aftersight: Email: info@aftersight.org Contact Number: (720) 712-8856 Website: aftersight.org Support Aftersight on Colorado Gives Day! Help us continue producing impactful content by contributing to Aftersight this holiday season. Colorado Gives Day is December 10th, and every donation fuels our mission to create accessible resources for the blind and low-vision community. Your contributions make a difference in building a more inclusive world. Donations are tax-deductible, and every dollar counts toward creating content like The Blind Chick. Chapter Markers 00:00 - Introduction and Colorado Gives Day 02:12 - Matt’s Experiences with UFOs and Openness 04:36 - Spiritual Encounters and Family Reflections 06:22 - Guardian Angel Memories and Childhood Stories 08:38 - Discussion on Ancient Art and Mysticism 10:59 - Artistic Inspiration and Techniques 13:21 - Use of AI in Art and Creating Alien Imagery 15:21 - Reflections on Disability and Purpose 17:45 - Facing Life with a Disability and Needing Support 20:09 - Finding Connection Through Disability 22:34 - Contact Information for Matt and Final Thoughts

In this captivating episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn and Moses Street sit down with artist and author Matt Hendrick to explore his remarkable journey. Matt, who has survived numerous near-death experiences, shares his inspiring path from a life-altering car accident to becoming an artist who paints using his mouth and hand. His newest book, Uncommon Vision: Embracing the Unseen, delves into his experiences and the profound insights he's gained from his journey, including unique perceptions, synchronicities, and the spiritual connections he's encountered. Matt also reveals his creative process, including how he utilized technology like ChatGPT to craft his memoir, bringing his story to life in ways he hadn't imagined. Penn and Moses, known for their own adventurous lives, connect with Matt's experiences of life beyond physical limitations and share anecdotes about spiritual connections and the role of art and storytelling in processing trauma and celebrating resilience. Stay tuned for Part Two next week, where Matt delves even further into his life and experiences. Resources and Contact Information: Matt's Book: Uncommon Vision: Embracing the Unseen – Available in audiobook, Kindle, and paperback. Support Aftersight for Colorado Gives Day (December 10th): Donate and support shows like The Blind Chick, Blindsight, Navigating Life with Vision Loss, and Blind Level Tech. Your contributions make it possible to produce accessible content for the blind community. Colorado Gives Day Donation Link Contact Us: Aftersight Contact Information: Phone: (720) 712-8856 Email: feedback@aftersight.org Thank you for listening and supporting accessible storytelling. Be kind to yourself and others—it’s good for the soul! Chapter Markers: 00:00 – Moses introduces his mountain lion story and The Blind Chick podcast. 02:23 – Moses and Penn share about meeting new friends on the trail. 04:50 – Matt describes his journey with painting as a quadriplegic. 07:15 – Matt discusses the process of writing his memoir. 09:40 – Matt and hosts discuss near-death experiences and spirituality. 12:06 – Moses shares his own experiences with premonitions and intuition. 14:30 – Penn talks about her connection with her angel, Casey. 16:53 – Penn recalls her childhood near-death experience. 19:21 – Matt and hosts discuss finding balance in spiritual connection. 21:47 – Jonathan closes Part One, encourages Colorado Gives Day donations, and thanks listeners.