The Happy Hour
Media & Entertainment Podcasts
RNIB Connect Radio's hourly mix of chat and music, with a focus on sight loss, mental health, mindfulness, and overall wellbeing.
Hosted by disability activist and RNIB Ambassador Claire Sisk, catch it Mondays at 1 PM or hear the repeat Thursdays at 6 PM or Sundays at 10 AM.
Hear individual interviews here or listen to the full show on our website: The Happy Hour - RNIB Connect Radio | RNIB
Other great podcast channels from RNIB Connect Radio
Connect - Our main channel with news, features and articles on sight loss.
Conversations - Blind and partially sighted people speaking about a wide range of topics.
Read On - The Audiobook show all about accessible reading.
Tech Talk - Technology for blind and partially sighted people.
Sport - See sport differently.
Tracks of My Life - Take a journey through our guest's life.
Support - Other podcasts from RNIB.
TV Guide - Daily audio TV listings
Location:
United Kingdom
Description:
RNIB Connect Radio's hourly mix of chat and music, with a focus on sight loss, mental health, mindfulness, and overall wellbeing. Hosted by disability activist and RNIB Ambassador Claire Sisk, catch it Mondays at 1 PM or hear the repeat Thursdays at 6 PM or Sundays at 10 AM. Hear individual interviews here or listen to the full show on our website: The Happy Hour - RNIB Connect Radio | RNIB Other great podcast channels from RNIB Connect Radio Connect - Our main channel with news, features and articles on sight loss. Conversations - Blind and partially sighted people speaking about a wide range of topics. Read On - The Audiobook show all about accessible reading. Tech Talk - Technology for blind and partially sighted people. Sport - See sport differently. Tracks of My Life - Take a journey through our guest's life. Support - Other podcasts from RNIB. TV Guide - Daily audio TV listings
Twitter:
@RNIBRadio
Language:
English
Episodes
S2 Ep1084: How To Foster A Good Relationship With Ourselves?
9/8/2025
This week on the Happy Hour we focus on communicating with ourselves and fostering a good relationship with our Self.
And joining us for another off the mat chat, it’s Dawn Blezard from Pathway Yoga.
You can find out more about Dawn by searching for "Pathway Yoga with Dawn" on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube.
Image shows a birds eye view photo shows Dawn holding a pose on her black yoga matt. Her legs are crossed and she holds onto her toes on either side of her body as she looks up at the camera. She has blonde hair set in two French braids and is wearing a lilac long sleeve top with patterned leggings. The yoga matt is black with high contract purple alignment lines, which are designed to help align your body and improve posture during yoga poses.
Duration:00:14:56
S2 Ep1083: We Try A Recipe for Air Fryer Cookies
9/5/2025
Paulina heads into the kitchen to try recipe for a little sweet treat that you can make in your air fryer.
Recipe used: 7-Minute Air Fryer Cookies - The Big Man's World ®
Paulina's notes: Depending on how many chocolate chunks you add you might need extra time to cook. She found that 10 minutes was the ideal time for her dual-basket air fryer.
Image shows some a plate of chocolate chip cookies. They're golden brown, with visible chocolate chunks and slightly irregular in shape but no less delicious. Yum!
Duration:00:08:44
S2 Ep1081: Sleep Struggles In Older Kids With Katie Piper
8/25/2025
New research has revealed that parents are losing sleep on average 182 nights a year due to children aged six and over struggling to drift off.
In fact, 65% of parents say that their child has trouble sleeping, with noticable changes in their child's mood, focus, and behaviour.
Joining us to talk more about the research and how we can create that calm, healthy routine for our children is broadcaster, author, and mum of two, Katie Piper.
Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
Duration:00:09:05
S2 Ep1082: Making Heart Health Accessible To Blind & Partially Sighted People
8/25/2025
You’re listening to the Happy Hour on RNIB Connect Radio.
We’re talking heart health today as we learn about a collaboration between RNIB and the British Heart Foundation.
Supported in partnership by Royal Mail, this collaboration lead to the production of accessible copies of “High Blood Pressure” booklets.
Joining us on the Happy Hour us more is Robin Spinks, Head of Inclusive Design at RNIB.
Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
Duration:00:07:05
S2 Ep1080: Scott Boyle Shares His Passion For Watercolours
8/18/2025
Joining us on the Happy Hour to chat about his passion for watercolours and some fascinating projects he's been working on is Scott Boyle.
Scott lost part of his vision over three years ago and turned to arts and crafts.
Image shows Scott holding up one of his watercolours. The small piece of cream paper has an elongated oval shape drawn representing the circle Subway line in Glasgow. a Swirl of colours fills the image and a crowd of heads without eyes and noses and mouths agape fills the right side of the image. The mix of colours on the image is Prussian Blue, Cadmium yellow, and Burnt Sienna. The image represents the route from Bridge Street to St Enoch.
Duration:00:19:09
S2 Ep1079: Why Is It Hard To Break Bad Habits - Part 2
8/4/2025
On The Happy Hour this week, we continue our conversation about breaking bad habits and behaviours in our lives.
For this month's Off The Mat Chat, yoga teacher Dawn Blezard returns to talk more about why it can be hard to change our habits and what we can do to help.
You can find out more about Dawn by searching for "Pathway Yoga with Dawn" on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube.
Heart Part 1 of this conversation here: The Happy Hour / Why Is It Hard To Break Bad Habits - Part 1?
Image shows a birds eye view photo shows Dawn holding a pose on her black yoga matt. Her legs are crossed and she holds onto her toes on either side of her body as she looks up at the camera. She has blonde hair set in two French braids and is wearing a lilac long sleeve top with patterned leggings. The yoga matt is black with high contract purple alignment lines, which are designed to help align your body and improve posture during yoga poses.
Duration:00:16:10
S2 Ep1078: Making A Local Fun Run Accessible
7/28/2025
The Wythall and Hollywood Fun Run took place earlier this summer, but did you know that this year’s event made sure to be not just fun but also inclusive to blind and partially sighted attendees?
Event organisers, Wythall Community Association, Events of the North and Worcestershire County Council, worked with local charity Sensory Matters Worcestershire to ensure the run was accessible to visually impaired participants.
Joining us on the Happy Hour are Millie Hayter and Alice Linforth from Sensory Matters Worcestershire.
A big shout out to Sensory Matters Worcestershire volunteers who support the work of the charity. If you'd like to get involved visit: Sensory Matters - Sight Concern
Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
Duration:00:09:58
S2 Ep1077: Margaret Cusker Sets Sights On Blind Bowls Championship in New Zealand
7/21/2025
Margaret Cusker, won her first national blind bowls competition in 1996, and now, almost 30 years on, she’s preparing to finish on a high by playing for England in the 2027 International Blind Bowls Association Championships in New Zealand.
Margaret joined us on the Happy Hour, together with Willy Goldschmidt, organiser of the Hillmorton Social Club, one of the local social clubs for visually impaired people that Margaret is a member of.
You can find the fundraising page here: Donation - Margaret Cusker Bowling for England
Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
Duration:00:13:55
S2 Ep1077: James Kyle Shares How He Fell In Love With Playing The Piano
7/14/2025
We love hearing about your passions and hobbies on the Happy Hour!
This week, we're joined by James Kyle, who discovered a new passion after receiving an unusual Christmas gift.
Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
Duration:00:13:40
S2 Ep1076: July Self Help Book Spotlight: Silence & The North Pole
7/9/2025
New month, new self-help book title spotlight.
And today, we’re mixing things up a bit as we focus on two titles from Norwegian explorer and author Erling Kagge.
The first title is his more philosophical release, Silence: In the Age of Noise, whilst the second one is focused on travel and exploration, The North Pole the history of an obsession.
And for more audiobooks, visit: Home - Reading Services
Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
Duration:00:08:26
S2 Ep1075: Carrot Cake Recipe With VI Chef Kim Jaye
7/9/2025
Joining us on the Happy Hour again is a sight impaired chef Kim Jaye.
And this time around Kim brings out a classic recipe that's a real crowd-pleasure, the humble carrot cake.
Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
Duration:00:04:41
S2 Ep1074: Why Is It Hard To Break Bad Habits?
6/30/2025
On The Happy Hour this week, we're chatting about breaking bad habits and behaviours in our lives.
Whether it’s giving up smoking, overeating on junk food, or excessive social media scrolling, or something else. These habits can be hard to brush off, yet the almost automatic way in which we reach for them can have negative impact on our mental and physical health.
For this month's Off The Mat Chat, yoga teacher Dawn Blezard tells us what yoga sutras say about breaking these habits or addictions and discusses some first steps we can take to change them.
You can find out more about Dawn by searching for "Pathway Yoga with Dawn" on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube.
Image shows Dawn smiling at the camera. She has blonde hair with darker ends that's done up in two French brairds. She's wearing a blue t-shirt and sitting in front of a bright yellow couch.
Duration:00:15:30
S2 Ep1073: Photography Chat With Blind Street Photographer Gary Williamson
6/23/2025
Gary Williamson is a professional photographer that often shares his amazing black and white snaps online.
Gary joined Happy Hour's Paulina Kuchorew to chat about photography and how he can still pursue his passion despite being registered blind.
You can find Gary on Instagram @swirly_magnolia
Image shows a striking black and white self-portrait of Gary walking down a tunnel. He's a dark silhouette walking down the centre of the long tunnel towards a bright light. Above him, half rings of soft lights make it seem like he's walking out of the ribcage of a great whale. [Image credit: Gary Williamson]
Duration:00:21:44
S2 Ep1072: Indian Scotch Eggs With VI Chef Kim Jaye
6/16/2025
Joining us on the Happy Hour again is a sight impaired chef Kim Jaye.
And this time around Kim takes a classic recipe and adds an Indian twist. Delicious, and perfect to prep ahead for a sunny picnic this summer.
Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
Duration:00:04:58
S2 Ep1071: Summer BBQ Trends With Matthew “Hoggy” Hoggard
6/16/2025
BBQ season is here! And with many of us heading into our gardens to enjoy some al fresco dining, new research shows that this summer it’s back to BBQ basics with a more paired down menu.
Joining us on the Happy Hour to share his insight into the latest BBQ trends is England cricket legend turned grill school owner and chef, Matthew “Hoggy” Hoggard.
Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
Duration:00:07:21
S2 Ep1071: Brain Health Tips With Dr Amir Khan
6/9/2025
A new survey shows that nine in ten UK adults admit that they experience regular forgetful moments. This might include simple things like losing our phones or forgetting why we entered a room.
Joining us on the Happy Hour to share his best advice to help sharpen our focus is Dr Amir Khan.
Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
Duration:00:08:02
S2 Ep1070: Why Is Our Cardiovascular Health Worsening?
6/2/2025
We’re looking at heart health today, as new research from British Heart Foundation shows that a rise in the rate and number of deaths in working-age adults aged 20-64 from cardiovascular disease in the UK.
Joining Paulina Kuchorew on the Happy Hour to discuss the findings is Julie Ward, a Senior Cardiac Nurse from the British Heart Foundation.
Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
Duration:00:09:46
S2 Ep1069: Access Yorkshire Countryside With Charity Open Country
5/26/2025
You’ve heart us say it again and again, spending time outdoors can be a great way of boosting not just your physical wellbeing but also mental wellbeing.
Well, today, we’re chatting with a charity that is supporting those living with a disability in Yorkshire, to access and enjoy the countryside.
Joining Happy Hour's Paulina Kuchorew to tell us more about what they offer is Tom Marsh Countryside Activities Officer, and Communications Officer Rachel Gregory, from Open Country.
Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
Duration:00:10:49
S2 Ep1068: Accessing Mental Health Support Becoming Increasing More Difficult
5/19/2025
Around 14 million UK adults have sought mental health support in the last five years, with a third say accessing support through the NHS was ‘difficult’, with long waiting times, lack of local services or frustration with not knowing what kind of therapist was right for them, impacting care.
Joining Paulina Kuchorew on the Happy Hour to discuss these figures is Mahin Hamidi, a registered therapist with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
Duration:00:08:27
S2 Ep1068: Put Your Best Foot Forward With The National Kidney Federation
5/19/2025
What if by simply putting your best foot forward, you could help support an important cause?
Well, joining us today to tell us about the annual fundraiser organised by charity National Kidney Federation, is Pete Revell, their Head of Marketing & Fundraising.
Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
Duration:00:06:26