The Blind Chick Blind and Speed Cubing?... Sure why not.
Jul 3, 2025
27:56
🎙️ 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
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