Summary In this episode, Penn and Moses are joined again by Joe Strechay, a blind filmmaker and advocate for disability representation in the film industry. Joe shares his experience working on the film 'All the Light We Cannot See' and the challenges of casting actors with low-vision. He discusses the importance of realistic representation and the impact it can have on changing societal perceptions of blindness. Joe also talks about his journey in the film industry and his future projects. He emphasizes the need for more opportunities for blind and low-vision individuals in the industry and the power of storytelling to create positive change. Takeaways Realistic representation of blindness in film and television can help change societal perceptions of blindness. Casting actors with visual impairments can bring authenticity and depth to characters with disabilities. There is a need for more opportunities for disabled individuals in the film industry, both in front of and behind the camera. Storytelling has the power to challenge stereotypes and create positive change. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:10 Guest Introduction 03:32 Casting Process 04:27 Challenges in Casting 05:48 Impact of Blindness Representation 06:47 Meeting Aria 07:44 Bringing the Book to Life 08:34 Creating Realistic Blindness 09:30 Sound Design and Immersion 10:56 Attention to Detail 11:55 Joe's Journey in the Film Industry 13:45 Future Projects 14:44 Impact of Joe's Work 16:37 Joe's Background and Passion for Film 19:33 Transition to Writing and Consulting 20:25 Representation in the Industry 21:51 Breaking Barriers 23:46 Upcoming Projects 25:41 Consulting Work and The Dot Experience 26:33 Conclusion Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. If you have any questions, please call us at 720-712-8856 or you can email us at feedback@aftersight.org. Thanks for listening.

Empowerment and Inclusion: A Conversation with Joe Stretchay on 'The Blind Chick' Podcast This episode of 'The Blind Chick,' an Aftersight original podcast, features hosts Moses and Penn Street engaging in a heartfelt conversation with Joe Stretchay, a renowned figure in the film industry known for his work on advocating for the inclusion of blind and low-vision actors. The discussion covers a range of topics, including overcoming adversity, the significance of representation in media, and the impact of Stretchay's work on challenging ableism in the film industry. Stretchay shares insights from his involvement in major productions like 'See,' 'Daredevil,' and 'The OA,' emphasizing the importance of authentic representation and innovative techniques that cater to blind and low-vision individuals. The episode not only celebrates the achievements and contributions of Joe Stretchay but also underscores the broader themes of strength, resilience, and the transformative power of representation in media. 00:00 Welcome to The Blind Chick Podcast! 00:33 Listener Feedback and Contact Info 01:15 Celebrating Birthdays and Special Guests 01:32 Joe Stretchay: A Visionary in the Film Industry 03:57 Exploring Ableism in Entertainment 05:09 The Art of Touch Language in 'See' 08:12 Behind the Scenes: Creating a World for the Blind 16:50 The Impact of Authentic Representation in Film 17:33 Universal Design and Accessibility in Set Design 26:57 Concluding Thoughts and Birthday Wishes Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. If you would like to have your question answered by Penn and Moses, please give us a call at 720-712-8856 or if you would rather email us you can do so at feedback@aftersight.org

Creating Inclusive Music Festivals: The Story of Shine Music Festival This episode of 'The Blind Chick' podcast features a conversation with Shawn Satterfield, a pioneer in making music festivals inclusive for people with disabilities. Shawn shares her journey of recognizing her purpose after a revealing experience at a concert, and how it led to the creation of the Shine Music Festival. The festival is designed to be universally accessible, not just in terms of physical accessibility but also in representing a diverse set of performers on stage. The hosts and Shawn discuss the importance of inclusivity beyond just the ADA section at concerts, highlighting the festival's approach to accommodating neurodiverse individuals and ensuring all attendees can enjoy the festival equally. The discussion also touches on the impact of such inclusive festivals on both the disability community and the broader audience, fostering a more understanding and inclusive society. Additionally, Shawn mentions future plans for expanding the festival and the need for sponsorship and support to continue making inclusivity at music festivals the norm. 00:00 Welcome to The Blind Chick Podcast! 00:48 Easter Memories and the Joy of Childhood 01:39 Introducing Shawn Satterfield: A Pioneer for Inclusion 02:09 The Birth of a Purpose: From ADA Sections to Inclusive Festivals 06:12 Expanding the Vision: Beyond Accessibility to Universal Design 12:35 The Impact of Inclusion: Changing Perceptions and Building Community 16:39 Looking Ahead: The Future of Shine Music Festival and Inclusive Events 23:10 How You Can Support Shine Music Festival 26:12 Closing Thoughts and How to Get Involved Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at feedback@aftersight.org or call us at (720) 712-8856. Thank you for joining us this week.

In this episode of 'The Blind Chick,' hosts Penn and Moses welcome clinical social worker and licensed therapist Lea Gaffen-Kessel. Lea shares her personal journey with vision loss, her professional work in mental health, and her love for travel despite the challenges her condition presents. Lea discusses the process of seeking accommodations for her condition in the workplace and highlights the importance of support groups and accessible travel opportunities. Throughout the conversation, the hosts explore Leah's path to becoming a therapist, inspired by her own mental health journey, and the resources available for those experiencing vision loss. Guest stories and inquiries about accessible travel and mental health in the context of vision loss are central to this engaging discussion. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to The Blind Chick Podcast 00:25 Meet the Hosts: Moses and Penn 00:47 Introducing Guest: Lea Gaffen-Kessel 01:36 Getting to Know Leah: Personal Interests and Travels 05:45 Lea's Journey with Vision Loss 13:23 Lea's Adventures in Accessible Travel 19:29 Lea's Career as a Clinical Social Worker 22:59 Lea's Support Group for Vision Loss 26:18 Conclusion and Contact Information Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at feedback@aftersight.org or call us on our voice mail line at (720) 712-8856. Have a great day and we'll see you next week.

Resilience and Rediscovery: Ariana Dewberry's Journey from Sight to Insight This episode of The Blind Chick podcast features host duo Moses and Penn Street engaging in conversation with guest Ariana Dewberry, also known as Professor Blindie. Ariana shares her profound journey of sudden vision loss in 2018 due to pseudotumor cerebri, leading to legal blindness. Despite the setbacks, including misdiagnosis and significant mobility loss, Ariana emphasizes resilience, the transition to learning new skills such as Braille and cane navigation, and her motivation to start her business, Blind Intelligence. The discussion also covers the impact of the loss of Ariana's son and how she channels her grief into positive actions, including initiating a scholarship in his name. Her story underlines the theme of overcoming adversity and using personal experiences to inspire and assist others in the community. 00:00 Introduction to The Blind Chick Podcast 00:25 The Hosts' Banter and Introduction to the Episode 02:01 Introducing the Guest: Arianna Dewberry 02:43 Ariana's Childhood Hero and the Origin of 'Professor Blindie' 04:11 Ariana's Sudden Vision Loss Journey 06:01 The Struggles and Challenges of Losing Vision 10:42 Ariana's Rehabilitation and Learning New Skills 15:59 Starting Blind Intelligence and Overcoming Personal Loss 21:30 Ariana's Takeaway and How to Connect with Her 24:56 Closing Remarks and Shout-outs Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to email us at feedback@aftersight.org or give us a call on our voicemail line at 720-712-8856.

The Blind Chick Podcast: Conversation with Emily Shavers In this episode of The Blind Chick, hosts converse with Emilee Schevers who talks about her experiences as a visually impaired individual. Emily discusses her engagement with goalball, an adaptive sport for visually impaired individuals, and her passion for advocacy and inclusivity in the Miss Personality Eastern Canada pageant. Additionally, she shares her experiences working in a camp that accommodates visually impaired individuals. Emilee emphasizes the impact of trying new things and boosts confidence in individuals facing similar situations. 00:00 Introduction to The Blind Chick Podcast 00:58 A Glimpse into the Hosts' Lives and Their New Year Resolutions 01:25 Guest Introduction: Emily Shavers, the Goalball Enthusiast 02:57 Getting to Know Emily: Her Heroes, Theme Song, and Vision Loss 04:49 Unique Experience with Color Vision 10:15 Journey into Goalball 12:55 Experience in Pageantry and the Birth of Personality Pageant 17:38 Love for Camp and Her Role as a Camp Coordinator 20:10 Takeaway Message and Final Thoughts 22:04 Advocacy Work and Her Social Media Platform, Tru Faces Thank you for listening to this episode of the blind chick. We hope you have an amazing week if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please leave us a message at feedback@aftersight.org or give us a call if you have a question for one of our hosts at 720-712-8856.

Overcoming Life’s Challenges: The Blind Chick Podcast ft. Nefertiti Matos-Olivares In this episode of The Blind Chick podcast, the hosts Penn and Moses Street have an enlightening and emotional conversation with Nefertiti Matos-Olivares. Nefertiti, a successful blind woman, shares her journey of dealing with blindness, the struggles she encountered while writing audio descriptions as a blind person, and how coping with the end of a long-term relationship while undergoing a major double transplant surgery. Nefertiti emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself, finding joy within yourself, self-care, therapy, and various physical activities to help maintain mental and physical health. She also shares how she employs rest as a radical, rejuvenating act. The conversation ends with information on how listeners can connect with her and join her in her quest to uplift and represent the visually impaired community. If you would like to follow along with a transcription of this episode, click on the link below. https://share.descript.com/view/fx9vqlW2gak 00:00 Introduction to The Blind Chick Podcast 00:36 Valentine's Day Reflections 01:37 Interview with Nefertiti: Part 1 02:13 The Struggles and Triumphs of Being a Blind Professional 02:37 Nefertiti's Personal Journey and Challenges 04:35 The Importance of Self-Care and Mental Health 14:56 Nefertiti's Experience with Heartbreak and Disappointment 17:49 Finding Strength and Resilience in Difficult Times 21:57 How to Connect with Nefertiti and Learn More 23:42 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes Thank you for listening to this episode of the blind chick. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please email us at feedback@aftersight.org or give us a phone call at 720-712-8856. Thanks for listening and have a great week.

The Journey of Nefertiti Matos-Olivares: Audio Description Pioneer In this enlightening episode of 'The Blind Chick' podcast, we have a discussion with Nefertiti Matos-Olivares, a professional audio describer and a prominent figure in creating accessible experiences. Nefertiti shares her personal journey from being a library worker to her role in Descriptive Video Works and her active involvement in the Social Audio Description collective. She also shares her struggles and the road to achieving her current status in a world not designed for her. This episode highlights the evolution of accessible experience in cinema with audio description and the impact it has on the visually impaired community. The second part of the discussion is scheduled for next week, where we touch on self-care and self-love. If you would like to follow along with a transcript of this podcast, please click on the link below. https://share.descript.com/view/7ixlxxTYV4g 00:00 Introduction to The Blind Chick Podcast 00:38 Movie Reviews: The Beekeeper and American Fiction 00:58 The Importance of Audio Description in Movies 01:52 Guest Introduction: Nefertiti Matos-Olivares 03:30 Nefertiti's Journey into Audio Description 04:57 Challenges and Triumphs in Nefertiti's Career 10:23 The Impact of Audio Description on the Blind Community 16:41 Nefertiti's Work with Sundance and the Social Audio Description Collective 23:10 Overcoming Barriers and Embracing Change 26:37 Conclusion and Teaser for the Next Episode Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. If you like this episode, please like subscribe and send us your feedback. We need to push this show to the top of the charts, so more people can be inspired by the stories of the community. You can reach us through email at feedback@aftersight.org or calling our voicemail line at (720) 712-8856.

From Darkness to Empowerment This podcast episode continues an engaging and enlightening interview with Charlie Kramer, a disability life coach and public speaker. Charlie discusses his unique approach to coaching, his experiences with client transformations, and his insights into redefining disability. He also highlights the importance of owning one's disability, and the need for creating a new sense of 'normalcy' around disabilities in our society. This episode touches on the struggle of living with disabilities, the power of changing one's personal perspective, and the impact of personal growth on societal perceptions. If you would like to follow along with a transcript of this show, please click on the link below. https://share.descript.com/view/O40HNEa1izc 00:00 Introduction to The Blind Chick Podcast 00:45 Diving into Part Two with Charlie Kramer 01:37 The Importance of Life Coaches 03:22 When to Seek a Life Coach 05:35 Embracing Disability and Changing Belief Systems 07:18 The Power of Acceptance and Self-Perception 09:16 Redefining Disability and Embracing All Aspects of Self 21:26 The Impact of Language and Self-Identification 25:51 Final Thoughts and Takeaways Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. We hope you enjoy this episode. If you have any questions for any of our house, please email us at feedback after site.org or call us at 720-712-8856. We hope you have a wonderful week.

The Blind Chick Podcast: Exploring Strength, Overcoming Hurdles, and Embracing an Adventurous Lifestyle Would you like to give somebody a shout-out because they've done something awesome or have achieved a personal goal, or it's a holiday that you want to send them a special message? You can now purchase shout-outs at aftersight.org/shoutout. Receive 50% off by using the code LOVE at check out. When you purchase a shout-out, we will read it on one of our shows for the whole world to hear. Join us for an insightful episode of The Blind Chick, an Aftersight original podcast. Listen to inspiring stories of strength, overcoming hurdles, and embracing life's adventures despite visual impairment. A week prior we introduced a new feature, 'Shout-out', allowing listeners to share their experiences, and we're thrilled to have received our first response from a listener, who shared her empowering journey of increased self-awareness and independence. In this episode, we have an incredible guest on board - Charlie Kramer - a renowned disability life coach who empowers people with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives. Known for his catchphrase 'live kick-ass lives,' Charlie inspires us all to step into our true selves rather than assimilate. So join us as we discuss Charlie's unique approach, the difference between a life coach and a therapist, and the empowering choice of expressing a full identity. Enjoy listening! If you would like to follow along with the transcript of this show, please click on the link below. https://share.descript.com/view/HLX0pYrLzgL 00:00 Introduction to The Blind Chick Podcast 00:39 Engaging with Listeners: Shout Out Segment 01:05 Appreciating Listener's Feedback: Michelle's Story 02:20 Introducing the Guest: Charlie Kramer 03:07 Getting to Know Charlie: Personal Background 05:55 Charlie's Travel Recommendations 08:14 Charlie's Journey with Retinitis Pigmentosa 10:50 Charlie's Approach to Living with Vision Loss 18:50 Charlie's Unique Approach as a Life Coach 23:58 Connecting with Charlie: Social Media and More 25:34 Wrapping Up and Looking Forward to Part Two If you enjoyed this show, we would love to hear from you! You can reach us at feedback at after sight.org or call us on our voicemail line at 720-712-8856 as always thank you for listening to The Blind Chick.