The Blind Chick

Summary Cordelia Zars, the executive director of Empathy Theater Project, discusses the mission of the organization to develop original theater that fosters empathy and connection across divisions in America. The theater company creates original musicals and monologues that tackle complex issues and aim to bring people together. Cordelia emphasizes the importance of storytelling and music in breaking down polarization and promoting understanding. She also shares upcoming events, including a concert called Sing for Peace and a production of their show 'We Are Still Here.' The conversation highlights the need for kindness and recognizing our shared humanity. Takeaways Empathy Theater Project creates original theater that fosters empathy and connection across divisions in America. Storytelling and music are powerful tools in breaking down polarization and promoting understanding. Upcoming events include a concert called Sing for Peace and a production of the show 'We Are Still Here. Kindness and recognizing our shared humanity are essential in creating a more compassionate society. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Summer Activities 01:53 Introduction of Cordelia Zars and Empathy Theater Project 04:13 Empathy Theater Project's Mission and Inspiration 06:20 The Power of Music and Theater in Fostering Empathy 07:19 Balancing Perspectives in Storytelling 09:11 Exploring Nuance and Complexity in Issues 12:31 Upcoming Events: Sing for Peace and 'We Are Still Here' 13:57 Expanding 'We Are Still Here' Production 19:56 Encouragement for Kindness and Unity 22:23 Announcements: Audio Trek Hike and Shine Music Festival 25:26 Closing Remarks and Call for Kindness Thank you for listening to this episode of the blind chick. If you have any comments, questions or feedback for the show, please give us a call at 720-712-8856. Thanks and have a great week.

Summary Stephanie Barrera Valdes shares her journey of vision loss, career impact, and the creation of Blind Delights. She discusses her diagnosis, moving to the United States, and her work with the Foundation for Children with Special Needs. Additionally, she talks about the inspiration behind Blind Delights and its environmental-friendly products. Stephanie Barrera Valdes discusses her zero waste, waterless skincare products and the inspiration behind her brand, Blind Delights. She shares insights on the benefits of waterless products, the challenges of finding natural alternatives, and the personal experiences that led to the creation of her products. Stephanie also highlights the importance of natural, chemical-free products and the positive impact they can have on people's lives. Register for the Aftersight Audio trekkers Hike here and make sure you put Team Blind Chick in the registration form for your chance to win some cool prizes. https://aftersight.org/hike/ Takeaways Stephanie's vision loss was the result of a brain injury and optical nerve atrophy, leading to a significant impact on her career path. Moving to Boston was motivated by the need for better medical attention and support for her vision loss. Stephanie's work with the Foundation for Children with Special Needs involves filling gaps in education and medical support for families and children with special needs. The creation of Blind Delights was inspired by Stephanie's son's eczema, leading to the development of environmental-friendly skincare products. Blind Delights offers solid lotion bars and other products that are both effective and environmentally friendly. The benefits of zero waste, waterless skincare products The importance of natural, chemical-free products The impact of personal experiences on product creation The challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship as a blind individual Chapters 00:00 Journey of Vision Loss and Career Impact 05:59 Moving to Boston and Work with the Foundation 11:17 Inspiration Behind Blind Delights 15:09 The World of Zero Waste Skincare 30:36 From Personal Experience to Product Creation Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. If you have any questions for Penn and moses let them know. Give them a call at (720) 712-8856 or email them at feedback@aftersight.org

Summary The episode features a conversation with Nancy Solari, a woman who is changing the world with her work. The hosts, Penn and Moses Street, share their recent challenging experiences and discuss the importance of reaching out for help. Nancy talks about her journey, her show, and her upcoming project. The conversation emphasizes the value of connection, support, and taking action in life. Takeaways The importance of reaching out for help during challenging times The value of connection and support in life The significance of taking action and living life to the fullest The impact of inspiring stories and personal growth Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Challenges 03:08 Living Full Out: The Power of Connection and Support 08:35 Inspiring Stories: Overcoming Challenges and Growth Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. If you have any questions, give us a call at 720-712-8856, or you can email us at feedback@aftersight.org. Thanks for listening and have a great week.

Summary In this conversation, Oksana Chichikova discusses the challenges and discrimination faced by blind individuals in Russia and the United States. She shares her experiences with accessibility in voting and the workplace, as well as her advocacy work for inclusion and diversity. Oksana also highlights the beauty and hospitality of Russia and invites listeners to visit Moscow. The conversation concludes with a message of positivity and kindness. Takeaways Blind individuals face discrimination and challenges in both Russia and the United States. Accessibility in voting and the workplace is still a work in progress. Advocacy for inclusion and diversity is important to create positive change. Russia and Moscow offer beautiful sights and a welcoming culture. Choosing positivity and kindness can make a difference in people's lives. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:22 Challenges and Discrimination Faced by Blind Individuals 08:28 Advocacy for Inclusion and Diversity 10:46 The Beauty and Hospitality of Russia Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick if you have any questions for Penn or Moses please feel free to email us at feedback@aftersight.org or if you're feeling bold you can give us a phone call at 720-712-8856. I hope you have a great week.

Summary In this episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses interview Oksana Chuchinkova, the diversity and inclusion manager at a global institution and an advocate for blind beauty. They discuss Oksana's favorite season, her involvement with Bold Blind Beauty, her experiences growing up blind in Russia, and the challenges faced by blind individuals in finding employment. They also touch on the importance of representation and breaking stereotypes. The conversation ends with a teaser for the next episode, where they will explore the accessibility differences between growing up blind in Moscow and the United States. Takeaways Blind individuals face challenges in finding employment due to prejudice and inaccessible software. Representation and breaking stereotypes are important for blind individuals. Oksana shares her experiences growing up blind in Russia and the importance of finding a sense of belonging. The next episode will explore the accessibility differences between growing up blind in Moscow and the United States. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Summer Plans 02:17 Introducing Oksana Chuchinkova 03:00 Favorite Season and Bold Blind Beauty 05:40 What is Bold Blind Beauty? 09:30 Passions and Belonging 12:42 Growing Up Blind in Russia 21:33 Unemployment Statistics and Inaccessible Software 24:50 Project for Blind Employment 26:39 Teaser: Accessibility Differences Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 720-712-8856 or email us at feedback@aftersight.org. Thanks for listening, and we'll see you next week.

Summary In this conversation, Tamara, also known as Unsightly Opinions, discusses her fashion sense, social media presence, vision loss due to albinism, education, and advocacy work. She shares her daily routine and the challenges of managing social media and editing videos. Tamara's goal is to show possibility, demonstrate capability, and remove barriers for individuals with disabilities. The conversation concludes with a discussion about Mother's Day and the importance of being kind to oneself and others. Takeaways Tamara, also known as Unsightly Opinions, is a vlogger, musician, and advocate for individuals with disabilities. She has a passion for fashion and shares her unique style on social media. Tamara has albinism, a genetic condition that results in a lack of pigment and affects her vision. She had a supportive education experience and advocates for equity and accessibility in education. Tamara's daily routine is busy, as she balances her work as a vlogger and musician with other commitments. Managing social media and editing videos is time-consuming but rewarding for Tamara. Her goal is to show possibility, demonstrate capability, and remove barriers for individuals with disabilities. Mother's Day is an important time to appreciate and honor the special women in our lives. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Yoga Class 03:00 Tamara's Fashion Sense 07:58 Tamara's Social Media Presence 13:03 Tamara's Vision Loss and Albinism 16:01 Tamara's Education and Advocacy 22:58 Managing Social Media and Editing Videos 26:58 Tamara's Goals and Impact 29:00 Mother's Day and Conclusion Thank you for listening to this episode of the blind chick. If you have any questions for PanzaPenn and Moses, please feel free to give us a call at 720-712-8856 or you can email us at feedback at at firstsight.org. Have a great week.

Summary In this episode, Penn and Moses welcome Precious Perez, a talented musician and author. They discuss Precious' background in music, her journey as an artist, and the inspiration behind her book 'Vision: My Story of Strength'. Precious shares her passion for music and her desire to break barriers as a Latina woman in the industry. She also emphasizes the importance of love and kindness in leaving a positive legacy. The episode concludes with a reminder to be kind to oneself and others. Takeaways Follow your passion and keep working towards your goals. Don't be afraid to ask for help and lean on the support of others. Choose love and kindness in all aspects of life. Leave a positive legacy by making a difference in the lives of others. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Costa Rica Trip 03:18 Precious' Background and Book 08:32 Passion for Music and Career Path 10:50 Preferred Genre and Musical Journey 13:14 Recording Music in Costa Rica 14:10 Legacy and Impact 15:56 Takeaway and Contact Information Thank you for listening to this episode of the blind chick if you have any questions for Penn or Moses, please call us at 720-712-8856 or email us at feedback@aftersight.org. Thanks for listening and will see you next week.

Summary In this episode, Penn and Moses Street are back for Part 2 as they chat with Andre Van Hall about overcoming prejudice and embracing change. Andre shares his personal experiences as a blind individual and offers insights on how to shift from prejudice to curiosity. He emphasizes the importance of humility and acceptance in fostering curiosity and understanding. Andre also discusses the concept of neuroplasticity and the need to rewire our expectations and prejudices. The conversation highlights the power of choosing to see the light in difficult situations and the impact of curiosity on personal growth. Takeaways Prejudice can be transformed into curiosity through humility and acceptance. Neuroplasticity allows us to rewire our expectations and prejudices. Choosing to see the light in difficult situations can lead to personal growth. Curiosity and understanding are fostered by humility and acceptance. Embracing change requires a willingness to rewire our thinking and overcome prejudices. Chapters 00:00 Introducing Andre Van Hall and the Power of Curiosity 06:41 Andre's Book: A Practical Guide to Embracing Change 12:47 Challenging Preconceived Notions of Blindness 23:39 Choosing to See the Light: Personal Growth Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick if you have any questions for Penn or Moses, please feel free to email us at feedback@aftersight.org or call us at 720-712-8856. Have a fantastic week.

Summary In this episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn and Moses interviews Andre Van Hall, a motivational speaker and curiosity instigator. Andre shares his journey of overcoming challenges, including losing his vision, losing his career, and battling cancer. He emphasizes the importance of humility and reaching out for support during difficult times. Andre also discusses the power of curiosity in navigating change and finding new opportunities. The episode ends with a teaser for part two and an announcement about a new podcast called Game Changers. Takeaways Humility is key in navigating difficult change and accepting support from others. Curiosity can help reduce stress and open up new opportunities during times of change. Reaching out for help and being open to new experiences can lead to personal growth and success. Overcoming prejudices and misconceptions about blindness can lead to a more fulfilling life. Sound Bites "We tend to underestimate the strength of people that surround us and how willing they are to help us." "I need to start to go in a different direction." "The best way to deal with stress is get curious." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Costa Rica Trip 05:16 Facing Life Disruptors 09:22 The Power of Humility and Support 15:26 Using Curiosity to Navigate Change Thank you for listening to The Blind Chick. If you have any questions for Penn or Moses, give us a call at (720) 712-8856 or email us at feedback@aftersight.org

Summary In this episode, Jocelyn Hunter, Senior Director of Communications at Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind, shares her experiences and insights. She discusses the top three things to experience in Washington, DC, including the US Capitol Tour, the Portrait Gallery, and a baseball game. Jocelyn also talks about her journey of gaining confidence and independence after being diagnosed with a rare eye condition. She shares her work experience on Capitol Hill and her career growth at Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind. Jocelyn emphasizes the organization's mission of creating independence for the blind and visually impaired and highlights the services they offer. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 03:19 Top Three Things to Experience in Washington, DC 06:09 Gaining Confidence and Independence 08:04 Working on Capitol Hill 13:03 Career Growth at Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind 22:29 Creating Independence for the Blind and Visually Impaired 23:31 Services Offered by Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind 26:43 Closing Remarks Thank you for listening to this episode of The blind Chick. We know you have questions, so let us know what they are. Call us at (720) 712-8856 or email us at feedback@aftersight.org. Have a great week.