

The Blind Chick
Aftersight
The Blind Chick is an Aftersight Original hosted by Penn and Moses Street. It’s a raw, real, and often funny conversation space where blindness isn’t a limitation—it’s part of the story. Each episode dives into the lives of blind and low-vision people, exploring resilience, identity, and the messy, beautiful realities of living without sight. With heart, humor, and honesty, The Blind Chick breaks stereotypes, challenges stigma, and reminds us all that blindness is not the end of the story—it’s the beginning of a new one.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 14, 2024 • 27min
Shine Music Festival
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.

Mar 7, 2024 • 28min
Blindly Globe-Trotting: Tales of Travel and Adaptability
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.

Feb 29, 2024 • 27min
Professor Blindie's Guide to Seeing the Funny Side of Blindness
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.

Feb 22, 2024 • 27min
Embracing Adaptive Sports and Changing Paths
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.

Feb 15, 2024 • 25min
Love and Self-Care: Nefertiti Matos-Olivares' Path to Happiness
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.

Feb 8, 2024 • 28min
The Power of Descriptive Narration: Nefertiti's Journey
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.

Feb 1, 2024 • 28min
From Darkness to Empowerment
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.

Jan 25, 2024 • 27min
Living a Kick-Ass Life with a Disability
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.

Jan 18, 2024 • 28min
Lights, Camera, Self-Esteem: Unveiling the Truth Behind Photographs
Overcoming Self Esteem Challenges & Story Time with The Blind Chick
Tune in for an uplifting and insightful episode of 'The Blind Chick' where Penn Street, the blind chick, and her husband Moses Street share their personal experiences in boosting self-esteem through the power of perception. They share how they survived a severe winter with improvised warmth and a lot of humor. Penn discusses her fondness for sunglasses and the empowering effect they have on her self-image. Tune in as they dive deep into the impact of appearance in media and social media. They explain how emotions play a crucial role in photography and discuss some practical tips to feel more confident in front of the camera. The show concludes with both emphasizing the importance of embracing uniqueness and practicing kindness.
If you would like to follow along with a transcript of this show, please click on the link below.
00:00 Introduction to The Blind Chick Podcast
00:54 Surviving the Polar Vortex: A Personal Experience
02:32 High School Memories and Mean Girls
04:45 The Impact of Media on Self Esteem
05:41 The Secret to Being Photographed
07:16 Photography Tips and Tricks
23:25 Embracing Your Differences in Photos
25:10 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up
Well if you enjoyed this show then I know you're going to love next week. If you have any questions of the hosts of The Blind Chick, then shoot them an email at feedback@aftersight.org or give them a call at (720) 712-8856.
Don't forget to give a shoutout to your loved one, or just anyone who may need a little pick-me-up. Just head to www.aftersight.org/shoutout and type in the promo code LOVE for 50% off your purchase. We'll see you next time.

Jan 11, 2024 • 28min
S3E2: From Victim to Victor: The Story of Safety Positive
The Blind Chick Podcast: Discussing Self-Advocacy and Safety for the Visually Impaired with Amy Wilson
In this enlightening episode of The Blind Chick Podcast, hosts Penn and Moses dive deep into the world of self-advocacy and safety for the blind with Amy Wilson, founder of the Safety Positive Foundation. Discussing troubling statistics around abuse of the blind, Amy sheds light on her foundation's mission to educate people, ultimately improving personal safety of the visually impaired community. From offering self-advocacy training to partnering with law enforcement and healthcare, Amy's dedication is truly inspiring, creating lasting change in the community. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion about empowerment, resilience, and safety in the blind community.
If you would like to follow along with a transcript of this show, please click on the link below.
https://share.descript.com/view/4WKVEDAJeF8
00:00 Introduction to The Blind Chick Podcast
00:28 Hosts' Personal Stories and Insights
01:39 Guest Introduction: Amy Wilson
02:05 Getting to Know Amy Wilson
03:46 Amy's Journey: From Vision Loss to Empowerment
07:34 Amy's Involvement with OneTouch Project
08:46 The Dark Side of OneTouch Project
13:23 The Importance of Verbal Craft Training
20:14 Pepper Spray Training for the Blind
23:03 Future Plans for Safety Positive Foundation
25:38 How to Connect with Amy and Safety Positive Foundation
27:09 Closing Remarks and Contact Information
Thank you for listening to this episode of the blind check to find out more information about Amy Wilson and the Safety Positive Foundation, please visit safetypositivefdn.org. If you would like to reach us, email us at feedback@aftersight.org or through our phone line 720-712-8856. Have a great week.


