Rare with Flair: Recent Episodes

Casey Greer and Cassandra Mendez

Casey + Cassandra are a pair of best friends with the same rare disease. Their goal is simple: sharing their lives to showcase the beauty and normalcy in disability, while having fun together. They’ll also touch on accessibility, friendships, style, and everything in between as they live their best, rare, lives! For show notes, go to rarewithflair.com

who could’ve predicted we’d still be hi, hello-ing, and hey-ing 6 years later?!

Wow, podience! We can’t believe this is our SIXTH podaversary. 2020 seems like a lifetime ago, and we had to take a beat to think about everything that’s changed since then. Since recording in our parents’ houses during a global pandemic, we’ve each made a myriad of changes, both large and small, all while keeping the pod a constant in our evolving lives. While “things change” isn’t exactly breaking news, we wanted to take a moment to honor where we started and where we are now.

Of course, we also wanted to take a moment to thank all our listeners. From the OGs to new fans who binge the entire show to casual listeners in between, we would just be FaceTiming into the void without you. Thank you to anyone who’s ever emailed us or approached us at a conference to tell us you enjoy the show. If we’ve ever made you feel less alone as someone with a disability, or if you’ve learned something new from us, we feel like we’ve accomplished what we’d hoped. Thank you for six lovely years of storytelling, laughter, and growth. We truly couldn’t have done it without you!

related episodesIf you’d like to take a stroll down memory lane, start with our very first episode, or check out our five other podaversary episodes in the Podaversary category. Especially check out last year’s podaversary episode, where we revisited some of our opinions on disability-related topics and discovered that, shockingly, we’ve changed our minds about a few things.

For some of the early episodes we mention in this one, check out our early style episode to see just how much we’ve changed (and to date ourselves a little), along with our early music episode. Six years later, we’re still here, and apparently we still have things to say. Here’s to many more!

Case + Cass caught in true form at the HPS conference, 2026

hi hello hey, we lost our voices but filled our hearts

We’re back from the 2026 albinism conference in Columbus, Ohio, and somehow managed to fit a week’s worth of memories into just three short days. Join us as we recap volunteering at the HPS Network booth, speaking on panels, rehearsing and performing with the Person with Albinism (PWA) Choir, trying adaptive sports, dominating (or attempting to dominate) trivia night, and catching up with friends from all over the country.

We also share all the behind-the-scenes details from the most magical Wicked-themed bridal shower that Cass secretly planned for Case at the sweetest little French café. 💚🩷 Whether you’ve attended an albinism conference before or are just curious what it’s like, come relive one unforgettable weekend with us filled with community, laughter, meaningful conversations, and a whole lot of joy.

related episodesFor past NOAH conference episodes, check out

1. rolling out the red carpet for the albinism conference (2024 con)
1. squinting in orlando: albinism conference recap (2022 con)

Cass references our recent episode on visual processing: 137. sorry, my brain was buffering

For all other conference episodes, listen to our Conference recap category!

Cass, Case, + Anaheim at the NOAH Conference in Columbus, Ohio, 2026

hi hello hey — the old Rare with Flair can’t come to the phone right now. why? because they’re busy ranking Taylor Swift albums.

After an unexpected little summer hiatus, we’re finally back behind the microphones and so excited to kick off the second half of the season with an episode we’ve somehow never done before.

We’re ranking every Taylor Swift album in a full-blown tier list. From debut to Showgirl, we’re sharing our hottest takes, defending our rankings, and proving that even our “lowest” tier still isn’t all that low.

If you’ve been around for a while, you might remember last year’s episode all about attending live events as blind concertgoers. We talk about our Eras Tour experiences there, so consider this episode the perfect companion piece—this time, we’re leaving the stadium behind and focusing on the music itself.

If you’re a Swiftie like us or just curious to see which albums made our S tier, we hope you’ll listen along… and maybe yell at us just a little. 😉

Cass + Case at The Eras Tour, 2024/2023

hi hello hey — apparently our eyeballs demande

Back in 2022, we dedicated an entire episode to our experiences with glasses and contacts, and while our diagnoses haven’t changed, our relationships with corrective lenses definitely have. So naturally, it was time for a sequel.

This week, Case shares her journey from trying progressives to fully embracing bifocals (granny-core, but make it functional), while Cass talks about wearing tinted contacts more often to help with photophobia and why they work so well for her and shares potentially the least glamorous contacts story ever told. We also swap stories about the strange realities of “corrected” vision, including the irony that our prescriptions can reduce eye strain and help us distinguish more detail… while still not letting us recognize faces from across the room.

hi hello hey — apparently we needed more hobbies??This week, we’re catching up on all the deeply important developments in our lives: hair journeys, nail journeys, emotional support apps, LinkedIn games, coloring books, rock climbing, baking projects, and the media consuming habits of two visually impaired women with access to streaming services.

Basically, this is our annual “what are we into lately?” episode where we talk about the random little things currently bringing us joy and occupying our brains. From Case setting goals with Finch to our shared obsession with Phineas and Ferb, consider this a cozy catch-up and proof that hobbies are, in fact, alive and well.

Case + Cass showing off what they’re into lately, including nails and rock climbing, 2025

hi hello hey — we’re visually impaired

Hopefully this isn’t news to our audience considering we’ve made nearly 150 episodes of us yapping, largely about our blindness. We’ve done many an episode about disclosing our disabilities in different settings — jobs, friendships, dating, and learning how to say just enough without accidentally info-dumping on unsuspecting strangers.

Even with the same jobs and friends, we still find ourselves disclosing all the time, but nowhere does it feel more constant than while dating.

Cass is out there, and before meeting the love of her life, Case also often found herself playing what felt like a game: trying to disclose casually in a way that felt conversational instead of Serious™. Somewhere along the way, we realized we’d both become oddly skilled at finding ways to bring up blindness in nearly any topic of conversation.

Naturally, we decided to turn it into an actual game.

In this episode, we put our disclosure abilities to the test: can we find a way to disclose our blindness with any conversation prompt?

related episodesFor more episodes on disclosing, check these out:

1. life, love, & dating with a disability for our thoughts on dating way back in 2021
1. our jobs, discrimination, & unattainable goals on disclosing for work
1. the beginner’s guide to disclosing disability on disclosing in dating and beyond
1. how we stopped word-vomiting all our struggles on oversharing or disclosing too soon
1. please, read the room!!! on when to disclose vs. when to let it go
1. we’ve changed our minds?: our 5 year podaversary on the ways we’ve changed over the years, including disclosure and accepting help

Case + Cass during Case’s bachelorette, 2026

hi hello hey… we’re not ready to be back

Physically, we’re home, but mentally, we’re still at the Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Conference.

This year was extra special because we secured a Grant—Newkirk, that is. Case’s fiancé, Grant, joined the conference chaos for the first (and certainly not the last) time, and it made everything even more fun. We get into the excitement (and vulnerability) of bringing someone new into a space that feels so unique to our community—and spoiler alert: Grant was welcomed with open arms.

This year’s conference was on the smaller side, but still just as meaningful. We’re recapping it all—from our many involvements to our favorite moments. To everyone we saw—old friends and new—it’s always such a joy to connect with this community.

HPS is just the first of three conferences we’ll be at this year, so stay tuned for more recaps in the coming months… some of which may turn into chaotic live episodes.

Case + Grant (+ Cass) at the HPS conference, 2026related episodesCheck out past HPS conference eps to relive the magic

1. a family reunion with blood draws: the hps conference (2021): a primer on all things conference
1. hps conference: reuniting our community after four years (2023)
1. doctors at a bar, cute lab mice, & dancing dinosaurs: hps conference recap (2024)
1. few but many: hps conference 2025

Still on a conference kick? Enjoy other episodes where we recap conferences:

1. squinting in orlando: albinism conference recap NOAH 2022
1. rolling out the red carpet for the albinism conference NOAH 2024
1. still alive but barely breathing lmao: ats recap our time at the American Thoracic Society in 2025

hi hello hey, guess who has the best job?? us, because we don’t have to drive!

We’re all well aware of the perks of driving—the privacy of your own car, the freedom to go anywhere at any time—but what about the perks of being a passenger princess (or prince)? Driving takes visual, mental, and physical energy that we simply don’t have to spend, which means more room to save money, relax, and stay relatively safe.

We also talk about the importance of finding ways to navigate semi-independently and encourage y’all to lean into it when possible—whether that’s public transportation, rideshares, or tapping into your broader community instead of relying on the same person every time. However you do it, we hope you flex those mental muscles and get creative if you’re feeling stuck.

We had so much fun recording this episode—something about it felt like classic Rare with Flair. Don’t worry though, we’ll be back to our usual shenanigans next episode as we recap the 2026 Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome conference!

related episodesFor more episodes where we talk about driving (or not driving), check these out:

1. two blind girls take a driving test: why we choose not to bioptic drive (+ a quiz that proves how little we know about driving)
1. feeling like a burden: a vulnerable discussion on how not driving makes us feel
1. lifting the burden: how we pay it forward: how we give back to those who help us out

Case + Cass attempting to drive with their dads, 2019/2021

hi hello hey, you hungry? well… you’re about to be!

Before we get into this week’s ep, thank you for your patience while we took a little break. Between travel and being sick, we wanted to wait until we had the time and energy to bring you a quality episode—and now we’re back and, frankly, starving. Want some snacks??

It’s been a minute since we did a “flair” ep, and this one was actually a brilliant idea from our girl ChatGPT (hate if you will, but she’s helpful!). You loved when we ranked assistive technology, so we’re back with another tier list—this time featuring (mostly) salty snacks. Expect some agreements, some disagreements, and some seriously salty takes.

Have another tier list topic you want us to debate, or a favorite snack we missed? Email us at hello@rarewithflair.com!

Cass & Case snackin, 2024/2025

hi hello hey, welcome to a normal day in our lives!

If you’ve heard even one episode of our show, you know we tend to save some of our best blind/disability moments for the pod to really bring our lovely listeners into our world. Whether it’s helpful perspective for listeners without disabilities or catharsis for listeners like us, we usually pull out the wildest ones.

What you may not know is that those big, shocking stories actually happen somewhat sparingly. The little moments? Those happen practically daily. They’re so normal to us that sometimes we don’t even think to share them with each other.

This episode is a collection of those moments — the quiet, low-key, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it (well… metaphorically) blindie experiences that make up our actual, everyday lives.

No dramatic plot twists. No public showdowns. Just the cozy, mildly chaotic reality of existing in the world as blind girls trying to find forks, navigate doctor’s offices, and keep it moving.

Because this is what disability looks like on a random Tuesday.

Case feeling attacked by the impossible “Magic Eye” book while Cass feels seen by the large print books display, 2026/2024related episodesReady for more story time, big or small? Check these episodes out:

1. too blind to be sighted; too sighted to be blind living in the “gray area” between sighted and blind.
1. this one’s tmi… some of our most unfiltered chronic illness stories.
1. our lives are just one long, awkward moment a series of uncomfy social situations caused by our low vision.
1. our uber funny rideshare stories some of our wildest (and weirdest) rideshare experiences.
1. our lives are one huge contradiction times we saw things we felt we shouldn’t… but couldn’t see things we should.
1. the unhappiest place on earth: discrimination at disneyland our humiliating attempt to get DAS at Disneyland in 2024.
1. did they really just say that?! a smattering of some of the most shocking things people have said to us
1. we’re delulu about what we look like in public why we can’t fake looking “normal” and the stories to prove it.
1. the wound that never heals: our discrimination stories the most deeply cutting discrimination we’ve experienced in our lives
1. a grocery delivery shopper yelled at cass?? chaos from the world of grocery delivery.
1. sorry, my brain was buffering stories of when our processing speed said “please hold.”

hi hello hey, get ready for a real love fest today

Do you ever spend so much time with someone that you slowly start becoming them? Or worse… you start liking things you swore you’d never like?

After nearly 12 years of friendship (and almost 6 years of being best friends), we’ve influenced each other in ways both small and genuinely life-altering. From music, style, and products to deeper things like our perspectives, habits, and who we’ve grown into as people, we honestly wouldn’t recognize our lives without each other in them.

This episode is exactly what it sounds like: a cute, sappy, slightly embarrassing bestie love fest. We talk about the ways we’ve shaped each other—sometimes intentionally, sometimes completely by accident—and how we’ve made each other better along the way.

So grab a cozy drink, settle in, and blame it on bestie.

Have we influenced you in any way, big or small? We’d love to hear about it! Send us an email at hello@rarewithflair.com.

related episodesfor episodes we mention in this one, check out:

1. sorry, my brain was buffering our most recent episode on visual processing
1. our most ambitious vision boards yet!! for our 2026 vision boards
1. the great cardigan debate: our style roots for proof Cass used to be a cardigan hater
1. is reading an audiobook really reading? to hear about Cass’ grad school project on reading with low vision (and BARD Mobile!)
46.5. pale skin & green thumbs on our love for plants
1. shouting from the rooftops about assistive technology for proof Case used to be a dark mode hater
1. thank you for the music for proof that Cass used to be a Taylor Swift hater
1. intro: welcome to rare with flair! for our incentive of hearing Case’s “dog voice” for Rupert if we hit 100+ reviews
2. 1. blind beauty tips for actually hearing Case’s ridiculous dog voice (that is now part of Cass’ life)

for other cutesy episodes about friendship:

1. the moments that defined our ten-year friendship
1. only disabled friends talk about this
1. the alternate life where we wouldn’t be friends
34.5. are we really best friends? the ultimate friendship test

hi hello hey… oh, are you waving at us??

We’ve done many an episode about the unique situations we find ourselves in while navigating a world with limited vision, and this one offers a fresh take on a very enduring experience.

After living for 30 years (an average of our ages), we’ve realized our brains aren’t exactly built for speedy visual processing. When your vision is limited, your brain gets less information to work with—and sometimes it feels like it’s just… buffering. This isn’t a visual processing disorder; it’s simply our brains doing their best with what they’ve got.

The result? Occasional awkward pauses, missed cues, and moments where we look completely spaced out. But there’s also a flip side. Because we don’t get bogged down in tiny visual details, our brains have learned to compensate in pretty cool ways. We make decisions based on shapes, colors, patterns, and context—and honestly, we’re often surprisingly accurate. (And when we’re not, the fails are at least validating proof to our friends that no, we’re not being dramatic about our vision.)

related episodesIf you want more proof that our eyes love putting us in funny situations, check out these episodes:

1. our lives are just one long, awkward moment for more on navigating social situations with low vision.
1. please, read the room!!! on choosing our battles—when to disclose and ask for accommodations, and when to let things go.
1. do we want a cure? our thoughts on not fixing our vision.

And an episode we reference in this one:

1. blind gamer girlies on playing video games with low vision.

Case + Cass enjoying some exercise (& processing visually), 2025

hi hello hey, yes—we’re still out here watching cartoons, and we’re very excited to talk about it.

This is our third installment in our cartoon-watching series (affectionately known as Buddy Watch). We keep joking that only three of you care, but based on the messages and suggestions we’ve received, we know there are some very dedicated cartoon lovers among you.

If you’re newer to Rare with Flair, cartoons are one of our many shared loves. We’ve been watching shows together almost daily since 2022, which puts our current total at around 14 series watched (and counting). In this episode, we break down the last five shows we watched—Fairly OddParents, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, Gravity Falls, Star vs. the Forces of Evil, and Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse—and then run through our ever-growing (and slightly unhinged) watchlist.

We’re always taking recommendations—email us at hello@rarewithflair.com or slide into our DMs! We’ve fully committed to watching cartoons together until the day we die, so please send us your favorites that we should add to—or bump up on—our list.

related episodesCheck out the previous installments in our cartoon series:

1. case & cass’ carTWOon adventures
1. cass & case’s cartoon adventures

Case, Cass, + Mr. A with their idols, SpongeBob + Patrick at Universal Orlando, 2025

hi hello hey, happy 2026! And more importantly… welcome to season SEVEN of Rare with Flair! 🎉

There’s no better way to kick off a new year than with one of our favorite traditions: vision boards. This year’s boards are our most ambitious yet, with over ten focus areas each—covering everything from mind and health to home, spirit, and the big-picture dreams we’re calling in. We love the practice of setting intention at the start of the year and creating something tangible we’ll see every single day.

They say vision boards have a way of coming true (often in the most unexpected ways), so we’re diving in with fresh habits, big hopes, and a few exciting announcements you definitely won’t want to miss. 👀✨

Do you make a vision board—or did listening to the pod inspire you to start one? We’d love to hear about it! Send us a note at hello@rarewithflair.com.

related episodesIf you haven’t heard our 2025 recap episode, look back with us! 134. guide dogs, rings, and traveling things: 2025 recap

For our past vision board episodes, check out these episodes:

1. are we ready to thrive in 2025?
1. 2024 vision boards: moving forward with courage

Case & Cass “taking on the world” at Universal, 2025

hi hello hey, what do you mean 2025 is over??

We truly cannot believe another year (and season SIX of Rare with Flair) is coming to a close. Before we get sappy, we’re keeping up our longtime tradition of recapping the year. These episodes mean a lot to us—they’re like little time capsules of what our lives looked like at the end of each year.

It’s also a chance to pull back the curtain just a bit and let you in on what we were up to throughout the year (with boundaries, of course). Oh—and there’s a breaking announcement at the very beginning of this episode that we know you won’t want to miss!!

As we mention in the episode, we’re always intentional about how much we choose to share. By no means do we want y’all to think our lives were perfect—we simply try to strike a balance between openness and privacy. That said, we genuinely look forward to this episode every year, and it wouldn’t be complete without sharing our top artists from our Spotify Wrapped.

No matter what kind of year you had, we’re so grateful we got to be a small part of it. We hope you enjoy celebrating whichever holidays are meaningful to you, and we couldn’t be more thankful for such loyal listeners. Be sure to join us at the beginning of 2026 to find out what’s landing on our vision boards next year!

related episodesCheck out other episodes we mention in this one for more fun from our 2025:

1. are we ready to thrive in 2025? what we put on our vision boards this year
1. few but many: hps conference 2025 our time at the Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome conference
1. still alive but barely breathing lmao: ats recap our time at the American Thoracic Society in 2025
Our two-part series from when Cass went to guide dog training this year!
- 1. guide dog training, part 1: meet cass’ new guide!
- 1. guide dog training, part 2: come train with cass & mr. a!
1. yer a wizard, bestie: live from universal orlando! our trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

If you’d like to binge our complete set of year-in-review episodes to see how we’ve changed over time, let us know if you take on the challenge!

1. our wildest vision board dreams came true! 2024 recap
1. getting personal: recapping 2023
1. recapping a wild & wacky year 2022 recap
1. 2021 wrapped: our year in songs & seasons
1. looking back & moving forward 2020 recap

Cass playing outside with Mr. A and Case with the love of her life, 2025

hi hello hey — let’s chat about accessibility!

We’ve touched on accessibility throughout past episodes, but this week we’re giving it the spotlight it deserves. It’s a topic close to both our hearts — especially Cass’, since she works in digital accessibility! There’s a common misconception that making something accessible somehow makes it worse, but in reality, designs created for people with disabilities often end up benefiting everyone. In the accessibility world, this is known as the curb-cut effect: curb cuts were originally made to help wheelchair users navigate sidewalks, but they also help anyone rolling a stroller, suitcase, delivery cart — basically anything on wheels.

The reverse can happen too: products never intended for accessibility can unexpectedly become invaluable for disabled folks. We dive into some of our favorite examples of this “secret assistive tech,” from GPS to permanent bracelets.

Do you have your own examples of hidden assistive tech? Send them our way at hello@rarewithflair.com — we’d love to shout you out on the pod!

related episodesCheck out some other episodes we mention!

1. the definitive ranking of all assistive technology
1. is reading an audiobook really reading?
1. shouting from the rooftops about assistive technology

Case & Cass speaking at various events, 2025

hi hello hey, we finally got our Hogwarts letters!!!

Okay, not really, but our long-awaited trip (a year and a half in the making!) finally happened. We took Rare with Flair to Universal Studios Florida and spent two magical days exploring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

We’re not superfans, per se, but we absolutely adore the cozy vibe of a well-told story about best friends adventuring in a beautiful fantasy world. Naturally, we showed up in full house-pride outfits—Casey in Ravenclaw blue, Cassandra and Anaheim proudly repping Gryffindor—and soaked up all the details: the whimsical storefronts, the classic British fare, and the iconic sweets like chocolate frogs.

In this episode, we also get into what the accommodations process is like at Universal, what it’s like navigating a theme park with a service dog, and how two blind girls (and one stellar guide dog) made an A+ navigational team. Come hang out with us and relive all the magic!

related episodesFor more episodes where we get to record in the same room (!!!):

1. reunited at the happiest place on earth! our Disney trip in 2021
1. live from memphis: recording together for the first time! when Cass visited Case in Tennessee for her 30th in 2022
1. live from columbus: recapping our amazing weekend when Case visited Cass in Ohio in 2024
1. still alive but barely breathing lmao: ats recap our time at the American Thoracic Society in 2025

Case & Cass embracing their inner wizard in Diagon Alley, 2025show notes* Cass talked about Universal’s disability access process which was really smooth, so if you’re going to Universal with a disability be sure to check it out! * Case & Cass mentioned the video they used to learn about easter eggs in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

hi hello hey, helping is a fine line… but we’re here to help you help (sort of).

We’ve done many an episode about living in the gray area of low vision—especially how tricky it can be for the sighted people in our lives. When we might be someone’s first experience with the disabled community, we get why people instinctively jump in to help… or avoid helping altogether.

In this episode, we unpack that blurry line between helping so much that it feels condescending and not helping at all. We talk about what it feels like to receive help in a way that honors our independence while still extending kindness.

And don’t worry: this is NOT meant to scare anyone off from offering help just because you’re afraid of doing it “wrong.” Truly, we all have a part to play. One of the most helpful things you can do is simply ask what someone needs.

For disabled folks, we also chat about communicating lovingly with the overly helpful people in your life, expressing gratitude for their intentions while also reminding them that you’ve got autonomy too.

related episodesWe mention a few past episodes in this one. Check them out for more stories and laughs:

1. dear sighted people things sighted people do that are wonderfully helpful
1. hold up, sighted people things sighted people do that are… less than helpful
1. feeling like a burden the emotional challenge of repeatedly receiving help
1. lifting the burden: how we pay it forward the ways we express reciprocity to the people who help us

For episodes where we get to record in the same room (!!!):

1. reunited at the happiest place on earth! our Disney trip in 2021
1. live from memphis: recording together for the first time! when Cass visited Case in Tennessee for her 30th in 2022
1. live from columbus: recapping our amazing weekend when Case visited Cass in Ohio in 2024
1. still alive but barely breathing lmao: ats recap our time at the American Thoracic Society in 2025

Case & Cass traveling together, 2025

hi hello hey, cuddle up for some cute slumber party vibes!

We’ve had some fun “rare” episodes lately—talking guide dogs, blind perks, and all things life with a twist. So this week, we’re bringing back the flair!

Join us for a round of “Friendship Fight Club,” where we debate our mildly controversial opinions. From whether pineapple belongs on pizza to the correct way to eat cereal (yes, there’s a wrong way, and we’re probably doing it), we’re sharing our most unserious hot takes.

Case + Cass at the HPS conference, 2025

hi hello hey, being blind can have its perks!

If you’ve listened to our show for any amount of time, you know being blind isn’t always easy. But we do our best to make the most of the lives we have (and, honestly, we might even argue we’re living our best lives 😉). Still, there aresome perks that make life a little easier (and more equitable) and we wanted to share them with you!

Now, we’re not here to oversell these benefits (though some are pretty cool). Of course, don’t go faking blindness just to snag some of these perks, but if you qualify, definitely take advantage! From prime seating and early access to financial benefits, shorter lines, free tools and tech (and, yes, guide dogs!), we’re covering all kinds of perks that come with being blind.

Got a perk we missed? Email us at hello@rarewithflair.com! We’d love to hear it and maybe feature it in a future episode!

related episodesWe mention a few past episodes in this one. Check them out for more stories and laughs:

Cass spills all the tea on training with her new guide, Mr. A, in this two-part series!
- 1. guide dog training, part 1: meet cass’ new guide!
- 1. guide dog training, part 2: come train with cass & mr. a!
Theme Parks: For the drama (and discrimination) from our latest Disneyland trip, listen to 99. the unhappiest place on earth: discrimination at disneyland
Concerts: For concert perks and access tips, check out 115. internet fan meetups, unicorn snot, & trying to see the jumbotron
Airports: For our updated thoughts on airport assistance, listen to 124. we’ve changed our minds?: our 5 year podaversary
Books: Curious about accessible reading? Hear us chat BARD and Bookshare in 61. is reading an audiobook really reading?
Humor: For a good laugh (and a little existential crisis), go back to 55. things we’re sad and glad we can’t see (& having a mini crisis)

Case pre-boarding a flight and Cass exploring a bust by touch, 2025show notes* Cass mentions the National Parks Access Pass, available to people with disabilities for their lifetime and covers you and your whole vehicle! * Cass talks about college scholarships for blind students with academic merits, so check out these orgs among others if you need funding for college: + American Council of the Blind (ACB) Scholarships + American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) Scholars Program + National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Scholarships + Lighthouse Guild Scholarship * Case mentions sending Free Matter for the Blind mail (USPS) when mailing blind-related mail to other blind folks * Case & Cass talk about getting access to books, including: + To access the BARD Mobile app that has free audiobooks for the blind and visually impaired, first apply to receive service from the NLS (National Library Service), then submit an application for BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Downloads) + Students who qualify can access Bookshare for free e-books, and non-students can pay a discounted membership fee * Case mentioned that NOAH (the National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation) has an iPad program for anyone with albinism who needs an iPad as assistive tech! * Cass plugs Guide Dogs for the Blind, that provides “free dogs” for blind people: guide dogs as a mobility aid service dog, or K9 Buddies as companions!

hi hello hey, welcome back to part TWO of our guide dog training extravaganza!

We couldn’t make you wait a full two weeks for the next chapter of this story, so we’re releasing part two right away! It’s time to spill all the tea on our new favorite dude, Mr. A.

If you missed part 1 (where we revealed Mr. A!), be sure to go back and catch up before diving in. In this final installment of Cass’ time at Guide Dogs for the Blind, we take you inside what two weeks of training are really like. We talk about what it’s like working with a new guide, what teams do during training, and share even more real-time voice memos from Cass with stories about Mr. A.

We also cover meeting Mr. A’s incredible puppy raisers, the emotional graduation day, and shout out the amazing people who make the Guide Dogs experience so special.

Want to see graduation for yourself? You can watch the California Class 1034 graduation on YouTube (embedded below)! Skip to the 41:00 mark to hear Cass wax poetic about her new partner—but grab some tissues first!

We’ll be back next week with our regularly scheduled Rare with Flair episodes and will return to our biweekly release schedule after that.

Cass and Mr. A at graduation, 2025https://www.youtube.com/live/und7b3wv2IA?si=NqXofNo3lYpMhABP

hi hello hey, we’re back, and we are beyond excited to introduce Cass’ new partner-in-crime!

We hope you haven’t missed us too much during our month-long hiatus, because we’re coming back with a treat: our very first two-part episode extravaganza! Over the next two weeks, we’ll take you along as Cass embarks on her journey to meet and train with her successor guide dog.

If you’ve followed Rare with Flair for a while, you’ll know that Cass got her first guide, Romana—a small, sassy yellow lab from Guide Dogs for the Blind—in 2016. Romana (featured in our Rare with Flair logo artwork!) worked faithfully for eight wonderful years before retiring in 2024. After that, Cass patiently waited for “The Call” that would send her back to California for two weeks of training with her next partner.

At the end of August, that time finally came! Training with a guide dog is a unique and life-changing experience, and we knew it deserved a special spotlight. In part 1 of this series, Case and Cass talk about what the training class is like, answer some frequently asked questions, and share the anticipation leading up to arrival day and the unforgettable moment of “dog day” (!!!), including how dogs are matched with their handlers. Throughout the episode, you’ll also hear voice memos Cass recorded in real time during training, capturing her live thoughts and emotions in the moment.

Want to hear what happens after Cass meets her new partner? Stay tuned for part 2 next week!

other dog-related episodesCurious to learn more about guide dogs, hear Cass reflect on Romana’s retirement, or get to know Casey’s adorable bichon frise, Rupert? Check out these episodes!

1. a guide to guide dogs
1. cass’ guide dog is retiring?!
1. ru & ro: guide dogs vs. pet dogs
1. canes, guide dogs, & faking disability

Cass and her new partner in crime… but who could it be?!, 2025show notes* Cass mentions a couple other amazing programs also offered by Guide Dogs for the Blind: + Orientation & Mobility Immersion program, to help improve safe, independent travel skills with a cane and so much more + K9 Buddy program, that pairs blind children and adults who may not be eligible for a guide dog with a career-changed dog to be their companion and furry bestie (K9 Buddy dogs are not service animals, just pets with big hearts!) * If learning about Guide Dogs for the Blind and their incredible work—providing dogs, veterinary care, and more to the blind community without government funding—inspires you, consider donating to GDB! * Learn even more about GDB! + Cass mentions the incredible food GDB clients receive during training, which you can read about on their blog series “What’s Cooking at GDB” on their blog No Bones About It + Check out GDB’s podcast, Central Bark, and their recent episode featuring another GDB grad talking about the process of getting a successor dog * Want to “stalk the Pupdates” like Cass did before going to class? Check out the GDB Pupdates site to see all the dogs after they leave their puppy raising homes, whether they’re in guide dog training, career changed, selected as breeders, or becoming K9 Buddies! They’re updated the third Thursday of each month!

hi hello hey, grab your emotional support item of choice and cuddle up with us!

Life is challenging, period. Inspired by the podcast A Beautiful Mess by sisters Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman, we’re diving into the little things that bring us comfort. We all have go-to comforts in stressful times or when we just need a boost, whether it’s a nostalgic movie, an immersive hobby, a favorite album, or grounding ourselves in faith. We’ve shared plenty of favorites and things that make us happy before, but this time we’re talking about our true lifelines.

And with all this talk of hard times, we’ve got a big (and exciting!) update: Cass will be training with her successor guide dog when this episode comes out!! That means we’ll be taking a short hiatus until she and her brand-new partner in crime are ready to share their training story with the podience. Stay tuned on our socials to know when we’ll be back on the reg.

Until then, learn more about guide dogs and keep us in your rotation as your comfort podcast (we hope!).

1. white cane hot takes
1. cass’ guide dog is retiring?!
1. mobility tools therapy sesh
1. ru & ro: guide dogs vs. pet dogs
1. canes, guide dogs, & faking disability

Sending you all the comfort vibes until we’re back.

hi hello hey: let’s get fit!!

In over 125 episodes across five years, we’ve somehow never devoted a full episode to fitness… until now! In the past few years, we’ve truly found a love for moving our bodies, and today we’re sharing our fitness journeys from childhood sports to the workouts keeping us active now.

We might not be the sportiest girlies, but we like to think we’re athletic at heart. We’ll talk about what motivates us, how our routines have evolved, and why fitness has taken on new meaning in our lives. So grab your AirPods and walk, jog, lift, or stretch along with us!

Got thoughts, questions, or suggestions? Our inbox is always open at hello@rarewithflair.com and we’d love to hear from you!

Cass running cross country as a freshman in high school, and Case finishing up a run last year, 2011/2024show notes* Case & Cass mention several past episodes: + their most recent episode celebrating the 5 year podaversary: 124. we’ve changed our minds?: our 5 year podaversary + celebrating the value of community: 43. is that how close i hold my phone? + what it’s like to be in a wedding: 47. here comes the bridesmaid: being in a wedding with a rare disease + our original episode on hobbies from our childhood: 12. wobbly balance, e-readers, & our favorite pastimes + 2022 recap where Cass tells the story of her accident: 59. recapping a wild & wacky year * For those in the bleeding disorder community, ask your hematologist about your local chapter of the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (formerly the National Hemophelia Foundation) to learn about programs they offer, including wellness incentives!

hi hello hey, happy FIVE YEARS of Rare with Flair!

As wild as it feels to say, it’s true: we’ve changed in the five years since we started this podcast. To celebrate our fifth podaversary (!!!), we’re reflecting on the ways we’ve grown. Some shifts are small, and others are in how we approach big things like disclosing, advocating, and accepting help.

We truly wouldn’t be here without you, our amazing listeners. Whether you just found us or have been with us since our pandemic origins, thank you for being part of this journey. We’d be yapping into the void without you!

Have thoughts, questions, or feedback? Drop us a line at hello@rarewithflair.com; we just might answer on the pod!

And while you’re at it, check out our past podaversary episodes, including our very first episode from July 2020!

1. over one hundred hours of us yapping!!!
1. third podaversary: roasting our first episode
1. two year podaversary, favorite episodes, & funniest tech fails
1. happy podaversary! our origin story & behind the scenes magic
1. intro: welcome to rare with flair!

Case + Cass at the ATS conference, 2025show notes* Casey mentioned blind influencer Molly Burke’s video on My Disability Hot Takes (please don’t hate me…) (YouTube) that inspired this episode * We cross-reference several episodes during this episode, including: + 102. white cane hot takes, where Casey talks about her all-pink cane + 108. the wound that never heals: our discrimination stories, where Cass talks about getting rejected from rideshares with a guide dog and Case talks about a major discrimination issue she faced + 97. how we stopped word-vomiting all our struggles and 71. oversharing on facebook: our online advocacy experience where we talk about how we’ve grown in disclosing and not oversharing + 14. life, love, & dating with a disability, our original dating episode from 2021 + 43. is that how close i hold my phone? where Case & Cass talk about the importance of community and finding people who understand you

hi, hello, hey, we’re talking all about guide dogs today! 🦮

Over the years, we’ve gotten lots of requests to make an episode all about guide dogs. Whether you’re seriously considering one or just curious about what it takes to get a working dog, this episode is for you!

We’ve talked about canes plenty, and even compared pet dogs and guide dogs before, but we never dedicated a full episode to the topic, mostly because Cass is the one with experience, having worked with a guide dog for about eight years (now retired!), while Case hasn’t.

So in this slightly atypical episode, Cass takes the lead and shares everything from how to know if a guide dog is right for you, to how to choose from the nearly 15 guide dog schools in the U.S.—each with their own unique approach and vibe. She also walks through the application process at Guide Dogs for the Blind and gives a peek into the incredible training that goes into preparing a dog to become a guide.

Got more guide dog (or non-guide dog) questions? Send them our way at hello@rarewithflair.com and we just might answer them in a future episode!

Want more cane or dog talk? Check these episodes out!

1. white cane hot takes
1. cass’ guide dog is retiring?!
1. mobility tools therapy sesh
1. ru & ro: guide dogs vs. pet dogs
1. canes, guide dogs, & faking disability

Cassandra’s guide dog, Romana, snoozing onstage at the NOAH Con, 2022show notes* the National Federation of the Blind’s list of guide dog schools in the USA * check out Guide Dogs for the Blind’s Orientation and Mobility Immersion program!Whether you’re looking to get a guide dog or not, this is a great opportunity to get much needed mobility skills + you can learn more from this 20 minute podcast from GDB’s show, Central Bark * watch the “Pick of the Litter” documentary by GDB to get more insight into the puppy raising process (and to enjoy some precious pups!). Look it up to see what current streaming options are available, or rent it for a small fee on Prime Video

hi hello hey, ready to get cozy with us??

Longtime listeners know that personality quizzes hate to see us coming. We’ve always loved them, even as kids! So when Cass recently stumbled upon her old American Girl quiz books, we knew we had to bring them to the pod.

In this episode, we each take a quiz from one of the three vintage books and find out just how well these throwback quizzes really know us. Spoiler: some results are spot on!

And! The day this episode drops (June 24th) is Cass’ 28th birthday! Want to wish her a happy one or send us a question for a future episode? We’d love to hear from you at hello@rarewithflair.com.

Check out our other personality quiz related episodes:

1. an instagram reel revealed who we really are
1. the great cardigan debate: our style roots
1. just a couple decisive, self-aware, water signs: revisiting personality types
1. personality types, astrology fails, & words of affirmation

Case + Cass at the slumber party for Casey’s 30th birthday, 2022

hi hello hey, ready for some representation?

A few years ago, we did an episode all about disability representation in media (with one of the greatest episode titles in Rare with Flair history), focusing specifically on blind characters in animated and live-action shows and movies. Since then, we’ve come across even more disabled characters (not just with vision impairments!) that we’re excited to talk about and rank for authenticity.

This time around, we’re expanding our scope, and with that comes the understanding that many of these characters represent disability communities we’re not part of, like the Deaf community. While we can’t speak for those experiences, we’ll still share our perspectives as members of the broader disability community and approach each portrayal with curiosity and care.

We had lots of fun talking about animated and live-action characters, but even included a book and toy, too! Did we miss any characters you love (or hate)? Send us an email at hello@rarewithflair.com and we’ll talk about it on a future episode!

Case + Cass after the HPS conference, 2025

hi hello hey, we’re exhausted but invigorated!

We know we say “this is a special episode” a lot (because, honestly, every episode is special to us). But this one really is: it’s only the third time in Rare with Flair history that we’ve recorded almost entirely in the same room!

If you’re new here, you might’ve thought we always record together, but nope! With Case in Tennessee and Cass in Ohio, we’re usually recording from separate states. This time, against all odds (and at the cost of some sleep), we managed to capture a semi-thorough recap of our time at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) conference in San Francisco!

This was Cass’s third ATS conference with the Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome (HPS) Network, but it was Case’s first. The conference is a huge opportunity to connect with researchers, biotech and pharma reps, and organizations who can help us push toward a cure for the pulmonary fibrosis many people with HPS develop.

There’s a lot of advocacy, booth-running, and behind-the-scenes hustle, and we’re pulling back the curtain to let you in on all of it. We hope you enjoy our chaotic, sleep-deprived, heart-filled recap of this fulfilling, jam-packed week!

Case + Cass in their room at the American Thoracic Society conference, 2025show notes* Check out the reels (Youtube shorts) Case, Cass, and the HPS team made of each day at ATS! + Day 1 recap + Day 2 recap + Day 3 recap + Day 4 recap * Case & Cass mention the podcast from the opening ceremony speaker called “The Human Doctor” so check it out! The host is a doctor who’s a wonderful storyteller, you won’t be disappointed!

hi hello hey, it’s time for a little catch up on what we’re into lately!

Once or twice a year, we like to take a minute (or an hour) to catch you guys up on what we’ve been up to aside from going to the Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome conference and talking all things disability.

On this edition of “What Are We Into Lately?,” we talk about the books, music, TV shows, hobbies, and lifestyle changes that have occupied our year thus far. Spoiler alert: we’re each other’s biggest influencers, and we fill you in on all the things one of us recommended that the other one has tried and loved.

Have an idea for a future episode or want to comment on something we’re into? You can always send us an email at hello@rarewithflair.com, and we’ll answer it on the next episode (if you want us to, of course!).

Cass with her tarts at a wedding and Case hula-hooping on the dace floor at the HPS conference, 2025

Case + Cass talk healthcare advocacy, teaching doctors, and navigating the medical world with vision impairment + rare disease.

Case + Cass recap the HPS Network Conference weekend—the highs, lows, and the six-minute walk for awareness.

Case + Cass share their skincare faves—from holy-grail cleansers to sunscreens, moisturizers, and acne must-haves.

Case + Cass share concert stories, artist and fan meet-ups, and the accommodations that help them rock out—even at music festivals!

Case + Cass discuss reading the room—when to disclose disabilities for accommodations and when it’s okay to let things go.

Case + Cass explore their personalities in a new way through the lens of personality tests from Instagram reels.

Case + Cass talk about the grocery delivery services they use, shocking mishaps, and the kindest shoppers who went above and beyond.

Case + Cass share how they pay it forward, from thanking friends for rides to showing care for loved ones in thoughtful ways.

Case + Cass share their 2025 vision boards, their word for the year, and what they plan to stop, start, or continue in the new year.

Case + Cass review their vision boards for 2024 to see how their years measured up. They also give highlights of their year in seasons.

Case & Cass share frustrating discrimination experiences—rideshare denials, job stories, and some shocking, never-told moments.

Case + Cass chat about childhood video games, what they play now, and their tips for making gaming more accessible with low vision.

Case + Cass talk about how, despite their best efforts, they always look a little odd in public when trying to look "normal."

Case + Cass talk about four more cartoons they've watched together in the last year and a half and plug other cartoons they've seen lately.

Case + Cass share the uncomfortable, rude, silly, and ableist things people have said to them in public about their vision.

Case visits Cass in Columbus! The two recap their jam packed weekend of candles, bookstores, bakeries, and the renaissance fair.

hi hello hey, what’s sleek, stylish, and essential for getting around? That’s right—our white canes!

This week, we’re coming in hot with some fresh cane reviews. We recently bought new ones, and we’ve got opinions. From different cane styles to the benefits of using them, we’re spilling all the tea, hot takes included.

We’ve talked about white canes in past episodes, comparing them to guide dogs or discussing our love/hate relationship with them. Today, we’re diving even deeper and talking about our brand new babies. Whether you’re a cane user or just curious, tune in to hear why we love them, and how they play such an important role in our independence and confidence.

Case + Cass with their new canes, 2024show notes* Cass plugs the Orientation & Mobility Immersion program from Guide Dogs for the Blind, so check it out if you’re looking for mobility or cane training on the path to getting a guide dog * Cass mentions the free white cane program from the National Federation of the Blind where you can request a rigid (non-folding) fiberglass white cane for free as often as every 6 months * Cass mentioned the Feeldom cane pouch ($49) we love so very much * Case’s new all-pink Ambutech cane can be purchased by customizing the shaft colors on the pink-handled Hi-Lite graphite cane ($37.79) * Cass’ new Ambutech No-Jab graphite cane with the red leather grip ($73.94), also available in a No-Jab black golf grip version * Case & Cass mention the possibility of a purple-handled Ambutech graphite cane ($37.79), which is now available!

hi hello hey, it’s about time we caught up!

This week, we’re switching things up and giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what’s been lighting up our lives lately! We usually save these real-time updates for our year-end episodes, but it’s time for a little mid-year catch-up. Cozy up and join us as we dive into our latest skincare and haircare routines, share updates on our hobbies and newventures, and dish on the music and TV we’ve been loving.

Cass with her wavy hair & Case post-run, 2024

hi hello hey for over the 100th time!!!

When we set out to create this show back in 2020, we had no idea of making it to 100 episodes. Even fewer sounded like a lofty and unreachable goal, and yet, here we are!

We are so proud and honored by everyone who’s listened, whether just recently or from the beginning; whether sporadically or loyally, you all helped make this show possible. We’re so happy with every episode we’ve released, and wanted to highlight some of our favorites as of this 100th episode. We hope you enjoy our look down memory lane and keep joining us for more to come.

grateful, joyful, humbled: we love you all 💓

Case + Cass at the NOAHCon, photo courtesy of Positive Exposure, 2024show notesTop 5 episodes, by listener count (not including the intro):* intro: welcome to rare with flair!: 1,007 * 2. canes, guide dogs, & faking disability: 786 * 5. school days, accommodations, & finding the lunch table: 684 * 31. too blind to be sighted, too sighted to be blind: 674 * 44. the beginner’s guide to disclosing disability: 640 * 38. our jobs, discrimination, & unattainable goals: 627

Top 5 favorite episodes, subjectively* Case’s picks + 31. too blind to be sighted, too sighted to be blind + 52. our lives are just one long, awkward moment + 48. mobility tools therapy sesh + 97. how we stopped word-vomiting all our struggles + 42. every albino myth, debunked * Cass’ picks + 31. too blind to be sighted, too sighted to be blind + 52. our lives are just one long, awkward moment + 87. the definitive ranking of all assistive technology + 27. an engineer & an actress go to college + 97. how we stopped word-vomiting all our struggles

Best holiday specials* Case’s picks + 35. i’ll have my christmas rare, please + 56. arguing about cranberry sauce: the thanksgiving special * Cass’ pick: 82. blind girl gift guide

Best “deep cuts,” or episodes that slipped through the cracks* Case’s picks + 47. here comes the bridesmaid + 61. is reading an audiobook really reading? * Cass’ picks + 57. live from Memphis: recording live for the first time ever + 43. is THAT how close i hold my phone?

Most vulnerable episodes* Case’s pick: 17. do we want a cure? * Cass’ picks + 65. feeling like a burden + 90. too sick to be healthy, too healthy to be sick

Funniest episodes* Case’s picks + 23. two blind girls take a driving test + 55. things we’re sad and glad we can’t see (& having a mini crisis) + 63. our Uber funny rideshare stories * Cass’ picks + 67. a how-to guide on how to annoy us + 40. this one’s TMI + 55. things we’re sad and glad we can’t see (& having a mini crisis)

“Worst” episodes, or ones that aren’t as memorable* Case’s picks + 11. looking back and moving forward (for the title) + 1. intro: welcome to Rare with Flair! * Cass’ picks + 34.5. are we really best friends? the ultimate friendship test + 3. adding in the “flair:” style & confidence (because it’s now very dated)

Best episode titles* Case’s picks + 91. doctors at a bar, cute lab mice, & dancing dinosaurs + 33. living on our own, chopping vegetables, & dog vomit at 3am + 12. wobbly balance, e-readers, & favorite pastimes * Cass’ picks + 50. squinting in orlando: albinism conference recap + 56. arguing about cranberry sauce: the thanksgiving special + 12. wobbly balance, e-readers, & favorite pastimes

Best cover artCase’s pick: 12. wobbly balance, e-readers, & favorite pastimes

Case + Cass doing ballet, 1997/2006Cass’ pick: 28. older siblings, genetics, and car playlists

Cass and Case with their siblings, Carlos and Lynley, 1998/1995Best “flair” episodes* Case’s pick: 69. cass & case’s cartoon adventures * Cass’ pick: 78. stitches in Disney, kids in Vegas, ghosts in NOLA: our wild travel adventures

Best chronic illness focused episodes* Case & Cass’ pick: 90. too sick to be healthy, too healthy to be sick * Cass’ picks: 6. on illness, life, & death

Best blindness focused episodes* Case’s picks + 19. so, what CAN you see? + 79. our lives are one huge contradiction * Cass’ picks + 94. fear of photos or light sensitivity: the photophobia episode + 2. canes, guide dogs, & faking disability

hi hello hey, we’ve got a spicy story to share!

After our week enjoying the NOAH conference (that we shared in our last episode), a group of us decided to spend a day in Disneyland. Unfortunately, our magical day immediately turned sour as changes in Disney’s Disability Access Services (DAS) Pass made it almost impossible for us to get accommodations.

We (Case + Cass) have relied on the DAS Pass before, even getting it when we went to Disney World back in 2021 and at 2022’s NOAH conference in Orlando. Despite the tremendous benefits this accommodation provided for people with a wide range of disabilities, many people tried to abuse it. To combat this, Disney aggressively tightened the qualifications to receive a DAS… excluding a large population of people with physical disabilities and chronic illnesses.

In this episode, we carefully detail what the DAS was and how we used to get it. Then, we share our demoralizing, discriminatory experience attempting to receive accommodations after the new restrictions.

Case + Cass in Disneyland, 2024show notesIf you’re upset by our story and want to help us take action, check out the petition to make the DAS fair for people with disabilities!

hi hello hey, it feels so good to have reunited again this year!

If you’ve followed us for some time, you’ll know we’re both pretty involved with a couple nonprofits. We’ve talked at length about the Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Network and their annual conferences (listen to episodes from 2021, 2023, and 2024).

We also love working with (and in Case’s case, working for) the National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH). Even though their conferences are biennial (every other year), we always come back feeling empowered and refreshed after volunteering and catching up with friends. We hope you enjoy this year’s conference recap, and maybe take a stroll down memory lane with our 2022 NOAHcon recap!

hi hello hey, get ready for some word vomit about oversharing!

Loyal listeners may find this premise familiar since we did an episode about oversharing on social media just last year. Funnily enough though, oversharing isn’t limited to online experiences.

Like many of our topics, this came up as part of living our daily lives and reflecting on the ways we talk about our disabilities with strangers, friends, and even romantic prospects, and how our attitudes have changed over time.

If you find yourself struggling to know how much to share, you’re not alone. We talk about why we may feel compelled to overshare and how we’ve straddled the line between wanting to be known and trying not to make disability our entire identities.

Case + Cass giving a talk at the HPS conference, 2024

hi hello hey, we need to talk about blood.

Fear not, squeamish folks: this won’t get too graphic. As you may know if you’ve heard our tagline, we have the same rare disease, Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome! We’ve talked about HPS in may forms: conferences in 2021, 2023, and 2024, chronic illness, and many other episodes on our vision. Unbelievably, we’ve never talked about our bleeding disorder before, so today is that day!

We won’t get too deep and gory, but we will talk about how our bleeding disorder affects our lives and strategies to address different kinds of injuries. We also share funny and not-too-gross injury stories!

Cass getting blood and Case getting blood drawn, 2015/2023

Cass + Case in their homes, 2022/2024

hi hello hey, we’re back to bring the “flair” by combining personal style and personalities!

Whether you love fashion like us or despise shopping, it’s important to understand your style. Not only does it make your closet more cohesive, but it can also help you know what kind of pieces to buy that you’ll actually wear!

Case learned about the 8 style roots from theo creator, Ellie-Jean’s, YouTube channel. Since then, we knew it would be the perfect blend of two things we love — style and personality — that we had to talk about on the pod.

We hope you enjoy getting to know us better and can learn a little more about yourself with this great tool! Let us know what your style roots are by emailing us at hello@rarewithflair.com or via Instagram DM!

show notes* Case & Cass talk about the 8 style roots * Case’s 3 roots (Flower, Mushroom, Earth) pinterest board * Cass’ 3 roots (Sun, Mountain, Flower) pinterest board * Style roots deep dives (that are currently available) + Moon deep dive + Fire deep dive + Flower deep dive + Mountain deep dive

hi hello hey, the title says it all: Cassandra’s guide dog, Romana, is retiring

Like humans, guide dogs also get to retire from their years of hard work! Romana has worked for nearly 8 wonderful years and has earned a well deserved rest. In this episode, Cass explains what the retirement process entails. She and Case share memories and laughs from Romana’s career and celebrate her. This episode isn’t entirely Romana-centric though, because we even get a little update on how Rupert is doing!

We hope you enjoy this peek into Cass and Ro’s journey! If you’d like to donate to Guide Dogs for the Blind in Romana’s honor, check out her retirement fundraiser!

hi hello hey, it’s springtime, which also means we get to recap one of our favorite things: the annual Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome family conference!

Back in 2021, we explained this very unique conference before back in episode 16 (!), so we recommend giving it a listen if you haven’t already. We love to recap these special times together like we did last year or even for the NOAH albinism conference in 2022. These conferences are like a world of their own, and we love sharing the magic with our listeners. Whether you’re part of our community and experienced it with us or if you’re learning about HPS for the first time, we hope you feel the love in this deep dive!

Case + Cass at the HPS Conference, 2024show notes* Cass talks about the total solar eclipse and the American Council for the Blind’s broadcast using LIGHTSOUND devices that would play tones indicating how much of the sun was covered. The broadcast is available as a podcast and you too can experience the eclipse accessibly! * Cass mentioned our cartoon buddy watch episode when talking about Avatar the Last Airbender * Cass plugs our friend Liz Schafer’s session on how she sees with art. We highly recommend checking it out to get an idea on how we both see!

hi hello hey, we’re back again to talk about life’s gray areas.

It’s been a minute since we’ve talked about chronic illness, since one of the most recent episodes we did on it was nearly two years ago where we shared funny moments of being sick (check ep 40 out!). We really wanted to talk about our changing health since it’s been something we’ve been dealing with lately.

This episode is like a part two to one of our all-time favorites, too blind to be sighted, too sighted to be blind. This time, we focus on the pains of explaining our changing stamina, navigating doctors, and celebrating small wins .

Speaking of illness, we’ll be at the Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome conference this weekend! We can’t wait to tell you all about it.

Cass + Case living their chronically ill lives, April 2023

hi hello hey, it’s March, which officially marks TEN years of our friendship!

Since meeting at our very first Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Conference in 2014, we’ve always been friends, but our relationship has grown and changed over time. What started as periodic FaceTime calls became talking daily and maintaining a nearly four-year-old podcast! If you’ve ever wondered how we got so close as long-distance friends, this episode lays out how we started and the events that brought us close and into “bestie territory.”

Case + Cass early in their friendship, 2015

Case & Cass doing things they love, 2023

Cass and Case with their tools: guide dog and cane, 2023show notesRare with Flair Assistive Technology Tier List

S tier1. smartphones 2. screen magnifiers apple 3. sunglasses, transition lenses 4. tablets 5. e-readers (casey) 6. accessible crosswalks

A tier1. guide dog (cassandra) 2. white cane 3. rideshare apps 4. grocery apps 5. computers 6. audio description 7. audiobook apps 8. screen accommodations (dark mode, enlarged text, bold text)

B tier1. sighted people 2. monocular 3. bioptics

C tier1. inverted colors 2. screen readers 3. talking products 4. bump dots

D tier1. electronic magnifiers/CCTVs 2. wearable assistive tech (e-sight, orcam) 3. low vision tools (line isolators, signature guides, raised line paper, slant boards) 4. optical magnifiers

Cass + Case in January, 2024

hi hello hey, are you ready for some tea on sighted people this week?

Early on, we recorded an episode called, “dear sighted people,” where we talked about the things sighted people do that make us feel valued. Sometimes, though, sighted people do or say things to us that make us laugh, either because they’re tone-deaf or bordering on micro-aggressions. Of course, the last thing we want to do is make others feel like everything they do is wrong or hurtful. Please know that this episode is intended to bring awareness, but also to laugh at the silly situations we get put in as blind/visually impaired individuals. We hope you enjoy!

Cass + Case sipping the piping hot tea, 2024

hi hello hey, and welcome to 2024! More importantly though, welcome to season FIVE of Rare with Flair!

We’re thrilled to be kicking off another calendar year of the pod. After a short holiday break, we were in the new year spirit and wanted to let you all in on our hopes and goals for 2024 by sharing our vision boards with you! Casey has been creating vision boards for a few years now, and Cassandra decided to get in on the fun.

We don’t share everything we’ve put on our vision boards since there are some things in the works for both of us this year. We’ll be sharing little by little as they happen, so make sure you stay tuned this year to get the tea!

Case + Cass dancing the HPS Conference, 2023

hi hello hey, and happy new year (well, almost)!

Unbelievably, we find ourselves at the end of another year! As is our tradition on RWF, we’re always excited to do a year in review episode that gives a more personal glimpse into what our respective years have been like. These episodes are special for us because they feel like little time capsules we can look back on to remember how we felt at the close of each year and anticipated the next. However this year has been for you, we hope you enjoy getting to know us a bit better as we go through highlights of each season (and we each have an exciting personal accomplishment to share!).

We’ll take a short hiatus (read: one week) off before jumping back in so we can enjoy spending Christmas and welcome 2024 with our friends and families, but we can’t wait for you to join us for our FIFTH season!

Cass + Case and their big 2023 accomplishments

hi hello hey, and welcome to the holiday season, officially!

No matter what you celebrate, the end of the year holidays are always a special time to spend time with family, eat delicious food, and enjoy giving and receiving gifts. We love Christmastime and gift-giving, so what better way to celebrate than with a gift guide?

Although anyone could use this gift guide, we created it to highlight some of our favorite things that would make great gifts for the blind or chronically-ill person in your life (or yourself!). We hope you enjoy this festive listen as you shop for your loved ones, wrap presents, or bake cookies!

Cass + Case on Christmas, 2022show notes: gift guideCasey’s gift ideas1. Bone-conduction headphones (any kind) 2. Ambutech gift card for white cane shopping 3. Kindle with high-resolution display 4. Large monitor (Case has this monitor from Asus) 5. Blind dolls! * Our Generation Marlow doll with cane and guide dog * Helen Keller Barbie * Cass: ostomy baby doll 6. Hot water bottle (Amazon or Etsy) 7. Gift cards for rideshares like Uber or Lyft, or grocery delivery like Instacart or Shipt 8. Braille card (Target or Etsy) or audio card 9. Gift a donation to a meaningful nonprofit * consider the Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Network (the rare disease we both have), or 10. Fidget toys (Cass mentioned Calm Strips) 11. Plants (consider a pothos) 12. Nice pair of sunglasses (Case loves goodr)

Cassandra’s gift ideas1. AirPods Pro (2nd generation) 2. Bonus: See Me Cane that lights up 3. Bioptic lenses (learn about bioptics from Ocutech, the brand we have) 4. iPad Air and the Notability app 5. Smart TV, like a Roku 6. Noxgear lights * Tracer2 vest for humans * Lighthound vest for dogs 7. Roomba robotic vacuum (Cass has the Roomba e5 model) 8. MyWeigh talking kitchen scale 9. Adjustable lighting, like dimmers, lamps, smart lights, fairy lights

Non-physical gift ideas1. Gift a fragrance, and make it an experience by taking someone to a store like Sephora to find a fragrance that speaks to them 2. Sephora Beauty Lessons for those interested in learning to apply makeup 3. Home cleaning service 4. Mobile dog grooming

None

Amazon Kindle – The lightest and most compact Kindle, with extended battery life, adjustable front light, and 16 GB storage – Black

Cass + Case answer some listener questions in their very first Q & A on a variety of topics from fictional destinations to when to disclose or mask disability

Case + Cass list their top artists and compare to their 2020 episode. They also talk about music they loved as teens and still love today

Cass and Case process how they think others perceive them, how they perceive themselves, and how they perceive others with their disabilities

Cass + Case talk about trips they've taken from childhood through adulthood and recount some memorable, hilarious travel memories

Case + Cass talk about the very specific, disability-related topics they chat about frequently that other people may not understand.

Cass + Case create their fall bucket lists, complete with things they want to bake, watch, wear, and smell this season

Cass + Case give a letter to parents of kids with disabilities by sharing their experiences and stories growing up.

Case + Cass give an update on how their personal style has evolved over the past three years and some new pieces they love

Case + Cass talk through what their lives would be like if they didn't have Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome, for better and for worse.

Case + Cass celebrate their third year doing the podcast by live listening to and commenting on their very first episode.

Case + Cass celebrate their third year doing the podcast by live listening to and commenting on their very first episode.

Cass + Case talk about their online advocacy journeys and how their approaches and feelings have changed over time

Cass + Case walk through a "day in the life" and share their daily routines

hi hello hey, cuddle up and grab your remote (or streaming device), and let’s watch some cartoons!

Case + Cass getting cozy with pizza, 2023

Cass + Case participating in research in Pittsburgh, 2023

hi hello hey, get ready to be annoyed!!!

Not really, but today’s episode is all about the things people do that tend to get on our nerves, or pet peeves. Like Case says at the beginning of the episode, this is all in good fun. Nothing we rant about is very serious, so don’t worry about having offended us if you’ve ever done these things. Everyone has things that bother them, and we thought this would be a funny way to get to know us more.

Case + Cass at the HPS conference, 2023

hi hello hey, and we’re back to chat about the HPS conference for the first time!!!

If you’re an OG listener, you may be thinking, “Wait… this isn’t the first conference episode you guys have done!” and you would be right! In its absence, we described what the conference is like a couple years ago, and we talked about the NOAH conference last summer. The HPS conference is such a special time, and we finally had our first in-person conference since the pandemic (2019, to be exact) to protect the many vulnerable people in our community. It was long overdue and very welcome in the community, and we give you the scoop on how it was this year.

Case + Cass at the HPS con, 2023

hi hello hey, we’ve got a doozy today!

we also want to thank everyone who contributed to our fundraiser. Thanks to you guys, we sold 25 hats and raised $660 that’ll all go to help the HPS Network!! thank you thank you all.

Case + Cass, 2023

hi hello hey, have you checked out our fundraiser yet?!

our fundraiser benefitting the Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Network ends on March 24th, so if you’re holding out on getting a bucket hat that goes to a great cause, now is the time to get yours!

this week, we’re taking a bit of a break from the “rare” and talking about some of our favorite products we feel like we couldn’t live without. of course, we probably could, but these are things that have been such game changers for our lives that we have to sing their praises! as we mention in the episode, none of the endorsements we’re giving are sponsored; they’re just our genuine love for these things. hopefully if you’re in the market for something new we inspire you to get a great product!

Case + Cass at NOAH, featuring their crocs, 2022show notesCase’s list of must-haves1. Stanley cup 2. Kindle Paperwhite 3. Roomba 4. Nailtiques nail protein 5. iPad 6. Crocs!!! 7. OXO 1.5 T cookie scoop

Cass’ list of must-haves1. Hydro Flask 2. AirPods Pro 3. Roomba 4. iPad Air 5. iPad stand 6. 5″ mini cast iron skillet 7. 3-cup Bialetti moka pot (greca)

Kindle Paperwhite (8 GB) – Now with a 6.8" display and adjustable warm light – Ad-Supported

OXO Good Grips Medium Cookie Scoop

hi hello hey, we’ve got some juicy stories for you today!

Before we get to that, this episode comes out on Rare Disease Day (2/28/2023) and we have an exciting announcement: we’re doing another merch fundraiser for the Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Network! This year, we’re selling bucket hats with our logo embroidered on them. For all the details, check out our fundraiser page or the campaign on Custom Ink. The campaign ends March 24, 2023, so be sure to get those orders in and help support HPS research!

It’s no secret that we can’t drive since we’re legally blind (check out our episode on driving!), so we use rideshare like Uber and Lyft as our main independent transportation. Spending so much time in strangers’ cars often leads to interesting stories, and that’s what this episode is all about. We hope you enjoy our wild rideshare stories, both good and bad, blindness-related and not!

Case + Cass at Jeni’s Ice Cream in Pittsburgh, 2023

Case + Cass at the airport in Pittsburgh, 2023

Young Case + Cass reading, 2011/2014

Cass + Case cooking, 2022

hi hello hey, it’s the end of the year and you know what that means: year in review!

This has been a very interesting year for both of us with lots of good and some… less good. Regardless, we’re grateful for this year, and especially grateful for our listeners! We couldn’t do this without you all and are so glad you’ve joined this journey with us. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season, and we’ll see you in January for season 4!

Case + Cass having tea for Casey’s 30th birthday, 2022

hi hello hey, we may not be together, but we’re back to our regularly scheduled programming!

Have you ever wondered how blind people enjoy movies and productions? Or are you blind or low vision and aren’t sure about audio description? You aren’t alone: we learned about it relatively recently, but it’s been a game changer for us. We hope you enjoy this episode and give audio description a try, even if you aren’t blind!

hi hello hey! reunited at last!

Surprise! In honor of Casey’s 30th birthday, Cassandra went to visit, and we recorded an extra special episode together. We hope you enjoy it as much as we loved recording it. Also, do you like the new tagline?

hi hello hey! it’s November, which means it’s almost time for Thanksgiving in the USA!

Despite the questionable holiday itself (robbing natives of their lands), Thanksgiving is an exciting tradition where we try to celebrate family and the unofficial start of the holiday season. Whether you live in the US or not, we hope you enjoy us talking about our Thanksgiving experiences and hot takes on food.

Also, this episode marks a momentous occasion: our tagline we’ve used for nearly two and a half years will be changing! “Two twenty-somethings with the same rare disease living our best lives,” has served us well, but it won’t be true anymore since our very own Casey turns 30 soon! We’re excited to share what’s next with you all and hope you’ll join us in a couple weeks for a special episode where we reveal the new tagline and other surprises.

Cass + Case in the fall, 2022

Case + Cass talk about things they wish they could see and things they're glad they can't see.

Cass + Case talk about specific little things that make them happy.

Case + Cass talk about digital and physical accessibility along with some fails and wins they experience.

Cass + Case talk about the difficulty navigating social cues with limited vision and share their funny, cringe-worthy moments

Cass + Case take a quiz to see what genre of music goes with their personalities and list their top 10 artists from the past six months.

Case + Cass talk about their makeup routines, hair, and skincare. PS: We got 100 reviews, so listen for a surprise!

Case + Cass share stories and talk about their recent experience at the biennial National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation's 2022 conference in Orlando, FL.

Case + Cass reminisce on their two years recording this podcast and hand out superlatives for their favorite episodes.

Case + Cass give an update about their current feelings surrounding using a cane & guide dog

Cass + Case talk about being bridesmaids and navigating all aspects of their disabilities at weddings.

Case + Cass talk about their plant babies and bond over their new hobby.

Cass + Case talk about their crazy good memories and how that may be tied to their vision.

Cassandra + Casey talk about people with disabilities getting exploited for "inspiration." They give examples from their lives and what it means to be inspiring.

Cass + Case talk about disclosing their various disabilities in the workplace, dating, friendships, and beyond.

Case + Cass talk about the importance of community in attending conferences for their various conditions. They share memories and laugh about seeing people holding their phones close to their face... just like them!

Case + Cass debunk common myths and stereotypes about "being albino," aka, having albinism.

Case + Cass talk about their condos and favorite design styles. They describe various rooms in their homes and their future decorating plans.

Cass + Case tell wild, potentially embarrassing stories on their experiences with chronic illness. This one might get TMI with blood, vomit, urine, and poop, so listen at your own risk!

Cass + Case talk about the confusing world of wearing glasses as blind people.

Case + Cass talk about the jobs they've had throughout their lives and times they've experienced discrimination. They also talk about dream jobs they would never have.

Case + Cass talk about their journey with self-advocacy and what they might say to their younger selves.

Cass + Case talk about their Spotify wrapped top artists and their 2021 highlights by season.

Cass + Case take a more "rare" approach to Christmas this year and talk about buying gifts and going to festivities with low vision. They also talk about their plans for this Christmas.

Casey + Cassandra ask each other questions to see who knows whom best. They also take a Buzzfeed quiz on what type of friendship they have.

Cassandra + Casey talk about high and low tech and the ways they use technology to make the world more accessible to them.

Kindle Oasis – Now with adjustable warm light – Ad-Supported

Casey and Cassandra talk about independence into adulthood, including cooking, cleaning, transportation, and taking of care of their dogs.

Case + Cass finally reunite after two and a half years! They talk about their trip to Disney World with all the highs and lows.

Cassandra and Casey talk about the societal pressure of having to act "more sighted" or "more blind" in different circumstances.

Casey + Cassandra talk all about their fall favorites, including fall foods, spooky media, and childhood Halloween costumes.

Cassandra and Casey talk about sustainable fashion, discussing closet clean-outs, thrifting, and shopping small when shopping online.

Casey and Cassandra share stories about growing up their with older, able-bodied siblings. They briefly discuss genetics and fun memories from their childhood to now.

Cassandra + Casey talk about their college experiences. They discuss their accommodations and talk about a day in their lives as students.

Case + Cass celebrate their one-year podaversary by telling their origin story and sharing behind-the-scenes mishaps and secrets from conception to launch.

Cassandra + Casey talk about their travel experiences from planes to public transit and how they navigate it with low vision.

Case + Cass jump into the summer fun and talk about sun care including sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and clothing. They mention their favorite brands and tell stories about products they used as kids.

Cassandra + Casey talk about bioptic driving and why they don't drive. They take an online driver's test to see what they know about road rules.

Casey + Cassandra talk about all things they love, from their favorite color to their favorite TV show growing up. They also mention a few things they don't like

Cassandra + Casey talk about the unspoken aspects of being partially blind that cause some anxiety and the awkward moments they've experienced.

Casey + Cassandra discuss disability representation in media. They explore the real-world ramifications of misrepresentation and highlight some of their favorite disabled character.

Cassandra + Casey answer the age-old question, "What can you see?" They explain what their eyes do well and what they struggle with.

Case + Cass talk about different personality typing tools and describe each other's characteristics.

Cassandra + Casey discuss whether or not they want a cure for their vision and other disabilities. They explore the medical and social models of disability and different factors affecting their worldview.

Cassandra + Casey walk you through their experiences at the annual Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome conference

Casey + Cassandra talk through a day in the life with their chronic illnesses and share a fun "what's in my bag?" segments... but it might surprise you!

Cassandra + Casey talk about their philosophies on life and love and when they disclose their disabilities when dating

Case and Cass talk about their loves, their dogs Ru and Ro! They compare and contrast the differences between guide dogs and pets.

Casey + Cassandra talk about their hobbies throughout their lives and how they adapt with their disabilities.

Casey + Cassandra reflect on their year and talk about what they're looking forward to in 2021

Cass + Case invite you to put on your Santa hats and grab a cup of hot cocoa as they take you on a journey of Christmases past and present, talking about their traditions and favorite memories.

Casey + Cassandra talk about gatekeeping in disability and non-disability spaces.

Cassandra + Casey interview their best friends, their moms Sandra + Gaye! They ask their moms questions and play a game of This or That.

Casey + Cassandra list off the things sighted people do that "make birds sing," or make us feel seen.

Cassandra + Casey talk about one of their favorite things, music! They fangirl over their favorite artists, talk about how they see live shows as blind people, and their music performance experiences.

Casey + Cassandra take you through their chronic illness journeys. They also touch on mental health, terminal illness, survivor's guilt, and being content with their present.

Cassandra + Casey reminisce on their elementary through college years. They discuss the tools they used and the social aspects of growing up blind.

Casey + Cassandra dive headfirst into terms surrounding disability and blindness. They discuss which terms are appropriate and their personal experiences with them. They finish by ranting about why exploiting people with disabilities for inspiration is so damaging.

Cassandra + Casey add in the "flair" of Rare with Flair by describing their love of fashion and their personal styles. They also talk about confidence and owning what makes them unique.

Casey + Cassandra dive into mobility tools for the blind: the white cane and the guide dog and why they use them. They also touch on fake service dogs, being accused of faking blindness, and their "blind girl moments" in daily life.

Casey and Cassandra introduce themselves, give an overview on the rare disease they have in common, talk about their relationship, and mention what advocacy work they've done.