Listen With Your Eyes: Recent Episodes
Calum Brennan
Ever wondered about those who live with a disability? Well, this show aims to answer any of those thoughts and enhance your knowledge of the disabled. We will be covering the how, who, what, when and why with each guest. This will be educational and hopefully somewhat entertaining. So sit back, relax, and listen with your eyes.
This week I once again joined bye Bee and Dave, as a new dynamic duo. Not to battle crime, but to tackle the black dog mental health. We will discuss our own experiences when it comes to battling such things as depression and anxiety. This may be another heavy topic, we attempt to be as open as possible. Join us and listen with your eyes.
In this episode I go from being the interviewer to the interviewee, as I’m joined for the first time by Abdi, who questions me about my experience at this month’s Pro-wrestling event WWE Clash At The Castle in Cardiff. What made me want to go, despite not having any close family or friends into wrestling? How did I feel about going to a stadium and unknown city on my own? Would I do it again? These are some of the things we discuss, giving a look into the disabled experience.
Bee is back with a light-hearted sequel. In this we predominately focus on her sexual health degree. Why did she choose this subject? Why was this a topic that resonated with her? How does she think it went as a whole? We also discuss what it was like becoming disabled whilst studying, the standards of our sex education and misconceptions some have in regards to disabled people and sexual activity. Things might get slightly saucy.
CW SA. Bee joins me to chat about her disability Fibromyalgia. We chat about when she was diagnosed, how the condition affects her and what triggered it? Not a PG Conversation, but certainly educational and informative. Click now and listen with your eyes.
Warning! This gets deep pretty fast. Dave and Juan return for more of a serious discussion than the last. Topics include how can you be proud when disabled, why do we struggle to feel any pride and what would we like to be achieved in Disability Pride Month. Hopefully you’ll find the episode as therapeutic as we did. Click now and listen with your eyes.
Lewis, Ieuan and Erin are back to chat with me about Disability Pride Month. We discuss how new it is, what we think about it and why we feel the way we do about the concept. Conversation also involves the parallels with other minorities, the importance of raising awareness and how there is still a long way to go. Give this one a listen with your eyes.
Back again is Liam Archer, who has recently returned from representing the blind football England team in Italy for the Euros. We talk about the success in the tournament, the shortcomings and the weather. Our chat also covers the rules in blind football, upcoming events in the sport and the growth. Get ready for an informative episode and listen with your eyes.
I’m joined again by Juan and Dave, but this time together. Carnage may ensue, however in the midst of it we attempt to have a genuine conversation about comedy. We talk about how subjective it can be, how we all use it as a tool to deal with our disabilities and also how one or two of us may have even given it a go. Give this one a listen with your lies, Hopefully you’ll smile as much as we did.
Liam Archer is back to talk about a little bit about wrestling once again, however we also focus on his experience in Argentina with the blind football England team. We chat about the journey out there, who they played in the tournament and how he felt it went for the team as a whole and him personally. Discussions also include the upcoming Euros in Italy that Liam will be taking part in and are taking place from 8-18 June. Check this one out and give it a listen with your eyes.
Ieuan is back, but this time not to talk about his sight impairment, cerebral palsy or nerd stuff. This time our topic is his epilepsy, which developed in Ieuan’s teenage years. We discuss him being a triple threat, what causes his seizures, and their warning signs. Click now and listen with your eyes.
Once again I’m joined by Ieuan & Legeon, but instead of our focus being on Batman, it is now on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This is to celebrate the release of the 28th instalment, Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness, so prepare yourself for some nerdy discussion. We of course do digress, with topics such as DC, Star Wars and Doctor Who. It’s a fun chat, so click now to hear how three blind guys enjoy such a visual medium.
I’m once again joined by episode seventeen’s Paige, but this time instead of focusing on her blindness we focus on her hidden disability: epilepsy. We discuss her late diagnosis, the feelings she would get before having a fit and the type she has, which is focal epilepsy. If you are not too familiar about epilepsy, click now, educate yourself and listen with your eyes.
We are getting the gang back together, as I am once again joined by Lewis, Ieuan and Erin. We have tackled discrimination and representation, it’s only seems right that accessibility is next. We ask some questions and give the best answers we can. Discussion involves audio description, assistive technology and mobility, along with a few other things. Check it out and listen with your eyes.
I’m joined by the author of Flight and the upcoming Safe, Vanessa Harbour, who became disabled later in life. She’s unable to eat like the majority and has to feed through a tube in her stomach. We talked about how this affected her, what it’s like having a hidden disability and of course how she became a child’s author. Other interesting topics are covered, so click now to hear them all.
Now for something slightly different. With WrestleMania being this weekend, the returning Liam Archer and myself discuss our anticipations for the two nights and whether it will be stupendous. You may ask how can anyone let alone two blind guys be into pro-wrestling? Well, we chat about the how, what, why, as well as the stigma surrounding the 'Sport of Kings.’ Click, give it a listen with your eyes.
I’m once again joined by Samara, who chats about the upcoming paracheer World Championships in Orlando, Florida, where she’ll be representing England with her team Motion Blur. We cover how she got into cheerleading, why she enjoys the sport and what adaptations are made for those with disabilities. Check it out and listen with your eyes.
This week we had International Women’s day, so I thought we could do another themed episode. I’m not really qualified though for this topic, so I take a backseat and hand over the reins to the returning Taylor, Caecilie, Ellie and Erin. The four of them discuss the intersections between being a woman and disabled, also LGBTQIA+. There’s also talk about minorities not being the most supportive to each other, as well as how easily someone can be made to feel vulnerable. Prepare yourself to potentially get a little teary, as things occasionally get pretty deep and personal. Get ready to listen with your eyes.
Today is The Batman Day and to celebrate I am once again joined by Ieuan and Legeon. Three blind nerds chatting about the Caped Crusader, things may get a little intense. We gush about films and shows, also bash others and only occasionally digress. Things get nerdy, however always entertaining. Give it a listen and happy The Batman Day.
To round off our Valentine themed series I’m once again joined by Caecilie. We chat about the pressures of meeting people when you can’t always make eye contact, blind and bi sounding similar and disabled/abled relationships. Conversation also includes us pondering when is the right time to reveal your disability.
Ellie rejoins me to chat about her experiences flirting, dating and hooking up as a blind bisexual. If you’ve ever wondered if those two are connected, don’t worry, we answer that. More is covered in this Valentine themed episode, however before all that Ellie relays a horrid time she had ‘assistants’ in an American Airport, which include getting abandoned twice. Click now to hear this story and all the others.
On this Valentine themed episode Juan is our love expert. We talk about how visually orientated society is, when is it best to reveal that you are disabled when playing the dating game and that the guide dog’s a ‘chick magnet,’ never the owner. Warning! There’s a little bit of porn talk, we tried to keep it as clean as we can. Click now to hear our more than interesting conversation and prepare for the tone shifts.
In the supposed month of love. Kicking off a valentine themed episode I’m rejoined by Legeon, where we discuss our experiences when it comes to dating as blind men. Gaining independence and building confidence we also cover. We may digress once or twice, however I’m sure you won’t notice it at all. Just the occasional nerd conversation and gushing about a Disney soundtrack. Click now to find out how well we stayed on target, just give it a listen with your eyes.
For my Birthday I’m once again joined by Lewis, Ieuan and Erin. Last time we spoke about disability discrimination, this time we talk about representation. Our main focus throughout the episode is on the film industry. We talk about minority roles often resulting in award nominations, also pandering, accurate casting and inspiration porn. And why should Josh Gadd be a gargoyle? Click now to hear our thoughts more in detail, as well as some dogs opinions.We also have some passionate discussion about The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Lion King.
For the last Friday Eyeday of the year I’m joined by Juan from the Isle of Man. If you’re not familiar with the place, click to hear about it. Find out how it was growing up on the island being severely sight impaired since the age of eight. Spoiler alert! It was a struggle. How much of a struggle? We discuss this in detail, as well as the toll being disabled has on your mental health and why he chose to study in England. Wrap up the year with this jovial episode and for 2021 Listen With Your Eyes.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
To start off the year Juan is back to continue our chat from last year. Is his life fascinating or complex? That’s for you to decide. We cover his time horse-riding, which includes a couple of national championships. Other topics include his time at university studying for an undergraduate and Masters. And his discovery of dungeons and dragons and how therapeutic the hobby can be. Click now and listen with your eyes.
We welcome Dave for this addition of Friday Eyeday, where we talk about the effects being visually impaired can have on your mental health. We chat about how his support in school disappeared when it came to his GCSE years, playing Dungeons and Dragons and what it’s like to wear an elephant onesie around uni campus. Conversation also includes David having a stroke when he was 24, which he ironically refers to as the best day of his life. Why does he think this? You’ll have to click to find out. Go on and listen with your eyes.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
The lovely Lloyd is my guest this week where we chat about him becoming severely sight impaired at 20 and then enrolling in the Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) later the same year in less than six months. He went from driving and working on building sites to not knowing what was next and what his identity was anymore. How did he deal with not being able to play football anymore? What did he find most helpful when it came to accepting his disability? Why did he finally decide to get a guide dog? These are answered along with many more. We also cover Lloyds ventures into disabled strongman competitions, so click now and listen with your eyes.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
Today I’m rejoined by episode 10’s Sophie with our main discussion topic being her Masters dissertation, Disability in Publishing. We talk about representation, however mainly focus on such things as disability inclusivity. There’s also discussions about tokenism, gatekeeping and reasons why someone looking for employment may want to hide their disability. Click now to hear our thoughts. Sit back, relax and listen with your eyes.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
Episode 42 won’t be the answer to the universe, but maybe we can answer any questions on discrimination against the disabled. I’m once again joined by Erin, Ieuan and Lewis, as we discuss our own experiences of discrimination, how those moments make you feel and having people pray for us. We have time to complain about taxis, train stations and bad assistance, also we talk about the importance of being able to laugh at yourself, you also find out if any of us have Daredevil senses. Click now to be informed and hopefully somewhat entertained, as you listen with your eyes.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
Jade Puckering joins me on this episode, in which we discussed not having peripheral vision. This is one of the elements of Jade's severe sight impairment, which she has due to being born prematurely. The condition is called cerebral visual impairment. We also discuss other courses that the premature birth had on Jade, such as needing oxygen for the first couple of years of her life. Our conversations also turn to finding the best assistive software, experiences in education and the importance of independence. Check this one out and listen with your eyes.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
On this episode I’m joined by Taylor Adams, who’s been blind since birth and is transgender. She talks about how both of these have affected her when growing up. We also discuss the difference between people who are born blind and those that lose their sight later in life, coming out and the transition process, as well as some of the science behind transgender. Give us a listen with your eyes.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
We return to Friday Eyeday, as I’m joined by Marcus, who was born with his sight impairment, as well as a level of cerebral palsy which affects his right-hand side. He chats about how these have affected his life, such as being deemed to have good sight by the blind community, but not by the abled one and the need to learn to do things one-handed. Other topics include his move to South Carolina, USA after being in Cardiff, Wales and Winchester, England, moving back to the UK for a few years before returning to the states on his own. We discuss his journey into employment there and the pros and cons of living in America, including how attitudes towards disability vary if at all from here in Britain. Conversation also turns to the upcoming arrival of his child with his partner Megan from episodes 30 & 36. Give this one a listen with your eyes.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
We continue celebrating Guide Dogs' 90th anniversary with the returning George Upfield, who chats about his guide dog, Yoko. We cover why he wanted a guide dog, when him and Yoko were matched, and how George ended up working for the charity themselves. Discussions also include Perry, the charity stud dog, who has lived with George’s family for many years. All this along with much more. Click now and listen with your eyes.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
Megan from episode 30 returns to chat about her guide dog experience. We discuss her 5 1/2 year journey from applying to getting her first dog Daisy. Why did it take so long? Only one way to find out. Talks also include our dogs’ behaviours, how we found the training and unfortunate encounters we’ve had with those who misunderstand what a guide dog is. These range from baffling to unpleasant. Give this a listen with your eyes.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
For the 90th anniversary of Guide Dogs we complete a trilogy of Guide Dog centric episodes with Episode 23’s Liam Archer, who was one of the 1st to get a dog in London as an under-16. He also talks about how he wasn’t initially keen on dogs, how great he has found having guide dogs and the unfortunate story of what happened to his first one, George. Don’t miss this one and listen with your eyes.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
Caecilie from Episode 12 returns to chat about starting her Masters, returning to Paris for the first time after losing her site and humour being the best medicine. Our main topic of discussion though is Caecilie returning to her native Denmark, where she took part in a six part documentary series about physical and mental disabilities. We discuss what she had to do when filming, how the response has been to it and why we need more of these types of programs. It’s a great conversation, so click and listen with your eyes.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
George Upfield in on this week for another Friday Eyeday. We of course chat about how he lost his sight, which was due to a brain tumour. Just like myself, however there are some differences which we will get to. Another fallout was him needing to take a number of hormones, which can be done in various ways. Other topics we cover include George adjusting to his sight loss, his journey in getting a guide dog and also working currently for the charity in Reading. Give this one a click and listen with your eyes.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
George Sullivan has joined me for today’s Friday Eyeday to chat about his condition Stickler Syndrome. This is a genetic disorder, which has the potential to course various health issues, however it can remain dormant as well.For George it was triggered from a head injury when he was eleven. His sight deteriorated very soon afterwards to what it is now. Adjusting to his visual impairment was of course not easy, especially with it affecting his ability to play football to the level he had been. It hasn’t stopped him from attending football matches though, along with some other events, which we chat about. Discussions also include his experiences in mainstream education whilst his sight was deteriorating, how much he enjoys playing blind cricket, and how we both found therapy very beneficial when dealing with the loss of our sight. We also talk about his involvement with the group Sports Mania, so check this one out.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
On this edition of Talking Tuesday I’m rejoined by Kieran Little from episode 4 to chat about audio description (AD). We cover what the service is, how we individually discovered AD and how helpful it is. Discussions also include the importance of AD when enhancing an experience when watching a film, TV programme and stage play. Along with these topics we also talk about the companies who have done a great job, also the ones who could still make some improvements. There is also the rights issues that get brought up during our conversation. Nothing is perfect but we are in a pretty decent position in comparison to previous years. Click now to hear our thoughts more in detail. Go on, give us a listen with your eyes.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
For today’s episode I am joined by Tom Rogers, whose visual impairment is a result of the condition which he was born with, blue cone monochromacy. This has given him a form of colour blindness and a level of photophobia, however he has never felt the need to use Braille or use a mobility aid. Conversation includes his time at mainstream school, what led to him going to the Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford and his love of football. We chat about his discovery of VI football, his venture into goalball, which includes some time with team Great Britain and his journey into employment. There is also discussions about playing video games when you are visually impaired, so give this one a listen and learn something new, such as what is a liquid level indicator.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
My guest on this episode is Megan, who has had a level of sight impairment since birth. This is a result of inherited aniridia and severe glaucoma. Despite her impairment, she doesn’t like taking it slow. We talk about what it was like to be the most sighted in her household, the benefits of being brought up in a visually impaired family, including growing up with guide dogs. Other topics involve how Megan dealt with her vision deteriorating, the number of eye operations she has had and her five year wait for her first and current guide dog Daisy. Discussions also turn to Megan’s time in Falmouth studying creative event management, her time at the Royal National College for the Blimd in Hereford and an upcoming arrival. Enjoy the thirtieth episode.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
George Jones is on this week’s Friday Eyeday to chat about his severe sight impairment, which has deteriorated over time. This is a result of the rare condition Wolfram Syndrome, which he was discovered to have at the age of 14, so things such as driving were no longer an option and therefore he was unable to take part in the family business. We also talk about his time working in kitchens, the benefits he found from going to the Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford and his brief stint as a guide dog owner. The latter was due to his dog at the time deciding it didn’t want to work anymore. Discussions later turn to his enjoyment of gardening, fishing and at one point mountain biking. George also addresses the likelihood of him having no sight eventually and how he is dealing with that prospect.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
Samara returns to talk on this Talking Tuesday about her guide dog, Yuma. We discuss what made her want to get a guide dog, how it was for the pair of them living in uni accommodation and the transformation from regular dog to guide dog. Yuma’s got unique eating habits, so we chat about those and how she is more of a toy dog than a food dog. We also talk about both of us noticing our furry friends' learning cues for when we are going out. Click now to hear more about this dog and human partnership.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
Today we celebrate 27 August with episode 27, where I’m joined by Zizi, who was born with her visual impairment. This is the result of her eyes not developing fully in the womb. We chat about whether this was hereditary, if she has ever felt the need to use a long cane and what it was like going to private school. We also discuss her retina detaching, which contributed to her decision to go to Hereford. Other topics include partying, failed operations and studying in Dublin.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
Nina joins me for today’s Friday Eyeday to discuss a number of things that have happened since she was two, which is when Nina became sight impaired. Topics we chat about include denying your disability, both of her freak accidents and Charles Bonnet Syndrome. Not sure what the latter is? Neither was I, so click to learn with me. We also talk about Nina’s experiences as a blind mum, how helpful she has found holistic therapies and and the fundraising walk she’s doing for Esme’s Umbrella.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
On this Friday Eyeday, I’m joined by Tom Cawley, who has been sight impaired since birth with the condition aniridia. We discuss light sensitivity, attitudes towards him at school and the process of getting to specialist college and what he studied. Alongside studying he also played VI football, which he had been doing in London previously with sessions provided by Arsenal football club. The conversation also includes his experiences of volunteering and working at museums, so give this one a listen with your eyes.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
For this first guide dog centric episode on Talking Tuesday I’m rejoined by Nathan Edge, as we discuss the matching process, comparisons between our first and second dogs and the companionship you feel. Other topics we cover include comparing the mobility aids: a cane and a dog. There is an appearance for the first time from my guide dog as well, so join us for this dogtastic episode and get ready for your Guide Dog Edgeucation.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
On today’s Friday Eyeday, Liam Archer is here to chat about him going blind when he was six. Our discussion also involves what it was like growing up in London blind, playing goalball and blind football and Liam being one of the first to get a guide dog at fourteen. The conversation also includes his connection to Arsenal Football Club, on and off the field.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
Liv Wilson is next up for Friday Eyeday. She was born blind as a result of a premature birth. We talk about her experiences in education, clubbing and her time in Worcester, at both New College (NCW) and university. Other topics we cover include sightseeing as a blind person, watching musicals, as well as Liv also having a stammer.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
Returning for this episode is Ellie Wait to discuss representation. Specifically when it comes to disability although we do touch on others. Topics include comparisons to Daredevil and why an abled audience may like him so much, abled actors playing disabled characters and separating art from the artist. Famous names we bring up when chatting range from Dwayne Johnson, Scarlett Johansson, Logan Paul, Warwick Davis to Elliot Page. Why are they brought up? Click to find out, also press to hear who we think represented squirrels the best.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
Now I’m the one in the hot seat. Joining me for this Friday Eyeday are the returning Lewis, Ieuan and Erin to question me about my severe sight impairment, which I’ve had since the age of five, from having a brain tumour. We discuss the effects of bullying, Braille vs Touch Typing, the importance of a mobility aid and more. Other topics include our time at RNC where we all met, so check out this bumper episode. The long train journey edition.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
After last week, we speak to the other half. Elina joins us for this edition of Friday Eyeday, where we talk about what it was like moving to the UK at a young age, her experiences in education and the quality of audiobooks. Discussions also include meditation, ceramics and judo. Other topics we touch on range from the ethics of guide dogs and LGBTQIA+ and disability identity. It’s a real variety to fill your ears, so please press that button and join us.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
This time for Friday Eyeday, Tim Giebel has joined me to talk about having no sight from birth, which may have been inherited from his mum. We discuss having to learn braille, touch typing and using a cane from an early age, also Tim meeting his wife who is also blind and then moving to Bristol once they were married. There is reminiscing from the pair of us of activities we did as blind children growing up in the same area. These include going to a farm, cooking World War 2 food and attending numerous clubs for the blind. This leads us to talk about Tim's love of music, which includes him playing multiple instruments, repairing various analogue equipment and recording his own songs, which you should go and listen to by searching his name once you have checked out this terrific episode.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
For this edition of Talking Tuesday we’ll be looking at Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I’m joined by Jack Smith, who was diagnosed with ASD when he was 19. We discussed what led to him getting his diagnosis, why he wanted to get diagnosed and how he has felt since. Talks also include needing to acclimatise to social cues. We do digress occasionally, however don’t worry, we get back on track.
Thank you Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
Ever been curious about how someone who is born severely sight impaired, but with the knowledge of eventually going totally blind would deal with it? Well, on this weeks Friday Eyeday, Paige, who was born with microphthalmia and discusses her experience of this situation. We also discuss problems she has had with getting a guide dog, the various equipment she used throughout her studies and how she has found it when attending a gig.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
Ever wondered about the sport for the blind? Who better to be on the podcast when discussing it than a GB Goalball player. David Scott is up for the task and as well as inform you about the sport we also talk about David’s visual impairment and how it is a result of his albinism. We also touch on his experiences in education and employment, along with his general enjoyment for many sports and gaming.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
Legeon joins us for this week’s Friday Eyeday, where we chat about his condition which deteriorated over time. Discussions include growing up with an older brother who’s also blind, his journey into employment, and being a blind father. There may be some digressions of the geeky/nerdy variety, however we do address such things as audio description and the need to be able to adapt. If you’re interest isn’t peaked, you may want to stick around to find out why someone who is severely sight impaired would purchase a PS5.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
On the second edition of Talking Tuesday we welcome Becca, who was diagnosed at fifteen months with a form of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Not sure what that is? Neither was I, so find out with me as we go into detail about Becca’s condition. We also discuss attitudes towards disability, the international symbol for it and whether the word itself is a naughty one.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
You may have had rotten luck, however you perhaps have nothing on Cæcilia. Going blind in her right eye when on holiday in France when seventeen. She then lost the sight in the other eye from another accident when back in Denmark. Naturally, this all happening in a span of six months wasn’t the easiest thing to deal with, however she didn’t let it put a stop to her life. Coming to England to gain independence a year later, we are now on the verge of a Masters degree. Click to hear this sensational story.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
On this episode we have Val Humphries, who was born with her sight impairment along with her siblings. We talk about how she may have been encouraged to be independent a little too much. There is discussions about her employment experience. We also speak about society’s attitude towards disability and if it has changed over the years.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
For our tenth episode we have our first non-blind guest. Sophie Terry’s disability is deafness, which she has had since birth. We talk about how deaf she is and discuss Sophie’s experiences growing up with her disability. We also chat about the contrasts and parallels between being deaf and being blind. These are but a few of the topics we cover. It may not be a Friday Eyeday, but you can still enjoy this on a Talking Tuesday.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
This time I talk with Angelo Ancora, who had cataracs around the age of five. His sight eventually deteriorated completely over the next nearly 20 years. In that time, he struggled accepting the loss of his sight and got a qualification in a field that may surprise you. We also discussed him managing to adjust, as well as the need to not let it get you down.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
Super Samara Hussain steps up to the plate next for this episode. We cover her early experiences in education, which were challenging to say the least. There were also difficulties for her to socialise and generally be independent. Things did very much take a turn for the better though once she started at university, which included the arrival of a furry friend.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
Next on the podcast I welcome Ellie Wait who went from Wales to Indiana in 2019. An upgrade? You decide. Topics we discuss include the immigration process, American attitudes towards disability and our mutual love for Dr Pepper: the important things.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
This time in the hot seat is Hubert Pawelkiewicz who has been blind on some level since birth. We have discussions of him adapting as his blindness changed. There is also talk about the differences of attitude towards disability in Hubert’s native Poland and England. Just like the previous two episodes, we also discuss our love of football as well as touching on playing blind tennis.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
Nathan Edge is up next to talk about his blind journey, which began when he was six. What caused it, and how did he react to it? We discuss, among many things, his time playing for England, the impact of his guide dog, and his appearance on national news.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
On this week’s Friday Eye-day with a new perspective is Kieran Little, who was born totally blind. We discuss what it was like growing up without one of the five senses, his employment journey, and the wonders and frustrations of audio description. Other topics we discuss include not understanding colour, the bulkiness of a braille book and whether blind people dream.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
Talking about their eye condition this week is Erin Boyce, who has the condition retinitis pigmentosa. Join us as we discuss what this entails, as well as talking about autism and Erin's journey into employment. Sprinkle in some discussions about discrimination too while we're at it.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
Along with being visually impaired, Ieuan Sparey is also wheelchair bound as a result of a form of cerebral palsy. We chat about the effects these have both had on his life. He also has a type of epilepsy for good measure.
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili and Georgia-may Felton.
On this debut episode, you'll be hearing Lewis Smith discussing what it was like losing his sight in college and the effects it has had on his life, physically and mentally. We talk about the procedures he had to endure, and what he had to do restart his life and if he's come to terms with it
Thank you to Erin Boyce, Ieuan Sparey, Tim Giebel, Mariel, Laili, and Georgia-may Felton.