![](/assets/artwork/1x1-42817eea7ade52607a760cbee00d1495.gif)
134 episodes
![](/assets/artwork/1x1-42817eea7ade52607a760cbee00d1495.gif)
The Blind Chick Aftersight
-
- Society & Culture
Welcome to "The Blind Chick," where hosts Penn and Moses Street navigate the world of vision loss with humor, heart, and resilience. Penn, who began her journey into vision loss at the age of nine, is joined weekly by amazing members of the blind community sharing stories of hope, love, and triumph. Conversations range from informative insights to tales of denial and grief, forming a supportive community. Join us to discover that life doesn't end with vision loss; it's an opportunity to thrive. Subscribe now for a podcast that goes beyond challenges to showcase the vibrant and resilient lives led by "The Blind Chick" community. It's time to embrace life, laugh, and learn that there is indeed life "AFTER sight."
-
Breaking Down Polarization with Storytelling and Music
Summary
Cordelia Zars, the executive director of Empathy Theater Project, discusses the mission of the organization to develop original theater that fosters empathy and connection across divisions in America. The theater company creates original musicals and monologues that tackle complex issues and aim to bring people together. Cordelia emphasizes the importance of storytelling and music in breaking down polarization and promoting understanding. She also shares upcoming events, including a concert called Sing for Peace and a production of their show 'We Are Still Here.' The conversation highlights the need for kindness and recognizing our shared humanity.
Takeaways
Empathy Theater Project creates original theater that fosters empathy and connection across divisions in America.
Storytelling and music are powerful tools in breaking down polarization and promoting understanding.
Upcoming events include a concert called Sing for Peace and a production of the show 'We Are Still Here.
Kindness and recognizing our shared humanity are essential in creating a more compassionate society.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Summer Activities
01:53 Introduction of Cordelia Zars and Empathy Theater Project
04:13 Empathy Theater Project's Mission and Inspiration
06:20 The Power of Music and Theater in Fostering Empathy
07:19 Balancing Perspectives in Storytelling
09:11 Exploring Nuance and Complexity in Issues
12:31 Upcoming Events: Sing for Peace and 'We Are Still Here'
13:57 Expanding 'We Are Still Here' Production
19:56 Encouragement for Kindness and Unity
22:23 Announcements: Audio Trek Hike and Shine Music Festival
25:26 Closing Remarks and Call for Kindness
Thank you for listening to this episode of the blind chick. If you have any comments, questions or feedback for the show, please give us a call at 720-712-8856. Thanks and have a great week. -
Inspiration Behind Blind Delights
Summary
Stephanie Barrera Valdes shares her journey of vision loss, career impact, and the creation of Blind Delights. She discusses her diagnosis, moving to the United States, and her work with the Foundation for Children with Special Needs. Additionally, she talks about the inspiration behind Blind Delights and its environmental-friendly products. Stephanie Barrera Valdes discusses her zero waste, waterless skincare products and the inspiration behind her brand, Blind Delights. She shares insights on the benefits of waterless products, the challenges of finding natural alternatives, and the personal experiences that led to the creation of her products. Stephanie also highlights the importance of natural, chemical-free products and the positive impact they can have on people's lives.
Register for the Aftersight Audio trekkers Hike here and make sure you put Team Blind Chick in the registration form for your chance to win some cool prizes.
https://aftersight.org/hike/
Takeaways
Stephanie's vision loss was the result of a brain injury and optical nerve atrophy, leading to a significant impact on her career path.
Moving to Boston was motivated by the need for better medical attention and support for her vision loss.
Stephanie's work with the Foundation for Children with Special Needs involves filling gaps in education and medical support for families and children with special needs.
The creation of Blind Delights was inspired by Stephanie's son's eczema, leading to the development of environmental-friendly skincare products.
Blind Delights offers solid lotion bars and other products that are both effective and environmentally friendly. The benefits of zero waste, waterless skincare products
The importance of natural, chemical-free products
The impact of personal experiences on product creation
The challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship as a blind individual
Chapters
00:00 Journey of Vision Loss and Career Impact
05:59 Moving to Boston and Work with the Foundation
11:17 Inspiration Behind Blind Delights
15:09 The World of Zero Waste Skincare
30:36 From Personal Experience to Product Creation
Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. If you have any questions for Penn and moses let them know. Give them a call at (720) 712-8856 or email them at feedback@aftersight.org -
Living Full Out: Taking Action and Finding Balance
Summary
The episode features a conversation with Nancy Solari, a woman who is changing the world with her work. The hosts, Penn and Moses Street, share their recent challenging experiences and discuss the importance of reaching out for help. Nancy talks about her journey, her show, and her upcoming project. The conversation emphasizes the value of connection, support, and taking action in life.
Takeaways
The importance of reaching out for help during challenging times
The value of connection and support in life
The significance of taking action and living life to the fullest
The impact of inspiring stories and personal growth
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Challenges
03:08 Living Full Out: The Power of Connection and Support
08:35 Inspiring Stories: Overcoming Challenges and Growth
Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. If you have any questions, give us a call at 720-712-8856, or you can email us at feedback@aftersight.org. Thanks for listening and have a great week. -
Oksana Chuchunkova Part 2
Summary
In this conversation, Oksana Chichikova discusses the challenges and discrimination faced by blind individuals in Russia and the United States. She shares her experiences with accessibility in voting and the workplace, as well as her advocacy work for inclusion and diversity. Oksana also highlights the beauty and hospitality of Russia and invites listeners to visit Moscow. The conversation concludes with a message of positivity and kindness.
Takeaways
Blind individuals face discrimination and challenges in both Russia and the United States.
Accessibility in voting and the workplace is still a work in progress.
Advocacy for inclusion and diversity is important to create positive change.
Russia and Moscow offer beautiful sights and a welcoming culture.
Choosing positivity and kindness can make a difference in people's lives.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:22 Challenges and Discrimination Faced by Blind Individuals
08:28 Advocacy for Inclusion and Diversity
10:46 The Beauty and Hospitality of Russia
Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick if you have any questions for Penn or Moses please feel free to email us at feedback@aftersight.org or if you're feeling bold you can give us a phone call at 720-712-8856. I hope you have a great week. -
Growing Up Blind in Russia: Finding Belonging
Summary
In this episode of The Blind Chick, Jonathan and Moses interview Oksana Chuchinkova, the diversity and inclusion manager at a global institution and an advocate for blind beauty. They discuss Oksana's favorite season, her involvement with Bold Blind Beauty, her experiences growing up blind in Russia, and the challenges faced by blind individuals in finding employment. They also touch on the importance of representation and breaking stereotypes. The conversation ends with a teaser for the next episode, where they will explore the accessibility differences between growing up blind in Moscow and the United States.
Takeaways
Blind individuals face challenges in finding employment due to prejudice and inaccessible software.
Representation and breaking stereotypes are important for blind individuals.
Oksana shares her experiences growing up blind in Russia and the importance of finding a sense of belonging.
The next episode will explore the accessibility differences between growing up blind in Moscow and the United States.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Summer Plans
02:17 Introducing Oksana Chuchinkova
03:00 Favorite Season and Bold Blind Beauty
05:40 What is Bold Blind Beauty?
09:30 Passions and Belonging
12:42 Growing Up Blind in Russia
21:33 Unemployment Statistics and Inaccessible Software
24:50 Project for Blind Employment
26:39 Teaser: Accessibility Differences
Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blind Chick. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 720-712-8856 or email us at feedback@aftersight.org. Thanks for listening, and we'll see you next week. -
Unsightly Opinions
Summary
In this conversation, Tamara, also known as Unsightly Opinions, discusses her fashion sense, social media presence, vision loss due to albinism, education, and advocacy work. She shares her daily routine and the challenges of managing social media and editing videos. Tamara's goal is to show possibility, demonstrate capability, and remove barriers for individuals with disabilities. The conversation concludes with a discussion about Mother's Day and the importance of being kind to oneself and others.
Takeaways
Tamara, also known as Unsightly Opinions, is a vlogger, musician, and advocate for individuals with disabilities.
She has a passion for fashion and shares her unique style on social media.
Tamara has albinism, a genetic condition that results in a lack of pigment and affects her vision.
She had a supportive education experience and advocates for equity and accessibility in education.
Tamara's daily routine is busy, as she balances her work as a vlogger and musician with other commitments.
Managing social media and editing videos is time-consuming but rewarding for Tamara.
Her goal is to show possibility, demonstrate capability, and remove barriers for individuals with disabilities.
Mother's Day is an important time to appreciate and honor the special women in our lives.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Yoga Class
03:00 Tamara's Fashion Sense
07:58 Tamara's Social Media Presence
13:03 Tamara's Vision Loss and Albinism
16:01 Tamara's Education and Advocacy
22:58 Managing Social Media and Editing Videos
26:58 Tamara's Goals and Impact
29:00 Mother's Day and Conclusion
Thank you for listening to this episode of the blind chick. If you have any questions for PanzaPenn and Moses, please feel free to give us a call at 720-712-8856 or you can email us at feedback at at firstsight.org. Have a great week.