The Blind Chick

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

  1. 7 HRS AGO

    Even Broken Crayons Still Color — Krista Webb on Usher Syndrome and Joy

    1) Episode Summary  Krista Webb returns for a full-length conversation after the 2025 Blind Travel Summit in Austin, Texas. She shares her deafblind journey with Usher syndrome (Type 2)—born hard of hearing, diagnosed at 19, and living with progressive vision loss from retinitis pigmentosa (RP) (now under five degrees of central vision at age 38). She talks candidly about what changed (night blindness, stopping night driving, then stopping driving entirely) and what didn’t: her identity as a wife, mom of two boys, and a determined creator.  From there, the episode turns into a masterclass on creative grit. Krista explains how wood burning went from a $10 tool to a serious craft (and “religion”), how she learned the process (sanding, grip, machines), and how her art opened doors—connecting her to the wider deafblind community and to creators like Matthew and Paul (including the custom hat collaboration tied to “blindness is a spectrum”).  The conversation widens into travel, confidence, and culture: the crew swaps stories about navigating unfamiliar terrain, being underestimated, and choosing adventure anyway—right up to Krista’s upcoming plan to climb an active volcano in Guatemala (with adaptations like ATVs if needed). They also dig into a surprisingly big topic: “body shaming” vs. what actually happens in blind/low-vision spaces, including the idea of “tech shaming,” how style and comfort intersect with vulnerability, and what respectful guiding should sound like (including when “too much narration” becomes noise).  Krista closes with a grounded takeaway: you don’t need perfect circumstances to live meaningfully—find something, even small, that gives you a reason to look forward to tomorrow.  2) Contact Info  Guest  Krista Webb — Instagram: @blindlove.woodburning (DM to connect; she mentions she’s not actively taking orders right now)Aftersight / The Blind Chick Listener email: feedback@aftersight.orgPhone (general): (720) 712-8856Producer Credit Produced by Jonathan Price3) Show Credits Hosts: Penn Street, Moses StreetGuest: Krista WebbProduced by: Jonathan PriceAftersight team shout-outs (as mentioned in the episode): Evan, Jennifer, Kim, Michael4) Chapter Markers  00:00 — Cold open: “old person calendar,” wrinkle cream, and rapid-fire banter00:40 — Re-introducing Krista from the Blind Travel Summit (Austin)01:56 — What Usher syndrome is (types, hearing + vision, balance)04:18 — Diagnosis at 19, RP progression, and stopping driving06:41 — Family life: marriage, motherhood, and adapting as vision changes08:53 — How wood burning started (and why it took over)11:17 — Connecting with Matthew & Paul; “blindness is a spectrum” hats13:42 — Social media, representation, and being “real” in the community18:12 — Travel stories: humor, independence, and doing life fully22:50 — Guatemala trip + volcano climb: excitement, risk, and adaptation30:43 — Body shaming, style, and why comfort matters when you feel vulnerable35:29 — “Tech shaming,” community dynamics, and educating with grace42:32 — Guiding etiquette: asking what help is actually wanted47:02 — What’s next: Krista’s biggest wood-burn project (whimsical, inclusive art)51:43 — Can wood burning be accessible without vision? (hard truth + alternatives)58:45 — Closing message: “even broken crayons still color” + daily purpose61:06 — Where to find Krista + thank-yous63:18 — Final sendoff: kindness to self, kindness to others

    1h 4m
  2. 12 FEB

    Meditation, Travel, and Vision Loss: Jordan Hankins on Healing, Self-Advocacy, and Rebuilding Life

    Penn and Moses open with a call for listeners to mail physical birthday cards to Aftersight (to be read on air), emphasizing the meaning of handwritten notes over “one-click” social media greetings. They then welcome guest Jordan Hankins (joining from Austin, Texas) for a wide-ranging conversation on vision loss, identity, and rebuilding life with intention.  Jordan shares her “before and after” story: years of grinding in real estate with freedom and travel as the goal, followed by a major crossroads as her vision rapidly declined. She describes a dark transition period, then a turning point—choosing to travel anyway—and how immersion in wellness communities (including Thailand) reshaped her outlook on healing, lifestyle, and personal agency.  The discussion explores holistic health practices (nutrition, time outside, movement, acupuncture, herbs, meditation), the challenge of reintegrating into U.S. “grind” culture after experiencing slower, wellness-centered environments, and the practicality of returning to basics (real food, nature, reducing screen time). Jordan also explains why she began publicly documenting her journey—moving from “real estate Barbie” highlights to honest vulnerability—and the importance of boundaries when people reach out for support.  The episode closes with meditation as a core practice Jordan credits with her transformation, her developing work teaching meditation, and early plans for accessible retreats (starting with Mexico). Penn and Moses underline the theme that life keeps bringing waves—growth is learning to ride them with better tools, self-awareness, and community.  2) Contact Info  Guest / Platform  Jordan HankinsSocials + Podcast: “Sighted by Soul” (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Podcast)Birthday Card Mailing Address (Aftersight) Aftersight 1805 Highway 42, Suite 220 Louisville, CO 80027Aftersight Contact Phone: (720) 712-8856Email: feedback@aftersight.orgProducer Credit Produced by: Jonathan Price (Aftersight)3) Show Credits Podcast: The Blind Chick (An Aftersight Original)Hosts: Penn Street and Moses StreetGuest: Jordan HankinsProducer: Jonathan PriceOrganization: Aftersight4) Chapter Markers 00:00 — Birthday cards: why physical mail matters (and where to send it)02:19 — Guest welcome: Jordan Hankins joins from Austin04:30 — Austin vibes, community, and the Blind Travel Summit mention06:54 — “Before”: real estate grind, money, freedom, and travel09:17 — The dark season: fear, uncertainty, and deciding to keep living14:33 — The “screw it” moment: choosing travel as the turning point16:54 — Thailand: wellness communities, retreats, and reframing “healing”21:29 — Coming back to the U.S.: holding onto “mountaintop” energy28:27 — Practical basics: outside time, whole foods, movement, screens33:10 — Social media tension: sharing purposefully without losing presence35:30 — Why she went public: from highlights to real life and vulnerability42:24 — Meditation: YouTube beginnings vs deeper training/retreat learning44:41 — What’s next: retreats (Mexico) + balancing purpose with real estate60:57 — Riding the wave: tools, seasons, and not getting taken under63:07 — Closing: online meditation plans and a call to be kind to yourself

    1h 6m
  3. 5 FEB

    From Cupid to Chaos: Keeping Love Alive in a Divided World

    Episode Summary  Penn and Moses kick things off (from separate locations) with Valentine’s Day around the corner—framing it less as a “couples-only holiday” and more as an excuse to show kindness to anyone (including handing out valentines to strangers). From there, the conversation turns serious: how to stay connected with people you love when you’re on opposite sides of politics and religion.  Penn shares how painful it felt to hear her sister propose a new boundary—no politics, no religion—after a lifetime of being able to talk about anything. Moses offers a counterbalance: focus on in-person conversations, keep humor as a pressure-release valve (“street humor”), and remember that people often agree on the problem even if they disagree on the solution. They reflect on how social-media hostility amplifies division, and Penn points to a Grammys moment (Bad Bunny’s “approach with love instead of hatred” idea) as a north star for how to engage.  They wrap with lighter updates: they’re heading to Playa del Carmen soon, they’ll be recording the next “just the two of us” episode from Mexico, and they shout out Evan Starnes and Blind Level Tech for making a real impact. They invite listeners to send feedback and join them on social media—and promise to post an old photo of Moses dressed as Cupid.  Contact Info  Listener feedback: feedback@aftersight.org (as stated in the episode)Aftersight (main line): (720) 712-8856Social: Search “The Blind Chick” on Facebook (Penn also mentions Instagram and TikTok)Show Credits Show: The Blind Chick (An Aftersight Original Podcast)Hosts: Penn Street and Moses StreetProducer: Jonathan Price (Aftersight)Chapter Markers 00:05 — Intro: Penn & Moses are back00:26 — Recording separately today00:45 — Valentine’s Day: love beyond romance01:33 — Grade-school valentines (and doing it again as adults)02:31 — “Real life” topics brought to listeners02:58 — Navigating political divides with people you love04:23 — Penn took a class on talking politics across disagreement05:03 — Moses on disagreement with his brother (Marco Polo)07:30 — “Street humor” as a safe-word for joking09:59 — Penn’s sister: deep bond, now opposite political aisle11:01 — The heartbreak: “no religion, no politics”13:18 — Why in-person political conversations work better15:35 — Penn: why this moment feels more harmful than “just policy differences”15:56 — Grammys moment: approaching issues with love vs hatred18:10 — Old rule: don’t talk religion/politics; and why it “worked”20:40 — Listener prompt: how do you keep relationships intact?23:49 — Mexico countdown begins25:12 — Story: walking away from politics in Mexico due to danger/stress27:22 — Playa del Carmen meetup: Scott Garrison connects them with his parents28:43 — Shoutout: Scott guiding blind hikers up a volcano in Guatemala30:57 — Penn’s stomach health issues; excited for Mexico food31:13 — Playa del Carmen then vs now36:31 — Next “just us” episode will be recorded from Mexico36:45 — Shoutout: Blind Level Tech and Evan Starnes39:10 — Kindness + feedback request39:36 — Social media plugs + Cupid photo promise40:16 — Sign-off (and joking about an “X rating” Cupid depiction)

    42 min
  4. 29 JAN

    Living with CHARGE Syndrome: Deafblindness, Guide Dogs & Thriving | Bethany Joy Boring

    1) Episode Summary Bethany Joy Boring joins Penn and Moses for a candid, funny, and deeply practical conversation about living with CHARGE syndrome, navigating combined vision + hearing loss, and the mindset shifts required to move from “proving yourself” to simply being yourself (as introduced in the recording you provided). Bethany shares her guide-dog journey (including the fear and stigma that delayed her cane use), how Toastmasters became her on-ramp to public speaking, and why she believes storytelling and community are essential to resilience. The episode also clarifies coaching vs. therapy (future-forward growth vs. past-rooted healing), introduces her “egg carton” approach to sharing your story safely, and closes with concrete ways listeners can practice gratitude and “step out and thrive.” 2) Contact Info (guest/org + Aftersight + producer credits) Guest / Bethany Step Out & Thrive (official links hub, plus podcast + socials): “Interactive Appreciation Guide” (download page): Note: the official links hub uses the name “Bethany B. Joy.” Aftersight The Blind Chick (show page / show info): Listener feedback contact (email + phone): Low-Vision Support Group: Weekly Wednesdays at 2:00pm (MST), online via Zoom: Producer Credit Produced by Jonathan Price (Aftersight).3) Show Credits Podcast: The Blind Chick (Aftersight Original) Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street Producer: Jonathan Price4) Chapter Markers 00:00 — Show open: “Blindness can be an adventure” 00:28 — Penn & Moses banter + New Year’s check-in (Jan 2026 mention) 02:46 — Bethany intro + “spy novel name” riff 05:09 — CHARGE syndrome explained (what it impacts) 07:08 — Hearing loss realities + “offline” joke 09:22 — Finding the unexpected “perks” + parenting humor 11:36 — Why she resisted the cane + choosing independence 13:52 — New guide dog user story + social media reactions 16:16 — Public speaking with hearing loss: reading the room differently 18:40 — Hearing the audience for the first time (wireless mic moment) 21:00 — Speaking without notes + connecting to the audience 23:23 — “How did you start speaking?” + Toastmasters origin story 25:36 — Purposeful living: everyday “stages” and practicing presence 27:44 — Listening well: “WAIT — Why Am I Talking?” 30:02 — Coaching vs therapy (future growth vs past tracing) 32:13 — Penn’s therapy reflections + disability fatigue and motivation 34:31 — The “prove yourself” burden + redefining worth 36:48 — Work, disability, and the pressure to overperform 39:15 — “What do blind people look like?” + visibility and assumptions 41:35 — “Superpowers” and the hidden skill-building of adaptation 43:59 — Thriving vs chasing goals: becoming more alive 46:24 — Mission mindset: living on purpose (even for small errands) 48:51 — “Egg carton” storytelling: sharing safely, one “egg” at a time 51:11 — Bethany’s podcast: Step Out & Thrive + what it’s for 53:29 — Stages beyond big stages: zoom calls, talks, parenting moments 55:53 — Community impact: people change goals but feel more alive 58:17 — Snorkeling vs scuba: tools for deeper work and resilience 60:30 — Where to find Bethany + appreciation guide resource 62:52 — Closing encouragement + Aftersight resources and support group mention

    1h 6m
  5. 22 JAN

    TSA and Other Funny Travel Mishaps

    1) Episode Summary Penn and Moses kick off the new year with humor about “non-resolutions” and sore gym arms, then share why they’re planning a Mexico trip: they’re still grieving the loss of Penn’s guide dog, Beethoven, who passed on December 22, and they want something hopeful on the calendar. They talk through how vision loss changes travel—starting with the planning stage. Penn explains why location matters (walkability to food, shopping, and the ocean), why she always packs a primary cane plus a backup, and how she’s thinking about bringing new tech (smart glasses) on the trip. Moses adds his essentials—hammock and ceiling fan—and they both reflect on how Mexico has changed over the years, from sleepy villages and “shacks on the beach” to today’s more built-up destinations. A major focus is airport stress and accommodations. Penn and Moses discuss using assistance through airports (especially through TSA and confusing layouts), how different the experience can be abroad versus in the U.S., and why they don’t hesitate to ask for help. They also share a specific frustration with airline systems that charge extra to speak to a human, and they invite listeners to share travel stresses, solutions, favorite tools, and “cane debacle” stories. They wrap with practical travel habits—researching thoroughly, reading reviews for noise issues, sticking to a budget, and choosing convenience over unnecessary expenses—plus a warm note about Valentine’s Day as a chance to love people well in many kinds of relationships. 2) Contact Info Aftersight Feedback: feedback@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856 Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer (Aftersight) 3) Show Credits Hosts: Penn Street, Moses Street Producer: Jonathan Price Network: Aftersight 4) Chapter Markers 00:00 — Intro + Happy New Year banter and gym “non-resolutions”02:03 — Why travel now: grief, goals, and planning a Mexico reset04:30 — Mexico then vs. now: from sleepy villages to busy destinations06:51 — Choosing chill: Playa del Carmen plans and “penthouse” reality check09:19 — Travel prep with vision loss: canes, backup plans, and smart glasses11:45 — Old-school travel memories: hammocks, rooftops, and budget lodging14:11 — Biggest travel stress: TSA, assistance, and “using the blind card”16:35 — Airport navigation stories: Iceland maze, Denver changes, and help lanes18:56 — International contrast: being treated better abroad and smooth customs20:48 — Tools and hacks: what to pack, what helps, and what listeners should share23:11 — TSA realities: gear, clothing, and why Moses always gets searched25:37 — Booking strategy: reviews, noise warnings, and choosing walkable locations27:59 — Frontier nerves: cheap flights, upgraded seats, and expectations30:24 — Money lessons: car rentals, local transit, and researching costs32:42 — Mexico logistics: when to rent a car and how they plan movement35:07 — Show teasers: last week’s Elise + next week’s Bethany episode37:31 — Valentine’s Day reframed: gratitude, love, and closing invitation to write in

    39 min
  6. 15 JAN

    From Darkness to Drafts with Elyse Draper: Writing as Survival

    Episode Summary Elise Draper joins Penn Street and Moses Street for a candid, funny, and deeply real conversation about living with progressive vision loss—and refusing to let society set the ceiling on what’s possible. Elise shares her diagnosis (PIC), the long road through misdiagnosis, treatments, and the layered realities of chronic eye disease (including autoimmune inflammation, scarring, injections, and early-onset glaucoma). She also explains Charles Bonnet syndrome in practical terms—what it can look like, why it’s so disorienting, and why being dismissed by medical professionals can be as damaging as the symptoms themselves. The conversation moves from the darkest seasons (depression, isolation, relationships fracturing under the strain) to rebuilding: community support, independence tools like the white cane, and a mindset shift that replaces “lowered expectations” with agency. Elise then spotlights the work she’s leading through the VIMB Creatives Workshop under the umbrella of IPub Global (iPub Cloud): creating a platform for blind and low-vision creatives to publish, get feedback, build professional skills (including resumes), and raise visibility for marginalized voices. Contact Info Guest: Elise Draper — author, publisher, freelance writer; marketing director/CMO (as discussed in the episode)Creative Platform: VIMB Creatives Workshop (Elise notes you can find it by searching “VIMB Creatives Workshop”)Spotify: “VIMB Creatives Workshop” (as named in the episode)Aftersight: Aftersight.orgGeneral contact: feedback@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856Producer: Jonathan PriceShow Credits Hosts: Penn Street, Moses StreetGuest: Elise DraperProducer: Jonathan PriceNetwork: Aftersight (Aftersight Original Podcast)Chapter Markers 00:00 — Show intro and welcome02:19 — Elise’s name origin and pen name story04:29 — Diagnosis: PIC (punctate inner choroidopathy) and current vision06:51 — Life disruption, resilience, and “switching lanes”11:03 — Early symptoms, misdiagnosis, and not being believed13:26 — Mental health impact, sleep disruption, and depression15:43 — Charles Bonnet syndrome explained (and why it gets dismissed)18:04 — When it becomes unsafe: driving, vivid visuals, and the “time” moment20:28 — Rebuilding independence: DVR support, mentors, and community25:11 — Sheltered employment, systemic ableism, and raising the bar32:28 — The white cane: stigma vs. freedom (and bruises as evidence)34:55 — VIMB Creatives Workshop: what it is and who it’s for39:30 — Submitting work, editing support, workshops, and author branding44:20 — Accessibility hurdles in marketing and practical ways forward46:43 — Elise’s recommended starting point: Free Will (2nd edition)49:06 — Favorite author influence: Octavia Butler51:28 — Wrap-up, gratitude, and Aftersight support message

    54 min
  7. 1 JAN

    Phoenix Rising: Ashley Purdy’s Second Chance After Losing Her Sight

    1) Episode Summary  Penn and Moses kick off with a New Year check-in (less “new me,” more gratitude) and give a clear warning that the episode includes suicide.  Ashley Purdy, a blind advocate and speaker, shares the trauma-filled path that led to her suicide attempt at 17, her clinical death for 17 minutes, and the long rehab that followed—including the crushing moment she realized she was blind. Over time, she reframed survival as a “rebirth,” identifying with the phoenix.  The conversation also covers independence, pushing back on “over-helping,” Perkins School for the Blind, isolation and social anxiety, and Ashley’s interest in getting a guide dog. The episode ends with encouragement to speak up if someone is in crisis, plus 988 resources and the reminder that one person showing up can save a life.  2) Contact Info  Guest: Ashley Purdy — Blind advocate & public speaker (no direct contact info shared in the provided transcript) Aftersight / The Blind Chick:  Website mentioned on-air: aftersight.orgEmail mentioned on-air: contact@aftersite.org (spelled this way in the provided transcript; verify spelling if needed)Crisis resource mentioned on-air (US):  Call/Text: 988Website: 988lifeline.orgProducer: Jonathan Price (Aftersight) 3) Show Credits  Show: The Blind Chick (Aftersight Original)Hosts: Penn Street, Moses StreetProducer: Jonathan Price4) Chapter Markers (mm:ss)  00:00 — Show intro00:27 — New Year talk + listener resolutions invite02:41 — Suicide content warning + self-care note04:54 — Ashley joins; Arlington (Virginia) + opening banter07:13 — Childhood: instability, early responsibility, family dynamics09:37 — Crisis stabilization + foster care separation12:02 — Guilt, grief, and how memories can distort reality14:28 — Returning home; “kid raising kids” reality16:46 — Sexual assault at 13; reporting; court outcome19:09 — Self-harm, hospitalizations, and cumulative strain21:35 — The “tipping point” at 17; why she seemed happier23:35 — Memory gaps; what she recalls from that night25:58 — Clinically dead 17 minutes; prognosis; survival28:22 — Rehab + communication; Zootopia/DMV analogy30:48 — Not realizing blindness at first; what she perceived33:15 — “Peace” before attempt; missed warning signs35:39 — Ripple effects; urging listeners to tell someone38:04 — Ongoing hard days; starting Perkins40:04 — Perkins explained42:26 — Over-helping vs independence; soda-can moment44:40 — Finding “your people” and belonging challenges47:06 — Isolation, social anxiety, and partner support49:09 — Guide dog schools and options51:31 — Hosts on guide dog freedom + reality53:57 — Hermit habits + encouragement to get out56:16 — Dogs as daily movement + sensory joy58:36 — Ashley’s advice: know who truly shows up61:00 — Hosts reflect on non-judgment support63:25 — 988 resources + Aftersight wrap + closing encouragement

    1h 5m

About

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

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