The Blind Chick

Aftersight
Aftersight
  • 5.0 (19)
  • Society & Culture
  • Weekly

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. 6d ago

    What If the Greatest Barrier Isn't Blindness? | Erik Weihenmayer

    Episode Summary What happens when the greatest obstacle in someone's life isn't their disability, but the limitations others place on them? On this episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses Street welcome back their friend, adventurer, author, and groundbreaking mountaineer Erik Weihenmayer for a conversation that reaches far beyond the summit of Mount Everest. Erik introduces his new book, Touching Everest, a uniquely accessible reading experience featuring Braille, print, tactile illustrations, and visual artwork designed to bring blind and sighted readers together. Created in collaboration with National Braille Press, tactile artist Ann Cunningham, and visual designer Judith Krimski, the book tells Erik's story of losing his sight, discovering his independence, and learning that life's greatest barriers don't have to define its possibilities. The conversation explores the delicate balance between protecting children and allowing them the freedom to fail, take risks, and discover their capabilities. Erik shares a powerful childhood memory of his father painting a bicycle ramp bright orange so he could continue riding as his vision deteriorated. He also recounts the extraordinary transformation of a blind teenager who experienced freedom for the first time during a No Barriers Grand Canyon adventure. From the influence of Terry Fox to the realities of raising independent children, Erik challenges the idea that meaningful achievement must involve climbing mountains or breaking records. Sometimes the greatest Everest is simply finding the courage to leave the house, make a decision, or try something that once seemed impossible. Penn and Moses also celebrate the expansion of Aftersight's White Cane Project nationwide and discuss how accessibility, community, and genuine inclusion can create opportunities for the next generation. Because the goal isn't to raise children who never fall. It's to help them discover they have what it takes to get back up. Credits Podcast: The Blind ChickHosts: Penn Street and Moses StreetGuest: Erik Weihenmayer — Author, Adventurer, Mountaineer, and Co-founder of No BarriersProducer: Jonathan PriceProduction: Aftersight Contact Information & Resources Erik Weihenmayer — Touching Everest Learn more about Erik's new accessible book, featuring Braille, print, tactile illustrations, and visual artwork. Publisher: National Braille PressWebsite: https://www.nbp.orgOfficial book launch discussed in episode: November 6, 2026No Barriers An organization dedicated to helping people overcome obstacles, discover their potential, and build meaningful lives. - Website: https://nobarriersusa.org National Braille Press Publisher of Touching Everest and a nonprofit supporting Braille literacy and accessible reading. - Website: https://www.nbp.org Aftersight — National White Cane Project Helping people who are blind or have low vision gain access to white canes that support independence and mobility. - Website: https://aftersight.org The Blind Chick — Aftersight- Website: https://aftersight.org- Email: feedback@aftersight.org

  2. Oct 29

    Who's on Your Rope Team? 200 Hikers, One Mountain, and No Barriers

    Episode Summary What happens when more than 200 people come together on a mountain, not just to reach the summit, but to remind one another that nobody has to face life's challenges alone? In this special episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses Street take listeners back to Winter Park, Colorado, for the What's Your Everest hike, a collaboration between Aftersight and No Barriers USA. With 61 Aftersight participants across three teams, the day became something much bigger than an outdoor adventure. It was a celebration of friendship, perseverance, accessibility, and the people who help us keep moving when the path gets difficult. Through conversations recorded during the event, we hear from blind adventurers, nonprofit leaders, volunteers, sponsors, families, and hikers whose lives have been changed by the No Barriers community. From Jim returning to cycling after years away, to Trevor Hahn finding his way forward through personal challenges, to Scott Garrison watching his young son discover what's possible, each story reveals a different side of what it means to be part of a rope team. Along the way, Penn reconnects with adventurers Lonnie Bedwell and Bill Barkeley, celebrates the determination of Ellie White, and talks with community leaders who are helping make outdoor recreation more accessible. The episode concludes with Erik Weihenmayer reflecting on his own journey through blindness and the importance of creating communities where people don't simply overcome barriers, but help others do the same. Because reaching the top is only part of the journey. Sometimes what matters most is who's climbing beside you, who's there to catch you when you fall, and whose rope team you've chosen to be part of. Credits Podcast: The Blind ChickHosts: Penn Street and Moses StreetProducer: Jonathan PriceProduction: AftersightEvent: What's Your Everest, Winter Park, ColoradoEvent Partner: No Barriers USA Featured Voices and Organizations Kelly Liggett — Executive Director, No Barriers USABrendan and Doug — Trinware representativesNikki — No Barriers representativePatrick and Nancy — Event participantsLonnie Bedwell — Blind adventurer and advocateBill — Longtime event participantTrevor Hahn — Blind adventurer and outdoor recreation advocateMoses Street and Tate — Family of Penn StreetJim and Kathy — Event participants and friends of AftersightRobert Lamm — Event participantDave Epstein, known as Sedona Dave — Awarewolf GearScott Garrison — Blind PilotsAlejandra and Freddie — Scott's familyEllie White and Beth — Event participantsChristine Holmberg — Executive Director, Foresight Adventure Guides for the BlindThe O'Malleys — Event volunteersBill Barkeley — Deafblind adventurer, advocate, and speakerKim Wardlow — Aftersight Executive DirectorErik Weihenmayer — Adventurer, author, and No Barriers co-founderContact Information AftersightWebsite: https://aftersight.orgEmail: feedback@aftersight.orgPhone: 720-712-8856 No Barriers USAWebsite: https://nobarriersusa.org Foresight Adventure Guides for the BlindWebsite: https://www.foresightskiguides.orgEmail: Christine@foresightskiguides.orgPhone: 303-506-3859 Awarewolf GearWebsite: https://awarewolfgear.com Bill BarkeleyWebsite: https://bilbarkeley.com Blind Pilots — Scott GarrisonWebsite: https://blindpilots.orgEmail: scott@blindpilots.org Mettle AdventuresWebsite: https://www.mettleadventures.comEmail: david@mettleadventures.comPhone: +44 7791 251 778 TrinWareWebsite: https://trinware.comPhone: 720-488-9800Contact: https://trinware.com/contact-trusted-advisor/ Chapters 00:23 — Welcome to The Blind Chick: A Special Hike Episode00:58 — What's Your Everest: 200 Hikers and Three Aftersight Teams02:31 — What Does It Mean to Be on a Rope Team?03:39 — Kelly Liggett: Community, Mindset, and Finding Your Reset05:50 — Trinware, No Barriers, and the People Behind the Hike09:20 — Patrick, Nancy, and the Power of Helping Others11:40 — A New Guide Dog Team Takes on the Trail13:52 — Lonnie Bedwell and the Ripple Effect of Adventure16:41 — How One Experience Changes Families and Communities18:11 — Trevor Hahn: Finding Your People Through Life's Hardest Moments20:55 — Jim and Kathy: Getting Back on the Bike23:31 — Learning to Accept Help and Give Back24:44 — Robert: Recovery, Gratitude, and New Opportunities26:00 — Sedona Dave: Getting Off the Couch and Into Life28:41 — Family, Friendship, and Sharing the Adventure30:57 — Scott Garrison: Bringing His Family to the Mountain34:41 — Freddie Watches His Dad Conquer the Climbing Wall36:45 — Ellie White and Beth: An Unstoppable Spirit39:52 — Foresight Adventure Guides: Making Outdoor Recreation Accessible41:36 — Christine Holmberg and the Challenge of Building Your Own Rope Team44:52 — The O'Malleys: Why Volunteers Matter46:24 — Bill Barkeley: Rekindling the Flame49:07 — Kim Wardlow: Building Community Through Aftersight51:18 — Erik Weihenmayer and Touching Everest53:17 — Erik's Story: From Isolation to a Life of Purpose58:44 — Who Is on Your Rope Team?1:01:31 — Who Can You Count On, and Who Counts On You?1:03:08 — Thank You, Aftersight, No Barriers, and Our Community1:04:09 — Closing Thoughts and Staying Connected

  3. Oct 23

    I GOT SOBER… AND LOST MY “FRIENDS” | In Collaboration with Disability Diaries with Steven Vine

    1. Episode Summary    What happens when getting sober means losing the very people you thought would stand beside you?  In this powerful and deeply personal episode of The Blind Chick, Penn Street joins Steven Vine, host of Disability Diaries with Steven Vine, for an honest conversation about addiction, alcoholism, disability, and the difficult road toward recovery.    Both Penn and Steven have firsthand experience navigating addiction while living with blindness. They explore how alcohol can become a way to numb emotional pain, avoid accepting a disability, and escape feelings of loneliness and isolation.    Penn shares her remarkable journey of 39 years of sobriety, including the friendships she lost, the relationships that changed, and the freedom she discovered when she stopped allowing addiction to define her life. Steven offers a different perspective on recovery, discussing his decision to change his relationship with alcohol and why recovery doesn't look identical for everyone.    Together, they confront the stigma surrounding addiction, the generational differences in attitudes toward drinking, the importance of community, and the courage it takes to acknowledge when something in your life needs to change.    Because sometimes the hardest part of getting sober isn't putting down the bottle. It's discovering who will still be standing beside you when you do.    This episode is a reminder that recovery is possible, asking for help is a sign of strength, and finding people who understand your journey can change everything.    2. Credits    Show: The Blind Chick  Host: Penn Street  Guest / Collaborating Host: Steven Vine, Disability Diaries with Steven Vine  Producer: Jonathan Price  Presented by: Aftersight  Additional Credits: This episode features a collaborative conversation originally recorded for Disability Diaries with Steven Vine and shared with The Blind Chick audience.    3. Contact Information & Resources  Aftersight / The Blind Chick  Website: https://aftersight.orgListener feedback: feedback@aftersight.orgPhone: (720) 712-8856Donations: https://aftersight.org/donateBe a Guest: https://aftersight.org/guest/Steven Vine  Podcast: Disability Diaries with Steven VineAddiction Recovery Resources  Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) — Peer support and recovery meetings.Narcotics Anonymous (NA) — Support for individuals seeking recovery from addiction.SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Free, confidential treatment referrals and information.988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 for 24/7 crisis support in the United States.4. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to The Blind Chick and Aftersight Updates  07:04 Meet Steven Vine of Disability Diaries  08:37 Addiction, Alcoholism, and Living with Blindness  09:41 Finding Hope in the Darkness  11:26 Why Support Matters in Recovery  13:23 When Drinking Becomes a Dependency  16:15 How Generations Have Changed Their Views on Alcohol  20:22 Sobriety, Social Drinking, and New Alternatives  24:53 Different Approaches to Addiction Recovery  28:17 How Sobriety Changed Penn's Relationship with Blindness  30:12 Acceptance, Independence, and Self-Worth  34:13 The Unexpected Social Cost of Sobriety  34:58 Losing Friends and Changing Family Relationships  38:45 Drinking to Feel Something Different  41:10 Finding Hope and Support Through Addiction  44:30 The Dangers of Isolation  47:17 Closing Reflections and Recovery Resources  (00:00) - Welcome to The Blind Chick and Aftersight Updates (07:04) - Meet Steven Vine of Disability Diaries (08:37) - Addiction, Alcoholism, and Living with Blindness (09:41) - Finding Hope in the Darkness (11:26) - Why Support Matters in Recovery (13:23) - When Drinking Becomes a Dependency (16:15) - How Generations Have Changed Their Views on Alcohol (20:22) - Sobriety, Social Drinking, and New Alternatives (24:53) - Different Approaches to Addiction Recovery (28:17) - How Sobriety Changed Penn's Relationship with Blindness (30:12) - Acceptance, Independence, and Self-Worth (34:13) - The Unexpected Social Cost of Sobriety (34:58) - Losing Friends and Changing Family Relationships (38:45) - Drinking to Feel Something Different (41:10) - Finding Hope and Support Through Addiction (44:30) - The Dangers of Isolation (47:17) - Closing Reflections and Recovery Resources

  4. Oct 15

    You Can Be Blind AND Wealthy? Absolutely. | Rachel Christian

    Episode Summary What does financial independence look like when you're living with vision loss? And how do you build a secure financial future when the very systems designed to support you can sometimes make saving money more difficult? On this episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses Street welcome Rachel Christian, journalist, financial writer, and founder of Unseen Wealth, a financial coaching business focused on empowering people with disabilities. Rachel shares her personal journey with cone dystrophy, her career in journalism, and the experiences that inspired her to help others take control of their financial futures. Together, they explore the challenges of financial literacy, the differences between SSI and SSDI, and how ABLE accounts can provide opportunities to save and invest while navigating certain public benefit restrictions. Rachel also breaks down practical financial strategies, including the 50/30/20 budgeting rule, retirement investments, and the risks of cryptocurrency. Along the way, the conversation explores the changing landscape of journalism, financial misinformation, and the importance of understanding where financial advice comes from. From overcoming the fear of losing benefits to building confidence with money, Rachel reminds us that financial independence isn't necessarily about becoming wealthy overnight. It's about education, making informed decisions, and recognizing that small steps can lead to meaningful change. Show Credits Podcast: The Blind Chick Hosts: Penn Street and Moses Street Guest: Rachel Christian, Founder of Unseen Wealth Producer: Jonathan Price Production: Aftersight Contact Information Rachel Christian | Unseen Wealth Website: https://uwcoaching.com Financial coaching, education, and information about Rachel's services are available through her website. Aftersight Website: https://aftersight.org General Inquiries: Jonathan@Aftersight.org Guest Suggestions and Feedback: feedback@aftersight.org 00:00 Welcome to The Blind Chick 03:31 Meet Rachel Christian and Unseen Wealth 04:59 Growing Up with Undiagnosed Vision Loss 11:36 Navigating College and Accessibility 13:21 Finding a Career in Journalism 15:35 Creating Unseen Wealth 17:24 Why Financial Literacy Matters 20:34 Bringing Financial Education to the Disability Community 24:16 The Changing Landscape of Local Journalism 32:06 Independent Journalism and the Information Age 35:23 Finding Truth in an Overwhelming Media World 38:17 Financial Influencers and Misleading Advice 40:50 Building Wealth Without a Wealthy Background 41:24 Understanding ABLE Accounts 46:14 SSI, SSDI, and the Fear of Losing Benefits 50:31 Breaking the Cycle of Financial Dependence 54:30 Employment and Financial Opportunity 56:06 Budgeting in a Cashless Society 59:10 Credit Cards, Debt, and Financial Awareness 1:00:57 Managing Money in Relationships 1:06:48 Taking Small Steps Toward Financial Freedom 1:07:36 The 50/30/20 Budgeting Rule 1:10:21 Lessons Learned from Timeshare Investments 1:14:09 Retirement Planning and Long-Term Investing 1:16:09 Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency, and Investment Risk 1:20:41 Connecting with Rachel Christian 1:22:01 Overcoming Financial Shame 1:24:23 Community, Connection, and Finding Hope 1:28:35 Final Thoughts and Closing

  5. Oct 8

    More Than a White Cane: Freedom, Aging, and a Dream Going Nationwide

    Episode Summary What happens when getting older reminds us that disability can become part of anyone's story? And what happens when a dream to help people regain their independence finally reaches beyond state lines? Penn and Moses Street are back with stories from their latest Colorado hot springs adventure and Moses's 60th high school reunion. Between questionable jokes about aging, memories of old classmates, and a few unexpected reflections on mortality, the conversation takes a meaningful turn toward disability, independence, and the importance of supporting one another. Then comes some exciting news! Aftersight's White Cane Project is expanding nationwide. Thanks to an incredible partnership with Awarewolf Gear and the generosity of anonymous donors, people who are blind or have low vision outside Colorado will soon have access to high-quality white canes completely free of charge, including shipping. Penn and Moses also discuss upcoming White Cane Safety Day celebrations, Colorado Gives Day, the Blind Travel Summit in Chicago, and why learning to use a white cane represents far more than mobility. It represents courage, confidence, and freedom. And because this is The Blind Chick, there's plenty of laughter along the way, including broken canes, questionable marriage advice, and Moses's inability to stop looking at Penn. A white cane isn't a symbol of what someone has lost. It's a tool that helps them reclaim their independence. Credits Hosts: Penn Street and Moses Street Producer: Jonathan Price Production: Aftersight Podcast: The Blind Chick Contact & Resources Aftersight: https://aftersight.orgQuestions and Feedback: feedback@aftersight.orgAwarewolf Gear: White Cane Project manufacturing partnerColorado Gives Day: https://www.coloradogives.orgWhite Cane Safety Day: October 15White Cane Celebration in Loveland: October 17, 2026, 10 AM–2 PM, The FoundryBlind Travel Summit: April 29–30, 2027, ChicagoChapters 00:00 Welcome Back to The Blind Chick 01:15 Hot Springs, Fall Colors, and a Little Healing 04:10 Moses's 60th High School Reunion 08:20 Getting Older and Confronting Disability 13:00 Why Supporting Disability Organizations Matters 15:00 Colorado Gives Day and Aftersight's Matching Gift 17:30 The White Cane Project Is Going Nationwide! 20:15 Awarewolf Gear and the Donors Making It Possible 24:00 Why Quality White Canes Matter 27:30 White Cane Safety Day and Community Celebrations 31:00 The Courage and Freedom Behind a White Cane 35:00 Challenging Misconceptions About Blindness and Employment 37:30 The Blind Travel Summit Heads to Chicago 40:00 Final Thoughts, Five Stars, and Marriage Humor

  6. Oct 1

    I Lost My Vision and Most of My Hearing—and All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt

    Summary Liam Erven has been blind since birth, but growing up, his family largely expected him to experience the world the same way other kids did. He climbed things, ran into walls, got lost, learned to find his way back, and eventually discovered a Nintendo his grandparents bought him simply because other kids had one too. That gift introduced him to what he describes as a whole world inside a box, even if that world wasn’t designed for him yet. On this episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses Street talk with Liam about growing up blind, mainstream education, independence, relationships, sports, hearing loss, and the importance of being allowed to fail. Liam shares why being protected from every mistake can ultimately keep a child from developing the skills they will need later in life, and why one of his guiding philosophies has become simple: just figure it out. Gaming became one of the places where Liam did exactly that. After becoming good enough at Mortal Kombat that neighborhood kids stopped wanting to play against him, he eventually turned a childhood idea into Super Liam, which he describes as the first side-scrolling audio game for blind players. Today, he continues working with accessible technology, developing games, and exploring ways technology can make entertainment more inclusive. The conversation also gets personal as Liam discusses his marriage to Alyssa, their podcast 404 Sight Not Found, the fear that comes with losing hearing he has depended on his entire life, and his desire to leave the world better than he found it. His closing reminder is simple: some days are bad days. Sometimes the best thing you can do is get through today, let it go, and try again tomorrow. Credits Show: The Blind ChickHosts: Penn Street and Moses StreetGuest: Liam ErvenProducer: Jonathan PriceProduction: Aftersight Contact Information Liam Erven / L-Worksl-works.net Podcast: 404 Sight Not Found Aftersightaftersight.org Chapters 00:00 Summer plans and an unexpected Pagosa Springs story03:49 Meet Liam Erven05:21 Blindness, hearing loss, and three and a half senses08:16 Understanding the world without a visual reference10:18 Growing up without being treated differently14:15 Nintendo, childhood, and realizing he was different15:53 Mainstream education and choosing his own path21:40 Hockey, baseball, and making sports more accessible28:15 From Chicago to Oklahoma and a career in accessibility30:25 How Liam met Alyssa and their unexpected love story38:29 Facing hearing loss and preparing for change45:01 Disability, independence, and adapting to what changes49:42 Why gaming can bring people together51:22 Creating Super Liam from a childhood dream56:08 Why failure matters for children and adults01:00:54 404 Sight Not Found and life with Alyssa01:04:28 Brainstation, new games, and what comes next01:11:41 Bad days, tomorrow, and learning to reset

  7. Sep 24

    You Can’t Just “Adapt” Your Way Out of Vision Loss with Dr. Brittany Adams Yee

    Episode Summary  Penn and Moses sit down with licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Brittany Adams Yee for a candid conversation about mental health, disability, trauma, and adapting when life changes in ways you never expected.  Dr. Adams Yee shares her own experience with vision loss, the barriers she encountered while becoming a psychologist, and why those experiences shaped her work with people living with disabilities. The conversation explores grief and identity after vision loss, accessible approaches to EMDR, virtual therapy, aging, major life transitions, and the importance of understanding people as individuals who are suffering rather than simply reducing them to a diagnosis.  Dr. Adams Yee also explains how bilateral stimulation used in EMDR can be adapted beyond eye movement, including tactile and auditory approaches that can make the treatment accessible for people who are blind or low vision.  Through plenty of laughter and some deeply personal moments, the episode comes back to a simple idea: there may not be one correct way to navigate life. As Brittany puts it, each person has to discover what living well looks like for them, knowing that answer can change over time.  Credits  Hosts: Penn Street and Moses Street Guest: Dr. Brittany Adams Producer: Jonathan Price Produced by: Aftersight  Connect with Dr. Brittany Adams Yee Dr. Adams Yee is the founder of Unconscious Connections Therapy Services and provides virtual therapy services. She is licensed in Colorado and Illinois and discusses additional telehealth availability through PSYPACT during the episode.   Website: ucts-psych.com She can also be found through Psychology Today and LinkedIn.  Connect with The Blind Chick  Have a question, story, or idea for a future episode? Reach out to Aftersight and connect with The Blind Chick wherever you listen to podcasts.  Please subscribe, share the show, and leave a five-star rating if you enjoy the podcast.

  8. Sep 17

    Rope-teams and High School Reunions... what could go wrong?

    Episode Summary Penn and Moses are back together in the Aftersight studio, recovering from an incredible weekend at the annual hike with No Barriers USA. More than 40 people joined the event, bringing together friends from across the blind and low-vision community, including climbers, artists, advocates, families, and longtime supporters. Penn and Moses reflect on the people who made the weekend memorable, from familiar friends to new connections, and share the story of Jim Valenzuela getting the opportunity to try adaptive cycling equipment that could potentially put him back on the road. Then the conversation turns toward Moses’ upcoming 60th high school reunion in Rochester, Indiana. What begins as a trip down memory lane becomes a hilarious look at how class reunions change over the decades: from trying to impress everyone at the 10-year reunion, to discovering forgotten high-school crushes, comparing gray hair and medications, and wondering whether spouses should even be invited. Along the way, Penn and Moses talk about how much people really change over a lifetime, the strange persistence of old personalities, family photographs, lost friends, and one of Moses’ classmates who became known as the “hanging judge” because of his unwavering commitment to applying the law consistently. They close by looking ahead to fall adventures, hot springs, sports, Thanksgiving, and more opportunities to get out of the house and participate in life. Penn offers her familiar challenge to the blind and low-vision community: grab the white cane, get outside, and be part of the world around you. Credits Hosts: Penn Street and Moses StreetProducer: Jonathan PricePodcast: The Blind ChickProduction: Aftersight Contact Aftersight / The Blind Chick: feedback@aftersight.org YouTube: Search for Aftersight or The Blind Chick on YouTube.

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5
out of 5
19 Ratings

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.

Information

  • Channel
    Aftersight
  • Creator
    Aftersight
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    248
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2021
  • Show Website
    The Blind Chick

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