The Charles Bonnet Syndrome Podcast

Shaimond Foye
  • 5.0 (10)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

This podcast is for people with Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS), their caregivers, and allies. It's a space to offer awareness, information, support and hope. CBS is a condition that causes visual hallucinations in people who are blind or visually impaired. Host Shaimond Foye and occasional co-hosts interview people with CBS, their caregivers, ambassadors, PhDs, and medical professionals. We also explore broader topics relevant to the visually impaired community, providing helpful information and resources. Hosts and guests share their insights and research as we all work together to make a positive difference in the lives of people living with this condition.

  1. JAN 2

    Episode 55: A Poetic Journey Through CBS

    In this episode of the Charles Bonnet Syndrome podcast, host Shaimond Foye welcomes back Duchess Antoinette McDonald-Ellis, a performance artist and creator. Antoinette shares a powerful poem that encapsulates her experiences living with Charles Bonnet Syndrome, illustrating the complexities of her relationship with the condition. The conversation delves into the daily struggles faced by individuals with CBS, including moments of confusion and fear, and how creative expression serves as a coping mechanism. Antoinette recounts a unique experience during a choir performance where she encountered a giant dancing Eskimo, highlighting the unpredictable nature of CBS. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of open conversations about CBS and the support within the community. 00:00 Introduction to The Charles Bonnet Syndrome Podcast 02:21 Antoinette's Poem: A Love Note to Charlie B 09:08 Understanding Charles Bonnet Syndrome Through Art 14:39 Experiencing Charles Bonnet Syndrome During Performance 20:09 Navigating Conversations About CBS Contact me at info@cbsyndromepodcast.com For help with CBS, call 1-704-389-0160 For a link to attend Dr. Gary Cusick’s U.S.-based weekly virtual CBS support group and CBS caregivers support group, email Dr. Cusick at garymcusick@icloud.com For support or resources for CBS in the U.S., please visit https://marycarmelslight.com or https://www.charlesbonnet.com or email garymcusick@icloud.com For support or resources for CBS in the UK, please visit https://www.charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk or email judith@charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk. For support or resources for CBS in Australia, please visit https://www.charlesbonnetsyndrome.org or email scot@charlesbonnetsyndrome.org The Charles Bonnet Syndrome Podcast Merchandise https://cbsyndromepodcast.com/merchandise Donate: https://ko-fi.com/cbsyndromepodcast

    22 min

  2. 08/09/2025

    Episode 54: Nancie Parker’s Journey with Charles Bonnet Syndrome, Advocacy, and Resilience

    In this episode of the Charles Bonnet Syndrome podcast, host Shaimond welcomes guest Nancie Parker, a retired nurse who has firsthand experience with CBS. Nancie shares her journey of sudden vision loss due to aggressive glaucoma and her subsequent struggle with CBS. She discusses the challenges of coping with visual hallucinations, the importance of community support, and the role of advocacy in raising awareness about CBS. Nancie highlights her work with the CNIB in providing resources and support for individuals experiencing vision loss and CBS. This insightful conversation underscores the importance of acceptance, humor, and resilience in dealing with this condition. Contact me at info@cbsyndromepodcast.com For help with CBS call 1-704-389-0160 For a link to attend Dr. Gary Cusick’s U.S.-based weekly virtual CBS support group and CBS caregivers support group email Dr. Cusick at For support or resources for CBS in the U.S., please visit https://marycarmelslight.com or https://www.charlesbonnet.com or email garymcusick@icloud.com For support or resources for CBS in the UK, please visit https://www.charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk or email judith@charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk. For support or resources for CBS in Australia, please visit https://www.charlesbonnetsyndrome.org or email scot@charlesbonnetsyndrome.org The Charles Bonnet Syndrome Podcast Merchandise https://cbsyndromepodcast.com/merchandise Donate: https://ko-fi.com/cbsyndromepodcast

    1h 13m

  3. 07/19/2025

    Episode 53: Living with Charles Bonnet Syndrome: Evelyn's Journey of Strength and Resilience

    In this episode of the Charles Bonnet Syndrome podcast, host Shaimond welcomes Evelyn Lewis, who shares her inspiring story of living with Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS). Evelyn details her lifelong struggle with visual impairments, beginning with her congenital condition Aniridia and subsequent battles with cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, and cornea transplants. Despite significant visual loss and hallucinations associated with CBS, Evelyn speaks about her proactive approach to mental health, seeking therapy, and finding comfort in her faith and community activities. She also discusses the importance of acknowledging and sharing one's experiences, seeking medical and emotional support, and staying engaged in life. Evelyn's narrative is a testament to resilience in the face of ongoing challenges. Contact Evelyn at evelyn19lewis@gmail.com Contact me at info@cbsyndromepodcast.com For help with CBS call 1-704-389-0160 For a link to attend Dr. Gary Cusick’s U.S.-based weekly virtual CBS support group and CBS caregivers support group email Dr. Cusick at For support or resources for CBS in the U.S., please visit https://marycarmelslight.com or https://www.charlesbonnet.com or email garymcusick@icloud.com For support or resources for CBS in the UK, please visit https://www.charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk or email judith@charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk. For support or resources for CBS in Australia, please visit https://www.charlesbonnetsyndrome.org or email scot@charlesbonnetsyndrome.org The Charles Bonnet Syndrome Podcast Merchandise https://cbsyndromepodcast.com/merchandise Donate

    39 min
  4. Episode 52: Exploring Perception and Charles Bonnet Syndrome with Dr. Marta Wnuczko

    07/05/2025

    Episode 52: Exploring Perception and Charles Bonnet Syndrome with Dr. Marta Wnuczko

    In this episode of the Charles Bonnet Syndrome Podcast, host Shaimond is joined by Dr. Marta Wnuczko, an experimental psychologist and professor at Humber Polytechnic. They discuss Dr. Wnuczko's research on how both sighted and blind individuals perceive and navigate their environments, and delve into the topic of hallucinations, including those experienced in Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS). Dr. Wnuczko shares her personal experiences with her great-grandmother, who exhibited symptoms of CBS, and provides insights into the nature of hallucinations, the importance of awareness, and coping strategies. The conversation also touches on her research methodologies, the balance between teaching and research, and the need to cultivate a curiosity-driven, positive approach to perception and human behavior. Contact Dr. Marta at Marta.Wnuczko@humber.ca Contact me at info@cbsyndromepodcast.com For help with CBS call 1-704-389-0160 For a link to attend Dr. Gary Cusick’s U.S.-based weekly virtual CBS support group and CBS caregivers support group email Dr. Cusick at garymcusick@icloud.com For support or resources for CBS in the U.S., please visit https://marycarmelslight.com or https://www.charlesbonnet.com or email garymcusick@icloud.com For support or resources for CBS in the UK, please visit https://www.charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk or email judith@charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk. For support or resources for CBS in Australia, please visit https://www.charlesbonnetsyndrome.org or email scot@charlesbonnetsyndrome.org The Charles Bonnet Syndrome Podcast Merchandise https://cbsyndromepodcast.com/merchandise Donate

    35 min
  5. Episode 51: Navigating Charles Bonnet Syndrome: An In-Depth Caregiver's Journey with Shannon Glasgow

    06/21/2025

    Episode 51: Navigating Charles Bonnet Syndrome: An In-Depth Caregiver's Journey with Shannon Glasgow

    In this episode of the Charles Bonnet Syndrome podcast, host Shaimond welcomes Shannon Glasgow, author of 'What They See, What We Know: Navigating Charles Bonnet Syndrome, Caregiving Without Losing Your Mind or Your Finances.' Shannon shares his profound journey as the caregiver for his mother, who suffers from Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS. He speaks about his transition from working overseas to dedicating his life to caregiving, the challenges he faced, and the emotional and financial impacts of his situation. Shannon also discusses the importance of awareness, support groups, and finding a balance between caregiving responsibilities and personal well-being. Tune in to learn more about Shannon's insightful experiences and his efforts to raise CBS awareness through his books and social media presence. Contact Shannon at shannonglasgow@yahoo.com Purchase Shannon's book https://www.amazon.com/What-They-See-Know-Navigating-ebook/dp/B0F1NP58YK/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1OUYSYPGSX4C6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.RH-n5yh47EugAKKZm9AH6wb2ACITfOoH8spEDY_hlWYOno0yVyjDDVykY_NaA3um-o6_N5mmhoVyUmo7_7SGew.60wyjbNP6Yl_42NxMyj5sSJhb1IrNTFjjhgpoBbFurI&dib Contact me at info@cbsyndromepodcast.com For help with CBS call 1-704-389-0160 For a link to attend Dr. Gary Cusick’s U.S.-based weekly virtual CBS support group and CBS caregivers support group email Dr. Cusick at garymcusick@icloud.com For support or resources for CBS in the U.S., please visit https://marycarmelslight.com or https://www.charlesbonnet.com or email garymcusick@icloud.com For support or resources for CBS in the UK, please visit https://www.charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk or email judith@charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk. For support or resources for CBS in Australia, please visit https://www.charlesbonnetsyndrome.org or email scot@charlesbonnetsyndrome.org The Charles Bonnet Syndrome Podcast Merchandise https://cbsyndromepodcast.com/merchandise Donate

    1h 4m
  6. Episode 50: Celebrating the 50th Episode: Charles Bonnet Syndrome Insights and Updates

    06/07/2025

    Episode 50: Celebrating the 50th Episode: Charles Bonnet Syndrome Insights and Updates

    In this special 50th episode of the Charles Bonnet Syndrome podcast, host Shaimond celebrates the milestone with a panel of distinguished guests: Eva Potts from Mary Carmel's Light, Scott Muirden from the Charles Bonnet Syndrome Foundation in Australia, Duchess Antoinette McDonald-Ellis and her husband Ken Ellis. The discussion covers various updates and personal experiences related to Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS). Scott Muirden shares groundbreaking research from Australia, particularly the work of Vicki Hamilton at Griffith University focused on artistic representations of CBS experiences. Antoinette and Ken Ellis discuss their personal encounters with CBS and how art, music, and environment play roles in the manifestations of CBS. Eva Potts highlights the importance of awareness and the work being done by Mary Carmel's Light to support people with CBS. Additionally, Judith Potts from Esme's Umbrella in the UK provides a recorded message on new research findings, her ongoing projects, and the importance of educating the medical community about CBS, and Lucia Ricardo from Canada shares a congratulatory message regarding this podcast's 50th episode milestone. This episode underscores the global effort to raise awareness, the importance of combining art and science, and the crucial role of support groups in improving the quality of life for those living with CBS. Mary Carmel's Light https://marycarmelslight.com/ Charles Bonnet Syndrome Foundation https://www.charlesbonnetsyndrome.org/ Contact me at info@cbsyndromepodcast.com For help with CBS call 1-704-389-0160 For a link to attend Dr. Gary Cusick’s U.S.-based weekly virtual CBS support group and CBS caregivers support group email Dr. Cusick at garymcusick@icloud.com For support or resources for CBS in the U.S., please visit https://marycarmelslight.com or https://www.charlesbonnet.com or email garymcusick@icloud.com For support or resources for CBS in the UK, please visit https://www.charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk or email judith@charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk. For support or resources for CBS in Australia, please visit https://www.charlesbonnetsyndrome.org or email scot@charlesbonnetsyndrome.org The Charles Bonnet Syndrome Podcast Merchandise https://cbsyndromepodcast.com/merchandise Donate

    1h 19m
  7. Episode 49: Navigating Charles Bonnet Syndrome and Caregiving for Dementia

    05/24/2025

    Episode 49: Navigating Charles Bonnet Syndrome and Caregiving for Dementia

    In this episode of the 'Charles Bonnet Syndrome Podcast,' host Shaimond invites Karen Tan-Sy to share her experiences living with Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) while caring for her mother with Dementia. Karen discusses the fluctuating nature of her eye condition, dealing with multiple diagnoses including Sjogren’s Syndrome, and the mental and physical challenges she faces daily. The conversation delves into how she initially mistook her hallucinations for supernatural occurrences, leading to her CBS diagnosis. Karen also speaks about the delicate balance of managing her own treatments, medications, and doctor's visits while being a 24/7 caregiver. Additionally, the episode highlights the importance of support groups like Dr. Gary Cusick's weekly CBS group, coping strategies for CBS, and the value of external support systems. Karen's story is one of resilience, highlighting the importance of taking life 'one moment at a time' amidst life's complexities. Contact Karen at Sy.karen.016@gmail.com Contact me at info@cbsyndromepodcast.com For help with CBS call 1-704-389-0160 For a link to attend Dr. Gary Cusick’s U.S.-based weekly virtual CBS support group and CBS caregivers support group email Dr. Cusick at garymcusick@icloud.com For support or resources for CBS in the U.S., please visit https://marycarmelslight.com or https://www.charlesbonnet.com or email garymcusick@icloud.com For support or resources for CBS in the UK, please visit https://www.charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk or email judith@charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk. For support or resources for CBS in Australia, please visit https://www.charlesbonnetsyndrome.org or email scot@charlesbonnetsyndrome.org The Charles Bonnet Syndrome Podcast Merchandise https://cbsyndromepodcast.com/merchandise Donate

    52 min
  8. Episode 48: Understanding Syndromes: Definitions, History, and Importance

    05/10/2025

    Episode 48: Understanding Syndromes: Definitions, History, and Importance

    In this episode of the Charles Bonnet Syndrome Podcast, host Shaimond explores the concept of syndromes in medicine. The episode delves into the definition of a syndrome, its history, and how it differs from diseases and disorders. Key characteristics of syndromes are discussed, along with examples like Down Syndrome and Charles Bonnet Syndrome. The importance of pattern recognition in diagnosing syndromes, the evolution of their study, and their impact on patient care are also covered. This comprehensive overview aims to enhance understanding of syndromes for patients, caregivers, and curious listeners. Contact me at info@cbsyndromepodcast.com For help with CBS call 1-704-389-0160 For a link to attend Dr. Gary Cusick’s U.S.-based weekly virtual CBS support group and CBS caregivers support group email Dr. Cusick at garymcusick@icloud.com For support or resources for CBS in the U.S., please visit https://marycarmelslight.com or https://www.charlesbonnet.com or email garymcusick@icloud.com For support or resources for CBS in the UK, please visit https://www.charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk or email judith@charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk. For support or resources for CBS in Australia, please visit https://www.charlesbonnetsyndrome.org or email scot@charlesbonnetsyndrome.org The Charles Bonnet Syndrome Podcast Merchandise https://cbsyndromepodcast.com/merchandise Donate

    11 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

This podcast is for people with Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS), their caregivers, and allies. It's a space to offer awareness, information, support and hope. CBS is a condition that causes visual hallucinations in people who are blind or visually impaired. Host Shaimond Foye and occasional co-hosts interview people with CBS, their caregivers, ambassadors, PhDs, and medical professionals. We also explore broader topics relevant to the visually impaired community, providing helpful information and resources. Hosts and guests share their insights and research as we all work together to make a positive difference in the lives of people living with this condition.

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