Connected & Curious with Andy

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Connected & Curious with Andy is a conversation series under the Bold Blind Beauty On A.I.R. podcast that explores life through honest dialogue and genuine curiosity.  Hosted by Andy Chadwick, each episode brings thoughtful conversations with blind and low vision guests about work, relationships, identity, culture, and the everyday experiences that shape who we are.  This is a space where questions are welcome, assumptions are unpacked, and conversations go deeper than the surface. Some moments may feel a little uncomfortable, in the best way, because growth often starts there.  If you’re sighted and looking to understand the lived experiences of people on the blindness spectrum, you’re in the right place. If you’re blind and want authentic dialogue that reflects the complexity of real life, you’re home.  Connected & Curious invites listeners to listen closely, think openly, and stay curious. 

Episodes

  1. Jun 19

    Dr. Jasmine Simmons on DeafBlind Identity, Usher Syndrome, and Living Fully

    Episode title and number: Dr. Jasmine Simmons on DeafBlind Identity, Usher Syndrome, and Living Fully 2-#5 In this enlightening episode of Connected & Curious with Andy, Dr. Jasmine Simmons shares her journey as a DeafBlind woman living with Usher syndrome. From losing her ability to drive and redefining independence to embracing her identity and creating children's books that center on disability representation, Dr. Simmons offers an honest and thoughtful perspective on resilience, advocacy, and living fully. Throughout the conversation, she discusses the realities of progressive vision loss, the importance of representation, and why she chooses to focus on living fully in the present. Bullet points of key topics & timestamps:  00:00 Introduction 02:12 Meet Dr. Jasmine Simmons 02:45 Living with Usher Syndrome and Identifying as DeafBlind 05:05 The Reality of Progressive Vision Loss 09:03 Losing the Ability to Drive and Redefining Independence 12:55 Extraordinary Jordan and Her Bionic Ears 13:45 Writing Children's Books About Disability Representation 18:40 Ezra and His Magnificent Cane 24:05 Independence, Accessibility, and the Hidden Cost of Blindness 30:05 Supporting Families Through Difficult Diagnoses 33:31 Living Authentically and Looking Ahead Dr. Simmons' Bio: Dr. Jasmine Simmons is a DeafBlind audiologist, speaker, author, and accessibility consultant passionate about helping people better understand disability, inclusion, and access. Through storytelling and lived experience, she encourages others to rethink what disability looks like and create spaces where everyone can belong. She is also the author of two children’s books that celebrate disability representation and self-advocacy. Connect with Dr. Simmons: Instagram: Dr. Jasmine SimmonsWebsite: Dr. Jasmine SimmonsLinkedIn: Jasmine Simmons, Au.D, CCC-A Connect with Bold Blind Beauty to learn more about our advocacy: Join our Instagram community @BoldBlindBeauty/Subscribe to our YouTube channel @BoldBlindBeautyCheck out our website www.boldblindbeauty.com/ Thanks for listening!❤️

  2. May 15

    From White Cane to Samurai Sword: Embracing Sight Loss with Confidence

    Episode title and number:  From White Cane to Samurai Sword: Embracing Sight Loss with Confidence 2-#4 In this episode of Connected and Curious, host Andy Chadwick sits down with Cory Rainford, the creator behind Legally Blind No Limits, to discuss his journey navigating a high-profile career while hiding his sight loss. Cory shares the powerful mindset shift that transformed his white cane from a symbol of limitation into a "samurai sword" of independence, offering inspiration for anyone striving to live without boundaries. Bullet points of key topics & timestamps:  00:00 – Introduction: Meet Cory Rainford from Legally Blind No Limits 02:15 – The Early Days: Navigating the World and the NBA with Hidden Sight Loss 10:40 – The Turning Point: Overcoming the Fear of the White Cane 18:25 – Flipping the Script: Why My Cane is a Samurai Sword ⚔️ 27:50 – Building "Legally Blind No Limits"  38:15 – Cory's Advice for Embracing Change and Living Boldly 41:30 – Outro & Where to Connect with Cory Corey's Bio: Cory Rainford is the founder of n0 limits llc and creator of the Legally Blind No Limits platform, where he draws on his personal journey with sight loss to empower others to live authentically. As a multimedia producer and speaker, he collaborates with global organizations to create enlightening content focused on building inclusive spaces and uncovering the hidden strengths within the disability community.  Connect with Corey Rainford: Instagram: Legally Blind No LimitsYouTube: Legally Blind No LimitsLinkedIn: Cory Rainford Connect with Bold Blind Beauty to learn more about our advocacy: Join our Instagram community @BoldBlindBeauty/Subscribe to our YouTube channel @BoldBlindBeautyCheck out our website www.boldblindbeauty.com/ Thanks for listening!❤️

  3. Apr 24

    A Conversation That Connects: Storytelling, Community, and Advocacy

    Episode title and number:  A Conversation That Connects: Storytelling, Community, and Advocacy with Julie Grutzmacher  2-#3  In this episode, Julie Grutzmacher shares her inspiring journey within Prevent Blindness, highlighting the transformative power of storytelling in advocacy and community building. Discover how her background in social work and public health fuels her passion for creating inclusive spaces and empowering individuals with vision loss. Bullet points of key topics & timestamps:  00:00  - Introducing Julie Gritzmacher and her work at Prevent Blindness   04:42 - The origins of Julie’s passion for storytelling and community impact  09:04 - Building the innovative storytelling program from scratch  16:42 - Memorable moments that affirm Julie’s purpose   21:56 - What the blind and visually impaired community has taught Julie  26:02 - Detailed overview of the Aspect Program and advocacy training   30:09 - Current and upcoming program initiatives, including the 2026 Capitol Hill event   36:49 - How sighted allies can support and get involved   42:24 - Resources & upcoming content on mental wellness for vision loss   47:38 - How to connect with Julie for more information and collaboration   Julie's Bio:  Julie Grutzmacher, MSW, MPH, is the Senior Director of patient advocacy and population health initiatives at Prevent Blindness.  She was instrumental in establishing the ASPECT patient engagement program, which trains the visually impaired and blind community and their allies to be storytellers and advocates for change. She is dedicated to creating a space where diverse perspectives can be heard, and individuals are empowered to discover and use their voices for advocacy.   Resources & Links: Living Well with Low Vision websitePrevent BlindnessConnect with Julie Grutzmacher: jgrutzmacher@preventblindness.org LinkedIn: Prevent BlindnessRemember, building awareness starts with understanding and empathy. Join Julie and others in shaping a more inclusive future by sharing stories, asking questions, and supporting community-driven initiatives.   Connect with Bold Blind Beauty to learn more about our advocacy: Join our Instagram community @BoldBlindBeauty/Subscribe to our YouTube channel @BoldBlindBeautyCheck out our website www.boldblindbeauty.com/ Thanks for listening!❤️

  4. Mar 27

    Roy Samuelson on The Emotional Power of Audio Description Nobody Talks About

    Episode title and number:  The Emotional Power of Audio Description Nobody Talks About with Roy Samuelson 2-#2 Summary of the show: Join Andy Chadwick in a heartfelt conversation with Roy Samuelson, a pioneer in audio description for visual media. Discover how audio description transforms entertainment for the visually impaired, the artistry behind it, and Roy's inspiring journey from Pennsylvania to Hollywood. Bullet points of key topics & timestamps:  00:00 Introduction to Roy Samuelson and His Work 02:53 The Personal Journey Behind Audio Description 06:05 Understanding Audio Description 09:00 The Emotional Connection to Audio Description 11:58 Accessibility as Artistry in Entertainment 14:51 The Role of Hospitality in Audio Description 17:56 The AD Playback Lounge: A New Initiative 21:00 AI's Impact on Audio Description 24:00 Bridging the Gap Between Blind and Sighted Audiences 27:05 Future Projects and Collaborations 29:55 Final Thoughts and Reflections   Supporting Our Advocacy Work: ⦁ Be a part of the change! Support our advocacy efforts.  Bio: Roy Samuelson ensures blind people enjoy watching videos. With thousands of AD credits across Netflix, HBO Max, Disney, A24, and other major studios, he transforms accessibility from a compliance checkbox into a creative and strategic advantage. The work became personal when a close friend lost his sight — and they stayed connected, laughing and debating their favorite shows, because the AD was good enough to carry the experience. Roy saw what was possible. He's been closing the gap ever since. RoySamuelson.com for the AD Playback Lounge, a membership-based Audio Description Performance practice place.  Connecting With Roy Samuelson:  Website: royssamuelson.com AD Playback LoungeA Voice Actor’s Guide to Audio Description Performance  Connect with Bold Blind Beauty to learn more about our advocacy: Join our Instagram community @BoldBlindBeauty/Subscribe to our YouTube channel @BoldBlindBeautyCheck out our website www.boldblindbeauty.com/ Thanks for listening!❤️

  5. Mar 20

    Mara Hutchinson: Redefining Disability in Social Media

    Connected & Curious with Andy is now its own podcast series.  This episode was originally released on October 3, 2025, on Bold Blind Beauty On AIR and is now part of Connected & Curious, a conversation series grounded in curiosity, dialogue, and connection across the blindness spectrum.  *** Episode title and number: Mara Hutchinson: Redefining Disability in Social Media 1-#1 Summary of the show: Host Andy Chadwick talks with Mara Hutchinson, a vibrant content creator, model, and digital influencer. They explore her daily life, experiences as a blind parent with retinitis pigmentosa and Usher Syndrome, and her bold style and love for Soca music. The episode centers on acceptance, communication, and the power of authentic living. Tune in for inspiration and insights on resilience. Bullet points of key topics & timestamps: 00:00 Exciting Announcements and New Segments 01:12 Introduction to Connected and Curious with Andy 02:07 A Day in the Life of Mara Hutchinson 04:09 Balancing Authenticity and Online Presence 06:53 Challenges and Misconceptions of Blindness 12:47 Parenting with RP and Usher Syndrome 17:36 Fashion and Personal Style 23:41 Music and What Lights You Up 28:24  Final Thoughts and Upcoming Projects 31:31 Closing Remarks Supporting Our Advocacy Work: ⦁ Be a part of the change! Support our advocacy efforts.  Connecting With Mara Hutchinson:  Instagram: @atemara Connect with Bold Blind Beauty to learn more about our advocacy: Join our Instagram community @BoldBlindBeauty/Subscribe to our YouTube channel @BoldBlindBeautyCheck out our website www.boldblindbeauty.com/ Thanks for listening!❤️

  • 5 Episodes

About

Connected & Curious with Andy is a conversation series under the Bold Blind Beauty On A.I.R. podcast that explores life through honest dialogue and genuine curiosity.  Hosted by Andy Chadwick, each episode brings thoughtful conversations with blind and low vision guests about work, relationships, identity, culture, and the everyday experiences that shape who we are.  This is a space where questions are welcome, assumptions are unpacked, and conversations go deeper than the surface. Some moments may feel a little uncomfortable, in the best way, because growth often starts there.  If you’re sighted and looking to understand the lived experiences of people on the blindness spectrum, you’re in the right place. If you’re blind and want authentic dialogue that reflects the complexity of real life, you’re home.  Connected & Curious invites listeners to listen closely, think openly, and stay curious. 

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