Game Changers

Aftersight
  • 5.0 (1)
  • SPORTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Game Changers, the podcast that dives into the inspiring world of blind athletes who are breaking barriers, redefining possibilities, and changing the game in sports. Each episode, we bring you powerful stories from the athletes themselves, their coaches, and the communities that support them. Join us as we explore the triumphs, challenges, and groundbreaking moments that define these extraordinary individuals. From the thrill of the Paralympics to grassroots initiatives making a difference, Game Changers celebrates the resilience, innovation, and indomitable spirit of those who refuse to let blindness hold them back. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, an advocate for disability rights, or someone looking for a dose of motivation, Game Changers offers a unique and compelling perspective on the power of sport to transform lives. Tune in and be inspired by the incredible athletes who are not just participating, but thriving and leading the way in their respective sports. Game Changers — It's time to change the game

Episodes

  1. 09/13/2024

    Craig DiMartino: Facing the Mountain

    Welcome to game Changers! If you have any questions let us know by emailing us at feedback@aftersight.org or calling us at (720) 712-8856. IN this episode... Craig DiMartino shares his climbing journey and the challenges he faced after a traumatic accident. He discusses the emotional and physical toll of recovery and the process of getting back into climbing. He recounts his experience climbing El Capitan and the impact it had on him. He also talks about his involvement with Adaptive Adventures and the importance of inclusivity in outdoor activities. He shares his journey of becoming an adaptive climber and the founding of Adaptive Adventures. The organization offers free programs in eight different sports for individuals with physical disabilities and their caregivers. The goal is to make adaptive sports accessible to anyone and provide a sense of community and perspective. Craig emphasizes the importance of movement and finding your people to improve quality of life. He also discusses the innovations in adaptive climbing and the need for adaptability in the sport. Craig's book, 'After the Fall,' provides an honest account of his experiences. Takeaways Overcoming physical and emotional challenges is a long and ongoing process. Support from loved ones and mentors is crucial in the recovery journey. Climbing can be a powerful tool for personal growth and self-discovery. Inclusivity in outdoor activities is important for creating a welcoming and supportive community. Adaptive Adventures offers free programs in eight different sports for individuals with physical disabilities and their caregivers. Movement is important for improving quality of life and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle. Finding a community of like-minded individuals can provide support, perspective, and friendship. Adaptive climbing has seen innovations in technology and techniques to make it accessible for individuals with visual impairments. Craig DeMartino's book, 'After the Fall,' provides an honest account of his journey as an adaptive climber. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Love for the Outdoors 05:10 Craig's Climbing Journey Begins 08:22 The Traumatic Accident and Road to Recovery 11:23 Overcoming Mental and Emotional Challenges 14:44 Becoming a Staple in the Climbing Community 18:32 Adaptive Adventures and Inclusivity in Outdoor Activities 18:42 Reluctantly Joining Adaptive Climbing 22:12 The Mission of Adaptive Adventures 26:11 Adaptive Climbing for the Visually Impaired 30:06 The Importance of Movement and Community 34:05 Changing the Game in Adaptive Sports

    39 min

  2. 09/06/2024

    Don Wardlow: From Banjos to Baseball

    Thank you for checking out this episode of Game Changers. If you have a story about sports, we would love to hear it. Email us at feedback@aftersight.org, or give us a call on our voice mail line at (720) 712-8856. In this conversation... ...Jonathan interviews Don Wardlow, the first blind color commentator in professional baseball. Don shares his journey with blindness and his passion for baseball. He discusses the challenges he faced in pursuing a career in sports broadcasting and his approach to calling games without sight. Don also highlights a memorable moment in his career. Don Wardlow shares his experiences as a blind sports broadcaster and the challenges he faced in the industry. He talks about a memorable baseball game he called and the importance of family support. Don also discusses his projects, including his blog 'Baseball as I See It' and his podcast 'The Baseball Lifer Podcast'. He offers advice to aspiring broadcasters to get an education, learn the craft, and take advantage of the opportunities provided by the internet. Takeaways Don Wardlow is the first blind color commentator in professional baseball. Listening to radio broadcasts of baseball games sparked Don's passion for the sport. Don faced challenges in pursuing a career in sports broadcasting, but with the help of his partner Jim, he developed a successful approach. Don's approach involved extensive preparation, including brailing notes and studying interviews and statistics. A memorable moment in Don's career was calling a game between St. Paul and the Thunder Bay Whiskey Jacks in the Northern League. Blind sports broadcaster Don Wardlow faced challenges in the industry but persevered with the support of his family. He called a memorable baseball game and cherishes the experience. Don started a blog called 'Baseball as I See It' and currently hosts 'The Baseball Lifer Podcast'. His advice to aspiring broadcasters is to get an education, learn the craft, and take advantage of the opportunities provided by the internet. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 03:08 Don's Journey with Baseball and Blindness 08:28 Challenges in Pursuing a Career in Sports Broadcasting 17:14 Approach to Calling Games Without Sight 21:00 Memorable Moment: St. Paul vs. Thunder Bay Whiskey Jacks 21:28 Overcoming Challenges and Personal Sacrifices 22:27 A Memorable Baseball Game 24:11 Challenges Faced as a Blind Person 27:09 Getting into Broadcasting and Meeting Jim Lucas 29:32 Starting to Broadcast Games 33:56 Projects: 'Baseball as I See It' and 'The Baseball Lifer Podcast' 39:27 Advice for Aspiring Broadcasters

    44 min

  3. 08/30/2024

    Envision Blind Sports

    Summary Wendy Fagan, the driving force behind Envision Blind Sports, shares her journey of empowering individuals with visual impairments through sports and recreation. She discusses the transformative power of sports and the joy it brings to athletes. Wendy emphasizes the importance of education and understanding in the blind sports community, encouraging people to challenge their fears and embrace inclusivity. Envision Blind Sports offers camps, clinics, outdoor recreation, and educational programs to promote disability sports and provide opportunities for blind individuals to participate in various sports. Wendy shares a heartwarming success story of a blind athlete skiing down a mountain independently, highlighting the freedom and empowerment that sports can bring. Takeaways Sports have a transformative power and can empower individuals with visual impairments. Education and understanding are crucial in the blind sports community to challenge misconceptions and promote inclusivity. Envision Blind Sports offers camps, clinics, outdoor recreation, and educational programs to provide opportunities for blind individuals to participate in various sports. A heartwarming success story of a blind athlete skiing down a mountain independently showcases the freedom and empowerment that sports can bring. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Football Season 02:57 Wendy's Love for Winter and Skiing 07:15 Wendy's Journey into Adaptive Sports and Envision Blind Sports 09:53 Genesis Event and Unique Beginning of Envision Blind Sports 14:15 Creating Envision Blind Sports as a Nonprofit 18:17 Envision Blind Sports Offerings: Camps, Clinics, Outdoor Recreation, and Education 21:26 Success Stories and the Freedom of Blind Sports 27:22 Charge to the Community: Get Educated and Embrace Inclusivity 30:10 How to Connect with Envision Blind Sports 31:24 Closing Remarks and Congratulations to Paralympic Athletes Thanks for checking out Game Changers. If you have any questions, you know what to do. Email: Feedback@aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856

    32 min

  4. 08/23/2024

    Fail Fast

    Summary In this conversation, Jonathan and Ethan discuss the importance of failing fast and learning from failure. They share personal experiences of failure in sports and how it has helped them grow. They emphasize the role of a supportive cast and the need to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. The conversation explores the theme of failure and the valuable lessons that can be learned from it. The hosts share personal stories of failure in sports and discuss the importance of self-realization, humility, and surrounding oneself with supportive people. They emphasize the mindset of learning from failure and moving forward. The challenge for listeners is to teach young athletes the importance of embracing failure as a learning opportunity. The hosts also express their excitement for the upcoming football season and encourage listeners to enjoy the process of sports while it lasts. Takeaways Failure is an essential part of learning and growth. Failing fast allows for quicker learning and improvement. Having a supportive cast, including coaches, teammates, and family, is crucial in navigating failure. Failure should be embraced as an opportunity to learn and become better. Experiencing failure early on can lead to faster progress and development. Failure is a valuable teacher and can lead to personal growth Self-realization and humility are important in overcoming failure Surrounding oneself with supportive people is crucial in times of failure Learning from failure and adopting the right mindset is key Teaching young athletes to embrace failure as a learning opportunity is important Enjoying the process of sports and appreciating the journey is essential Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 03:08 The Concept of Failing Fast 07:43 The Importance of Failure in Sports and Life 12:46 The Role of a Supportive Cast in Navigating Failure 15:29 Personal Experiences of Failure and Growth 18:03 Embracing Failure: Lessons Learned 21:13 The Importance of Self-Realization and Humility 23:44 Surrounding Yourself with Supportive People 26:22 Learning from Failure and Adopting the Right Mindset 28:45 Teaching Young Athletes to Embrace Failure 30:22 Enjoying the Process of Sports Thank you for listening to Game Changers. If you have any questions give us a call at (720) 712-8856. Get out there and change the game.

    34 min

  5. 08/09/2024

    Evan Schwerbrock: Cane and Able Fitness.

    Summary Evan, the founder of Cane and Able Fitness, shares his journey as a visually impaired athlete and the mission behind his company. He discusses the challenges and misconceptions surrounding blind individuals in the gym and provides tips for making fitness accessible. Evan emphasizes the importance of self-belief and pushing beyond self-doubt. He also highlights the need for tactile cues and customized exercise programs for the blind community. The conversation concludes with a discussion about upcoming episodes and the impact of the Paris Olympics. Takeaways Blind individuals are capable of achieving fitness goals and excelling in the gym. Tactile cues and customized exercise programs are essential for making fitness accessible to the blind community. Self-belief and pushing beyond self-doubt are crucial for success in fitness and life. The Paris Olympics and the journeys of Olympic athletes will be discussed in upcoming episodes. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Congratulations to Olympic Athletes 05:14 Evan's Strongman Competition and Training 06:14 The Story Behind Cane and Able Fitness 08:06 The Goal of Cane and Able Fitness 09:26 The Doubt Surrounding Blind People in the Gym 12:14 Challenges of Accessibility in the Weight Room 15:35 Navigating the Gym and Overcoming Doubt 17:00 Working Out with a Guide and Gym Accessibility 18:28 Tips for Starting Physical Exercise 21:15 Getting Started at the Gym and Training Programs 23:28 Training with Injuries and Physical Therapy 27:27 Starting Physical Exercise Outside of the Gym 31:53 Changing the Game for the Blind Community 34:33 Contact Information and Resources 37:06 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes Thank you for listening to this episode of Game Changers if you have any questions, please give us a call at 720-712-8856 or you can email us at feedback@aftersight.org

    29 min

  6. 07/26/2024

    Paula Kissinger: Accessibility and Accommodations in Blind Sports

    Summary Paula Kissinger, a visually impaired athlete, shares her experiences participating in various sports and activities. She discusses her background in horseback riding, swimming, judo, skiing, and more. Paula emphasizes the importance of finding a sport or activity that you enjoy and are passionate about, regardless of your abilities. She also highlights the need for more awareness and education about blind sports and encourages curiosity and open conversations about visual impairments. Takeaways Find a sport or activity that you enjoy and are passionate about, regardless of your abilities. There are various accommodations and adaptations available to make sports and activities accessible for visually impaired individuals. More awareness and education about blind sports is needed to foster curiosity and understanding. Open conversations and curiosity can help break down barriers and create a more inclusive environment for visually impaired individuals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Announcement 02:21 Paula's Background and Active Lifestyle 05:22 Paula's Experience as a Blind Trail Guide 08:11 Growing Up on an Arabian Breeding Ranch 09:24 Involvement in Adaptive Skiing 13:29 Discovering Sports and Activities at Camp 14:30 The Impact of Sports on Paula's Life 15:15 The Accessibility of Judo for Visually Impaired Individuals 18:57 Accommodations in Cycling, Running, and Swimming 20:27 Guides and Communication in Skiing 24:19 Encouragement to Find Passion in Sports and Activities 25:23 The Need for Awareness and Education in Blind Sports 26:21 Fostering Curiosity and Open Conversations 27:40 Closing Remarks and Gratitude Thank you for listening to Game Changers. If you have any questions, please let us know by giving us a call at (720)712-8856 or emailing us at feedback@aftersight.org

    26 min

  7. 07/19/2024

    05 Dominick Petrillo: Blind Sports Writer

    Summary In this conversation, Jonathan Price interviews Dominick Petrillo, a blind sports writer. They discuss Dominick's journey into sports writing, his experiences growing up in Philadelphia, and the challenges he faces as a blind writer. Dominick shares his expertise in fantasy football and explains different types of leagues. They also touch on the accessibility issues faced by blind individuals in the sports industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Hiking Announcement 02:34 The Journey of a Blind Sports Writer 05:16 Memorable Sports Moments in Philadelphia 08:51 Navigating the Challenges of Blindness 13:30 Expertise in Fantasy Football 16:54 Understanding Different Types of Leagues 18:45 The Accessibility Barrier in the Sports Industry 19:30 Fantasy Football Fun and Unique Leagues 20:00 Getting Started in Fantasy Football 21:04 Drafting Strategies: Skill Players vs. Quarterbacks 22:18 The Importance of Stacking Players 23:14 Exciting Players to Watch in the Upcoming Season 27:15 Collaborating with Prominent Figures in the Industry 30:35 Advice for Aspiring Writers 33:28 Inclusivity in Sports Broadcasting 35:38 Finding Your Vision and Pursuing It

    38 min

  8. 06/28/2024

    Goalball: A Unique Sport for the Blind and Partially Sighted

    Summary The conversation covers a range of topics related to adaptive sports, including the experiences of individuals with disabilities, the impact of sports camps, and the significance of goalball. It also delves into the success stories of participants and the unique aspects of goalball as a sport for the blind and partially sighted. The conversation covers the topics of adaptive sports, the importance of accessibility in sports, and the impact of sports on personal development. It also delves into the challenges and opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the realm of sports and the significance of inclusive sports programs for children with disabilities. Takeaways Adaptive sports camps provide inclusive and accessible opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in a wide range of sports activities. Goalball is a unique sport specifically designed for individuals who are blind and partially sighted, emphasizing teamwork, communication, and listening skills. The impact of sports on individuals with disabilities goes beyond physical activity, fostering confidence, independence, and a sense of inclusion. Success stories of participants in adaptive sports programs highlight the transformative power of sports in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Adaptive sports provide unique opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in physical activities and team sports. The importance of making sports accessible to individuals with disabilities and the impact of inclusive sports programs on personal development. The challenges and opportunities for children with disabilities in the realm of sports, and the significance of adaptive and inclusive sports programs. The role of self-advocacy and community support in promoting accessibility and inclusivity in sports for individuals with disabilities. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Adaptive Sports and Inclusive Recreation 03:00 The Impact of Adaptive Sports and Sports Camps 08:12 The Unique Sport of Goalball and Its Significance 12:02 Success Stories and Transformative Power of Adaptive Sports 20:34 Accessibility in Sports: Challenges and Solutions Thank you for listening to this episode of Game Changers! If you have any questions for Jonathan or Ethan give us a call at 720-712-8856. Don't forget to register for the hike at aftersight.org/hike. Have a great week.

    31 min

  9. 06/21/2024

    The Thrill of Slacklining: Challenging Boundaries

    Summary In this conversation, Jonathan, Ethan, and guest Robert Lamm discuss Robert's journey with vision loss and addiction recovery. They also explore Robert's passion for slacklining, a sport that involves walking on a slack rope. Robert shares his experiences and challenges in pursuing slacklining as a visually impaired individual. The conversation highlights the importance of finding one's why and pushing oneself to try new things. The hosts encourage listeners to embrace discomfort and explore their passions. Takeaways Find your why and push yourself to try new things Embrace discomfort and challenge yourself Accessibility is important in pursuing new activities YouTube can be a valuable resource for learning new skills Support from family and community is crucial in overcoming challenges Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 01:33 Robert's Journey with Vision Loss and Addiction Recovery 15:09 Explaining Slacklining and Its Accessibility 24:15 Charge to the Listeners: Find Your Why and Embrace Discomfort Thank you for listening to this episode of Game Changers if you have a question for Jonathan or Ethan please give them a call at 720-712-8885 six or you can send a question to our email inbox at feedback@site.org thanks for listening and have a great week. Don't forget to change the game.

    29 min

  10. 06/14/2024

    The Healing Power of Nature: Using Nature as a Therapeutic Tool

    Summary In this conversation, Jonathan Price and Ethan Johnston interview Michael Sullivan, a counselor and therapist who specializes in working with men and using nature as a therapeutic tool. They discuss the importance of nature in promoting mental well-being, the pressures athletes face, and how parents can support their children in navigating these pressures. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentionality, self-compassion, and embracing failure as part of personal growth. Register for the Audiotrekers Hike Here www.aftersight.org/hike Takeaways Nature can have a profound impact on mental well-being, allowing individuals to feel more grounded and open. Athletes face immense pressure to perform and constantly compare themselves to others, which can lead to anxiety and other mental health issues. Parents can support their children by focusing on their strengths and interests, rather than pushing them to meet external expectations. Being intentional in our actions and embracing failure as a learning opportunity are key to personal growth and making a positive impact. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Welcome to Game Changers 03:10 Chapter 1: The Healing Power of Nature 10:52 Chapter 2: Navigating the Pressures of Athletes 27:09 Chapter 4: Embracing Intentionality and Self-Compassion 29:32 Conclusion: Becoming a Game Changer

    31 min

  11. 06/06/2024

    The Journey of a Game Changer: From Ethiopia to the United States

    Summary The first episode of Game Changers features a conversation between host Jonathan Price and his co-host Ethan Johnston, focusing on blind athletes and the sports they play. Ethan shares his remarkable life story, from growing up in Ethiopia to becoming a blind athlete in the United States. The conversation also delves into the concept of accessible sports and the impact of sports on mental health. Takeaways Accessible sports provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to engage in physical activities and improve mental well-being. Ethan's journey from Ethiopia to the United States is a testament to resilience and the power of sports as therapy. The conversation highlights the diversity of sports played by blind athletes, including beat baseball and the Paralympics. The importance of getting off the couch, exploring new activities, and embracing growth and learning is emphasized as a way to change the game in one's own life. Chapters 00:00 Introducing Game Changers: A Dedication to Blind Athletes and Sports 06:46 Ethan's Inspiring Journey: From Ethiopia to the United States Thank you for listening to this episode of Game Changers. If you have a question for Jonathan or Ethan, please give them a call at 720-712-8856, or you can email them at feedback@aftersight.org. Have a great week and don't forget to change the game.

    30 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

Welcome to Game Changers, the podcast that dives into the inspiring world of blind athletes who are breaking barriers, redefining possibilities, and changing the game in sports. Each episode, we bring you powerful stories from the athletes themselves, their coaches, and the communities that support them. Join us as we explore the triumphs, challenges, and groundbreaking moments that define these extraordinary individuals. From the thrill of the Paralympics to grassroots initiatives making a difference, Game Changers celebrates the resilience, innovation, and indomitable spirit of those who refuse to let blindness hold them back. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, an advocate for disability rights, or someone looking for a dose of motivation, Game Changers offers a unique and compelling perspective on the power of sport to transform lives. Tune in and be inspired by the incredible athletes who are not just participating, but thriving and leading the way in their respective sports. Game Changers — It's time to change the game

Information

  • Creator
    Aftersight
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © June 2024
  • Show Website
    Game Changers