inSight Out

Integral Mental Health Services LLC
  • 5.0 (9)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

inSight Out is a podcast for people affected by vision loss and those who care about them. If vision loss has you feeling alone, scared, angry, uncertain, disconnected, or simply confused, you're in the right place. Your host, Matthew Reeves, is a legally blind  Georgia-licensed therapist and nationally certified rehabilitation counselor who specializes in helping people adjust to disability. Matthew’s personal experiences help him connect with others who are figuring out what it means to live well with low or no vision. You'll learn about healthy, practical, impactful tools to build and maintain a truly rich and gratifying life—regardless of your level of vision.

  1. 5D AGO

    017 Personal Perspectives on Vision Loss with Maxwell Ivey

    In this episode of inSight Out, host Matthew Reeves sits down with Max Ivey, an author, speaker, and entrepreneur known as the "Blind Blogger". Max shares his unique upbringing in the East Texas carnival circuit, explaining how the high-stakes environment of the midway taught him creative problem-solving and the essential discipline of "making opening" regardless of life’s challenges. We delve into his transition to the digital world, where he taught himself HTML character-by-character to launch a business brokering carnival rides, eventually finding his "zone of genius" as a motivational storyteller and accessibility advocate. Listeners will gain insight into Max’s philosophy of "honest storytelling" and why he prefers the term "individuals with disabilities" to emphasize our unique lived experiences. Max offers a candid look at the frustrations of inaccessible technology—from the early days of dial-up to the modern struggles with platform back-ends—while maintaining a grounded, "determined positivity" that avoids the pitfalls of toxic optimism. This conversation is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of finding the "upsides" in any situation. Whether you are navigating a new diagnosis or have been living with vision loss for years, Max’s perspective provides a practical roadmap for moving forward. He challenges the audience to identify one small thing they can do today to improve their mental or physical health, reminding us that success and failure are deeply personal definitions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to build a rich, gratifying life by embracing their individual journey and the challenges that come with it. Topics Covered: Retinitis Pigmentosa, Bardet-Biedl Syndrome, carnival culture and resilience, self-taught coding and accessibility, the Blind Blogger origin story, individual versus group identity in disability, determined positivity versus toxic positivity, honest storytelling, navigating digital inaccessibility, career transitions with vision loss. Contact Max Ivey at theaccessibilityadvantage@gmail.com or 979-215-1770. View his site at https://www.theaccessibilityadvantage.com.   ABOUT THE PODCAST inSight Out is your podcast home for living well with vision loss. Host Matthew Reeves (LPC CRC NCC) is a legally-blind psychotherapist and rehabilitation counselor specializing in helping people thrive while living with disability. Matthew is licensed in Georgia and is a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor. Please be sure to subscribe to catch every episode. And remember to share the show with others in the blind and low-vision community! CONNECT WITH US Podcast Home: https://insightoutpod.com Talk to Us: https://speakpipe.com/insightoutpod Email: mailto:insightoutpod@integralmhs.com Watch on YouTube (with transcripts): youtube.com/@insightoutpod Feed: https://www.insightoutpod.com/feed.xml Reddit Community: https://www.reddit.com/r/inSightOut/ Social Media Handle: @insightoutpod   ©Integral Mental Health Services, LLC

    57 min

  2. MAR 18

    016 Cooking without Looking with Debra Erickson

    Cooking is one of the most fundamental activities of daily living, yet for many experiencing vision loss, the kitchen can suddenly feel like a landscape of hazards and frustrations. In this episode, Matthew Reeves speaks with Debra Erickson, a blind culinary school graduate and the visionary behind The Blind Kitchen. Debra shares her personal story of adjusting to Retinitis Pigmentosa and how a vocational rehabilitation course eventually led her to professional culinary training and a mission to help others "cook without looking". Listeners will discover a wealth of practical strategies and specialized tools designed to ensure safety and consistency in the kitchen. From "bump dots" on flat-screen microwaves to "boiler alert discs" and cut-resistant gloves, Debra explains how simple modifications can prevent burns and injuries while fostering true independence. The discussion also delves into the social aspects of food, offering tips for navigating dark restaurants and using subtle cues with dining partners to maintain dignity and connection. Beyond the technical skills, this episode addresses the emotional weight of vision loss, such as the fear of losing one's role as the family cook or the isolation of staying home to avoid "groping around" in public. Debra’s insights provide a hopeful roadmap for anyone looking to transition from a "microwave popcorn diet" to preparing nutritious, delicious meals. Whether you are a lifelong foodie or someone just trying to manage the basics, you will find encouragement in Debra's message that your contribution to the world—and the dinner table—is far from over. Topics Covered: Retinitis Pigmentosa diagnosis , culinary school as a blind student , vocational rehabilitation and meal prep , The Blind Kitchen library , browning ground meat techniques , talking thermometers , dining out with vision loss , bump dots for accessibility , safety tools like cut gloves and boiler discs , the emotional impact of losing culinary independence , entrepreneurship with a disability , and the power of asking for help. Visit The Blind Kitchen ABOUT THE PODCAST inSight Out is your podcast home for living well with vision loss. Host Matthew Reeves (LPC CRC NCC) is a legally-blind psychotherapist and rehabilitation counselor specializing in helping people thrive while living with disability. Matthew is licensed in Georgia and is a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor. Please be sure to subscribe to catch every episode. And remember to share the show with others in the blind and low-vision community! CONNECT WITH US Podcast Home: https://insightoutpod.com Talk to Us: https://speakpipe.com/insightoutpod Email: mailto:insightoutpod@integralmhs.com Watch on YouTube (with transcripts): youtube.com/@insightoutpod Feed: https://www.insightoutpod.com/feed.xml Reddit Community: https://www.reddit.com/r/inSightOut/ Social Media Handle: @insightoutpod   ©Integral Mental Health Services, LLC

    58 min

  3. MAR 4

    015 A Roundtable on Genetic Counseling

    Navigating a new diagnosis of vision loss is often a traumatic and isolating experience. In this episode, host Matthew Reeves, a legally blind psychotherapist, sits down with three specializing genetic counselors—Rebecca Clark, Emily Place, and Taylor Sabato—to discuss their vital role in the diagnostic and adjustment process. The group explores the "human side" of genetics, explaining how these professionals provide the gift of time and empathy to patients who have just received life-altering news. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the difference between a clinical and genetic diagnosis, and why identifying a specific genetic variant can offer a clearer roadmap for the future. The guests break down the complexities of heritability, the "art" of interpreting DNA research, and the psychological impact of sharing genetic risks with family members. Whether you are curious about your own genotype or looking for ways to feel less alone in your journey, this episode offers a blend of technical expertise and deep compassion. Beyond the lab results, this discussion emphasizes the importance of the "care team" and the resources available to those with inherited retinal dystrophies. From the nuances of participating in clinical trials to the emotional resilience required to face uncertainty, our guests provide a hopeful perspective on living well with low vision. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to move from a place of disempowerment to a position of informed advocacy for their own health and well-being. Topics Covered: Ophthalmic genetic counseling, inherited retinal dystrophies, genetic testing yield, clinical vs. genetic diagnosis, emotional adjustment to vision loss, family planning and heritability, clinical trial screening, genotype vs. phenotype, National Society of Genetic Counselors, patient autonomy and privacy. National Society of Genetic Counselors ABOUT THE PODCAST inSight Out is your podcast home for living well with vision loss. Host Matthew Reeves (LPC CRC NCC) is a legally-blind psychotherapist and rehabilitation counselor specializing in helping people thrive while living with disability. Matthew is licensed in Georgia and is a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor. Please be sure to subscribe to catch every episode. And remember to share the show with others in the blind and low-vision community! CONNECT WITH US Podcast Home: https://insightoutpod.com Talk to Us: https://speakpipe.com/insightoutpod Email: mailto:insightoutpod@integralmhs.com Watch on YouTube (with transcripts): youtube.com/@insightoutpod Feed: https://www.insightoutpod.com/feed.xml Reddit Community: https://www.reddit.com/r/inSightOut/ Social Media Handle: @insightoutpod   ©Integral Mental Health Services, LLC

    52 min

  4. FEB 18

    014 Living with a Chronic Condition with Destiny Davis LPC CRC

    Living with vision loss or a chronic condition often feels like navigating a world that isn't quite built for you. In this episode, Matthew Reeves sits down with Destiny Davis, LPC, CRC, a therapist dedicated to the chronic illness community. Destiny shares her powerful personal history, growing up with a father who navigated blindness and a traumatic brain injury, and how that lived experience now informs her clinical work. Together, they explore the "bio-psychosocial" layers of disability—how it affects our bodies, our minds, and our social connections. The conversation delves into the common frustrations of being misunderstood or "gaslit" by the medical community and the isolation that often follows. Destiny introduces the concept of "scaffolding"—the process of providing emotional and logistical support to ourselves and our loved ones as we learn to navigate new challenges. She shares practical tools, like using shared documents to help explain the nuances of a condition to family members, which can reduce physical stress and improve advocacy. Finally, we discuss the role of values-based living. Destiny explains how making decisions based on what we value—rather than just our symptoms—can give our lives meaning and purpose even when an "outcome" like a cure isn't on the horizon. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to bridge the gap between their disability and a rich, gratifying life. Topics Covered: Chronic illness and vision loss, bio-psychosocial impact of disability, medical gaslighting and microaggressions, the concept of scaffolding in relationships, tools for self-advocacy, values-based decision making, navigating the grief of disability, the importance of Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRCs), and finding autonomy through assistive technology. Destiny can be reach at: 404-905-3391 destiny@destinywinters.com The Chronic Illness Therapist ABOUT THE PODCAST inSight Out is your podcast home for living well with vision loss. Host Matthew Reeves (LPC CRC NCC) is a legally-blind psychotherapist and rehabilitation counselor specializing in helping people thrive while living with disability. Matthew is licensed in Georgia and is a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor. Please be sure to subscribe to catch every episode. And remember to share the show with others in the blind and low-vision community! CONNECT WITH US Podcast Home: https://insightoutpod.com Talk to Us: https://speakpipe.com/insightoutpod Email: insightoutpod@integralmhs.com Watch on YouTube (with transcripts): youtube.com/@insightoutpod Feed: https://www.insightoutpod.com/feed.xml Reddit Community: https://www.reddit.com/r/inSightOut/ Social Media Handle: @insightoutpod   ©Integral Mental Health Services, LLC

    53 min

  5. FEB 4

    013 Personal Perspectives on Vision Loss with JP Patterson

    How does a "rocket scientist adjacent" software developer navigate the world with Retinitis Pigmentosa? In this episode of Insight Out, host Matthew Reeves sits down with JP Patterson to explore the intersection of high-level engineering and the daily realities of low vision. JP shares his unique journey from being a 14-year-old racing dirt bikes in Baja to managing engineering teams in the aerospace industry, all while progressively losing his sight. He offers a refreshing, emotionally honest perspective on using an "engineering mindset" to view failures as mere data points rather than personal shortcomings. The conversation moves beyond technical workarounds to the heart of the emotional journey. JP opens up about the "trap" of being hyper-independent and how he recently recognized a deep sense of depression that his engineering tools couldn't fix. Listeners will hear about JP's profound recent shift: his decision to finally seek Orientation and Mobility (O&M) training, start therapy, and "burn the boats" to leave his solitary island for the wider visually impaired community. Whether you are a "tech nerd" or someone struggling with the exhaustion of "playing three-dimensional chess" every day, this episode provides a roadmap for turning inward to find peace. JP discusses his latest project, Gaming Vision, an application designed to make video games more accessible through computer vision, proving that our community's problem-solving skills are a marketable and vital asset. Join us for an inspiring look at how to stop faking it and start swimming toward a more connected, authentic life. Topics Covered: Retinitis Pigmentosa diagnosis and progression, engineering mindset in disability adjustment, desert racing and Baja 1000, aerospace testing career, the "island" metaphor for isolation, parenting with vision loss, mental exhaustion of low vision, O&M training and therapy, Gaming Vision accessibility project, the value of community connection. You can reach JP Patterson by email at jpdoesdev@gmail.com and you can visit his website at https://jpdoes.dev/. ABOUT THE PODCAST inSight Out is your podcast home for living well with vision loss. Host Matthew Reeves (LPC CRC NCC) is a legally-blind psychotherapist and rehabilitation counselor specializing in helping people thrive while living with disability. Matthew is licensed in Georgia and is a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor. Please be sure to subscribe to catch every episode. And remember to share the show with others in the blind and low-vision community! CONNECT WITH US Podcast Home: https://insightoutpod.com Talk to Us: https://speakpipe.com/insightoutpod Email: mailto:insightoutpod@integralmhs.com Watch on YouTube (with transcripts): youtube.com/@insightoutpod Feed: https://www.insightoutpod.com/feed.xml Reddit Community: https://www.reddit.com/r/inSightOut/ Social Media Handle: @insightoutpod   ©Integral Mental Health Services, LLC

    1h 4m

  6. JAN 21

    012 Creating Community with Eavan O'Neill

    In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, host Matthew Reeves, a legally blind psychotherapist, sits down with Eavan O'Neill, the founder of Brightside Community. Eavan shares her journey of vision loss, beginning with the early signs noticed in elementary school, through the "perplexing" diagnosis of cone dystrophy, which later confirmed as Stargardt disease, during her senior year of college. Her story provides a raw look at the emotional shock of a life-changing diagnosis at a pivotal time—just before the pandemic and her college graduation. We discuss the cultural misconception of blindness as an all-or-nothing experience and the profound, immediate fear that comes with a rare diagnosis where the prognosis is unclear and no cure is offered. Eavan shares her initial struggle with depression following the diagnosis and the intentional steps she took to climb out of that dark place. She reflects on the "cosmic pause button" the pandemic provided, which gave her the space to process her new reality with her family. A key turning point was realizing the therapeutic power of sharing her story. This led her to find a new sense of control and self through running marathons, and most significantly, to establish a safe, supportive space for others facing similar challenges. The conversation culminates in an in-depth discussion about Brightside Community, a non-profit support group that has grown to over 150 members worldwide. Eavan details the group’s mission—to connect individuals experiencing vision loss of any kind (age 18+)—and how their meetings offer a vital "other level of understanding" that even the most supportive sighted loved ones cannot provide. She shares the group's structure, including the use of Slack for 24/7 connection, and reflects on the fulfillment of seeing members build real-life friendships. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking community, coping strategies, and a reminder that acceptance is an active component of grief, not its endpoint. Topics Covered: Stargardt disease, cone dystrophy, navigating vision loss in college, adjusting to disability, parental guilt, the role of research, coping with depression, finding control through running, the power of sharing your story, building community, peer support groups, Brightside Community, acceptance as a component of grief. brightsidegroup2@gmail.com https://brightsidecommunity.com/ ABOUT THE PODCAST inSight Out is your podcast home for living well with vision loss. Host Matthew Reeves (LPC CRC NCC) is a legally-blind psychotherapist and rehabilitation counselor specializing in helping people thrive while living with disability. Matthew is licensed in Georgia and is a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor. Please be sure to subscribe to catch every episode. And remember to share the show with others in the blind and low-vision community! CONNECT WITH US Podcast Home: https://insightoutpod.com Talk to Us: https://speakpipe.com/insightoutpod Email: mailto:insightoutpod@integralmhs.com Watch on YouTube (with transcripts): youtube.com/@insightoutpod Feed: https://www.insightoutpod.com/feed.xml Reddit Community: https://www.reddit.com/r/inSightOut/ Social Media Handle: @insightoutpod   ©Integral Mental Health Services, LLC

    56 min

  7. JAN 7

    011 The Power of Adaptive Sports with Meredith Tyree

    In this deeply moving and inspirational episode, host Matthew Reeves, a legally blind psychotherapist, sits down with Meredith Tyree, an incredible woman who embodies the spirit of resilience and adaptation. Meredith shares her experience navigating the complex, dual diagnosis of hearing loss from birth and later, Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), which led to a diagnosis of Usher Syndrome. Her story highlights the emotional difficulty of the diagnostic journey—feeling categorized and underestimated by the world—and the pivotal moment when she realized her only true limits were the ones she set for herself. Meredith's passion lies in adaptive sports and recreation, which she credits as a channel for frustration and a source of profound freedom. She details her initial reluctance to try tennis again, despite loving it as a child, and how a challenge from a friend pushed her to find adaptive solutions, even for a hearing-impaired person playing Goalball, a sport that relies on a bell. She emphasizes that adaptive sports organizations like Move United and Sportable have incredible volunteers who provide the necessary structure and guidance, encouraging participants to simply show up and be willing to learn. This conversation offers a powerful message for anyone feeling isolated or disheartened by vision loss: don't let fear be the reason you don't live. Meredith encourages listeners to take the "thousand excuses"—which she calls fear—and throw them out, giving life one shot. It's about finding a supportive community where you can shed the "armor" of constantly having to prove yourself and experience the liberation of being your authentic self. Meredith’s commitment to living life to the fullest, and her involvement with the Foundation Fighting Blindness, serves as a powerful reminder that every challenge is an opportunity to adapt, adjust, and soar. Topics Covered: Usher Syndrome, Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), navigating dual sensory loss, the diagnostic journey, low expectations from others, the power of mentorship, Foundation Fighting Blindness, adaptive sports and recreation, Goalball, tandem cycling, kayaking, overcoming fear and self-doubt, the importance of supportive community, Move United, Sportable. Move United: moveunitedsport.org/ ABOUT THE PODCAST inSight Out is your podcast home for living well with vision loss. Host Matthew Reeves (LPC CRC NCC) is a legally-blind psychotherapist and rehabilitation counselor specializing in helping people thrive while living with disability. Matthew is licensed in Georgia and is a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor. Please be sure to subscribe to catch every episode. And remember to share the show with others in the blind and low-vision community! CONNECT WITH US Podcast Home: https://insightoutpod.com Talk to Us: https://speakpipe.com/insightoutpod Email: mailto:insightoutpod@integralmhs.com Watch on YouTube (with transcripts): youtube.com/@insightoutpod Feed: https://www.insightoutpod.com/feed.xml Reddit Community: https://www.reddit.com/r/inSightOut/ Social Media Handle: @insightoutpod   ©Integral Mental Health Services, LLC

    54 min

  8. 12/24/2025

    010 How Vocal Point Increases Media Access with Brittany McLemore

    The Power of Connection: Human-Centered Media for the Print Impaired Community with Dr. Brittany McLemore In this heartfelt and illuminating episode, host Matthew Reeves, a legally blind psychotherapist, welcomes Dr. Brittany McLemore, the Executive Director of Vocal Point (formerly the Georgia Radio Reading Service). This conversation explores the incredible 45-year history of this essential, free service, which has evolved from a local radio broadcast to a 24/7 global digital hub for news, books, magazines, and original content for the blind, low vision, and print-impaired community. Dr. McLemore shares the inspiring origin story of Vocal Point, founded in 1980 by a World War II veteran and former newspaper executive who lost his sight in his early thirties and recognized the profound lack of accessible media . Discover how Vocal Point is breaking stigmas about vision loss, intentionally reaching younger demographics, and moving beyond the passive "broadcast model" to actively build a genuine, bi-directional community with its listeners. You'll learn about Vocal Point's commitment to using human voice over AI—creating a crucial sense of familiarity and connection for listeners who often feel isolated. As a clinician, Matthew deeply connects with Dr. McLemore's social work background and her systemic approach to service, bridging top-down organizational strategy with grassroots community needs. They discuss the "dangerous" reality of providing services that don't meet an authentic need, and the importance of recognizing the full humanity of every listener. Dr. McLemore shares a deeply personal, surprising moment from her first week in the role—an experience that profoundly changed her lens and worldview, moving her away from an unintentional "superiority" mindset and toward radical empathy and intentional training for her team. This story is a powerful reflection on personal growth, humility, and the choice we all have to challenge our own biases. Listen to find out how to access Vocal Point's free, 24/7 service and its on-demand program library, and learn about their vision for upcoming community-building initiatives, including in-person book clubs and a mentorship program. Topics covered: History of Vocal Point (formerly Georgia Radio Reading Service), free accessible media service, blind/low vision/print-impaired community, radio broadcast to digital platform, Amazon Echo Dot access, on-demand listening (cvp.org), human voice vs. AI narration, volunteer readers, community building, diverse programming, newspapers, magazines, books, career corner, service programs (Capital View, Research Watch), breaking vision loss stigma, systemic and grassroots service approach, personal growth and internal biases, full humanity of listeners. Visit Vocal Point: www.seevp.org ABOUT THE PODCAST inSight Out is your podcast home for living well with vision loss. Host Matthew Reeves (LPC CRC NCC) is a legally-blind psychotherapist and rehabilitation counselor specializing in helping people thrive while living with disability. Matthew is licensed in Georgia and is a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor. Please be sure to subscribe to catch every episode. And remember to share the show with others in the blind and low-vision community! CONNECT WITH US Podcast Home: https://insightoutpod.com Talk to Us: https://speakpipe.com/insightoutpod Email: mailto:insightoutpod@integralmhs.com Watch on YouTube (with transcripts): youtube.com/@insightoutpod Feed: https://www.insightoutpod.com/feed.xml Reddit Community: https://www.reddit.com/r/inSightOut/ Social Media Handle: @insightoutpod   ©Integral Mental Health Services, LLC

    1h 1m
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5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

inSight Out is a podcast for people affected by vision loss and those who care about them. If vision loss has you feeling alone, scared, angry, uncertain, disconnected, or simply confused, you're in the right place. Your host, Matthew Reeves, is a legally blind  Georgia-licensed therapist and nationally certified rehabilitation counselor who specializes in helping people adjust to disability. Matthew’s personal experiences help him connect with others who are figuring out what it means to live well with low or no vision. You'll learn about healthy, practical, impactful tools to build and maintain a truly rich and gratifying life—regardless of your level of vision.

Information

  • Creator
    Integral Mental Health Services LLC
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    inSight Out

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