Penny Forward

Chris Peterson and Liz Bottner
  • 4.6 (5)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Penny Forward podcast is a show about blind people building bright futures one penny at a time. Together, we’re learning to be successful in our personal, professional, and financial lives.

  1. JAN 20

    Your Secretary in Your Pocket: Lumen’s Promise for Blind Professionals

    1) Episode Summary Chris Peterson and Liz Bottner welcome Sri Ram, an engineer and serial entrepreneur based in San Francisco, who shares his connection to the blind and low vision community through his own diagnosis of cone rod dystrophy in his 30s. Sri Ram describes adapting largely through self-directed learning, community input, and partnerships (including Lighthouse for the Blind), and explains how his lived experience helped spark his new company, LuminAid. The conversation explores entrepreneurship lessons learned from Sri Ram’s first company (including raising capital and learning “by doing”), and how LuminAid differs—driven by a stronger mission to increase agency and independence, supported by his experience scaling products and building sustainable businesses. Sri Ram then demos Lumen, an iPhone app that lets users manage Gmail through natural voice conversation—summarizing inbox threads, replying, starring emails, and composing new messages hands-free. The hosts dig into AI and privacy considerations (including use of multiple AI providers), roadmap plans to expand beyond email into calendars and documents, and longer-term ambitions to unify communication and productivity tools into a curated, voice-first “single thread.” Additional accessibility features discussed include upcoming options for multiple voices and adjustable speaking speed. The episode closes with practical encouragement for people navigating later-in-life vision loss and for aspiring entrepreneurs: seek help, engage community, share what you learn, and take small, concrete steps that build confidence and contribute to others. 2) Contact Info Guest / Product Sriram — Founder (LuminAid); creator of Lumen (voice-controlled AI assistant for managing email via iPhone). Direct contact info / website for LuminAid or Lumen: not stated in the provided transcript. Penny Forward Guest submission form (blind/low-vision entrepreneurs): pennyforward.com/podcast/guest Monthly newsletter + updates: pennyforward.com/connect Organization + programs: pennyforward.com 3) Show Credits Produced by: Chris Peterson and Liz Bottner Audio editing & post-production: Jonathan Price Music composed and performed by: Andre Louis Distributed in partnership with: AfterSight Penny Forward mission note: a nonprofit providing accessible financial education programs by and for people who are blind. 4) Chapter Markers 00:00 — Introduction to Sri Ram, LuminAid, and “Lumen” (voice email assistant) 02:11 — Sri Ram’s diagnosis timeline and adapting to vision loss 04:32 — Why LuminAid started: underserved community + builder mindset 06:55 — Starting a first company: learning venture capital by doing 09:16 — How LuminAid is different: mission-driven motivation + experience 11:40 — Biggest advice: get help, share learnings, stay connected to community 14:06 — A hard season: workplace visibility challenges and confidence hits 16:26 — Why start with email: voice-first productivity for work independence 18:45 — Demo begins: Lumen voice workflow on iPhone 19:26 — Inbox summary: hearing the latest threads 20:00 — Voice actions: reply, star, and send a new email hands-free 22:31 — AI + privacy: multiple AI providers and on-device ambitions 24:53 — Roadmap: unify Slack/Teams/docs into a curated “single thread” 27:15 — Pricing & accessibility: affordability concerns and future models 29:41 — Closing remarks + Penny Forward connect info and full credits

    31 min

  2. JAN 15

    Treading the Waters of Life: Sylvia Stinson Perez on Self-Reflection, Action, and Impact

    Episode Summary Chris Peterson hosts solo (Liz Bottner is out for this episode) and interviews Sylvia Stinson Perez, a lifelong member of the blind community who was born legally blind and later learned she has retinitis pigmentosa, with vision declining over time to mostly light perception. Sylvia shares how she “discovered” the blindness field through training at a lighthouse agency, how that led to decades of leadership (including serving as a CEO), and why she believes the field can be both impactful and rewarding for blind and low-vision professionals. The conversation centers on defining impact (as meaningful difference aligned with what you care about), building self-advocacy and comfort with accommodations, and the role of lifelong learning—Sylvia describes earning an MSW, later a degree in vision rehab therapy (as a certified vision rehab therapist), and then an MBA to better lead organizations. Sylvia also introduces her book Treading the Waters of Life: A Guide to Self-Reflection and Action, explaining its reflection + action framework, and where to find the free download and companion resources. The episode closes with practical encouragement on self-acceptance, interdependence, persistence, and hope (“sometimes hope is the only plan you have left”). Contact Info Guest / Total Impact Partners Website (free book download + contact form): totalimpactpartners.com LinkedIn: Sylvia Stinson Perez Podcast: Treading the Waters of Life Book: Treading the Waters of Life: A Guide to Self-Reflection and Action (free via website; also on Kindle for $0.99) Penny Forward Website: pennyforward.com Programs mentioned: self-paced financial education courses, weekly workshops, and one-on-one financial counseling Aftersight (distribution partner) Website: aftersight.org Producer credit Audio editing & post-production: Jonathan Price Show Credits Produced by: Chris Peterson and Liz Bottner Audio editing and post-production: Jonathan Price Music: composed and performed by Andre Louis Distributed in partnership with: Aftersight Penny Forward: a nonprofit providing accessible financial education programs by and for people who are blind Chapter Markers 00:00 — Show intro; Liz is out; Sylvia introduced 02:18 — Sylvia’s entry into the blindness field and agency leadership 04:40 — Education path: MSW, vision rehab therapy, MBA; lifelong learning 07:01 — Early school years; not knowing about accommodations; night blindness story 09:27 — College/work accommodations and self-advocacy growth 13:48 — Defining “impact” and success beyond titles 16:12 — Book origin: self-reflection + action; writing with vulnerability 18:34 — TotalImpactPartners.com resources; workbook; blog; services 20:50 — Advice: self-belief, pride, interdependence, lifelong learning, hope 23:11 — Message to students: difference, bullying, confidence, social development 25:33 — Why social skills come up in the blind community; self-acceptance 27:58 — Real-world example: volunteering, cane use, learning spaces, educating others 30:21 — Leadership approach: championing people; willingness to do the work 32:40 — Persistence, optimism, and “hope as the plan” 35:03 — Where to find Sylvia; Penny Forward courses and closing credits

    37 min

  3. 12/09/2025

    Dancing Dots and Braille Music with Bill McCann

    Episode Summary This episode continues the conversation with Bill McCann, founder of Dancing Dots, exploring the pivotal moments that shaped his success as a blind entrepreneur. Bill recounts the nerve-wracking scramble of submitting a major grant during a snowstorm—an event that ultimately became a turning point for the company. He shares the organic evolution of forming Dancing Dots, from learning business skills out of necessity to building a small but powerful team of collaborators, including his longtime colleague Albert and talented musicians like Matthew Whitaker. Bill explains how humility, resourcefulness, and knowing when to ask for help have been essential parts of entrepreneurship—especially as a blind business owner. Bill also speaks candidly about balancing artistry with practicality: how blind musicians can fit music into their lives, why passion must be paired with a plan for sustainability, and the importance of keeping creativity alive even if music isn’t a primary income source. The episode closes with a full overview of Dancing Dots’ products, training services, and Braille music resources—plus where listeners can go to learn more or get hands-on support. Contact Info Guest / Organization Bill McCann — Founder, Dancing Dots Website: https://www.dancingdots.com Services: Braille music production, accessible notation software, Reaper/Logic/Pro Tools training, 30-minute consultation for audio accessibility, Braille music courses, temporary software trials. Aftersight & Penny Forward Penny Forward Website: https://www.pennyforward.com Phone: 888-332-5558 Services: Accessible financial education, business plan consulting, workshops, online courses, 1:1 financial counseling. Aftersight (distribution partner) Website: https://www.aftersight.org Producer Credits Produced by Chris Peterson and Liz Bottner Audio editing & post-production by Jonathan Price Music composed/performed by Andre Louis Distributed in partnership with Aftersight Chapter Markers 00:00 – Opening & Episode Setup 00:30 – Bill’s biggest early business scare 02:20 – The FedEx snowstorm story 04:15 – Relief, success, and key turning points 05:00 – How Dancing Dots organically formed 06:30 – Learning business skills without business school 07:55 – Finding collaborators & unexpected help 10:30 – Running a micro-business as a blind founder 13:00 – Humility, asking for help, and resourcefulness 15:20 – Creativity vs. structure: the balance of entrepreneurship 17:00 – Advice for blind musicians 19:45 – Fitting music into a sustainable life plan 22:20 – The state of the music industry 23:55 – Keeping creativity alive 24:50 – Dancing Dots services & training 25:40 – How to contact Bill 26:10 – Penny Forward services 27:00 – Closing credits

    27 min

  4. 11/25/2025

    One Score at a Time: Bill McCann & the Story of Dancing Dots (Part 1)

    Episode Summary This episode of the Penny Forward Podcast features Bill McCann, founder of Dancing Dots, in a deep and engaging conversation about accessible music creation for blind and low-vision musicians. Bill shares his personal journey—from learning Braille music as a child to struggling through inaccessible print scores in high school and college—and how this lived experience inspired the creation of Dancing Dots in 1992. Chris and Liz explore the origin story of Goodfeel, the Braille music translation software now used in more than 50 countries, and how Bill’s team expanded into tools like Lime, Lime Lighter, and accessible digital audio workstation training. Bill explains the challenges low-vision musicians face when trying to read standard scores, why simple magnification isn’t enough, and how Lime Lighter solves the problem with large-format, customizable, repeat-aware digital notation. The episode also features a humorous radio spot voiced by Patrick Perdue that demonstrates the real-world stakes of inaccessible print music—especially for trombone players. The conversation concludes with the announcement that the discussion will continue in Part 2. Contact Info Guest — Bill McCann / Dancing Dots Website: https://www.dancingdots.com Email (general): info@dancingdots.com Penny Forward Website: https://www.pennyforward.com Email: info@pennyforward.com Aftersight Website: https://www.aftersight.org Email for guests & inquiries: jonathan@aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer at Aftersight Show Credits Hosts: Chris Peterson & Liz Bottner Guest: Bill McCann Audio Editing & Post-Production: Jonathan Price Composer: André Louis Distributed in partnership with Aftersight A Penny Forward production Chapter Markers 00:00 — Opening & Introductions 00:34 — Meet Bill McCann 01:20 — Discovering Music & Braille 02:28 — Early Challenges Accessing Scores 03:55 — High School & College Music Demands 05:22 — The Birth of Dancing Dots 09:10 — Building Goodfeel 11:20 — Lime, Lime Lighter & Accessible Tools 16:24 — Audio Production & Reaper Training 18:10 — Lime Lighter Radio Spot 20:15 — Why Magnification Isn’t Simple 22:45 — Tailoring Tools for Low Vision Needs 25:02 — Closing & Part Two Teaser

    25 min

  5. 11/11/2025

    Designing Inclusion: How Unicorn Soda Brings Games to Life for Everyone

    Episode Summary Chris Peterson and Liz Bottner welcome the Erb family — Sarah, Stevie, and their 11-year-old daughter Maeve — founders of Unicorn Soda Design Studios, a company creating 3D-printed accessible games and educational tools for the blind and low-vision community. The family shares how Maeve’s blindness inspired a shift in their family’s path, from Stevie’s career as a professional chef to becoming a designer focused on accessibility. Together, they discuss parenting approaches that promote autonomy, the creative process behind adaptive game design, and the importance of inclusive, sensory-rich learning materials. Maeve offers her perspective as both the inspiration and product tester behind Unicorn Soda’s designs, describing her favorite games like Lucky Ducks and the Braille Race Game. The family’s mission extends beyond fun — they aim to make Braille literacy and inclusive design more accessible for children and adults worldwide. Listeners will also hear about the Erb family’s collaborations with teachers, their work with the National Federation of the Blind’s BELL program, and their plans for Maeve to eventually lead the business. This heartfelt and inventive episode showcases the intersection of family, design, and advocacy in action. Contact Information Guest Organization: Unicorn Soda Design Studios Website: unicornsodadesignstudio.com Show Partner: Penny Forward — Accessible financial education for the blind community Website: www.pennyforward.com Aftersight — Podcast Network Partner Phone: (720) 712-8856 Email: feedback@aftersight.org Producer: Jonathan Price — Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight Show Credits Hosts: Chris Peterson and Liz Bottner Guests: Stevie, Sarah, and Maeve Erb Audio Editing & Post-Production: Jonathan Price Music: André Louis Distribution Partner: Aftersight Presented by: Penny Forward, a nonprofit providing accessible financial education Sponsored by: Wells Fargo, Thrivent, and the NASDAQ Foundation In partnership with: APH Connect Center, World Services for the Blind, and Computers for the Blind Chapter Markers 00:00 — Intro: Meet the Erb Family 02:20 — Parenting and Early Learning with Maeve 09:00 — From Chef to Designer: The Birth of Unicorn Soda 13:50 — Games and Accessibility: Design That Clicks 18:30 — Education Tools and Braille Literacy 23:00 — The Sound of Play: Designing Sensory Games 27:20 — Lucky Ducks and Other Favorites 29:40 — Advice for Families and Blind Kids 32:10 — The Future of Unicorn Soda Design 34:20 — Wrap-Up and Partner Acknowledgments

    36 min

  6. 10/29/2025

    Access Granted: Tech, Tenacity, and Financial Independence with Mike Gorse

    Software engineer Mike Gorse shares how early mentorship, Linux accessibility work, and steady investing shaped his career and financial freedom. Hosts Chris Peterson and Liz Bottner explore his journey from Duxbury Systems to SUSE, the lessons he’s learned about networking, relocation, and accessibility in tech, and how a simple, long-term investing approach brought stability and choice. His advice: connect with peers in your field, volunteer to gain traction, stay open to opportunities, and align your work and finances with what matters most. Contact Info Guest — Mike Gorse 📧 mike@straddlethebox.org 🐘 @MikeGorse@mindly.social Penny Forward — pennyforward.com Aftersight — aftersight.org | feedback@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856 Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight Show Credits Hosts: Chris Peterson, Liz Bottner Guest: Mike Gorse Producer / Post: Jonathan Price Music: Andre Louis Presented by: Penny Forward in partnership with Aftersight Sponsors: Thrivent and The Nasdaq Foundation Chapter Markers 00:00 — Intro: Building bright futures 00:15 — Meet Mike Gorse 02:10 — Early tech and Braille foundations 04:23 — First job at Duxbury Systems 06:41 — Linux and open-source accessibility 11:05 — Joining Novell and SUSE 13:23 — Handling discouragement and finding mentors 15:28 — Advice for career counselors and seekers 17:48 — Remote work and moving to Austin 19:50 — Context matters in career paths 22:11 — Housing co-ops and community 24:58 — Pros and cons of shared living 26:43 — Investing wisely and the Simple Path to Wealth 28:40 — FIRE and financial independence 30:54 — Networking and creating opportunities 33:19 — How to reach Mike 35:25 — Credits and Aftersight partnership

    36 min

  7. 10/15/2025

    Accessible Finance Made Simple: Andrew Babin on HaloFi and Voice-Controlled Money Management

    Chris Peterson and Liz Botner sit down with Andrew Babin, co-developer of HaloFi, a new voice-controlled money management app designed with accessibility in mind. Andrew shares his journey with Stargardt’s disease, his unexpected path from construction to finance, and how his experiences inspired the creation of HaloFi—a tool merging AI and voice technology to make financial management more inclusive. The conversation explores how AI-driven voice interfaces are transforming accessibility in finance, what it takes to break into the financial industry without prior experience, and how to persevere through personal and professional obstacles with determination and creativity. Contact Info Guest: Andrew Babin, Co-developer of HaloFi 📧 andrew@halofiapp.com 🌐 halofiapp.com Organization: Penny Forward 🌐 pennyforward.com Production Partner: Aftersight (formerly Audio Information Network of Colorado) 📞 (720) 712-8856 ✉️ feedback@aftersight.org 🌐 aftersight.org Producer: Jonathan Price Show Credits Hosted by Chris Peterson and Liz Botner Produced by Chris Peterson and Liz Botner Audio editing and post-production by Jonathan Price Music composed and performed by André Louis Distributed in partnership with Aftersight Penny Forward is a nonprofit providing accessible financial education programs by and for people who are blind. Chapter Markers 00:00 – Introduction and welcome back 01:10 – Andrew’s early life and Stargardt’s diagnosis 03:25 – From construction to finance: a career pivot 05:50 – Breaking into finance during the COVID era 07:30 – Navigating work and independence with vision loss 09:45 – Lessons in perseverance and enthusiasm 11:00 – The idea behind HaloFi 14:00 – Overcoming barriers in finance exams and accessibility 16:20 – Building inclusive technology from the ground up 18:40 – HaloFi demo and functionality walkthrough 23:50 – Future features and AI-driven financial actions 26:30 – Launch timeline and how to join the waitlist 28:15 – How to contact Andrew and follow the project 30:00 – Partnership announcement with Aftersight 30:36 – Closing remarks and credits

    33 min

  8. 05/21/2025

    Podcast: New and Affordable Tech at CSUN with Unmute and Chicago Lighthouse

    Liz Bottner leads this panel discussion on the most exciting, and affordable, technology the participants saw at the 2025 CSUN Assistive Technology Conference. New and Affordable Tech at CSUN with Unmute and Chicago LighthouseDownload Penny Forward Links Explore the Penny Forward My Tools for Living Shop pennyforward.compennyforward@pennyforward.com Clubhouse House Facebook Youtube Get our app, guest membership is free! IOS/AppleGooglePlay Post Production help provided by Brynn Lowden Transcription services provided by Anne Verduin

    30 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Penny Forward podcast is a show about blind people building bright futures one penny at a time. Together, we’re learning to be successful in our personal, professional, and financial lives.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Peterson and Liz Bottner
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    134
  • Rating
    Clean