Episodes

  • Yearly planning and Goal Setting

    Yearly planning and Goal Setting
    Dec 24 2024
    Episode Title: New Year, New Goals
    Host: Kim Wardlow
    Guest: Charlie Kramer

    Episode Overview:
    In this special New Year’s Eve episode, host Kim Wardlow is joined by guest Charlie Kramer to discuss setting meaningful and achievable goals for 2025. They delve into strategies for creating effective goals, tracking progress, and managing challenges like fear of failure and unexpected obstacles. Charlie shares his personal experiences and insights on balancing ambition with grace and offers practical tools for staying accountable and focused throughout the year.

    Key Highlights:
    Reflecting on 2024: Kim and Charlie discuss looking back at accomplishments and lessons learned.
    Breaking Down Goals: Tips on setting specific, measurable goals with smaller benchmarks.
    Prioritization: Distinguishing between present priorities and long-term goals.
    Accountability Tools: How to leverage apps, coaches, or trusted friends to stay on track.
    Failure as Growth: Embracing failure as an opportunity to learn and move forward.
    Kindness and Courage: Encouraging self-compassion and bravery in setting and pursuing goals.

    Chapter Markers:
    00:00 – Introduction and episode overview.
    01:35 – Guest introduction: Charlie Kramer’s reflections on 2024 and personal milestones.
    03:46 – Goals vs. resolutions: A fresh approach to New Year planning.
    07:40 – Setting specific goals and breaking them into smaller steps.
    11:30 – Categorizing goals and identifying present priorities.
    15:22 – Accountability strategies and tools for success.
    19:22 – Flexibility in the face of challenges and reframing failure.
    23:41 – Reassessing and adjusting goals over time.
    27:43 – Writing goals down: The key to clarity and focus.
    31:17 – Final advice: Be kind and courageous with yourself.
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    32 mins
  • Staying Connected with Family Durning the Holidays

    Staying Connected with Family Durning the Holidays
    Dec 17 2024
    In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow welcomes Bill Lundgren back to discuss strategies for staying connected with loved ones during the holiday season. They explore how vision loss impacts relationships, share insights on overcoming barriers, and discuss the importance of communication, setting boundaries, and embracing technology to maintain meaningful connections.
    Kim also expresses gratitude to all who donated on Colorado Gives Day, emphasizing the support it provides for Aftersight's programs, including virtual book clubs, peer support groups, and white cane distribution.

    Chapter Markers:
    00:05 - Welcome to Navigating Life with Vision Loss
    02:21 - Vision loss and its impact on relationships
    04:25 - Circles of connection: Maintaining relationships
    06:42 - Asking for help: Changing perspectives
    10:21 - Overcoming internal barriers to connection
    12:41 - Initiating and deepening relationships
    17:03 - Balancing effort in relationships
    18:48 - Using technology to stay connected
    21:02 - Adapting to changing relationships
    25:08 - Levels of intimacy and connection
    27:36 - Choosing which relationships to nurture
    30:02 - Closing thoughts and upcoming episodes

    Contact Information:
    Phone: (720) 712-8856
    Email: feedback@aftersight.org
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    30 mins
  • Shopping Made Easy

    Shopping Made Easy
    Dec 10 2024
    In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, Kim Wardlow is joined by Penn Street from The Blind Chick Podcast to explore strategies for making holiday shopping easier and more enjoyable for those with low vision. From the accessibility challenges of online shopping to the benefits of shopping local and personalized gift ideas, Penn shares her insights and experiences. They discuss using assistive technologies like Be My Eyes, the joy of giving experiences over material gifts, and the importance of taking care of yourself during the holiday season.

    The episode also highlights Colorado Gives Day and encourages listeners to consider charitable giving as a meaningful holiday gift.

    Chapter Markers
    00:31 – Introduction and Colorado Gives Day
    02:07 – Welcoming Guest Penn Street and the Holiday Spirit
    03:08 – Challenges and Strategies for In-Person Shopping
    04:07 – Charitable Giving as a Holiday Gift
    05:45 – Benefits of Online Shopping and Accessibility Challenges
    09:13 – Personalizing Gift Lists and Using Technology
    12:00 – Navigating Tactile and Sentimental Gifts
    16:00 – Funny Anecdotes from Shopping Experiences
    17:23 – Accessibility Issues in Online Shopping Platforms
    21:02 – Giving Experiences and Non-Material Gifts
    26:20 – Personalizing Strategies for Stress-Free Shopping
    30:11 – Self-Care During the Holidays
    32:12 – Closing Thoughts and Holiday Wishes

    Contact Information
    Aftersight
    Website: aftersight.org
    Phone: (720) 712-8856
    Email: feedback@aftersight.org

    Guest Contact
    Penn Street: Co-host of The Blind Chick Podcast
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    33 mins
  • Holiday Cooking: Taste Without Sight

    Holiday Cooking: Taste Without Sight
    Dec 3 2024
    Episode Title: Holiday Cooking: Taste Without Sight

    In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow sits down with Debra Erickson, founder of The Blind Kitchen, to discuss adaptive tools, techniques, and tips for holiday cooking with vision loss. Debra shares her expertise on making cooking safe, enjoyable, and accessible while helping listeners maintain traditions and create memorable meals. From mastering mashed potatoes to baking perfect pies, this episode offers practical advice to navigate the kitchen confidently.
    Debra also highlights tools available on The Blind Kitchen's website, including the boil alert disc, adaptive measuring spoons, locking lid pans, and more. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or perfecting a favorite family recipe, this episode inspires listeners to embrace cooking despite vision challenges.
    Additionally, Kim reminds listeners to support Aftersight for Colorado Gives Day on December 10th. Donations can be pre-scheduled at ColoradoGives.org by searching for Aftersight.

    Contact Information:

    Aftersight: Visit ColoradoGives.org and search for Aftersight to donate or learn more.
    The Blind Kitchen: Explore tools, recipes, and tips at TheBlindKitchen.com.

    Chapter Markers:
    00:10 - Introduction: Aftersight and Colorado Gives Day
    00:29 - Welcome to the Holiday Series
    01:37 - Meet Debra Erickson
    01:59 - Overview of The Blind Kitchen
    03:06 - Addressing Safety Concerns
    03:51 - Relying on Non-Visual Senses in Cooking
    04:40 - Tools That Make Cooking Accessible
    06:11 - Holiday Gift Ideas for Cooks with Vision Loss
    08:21 - The Science Behind the Boil Alert Disc
    09:14 - Adaptive Measuring Tools
    13:03 - Non-Tool Cooking Tips and Techniques
    16:11 - Cooking a Holiday Staple: Mashed Potatoes
    24:12 - Maintaining Identity Through Cooking
    25:36 - Baking Pies with Vision Loss
    31:26 - Hosting Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Meals
    35:01 - Traditional Holiday Dishes
    36:24 - New Year’s Recipes and Traditions
    37:27 - Final Tips and Words of Encouragement
    39:17 - Cooking on Different Stove Types
    40:09 - Closing and Resources

    Enjoy this holiday-themed episode as you navigate life with vision loss and create delightful meals for your loved ones!
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    41 mins
  • Family Gatherings and Finding Joy: Navigating the Holidays with Vision Loss

    Family Gatherings and Finding Joy: Navigating the Holidays with Vision Loss
    Nov 26 2024
    Host Kim Wardlow welcomes Bill Lundgren, host of Blindsight podcast and licensed psychotherapist, to discuss navigating family gatherings during the holiday season. The conversation covers managing family dynamics, setting boundaries, and finding joy in changing traditions while living with vision loss.

    Chapter Markers
    00:30 - Introduction to the holiday series and today’s topic.
    02:29 - Overview of Blindsight podcast and its focus on mental health.
    03:43 - Challenges of family dynamics during the holidays.
    06:08 - Managing family roles and past behavioral patterns.
    09:15 - Preparing for gatherings and setting boundaries.
    13:32 - Coping with changes in loved ones like aging or memory loss.
    17:21 - Handling reactions when attending with vision changes.
    25:49 - Finding joy in new holiday experiences and traditions.
    29:41 - Closing thoughts on flexibility and embracing challenges.

    ? Support Aftersight and Navigating Life with Vision Loss!
    Contact: Call us at (720) 712-8856 or email feedback@aftersight.org.
    Donate: Participate in Colorado Gives Day or schedule your early donation at ColoradoGivesDay.org by searching for Aftersight.
    Your generosity helps keep these resources free and supports programs like virtual book clubs, white canes, and more. Thank you for your support! ?
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    34 mins
  • Holiday Episode #3: Accessible Holiday Decor

    Holiday Episode #3: Accessible Holiday Decor
    Nov 19 2024
    Join host Kim Wardlow and guest Michael Sisneros, Aftersight's Community Outreach Specialist, for a festive episode dedicated to making your holiday decorations both safe and accessible for everyone, including those with low vision. Michael shares practical tips and personal stories on enhancing your holiday décor with tactile, olfactory, and audio elements to make the season memorable and inclusive. Whether it's adding scented pine cones, crafting textured ornaments, or arranging lights for visibility, there are endless ways to ensure a joyful and accessible holiday.
    Michael, who also cares for his father with low vision, discusses how his family maintains traditions while keeping their holiday home accessible. From a motion-activated train around the Christmas tree to scented ornaments that last for years, Michael brings a wealth of ideas to enrich your holiday season safely. Learn about cost-effective décor solutions, organizational tips, and ways to make your home welcoming for all guests with low vision.

    Contact Aftersight:
    Phone: (720) 712-8856
    Email: feedback@aftersight.org

    Colorado Gives Day Reminder
    Support Aftersight’s mission by donating through Colorado Gives Day and selecting Aftersight as your chosen nonprofit. Early donations are also accepted, with each contribution helping Aftersight receive additional funds through a donation boost.

    Chapter Markers
    00:00 Intro and episode overview
    00:11 Decorating tips and caregiving experience
    05:20 Accessible décor and family traditions
    11:18 Tips on lighting, texture, and sound elements
    17:42 Using color and contrast in holiday décor
    21:16 Safety considerations for low-vision guests
    30:58 Favorite holiday memory and closing remarks
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    33 mins
  • Holiday Episode #2: Holiday Travel

    Holiday Episode #2: Holiday Travel
    Nov 12 2024
    In this holiday episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow welcomes guest Ted Tahquechi to discuss accessible travel tips for navigating the busy holiday season. Ted shares valuable advice on managing challenges for travelers with low vision or blindness, covering everything from navigating crowded airports to using technology for luggage tracking and communicating effectively with staff. With practical tips and thoughtful insights, this episode aims to help listeners travel with confidence and ease during the holidays.

    Contact Information:
    Guest Contact: Ted Tahquechi’s websites:
    tahquechi.com - for his art and photography.
    blindtravels.com - for accessible travel insights.

    Aftersight Contact:
    Website: aftersight.org
    Email: feedback@aftersight.org
    Phone: (720) 712-8856

    Support Aftersight on Colorado Gives Day: coloradogives.org - Search for “Aftersight” to donate and support podcasts like Navigating Life with Vision Loss.
    Next Episode Preview: Join us next week for an episode on "Holiday Decor with our special guest Michael Sisneros.

    Episode Highlights and Chapter Markers:
    Introduction and Holiday Travel Overview – 00:23
    Meet Ted Tahquechi – 01:12
    Travel Tips for Navigating Busy Spaces – 03:10
    Using Technology for Stress-Free Travel – 05:01
    Traveling with a Guide Dog – 09:25
    Planning for Delays and Layovers – 12:48
    Arrival and Navigating Unfamiliar Destinations – 16:00
    Booking Accessible Accommodations – 18:16
    Common Misconceptions About Accessible Travel – 19:46
    Improvements in Accessible Travel Services – 21:11
    Finding Community and Resources for Accessible Travel – 26:42
    Embracing the Joy of Holiday Travel – 29:40
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    34 mins
  • Holiday Episode #1: Staff Traditions

    Holiday Episode #1: Staff Traditions
    Nov 5 2024
    Join Kim Wardlow, your host, along with the Aftersight team in the first episode of our 8-week holiday series, "Home for the Holidays." As we kick off the season, the team shares their unique holiday traditions, favorite songs and movies, and the cherished memories that bring warmth to the season. From nostalgic ornaments to the art of making tamales, you'll hear stories that highlight the diversity of holiday customs and the ways we each celebrate. This episode invites listeners to connect and share their own traditions with us.

    Contact Information:
    Email: contact@aftersight.org
    Phone: (720) 712-8856 (Aftersight)
    We’d love to hear your unique holiday traditions, or if you have questions for our hosts and guests throughout the holiday series, please reach out!

    Chapter Markers:
    00:09 – Opening and Introduction to Navigating Life with Vision Loss
    00:26 – Kim Wardlow introduces the holiday series and topic overview
    01:00 – Team introductions and favorite holiday songs and movies
    08:00 – Discussions on family holiday traditions and festive foods
    18:52 – Personal stories of memorable holiday meals and customs
    30:12 – Cultural holiday celebrations and unique family practices
    35:56 – Christmas tree traditions and decorating fun
    41:00 – Closing remarks and next week’s episode teaser on family gatherings

    Colorado Gives Day Information:
    As part of the holiday season, please consider participating in Colorado Gives Day by donating to Aftersight. Simply visit coloradogivesday.org and search for "Aftersight" to support our mission. Your donation will help us continue to create meaningful content and support the low-vision community.

    Join us next week with guest Ted Tahquechi As we dive into travel and understanding that travel, as someone who is blind, can be quite difficult. But don't worry, we'll steer you in the right way.

    Happy Holidays from all of us at Aftersight, and thank you for being part of our community!
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    44 mins