Episodes

  • Denise Leigh: Blindness, Brass Bands, and Battling Breast Cancer

    Denise Leigh: Blindness, Brass Bands, and Battling Breast Cancer
    Dec 19 2024
    Summary: In part two of this heartfelt three-part series, Denise Leigh shares her journey of living with genetic blindness, parenting children with vision loss, and discovering her remarkable talent for music and opera. Denise recounts the challenges and triumphs of her early life, her musical beginnings, and her path to becoming a classically trained singer—all while navigating the unexpected twists of her family's genetic story. She also reflects on her battle with breast cancer and the enduring support of her best friend, Tess. This episode continues the inspiring conversation hosted by Penn and Moses, highlighting resilience, the power of community, and living life with grace and humor.

    Chapter Markers:
    00:00: Introduction and thank you for Colorado Gives donations
    02:22: Denise's family learns about a rare genetic condition
    04:47: Parenting challenges and the power of resilience
    07:09: Genetic discoveries and their surprising outcomes
    09:34: Denise’s early education and musical beginnings
    12:01: Discovering a passion for brass instruments
    14:17: Transitioning to opera and finding a lifelong mentor
    19:14: Denise’s breast cancer journey and her enduring strength
    23:59: The bond with Tess through shared struggles
    26:18: Closing reflections and gratitude

    Contact Information:
    ? Phone: (720) 712-8856
    ? Email: feedback@aftersight.org
    ? Website: Aftersight.org
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    28 mins
  • Denise Leigh: A Life of Light in Darkness (Part 1 of 3)

    Denise Leigh: A Life of Light in Darkness (Part 1 of 3)
    Dec 12 2024
    In this episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn Street and Moses Street kick off an inspiring three-part series with Denise Leigh. Denise shares her extraordinary journey of living with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), raising four children, and navigating life as a blind parent. From her early years in a challenging residential school system to raising her youngest son with RP, Denise's story is filled with resilience, humor, and deep love for her family.
    This episode explores the joys and challenges of parenting while blind, the importance of community, and the emotional toll of passing on RP. Don’t miss the beginning of this incredible story.

    Chapter Markers:
    00:00 - Introduction: Welcome to The Blind Chick!
    02:26 - Thanksgiving in 1920s Style
    04:42 - Meet Denise Leigh: Her Village and Early Life
    06:57 - Early School Years: A Tough Start
    11:44 - Parenting Challenges as a Blind Mother
    16:15 - Raising Four Kids: The Village Approach
    20:50 - Discovering RP in Her Youngest Child
    25:37 - The Emotional Toll of Passing on RP
    27:55 - Closing and Colorado Gives Day Reminder

    Contact Aftersight:
    www.aftersight.org
    info@aftersight.org
    (720) 712-8856
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    29 mins
  • Back to sports with Wendy Fagan

    Back to sports with Wendy Fagan
    Dec 5 2024
    In this inspiring episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses Street interview Wendy Fagan, the director of Envision Blind Sports. Together, they explore how Envision Blind Sports empowers individuals of all ages through adaptive sports, promoting independence, confidence, and joy.

    Chapter Markers:
    00:00 - Introduction
    00:28 - The Philosophy of Envision Blind Sports
    02:51 - Adaptive Sports Techniques
    07:37 - The Bigger Picture of Sports
    10:03 - Outreach and Accessibility
    14:43 - Funding and Volunteer Support
    19:21 - Participant Costs and Accessibility
    24:00 - Future Plans: Blind Adult Camp
    26:14 - Closing Remarks

    Contact Information:
    Envision Blind Sports
    Website: www.EnvisionBlindSports.org Facebook & Instagram: Envision Blind Sports
    LinkedIn: Envision Blind Sports
    Volunteer, donate, or learn more through their website's contact form.

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

    Colorado Gives Day
    Support transformative programs like Envision Blind Sports and Aftersight by donating on December 10th. Your contributions help create life-changing opportunities for individuals with low vision or blindness.
    Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on The Blind Chick!
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    28 mins
  • Thanksgiving with The Blind Chick

    Thanksgiving with The Blind Chick
    Nov 28 2024
    The Blind Chick: Thanksgiving Special

    In this heartfelt and humorous Thanksgiving episode, hosts Penn and Moses Street reflect on their 37 years of shared Thanksgivings, highlighting the challenges, joys, and quirky memories that make the holiday meaningful. From hilarious stories about green Jell-O salads to the significance of creating new traditions with family and friends, this episode captures the spirit of gratitude and community. The hosts also share personal milestones, reflect on life's difficulties, and celebrate their listeners for helping them surpass 40,000 downloads.

    Chapter Markers:
    [00:00] Intro and Reflections – Thanksgiving memories and the evolution of traditions.
    [05:15] Gratitude for the Community – Celebrating 40,000 downloads and listener appreciation.
    [08:30] Hike and Community Events – Highlights from Aftersight's annual hike.
    [13:00] Nostalgic Thanksgiving Memories – Moses’ mom’s green Jell-O salad story.
    [20:00] Modern-Day Thanksgivings – Friendsgiving and family gatherings.
    [26:00] Gratitude Highlights – Penn and Moses share what they’re most thankful for.
    [31:00] Wrap-Up and Call to Action – Kindness, gratitude, and Colorado Gives Day.

    This Thanksgiving, consider supporting Aftersight by donating on Colorado Gives Day. Your contributions help create resources and community events that uplift the lives of people with low vision.

    Visit Colorado Gives Day and search for Aftersight or contact us directly at (720) 712-8856 or email us at feedback@aftersight.org to learn more.

    Thank you for being part of our journey. From all of us at The Blind Chick, we wish you a joyful and memorable Thanksgiving!

    Stay Connected:
    Follow Aftersight on Facebook and Instagram for updates on events and new podcast episodes. Be sure to subscribe to The Blind Chick for more stories, laughs, and inspiration.
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    29 mins
  • Envision Blind Sports Part 1

    Envision Blind Sports Part 1
    Nov 21 2024
    In this engaging episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn Street and Moses Street sit down with Wendy Fagan, founder of Envision Blind Sports, to discuss the life-changing impact of adaptive sports for blind and visually impaired individuals. Wendy shares her journey from discovering goalball and beat baseball to founding Envision Blind Sports, a nonprofit that introduces participants to over 25 different sports and activities.
    Together, they explore how sports can break stereotypes, inspire confidence, and foster independence. Wendy shares heartwarming stories of athletes who found joy and purpose through adaptive sports, while emphasizing the importance of exposing participants to a variety of opportunities. From rock climbing to skiing, Envision Blind Sports is helping athletes discover their passions and integrate into their local communities.
    The episode also delves into the broader challenges and misconceptions surrounding blindness and adaptive sports. Wendy and the hosts discuss how sports can be a universal language, breaking barriers and bringing people together.
    Looking ahead, the hosts preview part two of their conversation with Wendy, as well as upcoming special episodes, including a Thanksgiving message and highlights from Colorado Gives Day.

    Chapter Markers:
    00:00 – Welcome and introduction.
    05:10 – Meet Wendy Fagan.
    07:34 – Origins of The Blind Chick podcast.
    12:20 – Discovering adaptive sports.
    14:24 – About Envision Blind Sports.
    19:02 – Breaking stereotypes in sports.
    23:42 – Inspiring inclusion through education.
    27:50 – Part two preview and closing.

    Contact Information:
    Aftersight is a nonprofit organization producing The Blind Chick podcast and other empowering content for the blind and visually impaired community. Support their work through donations, and check out their other podcasts:
    Website: Aftersight.org
    Phone: (720) 712-8856
    Email: feedback@aftersight.org

    Envision Blind Sports
    Envision Blind Sports introduces individuals to adaptive sports, fostering confidence, independence, and joy through movement. With programs spanning 25+ sports, they empower participants of all ages to discover their passions.
    Website: EnvisionBlindSports.org

    Colorado Gives Day
    Support Aftersight this Colorado Gives Day on December 10th! Your donations help fund inclusive programming like The Blind Chick, making a difference in the lives of blind and visually impaired individuals.
    Donate Here: ColoradoGives.org

    Join us next week for part two of our conversation with Wendy Fagan, and don’t miss our Thanksgiving message from Penn and Moses. Keep tuning in, and thank you for being part of the Blind Chick family!
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    26 mins
  • Uncommon Vision: Matt Hendrick on Art, UFOs, and Purpose

    Uncommon Vision: Matt Hendrick on Art, UFOs, and Purpose
    Nov 14 2024
    Join hosts Penn and Moses as they continue their captivating conversation with Matt Hendrick in the second installment of his story. Matt delves deeper into his extraordinary life journey, sharing more about his out-of-body experiences, encounters with the unexplainable, and the artistic inspirations that shape his unique style. The episode highlights the role of disability in discovering purpose, finding beauty in unexpected places, and the uncharted paths that emerge from life’s challenges. Tune in to explore thought-provoking discussions on spirituality, art, and resilience.

    Contact Information

    Matt Hendrick:
    Website: hendrickmedia.com
    Social Media: @MattHendrickArt on Facebook and Instagram
    Book: Uncommon Vision: Embracing the Unseen

    Aftersight:
    Email: info@aftersight.org
    Contact Number: (720) 712-8856
    Website: aftersight.org

    Support Aftersight on Colorado Gives Day! Help us continue producing impactful content by contributing to Aftersight this holiday season. Colorado Gives Day is December 10th, and every donation fuels our mission to create accessible resources for the blind and low-vision community. Your contributions make a difference in building a more inclusive world. Donations are tax-deductible, and every dollar counts toward creating content like The Blind Chick.

    Chapter Markers
    00:00 - Introduction and Colorado Gives Day
    02:12 - Matt’s Experiences with UFOs and Openness
    04:36 - Spiritual Encounters and Family Reflections
    06:22 - Guardian Angel Memories and Childhood Stories
    08:38 - Discussion on Ancient Art and Mysticism
    10:59 - Artistic Inspiration and Techniques
    13:21 - Use of AI in Art and Creating Alien Imagery
    15:21 - Reflections on Disability and Purpose
    17:45 - Facing Life with a Disability and Needing Support
    20:09 - Finding Connection Through Disability
    22:34 - Contact Information for Matt and Final Thoughts
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    26 mins
  • Uncommon Vision: The Matt Hendrick Story Part 1

    Uncommon Vision: The Matt Hendrick Story Part 1
    Nov 7 2024
    In this captivating episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn and Moses Street sit down with artist and author Matt Hendrick to explore his remarkable journey. Matt, who has survived numerous near-death experiences, shares his inspiring path from a life-altering car accident to becoming an artist who paints using his mouth and hand. His newest book, Uncommon Vision: Embracing the Unseen, delves into his experiences and the profound insights he's gained from his journey, including unique perceptions, synchronicities, and the spiritual connections he's encountered. Matt also reveals his creative process, including how he utilized technology like ChatGPT to craft his memoir, bringing his story to life in ways he hadn't imagined.
    Penn and Moses, known for their own adventurous lives, connect with Matt's experiences of life beyond physical limitations and share anecdotes about spiritual connections and the role of art and storytelling in processing trauma and celebrating resilience.
    Stay tuned for Part Two next week, where Matt delves even further into his life and experiences.

    Resources and Contact Information:
    Matt's Book: Uncommon Vision: Embracing the Unseen – Available in audiobook, Kindle, and paperback.

    Support Aftersight for Colorado Gives Day (December 10th): Donate and support shows like The Blind Chick, Blindsight, Navigating Life with Vision Loss, and Blind Level Tech. Your contributions make it possible to produce accessible content for the blind community.
    Colorado Gives Day Donation Link

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

    Thank you for listening and supporting accessible storytelling. Be kind to yourself and others—it’s good for the soul!

    Chapter Markers:
    00:00 – Moses introduces his mountain lion story and The Blind Chick podcast.
    02:23 – Moses and Penn share about meeting new friends on the trail.
    04:50 – Matt describes his journey with painting as a quadriplegic.
    07:15 – Matt discusses the process of writing his memoir.
    09:40 – Matt and hosts discuss near-death experiences and spirituality.
    12:06 – Moses shares his own experiences with premonitions and intuition.
    14:30 – Penn talks about her connection with her angel, Casey.
    16:53 – Penn recalls her childhood near-death experience.
    19:21 – Matt and hosts discuss finding balance in spiritual connection.
    21:47 – Jonathan closes Part One, encourages Colorado Gives Day donations, and thanks listeners.
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    26 mins
  • You Want Me to Boat Race?

    You Want Me to Boat Race?
    Oct 31 2024
    The Blind Chick Podcast Summary
    In this episode of The Blind Chick, your hosts Penn and Moses Street dive into a conversation with Chelsea Elder from Adaptive Adventures. Together, they explore the power of adaptive sports and how they create a supportive, tight-knit community for people with disabilities. Chelsea shares the excitement of their unique Dragon Boat Racing program and how it fosters camaraderie and confidence, especially for participants with blindness or low vision. She also highlights other inclusive programs at Adaptive Adventures, from kayaking and paddleboarding to indoor fitness and climbing.
    Throughout this episode, you'll learn how Adaptive Adventures works to reduce barriers for individuals of all abilities, connecting them to a range of year-round activities and even offering specialized programs for veterans. Don’t miss this inspiring discussion on how these adaptive programs empower participants to embrace challenges and discover new passions.

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

    Adaptive Adventures
    Website: adaptiveadventures.org
    Email: info@adaptiveadventures.org

    Colorado Gives Day
    Support Aftersight and Adaptive Adventures on Colorado Gives Day, happening on December 10th! Your donations help keep these programs thriving and accessible. Contribute to help expand resources for the blind and low vision community across Colorado.

    Chapter Markers:
    00:00 – Welcome to The Blind Chick
    00:28 – Message from Producer Jonathan Price
    02:43 – Introducing Chelsea Elder and Adaptive Adventures
    04:34 – Dragon Boat Racing and Community Building
    06:53 – The Spirit of Dragon Boat Racing
    09:11 – Benefits of Adaptive Adventures Programs
    11:27 – Getting Started with Adaptive Adventures
    13:44 – Dragon Boat Seasons and Continuation
    16:03 – Access Adventure Days and Multi-Sport Events
    18:15 – Adaptive Adventures Funding and Corporate Partnerships
    18:42 – Winter Programs and Indoor Activities
    20:48 – Veterans and PTSD Programs
    22:55 – How to Get Involved and Volunteer
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    27 mins