Part 4 of the “Telling Your Story” series explores the moment after you’ve shared your story with a few trusted people—and what it takes to move from private courage to public confidence. Bill and Bethany dive into shame, identity, pride, and the fear of “sticking out,” unpacking how those internal battles shape the way people with blindness show up in the world. The conversation moves through humor, hard truths, and deeply human stories—from awkward cane moments and guide-dog pride to skydiving, kitchen mishaps, and falling off stages. Bill reflects on learning to speak to thousands without knowing it, and Bethany shares the tension of wanting to inspire but not wanting to be an “inspiration story.” Together, they break down: Why sharing your story helps you reclaim your identity How to deal with misunderstanding, awkward interactions, and unwanted “help” Why shame often shows up for blind and low-vision people—and how to push back The difference between doing life differently and being “less than” How humor becomes a powerful tool to open people up Why everyday moments—helping your kids with homework, hiking with a guide dog, navigating a picnic—are the real stages you stand on Why connecting with others who “get it” matters to your confidence and resilience This episode encourages listeners to embrace their story, share it boldly (even when it’s uncomfortable), and recognize that everyday courage creates real change. Contact Info Guest / Co-Host Bethany Joy Boring Aftersight Website: aftersight.org Email for guest inquiries: jonathan@aftersight.org Phone: 720-712-8856 Producer Credits Produced by Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer at Aftersight. Show Credits Host: Bill Lundgren Co-Host: Bethany Joy Boring Producer: Jonathan Price An Aftersight Original Podcast Chapter Markers 00:00 — Opening & Recap of the Series 01:48 — Sharing Your Story Beyond Close Friends 03:50 — Hurtful Comments, Vulnerability, and Identity 05:30 — Humor as a Tool for Comfort and Connection 07:48 — Finding Language to Explain Vision Loss 09:40 — Bill’s Early Podcast Nerves & Learning New Tech 11:30 — Realizing Your Story Reaches the World 13:00 — Shame, Pride, and “Doing Things Differently” 15:20 — Basketball, Muscle Memory & Challenging Assumptions 17:45 — Everyday Moments as Your “Podium” 20:10 — Cane Shame, Guide Dogs & Accepting Visibility 22:39 — Advocating for Yourself Without Apology 24:20 — Pain, Triumphs & Why Both Matter 26:25 — Hikes, Helpfulness & When Others Get in the Way 28:40 — The Universal Language of Struggle 30:15 — Using Technology to Connect With Family 32:10 — Educating the Public (Even When You’re Tired) 34:00 — Healthy Boundaries, “Hug Reflex,” and Self-Advocacy 36:10 — Building a Circle That Stays at the Table 38:00 — Everyday Courage & Living Life Differently 41:05 — Closing Reflections on Storytelling and Connection

Episode Summary This episode of Blindsight takes a deep dive into one of the most essential yet difficult skills in mental and emotional health: active listening. Host Bill Lundgren and returning guest-turned-co-host Bethany Joy Boring explore how silence, curiosity, and emotional safety shape meaningful connection—especially within the blind and low-vision community, where non-visual cues and communication dynamics differ from the sighted world. Bill and Bethany demonstrate a live role-play showing how quickly conversation can derail when someone asserts dominance, makes assumptions, or stops listening. They break down the moment tension begins, the bodily sensations that signal emotional shifts, and the way triggers—both spoken and unspoken—shape responses. Listeners learn: Why silence can be a powerful connector rather than something to fear How to approach storytelling only with people who feel safe How to gently redirect when someone interrupts, overpowers, or shifts the focus The emotional cost of constantly “filling space” when you are blind or hard of hearing How to identify your “marble jar people” (those who can hold your real story) The importance of permission: knowing when someone wants listening, guidance, or simply presence This conversation is honest, practical, and deeply human—offering strategies for better communication, better boundaries, and better emotional awareness. Contact Info Guest / Co-Host Bethany Joy Boring — Mental Health Consultant & Author Aftersight Website: aftersight.org Feedback & questions: feedback@aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Producer Jonathan Price — Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight jonathan@aftersight.org Show Credits Host: Bill Lundgren Co-Host: Bethany Joy Boring Producer: Jonathan Price An Aftersight Original Podcast 4) Chapter Markers 00:00 — Opening & Topic Introduction 01:12 — Why Active Listening Is Hard Today 02:40 — Role-Play: When Communication Breaks Down 04:52 — Identifying the Moment Tension Begins 07:18 — How Body Signals Warn Us Early 09:40 — Practicing Awareness Before Hard Conversations 12:14 — The Listener’s Job: Curiosity, Not Assumption 14:22 — Staying Calm When Conversations Escalate 16:47 — How Vocabulary Changes Emotional Tone 18:56 — Safety, Storytelling, and Permission 21:11 — “I’m With You”: The Power of Silent Presence 23:18 — Bill’s Example: Silence as Support 25:32 — Why Silence Scares Us 27:46 — Protecting Yourself When You Can’t See/Hear 30:05 — When Pretending to Be OK Becomes Default 32:31 — How to Ask: “Do You Want Listening or Advice?” 34:53 — Not Everyone Is a Safe Person, and That’s OK 36:58 — Responding When Someone Minimizes Your Story 39:22 — Setting Boundaries Gently 41:32 — You Don’t Have to Stay in Unsafe Conversations 43:54 — Circles of Intimacy & “Marble Jar People” 46:16 — Sharing Vulnerability Only With the Right People 48:14 — Your Story Matters 50:40 — Closing Reflections & Next Episode Teaser

Episode Summary Part Two moves from private reflection to sharing your story with someone else. Bill and Bethany cover how to choose a slice of your story, when to share, and how to assess whether a listener is safe. They model practical tactics: make the story linear by writing or recording, start imperfectly, use an “appreciation anchor” to regulate when emotions spike, and share in proportion to the relationship’s intimacy. They introduce the “Four S’s” for evaluating safe listeners (Seen, Safe, Secure, Soothing) and demonstrate how to ask for what you need (“do you want suggestions or listening?”). Exercise 2 focuses on identifying safe people and practicing gratitude with one of them. Exercise 2 — Defining Safe People (on-air reference) Purpose: Identify people who can hold your story without judgment. Steps: • List three people you talk to most often. • For each, note: Do they listen without fixing? Do they respect confidentiality? Do I feel calmer afterward? • Rank them for emotional safety. • Pick one and thank them for being a safe presence. Reflection: “What qualities make me feel safest — and how can I model them?” Contact Info Guest: Bethany Joy Boring — Speaker, coach, group facilitator Aftersight: aftersight.org | feedback@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856 Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight — jonathan@aftersight.org Show Credits Host: Bill Lundgren Guest: Bethany Joy Boring Series: Blindsight — Telling Your Story Production: Aftersight Originals Producer: Jonathan Price Recording and post: Aftersight Audio Team Chapter Markers 00:00 — Cold open and setup 02:24 — Pick a slice: what and why to share 04:44 — Permission to start imperfectly 06:44 — From circular thoughts to linear drafts 09:08 — Choose a safe place to create 11:32 — Naming emotions; IFS curiosity over control 13:51 — You decide pace and boundaries 16:17 — Body as protector; respecting limits 18:29 — Perspective shifts over time 20:16 — Imagery, low vision, and getting “unstuck” 22:41 — Appreciation anchor as safety net 25:03 — Right-size the share for the relationship 27:32 — Levels of intimacy as guide rails 31:43 — The Four S’s: Seen, Safe, Secure, Soothing 34:47 — Rehearsing stories builds resilience 37:01 — Authenticity on stage and in life 39:30 — Fixing vs listening; set expectations 41:55 — The power of shared silence 43:47 — Validate first; advice later 46:11 — Ask for what you need explicitly 48:13 — Model the behavior you want 50:13 — Practice listening; it’s a skill 53:44 — Vulnerability with progressive loss 56:09 — Invite others into your story 57:58 — Final takeaways and next steps 60:08 — Outro and resources

Bill Lundgren and guest Bethany Joy Boring open a four-part series on how to tell your story. They frame why full-life “from birth to now” dumps overwhelm, and why starting with one scene creates safety and clarity. Bill shares turning points in hearing and vision loss, including the friend who told him the truth and stayed present. Bethany shows how hiding burns energy and blocks connection, how to choose safe listeners, and how adaptive skills become a communication superpower. They outline practical guardrails: begin with one moment, notice body cues, set relational boundaries, and take one small step today. Contact Info Guest: Bethany Joy Boring, mental health consultant and author. Aftersight: feedback@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856 Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight Show Credits Host: Bill Lundgren Guest: Bethany Joy Boring Producer: Jonathan Price Recording & Post: Aftersight Originals Chapter Markers 00:00 — Opening and series setup 02:26 — Bethany’s origin and the 20-minute story frame 04:49 — “Start with a scene,” not a saga 07:15 — Bill’s hearing message: “try harder” 09:18 — The energy cost of hiding 11:19 — Naming fear of others’ reactions 13:24 — The truth-telling friend and a career pivot 15:39 — Walking with allies vs. walking alone 18:03 — Professional identity and disclosure 20:21 — Adaptive storytelling as a superpower 22:38 — Selecting safe people, not boxes 25:03 — Asking for help without shame 27:27 — Play, humor, and dignity at home 29:43 — Safety checks before sharing 32:03 — Boundaries, pacing, and “workout soreness” 34:12 — The raw-egg test for trust 36:36 — Reciprocity: listen as you share 38:46 — Journaling when writing is hard 41:06 — Start small and adaptable 43:32 — Be selective; avoid relational poison 45:55 — Radical acceptance, defined and disliked 48:19 — One small action before you hit stop Exercise 1 — The Mirror Story Purpose: Start healing by safely naming what’s real. Steps: Choose a quiet moment. Write or record your personal story of loss or change. Add one line beginning with: “The part of my story I’ve avoided saying out loud is…” When finished, set it aside for 24 hours before reading or replaying it. On review, mark any sentences that made you pause, tear up, or smile. Reflection Prompt: “What truth did my body recognize before my mind did?”

Bill Lundgren interviews Lily Turkstra, a PhD researcher at UC Santa Barbara, on the realities of visual prostheses. They unpack who qualifies, what “seeing” with phosphenes is like, how training works, and why expectation-setting and mental health support are critical. Takeaways: current implants provide rudimentary perception, not natural vision; outcomes vary; support systems and rehab matter; independence gains are possible but individualized; clinicians and families must align on expectations. Contact Info Guest resources: bionic-vision.org (lab hub), bionicvision.org (lab site) Aftersight: (720) 712-8856 • feedback@aftersight.org • aftersight.org Producer: Jonathan Price • jonathan@aftersight.org Show Credits Host: Bill Lundgren Guest: Lily, PhD researcher, UCSB (Bionic Vision) Producer: Jonathan Price Editor/Mix: Aftersight Audio Team A production of Aftersight Chapter Markers 00:00 — Why prosthetics in blindness matters 01:10 — Guest intro: Lily’s path to bionic vision 02:22 — From auditory perception to NASA to face blindness 03:40 — Who qualifies for visual implants 05:05 — Argus II and early devices 07:06 — What users actually “see”: phosphenes 08:20 — Learning a new visual language 09:30 — Daily-life integration vs lab outcomes 10:45 — Setting expectations for users and families 12:05 — Trade-offs: adaptation vs frustration 14:10 — What recognition is possible today 15:30 — Rehab and training workflows 16:37 — Practical home practice examples 18:10 — Community, altruism, and trial motivation 19:45 — Device limits vs “personal failure” 21:23 — External pressure and mental health 22:40 — “Change your life” claims, defined 23:51 — Independence as the real metric 25:10 — Measuring success outside the lab 27:10 — Family dynamics and letting go 30:01 — Finding peers and support 32:18 — Access barriers and consistency of care 34:25 — Integrating the device back into life 36:30 — Therapy and anxiety considerations 38:48 — Pre-implant psychological screening 41:18 — Whole-person fit and timing 43:40 — Research vs user expectations gap 46:01 — Co-design with users 48:23 — Why structured support groups would help 49:01 — Where to find trials and teams 51:28 — Resource sharing for the public 53:51 — Summary: useful, not universal; mindset matters 56:18 — Closing and resources recap

Bill Lundgren interviews Lily Turkstra, a PhD researcher at UC Santa Barbara, on the realities of visual prostheses. They unpack who qualifies, what “seeing” with phosphenes is like, how training works, and why expectation-setting and mental health support are critical. Takeaways: current implants provide rudimentary perception, not natural vision; outcomes vary; support systems and rehab matter; independence gains are possible but individualized; clinicians and families must align on expectations. Contact Info Guest resources: bionic-vision.org (lab hub), bionicvision.org (lab site) Aftersight: (720) 712-8856 • feedback@aftersight.org • aftersight.org Producer: Jonathan Price • jonathan@aftersight.org Show Credits Host: Bill Lundgren Guest: Lily, PhD researcher, UCSB (Bionic Vision) Producer: Jonathan Price Editor/Mix: Aftersight Audio Team A production of Aftersight Chapter Markers 00:00 — Why prosthetics in blindness matters 01:10 — Guest intro: Lily’s path to bionic vision 02:22 — From auditory perception to NASA to face blindness 03:40 — Who qualifies for visual implants 05:05 — Argus II and early devices 07:06 — What users actually “see”: phosphenes 08:20 — Learning a new visual language 09:30 — Daily-life integration vs lab outcomes 10:45 — Setting expectations for users and families 12:05 — Trade-offs: adaptation vs frustration 14:10 — What recognition is possible today 15:30 — Rehab and training workflows 16:37 — Practical home practice examples 18:10 — Community, altruism, and trial motivation 19:45 — Device limits vs “personal failure” 21:23 — External pressure and mental health 22:40 — “Change your life” claims, defined 23:51 — Independence as the real metric 25:10 — Measuring success outside the lab 27:10 — Family dynamics and letting go 30:01 — Finding peers and support 32:18 — Access barriers and consistency of care 34:25 — Integrating the device back into life 36:30 — Therapy and anxiety considerations 38:48 — Pre-implant psychological screening 41:18 — Whole-person fit and timing 43:40 — Research vs user expectations gap 46:01 — Co-design with users 48:23 — Why structured support groups would help 49:01 — Where to find trials and teams 51:28 — Resource sharing for the public 53:51 — Summary: useful, not universal; mindset matters 56:18 — Closing and resources recap

In this powerful episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren speaks with Ashley, a survivor whose journey through trauma, depression, and blindness has forged a message of resilience and rebirth. Ashley opens up about her early struggles with family instability, mental illness, and a life-changing suicide attempt that left her blind but ultimately set her on a path toward self-discovery and purpose. She discusses the process of rebuilding her life after losing her sight, finding independence at Perkins School for the Blind, and redefining strength through the metaphor of the Phoenix—rising renewed from her own ashes. Ashley and Bill explore themes of mental health, self-foundation, interdependence, and the delicate balance between support and autonomy for people who are blind. This episode is a raw and inspiring reminder that healing begins when we stop hiding from the fire and start walking through it. Contact Information Guest: Ashley — Mental Health Advocate & Public Speaker Organization: Perkins School for the Blind Host: Bill Lundgren Producer: Jonathan Price Podcast Network: Aftersight 📩 For Resources or Questions: contact@aftersight.org ☎️ If You or Someone You Know Is Struggling: Dial 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) 🌐 Learn More: www.aftersight.org Show Credits Host: Bill Lundgren Guest: Ashley Producer: Jonathan Price Audio Production: Aftersight Studios Presented by: Aftersight — Empowering the Blind and Low-Vision Community Chapter Markers 00:00 — Introduction and Content Warning 01:00 — Ashley’s Early Life and Family Struggles 05:00 — Mental Health and Early Depression 07:00 — Trauma, Self-Harm, and Institutional Care 09:00 — The Night of the Attempt 13:00 — Waking Up Blind: A New Beginning 16:00 — Recovery and Perkins School for the Blind 18:00 — Becoming the Phoenix 21:00 — Building a Foundation of Self 25:00 — Learning Independence and Advocacy 30:00 — Accepting Blindness and Teaching Others 39:00 — Mental Health, Balance, and Support Systems 46:00 — Lessons in Interdependence and Resilience 49:00 — Steps Toward Healing and Moving Forward 52:00 — Closing Thoughts and Crisis Resources

In this powerful episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren speaks with Ashley, a survivor whose journey through trauma, depression, and blindness has forged a message of resilience and rebirth. Ashley opens up about her early struggles with family instability, mental illness, and a life-changing suicide attempt that left her blind but ultimately set her on a path toward self-discovery and purpose. She discusses the process of rebuilding her life after losing her sight, finding independence at Perkins School for the Blind, and redefining strength through the metaphor of the Phoenix—rising renewed from her own ashes. Ashley and Bill explore themes of mental health, self-foundation, interdependence, and the delicate balance between support and autonomy for people who are blind. This episode is a raw and inspiring reminder that healing begins when we stop hiding from the fire and start walking through it. Contact Information Guest: Ashley — Mental Health Advocate & Public Speaker Organization: Perkins School for the Blind Host: Bill Lundgren Producer: Jonathan Price Podcast Network: Aftersight 📩 For Resources or Questions: contact@aftersight.org ☎️ If You or Someone You Know Is Struggling: Dial 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) 🌐 Learn More: www.aftersight.org Show Credits Host: Bill Lundgren Guest: Ashley Producer: Jonathan Price Audio Production: Aftersight Studios Presented by: Aftersight — Empowering the Blind and Low-Vision Community Chapter Markers 00:00 — Introduction and Content Warning 01:00 — Ashley’s Early Life and Family Struggles 05:00 — Mental Health and Early Depression 07:00 — Trauma, Self-Harm, and Institutional Care 09:00 — The Night of the Attempt 13:00 — Waking Up Blind: A New Beginning 16:00 — Recovery and Perkins School for the Blind 18:00 — Becoming the Phoenix 21:00 — Building a Foundation of Self 25:00 — Learning Independence and Advocacy 30:00 — Accepting Blindness and Teaching Others 39:00 — Mental Health, Balance, and Support Systems 46:00 — Lessons in Interdependence and Resilience 49:00 — Steps Toward Healing and Moving Forward 52:00 — Closing Thoughts and Crisis Resources

Bill Lundgren continues his deep-dive with author and publisher Elyse Draper, exploring how writing can serve as catharsis and empowerment for people with disabilities. They unpack the idea that adaptive technology is simply “tools for the job,” spotlight Elyse’s Super Abled children’s-story app and the VI&B Creatives Workshop, and demystify AI as a creative ally. Practical tips on memoir-style journaling, freewriting without self-censorship, and using AI platforms like Gemini round out an encouraging conversation on turning personal challenges into narrative strength. Contact Info Elyse Draper — Senior Editor, iPub Cloud Email: E.Draper@ipubcloud.org Publishing House & Store: https://ipubcloud.org VI&B Creatives Workshop: https://viandbcreativesworkshop.com Super Abled App: https://super_abled.com Aftersight — Non-profit media network Phone: (720) 712-8856 Email: feedback@aftersight.org Podcasts & resources: https://aftersight.org/podcast Producer Credits: Jonathan Price — Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight Show Credits Host: Bill Lundgren Guest: Elyse Draper Producer: Jonathan Price Recording & Post-Production: Aftersight Studios Chapter Markers 00:00 Intro & Part 1 recap 02:18 “Tools for the job” mindset 04:44 Launching the Super Abled project 07:05 First steps for therapeutic writing 09:26 Introspection through speculative fiction 11:53 Writing for yourself vs. an audience 14:21 AI as a creativity partner 16:29 How to reach Elyse & project links 18:58 Storytelling, donations, and final takeaways 20:25 Closing remarks

Bill Lundgren continues his deep-dive with author and publisher Elyse Draper, exploring how writing can serve as catharsis and empowerment for people with disabilities. They unpack the idea that adaptive technology is simply “tools for the job,” spotlight Elyse’s Super Abled children’s-story app and the VI&B Creatives Workshop, and demystify AI as a creative ally. Practical tips on memoir-style journaling, freewriting without self-censorship, and using AI platforms like Gemini round out an encouraging conversation on turning personal challenges into narrative strength. Contact Info Elyse Draper — Senior Editor, iPub Cloud Email: E.Draper@ipubcloud.org Publishing House & Store: https://ipubcloud.org VI&B Creatives Workshop: https://viandbcreativesworkshop.com Super Abled App: https://super_abled.com Aftersight — Non-profit media network Phone: (720) 712-8856 Email: feedback@aftersight.org Podcasts & resources: https://aftersight.org/podcast Producer Credits: Jonathan Price — Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight Show Credits Host: Bill Lundgren Guest: Elyse Draper Producer: Jonathan Price Recording & Post-Production: Aftersight Studios Chapter Markers 00:00 Intro & Part 1 recap 02:18 “Tools for the job” mindset 04:44 Launching the Super Abled project 07:05 First steps for therapeutic writing 09:26 Introspection through speculative fiction 11:53 Writing for yourself vs. an audience 14:21 AI as a creativity partner 16:29 How to reach Elyse & project links 18:58 Storytelling, donations, and final takeaways 20:25 Closing remarks

In this emotionally powerful Part 1 episode of Blindsight, Bill Lundgren sits down with Elyse Draper—author, illustrator, and founder of the VI&B Creatives Workshop. Elyse shares her incredible journey from visual artist to writer, and how the onset of vision loss reshaped her life, family dynamics, and identity. Through raw stories of grief, mental health challenges, and creative survival, Elyse invites listeners into a deeper understanding of how art can be a lifeline. The episode explores the origins of VI&B, the importance of peer support in the blind community, and how writing can offer both healing and purpose. Come back next week for Part 2 of this inspiring conversation. At the end of the episode, Jonathan Price shares details about the upcoming Audio Trekkers Hike on September 13th—an inclusive outdoor experience for the blind and low-vision community and their supporters. 📞 Contact Information Aftersight Website: https://aftersight.org Hike Details: https://aftersight.org/hike Email: feedback@aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 ⏱️ Chapter Markers 00:00 – Welcome to Blindsight 01:30 – Elyse’s journey from visual arts to writing 04:45 – Diagnosis, grief, and writing as catharsis 09:25 – Building VI&B: A platform for blind creatives 13:15 – Blindness and the new language of art 18:20 – Accessibility innovations driven by disability 23:00 – Career gaps for creatives with disabilities 27:45 – Hike announcement and closing remarks

In this emotionally powerful Part 1 episode of Blindsight, Bill Lundgren sits down with Elyse Draper—author, illustrator, and founder of the VI&B Creatives Workshop. Elyse shares her incredible journey from visual artist to writer, and how the onset of vision loss reshaped her life, family dynamics, and identity. Through raw stories of grief, mental health challenges, and creative survival, Elyse invites listeners into a deeper understanding of how art can be a lifeline. The episode explores the origins of VI&B, the importance of peer support in the blind community, and how writing can offer both healing and purpose. Come back next week for Part 2 of this inspiring conversation. At the end of the episode, Jonathan Price shares details about the upcoming Audio Trekkers Hike on September 13th—an inclusive outdoor experience for the blind and low-vision community and their supporters. 📞 Contact Information Aftersight Website: https://aftersight.org Hike Details: https://aftersight.org/hike Email: feedback@aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 ⏱️ Chapter Markers 00:00 – Welcome to Blindsight 01:30 – Elyse’s journey from visual arts to writing 04:45 – Diagnosis, grief, and writing as catharsis 09:25 – Building VI&B: A platform for blind creatives 13:15 – Blindness and the new language of art 18:20 – Accessibility innovations driven by disability 23:00 – Career gaps for creatives with disabilities 27:45 – Hike announcement and closing remarks

Bill and Samantha unpack the stigma around anger and the broader emotional experience for people with low vision or blindness. Samantha shares her unconventional entry into vision-loss counseling through the Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind, emphasizes that clients with low vision are “just people,” and highlights grief as a common—but not universal—theme. Together they challenge prejudices (sighted vs. blind therapists), explore the “anger umbrella” of nuanced emotions, and offer concrete techniques for naming, expressing, and managing feelings—especially when visual cues are absent. The conversation closes with practical strategies: emotional granularity (using an “emotion wheel”), clear verbal check‑ins (“What’s happening in the room?”), and personalized coping routines (naming the feeling, walking away, sensory resets). Key Themes: Grief and loss in vision change Bias toward/against blind or sighted therapists Anger as an umbrella emotion vs. specific labels Gender and family conditioning around emotion Teaching children emotional language early Safety and expressing anger without visual feedback Coping strategies: name it, take space, regulate Emotional granularity & the Emotion Wheel Therapy as education: “You don’t know what you don’t know” Actionable Tips: Name precisely: Go beyond “angry” to “hurt,” “threatened,” “frustrated,” etc. State & step back: “I’m angry; I need 30 minutes. I’ll come back.” Ask for context: If you can’t see reactions, verbalize: “What’s happening in the room? How are you feeling?” Build a coping menu: Music, walk, shower, time with guide dog—experiment and codify what works. Use an Emotion Wheel: Improves emotional regulation and communication. Guest Contact: Website: https://tideschangingtherapy.com Email: samantha@tideschangingtherapy.com Instagram: @tideschangingtherapy Aftersight Feedback / Inquiries: feedback@aftersight.org Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. 2. Chapter Markers (mm:ss – one line each) 00:00 – Intro & Welcome 01:00 – Samantha’s Path: Tampa Lighthouse & Finding a Calling 02:14 – Serving Clients in Florida and Colorado 04:16 – “Same People, Different Experiences”: Grief & Vision Loss 06:43 – Bias Toward Sighted vs. Blind Therapists 08:35 – Challenging Prejudice and Affirming Capability 10:54 – Setting Up Today’s Focus: Anger 12:34 – Defining Anger & The Umbrella of Emotions 14:44 – Gender, Family Messages, and Suppressed Feelings 16:59 – Teaching Emotional Language to Children 19:27 – Expressing Anger Safely with Limited Visual Cues 21:52 – Coping Strategies: Naming, Walking Away, Reset 24:14 – Anger ≠ Aggression: Normalizing the Feeling 26:13 – Navigating Others’ Reactions Without Sight 28:43 – Communication: “What’s Going On in the Room?” 29:52 – Therapy, Learning, and Transforming Patterns 32:01 – Emotional Granularity & The Emotion Wheel 34:25 – From Core Emotions to Nuanced Expression 36:49 – Reframing Emotions: We Feel Before We Think 39:16 – Practical Tips & Verbal Validation 41:43 – Guest Contact Info, Wrap‑Up & Closing

Bill and Samantha unpack the stigma around anger and the broader emotional experience for people with low vision or blindness. Samantha shares her unconventional entry into vision-loss counseling through the Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind, emphasizes that clients with low vision are “just people,” and highlights grief as a common—but not universal—theme. Together they challenge prejudices (sighted vs. blind therapists), explore the “anger umbrella” of nuanced emotions, and offer concrete techniques for naming, expressing, and managing feelings—especially when visual cues are absent. The conversation closes with practical strategies: emotional granularity (using an “emotion wheel”), clear verbal check‑ins (“What’s happening in the room?”), and personalized coping routines (naming the feeling, walking away, sensory resets). Key Themes: Grief and loss in vision change Bias toward/against blind or sighted therapists Anger as an umbrella emotion vs. specific labels Gender and family conditioning around emotion Teaching children emotional language early Safety and expressing anger without visual feedback Coping strategies: name it, take space, regulate Emotional granularity & the Emotion Wheel Therapy as education: “You don’t know what you don’t know” Actionable Tips: Name precisely: Go beyond “angry” to “hurt,” “threatened,” “frustrated,” etc. State & step back: “I’m angry; I need 30 minutes. I’ll come back.” Ask for context: If you can’t see reactions, verbalize: “What’s happening in the room? How are you feeling?” Build a coping menu: Music, walk, shower, time with guide dog—experiment and codify what works. Use an Emotion Wheel: Improves emotional regulation and communication. Guest Contact: Website: https://tideschangingtherapy.com Email: samantha@tideschangingtherapy.com Instagram: @tideschangingtherapy Aftersight Feedback / Inquiries: feedback@aftersight.org Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. 2. Chapter Markers (mm:ss – one line each) 00:00 – Intro & Welcome 01:00 – Samantha’s Path: Tampa Lighthouse & Finding a Calling 02:14 – Serving Clients in Florida and Colorado 04:16 – “Same People, Different Experiences”: Grief & Vision Loss 06:43 – Bias Toward Sighted vs. Blind Therapists 08:35 – Challenging Prejudice and Affirming Capability 10:54 – Setting Up Today’s Focus: Anger 12:34 – Defining Anger & The Umbrella of Emotions 14:44 – Gender, Family Messages, and Suppressed Feelings 16:59 – Teaching Emotional Language to Children 19:27 – Expressing Anger Safely with Limited Visual Cues 21:52 – Coping Strategies: Naming, Walking Away, Reset 24:14 – Anger ≠ Aggression: Normalizing the Feeling 26:13 – Navigating Others’ Reactions Without Sight 28:43 – Communication: “What’s Going On in the Room?” 29:52 – Therapy, Learning, and Transforming Patterns 32:01 – Emotional Granularity & The Emotion Wheel 34:25 – From Core Emotions to Nuanced Expression 36:49 – Reframing Emotions: We Feel Before We Think 39:16 – Practical Tips & Verbal Validation 41:43 – Guest Contact Info, Wrap‑Up & Closing

In this honest and emotionally vulnerable episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren sits down with therapist and guide dog user Darran Zenger for a heartfelt discussion on one of our most avoided emotions—sadness. Darran opens up about preparing to say goodbye to his beloved guide dog, sharing what it’s like to sit in the rawness of grief while still showing up with empathy and presence. Bill reflects on the loss of his own father and the misguided emotional norms he grew up with, particularly the message that “men don’t cry.” Together, they unpack: The nature of sadness as neither good nor bad The toxic cultural expectations—especially for men—to suppress emotion The difference between sadness and depression How suppressed grief can manifest as anger or even violence Practical tools for navigating sadness: music, movement, journaling, reaching out, and community Whether you're grieving, caring for someone who is, or just trying to understand your own emotions better, this episode is a powerful invitation to feel more deeply and heal more fully. Chapter Markers 00:00 – Opening: Mental health is not a luxury 01:05 – Introducing sadness: it’s not good or bad, it just is 02:24 – Bill’s personal story about emotional suppression 04:05 – Darran’s guide dog and sitting with loss 07:00 – The masculine pressure to suppress emotion 09:30 – The cost of unprocessed sadness 11:58 – Toxic positivity and being told to “buckle up” 14:27 – The need for empathy over solutions 16:37 – Sadness vs. depression: how to tell the difference 20:36 – What sadness looks like in daily life 22:00 – Music, movement, and peanut butter: self-care ideas 25:24 – Writing and drawing as emotional processing tools 26:56 – The power of bilateral stimulation and nature walks 29:13 – Medication, sleep, and the role of therapy 31:17 – Group therapy and peer support for grief 33:38 – Final thoughts: it’s okay to feel 35:58 – Next time on Blindsight: “A is for Anger”

In this honest and emotionally vulnerable episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren sits down with therapist and guide dog user Darran Zenger for a heartfelt discussion on one of our most avoided emotions—sadness. Darran opens up about preparing to say goodbye to his beloved guide dog, sharing what it’s like to sit in the rawness of grief while still showing up with empathy and presence. Bill reflects on the loss of his own father and the misguided emotional norms he grew up with, particularly the message that “men don’t cry.” Together, they unpack: The nature of sadness as neither good nor bad The toxic cultural expectations—especially for men—to suppress emotion The difference between sadness and depression How suppressed grief can manifest as anger or even violence Practical tools for navigating sadness: music, movement, journaling, reaching out, and community Whether you're grieving, caring for someone who is, or just trying to understand your own emotions better, this episode is a powerful invitation to feel more deeply and heal more fully. Chapter Markers 00:00 – Opening: Mental health is not a luxury 01:05 – Introducing sadness: it’s not good or bad, it just is 02:24 – Bill’s personal story about emotional suppression 04:05 – Darran’s guide dog and sitting with loss 07:00 – The masculine pressure to suppress emotion 09:30 – The cost of unprocessed sadness 11:58 – Toxic positivity and being told to “buckle up” 14:27 – The need for empathy over solutions 16:37 – Sadness vs. depression: how to tell the difference 20:36 – What sadness looks like in daily life 22:00 – Music, movement, and peanut butter: self-care ideas 25:24 – Writing and drawing as emotional processing tools 26:56 – The power of bilateral stimulation and nature walks 29:13 – Medication, sleep, and the role of therapy 31:17 – Group therapy and peer support for grief 33:38 – Final thoughts: it’s okay to feel 35:58 – Next time on Blindsight: “A is for Anger”

In this emotionally rich and affirming episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren welcomes back therapist Darran Zenger for a deep conversation on the often misunderstood emotion of happiness. Together, they dissect the difference between genuine happiness, put-on smiles, and the more enduring sensation of joy. Darran opens up about his own challenges, including navigating life with Usher Syndrome, and how reframing small moments—like enjoying French fries or a favorite soda—can rewire the mind toward happiness. He emphasizes that happiness is a moment-to-moment experience, while joy is the cumulative result of consistent presence and meaningful connection. Bill and Darran also discuss: Why society often discourages men from feeling emotions How feelings are tools, not judgments The subtle ways addiction can numb happiness The power of gratitude and vulnerability Why we need to give ourselves permission to be happy From McDonald’s Coke to Brene Brown’s research, this episode is a vibrant blend of personal stories, clinical wisdom, and soul-nourishing reminders that you’re not alone—and that you deserve to feel happy. Chapter Markers: 00:03 – Welcome to Blindsight: Introducing feelings series 01:52 – Men, emotions, and societal norms 04:45 – What is happiness? Reframing and redefining joy 07:13 – Positive affirmations and “fake it till you make it” 09:38 – Blindness, dating, and reframing rejection 11:48 – The power of identity beyond disability 13:57 – Connection over perfection and Brene Brown’s research 16:22 – Joy vs. happiness: Daily choices and long-term reward 18:31 – Outdoor joy: Hiking and hunting analogies 20:45 – Chemical imbalance, grief, and suppressing emotion 23:12 – The danger of judging emotions as “bad” or “good” 25:35 – Emotional numbness: Brene Brown and the hand analogy 27:59 – Using emotions as data: Embracing the full spectrum 30:25 – Permission for happiness and being your own worst critic 32:48 – Comparing ourselves, social media, and boundaries 35:13 – Final encouragement: Give yourself grace and pursue connection Contact Info & Feedback: Email: feedback@aftersight.org Voicemail Line: (720) 712-8856 Let us know your thoughts, questions, or emotional check-ins. We’d love to hear from you.

In this emotionally rich and affirming episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren welcomes back therapist Darran Zenger for a deep conversation on the often misunderstood emotion of happiness. Together, they dissect the difference between genuine happiness, put-on smiles, and the more enduring sensation of joy. Darran opens up about his own challenges, including navigating life with Usher Syndrome, and how reframing small moments—like enjoying French fries or a favorite soda—can rewire the mind toward happiness. He emphasizes that happiness is a moment-to-moment experience, while joy is the cumulative result of consistent presence and meaningful connection. Bill and Darran also discuss: Why society often discourages men from feeling emotions How feelings are tools, not judgments The subtle ways addiction can numb happiness The power of gratitude and vulnerability Why we need to give ourselves permission to be happy From McDonald’s Coke to Brene Brown’s research, this episode is a vibrant blend of personal stories, clinical wisdom, and soul-nourishing reminders that you’re not alone—and that you deserve to feel happy. Chapter Markers: 00:03 – Welcome to Blindsight: Introducing feelings series 01:52 – Men, emotions, and societal norms 04:45 – What is happiness? Reframing and redefining joy 07:13 – Positive affirmations and “fake it till you make it” 09:38 – Blindness, dating, and reframing rejection 11:48 – The power of identity beyond disability 13:57 – Connection over perfection and Brene Brown’s research 16:22 – Joy vs. happiness: Daily choices and long-term reward 18:31 – Outdoor joy: Hiking and hunting analogies 20:45 – Chemical imbalance, grief, and suppressing emotion 23:12 – The danger of judging emotions as “bad” or “good” 25:35 – Emotional numbness: Brene Brown and the hand analogy 27:59 – Using emotions as data: Embracing the full spectrum 30:25 – Permission for happiness and being your own worst critic 32:48 – Comparing ourselves, social media, and boundaries 35:13 – Final encouragement: Give yourself grace and pursue connection Contact Info & Feedback: Email: feedback@aftersight.org Voicemail Line: (720) 712-8856 Let us know your thoughts, questions, or emotional check-ins. We’d love to hear from you.

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren sits down with Neva Fairchild—an advocate, counselor, and technological leader in the blind community—for a powerful conversation about resilience, adaptation, and acceptance. Born with a visual impairment that went undiagnosed until preschool, Neva takes us through her journey of coping with undiagnosed Stargardt disease, the challenges of navigating school without accommodations, and ultimately building a career that has reshaped the lives of others with vision loss. Neva shares how she learned to stop hiding her condition, embraced assistive technology, and found her true calling later in life among those who not only lived with blindness—but thrived in it. Her story is a call to action to advocate for better services, honest conversations with doctors and families, and the dignity that comes from asking for help. Neva’s journey is one of transformation—from a child who struggled to be understood, to a national leader who now empowers others to live well with vision loss. Key Topics Covered: Neva’s early signs of vision loss and misdiagnosis Learning to pass in a sighted world and the emotional toll Breaking through shame and isolation by meeting others with blindness How technology and the right support changed everything Her work with AFB and advocacy for older adults with vision loss The importance of honesty, asking for help, and normalizing blindness Chapter Markers: 00:00 – Welcome to Blindsight 01:00 – Neva’s diagnosis and early childhood struggles 04:45 – Going blind in adulthood: The emotional and medical shock 07:00 – Coping mechanisms, stubbornness, and a hunger to live fully 10:00 – The power of blind community and assistive technology 12:20 – Transitioning from enlargement to screen readers 14:30 – The shame of visibility and learning to accept her identity 17:00 – Career in blindness rehab and helping others thrive 21:00 – Advocacy for better doctor referrals and more vision specialists 23:45 – Final advice: "Blindness isn’t a character flaw" 26:00 – Closing thoughts and contact info