Blindsight explores life through a different lens—sharing real conversations at the intersection of blindness, mental health, relationships, and personal growth. Hosted by Bill Lundgren, each episode spotlights lived experience, hard-won resilience, and the moments people don’t always know how to talk about out loud. From navigating family dynamics and identity to battling anxiety, depression, or addiction—and finding traction again—Blindsight makes space for honesty, hope, and practical perspective. With compelling guests and real-life stories, it’s a podcast for anyone who wants to understand more deeply, feel less alone, and keep moving forward—one brave conversation at a time.
This service is made possible by generous donations. Consider supporting us at www.aftersight.org
to help keep these resources free. Aftersight also provides free white canes, support groups, and more, all thanks to contributions from our community.
All content for Blindsight is the property of Aftersight and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Blindsight explores life through a different lens—sharing real conversations at the intersection of blindness, mental health, relationships, and personal growth. Hosted by Bill Lundgren, each episode spotlights lived experience, hard-won resilience, and the moments people don’t always know how to talk about out loud. From navigating family dynamics and identity to battling anxiety, depression, or addiction—and finding traction again—Blindsight makes space for honesty, hope, and practical perspective. With compelling guests and real-life stories, it’s a podcast for anyone who wants to understand more deeply, feel less alone, and keep moving forward—one brave conversation at a time.
This service is made possible by generous donations. Consider supporting us at www.aftersight.org
to help keep these resources free. Aftersight also provides free white canes, support groups, and more, all thanks to contributions from our community.
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.
Blindsight
Blindsight explores life through a different lens—sharing real conversations at the intersection of blindness, mental health, relationships, and personal growth. Hosted by Bill Lundgren, each episode spotlights lived experience, hard-won resilience, and the moments people don’t always know how to talk about out loud. From navigating family dynamics and identity to battling anxiety, depression, or addiction—and finding traction again—Blindsight makes space for honesty, hope, and practical perspective. With compelling guests and real-life stories, it’s a podcast for anyone who wants to understand more deeply, feel less alone, and keep moving forward—one brave conversation at a time.
This service is made possible by generous donations. Consider supporting us at www.aftersight.org
to help keep these resources free. Aftersight also provides free white canes, support groups, and more, all thanks to contributions from our community.
