🎙️ Episode Summary

In this lively episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses welcome Colorado’s own Paul Martz — a retired software engineer, Rubik’s Cube speed-solver, sci-fi writer, and relentless advocate for accessible tech. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) at age 13, Paul shares candidly how losing vision shaped his life: from the family role models who taught him blindness doesn’t mean isolation, to the hard truths about ego, identity, and finally embracing the white cane.

Penn, Moses, and Paul unpack the subtle social shifts that come with using a cane or guide dog — how these tools can change perceptions overnight, even among family and close friends. Paul brings his trademark humor, reminding listeners that adaptability is less about eyesight and more about problem-solving — like speed-solving a Rubik’s Cube with your fingertips and your mind.

They also celebrate The Blind Chick’s recent IWIS International Award win for “On Location Production” and invite listeners to get out, get seen, and get moving at Aftersight’s fifth annual Audio Trekkers Hike — happening September 13th in Boulder, Colorado.

Stay tuned for part two, where Paul will share more about the world of speed-cubing, accessible tech, and the surprising places life’s puzzles can take you.

⏱️ Chapter Markers

00:00 | Welcome & IWIS Award Celebration

02:16 | The Audio Trekkers Hike — September 13th

04:35 | Meet Paul Martz — Diagnosed with RP at 13

06:50 | Family Role Models & Early Acceptance

09:11 | College, Depression & Finding Counseling

11:28 | The First White Cane — Fears & Reactions

13:39 | The Cane as a Social Signal

15:56 | Family & Friends: How Perception Changes

18:21 | Humor as Survival Tool

20:29 | From Programming to Writing Sci-Fi & Braille Books

22:34 | Adapting in the Early PC Era

24:40 | Transition to Screen Readers & Braille

26:55 | Final Reflections — The Puzzle Keeps Turning

29:00 | Closing & Hike Reminder