Volunteer Spotlight

Jim Steckman: “The Impact You Can Have Is Tremendous”


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In this heartfelt and engaging episode of Volunteer Spotlight, host Evan Starnes kicks off the new year by introducing an exciting new chapter for the show: Jennifer Neptune, Aftersight’s Volunteer and Publications Manager, officially joins as permanent co-host.
The spotlight shines on December’s Volunteer of the Month, Jim Stechman, whose audiobook-quality narrations have elevated Aftersight’s programming, including Blind History Lady, The Getting There Guide, and the Dr. MAC (Mobility Access Council) Newsletter. Jim shares his long history of reading for blind and low vision communities, from early tape-based recordings for rural Colorado to his current work with multiple reading services.
The conversation explores:
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Jim’s journey into volunteer voice work and why storytelling matters
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The impact of accessible information in rural communities
• 
How Aftersight bridges gaps in transportation, news, and local resources
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Jim’s eclectic taste in music, from Wagner to Slayer
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A deep dive into his home recording setup and audio production background
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Aftersight’s transition to new recording and hosting platforms, including Riverside and Transistor
Jim also reflects on living in Australia and New Zealand, comparing accessibility, infrastructure, and culture, while Jennifer and Evan reinforce Aftersight’s mission to expand content reach and recruit more volunteer readers.
The episode closes with a powerful call to action for listeners to get involved, share the podcast, and help grow Aftersight’s impact across Colorado and beyond.

  • (00:00) - – Welcome to Volunteer Spotlight
  • (01:40) - – Introducing Volunteer of the Month: Jim Stechman
  • (02:18) - – Jim’s volunteer history and discovering Aftersight
  • (05:45) - – Favorite content to read and the impact of the Dr. MAC Newsletter
  • (07:24) - – Voiceover growth and storytelling skills
  • (09:00) - – Volunteer recognition and versatility
  • (10:30) - – Home recording setup and audio gear talk
  • (12:40) - – Riverside and Transistor platform discussion
  • (14:00) - – Jim’s music tastes and personal connection to vision loss
  • (15:50) - – Rural access and Aftersight’s community mission
  • (19:30) - – Encouraging new volunteers to join
  • (20:45) - – Living in Australia and New Zealand
  • (24:50) - – How much content Aftersight produces weekly
  • (27:30) - – Final thoughts and volunteer appreciation
  • (30:40) - – Next episode preview and sign-off
  • 00:00 – Welcome to Volunteer Spotlight
    00:12 – New Year kickoff and Jennifer Neptune joins as co-host
    01:40 – Introducing Volunteer of the Month: Jim Stechman
    02:18 – Jim’s volunteer history and discovering Aftersight
    05:45 – Favorite content to read and the impact of the Dr. MAC Newsletter
    07:24 – Voiceover growth and storytelling skills
    09:00 – Volunteer recognition and versatility
    10:30 – Home recording setup and audio gear talk
    12:40 – Riverside and Transistor platform discussion
    14:00 – Jim’s music tastes and personal connection to vision loss
    15:50 – Rural access and Aftersight’s community mission
    19:30 – Encouraging new volunteers to join
    20:45 – Living in Australia and New Zealand
    24:50 – How much content Aftersight produces weekly
    27:30 – Final thoughts and volunteer appreciation
    30:40 – Next episode preview an
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    Volunteer SpotlightBy Aftersight