ITV’s Vidar Hjardeng reviews the audio described performance of ‘The Nutcracker’ which he recently saw at the Birmingham Hippodrome.

‘The Nutcracker’ tells the journey of young Clara as she is swept away into an enchanting winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes and a Sugar Plum Fairy.

Vidar is talking to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.

How important is it to sit down and have a meal together as a family? And how have the family favourites changed over the years?

Food Historian Monica Askay spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley about the nation’s favourites and what influences our dinner choices.

As life expectancy grows many of us will chose to care after a family member or a friend.However, as unpaid carers we don’t always realise that we can get support.

Emily Holzhausen Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers UK and carer Della Phillips spoke with us to explain why it’s okay to ask for help and where to find it.

Emily and Della chatted with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.

Blind journalist Paul Bryce gives us his latest roundup of the most bizarre news stories from across the Globe.

This time, Paul chats about a shocking Christmas advert, Knickers the giant cow, and last but not least, boots with an unexpected freebie.

Paul is talking to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.

If you would like to share a bizarre news story with Paul and Simon, you can email them at: [email protected]

In 2015 Nigel Limb had a horrific speedway accident that left him in a coma from which he was not expected to wake up.

Now almost 3 years since the head injury that cost him his sight, Nigel is back on the speedway to prove that sight loss should not stop you from doing what you love.

Nigel is chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.

New research found that each year we lose almost a day of sleep whilst preparing for the Holiday season. Not only that, our work-life balance can suffer and many of us will find this time of year stressful.

Offering her best advice on how not to lose our heads this Christmas is Dr Pixie McKenna, media medic and GP, best known for her appearance on Channel 4’s ‘Embarrassing Bodies’.

Dr McKenna is speaking with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.

Sometimes losing our sight can lead to a loss of confidence. But is getting our voice back easier than it seems?

Richard Newman, award-winning expert in communication and founder of Body Talk offers some helpful advice on how to regain our confidence and speak-up for ourselves.

Richard is talking to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.

All profits of Richard’s latest book 'You were born to speak' are going to three charities and the audiobook version is set for release in January 2019\. For more information visit: [www.borntospeak.com](https://borntospeak.com/)

Blind Dave goes rogue and gets pulled over by the police whilst adventuring abroad.

But it’s not all bad, and Dave also reveals what lovely festive surprise waited for him at home.

Dave is sharing his latest exploits with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.

You can follow Dave’s shenanigans on Facebook at ‘Blind Dave Heeley’ or through his website: [www.blinddaveheeley.co.uk](https://blinddaveheeley.co.uk/)

Shocking new research by charity RoSPA (the Royal Society of the Prevention of Accidents) has found that one in four adults (24%) would consider giving a laser pointer/pen to a child as a gift this Christmas, despite the risk of blindness.

RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell spoke with Ophthalmologist Doctor Fahd Quhill and also ROSPA's Sheila Merrill, to find out more

Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick dropped in to RNIB Connect Radio HQ, to chat about some of the latest medical headlines. This week focused on 'sleep'.

Elizabeth is talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley.

For more information visit: [www.newlifepharmacy.co.uk](https://newlifepharmacy.co.uk/)