1) Episode Summary

In this final episode of the safety series, Kim Wardlow explores how to build a strong personal safety network with guest Joe Strechay. Joe explains that a safety network is more than an emergency contact—it’s a mix of trusted people who support day-to-day needs like transportation, home tasks, childcare, employment, and technology.

Joe shares how his network evolved through college, cross-country moves, and international film work, emphasizing that each season of life requires different kinds of support. He highlights the importance of reciprocity, clear communication, and knowing when to let someone go if a relationship isn’t dependable.

The discussion also covers practical tools like Be My Eyes, Aira, Seeing AI, and accessible travel apps, showing how technology can fill gaps when people aren’t available. Kim and Joe also point to community groups, neighbors, and even realtors as overlooked but valuable connectors.

They close by encouraging listeners to step outside their comfort zone, build relationships intentionally, and stay engaged in community—because a strong safety network grows from showing up and supporting others.

2) Contact Info

Guest – Joe Strechay

Websites: stretcha.org, stretchaconsulting.org, stretcha.net

Social: LinkedIn (Joe Strechay), Instagram (Joe Strechay / J Strechay), X/Twitter (Joe Strechay), Facebook (Joe Strechay)

Aftersight

Learn more at Aftersight.org

Production

Produced by Jonathan Price

3) Show Credits

Host: Kim Wardlow

Guest: Joe Strechay

Show: Navigating Life with Vision Loss — an Aftersight Original Podcast

Producer: Jonathan Price

Presented by Aftersight

4) Chapter Markers

00:01 – Wrapping up the safety series

02:18 – What a safety network really is

04:36 – College, vision loss, and early safety networks

06:56 – Keeping support relationships reciprocal

09:23 – Neighbors, hired drivers, and rural safety planning

15:55 – Rebuilding your network after a move

19:27 – Getting lost in Budapest

25:57 – When someone doesn’t belong in your network

27:30 – Tech tools that support your safety network

31:40 – Realtors and local pros as trusted connectors

33:31 – Backup plans and offline prep

35:35 – Get comfortable being uncomfortable

37:11 – Aftersight show roundup