Part 4 of the “Telling Your Story” series explores the moment after you’ve shared your story with a few trusted people—and what it takes to move from private courage to public confidence. Bill and Bethany dive into shame, identity, pride, and the fear of “sticking out,” unpacking how those internal battles shape the way people with blindness show up in the world.

The conversation moves through humor, hard truths, and deeply human stories—from awkward cane moments and guide-dog pride to skydiving, kitchen mishaps, and falling off stages. Bill reflects on learning to speak to thousands without knowing it, and Bethany shares the tension of wanting to inspire but not wanting to be an “inspiration story.”

Together, they break down:

Why sharing your story helps you reclaim your identity

How to deal with misunderstanding, awkward interactions, and unwanted “help”

Why shame often shows up for blind and low-vision people—and how to push back

The difference between doing life differently and being “less than”

How humor becomes a powerful tool to open people up

Why everyday moments—helping your kids with homework, hiking with a guide dog, navigating a picnic—are the real stages you stand on

Why connecting with others who “get it” matters to your confidence and resilience

This episode encourages listeners to embrace their story, share it boldly (even when it’s uncomfortable), and recognize that everyday courage creates real change.

Contact Info

Guest / Co-Host

Bethany Joy Boring

Aftersight

Website: aftersight.org

Email for guest inquiries: [email protected]

Phone: 720-712-8856

Producer Credits

Produced by Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer at Aftersight.

Show Credits

Host: Bill Lundgren

Co-Host: Bethany Joy Boring

Producer: Jonathan Price

An Aftersight Original Podcast

Chapter Markers

00:00 — Opening & Recap of the Series

01:48 — Sharing Your Story Beyond Close Friends

03:50 — Hurtful Comments, Vulnerability, and Identity

05:30 — Humor as a Tool for Comfort and Connection

07:48 — Finding Language to Explain Vision Loss

09:40 — Bill’s Early Podcast Nerves & Learning New Tech

11:30 — Realizing Your Story Reaches the World

13:00 — Shame, Pride, and “Doing Things Differently”

15:20 — Basketball, Muscle Memory & Challenging Assumptions

17:45 — Everyday Moments as Your “Podium”

20:10 — Cane Shame, Guide Dogs & Accepting Visibility

22:39 — Advocating for Yourself Without Apology

24:20 — Pain, Triumphs & Why Both Matter

26:25 — Hikes, Helpfulness & When Others Get in the Way

28:40 — The Universal Language of Struggle

30:15 — Using Technology to Connect With Family

32:10 — Educating the Public (Even When You’re Tired)

34:00 — Healthy Boundaries, “Hug Reflex,” and Self-Advocacy

36:10 — Building a Circle That Stays at the Table

38:00 — Everyday Courage & Living Life Differently

41:05 — Closing Reflections on Storytelling and Connection