My guest in this episode is Matthew Syron. Matt is a long time high performing athlete, who had his life changed in a moment at a bar in December 2023. We talk suddenly losing your vision, coping strategies, and life after sight loss, among many other things. I thought Matt would be an interesting person to speak to, as I lost my vision suddenly, but due to a genetic condition, rather than the awful attack he went through.

You can support Matthew and his mission:

Sign his petition to ban glass from nightclubs & bars in the UK & implement mandatory ID checks: https://www.change.org/p/ban-glass-from-nightclubs-bars-in-the-uk-implement-mandatory-id-checks

Check out his GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/for-our-ironman-matthew-james-syron

Matt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewjsyron/?hl=en

My socials:

YouTube: / @timutzigyt

Linktree and podcasts app: https://linktr.ee/takingofftheshades

Twitter: https://x.com/TimUtzig

LinkedIn: / tim-utzig-44183b173

Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds • Ship Wrek & Zookeepers - Ark | Future...

I am incredibly excited and proud to be starting this journey of Taking Off The Shades. This has been a dream, and a LONG time coming. Proving people wrong, and showing myself what I am capable of has been my mindset for the past few years. Losing your vision is never easy, and I am just happy to be in a place now of acceptance, and feeling stronger from it. I can bring perspective in these conversations and interviews that may just, hopefully, provide you the listener a little more insight. So, be sure to follow along, as this podcast is only just getting started.

Thank you so much for tuning in, and I’ll see you next time!

Tim

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Scott is a member of the Great Brittan National Goalball team, a teammate, and a friend. In this episode of Taking Off The Shades, David opens up about his unique journey in the sport of goalball, and his path into, out of, and back into the national team. Are you new to the sport of goalball? Perfect, David gives a great breakdown for those who may be new! Be sure to listen as he discusses Paralympic aspirations, good goalball training, and a peak into his story.

My socials:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TimUtzigyt

Linktree and podcasts app: https://linktr.ee/takingofftheshades

Twitter: https://x.com/TimUtzig

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-utzig-44183b173/

Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds

• Ship Wrek & Zookeepers - Ark | Future...

I am incredibly excited and proud to be starting this journey of Taking Off The Shades. This has been a dream, and a LONG time coming. Proving people wrong, and showing myself what I am capable of has been my mindset for the past few years. Losing your vision is never easy, and I am just happy to be in a place now of acceptance, and feeling stronger from it. I can bring perspective in these conversations and interviews that may just, hopefully, provide you the listener a little more insight. So, be sure to follow along, as this podcast is only just getting started.

Thank you so much for tuning in, and I’ll see you next time!

Tim

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Taking Off The Shades. In the first episode I have a conversation with Sofia Gonzalez. Sofia is a Paralympic athlete from Switzerland, and she gives incredible insight into how she has grown as a person, an athlete, and a disability advocate.

You can find Sofia, and all her socials on her website: https://www.sofia-g.ch/

My socials:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbzSSvajqZTK3PKQD0QYAkg

Linktree and podcasts app: https://linktr.ee/takingofftheshades

Twitter: https://x.com/TimUtzig

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-utzig-44183b173/

Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xlDwukxjnA

I am incredibly excited and proud to be starting this journey of Taking Off The Shades. This has been a dream, and a LONG time coming. Proving people wrong, and showing myself what I am capable of has been my mindset for the past few years. Losing your vision is never easy, and I am just happy to be in a place now of acceptance, and feeling stronger from it. I can bring perspective in these conversations and interviews that may just, hopefully, provide you the listener a little more insight. So, be sure to follow along, as this podcast is only just getting started.

Thank you so much for tuning in, and I’ll see you next time!

Tim

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you heard of "Inspiration Porn"?? Doesn't matter. This show isn't that. The core message of Taking Off The Shades is about having real conversations with real people who just so happen to face real challenges. Grit, failure, adversity and hard work are pillars of character building that often are overlooked, but for some, there is no other way.

Whether its people with disabilities who have had no other choice than forward to reach their "top of the mountain", or able-bodied individuals who have had to deal with their own hurdles to accomplish extraordinary feats, these stories are worth hearing.

But...this is not your inspiration porn. I have faced my own set of challenges in life, losing my vision at 12-years-old, I know what it's like to be exploited for your story or your disability. Taking Off The Shades is a peak behind the curtain into the mind of some fascinating people, from diverse backgrounds, to better understand who they are, and how they do what they do. Intrigued? Of course you are! Make sure you subscribe wherever you get your podcasts + YouTube.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.