This episode ofTalking in the Dark brings together two acquaintances for a wonderful and highly engaging conversation . Host Evie, student of the flute, and Kate Risdon, the inspiring professional flautist and music teacher.

During this episode, Kate shares with Evie the story of her life and career as a visually impaired flautist. Kate talks about where she first discovered her deep love and connection to music, and how she developed that passion into an acclaimed and highly respected career. Kate also explains the many differences between braille music and traditional written sheet music, and speaks about the joy she finds in teaching others how to play music.

As an accomplished musician, Kate is in high demand both for her playing and her collaborative skills and outlines to Evie the many roles she has held with different orchestras that she has played with throughout her long and successful career.

Kate is a passionate musician and a strong advocate for disabled musicians, and this interview is clear evidence of that commitment. 

This is a wonderful, inspiring conversation you won’t want to pass by.

AD (Accessible Description):The podcast graphic features a rich purple background with the title “Talking in the Dark” in bold white text at the top centre. Two portraits frame a central microphone icon: on the left, host Evie smiles warmly, with shoulder-length wavy red hair and a light grey top; on the right, a photo of Kate. In the picture Kate is stood next to a river, the sun is shining and the light is reflecting off the water. Kate has short dark hair and is wearing a purple striped shirt. 

This week’s episode is an especially heartfelt one. Evie sits down with her former senior education support officer and close friend, Natasha Molyneux-Smith, the visionary founder of Dot & Type.

In this uplifting and dynamic conversation, Natasha shares the story behind Dot & Type — a groundbreaking organisation creating beautifully designed braille and large print products for blind and visually impaired people, and championing greater inclusion and accessibility for all.

A passionate advocate for disabled people and for improving how they experience the world, Natasha brings immense empathy, insight, and joy to everything she does — and this interview is a shining example of that.

This is a warm, insightful, and inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss.

AD (Accessible Description):

The podcast graphic features a rich purple background with the title “Talking in the Dark” in bold white text at the top centre. Two portraits frame a central microphone icon: on the left, host Evie smiles warmly, with shoulder-length wavy red hair and a light grey top; on the right, a photo of Natasha smiling widely. Natasha has dark shoulder-length hair and wears a white round-neck sweater.

Get ready for an inspiring episode of Talking in the Dark! In this episode Evie sits down with Dimitri Coutya MBE —Paralympic wheelchair fencing champion and all-around trailblazer.

In this thrilling conversation, Dimitri opens up about his journey from discovering wheelchair fencing to becoming one of the sport’s most decorated athletes. He shares the mindset behind his training, reveals what it takes to compete across different categories, and relives the unforgettable moment he made history by claiming two gold medals at the Paris Paralympics 2024.

Dimitri also reflects on the incredible day he received his MBE, describing the pride and emotion of being honoured for his achievements and impact.

This is a conversation full of passion, perseverance, and the power of sport to transform lives, one you won’t want to miss.

 In this episode of Talking in the Dark, host Evie sits down with Simon Weston CBE — Falklands War veteran and survivor of the devastating attack on the RFA Sir Galahad.

In this powerful and deeply moving conversation, Simon reflects on his remarkable life journey, from his early childhood in South Wales, to enlisting in the Welsh Guards, and ultimately being deployed to the Falklands War.

Simon recounts the harrowing events of the day Sir Galahad was bombed, the life-changing injuries he sustained, and the long road of recovery and rehabilitation that followed. With honesty and insight, he speaks about the mental and physical challenges he faced and how he rebuilt his life with determination and purpose.

Beyond his military experience, Simon shares the extraordinary work he’s done since: from championing veteran support and mental health causes, to writing books, and inspiring countless others through his public speaking and charitable efforts.

If you're interested in stories of courage, recovery, and what it truly means to overcome adversity, this episode is not to be missed.

In this episode of Talking in the Dark, host Evie welcomes the remarkable Ian Treherne – The Blind Photographer  for an intimate conversation about art, identity, and the power of vulnerability.

Born with RP Type 2 Usher Syndrome, a rare condition causing progressive sight and hearing loss. Ian shares how his relationship with photography has evolved as his vision has diminished. In this deeply honest episode, Ian opens up about living through profound personal challenges and how creating visual art has become not just a passion, but a lifeline.

Ian talks about discovering photography, what fuels his creativity, and how he continues to craft powerful, visually striking images in-spite of and sometimes because of his personal circumstances. 

After the interview Ian wanted us to include the following footnote statement with the episode’s release  :  

‘I am proud to have taken part in Evie’s Talking In The Dark podcast. When I was interviewed by Evie I was in a very dark place in my mind and struggling with my blind journey. I think it’s important to be vulnerable to capture these aspects of my life. Though I am better in myself having dealt with some of the challenges and changes revolving my blindness, I hope the interview is received well for its rawness and honesty. Hopefully it may make you ponder and be inspired in some way.’ Ian Treherne

If you’re drawn to authentic stories of creativity, resilience, and self-expression, this is an episode not to miss.

AD (Accessible Description):The podcast graphic features a purple background with the title “Talking in the Dark” in bold white text at the top center. Two photographs appear on either side of a central microphone icon. On the left is Evie, smiling warmly, with shoulder-length wavy red hair and wearing a light grey round-neck top. On the right is a black and white self-portrait of Ian Treherne, looking directly at the camera. Ian is wearing a flat cap backwards and has a neatly shaped short goatee beard.

In this episode of Talking in the Dark, host Evie sits down with Peter Hodgson – founder and charity manager of the inspiring Isle of Man Youth Motor Project (IOM YMP).

In this insightful and uplifting episode, Peter shares the story behind the charity’s beginnings, the range of hands-on activities it offers to young people on the Isle of Man, and the mission that drives it forward.

He also highlights the life-changing impact the project has had on its participants and the powerful partnerships it has built with other local organisations over the years.

Whether you're curious about how the IOM YMP nurtures, motivates, and educates vulnerable and disengaged youth through motor mechanics—or you're looking for ways to support this brilliant cause, this is the episode for you.

AD (Accessible Description):The podcast graphic features a purple background with the title “Talking in the Dark” in bold white text at the top center. Two photographs appear on either side of a central microphone icon. On the left is Evie, smiling warmly, with shoulder-length wavy red hair and wearing a light grey round-neck top. On the right is a color headshot of Peter Hodgson, looking directly at the camera. Peter has short dark hair, a friendly smile, and is wearing a casual blue round-neck T-shirt.

In this episode of Talking in the Dark, host Evie welcomes Peter Torres Fremlin – author, disability activist, and publisher of the Disability Debrief newsletter. In this insightful and thought-provoking conversation, Peter opens up about his own disability journey and the powerful role storytelling can play in shifting perceptions around the world.

Peter shares his experiences navigating disability in diverse cultural contexts, highlighting how attitudes and language shape the way disability is understood internationally. He dives into the importance of sharing authentic lived experiences and how these narratives can challenge stereotypes, foster empathy, and drive real change.

With honesty and warmth, Peter discusses his mission to create a global platform that amplifies disabled voices, dismantles misconceptions, and celebrates the diversity of the disability community.

If you’re interested in global disability advocacy, inclusive storytelling, or learning how lived experiences can inspire progress, this episode is a must-listen.

This week on Talking in the Dark, host Evie is joined by the remarkable Suzanne Bull MBE – disability campaigner, music lover, and founder of Attitude is Everything. In this empowering and wide-ranging conversation, Suzanne opens up about growing up with a disability, the challenges of overcoming societal assumptions, and the powerful role that creativity and resilience have played throughout her life.

Suzanne shares stories from her school days, her early passion for art, writing, and music, and the personal journey that led her to launch Attitude is Everything – a pioneering organization that’s transforming access to live music for disabled people across the UK.

With warmth, wit, and wisdom, Suzanne reflects on the power of inclusion, the importance of authentic representation, and what still needs to change in the live events world. Her story is a testament to what’s possible when barriers are broken and voices are heard.

If you're interested in disability advocacy, accessibility in the arts, or just need a boost of motivation, this episode is for you.

AD (Accessible Description):
The podcast graphic features a purple background with the title “Talking in the Dark” in bold white text at the top center. Two photographs appear on either side of a central microphone icon. On the left is Evie who is smiling very happily. Evie has shoulder length wavy red hair and is wearing a light grey round neck top. On the right is a black and white head shot of Suzanne Bull, MBE. In the photo Suzanne is looking directly at the camera. She has long wavy hair, smiling kindly and wearing round rimmed glasses.  

In this powerful episode of Talking in the Dark, host Evie sits down with Kieran Clarke, a top blind footballer whose journey is a true testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of sport. 

In this conversation Kieran opens up about losing his sight at a young age, the challenges he faced growing up with a visual impairment, and how he discovered his passion for blind football, a sport that reshaped his life.

Kieran also dives deep into the unique adaptations of blind football, how it compares to mainstream football, and why sports for visually impaired individuals are so essential for building confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging. 

Kieran’s story is an empowering reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the profound impact that inclusive sports can have on personal growth and well-being.

If you're interested in adaptive sports, motivational stories, or learning about the world of visually impaired athletes, this episode is an absolute must-listen! Kieran’s journey will leave you feeling motivated, energized, and ready to conquer your own challenges.

Get ready for an inspirational and thought-provoking episode of Talking in the Dark! This week, host Evie is joined by Sophie Christiansen, CBE – a gold medal-winning Paralympic equestrian whose incredible story is sure to move and motivate you.

In this empowering conversation, Sophie opens up about growing up with cerebral palsy, discovering her passion for horses, and how Riding for the Disabled became a life-changing part of her journey. At just 16 years old, Sophie competed in her first Paralympic Games – the start of a truly remarkable career. She also reflects on receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Variety Disability Sports Awards and shares her exciting vision for what’s next.

This is a must-listen episode – honest, heartfelt, and full of humor, expert insight, and fresh perspectives that will leave you inspired.