The ADNA Presents

In this episode, blind film critic John Stark shares his lifelong passion for movies and how it led him to watch and review over 500 films a year for more than two decades. From his early days reading Entertainment Weekly at age nine and being inspired by Jurassic Park, to becoming a recognized critic on Rotten Tomatoes, Stark explains what fuels his love of cinema and his unique perspective as a blind critic.

He talks about founding the Blind Film Critics Society with Alex and Lee, with the goal of building a community of diverse blind and low-vision voices in film criticism-so audiences can hear more than just one "unicorn" perspective. Stark outlines his vision for the next one and five years: increasing representation in critics' organizations, doubling the amount of audio described content on streaming platforms, and shifting the narrative around accessibility from tokenism to true inclusion.

The conversation digs into his views on audio description quality, the dangers of over-relying on text-to-speech, and the frustration of studios sitting on existing AD tracks without making them available. Stark also discusses the tension of being a critic in a small field-where honest reviews can sometimes clash with the companies he wants to support.

Through it all, his message is clear: blind and low-vision audiences deserve full access to film, and blind critics deserve a seat at the table in shaping cultural conversations about cinema.

What if the voice guiding blind audiences through your favorite show was never credited? Or never even acknowledged?

In part two of her conversation with Roy Samuelson, Bridget asks more insightful questions about the unseen artistry of Audio Description (AD). From the SAG Awards adding AD to both screeners and the live broadcast, to Netflix requiring crediting AD for performers as well as writers, this episode reveals how a behind-the-scenes craft is becoming a movement.

Roy shares the origin of the ADNA, the push to get AD talent recognized by the Television Academy, and why AD is more than narration: it's performance, precision, and presence.

They explore the rise of blind professionals in media, the power of proper tools and coaching, and the industry's slow but thrilling shift toward honoring every voice in the room.

This is the story of inclusion done right. And it's just getting started. Roy's book is available at roysamuelson.com/book

Studios hate him. A blind film critic dropped one review on Rotten Tomatoes and suddenly producers are begging him to reconsider… and he might, if they add audio description in film.

That's power. That's disruption. That's John Stark.

He launched the Blind Film Critic Society with Alex & Lee (because if the Razzies can start in a living room, why can't blind critics start a movement?)

He's now a legit Rotten Tomatoes blind critic. And when he posts? Studios listen. Or panic. Sometimes both.

He's exposing how credits for audio description accessibility are erased. Writers invisible. Narrators uncredited. Audiences cheated. He's calling BS.

And here's the kicker: he's proving exactly how audio description helps blind audiences experience films fully, while showing the industry why ignoring it costs them money, loyalty, and credibility.

This episode slaps. It's not just film reviews with audio description; it's a playbook for shaking an entire industry awake.

Tables turned! Bridget Melton sat in the host chair for The ADNA Podcast, grilling me about my new book A Voice Actor's Guide to Audio Description Performance. We dug into privilege, allyship, and why I open the book by addressing the awkward-but-important question: "Why listen to a sighted guy talk about AD?"

Bridget appreciated that the book stays laser-focused on performance for film and TV, without wandering into every other AD niche, and we explored how performers and writers can "salsa dance" between script and delivery to keep blind audiences immersed, even when the words are limited. I shared why access to visuals matters for performance, how production ownership of AD could change everything, and the surprising ripple effects of SAG Awards requiring AD on screeners.

From deft "dialogue dodging" to scene-shift signaling, from the dream of live, in-production AD collaboration to the reality of working in silos, we covered the craft, the advocacy, and the small-but-mighty ways performers can elevate the work. Bridget's thoughtful questions brought out the heart of why I do this, and why better AD is access as well as honoring the story. Bridget was one of the first to ask to interview me about my book, A Voice Actor's Guide To Audio Description Performance. Follow her at BridgetMelton.com

What does Jiu-Jitsu have to do with digital accessibility? For Jeremy Seda? Everything. In this episode, the North Idaho College IT Accessibility Coordinator shares how his love of storytelling, empathy, and positive reinforcement shapes his fight for inclusion, both in tech and on the mat. With deeply personal stories, a refreshing call for progress over perfection, and game-changing insights into the power of accessible design, Jeremy invites us to rethink what true connection looks like. Oh, and AI-powered audio description pitches? Don't miss this one.

In this episode of The ADNA Presents, accessibility strategist Erin Lucas shares how her career journey took her from art school to government tech, a Chicago startup, and Microsoft, all while shaping a human-centered approach to accessibility.

Erin discusses how familiar voices build trust, and why accessibility is more than compliance.

From building relationships with campus disability services to scaling accessibility work at a global tech company, Erin offers honest insights, creative strategies, and stories from behind the scenes.

If you're in the field or just curious about accessibility, this conversation blends humor, heart, and practical advice.

In this episode of The ADNA Presents, Roy Samuelson sits down with the unstoppable Steph McCoy, founder of Bold Blind Beauty, and all-around inclusion trailblazer. Steph opens up about her personal journey from losing her sight to finding her purpose, building a global community along the way.

From the heart of her platform (think AIR: Access, Inclusion, Representation; and EPIC: Equity, Passion, Impact, Courage), Steph shares how Bold Blind Beauty is making a new definition on what blindness and beauty really mean.

We talk real talk: the challenges of running a mission-driven platform solo, the power of storytelling to bust through stigma, and why Steph is ready for more hands (and hearts) to join the Bold Blind Beauty mission.

If you're curious how one person's story can spark a movement? This episode's for you.

What if your voice could be stolen? In Part Two, Dr. Tanusree Sharma reveals the hidden risks behind voice AI: how the same recordings that powered tools like Siri and Alexa are now being cloned, weaponized, and monetized without consent.

She introduces PRAC3-a bold new framework blending privacy, reputation, and accountability with traditional consent models-and calls AI leaders to rethink how they handle voice data before trust is lost for good.

From creative rights to biometric identity, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone shaping the future of synthetic speech.

Join us and explore why voice governance can't wait.

What does Jiu-Jitsu have to do with digital accessibility? For Jeremy Seda? Everything. In this episode, the North Idaho College IT Accessibility Coordinator shares how his love of storytelling, empathy, and positive reinforcement shapes his fight for inclusion, both in tech and on the mat. With deeply personal stories, a refreshing call for progress over perfection, and game-changing insights into the power of accessible design, Jeremy invites us to rethink what true connection looks like. Oh, and AI-powered audio description pitches? Don't miss this one.