The ADNA Presents

Featuring Anna Capezzera, Colleen Connor, and Serina Gilbert. This conversation pulls back the curtain on our upcoming Comic-Con panel about audio description. Panelists talk about why they signed on, what matters to them in this work, and what they hope the audience takes away.

Each brings a different piece of the puzzle. Colleen trains writers. Anna works behind the scenes on production logistics. Serina ensures quality control at the final stage. Together, they paint a clear picture of what it takes to make audio description accurate, effective, and emotionally engaging, especially in complex worlds like the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

They also talk about the bigger picture: why this work needs more attention, how decisions about AD get made, and what happens when it's done well, or not at all.

If you're curious about how blind audiences experience media, and the people making that possible, this is worth a listen.

In this episode, Roy Samuelson welcomes Yvonne Mastromano, the passionate CEO of Virginia Voice, a nonprofit that's all about making the world more accessible for people who are blind or print disabled.

Yvonne speaks from the heart about her deep love of the arts and the power of storytelling, and how audio description opens doors to shared experiences in theaters, museums, sports events, and more.

She offers a beautiful look into the nuances of live versus recorded audio description, highlighting the human connection and sense of belonging that live experiences can create. Yvonne also shares exciting initiatives Virginia Voice is launching, from guided nature walks, to rich, pre-show descriptions that help listeners step more fully into the world of performance.

But what stands out most is her reminder that this work isn't charity, but community. It's about making sure everyone, regardless of sight or ability, gets to participate in the beauty and complexity of life.

Through her words, we're reminded that inclusion isn't an add-on, it's a responsibility we all share.

More at VirginiaVoice.org

Expanding Market Reach Through the Power of Disability in the Workplace

Mike Hess of Blind Institute of Technology highlights the significance of AD expanding market share for movies and other digital content. He emphasize that the market for people with disabilities is substantial, amounting to trillions globally, and that including AD can attract a larger audience.

Last week was the interview with ChatGPT, with it's synthetic voice. Here's the twist - today is the same interview, this time featuring Rebecca Davis, AD Performer, giving her take on the script. Enjoy!

In this episode, I interview ChatGPT and we explore the multifaceted world of audio description. We discuss the importance of emotional nuance and high quality narration in creating immersive experiences for blind audiences, the challenges of balancing quality with scalability, and the potential role of synthetic voices in the future.

We also touched on the value of integrating audio description into the production process from the start, ensuring it becomes a standard seamless part of storytelling overall, the conversation highlighted the importance of quality advocacy and innovation in making visual content truly inclusive.

In this episode, Roy Samuelson interviews Serena Gilbert, a quality control expert in audio description (AD). Serena explains her passion for AD and how it equalizes the viewing experience for visually impaired individuals, allowing them to engage in water cooler conversations and enjoy shows alongside sighted friends and family. Roy and Serena discuss the importance of quality control in AD, emphasizing the need for communication, understanding of context, and the involvement of blind professionals in the process. Serena shares her journey into the field, the collaborative nature of her work, and the recognition she received for quality control on high-profile titles such as 'The Last of Us.' The discussion highlights the critical role of quality control in ensuring that AD tracks are accurate, culturally appropriate, and enhance the overall viewing experience.

Alyscia is an independent filmmaker that believes inclusivity includes disabled audiences, and she's included closed AD in her screenings. She shares her process in this short and insightful interview.

In this exciting episode of ADNA Presents, host Roy Samuelson welcomes Lee Pugsley and Alex Howard from the Dark Room Podcast. Lee Pugsley, a visually impaired actor, producer, writer, and director, shares his passion for storytelling and accessibility in media. Alex Howard, an accessibility consultant and co-host of the Dark Room podcast, joins the conversation to discuss the importance of AD. They delve into their love for AD, the reasons behind starting their podcast, and the gaps in understanding and quality within audio description. They also touch upon their positive and negative experiences with feedback from the industry, and envision a future where audio description is universally present. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that also covers their personal wishlist for the future of audio description and how you can advocate for better accessibility in media.

New for 2025! On The ADNA Presents podcast, host Roy Samuelson dives deep into the heart of disability inclusion in the workplace with two powerhouse guests: Melody Goodspeed and Mindy May.

Melody, Associate Director of Development at the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), shares how authentic storytelling and connection can inspire donors and corporations to invest in accessibility, not as charity, but as a strategic advantage. She sheds light on the damaging impact of outdated perceptions of blindness and challenges companies to reframe inclusion as a pathway to excellence and innovation.

Mindy, a certified career coach and HR strategist, reveals how bias still blocks opportunities for disabled professionals, and what leaders can do about it. From inclusive hiring practices to mentorship and accessible tech, she outlines actionable steps companies can take to create workplaces where everyone can flourish.

Together, they explore how accessibility benefits us all, with real-world examples like curb cuts and closed captions - and how small, intentional shifts can transform company culture, boost retention, and spark meaningful engagement. They also discuss the surprising value of integrating audio description into workplace settings as a tool for deeper inclusion.

Their message? Start small, lead with empathy, and let connection drive change.

The Evolution and Nuances of Audio Description: A Conversation with Samuel Wilkins

How does audio description differ between the US and the UK? How is it evolving across TV, film, live theater, and even sports? And what role do audiobook narrators play in shaping immersive AD experiences?

In this compelling episode of The ADNA Presents, host Roy Samuelson sits down with Samuel Wilkins, a seasoned audiobook producer and narrator, to unpack the intricacies, artistry, and future of AD. Together, they explore:

🔹 The key differences in US vs. UK AD styles

🔹 The delicate balance between detail and distraction in effective description

🔹 The growing role of blind professionals in shaping the future of AD

🔹 How audiobook narration skills enhance storytelling in AD

🔹 Innovative approaches that push AD beyond traditional boundaries while maintaining quality

Whether you're an AD professional, a storyteller, or someone who values inclusive entertainment, this episode is packed with insights that will expand your perspective on accessibility, immersion, and the power of voice.

Listen now and join the conversation on the future of audio description!