In this episode, the host Alex sparks gives some advice and a good tip on how to manage stress and get your frustrations out.  It is ever important for individuals with low vision to manage their stress, as our day to day lives can become quite stressful.  Buying a punching bag was one of the best investments that Alex has made recently.  Not to mention, it is fairly affordable and also a great workout.  We hope you enjoy this short episode, and look forward to hearing back from all of you!  Follow The blind american on Facebook for all updates and to stay connected!

In this episode, the host Alex Sparks has a great discussion with Karrie McDermott about her profession as a teacher for the visually impaired.  Karrie stresses the importance of her profession, some of the challenges that her students face and the satisfaction that is had from working in this field.  She also talks about the pros and cons of using a guide dog, so if you are interested in getting a guide dog then listen up!  If you have any questions for Karrie she is more than glad to assist, just send her an email at [email protected]

In this episode, the host Alex Sparks has a great discussion with Julie Bruno about her life long career in business administration, where she encountered some opsticles but ultimately came out on top.  Julie, was also a teacher for several years and is an incredible ambassador for the disabilities community.  Julie used to educate young children about blindness and gave some great advice for those considering a career in either business administration or anything for that matter.

In this episode, the host, Alex Sparks talks with Tyler Merren about his condition, personal training, sports, traveling the world with the United States Paralympic team, motivational speaking and his business's.  Tyler makes it very clear in this podcast that grieving is okay, but eventually we have to dust ourselves off and get back up, in order to live a fervent life.  Also, that these grievences will sometimes resurface, but we have to learn how to accept them for what they are and minimize their impact.  


Here are some links to Tyler's website, FAcebook group and YouTube channel, for those who enjoyed this episode.  



https://www.revisionfitnessapp.com for the website 



https://www.facebook.com/groups/492112998046718/?ref=share  for the Facebook group 


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOPyMcRYmlrxb8p3gkfHVRQ  for the YouTube Channel   

In this episode, the host Alex Sparks talks with Braeden McNulty, a PHD student about the importance of self advocacy for visually impaired individuals.  The two have multiple technical difficulties, and even an anomoly for the host.  Many great points made about fostering relationships and in becoming a self advocate in order to get a greater return not only academically but in all areas of your life.

In this episode, the host Alex Sparks talks with Emily Zilka, a young girl diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) nearly 10 years ago, who is currently on a path of self love, care and prosperity.  The two discussed acceptance of the disease, societal lapses concerning individuals with disabilities and her time at the aduldt transitional program after high school.  One of Emily's biggest passions in life is fashion.  You can see her modeling western fashion on her instagram @emily_zilka.  

In this episode, the host Alex Sparks discusses an important philosophy that will alleviate stress, anxiety and tension within the mind.  The title says it all.  Too often we are tied up in the future or thinking that something will be better tomorrow.  We need to focus on the present, wholistically as RP brothers and sisters to get the full spectrum of enjoyment from life.  This goes not only for those of us with RP or other visual limitations, who are hung up on a cure but for anyone who is not getting the satisfaction that they deserve from life.

In this episode, The host Alex Sparks, has a conversation with Van Duesterberg who is a PHD graduate from Stanford University.  Van works closely with physicians in the bio-tech industry, more so as it relates to Retinitis Pigmentosa and other related visual diseases/disorders.  Van has also started a company known as patientled.org. Which is dedicated to bridging the gap between clinicians and patients, in order to foster healthier and more empathic relationships and experiences.  Not to mention, Van also is effected by RP, and yet this is another example of how we can defeat this disease and live our lives the way that we want to, accomplishing anything that our sighted peers can.

In this episode, the host, Alex Sparks dives into the influence that your thoughts have on your character.  He talks about several different ways to hack your mindset or belief system in order to get more out of life.  These principles are universal and will benefit all whom decide to adopt them.  Lastly, here is the link to the YouTube video that he mentions while talking about the affirmations:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDUoLr6iVUg

in episode #1 the host, Alex Sparks gives a short summary of what the purpose of this podcast is.  He also dives a little bit into his background and personal story with losing his vision.  A bit raw, the first several episodes are going to be rough around the edges as he learns how to record efficiently, edit and get a feel for this new adventure on his own.  In our eyes, here at The Blind AMerican podcast, we value the small steps towards the end goal, as there is substancial potency found within consistancy and the power of compounding.