Penn and Moses welcome filmmaker, author, and policy expert Day Al-Mohamed. She shares her blindness story, trauma and recovery, and a practical view of advocacy from campus to Congress to the White House. The conversation covers ADA pressures, why state-level action matters, AI bias and disability, fencing as a confidence lab, and the power of authentic media (“Renegades” on PBS). Day closes with steady counsel for hard seasons: it will be okay—because we plan, support each other, and figure it out.

Contact Info

Guest — Day Al-Mohamed

Website: dayalmohamed.com

Books/Film: The Labyrinth Archivist; Renegades (PBS)

Aftersight

Web: aftersight.org

Phone: (720) 712-8856

Email: [email protected]

Producer

Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight — [email protected]

Show Credits

Hosts: Penn Street, Moses Street

Guest: Day Al-Mohamed — filmmaker, author, disability policy leader

Producer: Jonathan Price

An Aftersight Original

Chapter Markers

00:00 — Cold open + show intro

00:28 — Cabin banter and Halloween setup

02:49 — Guest intro: policy, filmmaking, and advocacy

05:10 — Blindness origin and the “first question” problem

09:00 — Trauma, community, and rebuilding life

11:27 — From social work to law: rules that actually work

13:51 — Fencing and refusing limits

18:20 — First steps in policy and data-driven advocacy

20:43 — Statehouse internship to Capitol Hill

24:37 — ADA, regs, and where erosion happens

26:58 — What to do now: act local, build state protections

31:43 — How real constituents move votes

36:20 — AI bias, oversight, and disability truth

41:01 — Why stories change policy: books and film

45:46 — “Renegades” and disability history without inspiration porn

50:19 — What’s next: season two hopes and the blind detective

52:44 — The White House guide dog story

55:08 — What I’d whisper then, what I’d shout now

57:18 — Where to find Day + closing and Aftersight CTA

In this heartfelt and often humorous episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn and Moses Street open up about one of the most defining moments of their lives — Penn’s decision to get sober on October 9, 1987, and how that choice led to their lifelong partnership. The pair recounts the story of how a photography session meant to help teenage girls find confidence ended up transforming Penn’s life, sparking her sobriety journey and ultimately bringing the two together.

From addiction and recovery to photography, love, and laughter, this episode dives deep into what it means to rebuild your life from the ground up. Penn and Moses share the struggles, the therapy, the humor, and the enduring gratitude that have carried them through 38 years of marriage, recovery, and shared purpose.

It’s a story of second chances, unconditional love, and the courage to see yourself — and others — through a new lens.

Contact Info

Guests / Hosts:

Penn & Moses Street — Hosts, The Blind Chick Podcast

Organization:

Aftersight — Empowering the blind and low-vision community through accessible audio content.

📧 [email protected]

🌐 aftersight.org

📞 (720) 712-8856

Producer:

Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer — Aftersight

Show Credits

Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street

Producer: Jonathan Price

Editing & Mixing: Jonathan Price

Presented by: Aftersight — Where Blindness Meets Insight

Chapter Markers

00:00 — Opening and Technical Glitches

02:20 — Why October 9th Matters

04:42 — The Photography Project That Changed Everything

09:24 — Penn’s Struggle with Self-Image

16:33 — A Baby, a Realization, and Sobriety

21:21 — From Pain to Purpose

26:06 — Falling in Love with Two Little Girls

30:48 — Rehab and Redemption

35:02 — Marriage, Therapy, and Healing

39:29 — Gratitude, Growth, and The Blind Chick Legacy

41:50 — Turning Your Partner Into a Muse

In part two of our conversation with adventurer and founder of Blind Pilots, Scott Garrison, we dive deeper into his remarkable journeys across the globe. Scott shares his upcoming expeditions in Costa Rica, Uganda, and Tanzania, and reflects on the unique sensory experiences of trekking volcanoes and rainforests as a blind traveler. He, Penn and Moses discuss the challenges of navigating trails like the Inca Trail, the importance of trustworthy guides, and the freedom of having independent experiences alongside loved ones. Scott also recounts his intense Kilimanjaro summit attempt, where trust, teamwork, and survival came together in unforgettable ways. This episode is about resilience, trust, and the power of shared adventure in the blind travel community.

Contact Info

Guest: Scott Garrison — Founder of Blind Pilots

Website: blindpilots.org

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Scott Garrison (personal) + Blind Pilots page

Aftersight

Website: aftersight.org

Phone: (720) 712-8856

Email: [email protected]

Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer at Aftersight

Show Credits

Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street

Guest: Scott Garrison

Producer: Jonathan Price

An Aftersight Original Podcast

Chapter Markers

00:00 — Intro and recap with Scott

02:00 — Upcoming treks: Costa Rica, Uganda, and Tanzania

04:30 — Independence in travel as a blind couple

06:40 — Volcano hikes and sensory experiences

09:00 — The Inca Trail challenge and dangers

13:40 — Fitness requirements for adventure trips

16:10 — Discovering Aftersight and the Audio Trekkers hike

18:30 — Hiking with blind and low-vision groups

20:50 — Trust and safety in adventure travel

23:00 — Kilimanjaro climb and emergency evacuation

25:30 — How to connect with Blind Pilots

27:50 — Shoutout to Awarewolf Gear and Blind Travel Summit

29:00 — Closing thanks and Aftersight donation reminder

In this episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn and Moses welcome Scott Garrison, a world traveler and founder of Blind Pilots, who joined Aftersight’s Audio Trekkers Hike all the way from Guatemala. Scott shares his journey from being diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at 19 to becoming an adventurer who refuses to let blindness limit his independence.

Scott recalls early hints of vision loss, his time as a 15-year-old exchange student in Australia, and his years of living abroad in Prague. He describes the challenges of returning years later with less vision, including resisting the white cane until a friend’s tough love changed his perspective.

The conversation turns to the creation of Blind Pilots—a program designed to make international travel accessible and empowering for blind and low-vision individuals. Scott explains how the program blends cultural immersion, local history, tactile activities, and well-trained sighted guides, all to ensure efficiency, independence, and memorable experiences. From luxury picnics on lava fields to adaptive skiing in Colorado, Blind Pilots aims to transform the way blind travelers explore the world.

This episode is equal parts adventurous, raw, and practical, showing how resilience, creativity, and community can turn vision loss into a gateway for new horizons.

Contact Info

Guest: Scott Garrison — Blind Pilots

Website: blindpilots.org

Aftersight: [email protected]

| (720) 712-8856 | aftersight.org

Producer: Jonathan Price, Aftersight

Show Credits

Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street

Guest: Scott Garrison

Produced by Jonathan Price for Aftersight

Chapter Markers

00:00 — Intro and welcome back

00:27 — Audio Trekkers Hike recap

02:43 — Scott’s diagnosis with RP

05:05 — Early signs and struggles in sports

06:24 — Travel bug ignited in Australia

08:47 — Life and independence in Prague

11:00 — Camino de Santiago and challenges with independence

13:19 — The cane debate and acceptance

17:21 — Adventures, mishaps, and humor

19:51 — The birth of Blind Pilots

22:08 — Designing accessible cultural adventures

24:31 — Integrating history, food, and tactile experiences

26:47 — Training guides and preparing safe trips

29:11 — Looking ahead with Blind Pilots

Penn and Moses welcome David Redmond from Vision Ireland for a wide-ranging, honest conversation about accessibility in everyday life—from airports and public transit to the awkward magic of speed dating. David shares how he navigates disclosure on dating apps, why voice and character matter more than looks, and how Ireland’s implementation of the European Accessibility Act is already nudging banks, apps, and services toward better design. The trio contrasts EU momentum with current U.S. headwinds around the ADA, then zooms out: universal design lifts everyone, and today’s tech (including AI) is expanding what’s possible for blind and low-vision folks—yes, even flying and autonomous vehicles. Quick updates include Aftersight’s Code Orange launch and details for the Sept 13 Boulder hike.

Contact Info

Guest — David Redmond / Vision Ireland: vi.ie • Podcast: Talking Technology with VI

Aftersight: [email protected]

• (720) 712-8856 • aftersight.org

Producer: Jonathan Price

Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street

Show Credits

A production of Aftersight.

Host: Penn Street • Co-Host: Moses Street

Guest: David Redmond (Vision Ireland)

Producer: Jonathan Price

Chapter Markers

00:00 — Show open & welcome

00:35 — Producer update: Code Orange + Sept 13 hike

02:22 — Travel abroad: airports, transit, and accessibility

04:41 — Dating apps: to disclose or not?

06:58 — Speed dating made accessible

09:25 — When disclosure lands… or doesn’t

11:47 — First impressions, voices, and character

14:07 — What makes a voice attractive

16:31 — Ireland’s European Accessibility Act goes live

18:52 — U.S. ADA worries and cultural whiplash

21:12 — Global ripple effects & corporate compliance

23:21 — “Blind people can do anything” — new frontiers

25:40 — Public-service mindset: why shows like this matter

28:01 — CTAs: hike details, how to connect with Aftersight

In this episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn and Moses Street welcome special guest David Redmond from Vision Ireland. David shares his personal story growing up with congenital glaucoma and other vision conditions in Cork, Ireland, and how his journey led him into the world of accessible technology and media. He opens up about the challenges of vision loss, the role of assistive technology like JAWS, ZoomText, and VoiceOver, and how his career path shifted from mainstream radio to producing podcasts and tech content for Vision Ireland.

The conversation explores similarities and differences between Ireland and the United States when it comes to employment challenges, accessibility, and available resources for blind and low-vision individuals. David also highlights the mission of Vision Ireland as a one-stop shop for support, advocacy, and technology training, while sharing his own perspective on building community and friendships within the blind community.

Listeners are reminded about Aftersight’s upcoming Accessible Hike in Boulder, Colorado on September 13th, and encouraged to register for a day of inclusion, support, and adventure in the mountains.

Contact Info

Guest: David Redmond, Vision Ireland

Website: https://www.visionireland.ie

Aftersight

Phone: (720) 712-8856

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://aftersight.org

Producer: Jonathan Price, Aftersight

Show Credits

Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street

Guest: David Redmond (Vision Ireland)

Producer: Jonathan Price, Aftersight

Chapter Markers

00:00 — Intro & banter with Penn, Moses, and Jonathan

02:01 — Aftersight Accessible Hike announcement (Sept. 13)

03:00 — Meet David Redmond: growing up in Cork, Ireland

04:15 — Navigating school with glaucoma and assistive tech

06:36 — Facing fears and preparing for possible vision loss

08:53 — Everyday independence vs. acting “more blind” in new settings

10:20 — From media studies to Vision Ireland

13:19 — Talking Technology: podcasts, newsletters, and advocacy

15:43 — Employment struggles and accessibility barriers

18:04 — Vision Ireland’s “one stop shop” of services

20:23 — Building friendships through camps and blind community events

22:42 — Differences between U.S. and Ireland’s blindness services

25:01 — Rebranding from NCBI to Vision Ireland

27:16 — Outro & preview of Part 2 with David Redmond

In this third and final part of Shawn Cheshire’s powerful conversation, she takes us deeper into her story of resilience, adventure, and relentless courage. From navigating hostile ignorance at a hotel to recounting her harrowing cross-country bike ride along the Continental Divide, Shawn shares how she transforms personal grief into legacy-building triumphs. She speaks candidly about shattering misconceptions of blindness, training for the Wonderland Trail, and her mission to expand possibilities for the blind and low-vision community. With raw honesty, humor, and fire, Shawn makes it clear—blindness isn’t a limitation, it’s a superpower.

Contact Info

Shawn Cheshire / Choosing to See Foundation: choosingtosee.org

Film Website: blindasfuck.com

Aftersight: [email protected]

| (720) 712-8856 | aftersight.org

Producer: Jonathan Price

Show Credits

Host: Penn & Moses Street

Guest: Shawn Cheshire

Producer: Jonathan Price

An Aftersight Original Podcast

Chapter Markers

00:00 – Intro & Content Warning

01:20 – Hotel confrontation & misconceptions of blindness

04:25 – Jonathan shares his biking trauma

06:49 – What kept Shawn on the bike through falls and setbacks

09:13 – Blindness as a superpower

11:34 – Film festivals & Sedona Dave connection

13:54 – Impact screenings & conversational advocacy

16:16 – Crossing the Grand Canyon solo

20:51 – Tour Divide: Canada to Mexico ride

23:09 – Lessons with guides & being called a pioneer

25:30 – Staying out of the black hole of grief

27:34 – Aftersight Hike reminder & closing

In part two of this powerful conversation, Penn and Moses continue their interview with Shawn Cheshire. Shawn opens up about the devastating year that changed her life: a traumatic brain injury, sudden vision loss, and the painful custody battle that separated her from her child. She shares how therapy became a lifeline, the moment of brutal honesty she had with herself in a shower, and the resilience that carried her into adaptive sports and eventually the Paralympics.

The discussion digs into stigma—both from the general public and within disability communities—and the surprising challenges Shawn faced as an elite blind athlete. With raw honesty and unfiltered courage, Shawn reflects on the choices that shaped her journey, the discipline forged through trauma, and the deep healing that comes from therapy and community.

This is a conversation about pain, perseverance, and transformation. Shawn’s story reminds us that identity isn’t something we inherit—it’s something we choose and fight for.

Contact Info

Aftersight: aftersight.org

| [email protected]

| (720) 712-8856

Show Credits

Hosts: Penn & Moses Street

Guest: Shawn Cheshire

Producer: Jonathan Price

An Aftersight Original Podcast

Chapter Markers

00:00 — Intro & Hike Reminder

02:20 — Injury, Vision Loss & Custody Battle

04:44 — Returning to Work & Identity as a Paramedic

07:09 — Therapy, Night Terrors & Trauma

09:24 — The Shower Aha Moment

11:42 — Choices, Consequences & Growth

14:03 — Therapy as Practice, Not Stigma

16:25 — Trauma Defined & No Comparisons

18:46 — Discovering Cycling & Training Resilience

21:14 — Stigma & Bias in the Paralympics

23:34 — Accusations of “Not Really Blind”

25:26 — Embracing Identity & Handling Judgment

27:00 — Wrap-Up & Teaser for Part 3

In Part 1 of our bold and moving conversation with Shawn Cheshire, Penn and Moses explore her remarkable journey from a difficult childhood in South Texas to breaking barriers as one of the first women in her Army specialty, and later serving as an EMT and paramedic. Shawn shares with raw honesty about growing up without love or nurture, surviving abuse, and how the voice of her grandmother’s encouragement shaped her resilience. She recounts her military service as a helicopter armament systems mechanic, the challenges of proving herself in a male-dominated field, and her transition into emergency medical services. The episode builds toward the life-changing on-the-job brain injury that left her blind, as Shawn reflects on the events, traumas, and triumphs that shaped her into the unstoppable athlete and advocate she is today. This is a gripping start to a story you will not forget.

Contact Info

Guest: Shawn Cheshire — https://www.shawncheshire.org/

Aftersight: [email protected] | (720) 712-8856 | aftersight.org/podcast

Producer: Jonathan Price: [email protected]

Show Credits

Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street

Producer: Jonathan Price

Executive Producer: Aftersight

Recorded for: The Blind Chick — An Aftersight Original Podcast

Chapter Markers

00:00 — Introduction & Content Warning

02:14 — Why "Blind AF" and the Power of Shawn’s Story

03:15 — Childhood in South Texas & Early Trauma

06:40 — Joining the Army at 17 to Escape

08:20 — Breaking Barriers as a Female Helicopter Armament Mechanic

11:23 — Injuries, Discharge, and Moving Forward

13:47 — Surviving Abuse & Planning an Escape

16:10 — The Grandmother’s Voice That Saved Her

18:32 — EMT Training and Leaving in the Middle of the Night

20:49 — Life as a Paramedic & Finding Purpose

22:53 — The Accident That Changed Everything

25:19 — Diagnosis, Vision Loss, and the Long Road of Recovery

27:15 — Closing & Preview of Part 2

Penn and Moses sit down with Spirit Club founder Jared Ciner to unpack a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to fitness for the blind and low-vision community. Jared shares Michael’s step-by-step journey from “not for me” to thriving in group classes—proof that small wins compound. They discuss functional movement you can do anywhere (no fancy gear required), how partnerships with agencies like Aftersight expand access, and Spirit Club’s new Denver hub launching in-person programs by September. Jared also previews an NIH-supported expansion for brain-injury-friendly content and encourages “exercise snacks”—quick bursts that boost mood and momentum. Listeners get a discount with promo code AFTERSIGHT at checkout. Plus: details on Aftersight’s fully accessible Audio Trekkers Hike on September 13 in Boulder.

Contact Info

Spirit Club

Website: spiritclub.com (virtual & in-person programs; certification coming soon)

Promo code: AFTERSIGHT (discount at checkout)

Aftersight

Website: aftersight.org/hike (Audio Trekkers Hike info) • aftersight.org

General inquiries / guests: [email protected] • (720) 712-8856

Show Credits

Hosts: Penn Street & Moses Street

Producer: Jonathan Price

Chapter Markers

00:00 — Cold open, Part 2 setup, Spirit Club promo + hike tease

02:21 — Michael’s story: from “nope” to group classes and front-desk greeter

04:44 — Trauma-informed, strengths-based coaching vs. drill-sergeant fitness

07:08 — Adaptive equipment? Start with bodyweight and real-life movements

09:30 — Breaking down “get up from the floor” into four learnable steps

11:56 — Garden squats, standing desks, and building everyday endurance

14:19 — Partnering with agencies; how orgs stream Spirit Club to members

16:41 — Advocacy: Spirit Club Foundation, funding access, pro certification

19:03 — Join the movement; Denver hub launches in-person by September

21:27 — “Everybody can move”: mood, support, and 100% progress stories

23:51 — Penn’s dance class win; connecting mental and physical health

26:12 — “Exercise snacks”: five-minute bursts that change your day

28:34 — Call-to-action: try Spirit Club, use AFTERSIGHT, and join the Sept 13 hike in Boulder