The Blind Chick

This episode of The Blind Chick dives into a candid and eye-opening discussion about sex education, intimacy, and navigating the complexities of relationships within the blind and low-vision community. Guest Raquel Perez shares her journey from being a young mother with retinitis pigmentosa to becoming a sex therapist, highlighting the importance of normalizing conversations about sexuality. The episode addresses stigma, the impact of cultural and familial silence around sex, and the unique challenges faced by blind individuals in learning about intimacy.

Key topics include:

The evolution of Raquel’s career and her experiences with vision loss.

Addressing the lack of sex education for blind youth and its consequences.

Strategies for fostering open dialogue about sex and intimacy, starting in childhood.

How societal perceptions shape our understanding of relationships and sexuality for atypical populations.

Content Warning: This episode contains adult content and is not suitable for young listeners.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 – Listener Discretion Advised

00:50 – Introduction to Raquel Perez and Her Journey

02:49 – Navigating Vision Loss and the Spectrum of Blindness

07:30 – Challenges of Shame and Visibility in RP Families

12:10 – Raquel's Path to Becoming a Sex Therapist

16:40 – Sex Education and Advocacy for the Blind Community

21:24 – Shifting Perspectives on Sex and Normalizing Conversations

23:49 – Cultural Silence and Sex in Retirement Communities

This episode of The Blind Chick dives into a candid and eye-opening discussion about sex education, intimacy, and navigating the complexities of relationships within the blind and low-vision community. Guest Raquel Perez shares her journey from being a young mother with retinitis pigmentosa to becoming a sex therapist, highlighting the importance of normalizing conversations about sexuality. The episode addresses stigma, the impact of cultural and familial silence around sex, and the unique challenges faced by blind individuals in learning about intimacy.

Key topics include:

The evolution of Raquel’s career and her experiences with vision loss.

Addressing the lack of sex education for blind youth and its consequences.

Strategies for fostering open dialogue about sex and intimacy, starting in childhood.

How societal perceptions shape our understanding of relationships and sexuality for atypical populations.

Content Warning: This episode contains adult content and is not suitable for young listeners.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 – Listener Discretion Advised

00:50 – Introduction to Raquel Perez and Her Journey

02:49 – Navigating Vision Loss and the Spectrum of Blindness

07:30 – Challenges of Shame and Visibility in RP Families

12:10 – Raquel's Path to Becoming a Sex Therapist

16:40 – Sex Education and Advocacy for the Blind Community

21:24 – Shifting Perspectives on Sex and Normalizing Conversations

23:49 – Cultural Silence and Sex in Retirement Communities

In this heartwarming episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses welcome Denise Leigh for the third and final part of their incredible conversation. Denise, a blind musician, cancer survivor, and mother, shares her inspirational journey through life, career, and motherhood. From discussing her groundbreaking role in Britain's disability arts scene to her appearances on Britain's Got Talent and performances at iconic venues like the London Paralympics, Denise offers insight into her resilience and mindset.

The episode explores the "secret sauce" for success among blind individuals, the importance of visibility in the arts, and the role of advocacy in breaking down barriers. Denise also shares personal stories, such as her son's cheeky reaction to her Operatunity win and her methods for navigating the stage as a blind performer. As the conversation wraps up, Denise emphasizes the critical role of support and belief in helping children with disabilities achieve their dreams.

Listeners are reminded of the value of programs like The Blind Chick and how they can support Aftersight’s mission to empower the blind and low-vision community.

Chapter Markers

00:00.077 – Introduction by Jonathan Price

02:22.402 – Denise Leigh: The Secret Sauce of Thriving Blind

03:47.728 – "I'm a Musician Who Happens to Be Blind"

06:01.424 – From Operatunity to Britain's Got Talent

08:19.464 – Challenges and Triumphs in Mainstream Arts

10:40.137 – Navigating Blindness on Stage

13:07.561 – BGT Audition and Simon Cowell’s Encouragement

15:29.043 – Denise’s Sons React to Her Success

17:46.549 – Reflections on Parenting and Advocacy

19:48.841 – Closing Thoughts and Future Collaborations

24:27.861 – Call to Action: Supporting Aftersight

In this heartwarming episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses welcome Denise Leigh for the third and final part of their incredible conversation. Denise, a blind musician, cancer survivor, and mother, shares her inspirational journey through life, career, and motherhood. From discussing her groundbreaking role in Britain's disability arts scene to her appearances on Britain's Got Talent and performances at iconic venues like the London Paralympics, Denise offers insight into her resilience and mindset.

The episode explores the "secret sauce" for success among blind individuals, the importance of visibility in the arts, and the role of advocacy in breaking down barriers. Denise also shares personal stories, such as her son's cheeky reaction to her Operatunity win and her methods for navigating the stage as a blind performer. As the conversation wraps up, Denise emphasizes the critical role of support and belief in helping children with disabilities achieve their dreams.

Listeners are reminded of the value of programs like The Blind Chick and how they can support Aftersight’s mission to empower the blind and low-vision community.

Chapter Markers

00:00.077 – Introduction by Jonathan Price

02:22.402 – Denise Leigh: The Secret Sauce of Thriving Blind

03:47.728 – "I'm a Musician Who Happens to Be Blind"

06:01.424 – From Operatunity to Britain's Got Talent

08:19.464 – Challenges and Triumphs in Mainstream Arts

10:40.137 – Navigating Blindness on Stage

13:07.561 – BGT Audition and Simon Cowell’s Encouragement

15:29.043 – Denise’s Sons React to Her Success

17:46.549 – Reflections on Parenting and Advocacy

19:48.841 – Closing Thoughts and Future Collaborations

24:27.861 – Call to Action: Supporting Aftersight

Summary:

In part two of this heartfelt three-part series, Denise Leigh shares her journey of living with genetic blindness, parenting children with vision loss, and discovering her remarkable talent for music and opera. Denise recounts the challenges and triumphs of her early life, her musical beginnings, and her path to becoming a classically trained singer—all while navigating the unexpected twists of her family's genetic story. She also reflects on her battle with breast cancer and the enduring support of her best friend, Tess. This episode continues the inspiring conversation hosted by Penn and Moses, highlighting resilience, the power of community, and living life with grace and humor.

Chapter Markers:

00:00: Introduction and thank you for Colorado Gives donations

02:22: Denise's family learns about a rare genetic condition

04:47: Parenting challenges and the power of resilience

07:09: Genetic discoveries and their surprising outcomes

09:34: Denise’s early education and musical beginnings

12:01: Discovering a passion for brass instruments

14:17: Transitioning to opera and finding a lifelong mentor

19:14: Denise’s breast cancer journey and her enduring strength

23:59: The bond with Tess through shared struggles

26:18: Closing reflections and gratitude

Contact Information:

? Phone: (720) 712-8856

? Email: [email protected]

? Website: Aftersight.org

Summary:

In part two of this heartfelt three-part series, Denise Leigh shares her journey of living with genetic blindness, parenting children with vision loss, and discovering her remarkable talent for music and opera. Denise recounts the challenges and triumphs of her early life, her musical beginnings, and her path to becoming a classically trained singer—all while navigating the unexpected twists of her family's genetic story. She also reflects on her battle with breast cancer and the enduring support of her best friend, Tess. This episode continues the inspiring conversation hosted by Penn and Moses, highlighting resilience, the power of community, and living life with grace and humor.

Chapter Markers:

00:00: Introduction and thank you for Colorado Gives donations

02:22: Denise's family learns about a rare genetic condition

04:47: Parenting challenges and the power of resilience

07:09: Genetic discoveries and their surprising outcomes

09:34: Denise’s early education and musical beginnings

12:01: Discovering a passion for brass instruments

14:17: Transitioning to opera and finding a lifelong mentor

19:14: Denise’s breast cancer journey and her enduring strength

23:59: The bond with Tess through shared struggles

26:18: Closing reflections and gratitude

Contact Information:

? Phone: (720) 712-8856

? Email: [email protected]

? Website: Aftersight.org

In this episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn Street and Moses Street kick off an inspiring three-part series with Denise Leigh. Denise shares her extraordinary journey of living with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), raising four children, and navigating life as a blind parent. From her early years in a challenging residential school system to raising her youngest son with RP, Denise's story is filled with resilience, humor, and deep love for her family.

This episode explores the joys and challenges of parenting while blind, the importance of community, and the emotional toll of passing on RP. Don’t miss the beginning of this incredible story.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 - Introduction: Welcome to The Blind Chick!

02:26 - Thanksgiving in 1920s Style

04:42 - Meet Denise Leigh: Her Village and Early Life

06:57 - Early School Years: A Tough Start

11:44 - Parenting Challenges as a Blind Mother

16:15 - Raising Four Kids: The Village Approach

20:50 - Discovering RP in Her Youngest Child

25:37 - The Emotional Toll of Passing on RP

27:55 - Closing and Colorado Gives Day Reminder

Contact Aftersight:

www.aftersight.org

(720) 712-8856

In this episode of The Blind Chick, hosts Penn Street and Moses Street kick off an inspiring three-part series with Denise Leigh. Denise shares her extraordinary journey of living with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), raising four children, and navigating life as a blind parent. From her early years in a challenging residential school system to raising her youngest son with RP, Denise's story is filled with resilience, humor, and deep love for her family.

This episode explores the joys and challenges of parenting while blind, the importance of community, and the emotional toll of passing on RP. Don’t miss the beginning of this incredible story.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 - Introduction: Welcome to The Blind Chick!

02:26 - Thanksgiving in 1920s Style

04:42 - Meet Denise Leigh: Her Village and Early Life

06:57 - Early School Years: A Tough Start

11:44 - Parenting Challenges as a Blind Mother

16:15 - Raising Four Kids: The Village Approach

20:50 - Discovering RP in Her Youngest Child

25:37 - The Emotional Toll of Passing on RP

27:55 - Closing and Colorado Gives Day Reminder

Contact Aftersight:

www.aftersight.org

(720) 712-8856

In this inspiring episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses Street interview Wendy Fagan, the director of Envision Blind Sports. Together, they explore how Envision Blind Sports empowers individuals of all ages through adaptive sports, promoting independence, confidence, and joy.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 - Introduction

00:28 - The Philosophy of Envision Blind Sports

02:51 - Adaptive Sports Techniques

07:37 - The Bigger Picture of Sports

10:03 - Outreach and Accessibility

14:43 - Funding and Volunteer Support

19:21 - Participant Costs and Accessibility

24:00 - Future Plans: Blind Adult Camp

26:14 - Closing Remarks

Contact Information:

Envision Blind Sports

Website: www.EnvisionBlindSports.org

Facebook & Instagram: Envision Blind Sports

LinkedIn: Envision Blind Sports

Volunteer, donate, or learn more through their website's contact form.

Aftersight

Website: www.AfterSight.org

Phone: (720) 712-8856

Email: [email protected]

Colorado Gives Day

Support transformative programs like Envision Blind Sports and Aftersight by donating on December 10th. Your contributions help create life-changing opportunities for individuals with low vision or blindness.

Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on The Blind Chick!

In this inspiring episode of The Blind Chick, Penn and Moses Street interview Wendy Fagan, the director of Envision Blind Sports. Together, they explore how Envision Blind Sports empowers individuals of all ages through adaptive sports, promoting independence, confidence, and joy.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 - Introduction

00:28 - The Philosophy of Envision Blind Sports

02:51 - Adaptive Sports Techniques

07:37 - The Bigger Picture of Sports

10:03 - Outreach and Accessibility

14:43 - Funding and Volunteer Support

19:21 - Participant Costs and Accessibility

24:00 - Future Plans: Blind Adult Camp

26:14 - Closing Remarks

Contact Information:

Envision Blind Sports

Website: www.EnvisionBlindSports.org

Facebook & Instagram: Envision Blind Sports

LinkedIn: Envision Blind Sports

Volunteer, donate, or learn more through their website's contact form.

Aftersight

Website: www.AfterSight.org

Phone: (720) 712-8856

Email: [email protected]

Colorado Gives Day

Support transformative programs like Envision Blind Sports and Aftersight by donating on December 10th. Your contributions help create life-changing opportunities for individuals with low vision or blindness.

Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more inspiring stories on The Blind Chick!