The What's Your Excuse? Show

Hello again, I hope you have all had a good weekend. I'm here to get your week off to a great start with the latest episode of What's Your Excuse?

This time my guest is the awesome Jeff Smith.

He is known as the KPI Guy, and I must confess that when we first met I wasn't sure he was a great fit for the show.

Wow, am I glad that I exchanged emails with him and got to know him before deciding.

He is one of those millions of kids who struggled in school because it wasn't his focus in life.

He played, practiced, and performed music. Which lead to a long-time successful career as a musician.

When he tired of that world, he went into sales. Working his way up from sales person to owner of ten dealerships.

While trying to solve the problem of how to find effective managers for the various locations, he discovered that all successful people implement eleven different techniques.

He combined these into a formula that has worked for him.

This guy who failed at math not only wrote the number one best selling book on KPI, key performance indicators, he has written seven of them.

We had a lively wide-ranging conversation, and I can honestly admit that at least once I lost complete control of the interview.

But I loved it. Our exchanges are some of the best I have ever had on either side of the mic.

As I often do I used my interview as an opportunity to pick Jeff's brain about things I could do to make myself more successful.

This lead to a great conversation about goals setting. And why my later books haven't been as successful as my first one was.

We then talked about podcasting in general and my show specifically.

This was all part of his way of explaining the three most important elements when deciding on a career or any other investment in time.

I'm not going to spoil it for you, but let's say that my work helping people be great podcast guests and booking them on podcasts is something I do that fits his criteria.

If you want to talk with me about helping you get more exposure for your passion, then please schedule a time.

I should mention that he kept saying I was right. Apparently, I unwittingly apply KPI in my life and have been doing so for years.

Things You Need to Know

One, this podcast is not edited.

I use what I call the recorded live approach similar to what they did in the early days of Television.

Two, I always sing on the podcast.

People have told me they love it. So, I keep doing it.

Now ON To The Show

About Jeff

Jeff is affectionately known as “The KPI Guy” because he’s written 7 international #1 best-selling books on KPI and Business Management and is on record as the most successful author in history on the subject .

Throughout his career, he’s worked with, and is trusted by Royal families, Governments of different countries and Senior Executives in the largest companies in the world.

Jeff is particularly admired in the international business arena because he has the amazing ability to explain complex business strategies into jargon-busting plain English that everyone understands; even where English is not the first language. 

His plain speaking, no nonsense approach allows him to excel with groups of people with mixed abilities and varying levels of experience.

He engages the audience extremely quickly because there’s no blue-sky thinking in any of his presentations, he get’s straight to the point with high-value, totally relevant and outstanding practical solutions that work in the real world.

He loves getting people to think differently, he introduces new paradigms to simulate questions and challenges the rules of conventional wisdom.

He’s often voted as “best speaker” because he’s the master of audience engagement and his speaking style is always “Fun with a Serious Intent”.

Jeff’s world-wide reputation is such that delegates will often attend training courses and conferences just because he’s speaking at the event and this is because he’s well-known for providing the ultimate high-value content where you will always take something away to implement into your business. 

Connect With Jeff

Website: www.Jeff-Smith.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeffsmithkpi

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-smith-kpi

Twitter: www.twitter.com/kpi_book

Books: www.jeff-smith.com/bookstore

Please Visit My Sponsors

I have to thank the wonderful people at blubrry.com for their continued financial and technical support.

Not only do they sponsor my show, but they also support Shredding For Gold, and the WYE Network.

If you are thinking of starting a podcast, or if you are unhappy with your current hosting provider; then you could do no better than the folks at blubrry.com

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While these companies aren't actually sponsoring the podcast, any sales made will benefit me and the show.

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I have been using their products for over a year. I especially love their gummies and their topical creams.

I had a great time speaking with Jeff. We laughed a lot, and I think I learned a lot about myself.

I hope that when you listen to this you put yourself in my place. I hope you think about the advice Jeff gave me and try to apply it in your own situation.

Sharing Is Caring

I truly appreciate every person who has given generously of their time to share their knowledge and experience with us.

The best way we can thank them is to share their interview and to refer people to their links.

And I'm sure Jeff would love it if you left a five star rating or glowing review on my podcast.

I look forward to hearing your answer to the question Jeff posed to me near the end of the show.

If you don't already do something that you love doing, that you are great at, and that you get paid for; what ideas did this give you for changing your situation?

I really appreciate your support. Whenever I think about quitting, I always think about you my friend.

And that keeps me going. That allows me to forgive myself when I come up short and helps me dedicate myself to doing better tomorrow.

Until then take care out there, Max

Hello again,

I hope you are having a good week so far.

On this week's episode of What's Your Excuse? I'm happy to be speaking with Gary Foster.

He is the outreach advocate for Esight.

It feels like Gary's life is like a song in three movements.

He grew up an active outdoorsman who loved being in nature. He was totally healthy, and was active in his community.

Then, he experienced vision loss. And for a while he was a bit lost.

He talks about not feeling like himself.

And then he discovered the Esight device and regained a lot of his functional vision.

This allowed him to be more involved in home and enjoy his kids and grandkids so much more.

It allowed him to get back to his previous vigorous outdoor lifestyle. Including returning to wood working.

He can use all his power tools including his chain saws again. But he said Esight only allows him to do this because he did it before.

I'm impressed with how he has handled all the changes in his life.

And his wife is an amazing woman who forced him to actually purchase a unit. so he could enjoy the improved vision.

I think I should mention here that everyone is different.

Some people, who become disabled, find a way to live a fulfilling life in spite of their disability.

Others, because of their previous lifestyles, have a hard time adjusting to a disability.

And others spend all their time seeking out that next medical treatment or piece of technology.

We all have to run our own race.

I think we can learn a lot from Gary because even with the device he still had to have the courage to try.

There are some great stories in this episode. And I know you will be entertained.

Two Things To Know.

One, I do not edit this podcast.

The style is called recorded live.

Two, I sing on the intro.

Most enjoy my singing, and it gets me in the right mindset to record.

Now On To The Show

Please Visit My Sponsor

Blubrry.com

is the podcast hosting sponsor for this show, Shredding For Gold, and for The WYE Podcast Network.

We couldn't continue doing this without their generous financial and technical support.

If you are thinking of starting a podcast, or if you are thinking of switching your hosting company; then you can't do any better than Blubrry.

About Gary

This is where I would usually include Gary's bio.

And I still hope to add his formal bio.

But he so strongly believes in the Esight device and the company that makes it that he asked me to include their website and social media links.

Website: www.esighteyewear.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/eSighteyewear/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/esighteyewear

Instagram: www.instagram.com/esight_eyewear/

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/company/esighteyewear/

Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC1uC33dCbnolhUWVRieYipQ

A Product You May Enjoy

These extra soft headphones were designed to help people sleep, but they are awesome for anyone who spends long periods of time listening to their devices.

I've been using mine for over two years now. So, they will definitely stand up to rough use.

Sharing Is Caring

I really appreciate Gary sharing his story with us.

He invested his time, and he opened himself up to us.

So, please help me thank him by sharing the post and encouraging your friends to visit their website.

It sounds like the Esight device can help a lot of people.

And I can tell Gary is dedicated to sharing it's life changing effects with as many people as possible.

Please know just how precious you are to me. You keep me going especially on those days when ice gets hard.

Take care out there, Max

Hello again, I hope your week is going well so far.

This time on What's Your Excuse? I'm honored to be speaking with The host of The Lowe Down Kevin Lowe.

This interview happened as a result of my reaching out to be a guest on his podcast.

I will share that wonderful interview with you in the very near future.

If you want to know how I get on so many podcasts, or if you want to hire me to get you booked; then please schedule a call via my scheduling link.

Kevin lost his vision suddenly after having surgery to remove a brain tumor.

He talks about how he was able to recover from this over time and even thrive through the help of his family and his faith.

He shares about how mistakes, disasters, and failures are all part of our becoming the person we were meant to become.

And he firmly believes that we are all stronger and more capable than we believe we are.

We had a great conversation about the misconceptions about the visually impaired common among sighted people.

I know you are going to enjoy hearing from Kevin and learn a lot because I was reinvigorated myself listening to our conversation in preparation for writing this post.

Things You Should Know

One, this podcast is unedited. I refer to it as recorded live.

Two, I sing on the intro. It helps me get started, and my regular followers love it.

Now On To The Show

Please Visit My Sponsor

I couldn't continue to operate the podcast, the WYE Network, or the shows on it without the continued financial and technical support from the fine people at blubrry.com

If you are thinking of starting a new podcast, or if you are unhappy with your current hosting provide; you can do no better than Blubrry.

And while they are not a sponsor I have personally benefitted from the CBD products sold by crystalcreekorganics.com

If you use these products, or if you would just like more information; I hope you will use my affiliate link.

About Kevin

He believes everything in this life happens for a reason, and a good reason at that. And this is true, even after losing his ability to see.

Fueled by a strong desire to ignite a sense of hope and optimism into the world, Kevin sets out to inspire others to not give up on life, even when it seems like life has given up on them.

Ever since waking to find a world gone dark, Kevin has been inspiring and encouraging people of all walks of life by sharing his own story of rediscovering light, even in the midst of the dark.

At just 17 years old Kevin was left completely blind.

Today, Kevin continues to spread this same sense of inspiration and encouragement as both a Life Coach and host of his own podcast, The Lowe Down with Kevin Lowe.

Kevin has come to realize that if he can help even just one person by sharing his own life's experience with, then perhaps all that he has been through will have been worth it.

Connect With Kevin

Website: www.TheLoweDownWithKevinLowe.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelowedownwithkevinlowe

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/thelowedownwithkevinlowe

Twitter: www.twitter.com/lowedownmedia

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelowedownwithkevinlowe

Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCmVLrzBFWyl5ZsPaLEyzqkQ

This is one of my more favorite conversations.

Me and Kevin laughed a lot, and he retaught me some important lessons.

I know you will learn a lot about how we both manage to live successful fulfilled lives in different ways.

And hopefully together we have helped you start to find your own unique way.

Please do share this post or the links with your friends, family, and coworkers.

It's the best way I know to thank Kevin and all my guests for giving of their time and energies.

And a 5 star rating or review on my podcast wouldn't hurt either.

I look forward to hearing your comments on this truly great conversation.

Until next time take care out there, Max

Hello again; I hope you are in good spirits today.

On this episode of ">What's Your Excuse I'm lucky to be speaking with Angus Baskerville

Angus had no trouble reaching out to me via linked in about coming on my show.

With me being the if you don't ask guy, I had to respect him for that.

But if you want some help putting yourself out there, I hope you will consider hiring me to be your online media publicist.

Schedule an exploratory call at https://calendly.com/justask

Topics We Covered

We talked about how his life was in South Africa before moving back to the UK and being correctly diagnosed.

He spoke about problems with loud noises, tactile defensiveness, and isolationism.

He shared about how in those days it was his love of and access to horses that kept him going.

He talked about how things improved after moving back to the UK and being properly diagnosed.

He told me about his introduction to magic and how learning to perfect tricks and spending time performing have helped him so much.

He talked about how he can focus more easily, he has much more self-confidence, and he handles interacting with people so much better.

He performs many familiar tricks with ropes, coins, cards, and Rubik's cubes.

He also does some things that would be considered mentalism. Which concerned me a little until he explained that it was done by a combination of hypnotism and his heightened intuitive nature.

I asked him about the process of booking venues and promoting events. Figuring that this would be hard for someone with autism.

I was surprised to find that he didn't depend on an agent or publicist for this work.

In fact he does what I have told y'all to do very often.

He builds relationships with venue owners or managers and then leverages those relationships when he feels it is time to make the ask.

I think you are going to learn a lot from my talk with Angus.

Before You Listen

A friend suggested I mention that this podcast is recorded live.

I do not edit it unless there is a major technical malfunction.

I was also told to let y'all know that I sing on the intro.

Now On To The Show

Support My Sponsor

I couldn't continue to deliver you these conversations without the technical and financial help I receive from my sponsor at blubrry.com

If you are thinking of starting a podcast, or if you are unhappy with your current hosting provider; then please check them out.

About Angus

I am a professional magician and

motivational speaker where I combine magic with my journey overcoming Aspergers and ADHD.

I am passionate about sharing my story, from the heart, to help make the world a better place for those who are differently abled, so that they can access the right support in school and in the work place, to reach their potential (which is everyone’s birth right, wherever they may fall on the spectrum - because we are ALL on it somewhere.

This spectrum is not linear, but a richly layered tapestry of different gifts, abilities and strengths, peppered with challenges that we all have in different areas, to varying degrees.

However, some of us are more able to hide our weaknesses or navigate around them more easily.

I advocate at various autism parent training workshops and am involved with “Act for Autism” (a social enterprise running Connections workshops for parents and professionals and drama groups for young people on the autistic spectrum).

Connect With Angus

Website: www.angusbaskerville.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AngustBaskervilleMagic

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/angus-baskerville-64b603161

Twitter: www.twitter.com/angusbaskervil1

I want to thank Angus and all the other amazing people who have sat down with me over the years.

And I want to apologize to many of them who I have so far failed to release their conversations out into the world yet.

I hope you all know just how much I appreciate you, your time, your stories, and what I learned from you during our time together.

I do hope you will visit Angus' website and learn more about him. And if possible hire him or refer him to someone who will.

I feel like the best way we can thank him is to see as many people as possible hear what he has to say.

As I often say people can't be inspired by you if they never hear you.

Please rate, review, like, and share our conversation via your favorite podcast player.

Thanks again for your time and support.

Please take care out there, Max

Hello again; I hope you have had a good week so far.

This week on What's Your Excuse? I'm blessed to be able to speak with Charlene Norman.

She shared about how she recovered from streptococcal meningitis that caused two seizures, two strokes, and left her in a coma for a week.

Prior to this event in 2015 she was a very successful international business woman at the highest levels of the corporate world.

She shared about how being thankful for being better off than many of the others in the same hospital allowed her to keep a positive attitude.

She talked about how deciding to make those other people feel better gave her a sense of purpose and made her feel better about herself.

She talked about how technology has changed but people haven't. And I was happy to hear that she agrees with me that for the most part people are generally good at heart.

My favorite was when she talked about exchanging services so that you can do more of what you love and less of what you don't enjoy.

And she followed that up by talking about how we can compete more effectively when we combine services.

I found her very open, honest, and authentic. And she has been very generous with suggestions for my business since recording this conversation.

I just know you are going to learn a lot from her.

Now On To The Show

Please Visit My Sponsors

I'm so thankful to blubrry.com for their support of my podcast, and the What's Your Excuse? Network.

I couldn't do this without their financial and technical support. So, if you are thinking of starting a podcast, I hope you will check them out.

While they aren't an official sponsor, I have benefitted personally from the CBD sold by crystalcreekorganics.com

About Charlene

Charlene is the Chief Empathy Officer and Truth Teller with a dexterity of the ultimate trifecta: change, business success and personal transformation.

She uses her 360-degree view of business, adds in decades of leading companies through ever-changing dynamics, and harnesses her ability to make people and processes more effective.

Then, by wrapping those power skills with a deep understanding of engaging the power of the human brain, she is steadfast in guiding business owners committed to their hopes and dreams of growing BIG and leaving a lasting legacy.

Charlene has always believed in breaking the past barriers and is part of the new frontier pushing the boundaries for the future.

She knows 3 THINGS:

(1) Business is not nearly as complicated as it seems.

(2) Making money and making an impact on the world is one and the same.

And (3) all business starts and ends with people.

Connect With Charlene

Website: www.bulletproofyourbusinessnow.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/charlene.norman.351

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/canorman

Twitter: www.twitter.com/CharleneNorman

I do hope you learned a lot from our conversation.

Please help me thank Charlene by visiting her website and by connecting with her on social media.

If you were entertained or inspired by my podcast, please leave a rating and review wherever you listen.

I appreciate your continued support of me and my show. I couldn't do it without you.

Stay safe out there, Max

Hello again;

I hope you have had a good weekend.

And for those caught up in the conflict in Ukraine, my prayers are with you.

Like I said at the beginning of this week of interviews, it's time like this when I feel the need to do even more to entertain, inspire, and uplift others.

My last conversation as part of the 2022 Mobility Matters Conference was with it's organizer Amy Parker.

We talked about the beginnings of Portland State's programs to train orientation & mobility teachers and their program to prepare teachers for the visually impaired.

We talked about the origins of the Mobility Matters conference and their experience converting it from in person to virtual.

We obviously talked about the conference, the speakers, the responses from attendees, and her future plans for the event.

We also talked about how approaching future construction from the point of inclusion and universal design makes things better for everyone.

I found out that me and Amy have something kind of in common. Except we experienced the relationship from opposite sides.

Her older sister has multiple disabilities including vision loss. And my younger brother Michael had to grow up with me.

It might be fun to hear some conversations between those who were the Youngers brothers or sisters of people with disabilities.

She explained about the extreme need for orientation and mobility instructors and about the wealth of funding that is available for people to attend their program.

And she touched on how they have modified the education schedule to work with people where they are. Which lead to their offering most of the classes online and in the evenings.

Including our friend Samantha Stephen who has been able to do her practical coursework at her home in San Diego due to the ever-widening partnerships built by their staff.

Finally, you should know that Amy turned the tables on me.

I've had people perform on the show before, but I had always asked them in advance or given them permission in advance.

When I gave Amy the chance to leave y'all with some parting thoughts, she told me how much she loved my singing and that music had always been part of her family.

And she broke into Bring it back home to me by Sam Cook.

She is really good, so please stay around until the end.

Now On To The Show

About Amy

Amy Parker is an associate professor at Portland State University and the coordinator of its department of special education.

She grew up with a father who was a minister and a mother who was sign language interpreter and teacher of the death.

As mentioned above her older sister has multiple disabilities that include vision loss and the need to use a wheelchair.

She graduated from Texas Tech University and found her way to Oregon as part of a national Taskforce on more effective means for teaching the ideaf blind.

While there, PSU invited her to become part of this new program to teach orientation and mobility instructors.

I want to thank everyone at PSU, Portland State University for the effort they put out to create this amazing event.

And for reaching out and inviting me to play my small part in this year's event.

I got to have some great conversations with people I see as friends.

I learned a lot about disability and inclusion and was forced to give some serious thought to many of the things I have thought or said about myself.

I hope these conversations have gotten you to thinking too.

If you have benefitted from them, then please share them with your friends or family.

Please leave a comment on this post or on the podcast platform where you listen to shows.

I also want to thank all of you for continuing to support me by listening.

I know you have a lot going on in your lives, and you have so many demands on your time.

And that just makes me appreciate you more for spending some of your time with me.

Thanks and take care out there, Max

Hello again; I hope you have been enjoying these conversations. And while the event will be over by the time you hear this, maybe these conversations will encourage you to reach out to or start following these fine folks at PSU.

This time I am speaking with Samantha Stephan a current student in the COMMS program at Portland State University.

She is half-way through her masters certification in orientation and mobility instruction.

I loved the obvious passion and energy that Samantha has for her field of study and for the people she looks forward to helping in her career.

I appreciated how she decided to go into this field with the help of a great friend. Because I wouldn't have done a lot of the awesome things I have done in my life without encouragement from my friends.

I also love how she decided that Covid was an opportunity not a disaster. By applying for and beginning the hybrid training option offered by Portland State.

We talked about the importance of learning how to navigate the world around us safely. And she addressed the value of orientation and mobility, o & m, training to improving people's self esteem.

I shared with her about how I was encouraged to use my white cane in public because my younger brother was concerned about how he would look going sighted guide if I didn't have that cane.

We talked about the new trend of colored and striped canes. And we talked a bit about guide dogs.

I think you will really enjoy hearing my talk with Samantha.

Bonus for those who love my singing, I tried out the chorus to a song I'm working on on the intro of this conversation.

Now On To The Show

I will post Samantha's bio soon.

I'm going to share the event page with you again.

Hopefully, there will be a replay option or the possibility to purchase a download of the event.

https://sites.google.com/pdx.edu/mobilitymatters2022

You can also connect with them on social media there and subscribe to their email list.

Tomorrow, I sit down with the director of the event Amy Parker.

Really enjoyed these conversations and am glad I said yes to them when they reached out to me.

I hope this will encourage you to say yes more in your own life.

Thanks for your continued support

Take care out there, Max

Hello again; I hope you are taking steps to care for yourself and your family while moving forward to your goals.

I trust you were impressed by the progress that Mike May, his team, and others are doing to improve accessibility.

You can Check out Mike's interview here.

Just in case you haven't heard it yet.

Please visit https://sites.google.com/pdx.edu/mobilitymatters2022

for more information about the event or to register to attend.

Today, I'm speaking with Walt Marchbanks. He is the director of accessibility at Portland International Airport

But his position is so more than that. Or at least it extends far beyond what this blind man would usually think of as disability.

During my conversation with Walt I came to the understanding that at Portland International, PDX, they are on a continuing journey to make the travel experience inclusive and as painless as possible for as many people as possible.

This required them to take an exhaustive look at all the physical properties of the airport as well as the processes used by them and the airlines operating out of PDX.

And it lead them to some unusual applications.

Including ideas like a volunteer music program, an animal therapy program, and adoption of the sunflower program to make employees aware of hidden or invisible disabilities.

It lead them to include a quiet room for people with autism or anyone just needing a break from the pressures of air travel.

Finally, he gave examples of where they are having to anticipate the future needs across age, gender, race, and yes disability.

And he and his team are proving that designing and planning for inclusion makes everyone's experience more pleasurable.

Walt is a very engaging guy, and I know you are going to enjoy our conversation.

Now on to the show.

About Walt

Walt has been with the Port of Portland for over ten years and has served in multiple roles.

Most recently serving as the Port of Portland’s Passenger Programs and Services Manager since July of 2016.

In this role he is primarily responsible for the PDX Canine Therapy Program, Airport-Wide Customer Service Program (PDX People) and the PDX Volunteer Music Program.

Throughout his career, Walt has fostered incredible partnerships with tourism agencies (Travel Oregon/Travel Portland), diplomatic agencies, special needs agencies (Guide Dogs for the Blind, PSU Institute on Aging, etc.), and all 75+ tenants that operate out of PDX.

Walt currently chairs our PDX Accessibility Committee which serves to ensure that considerations and accommodations are made for all airport users, regardless of age or ability, and are factored into planned new construction and refurbishment projects and designs.

C.M.

Passenger Programs and Services Manager

Portland International Airport

Connect With PDX

Website: www.flypdx.com/accessibility

Facebook: www.facebook.com/flypdx

Twitter: www.twitter.com/flypdx

Instagram: www.instagram.com/pdxairport

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/company/port-of-portland

Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/portofportland

I feel like I learned a lot. I came away understanding that when you have there right goals you can create an experience that makes everyone's lives better.

For example by creating quiet space for people with autism, they also created spaces for people who are just overwhelmed with the speed and noise of traveling by air.

I hope these conversations are causing you to have ideas about how you can personally help make the lives of people with disabilities better.

And of course I want you thinking about signing up for and attending the conference.

Again the link is:

https://sites.google.com/pdx.edu/mobilitymatters2022

Personally, I would appreciate it if you would share these conversations with your friends and family.

Because as I always say we can't change lives if they never hear this content.

Also, sharing the websites and links of my guests is one of my favorite ways to show my gratitude for my guests giving of their time to come on my podcast.

This is usually where I would thank you for your encouragement and support. And I certainly do appreciate you.

But today my gratitude is for an additional reason. As of this week the show has surpassed 4000 downloads.

That number goes back to July 1st 2019 when I relaunched my podcast on Apple and the other players.

We did that!

So thanks from the bottom of my heart.

Now, go do something amazing today, Max

Hello again; I hope my conversation with Áine got your week off to a great start.

For day two of my five posts in five days to honor Mobility Matters 2022

Today you will hear my conversation with Mike May.

Mike is Chief Evangelist for Good Maps, Inc., a pedestrian navigation company with an emphasis on accessible navigation for people who are blind or visually impaired including indoor navigation.

We talked about the progress that has been made in technology that allows people with disabilities, especially the visually impaired, to navigate the world around us.

He shared how technology are allowing the blind to not only know what bus they are getting on or how to get to a given store in a mall; but are now able to hear about all the other information that a sighted person receives along their rout.

I didn't think of it at the time, but I wish I had asked him if not knowing all that other info is necessarily a bad thing. :)

He explained the challenges of mapping internal locations like airports, train stations, office buildings, and those ever-growing box stores.

Since you can't piggy back off of GPS in an indoor space, they have had to come up with a variety of solutions.

They now have some great low-cost options for mapping locations. So, it's really a matter of persuading businesses, nonprofits, colleges & universities, and government offices to adopt the technology and invest in having the mapping done.

So, we talked about how the blind, visually impaired, and even sighted people can advocate for the implementation of this technology.

He has a way of making the subject come alive. Mostly by speaking more of the potential for inclusion nd interaction with others.

Just imagine being able to navigate your local baseball, football, or soccer stadium. Or how about having a few extra minutes in the airport because you can direct yourself straight to where you need to be.

And we talked about how like GPS this mapping could make the lives of sighted people so much more enjoyable s well.

Finally in honor of my friend Emily Trepanier a future Paralympic gold medalist in blind downhill snowboard racing, I had to ask him about his experiences as a blind downhill skier. Notably, how do you set a world speed record in the sport.

Full disclosure, I didn't know Mike was famous before I sat down to talk with him. Thankfully, I have ways of dealing with those feelings now.

And he finished by talking about teamwork, inclusion, and the dignity that sports can bring to people with disabilities.

You are going to love Mike and learn a lot about the lives of people with disabilities and how you can help make them better.

Now On To The Show

About Mike

Mike May is Chief Evangelist for Good Maps, Inc., a pedestrian navigation company with an emphasis on accessible navigation for people who are blind or visually impaired including indoor navigation. He was previously Executive Director of the Workforce Innovation Center at Envision in Wichita Kansas, CEO of the Lighthouse for the Blind in Seattle and CEO/Founder of Sendero Group, makers of accessible navigation products.

He has been a pioneer in new product and business development since 1980. He worked for the Central Intelligence Agency as a Political Risk Analyst, for the Bank of California in automating wire transfers and cash machines and for TRW starting a new business area. Mike’s start-up ventures have included developing the world’s first and only Laser Turntable, inventing a portable heating cushion for sports and medical applications and starting 2 companies in adaptive technology.

He has a Masters’ degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Coker College, SC.

He has met five Presidents including President Obama and several of his cabinet members to discuss national initiatives on adaptive technology. He was a member of the White House delegation to the 2010 Paralympics and has been inducted into the US Association of the Blind Hall of Fame for his skiing exploits including the downhill speed skiing record for a totally blind person of 65 MPH. He is the subject of the best selling book Crashing Through by, Robert Kurson with a movie in the works.

Connect With Mike

Good Maps: http://www.GoodMaps.com

Crashing Through: http://www.CrashingThrough.com

Personal Website: http://www.MikeMay.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GoodMapsA11Y

Linked in: www.linkedin.com/company/goodmaps

Twitter: www.twitter.com/GoodMaps_A11Y

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCiSByZ1z6oWVP8wJ_-4a3Mg

Mike is a really great guy to talk to. He is knowledgeable of and passionate about making the lives of people with disabilities better through technology.

I hope you will check out his story and visit his company.

Please consider how you may be able to help expand the implementation of the technology by speaking with the owners or managers of properties in your area.

I truly enjoyed talking with him, and you are going to be entertained as well as educated by our conversation.

So, I hope you help me thank Mike by listening, rating, reviewing, and sharing. And by telling him directly how much you enjoyed our talk.

What I said about Mike holds true for this whole conference.

You are going to hear from and interact with so many talented passionate people who will entertain while educating and motivating you.

Here is the link again. You still have two days to sign up for it.

https://sites.google.com/pdx.edu/mobilitymatters2022

I really appreciate all the encouragement I have received online about the idea of doing these five shows in five days.

Like I said it's challenging and scary even though most of the actual conversations were recorded in advance.

But I firmly believe sharing my concerns and even fears with y'all is one of the most valuable things I can do to help you overcome your excuses.

As they say courage is being nervous or being afraid and doing it anyway.

Still, I couldn't do it without you. So thanks again for being here in my corner.

Take care out there, Max

Hello again; I hope your week gets off to or has already gotten off to a great start.

As promised here is my first interview with one of the primary presenters from Mobility Matters 2022

In fact this first conversation is with The keynote speaker Áine Kelly-Costello

Áine is a former Paralympian, a journalist, an activist, and podcaster who happens to be blind.

She is currently living with the long-term effects of Covid. Which include relocating to be with her family so she could get help with daily living tasks.

We spoke very little about her vision loss or how she dealt with losing her vision. We focused more on living with vision loss and long-haul Covid.

We talked about the whole concept of vision loss or disability as inspiration.

She is a very good advocate because she had me questioning whether or not I should continue to call myself The Blind Blogger or if I should keep using the What's Your Excuse brand.

We talked about blind people and others with disabilities advocating for themselves. We also talked about one of my favorite subjects asking for help.

She shared when she first started feeling the need to campaign for addressing the effects of climate change. And surprisingly she made me understand how an inclusive universal approach to designing our public spaces can help people with disabilities and help protect the environment at the same time.

I was really impressed with how open she is about the strain of living with long-haul covid. Including having to limit interviews, public speaking events, and other opportunities due to becoming easily fatigued.

And we both agreed that Covid is removing some of the stigma of asking for help.

We did talk about how even now most people with disabilities do still have to expend effort to be heard. And she finds this especially true when dealing with the medical profession.

She finishes by giving you a look at what she plans to present at the conference on March 3rd.

I think you will learn a lot from our conversation.

Now On To The Show

About Áine

I am a blind and chronically ill campaigner, writer/podcaster, musician, a Paralympian and a lover of languages. I'm passionate about furthering climate justice and creating an accessible, inclusive world, especially by harnessing the perspectives of disabled people.

In Aotearoa/New Zealand, I've primarily worked as a community organizer for thee Access Matters campaign for accessibility law, and also as a Digital Producer intern for media provider Newshub.

In 2021, I completed a Masters in Investigative Journalism from Gothenburg University, and am currently based near Bodø, in northern Norway. Based on interviews with journalists working in Aotearoa NZ, my Masters thesis is a qualitative analysis on the practice of climate change journalism.

Currently, I host and produce a podcast and blog called Disability Crosses Borders, featuring stories where disability, migration and culture meet.

I advocate for more inclusion of disability-related perspectives and considerations within political processes and policy in New Zealand, especially within climate action and immigration.

I also volunteer with the European Network on Independent Living where I coordinate the redevelopment of ENIL's website.

Website: www.aframeonlife.com

Podcast: www.disabilitycrossesborders.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/aine.kellycostello

Linked in: www.linkedin.com/in/áine-kelly-costello-4029a8122

Twitter:: https://www.twitter.com/ainekc95?lang=en">www.twitter.com/ainekc95?lang=en

We had a great conversation. It went a little longer than my usual episodes, but it is well worth the time.

But I can't believe I spent all this time with her and never talked about being a musician. She's a really great woman, so I'm going to assume she liked my singing on the intro.

I do hope you will listen to our conversation, check out her life & work, and especially visit the Mobility Matters 2022 site.

https://sites.google.com/pdx.edu/mobilitymatters2022

This is an exciting time for me, and the only thing that will make it better; is to know that you are sharing this with your friends and family.

Please do what you can to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Thanks again, Max