The Heard & Empowered podcast is where the blind and visually impaired (BVI) community finds job inspiration, career opportunities, and a path to success. Presented by National Industries for the Blind—a leader in job creation for BVI individuals—this podcast is your go-to resource for thriving professionally in a sighted world. Join the host, Dr. Hoby Wedler, every week on Wednesday, as he and his guests dismantle stereotypes, offer expert advice, and share success stories to help you build ...
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Lance Johnson's transparent conversations with + about the blind and disability communities.
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Krista Webb (Deafblind Woodburning Artist)
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Episode 117 | Krista Webb (Deafblind Artist) joins the podcast! In this episode, I chat with Krista about her life as a woodburning artist, mother, and wife living with usher syndrome - a condition that causes both vision and hearing loss. We also cover the many ways she educates the public about the spectrum of blindness and disabilities! --------…
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Ep #40: New York’s Approach to Employing People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision with NYSPSP’s Chris Burke
31:34
Have you ever wondered how state programs can create meaningful job opportunities for people who are blind or have low vision? In this episode, we dive into the life-changing work being done by the New York State Preferred Source Program for New Yorkers Who Are Blind (NYSPSP). Our guest, Christopher Burke, is the executive director of NYSPSP. With …
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Sheridan O'Donnell (Writer/Director of the film, Little Brother)
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Episode 116 | Sheridan O'Donnell (filmmaker) returns to the podcast! In this episode, we discuss the exciting theatrical release of Sheridan's first feature film, Little Brother, and how retinitis pigmentosa leaves its fingerprints on his filmmaking. ------------------------- Gravitas Ventures is set to release LITTLE BROTHER in-theaters on Septemb…
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Today’s episode focuses on an extraordinary collaboration between employees from NSITE and American Printing House (APH) to create the Job Seeker's Toolkit. Marianne Haegeli is the director of learning and leadership at NSITE. She has more than 15 years of experience as a Learning and Leadership Development professional with engagements in nonprofi…
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Episode 115 | Alexa Jovanovic and Chelsea Langerud join the podcast! In this episode, we dive into the exciting collaboration story between Aille Design and Barbie and explore their inclusive and accessible braille fashion collection. SEE-THROUGH is hosted by Lance Johnson. Based in New York City, Lance is a video editor living with a rare and incu…
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Ep #38: Resumes and Recruiting for People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision with NSITE’s Maurice Crittendon
33:20
Maurice Crittendon is the senior specialist for talent acquisition at NSITE. After losing his sight due to diabetic retinopathy, Maurice ventured to Minneapolis for orientation and mobility training before returning to the Washington, D.C. area. Accepted into National Industries for the Blind’s (NIB) Fellowship for Leadership Development, his journ…
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Episode 114 | Dr. Hoby Wedler (Ph.D. Chemist, Sensory Expert and Entrepreneur) joins the podcast! In this episode, Hoby discusses his successes in academia and business, his experiences with forming friendships, business partnerships, and finding love as a blind man, and how he uniquely uses his senses to "see" the world. SEE-THROUGH is hosted by L…
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Ep #37: NSITE and Corporate America: Creating Job Opportunities for People Who Are Blind or Low Vision
34:49
Heard & Empowered was created to show that anything is possible when you show up with the right mindset and attitude. Our guest this week, Jonathan Lucus, exemplifies this ethos in everything he does as the director of NSITE, which is National Industries for the Blind’s (NIB) talent management enterprise. NSITE works with public and private corpora…
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Enchanted Hills Camp For The Blind
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Episode 113 | Lance discusses his visit to the Enchanted Hills Camp! Owned and managed by the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired San Francisco, the Enchanted Hills Camp and Retreat has been serving blind children, teens, adults, deaf-blind individuals, seniors, and families of the blind since 1950. Enchanted Hills has provided valuable …
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Ep #36: How AI is Changing Jobs and Creating Opportunities for People Who Are Blind with NSITE’s Doug Goist
45:27
Dr. Hoby Wedler welcomes returning guest Doug Goist to the podcast this week. Doug is a program manager for workforce development at NSITE where he helps people who are blind and visually impaired find employment by providing training opportunities. Blindness doesn’t get adequate coverage in most diversity training, so NSITE created a program calle…
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Minisode 003 | Lance dives into the potential benefits of a groundbreaking night vision technology that promises the advantages of night vision goggles in a lightweight, compact glasses form. Discover how this innovation could revolutionize the lives of individuals affected by conditions like retinitis pigmentosa and night blindness. SEE-THROUGH is…
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Vinnie Kayata (Legally Blind Hot Rodder)
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Episode 112 | Vinnie Kayata (Legally Blind Hot Rodder) joins the podcast! In this episode, Vinnie talks to Lance about his project of rebuilding a Vintage Speedster, which he's named The RP Flyer. The RP Flyer combines a 1930 Ford Model A engine, chassis, suspension, and axles with the body of a 1927 Ford Model T Roadster Pickup. Once completed, it…
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Ep #35: Communications, Impacting Public Policy, and Creating Jobs with Austin Lighthouse’s Brandye Lacy
27:21
In this week’s episode, Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by Brandye Lacy, the marketing coordinator at Travis Association for the Blind, also known as Austin Lighthouse. With a passion for writing and advocacy, she excels at crafting and telling compelling stories while championing causes that break down barriers to equality and equity. Brandye began losi…
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Minisode 002 | Lance dives into a Hollywood Reporter article about Jake Gyllenhaal's visual impairment and tries to figure out if the actor is legally blind. SEE-THROUGH is hosted by Lance Johnson. Based in New York City, Lance is a video editor living with the eye disease - retinitis pigmentosa or RP for short. In most cases, RP causes legal-blind…
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Do you ever wonder if there is a purpose for blindness? How can it be seen as a gift? This week, Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by Blake Lindsay, an author, public speaker, voice artist, and the director of communications and outreach for Envision Dallas. They explore these questions as well as discuss Blake’s fascinating story. While enjoying a 22-year…
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Dr. Hoby Wedler welcomes a familiar voice back to the podcast this week as he sits down with the Executive Vice President at Bosma Enterprises, Lise Pace, live from the 2024 NIB Public Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. Lise shares her remarkable journey from a diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa in her early 20s to the thriving and fulfilling career s…
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Margaret Comin (Blind Author)
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Episode 111 | Margaret Comin makes her very first podcast appearance! In this episode, Margaret shares the powerful story of how she lost her sight in a childhood accident at 2 1/2 years old and how that pivotal event profoundly shaped her life and family dynamics. SEE-THROUGH is hosted by Lance Johnson. Based in New York City, Lance is a video edi…
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Minisode 001 | Lance discusses a controversial scene from the TV show "The Boys" that involves the characters Homelander and Blindspot. SEE-THROUGH is hosted by Lance Johnson. Based in New York City, Lance is a video editor living with the eye disease - retinitis pigmentosa or RP for short. In most cases, RP causes legal-blindness by the age of 40.…
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Ep #32: Diversity, Mentorship, and Innovation in Leadership with NIB President and CEO Soraya Correa
57:59
Dr. Hoby Wedler welcomes a very special guest to the podcast this week: the one and only Soraya Correa, the new president and CEO of National Industries for the Blind. After starting her career as a clerk typist, Soraya rose through the ranks of the federal government to join the Senior Executive Service. She held key leadership roles at the Genera…
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This week, Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by Dan Kelly, the Vice President of Public Policy for the National Association for the Employment of People Who Are Blind (NAEPB) and President and CEO of IFB Solutions. Dan is a dedicated advocate for the blind and visually impaired community, whose unwavering dedication shines through every aspect of his work.…
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Ep #30: A Lasting Legacy of Employment Opportunities for the Blind and Visually Impaired with Kevin Lynch
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In this episode, Dr. Hoby Wedler has the distinct pleasure of welcoming to the podcast Kevin Lynch, president and CEO emeritus of National Industries for the Blind (NIB). He retired April 30, 2023, from a 44-year career working and serving for the blind and visually impaired community in various capacities. Kevin, a visionary leader, shares his ins…
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The human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity is strong, especially in today’s guest, MaryBeth Clare. She sits down with Dr. Hoby Wedler to discuss the setbacks she faced after losing her vision, and how those were replaced by the determination and desire to grow that have kept her going in her role as lead cashier and stocker for the military …
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In this episode, Dr. Hoby Wedler sits down with Rob Buettner, Vice President of Relationships & Business Services at Beyond Vision, to talk about leadership, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and where they merge. After being diagnosed with Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy as a young adult, Rob faced uncertainty and darkness. It wasn’t until he found a comm…
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Episode 110 | In this solo episode, Lance shares FIVE things about podcasting that he has learned from his FOUR years of hosting SEE-THROUGH. SEE-THROUGH is hosted by Lance Johnson. Based in New York City, Lance is a video editor living with the eye disease retinitis pigmentosa or RP for short. On average, RP causes legal-blindness by the age of 40…
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Ep #27: How BVI Advocates Can Make a Bigger Impact with NIB’s VP of Public Policy, Rick Webster
41:25
Today, National Industries for the Blind (NIB)’s Spring Conference and Public Policy Forum wraps up with the annual Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, so it's very fitting that this week Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by NIB’s Vice President of Public Policy, Rick Webster. Rick brings a unique perspective to the podcast as a sighted person passionately commi…
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Ep #26: How Changing Public Policy Will Create More BVI Jobs with Luke Messer and Jeff Mittman
41:46
This week, Dr. Hoby Wedler dives deep into the world of policy change and advocacy with two remarkable individuals, former Congressman, Luke Messer and Jeff Mittman, CEO of Bosma Enterprises. Luke, with his extensive background in politics and public service, and Jeff, a true advocate for the blind and visually impaired through his leadership at Bo…
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Episode 109 | Michiel Janssen (Founder - AYES) joins the podcast! Michiel talks to Lance about developing Oko, which is a best-in-class, AI-enhanced navigation app prioritizing people with blindness and other disabilities first. SEE-THROUGH is hosted by Lance Johnson. Based in New York City, Lance is a video editor living with a rare and incurable …
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Are you ready to stand up and make a real impact on the world for BVI folks? In this motivating and inspiring episode of Heard & Empowered, Dr. Hoby Wedler welcomes Vivian Fridas to the podcast to share how, regardless of ability, we can all thrive and contribute meaningfully to the world. Vivian was born with cone-rod dystrophy, and the discrimina…
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As we gear up for National Industries for the Blind Public Policy Forum 2024, Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by Shannon Satterfield, Director of Professional Services at IFB Solutions, to share his extraordinary journey of struggle and advocacy. Shannon was born with achromatopsia and before joining IFB Solutions, he encountered numerous challenges desp…
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Jamey Carrington (Motivational Content Creator)
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Episode 108 | Jamey Carrington (Disabled Content Creator) joins the show for his first ever podcast appearance! In this episode, Jamey opens up about his life as a teenager with a disability. Jamey discusses his future goals, high school drama, the dating world as disabled teen, his strong faith in God, having a dark sense of humor, Andrew Tate, an…
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Ep #23: Leading Change for the Blind and Visually Impaired with Lee Nasehi, CEO of VisionServe Alliance
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You’re in for an inspiring episode this week as Lee Nasehi, the President and CEO of VisionServe Alliance, joins Dr. Hoby Wedler! The impact of Lee’s long-standing dedication to the blind and visually impaired community cannot be overstated, and it has brought significant changes. Today, Lee shares her journey of becoming a seasoned advocate and ex…
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If you're looking for inspiration on your job search, this week's conversation is sure to deliver. Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by Yasmin Campbell, a graduate of the NSITE program and a champion for self-belief, self-advocacy, and furthering opportunities for the BVI community. Yasmin's plans took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with retinit…
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Mara Lauren (Blind Influencer)
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Episode 107 | Mara Lauren joins the podcast! In this episode, Mara tells Lance the story of how she rebuilt her life and mental state after being diagnosed in adulthood with the blinding eye conditions retinitis pigmentosa & usher syndrome. SEE-THROUGH is hosted by Lance Johnson. Based in New York City, Lance is a video editor living with a rare an…
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Ep #21: You CAN Find a Career You Love with Lighthouse for the Blind Seattle's LaKenia Garnes
29:18
Are you encountering challenge after challenge in your job search? If so, you need to listen in. Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined this week by LaKenia Garnes, the Purchasing Assistant for the Base Supply Center at Lighthouse for the Blind Seattle. She shares how she overcame obstacles and job rejections to finally find a position that she loves and where …
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Ep #20: Considering a Job in Manufacturing as a BVI? Brandi Hunter Shares What You Need to Know
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In the search for your dream job, hard work and dedication truly do pay off, a truth vividly embodied by this week’s guest, Brandi Hunter. Serving as the Human Resources Staffing Coordinator at Blind Industries & Services of Maryland (BISM), Brandi shares with Dr. Hoby Wedler her inspiring journey to securing a job she is passionate about. Her path…
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Kai + Kim Owens (Navigating Blindness)
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Episode 106 | Kim & Kai Owens (Navigating Blindness) join the podcast! In this episode, you'll learn how to navigate blindness from two perspectives. You'll learn from Kai, who was diagnosed with a rare eye condition at the age of ten, which has left him almost completely blind. You'll also learn from Kai's mom, Kim, as she shares the mother's pers…
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Ep #19: Land Your Dream Job: How Hard Work Paid Off for Thomas Stivers at the Travis Association for the Blind
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Get ready for an inspiring story of tenacity and hard work as Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by Thomas Stivers, Systems Administrator for the Travis Association for the Blind at Austin Lighthouse. Ever since high school, Thomas had big dreams of working with computers, but it wasn’t until later in his career that these dreams would become reality. Thoma…
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Reynaldo Villarreal is the director of workforce development at Valley Center for the Blind (VCB) in Central California, one of NIB’s associated nonprofit agencies. He joins Dr. Hoby Wedler to share his story about blindness and the impactful work he does at VCB. Rey explains the impact a nonprofit like Valley Center for the Blind have on employmen…
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Episode 105 | Karthik Kannan (CTO of Envision) returns to the podcast to get Lance up to speed on the supersonic changes that are happening over at his accessible tech company, Envision. Envision creates AI fueled tools for the blind and visually impaired community such as the Envision glasses and app. According to Karthik, AI is the best thing to …
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Ep #17: Scarlet Nishimoto: From 60 Job Application Rejections to a Career Filled with Financial Stability at NIB's CMS Program
25:37
Scarlet Nishimoto endured over 60 job application rejections due to the bias and social stigma that exist around blindness in the hiring world. But her unstoppable and relentless nature, along with her heart-centered mission of helping the BVI community, led her to continue searching. Discover how she has built a meaningful, purposeful, and success…
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Ep #16: Nina Bektic-Marrero: A Tale of Triumph From Vision Loss to Leading Business Consultant With the Help of National Industries for the Blind
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Explore Nina Bektic-Marrero's remarkable journey from facing the adversity of war and vision loss to becoming a shining example of success in the business world. Nina's story is not just about overcoming obstacles, it's about transforming them into stepping stones towards greatness. Find out how she navigated from a humble beginning as a switchboar…
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Ep #15: Operation Full Circle: How NIB and the Army Shaped Scott Collins' Career Leap from Trainee to Contract Management Leadership
42:51
A story of perseverance and overcoming obstacles, Scott Collins shares why it's never too late to give yourself the opportunity to succeed. From losing his vision to retinitis pigmentosa to becoming the head of NIB's Contract Management Support (CMS) program, discover his unconventional journey and how he got to be in a position today where he help…
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Ep #14: Teri Shirk Part 2 - How a Nonprofit Can Have a For-Profit Sister Organization and Still Fulfill Its Mission of Providing Jobs for the Blind
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Discover the innovative ways in which nonprofits can generate income to fund their mission of empowering the blind and visually impaired community. Special guest, Teri Shirk, President & CEO of CABVI joins us again on this episode to share her insights on incorporating for-profit arms to serve nonprofit organizations in this fascinating show. For f…
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Stephanie Renberg (Blind Content Creator)
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Episode 104 | With Valentine’s Day basically here, I wanted to bring Stephanie Renberg on the podcast to discuss the world of dating as a legally blind woman! In this episode, Stephanie gives her personal insights on what red flags to look for in potential romantic partners, how to disclose your disability on dating apps or in-person, how the sound…
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Ep #13: Teri Shirk Part 1 - Discover How NIB Agencies Help the Blind and Visually Impaired Achieve Career Goals Both In-Site and Working Remotely
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Join our host Dr. Hoby Wedler for Part 1 of an enlightening conversation with Teri Shirk, President and CEO of Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI). Teri shares insights on how NIB's associated nonprofit agencies provide fulfilling jobs, financial independence, and a transitional process from social security benefits t…
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Ep #12: Sharon Giovinazzo Shares Extraordinary Journey From Going Blind to CEO Helping the Blind and Creating Jobs and Myriad Career Opportunities for BVI
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Meet Sharon Giovinazzo as she talks about how National Industries for the Blind (NIB) agencies can help people with vision loss reach their career goals. Find out how you can gain employment, achieve financial freedom, and secure benefits while making a real difference in the blind and visually impaired community. For full transcript and show notes…
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Ep #11: Sophia McCall’s Journey: From Depression and Blindness to a Thriving Career as an HR Recruiter
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Join our host, Dr. Hoby Wedler, as he sits with Sophia McCall to discover how she learned to live with blindness as an adult due to diabetic retinopathy. Sophia was able to find a path of self-confidence and independence through the support of Lighthouse Central Florida and others in the BVI community. Discover more about her journey, struggles, an…
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Ep #10: Kyle Johnson Talks About Support, Help, and Advice to Find Meaningful Jobs for People With Vision Loss
24:24
In this episode of the Heard & Empowered podcast by NIB, listen to Kyle Johnson as he discusses the importance of seeking help for blind or visually impaired individuals as a first step toward finding meaningful jobs. Discover career opportunities and available jobs through National Industries for the Blind. Join Kyle and our host Dr. Hoby Wedler a…
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Sam Atwood (Comedian)
1:43:37
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Episode 103 | Sam Atwood (Blind Comedian) joins the podcast! In this episode, Sam sits down with Lance to discuss his stand up comedy, his mental health struggles, and the transition from legal blindness to total blindness. SEE-THROUGH is hosted by Lance Johnson. Based in New York City, Lance is a video editor living with a rare and incurable eye c…
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Ep #9: Inclusion in Action: Dr. Hoby Wedler on Elevating BVI Careers, Mentorship, and Shifting Corporate Mindsets
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This episode is a live recording of Dr. Hoby Wedler introducing the Heard & Empowered Podcast at the National Industries for the Blind 2023 Conference as he led a panel of guests to showcase success stories, provide resources, and champion people who are blind in the workforce. He shared his personal experience of facing discrimination in the job m…
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