Off The Beaten Path

Off The Beaten Path Season 2 - Episode 9 - Stan Gowan

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0700

In this season finale of Off the Beaten Path, Dave sits down with Stan Gowan, who has been legally blind since birth and has spent a lifetime proving that blindness does not limit a full and adventurous life.

Stan shares stories from his recent travels — including navigating the steep, vertical city of Taormina in Sicily, exploring Greek ruins, cruising across the Atlantic, and confidently moving through airports, cities, and ships using skill, memory, and thoughtful preparation. He offers practical insight into how he learns new environments, adapts his navigation strategies in crowded spaces, and balances technology with a deep appreciation for nature.

The conversation explores independence, spatial awareness, mobility training, and the importance of sturdy, reliable tools for travel. Stan also speaks about mentoring others who have recently lost vision, helping them rediscover confidence, purpose, and joy in a life that may look different — but is no less rich.

This episode is a celebration of resilience, autonomy, and the freedom that comes from trusting your abilities. It’s a powerful reminder that blindness is not the end of exploration — it’s an invitation to move through the world with skill, awareness, and courage.

More about Stan

Stan Gowan has been legally blind since birth due to premature exposure to high levels of oxygen in an incubator. Raised as the son of a U.S. Marine, he grew up moving frequently, developing independence and curiosity from an early age.

He earned a BA in Political Science before shifting paths into music, audio engineering, and high-end audio. Later, Stan and his wife Susan returned to school to study Information Technology and programming, leading to a nearly 40-year career developing software for IBM mainframe systems.

Stan received his first white cane during mobility training in high school and has continued refining his navigation skills throughout his life. Now retired, he and his wife travel extensively throughout the United States and Europe, with favorite destinations including Hawaii, Sicily, Portugal, Cabo, and Sedona.

When not traveling, Stan enjoys music, reading, and advocacy work within the blind and visually impaired community. He co-chairs a local vision-impaired support group and regularly presents on travel, cooking, and technology — encouraging those who have recently lost vision to rediscover independence and live fully.

Thanks for listening! Off The Beaten Path is brought to you by Dave Epstein and Awarewolf Gear, makers of the All Terrain Cane and the Urban Xplorer. To purchase a cane or find out more visit https://awarewolfgear.com/awghome

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Off The Beaten Path Season 2- Episode 8 - Kasey Hopper

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Off the Beaten Path, Dave sits down with Kasey Hopper — Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, youth soccer coach, visually impaired father, and creator of the 4 Fam Frogs YouTube channel.

Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa himself, Kasey brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the conversation. Together, he and Dave explore what it means to navigate life between sighted and blind worlds — not just as individuals, but as fathers, husbands, mentors, and advocates.

Kasey shares his journey from studying behavioral sciences to becoming one of the few legally blind Orientation and Mobility Specialists in the field. He talks openly about raising children with vision loss — the fear of keeping them safe, the difficulty of not seeing their faces clearly, and the unexpected humor and trust that strengthen their bond. Dave reflects on his own evolution as a father and husband, and the two discuss the quiet heaviness that can accompany gradual vision decline.

The conversation also highlights:

Teaching independence through mobility skills
Coaching youth soccer as a visually impaired dad
Tandem biking and the power of teamwork
The importance of humility and asking for help
Building community through advocacy and social media
Finding identity and purpose within vision loss

Through stories of camp, coaching, family life, and daily resilience, this episode is a powerful reminder that blindness does not define the boundaries of a full life — and that community, courage, and connection make all the difference.

About Kasey

Kasey Hopper is a dedicated Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist at the Arizona State School for the Deaf and Blind, where he empowers visually impaired students to navigate the world with confidence. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa himself, Kasey brings personal insight and empathy to his work.

He is also a passionate youth soccer coach for his daughter’s 14U semi-competitive AYSO team and runs the @4famfrogs YouTube channel as “Papa Frog.” On his channel, he shares his experiences as a visually impaired dad, husband, and professional, offering a unique perspective on family life and accessibility.

Connect with Kasey

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@4FamFrogs

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4famfrogs/?hl=en

Off The Beaten Path Season 2- Episode 7 - Monica Pruitt

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0700

Sedona Dave sits down with Monica Pruitt to talk about life, adventure, and identity as a blind traveler and athlete. Monica shares her personal journey with hearing aids since childhood, limited peripheral vision, and her reliance on a white cane—along with how she’s built resilience through movement, storytelling, and advocacy.

They dive into Monica’s $10,000 travel grant experience visiting national parks as a blind person, exploring what accessibility actually looks like on the ground—and how parks could better communicate trail difficulty based on terrain rather than pavement.

Together they explore the deeper side of vision loss: diagnosis, identity, and the pressure society puts on blind people to “stay safe” rather than stay alive.

Monica speaks openly about assistive tech like Aira, the power of asking for help, and why accepting support can be an act of strength. She also shares her experience with aerial acrobatics—how it builds trust, confidence, communication, balance, and body awareness—even with vestibular challenges from Usher syndrome.

This is an episode that was so fun to do I know you will love it!

More about Monica

Monica Pruitt, 33, was diagnosed with Usher Syndrome Type 2, a rare genetic condition that causes both hearing loss and progressive vision loss at age 29. She’s worn hearing aids since toddlerhood and, with less than 20 degrees of peripheral vision, uses a white cane to navigate her world today.

Monica grew up in Maryland and earned her B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Though she no longer works in a lab, Monica continues to explore the science of resilience, through social media and circus arts like flying trapeze and acro yoga.

Now based in St. Petersburg, Florida, Monica blends storytelling and movement to spark connection and awareness by highlighting the beauty of inclusion, adventure, and self-trust. Her experiences since her diagnosis prove that freedom doesn’t come from perfect vision, but from clear purpose.

Connect with Monica

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bendyblindblonde

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BendyBlindBlonde

Off The Beaten Path Season 2- Episode 6 -Steve Baskis

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Off the Beaten Path, Dave sits down with Steve Baskis for a thoughtful conversation about adaptive sports, leadership, and what it takes to keep moving forward when life changes.

The discussion explores how mindset, trust, and well-designed equipment shape the way blind and low-vision individuals navigate both rugged terrain and everyday environments. Dave and Steve talk candidly about problem-solving, mentorship, and the role of movement in building confidence and resilience.

Together, they reflect on how adaptive sports create opportunities not just for physical challenge, but for leadership, teamwork, and personal growth—on the trail and beyond.

About Steve

Steve Baskis is a blind veteran, athlete, author, and founder of the Blind Endeavors Foundation. After completing Infantry Training at Fort Benning, Georgia in 2007, Steve deployed with the U.S. Army’s distinguished 4th Infantry Division, a unit with deep historical roots dating back to World War II. In 2008, while serving in Baghdad, Iraq, Steve sustained catastrophic injuries when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. The blast took his eyesight and caused extensive shrapnel injuries, hearing loss, loss of smell, and nerve damage. For his courageous service, Steve was awarded the Purple Heart Medal.

In the years following his injury, Steve rebuilt his life through movement, resilience, and purpose. More than fifteen years later, he has become a nationally recognized advocate for the blind and adaptive community. He is an accomplished athlete, having earned medals at both the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games, and in 2013 he received the prestigious Louis Braille Award for his contributions to the blind and visually impaired community.

Steve is the founder of Blind Endeavors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring people of all abilities to explore life through movement, leadership, and adventure. Through Blind Endeavors, Steve works in schools, military communities, and institutions across the country to promote awareness, adaptive equipment education, and bold, unconventional programs that challenge perceptions of disability.

An experienced public speaker and motivator, Steve has appeared on The Today Show, in documentaries, and at events worldwide. His adventures include hiking Kilimanjaro, cycling across the United States, kayaking the Colorado River, and summiting four of the world’s tallest peaks. Steve often says, “While I may have lost my physical ability to see, I gained a new vision for what’s possible,” a perspective that continues to inspire others to move forward—no matter the terrain.

Connect with Steve

Website: https://stevebaskis.com/

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevebaskis/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevebaskis

Off The Beaten Path Season 2 - Episode Five - Dale Pierce

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Dave sits down with Australian chef-turned-adventurer Dale Pierce, whose life took an unexpected turn after sudden vision loss in 2023. Dale shares how he moved from a 32-year culinary career into a new chapter defined by resilience, movement, and wilderness exploration.

He talks about adapting to blindness through cardio, O&M training, and eventually trail running — a journey that led him from treadmill walks to half-marathons, technical trail races, and ultimately completing the legendary Kokoda Track, one of the most demanding treks in the world.

Dave and Dale dig into cane techniques, navigation strategies, the mental challenge of moving through rugged landscapes with limited sight, and the freedom found in nature that no city environment can replicate. Dale also reflects on essential gear, working with run guides, and why embracing low vision — rather than fighting it — has opened a new sense of purpose.

It’s an inspiring conversation about grit, adaptation, and discovering what’s possible when the trail becomes your teacher.

More About Dale

Dale Pierce is a low-vision adventurer based in regional Victoria, Australia, about an hour northwest of Melbourne. Before vision loss reshaped his life, Dale spent 32 years as a chef, working across hotels and restaurants and later serving as a mentor and trainer for apprentice chefs. His background in human resources, work health and safety, and mental health informed his leadership style, allowing him to support hundreds of young chefs and help create healthier, more sustainable kitchen environments. Dale went on to run his own consulting and freelance chef business, focusing on best-practice systems and financial sustainability.

In 2023, Dale experienced sudden sight loss in both eyes due to central retinal vein occlusions, leaving him legally blind. He adapted by building his cardio fitness, immersing himself in orientation and mobility training, and eventually taking up running—progressing from treadmill workouts to outdoor parkruns and his first half marathon in 2024. Since then, he has expanded into trail running and adventuring, using a combination of all-terrain canes, hiking poles, run guides, and Meta glasses to navigate diverse terrain. In 2024, he completed the legendary Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, a 96 km trek known for its brutal elevation and historical significance.

Dale also serves on Vision Australia’s Client Reference Group, working with leadership to improve outcomes for the blind and low-vision community. He and his seeing-eye dog, Yana, have been partners for over a year and continue to grow as a team.

Connect with Dale

Instagram: @dale.pierce.967

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dale.pierce.967

Off The Beaten Path Season 2- Episode 4 -Ted Tahquechi

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0700

I am so pleased to welcome Ted Tahquechi to the show!

Ted and I talk about his transition from managing game development at Atari, Accolade, and Mattel Toys to creating tactile art after losing significant vision in a car accident.

He explained how he developed a process with his wife Carrie, in partnership with the Andy Warhol Foundation for Visual Art, to transform photographs into touchable artwork using texture extraction and 3D printing.

The project, which debuted at the National Federation of the Blind National Convention, aims to make art accessible to people who cannot see it, following in the spirit of Andy Warhol's philosophy of making art accessible to everyone.

This was such a great interview I am sure you will love it!

More about Ted

Ted Tahquechi spent more than two decades in the video game industry, managing the development of iconic titles at Atari, Accolade, and Mattel Toys. From producing games on the Atari Lynx and Jaguar to managing the Hot Wheels franchise at Mattel, he lived through both the chaotic charm and the caffeine-fueled crunch of early game development. His voice, sound design work, and production credits touched more than 35 titles, including fan favorites like Tempest 2000, I-War, Kasumi Ninja, and Test Drive Off-Road.

A car accident at the height of his games career changed his vision, but not his direction. With total blindness in one eye and low vision in the other, Ted rebuilt his creative world through photography. That journey led him to an unexpected frontier, tactile art. Partnering with the Andy Warhol Foundation for Visual Art, Ted and his wife Carrie developed a process that transforms photographs into touchable works of art using texture extraction and 3D printing. Their tactile photographs debuted at the National Federation of the Blind national convention and have since been showcased at galleries, festivals, and accessible art events nationwide.

Today, Ted is also the voice behind BlindTravels.com, where he shares accessible travel reviews, tips, and firsthand stories for blind and low vision travelers. He speaks nationally about accessibility in art, travel, and technology, always championing the idea that creativity doesn’t end when circumstances change, it simply adapts.

Whether he’s talking retro games, exploring new cities with his guide dog Fauna, or helping others navigate the world with more confidence, Ted continues to prove that vision is far bigger than what we see.

Connect with Ted

Substack: https://substack.com/@nedskee?utm_source=global-search

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nedskee/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ted.tahquechi

Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/nedskee.bsky.social

Off The Beaten Path Season 2 Episode 3 -Laurie McBride

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Off The Beaten Path, Dave sits down with the remarkable Laurie McBride—martial artist, advocate, and fierce champion of the DeafBlind community.

Their conversation moves from the mat to daily life, weaving together Laurie’s journey in Taekwondo, her commitment to earning her black belt, and her hands-on work as an employment specialist supporting DeafBlind adults in building meaningful, empowered lives.

Dave and Laurie dive into adaptive self-defense, the art of navigating the world with determination and humor, and what true advocacy looks like when you center individual experience over assumptions.

This episode is inspiring, disarming, and downright fun—come listen to two trailblazers talk resilience, autonomy, and the real power of showing up for yourself and your community.

More about Laurie

Laurie McBride is a DeafBlind advocate, professional, and graphic designer-turned-human services leader based in Mason City, Iowa. Originally from Ontario, Canada, Laurie has spent the past 26 years in Iowa, where she transitioned from a career in commercial printing and newspaper design to a mission-driven role serving the DeafBlind community.

Diagnosed with Usher syndrome, a rare genetic condition causing progressive hearing and vision loss, Laurie has worn hearing aids since the age of five and now identifies within the DeafBlind spectrum as hard of hearing and low vision.

After losing the ability to drive and work in her previous field, Laurie returned to school, earning an A.A. and Human Services Certificate from NIACC, a B.A. in Human Services from Buena Vista University (BVU), and completed her M.A. in Organizational Leadership (May 2025), also from BVU.

Since 2019, she has worked as a DeafBlind Employment Specialist at the Helen Keller National Center, supporting DeafBlind individuals across Iowa and Minnesota with job placement, job coaching, transition services for youth, and access to assistive technology. Laurie is also a conference presenter, mentor, and lead trainer in programs that expand communication access for the DeafBlind community.

Outside of work, Laurie is a proud wife, stepmom, and nana, with two cats, one dog, and a passion for Taekwondo, currently training for her Blue Belt Decided. She also enjoys traveling, much of which ties into her advocacy and outreach work across the Midwest.

Connect with Laurie

Website: https://www.ushersyndromesociety.org/blog/finding-purpose-by-laurie-mcbride/

https://www.helenkeller.org/DBAW25/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougs33

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cougs33av/?hl=en

Off The Beaten Path Season 2- Episode 2 -Joel Isaac

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Climbing Kilimanjaro Blind: A Conversation with Joel Isaac
In this episode, Dave talks with Joel Isaac — a Ugandan-born father of two, former software engineer, and passionate adventurer who recently summited Mount Kilimanjaro. Joel shares how he trained for the climb, the gear that got him through volcanic ash and freezing nights, and the moment he chose safety over ego near the summit. Together they explore what it means to hike, travel, and live with blindness (and autism), challenge assumptions about accessibility, and rediscover the power of presence beyond technology.

More about Joel:

Joel Isaac was born near the Mountains of the Moon in Uganda, East Africa. Soon after birth, Joel and his family had to leave Uganda due to government instability. As a baby refugee, Joel lived in Spain for his first few months and eventually he and his family were resettled in the United States.

When he was still a child, Joel learned he had a genetic condition that would cause him to lose his eyesight. Though this was a looming fear, he attended public schools and tried to ignore the signs of what was to come, engaging in competitive sports and academics like his classmates.

As he was growing up Joel found he had a passion for technology and human behavior, eventually attaining multiple degrees and working in start-ups for the early Internet. Ten years ago, Joel lost his usable vision and is still learning about the advantages and disadvantages to life without eyesight.

After years of sitting behind a desk developing applications and providing accessibility guidance, Joel has an overwhelming desire to return to Africa, put his feet in the soil and acquaint himself with the people and the terrain that were lost to him so many years ago.

Connect with Joel

Linked in: linkedin.com/in/joel-isaac-bb031263

Off The Beaten Path Season 2- Episode 1-Sedona Dave

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0700

Sedona Dave launches Season 2 of Off the Beaten Path with a brief recap of season one and a preview of the upcoming season.

We're going to take an adjacent and more esoteric path this season by diving deeper into our blind experience. With this season's guests, Sedona Dave is exploring topics like: breaking stereotypes within our own beliefs of what a blind person can and should be doing; what we are offering and contributing to the world; being seen and receiving understanding by the sighted and so much more deep and enriching conversations. And of course delivered with Sedona Dave's quirky and engaging humorous style! Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Off The Beaten Path Episode Eleven -Justin Bishop

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0700

We are wrapping up Season One of Off The Beaten Path with the amazing Justin Bishop. Justin shares about his life and journey with his condition, Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). Justin's condition advanced rapidly, leading to his blindness at the age of 25. He also talked about his work with children on the autism spectrum, teaching them social and motor skills through sports like skateboarding.

Justin also talked about his professional career as a skateboarder. He is expecting his first child and plans to make this his last year as a contracted skateboarder. He is excited to return to skateboarding for fun, without the pressures of making a living from it.

We had such a deeply inspirational dialogue, that moves from blindness to the rigors of balancing sport, life and family.

More about Justin

Justin Bishop is a Professional skateboarder and adaptive athlete passionate about accessibility. He is blind in his left eye, only has peripheral shadows in his right eye. Justin was eight when he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a rare degenerative eye disease that came with a warning that he would go blind in middle age.

Undeterred, he picked up skateboarding at the age of 10. But by the time he turned 25, he could only see shadows and blurs. After a four-year break from skating to remaster all of his essential life skills, he was finally ready to get back on the board.

In 2019, he partnered with Zappos and Not Impossible Labs to develop a sound-based technology that uses speakers to create audio markers visually impaired skaters can use to navigate a skatepark.

Now in his mid-thirties, Justin is a professional skater with sponsors, has starred in commercials and documentaries, and advocates for the inclusion of visually impaired skateboarding in the Paralympics.

Connect with Justin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinthebishop

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justinthebishop

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justinthebishop

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEi---3J7xAwm-tuMXg7Sqg

Off The Beaten Path Episode Ten- part two -Julius Mbura

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0700

Part two of my interview with Julius Mbura! We continue to dive deep into his life growing up in Kenya and his remarkable climb of all seven peaks of Kenya!

More about Julius

Julius Mbura is a lawyer, disability rights advocate, and motivational speaker making waves in Kenya and beyond. As a blind person, Julius is driven by his lived experience to bridge the gap between legal frameworks and the realities of persons with disabilities (PWDs), promoting their full and effective participation in society. He inspires younger generations of PWDs, demonstrating that their potential is limitless, and connects with thousands of followers across his social media platforms, where he is famously known as JSupercharge. Due to his ever-expanding influence, Julius is currently signed to RECA Talent Management to further extend his reach. Beyond his advocacy work, Julius is a mentor, spoken word artist, and even a car enthusiast, reviewing cars by touch and feel. A graduate of the University of Nairobi's LLB program, Julius is also a distinguished alumnus of both the Mandela Washington Fellowship (2024) and the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) (2024), further fueling his commitment to building a more inclusive society. He serves as the Advocacy Officer and Head of Programming at inABLE, where he champions disability inclusion and accessibility.

Connect with Julius

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juliusmbura01/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jsupercharge/?hl=en

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliusmbura/?originalSubdomain=ke

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jsupercharge

Website:

Official Julius Mbura site: https://www.jmbura.com/

Heights Unseen: https://heightsunseen.hustlesasa.shop/

Off The Beaten Path Episode Ten -Julius Mbura part one

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0700

This is probably one of the most remarkable and inspiring interviews for me yet! I have been inspired by all of my guests so far as we meet life on life's terms and go beyond what our perceptions of our abilities as blind/low vision people tell is possible.

I am thrilled to share part one of my interview with Julius Mbura. Julius rang in the New Year with an incredible feat—summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro! This remarkable achievement is part of his Heights Unseen campaign, dedicated to raising funds for 4,000 white canes to support visually impaired children in Kenya. This is a conversation that will leave you awe-inspired and motivated to climb any mountain, especially the metaphorical ones we encounter in life!

Stay tuned for part two of my interview with Julius which airs on February 27, 2025.

More about Julius

Julius Mbura is a lawyer, disability rights advocate, and motivational speaker making waves in Kenya and beyond. As a blind person, Julius is driven by his lived experience to bridge the gap between legal frameworks and the realities of persons with disabilities (PWDs), promoting their full and effective participation in society. He inspires younger generations of PWDs, demonstrating that their potential is limitless, and connects with thousands of followers across his social media platforms, where he is famously known as JSupercharge. Due to his ever-expanding influence, Julius is currently signed to RECA Talent Management to further extend his reach. Beyond his advocacy work, Julius is a mentor, spoken word artist, and even a car enthusiast, reviewing cars by touch and feel. A graduate of the University of Nairobi's LLB program, Julius is also a distinguished alumnus of both the Mandela Washington Fellowship (2024) and the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) (2024), further fueling his commitment to building a more inclusive society. He serves as the Advocacy Officer and Head of Programming at inABLE, where he champions disability inclusion and accessibility.

Connect with Julius

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juliusmbura01/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jsupercharge/?hl=en

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliusmbura/?originalSubdomain=ke

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jsupercharge

Website:

Official Julius Mbura site: https://www.jmbura.com/

Heights Unseen: https://heightsunseen.hustlesasa.shop/

Off The Beaten Path Episode Nine- Taryn Dickens

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Off The Beaten Path I am interviewing Taryn dickens. Taryn, who has Cone-Rod Dystrophy, shared her experience of being diagnosed at the age of 35 and how it has led to a new life of sports and helping others. She is currently preparing for her first World Cup and is excited about the opportunities ahead. I really admire her resilience and adaptability in the face of change.

More about Taryn
Taryn is an 42 year old adventure seeker who is new to blindness. She was diagnosed with Cone-Rod Dystrophy at 36 years old and hasn't looked back (pun intended).

After taking time to grieve, she transitioned from track cycling as a non adaptive athlete to Para Nordic skiing and Para Biathlon as a Vision Impaired Athlete. She had never skied before her sight difficulties, so she has been training hard. Now two years since first getting on snow she is off to her first world cup events representing Australia this January in Europe.

She hopes to qualify for the 2026 Winter Paralympics and be the first Australian woman to compete as a Para Cross Country skier and Biathlete. She says, "My blindness has changed my life so much for the better and I am going to keep pressing forward to prove that not only women can do anything but so can everyone no matter their ability." She lives with vision which is different, not lost.

You can connect with Taryn

Insta @lowvisionathlete

Facebook Taryn Dickens - Low Vision Athlete

Off The Beaten Path Episode Eight -Shawn Cheshire

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0700

In this weeks podcast I interview Shawn Cheshire. My new bestie to the north (she lives in Flagstaff) She is an amazing human being who shares her inspiring adventures with us. You're gonna love this interview with as much as I did!
More About Shawn
Shawn Cheshire is a 49 year old US Army Veteran who sustained a traumatic brain injury rendering her totally blind. She is a 13 time Paracycling US National Champion, both on the road and the track and represented the US at the inaugural Invictus Games in London in 2014 and the 2016 Rio Paralympics. Shawn is a member of the US Army Women’s Hall of Fame. Since Rio, Shawn has focused on breaking social norms for the blind.

In 2019, she smashed the blind record for the double crossing of the Grand Canyon (45 miles with 22,000 feet of elevation change in 24 hours and 15 minutes, breaking the blind man’s record by almost 4 hours).

In 2020, Shawn completed the 50-mile route of the Dirty Thirty gravel bike race in Michigan on a single bike following a speaker playing music on the back of her sighted guide’s bike. It was the first known time a blind person has completed a bike race on a single bike (as opposed to a tandem).

In 2021, Shawn raced her single bike from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean (3700 miles in 60 days).

In 2022, Shawn took on the Tour Divide, a 2700-mile mountain bike race from Banff Canada to Mexico along the Continental Divide with over 400,000 feet of elevation change. It was the worst weather in the history of the race and more than half of the riders who started the race dropped out. Shawn finished the race in 50 days, cycling through snow, mud, hail, rain, freezing temperatures and triple digit temperatures.

Moving into 2023, Shawn decided to face Mt Everest in attempt to be the first blind woman to summit. Unfortunately due to extreme altitude while attempting to camp 1, Shawn suffered severe hearing loss and damage to her ears. She hopes to return one day.

Once again on May 23, 2024, Shawn set out to show the world that blind individuals are capable of so much more than we have been taught to believe. She became the first blind person to hike cross the Grand Canyon, North Kaibab Rim to South Kaibab Rim without a sighted guide. Shawn hiked completely on her own, navigating the massiveness of the Grand Canyon without assistance of a sighted person or navigation. Finishing in an unbelievable time of 10 hours and 58 minutes!

Shawn is typically the strongest woman in the gym and is known to run a marathon with no preparation. She is an avid cross country skier, downhill skier and biathlete and is known to play a round of golf occasionally.

TELL SHAWN A BLIND PERSON CANNOT DO SOMETHING AND SHE WILL PROVE YOU WRONG!

Connect with Shawn on Social
Instagram http://www.instagram.com/shawn_cheshire
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/shawn.cheshire.9
@choosingtosee

Off The Beaten Path Episode Seven -Eric Hartman

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0700

We resume season one of Off The Beaten Path with my interview with Eric Hartman. Eric travels the world and vlogs his experiences as a blind/low-vision traveler and shares some of his adventures with us. We discuss the latest technology and accessibility tools for travel. Eric also shares his experience as a blind/low-vison artist and the time he spent painting sunflowers where Van Gough painted! Impressive to say the least.

Join us in this casual conversation that touches on the passion that Eric and I share for problem solving and innovation. You're going to love our humorous exchange about duct tape and zip ties for repairs!

A bit more about Eric
Eric is a global patient advocate for the Choroideremia Research Foundation. Though progressively losing his vision to CHM, he has pursued his passion as an artist, photographer, and sculptor. Eric has traveled on three continents as a solo traveler and Vlogs about his experiences as “The BLT (Blind Low-vision Traveler) “.

With his cane in hand, he overcomes his own fears to explore and experience this world and along the way developing a global network of amazing friends. some of his greatest experiences have come as a result of being resilient and overcoming travel obstacles. It’s a big world out there get out and enjoy it!

Eric's BLT Vlog on YouTube
https://youtube.com/@erichartman1202?si=xUEwbr81p9wJvQ4b

Experience Eric's art
https://www.art-man.com/

Follow Eric on Social
https://www.facebook.com/heric.hartman
https://www.instagram.com/herichartman/?hl=en

Off The Beaten Path Episode Six -Lonnie Bedwell

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0700

I am so excited to share this interview with Lonnie Bedwell with you!

Lonnie Bedwell is a blind veteran, and extreme sports athlete. He shares his empowering story of tragically losing his eyesight to gaining vision ultimately being named a National Geographic adventurer of the Year. From accident to recovery, his journey led him to the first blind kayaking descent through the Grand Canyon and to the summit of Mount Everest.

Lonnie shares his life journey, including his experiences as a blind builder and mountaineer. We talk about Lonnie's personal philosophy of focusing on his unique gifts, and the importance of collaboration and mutual support. Lonnie also shared his plans for future adventures and the importance of acknowledging adversity for personal growth.

Lonnie's inspiring story is sure to touch your heart and motivate you to seize life to its fullest!

Connect with Lonnie on Social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reallonniebedwell
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lonnie.r.bedwell/?hl=en

Off The Beaten Path Episode Five - Kirk Adams

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0700

Today we are talking to Dr. Kirk Adams. Kirk and I talk about his blindness journey which started at age five. We dove into what it was like for him growing up in a small town and discovering how there wasn't much available for blind kids to have developmentally appropriate experiences. This was the catalyst for the direction he took in life -to be an advocate for people with disabilities.
I know you will enjoy this episode of Off The Beaten Path!

Here's a bit more about Dr. Adams
Dr. Kirk Adams is a Professional Speaker and the founder of Innovative Impact LLC., focusing on groundbreaking, high-impact projects that accelerate the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce and supercharges a company’s bottom line.

Dr. Adams earned his PhD in leadership and change. He is known as a master connector of key decision-makers in government, corporate America, the nonprofit sector, and disability advocates guiding them to create collaborative solutions that have a real impact in increasing the employment of people with disabilities.

To connect with Dr. Adams On Social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirk.adams.56/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirkadamsphd/
X formerly Twitter: @KirkAdamsPhD

Off The Beaten Path Episode Four - Penn Street

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0700

Today I am speaking with Penn Street! She shares with me her life as a young tom-boy and her adventurer's spirit. The harrowing tale of survival and healing from a rattlesnake bite and how she overcame all the no's in life and learned to navigate her vision loss on her own terms. I know you will find great inspiration in what she has to share with us today!

Here's a bit more about Penn Street
Penn Street lost most of her eyesight at age nine from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) after being bit by a rattlesnake. Her tom-boy spirit proved the medical teams wrong over and over again. She not only survived, but thrived. SJS compromised Penn's sight, but not her tom-boy spirit. She made the choice early that she would not be shoved to the sidelines. Her career spans decades working in the disability communities. Her passion is showing others that the outdoors is for all of us and we have to show up and be at the table when discions are being made. Penn has rafted the Grand Canyon, summited many of the peaks in surrounding her home in Colodo, skiis the steep winter trails, paddle boards, and takes long walks every chance she gets. She is also the host of the podcast, The Blind Chick.

Connect with Penn

Website: http://www.aftersight.org

Catch Penn's podcast here: https://aftersight.org/audio-publications/the-blind-chick/

Follow Penn on social (click the links below)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/penn.street

Off The Beaten Path Episode Three- Krista Webb

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0700

Today I welcome blind wood burning artist, Krista Webb to the Off The Beaten Path studio. Krista has Usher's syndrome and is a huge advocate of staying in the game. We talked about her life as an artist, family life and her time as a young athlete. I know you will find her story inspirational!

Krista is 37 years old and is a wife of 16 years, mother of 2 boys who are 10 and 12, and a wood burning artist. Krista has Usher syndrome which is hearing loss and vision loss through Retinitis Pigmentosa. Krista has been using her white cane for as long as she discovered wood burning art since 2019. It’s been a journey building a relationship and feeling the pride she currently has with her white cane. Krista uses her Instagram sharing her wood burning art, educating the world that blindness is a spectrum, and simply connecting with other low vision / blind people globally.

To see Krista's wood burning art follow her on instagram by clicking the link below:
http://www.instagram.com/blindlove.woodburning

Off The Beaten Path Episode Two- Sam Seavey

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 08:00:00 -0700

Today I have a chat with Sam Seavey of the blind life we talk about his support systems, family and how he got started producing the Blind Life Podcast and his mission. We also talked about some common experiences being blind and he handles them.
I am always super inspired by Sam and I know you will be too.

Here's a bit more about Sam Seavey
Sam Seavey, the visionary behind The Blind Life YouTube channel, has emerged as a trailblazer in the field of assistive technology. Recognized as a top resource by the Foundation Fighting Blindness, The Blind Life has amassed over 60,000 subscribers and offers a treasure trove of informative videos. Sam provides invaluable insights on daily tasks, reviews cutting-edge assistive devices, and conducts interviews with influential figures in the visually impaired community.

Sam's journey began at age 11 when he was diagnosed with Stargardt's, a form of early-onset macular degeneration. Over three decades, he has immersed himself in research and become proficient in all things assistive technology. His expertise has garnered recognition in esteemed publications like USA TODAY and WIRED Magazine. Sam collaborates with tech giants such as Google, Sony, and Apple, is a national and international speaker, and also creates content for websites.

Currently, Sam leads the assistive technology program at a nonprofit organization, providing comprehensive training on life-changing technologies. His dedication shines through in his work with clients and his commitment to disseminating knowledge through YouTube. With a mission to empower individuals to live their best blind life, Sam constantly strives to enhance the lives of others.

To Connect with Sam

Via email: sam@theblindlife.net
Website: www.theblindlife.net

Catch his podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@theblindlife

Follow Sam on social (click the links below)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblindlifesam
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblindlifesam/?hl=en

Off The Beaten Path Episode One-Sedona Dave

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0700

Hey Everyone!
Sedona Dave here with a brand new offering from Awarewolf Gear!
You guessed it- A Podcast!

I will be dropping a new episode every other week until March of 2025. We are going to have some amazing guests like, Sam Seavey from the Blind Life, Penn Street of the Blind Chick, outdoor adventurers Lonni Bedwell and Taryn Dickens and many more.
I am so excited to be offering this to inspire you to get out there and get 'r done!

Awarewolf Gear is the producer of high performance supportive and adaptive gear:

The All Terrain Cane -a supportive hiking and mobility cane
and
The Urban Xplorer -a supportive mobility cane that you can lean on for your urban adventures
Visit https://awarewolfgear.com/awghome