Blind and Refined Sat, 07 Mar 2026 20:36:59 -0500 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2525984 en-us © 2026 Blind and Refined yes d7a5aad4-f7d9-57fe-9c9e-a0b1a3aea55b John Powers episodic false A routine physical for 28 year old John Powers led to an eye specialist informing John that half his sight was gone. He had no idea. A degenerative eye disease (choroideremia) would eventually lead to blindness.  30 years later, John recounts what helped and hindered him on his “challenging and messy” journey of sight loss.  

This is a candid narrative in which denial and resistance eventually gave way to acceptance and the assistance of  a supportive community and the riches of his Christian faith.  

“I think there are others out there who get a life changing diagnosis, and all of a sudden, they have to find a new way forward.” 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) John Powers https://storage.buzzsprout.com/bgldkupgd6wz6hr9d2umn81ztjod?.jpg Blind and Refined Episode 7 - Getting Lost to Find My Way Episode 7 - Getting Lost to Find My Way In this final episode of Blind and Refined Season 1, John recounts lessons from his blindness training in Des Moines—where getting lost, quite literally, became a path to finding confidence and independence. Reflecting on how discomfort and challenge can refine us, he invites listeners to consider what has helped and hindered their own growth. With gratitude and humor, John and his guide dog Gibbs wrap up Season 1 with encouragement to keep growing, even when the way forward isn’t clear.


Cover artwork: Jennie Lodien

Editing assistance, Ann Powers and Wayne Hepler 

Audio Editing: Reed Seely

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/christopher-galovan/peace-be-with-you
License code: 6BBTWLZGASK3QFNM

]]> In this final episode of Blind and Refined Season 1, John recounts lessons from his blindness training in Des Moines—where getting lost, quite literally, became a path to finding confidence and independence. Reflecting on how discomfort and challenge can refine us, he invites listeners to consider what has helped and hindered their own growth. With gratitude and humor, John and his guide dog Gibbs wrap up Season 1 with encouragement to keep growing, even when the way forward isn’t clear.


Cover artwork: Jennie Lodien

Editing assistance, Ann Powers and Wayne Hepler 

Audio Editing: Reed Seely

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/christopher-galovan/peace-be-with-you
License code: 6BBTWLZGASK3QFNM

]]> John Powers Buzzsprout-18018864 Thu, 16 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0400 657 1 7 full false Episode 6 - Tapping in to the Divine Episode 6 - Tapping in to the Divine John reflects on the spiritual side of living with disability, likening it to tapping into a hidden artesian well that brings life and strength. He weaves together research on the benefits of spirituality, his own story of grief after the loss of his son, and the hope he finds in the teachings of Jesus. This episode points to a God who enters into human suffering and offers rest, resilience, and renewed perspective for the journey.


Cover artwork: Jennie Lodien

Editing assistance, Ann Powers and Wayne Hepler 

Audio Editing: Reed Seely

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/christopher-galovan/peace-be-with-you
License code: 6BBTWLZGASK3QFNM

]]> John reflects on the spiritual side of living with disability, likening it to tapping into a hidden artesian well that brings life and strength. He weaves together research on the benefits of spirituality, his own story of grief after the loss of his son, and the hope he finds in the teachings of Jesus. This episode points to a God who enters into human suffering and offers rest, resilience, and renewed perspective for the journey.


Cover artwork: Jennie Lodien

Editing assistance, Ann Powers and Wayne Hepler 

Audio Editing: Reed Seely

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/christopher-galovan/peace-be-with-you
License code: 6BBTWLZGASK3QFNM

]]> Buzzsprout-17940807 Wed, 01 Oct 2025 16:00:00 -0400 519 1 6 full false Episode 5 - The White Cane Moment: From Shame to the First Step Episode 5 - The White Cane Moment: From Shame to the First Step John tells the pivotal story of a clinic visit and a blunt, compassionate exchange that exposed his embarrassment about losing sight and pushed him toward acceptance — including the humbling but clarifying “confrontational” vision test and the suggestion to train with a white cane. He explains how naming feelings early, sharing them with trusted people (and caring for partners/caregivers), and embracing grief as a refining process helped him stop lashing out and begin healthier, braver steps forward.

 

Cover artwork: Jennie Lodien

Editing assistance, Ann Powers and Wayne Hepler 

Audio Editing: Reed Seely

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/christopher-galovan/peace-be-with-you
License code: 6BBTWLZGASK3QFNM

]]> John tells the pivotal story of a clinic visit and a blunt, compassionate exchange that exposed his embarrassment about losing sight and pushed him toward acceptance — including the humbling but clarifying “confrontational” vision test and the suggestion to train with a white cane. He explains how naming feelings early, sharing them with trusted people (and caring for partners/caregivers), and embracing grief as a refining process helped him stop lashing out and begin healthier, braver steps forward.

 

Cover artwork: Jennie Lodien

Editing assistance, Ann Powers and Wayne Hepler 

Audio Editing: Reed Seely

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/christopher-galovan/peace-be-with-you
License code: 6BBTWLZGASK3QFNM

]]> John Powers Buzzsprout-17866957 Tue, 23 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0400 480 1 5 full false Episode 4 - Refined by Loss: Facing the Grief We’d Rather Avoid Episode 4 - Refined by Loss: Facing the Grief We’d Rather Avoid John challenges the myth of positivity in the face of suffering and the danger of avoiding grief. He explores how unacknowledged pain can fester—and how facing grief head-on can lead to real healing. The episode prepares listeners for an even deeper look at loss and refinement in the next installment.

 

Cover artwork: Jennie Lodien

Editing assistance, Ann Powers and Wayne Hepler 

Audio Editing: Reed Seely

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/christopher-galovan/peace-be-with-you
License code: 6BBTWLZGASK3QFNM

]]> John challenges the myth of positivity in the face of suffering and the danger of avoiding grief. He explores how unacknowledged pain can fester—and how facing grief head-on can lead to real healing. The episode prepares listeners for an even deeper look at loss and refinement in the next installment.

 

Cover artwork: Jennie Lodien

Editing assistance, Ann Powers and Wayne Hepler 

Audio Editing: Reed Seely

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/christopher-galovan/peace-be-with-you
License code: 6BBTWLZGASK3QFNM

]]> John Powers Buzzsprout-17620057 Tue, 16 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0400 318 1 4 full false Episode 3 - Help I Didn’t Want, but Desperately Needed Episode 3 - Help I Didn’t Want, but Desperately Needed In this episode, John unpacks the resistance many of us feel to asking for help—even when we need it most. He shares candid stories of pride, frustration, and a pivotal moment when his wife challenged him to take ownership of his condition. It’s a call to humility and a celebration of how community, training, and resources can empower us when we finally ask.


Cover artwork: Jennie Lodien

Editing assistance, Ann Powers and Wayne Hepler 

Audio Editing: Reed Seely

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/christopher-galovan/peace-be-with-you
License code: 6BBTWLZGASK3QFNM

]]> In this episode, John unpacks the resistance many of us feel to asking for help—even when we need it most. He shares candid stories of pride, frustration, and a pivotal moment when his wife challenged him to take ownership of his condition. It’s a call to humility and a celebration of how community, training, and resources can empower us when we finally ask.


Cover artwork: Jennie Lodien

Editing assistance, Ann Powers and Wayne Hepler 

Audio Editing: Reed Seely

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/christopher-galovan/peace-be-with-you
License code: 6BBTWLZGASK3QFNM

]]> John Powers Buzzsprout-17620055 Tue, 09 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0400 363 1 2 full false Episode 2 - Roots of Resilience: Breaking Isolation with Connection Episode 2 - Roots of Resilience: Breaking Isolation with Connection John dives into the emotional aftermath of receiving a diagnosis of progressive blindness. He reflects on the pull toward isolation and how critical it is to build community and share vulnerably. Through a powerful story of emotional breakdown and breakthrough, he reveals how connection with others offers strength during deep personal loss.


Cover artwork: Jennie Lodien

Editing assistance, Ann Powers and Wayne Hepler 

Audio Editing: Reed Seely

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/christopher-galovan/peace-be-with-you
License code: 6BBTWLZGASK3QFNM

]]> John dives into the emotional aftermath of receiving a diagnosis of progressive blindness. He reflects on the pull toward isolation and how critical it is to build community and share vulnerably. Through a powerful story of emotional breakdown and breakthrough, he reveals how connection with others offers strength during deep personal loss.


Cover artwork: Jennie Lodien

Editing assistance, Ann Powers and Wayne Hepler 

Audio Editing: Reed Seely

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/christopher-galovan/peace-be-with-you
License code: 6BBTWLZGASK3QFNM

]]> John Powers Buzzsprout-17620050 Tue, 02 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0400 554 1 2 full false Episode 1 - Losing Sight, Gaining Vision Episode 1 - Losing Sight, Gaining Vision John introduces Blind and Refined, recounting the life-altering moment he was diagnosed with vision loss. He sets the stage for a journey of struggle, spiritual wrestling and personal growth.


Cover artwork: Jennie Lodien

Editing assistance, Ann Powers and Wayne Hepler 

Audio Editing: Reed Seely

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/christopher-galovan/peace-be-with-you
License code: 6BBTWLZGASK3QFNM

]]> John introduces Blind and Refined, recounting the life-altering moment he was diagnosed with vision loss. He sets the stage for a journey of struggle, spiritual wrestling and personal growth.


Cover artwork: Jennie Lodien

Editing assistance, Ann Powers and Wayne Hepler 

Audio Editing: Reed Seely

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/christopher-galovan/peace-be-with-you
License code: 6BBTWLZGASK3QFNM

]]> John Powers Buzzsprout-17620021 Mon, 25 Aug 2025 12:00:00 -0400 172 1 1 full false