Despite us repeatedly saying it's episode 289 at the top, it is in fact episode 279 and we're joined by the very funny Matt Richardson (@mattrichardson3) for a chat about hanging out with other comedians, hallucinogens and more! If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us as well as accessing full length episodes as well as joining our WhatsApp…

We're back this week for a chat about religion, ill parents, karaoke, India and much more! If you enjoy the podcast and want to hear full length episodes as well as joining our WhatsApp community, head over to www.patreon.com/wearetvi Carl is off on tour later in the year starting at the Edinburgh Fringe. Check out where he's heading and buy ticket…

Get ready to LEAP into summer with Learn, Earn, and Prosper! This virtual program is made just for blind and visually impaired students ages 14–21 who want to gain real job skills, build independence, and make lifelong friends—without even leaving home! Led by Hannah Peach, LEAP offers paid work experiences, career-readiness workshops, mentorship f…

Get ready for an unforgettable summer with the Lighthouse Center for Vital Living in Duluth, Minnesota! Designed for students ages 14–21 who are blind or visually impaired, these week-long camps combine fun with real-world skill-building. Whether you’re navigating a sailboat on Lake Superior or kicking into confidence with Taekwondo, each day is pa…

Founded by Gary Horton and joined by technical specialist Bahz, Vanward Consulting offers immersive, skill-building programs like *Lean In* and *Lean In Prep*. These initiatives go beyond job training—empowering students through entrepreneurship, real-world work experience, mentorship, and confidence-building “life work” that lasts well beyond the …

We're joined this week by the very funny Hayley Ellis for a chat about Wimpy, road snacks, green room riders and more! Check out Hayley on social media @hayles_ellis as well as her excellent podcast with Barry Dodds 'The Worriers' If you like our podcast and want to support us and receive full length episodes in return (as well as the option of joi…

We're joined this week by the very funny comedian and actor Will Robbins (@willyrobbins on Insta) for a chat about Shakespeare, Only Fans and much more! If you like the podcast and want to hear full length episodes plus more then join us on Patreon over at www.patreon.com/wearetvi Follow us on social media @wearetvi @carldonnelly @juliandeanecomedi…

In this casual conversation, Beth, robin and Jeff talk about that feeling that people are watching us when we are out and about in the public sphere. How fear may hinder our perception and distract from our intentional mobility. Listen in as they travel down this sidewalk unexpectedly and found themselves navigating quite a complex quandary found i…

Meet Jenny Pelletier and Abdi Mumin, two passionate Orientation and Mobility (O&M) instructors who are helping blind and visually impaired students build confidence, independence, and street smarts—one step at a time. In this episode, they share how mastering cane skills, navigating new environments, and embracing your journey can unlock freedom an…

Meet Tou Yang, a Transition Work Opportunities Navigator at State Services for the Blind! Tou helps students explore career options, build resumes, prepare for interviews, and find summer jobs, internships, or volunteer experiences. Learn how tools like Career Index Plus make it easier to research careers and job markets. Tou shares tips for tailor…

We're back on the same time zone for the first time in three months. Carl is jet lagged up to the eyeballs. We discuss Julian's recent spa altercation, Carl's flight issues and films. If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support us while accessing full length episodes and the chance to join the TVI WhatsApp community, head over to www.patreon…

Despite Carl only having 90 minutes until setting off to the airport to fly home, they manage to squeeze in a short doozie of an episode about jobs, confectionary and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesBy TVI / Keep It Light Media

In this Wellness Wednesday episode, Beth and Robin explore the growing role of AI in supporting mental health. With a compassionate and grounded perspective, they weigh the benefits and limitations of AI tools like ChatGPT as supplemental resources for emotional support, especially when traditional help isn’t accessible. While AI can offer journali…

We're back for a fun chat about schooling, magicians and cheating death! If you enjoy the podcast and want to access full length episodes as well as our WhatsApp communities then head over to www.patreon.com/wearetvi and sign up for as little as £3 per month. Check out Carl's tour dates at www.carldonnelly.info Learn more about your ad choices. Vis…

We're back this week with some slight technical hiccups (Carl broke his mic two minutes before recording!) and joined by very funny new comedian Christian Jegárd (@christianjegard ) for a chat about nicotine pouches, flip flops and more! If you like the podcast and would like to support us and access full length episodes plus more then head over to…

In this episode of Wellness Wednesday , Beth and Robin explore the emotional challenges of facing the unknown. Drawing on their therapeutic experience, they offer gentle grounding techniques such as mindfulness, affirmations, and power songs to restore a sense of control. They remind listeners that anxiety is a natural response and emphasize the he…

This Blind Abilities episode features peer ambassadors Amy and Maddy, who share how Minnesota’s State Services for the Blind (SSB) has supported their educational and vocational journeys. From summer camps to career exploration and technology training, SSB has played a vital role in helping them develop independence, self-advocacy, and professional…

We're back after a short hiatus to hear about Julian's holiday and Carl's start to the Melbourne Comedy Festival. If you enjoy the podcast and want to hear full length episodes, join our patreon at www.patreon.com/wearetvi Carl's tour is now onsale. Head over to www.carldonnelly.info for ticket links. Follow us on social media @wearetvi @carldonnel…

In this episode of Blind Abilities, Jeff Thompson speaks with three professionals from State Services for the Blind (SSB)—Kate Larson, Randi Lasher, and Shane DeSantis—who support students with vision loss as they prepare for life after high school. They share helpful tips about applying for college, getting financial aid (like FAFSA and scholarshi…

We're back this week for a chat about Julian's malaise, Carl helping an old man and much more! Tickets to Carl's tour are now onsale at www.carldonnelly.info If you enjoy the podcast and want to hear full length episodes, extra content as well as joining the WhatsApp community then head over to www.patreon.com/wearetvi Follow us on Social Media @we…

This podcast episode highlights the alarming legal challenge to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a foundational disability rights law in the United States. Kaleigh Brendle, a student advocate, explains that 17 attorneys general have filed a lawsuit arguing that Section 504 is unconstitutional. If repealed, this could strip away protec…

We're back this week for a chat about ChatGPT, the minimum wage and more! If you enjoy the podcast and want to hear full length episodes plus extras as well as joining our WhatsApp community then head over to www.patreon.com/wearetvi Also follow us on social media @wearetvi @carldonnelly and @juliandeanecomedian Learn more about your ad choices. Vi…

This episode of Wellness Wednesday with hosts Beth Gustin, LPC, and Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, explores emergency preparedness for natural disasters, with a focus on considerations for blind and low vision individuals. With recent fires in California and extreme cold weather across the U.S., the hosts emphasize the importance of having a plan in place…

We're joined this week by TVI favourite Paul McCaffrey for a chat about his and Julian's atrocious sleep habits, hecklers and much more. Check out Paul on social media @paulmccaffreycomedian as well as his podcasts 'Whats Upset You Now?' and 'Glad Rags' If you enjoy our podcast and would like to support us, head over to www.patreon.com/wearetvi whe…

Have you ever wanted to experience the thrill of snowshoeing, learn how to build a campfire, or master winter hiking skills? In this special podcast episode, we take you on a journey to Fort Snelling State Park, where State Services for the Blind (SSB) partnered with Wilderness Inquiry to create an unforgettable winter experience for blind and visu…

On this episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth and Robin respond to a listener’s question about the connection between premature birth and attachment styles. Research suggests a link between prematurity and both secure and insecure attachment styles. They explore the three insecure attachment styles and how they can shape relationships. While this is …

We're back this week with a fun chat about Julian's old tag name, Jack The Ripper and much more. If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support us as well as accessing full length episodes, extra episodes and even joining the TVI WhatsApp community then head over to www.patreon.com/wearetvi Follow us on social media @wearetvi @carldonnelly and …

Julius Mbura, a blind adventurer, advocate, and model from Kenya, is redefining possibility. With an Awarewolf Gear All-Terrain Cane, he scaled Mount Kilimanjaro and six other Kenyan peaks, proving that blindness is no barrier to greatness. Founder of Heights Unseen, he aims to provide 4,000 mobility canes to blind individuals in Kenya, championing…

The Desserts in the Dark event at Minnesota State Academy for the Blind (MSAB) provided a hands-on experience for sighted participants to gain insight into the world of blindness. Guests wore blindfolds while enjoying a variety of desserts, decorating cookies, and engaging in a Braille decoding activity. Led by blind and visually impaired students,…

We're back this week for a chat about Carl's stomach bug, anxious dogs, Apple products and much more. If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support us as well as getting access to full length episodes and bonus content (such as our WhatsApp community) then head over to www.patreon.com/wearetvi Follow us on social media @wearetvi @carldonnelly …

We're joined this week by the very funny Lindsey Santoro (@linzsantoro) for a chat about spiders, snakes bumholes and much more! If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support us then join our patreon www.patreon.com/wearetvi for full length episodes and more. Follow us on social media @wearetvi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastch…

Valentine’s Day is often seen as a celebration of romantic love, but what if love starts from within? In this Wellness Wednesday episode, Beth and Robin explore the foundation of love—self-love. Without it, we risk settling for less, struggling with boundaries, and feeling unworthy. Self-love isn’t about grand gestures; it’s in the small acts of ca…

The ACB Minnesota State Convention: Zooming into 2025 was an exciting gathering of Minnesota’s blindness community, offering insights, connections, and resources. Highlights included updates from State Services for the Blind, discussions on assistive technology like the NLS e-Reader, and opportunities in employment, including pharmacy technician tr…