Blind Girl Drunk Podcast

As the days are slowly getting longer, but the cold is settled in, it's time to take a mini break and get those last winter jobs done and out of the way before spring arrives. With this in mind, I'll be taking the month of August off and be back with the spring/in September with more episodes on living with low vision and how we can turn things around for you to enjoy. In the meantime, keep those requests coming and I'll add them to the list

 Want to go to a weekend workshop and are worried about how to make it work for you? In todays' episode we're going to talk about how to prepare both yourself and the training provider to get the most out of your weekend workshop experience and maybe even enjoy it! With this in mind, let's get the ball rolling so that you can start to plan your own adventure with a lighter heart!  For any feedback or requests: blindgirldrunk@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/blindgirldrunkpodcast

  So, we've had this discussion before… that doesn't mean we shouldn't have it again! Being invisible… There are times, especially when we find ourselves in a bureaucratic system, that those of us with vision impairment get treated as it our lack of vision means we have cognitive issues. In today's episode we'll discuss what this means and my way of handling it. So, sit back, relax and remember you're the one in control!  For any feedback or requests: blindgirldrunk@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/blindgirldrunkpodcast

OK, it's time to get into the kitchen where I'll share an easy way to make cauliflower soup. This recipe is super easy and  I can do it with my eyes closed

 So, a common question anyone dealing with sight loss will get is: what can you see? This is such an open-ended question. Basically, what people are curious to learn is: what do blind people see? In today's episode we'll lightly touch on the topic of blindness and low vision and how variable it really is.  For any feedback or requests: blindgirldrunk@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/blindgirldrunkpodcast

While this podcast is all about self-sufficiency and can-do attitude, we're also about keeping it real! With this in mind, perhaps consider where help in the home would make your daily life that much easier and give it a go. In today's episode we'll explore how I came to getting home help and the difference its made to my life on the every day. So, sit back, relax and enjoy.  For any feedback or requests: blindgirldrunk@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/blindgirldrunkpodcast

 Thinking about getting a new appliance for the kitchen? Or perhaps a TV for the lounge and feeling intimidated because of failing eyesight? In today's episode we're going to talk about how for most perceived problems, when dealing with technology, there'll be a solution. So, sit back with your cuppa of choice and let's get started

 What's it like having an eye-examination at Public Hospital? Today we'll discuss what to expect when going to the hospital for an eye check-up. We'll explore “the system” and how the experience translates for someone with vision impairment and the best way to prepare on an emotional level. Also, we'll discuss how this compared to the “Private Hospital” experience from earlier in the year and my thoughts over-all.  For any feedback or requests: blindgirldrunk@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/blindgirldrunkpodcast

For those of us with the dubious privilege of stumbling along the path of sight loss you'll see where this one is going! In short, with diminishing sight come many opportunities to build those metaphoric bridges and get over ourselves. Basically, for self-preservation purposes, we need to learn to grow a tolerance to getting things wrong – it is what it is and we've got to learn to live with it. In today's episode we'll discuss the philosophical reasoning that may just help you along the way.  For any feedback or requests: blindgirldrunk@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/blindgirldrunkpodcast

In today's episode we're exploring the popular concept of minimalism and how well it applies in the low vision community. Have a listen and see what you think

In today's episode we're exploring the difference between colour and tone and how this can seem confusing both to the person dealing with low vision and the people around them. Like with most sight related issues this is an individual reality with certain elements that overlap. Hopefully what you'll learn from this episode is that colour recognition is complex and failing sight needs to be re-learned and used in different ways.  For any feedback or requests: blindgirldrunk@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/blindgirldrunkpodcast

In today's episode we're going to explore another activity we take for granted when sighted, but have to think more than twice about when dealing with low vision or blindness. The goal here is to become comfortable with having a conversation about an everyday activity like getting into a car and making it “normal”.  For any feedback or requests: blindgirldrunk@gmail.com   To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/blindgirldrunkpodcast

 In this quick-hit we're going to explore one of the obvious but often over-looked issues of finding a seat. When sighted we don't even have to give this topic a second thought other than casting the eye around for an available spot. When dealing with diminishing vision this becomes a hot topic! In today's episode we'll explore some of the considerations involved and different ways to adapt.  For any feedback or requests: blindgirldrunk@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/blindgirldrunkpodcast

In today's episode we're going to explore the very real feeling of grief and loss we experience when we start to lose our sight and how it's OK to feel sad. So, let's get comfortable with the way things are and get started!  For any feedback or requests: blindgirldrunk@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/blindgirldrunkpodcast

What does Legally Blind mean anyway? In today's episode we're going to explore just what this means in practical terms to help shed some light on this murky topic – yes, I did have to go there!  For any feedback or requests: blindgirldrunk@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/blindgirldrunkpodcast

 In today's episode we're going to explore what an appropriate question is to ask a vision impaired or blind person. Heads up – it's much like most other things in life… would you be happy if someone asked you the same question? Let's explore what this means together and see what we come up with

 In today's episode we're going to talk about everyday things like brushing your teeth and how we can make this task a little easier as we continue down the path of sight loss. After all, who doesn't want an easier day

Just because you can't see doesn't mean your opinion no longer counts. Too often in life, when dealing with sighted people

 Should you try them? How do you figure out what strength of prescription to use if you are low vision and glasses don't work? Today I'll share my journey and hopefully this will help you to find your own way a little easier. By asking the right questions we can often find surprising answers that prove far more useful than previously hoped for.  For any feedback or requests: blindgirldrunk@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/blindgirldrunkpodcast

In a previous episode I've talked about the importance of maintaining good eye health. Today is an extension of that concept where I explore the use of contact lenses following the principle of any improvement is better than none. Share this episode with loved ones who may be hesitant about seeking help because they've been told “you can't see anyway…” to not be so easily deterred.  For any feedback or requests: blindgirldrunk@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/blindgirldrunkpodcast

 Like it or not we all need to wear clothes, so, why not make it easy on yourself? In today's episode I'll share some of the tips and tricks I use when clothes shopping both in store and on-line which will hopefully make your next shopping experience a little easier

What are the expectations you have of yourself or loved one dealing with sight loss? What do you think the expectation of society is? And why should you care?! In today's episode we're going to explore what this means to someone dealing with sight loss and how to navigate this potentially triggering topic in a healthy and productive manner.  For any feedback or requests: blindgirldrunk@gmail.com To become a supporter: www.patreon.com/blindgirldrunkpodcast

 Often, when dealing with sight loss and the ways in which society as a whole has little accommodation for our needs, we can feel very much on the out side of things. In my opinion, this is real and it is up to us to come to terms with it and create our own reality. In today's episode we'll explore how this could look and also explore some of the processes we'll need to face to find our own version of “normal”.

When opportunity calls, we need to be listening and that includes being open to change. Today we're going to explore how that translates into the every-day life of someone dealing with sight loss and all the implications of what that means while still maintaining an open and positive mind-set.

 Life, it's stressful! And, if we don't deal with its things simply get worse… So, how do we deal with it and make our lives a little easier? Today we'll explore the concept of stress and what it means to us and some of the ways I've developed to get over that hump and have a more productive and ultimately happier day.

It's a real screamer, right? Technology – it's both our saviour and also the biggest pain in our collective ar**s! What do we do when we meet those metaphoric and very real technological walls? Let's explore together in today's podcast where I'll share some of my experiences and help you, the listener, to understand that you're not alone and that this is a journey.

 Welcome to a new year of discovery and exploration with me, Becca, in a safe environment where we get to explore together the many aspects of living with low vision and how that looks – every pun intended! Today we're going to have some fun while I share the three top things I discovered and fell in love with over the summer such as Bondi Sands tan, the new Braun lady epilator and the timer function on Alexa

We have reached 100 episodes – amazing – even if I say so myself! Let's reflect on the year and what we are looking forward to together in this last episode for the year

Sometimes in life we can take things too seriously for too long and that's why it's a good idea to take stock of where you're at and maybe relax! In today's episode we're going to talk about entertaining and how important socializing with others is to help with perspective and taking a step back from ourselves

 As we've touched on in previous episodes, living with low or no vision can suck sometimes and that's OK. Today we're going to talk about those bad days and acknowledge that they do happen because it's important to be real about how we feel. We will also talk about what to do with these days and how to survive them

 I've got a new toy – Amazon Ecco – how easy is it to set-up and what do I think of it? Let's explore my first impressions after having played with this device for the past few days and whether or not I'd get one if I had to pay for it myself!

 It Often, in society, it's considered impolite to talk about something that makes others feel uncomfortable and blindness is one of those things! Today we're going to explore this concept and try to turn it on its head so that we can learn how to embrace all of us just the way we are.

 In society, when we don't fit the so-called norm, it is common for those of us who don't quite fit to be marginalised. In today's episode we'll explore what this means for someone dealing with low vision or blindness and possible ways around being categorized. We will also look at the flip side to try and recognize when we are in fact doing it to ourselves so that we may change that behaviour to lead better and more fulfilling lives as equals

Today we're going to explore whose responsibility it is to come up with an eye test that actually works for those of us with low vision. In my experience lately, the tests out there simply aren't good enough because they aren't set up for testing low vision. How can this be changed for the better? Let's try to figure it out together and get that discussion started!

One of the situations that comes from new people in your life is that they will want to fix you… and if your “problem” is as obvious as poor vision, then the solution is easy, right?! Let's explore this well-meaning phenomenon together and how to handle it from the recipients' point of view

At the beginning of the month I went to a local private hospital to explore further issues with glaucoma and cataracts. Today we're going to explore how the experience was for me as a low vision person and what the over-all impression I got from them with regards to low vision was.

At the end of last month, the Christchurch Art Gallery hosted and exhibition opening with a difference. With thanks to local artists and the fabulous Erin from the local blind foundation, the art exhibited was made accessible to and informed by blind foundation members. How was it and did it work? Let's explore this venture called Touching Sight together.

Do you remember the concept of play time when you were young? Do you still practice it now, or do you need to remind yourself of what it even means? Today we're going to talk about re-discovering thee joy of play and its' importance in everyday life

So, for many of us who have been lucky enough to have a slow decline with our vision, it's still difficult to come to terms with the reality of living with sight loss. Today we're going to explore the concept of letting go of what used to be so that we can better embrace what is right now.

Today we're going to explore some of the inequalities that we might find ourselves confronted with when dealing with the world of dating. While it's important to maintain positivity and independence, we also need to recognize some of the potential prejudices out there so that we might avoid falling into those metaphoric pit-falls and live a happy life of equality.

In today's episode we're going to discuss drive and positivity. I believe that it's important to maintain forward momentum in whatever we choose to do and to talk about it in a constructive way. Below you'll find the link to the article in Metropol Magazine where I was interviewed about this podcast, how I came to create it and my approach to life in general enjoy!

In the previous episode we discussed the sense of sound and how hearing becomes dominant as we compensate for the loss of sight. We also have other senses and today we're discussing the sense of touch and how important it is in building our sense of environment when we can't actually see what we're doing.

While we are all aware that when we lose one sense the remaining ones are heightened, sometimes its significance can be over-looked. Today we're going to take a moment to truly appreciate what this means for someone with low vision when it comes to the sense of hearing and how it can impact on daily life both in and outside the home. Let's talk about it together to help deepen our understanding so that we can appreciate it from both a sighted and low vision point of view.

What does it mean when they say “you've got to be cruel to be kind” and how does it fit in the world of sight loss? Let's explore this tricky Tourane together and perhaps find some of the ways that others might approach a loved one who is going through the very real struggle of diminishing sight.

As a natural follow-on from the previous episode, today we're going to discuss fatigue and how to deal with it while living with low vision and what it actually means.

One of the temptations when living with low vision is to constantly prove our worth. Where does this come from and what are the potential pitfalls in this approach to living with low vision? Let's discuss this together and see what we come up with!

Just because you can't see, this doesn't mean you have to stop being who you are. Today we're going to explore what it means to live with low vision while not losing ourselves along the way.

With time and technology come developments in tools that may help us to enhance the little vision that some of us have left. Today we'll be discussing the development of bionic glasses that can help people with the condition Stargardts Disease and how it works. If you feel this may be something to explore further go to your local optician or blind foundation for further information.

When we are meeting people for the first time, or equally as they get to know us, curiosity should be encouraged when it comes to our vision loss because by being curious, they are showing a willingness to understand things from our position – it is especially interesting when the person dealing with the sight loss is younger like myself. Let's get comfortable together and talk about it!