We record podcasts on assistive technology and products and services which we find of interest. We specialize in providing comprehensive tools for people who are blind and visually impaired to become empowered to maximize the use of their access technology while having fun doing it.
Chris Grabowski, Kim Loftis, Lisa Salinger
If you enjoyed our last episode, you’re in luck! This one continues the theme with more helpful tools, fun discoveries, and practical demos to make everyday life a little easier—and a lot more enjoyable. Don’t Forget Our Library Event! Before we dive into today’s topics, here’s a friendly reminder that we’re headed to the library—virtually, of course! Join us on Thursday, June 11 at 8:00 PM Eastern Time for a free community event all about making the most of your local library. We’ll discuss: How to find your local library How to get a library card How to access audiobooks, ebooks, magazines, and more Whether your library offers services like Libby and Hoopla How those services work Ways to take advantage of both in-person and online library offerings Bring your questions, experiences, and favorite library stories to share. We’d love to hear them! Activate this link to register your free seat. Can’t attend live? No worries, and no need to register. We’ll post a recording for everyone within about a week, so you won’t miss any of the fun. A Berry Helpful Kitchen Find For those who love practical products you can actually hold in your hands, Kim has a new favorite to share. This episode features a demonstration of a set of nestable fruit and vegetable storage containers with built-in colanders. Note that this is our affiliate link and we receive a small commission if you purchase using our link. Rinse your produce directly in the colander, place it in the container, seal it for freshness, and stack it neatly in the refrigerator. We’ve been especially impressed with how well they work for berries. Our blackberries stayed fresher much longer, making these containers an easy recommendation from us. We’ll explain why we love them, how we use them, and why they may earn a permanent spot in your fridge. Meet VAL, a Highly-Customizable Audio Clock Next, we explore the new VAL clock app for iOS. If you heard our discussion of Steve’s Clock in the previous episode, some of the sounds in VAL may seem familiar. That’s because you can import clock sounds directly from Steve’s Clock into VAL. Listen along as we: Sample several clock sounds Explore the app’s many customization options Demonstrate how it works Share our impressions of this brand-new app Since VAL is so new, we wanted to give it a little well-deserved attention and introduce it to listeners who enjoy accessible audio utilities. Add Sound to Your Browsing with Finch Finally, we return to the web to explore the Finch browser extension by Akash Kakkar. Available for both Chromium-based browsers and Gecko-based browsers like Firefox, Finch adds subtle, informative sounds to your browsing experience. These audio cues can make navigation feel more intuitive while providing useful feedback as you move around the web. In this segment, we: Demonstrate several of Finch’s built-in sounds Show you how to configure the extension Discuss how it enhances everyday browsing Share why we’ve both become fans Sometimes the smallest additions can make a surprisingly big difference, and Finch is a great example. Thanks for Listening As always, thank you for spending part of your day with us. We appreciate every listener who tunes in, shares an episode, or tells a friend about the podcast. We’ll catch you again later in June with more demos, discussions, and discoveries! The post A Sound Approach to Tech appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.
Welcome to today’s episode, featuring: Tabs, Time, and Techy Goodness! If you browse the web on a desktop or laptop, we’ve got tips, tools, and fun discoveries to make your online life smoother and more productive. But before we dive into demos, we have two exciting announcements for our community! Join Our Virtual Library Event — June 11 Did you know you can borrow books from your local library without ever leaving home? You absolutely can, and we're going to show you how! Join us on Thursday, June 11 at 8:00 PM Eastern for a free virtual event all about discovering the amazing digital resources your local library offers. We'll talk about: Researching your local library Accessing digital audiobooks and ebooks Supporting your library while expanding your reading options Learning about library programs, guest speakers, and events Reconnecting with the community during a fun virtual evening together We've missed gathering with everyone and look forward to connecting again after so many months away. Be sure to register your free spot! Meet the Our Special Magazine Team — June 3 Kim also shares news about a special event for readers of the Our Special magazine from National Braille Press! Join Kim, NBP editor Natalie, and several columnists on Wednesday, June 3 at 8:00 PM ET for a virtual conversation open to both current and former subscribers. During this hour-long event, you'll: Learn more about the magazine Explore the women's-interest topics it covers Hear about a brand-new feature added this year Share your feedback and ideas for the magazine's future Meet the people behind the publication To attend, email editor at NBP dot org (replace with the @ sign and period and remove spaces), or check your inbox—and maybe your Spam folder too—for meeting details sent by Natalie last week. HelloTabs Demo—Tame Your Browser Chaos Next up, we explore a browser extension that may completely change how you manage tabs: HelloTabs. If your browser currently looks anything like Kim's—dozens upon dozens of tabs open at once —this tool could become your new best friend. We demonstrate: Jumping instantly between tabs with keyboard shortcuts Smarter tab organization Customization and configuration options Better time management while working and browsing Faster navigation with less frustration You'll even hear Kim flying effortlessly from tab to tab like a browser wizard. It's available for Chromium-based browsers and Firefox alike. Steve's Clock Returns! Speaking of time management, Chris introduces an old favorite: Steve’s Clock. This classic talking clock application for Windows may be old-school, but it still delivers plenty of charm and usefulness. In this demo, you'll learn: How the talking clock works Ways to configure announcements and settings How it fits into a modern Windows workflow Why talking clocks are still surprisingly delightful Yes… it really was “a great time had by all.” we couldn’t resist the pun. Thanks for Listening! As always, thank you so much for spending your precious time with us. We appreciate every listen. We'll see you in June! The post Browser Magic and Talking Time appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.
Something exciting is brewing in the podcast world! We kick off this episode with a sneak peek at a brand-new podcast client for iOS that Chris has been beta testing. While we're keeping the app under wraps for now, there's already plenty to be excited about. We share some early impressions, favorite features, and why even longtime podcast app loyalists may want to keep this one on their radar. Better yet, the developer will be joining us in the magic castle when the app officially launches, so this is only the beginning. Then we head somewhere a little more classic… the library! Whether you love wandering the stacks in person or borrowing books while curled up in pajamas at home, today's libraries offer far more than many people realize. We take a nostalgic trip through some of our library memories before talking about recently signing up for new library cards ourselves. After a quick house ad (they’re back, OG listeners), Kim gives a beginner-friendly overview of the Libby app and then walks through the basics of Hoopla, including how to sign up and start exploring what your library has available digitally. And if you'd like to dive deeper with us, we're excited to announce our very first virtual event of 2026! Join Us Live — Thursday, June 11 at 8:00 PM ET. During this free virtual event, we'll talk more about: * Getting and using library cards * The Libby and Hoopla services * Searching for and borrowing ebooks and audiobooks * Tips for getting started * Making the most of your local library resources We'll also open things up so everyone can share favorite library services, reading discoveries, and tips of their own. If your talking book library doesn't always have the titles you want—or you're tired of long wait times—your local library might become your new favorite resource. Register for free by visiting the linked page above. As always, thanks for reading… we mean listening! We appreciate every single one of you. The post Library Cards, Libby, and a Mysterious New Podcast App appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.
Episode Overview This episode kicks off with a little bit of magic—literally—as we head to the “magic castle” for a fascinating conversation with a special guest from HumanWare. We're joined by Mathieu Paquette to explore a device that's been generating serious buzz: the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. Are these glasses just a flashy gadget, or do they offer real value for people with low or no vision? We dig into what makes them stand out, share some real-world stories, and highlight some very cool features. Whether you're tech-curious or already intrigued, there's a lot here to spark your imagination. And don't blink—there's a special announcement tucked into this segment about some exciting upcoming audio from us! Tiny Speaker, Big Sound Keeping the Bluetooth theme rolling, Kim takes the spotlight with a hands-on look at the Tribit Pocket Go speaker. Don't let the size fool you—this little speaker packs a punch. You'll get a full tour of the device, hear what makes it stand out, and of course, enjoy some audio samples so you can judge the sound quality for yourself. If you're on the hunt for something portable without sacrificing performance, this might be your new favorite travel buddy. If you purchase from the above link, we may receive a small commission. In This Episode, You'll Discover: What makes the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses unique—and who they're really for Real-life use cases and standout features from our chat with HumanWare A special announcement you won't want to miss A detailed demo of the Tribit Pocket Go speaker Why “small but mighty” is the perfect description for this compact device Final Thoughts From futuristic eyewear to pocket-sized audio powerhouses, this episode is all about tech that fits into your life—and maybe even enhances it in ways you didn't expect. Thanks so much for spending some time with us. We're glad you're here. The post Smart Glasses & Small Speakers: Big Tech, Big Fun appeared first on Mystic Access Podcast.
This episode is truly out of this world—and not just metaphorically.
If you love curling up with a good book from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, this episode is especially for you.
Do you love an episode that gives you a little bit of everything? High tech, low tech, practical info, and a dash of surprise? Yes, please.
This episode is a delightful mixed bag—in the best possible way. We've got two very different low-tech demos, a juicy tech update for the gadget lovers, and one topic that surprised even us. Think of it like Kim's column in Our Special from National Braille Press—something for every skill level. So buckle up. This ride has range.
We hope you're in the mood for some hands-on learning, because this episode is packed with not one, but TWO demos that run under Windows 10/11—plus a cozy bonus to help you survive winter in style. Demo #1: FastPlay Media Player for Windows Chris kicks things off with a walkthrough of FastPlay, a free Windows-based media player that comes with some pleasantly unexpected features. In this demo, we: * Tour the menus and layout * Explore handy keyboard commands * Learn how to control and manage music playback * Discover a few cool touches that make this player stand out If you're looking for a lightweight, accessible media player, FastPlay might be your new favorite. Download it directly free from GitHub by activating this link. Demo #2: BlindRSS Feed Reader Next up, we dive into BlindRSS, another free Windows program—this time designed to help you keep up with your favorite websites and blogs. Not sure what RSS is? No problem! We explain: * What RSS feeds are * How RSS readers organize content for you * Why this can be a game-changer for staying informed Chris demonstrates how to: * Read articles from feeds * Add items to favorites * Navigate your subscriptions If you love efficient, distraction-free reading, BlindRSS is worth a look. Grab it directly from GitHub using this link. Cozy Pick of the Episode Since it's been extra chilly here in Western NY (brrr!), we wrap things up with a winter comfort recommendation: a high-quality blanket that keeps you wonderfully toasty — and includes a fun little surprise that Chris shares in the episode. You can check it out through our Amazon affiliate link. Using this link helps support Mystic Access at no extra cost to you. As always, we only share products we genuinely love. Happy February! Stay warm, stay curious, and thanks so much for listening. We'll be back with another episode in two weeks!
You may be relieved to know that today's episode gives hospitals and medical talk a well-deserved rest. Instead, we're cozying up with ideas to keep you entertained, informed, and moving through the coldest months of the year. Grab a blanket—let's dive in. Reading, Reimagined What kind of reader are you? In this episode, we take a nostalgic stroll down Memory Lane while exploring different reading formats—some beloved, some… controversial. We chat about: * The **perils and pitfalls of abridged books** * **Free TTS narration** and when it shines (or doesn't) * **Dramatized audiobooks, original audio series, and where to get them** Along the way, we share recommendations and tips on how to research and discover formats that best match *your* reading style. Our hope is to introduce—or reintroduce—you to new ways to enhance your reading pleasure. (Yes, we noticed the irony of talking about reading while being a podcast. Roll with us.) Lights, Camera… Audio Description! If you know us, you know we're huge fans of audio described movies and TV shows. Good news: the free streaming service Pluto TV is slowly but surely growing its collection of AD content. In this episode, we: * Show you how to **find and access AD titles on Pluto TV** * Talk honestly about the current (still small) selection * Celebrate the fact that it *is* expanding Progress is progress—and we love to see it. Move It (Even When It's Freezing Outside) When winter weather makes the outdoors uninviting, staying active can be a challenge—but not an impossible one. We share: * **Chris's love of Zombies, Run!—a perfect blend of exercise and dramatized storytelling * **Kim's return to Walk at Home, an app she mentioned long ago and is happy to revisit Best of all? Accessibility has improved significantly in both apps, which gives us hope that more fitness and wellness apps will continue to follow suit. Thanks for Listening As always, thank you so much for spending part of your day with us. We truly appreciate you and your support. Stay warm, stay curious, and we'll talk to you again in two weeks!
In this episode, Chris and Kim share even more adventures from their daily lives. They kick things off by talking about Chris's We-Walk cane—and the mystery of why it decided to walk away on its own. Next, they discuss and demonstrate a talking blood pressure monitor that connects to a smartphone app via Bluetooth, sharing their thoughts and experiences with it. They also chat about a cool pill organizer they picked up on Amazon and how it fits into their routine. Some links on this page are our Amazon affiliate links. Purchasing from this page we may receive a small commission. To wrap things up, Chris and Kim send heartfelt thanks to everyone who reached out with kind words and well wishes. As always, thank you for listening and for being part of the podcast community. —
We’re excited to both be here for this episode! Chris is now out of the hospital and back home. We decided to devote this episode to sharing some tips and things we’ve learned during this experience. If you’re faced with an emergency room visit or hospitalization, what do you need to take into account physically, emotionally, and financially? What should you bring? What should you do and not do? We hope our tips, perspectives, and personal experiences are helpful if you ever go through this stressful situation, either as the patient or the primary family member involved. We close the episode with holiday wishes for all of you. Have a happy, merry season, hold your loved ones close, and stay safe and well if at all possible. Talk to you in the new year!
Today’s episode is very different than what we expected to release. Please listen to the first few minutes where Kim shares important news about the immediate future of Mystic Access and our podcast. Then, stay tuned as Kim and Lisa deliver two delicious holiday recipes. We’ll get these posted in the show notes as soon as possible. Thanks, as always, for listening.
Today's episode is short but definitely sweet—think mini-pumpkin-pie sweet. Both of us are a little under the weather (Chris especially… send tissues!), but we still have a fun demo to share with you. First Things First: Our Annual Open House! Before we dive in, here's your cheerful reminder that our annual *post-Turkey Day* open house is happening **Friday, November 28, from 1–5 PM ET**. Bring your leftovers-fueled stories, your tech questions, and your best holiday giggles—we always have an amazing time reconnecting with all of you. Register quickly and freely using this link. We can’t wait to see who pops in! Demo Time: The GNMDNR Bluetooth Pillow Speaker Kim cozies up to the mic to talk about the GNMDNR Bluetooth pillow speaker, a compact bedtime buddy with: * **Stereo sound** * **Two wonderfully distinct buttons** (yay, tactile controls!) * **A few dreamy features to help you drift into la-la land** One important note: the Amazon title says it includes white noise… but it doesn't. No worries, though — you can stream all the white noise, pink noise, whale sounds, or softly crackling campfires your heart desires through your favorite app or playlist. If you’d like to learn more or get one for yourself, check out our affiliate link above. We only recommend products we actually try and enjoy, so your support means the world. **Happy Thanksgiving! To everyone celebrating this weekend—we're wishing you a joyful, delicious Thanksgiving. We're so grateful for each and every one of you. See you in December!
Get ready for a little bit of everything in this festive episode! We've got an exciting announcement, a magical castle interview, and a cozy demo perfect for chilly evenings. First up: We're thrilled to invite you to our day-after-Thanksgiving open house! It's one of our favorite Mystic Access traditions, full of laughter, friendship, and a few surprise reunions over the years. And it’s free to join for everyone. Mark your calendars for Friday, November 28, 1–5 PM EDT, grab your virtual leftover turkey sandwich (or a slice of pie—no judgment here), and join us for an afternoon of great company and community fun. You can register your seat right here—before that pie coma hits! Then, in the castle: We welcome Natalie Mauceli, Editor with National Braille Press, who brings a sleigh-full of sparkle and delight! She'll share NBP's 2025 holiday picks, including brand-new books, classic returning favorites like the Peanuts calendar, and can't-miss magazines such as Our Special and Syndicated Columnists Weekly. Whether you're shopping for yourself or a fellow book lover, you'll want to take notes! Finally, grab your remote (or in this case, your iPhone): We demo the DIRECTV iOS app sharing what we love, what could be improved, and why it might be your next favorite way to watch TV as the weather turns frosty. Wrap-Up: Thanks so much for tuning in! We're so grateful for you—our listeners, friends, and fellow tech adventurers. We'll see you again in two weeks with more fun!
Short & Sweet: Cool Tech + Big News! Chris might be a bit under the weather this week , but we're still bringing the heat with a super cool audio demo and a juicy announcement! Price Drop Alert! We've permanently reduced the price of our Windows 10 Audio Documentation! Originally $75 → now just $60! Still rocking Windows 10? Need a friendly tour of the Desktop, Taskbar, and all those basics that make PCs tick? This guide has your back! Meet Mrmorale: The Stand That Can Kim takes the spotlight with a demo of the Mrmorale Bluetooth-Induction Speaker—a gadget that totally earns its cape! This is an Amazon affiliate link, purchasing from this link we will receive a small commission. Why we love it: • It's a phone/tablet stand • It doubles as a power bank • It handles Bluetooth and induction sound tech What's induction? It's magical audio sorcery that makes your tiny device sound bigger, bolder, and clearer—no pairing required! Kim shows off both modes with her iPhone and her Victor Reader Stream 3. Save the (Day After) Date! Our Day After Thanksgiving Open House is almost here! Registration will be ready by our next episode. It's free, it's fun, and we want YOU there—bring your questions, your comments, and yes… your virtual leftovers. Thanks for tuning in and hanging with us on this bite-sized episode! Rest up, Chris! And thanks for listening, everyone—we'll catch you next time!
Today's episode is jam-packed with practical tips, tech demos, a minor mystery, and even a dramatic drop test. Buckle up—we've got something for everyone! Tiny Accessories, Big Impact Who knew AirPods cases could spark so much excitement? We kick things off by proving that even the smallest accessories can change your entire tech experience. • Kim and Chris unveil their brand-new protective cases for the AirPods Pro 2. • Features, finishes, favorite perks—we cover it all. • And because Chris can't resist science… he drop-tests his case live. For research, of course. You can purchase Chris’s case here. Kim’s is available from this link. These are both Amazon affiliate links, so Mystic Access receives a small commission if you buy through them The moral: whether it's earbuds or kitchen gadgets, protect your gear, especially when traveling! Hable + BlindShell = Accessibility Power Duo A helpful tip from a listener sent us into full-on detective mode. The result? Chris demos how the Hable One keyboard pairs with the BlindShell Classic 3 phone—and yes, it works with the Classic 2 as well! If you're a BlindShell user wondering about external input options, this is a must-hear moment. The Case of the Missing Shipt Item Kim recounts our first-ever delivery hiccup with Shipt. One lonely item vanished from the order—but fear not! She walks through how we got it resolved in record time. Spoiler: the refund process was surprisingly painless. Alexa+ — Round Two! We wrap things up with a fresh review and demo of Alexa+. We covered it earlier this summer, but enough has changed that it deserved another look. You'll hear: • What's better now • What's still a bit bumpy • And how Amazon Prime Music sneaks its way into the conversation Thanks for spending part of your day with us—we'll be back in two weeks with more tech talk, tales, and possibly more drop tests.
Show Notes: Sales, Scares, Stories, and So Much More! Today's episode is a grab bag of goodness—updates, unboxings, tech tales, sales news, and even a sprinkle of story time. Settle in and enjoy the ride! A Surprise “Welcome to Fall” Sale We kicked off an impromptu autumn celebration with 17% off most products now through Friday, October 3. It's the perfect moment to snag something you've had your eye on — including our latest offering, Audible Adventures. This is our best deal until Black Friday, so don't miss it! Kim vs. iOS 26: A Cautionary Tale iOS 26 has landed, and Kim has quite the hair-raising story about updating her device. Don't worry — it ends well! Tune in for lessons learned and things you might want to watch out for before you tap “Install Now.” AirPods Pro 3: Kim's Big Decision Kim also dives into the AirPods Pro 3 experience with an unboxing clip and first impressions. Stick around toward the end of the episode to hear the unexpected decision she made about keeping them… or not. Chris's Ear Tip Upgrade + A Must-Have Accessory While we're on the topic of earbuds, Chris picked up new ear tips for his AirPods Pro 2. He also scored a bonus accessory in the box that he thinks every earbud owner needs. He'll tell you what it is and why it's awesome a bit later in the show. A Tour of MysticAccessDownloads.com We’ve refreshed the layout of MysticAccessDownloads.com! Chris walks you through the updated site and gives you the lay of the land. You can explore the new design right now. Amazon Smart Oven Update: Plot Twist! Remember our chat last episode about the Amazon smart oven ghosting voice commands? Turns out… it fixed itself! We share what happened and thank everyone who chimed in with your own experiences and ideas. Plus a Few Stories… There are extra tidbits and tales sprinkled throughout this episode, but we'll let you discover those on your own. Thanks so much for listening—we're grateful you're here and hope you find something fun, helpful, or just plain entertaining in this week's mix!
In this episode, we've got a little bit of everything—updates, surprises, demos, and stories that might make you smile: • Site Maintenance Notice – Our free downloads site, Mystic Access Downloads, will be offline for a short time while we make some changes on the backend. Don’t worry, the site will be back soon; it’ll just be in maintenance mode until it returns. When it’s online again, you’ll be able to download files as you always have. This has nothing to do with the downloadable products you may have purchased from Mystic Access! These can be downloaded from within your user account as normal. • Smart Oven Woes – Our Amazon smart oven suddenly stopped responding to Alexa voice commands. We share our experience, theories, and ask if you've run into the same issue. (Thankfully, our braille overlay is currently saving the day!) • Apple Event Reactions – Did you watch the latest Apple event? We share what caught our eye, what we’re dreaming about, and whether there's anything we’re tempted to buy. • UPS Meets Ring – A fun story about chatting with our UPS driver through the Ring app while being hundreds of miles from home—complete with the audio! • Ring AI Event Descriptions – A look at how Ring is using AI to provide event descriptions, and what we think of the results. • App Demo: Local Now – Kim demos the Local Now iOS app, which features hundreds of free channels covering news, lifestyle, movies, and more. Also available for Android and on the web at LocalNow.com. As always, thanks for listening! Enjoy the rest of your September, and we'll be back on the last day of the month with a fresh episode.
Today’s episode is a melting pot of cautionary tales and practical tips from our recent adventures. Our goal isn't to scare you, but to remind you to stay careful and vigilant—especially while traveling. In this episode, we cover: • Travel & Canes – A follow-up on our cane conversation from last time, sharing how our two-section telescopic canes performed during our flight home. Lots to recommend, but also one big concern. • Airport Security – A new and eye-opening experience before even boarding the plane. • Kim's Scary Mistake – An unnerving incident in Buffalo that you'll definitely want to learn from. • Transaction Monitoring – Why you should pay attention to those “annoying” notifications from services like Life Lock (we learned this the hard way). • Switching Phone Plans – Helping Kim's mom move to a new provider came with its own set of complications—here's what to watch out for when porting a number. • Verizon Home Internet Perks – We share why taking a gift card perk might not have been the best idea. (This story will have a sequel in a future episode!) • New Coffee Discovery – A brand we're loving and think you will too. • Kim's Product Demo – The Sticro Moist Heat Sinus Mask for sinus pressure relief. It has three heat settings, five timers, and options for both dry and moist heat. Kim swears by it! (Affiliate link included—thank you for supporting us when you purchase through it.) As always, thanks for listening! We hope our rambling adventures offer something useful for your own journey. Until next time!
Welcome to our final 2025 episode recorded in North Carolina! To kick things off, we brought you outside to experience some late-summer nature sounds. Unfortunately, the ambiance was interrupted by the air conditioner, so we moved the recording indoors. We hope the natural setting was a nice touch before the interruption! In this episode, we're picking up where we left off last time with our tease about canes. An unexpected situation at the ACB convention has led us to new discoveries, and we're now the proud owners of some telescoping canes! In This Episode: • Telescoping Cane Talk: We dive into two different telescoping canes we've recently tried out: • Ambutech’s Two-Section Graphite Cane: We're big fans of Ambutech for their customizable options and top-notch quality. This cane is adjustable, making it a fantastic travel companion. However, we do have a small concern we share in the episode. Learn more about the cane and order yours by activating this link. • Sam Seavey's Recommended Titanium Cane: You can find this sturdy option on Amazon (via our affiliate link). Sam from the great YouTube channel The Blind Life has a great review of it, and we share our thoughts on why it might be a fabulous travel buddy. • Classic Apps for the Blind: Chris takes us down memory lane with a discussion of two reliable Windows apps: • Remind-Me, and • Handy Address Book by Beiley Software These apps are a throwback but are still packed with practical and helpful features. Best of all, this company cares about accessibility. We discuss how these terrific Windows apps stand the test of time. • Hurricane Tracker App: With Hurricane Erin making waves in the Atlantic, we introduce you to My Hurricane Tracker from jRustonApps. It's a great, accessible tool for tracking hurricanes and tornadoes. We also share about the past hurricanes this app lets you explore—perfect for those who want to dig into storm history! • New Book Release: We're excited to announce the release of our latest book from National Braille Press, Staying Safe: Tips And Tools For A Secure Home, Body, And Spirit. It's filled with advice and tips to help readers stay safe in various situations, like building a secure home, while walking, using rideshare services, in airports, dealing with stress or anxiety, safety in romantic relationships, and more. We think this would also make a nice companion to our book about staying safe online. We feel this book would make a great addition to your library or as a thoughtful gift! As always, thanks for tuning in! We'll see you in September with more insights and updates.
Most of this episode is dedicated to all things Amazon. We have numerous demos and thoughts to share on several products. First, however, we’re announcing a twenty-five percent off sale to celebrate our fourth wedding anniversary on August 11. The sale runs from Friday August eighth through end of day Tuesday August twelfth, and you’ll save on all our audio documentation, including our new Audible Adventures product. We highly recommend it for all book-lovers! We begin our look at Amazon products with a discussion of our new latest generation Echo. We share the sad circumstances that led us to purchase it, and through the magic of editing you’ll be there with us as we unbox and set it up. We also play some tunes to show you its sound quality. On Prime day we also purchased new Fire tablets. This was yet another cool setup process. Chris talks about his, and Kim takes you through hers in close to real time so you can experience it, too. Finally, we take you with us as we check out Alexa+. this demo was recorded in June, but it still gives you an idea of the differences between Alexa and Alexa+. Of course, we share our likes and dislikes. Finally, we close by teasing an upcoming podcast topic we’ll discuss next time. Thanks, as always, for listening!
In this episode, we discuss our travels to and from the ACB Convention. Links coming soon. Stay tuned.
This episode is a short and sweet one—many of us are busy enjoying both virtual and in-person convention fun! Convention Season Sale Our summer sale is live! From now through July 14, save 30% on all digital audio documentation. • We're currently at the ACB convention in Dallas, then heading to our summer home in North Carolina, and will be back at our desks on August 25. • Hardware orders (like speakers and cables) will ship after we return to New York. • If you order physical media (thumb drives, SD cards, or NLS cartridges), we'll do our best to ship from North Carolina, though some delays may occur. • Kim will personally reach out to anyone ordering hardware or physical media to keep you informed. Activate this link to begin shopping. Chris’s Walk with WeWALK and Voice Vista Chris recently took a stroll using his WeWALK Smart Cane 2 along with the Voice Vista app for iOS. Sorry, Android users, there’s currently no equivalent app for you. We chat about: • The origin of Voice Vista • Chris's first impressions • Features he's loving • What he's excited to explore further • Hopes for future updates Wishing everyone a joyful, safe, and inspiring convention season. Thanks for listening—we appreciate you!
Hi everyone, We're excited to share a brand-new episode with you! In this release, we introduce our latest product — Audible Adventures. This comprehensive offering explores the accessibility of the Audible service across a variety of platforms, giving you a clearer picture of how to enjoy your favorite audiobooks no matter how you listen. Thanks so much for tuning in and being part of our podcast community!
In this episode, we've got a little something for everyone—from tech updates to travel logistics to summer savings! Summer Convention Sale We’re kicking things off with an announcement: our Summer Convention Sale is on! From June 24 through July 14, enjoy 30% off all audio documentation (hardware not included). If you’ve been interested in something from our catalog, now's a great time to explore and purchase. Please note: • We’ll be attending the ACB convention in Dallas, followed by time in North Carolina from July 5 to August 25. • Hardware orders will ship after we return, but we'll do our best to ship physical media like SD cards and cartridges while in North Carolina. Note that there may still be delays, however. • Kim will personally email all customers who order hardware or physical media with shipping reminders. Apple's Latest Updates We briefly discuss highlights from the recent WWDC Apple event, including some upcoming software features we’re excited to try. We also touch on Apple's new naming convention—with a helpful article Chris found that breaks it all down. Rural Internet Adventures Next up, we dive into our search for internet service at our rural summer home. After a few hiccups (you'll hear all about them!), we landed on Verizon LTE Home Internet. In this segment, we share: • What equipment we received and a physical description • The setup experience • How it performs here in Western New York Bonus: It even worked post-Hurricane Helene in North Carolina—a big win! App Tour: Audiobooks.com To round things out, Kim takes you on a tour of the Audiobooks.com app. She explains how the service compares to Audible, why she decided to give it a try, and what she likes (and doesn't) about the iOS app. Android users, don't worry—there's a version for you too. As always, thanks so much for listening. We're grateful for your support!
In this episode, we demonstrate the X-Sense Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm featuring voice location technology. Hear how it works, what sets it apart from traditional alarms, and why it might be a great addition to your home safety setup. If you choose to purchase through our Amazon affiliate link above, we may earn a small commission thanks for supporting the show! —
We hope you have as much fun listening to this episode as we had creating it! Come along as we walk a few steps (maybe more, maybe less—no judgment here!) through a mix of nostalgic tech, helpful tools, and safety tips. In This Episode: Blast from the Past: The Primula Talking Coffee Maker We revisit our Blast from the Past series to chat about the quirky and charming Primula talking coffee maker from 2009—billed as “the world’s first talking coffee maker.” Chris gives a live demo and walks you through the speech prompts this unique machine offers. StepUp App: A Fun Way to Track Your Steps Next, we step into the world of modern health apps with StepUp, a free and fun step-counting app available for iOS and Android. We explore its features, settings, and why it makes walking a little more rewarding (even if our step counts are embarrassingly low… oops!). Screen Protectors: Worth It or Not? We share personal horror stories and practical advice about screen protectors. Spoiler alert: Yes, they're worth it—and yes, quality matters! If you have a device with a glass screen, this section is for you. Smoke Detectors & Safety Tips Finally, we discuss the now discontinued Google Nest Protect smoke detectors and our plan to refit our home with new ones after all these years. We also share a super important tip: Smoke detectors expire after ten years! This segment is part teaser, part public service announcement—we want you to be safe! Thanks for joining us! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our upcoming demos and discussions.
In this episode, we kick things off with a travel tip that recently saved us $200—and it just might save you money too! Whether you’re booking flights, rental cars, or hotel stays (especially via Expedia), this simple trick is worth knowing. While we haven't found an equivalent for train travel yet, we hope this helps ... Read more
Episode Summary: In this episode, Chris and Kim kick things off by sharing some listener feedback, including a mention of Hartgen Consultancy's valuable products and services. Next, with the deadline for obtaining a REAL ID quickly approaching, we dive into what you may need to know if you plan to fly and still need to ... Read more
In this episode, we're helping you prep for late spring and summer with affordable ways to stay cool and escape the heat—wherever you are. Cool Gadgets for Warmer Days Chris shares his experience with the Vornado TRANSOM window fan, which he used in our summer home last year. This powerful fan features a weather-resistant case, ... Read more
In This Episode: A Smarter Checkout, A Soothing Sleep Mask, and Budget-Friendly Streaming In this episode, we're diving into three exciting updates and discoveries we think you'll love. First up, we've made a helpful improvement to the checkout process at [MysticAccess.com](https://www.MysticAccess.com). Whether you’re updating your shipping address or entering one for the first time, the ... Read more
In today's episode, we're diving into the world of podcasts! Whether you're new to podcasting or a seasoned listener, we're covering everything from finding topics that interest you to following your favorite shows. We'll also discuss common pitfalls to avoid and share insights from our own experiences with Apple Podcasts, the Wondery app, and other ... Read more
In this episode, we dive into a variety of topics—so even if something doesn't seem relevant to you at first, stick around! You might pick up some valuable insights or learn some lessons along the way. **Ring Camera Accessories & the Importance of Research** Chris shares his experience with the accessories he purchased for our ... Read more
In this episode, we dive into a mix of tech, fun, and surprises! We start by discussing our upcoming event focused on the BlindShell Classic 3 phone and how it compares to its predecessor. Then, we explore the WeWalk smart canes, comparing the first and second generations to see what's new and improved. Next, things ... Read more
Today we announce an event comparing the BlindShell 2 and 3 cell phones, and have demos of JAWS Picture Smart, and the meal delivery service Factor. This is one of our really long episodes, so grab a snack and a drink before getting started. first, we’re very excited to announce our upcoming event comparing and ... Read more
We’re back with a number of small discussions and two quick demos, so we hope you find something enjoyable among the talking points. First, we update you on our use of tiles. Chris shares about another version of a tile he plans to purchase and why. He demos finding his phone, how the tile works ... Read more
Today you’ll learn a bit about tracking things with Tile! We’re both rather under the weather for this episode, but hopefully our cool topic makes up for our weird-sounding voices. Tile is a versatile way to track your keys, wallet, and lots of other items no matter which platform you use. There are various types ... Read more
It’s our Christmas Eve edition and we have some updates and tips to present. LOL Sorry, had to go there. First, what do you think of our new mics? These are the Hollyland Lark M2 model and we love them so far. There are several versions you can purchase depending on whether you use Android, ... Read more
This is our last full episode of 2024. We do have one more coming out on Christmas Eve, but it will just be short and sweet. So we’ve packed a few fun discussions and some heart-felt thanks into this one. First, a friendly reminder that the mail is pretty slow this time of year, so ... Read more
This episode is jam-packed with goodies, so we hope you enjoy the fun. First, you’re all warmly invited to our post-Thanksgiving open house. It’s free, fun, and festive, and takes place on Friday, November 29 between 1-5 PM eastern time. To register your seat. please visit this link. We also mention some of our hardware ... Read more
In this informative episode we begin by discuss the importance of backing up your information. We recently switched our password manager to one we simply like more, and starting from scratch would have been annoying and lengthy. Backing up is important no matter what your software or files consist of, though, and we hope this ... Read more
This episode has it all; something spooky, something sappy, and something practical. But first, Kim discusses a cool voting tool she found this year. While it’s unfortunately too late in the election cycle to be helpful in 2024, she wanted to share anyway in case someone is interested in using it later if it’s available ... Read more
In this episode Chris and Kim unbox and set up the Ray-ban Meta Smart Glasses. They each decided to purchase a pair for themselves. They discuss why they ultimately chose to purchase, which glasses they bought, and an experience that caused them to buy sooner than they may have otherwise. Each setup process is a ... Read more
Have you ever had loved ones impacted by a hurricane, flood, tornado, or other natural disaster? Did you have accessible methods for finding accurate information? This podcast is for those times when you’re feeling helpless and want to know what’s going on in such a scary situation. In the wake of the devastation of Helene, ... Read more
In this episode Chris and Kim remind users of the Free event on the mac coming up on the 24th of the month. Next we use RIM to show how easy it is to connect and receive remote help. Finally we discuss Glide from glidance.io.
This episode offers an upcoming class announcement, a castle interview, a fun demo, and more. Let’s dive in! First, Chris provides an update on the pathfinder cane tip. He loves it, but there’s one important thing you must know before you buy. Listen to learn more. Next, Kim demos the Merlin bird identification app. This ... Read more
This episode features are pre-sunrise porch ambiance as we share about a variety of topics. You’ll hear about everything from bees, to crows, to raindrops–and a lot of crickets. So, get ready for the sounds and subjects of this crazy conversation. Chris begins by sharing about his unfortunate run-in with a tiny winged critter. Has ... Read more
Today’s jam-packed episode starts out with some slightly different sounds. That’s because we got some awesome new headsets to use for work in general and podcasting specifically. We discuss why we got these, what you receive, and the many reasons we like them so much. Chris also does an amazing demo to show you just ... Read more
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