RNIB Conversations

Following on from the recent news reports about shortages of medications such as Co-codamol 30/500 For this week's check-in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about what to do when there are shortages of medications.Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey about what we should do if we have problems getting our medicines.  Then to whether it is possible to buy cocodamol over the counter and can your GP change your prescription to something that is more widely available when there are shortages to medication such as cocodamol.Elizabeth ended by outlining what happens in the Pharmacy when your medication is not available and why it is good to get to know our pharmacist and the Pharmacy staff as they can help in so many ways including when there are shortages of certain medications.To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email info@elizabethroddick.com or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.comImage: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

In our sight loss story this week, Hubert chats with Dominick about his journey, and his love of gaming. You can also hear an extended version of our chat with him by searching for RNIB Tech Talk in your favourite podcast app. 

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter.Audio described shows and events included:The Play That Goes Wrong - Sunday 22 March, 3pm, touch tour 1.45pm, The Duchesss Theatre, Aldwych, LondonEvening All Afternoon - Saturday 28 March, 2.30pm,, Donmar Warehouse, LondonJersey Boys - Tuesday 7 April, 7.3pm, touch tour 6pm, Marlowe Theatre, CanterburyTuesday 21 April, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Curve Theatre, LeicesterBlood Brothers - Wednesday 15 April, 7.30pm, Bournemouth PavilionThe Woman in Black - Wednesday 15 April, 2.30pm, touch tour 1.30pm, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, GuildfordPriscilla Queen of the Desert - Saturday 25 April, 2.30pm Wales Millennium Centre, CardiffTo find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What's On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk(Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font)

Phil Harrison is registered blind and at the end of April will run his first ever marathon as he takes on the 2026 London Marathon with his guide runner for Team RNIB. Phil spoke to RNIB Connect Radio about this exciting challenge alongside film-maker Reuben Armstrong, who has created an amazing documentary 'An Exercise in Perspective' about Phil's journey. Watch the documentary and support Phil here: Reuben & CoImage shows a fisheye camera angle points back at Phil as he runs. He is an older white man wearing dark sunglasses. His surrounding environment is a blur of motion. His bright orange vest reads ‘blind runner' in bold capitals, the only part of the image coloured in with a scruffy marker pen. The whole image is treated with a punk-inspired, black and white photocopy texture. 

On Guide Dog Blogs this week, Hubert chats to Gary to start a series about his guide dogs. Firstly, we hear about Gibson, Gary's first dog, and the special bond they had together. 

Charity VICTA UK is supporting young people is working to develop some exciting accessible materials for the Canal Museum in London. They recently held workshops around it in Scotland and Paulina caught up with one of the participants, Emmy Anstee, to learn more.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font.

On Guide dog blogs this week, Hubert chats to George Plumridge about his guide dog, and how his life has changed. They chat learning new environments and the joy of having very vocal guide dogs.  

In this week's sight loss story, Hubert chats to Lee Roak. They talk his sight condition, Lee's passion for the support he has been given throughout his education journey, how he wants to give back, and his love for doing radio. 

With International Women's Day celebrated on Sunday 8th of March, we're discussing what it's like to navigate the online space as a visually impaired woman.Joining Paulina Kuchorew on the Happy Hour are RNIB's Social Media Officer Lisa Adams and blogger and Social Media Manager with RNIB Holly Tuke.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font.

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter.Audio described shows and events included:The Devil Wears Prada, Tuesday 10 March, 7.30pm, touch tour 5.15pm, Dominion Theatre, London,Fawlty Towers The Play, Thursday 12 March, 7.30pm, Ipswich Regent Theatre,The Mesmerist, Saturday 21 March, 3pm, touch tour 2pm Watford Palace Theatre,Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile, Wednesday 1 April, 7.30pm, Theatre Royal Brighton,Marie & Rosetta, Saturday 4 April, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, @Soho Theatre, London.To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What's On email newsletter do visit -https://vocaleyes.co.uk

The landmark exhibition “Tracy Emin: A Second Life' at Tate Modern traces 40 years of her groundbreaking practice, showcasing career-defining sensations alongside works never exhibited before.The exhibition celebrates Tracy Emin's raw and confessional approach as she poses profound questions on love, trauma, and autobiography. Demonstrating her lifelong commitment to painting, showing her recent work as the culmination of the ways she has channelled her life into her art.At the Press View of the ‘Tracy Emin: A Second Life ‘ exhibition at Tate Modern on Wednesday 25 February 2026 RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by Jess Baxter Assistant Curator of the exhibition for an insight into the work on display along with a look into the life of Tracy Emin the Artist too.The ‘Tracy Emin: A Second Life' exhibition continues at Tate Modern until 31 August 2026.There will be an audio described tour of the exhibition on Wednesday 1 April 2026 at 5.30pm and more about these and other audio described tours can be found on the Tate website or by either emailing hello@tate.org.uk or calling 020 8778 8888.Do visit the following pages of the Tate website for more about the ‘Tracey Emin: A Second Life' exhibition - https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/tracey-emin

In our sight loss story this week, Hubert chats to Graham. They talk sight loss, how Braille has helped him with his education, and his business. 

This week on Guide Dog Blogs, Hubert chats to Jane Manley about her guide dog Rosie. They talk about Jane's first thoughts up on meeting her guide dog, and also Rosie's love of police uniforms together with other things. 

Ni Maxine is an award-winning Neo-jazz singer-songwriter based in Liverpool who has cemented herself as a rising star in the UK jazz scene. Championed across the NME, Jazz FM and the EFG London Jazz Festival, Ni is celebrated for her conscious, rich and resonant musical storytelling. ‘The Jazz Club's' Jake Hart caught up with Ni to discuss the release of her debut EP ‘Mother's Arms', her upcoming UK tour, her journey to find community within music and the Liverpool jazz scene.   For more information and to keep up to date with Ni Maxine visit her website - https://www.nimaxine.com/ 

The Design Museum's landmark exhibition Wes Anderson: the Archives charts the evolution of Anderson's films from early experiments in the 1990s to more recent productions. Through the up-coming audio described tour of the exhibition on Friday 27 February at 10.30am blind and partially sighted people will get the opportunity to explore the design stories behind some of his award-winning and iconic films including; The Grand Budapest Hotel, Fantastic Mr. Fox and Isle of Dogs to just name a few.RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey was joined by Nao Zaragoza, Assistant Curator: Public Practice at the Design Museum and Johanna Agerman Ross the Curator of the Wes Anderson: the Archives exhibition to find out more about what blind and partially sighted people can expect and explore during the audio described tour on Friday 27 February 2026 at 10.30am.More about the Wes Anderson: the Archives exhibition and the audio described tour along with how to book a place on the tour can be found by visiting -  https://designmuseum.org/whats-on/talks-courses-and-workshops/audio-described-tour-of-wes-anderson-the-archivesImage shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

Hubert talks to Mike and Andy from Be My Eyes about their new product which aims to support blind and partially sighted people a work, and providing them with an equal experience with their fellow staff. You can catch a longer version of this interview by checking out RNIB Tech Talk. 

In the Sight Loss Story this week, Hubert chats to George Plumridge. George shares his sight loss story, talks about his experiences as a teacher, and his experience of a TPT internship, as he now works in their education team. 

In this podcast, Hubert chats to another intern whom we have spoken to during our trip to the TPT Intern day last year. Hubert talks ot Matthew about his internship experience, what he has learned, and challenges he has overcome. 

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter.Audio described shows and events included:I'm Sorry Prime Minister - Saturday 7 March, 7.30pm, Apollo Shaftesbury Avenue, LondonMean Girls - Saturday 14 March, 2.30pm, Wales Millennium Centre, CardiffThe Lightning Thief - Saturday 21 march, 2.15pm, touch tour 12.45pm, Curve Theatre, LeicesterStranger Things: The First Shadow - Sunday 22 March, 3pm, touch tour 1.10pm, Phoenix theatre, LondonManic Street Creature - Thursday 26 March, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Kiln Theatre, LondonTo find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What's On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk(Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

On guide dog blogs this week, we chat to Alex once again, as he tells us about his guide dog Rosie, and how different she is the his previous dog Blossom. 

In this podcast, Hubert catches up with Carys, one of the interns we spoke to during our coverage of the TPT Intern day last year. 

For this week's check-in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick we are focusing on viruses as there seems to be quite a lot going around at the moment.Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey what the difference is between a virus and a bacterial infection. Then to what we should do if we think we have a virus and whether it is a good idea to take over the counter medicines for a virus. Finally Toby asked Elizabeth whether there is a virus out there that could be, say, more deadly than Covid?To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email info@elizabethroddick.com or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.com Image: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

On Guide Dog Blogs this week, Hubert chats to Alex Ramzan about his first guide dog Blossom, and what encouraged him to apply for a guide dog in the first place. 

In this guide dog blog, Hubert chats to Josh about his guide dog Ringo. 

In this sight loss story, Hubert chats to Jane, not only about her sight loss, but also about her love of fassion and clothing. 

ON guide dog blogs this time, Hubert welcomes back Liam Archer, as they talk about his newest guide dog Usher. 

In this sight loss story, Hubert chats to Stefan about his journey. They talk about his sight condition, adapting to life with sight loss, and his love of traveling. 

What is it like to continue pursuing your passion and expanding your business as a registered blind baker? Annie Spooner is the owner of Annie's Cake Creations and for the last few years she's been baking up a storm with amazing cakes and sweet treats. Now, she's taking on a new challenge by creating amazing wedding cakes.Learn more as she spoke with RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font.

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter.Audio described shows and events included:The Spy Who Came In from the Cold - Thursday 12 February, 7.30pm, @Soho Place, LondonOh! Mary - Saturday 28 February, 3.30pm, Trafalgar Theatre, LondonDeep Azure - Saturday 14 March, 2pm, touch tour 12noon and Tuesday  31 March, 7.30pm, touch tour 5.30pm, Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, LondonNorthern Ballet's Gentleman Jack - Saturday 14 March, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.15pm, Grand Theatre and Opera House LeedsEnglish Touring Opera – The Gondoliers, Friday 20 March, 7.30pm, Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield Barnum, Saturday 21 march, 2.30pmTo find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What's On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk(Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

Devin Adams is carrying out research for her PHD which looks at the accessibility of sport and leisure activities for people with disabilities.RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Devin to learn more about her work and how you can get involved.If you'd like to take part in Devin's research, email d.f.adams@stir.ac.ukImage shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font.

For this week's check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about the importance of building up good bone health.Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey the importance of building up good bone health in early life.  Then to like many things in life is there a connection between good diet and bone health.Elizabeth ended by explaining exactly what osteoporosis is and how the condition can be treated.You will find out more about the importance of good bone health by visiting the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/bone-health/keep-your-bones-strong-over-65/ To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email info@elizabethroddick.com or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.comImage:  Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

What is it like going to the theatre when you're partially sighted? RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew speaks with Emmy Anstee to find out what helps her when planning to see a show.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font.

Barry Snell caught up with Jonathon Attenborough to talk about his recent experience attending a football match while wearing only his vision glasses. We'll explore what the day was like for him — from navigating the stadium to soaking up the atmosphere — and hear his thoughts on how sports venues can better support blind and partially sighted fans. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font.

This week on Guide Dog Blogs, we speak to Toby from our very own RNIB Connect Radio, as he tells us all about his new guide dog Boston, and also his training experience. 

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter.Audio described shows and events included:Miss Saigon - Thursday 22 January, 7.30pm, Hull New Theatre and 4 February, 7.30pm, Mayflower Theatre, SouthamptonSingle White Female - Saturday 31 January, 2.30pm, touch tour 1.15pm, Wales Millennium Centre, CardiffAudio-described tour: Monument to the Unimportant - Saturday 7 February, 3pm, Pace Gallery, LondonInto The Woods - Saturday 21 February, 2.30pm, Bridge Theatre, LondonDracula -  Tuesday 24 March, 7.30pm, Noel Coward Theatre, London.To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What's On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk(Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

In our sight loss story this week, we talk about late diagnosis of sight loss, and what it's like to be a teacher with sight loss, as Hubert chats to Laura Francis. 

In this podcast, Hubert chats to Andy from Be My Eyes, not only about what they are about and how they support blind and partially sighted people, but also a little birthday mention to Be My Eyes as well. 

On guide dog blogs this week, Hubert chats to Liam Archer about his first guide dog George, this is quite a unique one, as Liam got his dog at the age of 14, and in this podcast, we find out exactly how this happened. 

On the Happy Hour this week we review a magical and unique audiobook.Joining us to talk about the new Full-Cast Edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, is Luci Franks.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font.

In our Sight Loss Story this week, Hubert chats to Alex, who tells him about his sight loss journey, but also talks about how he reviews various theatre trips, different plays, and what sort of information his reviews provide to blind and partially sighted theatre goers. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

If you have perhaps eaten a bit too much over the holidays and maybe feeling a little bit heavier than before.  Well don't worry as for the first check in of 2026 with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about weight loss. Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey about the current position around weight loss injections such as Mounjaro and whether you can get the injections on the NHS.Then to why it is not only a good idea but important to try and avoid processed foods.Ending with some good advice from Elizabeth about eating well and exercising regularly too.You will find more information around weight loss injections by visiting the NHS England website - https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/prevention/obesity/medicines-for-obesity/weight-management-injections/#:~:text=From%2023%20March%202025%2C%20you,the%20right%20treatment%20for%20you.To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email info@elizabethroddick.com or for more information visit -https://elizabethroddick.comImage: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

This week on Guide Dog Blogs, Hubert brings back Caroline, with some good news, as she will be starting training with her new guide friend. We find out more about the new guide dog, while also checking in how Caroline's feeling about starting training. 

This week on Guide Dog Blogs, Hubert chats to Caroline about her guide dog Storm, who has very much lived up to his name. 

Luci Franks joins us on RNIB Connect Radio with her recent audiobook recommendation. She shares her thoughts on Keep Laughing, the debut autobiography by British comedian, writer, and Strictly Come Dancing 2024 winner, Chris McCausland.To access this book and a whole host of other great audiobooks visit: Home - Reading ServicesImage shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font.