RNIB Conversations

Trying a new experience whilst on holiday can be exhilarating, especially when you get a chance to become a gladiator. RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew spoke with Emmy Anstee from Emmy's VIP Life to hear what she thought of the Gladiator School Experience in Rome and how it was adapted to her needs.  For more about the experience visit: GLADIATOR SCHOOL - romegladiatorschoolImage shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black 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. 

Following Jimmy Valentine is a full-cast audiobook musical told entirely through story and song created by New York composer and writer Jeff Flaster.It features a star-studded west end cast, including Celinde Schoenmaker (Phantom of the Opera), Hadley Fraser, David Hunter, George Blagden, acclaimed jazz vocalist Jacqui Dankworth, and Kerry Ellis who you might recognise for her portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked and Fantine in Les Mis.The audiobook musical tells the story of Detective Jen Price, who desperate to feel like a hero again, pursues notorious jewel thief Jimmy Valentine. But when Jimmy falls for Annabel he changes his tune. But Is it too late?RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew learned more from  West End star Kerry Ellis and the man behind this audiobook Jeff Flaster.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black 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 Bodyguard the Musical - Saturday 25 July, 2.30pm, Wales Millennium Centre, CardiffSix The Musical - Sunday 26 July, 3pm, Vaudeville Theatre, LondonTo Kill a Mockingbird - Saturday 1 August, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.30pm, Wyndham's Theatre, LondonDog Man: The Musical - Tuesday 11 August, 2.30pm, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, London9 to 5 The Musical -  Wednesday 19 August, 7.30pm, Regent Theatre, IpswichTo 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)

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 Choir of Man - Friday 10 July, 4pm, touch tour 2.30pm, Curve Theatre, LeicesterJesus Christ Superstar - Friday 17 July, 7.30pm, London PalladiumCyrano de Bergerac - Saturday 18 July, 2pm, touch tour 12noon, Noel Coward Theatre, LondonThe Truth - Wednesday 22 July 8pm, Apollo Shaftesbury Avenue, London,Fawlty Towers: The Play - Friday 24 July, 7.30pm, touch tour 5pm, Marlowe Theatre, CanterburyTo 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)

We're take a look today about at an exciting new documentary now available on streaming services in the UK.Possibilities made by American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and BeachGlass Films and is a collaborative production between blind and sighted individuals, which features open audio description, an innovative concept that means accessibility is part of the process of making the movie and not just an after-thought. And joining our Paulina Kuchorew is Tony Stephens, Assistant Vice President for Communications at the American Foundation for the Blind and the Producer behind the movie.Image shows The Possibilities documentary logo, a white cane with a rippling tap substitutes the letter I.

On guide dog blogs this week, we meet Chewie the guide dog. Jane Manley shares her experience of being recently matched and trained with her new friend. We also find out how Chewie got his name, despite his food habits, that was not the main reason he got it. 

What's it like working for the UK's largest producer of official statistics when you're blind or partially sighted? Hywel Davies has been finding out about life for once worker at the Office for National Statistics.

In this podcast, Hubert chats to Veronica Ferguson about what motivated her career path, her experiences of working with the royal family, and her advice to people as ot how they can look after their eyes best. 

In this podcast, Hubert chats to Laura, one of the interns who completed their internship as part of the Get Set Progress Programme. They talk about Laura's experiences, difficulties she had with jo searching, and how much of a difference this internship has made to her life. 

In his podcast, following Thomas Pocklington Trust launching a new set of internship opportunities for blind and partially sighted people, Hubert has been chatting to interns who have just completed their internships to hear about their experiences. 

 Summer means many of us are thinking about holidays, but when you're blind or partially sighted accessibility becomes part of the process of planning that dream trip.So joining us today to chat her tips for accessible travel and planning is Emmy from Emmy's VIP Life.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black 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 this podcast Hubert chats to Josh Feehan from Thomas Pocklington Trust about new internship opportunities they have released as part of the Get Set Progress Programme. 

In our sight loss story this week, Hubert speaks to Bilaal. They discuss adapting to sight loss, university experiences, and Bilaal's passion for sports. 

Last year we spoke to the team behind a braille word board game called Brailling, when they were just getting started. A year forward, Hubert has been chatting to them to find out how things have developed, and their next steps. 

The RNIB trustees recently met in Edinburgh to talk about the next steps for the charity.Andy Barry, Chair of RNIB enterprise, told Amelia about some of the new ways RNIB is funding its vital work and some emerging opportunities for the organisation.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black 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. 

The RNIB trustees recently met in Edinburgh to talk about the next steps for the charity.Amelia spoke to Alice Collins before she steps down from the role about her hopes for the future of the organisation and how blind and partially sighted people could share their skills as trustees.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black 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:Guided Audio Described Tour of the Pacific Encounters Gallery - Tuesday 23 June, 11am, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, LondonDriftwood - Thursday 25 June, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, Kiln Theatre, LondonMiss Saigon - Wednesday 1 July, 2.30pm, Winter gardens, Blackpool Opera House,Wednesday 15 July, 7.30pm, Marlowe Theatre, CanterburyThe Boy who Harnessed the Wind - Friday 10 July, 7.30pm, touch tour 6pm, @Soho Place, LondonAnnie - Saturday 11 July, 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 VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

With many stories in the news suggesting that GP's are giving out prescriptions for exercise rather than medicine for this week's check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick our Toby Davey began by asking Elizabeth whether she might be out of a job soon. Elizabeth then gave a summary of some of the research that has been published around exercise prescriptions. To how true it might be that some anti-obesity injections are possibly lowering the incidence of cancer.  Ending with Elizabeth outlining some of the side effects people may have of these types of medicines.You will find an interesting article on Harnessing the benefits of physical activity on the following page of the NHS website - https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/public-health/harnessing-the-benefits-of-physical-activity/ 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.

Al Di Meola is a jazz guitarist, composer and bandleader whose career spans nearly 50 years. One of the pioneering artists behind the jazz-rock fusion sound, Al's journey into performing began with Chick Corea as part of the legendary musical outfit Return To Forever. Returning to London for a special night celebrating five decades of music, ‘The Guitarchitect' looks back on the stories and artistry that defined his sound.The Jazz Club's Jake Hart caught up with Al to discuss his upcoming concert at The Barbican, performing with Return To Forever, his journey into composition and his adoration of The Beatles. For more information and to keep up to date with Al Di Meola visit his website - https://aldimeola.com/ Listen to the latest episode of The Jazz Club here: Listen to the Jazz Club on RNIB Connect Radio | RNIB

In our sight loss story this week, Hubert chats to Shakir about growing up with sight loss, and his love for the sport of Cricket, and his proudest moments. 

On Guide Dog Blogs this week, Hubert chats to Paul, and finds out about his guide dog Rocco, who is quite a character, and a very inteligent working dog too. There are also a few funny stories involving Paul and Rocco. 

In the Sight Loss Storry this week, Hubert chats to Caroline Thomas, who has been a guide dog blogs regular. This time they talk about her sight loss, and her passion for art, and how her daughter has also developed passion for art, and making her art accessible. 

National charity SeeAbility has achieved a huge Guinness World Records title for: “Most participants featured on a live portrait installation in 48 hours”.The challenge, which involved creating a live portrait installation in Potters Fields Park, next to Tower Bridge, was taken on to shine a light on the tens of thousands of children and young people in London's special schools who are missing out on basic eye care and glasses.Barry Snell caught up with their Director of Eye Care, Lisa Donaldson, to find out more.To learn more about SeeAbility click hereImage shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black 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

We're chatting kitchen gadgets, specifically, accessible kitchen gadgets.If you're blind or partially sighted, what can help you in the kitchen? Joining Paulina on RNIB Connect Radio to share her tips is Emmy from Emmy's VIP Life.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black 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.

Claire is a visually impaired sports enthusiast and met her now husband and co-parent Pete while discussing training tips online. They came onto Good COmpany to discuss building their relationship remotely and how they balance supporting and challenging each other.Listen to Good Company, RNIB Connect Radio's relationship show, on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm and 8pm on the first sunday of each month.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black 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 June 2025 VICS founder Kirin Saeed joined Good Company to discuss navigating grief as a blind woman and honouring her late husband in her theatre work. Learn more about Sense Of Loss on the VICS website -Sense of Loss Programme — Visually Impaired Creators ScotlandListen to Good Company, RNIB Connect Radio's relationship show, on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm and 8pm on the first sunday of each month.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black 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.

How can you have productive conversations about difficult topics?Amanda Hawkins, RNIB Head of Mental Health And Counselling, came onto Good Company in May 2025 to share some advice about tackling tricky topics.Listen to Good Company, RNIB Connect Radio's relationship show, on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm and 8pm on the first sunday of each month.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black 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. 

Glasgow Tandem club members Anne Fraser and Dianne Lusman have spent many hours and miles together. They came on Good Company in April 2025 to about talk communication, syncing up when cycling and recovering from a crash.Listen to Good Company, RNIB Connect Radio's relationship show, on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm and 8pm on the first sunday of each month.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black 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. 

Blind diver Jessica Pita has found a life-long friend in dive buddy Henry Green. They came on Good Company in March 2025 to speak about building trust, communicating underwater and what they learn from eachother.Listen to Good Company, RNIB Connect Radio's relationship show, on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm and 8pm on the first sunday of each month.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black 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, we welcome back Caroline to talk about her new dog Malcolm. We also her here interesting description of his personality as the title might hint at. 

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 Postal Museum Audio-Described Tour - Saturday 6 June, 10am, Postal Museum, LondonLegally Blonde The Musical - Saturday 20 June, 2.30pm, touch tour 1.15pm Wales Millennium Centre, CardiffAvenue Q - Tuesday 23 June, 7.30pm, Shaftesbury Theatre, London,Mother Courage and Her Children - Wednesday 24 June, 2pm, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, LondonMoulin Rouge - Thursday 25 June, 7.30pm, Sunderland Empire.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)

With all the high temperatures we have been having over the last few days for this week's check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about how to cope in the heat and the high temperatures. Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey that there are certain individuals who are more at risk in the heat.  Then to some of the signs that people might show if they are suffering from heat exhaustion and how dangerous heat stroke can be.  Ending with a reminder from Elizabeth about the importance of keeping out of the sun and protecting yourself from the sun with sunscreen.You will find further advice around heat exhaustion and heat stroke on the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke/ 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 this episode, Hubert chats to Mark Sanderson from Guide Dogs to get his closing reflections on the Education and Transitions conference, and also talk about next steps following the event. 

In this podcast, Hubert chats to George Plumridge from Thomas Pocklington Trust following his presentation about the Step Transitions Program which took place at the Education Transitions Conference. 

Hubert chats to Caroline in this episode about the presentation she has given during the Education Transitions conference. 

As the conference was nearing the finish, Hubert grabbed a word with the CEO of Thomas Pocklington Trust to get his reflections on the conference, and also hopes for next steps. 

In this episode Hubert chats to Dr Rachel Hewitt  about what CFVI is, and hopes to get it rolled out across the country. 

In this podcast episode. Hubert chats to Colin from The Powel Family Foundation. He finds out more about them, and the work they have been doing in terms of education. 

In this episode Hubert chats to Ramneek, and finds out how she uses technology to help with her education, plus also the support she was given from organisations including Thomas Pocklington Trust. 

In this episode, Hubert chats to Toby Addison, following a panel discussion regarding student experiences from both students and parents, and gets his thoughts on what was talked about.  

Billy Horsburgh from Northeast Fife in Scotland, lives with Cerebral Palsy and glaucoma. Over the years, he was told due to the two conditions he would not qualify for a guide dog, so William set out to do something many doubted he could manage: raise a lively Jack Russell terrier puppy on his own. Now, his memoir My Perfect Companion: Because love is blind is finally out and Paulina Kuchorew spoke with the author to learn more.  Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black 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 this episode as part of the Making It Accessible series, Hubert chats to Scott, who enjoys table top gaming. Although at times called a "sight intense hobby" Scott wants people to enjoy it as much as sighted people. He tells us about a video series he's working on. 

In this episode Hubert chats to Phil Rutter. They discuss the work Phil has been involved with, which helped to make Luton Airport more accessible, from the experience of traveling between the airport and the train station, to passengers having a much less stressful time when being in the airport itself. 

In this podcast, Hubert speaks to Ian McNamara, they talk about the accessibility projects he was involved in as part of his work on the Sight Loss Council in the Birmingham area. They discuss accessibility of the My Health app, and making museums more accessible to blind andpartially sighted people. 

In this episode, Hubert chats to Brandon from All Things Dotty. They discuss how they make restaurant menus more accessible, not only for Braille, but also technology users. They also dive into how All Things Dotty helped to make museums more accessible, the power of lived experience based solutions, and what's next for All Things Dotty.