Podcast appearances and mentions of simon pauley

On RNIB Connect Radio, we're asking you to send in recordings of the birds you can hear.  Natalie sent in her recording of the birds and was joined by her cat, Ginge, who was determined not to be outdone by the birds.  Simon Pauley, presenter of the Daily Connect read out Natalie's letter and listen to see if you can hear Ginge singing along. Photo of a ginger cat. 

In recent times, apps on our phone have become a lifeline to keep us going – whether its work, health or simply socialising with friends and family.  A new study study also shows the apps are reflective of not only our personalities but also our state of mind.  RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley spoke with TV Psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos about the phone apps we are using during the coronavirus outbreak and what they say about us. 

Simon Pauley talks to Lynne Morgan about recording the bird song in your garden, from your window, or in your open space, along with instruction from Allan Russell on how to record on your phone.  Photo of a blackbird.

Blind singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Dan DroiD joins Simon Pauley for a chat about surviving as a live gigging musician during the coronavirus outbreak. Dan also reveals how having a guide dog changed his life and his experience of performing at different music venues.  You can follow Dan's website at: http://dan-droid.co.uk 

Here's something to keep the kids occupied during the lockdown.  All three season's of 'Once Upon a Time in Zombieville’, a unique and crazy audio cartoon created with visually impaired children at its heart, is available to listen for free online.    We spoke with creator of the show, Bigmouth Audio Founder and Managing Director, Stephen Scott about the series, their collaboration with RNIB, and parenting during the Coronavirus outbreak.    Stephen spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.   You can listen to ‘Once Upon a Time in Zombieville’ on BBC Sounds: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p07jt0jn 

Caroline Casey has been campaigning relentlessly for equality and diversity in employment and business practice and started Binc. as well as her initiative  #Valuable 500, which aimed to get CEO’s from 500 of the worlds big businesses to sign up to employment revolution. But with coronavirus affecting all aspects of our lives around the world, will it also affect disability inclusion?  RNIB’s Simon Pauley chats with Caroline to find out more. To find out more about Valuable 500 visit: http://www.thevaluable500.com   (Image shows Caroline sitting on a staircase, her arms folded over her legs and looking to the side) 

Coronavirus is affecting all of us across the world, including the movie industry with many films either pushing back their premiere dates or releasing online instead.   RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley caught up with the world’s only blind movie critic to hear how he’s getting on across the pond during these unusual times. 

With theatre stages standing empty all over the world, we caught up with aerialist, belly dancer, voice coach, and Royal Shakespeare Company’s actor Karina Jones, who recently made theatre history by stepping in to play a lead sighted character. RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley spoke with Karina to find out how she’s coping with the current situation and how coronavirus is affecting the acting community. To find out more about Karina visit her page: https://karinajones.co.uk/  (Two images side by side, one on the left shows a smiling portrait shot of Karina, whilst the other shows her mid aerial performance, on a suspended ring) 

Coronavirus has changed the  every-day-lives of people in the UK, but how is Australia coping with the outbreak? RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley caught up with advocate for change Stephanie Agnew, to hear how her and her guide dog Rocky are handling social distancing. You can follow Stephanie on Facebook ‘Rocky and Me’ or on Instagram ‘Steph.Agnew’  And to hear Stephanie’s upcoming appearance on ListenABLE podcast visit: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/listenable-podcastone-australia-UYRD3sTe517/ (Photo shows Stephanie kneeling down next to her black labrador guide dog, Rocky. She's smiling and holding onto his harness whilst Rocky looks right at the camera/Photo credit: Guide Dogs Victoria)

 Have you been having issues with shopping?  RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley spoke with white cane warrior Paul Quigley about his own strugglers in getting necessities. If you need help and support in these difficult time, RNIB are here for you. You can call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 

Andrew Miller is the Lead Optometrist for Focus Birmingham, a charity in the West Midlands. RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley spoke with Andrew to find out how the charity is handling the current outbreak and what support they’re offering to their users.  For more information about Focus Birmingham visit: https://www.focusbirmingham.org.uk/  or for their helpline call: 0121 478 5222 

Sometimes technology can seem overwhelming, especially if you’re living with  a visual impairment.  Blogger Holly Tuke teaches RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley about the perks of using an Amazon Echo device and how it can help aid independence and make day-to-day life easier, even if you don’t think of yourself as particularly tech-savvy.    You can follow Holly’s blog at: https://lifeofablindgirl.com/  (Photo shows an Amazon Echo Show with the TuneIn app open and playing RNIB Connect Radio on the screen/ Photo credit: Holly Tuke ) 

In this time of uncertainty, we thought it would be good to hear from our local pharmacist and find out how to keep ourselves and our pharmacies in good shape during this outbreak. RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley spoke with New Life Pharmacy’s Elizabeth Roddick. If there’s anything else you would like Elizabeth to answer in her next ‘Ask the Pharmacist’ email radio@rnib.org.uk (mailto:radio@rnib.org.uk) For more information about New Life Pharmacy visit: https://newlifepharmacy.co.uk/ 

Would you like to learn how to make a delicious new recipe?   Kim Jaye is a Chef and RNIB Network Committee member and she recently released her recipe book ‘A Taste of Spice’ in large print and in support of Talking Books.   Speaking with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley, Kim shares her recipe for Chicken Côte with some helpful tips for cooking with a visual impairment.    You can find Kim Jay’s recipe book ‘’A Taste of Spice’ here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Taste-Spice-Kim-Jaye/dp/1695360001/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=  (Photo shows Kim Jaye dressed smiling and dressed in a beautifully embroidered pink top) 

Media can often misrepresent the blind and visually impaired community through the use of stereotypes that are so ingrained into our society.     But can we challenge these internalised stereotypes and how do we do so without stigmatisation?    Dr Catalin Brylla, Lecturer in Film and TV at Bournemouth University and RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley discuss breaking down blind stereotypes in this 8-part series.   Listen out for episode 4 of ‘Breaking Blind Stereotypes’ next Tuesday 17th of March after 4 PM on RNIB Connect Radio.    For more information about Dr Brylla’s work visit: https://catalinbrylla.com/    (Photo shows a hand holding a white cane in front of a blurry backdrop)

If you’re a contact lens user, you might not realise the danger you expose your eyes to by doing something as simple as letting your contact lenses come in contact with tap water.    Fiona Henriquez, a Professor of Parasitology at the University of the West of Scotland has been researching the dangerous parasite that lurks in water and came up with an ingenious and simple way to protect our contact lenses.   Fiona spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.

Do you like doing crosswords but find them increasingly frustrating because of your sight loss?   A new development for the Amazon skill Puzzler, means it’s now accessible to blind and partially sighted people.    We spoke with tech guru Robin Christopherson who advised on the development and Ruth Oakley, the Creative Director behind the voice skill.   Robin and Ruth spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. 

Media can often misrepresent the blind and visually impaired community, but how are negative stereotypes shown in media, how do they impact perceptions of sight loss, and what is the Supercrip Stereotype?   Dr Catalin Brylla, Lecturer in Film and TV at Bournemouth University and RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley discuss breaking down blind stereotypes in this 8-part series.   Listen out for episode 3 of ‘Breaking Blind Stereotypes’ next Tuesday 10th of March after 4 PM on RNIB Connect Radio.    For more information about Dr Brylla’s work visit: https://catalinbrylla.com/ (Photo shows a hand holding a white cane in front of a blurry backdrop) 

Media can often misrepresent the blind and visually impaired community, but how are negative stereotypes formed, how does society internalise them and can these misrepresentations lead to stigma?   Dr Catalin Brylla, Lecturer in Film and TV at Bournemouth University and RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley discuss breaking down blind stereotypes in this 8-part series. Listen out for the next episode of ‘Breaking Blind Stereotypes’ Tuesday 3rd of March after 4 PM on RNIB Connect Radio.    For more information about Dr Brylla’s work visit: https://catalinbrylla.com/   (Photo shows a hand holding a white cane in front of a blurry backdrop) 

Intrasonus UK champion immersive sound production by using sound to transform lives through music, dance and storytelling.   They’re currently offering workshops for blind and visually impaired people at the The Bloomsbury UCL Theatre in London and would like to invite you to come along.    We spoke with Composer and Sound Architect , Roberto David Rusconi about the project and why it’s so important.   Roberto spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.    For more information visit: http://www.intrasonus.org/workshops    Next workshop dates are: Friday February 7th: 9.30am - 11am, February 21st & 28th :11am -1pm, March 6th & 20th: 11 am-1pm, and then on April 3rd & 17th: 9:30 am-11am, with special full day workshops Monday April 13th – Wednesday 15th: 9:30 am – 4pm.  (Photo shows a blurry image of a dancer against a pitch black backdrop) 

What we wear can help us feel more confident, but what should we do when fashion isn’t as easily accessible to us as we would like it to be?   Blogger and campaigner for change, Elin Williams spoke with us about fashion, accessibility, and negative stereotypes.    Elin spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.    To follow Elin visit her blog: http://www.myblurredword.com

Sarah Matthews lost her sight due to a head injury six years ago, but since then she worked hard to put her life back on track.    Now Sarah keeps busy and amongst many things, loves to volunteer. One of the organisations Sarah volunteers with is Listening Books, an audiobook library for anyone who finds reading difficult due to a physical or mental illness, disability or learning difficulty.   We spoke to Sarah about her life, her love of reading, and volunteering.   Sarah spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.    To find out more about Listening Books visit: www.listening-books.org.uk (Photo shows headphones plugged into a phone surrounded by a pile of books) 

In April 2019, the Australian Prime Minister announced an Australian Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability will take place.     After years of campaigning by people with disability and human rights advocates, the Royal Commission will look at ways of better protecting people living with a disability from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.    We spoke with Professor Ron McCallum, an industrial and discrimination lawyer and prominent human rights advocate, who himself is blind and working with the Royal Commission on the enquiry.   Professor McCallum spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.    To find out more information visit: http://www.disability.royalcommission.gov.au 

The gig economy can have its appeals with flexible working hours and the ability to work for yourself.    But latest research from Income Protection Task Force shows that many Britons are forced to take desperate measures to survive between pay days.   We spoke with Personal Finance Journalist Kara Gammell and Tracey Clarke who had to give up her job due to visual impairment.   Kara and Tracey spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.   For more information visit: www.iptf.co.uk

Five years ago blogger Holly Tuke began her journey as a social media influencer and campaigner for change and awareness.   We caught up with Holly to find out how her life has changed since and what opportunities came with starting her blog.      Holly spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.   You can follow Holly on: http://www.lifeofablindgirl.com    (Photo shows Holly dressed in a cosy black winter jacket, the sea coast opening up behind her) 

Alex Innes lives with RP and he’s recently taken a more serious approach to running as his sight deteriorated.    Chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley, Alex explains his transition into running with a guide and discusses his next challenge, the Cambridge half marathon, through which he hopes to raise funds for charity Support 4 Sight.    If you’d like to support Alex’s fundraiser visit:  https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alexcinnes89    You can also follow his progress on Instagram by searching: ‘blindedbytherun’.  (Photo shows: Alex and his guide runner with arms around each other and medals around their necks). 

How can we make Christmas more accessible for our blind or visually impaired friends and family this year?   We caught up with Elin Williams, author of the award winning blog ‘My Blurred World to hear some useful tips and recommendations on how to make Christmas accessible for everyone.   Elin spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.   You can follow Elin’s blog on: http://www.myblurredworld.com   

Colditz Castle, located deep in the heart of German, sits on top of a 255-foot cliff with a river down below. During World War II it was considered impenetrable and used as prisoner-of-war camp for those Allied officers who had repeatedly escaped from other camps.   Now, adventurer, fundraiser and all-around champion for change, Blind Dave Heeley will take on the challenging fortress and escape all the way from Colditz back to “The Baggies”.    RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley spoke with Dave to find out more about Dave’s latest challenge.   Follow Dave on Facebook at ‘Blind Dave Heely’ or on twitter: @blinddaveheeley.    (Photo shows a black and white image of Colditz Castle) 

Earlier this month, BBC pledged to improve portrayal of disabled people as well as increase the number of people with disabilities in its workforce to 12% by 2020.    RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley spoke with blogger Reece Finnegan about BBC’s report, diversity in the workplace, and his own experience of working in media as someone living with sight loss.   You can follow Reece on: www.reecefinnegan.wordpress.com    (Photo shows Reece standing on stage and speaking to a microphone. He’s wearing casual clothes and looks relaxed with his hand inside his jeans pocket. Photo credit: BBC)

'CanDoELLA' work daily to #flipthenarrative around children, young people and adults and change the approach to a positive one, ensuring that everyone has a place within our world and is able to be accepted equally for who they are.   Elly Chapple, speaks in part 2 about raising awareness, flipping the narrative, and their website: CanDoELLA.    Elly spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.   For more information about CanDoELLA visit: http://www.candoella.com    For Part 1 of the interview go to: 

'CanDoELLA' work daily to #flipthenarrative around children, young people and adults and change the approach to a positive one, ensuring that everyone has a place within our world and is able to be accepted equally for who they are.   Elly Chapple, mom of Ella, the inspiration behind the project, speaks in part 1 about her family’s journey to a better understanding for her deafblind daughter.   Elly spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.   For more information about CanDoELLA visit: http://www.candoella.com    For Part 2 of the interview go to: 

Stereotyping can have a negative impact on the lives of blind and partially sighted people and is often influenced by their portrayal in the media.    Dr Catalin Brylla works in the specialist field of undoing harmful stereotypes and as part of his work he has produced two documentaries, with a third on the way, which explore the everyday lives and artistic practices of artists living with sight loss.    Dr Brylla spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. For more information about Dr Brylla's work in combating stereotypes visit: http://www.catalinbrylla.com and for information about the documentaries follow: https://www.theterryfragments.com & https://www.junespatchwork.com  

The Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 is an annual publication that provides biographies of the top 100 influencers with disabilities in the UK.   This year, triathlete and activist, Haseeb Ahmad has been shortlisted as one of the Top 100 most influential disabled people in recognition of his achievements in sport, activism and helping improve the lives of blind partially sighted people.    RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley spoke with Haseeb about his success and about his sight loss journey.    For more information about Haseeb and his book visit: www.haseebblindironman.com (Photo shows Haseeb dressed in all black and crossing the finish line at a race. Another runner has an arm around his shoulders) 

John Clark from Stockton on Tees became an RNIB Sooty Box Collector after his retirement in 2012.    Since then, he helped rise over £150k in support of people living with sight loss.   Speaking with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley, John explains what drove him to fundraising and why it’s important to stay active in retirement.   For more information about Sooty visit: http://www.rnib.org.uk/Sooty   (Photo shows Sooty in front of a city hall)  

Kim Jaye is a Chef and RNIB Network Committee member who’s recently released her recipe book ‘A Taste of Spice’ in large print and in support of Talking Books.   Speaking with us about cooking with a visual impairment, Kim reveals why it’s so important to retain your independence and how cooking can help achieve that.    Kim spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.   For Kim's book visit: https://www.amazon.ca/Taste-Spice-Kim-Jaye/dp/1695360001

Adventurer, fundraiser and DIY expert Blind Dave Heeley is back and chatting with us about the controversial anti-guide-dog campaigning.    Only last year, Dave lost his beloved guide dog Seamus and he has his fair share to say when it comes to those that oppose service dogs.   Dave spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.    Follow Dave on Facebook at ‘Blind Dave Heely’ or on twitter: @blinddaveheeley. (Photo shows a smiling Dave with his arm around his guide dog Seamus) 

The award-winning sci-fi adventure for kids ‘Once Upon a Time in Zombieville’ is back!     A unique and crazy audio cartoon created with visually impaired children at its heart, the thrilling podcast follows Sam and Jamie as they investigate strange events at the local mine.     We spoke with creator of the show, Bigmouth Audio Founder and Managing Director, Stephen Scott about the series and their collaboration with RNIB on the project.    Stephen spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.   You can catch up with ‘Once Upon a Time in Zombieville’ on BBC Sounds: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p07jt0jn    (Photo credit: BBC) 

Earlier this year RNIB published their left out of learning report which indicated that just under half of local authorities have cut or frozen VI education services budgets over the last two years.   RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley caught up with blogger Holly Tuke to chat education, support and the importance of equal opportunity for blind and partially sighted young people.    You can follow Holly at: www.lifeofablindgirl.com (https://lifeofablindgirl.com/) (Photo shows Holly sitting outside with bright green trees surrounding her. She's wearing a burgundy Abercrombie shirt) 

Although only a small number of blind people see absolutely nothing, the challenges often faced by those with sight loss can be huge.   Charity RNIB have been asking people to experience some of these challenges by holding an event In The Dark to help raise funds and support blind and partially sighted people.   Dan Peppiatt from ‘Yoga Like Water’ recently held a huge Yoga In The Dark event for RNIB at the OM Yoga Show at Alexandra Palace.   RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley spoke with Dan about the event and how it all went.    You can find more information about ‘Yoga Like Water’: https://www.yogalikewater.com/ 

New research warns that long hours spent at work are taking its toll on our health as strained eyes, sore backs and headaches top the list of the most common health issues suffered by UK office workers.    We spoke with William Higham, Behavioural Futurist and author of the Work Colleague of the Future report, and Stephen Bowden Ergonomist and Human Factors Consultant.   William and Stephen spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.

Do you sometimes feel like your sight loss causes you to miss out on the “visual” world?    We spoke with blogger Elin Williams about the barriers brought upon by sight loss and the fear of missing out.   Elin spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.   Visit Elin’s blog: https://myblurredworld.com/  (Photo shows Elin standing with her back to the camera and looking out onto a picturesque countryside view) 

Last year Visualise Training and Consultancy launched “Seeing Beyond the Eyes”, a project which brings the optical and sight loss support sectors together to benefit patients with visual impairments.   This year the project has won Vision UK John Thompson Award for Excellence in Services, Support and Care 2019.    We spoke with Dan Williams founder of Visualise Training and Consultancy and dispensing optician Jayshree Vasani to find out more about the project and the award.    Dan and Jayshree spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.    For more information visit: www.visualisetrainingandconsultancy.com (https://www.visualisetrainingandconsultancy.com/)   (Photo: The Seeing Beyond the Eyes team. L-R Peter Black, Gill Perry, Daniel Williams, Jayshree Vasani)

The Wirral Society of the Blind and Partially Sighted (WSBPS) is celebrating its 30th Anniversary and earlier this year Sue Hadley took a leap of faith in support of the charity.   She dived 14,000 feet out of a plane in a thrill-filled skydive to help raise important funds for a good cause.   Sue spoke about the experience with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.    You can support Sue’s fundraising by visiting: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/susan-hadleyskydive

When ex-paramedic Andrew Westley lost his sight it put his whole life into question.    But now, thanks to the support of charity RNIB, Andy is back on his feet and helping others through sight loss.   Speaking with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley, Andy shares his story and his hopes for picking up blind driving.    If you need support you can get in touch with the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit http://www.rnib.org.uk/advice    (Photo shows a close up of an eye lit by a single streak of light atop a pitch black background) 

Trust Rugby International is a Scottish Registered Charity with a mission to bring individuals, communities and cultures together through rugby. The charity is currently on the lookout for visually impaired and blind people interested in giving rugby a go in a game where players with a disability train and play in the same team as non-disabled players.    We spoke with Jamie Armstrong from Trust Rugby International to find out more about their unique take on the sport.    Jamie spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.  (Photo shows rugby players in a huddle, with the words: 'Tackling limiting assumptions' above them)    For more information visit: https://www.tri.group (https://www.tri.group/)  

A new app could help blind and partially sighted people get from point A to point B without the unnecessary stress.    We spoke with James Grice, University of Kent student who’s been developing Stay On Route, an app created with the blind and VI traveller in mind.    James spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.    For more information about the app visit: https://www.stayonroute.com 

Nigel Limb lost his sight suddenly and painfully in a motorbike accident four years ago.    The crash left Nigel in a coma and when he awoke, he realised life as he knew it was over.   Speaking with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley, Nigel opens up about the difficulties of rehabilitation and learning to cope with his limited vision.     You can find Nigel on Facebook: ‘Blindbloke Racing’ and on YouTube: ‘Nigel blindblokeracing’. (Photo shows Nigel standing by his bike, hand resting on the handle and staring off into the distance) 

New film ‘7 Days’ tells the story of Blind Dave Heeley's extraordinary battle to take on one of world’s toughest marathons, the “Sevens” (seven marathons on seven continents in seven days).   We caught up with Dave to find out how the film is doing and what he thinks of having his story told on the big screen.    Dave spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.    Follow Dave on Facebook at ‘Blind Dave Heely’ or on twitter: @blinddaveheeley.  

Holly Tuke is a blogger who through her blog ‘Life Of A Blind Girl’ raises awareness of living with sight loss.    RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley caught up with Holly to find out why she decided to start a blog and how it changed her life.     You can follow Holly’s blog here: https://lifeofablindgirl.com/ (Photo shows Holly wearing a black & white fuzzy jumper. She's smiling and looking to the side of the camera)

Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) is a national charity which just celebrated their 100th year anniversary.    Through their work in supporting the Armed Forces, people with disabilities and people who are unemployed, they aim to improve lives every day by inspiring those they help and supporting them to find work and lead independent lives.   We spoke with Sean Read who thanks to the help of RBLI is working again after losing his sight.     Sean spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.   For more information about RBLI visit: https://www.rbli.co.uk (https://www.rbli.co.uk/)