Best Hobie Call Podcasts (2025)

1
Ep #40: New York’s Approach to Employing People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision with NYSPSP’s Chris Burke 31:34

8M ago31:34

31:34

Have you ever wondered how state programs can create meaningful job opportunities for people who are blind or have low vision? In this episode, we dive into the life-changing work being done by the New York State Preferred Source Program for New Yorkers Who Are Blind (NYSPSP). Our guest, Christopher Burke, is the executive director of NYSPSP. With …

1
Ep #39: Free Resources and Tools for Job Seekers Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision 54:12

8M ago54:12

54:12

Today’s episode focuses on an extraordinary collaboration between employees from NSITE and American Printing House (APH) to create the Job Seeker's Toolkit. Marianne Haegeli is the director of learning and leadership at NSITE. She has more than 15 years of experience as a Learning and Leadership Development professional with engagements in nonprofi…

1
Ep #38: Resumes and Recruiting for People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision with NSITE’s Maurice Crittendon 33:20

9M ago33:20

33:20

Maurice Crittendon is the senior specialist for talent acquisition at NSITE. After losing his sight due to diabetic retinopathy, Maurice ventured to Minneapolis for orientation and mobility training before returning to the Washington, D.C. area. Accepted into National Industries for the Blind’s (NIB) Fellowship for Leadership Development, his journ…

1
Ep #37: NSITE and Corporate America: Creating Job Opportunities for People Who Are Blind or Low Vision 34:49

9M ago34:49

34:49

Heard & Empowered was created to show that anything is possible when you show up with the right mindset and attitude. Our guest this week, Jonathan Lucus, exemplifies this ethos in everything he does as the director of NSITE, which is National Industries for the Blind’s (NIB) talent management enterprise. NSITE works with public and private corpora…

1
Ep #36: How AI is Changing Jobs and Creating Opportunities for People Who Are Blind with NSITE’s Doug Goist 45:27

9M ago45:27

45:27

Dr. Hoby Wedler welcomes returning guest Doug Goist to the podcast this week. Doug is a program manager for workforce development at NSITE where he helps people who are blind and visually impaired find employment by providing training opportunities. Blindness doesn’t get adequate coverage in most diversity training, so NSITE created a program calle…

1
Ep #35: Communications, Impacting Public Policy, and Creating Jobs with Austin Lighthouse’s Brandye Lacy 27:21

10M ago27:21

27:21

In this week’s episode, Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by Brandye Lacy, the marketing coordinator at Travis Association for the Blind, also known as Austin Lighthouse. With a passion for writing and advocacy, she excels at crafting and telling compelling stories while championing causes that break down barriers to equality and equity. Brandye began losi…

1
Ep #34: Blind for a Purpose with Envision Dallas’ Blake Lindsay 49:43

10M ago49:43

49:43

Do you ever wonder if there is a purpose for blindness? How can it be seen as a gift? This week, Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by Blake Lindsay, an author, public speaker, voice artist, and the director of communications and outreach for Envision Dallas. They explore these questions as well as discuss Blake’s fascinating story. While enjoying a 22-year…

1
Ep #33: Advocacy, Public Policy, and the 1% Ask with Bosma Enterprises’ Lise Pace 28:04

10M ago28:04

28:04

Dr. Hoby Wedler welcomes a familiar voice back to the podcast this week as he sits down with the Executive Vice President at Bosma Enterprises, Lise Pace, live from the 2024 NIB Public Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. Lise shares her remarkable journey from a diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa in her early 20s to the thriving and fulfilling career s…

1
Ep #32: Diversity, Mentorship, and Innovation in Leadership with NIB President and CEO Soraya Correa 57:59

11M ago57:59

57:59

Dr. Hoby Wedler welcomes a very special guest to the podcast this week: the one and only Soraya Correa, the new president and CEO of National Industries for the Blind. After starting her career as a clerk typist, Soraya rose through the ranks of the federal government to join the Senior Executive Service. She held key leadership roles at the Genera…

1
Ep #31: Strategic Advocacy: Influencing Public Policy on Capitol Hill with Dan Kelly 28:52

11M ago28:52

28:52

This week, Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by Dan Kelly, the Vice President of Public Policy for the National Association for the Employment of People Who Are Blind (NAEPB) and President and CEO of IFB Solutions. Dan is a dedicated advocate for the blind and visually impaired community, whose unwavering dedication shines through every aspect of his work.…

1
Ep #30: A Lasting Legacy of Employment Opportunities for the Blind and Visually Impaired with Kevin Lynch 43:45

11M ago43:45

43:45

In this episode, Dr. Hoby Wedler has the distinct pleasure of welcoming to the podcast Kevin Lynch, president and CEO emeritus of National Industries for the Blind (NIB). He retired April 30, 2023, from a 44-year career working and serving for the blind and visually impaired community in various capacities. Kevin, a visionary leader, shares his ins…

1
Ep #29: From Unemployed to Employee of the Year with Envision’s MaryBeth Clare 39:28

11M ago39:28

39:28

The human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity is strong, especially in today’s guest, MaryBeth Clare. She sits down with Dr. Hoby Wedler to discuss the setbacks she faced after losing her vision, and how those were replaced by the determination and desire to grow that have kept her going in her role as lead cashier and stocker for the military …

1
Ep #28: From HR to Advocacy: Rob Buettner’s Impact at Beyond Vision 36:01

12M ago36:01

36:01

In this episode, Dr. Hoby Wedler sits down with Rob Buettner, Vice President of Relationships & Business Services at Beyond Vision, to talk about leadership, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and where they merge. After being diagnosed with Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy as a young adult, Rob faced uncertainty and darkness. It wasn’t until he found a comm…

1
Ep #27: How BVI Advocates Can Make a Bigger Impact with NIB’s VP of Public Policy, Rick Webster 41:25

12M ago41:25

41:25

Today, National Industries for the Blind (NIB)’s Spring Conference and Public Policy Forum wraps up with the annual Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, so it's very fitting that this week Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by NIB’s Vice President of Public Policy, Rick Webster. Rick brings a unique perspective to the podcast as a sighted person passionately commi…

1
Ep #26: How Changing Public Policy Will Create More BVI Jobs with Luke Messer and Jeff Mittman 41:46

12M ago41:46

41:46

This week, Dr. Hoby Wedler dives deep into the world of policy change and advocacy with two remarkable individuals, former Congressman, Luke Messer and Jeff Mittman, CEO of Bosma Enterprises. Luke, with his extensive background in politics and public service, and Jeff, a true advocate for the blind and visually impaired through his leadership at Bo…

1
Ep #25: BVI Advocacy, Public Policy, and Speaking Up on Capitol Hill with Vivian Fridas 38:16

1y ago38:16

38:16

Are you ready to stand up and make a real impact on the world for BVI folks? In this motivating and inspiring episode of Heard & Empowered, Dr. Hoby Wedler welcomes Vivian Fridas to the podcast to share how, regardless of ability, we can all thrive and contribute meaningfully to the world. Vivian was born with cone-rod dystrophy, and the discrimina…

1
Ep #24: Redefining Workforce Inclusion and Employment Equality with Shannon Satterfield 35:24

1y ago35:24

35:24

As we gear up for National Industries for the Blind Public Policy Forum 2024, Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by Shannon Satterfield, Director of Professional Services at IFB Solutions, to share his extraordinary journey of struggle and advocacy. Shannon was born with achromatopsia and before joining IFB Solutions, he encountered numerous challenges desp…

1
Ep #23: Leading Change for the Blind and Visually Impaired with Lee Nasehi, CEO of VisionServe Alliance 36:38

1y ago36:38

36:38

You’re in for an inspiring episode this week as Lee Nasehi, the President and CEO of VisionServe Alliance, joins Dr. Hoby Wedler! The impact of Lee’s long-standing dedication to the blind and visually impaired community cannot be overstated, and it has brought significant changes. Today, Lee shares her journey of becoming a seasoned advocate and ex…

1
Ep #22: The Importance of Self-Belief with NSITE Graduate Yasmin Campbell 35:04

1y ago35:04

35:04

If you're looking for inspiration on your job search, this week's conversation is sure to deliver. Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by Yasmin Campbell, a graduate of the NSITE program and a champion for self-belief, self-advocacy, and furthering opportunities for the BVI community. Yasmin's plans took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with retinit…

1
Ep #21: You CAN Find a Career You Love with Lighthouse for the Blind Seattle's LaKenia Garnes 29:18

1y ago29:18

29:18

Are you encountering challenge after challenge in your job search? If so, you need to listen in. Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined this week by LaKenia Garnes, the Purchasing Assistant for the Base Supply Center at Lighthouse for the Blind Seattle. She shares how she overcame obstacles and job rejections to finally find a position that she loves and where …

1
Ep #20: Considering a Job in Manufacturing as a BVI? Brandi Hunter Shares What You Need to Know 33:05

1y ago33:05

33:05

In the search for your dream job, hard work and dedication truly do pay off, a truth vividly embodied by this week’s guest, Brandi Hunter. Serving as the Human Resources Staffing Coordinator at Blind Industries & Services of Maryland (BISM), Brandi shares with Dr. Hoby Wedler her inspiring journey to securing a job she is passionate about. Her path…

1
Ep #19: Land Your Dream Job: How Hard Work Paid Off for Thomas Stivers at the Travis Association for the Blind 37:21

1y ago37:21

37:21

Get ready for an inspiring story of tenacity and hard work as Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by Thomas Stivers, Systems Administrator for the Travis Association for the Blind at Austin Lighthouse. Ever since high school, Thomas had big dreams of working with computers, but it wasn’t until later in his career that these dreams would become reality. Thoma…

1
Ep #18: How Valley Center for the Blind is Empowering BVI Individuals to Succeed 34:29

1y ago34:29

34:29

Reynaldo Villarreal is the director of workforce development at Valley Center for the Blind (VCB) in Central California, one of NIB’s associated nonprofit agencies. He joins Dr. Hoby Wedler to share his story about blindness and the impactful work he does at VCB. Rey explains the impact a nonprofit like Valley Center for the Blind have on employmen…

1
Ep #17: Scarlet Nishimoto: From 60 Job Application Rejections to a Career Filled with Financial Stability at NIB's CMS Program 25:37

1y ago25:37

25:37

Scarlet Nishimoto endured over 60 job application rejections due to the bias and social stigma that exist around blindness in the hiring world. But her unstoppable and relentless nature, along with her heart-centered mission of helping the BVI community, led her to continue searching. Discover how she has built a meaningful, purposeful, and success…

1
Ep #16: Nina Bektic-Marrero: A Tale of Triumph From Vision Loss to Leading Business Consultant With the Help of National Industries for the Blind 48:07

1y ago48:07

48:07

Explore Nina Bektic-Marrero's remarkable journey from facing the adversity of war and vision loss to becoming a shining example of success in the business world. Nina's story is not just about overcoming obstacles, it's about transforming them into stepping stones towards greatness. Find out how she navigated from a humble beginning as a switchboar…

1
Ep #15: Operation Full Circle: How NIB and the Army Shaped Scott Collins' Career Leap from Trainee to Contract Management Leadership 42:51

1y ago42:51

42:51

A story of perseverance and overcoming obstacles, Scott Collins shares why it's never too late to give yourself the opportunity to succeed. From losing his vision to retinitis pigmentosa to becoming the head of NIB's Contract Management Support (CMS) program, discover his unconventional journey and how he got to be in a position today where he help…

1
Ep #14: Teri Shirk Part 2 - How a Nonprofit Can Have a For-Profit Sister Organization and Still Fulfill Its Mission of Providing Jobs for the Blind 37:08

1y ago37:08

37:08

Discover the innovative ways in which nonprofits can generate income to fund their mission of empowering the blind and visually impaired community. Special guest, Teri Shirk, President & CEO of CABVI joins us again on this episode to share her insights on incorporating for-profit arms to serve nonprofit organizations in this fascinating show. For f…

1
Ep #13: Teri Shirk Part 1 - Discover How NIB Agencies Help the Blind and Visually Impaired Achieve Career Goals Both In-Site and Working Remotely 30:29

1y ago30:29

30:29

Join our host Dr. Hoby Wedler for Part 1 of an enlightening conversation with Teri Shirk, President and CEO of Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI). Teri shares insights on how NIB's associated nonprofit agencies provide fulfilling jobs, financial independence, and a transitional process from social security benefits t…

1
Ep #12: Sharon Giovinazzo Shares Extraordinary Journey From Going Blind to CEO Helping the Blind and Creating Jobs and Myriad Career Opportunities for BVI 22:35

1+ y ago22:35

22:35

Meet Sharon Giovinazzo as she talks about how National Industries for the Blind (NIB) agencies can help people with vision loss reach their career goals. Find out how you can gain employment, achieve financial freedom, and secure benefits while making a real difference in the blind and visually impaired community. For full transcript and show notes…

1
Ep #11: Sophia McCall’s Journey: From Depression and Blindness to a Thriving Career as an HR Recruiter 25:42

1+ y ago25:42

25:42

Join our host, Dr. Hoby Wedler, as he sits with Sophia McCall to discover how she learned to live with blindness as an adult due to diabetic retinopathy. Sophia was able to find a path of self-confidence and independence through the support of Lighthouse Central Florida and others in the BVI community. Discover more about her journey, struggles, an…

1
Ep #10: Kyle Johnson Talks About Support, Help, and Advice to Find Meaningful Jobs for People With Vision Loss 24:24

1+ y ago24:24

24:24

In this episode of the Heard & Empowered podcast by NIB, listen to Kyle Johnson as he discusses the importance of seeking help for blind or visually impaired individuals as a first step toward finding meaningful jobs. Discover career opportunities and available jobs through National Industries for the Blind. Join Kyle and our host Dr. Hoby Wedler a…

1
Ep #9: Inclusion in Action: Dr. Hoby Wedler on Elevating BVI Careers, Mentorship, and Shifting Corporate Mindsets 39:17

1+ y ago39:17

39:17

This episode is a live recording of Dr. Hoby Wedler introducing the Heard & Empowered Podcast at the National Industries for the Blind 2023 Conference as he led a panel of guests to showcase success stories, provide resources, and champion people who are blind in the workforce. He shared his personal experience of facing discrimination in the job m…

1
Ep #8: Brian Petraits Shares How Being Blind is Not an Impediment to Success and Career Fulfillment in Manufacturing and Warehouse Jobs 28:17

1+ y ago28:17

28:17

Meet dynamic Brian Petraits, an industrial engineer and Director of Manufacturing at Bosma Enterprises who lost his sight due to retinitis pigmentosa. Listen to his experience on how he proved that being visually impaired and asking for help doesn't have to be a barrier to achieving success or job fulfillment. Learn about adaptive technology at Bos…

1
Ep #7: Lise Pace's Inspiring Path: Navigating Career Opportunities as BVI and Mindset Shifts to Rise from Volunteer to Executive Vice President in 15 Years! 29:49

1+ y ago29:49

29:49

Lise Pace lost her vision due to Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and she discovered life isn't over when you lose your sight. You just have to find ways to do things differently. Listen to her journey from sight loss to success as Executive VP at Bosma Enterprises. NIB’s Heard & Empowered podcast offers invaluable insights into overcoming challenges, fin…

1
Ep #6: Career Mobility, Skill Training, and Mentorship for the Blind and Visually Impaired with Richard Oliver 23:50

1+ y ago23:50

23:50

In this episode of the Heard & Empowered podcast, Richard Oliver of Industries of the Blind in North Carolina shares how he has been in every role at his agency—except payroll and president—and has flourished in a supportive environment with mentors and training to enhance and develop skills. You, too, can find meaningful careers with upward mobili…

1
Ep #5: Doug Goist on Shame About His Blindness, Hitting Rock Bottom, and Helping Others Succeed 28:51

1+ y ago28:51

28:51

Join us as we hear from Doug Goist, Program Manager for Workforce Development at NSITE, as he shares his story of going through the stages of grief after losing his vision due to RP and how he was able to turn it around. Nowadays he helps others succeed in their chosen careers as he trains them on how to navigate blindness successfully. Get inspire…

1
Ep #4: How to Find Your Path and Career Opportunities When You're Losing Your Vision with Rebekah Grieb 29:38

1+ y ago29:38

29:38

Be inspired by Rebekah Grieb's determination and not allowing her worsening vision stop her from finding career opportunities and personal success. Discover why it’s OK to follow your passion and do things differently when you’re visually impaired, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people that support you. Subscribe and tune in weekly…

1
Ep #3: From the Battleground to the Boardroom: A Career Path Like No Other with Jeff Mittman 21:45

1+ y ago21:45

21:45

In this week’s episode of Heard & Empowered, you’ll hear an inspirational story of overcoming adversity, and a demonstration of what’s possible. Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by President and CEO of Bosma Enterprises, the largest employer of people who are visually impaired in the state of Indiana. Jeff is not only CEO and president of Bosma but also a…

1
Ep #2: How NIB Works and How NSITE Connects the Blind to Job Opportunities with Dr. Jonathan Lucus 20:59

1+ y ago20:59

20:59

National Industries for the Blind (NIB) is a nonprofit agency whose mission is to enhance the personal and economic independence of blind and visually impaired folks by creating, sustaining, and improving employment opportunities. NIB's talent management enterprise is NSITE. Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by the Executive Director of NSITE, Dr. Jonathan…

1
Ep #1: About the Host: Discover Dr. Hoby Wedler’s Story & Jumpstart Your Job Search 14:14

1+ y ago14:14

14:14

We’re on a mission here on Heard & Empowered to shift perceptions, open hearts and minds, and unlock unparalleled job opportunities for the blind and visually impaired community. Whether you’re blind, visually impaired, or an ally, this podcast is your ultimate resource for building a fulfilling career and enriching life. There’s so much to learn i…

1
Ep #0: Trailer | Find Job Inspiration & Career Opportunities on the Heard & Empowered Podcast by NIB 2:53

1+ y ago2:53

2:53

Welcome to the Heard & Empowered Podcast, brought to you by National Industries for the Blind, where you're not just a listener, but a catalyst for change. Are you blind or visually impaired (BVI) or know someone who is? Are you considering the professional world but don't know where to start? Or are you just curious about the daily work life of so…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Hobie Call Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide