Carl gives us his first Edinburgh update having just arrived in town for the fringe. We discuss train problems, strongmen, VPNs and much more. If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us while gaining access to full length episodes, videos and the WhatsApp community then head over to www.patreon.com/wearetvi If you're in Edinburgh and want to s…

Buckle up for a mid-summer check-in with Peer Ambassadors Amy and Maddy as they reflect on the adventures, growth, and unexpected moments that shaped their summer—and look ahead to the college road just around the bend. From leading mock interviews and connecting with students through Zoom sessions, to hiking trails with all-terrain canes and navig…

Get ready to explore, experiment, and own the kitchen! In this exciting episode of Blind Abilities, Jeff Thompson visits the Ready, Set, Prep program at State Services for the Blind of Minnesota—a hands-on class designed for blind and visually impaired students to learn cooking and life skills in a fully accessible kitchen. From learning how to shr…

We're back this week for a chat about bread, architecture, making up fights in your head and much more! If you like the podcast and want to support us while gaining access to full length episodes, videos and our WhatsApp community then head over to www.patreon.com/wearetvi Carl is out on tour starting at the Edinburgh fringe this August. All ticket…

In this episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth Gustin and Robin Ennis, joined by Jeff Thompson, explore the evolving landscape of accessibility through the lens of an upcoming all-inclusive hotel designed specifically with people with disabilities in mind. Inspired by entrepreneur Joe Morgan—who previously created a fully accessible theme park and wat…

We're joined this week by the hilarious Red Richardson to brave the heat for a chat about gangsters, hate follows and much more. There are a few slight sound issues due to fans and open windows (it was about 30 degrees when we recorded) but we've touched up the audio to make it nicer. Red is recording his special this August at London's amazing Und…

We're back and still trying to work out why we get sunburned as well as discussing Birmingham, bunking trains and much more! If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us while gaining access to full length episodes, videos and our WhatsApp community, head over to www.patreon.com/wearetvi Carl is out on tour this summer and beyond so check out al…

In this heartfelt episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth, Robin, and Jeff tackle the often-overlooked topic of isolation as we age—especially for those living with disabilities. They explore how life transitions, loss of social circles, and the rise of technology can deepen loneliness, even while offering more independence. With personal stories, prac…

We're back this week for a chat about sun safety, children's television and much more! If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us then head over to www.patreon.com/wearetvi and sign up for as little as £3 per month and receive full length episodes (plus video) and access to our WhatsApp community. Carl is on tour starting at the Edinburgh frin…

Ever wonder how a book becomes Braille? Or how an employee manual turns into an audio file? The students of the Summer Transition Program (STP) at the University of St. Thomas got to see it all firsthand! During their visit to State Services for the Blind’s Communication Center, students explored the magic behind accessible formats—meeting the tech…

We're joined this week by the very funny comedian Michelle Shaughnessy (@michellesfunny) for a chat about cosmetic surgery, body dysmorphia and much more. If you enjoy the podcast and want to support it while gaining access to the full length patreon episodes, check out www.patreon.com/wearetvi Carl is on tour starting at the Edinburgh Fringe. Get …

We're back this week for a chat about Julian's run in with the police, Carl's bad hair and much more. If you like the podcast and want to watch the videos, hear full length episodes and join the WhatsApp community, head over to www.patreon.com/wearetvi and sign up for as little as £3 per month. Follow us on social media @wearetvi @carldonnelly @jul…

Discover a world where accessibility meets adventure! In this inspiring episode, Jeff Thompson explores Seable Holidays, a unique travel company transforming vacations for blind and visually impaired travelers. CEO Damiano La Rocca, along with team members Lucy and Daniel, share how Seable provides trained local sighted guides, personalized trip pl…

We're back for a fun chat about Nectar deals, kids parties and much more! If you enjoy the podcast and want to support it while accessing full length episodes, the WhatsApp communities and more then head over to www.patreon.com/wearetvi and sign up for as little as £3 per month. Carl is out on tour from the summer starting at the Edinburgh fringe s…

Jeff Thompson welcomes Christine Malec to the Blind Abilities studio to shine a spotlight on the LuminoCity Podcast—an immersive audio experience created for the Luminato Festival in Toronto. Designed with accessibility in mind, LuminoCity goes far beyond traditional coverage by weaving together artist interviews, on-site audio-rich reporting, and …

We're back this week for a chat about half-term, self love, rock and roll and more! If you enjoy the podcast and want to hear full length episodes as well as joining our WhatsApp community, head over to www.patreon.com/wearetvi Carl is off on tour later in the year starting at the Edinburgh Fringe. Check out where he's heading and buy tickets at ww…

Despite us repeatedly saying it's episode 289 at the top, it is in fact episode 279 and we're joined by the very funny Matt Richardson (@mattrichardson3) for a chat about hanging out with other comedians, hallucinogens and more! If you enjoy the podcast and want to support us as well as accessing full length episodes as well as joining our WhatsApp…

We're back this week for a chat about religion, ill parents, karaoke, India and much more! If you enjoy the podcast and want to hear full length episodes as well as joining our WhatsApp community, head over to www.patreon.com/wearetvi Carl is off on tour later in the year starting at the Edinburgh Fringe. Check out where he's heading and buy ticket…

Get ready to LEAP into summer with Learn, Earn, and Prosper! This virtual program is made just for blind and visually impaired students ages 14–21 who want to gain real job skills, build independence, and make lifelong friends—without even leaving home! Led by Hannah Peach, LEAP offers paid work experiences, career-readiness workshops, mentorship f…

Get ready for an unforgettable summer with the Lighthouse Center for Vital Living in Duluth, Minnesota! Designed for students ages 14–21 who are blind or visually impaired, these week-long camps combine fun with real-world skill-building. Whether you’re navigating a sailboat on Lake Superior or kicking into confidence with Taekwondo, each day is pa…

Founded by Gary Horton and joined by technical specialist Bahz, Vanward Consulting offers immersive, skill-building programs like *Lean In* and *Lean In Prep*. These initiatives go beyond job training—empowering students through entrepreneurship, real-world work experience, mentorship, and confidence-building “life work” that lasts well beyond the …

We're joined this week by the very funny Hayley Ellis for a chat about Wimpy, road snacks, green room riders and more! Check out Hayley on social media @hayles_ellis as well as her excellent podcast with Barry Dodds 'The Worriers' If you like our podcast and want to support us and receive full length episodes in return (as well as the option of joi…

We're joined this week by the very funny comedian and actor Will Robbins (@willyrobbins on Insta) for a chat about Shakespeare, Only Fans and much more! If you like the podcast and want to hear full length episodes plus more then join us on Patreon over at www.patreon.com/wearetvi Follow us on social media @wearetvi @carldonnelly @juliandeanecomedi…

In this casual conversation, Beth, robin and Jeff talk about that feeling that people are watching us when we are out and about in the public sphere. How fear may hinder our perception and distract from our intentional mobility. Listen in as they travel down this sidewalk unexpectedly and found themselves navigating quite a complex quandary found i…

Meet Jenny Pelletier and Abdi Mumin, two passionate Orientation and Mobility (O&M) instructors who are helping blind and visually impaired students build confidence, independence, and street smarts—one step at a time. In this episode, they share how mastering cane skills, navigating new environments, and embracing your journey can unlock freedom an…

Meet Tou Yang, a Transition Work Opportunities Navigator at State Services for the Blind! Tou helps students explore career options, build resumes, prepare for interviews, and find summer jobs, internships, or volunteer experiences. Learn how tools like Career Index Plus make it easier to research careers and job markets. Tou shares tips for tailor…

We're back on the same time zone for the first time in three months. Carl is jet lagged up to the eyeballs. We discuss Julian's recent spa altercation, Carl's flight issues and films. If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support us while accessing full length episodes and the chance to join the TVI WhatsApp community, head over to www.patreon…

Despite Carl only having 90 minutes until setting off to the airport to fly home, they manage to squeeze in a short doozie of an episode about jobs, confectionary and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy TVI / Keep It Light Media

In this Wellness Wednesday episode, Beth and Robin explore the growing role of AI in supporting mental health. With a compassionate and grounded perspective, they weigh the benefits and limitations of AI tools like ChatGPT as supplemental resources for emotional support, especially when traditional help isn’t accessible. While AI can offer journali…

We're back for a fun chat about schooling, magicians and cheating death! If you enjoy the podcast and want to access full length episodes as well as our WhatsApp communities then head over to www.patreon.com/wearetvi and sign up for as little as £3 per month. Check out Carl's tour dates at www.carldonnelly.info Learn more about your ad choices. Vis…

We're back this week with some slight technical hiccups (Carl broke his mic two minutes before recording!) and joined by very funny new comedian Christian Jegárd (@christianjegard ) for a chat about nicotine pouches, flip flops and more! If you like the podcast and would like to support us and access full length episodes plus more then head over to…

In this episode of Wellness Wednesday , Beth and Robin explore the emotional challenges of facing the unknown. Drawing on their therapeutic experience, they offer gentle grounding techniques such as mindfulness, affirmations, and power songs to restore a sense of control. They remind listeners that anxiety is a natural response and emphasize the he…

This Blind Abilities episode features peer ambassadors Amy and Maddy, who share how Minnesota’s State Services for the Blind (SSB) has supported their educational and vocational journeys. From summer camps to career exploration and technology training, SSB has played a vital role in helping them develop independence, self-advocacy, and professional…

We're back after a short hiatus to hear about Julian's holiday and Carl's start to the Melbourne Comedy Festival. If you enjoy the podcast and want to hear full length episodes, join our patreon at www.patreon.com/wearetvi Carl's tour is now onsale. Head over to www.carldonnelly.info for ticket links. Follow us on social media @wearetvi @carldonnel…