The iCantCU Podcast with David Goldstein shows the sighted world what blind people can do, which is just about everything sighted folks do. Think of the show as Blind People For Dummies.
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Stories and profiles of compelling people impacted by all degrees of vision loss and disability. Plus, Reid explores his own experiences becoming blind as an adult in his unique way pairing his words with audio and sound design.
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The official podcast of Aira, the visual interpreter service for people who are blind or have low vision. At Aira, we connect people, via our free app, to trained professionals who provide visual information – all on demand. Subscribe to Airacast to learn about our technology, hear the latest innovations, ways you can use the service , agent profiles, and more.
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Lance Johnson's transparent conversations with + about the blind and disability communities.
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Say My Meme is exactly what it sounds like: A podcast that literally describes the world's most #relevant memes, bringing the blind and sighted people together through laughter and the power of visual description. Brought to you by Will from Be My Eyes and Caroline from Scribely.
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Episode Notes In our second convention special we go to New Orleans with our presentation to the National Federation of the Blind. Staff from Service Delivery, Marketing and Sales, and Engineering talk about their roles and this year’s updates. Then CEO Troy Otillio talks AI and Aira’s involvement with Google Deep Mind’s Project Astra. Sign up to b…
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Episode Notes In the first of our convention specials we feature our presentation at the American Council of the Blind’s 2025 Conference and Convention in Dallas, Texas. Our Learning and Development Team take the spotlight to talk about how they craft training for visual interpreters and what’s in store for the future. Then CEO Troy Otillio talks A…
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My Take on Oakley Metas, the NFB Convention, and Accessibility Fails
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42:07In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about the new Oakley Meta smartglasses and why, despite the hype, I’m holding off for now. The camera’s not centered like I’d hoped, and they still only shoot vertical video—great if you’re all-in on Instagram, not so much for YouTube. The recording time is a win, though: 30 minutes vs. just three on the Ray-Bans.…
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Flipping the Script on Audio Description: AD as a Tool For Creation
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26:42This episode we're diving deep into the creative possibilities of audio description with Blind Composer , Kemal Gorey. Hear about: - "Blending in" - The impact of his first time on stage as a boy - His personal experience with audio description ... and how all of this lead to the opportunity for Kemal to score a silent film entirely based on its au…
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Flipping the Script on Audio Description 2025: Quick Huddle
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6:06For the past few years, the summer season has been dedicated to Flipping the Script on Audio Description. Even though I've been gone for a minute, we're continuing with that tradition. In the upcoming episodes we'll continue to explore AD and in general access to video content all through a Blind Centered approach. Simply put, centering the Blind a…
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From Studio B to the Kitchen: A New Format
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19:24
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19:24In this episode of iCantCU, I’m trying something completely different—an audio-only format recorded while walking laps around my house. I talk about the frustration of unreliable audio description devices at theaters and why it’s such a barrier for blind patrons like me. I also share how my recent Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses videos on YouTube outper…
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Episode Notes Airacast July 2025Convention Time! July means it’s time to hit the road for the conventions of the American Council of the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind. Jenine Stanley and Everette Bacon go over everything you’ll need to know from traveling to and from Dallas andNew Orleans to where we are in the respective exhibit h…
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Audio Description Fails – One Mine, One Massive
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24:02In this episode of iCantCU, I discuss two major audio description failures—one that’s on me, and one that’s simply unacceptable. The first happened when I was at the NFB National Center in Baltimore for the IEP Advocacy Academy. I shot a Federation Focus video to show what it’s like there, but I totally missed the mark on describing some of the vis…
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Episode Notes Many of our customers have come in contact with User Experience Researcher Dianne Howie as part of our Explorer Survey or product testing. In this episode we get to know Dianne and learn how she helps understand the relationship between people and technology. We’ve also got some important announcements to share about the Aira Explorer…
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Talk Airports To Me with Christine Malec and JJ Hunt
1:05:22
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1:05:22Episode Notes Have you ever felt like a piece of luggage once entering an airport? The constant movement from one place to another can be quite frustrating. We’re thrilled to welcome back the hosts of “Talk Description To Me,” Christine Malec and JJ Hunt, for an in-depth exploration of airports. Christine and JJ delve into the various aspects of ai…
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Episode 126 | In this bittersweet episode, Lance makes a personal announcement and shares why the podcast is going on an indefinite hiatus. SEE-THROUGH is hosted by Lance Johnson. Based in New York City, Lance is a video editor living with a rare and incurable eye condition called retinitis pigmentosa (or RP for short). In most cases, RP causes leg…
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Episode Notes In our inaugural episode of Staff Profiles, we introduce Wendell Hennessey, who describes himself as Aira’s “Go-to Guy.” Starting as an early “agent,” he has held various roles and currently works as the IT Systems and Security Administrator. In this episode, we delve into what makes every call and interaction unique and special for h…
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In this episode, I recap my trip to Las Vegas for the NFB of Nevada State Convention—part learning, part getaway with Liz. As chair of the upcoming Pennsylvania convention, I wanted to see how other states run theirs. Nevada’s was short but packed, and I took notes, especially on their use of breakout tracks and Family Feud. Liz and I also hit In-N…
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Episode 125 | Ste Johnson (The VI Guy) returns to the podcast! In this three hour episode, Ste shares how he has custom-designed a fulfilling life with his disability, his take on whether blindness exists on a spectrum, how he travels the globe as a legally blind man, how his parents knew he had retinitis pigmentosa (RP) but never told him, how his…
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Episode Notes It’s an Airacast reboot! We return to our monthly format with some Aira history and deep thought about technology, discrimination, AI and life with Mike Hinson. So many explorers tell us that Mike motivated them to try the service. Now we look back over 10 years and forward to what AI brings us. Jenine also reviews how to find Access …
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Beth Pizzarello (Author of Eclipsed: My Journey Into Blindness and the Miraculous Surgery That Restored My Sight Decades Later)
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1:17:01Episode 124 | Beth Pizzarello (Blind Book Author) joins the podcast! In this episode, Lance dives into Beth’s powerful story of losing her vision for 10 years — and the experimental surgery that brought it back. From waking up to a world transformed by technology to the deeply personal lessons she learned along the way, Beth’s journey is nothing sh…
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In episode 284 of iCantCU, I talk about another hiccup with my psoriatic arthritis meds—this time, the pharmacy wanted over two grand out of pocket. Spoiler: I said no. Taltz has helped a bit, but not $2,000-a-month helpful. So now I’m back on the hunt for something else that won’t break the bank or mess me up with scary side effects. I also share …
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Michael Rockafellow (Hair Stylist with One Arm)
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58:20Episode 123 | Michael Rockafellow (hair stylist) joins the podcast! In this episode, Lance learns how Michael is crushing it as a hair stylist, despite living with only one arm. They also discuss how Michael overcame addiction, grew comfortable with his disability, and embraced the possibility of becoming an inspiration to others. SEE-THROUGH is ho…
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Leadership Lessons: Finding My Place in Baltimore
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56:14In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about my recent trip to Baltimore for a National Federation of the Blind leadership seminar. The travel down was rough—high winds, delayed trains, and a soaked suitcase—but once I got there, it was an incredible few days. I met fantastic people from all over the country, learned a ton, and left feeling inspired (a…
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Episode Notes Airacast Return from CSUN By now, you’ve likely come across numerous podcasts discussing the 40th annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference. The Aira staff gathered to share their experiences in the exhibit hall, during sessions, and in workshops. Join Jenine Stanley as she engages in conversations with Troy Otillio, Everette Bacon,…
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Episode Notes Starbucks is one of our premiere Access Network partners here at Aira. It’s a great place to try out visual interpreting if you’re new to our service. On this episode of Airacast, we brought in the amazing duo of Christine Malec and JJ Hunt from the popular podcast “Talk Description to Me”. They’ll give us an in-depth look at this caf…
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State Official Called Me What? Why It Matters
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34:47In this episode of iCantCU, I share a jaw-dropping moment when the director of a Pennsylvania state agency called me a four-letter word. Yes, really. It all ties back to my ongoing fight for transparency and inclusion in the Business Enterprise Program (BEP), which provides blind entrepreneurs with opportunities to run vending and food service busi…
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Rob Sears (Blind ParaTriathlete + YouTuber)
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51:29Episode 122 | Rob Sears (ParaTriathlon Athlete & YouTuber) joins the podcast! In this episode, Lance talks to Rob about his retinitis pigmentosa diagnosis, how he adapts his triathlon training to accommodate his vision, his positive dating mindset, and how starting a YouTube channel changed his life. SEE-THROUGH is hosted by Lance Johnson. Based in…
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Episode Notes AiracastThe Road to CSUN Week 8Pregame! In only a few short days the 40th annual CSUN Assistive Technology Conference will begin. Our Pregame Show features Geoffrey Peddle, Everette Bacon and Jill Ratliff, ready to take the field. Geoffrey gives us a brief glimpse at what our engineers have worked on this year to make our apps the pre…
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The Road to CSUN Week 7: We built it and they came!
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12:11Episode Notes The Road to CSUNWeek 7We built it and they came There are many ways to get free Aira service. With our Build AI project you can not only get free visual interpreting but also help to structure new AI features. In this episode Jenine and BlakeSteinecke, talk about the difference between Build AI and Access AI and how to opt into ten fr…
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Minisode | The Harsh Reality of Blind Employment.
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8:39Minisode 007 | Lance highlights how traditional corporate work culture fails to account for the gray area of vision loss. He explains how blind individuals are often forced to choose between capped SSDI payments or employment that expects them to perform the same duties as their sighted peers for the same pay, despite the unique challenges they fac…
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In this episode of iCantCU, I recount my journey to Washington, D.C., for the annual National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Washington Seminar. I share insights into the event’s purpose—advocating for policies that support blind Americans—and my meetings with congressional representatives and senators. I detail the structured meetings, including co…
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The Road to CSUN Week 6: People Making an Impact with Kellie Herbert
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14:07Episode Notes Aira is all about the blending of people with technology. In this episode we talk with Kellie Herbert, Vice President of Service Delivery. How do Kellie’s experiences with large international corporations compare to her work at Aira? We’ll also learn about her personal connection to people with disabilities and her thoughts on AI. For…
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The Road to CSUN Week 5: Welcome to Aira’s Web App
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9:18Episode Notes Road to CSUN Week 5Welcome to Aira’s Web App Take a tour of one of the best kept secrets in assistive tech, Aira’s web app. We’ll show you that this easy to use app has the same functionality as our award winning mobile app. Not only can you use the app to call a visual interpreter, you can also use our powerful Access AI feature with…
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Navigating New York: Don’t Fear the Subway
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33:45In episode 280 of iCantCU, I share my experience traveling to New York City for Jane’s apartment settlement. I reflect on navigating the subway, offering reassurance to those hesitant about using public transportation. Drawing from my father’s advice—"Be careful, but don’t be afraid"—I encourage everyone to embrace new challenges, whether in travel…
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Road to CSUN Week 4 A Brief History of Tech with Geoffrey Peddle
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20:01Episode Notes A Brief History of Tech with Geoffrey Peddle Aira’s Chief Technology Officer, Geoffrey Peddle, joins Airacast to talk about the tech behind visual and sign language interpreting. We’ll hear about how Aira works to maximize the important aspects of each app. Geoffrey will also talk about the influence of AI, autonomous vehicles and rob…
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Episode 121 | Joshua Boykin (Blind YouTuber) joins the podcast! In this episode, Lance sits down with Josh to discuss what it means to be “blind enough” to use a white cane and other accessibility tools, how to grow an audience on YouTube, redefining masculinity, and much more! SEE-THROUGH is hosted by Lance Johnson. Based in New York City, Lance i…
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The Road to CSUN! Week 3 The Aira Explorer App
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8:35
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8:35Episode Notes In this episode we take a look at what debuted at the 2022 CSUN, the completely overhauled Aira app! It’s now Aira Explorer and it’s everywhere, from the smart phone to the Mac or PC. Check out improvements for low vision users and the plethora of things you can do under the “More” tab. Learn more about Aira at www.aira.io.Email us at…
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PodFest Orlando: Challenges, Community, and Wawa Surprises
40:19
40:19
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40:19I highlight the incredible support I received from volunteers and attendees, including a helpful staffer named Hunter, whose mother, Wendy, played a key role in pre-event planning. I describe my challenges in the exhibit hall due to noise and crowd density, my enjoyment of the sessions, and memorable networking encounters, including a conversation …
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Episode Notes Last year at CSUN Aira debuted our Access AI feature for image description. We’ll take a quick tour of its unique tasks and options. Our “Road to CSUN” episodes will come out every Friday through March 7 so stay tuned!Learn more about Aira at www.aira.io. call our Customer Care team at 1-800-835-1934 or email [email protected] Find out …
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Episode Notes Our look back at 2024 takes us through the many innovations of the past year. From Access AI to work with Meta Ray-Ban Smart glasses, plus our new Access Network partners, Everette and Jenine cover it all. Then we talk about Aira’s annual customer survey, the upcoming CSUN conference and our 10th Birthday Celebration! Join us on Janua…
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Episode Notes Airacast The road to CSUN! Week 1 In this episode we begin our road to the 40th CSUN Assistive Technology Conference. It’s time again for the Annual Customer Survey. It’s also time for a party! Explorer Call: Wednesday, January 22 at 8:00pm Eastern/5:00pm Pacific with Everette and Jenine’s year in review and more. Year in Review webin…
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What Yahoo Gets Right and AbilityLinks Gets Wrong
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29:10
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29:10In episode 278 of iCantCU, I start off with some good news from the fantasy football world. Out of the three leagues I played in this year, I won two championships, including the NFB Students fundraising league with my team Ziggy FC. Yahoo’s fantasy sports app, while not perfect, is a standout example of accessibility done right. Unfortunately, not…
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Demo: Connecting with Aira through your Meta Ray-Ban Smart glasses
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10:12
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10:12Episode Notes For more information and assistance with your Aira/Meta Ray-Ban connection, contact our Customer Care Team at 1-800-835-1934 or [email protected] out our Youtube channel for more demos. https://youtube.com/c/airaio Email this podcast at [email protected]. Find out more at https://airacast.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pine…
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Happy New Year! I'm hopping into the podcast feed to share some news about POD Access. The forthcoming website and podcast are all focused on d/Deaf and disabled podcasters interested in starting or maintaining a podcast.By TReid
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Macaron Lessons & Ziggy’s Giant Christmas Pickle
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50:17
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50:17In this packed episode of iCantCU, I dive into holiday highlights, culinary adventures, and upcoming plans. First, I share my experience attending a French macaron-making class with Liz and Jane at Sur La Table. While the process was visually intensive, the instructor, Elliot, made it incredibly tactile and inclusive for me, which was both surprisi…
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The Value of Time & the Blind Merchants Big Fundraiser
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42:19
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42:19In this episode of iCantCU, I share my experience traveling to Harrisburg for the Blind Merchants Holiday Party and fundraiser, reflecting on the challenges of navigating public transportation as a person with very limited sight. Timing was a major hurdle, from the unpredictable delays with CCT to coordinating a group of 17 people on an Amtrak trai…
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Evan Schwerbrock (Blind Strongman Athlete)
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1:17:52
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1:17:52Episode 120 | Evan Schwerbrock (Blind Strongman Athlete) joins the podcast! In this episode, Lance sits down with Evan to discuss how to start, maintain, and improve your exercise routine — no matter your level of vision. Evan shares valuable insights on strength training, emphasizing its connection to mental health, and opens up about his own jour…
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Minisode | The White Cane Dilemma: To Use or Not Use?
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8:33
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8:33Minisode 006 | Lance discusses the psychology behind the decision to use or not use a white cane, and how that choice impacts your life experience. SEE-THROUGH is hosted by Lance Johnson. Based in New York City, Lance is a video editor living with the eye disease - retinitis pigmentosa or RP for short. In most cases, RP causes legal-blindness by th…
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Episode 119 | Josh Barlog (Blind Job Recruiter) joins the podcast! In this episode, Lance sits down with Josh to uncover valuable insights on finding a career that aligns with your strengths, best practices for job applications, and how recruiters can be game changers in your job search. Josh also shares expert tips on showcasing your value as an e…
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NFB Of PA Convention and My Sweet 60th Celebration
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54:49In this episode of iCantCU, I share highlights from the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania’s state convention in Erie and reflect on the experience of turning 60. The journey to Erie was an adventure in itself, with a nine-hour bus ride filled with trivia games, camaraderie, and the occasional logistical hiccup. Once there, I was happ…
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Kiana V. Glanton (Blind Athlete + Advocate)
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49:44Episode 118 | Kiana V. Glanton (Blind Athlete + Advocate) joins the podcast! In this episode, Lance learns about Kiana's remarkable journey with vision loss and how it has shaped her into a key player on the United States Blind Baseball Team, the 2023 Blind Miss Diva, and a loving mom who inspires her daughter. ------------------------- SUPPORT SEE…
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