117. Blindness Didn’t Stop Her: A Chef’s Story Of Courage & Cooking Real Food Stories podcast

117. Blindness Didn’t Stop Her: A Chef’s Story of Courage & Cooking

1M ago 53:15

Content provided by Heather Carey. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Heather Carey or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.

What if your biggest challenge became your greatest calling?

That’s exactly what happened to Debra Erickson, who lost her vision to retinitis pigmentosa. At age 59, she did something extraordinary: she enrolled in culinary school — and became the only blind graduate in her class.

Today, Debra is the founder of The Blind Kitchen, where she’s making it possible for people with vision loss to cook independently and confidently.

The truth? The kitchen can be intimidating for anyone — sharp knives, hot pans, complicated recipes. Now imagine facing all of that without sight. In this powerful episode, Debra shares how she turned fear into purpose, building a business that helps others overcome their own kitchen anxieties.

What I love most is that her story isn’t just about blindness. It’s about resilience, creativity, and pushing through whatever’s holding you back — in the kitchen or in life.

Debra’s approach to cooking is all about making things organized, clear, and manageable — lessons that anyone can use, whether you’re a total beginner or just someone who wants to feel more confident making meals at home.

Her courage and innovation are truly inspiring, and I know you’ll come away from this conversation feeling empowered to tackle your own challenges.

🎧 Tune in now and meet Debra Erickson

To learn more about Deborah and her innovative kitchen tools click HERE

I would love to hear from you! What did you think of the episode? Share it with me :)

Let's Be Friends
Hang out with Heather on IG @greenpalettekitchen or on FB HERE.
Let's Talk!
Whether you are looking for 1-1 nutrition coaching or kitchen coaching let's have a chat. Click HERE to reach out to Heather.
Did You Love This Episode?
"I love Heather and the Real Food Stories Podcast!" If this is you, please do not hesitate to leave a five-star review on Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Chapters

1. 117. Blindness Didn’t Stop Her: A Chef’s Story of Courage & Cooking (00:00:00)

2. Introduction to the Blind Kitchen (00:01:20)

3. Debra's Vision Loss Journey (00:03:18)

4. Culinary School as a Blind Student (00:11:21)

5. Adaptive Tools for Fearless Cooking (00:18:47)

6. Fear and Embarrassment in the Kitchen (00:32:46)

7. The Blind Kitchen Website and Resources (00:43:11)

120 episodes