Best limitlessbb Podcasts (2025)

1
Episode 210 - Blinded By the Hype? AI and Accessibility Part 2 48:06

Play Pause

18h ago48:06

48:06

Shawn welcomes back Kaia and Rob this episode to continue their discussion on the incredible ways artificial intelligence is transforming life for individuals who are blind or partially sighted. Kaia shares how AI is helping her push creative boundaries in art and 3D modeling, and streamlining everyday tasks, from generating alt text to using video…

1
Episode 209 - Seeing Limitless Possibility: A Conversation for National AccessAbility Week 42:30

15d ago42:30

42:30

This week on the podcast, Shawn and Ishita welcome special guest Shawna Lawson for a timely conversation in honour of National AccessAbility Week, taking place this year from May 25 to June 1. Together, they explore the importance of this national initiative and the critical need for ongoing efforts toward disability inclusion in all areas of socie…

1
Episode 208 - Blinded by the Hype? A Conversation About AI and Accessibility 51:10

1M ago51:10

51:10

In this episode of the Limitless Podcast, Shawn welcomes Kaia, Rob and Jill to the podcast to explore how mainstream AI is being integrated into technology and affecting life for the blind and partially sighted community. Kaia, a Grade 11 student with low vision, shares how she uses powerful AI tools like Seeing AI, Grammarly, ChatGPT, and a host o…

1
Episode 207 - Four Blind Friends Blinding Their Way Through Japan 56:19

2M ago56:19

56:19

Ever dreamed of exploring Japan? How about doing it without sighted assistance? Get ready for an epic adventure on this episode as Shawn chats with an intrepid trio – Clement, Russell, and Aman – who didn't just dream of visiting Japan, they made it happen. Follow their journey through bustling Tokyo, vibrant Osaka, and Fukuoka and discover how Cle…

1
Episode 206 - Breaking Barriers: An Interview with Jinnie 37:12

2M ago37:12

37:12

In this special episode of the podcast, Shawn turns the mic onto one of the podcast's very own co-hosts, Jinnie to get to know her better. Jinnie shares her personal journey, including her experience with bilateral microplia, her long-standing involvement with Blind Beginnings, and her passion for creative writing. Jinnie gives her perspective on t…

1
Episode 205 - "When Calls The Heart" and Inclusive Casting 44:30

3M ago44:30

44:30

Recently, two of our regular podcast co-hosts - Keisha and Jinnie - secured speaking roles on the Hallmark television series, “When Calls the Heart”. In this episode of the podcast, Shawn welcomes them along with the director of the episode, Siobhan Divine, to talk about the experience. From an inclusive casting process, accessible script, and on-s…

1
Episode 204 - Watching Sports When You Are Blind or Partially Sighted 26:06

3M ago26:06

26:06

On this special episode of the Limitless Podcast, we’re handing the mic over to our Youth! Acacia takes the lead in hosting a discussion with Ishita and Romina about the experience of watching sports as a blind or partially sighted fan. Together with Acacia, they share personal insights on using magnifiers, apps, and other tools to stay connected t…

1
Episode 203 - De-Mystifying Mobility 59:47

3M ago59:47

59:47

In this episode of Limitless, Shawn is joined by co-hosts Keisha, Jinnie, and Jill for an open and honest conversation about mobility as blind or partially sighted individuals. They share personal experiences, frustrations, and triumphs—from the challenges of learning new routes to the invaluable role of Orientation and Mobility (O&M) training. Tog…

1
Episode 202 - Low Vision or Partially Sighted? 49:26

4M ago49:26

49:26

Join us for a fascinating and insightful conversation as Shawn invites a panel of guests to discuss language used to describe vision impairment within the blind and partially sighted community. Guests Randi, Ishita, Amy, and Dougie share their experiences and preferences for terms like "blind," "visually impaired," "partially sighted," and "low vis…

1
Episode 201 - Living in a Blind Household 1:20:40

4M ago1:20:40

1:20:40

In this episode Shawn dives into a thought-provoking conversation with Monty, who is completely blind and embraces what he calls “relentless self-reliance.” Together, they explore Monty’s lived experience and independence, sharing practical tips and ingenious strategies he’s developed over the years. From mastering online shopping to tackling compl…

1
Episode 200 - It's Our 200th Episode! 1:06:04

5M ago1:06:04

1:06:04

We’ve hit a major milestone—our 200th episode! To mark this special occasion, we’re shaking things up and celebrating together. Host Shawn gathers a dynamic panel of co-hosts—Clement, John, Randi, Ishita, Nina, and Keisha—for a heartfelt and fun-filled discussion reflecting on the past four years of the podcast. Join us as we delve into the podcast…

1
Episode 199 - Brett The Blind Kid 52:47

5M ago52:47

52:47

Brett Devloo (also known as the Blind Kid) joins Shawn this week and shares his journey of vision loss due to Leber's Hereditary Optical Neuropathy (LHON). He discusses his music career, which began post-vision loss, his love of skateboarding, and his clothing line, The Blind Kid. He also discusses his passion project of providing iPads to students…

1
Episode 198 - Calling In vs Calling Out 54:54

6M ago54:54

54:54

This week Shawn welcomes co-host Ishita and disability advocate Amy Amantea to the show for a discussion that explores the differences between "calling out" (direct confrontation in public spaces) and "calling in" (a more private dialogue) when dealing with discrimination or ableism. The conversation highlights the importance of intent, context, an…

1
Episode 197 - Navigating the Job Market 48:23

6M ago48:23

48:23

Job hunting is tough for anyone, but for individuals who are blind or partially sighted, it often comes with unique challenges. In this episode, Shawn sits down with Jill, a recent Master’s graduate in book publishing, to share her firsthand experiences navigating the job search. Jill opens up about the obstacles she faced, including a disheartenin…

1
Episode 196 - Parenting A Child Who Is Blind or Partially Sighted 38:16

7M ago38:16

38:16

In an earlier episode, we spoke with young people who are blind or partially sighted about their experiences growing up with protective parents. Now, we’re flipping the script! This time Shawn welcomes Kerri and Colene, two mothers who share their journeys of raising children with visual impairments. Together, they delve into the unique challenges …

1
Episode 195 - Encounters with Ableism Panel Discussion 1:00:53

7M ago1:00:53

1:00:53

In honor of Blindness Awareness Month, Blind Beginnings hosted an impactful online panel discussion on October 8th titled “Encounters with Ableism.” This episode features the audio version of the event, where our youth alumni and regular podcast co-hosts share personal experiences of ableism they’ve faced and the strategies they used to overcome it…

1
Episode 194 - A Discussion About Microaggressions 55:54

8M ago55:54

55:54

In this episode Shawn welcomes Keisha and Ishita to sit down and discuss the impact of microaggressions on individuals who are blind or partially sighted. Microaggressions are actions or behaviors that highlight the difference between the sighted and the blind or partially sighted communities, often perpetuating stereotypes. They discuss the inters…

1
Episode 193 - Balancing Family and Sport 47:48

8M ago47:48

47:48

On this episode of the podcast, Shawn sits down with former Canadian goalball teammates Amy Burk and Whitney Bogart. Amy and Whitney, who both have albinism, discuss their Paralympic experiences, including their recent participation in the Paris Paralympics and share insights into balancing their athletic careers with parenthood, highlighting the s…

1
Episode 192 - Let’s Meet the AT Banter Podcast Hosts 39:20

9M ago39:20

39:20

Shawn sits down for a conversation with Rob Mineault, Steve Barclay, and Ryan Fleury, hosts of the AT Banter Podcast. They discuss their 8 year run, how their podcast has evolved from a show about assistive technology into more of an advocacy and community based one, and what their hopes for the future of the show are. Blind Beginnings’ mission is …

1
*Special Rebroadcast** Episode 63 - Let's Talk About Paralympic Tandem Cycling 1:00:21

9M ago1:00:21

1:00:21

With the Paralympics starting this week (August 28, 2024 – September 8, 2024), we wanted to do something a little special, and are rebroadcasting some Paralympic content from a few years ago featuring our very own Shawn Marsolais discussing her experience going to the Paralympics in 2004 with her Tandem Cycling pilot, Lisa. And for those wanting ev…

1
Episode 191 - A Discussion About Overprotective Parents 1:04:42

10M ago1:04:42

1:04:42

In this episode, Shawn welcomes a panel of blind and partially sighted youth that includes Clement, Ella, John, and Keisha, to discuss their experiences with vision loss and overprotective parents and how it impacted their attitudes later in life as well as strategies for navigating expectations or imposed limitations with their families. Blind Beg…

1
Special Rebroadcast Episode 23 - Let’s Meet Priscilla and Ali 47:05

11M ago47:05

47:05

With the Paris 2024 Olympics starting this week, Olympic Fever is running through the Blind Beginnings office and got us revisiting this great episode from the archives! We had such a great time talking to judoka Paralympian Priscilla Gagné and her training partner Ali Briggs about their participation in the 2016 Rio Olympics that we couldn’t resis…

1
Episode 190 - Accessibility and the Medical System 55:04

11M ago55:04

55:04

Shawn welcomes Keisha and Ishita back to the podcast to discuss challenges and barriers faced by some blind and partially sighted patients navigating the medical system, including their own lived experiences as well as the importance of accessible first aid training and challenging ableist assumptions that blind or partially sighted individuals can…

1
Episode 189 - Exploring Prospective Careers 51:40

11M ago51:40

51:40

In this episode of the podcast Shawn welcomes Ashley back to the show (she previously appeared on Episode 69 where she discussed her own lived experience as someone with Low Vision) to talk about her career as a job developer and employment coach. Ashley shares her own personal journey overcoming employment barriers as a person with Low Vision befo…

1
Episode 188 - Nothing About Us Without Us 52:48

12M ago52:48

52:48

Sometimes the best of intentions can backfire, especially when it comes to inclusivity and accessibility. This week Shawn welcomes disability advocate Amy Amantea to the show to discuss the notion of ‘performative allyship’ and ‘nothing about us without us’ when it comes to planning events designed for the disability community and share their own p…

1
Episode 187 - Discussing Basic Blindness Etiquette 38:07

1y ago38:07

38:07

In this episode, Shawn is joined by Limitless Producer Rob Mineault for a discussion into some of the basic etiquette techniques when interacting with someone who is blind or partially sighted. From how to approach someone and start a conversation to how to properly assist with “sighted guide”, the two cover some of the basics for those who may hav…

1
Episode 186 - A Discussion About Personal Safety 36:38

1y ago36:38

36:38

Youth who are leaving home for the first time to attend post secondary school find themselves in many new situations which can be challenging to navigate, not the least of which are social situations such as parties or other crowded events. In this episode, Shawn and Keisha welcome first year University student Acacia to the podcast to discuss stra…

1
Episode 185 - A Discussion About Belonging 59:25

1y ago59:25

59:25

Blind or partially sighted individuals can sometimes feel excluded or experience a lack of belonging, whether it comes as a result of social situations with family or friends or larger, more generalized societal attitudes. In this episode Shawn welcomes Dougie, Keisha, and Clement back to the show where they discuss their own experiences of feeling…

1
Episode 184 - Masking Our Vision Loss 55:12

1y ago55:12

55:12

For some individuals, sometimes not disclosing partial sight or blindness or not asking for help when it may be needed can be tempting. This week Shawn invites podcast regulars Ishita and Acacia back to the show to have an open and honest discussion about how they sometimes “mask their blindness”, some of the situations where they do it and explore…

1
Episode 183 - Summer Camp Memories 48:32

1y ago48:32

48:32

For many youth, Summer Camp experiences are transformative and impactful in a multitude of different ways. This week Shawn welcomes co-hosts Clement, Alethea, and Nolan to discuss their past Camp experiences and favorite memories in order to highlight the importance that programs like this can have on youth who are blind or partially sighted. Blind…

1
Episode 182 - Living With Blindness and Cerebral Palsy 23:50

1y ago23:50

23:50

Youth who have multiple disabilities can have a unique set of challenges and barriers to overcome. This week Shawn sits down with Priya, a Blind Beginnings program youth who has Cerebral Palsy as well as blindness to talk about her lived experience and about some of the challenges that she has faced living with multiple disabilities. Blind Beginnin…

1
Episode 181 - Backhanded Compliments 43:35

1y ago43:35

43:35

Sometimes when people mean to pay a compliment with the best intentions, it may actually come off as insulting. This week Shawn is joined by Nolan, Ishita, and Nika to discuss their own experiences with backhanded compliments along with their strategies on dealing with it when it happens. Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth w…

1
Episode 180 - What Does Artificial Intelligence Know About Blindness? 48:23

1y ago48:23

48:23

Artificial intelligence is everywhere in the news these days, and most people by now have had an opportunity to interact with Chat-GPT, a tool that lets users enter prompts to receive humanlike images, text or videos that are created by AI. This week Shawn is joined by tech enthusiasts Clement, Jugaad, and Nolan to talk about the different ways AI …

1
Episode 179 - Discussing Braille vs Audio Content 51:00

1y ago51:00

51:00

Join Shawn and co-hosts Jinnie and Clement this week for a conversation about some of the fundamental differences between engaging with content in a Braille format versus audio. From personal preferences to the importance of Braille literacy, they touch on multiple aspects as well as the pros and cons of both formats. Blind Beginnings’ mission is t…

1
Episode 178 - Blind Travels with Ted Tahquechi 55:52

1+ y ago55:52

55:52

Pack those bags and get ready to hit the road! This week Shawn and co-hosts Keisha and Randi welcome Ted Tahequechi, a travel influencer, blogger, and photographer who also runs the website Blind Travels. They discuss his love of travel, how he adjusted after losing much of his vision in a car accident, and dive into travel tips and things to look …

1
Episode 177 - A Discussion About Having Sighted Friends Part 3 34:49

1+ y ago34:49

34:49

This week we cap off our three part discussion about having sighted friends and acquaintances by inviting some of our high school aged youth to discuss what the experience of meeting new people in the high school environment is like. Shawn welcomes co-hosts Leena, Jugaad, and Nolan to provide insight and their own experiences being the only youth w…

1
Episode 176 - A Discussion About Having Sighted Friends Part 2 1:03:15

1+ y ago1:03:15

1:03:15

This week Jinnie, Clement, and Shawn gather together once again to discuss the nuances of relationships with sighted friends in the second part of this fascinating conversation. They discuss the challenges of communicating needs to new friends while trying not to feel self conscious, how to handle people that are being too helpful or attentive, and…

1
Episode 175 - A Discussion About Having Sighted Friends Part 1 1:02:09

1+ y ago1:02:09

1:02:09

This week Shawn is joined by co-hosts Jinnie and Clement for an open and honest discussion about the nuances of having and maintaining friendships with people who are sighted. It’s a fascinating conversation full of insights about everything from accepting help, finding teachable moments, and even building new friendships that you won’t want to mis…

1
Episode 174 - A Discussion About “All The Light We Cannot See” 48:52

1+ y ago48:52

48:52

This week Shawn is joined by co-hosts Jinnie and Acacia to discuss the recent Netflix limited series adaptation of the book, “All The Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr. They discuss the story, which centers around the character of Marie-Laure LeBlanc, a blind French girl in Paris after it is invaded by Nazi Germany as well as how blindness was …

1
Episode 173 - Scott Rees Swims The Georgia Straight for Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind 38:49

1+ y ago38:49

38:49

This week Shawn sits down with Scott Rees, who has retinitis pigmentosa and recently swam the Georgia Straight in order to raise money for Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. They discuss how this epic 30 km open water fundraising swim came to be, what it was like to train, and what it was like on the day of the swim itself after 11 hours in the wat…

1
Episode 172 - Let’s Meet Danielle and Leash of Hope 49:23

1+ y ago49:23

49:23

It’s the first episode of 2024, and this week Shawn and co-host Keisha welcome Danielle Main, President and Program Coordinator of Leash of Hope, an organization which trains rescue dogs to be service dogs to enable people with disabilities to enjoy more independent living. They discuss some of the benefits and challenges when it comes to using res…

1
Episode 171 - Let’s Talk About Imposter Syndrome 54:39

1+ y ago54:39

54:39

Imposter Syndrome is the condition of being anxious or nervous and feeling like a “fraud” or a “phony” within a given community or job title. This week Shawn welcomes Acacia, Ishita, and Nina to talk about it in the context of being partially sighted and having this feeling of being stuck between the blind and sighted communities and not always fee…

1
Episode 170 - Let’s Talk About Job Interviews 42:34

1+ y ago42:34

42:34

Looking for work when you are blind or partially sighted can feel daunting, overwhelming, and even a bit scary, especially the part where you have to interview for the job. This week Shawn welcomes co-host Keisha back to the show to discuss looking for work, specifically how to prepare for the job interview, things to consider and plan during your …

1
Episode 169 - Let’s Talk About Blindness in India 40:57

1+ y ago40:57

40:57

The Limitless Podcast goes international this week as Shawn welcomes Jugaad and Jinnie to the show for a fascinating discussion about life in India as a person who is blind or partially sighted. They discuss the cultural differences in how blindness is viewed as well as how day to day life as a blind or partially sighted person can differ from dail…

1
Episode 168 - Let’s Talk About If We Were Sighted For A Day 45:41

1+ y ago45:41

45:41

It is both Halloween and the last week of Blindness Awareness Month, so this week we’ve decided to do a bit of a monstrous mash-up of the two (kind of like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup)! It’s a full house on this episode as Shawn welcomes Jinnie, Acacia, Ishita, Jugaad, and Clement back for each to share what they would do if they each were “sighted…

1
Episode 167 - Let’s Talk About Interacting With Someone Who Is Blind 42:53

1+ y ago42:53

42:53

In our continuing series of podcasts centered about learning about blindness for Blindness Awareness Month, this week Shawn welcomes Keisha back to the podcast to simulate certain scenarios that illustrate the best way to interact with someone who is blind or partially sighted. Blind Beginnings’ mission is to inspire children and youth who are blin…

1
Episode 166 - Let’s Talk About Choosing to Use A White Cane 51:50

1+ y ago51:50

51:50

October 15th was White Cane Day. and this year to mark the occasion, we wanted to talk about white canes from a slightly different perspective. Join us as Shawn welcomes Acacia, Dougie, and Ishita to the show for a fascinating discussion about using a white cane later in life or choosing to use one even though you may have just enough vision to man…

1
Episode 165 - Let’s Talk About What We Gain By Being Blind 49:17

1+ y ago49:17

49:17

When vision loss is discussed, most people think about all the negatives but rarely consider that there can be some positives as well. It is a transformative experience, which brings with it both positives and negatives. This week Shawn welcomes back Ishita and Jill to the podcast to shift perspectives and talk about some of the many positives that…

1
Episode 164 - Let’s Talk About Hero vs Helpless 48:05

1+ y ago48:05

48:05

As we enter into the first week of Blindness Awareness Month, we are breaking some stereotypes! People in the disability community are often placed in two categories – hero or helpless. They can be seen as a source of inspiration, or as someone who is going to require support. This week Shawn welcomes Ishita, Clement, Alexis, and Ella to the podcas…

1
Episode 163 - Let’s Talk About Limitless Life Skills Camp 32:49

1+ y ago32:49

32:49

Over the summer Blind Beginnings held a five day camp for youth that allowed them to practice and learn independent living skills (such as cooking, laundry, cleaning, shopping, etc.) with a group of their peers. Dubbed the “Limitless Life Skills Camp”, it was a great success and many of the participants were able to develop and learn skills that th…

Limitlessbb Podcasts