S1 Ep663: Lockdowns, Long Covid and Should We Be Worried About the Stories Around the AstraZeneca Vaccine?
RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey checked in with pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Live Pharmacy in Glasgow to talk about whether the  lifting of lockdown restrictions have had a noticeable effect in the number of respiratory infections, an outline of the differences between a cold and a flu and the flu and Coronavirus. A reminder of what Long Covid is and how it might affect some people w...
6m Mar 19, 2021
6m
S1 Ep667: A Year in Lockdown, Vivienne Wilkes
A year on, we're looking back at how the coronavirus outbreak affected the lives of those living with a visual impairment. The challenges, the little blessings and how we and the world around us adapted to the new normal of everyday life. Here, our Paulina Kuchorew chats with RNIB volunteer Vivienne Wilkes to find out how the last year of lockdown has been for her and how technology, volunteer...
8m Mar 18, 2021
8m
S1 Ep666: A Year in Lockdown, Marion Lewis
Marion, from Borth, in Ceredigion, talks about her year in lockdown. Image is the RNIB Connect Radio logo. 
5m Mar 18, 2021
5m
S1 Ep666: A Year in Lockdown, Pat Jones Jenkins
Pat, from Porthcawl, South Wales, talks about her year in lockdown. Image is of RNIB Connect Radio logo.
5m Mar 18, 2021
5m
S1 Ep665: A Year In Lockdown, Stuart Richards
Stuart Richards had planned to spend much of the last twelve months training for the race of his life… An epic fundraising challenge. Lockdown restrictions however meant he and fellow crew members had to drastically change their day to day training schedules. So how tough has that been, and what his overall experience of lockdown been like? Stuart’s been chatting to RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry...
7m Mar 18, 2021
7m
S1 Ep664: A Year In Lockdown Joe Kenny
RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell talks with Joe Kenny from Northern Ireland to find out what lockdown has been like for him, as a blind person, and what his hopes are for the future. #RNIBConnect Image: RNIB Connect Radio logo
7m Mar 17, 2021
7m
S1 Ep662: A Year In Lockdown Robert Meikle
Ellie speaks to City of Glasgow College student Robert Meikle about his experiences of doing a HND in Radio production, from home. Image: RNIB Connect Radio logo
7m Mar 17, 2021
7m
S1 Ep662: A Year In Lockdown Sylvia Paton
Another of our reflections on lockdown now, Ellie talks to Sylvia about her experience and what she'll be taking forward with her when lockdown ends…  Image: RNIB Connect Radio logo
7m Mar 17, 2021
7m
S1 Ep662: A Year In Lockdown Usha Mistry
Ellie speak to Usha Mistry a partially sighted academic from the South Bank university about her experience of teaching through lockdown…    Image: RNIB Connect Radio logo
9m Mar 17, 2021
9m
S1 Ep662: A Year In Lockdown Lorna Davies
Ellie talks to Lorna about her experience of losing her dad at the start of lockdown and being grateful for the family time lockdown created.  Image: RNIB Connect Radio logo  
7m Mar 17, 2021
7m
S1 Ep662: A Year In Lockdown Chloe Tear
Ellie talks to Chloe who shares her experiences of lockdown being at home with her family, and her worries for when lockdown ends…   Image: RNIB Connect Radio logo
9m Mar 17, 2021
9m
S1 Ep661: A Year In Lockdown Dave Heeley
Blind Dave Heeley chats to RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell about how his life has changed since lockdown first began in March 20202.  From being awarded an OBE to contracting Coronavirus it's certainly been a period of his life he will never forget. {image: 'RNIB' written in bold black letters, with the words 'See differently' written underneath. There is also a striking pink line underneath...
7m Mar 16, 2021
7m
S1 Ep660: City of Threads Podcast
Rachel and Holly discuss the creation of their new Podcast, City of Threads, in which the listener is taken on an immersive journey through the streets of Bristol. Created by a team of both sighted and partially sighted creatives and based on the experiences of blind and partially sighted people. Available to listen on streaming services from 25th March 2021 
9m Mar 15, 2021
9m
S1 Ep659: Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder Podcasts
Charlotte Lewis and Sam Irving have made 3 podcasts, featuring rivers, the coast and mountains, as a love letter to the Welsh outdoors, for anyone who is unable to experience the real thing.   Image is of a beach, with rocks and the white foam of the sea, under a cloudy, grey sky.
8m Mar 12, 2021
8m
S1 Ep654: Documenting His Journey As A Blind-Dad-To-Be
Nathan Edge, will soon, for the very first time ever, become a dad, a journey he's been documenting on his YouTube channel 'Blind Dad and Family'.   As the weeks slowly tick off and May draws closer and closer, RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew caught up with Nathan to hear how him and his family are doing. Follow Nathan on YouTube and Facebook at 'Blind Dad and Family' or on twitter @Na...
8m Mar 09, 2021
8m
S1 Ep655: VocalEyes - The Interval 9 March 2021
Since the first lockdown in March 2020 with many theatres going dark and many museums, galleries and heritage sites having to close their doors, VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people, started up a weekly email newsletter titled The Interval to share up-coming online accessible events for blind and partially sighted ...
7m Mar 09, 2021
7m
S1 Ep658: International Women's Day - Marvel Opara
We're celebrating international woman's day with Marvel Opara a partially sighted woman who challenged herself to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Ellie Marsh found out what drives and inspires her.
7m Mar 08, 2021
7m
S1 Ep657: International Women's Day - Sarah
We're celebrating international woman's day here on RNIB Connect Radio and Ellie Marsh has been finding out what some of the challenges are for blind an partially sighted women from all walks of life, including Sarah who is a partially sighted doctor.
10m Mar 08, 2021
10m
S1 Ep656: International Women's Day - Racheal Andrews
Celebrating inspiring blind and partially sighted women on RNIB Connect Radio is a lady who invoked change at the highest level in the form of a high court judicial review. Ellie Marsh found out what happened and how all blind and partially sighted women can feel empowered to hold power to account. Here's Racheal Andrews, talking to us on international woman's day here on RNIB Connect Radio.
10m Mar 08, 2021
10m
S1 Ep653: Covid Vaccination Passports, Anti-Vaxxers and the Flu Jab!
RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey checked in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Live Pharmacy in Glasgow to talk about the possible introduction of Covid vaccination passports, dispelling some of what Anti-Vaxxers have been saying and how the take up of the flu jab last autumn has had an affect on the number of cases of flu this year. To get in touch with Elizabeth Roddick email  elizabe...
6m Mar 05, 2021
6m
S1 Ep651: Amy Morris, Project Manager of Ffolio, a creative platform in Wales.
Amy Morris is the project Manager of Ffolio, a platform for new creative talent in Wales.  If you are interested in creating a new audio project, which could be on BBC Sounds, Amy Morris has all the information you need to apply. Image is the Ffiolio logo with the word Ffolio in organge on a black background and upside down in black on an orange background.
7m Feb 23, 2021
7m
S1 Ep650: Home Schooling During Lockdown as a Sighted Parent of a Visually Impaired Young Person
Due to all the Covid lockdowns many visually impaired young people have been and are still being schooled at home by their parents. Here at RNIB Connect Radio we wondered what home schooling might be like for a sighted parent of a visually impaired young person during lockdown. Connect Radio’s Toby Davey caught up with Karen Newell from York who has been, as Karen puts it, ‘remote schooling’ ...
8m Feb 19, 2021
8m
S1 Ep649: VocalEyes - The Interval 19.02.21
Since the first lockdown in March 2020 with many theatres going dark and many museums, galleries and heritage sites having to close their doors, VocalEyes the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people started up a weekly email newsletter titled The Interval to share up-coming online accessible events for blind and partially sighted pe...
7m Feb 19, 2021
7m
S1 Ep648: A Film Immersion Into The Sonic & Visual Experiences Of VI People
In December Manchester International Festival launched a new initiative titled: 'Festival in My House…and Yours', their popular micro-festival series reimagined for the virtual era, which we're all finding ourselves in these days.   With all events streamed for free via their YouTube channel, from Thursday 25th of February we'll get the chance to experience a unique film immersion into the so...
8m Feb 18, 2021
8m
S1 Ep647: Covid Vaccinations - Debunking Some of the Myths
Today we're debunking some of the myths around Covid-19 vaccinations with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick. If you have been unlucky to have had Covid should you have the vaccination? What if you are on blood thinning medicines or have any allergies - is it OK to have the vaccine? And finally is Brexit having any affect on medicines coming into the UK? To get in touch with Elizabeth Roddick ema...
5m Feb 18, 2021
5m
S1 Ep646: Rees Dale Film About Blind Judo in India
Cardiff born film director, Rees Dale, talked to RNIB Connect Radio about the film he is making, featuring a group of young blind women in central India, whose lives have been changed by taking part in judo.  Rees talks about the impact the sport has made on their lives but begins by talking about the sight loss in his own family. Image is of a group of young Indian women pracitising judo in pa...
9m Feb 17, 2021
9m
S1 Ep645: Living With Charles Bonnet Syndrome
Coronation Street recently became the first UK soap to portray a character living with Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS), a common condition among people who have lost their sight.  RNIB Connect Radio presenter Roger Cole, has also been living with CBS for a number of years and he shares his own experience with producer Barry Snell.
6m Feb 16, 2021
6m
S1 Ep644: Air Pollution Linked To Eye Disease
RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell chats to ophthalmologist Parul Desai, to find out more about a recent survey which highlights a link between air pollution and irreversible sight loss, specifically age related macular degeneration (AMD).
7m Feb 09, 2021
7m
S1 Ep643: Dave Heeley Reflects On An Astonishing Six Months
Dave Heeley reflects on a whirlwind six months, which saw him awarded an O.B.E. for his services to charitable fundraising and then, only one month later, fighting for his life, after contracting Coronavirus. Thankfully Dave is now recovering and has been chatting to RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell. {image: - Dave Heeley running in a white T-shirt, emblazoned Blind Dave. He is wearing a blue...
6m Feb 05, 2021
6m
S1 Ep642: VocalEyes - The Interval 5 February 2021
Since the first lockdown in March 2020 with many theatres going dark and many museums, galleries and heritage sites having to close their doors, VocalEyes the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people started up a weekly email newsletter titled The Interval to share up-coming online accessible events for blind and partially sighted pe...
8m Feb 05, 2021
8m
S1 Ep640: Coronavirus, Lockdowns and Mental health Issues
RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey checked in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Live Pharmacy in Glasgow to talk about how the Coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns have been affecting some people’s mental health and what services are available to help people who might be experiencing mental health issues. Elizabeth highlighted several useful online resources and phone numbers including: T...
5m Feb 05, 2021
5m
S1 Ep639: Books Of His Life With Queer Author Douglas Stuart
It's LGBT History Month and today we're celebrating Booker Prize winning author, Douglas Stuart.  His debut, 'Shuggie Bain' is a semi autobiographical novel about a young boy growing up in 1980s Glasgow and coming to terms with his sexuality. Speaking with Read On's Red Szell, the author reveals the Books of His Life and the impact they had on his writing, including a queer historical romance...
7m Feb 03, 2021
7m
S1 Ep639: In Conversation With 'Shuggie Bain' Author Douglas Stuart
It's LGBT History Month and today we're celebrating Booker Prize winning author, Douglas Stuart.  His debut, 'Shuggie Bain' is a semi autobiographical novel about a young boy growing up in 1980s Glasgow and coming to terms with his sexuality. Stuart spoke with Read On's Red Szell about the book and drawing from life for this emotional portrait of a struggling family.  
8m Feb 03, 2021
8m
S1 Ep638: Books Of Her Life With Costa Book of the Year Award Winner, Monique Roffey
Monique Roffey is the winner of  Costa Book of the Year Award 2020 for her bittersweet love-story 'The Mermaid of Black Conch' Read On’s Red Szell caught up with her to find out which books inspired her to become an author. 
6m Feb 02, 2021
6m
S1 Ep641: Valentine's Day Virtual Speed Dating Event
For all the romantics out there, if you're single and ready to mingle, virtually of course, there's a fun valentine's event that you can attend!   Organised by Eye Matter, this valentine's speed dating extravaganza will take place on Saturday 13th of February and is a perfect opportunity to get chatting and meet someone new. Maybe even, the one.    To tell us more about their Speed-Dating V...
6m Feb 01, 2021
6m
S1 Ep637: Normalising the Conversation with Jason Dasent, Blind Music Producer
Jason Dasent is a blind music producer with over 20 years in the business, originally from Trinidad and now living in London. . Jason recently pulled together key players from the music production industry including people from Avid the makers of Pro Tools the industry standard digital audio workstation, native Instruments who produce electronic instruments, keyboards and interfaces as well as...
8m Jan 28, 2021
8m
S1 Ep636: Join Eye Matter's Living With Sight Loss Course This February
Suzie Simons is the coordinator for Eye Matter, a community group with the aim of bringing together and empowering those living with sight loss, especially now in Lockdown.    The group has an exciting, six-week Living With Sight Loss Course course starting in February and Suzie spoke with RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew about the course and how to sign up. For more information email S...
8m Jan 28, 2021
8m
S1 Ep635: Meet The Winner Of Costa Book of the Year Award 2020!
Last night the winner of the 2020 Costa Book of  the Year Award was announced. Read On’s Red Szell was there to interview the winning author, Monique Roffey, whose novel The Mermaid of Black Conch is a bitter sweet love story set in the Caribbean which was described by the judges as a classic in the making’.
7m Jan 27, 2021
7m
S1 Ep634: Katriona Taylor new album Blind Passion plus live online concert Saturday 30 January 2021 at 8.30pm
Katriona  Taylor has just recorded her fifth album Blind Passion which celebrates music from blind artists like Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Diane Schuur & Jose Feliciano as well as some of Katriona’s own material.    Katriona will be streaming a live concert of Blind Passion with her band from her Wimbledon studio on Saturday 30 January at 8.30pm.  Katriona is a former lawyer turned singer a...
8m Jan 27, 2021
8m
S1 Ep633: A Touching Gift Lets Blind Dad See His Baby
For any soon-to-be-parent, one moment that is often named as an important milestone is getting a first glimpse at your baby even before it's born.   But for many blind and partially sighted parents baby scans are not exactly accessible, but what if they could be?    Nathan Edge, will become a dad, for the first time, this year and he recently received a gift that allowed him to see his baby...
9m Jan 22, 2021
9m
S1 Ep632: The Covid vaccination programme, general dental health and looking after your eyes during the pandemic
RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey checked in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow to chat about the following topics. Elizabeth's thoughts as a Pharmacist on the roll out of the Covid vaccination programme and whether people coming into her Pharmacy have been reporting any side effects from having the vaccine. Discussion on some dental symptoms that seem to be ris...
7m Jan 22, 2021
7m
S1 Ep631: New TPT Video Highlight's Sight Loss
A video that simulates sight loss has been developed by the Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) to highlight how the world looks through the eyes of people living with a visual impairment. Produced with help from Royal National Institute for Blind People and Glaucoma UK, the video focuses on the six most common sight conditions in the UK. Barry Snell spoke to TPT's Children Young People & Families...
6m Jan 18, 2021
6m
Claire Forde in conversation with...Rae Walker
Time to re-join Claire Forde and her 'in conversation with...' series; this time sitting down for a catch-up with her close friend Rae Walker. Rae lost her sight at the age of twenty-two, and she speaks to Claire about how it unfolded, the support she received at the time, deciding to move schools at eleven, and the reaction from her family. As with many, sight loss has not deterred Rae from ...
44m Jan 12, 2021
44m
S1 Ep630: Dave Heeley On Being Awarded An OBE
RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell caught up with Blind Dave Heeley to wish him a Happy New Year and also find out about Dave's latest DIY projects and fundraising work.  Little did Barry know that Dave had been keeping a massive secret under his hat...
7m Jan 11, 2021
7m
S1 Ep629: Covid Vaccinations, Long Covid and life on the frontline!
RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey for the first time in 2021 checked in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick from New Life Pharmacy in Glasgow to chat about the following topics. With the role out of the Covid Vaccinations, what affect if any might the changes in the timings between the first and second vaccinations from the initial three-week period have for those receiving the vaccinations. A re...
7m Jan 11, 2021
7m
S1 Ep628: National Theatre at Home with Audio Description
The National Theatre in London has recently launched their new NT at Home streaming site with a great crop of productions with audio described versions to support blind and partially sighted people world-wide. From 21 December 2020, The Cherry Orchard, Phèdre, Othello, the Young Vic’s Yerma and the Donmar Warehouse’s Coriolanus will be added with  Julie from 11 January all with audio-described...
8m Dec 22, 2020
8m
With Covid dominating the headlines should we be aware of the Noro Virus?
RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey checked in with Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick to find out with all the headlines being dominated by the Corona virus whether we still needed to be aware of the Noro virus, advice on what to do if you need a prescription or fall ill over the holiday period and what you should have in your home First Aid kit. To get in touch with Elizabeth Roddick email  Elizabeth@...
6m Dec 18, 2020
6m
Your chance to become a Citizen Curator at Falmouth Art Gallery in 2021
Do  you have an interest in art, museums, galleries and heritage and have you ever thought could I become a museum curator as a blind or partially sighted person?   Well now is your chance to Become a Citizens Curator with Falmouth Art Gallery during  2021 through the Cornwall Museums Partnership Citizen Curator Programme. The Cornwall Museums Partnership  which brings a number of Cornwall mu...
8m Dec 10, 2020
8m
What Audio Described Pantos Can We Expect This Year?
Christmas is just around the corner, so we've been finding out what pantos and Christmas shows we can look forward to this year with audio description. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Anne Hornsby from Mind's Eye Arts to look at these forthcoming festive treats. For more information visit: www.mindseyedescription.co.uk (http://www.mindseyedescription.co.uk/) #RNIBConnect (Image:...
6m Dec 09, 2020
6m
Growing Up Visually Impaired In Kenya
Lawrence Momanyi grew up in Kenya, however due to losing his sight before he turned two, he had to learn how to overcome challenges and presumed perceptions of his disability from an early age. In 2019, Lawrence became the first blind person in his country to graduate with a degree in economics at the University of Nairobi, and he spoke with RNIB Connect Radio to share his story.   
6m Dec 09, 2020
6m