Natalie and her cat, Ginge, listen to the birds.
On RNIB Connect Radio, we're asking you to send in recordings of the birds you can hear.  Natalie sent in her recording of the birds and was joined by her cat, Ginge, who was determined not to be outdone by the birds.  Simon Pauley, presenter of the Daily Connect read out Natalie's letter and listen to see if you can hear Ginge singing along. Photo of a ginger cat. 
2m May 07, 2020
2m
Experience AD Opera From Home
Opera North’s production of Trouble in Tahiti, by legendary American composer Leonard Bernstein, is being made available to stream for free as part of the Company’s digital programme: Opera North at Home, during the Coronavirus lockdown. RNIB is one of the partners of the company pushing for more accessibility and Trouble in Tahiti will be available on demand until 1st of June. RNIB Connect Rad...
6m May 06, 2020
6m
Nigel Limb Models & Coronavirus
Thrill-seeker Nigel Limb talks to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley about the loss of his Dad eight weeks ago and about his passion for models that his Dad built. You can follow what Nigel is up to on Facebook at: 'Blindbloke Racing'. 
6m May 05, 2020
6m
Dawn Chorus Day
Tom Hibbert from The Wildlife Trusts talks about International Dawn Chorus Day on Sunday 3rd May. Photo of a Blue Tit on a branch.
8m May 01, 2020
8m
Be My Eyes Brings One World Together To Visually Impaired People.
The One World Together event was a truly global occasion to celebrate and support everyone during the coronavirus lockdown. Be My Eyes, a free app, was brought onboard to help deliver, live, audio description for blind and partially sighted people, across the globe. RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Will Butler, Be My Eyes, Sumira Latif, P&G, and Kirin Saeed, a new app user, to learn ...
8m May 01, 2020
8m
Chloe Tear - Award Winning Disability Blogger
In this episode, award-winning disability blogger, Chloe Tear shares how she began her journey in blogging, tackling real issues in a relatable and meaningful way.  Hear about her hopes for the future, with RNIB Connect Radio's Sophie Ewing.  Subscribe to Chloe Tears blog by visiting: https://chloetear.co.uk/ Image Description: photograph of Chloe smiling. 
9m May 01, 2020
9m
Nicki Cockburn talks about birds
Nicki loved birdsong from a young age.  Here she talks about that interest, which has endured. Photograph of Nicki with her guide dogs James. 
8m Apr 30, 2020
8m
Bird Song
Listen to the bird song from Belfast, recorded by Amy, Llanwuchllyn, recorded  by Gwen and Allan's recording from Glasgow. Photo of sparrows on a branch.
2m Apr 29, 2020
2m
Sophie Barnett and her love of birds
Sophie Barnett talks about her love of birds, particularly her parrots, Chip, Fish and Pickles, who share her home.  Photograph of Sophie with her birds in her hand, on her shoulder and on her head.
7m Apr 28, 2020
7m
Making Astronomy VI-Friendly
Could star-gazing be accessible? Dr Nicolas Bonne chats with RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley about accessible astronomy, coronavirus lockdown and encouraging visually impaired students to learn about the stars.
7m Apr 28, 2020
7m
Iolo Williams discusses his love of bird song.
Welsh naturalist, Iolo Williams, talks about his love of birds and bird song, describing what he can hear around him at this time, when there's more opportunity to listen and not so much traffic on the roads.   Photograph is of sparrows sitting on a hedge.
7m Apr 24, 2020
7m
Coronavirus, Apps & You (With Dr Linda Papadopoulos)
In recent times, apps on our phone have become a lifeline to keep us going – whether its work, health or simply socialising with friends and family.  A new study study also shows the apps are reflective of not only our personalities but also our state of mind.  RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley spoke with TV Psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos about the phone apps we are using during the coronav...
6m Apr 24, 2020
6m
Bird Song
Simon Pauley talks to Lynne Morgan about recording the bird song in your garden, from your window, or in your open space, along with instruction from Allan Russell on how to record on your phone.  Photo of a blackbird.
7m Apr 23, 2020
7m
How Is Coronavirus Affecting Musicians?
Blind singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Dan DroiD joins Simon Pauley for a chat about surviving as a live gigging musician during the coronavirus outbreak. Dan also reveals how having a guide dog changed his life and his experience of performing at different music venues.  You can follow Dan's website at: http://dan-droid.co.uk 
7m Apr 23, 2020
7m
How To Keep Your Guide Dog Busy?
Have you ever tried a game of cups with your guide dog? How about some puzzles? Holly Tuke spoke with guide dog user Nathan Edge  to find out how we can keep our four-legged companions happy during the lockdown. You can find Nathan's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-G1l-MOpgXfcoplBYWCcZA  (Photo shows a smiling Nathan with his guide dog Abby)    
7m Apr 22, 2020
7m
Self-Isolation Focuses The Mind
We've caught up with White Cane Warrior and musician Paul Quigley, to hear how he's been passing the time during the lockdown by working on his new recording studio. Paul spoke with RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley.
6m Apr 22, 2020
6m
Classic Movie Choices To Get You Through Coronavirus
What are some good movies to take your mind off coronavirus and the lockdown?  Simon Pauley has been chatting with blind Movie Critic Jay Forry for a couple of suggestions.
7m Apr 22, 2020
7m
Georgie Morrell on celebs in lockdown
Georgie Morrell is a comedian, writer, voiceover artist and award-nominated actress. She chats to Red Szell about being in lockdown and getting used to a new way of living.
7m Apr 21, 2020
7m
One For The Kids: 'Once Upon A Time In Zombieville'
Here's something to keep the kids occupied during the lockdown.  All three seasons of 'Once Upon a Time in Zombieville’, a unique and crazy audio cartoon created with visually impaired children at its heart, is available to listen for free online.    We spoke with creator of the show, Bigmouth Audio Founder and Managing Director, Stephen Scott about the series, their collaboration with RNIB,...
6m Apr 21, 2020
6m
Podcasting And Parenting During The Lockdown (with Joy's World Podcast)
'Joy's World Podcast' is a stereotype-breaking podcast hosted by podcaster Joy Addo, who describes herself as a ‘fat, black, blind, single mother’ with a lot to say.   RNIB Connect Radio’s Paulina Kuchorew caught up with Joy to hear how she's getting on during the Coronavirus lockdown.  You can find 'Joy's World Podcast' at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and SoundCloud. 
8m Apr 20, 2020
8m
The Staying Inn - Virtual Pub That Connects
Inspired by the Disabled community The Staying Inn is a Virtual Pub to keep people in self-isolation connected during the coronavirus outbreak. Holly Tuke, a regular voice on RNIB Connect Radio, spoke to the pub’s landlady and visually impaired campaigner Dr Amy Kavanagh to find out more about the inn and why it's so important to stay connected. You can find Amy on twitter @BlondeHistorian
9m Apr 20, 2020
9m
Blind Parent Discusses Home Life During Lockdown
Alex Campbell and his wife are like many people around the UK at the moment, working from home and adjusting their family life around the coronavirus lockdown.  RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell spoke with Alex, a rehabilitation officer for North Lanarkshire Council, to find out how his family are coping during these uncertain times.
5m Apr 20, 2020
5m
Will Coronavirus Affect Disability Inclusion In Work?
Caroline Casey has been campaigning relentlessly for equality and diversity in employment and business practice and started Binc. as well as her initiative  #Valuable 500, which aimed to get CEO’s from 500 of the worlds big businesses to sign up to employment revolution. But with coronavirus affecting all aspects of our lives around the world, will it also affect disability inclusion?  RNIB’s S...
6m Apr 10, 2020
6m
Catch Up With World's First Blind Movie Critic
Coronavirus is affecting all of us across the world, including the movie industry with many films either pushing back their premiere dates or releasing online instead.   RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley caught up with the world’s only blind movie critic to hear how he’s getting on across the pond during these unusual times. 
7m Apr 09, 2020
7m
How Is Coronavirus Impacting Actors?
With theatre stages standing empty all over the world, we caught up with aerialist, belly dancer, voice coach, and Royal Shakespeare Company’s actor Karina Jones, who recently made theatre history by stepping in to play a lead sighted character. RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley spoke with Karina to find out how she’s coping with the current situation and how coronavirus is affecting the acting...
13m Apr 08, 2020
13m
Update from The Royal Blind
Hawys Kilday, The Director of Service at the Royal Blind updates Sophie Ewing on how the charity continues to give the best support possible to their customers during this difficult time. 
6m Apr 07, 2020
6m
How Is Australia Coping With Coronavirus?
Coronavirus has changed the  every-day-lives of people in the UK, but how is Australia coping with the outbreak? RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley caught up with advocate for change Stephanie Agnew, to hear how her and her guide dog Rocky are handling social distancing. You can follow Stephanie on Facebook ‘Rocky and Me’ or on Instagram ‘Steph.Agnew’  And to hear Stephanie’s upcoming appearance...
11m Apr 07, 2020
11m
The Struggles Of Shopping During Coronavirus
 Have you been having issues with shopping?  RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley spoke with white cane warrior Paul Quigley about his own strugglers in getting necessities. If you need help and support in these difficult time, RNIB are here for you. You can call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 
10m Apr 04, 2020
10m
Birmingham Charity Still There To Support Its Users
Andrew Miller is the Lead Optometrist for Focus Birmingham, a charity in the West Midlands. RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley spoke with Andrew to find out how the charity is handling the current outbreak and what support they’re offering to their users.  For more information about Focus Birmingham visit: https://www.focusbirmingham.org.uk/  or for their helpline call: 0121 478 5222 
9m Apr 03, 2020
9m
Benefits Of Using Amazon Echo
Sometimes technology can seem overwhelming, especially if you’re living with  a visual impairment.  Blogger Holly Tuke teaches RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley about the perks of using an Amazon Echo device and how it can help aid independence and make day-to-day life easier, even if you don’t think of yourself as particularly tech-savvy.    You can follow Holly’s blog at: https://lifeofablind...
9m Mar 31, 2020
9m
Are Guide Dogs Ethical?
In this honest feature with a pinch of humour, RNIB Connect Radio’s Paulina Kuchorew addresses the controversial “debate” around the ethicality of guide dogs by learning more about our very own and favourite radio station guide dog, Quigley. (Photo shows Quigley with his Guide Dogs lead on, sitting down on the floor of our radio station office)
19m Mar 30, 2020
19m
Chris Swinton, The Man Behind The Camera
Chris Swinton is the World's only blind bike sport photographer. 2019 was an incredible year for Chris, being awarded with a Licentiateship of the Disabled Photographers Society and also having his photographs featured in Clubsport magazine. He has been talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell about his love of the camera, his sight condition and also about keeping safe during the CVID-19 lo...
7m Mar 30, 2020
7m
12-Year-Old VI Skier Raises 27k For Ethiopian Blind School
Hester Poole is a very determined young girl who, through her work with Ethiopia Aid helped raise over £27,000 for Mekele School for the Blind in Ethiopia.  Hester was also shortlisted for a Volunteer Award at the Bond International Development Awards this year for her amazing work in raising awareness about the importance of education for blind children.  RNIB Connect Radio’s Paulina Kuchorew ...
9m Mar 30, 2020
9m
How To Protect Ourselves From Coronavirus?
In this time of uncertainty, we thought it would be good to hear from our local pharmacist and find out how to keep ourselves and our pharmacies in good shape during this outbreak. RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley spoke with New Life Pharmacy’s Elizabeth Roddick. If there’s anything else you would like Elizabeth to answer in her next ‘Ask the Pharmacist’ email radio@rnib.org.uk (mailto:radio@r...
14m Mar 30, 2020
14m
Blind Veterans UK Announce Measures To Keep People Connected
With the COVID-19 virus leaving the UK in lockdown, many of society's most vulnerable people are facing isolation. RNIB connect Radio's Barry Snell spoke to Fran McSweeney who is the Assistant Director of Operations, Blind Veterans UK to find out what steps they are taking to keep their members safe & connected.
7m Mar 26, 2020
7m
Blind Golfer Looks Forward To An Uncertain Future
Scottish blind golfer Barry McCluskey has enjoyed a phenomenal rise to the top of blind sport. Winning the US blind golf open and also playing a pivotal role in Europe's victory at the Vision Cup. 2020 was set to be a huge year for Barry as he looked to build on his success, with the British open being a particular personal goal. Now though Sport, like life in general, has been stopped in its t...
5m Mar 26, 2020
5m
Music Could Help You
If you're feeling down and alone there's something that's easily accessible and could help you get through the hard times. Blogger Elin Williams often writes about the power of music and its impact on her own journey through sight loss.  Elin's chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Paulina Kuchorew. For Elin's blog visit: https://myblurredworld.com/ (Photo shows a spread of music albums with a pho...
10m Mar 26, 2020
10m
A Taste Of Spice: Chicken Côte Recipe
Would you like to learn how to make a delicious new recipe?   Kim Jaye is a Chef and RNIB Network Committee member and she recently released her recipe book ‘A Taste of Spice’ in large print and in support of Talking Books.   Speaking with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley, Kim shares her recipe for Chicken Côte with some helpful tips for cooking with a visual impairment.    You can find Kim Ja...
9m Mar 24, 2020
9m
Mother’s Day With Blogger Holly Tuke
Mother’s Day is fast approaching and we’re celebrating the day by speaking with blogger Holly Tuke to find out all about her mom and growing up with a visual impairment. Speaking with RNIB Connect Radio’s Paulina Kuchorew, Holly explains why having a supportive mom helped her stay confident and thrive for more in life.  You can follow Holly’s blog at: https://lifeofablindgirl.com/ 
7m Mar 20, 2020
7m
Mother’s Day With Blogger Elin Williams
Mother’s Day is fast approaching and we’re celebrating the day by speaking with blogger Elin Williams about her mom and how Elin’s visually impairment was a learning curve not just for her but for the whole family.   Elin spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Paulina Kuchorew.    Follow Elin’s blog at: https://myblurredworld.com/
7m Mar 20, 2020
7m
Breaking Blind Stereotypes – Part 3
Media can often misrepresent the blind and visually impaired community through the use of stereotypes that are so ingrained into our society.     But can we challenge these internalised stereotypes and how do we do so without stigmatisation?    Dr Catalin Brylla, Lecturer in Film and TV at Bournemouth University and RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley discuss breaking down blind stereotypes in th...
18m Mar 10, 2020
18m
Protect Your Contact Lenses From A Dangerous Eye Parasite
If you’re a contact lens user, you might not realise the danger you expose your eyes to by doing something as simple as letting your contact lenses come in contact with tap water.    Fiona Henriquez, a Professor of Parasitology at the University of the West of Scotland has been researching the dangerous parasite that lurks in water and came up with an ingenious and simple way to protect our con...
10m Mar 10, 2020
10m
Crosswords Made Accessible For The VI Community
Do you like doing crosswords but find them increasingly frustrating because of your sight loss?   A new development for the Amazon skill Puzzler, means it’s now accessible to blind and partially sighted people.    We spoke with tech guru Robin Christopherson who advised on the development and Ruth Oakley, the Creative Director behind the voice skill.   Robin and Ruth spoke with RNIB Connect Rad...
11m Mar 09, 2020
11m
'Joy’s World' Podcast Won't Get Forced Into A Box
Podcaster Joy Addo is, as she describes herself a ‘fat, black, blind, single mother’ who has a lot to say and has no time for being forced into a proverbial box.    Challenging stereotypes through her podcast ‘Joys’ World’, Joy shares with us why she started the podcast in the first place and why her voice is so unique.    Joy spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Paulina Kuchorew.    You can listen ...
10m Mar 06, 2020
10m
Breaking Blind Stereotypes: Part 2
Media can often misrepresent the blind and visually impaired community, but how are negative stereotypes shown in media, how do they impact perceptions of sight loss, and what is the Supercrip Stereotype?   Dr Catalin Brylla, Lecturer in Film and TV at Bournemouth University and RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley discuss breaking down blind stereotypes in this 8-part series.   Listen out for epi...
17m Mar 03, 2020
17m
Ellie Wallwork discusses acting, life at university and whats next...
If you watch Call the Midwife, you may have recently seen a new mother with retinitis pigmentosa, RNIB Connect Radio’s Basil Oxtoby spoke to Ellie to find out more... [Photo shows RNIB Connect Radio logo]
7m Feb 25, 2020
7m
Ellie Wallwork discusses RNIB services
5m Feb 25, 2020
5m
Breaking Blind Stereotypes: Part 1
Media can often misrepresent the blind and visually impaired community, but how are negative stereotypes formed, how does society internalise them and can these misrepresentations lead to stigma?   Dr Catalin Brylla, Lecturer in Film and TV at Bournemouth University and RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley discuss breaking down blind stereotypes in this 8-part series. Listen out for the next episo...
14m Feb 25, 2020
14m
No Horizon for historical blind role model
Anyone looking for blind role models in history might be forgiven for thinking they didn't exist. But there were a few. Red Szell has been finding out about one whose story is being retold in a new musical.   Discussing the production No Horizon, which will be touring Yorkshire in March and April. This interview includes a preview of the song "Born Of Angels". For more information and ticket de...
13m Feb 24, 2020
13m
Explore Sound At London VI Workshops
Intrasonus UK champion immersive sound production by using sound to transform lives through music, dance and storytelling.   They’re currently offering workshops for blind and visually impaired people at the The Bloomsbury UCL Theatre in London and would like to invite you to come along.    We spoke with Composer and Sound Architect , Roberto David Rusconi about the project and why it’s so impo...
11m Feb 06, 2020
11m