Play About Blind Dad Pushes Boundaries
Anna Sheils-McNamee grew up with a dad who couldn’t see. For her, it was nothing out of the ordinary, yet for others her dad would either be classed as a ‘hero’ or treated as a ‘child’. Inspired by her life, Anna wrote a play called ‘My Dad’s Blind’ which won the best production award at last year’s Dublin Fringe Festival. RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley caught up with Anna to find out how ...
13m Jan 16, 2019
13m
“How A Blind Man Became History’s Greatest Traveler”
James Holman was a world renowned blind traveller that unexpectedly faded into obscurity after his death in 1857. Writer Jason Roberts, author of ‘A Sense of the World: How a Blind Man Became History's Greatest Traveler’, spoke with us about the blind adventurer and his amazing expeditions. Jason spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.  For more information about the book visit: https:...
13m Jan 16, 2019
13m
Cycle For Charity
Latest research discovered that many of us give up our hobbies just as quickly as we pick them up. In fact, even hobbies beneficial to our health, like cycling; see us throwing in the towel fairly quickly. This year, the British Heart Foundation is encouraging everyone to stay in shape by taking part in one of their sixteen Bike Ride events across the UK to help raise funds for life-saving res...
4m Jan 15, 2019
4m
Bizzare News: Reading Your Own Obituary
Blind journalist Paul Bryce picks out more quirky and alternative news from around the globe, including a chilling story about a footballer who got the shock of his life while reading his own obituary. Paul is talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley.
8m Jan 14, 2019
8m
Vidar Hjardeng reviews AD ‘Sleeping Beauty’ Pantomime
ITV’s Vidar Hjardeng starts of the New Year with a belly laugh or two. This week, Vidar chats with us about his latest visit to the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre where he saw the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ Pantomime. But, can audio description handle a production so reliant on audience participation? Find out from the theatre enthusiast himself. Vidar spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.
8m Jan 11, 2019
8m
Don’t Lose Sight Of Your Feet
Have you started a new exercise routine for this year? Or perhaps, you’re just keen to get fit after having all those extra portions during the festive season? Matthew Fitzpatrick, Musculoskeletal Podiatrist at the College of Podiatry, wants to remind us that looking after our feet is essential, especially if we have other health conditions like diabetes that can affect our nerves. Matthew sp...
8m Jan 11, 2019
8m
Blind Dave Chats Becoming A Film Sensation
After a though end to the year, Dave takes a positive look ahead and discusses his upcoming film. Based on Dave’s life, ‘7 Days’ tells the story of his extraordinary battle to take on one of world’s most difficult marathons, the “Sevens” (7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days). Dave spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. For more information on Dave’s upcoming film visit: https://www....
10m Jan 10, 2019
10m
Becoming More Healthy in 2019
Did you know that your cholesterol levels can rise by as much as 20% during the festive period.. Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick dropped in to give us some invaluable tips on dieting, healthier eating habits and also sleep advice. Elizabeth is talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley. For more information visit: https://newlifepharmacy.co.uk
15m Jan 09, 2019
15m
“New Year, New You” – With Food Psychologist Dr Christy Fergusson
Going into the New Year many of us will consider looking after our health a little better. So, what’s better than starting with the food we eat? Food psychologist, Dr Christy Fergusson, spoke with us to offer her best balanced diet tips and explained how to make eating healthy simpler. Dr Fergusson was chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. For more tips and recipe ideas visit:www....
7m Jan 09, 2019
7m
Why Paul Quigley’s Christmas Just “Flu-by”
We’ve caught up with Connector Paul Quigley to hear what he's been up to over the festive period and let’s just say even the toughest white cane warrior can be brought down by the flu. Paul is chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. You can find Paul’s latest music updates on Facebook by searching: @PaulQuigleyUK
10m Jan 08, 2019
10m
Make Eating A Multisensory Experience
Have you made healthy eating your New Year’s Resolution? Rob Hobson, Nutritionist and Cookery Writer spoke with us to best advise how to make those good eating habits stick. Rob is talking to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. For more of Rob’s recipes, including his Mexican salmon and black bean wrap, visit: www.tilda.com/authors/rob-hobson (https://www.tilda.com/authors/rob-hobson/)
10m Jan 04, 2019
10m
Piano Without Barriers - Paula and Fabiana Chavez's Story
Identical twins Fabiana and Paula Chávez are pianists, music researchers and music educators born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The twin sisters lost their eyesight gradually due to a genetic disorder called Stargardt Disease, which eventually left them completely blind. This new condition allowed Fabiana and Paula to commence a unique research activity to help visually-impaired music students t...
17m Jan 04, 2019
17m
Blind Dave Gets Heart-breaking News On Christmas Day
We’ve caught up with Blind Dave Heeley to find out how he’s been over the festive period and unfortunately, Dave had some very sad news to share with us… Dave is chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. If you’d like to get in touch with Dave and perhaps send him and his family a message, you can do so by searching ‘Blind Dave Heeley’ on Facebook or through his website: www.blinddaveh...
17m Jan 03, 2019
17m
Blind Dave Gets Let Go At Christmas
Blind Dave takes a back seat as this year’s Christmas decorations are taken over by his kids. But don’t worry; with his usual merriness under the belt, Dave still has plenty of DIY mishaps to share as he gets ready for the holiday break. Dave is chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. You can follow what Dave is up to on Facebook at ‘Blind Dave Heeley’ or through his website: www.bl...
10m Dec 20, 2018
10m
Don’t Forget Our Soldiers This Christmas
Christmas can be a stressful time for anyone, but even more so for those that serve in the military. Recent findings carried out by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, show that those in service can struggle to adjust during this ‘wonderful time of the year’. Julie McCarthy, Director of Volunteer Operations at SSAFA, and former serviceman Tom Fox, chatted with us about the charity's work and whe...
9m Dec 18, 2018
9m
Vidar Hjardeng Reviews AD ‘The Nutcracker’
ITV’s Vidar Hjardeng reviews the audio described performance of ‘The Nutcracker’ which he recently saw at the Birmingham Hippodrome. ‘The Nutcracker’ tells the journey of young Clara as she is swept away into an enchanting winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes and a Sugar Plum Fairy. Vidar is talking to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.
9m Dec 14, 2018
9m
The Nation’s Favourite Family Meals
How important is it to sit down and have a meal together as a family? And how have the family favourites changed over the years? Food Historian Monica Askay spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley about the nation’s favourites and what influences our dinner choices.
8m Dec 12, 2018
8m
Are You A Carer And Are You Getting The Right Support?
As life expectancy grows many of us will chose to care after a family member or a friend.However, as unpaid carers we don’t always realise that we can get support. Emily Holzhausen Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers UK and carer Della Phillips spoke with us to explain why it’s okay to ask for help and where to find it. Emily and Della chatted with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.
11m Dec 12, 2018
11m
Back On The Speedway
In 2015 Nigel Limb had a horrific speedway accident that left him in a coma from which he was not expected to wake up. Now almost 3 years since the head injury that cost him his sight, Nigel is back on the speedway to prove that sight loss should not stop you from doing what you love. Nigel is chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.
12m Dec 07, 2018
12m
Don’t Go Losing Sleep Over Christmas
New research found that each year we lose almost a day of sleep whilst preparing for the Holiday season. Not only that, our work-life balance can suffer and many of us will find this time of year stressful. Offering her best advice on how not to lose our heads this Christmas is Dr Pixie McKenna, media medic and GP, best known for her appearance on Channel 4’s ‘Embarrassing Bodies’. Dr McKenna...
7m Dec 07, 2018
7m
Don’t Let Sight Loss Steal Your Confidence
Sometimes losing our sight can lead to a loss of confidence. But is getting our voice back easier than it seems? Richard Newman, award-winning expert in communication and founder of Body Talk offers some helpful advice on how to regain our confidence and speak-up for ourselves. Richard is talking to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. All profits of Richard’s latest book 'You were born to spe...
13m Dec 06, 2018
13m
You’re Nicked! Blind Dave Gets Pulled Over By The Police
Blind Dave goes rogue and gets pulled over by the police whilst adventuring abroad. But it’s not all bad, and Dave also reveals what lovely festive surprise waited for him at home. Dave is sharing his latest exploits with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. You can follow Dave’s shenanigans on Facebook at ‘Blind Dave Heeley’ or through his website: www.blinddaveheeley.co.uk (https://blinddave...
13m Dec 06, 2018
13m
Warning About Misuse Of Laser Pens
Shocking new research by charity RoSPA (the Royal Society of the Prevention of Accidents) has found that one in four adults (24%) would consider giving a laser pointer/pen to a child as a gift this Christmas, despite the risk of blindness. RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell spoke with Ophthalmologist Doctor Fahd Quhill and also ROSPA's Sheila Merrill, to find out more
5m Nov 30, 2018
5m
"All Work And No Play Makes Jack A Dull Boy"
Newest research by Health, Wealth & Happiness report 2018 found that we’re willing to give up almost £2,000 a year of our salary if that means we can achieve a better work-life balance. But how do we achieve happiness and juggle our private and work life without sacrificing too much? Iona Bain, Money Expert & Blogger and Tom Baigrie, CEO of LifeSearch spoke with us about the recent findings. ...
9m Nov 27, 2018
9m
You Need Never Be Alone
Latest figures suggest that loneliness is on the raise but how do we get help and where can we find it? Eleanor Hevey, Senior Policy and Advocacy manager at the British Red Cross and Andy Ross spoke with us about isolation and what we can do to combat it. Eleanor and Any chatted with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. If you’re finding yourself lost and lonely and would like to receive some ...
9m Nov 26, 2018
9m
Britian’s First Blind Man To Climb Mount Elbrus
Jack Garner lost his sight in a matter of months when he was just 11 years old, but that didn’t stop him from leading a daring and exciting life. This year, Jack became the first British blind man to ascend the treacherous Mt Elbrus amidst temperatures of -37 degrees Celsius and winds of over 50 miles per hour. Speaking with us Jack revealed how he caught the adventure bug and how he managed ...
9m Nov 26, 2018
9m
Vidar Hjardeng Reviews AD ‘Rock of Ages’
ITV’s Vidar Hjardeng reviews the audio described performance of ‘Rock of Ages’ which he recently saw at the New Alexandra Theatre. ‘Rock of Ages’ is a musical comedy filled to the brim with some of world’s favourite rock anthems, like: We Built This City, The Final Countdown, Here I Go Again, Can’t Fight this Feeling and I Want To Know What Love Is. Vidar is chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s...
8m Nov 23, 2018
8m
Blind Dave Comes Clean About His Alcohol Use
With this time of merriness and celebration how do we gauge if we’ve had a pint too many? Blind Dave Heeley opens up about his own time of over-indulgence and reveals what made him change his approach to alcohol. Dave is chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. You can follow Dave on Facebook at ‘Blind Dave Heeley’ or through his website: www.blinddaveheeley.co.uk (https://blinddaveh...
11m Nov 22, 2018
11m
The Hunt For UK's First Guide Horse
RNIB Connect Radio's Barry Snell chats with BBC journalist Mohammed Salim Patel. Mohammed had been set to become the owner of Digby, the UK's first Guide Horse... until nature got in the way.
6m Nov 22, 2018
6m
Red Szell chats to Holman Prize winner Penny Melville Brown
RNIB's Red Szell has recently won the Holman Prize, the international award for blind adventurers seeking to change perceptions of sight loss. Here he chats to a former winner, Penny Melville Brown, who founded Disability Dynamics and whose Holman prize win took her around the world with Baking Blind.
13m Nov 20, 2018
13m
Bowling For Success
Nigel Limb lost his sight in a tragic accident only 3 years ago and the adjustment wasn’t easy. But now, Nigel is taking things in strides as his recently founded tenpin bowling team (The Lincolnshire Bombers Bowling team) has been a resounding success. Chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley, Nigel tells us more about his recent accomplishments and his next greatest challenge
14m Nov 19, 2018
14m
Vidar Hjardeng Reviews ‘Lovely Bones’
ITV's Vidar Hjardeng reviews the audio described performance of ‘Lovely Bones’ at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Based on a best-selling novel, ‘Lovely Bones’ follows the story of young Susie Salmon, who passed away in tragic circumstances. Unable to move on and watching her family break apart; Susie decides to help them through their grief. Vidar is chatting to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon...
10m Nov 16, 2018
10m
Don’t Let Drink Break Your Heart
Recent findings show that many of us don’t realise that regular alcohol consumption increases risk of heart problems. Ahead of Alcohol Awareness Week (19th-25th November) we spoke with Ben Butler from Drinkaware and comedian Roy Walker to find out what are the benefits of refusing those few extra tipples this festive season. Ben and Roy are talking to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. For m...
8m Nov 16, 2018
8m
Blind Dave Comes Clean About Accepting Blindness
Should we talk about sight loss more openly? Our favourite British athlete, adventurer, and fundraiser, weighs in. Blind Dave is chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. You can follow Dave’s shenanigans on Facebook at ‘Blind Dave Heeley’ or through his website: www.blinddaveheeley.co.uk (https://blinddaveheeley.co.uk/)
12m Nov 16, 2018
12m
“Kindness Crusade” To End Bullying
This week marks the beginning of Anti-bullying Week 2018, an initiative that helps young people understand what bullying is and why respect is so important. We spoke with Natalie Savvides, anti-bullying campaigner and author of the ’Henry & Henrietta Heartbeat’ book series that educates children about the importance of kindness. Natalie is chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. For...
13m Nov 14, 2018
13m
Who's Watching You Shop Online?
Many of us find Christmas to be a hectic and stressful time. However, with the accessibility and ease of online shopping, many of us will choose this simpler solution over running to the stores. But are we putting ourselves at risk by shopping too impulsively? Cyber Crime expert Raj Samani advices on how to best protect our hard-earned money this holiday season. Raj spoke with RNIB Connect R...
10m Nov 13, 2018
10m
Pregnancy Tips With BBC’s Dr Sarah Jarvis
Recent findings show that when it comes to conception men are naturally more relaxed than women, who often find trying for a baby to be a stressful time. BBC’s Dr Sarah Jarvis spoke with us to help ease anxiety about trying for a baby and to encourage conversation between partners. Dr Jarvis is chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley.
10m Nov 13, 2018
10m
Keep Your Kids Healthy With School Meals
It’s National School Meals Week and we’ve been talking about the importance of healthy lunches in schools. As more and more children are classed as obese, school meals are becoming more important in ensuring that we’re providing our children with the right nutrition. Patricia Fellows MBE and Gavin Squires, Business Development Controller for Education at Bidfood, explain how school lunches ha...
11m Nov 12, 2018
11m
Armistice Special: AD Review ‘War Horse’ & ‘The Wipers Times’
In a special Armistice Day feature ITV's Vidar Hjardeng chats about the audio described productions of ‘War Hourse’ and ‘The Wipers Times’. ‘The Wipers Times’: Set during First World War in a little Belgian town of Ypres, mispronounced by the British soldiers as ‘Wipers’, two officers discover a printing press and create a newspaper to lift the troops’ spirits. ‘War Horse’: At the outbreak of...
8m Nov 09, 2018
8m
Esme's Umbrella
In the run up to the first ever Charles Bonnet Syndrome patients day, RNIB Connect Radio's Basil Oxtoby spoke to Judith Potts, founder of Esme's Umbrella about the syndrome.
13m Nov 09, 2018
13m
DIY Advice With Blind Dave Heeley
Blind Dave takes a breather and pops back into his workshop for some more DIY Magic. By popular demand, Dave is creating some Christmas stocking fillers. But how easy is it really? Dave is chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley. You can follow what Dave is up to on Facebook at ‘Blind Dave Heeley’ or through his website: www.blinddaveheeley.co.uk (https://blinddaveheeley.co.uk/)
11m Nov 08, 2018
11m
Motorists With Poor Vision Still On The Roads
A campaign by the Association of Optometrists (AOP) is calling for more comprehensive and regular vision checks for drivers. Under existing UK law, drivers have to undergo an eye test only when taking their initial driving test and may continue to drive with no further checks for the rest of their life. We spoke about the campaign with Optometrist and AOP Clinical Advisor Henry Leonard and Gi...
6m Nov 07, 2018
6m
Blind American Girl Inspires With Her Singing
RNIB Connect Radio’s Barry Snell talks to Jim Walker, father of Audrey-Rose, a special young lady, who despite her many health problems, continues to make her family proud. In 2016 Audrey-Rose was invited by the San Fransisco 49'ers to sing the American National anthem in front of more than 70,000 spectators, at their Levi stadium. This, in the words of her father Jim, is Audrey-Rose's story....
15m Nov 07, 2018
15m
Are We More Gullible Than Ever?
Every day we get bombarded with information, whether it’s on TV, Radio, Social Media, or even through our friends and family. But how do we filter this knowledge and recognise what’s real and what’s ‘fake news’? Internationally acclaimed mind coach, author, hypnotherapist, and presenter Dr Stephen Simpson spoke with us about the mind, intuition and why we’re so quick to believe in anything we...
17m Nov 06, 2018
17m
Anne Hornsby on Audio Description - November 2018
The latest news on forthcoming audio described performances with Mindseye.
11m Nov 02, 2018
11m
Blind Dave Gets Spooky For Halloween
Blind Dave reveals his “darker” side and gives us a glimpse into the family Halloween celebrations. Dave also shares a very exciting announcement with us. Dave is chatting with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley You can follow 'Blind Dave Heeley' on Facebook or through his website: www.blinddaveheeley.co.uk (https://blinddaveheeley.co.uk/)
14m Nov 01, 2018
14m
Home Security Tips With BBC’s Michael Fraser
According to new analysis, each year there are approximately 9,800 burglary insurance claims made during November across the UK. BBC’s ‘Beat the Burglar’ Presenter and Home Security Expert Michael Fraser chats with RNIB Connect Radio about the shocking statistics and to advise how we can keep our homes protected. Michael is talking with Simon Pauley. For more information visit: www.churchill...
8m Nov 01, 2018
8m
The Roller Coaster Of Sight Loss
Everyone deals with sight loss in their own way and it can be a real roller coaster of emotions. Kellie Arbour faced a shocking revelation when four years ago she got into her car and realised that she couldn’t see. Kellie spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley about losing her sight and how her and her family’s life has changed since the diagnosis. [photo credit: : Dylan Johnson]
15m Oct 31, 2018
15m
Victoria Claire, Retina UK’s New Ambassador
Victoria Claire is a blind sculptor and creator of the critically acclaimed ‘Blind - A Sixth Sense’ exhibition. But this year is bringing even more exciting challenges for this professional artist as Victoria became and ambassador for Retina UK (formerly known as RP Fighting Blindness UK). Victoria spoke with RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley to tell us more about her latest endeavour into pu...
13m Oct 30, 2018
13m
Speedway Demon, Down But Not Out
Nigel Limb lost his vision suddenly and painfully in a motorbike accident three years ago. The crash left Nigel in a coma and when he awoke, he realised life as he knew it was gone. In an intimate interview with RNIB Connect Radio, Nigel tells a story of learning how to overcome sight loss and finding new meaning in life; but most importantly, that you should never give up. Nigel is chatting...
15m Oct 30, 2018
15m