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Stay informed, supported, and inspired with RNIB - Health and Wellbeing.

Interviews and features that explore topics that matter most to blind and partially sighted people, from managing everyday health challenges to boosting mental wellbeing and finding balance in daily life. Hear expert advice, personal stories, and practical tips designed to help you live well and thrive.

Hear individual interviews here or listen to the Happy Hour on our website: The Happy Hour - RNIB Connect Radio | RNIB

Other great podcast channels from RNIB Connect Radio

Connect - Our main channel with news, features and articles on sight loss.

Conversations - Blind and partially sighted people speaking about a wide range of topics.

Read On - The Audiobook show all about accessible reading.

Tech Talk - Technology for blind and partially sighted people.

Sport - See sport differently.

Tracks of My Life - Take a journey through our guest's life.

Support - Other podcasts from RNIB.

TV Guide - Daily audio TV listings
www.rnibconnectradio.org.uk

RNIB - Health and Wellbeing

RNIB Connect Radio
Non-Profit
173 episodes
S2 Ep1086: Finding Support and Community Through a Weekly Football Chat
Joining us on the Happy Hour is Jean Robison. Jean is a member of a weekly Football Call Group through RNIB Scotland and found a lovely community that shares her passion for the sport. To find out more about the different befriending groups facilitated by RNIB, call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black...
13m • Sep 29
13m
S2 Ep1085: Advice for Blind and Partially Sighted Students Going Into Higher Education
With college and university back in session, today we’re going to chat with the Futures Team at The Royal Society for Blind Children. Mark Wright is their Futures Coordinator and he’s joining Paulina Kuchorew on the Happy Hour to share his best advice for young blind and partially sighted students starting that new chapter in their lives. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white ba...
14m • Sep 22
14m
S2 Ep1085: Student Aliza Chats Attending Mainstream School
On the Happy Hour this week, we talk with university student Aliza Rehman. Aliza shares her tips for students going through mainstream school as well as some advice to parents and teachers supporting a young blind and partially sighted pupil. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underne...
11m • Sep 22
11m
S2 Ep1084: How To Foster A Good Relationship With Ourselves?
This week on the Happy Hour we focus on communicating with ourselves and fostering a good relationship with our Self. And joining us for another off the mat chat, it’s Dawn Blezard from Pathway Yoga. You can find out more about Dawn by searching for "Pathway Yoga with Dawn" on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube. Image shows a birds eye view photo shows Dawn holding a pose on her black yoga matt....
15m • Sep 08
15m
S2 Ep1083: We Try A Recipe for Air Fryer Cookies
Paulina heads into the kitchen to try recipe for a little sweet treat that you can make in your air fryer. Recipe used: 7-Minute Air Fryer Cookies - The Big Man's World ® (https://thebigmansworld.com/air-fryer-cookies/) Paulina's notes: Depending on how many chocolate chunks you add you might need extra time to cook. She found that 10 minutes was the ideal time for her dual-basket air fryer. ...
9m • Sep 05
9m
S2 Ep1081: Sleep Struggles In Older Kids With Katie Piper
New research has revealed that parents are losing sleep on average 182 nights a year due to children aged six and over struggling to drift off. In fact, 65% of parents say that their child has trouble sleeping, with noticable changes in their child's mood, focus, and behaviour. Joining us to talk more about the research and how we can create that calm, healthy routine for our children is broa...
9m • Aug 25
9m
S2 Ep1082: Making Heart Health Accessible To Blind & Partially Sighted People
You’re listening to the Happy Hour on RNIB Connect Radio. We’re talking heart health today as we learn about a collaboration between RNIB and the British Heart Foundation. Supported in partnership by Royal Mail, this collaboration lead to the production of accessible copies of “High Blood Pressure” booklets. Joining us on the Happy Hour us more is Robin Spinks, Head of Inclusive Design at RN...
7m • Aug 25
7m
S2 Ep1080: Scott Boyle Shares His Passion For Watercolours
Joining us on the Happy Hour to chat about his passion for watercolours and some fascinating projects he's been working on is Scott Boyle. Scott lost part of his vision over three years ago and turned to arts and crafts. Image shows Scott holding up one of his watercolours. The small piece of cream paper has an elongated oval shape drawn representing the circle Subway line in Glasgow. a Swirl...
19m • Aug 18
19m
S2 Ep1079: Why Is It Hard To Break Bad Habits - Part 2
On The Happy Hour this week, we continue our conversation about breaking bad habits and behaviours in our lives. For this month's Off The Mat Chat, yoga teacher Dawn Blezard returns to talk more about why it can be hard to change our habits and what we can do to help. You can find out more about Dawn by searching for "Pathway Yoga with Dawn" on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube. Heart Part 1 of...
16m • Aug 04
16m
S2 Ep1078: Making A Local Fun Run Accessible
The Wythall and Hollywood Fun Run took place earlier this summer, but did you know that this year’s event made sure to be not just fun but also inclusive to blind and partially sighted attendees? Event organisers, Wythall Community Association, Events of the North and Worcestershire County Council, worked with local charity Sensory Matters Worcestershire to ensure the run was accessible to vis...
10m • Jul 28
10m
S2 Ep1077: Margaret Cusker Sets Sights On Blind Bowls Championship in New Zealand
Margaret Cusker, won her first national blind bowls competition in 1996, and now, almost 30 years on, she’s preparing to finish on a high by playing for England in the 2027 International Blind Bowls Association Championships in New Zealand. Margaret joined us on the Happy Hour, together with Willy Goldschmidt, organiser of the Hillmorton Social Club, one of the local social clubs for visually ...
14m • Jul 21
14m
S2 Ep1077: James Kyle Shares How He Fell In Love With Playing The Piano
We love hearing about your passions and hobbies on the Happy Hour! This week, we're joined by James Kyle, who discovered a new passion after receiving an unusual Christmas gift. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
14m • Jul 14
14m
S2 Ep1076: July Self Help Book Spotlight: Silence & The North Pole
 New month, new self-help book title spotlight. And today, we’re mixing things up a bit as we focus on two titles from Norwegian explorer and author Erling Kagge. The first title is his more philosophical release, Silence: In the Age of Noise, whilst the second one is focused on travel and exploration, The North Pole the history of an obsession. And for more audiobooks, visit: Home - Reading...
8m • Jul 09
8m
S2 Ep1075: Carrot Cake Recipe With VI Chef Kim Jaye
Joining us on the Happy Hour again is a sight impaired chef Kim Jaye. And this time around Kim brings out a classic recipe that's a real crowd-pleaser, the humble carrot cake. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
5m • Jul 09
5m
S2 Ep1074: Why Is It Hard To Break Bad Habits - Part 1
On The Happy Hour this week, we're chatting about breaking bad habits and behaviours in our lives. Whether it’s giving up smoking, overeating on junk food, or excessive social media scrolling, or something else. These habits can be hard to brush off, yet the almost automatic way in which we reach for them can have negative impact on our mental and physical health. For this month's Off The Mat...
15m • Jun 30
15m
S2 Ep1073: Photography Chat With Blind Street Photographer Gary Williamson
Gary Williamson is a professional photographer that often shares his amazing black and white snaps online. Gary joined Happy Hour's Paulina Kuchorew to chat about photography and how he can still pursue his passion despite being registered blind. You can find Gary on Instagram @swirly_magnolia Image shows a striking black and white self-portrait of Gary walking down a tunnel. He's a dark sil...
22m • Jun 23
22m
S2 Ep1072: Indian Scotch Eggs With VI Chef Kim Jaye
Joining us on the Happy Hour again is a sight impaired chef Kim Jaye. And this time around Kim takes a classic recipe and adds an Indian twist. Delicious, and perfect to prep ahead for a sunny picnic this summer. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ ...
5m • Jun 16
5m
S2 Ep1071: Summer BBQ Trends With Matthew “Hoggy” Hoggard
BBQ season is here! And with many of us heading into our gardens to enjoy some al fresco dining, new research shows that this summer it’s back to BBQ basics with a more paired down menu. Joining us on the Happy Hour to share his insight into the latest BBQ trends is  England cricket legend turned grill school owner and chef, Matthew “Hoggy” Hoggard. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On...
7m • Jun 16
7m
S2 Ep1071: Brain Health Tips With Dr Amir Khan
A new survey shows that nine in ten UK adults admit that they experience regular forgetful moments. This might include simple things like losing our phones or forgetting why we entered a room. Joining us on the Happy Hour to share his best advice to help sharpen our focus is Dr Amir Khan. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital lette...
8m • Jun 09
8m
S2 Ep1070: Why Is Our Cardiovascular Health Worsening?
We’re looking at heart health today, as new research from British Heart Foundation shows that a rise in the rate and number of deaths in working-age adults aged 20-64 from cardiovascular disease in the UK. Joining Paulina Kuchorew on the Happy Hour to discuss the findings is Julie Ward, a Senior Cardiac Nurse from the British Heart Foundation. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a whi...
10m • Jun 02
10m
S2 Ep1069: Access Yorkshire Countryside With Charity Open Country
You’ve heart us say it again and again, spending time outdoors can be a great way of boosting not just your physical wellbeing but also mental wellbeing. Well, today, we’re chatting with a charity that is supporting those living with a disability in Yorkshire, to access and enjoy the countryside. Joining Happy Hour's Paulina Kuchorew to tell us more about what they offer is Tom Marsh Countrys...
11m • May 26
11m
S2 Ep1068: Accessing Mental Health Support Becoming Increasing More Difficult
Around 14 million UK adults have sought mental health support in the last five years, with a third say accessing support through the NHS was ‘difficult’, with long waiting times, lack of local services or frustration with not knowing what kind of therapist was right for them, impacting care. Joining Paulina Kuchorew on the Happy Hour to discuss these figures is Mahin Hamidi, a registered thera...
8m • May 19
8m
S2 Ep1068: Put Your Best Foot Forward With The National Kidney Federation
What if by simply putting your best foot forward, you could help support an important cause? Well, joining us today to tell us about the annual fundraiser organised by charity National Kidney Federation, is Pete Revell, their Head of Marketing & Fundraising. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pi...
6m • May 19
6m
S2 Ep1067: Community & Yoga
As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week, this year the focus falls on the importance of community. Joining us now to chat a bit about community as well as where this concept falls in yoga practice, is yoga teacher Dawn Blezard from Pathway Yoga A birds eye view photo shows Dawn holding a pose on her black yoga matt. Her legs are crossed and she holds onto her toes on either side of her b...
12m • May 12
12m
S2 Ep1066: This Mental Health Awareness Week Consider The Value Of Community
Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from 12th till 18th of May, and this year we focus on the importance of community in supporting individual wellbeing. Joining us now to talk about the importance of finding a community that understands you is RNIB Northern Ireland Volunteer and service user Dawn Hopper. Find out about RNIB's Connect Facebook groups here: Connect Facebook groups | RNIB ...
12m • May 12
12m
S2 Ep1065: Chatting Relationships & Connections With Presenters of Good Company Show
We have a lovely conversation as speak with the hosts of Good Company, a new show here on our radio station. Focusing on the joys and challenges of relationships when you’re blind or partially sighted, this monthly special show brings you new themes and new conversations each month, offering more than just food for thought as we deep dive into partnership, love, family, healing, and communicat...
11m • May 06
11m
S2 Ep1064: Early Disease Detection With Helfie AI
On the Happy Hour show this week we focus on innovation in healthcare, in particular, using AI to assist in early disease diagnosis. A new AI-powered app could help check for early signs of skin cancer, and over 20 other health indicators, all from the comfort of our own home. Joining Paulina Kuchorew to talk about it are George Tomeski, CEO of company Helfie AI, and their CTO Nikhil Sehgal. ...
13m • May 06
13m
S2 Ep1063: Claire's Boozy Cheesecake Recipe
This week on the Happy Hour we try out Claire's recipe for a delicious, indulgent, and slightly boozy cheesecake. Perfect for hosting! Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
11m • Apr 22
11m
S2 Ep1062: Chatting Wellbeing, Community & Confidence With Harry Georgiou
Harry Georgiou is a passionate disability activist and campaigner that also works with DFN Project SEARCH. Today, he joins us to highlight the importance of having open discussions around mental health. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written...
12m • Apr 21
12m
S2 Ep1061: How To Build A Hay Fever First Aid Kit?
As the warm sunny weather slowly makes an appearance across the UK, so does hay fever. With higher pollen counts, you might be struggling to enjoy the great outdoors. Joining Paulina on the Happy Hour with his best tips for how survive hay fever season is airborne allergens expert and creator of HayMax allergen barrier balm, Max Wiseberg. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white ba...
14m • Apr 14
14m
S2 Ep1060: Celebrating 20 Years Of Pink Ribbon Walks
Getting outside amongst nature offers so much for the mind, body and soul. But what if you could improve your physical and mental wellbeing whilst making a real difference for those affected by breast cancer? Joining us on the Happy Hour to talk about the iconic pink ribbon walk are Claire Pulford from Breast Cancer Now and Sonia Hood, a salon owner and hairdresser from Warwick, who has taken ...
7m • Apr 07
7m
S2 Ep1059: Novel Research Could Help Reverse Damage Caused By COPD
A San Diego-based regenerative medicine company is pioneering a novel approach to treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (or COPD). A condition which affects over 400 million people worldwide and over 1.2 million across the UK. Joining us on the Happy Hour to talk about the new treatment, is President, acting CEO and Co-Founder of SMSbiotech, Dr. Abdulkader Rahmo. Image shows the RNIB...
12m • Mar 31
12m
S1 Ep124: We Try An Easy Recipe For Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
We love an easy recipe, today, Paulina returns to the kitchen to try a roasted red pepper pasta sauce. The recipe Paulina is trying out is here (https://www.walderwellness.com/roasted-red-pepper-cashew-cream-pasta-vegan-dairy-free/) but you can find it below with  adjustments for Celsius, etc. Ingredients: 3 medium red peppers 2 tbsp of olive oil 1 cup of cashews 2 cloves of garlic (or more,...
7m • Mar 24
7m
S1 Ep125: Chatting Motherhood With Olga Itsenko-Mahler
 With Mother’s Day just around the corner here in the UK, we’re going to speak today to Olga Itsenko-Mahler. She’s a blogger, a mom, massage therapist and business owner, who lives in Brisbane, Australia with her husband and two boys. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the l...
16m • Mar 24
16m
S1 Ep124: Chatting Sleep Apnoea With Expert Sleep Vik Veer
You might have heard of sleep apnoea before, but did you know that eight million people in the UK are affected by it, yet 6.5 million remain undiagnosed? Joining us on the Happy Hour to talk about the condition and explain why early diagnosis is important is UK’s leading sleep expert, Professor Vik Veer. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold bla...
8m • Mar 16
8m
S1 Ep123: Dave Williams Talks Playing Piano In Blues Bands
Tech Talk’s Dave Williams chats on the Happy Hour about his passion for music, playing piano in two blues bands, and discusses how songs can bring us back to specific moments in our life. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a s...
16m • Mar 10
16m
S1 Ep122: March Yoga With Dawn - Second Chakra & Water
To mark International Women's Day yoga teacher Dawn is back, to teach us about Chakras, specifically the Second Chakra and how it's linked with the element of water and our female bodies. You can find out more about Dawn by searching for "Pathway Yoga with Dawn" on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capit...
16m • Mar 04
16m
S1 Ep120: February Self Help Book Spotlight: The Bright Side
New month, new self-help book title spotlight. And today, we’re checking out a book that asks us to consider embracing a bit more optimism in our lives. Sumit Paul-Choudhury presents The Bright Side: Why optimists have the power to change the world. And for more audiobooks, visit: Home - Reading Services (https://readingservices.rnib.org.uk/) Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a wh...
7m • Feb 24
7m
S1 Ep121: Recipe For Easy Vitamin-Infused Smoothie
We love an easy recipe, especially if it tastes nice but also has lots of fresh vitamin-packed ingredients. So with a recipe for an easy smoothie to boost those vitamins, let’s join Paulina in the kitchen. Ingredients: 1 cup roughly chopped spinach and kale 1 ½ cups almond milk (or any milk of your choice) 1 ½ cups frozen mix of  berries, I have blueberries and strawberries (but can also use...
6m • Feb 17
6m
S1 Ep119: Tackling Gender Investment Gap With Financial Advisor Bola Sol
We’re talking personal finances and investment today as we focus on the experiences of women in this area. New research shows that On-screen depictions of finance and investing play a key role in perpetuating the gender investment gap. The research is the first to systematically explore the gendered portrayal of investment on screen and how this contributes to the £567 billion (and growing) g...
6m • Feb 17
6m
S1 Ep118: Yoga And Nurturing Different Kinds Of Relationships
Since it’s valentine’s day week, yoga teacher Dawn returns to chat a bit about relationships and what yoga sutras say when it comes to nurturing the different types of relationships in our lives. You can find out more about Dawn by searching for "Pathway Yoga with Dawn" on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold bla...
14m • Feb 10
14m
S1 Ep117: Declutter Your Life With Professional Organiser Dilly Carter
New research shows over half of this age group feel a drive to declutter, seeing it as a way to feel more in control of their busy lives. However, nostalgia often holds them back, with more than four in ten admitting they haven’t yet tackled the task. Joining us to share her expert advice is Dilly Carter, professional organiser on tv show Sort Your Life Out. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radi...
7m • Feb 03
7m
S1 Ep116: February Yoga With Dawn - Meditation
Meditation is an important part of yoga practice, but if you’ve never done it before, it can seem difficult to embrace it. Well, fortunately, yoga teacher Dawn is back, to teach us about meditation and also gently guide us through a short practice. You can find out more about Dawn by searching for "Pathway Yoga with Dawn" on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio ...
9m • Feb 03
9m
S1 Ep115: January Self Help Book Spotlight: Dr Chatterjee's New Book
Looking for an inspiring book? With many self-help books out there, Paulina has hand-picked one that could help, Dr Rangan Chatterjee's Make Change That Lasts: 9 Simple Ways to Break Free from the Habits that Hold You Back. Let's check it out together. And for more audiobooks, visit: Home - Reading Services (https://readingservices.rnib.org.uk/) Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a...
8m • Jan 27
8m
S1 Ep114: Chatting Happiness & Baking
Annie Spooner is the owner of Annie's Cake Creations. We spoke with her on Happy Hour about her passion for baking, living with Retinitis Pigmentosa, and the support she received since diagnosis. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in bla...
15m • Jan 20
15m
S1 Ep113: Is It Just a Seasonal Virus or Is It Something Else?
New research highlights, that many Brits are unable to distinguish which symptoms are a sign of carbon monoxide exposure and which are just a sign of a seasonal virus. Joining us now to help distinguish between the two are Dr Punam Krishan, TV Medic and Strictly Star, and Jonathan Palmer the Standards and Training Manager for Gas Safe Register. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a wh...
6m • Jan 13
6m
S1 Ep112: January Yoga With Dawn - Twisting Detox
As a new year begins, yoga teacher Dawn Blezard guides us through twisting movements to help detox and cleanse our bodies. You can find out more about Dawn by searching for "Pathway Yoga with Dawn" on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the li...
7m • Jan 06
7m
S1 Ep111: Setting Realistic New Year's Resolutions For 2025
Joining us on the Happy Hour is yoga teacher Dawn Blezard to discuss some things we should consider when making manageable resolutions for this year. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
15m • Jan 06
15m
S1 Ep110: Book Review: Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush Hush
For part 2 of our festive special, we have another book review. This time, looking at a young adult fantasy novel, it's Aliza Rehman. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.
7m • Dec 26, 2024
7m
S1 Ep110: Book Review: Miranda Hart's I Haven't Been Entirely Honest With You
For part 2 of our festive special, we have a lovely book review for you. Taking a look at Miranda Hart's candid release I Haven't Been Entirely Honest With You, it's Luci Franks. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller f...
5m • Dec 26, 2024
5m

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