S2 Ep1092: Hannah Cohen Shares How She Became An Inclusion Coach
Following changes to her sight, Hannah Cohen discovered that she wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of those living with a disability. Happy Hour's Paulina Kuchorew spoke with Hannah about launching her coaching business, The Insight Coach, and how she teaches self-advocacy and runs workshops for inclusivity in the workplace. Find out more about Hannah's work: About – The Insig...
13m Oct 27, 2025
13m
S2 Ep1091: RNIB's Volunteer Counsellors Are Making A Difference
International Volunteer Managers Day takes place on the 5th of November, we're talking about the important work of RNIB Volunteers and the difference they make on the lives of blind and partially sighted people. Speaking with RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew, is accredited counsellor and Volunteer Mentor with RNIB’s Counselling and Wellbeing Team, Malachy McGuone. Find out more about vol...
11m Oct 27, 2025
11m
S2 Ep1090: Beatrix Reviews - The Beach Hut by Veronica Henry
On the Happy Hour this week, we bring you a sunny recommendation to warm up the colder months. With her review of Veronica Henry's The Beach Hut, it's Beatrix. If you're blind or partially sighted, you can access this Talking Book and more through the RNIB Library, visit: Home - Reading Services (https://readingservices.rnib.org.uk/) Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white backgr...
8m Oct 13, 2025
8m
S2 Ep1089: How To Handle Stress & Pressure Ahead of Holidays?
We’re already in October, and as nights grow longer and darker and we enter the often-busy period leading up to holidays, we might feel a pressure to make the most of our time. But is that really conducive to our wellbeing, and could we take a leaf out of nature’s book an approach the winding down of the year with calm and rest? Joining us for another Off the Matt Chat is Dawn Blezard from Pa...
12m Oct 13, 2025
12m
S2 Ep1088: Finding Your Voice and Speaking Out with Jameelah
With World Mental Health Day on the 10th of October, joining us on the Happy Hour is young activist Jameelah, also known as Jam. She joined the show's Paulina Kuchorew to talk about support, finding confidence to speak up for herself and wanting to inspire others as a disability advocate. Image shows Jam. She's sitting down with a big mug of a drink with a lovely layer of whipped cream on top...
12m Oct 06, 2025
12m
S2 Ep1087: Quick Breathing Exercise To Support Your Wellbeing
With World Mental Health Day on the 10th of October, Happy Hour show invites you to stop and just breath. Guiding you through this simple and easy breathing exercise is the show's regular contributor, Kim Jaye. 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...
5m Oct 06, 2025
5m
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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...
16m Jun 30, 2025
16m
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
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, 2025
8m