Limitless: Blind Beginnings Podcast
Society & Culture
About
When you are blind or partially sighted, many people believe your options are limited. However, we believe the possibilities are limitless! Brought to you by Blind Beginnings, the Limitless podcast will inform, entertain, and provide insight and interviews on many diverse topics and with many interesting people. With every episode you will see that the opportunities for people who are blind or partially sighted are truly ... limitless!
Episodes
- Episode 232 - Blindness 101 and National AccessAbility Week
This episode features Jennie Bovard and Kerry Kijewski discussing Blind Beginnings’ new initiative to offer Blindness 101 workshops across Canada, coinciding with National AccessAbility Week. The discussion highlights the workshop’s value…
- Episode 231 - Simulating Blindness Part 2
Episode 231 continues the discussion on simulating blindness with guests Clement and Kaia. The episode examines the effectiveness and potential pitfalls of blindfold activities, highlighting the importance of community involvement.
- Episode 230 - Simulating Blindness Part 1
In Part 1 of this episode, hosts Kaia, Clement, and Shawn discuss the trend of sighted individuals simulating blindness for online content. They analyze popular formats, their impact on public perception, and the emotional effects of trivi…
- Episode 229 - Best Kept Secrets for Travelers With Sight Loss with Lynn Jensen
Lynn Jensen, a Registered Nurse and author, discusses her book 'Best Kept Secrets for Travelers With Sight Loss' on the Limitless: Blind Beginnings Podcast. She shares practical travel tips, personal experiences, and confidence-building ad…
- Episode 228 - Surviving P.E. with Blindness and Low Vision
In this episode of Limitless, Shawn, Kaia, and Nolan discuss the challenges blind and low-vision students face in physical education classes, recalling experiences like dodgeball and weight room isolation. They share strategies for overcom…
- Episode 227 - Life With Buddy Dogs
In this heartwarming and hilarious episode of Limitless, Shawn sits down with Tom and Julie, two blind and low vision youth who share their lives with very special “career-change” canines: Bambi and Potter (yes, that Potter). They dive int…
- Episode 226 - Stamping Braille and Crushing Limits with Terry Hoddinott
This week Shawn welcomes entrepreneur and BrailleMasters founder Terry Hoddinott, whose frustration with inaccessible print sparked the creation of the cleverly low-tech “EmbossIt” Braille business card machine and a Braille business servi…
- Episode 225 - Guide Dog Access Rights
This week is White Cane Week, and in this episode we are doing something special as Shawn is joined by co‑hosts Keisha and Jill for an open and honest conversation about Guide Dog access. Together, they explore the differences between Guid…
- Episode 224 - Making Minecraft Accessible
In this episode Shawn dives into the world of Minecraft with co‑hosts Kaia, Russell, and Clement to explore how a game that seems ultra-visual can actually be surprisingly accessible (and even educational) for blind and low vision players.…
- Episode 223 - World Braille Day 2026: A Roundtable Discussion
In honour of World Braille Day 2026, we’re excited to share a special co-release with our friends at the AT Banter Podcast. In this roundtable discussion, Shawn joins a panel of passionate braille advocates, including Jen Jesso and Riane L…
- Episode 222 – Blind Soccer: Canada’s Women Take on the World
This episode Shawn welcomes back co-host Jill to dive into the fast-growing world of blind soccer and Canada’s first-ever Women’s National Blind Soccer Team! Jill describes how she discovered blind soccer and joined the National Team and b…
- Episode 221 - Riding The Glide
It’s another very special crossover episode as Shawn sits down with the cast of the AT Banter podcast along with special guests Albert Ruel and Blind Beginnings youth alumni Alethea for a lively roundtable about the Glide—an AI-powered mob…
- Episode 220 - Kristin Smedley & The Thriving Blind Academy
Episode 220 - Kristin Smedley & The Thriving Blind Academy In this episode, Shawn sits down with Kristin Smedley, founder of Thriving Blind Academy, author, and mother of two blind sons. Kristin shares her transformative journey from strug…
- Episode 219 - Sexual Health and Education
Content warning: Mature themes discussed. In this episode, Shawn welcomes guests Keisha and Ellis and the three dive deep into the often-overlooked topic of sexual health and sex education for individuals who are blind or have low vision.…
- Episode 218 - The Intersection of Autism and Blindness - Part 2
This week Shawn, Nika, and Kaia continue their discussion of the intersection of autism and blindness, discussing topics such as the challenges of taking tests, the impact of assistive technology, and the difficulties of advocating for nee…
- Episode 217 - The Intersection of Autism and Blindness - Part 1
Dive into the fascinating world where visual impairment meets neurodiversity in this very important episode as Shawn welcomes Kaia and Nika, who share their personal experiences navigating the intersection of autism and visual impairment.…
- Episode 216 - Behind the Scenes at Pretty Blind with Jennie Bovard
It's a very special episode of Limitless this week as Shawn steps in to guest host for AT Banter to talk with the one and only Jennie Bovard, star of AMI’s new comedy series, Pretty Blind! Dive behind the scenes as Jennie shares hilarious…
- Episode 215 - The Power of Disability Pride
What does it mean to be proud of your disability? Join Shawn and co-hosts Aman and Ishita as they dive deep into Disability Pride Month, challenging stereotypes and celebrating the strength, resilience, and unique perspectives of the disab…
- Episode 214 - Breaking Barriers on the Green - Evan’s Sports Journey
This week on the podcast we once again feature a youth-led episode, this time hosted by Evan, a 15-year old high school student. Even dives into his experiences playing golf and curling and is joined by his coaches where they break down th…
- Episode 213 - Limitless On The Mat - Clement's Journey to Black Belt
In this episode of Limitless, co-host Clement dives into the nuts and bolts of his 10-year Aikido journey—from white belt to black belt. He talks through the practical challenges he faced finding a dojo open to teaching someone without sig…
- Episode 212 - Talking Fashion with Acacia and Nika
In this special stylish episode of the podcast, we hand over the podcast to some of our youth once again as Acacia and Nika talk about all things fashion, makeup, and accessories—from a blind and partially sighted perspective! Tune in as t…
- Episode 211 - Little Steps, Big Impact - A Conversation About Early Intervention
In this episode of the podcast, we dive into the powerful impact of early intervention for children who are blind or partially sighted as Shawn welcomes Beverly, Team Lead for Early Intervention at Blind Beginnings to share how the program…
- Episode 210 - Blinded By the Hype? AI and Accessibility Part 2
Shawn welcomes back Kaia and Rob this episode to continue their discussion on the incredible ways artificial intelligence is transforming life for individuals who are blind or partially sighted. Kaia shares how AI is helping her push creat…
- Episode 209 - Seeing Limitless Possibility: A Conversation for National AccessAbility Week
This week on the podcast, Shawn and Ishita welcome special guest Shawna Lawson for a timely conversation in honour of National AccessAbility Week, taking place this year from May 25 to June 1. Together, they explore the importance of this…
- Episode 208 - Blinded by the Hype? A Conversation About AI and Accessibility
In this episode of the Limitless Podcast, Shawn welcomes Kaia, Rob and Jill to the podcast to explore how mainstream AI is being integrated into technology and affecting life for the blind and partially sighted community. Kaia, a Grade 11…
- Episode 207 - Four Blind Friends Blinding Their Way Through Japan
Ever dreamed of exploring Japan? How about doing it without sighted assistance? Get ready for an epic adventure on this episode as Shawn chats with an intrepid trio – Clement, Russell, and Aman – who didn't just dream of visiting Japan, th…
- Episode 206 - Breaking Barriers: An Interview with Jinnie
In this special episode of the podcast, Shawn turns the mic onto one of the podcast's very own co-hosts, Jinnie to get to know her better. Jinnie shares her personal journey, including her experience with bilateral microplia, her long-stan…
- Episode 205 - "When Calls The Heart" and Inclusive Casting
Recently, two of our regular podcast co-hosts - Keisha and Jinnie - secured speaking roles on the Hallmark television series, “When Calls the Heart”. In this episode of the podcast, Shawn welcomes them along with the director of the episod…
- Episode 204 - Watching Sports When You Are Blind or Partially Sighted
On this special episode of the Limitless Podcast, we’re handing the mic over to our Youth! Acacia takes the lead in hosting a discussion with Ishita and Romina about the experience of watching sports as a blind or partially sighted fan. To…
- Episode 203 - De-Mystifying Mobility
In this episode of Limitless, Shawn is joined by co-hosts Keisha, Jinnie, and Jill for an open and honest conversation about mobility as blind or partially sighted individuals. They share personal experiences, frustrations, and triumphs—fr…
- Episode 202 - Low Vision or Partially Sighted?
Join us for a fascinating and insightful conversation as Shawn invites a panel of guests to discuss language used to describe vision impairment within the blind and partially sighted community. Guests Randi, Ishita, Amy, and Dougie share t…
- Episode 201 - Living in a Blind Household
In this episode Shawn dives into a thought-provoking conversation with Monty, who is completely blind and embraces what he calls “relentless self-reliance.” Together, they explore Monty’s lived experience and independence, sharing practica…
- Episode 200 - It's Our 200th Episode!
We’ve hit a major milestone—our 200th episode! To mark this special occasion, we’re shaking things up and celebrating together. Host Shawn gathers a dynamic panel of co-hosts—Clement, John, Randi, Ishita, Nina, and Keisha—for a heartfelt a…
- Episode 199 - Brett The Blind Kid
Brett Devloo (also known as the Blind Kid) joins Shawn this week and shares his journey of vision loss due to Leber's Hereditary Optical Neuropathy (LHON). He discusses his music career, which began post-vision loss, his love of skateboard…
- Episode 198 - Calling In vs Calling Out
This week Shawn welcomes co-host Ishita and disability advocate Amy Amantea to the show for a discussion that explores the differences between "calling out" (direct confrontation in public spaces) and "calling in" (a more private dialogue)…
- Episode 197 - Navigating the Job Market
Job hunting is tough for anyone, but for individuals who are blind or partially sighted, it often comes with unique challenges. In this episode, Shawn sits down with Jill, a recent Master’s graduate in book publishing, to share her firstha…
- Episode 196 - Parenting A Child Who Is Blind or Partially Sighted
In an earlier episode, we spoke with young people who are blind or partially sighted about their experiences growing up with protective parents. Now, we’re flipping the script! This time Shawn welcomes Kerri and Colene, two mothers who sha…
- Episode 195 - Encounters with Ableism Panel Discussion
In honor of Blindness Awareness Month, Blind Beginnings hosted an impactful online panel discussion on October 8th titled “Encounters with Ableism.” This episode features the audio version of the event, where our youth alumni and regular p…
- Episode 194 - A Discussion About Microaggressions
In this episode Shawn welcomes Keisha and Ishita to sit down and discuss the impact of microaggressions on individuals who are blind or partially sighted. Microaggressions are actions or behaviors that highlight the difference between the…
- Episode 193 - Balancing Family and Sport
On this episode of the podcast, Shawn sits down with former Canadian goalball teammates Amy Burk and Whitney Bogart. Amy and Whitney, who both have albinism, discuss their Paralympic experiences, including their recent participation in the…
- Episode 192 - Let’s Meet the AT Banter Podcast Hosts
Shawn sits down for a conversation with Rob Mineault, Steve Barclay, and Ryan Fleury, hosts of the AT Banter Podcast. They discuss their 8 year run, how their podcast has evolved from a show about assistive technology into more of an advoc…
- *Special Rebroadcast** Episode 63 - Let's Talk About Paralympic Tandem Cycling
With the Paralympics starting this week (August 28, 2024 – September 8, 2024), we wanted to do something a little special, and are rebroadcasting some Paralympic content from a few years ago featuring our very own Shawn Marsolais discussin…
- Episode 191 - A Discussion About Overprotective Parents
In this episode, Shawn welcomes a panel of blind and partially sighted youth that includes Clement, Ella, John, and Keisha, to discuss their experiences with vision loss and overprotective parents and how it impacted their attitudes later…
- **Special Rebroadcast** Episode 23 - Let’s Meet Priscilla and Ali
With the Paris 2024 Olympics starting this week, Olympic Fever is running through the Blind Beginnings office and got us revisiting this great episode from the archives! We had such a great time talking to judoka Paralympian Priscilla Gagn…
- Episode 190 - Accessibility and the Medical System
Shawn welcomes Keisha and Ishita back to the podcast to discuss challenges and barriers faced by some blind and partially sighted patients navigating the medical system, including their own lived experiences as well as the importance of ac…
- Episode 189 - Exploring Prospective Careers
In this episode of the podcast Shawn welcomes Ashley back to the show (she previously appeared on Episode 69 where she discussed her own lived experience as someone with Low Vision) to talk about her career as a job developer and employmen…
- Episode 188 - Nothing About Us Without Us
Sometimes the best of intentions can backfire, especially when it comes to inclusivity and accessibility. This week Shawn welcomes disability advocate Amy Amantea to the show to discuss the notion of ‘performative allyship’ and ‘nothing ab…
- Episode 187 - Discussing Basic Blindness Etiquette
In this episode, Shawn is joined by Limitless Producer Rob Mineault for a discussion into some of the basic etiquette techniques when interacting with someone who is blind or partially sighted. From how to approach someone and start a conv…
- Episode 186 - A Discussion About Personal Safety
Youth who are leaving home for the first time to attend post secondary school find themselves in many new situations which can be challenging to navigate, not the least of which are social situations such as parties or other crowded events…
- Episode 185 - A Discussion About Belonging
Blind or partially sighted individuals can sometimes feel excluded or experience a lack of belonging, whether it comes as a result of social situations with family or friends or larger, more generalized societal attitudes. In this episode…