The ADNA Presents: accessibility strategist Erin Lucas
The ADNA Presents
In this episode of The ADNA Presents, accessibility strategist Erin Lucas shares how her career journey took her from art school to government tech, a Chicago startup, and Microsoft, all while shaping a human-centered approach to accessibility. Erin discusses how familiar voices build trust, and why accessibility is more than compliance. From building relationships with campus disability services to scaling accessibility work at a global tech company, Erin offers honest insights, creative strategies, and stories from behind the scenes. If you're in the field or just curious about...
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The ADNA Presents: Steph McCoy of Bold Blind Beauty (with a call to action)
The ADNA Presents
In this episode of The ADNA Presents, Roy Samuelson sits down with the unstoppable Steph McCoy, founder of Bold Blind Beauty, and all-around inclusion trailblazer. Steph opens up about her personal journey from losing her sight to finding her purpose, building a global community along the way. From the heart of her platform (think AIR: Access, Inclusion, Representation; and EPIC: Equity, Passion, Impact, Courage), Steph shares how Bold Blind Beauty is making a new definition on what blindness and beauty really mean. We talk real talk: the challenges of running a mission-driven platform solo,...
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Tanusree Sharma 2 of 2
The ADNA Presents
What if your voice could be stolen? In Part Two, Dr. Tanusree Sharma reveals the hidden risks behind voice AI: how the same recordings that powered tools like Siri and Alexa are now being cloned, weaponized, and monetized without consent. She introduces PRAC3-a bold new framework blending privacy, reputation, and accountability with traditional consent models-and calls AI leaders to rethink how they handle voice data before trust is lost for good. From creative rights to biometric identity, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone shaping the future of synthetic speech. Join us and...
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The ADNA Presents: Synthetic Truths with Tanusree Sharma
The ADNA Presents
What if audio was your only signal of trust in a digital world saturated with AI? In this compelling episode of The ADNA Presents, I spoke with Dr. Tanusree Sharma-assistant professor at Penn State and researcher at the intersection of AI, security, and digital authenticity. We explored how audio description (AD)-originally designed to make media accessible to blind and low vision audiences-is evolving into a critical signal of trust for everyone. From anime to e-learning, from synthetic voice to stolen identity, this conversation dives deep into what it means to create ethical,...
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233 - Jeremy Seda - A11y Camp 2025
The ADNA Presents
What does Jiu-Jitsu have to do with digital accessibility? For Jeremy Seda? Everything. In this episode, the North Idaho College IT Accessibility Coordinator shares how his love of storytelling, empathy, and positive reinforcement shapes his fight for inclusion, both in tech and on the mat. With deeply personal stories, a refreshing call for progress over perfection, and game-changing insights into the power of accessible design, Jeremy invites us to rethink what true connection looks like. Oh, and AI-powered audio description pitches? Don't miss this one.
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The ADNA Presents: Behind the Mic: How We Built Our Comic-Con Panel on Audio Description
The ADNA Presents
Featuring Anna Capezzera, Colleen Connor, and Serina Gilbert. This conversation pulls back the curtain on our upcoming Comic-Con panel about audio description. Panelists talk about why they signed on, what matters to them in this work, and what they hope the audience takes away. Each brings a different piece of the puzzle. Colleen trains writers. Anna works behind the scenes on production logistics. Serina ensures quality control at the final stage. Together, they paint a clear picture of what it takes to make audio description accurate, effective, and emotionally engaging, especially in...
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The ADNA Presents: Yvonne Mastromano: Virginia Voice
The ADNA Presents
In this episode, Roy Samuelson welcomes Yvonne Mastromano, the passionate CEO of , a nonprofit that's all about making the world more accessible for people who are blind or print disabled. Yvonne speaks from the heart about her deep love of the arts and the power of storytelling, and how audio description opens doors to shared experiences in theaters, museums, sports events, and more. She offers a beautiful look into the nuances of live versus recorded audio description, highlighting the human connection and sense of belonging that live experiences can create. Yvonne also shares exciting...
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The ADNA Presents: Mike Hess
The ADNA Presents
Expanding Market Reach Through the Power of Disability in the Workplace Mike Hess of Blind Institute of Technology highlights the significance of AD expanding market share for movies and other digital content. He emphasize that the market for people with disabilities is substantial, amounting to trillions globally, and that including AD can attract a larger audience.
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229 - chatgpt interview with human voice
The ADNA Presents
Last week was the interview with ChatGPT, with it's synthetic voice. Here's the twist - today is the same interview, this time featuring Rebecca Davis, AD Performer, giving her take on the script. Enjoy!
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228 - An Interview With ChatGPT
The ADNA Presents
In this episode, I interview ChatGPT and we explore the multifaceted world of audio description. We discuss the importance of emotional nuance and high quality narration in creating immersive experiences for blind audiences, the challenges of balancing quality with scalability, and the potential role of synthetic voices in the future. We also touched on the value of integrating audio description into the production process from the start, ensuring it becomes a standard seamless part of storytelling overall, the conversation highlighted the importance of quality advocacy and innovation in...
info_outlineExpanding Market Reach Through the Power of Disability in the Workplace
Mike Hess of Blind Institute of Technology highlights the significance of AD expanding market share for movies and other digital content. He emphasize that the market for people with disabilities is substantial, amounting to trillions globally, and that including AD can attract a larger audience.