Testing Ray Ban Meta Glasses in Vegas
iCantCU Podcast
In this episode, I recap my trip to Las Vegas for the NFB of Nevada State Convention—part learning, part getaway with Liz. As chair of the upcoming Pennsylvania convention, I wanted to see how other states run theirs. Nevada’s was short but packed, and I took notes, especially on their use of breakout tracks and Family Feud. Liz and I also hit In-N-Out Burger twice and even saw Michael Symon at his BBQ spot. Navigating the hotel-casino was tricky, and I share some challenges, especially solo ones. The Meta smart glasses I wore were a game-changer for identifying signs and surroundings. We...
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Med Mayhem
iCantCU Podcast
In episode 284 of iCantCU, I talk about another hiccup with my psoriatic arthritis meds—this time, the pharmacy wanted over two grand out of pocket. Spoiler: I said no. Taltz has helped a bit, but not $2,000-a-month helpful. So now I’m back on the hunt for something else that won’t break the bank or mess me up with scary side effects. I also share some sad news: we lost Stan Ingram, a fellow blind entrepreneur in the Business Enterprise Program here in PA. That means one less BEP operator and a big question mark about what happens to his spot. Plus, my friend Ken’s dad passed, and I...
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Leadership Lessons: Finding My Place in Baltimore
iCantCU Podcast
In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about my recent trip to Baltimore for a National Federation of the Blind leadership seminar. The travel down was rough—high winds, delayed trains, and a soaked suitcase—but once I got there, it was an incredible few days. I met fantastic people from all over the country, learned a ton, and left feeling inspired (and maybe a little intimidated) by how sharp some of these folks are. I also get into how the trip lit a fire under me to do more back home in Pennsylvania. That’s where Federation Focus comes in—a new weekly video series I started to keep...
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State Official Called Me What? Why It Matters
iCantCU Podcast
In this episode of iCantCU, I share a jaw-dropping moment when the director of a Pennsylvania state agency called me a four-letter word. Yes, really. It all ties back to my ongoing fight for transparency and inclusion in the Business Enterprise Program (BEP), which provides blind entrepreneurs with opportunities to run vending and food service businesses on government properties. Despite promises of reopening the program, Pennsylvania hasn’t trained a new blind vendor in over five years. With the number of operators dwindling from 200 to just 20, and many nearing retirement, the program’s...
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Annual Advocacy Adventure in DC
iCantCU Podcast
In this episode of iCantCU, I recount my journey to Washington, D.C., for the annual National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Washington Seminar. I share insights into the event’s purpose—advocating for policies that support blind Americans—and my meetings with congressional representatives and senators. I detail the structured meetings, including conversations with Senator McCormack and staff from Senator Fetterman’s office, emphasizing the importance of protecting hard-won rights under laws like the ADA. I also reflect on travel challenges, from navigating train stations to nearly...
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Navigating New York: Don’t Fear the Subway
iCantCU Podcast
In episode 280 of iCantCU, I share my experience traveling to New York City for Jane’s apartment settlement. I reflect on navigating the subway, offering reassurance to those hesitant about using public transportation. Drawing from my father’s advice—"Be careful, but don’t be afraid"—I encourage everyone to embrace new challenges, whether in travel or life. I also detail my visit to Jane’s studio apartment, describing its compact yet functional space in a desirable building. Post-settlement, we explored the city, visiting Grand Central Terminal, Fifth Avenue shops, and indulging in...
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PodFest Orlando: Challenges, Community, and Wawa Surprises
iCantCU Podcast
I highlight the incredible support I received from volunteers and attendees, including a helpful staffer named Hunter, whose mother, Wendy, played a key role in pre-event planning. I describe my challenges in the exhibit hall due to noise and crowd density, my enjoyment of the sessions, and memorable networking encounters, including a conversation about podcasting with AI and public speaking opportunities. A humorous moment came when I received a $5 Wawa gift card—a nod to the convenience store's origins near my Swarthmore home. This episode underscores the sense of community at PodFest,...
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What Yahoo Gets Right and AbilityLinks Gets Wrong
iCantCU Podcast
In episode 278 of iCantCU, I start off with some good news from the fantasy football world. Out of the three leagues I played in this year, I won two championships, including the NFB Students fundraising league with my team Ziggy FC. Yahoo’s fantasy sports app, while not perfect, is a standout example of accessibility done right. Unfortunately, not every organization gets accessibility right. I also talk about AbilityLinks, a job site for the disabled community. Their emails included a QR code with critical information, but it wasn’t screen-reader-friendly. For an organization that claims...
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Macaron Lessons & Ziggy’s Giant Christmas Pickle
iCantCU Podcast
In this packed episode of iCantCU, I dive into holiday highlights, culinary adventures, and upcoming plans. First, I share my experience attending a French macaron-making class with Liz and Jane at Sur La Table. While the process was visually intensive, the instructor, Elliot, made it incredibly tactile and inclusive for me, which was both surprising and heartwarming. Though I’ll never make macarons solo, it was a fun and memorable family activity. I also recount the hilarity of Ziggy’s new oversized Christmas pickle toy—a three-foot plush he’s been dragging around the house like a...
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The Value of Time & the Blind Merchants Big Fundraiser
iCantCU Podcast
In this episode of iCantCU, I share my experience traveling to Harrisburg for the Blind Merchants Holiday Party and fundraiser, reflecting on the challenges of navigating public transportation as a person with very limited sight. Timing was a major hurdle, from the unpredictable delays with CCT to coordinating a group of 17 people on an Amtrak train. I discuss how small inefficiencies can snowball, highlighting the importance of time—our most precious resource. Once in Harrisburg, the event was a success, with 65 tickets sold, great food, a DJ playing festive music, and lively auctions and...
info_outlineIn this packed episode of iCantCU, I dive into holiday highlights, culinary adventures, and upcoming plans. First, I share my experience attending a French macaron-making class with Liz and Jane at Sur La Table. While the process was visually intensive, the instructor, Elliot, made it incredibly tactile and inclusive for me, which was both surprising and heartwarming. Though I’ll never make macarons solo, it was a fun and memorable family activity.
I also recount the hilarity of Ziggy’s new oversized Christmas pickle toy—a three-foot plush he’s been dragging around the house like a proud pup. Seeing his excitement brought back the joy of giving.
What Christmas isn’t complete without Nazis? I tell the story about what Jane’s friends spotted in the image of me and Ziggy. Spoiler alert: it was the shadowbox with my dad’s POW papers and the spoon he ate with while being held by the Germans in World War Two
Looking ahead, I discuss plans for the 2025 NFB State Convention and my goals for expanding creative projects. This episode celebrates family, community, and the joy of meaningful experiences.
Show notes at https://www.iCantCU.com/277
Links Mentioned (product links are affiliate links so that I may earn a commission.)
- Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer: https://amzn.to/3GEcJ67
- Ziggy’s favorite birthday present: https://amzn.to/3ZpuLTO
- Check out Sur La Table for cooking gear and classes: https://www.surlatable.com/
- XL Christmas Pickle dog toy (not the jumbo version): https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/merry-makings-briny-and-bright-holiday-pickle-plush-dog-toy
- Be My Eyes app (free): https://www.bemyeyes.com/
- Seeing AI app (free): https://www.seeingai.com/
- I sat in for Jenine on That Real Blind Tech Show episode 169: https://thatrealblindtechshow.libsyn.com/episode-169-hey-ai-leave-them-kids-alone
- Index of That Real Blind Tech Show episodes: https://www.icantcu.com/trbts/
- Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iCantCU
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White Canes Connect Podcast Episode 118
In episode 118 Lisa Bryant flips the script and interviews NFB of PA President Lynn Heitz and I about the State Convention in Erie. We discuss the highlights, challenges, and successes of the 2024 State Convention in Erie. From the arduous 10-hour journey to the seamless event execution, the conversation provides an in-depth look at what made this year’s convention remarkable.
Listeners will hear about the excellent hospitality provided by local Lions Clubs, engaging sessions like the Senior Possibilities Fair, and memorable moments such as the Veterans Ceremony and the banquet featuring a heartfelt keynote. Lynn shares insights into leadership changes and plans for next year’s convention in Harrisburg, emphasizing lessons learned—like improving registration processes and maximizing volunteer participation.
Find the podcast on
Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI
YouTube
Https://www.youtube.com/@pablindpodcast
White Canes Connect On Twitter
Https://www.twitter.com/PABlindPodcast
My Podcast Gear
Here is all my gear and links to it on Amazon. I participate in the Amazon Associates Program and earn a commission on qualifying purchases.
- Zoom Podtrak P4: https://amzn.to/33Ymjkt
- Zoom ZDM Mic & Headphone Pack: https://amzn.to/33vLn2s
- Zoom H1n Recorder: https://amzn.to/3zBxJ9O
- Gator Frameworks Desk Mounted Boom Arm: https://amzn.to/3AjJuBK
- Shure SM58 S Mic: https://amzn.to/3JOzofg
- Sony ZV-E10 camera : https://amzn.to/4fFBSxM
- Sennheiser Headset (1st 162 episodes): https://amzn.to/3fM0Hu0
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Are You or Do You Know A Blind Boss?
If you or someone you know is crushing it in their field and is also blind, I want to hear from you! Call me at (646) 926-6350 and leave a message. Please include your name and town, and tell me who the Blind Boss is and why I need to have them on an upcoming episode. You can also email the show at [email protected].