Picture This
This is a show about audio description and accessible entertainment, a process where the visual elements of a movie, television show, video, stage production or museum tour are described for the benefit of those who are blind or have a visual impairment. It is our mission to inform those who would benefit from audio description, what is available and how to access it through demonstrations, interviews and bringing attention to other online resources.
info_outline
Check-In With Brian and Carl
02/07/2022
Check-In With Brian and Carl
Hello, All: Brian and Carl give a quick update on the status of what is going on with them personally and why a new episode of Picture This has not been released in a while. Not to worry, we will be back soon! So please keep us in your podcast feed. All our best, The Picture This Team
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/22049045
info_outline
Meet Dr. Barry Cronin, Inventor of Audio Description for Television
12/16/2021
Meet Dr. Barry Cronin, Inventor of Audio Description for Television
In this episode, Brian and Carl have the pleasure of talking with Dr. Barry Cronin, the person who invented audio description for television broadcast, and the person that the recent Barry Award given by the Audio Description Project was named for. Also you find out how the sport of bowling gave him the idea. So sit back and hear about how audio description came about in the early days.
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/21505655
info_outline
Museum of Fine Arts
12/02/2021
Museum of Fine Arts
In this episode, Brian and Carl meet with Jessica Doonan, Manager of Accessibility for the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston, to discuss how audio description works in a museum setting.
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/21358331
info_outline
Use Your Imagination With Description of Children’s Videobooks
11/15/2021
Use Your Imagination With Description of Children’s Videobooks
Join Brian and Carl as they delve into the world of audio description of children’s books. They speak to Richard Rieman, founder of Imagination Videobooks, a service that makes children’s books accessible to children of all backgrounds and abilities.
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/21166577
info_outline
Brian and Carl Go to the Movies
10/16/2021
Brian and Carl Go to the Movies
In this episode, Brian and Carl talk about what it is like to go to the movies. First we talk about the obligations of the movie theaters under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as it pertains to the world of audio description. After that we offer some advocacy tips on how to ensure a successful and pleasant trip to the movies.
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/20837396
info_outline
Maria Diaz of the Dicapta Foundation, Part II of II - Clearinghouse!
10/04/2021
Maria Diaz of the Dicapta Foundation, Part II of II - Clearinghouse!
Do you get annoyed when a show that you previously watched with audio description switches platforms and then does not have audio description? On this second and final installment of our interview with Dr. Maria Diaz of the Dicapta Foundation, we talk about Dicapta’s dream project which is to create a clearinghouse and one-stop resource for audio description files to be housed so content creators can access the AD files. Dicapta’s dream project is Access4All, a clearinghouse of accessibility assets.
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/20699084
info_outline
Maria Diaz of the Dicapta Foundation, Part I of II
09/17/2021
Maria Diaz of the Dicapta Foundation, Part I of II
In the first of a 2-part episode, Brian and Carl are excited to interview Dr. Maria Victoria Diaz of the Dicapta Foundation. Dicapta has been producing audio description in Spanish for the last 15 years mainly with funds from the US Department of Education Office of Special Education (OSEP). They have been pushing and advocating for Spanish audio description to be incorporated as part of the implementation of the CVVA. Hear about the many issues they face passing through the Spanish AD in the video stream
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/20514599
info_outline
Roy Samuelson and the Emmys
09/01/2021
Roy Samuelson and the Emmys
Roy Samuelson, a veteran voice talent who has done narration for over 1,000 titles, joins us today to tell us about his advocacy beyond being a voice talent. We will discuss his work on increasing awareness of audio description with the Television Academy and the Emmys, his advocacy for quality audio description, and his belief that you cannot have quality audio description without the inclusion of blind and low vision talent, consumers, and professionals in the creation of audio description.
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/20339351
info_outline
Audio Description and Streaming Services Panel , Part II of II
08/16/2021
Audio Description and Streaming Services Panel , Part II of II
On this episode of Picture This, we feature the final installment of a panel discussion from the ACB Conference and Convention. Carl Richardson, Co-Chair of the Audio Description Project, speaks with representatives from the major streaming services. Featured guests include Melanie Goodman/Hulu, Martha Heller/CBS Viacom and Paramount+, Sarah Herrlinger/Apple, Mirka Pavlikova/Disney Studios, Allison Smith/Netflix, Andrew Larkin/HBO MAX, Thomas Wlodkowski/Peacock, and Daniel Kocmarek/Prime Video.
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/20162117
info_outline
Streaming Services and Audio Description, Part I
08/02/2021
Streaming Services and Audio Description, Part I
On this episode of Picture This, we feature the first installment of a panel discussion from the ACB Conference and Convention. Carl Richardson, Co-Chair of the Audio Description Project, speaks with representatives from the major streaming services to discuss their products, services, programming, and offerings. Featured guests are from Hulu, CBS Viacom / Paramount+, Apple, Disney Studios, Netflix, HBO MAX, Peacock, and Prime Video.
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/20006480
info_outline
Get Access To the Full Spectrum of Audio Description
07/15/2021
Get Access To the Full Spectrum of Audio Description
In this interview, Brian and Carl sit down with Petr Kucheryavyy, senior manager of accessibility for Charter Communications. Petr tells us about Spectrum Access, an app that offers audio description and closed captioning with on-demand programming. Spectrum Access is available on both the Andoid and IOS platform. Petr also takes the time to mention some of the other services and features they have available for the disability community.
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/19825034
info_outline
Interview with Judy Dixon, technology writer, on her latest book on Audio Description
07/01/2021
Interview with Judy Dixon, technology writer, on her latest book on Audio Description
If you've ever tried to watch something on TV that you were told would be described only to find that there was no description and wondered if you were doing something wrong, Judy Dixon’s latest book is for you. Technology writer Judy Dixon joins Brian and Carl to discuss her latest book entitled “Audio Description: What It Is, Where to Find it, and How to Use It”. The book is available in multiple formats to purchase at the National Braille Press’s website at www.nbp.org.
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/19674932
info_outline
Audio Description Project Conference 2021
06/18/2021
Audio Description Project Conference 2021
In this episode Brian and Carl interview Kim Charlson, Immediate Past President of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and Co-chair of the Audio Description Project. They discuss the exciting and informative upcoming Audio Description Project Conference, which is part of the ACB Annual Conference and Convention taking place from July 16-July 23, 2021.
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/19528643
info_outline
Interview with Clark Rachfal
04/19/2021
Interview with Clark Rachfal
Today, Brian and Carl sit down with Clark Rachfal, Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs for the American Council of the Blind. They discuss the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) in detail, its importance to audio description, and more. They discuss where the CVAA is today, how to file comments with the FCC on the CVAA, and the need to advocate for a new and modernized CVAA in the future.
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/18780167
info_outline
HBO MAX ROLLS OUT AUDIO DESCRIPTION
04/02/2021
HBO MAX ROLLS OUT AUDIO DESCRIPTION
The long-awaited and anticipated addition of audio description to HBO MAX is finally here. Brian and Carl talk about HBO MAX’s latest update and the addition of audio description to its service.
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/18583181
info_outline
Interview with Roy Samuelson
03/16/2021
Interview with Roy Samuelson
Today we talk with Roy Samuelson, a veteran audio description narrator of over 1,000 titles for theatrical releases, television and cable broadcast, and streaming services. He will talk to us about his commitment and passion for audio description, his podcast, his advocacy efforts to come up with a set of quality standards for audio description, and a national audio description awareness day which will take place in April.
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/18353624
info_outline
Audio Description of Movie Trailers with Kensuke Nakamura
03/02/2021
Audio Description of Movie Trailers with Kensuke Nakamura
Kensuke Nakamura was exposed to Audio Description after friending a blind person on Facebook. They soon realized the lack of Audio Descriptions on Movie Trailers, so they started doing them themself and created a YouTube page to host them. Our interview covers such topics as their relationship with studios, struggles with a few videos being removed, as well as how to convey human emotions and inner thoughts. See examples of their trailers at this link: https://www.youtube.com/user/KittenEarbreak/videos.
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/18155945
info_outline
Meet Thomas Reid, Host and Producer of Reid My Mind Radio, Part II
02/20/2021
Meet Thomas Reid, Host and Producer of Reid My Mind Radio, Part II
Join Brian and Carl as they continue their thought-provoking conversation with Thomas Reid of Reid My Mind Radio. The trio discusses why narrators should describe a character's or person's appearance and name people of color. They share their options on the lack of discussion on diversity, the need for audio description to be part of the production process early on, the audio description of Black Panther, the need to pick an audio description narrator suitable for the content, and much more.
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/18021638
info_outline
Meet Thomas Reid, Host and Producer of Reid My Mind Radio
02/15/2021
Meet Thomas Reid, Host and Producer of Reid My Mind Radio
In honor of Black History Month, Picture This wanted to talk explicitly about race and audio description. We were honored to be able to interview Thomas Reid, a true Renaissance man. Reid is the creator and host of Reid My Mind Radio; he is also a free-lance producer, voice-over audio description talent, audio description consultant, consumer of audio description and advocate for the blind. This is part 1 of 2 episodes.
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/17957273
info_outline
Education, Dance, and Audio Description
02/01/2021
Education, Dance, and Audio Description
Education, Dance, and Audio Description In this episode, Brian and Carl talk to Cheryl Cumings, Founder and President of Our Place Our Space, an innovative after school program for young blind and visually impaired students. We also speak with Ruth Kahn, audio describer from Words and Deeds. Cheryl and Ruth discuss the innovative use of Audio Description to help young students learn about dance and ballet movements. Audio Description also allows the students to explore their journeys as young blind and visually impaired adults. Show Notes and Links: Cheryl Cumings, President of Our Space Our Place Website: Email: Ruth Kahn Words and Deeds, Audio Describer Email: Tony Williams Dance Center- City Ballet of Boston- Urban Nutcracker- Abilities Dance- Alicia Alonso- To leave feedback, suggestions, or ideas for a future podcast on Picture This, please get in touch with the Picture This team by emailing your comments to , or leave a voicemail at 857-302-2817. We may use your email or voicemail in a future episode.
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/17774282
info_outline
Meet The Hosts of Talk Description To Me
01/15/2021
Meet The Hosts of Talk Description To Me
Meet The Hosts of Talk Description To Me In this episode, Brian and Carl interview Christine Mailet and J.J. Hunt from the podcast Talk Description To Me. It is a podcast where the visuals of current events and the world around us get hashed out in description-rich conversations. J.J. Hunt is an innovative Audio Describer and a natural-born storyteller. Christine Malec is a perpetually inquisitive member of the blind and partially sighted community who’s always wondering about something. In Talk Description to Me, their discussions plunge into current events and topical issues to explore the content of important images, and help place vivid descriptions in their cultural context. Lively, hard-hitting, witty, vibrant, and fun, this is conversation with a view! Contact Information for Talk Description To Me: Website: https://talkdescriptiontome.blogspot.com/ Email: FaceBook: Talk Description To Me Twitter: @TalkDescription To leave feedback, suggestions, or ideas for a future podcast on Picture This, please get in touch with the Picture This team by emailing your comments to or leave a voicemail at 857-302-2817. We may use your email or voicemail in a future episode.
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/17563778
info_outline
Audio Description in Canada
01/03/2021
Audio Description in Canada
Audio Description in Canada: Interview with Dr. Fels and Margot Whitfield Today we interview Dr. Fels from Ryerson University along with her colleague Margot Whitfield to learn about what is going on with Audio Description in Canada. Dr. Fels has dedicated her entire career to the study and application of inclusive media in theater, gaming, television, film, music and more. She has focused particularly on audio description and captioning. Join us as we learn about some of her findings and also the state of audio description in Canada. To leave feedback, suggestions, or ideas for a future podcast, please get in touch with the Picture This team by emailing your comments to or leave a voicemail at 857-302-2817. We may use your email or voicemail in a future episode. Show Notes: (Toronto Star, December 10, 2019) (Toronto Star, December 13, 2019) (Ryerson, November 13, 2020) Accessible Media, Inc. – Deborah Fels, PhD. P.Eng. Professor, Ted Rogers School of Information Technology Management Director, Inclusive Media and Design Centre Ryerson University [email protected] 416.979.5000 x 7619 Margot Whitfield Scholarly Research and Creative Associate Ted Rogers School of Management RYERSON UNIVERSITY T: 416-979-5000 ext. 7110
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/17400146
info_outline
Christmas Special 2020 and Audio Description
12/23/2020
Christmas Special 2020 and Audio Description
In this episode, Carl and Brian are joined by Fred Brack, Manager of the Audio Description Project’s website. Fred gave all of us who love audio description an early Christmas present in that he compiled a very special list of Christmas themed videos with audio description for all of us to watch. Did you know that over 100 movies are available with audio description from streaming services or on DVD? Neither did we! That’s why ADP researched this topic and compiled a listing for users of the Audio Description Project’s website. They even allow you to sort the list by vendor so you can check out your favorite streaming service’s offerings. With the same movie sometimes available from different vendors, Netflix has over 50, followed by about 25 each from Disney+, iTunes, and Prime Video. You’ll find “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and the Mariah Carey Christmas Special on Apple TV+, and 15 or so titles on DVD. So check out for the complete list! You’ll find a link at the top of that page to sort by vendor. Enjoy holiday viewing!
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/17310347
info_outline
Interview with Tanja Milojevic, Voiceover Artist
12/17/2020
Interview with Tanja Milojevic, Voiceover Artist
Interview with Tanja Milojevic, Voiceover Artist In this episode, we interview Tanja Milojevic’s, a voice over talent who has recently started to do voice narration for audio description. She tells her story about what it is like to get into this world as a voiceover talent who also happens to be blind. Along with her inspirational story, you will hear advice and suggestions and ideas for other visually impaired individuals who may want to get into this growing field! Tanja is an inspiration to all. To leave feedback, suggestions, or ideas for a future podcast, please get in touch with the Picture this team by emailing your comments to or leave a voicemail at 857-302-2817. We may use your email or voicemail in a future episode. Show Notes: Tanja Milojevic’s Contact Information Website: Email: Library of Congress Talking Book Program – Audio Editing Software Gold Wave- Reaper- Massachusetts Commission for the Blind – Resources to learn about Audio Description: Audio Description Discussion Group on Facebook- Audio Description Project: Producers of Audio Description Mentioned: International Digital Center- Audio Eyes- Song Exploder, Netflix Documentary Series-
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/17236259
info_outline
Audio Description Update November 2020
11/09/2020
Audio Description Update November 2020
Audio Description Update November 2020 In this episode, Brian and Carl talk about recent changes to the 21st Century Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) and other changes put out by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). We also discuss update to the Roku player for Prime Video. Show Notes: FCC Adopts Audio Description Expansion and Modernizes Terminology Links to the Public Notice: URL: Word: PDF: Text: FCC Audio Description Quality Guidelines: FCC Announces National Nonbroadcast Network Rankings Update for Audio Description Requirements Links to the Public Notice: URL: Word: PDF: Text:
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/16739288
info_outline
The BADIE Contest and Audio Description
11/06/2020
The BADIE Contest and Audio Description
In this episode, we interview Dr. Joel Snyder, Director of the Audio Description Project, and Susan Glass, Chair of the Benefits of Audio Description In Education (BADIE) Committee for the Audio Description Project. We learn what the BADIE Contest is and its important mission of trying to get blind and low vision children to learn the benefits of Audio Description early in life.
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/16702082
info_outline
Announcement of Audio Description and HBO MAX
10/22/2020
Announcement of Audio Description and HBO MAX
In this episode, Brian and Carl discuss the recent press release announcing the exciting news that HBO Max will have audio description and also be accessible. Brian was involved in the structured negotiations that help to make this happen so Carl will be interviewing Brian on what is in the agreement and what we can expect.
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/16507562
info_outline
Audio Description and Live Theater
10/21/2020
Audio Description and Live Theater
Audio Description and Live Theater Are you missing live theater during the pandemic? While we can’t get you a ticket to a live performance, we have the next best thing. In this episode, Brian and Carl interview Cori Couture, a veteran audio describer of live theater. Cori will talk about how audio description is created for live theater and her experiences. So sit down and wait for the curtain to rise and enjoy the show! Contact Info for Cori Couture Links to Discussion Topics: Talking Information Center (TIC) - Turning Print into Sound – Learning Ally – Audio Books for Dyslexia and Learning Disabled – Media Access Group at WGBH- Wheelock Family Theater – Know Your Narrator Podcast- Talk Description to Me Podcast-
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/16493729
info_outline
Audio Description of Democratic National Convention
09/26/2020
Audio Description of Democratic National Convention
Audio Description of Democratic National Convention. Today on Picture This, we have a very special episode. Since it is election season, and we of course believe that all should have full and equal access to information to make better informed choices on how to vote, we interview Bridget Melton and Martin Wild, two audio describers from the Chicago area, who audio described live all 4 nights of the Democratic National Convention. Show Notes and Links: Audio described by Martin Wilde (wildemouth.com) and Bridget Melton (bridgetmelton.com). Accessibility page: Day 1: Day 2: Day 3: Day 4:
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/16165349
info_outline
Described Captioned Media Program and Audio Description
09/02/2020
Described Captioned Media Program and Audio Description
With the current situation of many students learning remotely this year, we have a very special episode. Today Brian and Carl sit down with Jason Stark from the Described Captioned Media Program, a streaming service that provides educational content to teachers, parents, and students in K-12 with sensory loss. This includes students who are hard of hearing, deaf, blind, low vision, and deaf-blind. Learn how DCMP makes their educational content available with audio description and how to access all the content. Links:
/episode/index/show/picturethisaudio/id/15854195