Episodes

  • Craig DiMartino: Facing the Mountain

    Craig DiMartino: Facing the Mountain
    Sep 13 2024
    Welcome to game Changers! If you have any questions let us know by emailing us at feedback@aftersight.org or calling us at (720) 712-8856. IN this episode...
    Craig DiMartino shares his climbing journey and the challenges he faced after a traumatic accident. He discusses the emotional and physical toll of recovery and the process of getting back into climbing. He recounts his experience climbing El Capitan and the impact it had on him. He also talks about his involvement with Adaptive Adventures and the importance of inclusivity in outdoor activities. He shares his journey of becoming an adaptive climber and the founding of Adaptive Adventures. The organization offers free programs in eight different sports for individuals with physical disabilities and their caregivers. The goal is to make adaptive sports accessible to anyone and provide a sense of community and perspective. Craig emphasizes the importance of movement and finding your people to improve quality of life. He also discusses the innovations in adaptive climbing and the need for adaptability in the sport. Craig's book, 'After the Fall,' provides an honest account of his experiences.
    Takeaways
    Overcoming physical and emotional challenges is a long and ongoing process.
    Support from loved ones and mentors is crucial in the recovery journey.
    Climbing can be a powerful tool for personal growth and self-discovery.
    Inclusivity in outdoor activities is important for creating a welcoming and supportive community. Adaptive Adventures offers free programs in eight different sports for individuals with physical disabilities and their caregivers.
    Movement is important for improving quality of life and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle.
    Finding a community of like-minded individuals can provide support, perspective, and friendship.
    Adaptive climbing has seen innovations in technology and techniques to make it accessible for individuals with visual impairments.
    Craig DeMartino's book, 'After the Fall,' provides an honest account of his journey as an adaptive climber.
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Love for the Outdoors
    05:10 Craig's Climbing Journey Begins
    08:22 The Traumatic Accident and Road to Recovery
    11:23 Overcoming Mental and Emotional Challenges
    14:44 Becoming a Staple in the Climbing Community
    18:32 Adaptive Adventures and Inclusivity in Outdoor Activities
    18:42 Reluctantly Joining Adaptive Climbing
    22:12 The Mission of Adaptive Adventures
    26:11 Adaptive Climbing for the Visually Impaired
    30:06 The Importance of Movement and Community
    34:05 Changing the Game in Adaptive Sports
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    39 mins
  • Don Wardlow: From Banjos to Baseball

    Don Wardlow: From Banjos to Baseball
    Sep 6 2024
    Thank you for checking out this episode of Game Changers. If you have a story about sports, we would love to hear it. Email us at feedback@aftersight.org, or give us a call on our voice mail line at (720) 712-8856. In this conversation...
    ...Jonathan interviews Don Wardlow, the first blind color commentator in professional baseball. Don shares his journey with blindness and his passion for baseball. He discusses the challenges he faced in pursuing a career in sports broadcasting and his approach to calling games without sight. Don also highlights a memorable moment in his career. Don Wardlow shares his experiences as a blind sports broadcaster and the challenges he faced in the industry. He talks about a memorable baseball game he called and the importance of family support. Don also discusses his projects, including his blog 'Baseball as I See It' and his podcast 'The Baseball Lifer Podcast'. He offers advice to aspiring broadcasters to get an education, learn the craft, and take advantage of the opportunities provided by the internet.
    Takeaways
    Don Wardlow is the first blind color commentator in professional baseball.
    Listening to radio broadcasts of baseball games sparked Don's passion for the sport.
    Don faced challenges in pursuing a career in sports broadcasting, but with the help of his partner Jim, he developed a successful approach.
    Don's approach involved extensive preparation, including brailing notes and studying interviews and statistics.
    A memorable moment in Don's career was calling a game between St. Paul and the Thunder Bay Whiskey Jacks in the Northern League. Blind sports broadcaster Don Wardlow faced challenges in the industry but persevered with the support of his family.
    He called a memorable baseball game and cherishes the experience.
    Don started a blog called 'Baseball as I See It' and currently hosts 'The Baseball Lifer Podcast'.
    His advice to aspiring broadcasters is to get an education, learn the craft, and take advantage of the opportunities provided by the internet.
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Overview
    03:08 Don's Journey with Baseball and Blindness
    08:28 Challenges in Pursuing a Career in Sports Broadcasting
    17:14 Approach to Calling Games Without Sight
    21:00 Memorable Moment: St. Paul vs. Thunder Bay Whiskey Jacks
    21:28 Overcoming Challenges and Personal Sacrifices
    22:27 A Memorable Baseball Game
    24:11 Challenges Faced as a Blind Person
    27:09 Getting into Broadcasting and Meeting Jim Lucas
    29:32 Starting to Broadcast Games
    33:56 Projects: 'Baseball as I See It' and 'The Baseball Lifer Podcast'
    39:27 Advice for Aspiring Broadcasters
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    44 mins
  • Envision Blind Sports

    Envision Blind Sports
    Aug 30 2024
    Summary
    Wendy Fagan, the driving force behind Envision Blind Sports, shares her journey of empowering individuals with visual impairments through sports and recreation. She discusses the transformative power of sports and the joy it brings to athletes. Wendy emphasizes the importance of education and understanding in the blind sports community, encouraging people to challenge their fears and embrace inclusivity. Envision Blind Sports offers camps, clinics, outdoor recreation, and educational programs to promote disability sports and provide opportunities for blind individuals to participate in various sports. Wendy shares a heartwarming success story of a blind athlete skiing down a mountain independently, highlighting the freedom and empowerment that sports can bring.
    Takeaways
    Sports have a transformative power and can empower individuals with visual impairments.
    Education and understanding are crucial in the blind sports community to challenge misconceptions and promote inclusivity.
    Envision Blind Sports offers camps, clinics, outdoor recreation, and educational programs to provide opportunities for blind individuals to participate in various sports.
    A heartwarming success story of a blind athlete skiing down a mountain independently showcases the freedom and empowerment that sports can bring.
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Football Season
    02:57 Wendy's Love for Winter and Skiing
    07:15 Wendy's Journey into Adaptive Sports and Envision Blind Sports
    09:53 Genesis Event and Unique Beginning of Envision Blind Sports
    14:15 Creating Envision Blind Sports as a Nonprofit
    18:17 Envision Blind Sports Offerings: Camps, Clinics, Outdoor Recreation, and Education
    21:26 Success Stories and the Freedom of Blind Sports
    27:22 Charge to the Community: Get Educated and Embrace Inclusivity
    30:10 How to Connect with Envision Blind Sports
    31:24 Closing Remarks and Congratulations to Paralympic Athletes
    Thanks for checking out Game Changers. If you have any questions, you know what to do.
    Email: Feedback@aftersight.org
    Phone: (720) 712-8856
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    32 mins
  • Fail Fast

    Fail Fast
    Aug 23 2024
    Summary
    In this conversation, Jonathan and Ethan discuss the importance of failing fast and learning from failure. They share personal experiences of failure in sports and how it has helped them grow. They emphasize the role of a supportive cast and the need to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. The conversation explores the theme of failure and the valuable lessons that can be learned from it. The hosts share personal stories of failure in sports and discuss the importance of self-realization, humility, and surrounding oneself with supportive people. They emphasize the mindset of learning from failure and moving forward. The challenge for listeners is to teach young athletes the importance of embracing failure as a learning opportunity. The hosts also express their excitement for the upcoming football season and encourage listeners to enjoy the process of sports while it lasts.
    Takeaways
    Failure is an essential part of learning and growth.
    Failing fast allows for quicker learning and improvement.
    Having a supportive cast, including coaches, teammates, and family, is crucial in navigating failure.
    Failure should be embraced as an opportunity to learn and become better.
    Experiencing failure early on can lead to faster progress and development. Failure is a valuable teacher and can lead to personal growth
    Self-realization and humility are important in overcoming failure
    Surrounding oneself with supportive people is crucial in times of failure
    Learning from failure and adopting the right mindset is key
    Teaching young athletes to embrace failure as a learning opportunity is important
    Enjoying the process of sports and appreciating the journey is essential
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
    03:08 The Concept of Failing Fast
    07:43 The Importance of Failure in Sports and Life
    12:46 The Role of a Supportive Cast in Navigating Failure
    15:29 Personal Experiences of Failure and Growth
    18:03 Embracing Failure: Lessons Learned
    21:13 The Importance of Self-Realization and Humility
    23:44 Surrounding Yourself with Supportive People
    26:22 Learning from Failure and Adopting the Right Mindset
    28:45 Teaching Young Athletes to Embrace Failure
    30:22 Enjoying the Process of Sports
    Thank you for listening to Game Changers. If you have any questions give us a call at (720) 712-8856. Get out there and change the game.
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    34 mins
  • Evan Schwerbrock: Cane and Able Fitness.

    Evan Schwerbrock: Cane and Able Fitness.
    Aug 9 2024
    Summary
    Evan, the founder of Cane and Able Fitness, shares his journey as a visually impaired athlete and the mission behind his company. He discusses the challenges and misconceptions surrounding blind individuals in the gym and provides tips for making fitness accessible. Evan emphasizes the importance of self-belief and pushing beyond self-doubt. He also highlights the need for tactile cues and customized exercise programs for the blind community. The conversation concludes with a discussion about upcoming episodes and the impact of the Paris Olympics.
    Takeaways
    Blind individuals are capable of achieving fitness goals and excelling in the gym.
    Tactile cues and customized exercise programs are essential for making fitness accessible to the blind community.
    Self-belief and pushing beyond self-doubt are crucial for success in fitness and life.
    The Paris Olympics and the journeys of Olympic athletes will be discussed in upcoming episodes.
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Congratulations to Olympic Athletes
    05:14 Evan's Strongman Competition and Training
    06:14 The Story Behind Cane and Able Fitness
    08:06 The Goal of Cane and Able Fitness
    09:26 The Doubt Surrounding Blind People in the Gym
    12:14 Challenges of Accessibility in the Weight Room
    15:35 Navigating the Gym and Overcoming Doubt
    17:00 Working Out with a Guide and Gym Accessibility
    18:28 Tips for Starting Physical Exercise
    21:15 Getting Started at the Gym and Training Programs
    23:28 Training with Injuries and Physical Therapy
    27:27 Starting Physical Exercise Outside of the Gym
    31:53 Changing the Game for the Blind Community
    34:33 Contact Information and Resources
    37:06 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes
    Thank you for listening to this episode of Game Changers if you have any questions, please give us a call at 720-712-8856 or you can email us at feedback@aftersight.org
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    29 mins
  • Paula Kissinger: Accessibility and Accommodations in Blind Sports

    Paula Kissinger: Accessibility and Accommodations in Blind Sports
    Jul 26 2024
    Summary
    Paula Kissinger, a visually impaired athlete, shares her experiences participating in various sports and activities. She discusses her background in horseback riding, swimming, judo, skiing, and more. Paula emphasizes the importance of finding a sport or activity that you enjoy and are passionate about, regardless of your abilities. She also highlights the need for more awareness and education about blind sports and encourages curiosity and open conversations about visual impairments.
    Takeaways
    Find a sport or activity that you enjoy and are passionate about, regardless of your abilities.
    There are various accommodations and adaptations available to make sports and activities accessible for visually impaired individuals.
    More awareness and education about blind sports is needed to foster curiosity and understanding.
    Open conversations and curiosity can help break down barriers and create a more inclusive environment for visually impaired individuals.
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Announcement
    02:21 Paula's Background and Active Lifestyle
    05:22 Paula's Experience as a Blind Trail Guide
    08:11 Growing Up on an Arabian Breeding Ranch
    09:24 Involvement in Adaptive Skiing
    13:29 Discovering Sports and Activities at Camp
    14:30 The Impact of Sports on Paula's Life
    15:15 The Accessibility of Judo for Visually Impaired Individuals
    18:57 Accommodations in Cycling, Running, and Swimming
    20:27 Guides and Communication in Skiing
    24:19 Encouragement to Find Passion in Sports and Activities
    25:23 The Need for Awareness and Education in Blind Sports
    26:21 Fostering Curiosity and Open Conversations
    27:40 Closing Remarks and Gratitude
    Thank you for listening to Game Changers. If you have any questions, please let us know by giving us a call at (720)712-8856 or emailing us at feedback@aftersight.org
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    26 mins
  • 05 Dominick Petrillo: Blind Sports Writer

    05 Dominick Petrillo: Blind Sports Writer
    Jul 19 2024
    Summary
    In this conversation, Jonathan Price interviews Dominick Petrillo, a blind sports writer. They discuss Dominick's journey into sports writing, his experiences growing up in Philadelphia, and the challenges he faces as a blind writer. Dominick shares his expertise in fantasy football and explains different types of leagues. They also touch on the accessibility issues faced by blind individuals in the sports industry.
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Hiking Announcement
    02:34 The Journey of a Blind Sports Writer
    05:16 Memorable Sports Moments in Philadelphia
    08:51 Navigating the Challenges of Blindness
    13:30 Expertise in Fantasy Football
    16:54 Understanding Different Types of Leagues
    18:45 The Accessibility Barrier in the Sports Industry
    19:30 Fantasy Football Fun and Unique Leagues
    20:00 Getting Started in Fantasy Football
    21:04 Drafting Strategies: Skill Players vs. Quarterbacks
    22:18 The Importance of Stacking Players
    23:14 Exciting Players to Watch in the Upcoming Season
    27:15 Collaborating with Prominent Figures in the Industry
    30:35 Advice for Aspiring Writers
    33:28 Inclusivity in Sports Broadcasting
    35:38 Finding Your Vision and Pursuing It
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    38 mins
  • Goalball: A Unique Sport for the Blind and Partially Sighted

    Goalball: A Unique Sport for the Blind and Partially Sighted
    Jun 28 2024
    Summary
    The conversation covers a range of topics related to adaptive sports, including the experiences of individuals with disabilities, the impact of sports camps, and the significance of goalball. It also delves into the success stories of participants and the unique aspects of goalball as a sport for the blind and partially sighted. The conversation covers the topics of adaptive sports, the importance of accessibility in sports, and the impact of sports on personal development. It also delves into the challenges and opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the realm of sports and the significance of inclusive sports programs for children with disabilities.
    Takeaways
    Adaptive sports camps provide inclusive and accessible opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in a wide range of sports activities.
    Goalball is a unique sport specifically designed for individuals who are blind and partially sighted, emphasizing teamwork, communication, and listening skills.
    The impact of sports on individuals with disabilities goes beyond physical activity, fostering confidence, independence, and a sense of inclusion.
    Success stories of participants in adaptive sports programs highlight the transformative power of sports in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Adaptive sports provide unique opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in physical activities and team sports.
    The importance of making sports accessible to individuals with disabilities and the impact of inclusive sports programs on personal development.
    The challenges and opportunities for children with disabilities in the realm of sports, and the significance of adaptive and inclusive sports programs.
    The role of self-advocacy and community support in promoting accessibility and inclusivity in sports for individuals with disabilities.
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Adaptive Sports and Inclusive Recreation
    03:00 The Impact of Adaptive Sports and Sports Camps
    08:12 The Unique Sport of Goalball and Its Significance
    12:02 Success Stories and Transformative Power of Adaptive Sports
    20:34 Accessibility in Sports: Challenges and Solutions
    Thank you for listening to this episode of Game Changers! If you have any questions for Jonathan or Ethan give us a call at 720-712-8856. Don't forget to register for the hike at aftersight.org/hike. Have a great week.
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    31 mins