Shows
The Blind PodmakerJonathan Mosen's review and demonstration of the Zoom Podtrak P4NextWe thank the National Federation of the Blind for their permission to include this review, produced for the Federation's Access On podcast.
Join Jonathan Mosen for an in-depth demonstration of the Zoom PodTrak P4Next portable multitrack podcast recorder, featuring complete navigation with the Voice Guide feature enabled. This demonstration explores every feature and function of this next-generation recorder from the perspective of blind users, showcasing how the built-in accessibility makes professional podcast production truly inclusive.
The P4Next's voice guidance lets you navigate menus and controls with audible descriptions through your headphones, providing complete non-visual access...
2025-11-271h 02
Living BlindfullyNational Federation of the Blind President Mark Riccobono, and Jonathan Mosen, discuss Jonathan's new role at NFBDuring his September 2024 Presidential release, National Federation of the Blind President Mark Riccobono announced that Jonathan Mosen has joined the team at the National Federation of the Blind to pursue a range of initiatives in technology, accessibility, and communications.
In this special episode, Mark and Jonathan discuss Jonathan's role, and how you can get involved.
2024-09-041h 02Living BlindfullyDoug Geoffray and Jonathan Mosen get together again 25 years after a milestone, a special week of recognition, and our NFB convention audio diaryHere are the topics covered in this episode, and the time in the file for each.
Welcome to 291 0:00
Some recognition at a special time 4:19
Doug Geoffray, 25 years after that first Blind Line interview, talks about accessibility and AI at Microsoft 26:54
Bonnie and Jonathan's NFB Convention 2024 audio diary 1:17:03
NFB day 3 1:29:04
NFB Day 4 including a mini review of the Helptech Activator Pro 80-cell Braille display 1:43:51
NFB Day 5 1:53:42
NFB final day 1:59:05
Ray-ban Meta Smart Glasses and final thoughts 2:03:31
Closing and contact info 2:05:56
With listeners in 113 countries, our Living Blindfully community offers a wide range of knowledge and perspectives...
2024-07-132h 06Living BlindfullyJonathan Mosen's demonstration and review of the Zoom H1Essential Handy RecorderJonathan's series on the Essential recorders from Zoom, which have accessibility features, concludes on this Living Blindfully extra with the look at the Zoom H1Essential. This is the smallest member of the family and sells for just $99 USD. It can fit in any pocket, and offers high-quality 32-bit float recording. While understandably the recorder lacks some of the features of its larger siblings, it also boasts some features unique to this member of the family.
Here are the topics covered in this episode, and the time in the file for each.
Welcome to 274 0:00
Introduction 1:18
...
2024-03-291h 02Living BlindfullyJonathan Mosen's demonstration and review of the Zoom H4Essential Handy RecorderContinuing his extensive look at the accessible Zoom Essential family, Jonathan demonstrates and reviews the Zoom H4Essential in this Living Blindfully Extra. With its compact size, powerful features and priced at just $199 USD, the H4Essential may be the Goldilocks recorder for many. While this review stands alone and therefore revisits many of the features found in the H6Essential, Jonathan expands further on the powerful mixer functionality and some other features.
Here are the topics covered in this episode, and the time in the file for each.
Welcome to 273 0:00
Introduction 0:59
Orientation 4:22
Inaccessible arming...
2024-03-281h 20Living BlindfullyJonathan Mosen's review and demonstration of the Zoom H6Essential handy recorderIn this Living Blindfully extra, Jonathan Mosen begins his reviews of all three recorders in the Essential series, with the Zoom H6Essential
Zoom has provided these units so the reviews can be produced, but have not heard these reviews before publication, nor influence what they contain.
There is considerable interest from the blind community in the Zoom Essential series, due to the accessibility features available in this professional class of equipment.
The h6Essential is the most capable member of the series, providing six tracks of recording, interchangeable microphone capsules, 32 bit float...
2024-03-271h 18The Blind PodmakerJonathan Mosen's review of the Zoom H1Essential RecorderJonathan's series on the Essential recorders from Zoom, which have accessibility features, concludes with the look at the Zoom H1Essential. This is the smallest member of the family and sells for just $99 USD. It can fit in any pocket, and offers high-quality 32-bit float recording.
While understandably the recorder lacks some of the features of its larger siblings, it also boasts some features unique to this member of the family.
2024-03-041h 00The Blind PodmakerJonathan Mosen's review of the Zoom H4Essential recorderContinuing his extensive look at the accessible Zoom Essential family, Jonathan demonstrates and reviews the Zoom H4Essential. With its compact size, powerful features and priced at just $199 USD, the H4Essential may be the Goldilocks recorder for many.
While this review stands alone and therefore revisits many of the features found in the H6Essential, Jonathan expands further on the powerful mixer functionality and some other features.
2024-03-041h 19Living BlindfullyBlindness technology icon Deane Blazie goes down memory lane, then discusses his new notetaker, BT Speak, from Blazie TechnologiesHere are the topics covered in this episode, and the time in the file for each.
Welcome to 268 0:00
Jonathan Mosen speaks with Deane Blazie about Deane's significant role in blindness technology history 2:58
Deane Blazie tells Jonathan Mosen about the new BT Speak line from Blazie Technologies 1:09:05
Remembering David Holladay 1:38:50
Response to episode 267 on intersectionality 1:40:36
Can I swim with the FeelSpace Navibelt? 1:45:01
Where to obtain the Blind Alive accessible workouts 1:47:40
Pursuing a career in customer service 1:49:09
Impressions of the Seleste Smart Glasses, and Apple thoughts 1:51:23
Be My AI, and airlines with Braille safety cards 1:53:51
Vocaster 2 with the Mac 1:56:01
...
2024-03-022h 00The Blind PodmakerJonathan Mosen's review of the Zoom H6Essential recorderJonathan Mosen begins his reviews of all three recorders in the Essential series, with the Zoom H6Essential
Zoom has provided these units so the reviews can be produced, but have not heard these reviews before publication, nor influence what they contain.
There is considerable interest from the blind community in the Zoom Essential series, due to the accessibility features available in this professional class of equipment.
The h6Essential is the most capable member of the series, providing six tracks of recording, interchangeable microphone capsules, 32 bit float, a playback mixer, audio interface...
2024-03-011h 16The Blind PodmakerJonathan Mosen reviews and demonstrates the Audient Evo 16 audio interfaceFrom the manufacturer:
Make studio quality recordings with EVO 16’s next-level audio performance. Eight award winning EVO intelligent mic preamps that set their own levels with Smartgain, the all new, groundbreaking Motion UI control system, and enough I/O firepower to tackle even the biggest of sessions, EVO 16 is truly a studio powerhouse, designed from the ground up to make recording easy.
Eight stunning Evo microphone preamps
Evo 16's eight Evo mic preamps reflect Audient's 25 years of engineering innovation. These excellent-sounding pre's yield a respectable 58dB of gain for your microphones, along with impressive EIN sp...
2023-06-0338 minLiving BlindfullyThe future of Mosen at Large is Living BlindfullyThis is a special episode containing Jonathan Mosen's presentation on the future of Mosen at Large, which from now on will be called Living Blindfully.
Here is a summary of the key points and when you can hear them. The episode, as usual is segmented by chapter.
Introduction from Bonnie Mosen,0:00
Introduction from Jonathan Mosen,4:15
A new name to reflect what the podcast has become,8:55
Our new logo,14:24
Contributing to Living Blindfully,15:06
LivingBlindfully.com and some of its features,15:50
Living Blindfully and the Fediverse,24:14
Offloading some of the tasks,26:58
Advertising on Living Blindfully,29:16
Living Blindfully Plus,30:57
Presentation...
2023-04-093h 00Living BlindfullyA recap of WWDC from a blindness perspectiveTim Cook and his team presented Apple’s WWDC keynote on 6 June 2022, revealing what’s coming in the next generation of Apple’s operating systems and more. Jonathan Mosen is joined by Heidi Taylor, Michael Feir and Anthony Horvath to provide analysis of this year’s event from a blindness perspective.
In the next episode of the podcast, there’ll be plenty of opportunity to hear what you think of what was announced. We welcome your views via email, either written down or via an audio attachment, to Jonathan at Mushroomfm.com or by phoning in a voicemail...
2022-06-061h 40The Blind PodmakerJonathan Mosen shows you how to dramatically speed up your podcast recording process using drop-ins with ReaperIf you have been on the planet long enough to have worked with analogue tape in a professional recording environment, you're probably familiar with the drop-in method Jonathan demonstrates in this episode. If you're not, you may find that using this method, which Reaper so brilliantly supports, will save you a lot of time if you record solo podcasts or screen reader demos.
2022-02-0311 min
The Blind PodmakerEpisode 27 – Jonathan Mosen shows you how to dramatically speed up your podcast recording process using drop-ins with ReaperIf you have been on the planet long enough to have worked with analogue tape in a professional recording environment, you're probably familiar with the drop-in method Jonathan demonstrates in this episode. If you're not, you may find that using this method, which Reaper so brilliantly supports, will save you a lot of time if you record solo podcasts or screen reader demos.
2022-02-0311 minLiving BlindfullyApple SharePlay, JAWS 2022, part 1 of our Chromebook review and moreKia ora Mosen At Largers. A reminder that this podcast is indexed by chapter. If you listen with a podcast client that offers chapter support, you can easily skip between segments.
Here are the topics covered in this episode, and the time in the file for each.
Introduction,0:00
Jonathan and Heidi demonstrate SharePlay in iOS 15.1,0:26
Some of the new features in JAWS 2022,16:06
Part 1 of Jonathan Mosen's Chromebook review,33:55
The Bonnie Bulletin,1:29:42
Windows XP turns 20,1:43:27
Games blind parents can play with their sighted kids,1:49:52
2021-10-301h 58Living BlindfullySeptember 11 memories, Apples big reveal, advice on starting a business and moreKia ora Mosen At Largers. A reminder that this podcast is indexed by chapter. If you listen with a podcast client that offers chapter support, you can easily skip between segments.
Here are the topics covered in this episode, and the time in the file for each.
Introduction,0:00
New hardware from Apple being announced,1:05
The verdict is in on Apple vs Epic Games,10:47
Some tech stories of interest this week,15:32
Where in the world is Jonathan Mosen?,22:16
My reflections on 11 September 2001,24:05
Memories of 9/11 from around the world,34:19
Abuse at schools for the blind,1:16:32
Eliminating blindisms,1:20:05
...
2021-09-111h 59Living BlindfullyTranscripts come to Mosen At Large, Sonos Roam set up and reviewed, and more on ableist languageKia ora Mosen At Largers. A reminder that this podcast is indexed by chapter. If you listen with a podcast client that offers chapter support, you can easily skip between segments.
Here are the topics covered in this episode, and the time in the file for each.
Introduction,0:00
I ordered the AirTags but have one little gripe,0:26
Mosen At Large to offer transcripts for the Deafblind community,2:50. For more information, please read this blog post, and feel free to share it widely, thank you.
TheBonnie Bulletin begins our review of the Sonos Roam,10:20
Unboxing the...
2021-04-241h 30The Blind PodmakerMatt Basta, creator of the Pinecast podcast hosting serviceJonathan Mosen speaks with matt Basta, founder of Pinecast about why he got into the crowded podcast space, and the philosophy behind Pinecast.
If you'd like to give Pinecast a try and get two free months, you can use Jonathan's referral code and support keeping The Blind Podmaker alive. The code is:
r-dac7da
2021-04-0135 minThe Blind PodmakerEpisode 3 – Matt Basta, creator of the Pinecast podcast hosting serviceJonathan Mosen speaks with matt Basta, founder of Pinecast about why he got into the crowded podcast space, and the philosophy behind Pinecast.
If you'd like to give Pinecast a try and get two free months, you can use Jonathan's referral code and support keeping The Blind Podmaker alive. The code is:
r-dac7da
2021-04-0135 minThe Blind PodmakerReview of some podcast hosts from a blindness perspectiveThis episode draws from the Mosen At Large archives. Are you thinking about starting a podcast, or perhaps you already run one and aren't happy with where your podcast is being hosted? Jonathan Mosen reviews some podcast hosts from a blindness perspective.
Services mentioned include:
Libsyn, Anchor, Podbean, SoundCloud, Buzzsprout, Captivate, Transistor, Simplecast, Castos, and my favourite podcast host of the moment and new home for Mosen At Large, Pinecast.
Jonathan makes mention of the Auphonic post-production service, and Rev for podcast transcriptions.
If you’d like to take Pinecast for a spin, use Jonathan's referral code to get a 40% discount f...
2021-04-0134 minThe Blind PodmakerEpisode 2 – Review of some podcast hosts from a blindness perspectiveThis episode draws from the Mosen At Large archives. Are you thinking about starting a podcast, or perhaps you already run one and aren't happy with where your podcast is being hosted? Jonathan Mosen reviews some podcast hosts from a blindness perspective.
Services mentioned include:
Libsyn, Anchor, Podbean, SoundCloud, Buzzsprout, Captivate, Transistor, Simplecast, Castos, and my favourite podcast host of the moment and new home for Mosen At Large, Pinecast.
Jonathan makes mention of the Auphonic post-production service, and Rev for podcast transcriptions.
If you’d like to take Pinecast for a spin, use Jonathan's referral code to get a 40% discount f...
2021-04-0134 minLiving BlindfullyInterview with Microsoft Seeing AI founder Saqib Shaikh, and a walk around Mosen Towers to demonstrate Seeing AI's World ChannelMicrosoft's free Seeing AI app helps blind and low vision iPhone and iPad users with visual tasks. And now, it's added lidar for Pro Apple devices that come with the feature.
I speak with Microsoft Seeing AI's founder, Saqib Shaikh, a blind person himself who came up with a practical solution to tackle many of the visual tasks we as blind people face daily. We talk about Seeing AI's future and where it's going.
Then I take a walk around Mosen Towers with my iPhone 12 Pro Max to give you a practical demonstration of Seeing...
2021-01-2754 minLiving BlindfullyNew laptops at Mosen Towers, mainstream tech support and blind people, a Rivo2 review and moreKia ora Mosen At Largers. A reminder that this podcast is indexed by chapter. If you listen with a podcast client that offers chapter support, you can easily skip between segments.
Here are the topics covered in this episode, and the time in the file for each.
introduction,0:00
Review of the Dell XPS-15 2020 edition and the tech support experience that prompted me to buy it,2:39
Tech support story,31:08
Blind people making the most of pitch,33:42
Looking for an SSH app for iOS,34:37
Bluetooth keyboard recommendations,35:48
Fire TV feedback,37:53
The quest for the missing Emoji,40:30
Review...
2021-01-231h 56Living BlindfullyRecap of Apple's Time Flies event from a blindness perspectiveKia ora, welcome to this special event in which right after the Apple event concluded, Judy Dixon, Michael Feir, Heidi Taylor and I, Jonathan Mosen, got together to discuss it from a blindness perspective. This is the recording as is, unedited so we can get it to you promptly.
At the time of publication, new Apple operating systems are being released tomorrow, so I will soon publish a podcast with some of my highlights in iOS and watchOS.
2020-09-1559 minLiving BlindfullyTech questions and hints, more walks down tech memory lane, staying organised in the kitchen and moreKia ora Mosen At Largers. A reminder that this podcast is indexed by chapter. If you listen with a podcast client that offers chapter support, you can easily skip between segments.
Here are the topics covered in this episode, and the time in the file for each.
Introduction,0:00
Father's Day,2:15
Special podcast devoted to audiobooks coming out mid-week,2:45
Anyone using the Orbit Writer?,3:54
Horrible CAPTCHA,5:56
CD ripper recommendations,11:12
DVD ripping recommendations and video editing,14:21
Most accessible email newsletter software,15:16
...
2020-09-051h 43
Living BlindfullyLooking at Apple's WWDC Keynote from a blindness perspectiveIn the first ever virtual Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple CEO Tim Cook and his team announced changes to all their operating systems and a very big day for the Mac.Technology experts Anna Dresner and Michael Feir join Jonathan Mosen and Heidi Taylor to discuss the WWDC keynote from a blindness perspective.What do you think? Are you excited about what's ahead or was it underwhelming? Were there things not announced that you were hoping for? Be sure to send in your views so we can include them on the next...
2020-06-221h 39
In The Arena, the Jonathan Mosen StoryHappy ever after?In the final episode of this series where Glen Gordon explores Jonathan Mosen's life, we learn about the events that led to the formation of Mosen Consulting, the redefining of his role at Freedom Scientific, his major self-improvement drive which has included adopting a ketogenic lifestyle and embracing a meditation practice. He talks about the impact of the arrival of his wife Bonnie in his life.In late 2018, Jonathan began working with Aira. He explains why he joined the company and why he left.As Jonathan takes up a new CEO role at Workbridge, we...
2019-07-2853 minIn The Arena, the Jonathan Mosen StoryThe product manager and the controversial big fish in the small pondAs Glen Gordon continues to explore Jonathan Mosen's life, we begin this episode talking about Jonathan's use of assistive technology. He remembers the real sense of concern that Windows may represent a huge step backwards for the blind, and his first use of JAWS for Windows.We learn about the first website Jonathan set up in 1996 and its ambitious goals.Jonathan remembers the first cell phone he bought in 1989, how much it cost, and how little it did.Glen asks Jonathan about his involvement with using and creating assistive technology, including his work...
2019-07-2158 minIn The Arena, the Jonathan Mosen StoryMushroom FM and the geekAs Glen Gordon continues to explore Jonathan Mosen's life, we begin this episode by talking about Jonathan's Internet radio activities outside ACB Radio, including the founding, phenomenal growth, operation, closure and resurrection of Mushroom Fm.We learn about Jonathan's best and worst interviews, and the Internet radio station he established to protest the second Gulf War.In 2003, Jonathan began working full-time in the assistive technology industry when he became the Blindness Products Manager at Pulse Data International/HumanWare. As a precursor to looking at this role, we look at Jonathan's history with assistive technology.
2019-07-1455 minIn The Arena, the Jonathan Mosen StoryFounding and running ACB RadioAs Glen Gordon continues to explore Jonathan Mosen's life, we learn about the origins, operation and expansion of ACB Radio, which Jonathan founded in 1999. You'll hear a few rare recordings from the period.
2019-07-0756 minIn The Arena, the Jonathan Mosen StoryThe advocate, the agitator and the diminishing hearingGlen Gordon continues exploring Jonathan Mosen's life by discussing the epic struggle for governance reform of the Blind Foundation in New Zealand, another initiative that was to attract international interest. Jonathan was instrumental in ensuring blind New Zealanders took ultimate control of how the Board of the agency was put there. We learn how he became the only person to have led the consumer movement in New Zealand, and chaired the board of the agency, although of course not at the same time.Jonathan discusses some of the things he is most proud of from his four...
2019-06-3053 minIn The Arena, the Jonathan Mosen StoryGuide dogs, parenting, tragedy and government relationsAs Glen Gordon continues to explore Jonathan Mosen's life, we begin by talking about why it was necessary for Jonathan to quit full-time radio in the interests of starting a family. But their attempts to start a family began tragically.Jonathan talks candidly about his then lack of domestic skills and what that did for balance in his relationship.He says being a dad is the single most important thing he's done in his life. We hear some memories from his children; Heidi, Richard, David and Nicola.In 1994, Jonathan trains with his first...
2019-06-2351 minIn The Arena, the Jonathan Mosen StoryUniversity, going online and an affinity for technologyAs Glen Gordon continues to explore Jonathan Mosen's life, we learn about Jonathan the undergraduate at the University of Auckland, and some of his early technology use including the VersaBraille from TSI, the Apple 2 E, the Keynote XL and its companion KeyTerm program that connected him to dial-up bulletin board systems and the CompuServe Information Service with the aid of a modem.He discusses finding NFB literature on CompuServe and the positive impact it had both on his life and thinking about blindness.We learn about the beginning of Jonathan's blindness activism in New Zealand.
2019-06-1652 minIn The Arena, the Jonathan Mosen StorySchooling, atheism, full-time radio and along comes a womanAs Glen Gordon continues to explore Jonathan Mosen's life, Jonathan describes picking himself up from the depths of despair using a formula that had worked so well for him before. This time, it earned him his first full-time commercial radio gig.We learn about his first after-school job.Like many other blind people, Jonathan was fascinated by telephones and the phone system. We learn about some of his phone escapades.Jonathan talks about moving to mainstream schools with resource rooms, and interactions with blind and sighted peers.When he wasn't studying...
2019-06-0950 minIn The Arena, the Jonathan Mosen StoryEarly life, radio kid, taking control of destiny and teenage uncertaintyGlen Gordon begins this 9-part exploration of Jonathan Mosen's life by asking about his childhood. We learn about Jonathan's family, and the impact of radio from a very early age including his being well-known on radio in Auckland from the age of four. You'll hear a rare extract of one of Jonathan's Christmas shows which he co-hosted aged eight.We learn how, as a teenager, Jonathan took control of his radio career by audaciously starting a radio station of his own.But no one's life is without trouble or struggle. Jonathan candidly discusses abuse at...
2019-06-0257 min
The Blind SideThe final episode in this series. Jonathan Mosen's smart homeAs Jonathan prepares to take up his new role with Aira next week, this is the last episode of The Blind Side Podcast that will be produced on a weekly basis. As circumstances allow and subjects arise of interest, you will still see the occasional episode being produced.After listener comments, we conclude our smart home series with Jonathan describing some of the technology he and Bonnie are using.Thank you so much for listening to these regular episodes over the last two-and-a-bit years.
2018-10-0954 minThe Blind SideJonathan Mosen's presentation on iOS 12 to Accessible WorldJonathan Mosen talks about iOS 12 in this, a recording of his presentation to Tek Talk on Accessible World. The material is based on his book, "iOS 12 Without the Eye".
2018-10-021h 01The Blind SideJonathan's move to a new role at Aira, Judy Dixon demonstrates Braille Screen Input on iPhoneJonathan Mosen begins the podcast by describing his new role at Aira. He talks about what he'll be doing, what it means for Mosen Consulting and this podcast, and why he was so excited about accepting the role.You can read Aira's announcement,view Jonathan's blog post, and read Freedom Scientific's take.Judy Dixon describes and demonstrates Braille Screen Input on the iPhone. It's a way to turn your iPhone into a virtual Braille keyboard, giving you rapid input anywhere you go, without needing to carry anything external.We welcome your feedback. Send...
2018-09-2849 minThe Blind SideUnboxing a silver iPhone XS Max 512GBJonathan Mosen and Heidi Taylor unbox a silver iPhone XS Max 512GB.Jonathan demonstrates the gestures for phones without a Home button in case you’re upgrading this year. He discusses backup strategies, demonstrates setting up Face ID and more.
2018-09-211h 19The Blind SideRecap of Apple's September 2018 eventDavid Woodbridge and Heidi Taylor join Jonathan Mosen to talk Apple Watch series 4, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR.
2018-09-121h 07The Blind SidePreviewing our Apple event coverage, iOS 12 without the eye, and the smart home from a blindness perspective part 2On 12 September, Apple will be holding its "gather round" event in which it will be announcing new hardware. Jonathan Mosen talks about our coverage here on The Blind Side, and what he's hoping to see at the event.Subscribers to our Daily Fibre Premium podcast get exclusive access to a live stream of our post-Apple event. Subscribing gives you the latest technology news every week day for just $5 USD per month. Check out The Daily Fibre Premium podcast.A listener this week mentions our audio tutorial on the increasingly popular Zoom platform. Check out our...
2018-09-0553 minThe Blind Sidereflections on 100 episodes, Jonathan Mosen's presentation to the All of Government Service Innovation lab in New ZealandThanks for being with us on this wonderful journey to episode 100.After some reflections on 100 episodes of The Blind Side Podcast, we hear Jonathan Mosen's presentation to the All of Government Service Innovation Lab about blindness accessibility, in the aftermath of the New Zealand census debacle.
2018-08-2239 minThe Blind SideGuide dog ownershipSome guide dog schools let you purchase your guide dog, making it clear that the dog belongs to you and you're completely responsible for it. it is yours to keep. Other guide dog schools retain ownership and can withdraw the dog at any time. Some guide dog schools claim to offer ownership, while still reserving the ability to withdraw the dog. It's a subject many people feel passionately about. This week, we hear some listener comments on guide dog ownership, and Jonathan Mosen speaks with Jenine Stanley and Bonnie Mosen, both experienced guide dog handlers with industry knowledge.
2018-08-1454 minThe Blind SideGed Maheux, co-founder of Twitterrific developer The Icon Factory, talks about Twitter's forthcoming API changes and their impact on third-party Twitter appsWe begin with an explanation of Aira's Do More Foundation, and how it is currently raising funds to help more university students in the US become Aira explorers while they study. If you'd like to support Jonathan's goal of raising $1,000 for the Do More Foundation, and can spare even a little, here's the page where you can learn more and donate with any major credit card.Jonathan Mosen then speaks with Ged Maheux, co-founder of The Icon Factory, developers of the popular Twitterrific app for iOS and Mac. Next week, Twitter is scheduled to withdraw some functions...
2018-08-0843 minThe Blind SideDan Frye talks about new Aira initiatives and Aira's place in the voc rehab system, we look at the NFB conventionListener comments this week feature blind driving experiences.Jonathan Mosen is then joined once again by Dan Frye. This week, Dan discusses new Aira initiatives and Aira's inclusion in the US vocational rehab system.Dan then reviews the 2018 national convention of the National Federation of the Blind.
2018-07-2545 minThe Blind SideDan Frye talks about his interesting and varied career, and for the first time comments publicly on his departure from the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually ImpairedThis week, Jonathan Mosen speaks with Dan Frye about his varied and interesting career, attitudes about blindness, and for the first time, Dan makes public comment about his departure from the role of Executive Director of the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired.Listener comments include feedback on the conventions, how accessible is the Cisco 8800 phone, we talk self-driving cars and invite you to submit your stories of when you, as a blind person, have driven a vehicle.We welcome your feedback. Send email to TheBlindSide at Mosen dot org...
2018-07-181h 24The Blind Sidethe implications for blind people if Apple introduces noise cancelling AirPods, comments on a blind man's altercation with a police officer, and Katie Frederick talks about the ACB National ConventionThis week, listener comments include the implications of Apple adding noise cancellation to AirPods, responses to the news story read last week about the blind person who had an altercation with a police officer, and more comment on mainstream and specialised book reading devices.In the first of two specials on the US consumer conventions, Jonathan Mosen speaks with Katie Frederick about the American Council of the Blind's 2018 convention.We welcome your feedback. Send email to TheBlindSide at Mosen dot org or call the feedback line in the United States on (719) 270-5114.
2018-07-1143 minThe Blind SideJudy dixon's new book on writing with iOS, meet The Blind Perspective newsletter, specialist blindness players vs smartphones, and should religion ever override civil rights?There's been plenty of social media discussion and other feedback following comments in the podcast last week about audio in Windows 10. Jonathan Mosen has written down his thoughts, with additional work-arounds, in a blog post called Sounds Frustrating.The prolific Judy Dixon has a new book. This one's called "Writing Your Way: Composing and Editing on an iPhone and iPad". It's available here from National Braille Press. Jonathan speaks with Judy about what the book covers, and some of her favourite apps and methods for writing things in iOS.Jonathan then speaks with Nat Armeni...
2018-06-271h 03The Blind SideBeginning a smart home project, why Jonathan tried and returned a Surfacebook 2, many screen reader users negatively impacted by latest Realtek drivers, listener commentsIt's a rather geeky Blind Side this week. Jonathan Mosen discusses his latest home improvement project, creating a smart home compatible with Apple's HomeKit and Amazon's Alexa. It turns out there are some challenges doing this in New Zealand.Jonathan explains what led him to give a Microsoft Surfacebook 2 a try, some things you might find helpful if you do the same, and why it got returned. If your screen reader seems to take a while to respond to a key press after you've left it alone for a while, you're not alone. A characteristic of some...
2018-06-201h 10The Blind SideMosen Consulting's latest audiobook, Mushroom Escape returns, and an extended interview with Neal Ewers about audio, technology and moreThere's a new audiobook from Mosen Consulting, "The Secret Sauce of Savvy Search" that will have you using Google Search like a boss. Jonathan Mosen describes the audiobook, how to get it, and why it might be the most essential book we've ever produced.Some years ago, Mushroom FM used to have a sister station, Mushroom Escape, playing old time drama and comedy. Now, Mushroom Escape is back. Visit Mushroom Escape on the web, or, since it's on TuneIn, look for it in all TuneIn apps and devices that support the TuneIn service.Our featured...
2018-06-131h 14The Blind SidePost WWDC Keynote AnalysisTim Cook and his team have delivered the keynote at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference for another year, and now it's time for some analysis. Jonathan Mosen is joined by Heidi Taylor, Janet Ingber and Debee Armstrong as we summarise some of the key takeaways and look at what it all means from a blindness perspective.We look at what's coming in iOS 12, watchOS 5, tvOS 12 and MacOS Mojave.If you have some views you'd like to share, be sure to let us have them in time for the next episode.We welcome your feedback...
2018-06-041h 35The Blind SideWishin' and hopin'. Looking ahead to Apple's WWDC keynote with thoughts on what should be in iOS 12 and other Apple operating systemsApple's Worldwide Developers conference is next Monday. Jonathan Mosen introduces our expert panel who'll be part of The Blind Side Podcast 89 in which we'll provide post-WWDC analysis. And don't forget, if you're a Daily Fibre Premium subscriber, you can tune into a live stream of the recording of that episode. Become a Daily Fibre Premium subscriber today.Jonathan outlines his top 10 wish list for iOS 12. Read a text version of his thoughts here.We had a stunning number of responses to our question asking what you'd like to see in Apple's next operating system. We...
2018-05-291h 07The Blind SideRich De Steno, lawyer, game developer and now musician, and what do you want to see in iOS 12 and other next generation Apple software?Rich De Steno is one of those people who has put into practice the adage that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. As a lawyer by profession, he found there wasn't an accessible version of a game he wanted to play, so he taught himself how to code in the evenings and wrote the game himself. He then produced a range of fun, accessible games. Now retired, he always had a dream of making music and doing an album, so he taught himself how to do that as well. Rich is Jonathan Mosen's guest...
2018-05-2257 minThe Blind SideIn loving memory of Marlaina LiebergMarlaina Lieberg has made so many contributions to the blind community that it's hard to know how to describe her. Internet broadcasting icon, advocate, technologist, and the list goes on. One way to summarise her immense contribution is to say that whatever she did, she made a difference.Sadly, marlaina Lieberg died last week. In a blog post published shortly after her death, Jonathan Mosen announced that this episode of The Blind Side would be dedicated to Marlaina's memory. A number of people in The Blind Side community responded with tributes for inclusion on the podcast. Marlaina...
2018-05-1541 minThe Blind SideThe Daily Fibre Premium podcast. What it is, why we're doing it, how to get it and a free demo episodeFollowing many requests, The Daily Fibre, the technology news show Jonathan Mosen produces for Mushroom FM, is available as a podcast. Producing it is time-consuming, and that's why it's been made a premium podcast, costing just a quarter per episode, $5 USD per month. Jonathan discusses how this podcast came about, what it contains, and why it's taken this form. We then include a full episode from the Premium feed, so you know what to expect if you subscribe, and offer some guidance for signing up with Patreon, the host of the podcast, with a PC or iPhone....
2018-05-081h 25The Blind Sidethe Windows 10 April 2018 Update. how to get it now, summary and demonstrations of some new featuresMicrosoft's Windows 10 April 2018 Update will be coming to a PC near you very soon. It's available now if you'd like to be an early adopter. Visit the Windows download page to get started.Jonathan Mosen discusses new features in the Windows 10 April 2018 update, demonstrating Timeline, Focus Assist, and some cool new means of directing apps to specific audio devices.There's comprehensive discussion of many more Windows features.In listener comments, we get a few tips on Braille reading speed, continue our discussion of public transport issues and more.We welcome your...
2018-05-011h 11The Blind SideFederal hands are off Canadian harnesses, write Alexa skills without knowing a line of code using Amazon BlueprintsIn the previous episode, we led with the breaking news that the Canadian General Standards Board has abandoned plans to adopt a federal standard for service dog animals, following a widespread backlash. Jonathan Mosen speaks with Yvonne Peters and Tom Dekker, who played critical roles in this successful advocacy campaign. Even if you're not directly interested in the issue, the story Tom and Yvonne tell is an example of how effective use of social media for advocacy can make a difference. To review the website set up for coordinating the advocacy around this campaign, visit Hands Off our Harnesses.
2018-04-241h 11The Blind SideEn-Vision America, deleting Facebook, and long live BrailleJonathan has a couple of new gadgets. A new Samsung wireless charger that allows the iPhone X to be upright which helps with Face ID, and a Bluetooth transmitter dongle that he hopes will help him and Bonnie to use Aira at the same time. He describes both cool new toys.To subscribe to the Accessible Phones Discussion list mentioned in this episode, send an email to blindphones+subscribe@groups.io.We're thrilled to be Libsyn's Rockin' Libsyn Podcast this week. Read Libsyn's piece about The Blind Side Podcast.Mosen Consulting and this...
2018-04-111h 27The Blind SideMicrosoft Research brings Virtual reality to the blind with Canetroller, and are we blind people, or people who are blind?Microsoft has delivered some innovative new products to blind people in recent times. We've talked about Seeing AI and Soundscape on the podcast before. Now, Microsoft researchers are considering how virtual reality, a technology many of us think of as inherently visual, might be put to use in a blindness context. The Canetroller just might be a technology that in future could allow you to rehearse travelling in unfamiliar environments from the comfort of your own home or with an orientation and mobility instructor. To tell us about Cantroller, Jonathan Mosen speaks with Merrie Morris, Ed Cutrell and Mike...
2018-04-041h 00The Blind Sidecomprehensive summary of Apple's Let's Take a field trip event, CSUN observations, Aira revolutionising our livesWe're pleased to unveil our new listener line for The Blind Side Podcast. Want to have your say? Call us any time and leave a message, on (719) 270-5114We begin with information, hot off the press at time of publication, about all that Apple has announced today at its education-focused event in Chicago.Jonathan Mosen recaps some highlights of his time at the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference, including a look at how to keep those hard-won Apple Watch goals going when you're losing a day crossing the international dateline.Many mainstream tech companies...
2018-03-271h 04The Blind SideRica report on inaccessible gym equipment, Andrew Kranichfeld hopes to set up a dating service for disabled peopleBased in the UK, Rica is an organisation conducting research with a focus on the needs of disabled people and seniors. They've produced a report thanks to the sponsorship of the Thomas Pocklington Trust on the inaccessibility of gym equipment to blind people. If you've splashed out on that membership and turned up ready to sweat, only to be thwarted by gym equipment with touch screen interfaces that offer no accessible output, you'll know that this is a big problem. Jonathan Mosen speaks with Chris Lofthouse from Rica, and former Paralympian Mike Brace, who is a trustee of the...
2018-03-1955 minThe Blind SidePodcast chapters make navigating the podcast a breeze, why Amit Patel puts a camera on his guide dog's harness, New Zealand Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick's Election Access Fund BillPodcast chapters are a cool and convenient way to skip between sections of a podcast, making it easier to hear the portions of a podcast that interest you. We've now implemented podcast chapter support for The Blind Side Podcast. Jonathan Mosen demonstrates how they work using his favourite podcast app, Overcast for iOS.There are listener comments on travel anxiety, gun control, Microsoft Soundscape and Apollo 8.We update you with attempts to overturn the Nepalese Government's blanket ban on disabled people climbing Everest.Frustrated by constant jostling and rudeness, Amit Patel, based in...
2018-03-1359 minThe Blind SideNew Mexico students talk with the space station, New Zealand census problems and reflections on the power of self-advocacy in the digital ageIn news briefs, we hear about a beeping Easter egg hunt being organised by the Corpus Christi Police Department's bomb squad. Nice one!A blind woman has filed a class action lawsuit against McDonalds, alleging that their drive-throughs discriminate against blind people at times when no other option is available.Microsoft has released yet another free blindness-related app. Soundscape for iOS is available in the US and UK App Stores.Jonathan makes mention of the Mosen Consulting audiobook, "Imagine there's no countries". You can read about and purchase it here.Our...
2018-03-0654 minThe Blind SideOur very own Alexa skill, adjusting Spotify podcast pllayback, Samsung Galaxy S9, Delta sees sense, ADA gutting passes the house, Anna Dresner's new book, "You and your Apple Watch"Episode 75 begins with more exciting news about how increasingly easy it is to hear The Blind Side Podcast wherever you need it. We're now on iHeart Radio, and we now have our very own cool Alexa skill for the Amazon Echo, which Jonathan Mosen demonstrates.Jonathan then demonstrates a hidden but cool Spotify trick, how to speed up playback of the podcast when listening through Spotify.Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy S9, complete with some interesting news features, plus others that Apple has abandoned, and some customers miss, such as a...
2018-02-271h 06The Blind SideFilm maker Nicole Ellis's "Blind Date" Documentary, and "America, put down your guns"We're pleased to welcome Spotify as another outlet now carrying The Blind Side Podcast. Feel free to search for and follow us there if you're a Spotify user.Still recovering from your Valentine's Day or lack thereof? Jonathan Mosen speaks with Nicole Ellis, a journalist and film maker who produced a documentary called Blind Date. It traces three blind New Yorkers' quest for love and lust in the digital age. Nicole tells Jonathan about herself, and what led her to make this fascinating documentary. Learn more about the Blind Date documentary at BlindDateDocumentary.com.To...
2018-02-2048 minThe Blind SideChris Danielsen from NFB talks airline service dog policies, the ADA Education and Reform Act, and moreFollowing Delta Airlines' decision to require all service animal handlers to submit documentation at least 48 hours before they fly, it was inevitable that other airlines would follow. United has chosen to clamp down on emotional support animals, while acknowledging the high standards to which most guide dogs are trained.Chris Danielsen, spokesman for the National Federation of the Blind, talks to Jonathan Mosen about the challenges of protecting the rights of blind people in the United States to travel when they need to.Chris also talks about the ADA Education Reform...
2018-02-081h 03The Blind SideRobin Christopherson from The Dot to Dot Podcast talks Amazon Alexa and the smart speaker marketOn the day we publish this episode, some of the Amazon Echo products, with their Alexa voice assistant, went on sale in New Zealand and Australia. While Australia has had Google Home for some time. Amazon Echo is the first smart speaker to be available in the New Zealand market officially. The popular Echo range has around 80% of the US smart speaker market. It’s useful, and just plain fun to use. Jonathan Mosen speaks with Robin Christopherson, host of The Dot to Dot podcast, a podcast devoted to all things Alexa. He describes the Echo range, what you ca...
2018-02-011h 03The Blind SideMel Scott from BlindAliveIn our last episode of The Blind Side Podcast for 2017, what better time to think about being healthier and happier in the new year. Jonathan Mosen speaks with Mel Scott, founder of BlindAlive, which offers a range of work-outs and strategies to be healthier, all put together with a blind audience in mind. If you’re tired of feeling fatigued and out of shape, if you’re concerned about your quality of life, and if you get frustrated by inaccessible workout videos, this is a podcast you won’t want to miss.Visit BlindAlive’s website...
2017-12-191h 01The Blind SideEmma Bennison's atrocious treatment from Virgin Australia, seasonal offerings from JonathanIt’s 2017, and in some respects, we’ve come a long way. But there are still too many occasions when blind people seek to go about our business like anyone else, only to find that airlines leave us feeling humiliated and undervalued. Emma Bennison, CEO of Blind Citizens Australia, tells Jonathan Mosen about the day her status as a frequent flier made not a blind bit of difference as she was treated shabbily.As the weather warms up and summer is well and truly here, it’s beginning to look and feel a lot like Christ...
2017-12-1255 minThe Blind SideJesper Holten describes life as a blind person in DenmarkJonathan Mosen catches up with Jesper Holten, a long-time user of technology who now works for the Danish Association of the Blind. We learn about some of the challenges blind people in Denmark face. Some will be very familiar, while others may be different from those experienced in other countries.
2017-11-2948 minThe Blind SideDon’t panic! It’s the blind person’s guide to the Galaxy, part 4This week’s episode of The Blind Side Podcast begins with details of our Black Friday sale at the Mosen Consulting Store. When checking out, just enter the coupon code thankful to receive 25% off everything in your cart. The more you buy, the more you save.Jonathan Mosen then concludes his series on the Samsung Galaxy S8. This week, we look at Google voice Dictation, Bluetooth keyboard commands, the mediocre Braille support, and discuss a range of apps and how they work in the S8.
2017-11-211h 01The Blind SideDon’t panic! It’s the blind person’s guide to the Galaxy, part 3In part 3 of his series on the Samsung Galaxy S8 as used by a blind person in conjunction with the Voice Assistant screen reader, Jonathan Mosen introduces you to Bixby.Samsung’s so proud of Bixby, it has its own dedicated button on the side of the phone. Jonathan believes that the combination of ready access to Bixby and Google Assistant on the one device makes the Galaxy S8 the leader in smartphones with voice assistance. But Bixby is not without its problems, especially where the accessibility of the set-up process is concerned.To...
2017-11-161h 06The Blind SideDon’t panic! It’s the blind person’s guide to the Galaxy, part 2Jonathan Mosen continues his comprehensive series on the Samsung Galaxy S8. This week, learn about the thankfully angle-free gesture set in Samsung’s screen reader, Voice Assistant. Jonathan discusses migrating your data from iPhone, giving voice commands to Google, setting up facial recognition, using the phone as a drive in Windows, purchasing apps and getting them refunded automatically, and much more.As mentioned in the podcast, you can discuss this and other phone-related episodes by subscribing to The Blind Phones email list. Send a blank email to blindphones+subscribe@groups.io
2017-11-091h 02The Blind SideDon’t Panic! It’s the Blind Person’s Guide to the Galaxy, part 1After some news about New Zealand’s new government and a difficult but important topic on Mushroom Fm’s talk show this week, Jonathan Mosen begins his demonstration of the Samsung Galaxy S8.He begins by discussing his choice to go with Samsung specifically due to the multitouch gesture set offered by the Samsung screen reader called Voice Assistant.Heidi and Richard Mosen join Jonathan as they unbox the phone, power it up for the first time, get it talking, work through the very friendly on-board screen reader tutorial, and set it u...
2017-10-2451 minThe Blind SideFred Schroeder, President, World Blind UnionFred Schroeder is a natural leader and superb orator. He has been First Vice President of the National Federation of the blind, Rehabilitation Services Administration Commissioner during the Clinton administration, a state agency director, a lecturer, O&M instructor, champion of Braille and much more. He currently serves as the President of the World Blind Union.Jonathan Mosen sat down with Fred Schroeder when they both attended the national convention of Blind Citizens Australia. We learn about Fred’s early life, the influence the National Federation of the Blind has had on him, his work wi...
2017-10-171h 10The Blind SideMushroom FM and the fun guys who make it happen Mushroom FM is one of those Internet radio phenomena you’ve almost certainly heard about. Perhaps you’ve been meaning to check it out and never have, or maybe you haven’t checked in for a while.Staffed by a team of blind volunteers, and with a strong commitment to high-quality, personality-based Internet radio, Mushroom FM now plays music from the 1950s through to the 1980s, with a few specialty shows thrown in for good measure. With its classy JAM jingles and engaging people, it’s a great listen.Jonathan Mosen founded...
2017-10-091h 03The Blind SideApple’s VoiceOver design inconsistencies, and Jim Fetgather, the former phone phreakerJonathan Mosen begins by announcing the return of the accessible phones for the blind email group, where comparisons of phone types and operating systems are welcome. Subscribe to the Blind Phones list here.In a call to action, Jonathan expands on his blog post, Cupertino, we have a design problem. If you’ve found since upgrading to iOS 11 that you’re deleting emails by accident, it’s not a bug, it’s a new idea from Apple. Jonathan describes why we should care, and encourages you to contact accessibility@apple.com with a respectful request that thi...
2017-10-0359 minThe Blind SideDeja Powell, blind cane travel instructorFor some people who’ve never been given travel instruction by a blind person, the idea seems proposterous and downright dangerous. How can a blind orientation and mobility specialist keep their students safe and monitor their technique? And yet, there are many capable, successful, and totally safe blind people teaching other blind people how to get around.Deja Powell is a blind cane travel instructor based in Utah. She talks with Jonathan Mosen about her journey to acceptance of her blindness and provides detailed answers to Jonathan’s frank questions about how she does what she...
2017-09-2655 minThe Blind SideJonathan Mosen’s iOS 11 Tek Talk PresentationJust ahead of the official release of iOS 11, the new software to power iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, Jonathan Mosen was invited to deliver a Tek Talk presentation to Accessible World.For many years, Tek Talk presentations have been held every Monday at 8 PM US Eastern time. Guest speakers have showcased a wide range of technology for the blind and visually impaired.Jonathan speaks about iOS 11 in the context of VoiceOver, the screen reader built into iOS. He discusses Siri’s new voice and capabilities, new VoiceOver options giving greater control ov...
2017-09-1956 minThe Blind SideUpcoming Apple coverage, Marama Fox, Co-leader, Maori PartyWe’re preparing to go into top gear on The Blind Side, with comprehensive coverage of Apple’s new hardware. Mosen Consulting is also ready to go with “iOS 11 Without the Eye”, our most comprehensive iOS book to date. Learn more in the podcast.Blind people using telephone dictation voting can cast their ballot any time from now. Our comprehensive coverage on New Zealand’s disability issues continues ahead of the election. This time, Jonathan Mosen speaks with Marama Fox, co-leader of The maori Party. Marama talks about the affinity that exists between Maori and disabled p...
2017-09-0538 minThe Blind SideMore on our podcasting course, how blind New Zealanders voteOn this, our 50th episode, we say thanks for your listenership. It’s been amazing.Our podcasting course begins just days from now, and we’re excited by how many people have already joined our community of intrepid podcast explorers. There’s still room for you though. We tell you about a very special guest joining us for part of our first webinar.Our series on the New Zealand general election continues. This week, we’re looking at how blind people in New Zealand vote. Jonathan Mosen explains New Zealand’s proportional electoral system which gives ever...
2017-08-2937 minThe Blind SidePoto Williams, NZ Labour PartyOur series on New Zealand’s general election continues.Poto Williams is Labour’s spokesperson for Disability Issues. She joins Jonathan Mosen for a wide-ranging discussion on public policy from a disability perspective, including answering questions sent in by listeners.
2017-08-1558 minThe Blind SideMojo Mathers, NZ GreensThis week, we begin a series of interviews with representatives of New Zealand political parties, ahead of the 23 September general election.Jonathan Mosen speaks with Green MP and Disability Issues spokesperson Mojo mathers. Mojo, who is Deaf, is New Zealand’s only member of Parliament with a significant disability.She discusses what it’s like to be the only disabled MP, some issues of significance facing disabled people in New Zealand, and how the Green Party would tackle them.
2017-08-081h 03The Blind SideSteven Lockley on blind people and sleepIt’s a problem many blind people are all too familiar with. We’re wide awake in the middle of the night, and have an uncontrollable urge to sleep in the middle of the day. It can make life utterly miserable, in terms of maintaining a schedule in sync with our friends and family, and performing at our best on the job. We now call this phenomenon non-24, and there are things you can do about it.Even if you’re lucky enough not to be affected by non-24, most of us could do with more, and better...
2017-08-011h 00The Blind SideSeeing AI, AiraThis week’s podcast focusses on technology that gives blind people easier access to visual information.The hot topic in the blind community on social media since its release a couple of week’s ago is an iOS app from Microsoft called Seeing AI. It’s a Swiss army knife of visual tools, offering some functions available in some other apps, but also breaking new ground in the use of artificial intelligence to give blind people descriptions of people and scenes. An app like this has been the dream of Saqib Shaikh, a blind developer who has worked...
2017-07-251h 07The Blind SideGreyhound Lawsuit, “Go Where You Wanna Go” by Judy DixonA group of blind people in the United States are frustrated by their inability to book travel independently using the Greyhound website and apps. When they’ve sought help from the call center, they were charged a convenience fee. They’ve filed a lawsuit which is supported by the National Federation of the Blind. Jonathan Mosen speaks with Chris Danielsen from NFB about this specific suit, and looks at case law on web and app accessibility.“Go Where You Wanna Go” is Judy Dixon’s latest book published by National Braille Press. It looks at GPS apps for iOS. J...
2017-07-041h 03The Blind SideYet More Airline Discrimination, Paul MugambiJonathan Mosen speaks with Kliphton Miller about Frontier Airlines, who turned what should have been a pleasant flight with his 18-month-old granddaughter into a day of discrimination and frustration.Paul Mugambi is a Kenyan advocate and musician. Currently studying on a scholarship in Australia, Paul talks with Jonathan about some of the advocacy triumphs and challenges blind people in Kenya are facing. We conclude the podcast with a great song from Paul.
2017-06-1359 minThe Blind SideApple’s WWDC RecapRight after Apple’s Worldwide Developer’s Conference keynote, Jonathan Mosen is joined by Jeff Bishop, Heidi Mosen and David Woodbridge to bring you analysis and further information from the slides that wasn’t discussed by the presenters.
2017-06-051h 03The Blind SideAccessible Virgin Australia in-flight entertainment, UK electionOne person can make a big difference, with the law on their side and a bit of tenacity. Phillip Chalker tells Jonathan Mosen about his successful campaign to have Virgin Australia install accessible in-flight entertainment systems on their aircraft.Unexpectedly, UK voters are going back to the polls again, for a snap general election. Dave Williams joins Jonathan Mosen to talk about the possible ramifications of brexit on the blind community. We look at some of the issues dominating the campaign, and learn about the hoops disabled people are being required to go through just to keep...
2017-05-2355 minThe Blind SideAnna Dresner’s latest book, and the unhelpful Canadian Passport OfficeWe all know how important it is to exercise regularly to stay healthy and alert. Audio workouts and accessible gadgets are making it easier than ever for blind people to stay active. But where to start? Respected technology author Anna Dresner has written a new book for National Braille Press to get you started, entitled “Ten Thousand Steps, Cane Not Included”. Jonathan Mosen speaks to Anna about her writing in general, and this book in particular.You can purchase a copy of the book by visiting http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/10KSTEPS.htmlWhether you’...
2017-05-1659 minThe Blind SideLow Carb Expert Jimmy MooreThis week’s episode of The Blind Side could be the most important thing you’ve heard all year, as Jonathan Mosen speaks with author, blogger and podcaster, Jimmy Moore.Weighing over 400 pounds and having failed at a low fat diet, Jimmy turned his life around when he adopted a high fat, low carb lifestyle. It’s the same lifestyle that’s caused Jonathan to need a completely new wardrobe.Increasing, compelling evidence suggests that going low carb will reduce significantly your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases that have become commonplace since the low...
2017-04-2559 minThe Blind SideGretchen Good on disaster preparedness, Kayla Weathers on the blind in literaturePlease support The Blind Side by checking out HMA VPN. http://www.mosen.org/hmaYou’re sound asleep, when you’re awakened by the ground shaking violently. Objects are falling off shelves, and your dog is terrified, as are you. Are you ready for a natural disaster, and what are the things blind people need to be prepared for in such an eventuality?Jonathan Mosen speaks with Dr Gretchen Good of Massey University, who is part of a team that has completed research on the impact of the Christchurch earthquakes on some of the blin...
2017-02-2859 minThe Blind SideThe Demise of the Roger app, BlindSquare CompetitionPlease support The Blind Side by checking out the services from the great team at HMA VPN, to secure your Internet and tear down the walls of geoblocking. http://www.mosen.org/HMAOn the podcast this week, many in the blind community were dismayed to learn of the imminent demise of the Roger Walkie-Talkie app for iOS and Android. With it’s superb audio quality, unlimited message length and simple group features, it’s brought blind people together and fostered new friendships.Now that it’s going, its users are looking for alternatives, and this e...
2017-02-211h 12The Blind SideTara Briggs of Ability Stories interviews Jonathan MosenWe begin The Blind Side for 2017 by turning the tables on the show host.Jonathan Mosen provided some advice to Tara Briggs when she was establishing her podcast, Ability Stories. Recently, Tara reached out to Jonathan and asked if she could record an interview with him.While the subject matter is wide-ranging, this interview is notable for covering a subject Jonathan hasn’t been interviewed about before, his atheism. Jonathan deconverted from Christianity almost 30 years ago, and describes himself as a proud atheist, confident and comfortable with the world view he follows.Join Ta...
2017-01-241h 51The Blind Side“Braille On Display” author, Jackie BrownMosen Consulting has published a new book by Jackie Brown. “Braille on Display” is a handy buyer’s guide covering most of the Braille products available today. It’s packed with useful facts as well as the author’s views on the Braille technology she’s reviewed.Jonathan Mosen speaks with Jackie to learn a bit about her and a lot about her great new book.You can purchase it from: http://mosen.org/BrailleOnDisplay
2016-12-091h 02The Blind SideTour of The Seeing Eye, The US presidential electionOn last week’s Mosen Explosion, heard on Sundays at 2 PM Eastern time and then repeated on Tuesdays at 5 AM Eastern time on Mushroom FM, we broadcast a tour Bonnie and Jonathan took of the Seeing Eye. The response was so positive to this, with many people asking for it to be available for download, that we’re including it in this week’s podcast.First, Bonnie Mosen gives us some background to The Seeing Eye and how it was founded. Then, Jim Kutsch, President of The Seeing Eye, takes us around some of the great facilities.L...
2016-11-111h 37The Blind SideBlindsquare Positioning System comes to WellingtonUsing the GPS (Global Positioning System), blind people can now obtain detailed information about their environment with the aid of smartphones, note takers and stand-alone devices. But the system is unsuitable for providing detailed navigation information in-doors.The developers of the popular BlindSquare iOS app are seeking to solve that problem with a system they call BPS, the BlindSquare Positioning System.In his book “iOS 7 Without the Eye”, Jonathan Mosen predicted that iBeacons had the potential to dramatically improve the information blind people receive about the built environment, if a developer took the technology and used...
2016-09-2351 minThe Blind SideUnboxing and familiarisation with the iPhone 7 Plus16 September came to New Zealand first, so Jonathan Mosen was one of the first in the world to have an iPhone 7s Plus delivered. In this podcast, Jonathan unboxes and sets up the device, explores the new home button, uses Apple’s new Lightning to 3.5mm adapter, experiments to see if Bluetooth latency with VoiceOver has improved, compares the built-in audio of the two devices, uses the new camera, and more.
2016-09-1556 minThe Blind SideApple’s September 2016 EventApple giveth, and Apple taketh away. What do September 7’s Apple hardware announcements mean for you? Jonathan Mosen is joined by technology experts David Woodbridge and Jeff Bishop, as well as Apple tech enthusiast Heidi Mosen. We’ll provide commentary on the event, and Heidi will give us some visual explanations of some of the new hardware based on what she saw during the keynote and subsequently.
2016-09-071h 14