Shows
How To Be A VIPVIP PackingThis week, I explore how the visually impaired pack for their holidays, answering all of the listeners' questions on gadgets, hacks, and what a visually impaired person needs to bring when travelling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2025-07-2321 minHow To Be A VIPHappily Tether AfterJoin me this week as I explore the world of visually impaired running with my lovely guest Georgie, who completed the London Marathon this year and is in the Guinness Book Of Records. We discuss how visual impaired people run and why it is such an amazing thing to do. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2025-05-2829 minHow To Be A VIPVisually Impaired CinderellaThis week's episode explores the nuances of how visually impaired people clean and tidy their homes, covering tips, gadgets, and organising hacks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2025-05-0218 minHow To Be A VIPThe Blind Easter BunnyJoin me this week for a chocolate-filled episode, where I answer listeners' questions on how VIPs access the world of confectionery treats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2025-04-1826 minHow To Be A VIPThrough A Mother's EyesJoin me this Mother's Day for an extra special episode where we delve into everything from conception to schooling, and the top tips and tricks for visually impaired parents. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2025-03-3055 minHow To Be A VIPThe Amber TrustThis week, I am thrilled to welcome Adam Ockelford, founder of the Amber Trust, and service user Eleanor. The Amber Trust is a charitable organisation that offers music education, concerts, and workshops to enrich the lives of blind and visually impaired children. The three of us discuss how visual impairment can be a strength when creating music, accessibility, and how the music industry could be more inclusive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2025-03-1539 minHow To Be A VIPCome Rain Or Come ShineThis week, I play the weather girl as I walk you through the changes in the seasons, and how the different seasons affect visual impairments, from changes in the landscape and temperature to canes vs guide dogs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2025-02-2822 minHow To Be A VIPLove Is BlindThis week, I play agony aunt as I answer your questions about dating as a visually impaired person, covering everything from red and green flags to how you can tell if you are attracted to someone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2025-02-1425 minHow To Be A VIPBlind Girl AdventuresThis week, we’re embarking on a global journey through the eyes of a VIP, celebrating the accessible side of countries and cities while discussing the diverse cultural experiences we've had. From flights and ships to guide dogs and local cuisine, Sassy and I explore it all, sharing the joys and challenges of traveling the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2025-01-3138 minHow To Be A VIPDancing Into 2025We're kicking off 2025 by celebrating Strictly Come Dancing's first VIP winner, and as it's January it seemed very fitting to focus on dance-themed New Year's resolutions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2025-01-1822 minHow To Be A VIPBlind TastingThis week I am joined by accessibility wine consultant Emma Hodges to unpack the concept of a "blind tasting", and discuss how the wine industry could become more accessible to all disabilities, including visual impairment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-12-2726 minHow To Be A VIPA Very VIP ChristmasThis week's episode is packed full of festive tips and tricks on how to make the Christmas season accessible for visually impaired people, as well as having some handy take-homes for everyone, including gifts, decorations, cards and packaging. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-12-1331 minHow To Be A VIPLondon Fashion WeekThis week I am joined by a returning guest from Season 1, the lovely stylist Anna Cofone. As well as being head of the charity Hair & Care, Anna is a session stylist who works with multiple celebrities on music videos and fashion shows. We discuss our recent trip to London Fashion Week, and share the accessible catwalk experience that took place in collaboration with designer Chet Lo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-11-2935 minHow To Be A VIPBlind BarbieThis week, my guest Erica and I head out of the studio to the Design Museum to explore the Barbie exhibition. We discuss accessibility and inclusivity in the Barbie world, and how this can bring about societal change by celebrating gender, race, and disability. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-11-1530 minHow To Be A VIPGadget GirlThis week, I am joined by the lovely Jade, otherwise known as Gadget Girl, for a deep dive into the world of technology and how it can make a visually impaired person's life far more accessible. We discuss everything from apps, phones and computers to talking devices such as TVs and microwaves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-11-0140 minHow To Be A VIPIt's A Job Getting A JobThis week, my guest Becky and I discuss the difficulties that visually impaired and blind people face when seeking employment. This episode is full of practical tips for VIPs and sighted employers on how the process could be more accessible and inclusive for all, including applications, interviews and reasonable adjustments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-10-1843 minHow To Be A VIPWho Let The Dogs OutWe're kicking off season 2 with a double guest interview focusing on how guide dog puppies are raised and the importance of having puppy raisers working to train these incredible animals to become life changers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-10-0447 minHow To Be A VIPRobots vs DogsThis week is the season finale and I am the interviewee! It was such a pleasure to be interviewed by Eloise, a science communication student at Imperial College London, and our conversation focuses on the pros and cons of having a robotic guide dog. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-08-0921 minHow To Be A VIPHello, My Name Is PaulThis week I am joined by the lovely Paul Harman who shares some of his life stories, from his battles with alcoholism to his sight loss journey and guide dog ownership. This is a very informative and emotional conversation, so please listen with care as it contains discussions of addiction and suicide. Many thanks to Alcoholics Anonymous and Guide Dogs UK for their continued support. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-07-2659 minHow To Be A VIPSchool ReunionThis week I take you to school for a lesson on the different ways a visually impaired person can be educated. My guest Fizzy and I both started our schooling journeys in mainstream education, which then led to different paths during secondary school. Which is better: mainstream or specialist schools? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-07-1238 minHow To Be A VIPThree Blind WivesThis week I'm joined by two fabulous VIPs for a fun, open and honest chat about dating with a visual impairment. We cover everything from awkward first dates to choosing partners, as well as discussing how we made our weddings accessible. We hope that this episode offers practical advice for people navigating the dating world, both with and without disabilities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-06-2841 minHow To Be A VIPWe Mean BUSinessThis week I welcome back my first returning guest, Alfie, as we unpack the positives and negatives of using buses, including how the bus system has changed over the years and improvements that could be made in the future to cater for all disabilities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-06-1435 minHow To Be A VIPTop DogThis week I am joined by top dog Andrew Lennox, the new CEO of Guide Dogs UK. We discuss Andrew's exciting vision for the charity, as well as his personal journey to becoming CEO and his own experiences with sight loss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-05-3137 minHow To Be A VIPSerial ThrillersThis week I am joined by my book club, The Serial Thrillers. I am the only visually impaired member, and we discuss the pros and cons of reading a physical book versus to the audiobook options with some additional context on how a visually impaired person navigates literature. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-05-1735 minHow To Be A VIPFifty Dogs, One RestaurantThis week's conversation focuses on one of the frustrating parts of being a guide dog owner: having to face access refusals from places such as shops and restaurants. Although facing a refusal is not fun, I had the best time recording this episode and discussing this topic with the wonderfully witty Dave Kent. This interview was very open, honest and informative. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-05-0351 minHow To Be A VIPEven Dogs Can Have A Career ChangeThis week's interview is a heartwarming and emotional tale of the gorgeous dog Suzi, and her lovely owner Steve. The interview covers everything including puppy-raising, training, and what happens to the guide dogs who get withdrawn. Have your tissues at the ready! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-04-1957 minHow To Be A VIPJazz Clubs And A Green BabyThis week myself and my guest Robin take a wander through our past experiences at theatres, festivals, jazz clubs and concert venues across the country. We focus on the positives regarding accessibility for disabilities as well as how some venues could improve. Special shoutout to Delfont Mackintosh for their accessible theatre experience! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-04-0539 minHow To Be A VIPOpen Your EyesThis week I'm flying solo as we hit the halfway mark of season one. In this episode I walk you through accessible features and designs found in your local landscape that are there to assist visually impaired people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-03-2220 minHow To Be A VIPMind The GapAn informative conversation with my cousin Alfie about the British transport system, specifically focusing on tubes and trains and how journeys could be more accessible for visually impaired people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-03-0848 minHow To Be A VIPHair And CareLondon Fashion Week celebrity stylist Anna Cofone joins me this week to talk about her amazing organisation Hair And Care. This non-profit focuses on delivering both tools and education to blind and visually impaired people, enabling them to feel confident and empowered through the beauty of self care. I could have spoken to Anna all day, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-02-2354 minHow To Be A VIPPuppies, Partnerships and PooA hilarious conversation about my training process with Jilly, and how Barry became a guide dog trainer and his journey working for the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-02-0938 minHow To Be A VIPFeeling CreativeThis week's conversation is a trip down memory lane with my teaching assistant from secondary school. We discuss my various fine art projects and how I adapted my concepts and tools, including how my choices of medium evolved throughout the process. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-01-2624 minHow To Be A VIPInsight Into Guide DogsAn interview showcasign all the wonderful services offered by Guide Dogs from cane training to buddy dogs, as well as finding your perfect match. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2024-01-1244 minHow To Be A VIPDining In The DarkThis week I am joined by my friend Tasha where we discuss the incredible immersive experience of Dans Le Noir, and how the food and drink sector could be more accessible to all disabilities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-12-2932 minHow To Be A VIPBlind Dinner DateThis week I welcome you to my place for dinner, where I'll take you on a tour of my kitchen. We'll discuss how I navigate cooking, featuring tips, tricks and kitchen gadgets, as well as some positive dining experiences I have had in the past. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-12-1531 minHow To Be A VIPFashioneyestaEpisode 2 features the fabulous VIP content creator Emily Davison. This week we unpack everything from fashion and cultivating your own style to skincare and makeup routines, as well as a candid conversation about the general public's attitudes towards her guide dog Rosie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-12-0140 minHow To Be A VIPWho Eye AmWelcome to episode 1 where I take you on a quick journey of my life from my diagnosis at age two to now, featuring interviews with my family and an overview of what's to come in this series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-11-1730 min