Shows
Not So Bad PodcastChat with JackoIn this episode, we chat with support worker Jackson Besley about what the job actually looks like day-to-day—and why a bit of creativity and a good sense of humour go a long way. We talk about how he tailors support to each person, what makes a good support relationship, and how his long-standing friendship with Pat and Heather McCann has shaped his perspective. It’s a relaxed, honest convo with someone who’s clearly in it for the right reasons.
2025-05-1356 min
Not So Bad PodcastNever Have i Ever - Xmas Special```html
In this Christmas special, Pat and Matt are back with part two of Never Have I Ever. Matt shares stories about his new guide dog, Violet, and how they’re settling into life together. Meanwhile, Pat talks about his new passion for woodworking—though it seems his circular saw has everyone else a little on edge.
To wrap things up, they answer some fantastic listener questions—huge thanks to everyone who sent them in! It’s a relaxed festive chat with plenty of laughs. Merry Christmas from The Not So Bad Podcast!
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2024-12-2558 min
Not So Bad PodcastA chat with Erik (Pat's Dad) - Now its getting personal```html What’s it like parenting a child going blind? How do you even navigate something like that? In this episode, we chat with Pat’s dad, Erik Jenson, about all of it—including some stories Pat probably wishes were left out!
We explore how going blind impacted school, career choices, and more. But let’s be honest—the big question we all want answered is: how does Pat still have any teeth left at all?
Tune in for an honest, funny, and insightful conversation you won’t want to miss.
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2024-12-0640 min
Not So Bad PodcastHow good are the Meta Glasses? Next level game changer?In this episode, we get a bit techy as we dive into how Meta Glasses, designed for a mainstream audience, have unexpectedly made life easier for the blindness community. From our own experiences, we share how they’re helping with everyday tasks like cooking, video calling, and even picking the right pastry. It’s a more tech-focused chat, but we promise to keep it fun.
2024-11-2129 min
Not So Bad PodcastChampioning Human Rights in the Age of AI with Ed SantowIn this episode, we sit down with Ed Santow, former Australian Human Rights Commissioner and long-time advocate for marginalized communities. Ed shares his insights on the intersection of human rights and technology, exploring how AI can be both a tool for empowerment and a potential challenge for the most vulnerable among us.
Tune in as we dive into the evolving role of AI in society, the responsibilities of tech creators, and how we can work toward a future where technology serves everyone fairly.
2024-11-0747 min
Not So Bad PodcastIs it scary meeting someone that is blind??? Ask Nick Gill
In this episode, we interview Nick Gill, who talks about meeting our co-host Matt for the first time and how their relationship developed both personally and professionally. We dive into the nuances of building connections in unexpected ways, with Nick offering some fascinating insights from his perspective. As always, there’s plenty of fun, including a side tangent about some of the joke songs we've made over the years. It’s a laid-back, entertaining conversation you won’t want to miss.
Mentioned in this episode:
Yoto Player
The Quokkas
Lil Rick
Nick's Number 1 Track
2024-10-2435 min
Not So Bad PodcastDr Karl Interviews the Not So Bad Podcast
We were beyond stoked to have the one and only Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki on the podcast! What starts as a casual chat quickly turns into a fun and curious deep dive into his incredible life. We talk about everything from his new book to his parents’ brave escape from Nazi Germany, his hippy days, and how he navigated the challenges of getting an education in a foreign country.
Dr. Karl even shares his fascinating predictions about the future of medical science—and immortality! Of course, he couldn’t help but ask us how blind people dream. It’s mostly...
2024-10-101h 11
Not So Bad PodcastA Chat With Garth HumphreysThis time on the Not So Bad Podcast, we’re excited to chat with Garth Humphreys—a father, podcaster, and seasoned call center leader who is nearly completely blind. We cover a range of topics, from his journey to finding employment and navigating education to the joys and challenges of traveling as a blind couple. Garth also shares his insights on assistive tech and his experiences training others in a fun and relatable way. With his light-hearted humor and positive outlook, this episode is sure to entertain and enlighten. Tune in for a great conversation!
Links:
Audio Pizza
Aira
2024-09-2650 min
Not So Bad PodcastLet's get this show on the roadKicking off season 2 we're back to chat about all the changes that have been taking place in our lives including career changes, retiring guide dogs and everything in between. We even have an app for that ;)
There's an app for that: https://www.tripit.com/web
2024-09-1226 min
Not So Bad PodcastWhere have we been?Just a quick one to update on all the goings on and to explain where we've been for a few weeks. Stay Tuned for more coming very soon.
2024-06-3025 min
Not So Bad PodcastBut how do you even watch TV anyway?Episode 16 - Not So Bad PodcastEpisode 16 - Not So Bad Podcast
Welcome to Episode 16 of the Not So Bad Podcast, hosted by Pat and Matt. In this episode, we dive into the world of audio description, showcasing how blind individuals can enjoy TV just like everyone else. We have the pleasure of interviewing Roy Samuelson, a talented and in-demand audio performer and voiceover artist based in LA, known for his work on numerous TV shows and films. Additionally, we speak with Alison Mires from The Substation in Sydney, who has been crucial in bringing audio description to Australia. For...
2024-05-2343 min
Not So Bad PodcastNever Have I Ever - Question TimeJoin us for an exciting episode of the "Not So Bad Podcast" where travel stories, tech tips, and listener questions converge. Matt kicks things off with tales from his Fiji getaway and an introduction to the innovative Clicks iPhone keyboard case. Learn more about it here. Pat shares insights on his new instant pot, a revolutionary tool for blind cooking.
The heart of the episode is driven by your thought-provoking questions. We delve into a range of topics, including navigating public restrooms as a blind person, the sights you dream of seeing if you weren’t blind, an...
2024-05-0845 min
Not So Bad PodcastA chat with Evan O’HanlonStrap in for this light-hearted episode of the Not So Bad Podcast where we hang out with Evan O’Hanlan, a legend of the Paralympics and a gold medal collector like no other. Evan shares tales from his epic 18-year athletic career, and we attempt to tally up just how many times he’s stood atop the podium—spoiler: it’s a lot!
Evan gives us the lowdown on what it’s like to race at the Paralympics, juggle family duties, and shift gears into his new role as a disability access consultant. As we’re wrapping up, Evan fli...
2024-04-2459 min
Not So Bad PodcastPerfect Pitch, Echo Location and Other Super PowersNot SO Bad Podcast
Join us for a fun-filled episode of "Not SO Bad" as we put Matt's perfect pitch to the test with a guitar, a leaf blower, and a surprise twist! Then, we'll dive into the world of echo location and its invaluable role for the blind. Special shout out to Ziggy the Pug for sending in his question! Stick around for Pat's terrible joke and a secret track at the end. It's superpowers and laughs all in one episode!
Don't forget to follow and share our adventures on Instagram: @notsobad.podcast
2024-04-1031 min
Not So Bad PodcastState of the Union
Description: In this episode of the Not So Bad podcast, we strip away the sugarcoating and dive into the raw, unfiltered realities of living with site loss. Both of us are on vastly different paths when it comes to losing our sight, yet we find common ground in the day-to-day experiences that challenge and shape us. From the mundane to the downright bizarre, we share how site loss impacts our lives without the inspirational fluff.
We also take a candid look at Aira, an app that’s changing the game for the visually impaired, including a no-frills de...
2024-03-1741 min
Not So Bad PodcastVideo games, Audio games, what’s the difference anyway?In episode 11 we chat with Ben Ritter and Everett Elam about their incredible work in the video gaming world for blind people. Yeah that's right blind people play video games too ;).
We cover the current state of gaming accessibility,their amazing accessible scrabble app, what's coming up for these guys and loads more.
We absolutely love chatting with people as passionate and creative as these guys. This was a treat.
Links:
The webist ewhere you can check out their work and upcoming projects: https://themisgames.com/
2024-03-0444 min
Not So Bad PodcastA chat With Nas CampanellaIn this inspiring episode, we sit down with Nas Campanella, the National Disability Affairs Reporter for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), and a familiar face on ABC News. Nas has been defying expectations since losing her sight at the age of six months, proving that vision is just one facet of the remarkable person she is.
Join us as we delve into Nas's journey, from her early days as a newsreader for triple J, where she delivered the news for six impactful years until 2017, to her current role as a prominent voice in disability affairs reporting. Nas...
2024-02-1835 min
Not So Bad PodcastAnd we’re back...Getting up to date to kick off the new year. We chat about travelling to japan, fishing and an app for that.
Fish Angler: https://www.fishangler.com/
2024-02-0432 min
Not So Bad PodcastNVDA, OSARA, GitHub and a sniffly noseIn this episode we’re lucky enough to speak with Jamie Teh and Scott Chesworth, about the incredible work that they are involved in with regards to software accessibility. Jamie is one of the cofounders of the screen reader NVDA which literally opens up access to computers for free across the entire world. In addition to this he also coded the accessibility plug-in for the Reaper recording software that allows it to be used by blind musicians all over the world. This podcast is edited using that very software. Scott is a musician and music producer himself and is an vo...
2023-12-1934 min
Not So Bad PodcastLearning about bark canoes with Bindi mapsIn this episode we try out some promising new tea from Bindy Maps and show how it helps us navigate around the Newcastle Museum and even find out about a bark canoe. Who would’ve thought it.
We also cover education as a blind person, where a guide dog sits on a plan and how Pat loves having conversations with people that aren’t talking to him…
lInks in this episode:
Bindi Maps: https://bindimaps.com/
Jet Pets: Domestic & Overseas Pet Transport Services - Jetpets AUJetpets AUhttps://www.jetpets...
2023-12-0347 min
Not So Bad PodcastGoing blind in BarliWe chat with Shaun Pienta about how one day 15 years ago changed his life forever and how he has thrived since. Even with Pat leading him astray...
We also show off the Envision Glasses and the accompanying app and how tech like this is changing the game for people living with blindness.
Also check out some recent media we've been feature on.
NBN News with Patrick Jenson: https://www.nbnnews.com.au/2023/10/20/vision-impaired-athlete-puts-skiing-on-hold/
Hit106.9 Ask me anything with Matt McLaren: https://omny.fm/shows/hit-newcastle-breakfast/ask-me-anything-matt-mclaren-gives-insight-into-pa
2023-11-0535 min
Not So Bad PodcastYou can’t bring that dog in here!Can blind people use phones and computers?
Can guide dogs go in taxis?
How do you find a missing airpod?
Is Matt a scrabble champion?
All these questions are answered plus a few more you probably didn't ask in episode 5.
"Theres an app for that" focus this week is on Wordvoyance. CHeck it out here: https://apps.apple.com/my/app/wordvoyance/id1672135719
2023-10-2233 min
Not So Bad PodcastWhy don’t you just go get a job.......In this episode we chat about:
* IOS17 update
* Assistive tech apps for reading things and describing photos
* accessible agriculture, (its an app for plants.)
* Pat's new career path and how the that happened
* and the age old question, guide dog VS cane...... Very confusing...
Links.
Magnifyer:
Plantin:
Bird ID:
Be My Eyes:
Instagram: NotSoBad.podcast
2023-10-0839 min
Not So Bad PodcastBlind Dates....... Get it?Pat and Matt chat with their partners about blind relationships and all of the funny stories that go along with them.
2023-09-1951 min
Not So Bad PodcastOut and about with Pat and MattHow often do blind people actually get lost?
We chat about some of our experiences getting about and some of the ways we figure out what the is going on.
Matt gets man handled and Pat ruins a lovely couple's night at a fancy restaurant.
We touch on cane travel vs guide dog travel and how that works out everyday.
Apps we mention for getting about.
Moovit for real time travel info - https://moovitapp.com/sydney-442/poi/en-gb
Next There...
2023-08-2738 min
Not So Bad PodcastNot So Bad - Introduction EP#1The awkward introduction of Matt and Pat.
This episode is about how we met and what our plans are for the podcast. Who knows whether any of it will be how we plan it
Does anyone even listen to episode one of a podcast? Check us out awkwardly talking about ourselves...
Follow on instagram @NotSoBad.podcast
2023-08-1332 min
2023-08-0800 min