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Blindsight

Blindsight

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 Blindsight explores life through a unique lens, delving into the lived experiences of people navigating blindness, mental health, relationships, and personal growth. Hosted by Bill Lundgren, with Jonathan Price as co-host, the podcast brings insightful discussions on topics that often go unseen. Each episode dives into challenges and triumphs, providing listeners with perspectives on resilience, vulnerability, and authenticity. With expert guests and real-life stories, Blindsight offers a safe space to discuss everything from family dynamics to navigating mental health, making it a must-listen for those seeking understanding and empowerment on the journey of life without sight. This service is made possible by generous donations. Consider supporting us at www.aftersight.org to help keep these resources free. Aftersight also provides free white canes, support groups, and more, all thanks to contributions from our community.2022 Ciencias Sociales Desarrollo Personal Hygiene & Healthy Living Medicina Alternativa y Complementaria Psicología Psicología y Salud Mental Relaciones Éxito Personal
Episodios
  • S is for sadness

    S is for sadness
    Jun 6 2025
    In this honest and emotionally vulnerable episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren sits down with therapist and guide dog user Darran Zenger for a heartfelt discussion on one of our most avoided emotions—sadness.
    Darran opens up about preparing to say goodbye to his beloved guide dog, sharing what it’s like to sit in the rawness of grief while still showing up with empathy and presence. Bill reflects on the loss of his own father and the misguided emotional norms he grew up with, particularly the message that “men don’t cry.”

    Together, they unpack:
    The nature of sadness as neither good nor bad
    The toxic cultural expectations—especially for men—to suppress emotion
    The difference between sadness and depression
    How suppressed grief can manifest as anger or even violence
    Practical tools for navigating sadness: music, movement, journaling, reaching out, and community
    Whether you're grieving, caring for someone who is, or just trying to understand your own emotions better, this episode is a powerful invitation to feel more deeply and heal more fully.

    Chapter Markers 00:00 – Opening: Mental health is not a luxury 01:05 – Introducing sadness: it’s not good or bad, it just is 02:24 – Bill’s personal story about emotional suppression 04:05 – Darran’s guide dog and sitting with loss 07:00 – The masculine pressure to suppress emotion 09:30 – The cost of unprocessed sadness 11:58 – Toxic positivity and being told to “buckle up” 14:27 – The need for empathy over solutions 16:37 – Sadness vs. depression: how to tell the difference 20:36 – What sadness looks like in daily life 22:00 – Music, movement, and peanut butter: self-care ideas 25:24 – Writing and drawing as emotional processing tools 26:56 – The power of bilateral stimulation and nature walks 29:13 – Medication, sleep, and the role of therapy 31:17 – Group therapy and peer support for grief 33:38 – Final thoughts: it’s okay to feel 35:58 – Next time on Blindsight: “A is for Anger”
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    38 m
  • Happy, Joy, and Everything in Between

    Happy, Joy, and Everything in Between
    May 30 2025
    In this emotionally rich and affirming episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren welcomes back therapist Darran Zenger for a deep conversation on the often misunderstood emotion of happiness. Together, they dissect the difference between genuine happiness, put-on smiles, and the more enduring sensation of joy.
    Darran opens up about his own challenges, including navigating life with Usher Syndrome, and how reframing small moments—like enjoying French fries or a favorite soda—can rewire the mind toward happiness. He emphasizes that happiness is a moment-to-moment experience, while joy is the cumulative result of consistent presence and meaningful connection.

    Bill and Darran also discuss:
    Why society often discourages men from feeling emotions
    How feelings are tools, not judgments
    The subtle ways addiction can numb happiness
    The power of gratitude and vulnerability
    Why we need to give ourselves permission to be happy
    From McDonald’s Coke to Brene Brown’s research, this episode is a vibrant blend of personal stories, clinical wisdom, and soul-nourishing reminders that you’re not alone—and that you deserve to feel happy.

    Chapter Markers:
    00:03 – Welcome to Blindsight: Introducing feelings series
    01:52 – Men, emotions, and societal norms
    04:45 – What is happiness? Reframing and redefining joy
    07:13 – Positive affirmations and “fake it till you make it”
    09:38 – Blindness, dating, and reframing rejection
    11:48 – The power of identity beyond disability
    13:57 – Connection over perfection and Brene Brown’s research
    16:22 – Joy vs. happiness: Daily choices and long-term reward
    18:31 – Outdoor joy: Hiking and hunting analogies
    20:45 – Chemical imbalance, grief, and suppressing emotion
    23:12 – The danger of judging emotions as “bad” or “good”
    25:35 – Emotional numbness: Brene Brown and the hand analogy
    27:59 – Using emotions as data: Embracing the full spectrum
    30:25 – Permission for happiness and being your own worst critic
    32:48 – Comparing ourselves, social media, and boundaries
    35:13 – Final encouragement: Give yourself grace and pursue connection

    Contact Info & Feedback:
    Email: feedback@aftersight.org
    Voicemail Line: (720) 712-8856
    Let us know your thoughts, questions, or emotional check-ins. We’d love to hear from you.
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    36 m
  • Vision Loss Isn't a Flaw

    Vision Loss Isn't a Flaw
    May 23 2025
    In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren sits down with Neva Fairchild—an advocate, counselor, and technological leader in the blind community—for a powerful conversation about resilience, adaptation, and acceptance. Born with a visual impairment that went undiagnosed until preschool, Neva takes us through her journey of coping with undiagnosed Stargardt disease, the challenges of navigating school without accommodations, and ultimately building a career that has reshaped the lives of others with vision loss. Neva shares how she learned to stop hiding her condition, embraced assistive technology, and found her true calling later in life among those who not only lived with blindness—but thrived in it. Her story is a call to action to advocate for better services, honest conversations with doctors and families, and the dignity that comes from asking for help.
    Neva’s journey is one of transformation—from a child who struggled to be understood, to a national leader who now empowers others to live well with vision loss.

    Key Topics Covered:
    Neva’s early signs of vision loss and misdiagnosis
    Learning to pass in a sighted world and the emotional toll
    Breaking through shame and isolation by meeting others with blindness
    How technology and the right support changed everything
    Her work with AFB and advocacy for older adults with vision loss
    The importance of honesty, asking for help, and normalizing blindness

    Chapter Markers:
    00:00 – Welcome to Blindsight
    01:00 – Neva’s diagnosis and early childhood struggles
    04:45 – Going blind in adulthood: The emotional and medical shock
    07:00 – Coping mechanisms, stubbornness, and a hunger to live fully
    10:00 – The power of blind community and assistive technology
    12:20 – Transitioning from enlargement to screen readers
    14:30 – The shame of visibility and learning to accept her identity
    17:00 – Career in blindness rehab and helping others thrive
    21:00 – Advocacy for better doctor referrals and more vision specialists
    23:45 – Final advice: "Blindness isn’t a character flaw"
    26:00 – Closing thoughts and contact info
    Más Menos
    26 m
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Bill Lundgren is the real deal. As a blind man dispensing advice on health and wellness for the low-vision/blind population, I trust him with my four good senses. He is a warm, good-humored professional and I suggest that every person with visual challenges should listen to his wisdom.

I trust Bill

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Bill totally bridges the gap between blindness and mental health.. an angle that is not addressed enough!
Great podcast!!

Great podcast for those with disabilities

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