Blindsight

By: Aftersight
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  • Summary

  • 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
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Episodes
  • Step Six: Ready or Not, Change is Coming

    Step Six: Ready or Not, Change is Coming
    Mar 7 2025
    In this episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren welcomes back Jeff Schlund from the Betty Ford Center to discuss Step Six of the 12-Step Program. Step Six is about being entirely ready to have a higher power remove defects of character.
    Jeff shares insights from his 22 years of sobriety, emphasizing that alcoholism is not a defect of character but a disease—while defects of character arise from behavior patterns that develop alongside addiction. The discussion covers topics such as perfectionism, shame, and self-doubt, highlighting how these issues affect both people in recovery and those outside of it.

    Bill and Jeff explore:
    The fear and relief that comes with surrendering to a higher power
    How accountability partners, therapists, and sponsors can provide guidance
    Why taking action—even if imperfect—is crucial to personal growth
    The broader applicability of Step Six beyond substance addiction
    Jeff shares personal reflections on his own recovery journey and how making a conscious decision to let go of destructive habits led him toward a healthier, more intentional life.

    Chapter Markers:
    ⏱ 00:20 – Introduction by Bill Lundgren, discussing Step Six and welcoming Jeff Schlund
    ⏱ 02:32 – What is Step Six? Being ready to remove defects of character
    ⏱ 04:47 – Alcoholism as a disease vs. defects of character
    ⏱ 07:10 – Common defects: Perfectionism, shame, dishonesty
    ⏱ 09:39 – The challenge of turning over defects to a higher power
    ⏱ 11:50 – Recognizing patterns in behavior and making changes
    ⏱ 13:57 – The role of therapists, sponsors, and accountability
    ⏱ 16:20 – Why Step Six is a ‘half-step’ leading to deeper work
    ⏱ 19:40 – Learning to take responsibility and seek help
    ⏱ 26:08 – Perfectionism in recovery and for people with disabilities
    ⏱ 31:30 – Advice for taking action and embracing change
    ⏱ 34:41 – Closing thoughts, resources, and where to find help

    Resources & Contact Information:
    📞 Blindsight Feedback Line: (720) 712-8856
    📧 Email: feedback@aftersight.org

    💡 Additional Resources:
    Alcoholics Anonymous Intergroup (Find accessible meetings and resources)
    Betty Ford Center (Support for addiction recovery)
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    35 mins
  • Step 5: Admitting Our Wrongs to Others and to Ourselves

    Step 5: Admitting Our Wrongs to Others and to Ourselves
    Feb 28 2025
    In this episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren sits down with Pamela Rueda, creator of My Badass Recovery, to explore Step 5 of the 12-Step Program. Together, they unpack the significance of admitting our wrongs to ourselves, to another person, and to a higher power. Pamela shares her deeply personal journey through addiction, recovery, and the emotional weight of confronting shame, guilt, and self-perception in the healing process. Pamela and Bill also discuss the importance of selecting the right person to share your Step 5 with, the necessity of radical honesty, and how shame can be a major barrier to recovery. They emphasize how finding a trusted sponsor, creating a safe space for vulnerability, and taking a leap of faith can lead to transformative freedom.

    Key Discussion Points & Chapter Markers
    (00:26) – Introduction with host Bill Lundgren
    (01:29) – Guest introduction: Pamela Rueda and My Badass Recovery
    (01:48) – What is Step 5? Admitting the exact nature of our wrongs
    (02:27) – Pamela’s personal recovery journey and the fears around Step 5
    (04:14) – Shame, self-perception, and breaking free from past identity
    (06:37) – The challenge of opening up and being radically honest
    (08:48) – Selecting the right sponsor: trust, wisdom, and higher power
    (11:56) – How to actually go through Step 5: process, structure, and commitment
    (14:38) – The role of a sponsor: “I’m not here to be your friend”
    (16:43) – The fear of judgment and seeking approval in recovery
    (18:35) – Relapse and learning from past experiences
    (22:24) – Understanding shame vs. guilt: The impact on recovery
    (25:09) – The cycle of addiction and self-judgment
    (28:57) – The power of sharing: How vulnerability defeats shame
    (32:48) – When and how to disclose your recovery journey
    (35:15) – Avoiding the dangers of oversharing and measuring trust
    (39:43) – Understanding motives behind sharing your story
    (40:55) – Closing thoughts: Taking the leap of faith in recovery

    Key Takeaways & Calls to Action
    Shame thrives in secrecy – Bringing shame into the light through honesty helps break its power.
    Choosing the right person for Step 5 is crucial – A sponsor should be trustworthy, wise, and aligned with your healing journey.
    Healing is an ongoing process – If we don’t uncover all aspects of our struggles, they can resurface later in life.
    Measure your vulnerability – Not everyone is safe to share with; trust and intuition play a vital role.
    The power of sharing – Speaking your truth in a safe space leads to self-acceptance and healing.

    Connect & Support
    Feedback? Questions? Call us at (720) 712-8856 or email feedback@aftersight.org.
    Support Aftersight – Your contributions help us continue making impactful content for the blind and low-vision community.
    Thank you for listening to Blindsight. Stay strong, stay connected, and see you next time.
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    45 mins
  • Step 4: Taking Moral Inventory

    Step 4: Taking Moral Inventory
    Feb 21 2025
    In this episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren welcomes back Darren Zenger, a counselor and advisor, to discuss Step 4 of the 12-Step Program—taking a fearless and moral inventory. They explore how this crucial step helps individuals examine resentments, fears, and past behaviors to uncover the root causes of addiction and maladaptive coping mechanisms.

    Darren explains the different areas of personal inventory:
    Resentments: Identifying the people, places, and events that trigger negative emotions.
    Fears Inventory: Acknowledging deep-seated fears that drive behavior.
    Sexual Inventory: Examining relationships and behaviors to uncover patterns.
    Assets Inventory: Recognizing strengths and values to realign with one's true self.
    Throughout the conversation, Darren shares personal insights on perfectionism, trauma, and self-acceptance, discussing how these themes have impacted his journey. He emphasizes that self-reflection can be challenging but ultimately liberating, helping individuals break free from unhealthy patterns and realign with their values.
    The episode concludes with a message of self-compassion, highlighting the difference between guilt and shame, and encouraging listeners to approach their personal inventory with courage and support.

    Chapter Markers:
    00:00 – Introduction by Jonathan Price
    00:12 – Host Bill Lundgren welcomes Darren Zenger
    01:45 – Overview of Step 4: The Moral Inventory
    03:30 – Breaking down the inventory: Resentments, fears, and behaviors
    06:20 – The importance of writing it down and working with a sponsor
    08:45 – Recognizing personal responsibility vs. blaming others
    12:00 – Overcoming fear and shame in self-reflection
    17:30 – Identifying character defects and working toward change
    21:15 – Perfectionism and its impact on personal growth
    28:30 – Aligning behaviors with values for long-term healing
    34:00 – Self-inventory as a continuous process for growth
    38:00 – Final thoughts and words of encouragement
    39:45 – Closing remarks and preview of Step 5
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    41 mins

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Profile Image for Matthew Kissane

I trust Bill

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.

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Profile Image for Alexandra Flynn

Great podcast for those with disabilities

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

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