Podcast
The Tactile Traveler
Hosted by Nick Isenberg · EN
The goal of this podcast is to empower blind and low-vision people to explore the world, and help our sighted friends see the world in a new way.
Frequently, as people lose their eyesight, they become more and more isolated. The Tactile Traveler hopes to empower people, not only to go literally around the world, but around the block to new adventures in their lives.
19episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Tactile Traveler #75 - Why Amtrak Works for Blind Travelers + The California Zephyr
3w ago00:27:30Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we explore the unique advantages of traveling by Amtrak for people who are blind or visually impaired from accessibility features to the overall passenger experience. We also take a closer look at the iconic California Zephyr, one of the most scenic train routes in the United States, and what makes it a standout journey for all travelers.
Transcribe →The Tactile Traveler #74 - What to Do & Where to Go When Losing Vision or Going Blind
Apr 700:27:30Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we will discuss…What happens when your vision starts to fade, or disappears entirely? In this episode of The Tactile Traveler, we get real about the transition into low vision or blindness, and what actually helps (and what doesn’t).We break down practical next steps: where to go for support, how to adapt your daily life, and the tools that can help you stay independent and confident. From mobility training to assistive tech, to the emotional side no one really prepares you for, we cover it all.Whether you’re experiencing vision loss yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode is about turning uncertainty into a plan—and reminding you that life doesn’t stop here, it just shifts.
Transcribe →The Tactile Traveler #74 - How to Choose A Therapist, Don’t Grab a Blind Person, Gunshot Trauma
Mar 300:27:30Tap to summarizeHow do you choose the right therapist? What does being shot have to do with blindness? And why is grabbing a blind person one of the most harmful things you can do — even if you’re “just trying to help”?In this episode, we unpack trauma, recovery, and respect. From navigating mental health care to understanding how violence can cause vision loss, to learning how to properly support blind individuals, this conversation is about autonomy, awareness, and doing better.
Transcribe →The Tactile Traveler #73 - Making Reservations on the Reservation, Visiting Native America, Alaska, and Hawai'i, and Finding Blind Ski Programs
Feb 300:27:14Tap to summarizeDid you know that there are more than two-thousand American Indian, Native Alaskan, and Native Hawaiian-owned hotels, resorts, restaurants, museums, ski resorts, cultural centers, and even tour companies? In today's episode, learn about indigenous-owned vacation retreats, visiting Native America, Alaska, and Hawaii, and finding blind ski programs.
Transcribe →The Tactile Traveler #72
Jan 800:27:30Tap to summarizeEpisode 72 of the tactile traveler
Transcribe →The Tactile Traveler #71 - Echolocation, Ski Safety & My Ted Bundy Documentary Feature
Dec 200:27:30Tap to summarizeToday we break down how blind individuals use echolocation to “see” their surroundings, explore a safer method of standing up, and talk about avoiding eye injuries while skiing. I also share news about being featured in an upcoming Ted Bundy documentary.
Transcribe →The Tactile Traveler #70 - Your Final Trip After You Die & Holograms That Bring 3D Vision to Life
Nov 400:27:30Tap to summarizeIn today’s episode, we delve into the concept of Your Final Trip — After You Die. We’ll explore unique and thoughtful choices for what happens to our bodies after we pass away, ranging from organ and body donation to burials at sea and even having our ashes launched into space. Additionally, we’ll learn about the remarkable potential of cornea donation, even for individuals who are blind, as it can help others see through their eyes.We’ll also examine the advancements in hologram technology that enable people who are blind in one eye to experience depth and three-dimensional vision.We’ll gain valuable insights from John Lohmeier, the Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank, as we explore how life and legacy can continue long after we’re gone.The Tactile Traveler invites you to embark on a journey of exploration, both globally and locally, one touch, one sound, and one story at a time.
Transcribe →The Tactile Traveler #69 – ADA 35th Anniversary: How the Act Changed Lives + Cruise Weight-Gain Tips
Oct 700:27:30Tap to summarizeIn this episode—Celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with host Nick Isenberg on KDNK Community Radio. Discover how Denver’s 1978 “Gang of Nineteen” protest revolutionized accessible public transit and empowered people with disabilities nationwide.Plus: practical cruise travel tips to stay fit and avoid cruise weight gain.Whether blind, low-vision, or sighted, explore the world in new ways with The Tactile Traveler podcast.
Transcribe →The Tactile Traveler #68: Echo Location – How Blind People Can Learn to “See” with Sound
Sep 200:27:30Tap to summarizeOn today’s program, we dive into the fascinating world of echo location—the skill that allows blind and visually impaired people to visualize and navigate their surroundings using sound.You’ll hear the incredible story of Daniel Kish, who lost his eyesight as a toddler but discovered his own way of “seeing” by making tongue clicks and listening to the echoes around him. The Tactile Traveler hopes to empower people not only to go literally around the world, but around the block to new adventures in their lives.Stay tuned for more episodes!
Transcribe →The Tactile Traveler #67 – Breaking Blind & Sensational Blackboards: Solving Life & Tactile Drawings
Aug 500:27:30Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Tactile Traveler, we explore how blind and visually impaired individuals navigate the world in creative, empowering ways.First, in “Breaking Blind,” we share real stories of how blind people solve everyday problems and stay independent. Then, in “Sensational Blackboards,” we dive into how tactile drawings help blind individuals communicate ideas with both sighted and blind audiences.Whether you’re blind, visually impaired, a sighted parent of a blind child, or simply curious about accessible travel and inclusive design, this episode is full of inspiration and innovation. Join us as we redefine what it means to explore the world—without sight, but with no limits.
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