RNIB Conversations

In this sight loss story, Hubert chats to Jane, not only about her sight loss, but also about her love of fassion and clothing. 

ON guide dog blogs this time, Hubert welcomes back Liam Archer, as they talk about his newest guide dog Usher. 

In this sight loss story, Hubert chats to Stefan about his journey. They talk about his sight condition, adapting to life with sight loss, and his love of traveling. 

What is it like to continue pursuing your passion and expanding your business as a registered blind baker? Annie Spooner is the owner of Annie’s Cake Creations and for the last few years she’s been baking up a storm with amazing cakes and sweet treats. Now, she’s taking on a new challenge by creating amazing wedding cakes.Learn more as she spoke with RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter.Audio described shows and events included:The Spy Who Came In from the Cold - Thursday 12 February, 7.30pm, @Soho Place, LondonOh! Mary - Saturday 28 February, 3.30pm, Trafalgar Theatre, LondonDeep Azure - Saturday 14 March, 2pm, touch tour 12noon and Tuesday  31 March, 7.30pm, touch tour 5.30pm, Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, LondonNorthern Ballet’s Gentleman Jack - Saturday 14 March, 2.30pm, touch tour 12.15pm, Grand Theatre and Opera House LeedsEnglish Touring Opera – The Gondoliers, Friday 20 March, 7.30pm, Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield Barnum, Saturday 21 march, 2.30pmTo find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What’s On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk(Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

Devin Adams is carrying out research for her PHD which looks at the accessibility of sport and leisure activities for people with disabilities.RNIB Connect Radio’s Allan Russell spoke to Devin to learn more about her work and how you can get involved.If you’d like to take part in Devin’s research, email d.f.adams@stir.ac.ukImage shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

For this week’s check in with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about the importance of building up good bone health.Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey the importance of building up good bone health in early life.  Then to like many things in life is there a connection between good diet and bone health.Elizabeth ended by explaining exactly what osteoporosis is and how the condition can be treated.You will find out more about the importance of good bone health by visiting the following pages of the NHS website - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/bone-health/keep-your-bones-strong-over-65/ To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email info@elizabethroddick.com or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.comImage:  Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling. Warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

What is it like going to the theatre when you’re partially sighted? RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew speaks with Emmy Anstee to find out what helps her when planning to see a show.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

Barry Snell caught up with Jonathon Attenborough to talk about his recent experience attending a football match while wearing only his vision glasses. We’ll explore what the day was like for him — from navigating the stadium to soaking up the atmosphere — and hear his thoughts on how sports venues can better support blind and partially sighted fans. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underlined with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

This week on Guide Dog Blogs, we speak to Toby from our very own RNIB Connect Radio, as he tells us all about his new guide dog Boston, and also his training experience. 

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Toby Davey catches up with Jess Beal from VocalEyes, the national audio description charity providing access to the arts for blind and partially sighted people to share some of the accessible events that are featured in their regular email newsletter.Audio described shows and events included:Miss Saigon - Thursday 22 January, 7.30pm, Hull New Theatre and 4 February, 7.30pm, Mayflower Theatre, SouthamptonSingle White Female - Saturday 31 January, 2.30pm, touch tour 1.15pm, Wales Millennium Centre, CardiffAudio-described tour: Monument to the Unimportant - Saturday 7 February, 3pm, Pace Gallery, LondonInto The Woods - Saturday 21 February, 2.30pm, Bridge Theatre, LondonDracula -  Tuesday 24 March, 7.30pm, Noel Coward Theatre, London.To find out more about these and other up-coming described arts events as well as details on how to sign up to the regular VocalEyes What’s On email newsletter do visit - https://vocaleyes.co.uk(Image shows the VocalEyes logo. A speech bubble with 'VOCALEYES' written in bold black letters next to it)

In our sight loss story this week, we talk about late diagnosis of sight loss, and what it's like to be a teacher with sight loss, as Hubert chats to Laura Francis. 

In this podcast, Hubert chats to Andy from Be My Eyes, not only about what they are about and how they support blind and partially sighted people, but also a little birthday mention to Be My Eyes as well. 

On guide dog blogs this week, Hubert chats to Liam Archer about his first guide dog George, this is quite a unique one, as Liam got his dog at the age of 14, and in this podcast, we find out exactly how this happened. 

On the Happy Hour this week we review a magical and unique audiobook.Joining us to talk about the new Full-Cast Edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, is Luci Franks.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.

In our Sight Loss Story this week, Hubert chats to Alex, who tells him about his sight loss journey, but also talks about how he reviews various theatre trips, different plays, and what sort of information his reviews provide to blind and partially sighted theatre goers. Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font. 

If you have perhaps eaten a bit too much over the holidays and maybe feeling a little bit heavier than before.  Well don’t worry as for the first check in of 2026 with Glasgow based Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick it is all about weight loss. Elizabeth began by explaining to RNIB Connect Radio’s Toby Davey about the current position around weight loss injections such as Mounjaro and whether you can get the injections on the NHS.Then to why it is not only a good idea but important to try and avoid processed foods.Ending with some good advice from Elizabeth about eating well and exercising regularly too.You will find more information around weight loss injections by visiting the NHS England website - https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/prevention/obesity/medicines-for-obesity/weight-management-injections/#:~:text=From%2023%20March%202025%2C%20you,the%20right%20treatment%20for%20you.To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email info@elizabethroddick.com or for more information visit -https://elizabethroddick.comImage: Picture showing Elizabeth standing in her pharmacy, dressed in her white pharmacist coat and a colourful bandana around her neck, she's smiling. Warmly at the camera with her hands slightly raised.

This week on Guide Dog Blogs, Hubert brings back Caroline, with some good news, as she will be starting training with her new guide friend. We find out more about the new guide dog, while also checking in how Caroline's feeling about starting training. 

This week on Guide Dog Blogs, Hubert chats to Caroline about her guide dog Storm, who has very much lived up to his name. 

Luci Franks joins us on RNIB Connect Radio with her recent audiobook recommendation. She shares her thoughts on Keep Laughing, the debut autobiography by British comedian, writer, and Strictly Come Dancing 2024 winner, Chris McCausland.To access this book and a whole host of other great audiobooks visit: Home - Reading ServicesImage shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB’ written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio’ is written in black in a smaller font.