Penny Forward Podcast

This week, we talk all about investing, and more specifically, sustainable, or ESG, investing, with Penny Forward board member and podcast sponsor Kane Brolin, a blind certified financial planner, and chartered special needs consultant, who may be able to help you, no matter how much you have, or what stage of life you are in. Learn more by visiting brolinwealth.com or by calling 574-254-7180. Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network. Member Finra SIPC. A registered investment advisor. A full text transcript of this episode can be found at https://pennyforward.com/podcast-transcript-investing-with-a-conscience/ The Penny Forward podcast is about blind people building bright futures one penny at a time. Listen by asking your smart speaker to play the podcast, “Penny Forward”, searching for “Penny Forward” using your favorite podcast app, or by visiting pennyforward.com/podcast.

Thank you for your patience while Penny Forward Podcast editor Byron Lee took time to grieve the loss of his mother. We'll be returning with new episodes on July26th. Until then, please enjoy this rerelease of our interview with Gina Marie Applebee. Gina has a B.S. in geology, an M.S. in marine geo physics, an EDS  in science education, and a Ph.D. in progress in integral and transformational psychology. Gina was a totally  blind PH.D. student working as a figure model, with a dream of living independently while being priced out of her home city of Charleston South Carolina. She decided that she was going to build a tiny home to live in independently. Gina completed her tiny home shortly after this interview was originally released. She has now been living in it for over a year and is looking forward to coming back on soon to give us an update on what it's been like. A full text transcript of this episode can be found at https://pennyforward.com/podcast-transcript-her-own-tiny-little-space/ The Penny Forward podcast is about blind people building bright futures one penny at a time. Listen by asking your smart speaker to play the podcast, “Penny Forward”, searching for “Penny Forward” using your favorite podcast app, or by visiting pennyforward.com/podcast.

New episodes of the Penny Forward podcast will return in mid July. Until then, we'll be rereleasing some early episodes along with recently completed transcripts. This week, we're resharing our interview with blind travel agent and accessible travel advocate Melvin Reynolds. You'll learn what it's like to pursue a career as a blind travel agent, what it's like to travel as a blind person, and some dirty little secrets about cruising with a guide dog. A full text transcript of this episode can be found at https://pennyforward.com/podcast-transcript-vacations-and-beyond/ The Penny Forward podcast is about blind people building bright futures one penny at a time. Listen by asking your smart speaker to play the podcast, “Penny Forward”, searching for “Penny Forward” using your favorite podcast app, or by visiting pennyforward.com/podcast.

Please join us in extending our condolence's to Penny Forward Podcast editor Byron Lee after the unexpected passing of his mother last week. To give Byron time to spend with his family, new episodes of the Penny Forward podcast will return in mid July. Until then, we'll be rereleasing some early episodes along with recently completed transcripts. This week, we're releasing the first ever episode of the Penny Forward Podcast. Our first guest was Michael Malver, who had recently found a full-time job after over 10 years of part-time work. You'll learn how Michael's friends and family have always supported him by referring him to opportunities they knew he'd excel at. You'll also learn how trusting his friends has changed his life for the better. A full text transcript of this episode can be found at https://pennyforward.com/podcast-transcript-with-a-little-help-from-my-friends/ The Penny Forward podcast is about blind people building bright futures one penny at a time. Listen by asking your smart speaker to play the podcast, “Penny Forward”, searching for “Penny Forward” using your favorite podcast app, or by visiting pennyforward.com/podcast.

Does fear hold you back? When opportunities come up throughout our lives we don’t always take them because we’re afraid. Whether we’re afraid of failure, or afraid of success, that fear can hold us back from achieving our highest potential. This week, 2022 American Council Of The Blind JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellow Byron Lee returns to tell us how he recently overcame fear to accept a new and challenging job opportunity. A full text transcript of this episode can be found at https://pennyforward.com/podcast-transcript-the-fear-factor/ The Penny Forward podcast is about blind people building bright futures one penny at a time. Listen by asking your smart speaker to play the podcast, “Penny Forward”, searching for “Penny Forward” using your favorite podcast app, or by visiting pennyforward.com/podcast.

This week’s guest is Star Trek’s first blind actor, Bruce Horak.  Bruce is originally from Calgary, Alberta where he trained in theatre and Improvisation. Horak lost over 90% of his eyesight to Retinoblastoma, a childhood cancer.  He has worked for over 25 years as an actor, writer, musician, composer, and painter, often creating work which addresses vision-loss, perspective, and perseverance.  His one-person shows have taken him all over the world.  "This is CANCER" premiered in 2006 at the Summerworks festival in Toronto, and went on to be performed over 1000 times earning awards from coast to coast. "Assassinating Thomson" premiered in 2013 and has been produced nearly 800 times.  The    National Arts Centre, Common Boots Theatre, The Blyth Festival, and Manitoba Theatre Centre are just a few of the spaces to present his work. He can be seen in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds     for Paramount Plus as the blind alien engineer, Hemmer. When not creating new works and performing onstage, Bruce devotes his time to painting.  More can be seen at http://www.brucehorak.com/ A full text transcript of this episode can be found at https://pennyforward.com/penny-forward-transcript-s2022e9-where-no-blind-actor-has-gone-before-pt-ii/ The Penny Forward podcast is about blind people building bright futures one penny at a time. Listen by asking your smart speaker to play the podcast, “Penny Forward”, searching for “Penny Forward” using your favorite podcast app, or by visiting pennyforward.com/podcast.

Have you always believed that you could only make a living if you went to college? George Wurtzel was the star of a 2018 Subaru Outback commercial, but he is also a blind woodworker and craftsman who believes that blind people can be successful in any type of job. In part 2 of a two part interview, we’ll learn how George’s talent and resilience helped him to succeed throughout his 50-year woodworking career, and what it was like to film that famous Subaru commercial.   You can learn more about George by visiting his Wikipedia page at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Wurtzel or by visiting his web site, http://www.gmwurtzel.com/ A full text transcript of this episode can be found at https://pennyforward.com/penny-forward-transcript-s2022e5-seeing-the-world-in-ways-you-never-imagined/ The Penny Forward podcast is about blind people building bright futures one penny at a time. Listen by asking your smart speaker to play the podcast, “Penny Forward”, searching for “Penny Forward” using your favorite podcast app, or by visiting pennyforward.com/podcast.

Have you always believed that you could only make a living if you went to college? George Wurtzel was the star of a 2018 Subaru Outback commercial, but he is also a blind woodworker and craftsman who believes that blind people can be successful in any type of job. In part 1 of a two part interview, we’ll learn how George’s talent and resilience helped him to succeed throughout his 50-year woodworking career, and what it was like to film that famous Subaru commercial.   You can learn more about George by visiting his Wikipedia page at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Wurtzel or by visiting his web site, http://www.gmwurtzel.com/   A full text transcript of this episode can be found at https://pennyforward.com/penny-forward-transcript-s2022e4-seeing-the-world-in-ways-you-never-imagined/   The Penny Forward podcast is about blind people building bright futures one penny at a time. Listen by asking your smart speaker to play the podcast, “Penny Forward”, searching for “Penny Forward” using your favorite podcast app, or by visiting pennyforward.com/podcast.

If the topic of investing seems incredibly daunting, or your first thought upon hearing the word "investing" is, "I could never do that!" You are most definitely not alone. Additionally, while our inclination when our elders tell us things may be to not listen to them, much wisdom and invaluable life lessons can come from age and experience. Les Kriegler is 71 years old. Over his long life, he has enjoyed a successful career in the New York state rehabilitation system, both as a counselor and an administrator, raised two children with his wife Jane, and become a successful investor. We invited Les on because we think he has a lot to teach us about how investing can be a powerful tool to help blind people lead comfortable and care free lives.   A full text transcript of this episode can be found at https://pennyforward.com/penny-forward-transcript-s2022e2-how-a-lifetime-of-investing-has-paid-off/https://pennyforward.com/penny-forward-transcript-s2022e2-how-a-lifetime-of-investing-has-paid-off/   Do you have an investing story you want to share? Continue the conversation in the Penny Forward Facebook group, a safe space to get support from the Penny Forward community.   The Penny Forward podcast is about blind people building bright futures one penny at a time. Subscribe by searching for “Penny Forward” using your favorite podcast app, ask your smart speaker to play the podcast, “Penny Forward”, check out the Penny Forward YouTube channel, or listen to all of our past episodes and read full text transcripts at pennyforward.com/podcast.

Our first guest of 2022 is Trina Wyldeman. Trina’s mother, Gloria Riley, passed away in late summer, 2021, shortly before the release of her book, Your Amazing Itty Bitty® Guide for Adult 20/20 Vision Loss: 15 Key Topics for Successful Lifestyle Modifications. We’ll learn how Gloria’s family history of Retinitis Pigmentosa, and her family’s attitude toward blindness, impacted her life and career, how she came to publish this, and several other books, and how Trina plans to continue Gloria’s work. A full text transcript of this episode can be found at https://pennyforward.com/penny-forward-transcript-s2022e1-a-user-manual-for-vision-loss/ Do you have a blindness resource you want to share? Continue the conversation in the Penny Forward Facebook group, a safe space to get support from the Penny Forward community. The Penny Forward podcast is about blind people building bright futures one penny at a time. Subscribe by searching for “Penny Forward” using your favorite podcast app, ask your smart speaker to play the podcast, “Penny Forward”, check out the Penny Forward YouTube channel, or listen to all of our past episodes and read full text transcripts at pennyforward.com/podcast. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/pennyforward)

If upon hearing the phrase "identity theft," your first thought is, "Oh, crap!" You are not alone. While the topic of identity theft can evoke feelings of overwhelming dread, there are accessible resources out there if you find yourself a victim of identity theft as well as steps that can be taken to minimize the risk of having your identity stolen. We invited Eva Velasquez, President and CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center, ITRC for short, on to talk to us about identity theft, and explain how the ITRC, through a host of accessible resources, can help us be proactive and responsible about ensuring that our identity is ours and ours alone. To learn more about the ITRC, visit their web site at https://www.idtheftcenter.org/ A full text transcript of this episode can be found at https://pennyforward.com/accessible-resources-to-prevent-identity-theft/ The Penny Forward podcast is about blind people building bright futures one penny at a time. Subscribe by searching for “Penny Forward” using your favorite podcast app, ask your smart speaker to play the podcast, “Penny Forward”, check out the Penny Forward YouTube channel, or listen to all of our past episodes or read transcripts at https://pennyforward.com Continue the conversation in our private Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/819788175135724 Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/pennyforward)

Taylor Arndt founded Taylor's Accessibility Services after she lost her job due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She used her expertise in accessible web design to start a successful web hosting and web accessibility consulting company, and we wanted to learn how she made that possible through building a network of relationships with other blind people. Taylor's business, Taylor's Accessibility Services, provides web hosting for, and is a proud sponsor of, the Penny Forward podcast. Visit her web site at https://www.tayloraccess.com A full text transcript of this episode can be found at https://pennyforward.com/penny-forward-transcript-s2e7-a-network-of-the-blind/ The Penny Forward podcast is about blind people building bright futures one penny at a time. Subscribe by searching for “Penny Forward” using your favorite podcast app, ask your smart speaker to play the podcast, “Penny Forward”, check out the Penny Forward YouTube channel, or listen to all of our past episodes or read transcripts at https://pennyforward.com Continue the conversation in our private Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/819788175135724 Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/pennyforward)

Many blind people wonder if we will ever be able to own our own home, Especially if we’re struggling just to find work and get off of social security benefits. Michael Morris lost a good job when his vision changed and he didn’t know how to access the resources that could’ve helped him learn the skills he needed to keep working. We invited Michael on to tell us how his resilience and faith helped him access the resources he needed to achieve his goal of home ownership and how he paid off his mortgage in just seven short years. Michael used an individual development account, a special bank account that helps people with low incomes to save for their education, a first home, or to start a business. More information about individual development accounts and how they impact Social Security benefits can be found at https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-individual-development.htm A full text transcript of this episode can be found at https://pennyforward.com/penny-forward-transcript-s2e6-daring-to-dream-the-impossible-dream/ The Penny Forward podcast is about blind people building bright futures one penny at a time. Subscribe by searching for “Penny Forward” using your favorite podcast app, ask your smart speaker to play the podcast, “Penny Forward”, check out the Penny Forward YouTube channel, or listen to all of our past episodes or read transcripts at https://pennyforward.com Continue the conversation in our private Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/819788175135724 Support Penny Forward by contributing to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/penny-forward Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/pennyforward)

We want to know how to make, keep, and grow money on the Penny Forward podcast, and making money usually involves finding a job, or starting a business. Ron Brooks has done both, and we invited him on to learn how he did it, and what he thinks it takes for other blind people to achieve the same success. Learn more about Ron’s company, Accessible Avenue, by visiting his web site at https://www.accessibleavenue.net A full text transcript of this episode can be found at  https://pennyforward.com/penny-forward-transcript-s2e5-the-avenue-to-success/transcript-s2e4-healing-through-healing/ The Penny Forward podcast is about blind people building bright futures one penny at a time. Subscribe by searching for “Penny Forward” using your favorite podcast app, ask your smart speaker to play the podcast, “Penny Forward”, check out the Penny Forward YouTube channel, or listen to all of our past episodes or read transcripts at https://pennyforward.com Continue the conversation in our private Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/819788175135724 Support Penny Forward by contributing to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/penny-forward Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/pennyforward)

What is the hardest part of starting a business? For Leena Ann Solusar, it was the fear that it was wrong to charge for her services. We wanted to learn how Leena overcame that fear, so we invited her on to tell us how surviving a sexual assault, coming to terms with her sexual orientation, and grieving the unexpected death of her wife helped her to discover talents that she is now using to help others while helping herself. Leena provided the following contact information: Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/leena.bandyPersonal Email address: leena.salim@gmail.comBusiness Email Address: cathedralofthephoeni­x@gmail.com This is a collaboration with the Pride Connection radio show and podcast sponsored by Blind LGBT Pride International. Pride Connection airs on ACB Media 1 every Tuesday at 10pm EDT and is available soon after wherever you get your podcasts. Tune into ACB Media 1 at https://www.acbmedia.org/home/streams/media1/ Learn more about Blind LGBT Pride International at https://blindlgbtpride.org/ A full text transcript of this episode can be found at https://pennyforward.com/penny-forward-transcript-s2e4-healing-through-healing/ The Penny Forward podcast is about blind people building bright futures one penny at a time. Subscribe by searching for “Penny Forward” using your favorite podcast app, ask your smart speaker to play the podcast, “Penny Forward”, check out the Penny Forward YouTube channel, or listen to all of our past episodes or read transcripts at https://pennyforward.com Continue the conversation in our private Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/819788175135724 Support Penny Forward by contributing to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/penny-forward Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/pennyforward)

Penny-Forward-Transcript-S2E3: The Winding Road to Success is Paved with Errors and MistakesDownload Do you feel like your mental health impacts your ability to be successful? If so, then you may be able to relate to this week's guest. Everett Elam is an assistive technology instructor with World Services for the Blind in Little Rock Arkansas. He's a pretty successful guy with a full time job. He's an accomplished fiddle player, and a successful world traveler. He's working on starting his own business, and he's raising money for the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired by running the Boston marathon for the very first time this October. We want to acknowledge that success doesn't come easy for anyone. Everett has bipolar disorder. He's a recovering alcoholic, and has gone through a divorce. And all of those things contributed to his particular life path. We hope you can enjoy and relate to Everett's Story, and if you'd like to contribute to his fund raiser, you can visit https://www.givengain.com/ap/everett-elam-raising-funds-for-massachusetts-association-for-the-blind-and-visually-impaired Everett also provided the following contact information and fund raising methods: Work email: Eelam@wsblind.orgWork phone: 5014202651PayPal: eelam@wsblind.orgVenmo: @Everett-ElamCash App: $EverettElam The Penny Forward podcast is about blind people building bright futures one penny at a time. Subscribe by searching for “Penny Forward” using your favorite podcast app, ask your smart speaker to play the podcast, “Penny Forward”, check out the Penny Forward YouTube channel, or listen to all of our past episodes or read transcripts at https://pennyforward.com Support Penny Forward by contributing to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/penny-forward Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/pennyforward)

In this episode of the Penny Forward podcast, Marc Gillard from Guide Dogs for the Blind discusses the Orientation and Mobility Immersion program, detailing its evolution and impact on individuals with visual impairments. The hosts, Chris Peterson, Liz Bottner, and MOe Carpenter, explore the challenges and successes of the program, which provides comprehensive training at no cost to participants.During our conversation, Mark opened up about the hurdles that come with providing orientation and mobility services. From funding limitations to the scarcity of qualified instructors and stringent eligibility criteria, the path to delivering these essential services is fraught with challenges. Yet, it's the determination to overcome these obstacles that truly defines the spirit of Guide Dogs for the Blind. Show notes Penny-Forward-Podcast-Guide-Dogs-for-the-BlindDownload Transcript .TXT file www.guidedogs.com www.briotix.com   Penny Forward pennyforward.compennyforward@pennyforward.com Clubhouse HouseFacebookYoutube Get our app, guest membership is free! IOS/AppleGooglePlay  Post Production help provided by Brynn Lee Superblink.org Transcription services provided by Anne Verduin.

Our February 28th Wednesday Workshop with YNAB was so well-received, we are making it available for everyone! Transcription Penny-Forward-S2024-E4.5-YNAB-Zoom-CallDownload

In this episode of the Penny Forward Podcast, hosts Chris Peterson and MOe Carpenter interview Tyler Bennett from Rightfully Sewn. The Kansas City non-profit focuses on providing education and job opportunities in sewing and fashion for those facing employment barriers. Tyler discusses Rightfully Sewn's mission, its integration with Alpha Point, and the organization's commitment to diversity and inclusion. The conversation also covers the sewing job market, training specifics, and how Rightfully Sewn addresses challenges faced by the blind community, while fostering an environment that welcomes a variety of projects and people. Show notes Penny-Forward-S2024E6-Rightfully-SewnDownload Transcript .TXT file www.rightfullysewn.com Alphapointe.org Penny Forward pennyforward.compennyforward@pennyforward.com Clubhouse HouseFacebookYoutube Get our app, guest membership is free! IOS/AppleGooglePlay  Post Production help provided by Brynn Lee Superblink.org Transcription services provided by Anne Verduin.

In this episode of the Penny Forward podcast, hosts Chris Peterson and MOe Carpenter are joined by Cody Bair, a blind CPA from Colorado who specializes in research and development tax credits. With co-host Liz Bottner attending the American Council of the Blind D.C. Leadership Conference, the conversation is focused on understanding taxes from a blind person's perspective. Cody shares his extensive experience and provides insights on various methods of filing taxes, emphasizing the use of e-filing for efficiency and security. He covers essential documents needed for tax preparation, such as W-2s and 1099s, and stresses the importance of organization and safety when submitting sensitive information. Cody outlines the difference between tax deductions and credits, highlighting the increased standard deduction for blind individuals and the potential for a tax credit for accessible technology purchases. He also discusses the accessibility of tax software like TurboTax, offering personal anecdotes on its ease of use and potential hurdles for visually impaired users. Additionally, Cody touches on the Vita program, a valuable resource for individuals with incomes under $64,000, and the IRS's ability to produce notices in alternative formats, which can aid visually impaired individuals in timely responding to IRS communications. Show notes Penny-Forward-S2024-E5-Taxes-With-A-Blind-CPA-TranscriptDownload Transcript .TXT file Cody Bair Email: codyjbair@yahoo.com Cody Bair Phone: (970) 673-6998 Penny Forward pennyforward.compennyforward@pennyforward.com Clubhouse HouseFacebookYoutube Get our app, guest membership is free! IOS/AppleGooglePlay  Post Production help provided by Brynn Lee Superblink.org Transcription services provided by Anne Verduin.