Rnib Conversations

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. 

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.com

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.

This week on guide dog blogs, Hubert chats to Caroline, about her 4th guide dog. This time, it's Nuna's turn, Caroline tells us how Nuna came to her at the right time, and we find out what she was like when Caroline was pregnant with her daughter, and how Nuna approached her. 

If you are a user of the Uber app, and have an assistance dog, like a guide dog, then you may be interested in a brand new feature of the Uber app where you can indicate on your profile that you are riding with your assistance dog, but how does the feature work exactly? Hubert finds out more in this podcast. 

Barry Snell caught up with pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick who shared some invaluable advice on what we should doing if someone in our company has a heart attack or stroke during the festive period. Elizabeth also talks about treating anyone who has a bad reaction to a food allergy.   To get in touch with Elizabeth you can email info@elizabethroddick.com or for more information visit - https://elizabethroddick.com Image: 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 welcomes back Caroline, as they talk about another one of her great dogs, this time we talk about Gavin the guide, a dog with a great personality, and one quite honest when he's tired of watching his mum work, find out more about what we mean by listening to this episode. 

On Guide Dog Blogs this week, Hubert chats to Caroline Thomas once again, this time they chat about her former guide dog Monty, nicknamed Monty Zoomer due to his speed, Caroline also shares what Monty liked to do while she was working at school. 

In this sight loss story, Hubert speaks to Jake. They talk about his sight loss diagnosis, the challenges he had getting into employment, how he has taken his first steps on the employment journey, and his passion for mental health. 

Robert Franklin chats about his experiences of sight loss, independent travel and journey care. He is talking to Barry Snell.

Now for a roundup of accessible arts events as RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew 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: Top Hat - Saturday 29 November, 2:30pm, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London English National Ballet’s: The Nutcracker - Saturday 29 November, 2:30pm, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Hare and Tortoise -  Sunny Afternoon- Saturday 6 December, 10:30 am, Science Gallery London A Midsummer Night’s Dream - Thursday 11 December, 7:30 pm, Kiln 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

What is it like seeing a musical in theatre when you're partially sighted?Luci Franks shares her thoughts on seeing the highly acclaimed show, Hamilton the Musical and chats with RNIB Connect Radio's Paulina Kuchorew about the pros and cons of seeing it with audio description.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.

The 3rd of December marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and today we’re chatting about championing disabled artists in dance productions as we celebrate the life of the late choreographer and founder of Amici Dance Theatre Company, Wolfgang Strange. Joining Paulina Kuchorew to chat about their latest show, Our Time, as well as Strange’s ongoing legacy is Alison King, Chief Executive of Turtle Key Arts. Image: a photo from the performance of Our Time. Wide shot of the stage shows dancers of varying ages performing expressive movements in small groups or by themselves. Their clothes light, splatters of colourful paint make them come alive on stage. Behind a band accompanies the dance ensemble. [Photo credit: Shane Aurousseau]

Charity Exeter Pride provides representation and celebration for members of the LGBTQ+ community in Exeter and the surrounding areas. They have recently appointed an accessibility lead for Exeter Pride in Devon and are hoping to continue to make Pride accessible to all. Joining Paulina Kuchorew to chat about their plans and the good work they’ve been doing is their Accessibility Lead, Sam Pritchard. 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 meet Jason, a guide dog who's very protective, very energetic, and loves his ice creem.