EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Tech companies promise “life-changing.” Then you open the app and meet the unlabeled rectangle of doom.

Evan Starnes is joined by Aftersight’s lead podcast producer (and returning BLT co-host) Jonathan Price for a banter-forward reality check on modern tech hype—especially through the lens of accessibility. Inspired by a listener email from Ron in Memphis, they unpack why “AI everywhere” can create more friction than freedom, how subscription creep turns products into monthly relationships, and why companies keep shipping half-baked devices that depend on updates and vague “bug fixes.”

Then it’s time for Tech Faceplant: the smart device that can’t survive setup, the app that became a dashboard, and the “next big thing” hardware that doesn’t fit real life. The episode wraps with a practical BLT buyer checklist built around independence, reliability, accessibility support, and exit costs—because if you can’t set it up solo, it’s not premium…it’s dependent.

SEND US YOUR TECH FACEPLANTS
Email: feedback@aftersight.org
Voicemail: 720-712-8856
Put “BLT Tech Faceplant” in the subject/message so we can find it fast.

CREDITS
Host: Evan Starnes
Co-host: Jonathan Price
Producer: Jonathan Price

CHAPTERS
00:02 — Evan’s “overheated co-host” intro + Jonathan’s back for banter
02:25 — Weather whiplash + quick note on seasonal mental health
04:51 — Ron (Memphis) email: “Tech Faceplant” + accessibility truth bombs
07:16 — Evan’s $300 “smart” toothbrush: app required, accessibility fails
09:40 — If it’s not usable day one, it’s not a breakthrough—it’s a project
12:00 — AI everywhere: real value vs. nuisance overlays (and battery hits)
16:31 — Subscription creep: products becoming monthly relationships
18:54 — “Smart” mattress example: app features locked behind a paywall
23:42 — Hotel mini-bar sensors + tactile exploration accessibility barrier
25:58 — Half-baked launches + OTA updates + vague release notes
28:25 — Tech Faceplant #2: the app that became a dashboard
30:49 — Tech Faceplant #3: hardware that doesn’t fit real life
33:12 — The first 5-minute BLV reality check: setup + QR-code traps
35:30 — Buyer rules: “Does it need to be smart?” + reviews + BLV validation
40:21 — Non-negotiables: app dependence + offline access + “paperweight” risk
42:11 — Send your tech fails + next episode tease: tech that actually delivers
46:48 — Outro: “Hope is loud and usability is quiet.”

• (00:00) - Tempo: 120.0

1) Episode Summary

Evan explores why “old school” tech is showing signs of a comeback—starting with landline-style phones—and why some people (especially younger generations) are intentionally stepping back from always-on screens. He shares how a listener conversation sparked research into reported trends around landlines, “landline mode” smartphone setups, and kid-focused devices that behave like a phone but are managed by parents.

From there, he broadens the discussion to other retro returns—music players, physical media, and simpler devices—framing the appeal as fewer interruptions, fewer updates, fewer accounts, and fewer subscriptions. Evan contrasts the reliability and immediacy of older hardware with modern “smart” products that can become limited if servers shut down, then balances that with the real accessibility and independence gains smart tech can bring (screen readers, AI tools, rideshare, remote access, and more).

He closes with personal examples of tech he’d happily keep (or go back to), including older operating systems, analog audio setups, call-in security, classic note takers, and a dedicated talking alarm clock—then invites listeners to share their own “what I miss / what I’d keep” tech preferences.

2) Contact Info

Aftersight Feedback: feedback@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856
Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer (Aftersight)

3) Show Credits

Host: Evan Starnes
Producer: Jonathan Price
Network: Aftersight

4) Chapter Markers

00:06 — Cold open: interrupted by the telephone (ironically)
02:28 — Why this topic: listener conversation + research rabbit hole
04:52 — Landlines, screen time concerns, and “landline-like” options
07:17 — “Landline mode” habits and the screen-time mindset shift
09:41 — Music/media nostalgia: iPods, CDs/records, and distraction-free listening
12:05 — Pro: fewer updates and faster “ready-to-go” devices
14:32 — Pro: fewer subscriptions and fewer forced accounts
16:36 — Pro/Con: smart devices can be “bricked”; note on open-sourcing as a fix
19:00 — Pro: remote access and modern convenience (when it works)
21:28 — Accessibility wins: smartphones, rideshare, AI tools, and independence
23:51 — Resilience angle: POTS vs VoIP and why it matters in outages
24:59 — Bridging old + new: adapters that let old phones work with cell service
27:07 — Personal tech preferences: simpler OS, analog stereo, and stable gear
29:26 — Assistive tech nostalgia: classic note takers and “offline-first” tools
31:36 — Alarm clocks and “make me get up” routines
33:38 — Listener call-in/email + closing message: “not everything needs to be smart”

In this welcome-back episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes explains the unexpected hiatus that caused several months of episodes to temporarily disappear, sharing honest reflections on burnout, creative fatigue, and the need to recalibrate. Rather than pushing for constant growth, Evan introduces 2026 as a “stabilization year” for BLT — a chance to refine what already works, improve consistency, and rediscover the joy of creating the show.
Evan also walks listeners through a small but meaningful update to the show’s intro, retiring the voiceover while keeping the familiar BLT music intact. He invites listeners to help shape the future of the show by offering feedback, ideas, and even tagline suggestions.
The episode then shifts into tech coverage, starting with an in-depth accessibility-focused review of a recent Amtrak trip, highlighting strong tactile and Braille labeling on trains, mixed accessibility in sleeper car controls, and significant usability issues with Amtrak’s app and website. Evan also shares a standout accessibility feature from Chicago Union Station, where audible track number announcements made navigation intuitive and efficient.
Rounding out the episode is a robust tech news segment, including new features for Meta Ray-Ban and Oakley Vanguard glasses, Southwest Airlines’ integration with Apple Wallet, and a lighthearted Sandwich of the Week inspired by Chicago cuisine. Evan closes by previewing what he’s excited to follow in 2026 — from AI accessibility improvements to autonomous vehicles in Denver.

Key Topics & Segments
•
The BLT hiatus: burnout, reflection, and creative reset
•
2026 as a “stabilization year” for Blind Level Tech
•
Intro update: retiring the voiceover, keeping the iconic music
•
Listener feedback invitation and open communication
•
Accessibility-focused Amtrak travel review
•
Chicago Union Station’s audible track number system
•
Meta smart glasses updates and new AI-powered features
•
Southwest Airlines + Apple Wallet accessibility potential
•
Sandwich of the Week: Chicago-style hot dog with giardiniera
•
What Evan is watching in tech for 2026

00:00 – Welcome back & explaining the BLT hiatus
•
03:30 – Stabilization vs. growth & creative burnout
•
04:40 – Intro changes and future BLT direction
•
05:01 – How to submit feedback & suggestions
•
07:25 – CES thoughts & assistive tech podcast shoutout
•
08:50 – Amtrak travel experience (accessibility review)
•
12:07 – Sleeper car pros, cons, and tactile design
•
16:55 – Chicago Union Station audible track numbers
•
18:40 – Meta Ray-Ban & Oakley glasses feature updates
•
24:04 – AI music matching & multilingual voice control
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26:26 – Southwest Airlines & Apple Wallet integration
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27:45 – Sandwich of the Week: Chicago-style hot dog
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28:53 – Looking ahead to tech in 2026 & sign-off

Notable Tech News Highlights
•
Meta Smart Glasses
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Find My Glasses (location-based)
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Hyperlapse and slow-motion video
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Adjustable video stabilization
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Direct sharing to Instagram & Facebook Stories
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Spotify-powered “play a song to go with my view”
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Multilingual music controls
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Oakley Vanguard-exclusive workout insights and vocal shortcuts
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Travel & Accessibility
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Amtrak trains praised for Braille labeling and comfort
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Amtrak app and website accessibility challenges
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Chicago Union Station’s audible track announcements
•
Southwest Airlines tickets and flight info in Apple Wallet

Sandwich of the Week
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Chicago-style hot dog with giardiniera
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Spicy, crunchy, savory
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Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys bold flavors

Listener Feedback & Contact Information
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