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  • Hope in Focus Podcast | Episode 6 - Brett Devloo: Stay on the Board

    Hope in Focus Podcast | Episode 6 - Brett Devloo: Stay on the Board
    2026/01/16
    Joining Ben Shaberman is Brett Devloo—blind skateboarder, creative force, and living proof that identity doesn’t disappear when vision does. After suddenly losing his sight to Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), Brett was forced to reimagine who he was and what his future could be. In this episode, Brett reflects on losing his vision and how skateboarding became a place of familiarity and grounding, helping him navigate a world that had suddenly changed—alongside the friends and community who helped shape who he is today. Brett also talks about his upcoming documentary premiering in Canada and the mission behind his clothing brand. At the heart of it all is Brett’s message: “Stay on the board. End on the board. No matter what board you’re on."
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    40 分
  • Hope in Focus Podcast | Part 2: Life with a Guide Dog – Independence, Confidence, and Companionship

    Hope in Focus Podcast | Part 2: Life with a Guide Dog – Independence, Confidence, and Companionship
    2025/12/19
    Join Ben Shaberman as he speaks with Nicolai Priebe and Eric Brinkman about the profound impact their guide dogs, Winsome and Charlie, have had on their daily lives. Nic shares how Winsome has given him increased confidence, independence, and motivation to go out more, while also serving as a helpful social bridge in public settings. Eric reflects on Charlie’s loyalty, reliability, and ability to help him navigate the complexities of city life, sharing humorous and memorable moments that highlight the dog’s intelligence and awareness. Both Nicolai and Eric emphasize the emotional bond they share with their guide dogs. Beyond navigation, these companions provide comfort, emotional support, and joy, offering a loving presence at the end of the day or during challenging moments. This episode highlights the extraordinary role guide dogs play, combining independence, safety, and companionship for those who rely on them.
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    35 分
  • Hope in Focus Podcast | Episode 4 - Part 1: The Start of a Guide Dog’s Journey

    Hope in Focus Podcast | Episode 4 - Part 1: The Start of a Guide Dog’s Journey
    2025/11/12
    Join Ben Shaberman with Jeanyne Gembarski, Region Puppy Instructor in the Puppy Raising Program, and Annemarie Seifert, volunteer Puppy Raiser, both from Guiding Eyes for the Blind, as they take you behind the scenes of raising and training guide dogs. They walk through the two-year journey from puppy raising to guide dog graduation, sharing what it takes to care for, bond with, and build trust with these extraordinary animals. Jeanyne and Annemarie discuss daily responsibilities, challenges, and surprises and share memorable stories from their experiences. Discover how anyone, even without prior dog experience, can become a puppy raiser and support the development of future guide dogs. This is Part 1 of our two-part guide dog series—stay tuned for Part 2!
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    41 分
  • Hope in Focus Podcast | Episode 2 - Growing Up with Vision Loss: Challenges, Humor, and Wisdom

    Hope in Focus Podcast | Episode 2 - Growing Up with Vision Loss: Challenges, Humor, and Wisdom
    2025/09/18
    In this episode of The Hope in Focus Podcast, host Ben Shaberman sits down with Elle St. Arnaud and Jack Morris for an honest and engaging conversation about living with an inherited retinal disease. Elle, who has LCA, and Jack, who has RP, share stories from their school years — the challenges, the funny moments, and everything in between. They talk about navigating life with limited sight, from adapting sports to figuring out social situations. Along the way, they reflect on family support, the confidence they’ve gained through independence and advocacy, and share insights for people with vision loss, parents, and caregivers.
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    42 分