In this season finale of Off the Beaten Path, Dave and Deborah sit down with Stan Gowan, who has been legally blind since birth and has spent a lifetime proving that blindness does not limit a full and adventurous life.

Stan shares stories from his recent travels — including navigating the steep, vertical city of Taormina in Sicily, exploring Greek ruins, cruising across the Atlantic, and confidently moving through airports, cities, and ships using skill, memory, and thoughtful preparation. He offers practical insight into how he learns new environments, adapts his navigation strategies in crowded spaces, and balances technology with a deep appreciation for nature.

The conversation explores independence, spatial awareness, mobility training, and the importance of sturdy, reliable tools for travel. Stan also speaks about mentoring others who have recently lost vision, helping them rediscover confidence, purpose, and joy in a life that may look different — but is no less rich.

This episode is a celebration of resilience, autonomy, and the freedom that comes from trusting your abilities. It’s a powerful reminder that blindness is not the end of exploration — it’s an invitation to move through the world with skill, awareness, and courage.

More about Stan

Stan Gowan has been legally blind since birth due to premature exposure to high levels of oxygen in an incubator. Raised as the son of a U.S. Marine, he grew up moving frequently, developing independence and curiosity from an early age.

He earned a BA in Political Science before shifting paths into music, audio engineering, and high-end audio. Later, Stan and his wife Susan returned to school to study Information Technology and programming, leading to a nearly 40-year career developing software for IBM mainframe systems.

Stan received his first white cane during mobility training in high school and has continued refining his navigation skills throughout his life. Now retired, he and his wife travel extensively throughout the United States and Europe, with favorite destinations including Hawaii, Sicily, Portugal, Cabo, and Sedona.

When not traveling, Stan enjoys music, reading, and advocacy work within the blind and visually impaired community. He co-chairs a local vision-impaired support group and regularly presents on travel, cooking, and technology — encouraging those who have recently lost vision to rediscover independence and live fully.

Thanks for listening! Off The Beaten Path is brought to you by Dave Epstein and Awarewolf Gear, makers of the All Terrain Cane and the Urban Xplorer. To purchase a cane or find out more visit https://awarewolfgear.com/awghome

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