As someone who was born blind, there are always going to be ideas or concepts from the visual world that are new to me. I’ve got the kind of mind that goes from A, to B, to squirrel. Talking with J.J. is where these two facts get to exist happily together. Most recently, my work has been in making arts, culture, and ideas more available to members of the blind and partially sighted community, and promoting my own artistic work in the gig economy.
I run music and culture groups for blind and partially sighted adults through the CNIB Foundation. I host a monthly segment on AMI Audio’s Kelly and Company called Curious Minds, and I have a Patreon Page that features my own creative work, music, writing, and audio documentaries.
I’m fond of saying irreverently that there’s never been a better time to be blind. Technology and innovation have made things possible that were the dreams of science fiction when I was growing up. Being a part of this podcast is a privilege. I get to indulge my chronic curiosity, then get at least some of the world explained by a skilled and highly listenable professional. Then, we get to share our reactions, which not infrequently include a hearty laugh.