Traveling with kids is already a challenge—but throw in summer heat, sports gear, and being blind, and you’ve got a whole new level of coordination. This week, Kisha and Josselyn break down exactly how they make it all work when it comes to traveling to sports events with their kids.
From must-have snacks and hydration hacks for those long, hot days, to how they keep things flowing smoothly with their partners, this episode is packed with practical tips. Josselyn shares her experience as a beep baseball athlete, and Kisha brings in her perspective from both beep baseball and goalball, offering a real glimpse into what it's like to parent from the sidelines while still staying game-ready.
They also talk about leaning on your village, mentally preparing for big trips, and how to balance your athlete mindset with your mom brain. Whether you’ve got a tournament coming up or you’re just trying to figure out how to not forget the sunscreen, this episode’s for you.
Hit play and take notes. This is the real playbook for traveling as blind moms.
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This week, we’re shining the Mom of the Month spotlight on someone extra special—Esmeralda, childhood best friend of our very own Josselyn.
Esmeralda wears a lot of hats: Girl Scout troop leader, former JROTC commander, PTA president and board member, mom of three, and partner to her high school sweetheart of 18 years. But behind all the titles is a story of growth, identity, and reclaiming power as a blind woman.
For years, Esmeralda struggled with cane shame—avoiding using her cane in public out of fear of being treated differently or seen as less capable. It wasn’t until her early 30s that she fully embraced it, letting go of the shame and choosing to lead with confidence instead.
Today, she works in administration at the Lighthouse for the Blind in Dallas—one of the few blind or visually impaired professionals to hold such a high-level role there. She’s not just breaking glass ceilings, she’s flipping the script on what blind leadership can look like in traditionally sighted spaces.
Hit play to hear her story. It’s one of friendship, strength, and finally owning your space in the world.
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Tremaine is back—and this time, we’re closing a loop that’s been 15 years in the making.
If you’ve been with us for a while, you’ll remember Tremaine’s original episode: an emotional conversation where she shared how her newborn daughter Mikaela was taken from her the same day she gave birth all because she was blind. She wasn’t allowed to bring her baby home. She was separated from her child for 57 days. That story struck a chord with so many of our listeners because it’s every blind parent’s nightmare—and it actually happened.
In this episode, we catch up with Tremaine to hear what life looks like now. Mikaela is a teenager. Tremaine is thriving. And most importantly, she’s been doing the work—traveling, speaking, and helping drive legislative change. Because of advocacy efforts like hers, seven states have now passed bills that protect blind parents from being denied custody, placement, visitation, guardianship, or adoption based solely on their blindness. This is real, tangible progress—and Tremaine has been part of that fight.
She updates us on Mikaela’s growth, her own healing, and the ways she’s helping make sure no other parent has to go through what she did in 2010.
After the update, we’re replaying her original interview—one of the most listened-to episodes we’ve ever put out. If you’ve never heard it, now’s the time. And if you have? You’ll hear it differently with everything you now know.
This is a story about pain, power, and proof that change is possible when we refuse to be quiet. Press play. This is one you’ll remember.
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We've been waiting to bring you this one.
In this episode, we welcome longtime BDBU listener Alyssa Hicks to share her powerful story as a NICU mom. Alyssa, a dialysis patient, opens up about the emotional and medical rollercoaster of giving birth at just 26 weeks. Alongside her is our very own Terrin, who also walked the NICU path and is a fellow Tubey mom.
Together, they reflect on the early days—what it’s like when bonding with your baby looks different because wires, machines, and hospital walls get in the way. They talk about the role of primary nurses in those fragile moments, navigating GI tubes, and how they managed the flood of emotions that comes when you can’t bring your baby home right away.
This episode is honest, raw, and full of the kind of insight only NICU parents can truly give. Whether you’re in the thick of your own NICU journey or just want to better understand what so many families go through, this conversation is one of support, connection, and strength.
And if you are going through it—we’re here. Please reach out. You don’t have to do it alone.
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We’re tackling a topic that doesn’t get talked about enough in our community—consent, safety, and self-advocacy.
In this episode, we’re joined by Amy SP Wilson, founder of the Safety Positive Foundation, a nonprofit organization promoting self-defense after her own experience as a domestic violence survivor, and friend of the show Erica Kress (aka Blind Barbie), a blind/visually impaired advocate, for a raw and necessary conversation about protecting ourselves and others, especially in blind and visually impaired spaces.
From navigating large events safely, to the importance of speaking up and reporting sexual assault, Amy and Erica walk us through the realities too many people face in silence. They open up about the kinds of conversations we need to have with our kids early—about consent, respect, and boundaries—and share specific, practical ways to stay aware and avoid dangerous situations, especially at blindness programs and events.
We also talk about what true allyship looks like in these moments, and how we can all be more prepared, proactive, and supportive when something doesn’t feel right.
It’s not an easy episode—but it’s an important one. Vulnerable, honest, and packed with information we all need to hear.
Press play, and let’s keep it safety positive!
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We’re closing out our blind dads series with Shane Lowe—drummer, percussionist, music director, accessibility consultant, ed tech professional, and the kind of dad who brings equal parts wisdom, humor and hussle to the table.
Shane became a father at 16, making him our first-ever guest to talk about parenting as a blind teen. He opens up about how that moment lit a fire under him to push harder in every area of life—especially music. He walks us through his path as a percussionist, including studying under standout mentors (one of whom wasn’t even officially his professor), and how that training shaped the creative work he does today.
He’s currently the music director for his wife Precious Perez’s live shows and directs and plays in two bands: Midair Decision, a pop band, and The Blues Pilots, a jazz/fusion instrumental band made up of musicians from Berklee College of Music.
Shane also reflects on what independence training at the Kentucky School for the Blind taught him, what matters most in raising his 9-year-old son Kayson, and why he emphasizes commitment over perfection. And yes, there are stories—like the time Kayson learned his dad was blind and confidently offered to fix it.
This one’s full of laughs, insight, and a whole lot of heart. A fitting end to a series that’s been all about honoring blind fathers who show up in their own incredible ways.
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School’s out, the sun’s blazing, and summer chaos is officially in session. In this episode, we’re talking all things summertime survival—starting with how to keep the kids entertained without losing your mind (or your entire snack stash).
We get into outdoor play ideas, how to manage the never-ending cry for snacks, and why your grocery bill might be looking like a second rent payment. We also talk about helping the kids stay active (yes, even when they swear they’re “bored”) and the small things we’re doing to keep their brains from turning to mush during break.
From food strategies to backyard hacks to low-key learning plans, this one’s full of tips, laughs, and commiseration. Let’s get ready for summer—we’re in this together.
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Tyler Merren isn’t just a name in the blind community—he’s a force. A five-time Paralympian, retired goalball champion, public speaker, and the founder of the Revision Fitness app, Tyler joins us to talk about the many layers of his life: family, travel, sport, and how he’s made fitness accessible for everyone, blind or sighted.
He shares how his journey took him around the world competing, and how a chance encounter at a blind sports event led to meeting his wife—also a blind athlete. Twenty-two years and four kids later, their story is still going strong. Tyler walks us through the inspiration behind launching Revision Fitness: a blind single mom who just wanted to work out independently at home.
We also get into the cultural differences he’s experienced when it comes to how blindness is viewed around the world, his full-time role directing a camp in Michigan, and the ins and outs of being a public speaker working with agencies and commissions nationwide. From hosting a low vision exchange student to raising kids who ref and line judge goalball matches, Tyler’s life is anything but ordinary.
He even gives us the scoop on new updates coming to his fitness app. If you want a snapshot of what blind dads can do—with passion, purpose, and family support—this episode brings it all together.
Pull up a chair. This conversation with Tyler is worth every minute.
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We’re kicking off our blind dads series with an incredible guest—Tanner Gers. Adaptive sports athlete, beep baseball hall of famer, CEO of AccessAbility Officer, and proud dad to a little girl, Tanner brings the kind of energy and insight you don’t want to miss.
He shares the story of how his life changed at 21 after a devastating car accident that led to vision loss and four brain surgeries. From there, Tanner takes us through how he leaned into prayer, meditation, and mindset to not just recover, but rebuild.
Sports played a huge role in that rebuild. Tanner breaks down how he got involved in everything from goalball to track and field, and how beep baseball became a huge part of his life. He even opens up about the tough side—dealing with concussions and the physical toll of staying in the game.
We also dig into his work with AccessAbility Officer, the consulting company he founded to connect blind professionals with meaningful jobs in digital accessibility. Tanner brings up some real concerns about the future of accessibility jobs as AI advances, including how data sharing could open the door to discrimination. His goal? Push for legislation that protects our community.
Tanner was an absolute blast to talk to—full of humor, honesty, and straight-up motivation. This is a powerful way to kick off a month dedicated to spotlighting blind fathers.
Visit AccessAbility Officer and learn more about the CAT Program: https://accessabilityofficer.com
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If you’ve ever wondered what our unfiltered chaos sounds like behind the paywall—this is it.
This week’s teaser is a sneak peek at the kind of content you’ll get when you join us on Patreon for just $5/month at patreon.com/babiesdownbottlesup. Spoiler: it’s messy, hilarious, slightly unhinged, and 100% real.
We’re talking tajín on fruit (and judging each other’s choices), Terrin’s daughter going full horror movie scream over a red racer snake during speech therapy, and Josselyn schooling us on venomous caterpillars in the South. Then things take a left turn (as usual): we relive our first tampon attempts, the very real pain of IUDs, and how men get to breeze through vasectomies with ice packs and Netflix.
We also break down the wild story of a Florida daycare worker who wrote a note to a parent—on a kid’s stomach. Yes, you read that right.
Finally, we’re manifesting our hot girl summer energy with excitement for the sun, school being OUT, and all the mayhem that comes with it.
Want the full uncensored, laugh-until-you-snort version of us? Come pregame with us every week on Patreon. Trust—it’s a good time.
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Happy Mother’s Day from Babies Down, Bottles Up!
This week, we’re kicking back and having some fun with a few games that brought out all the laughs—and a couple of unexpected truths. From guessing which of our moms said the wildest things growing up, to figuring out who lived through some hilarious mom moments, we kept each other on our toes. There’s also a round of Two Truths and a Lie, and a favorite segment of ours called the Playlist Playoff, where we each picked a song that matches our parenting vibe.
It’s not polished. It’s not perfect. It’s just us, showing up as moms and friends, laughing about the things we’ve survived and the music that gets us through. Press play and hang out with us while you get ready for Mother’s Day weekend.
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This week on Babies Down, Bottles Up, we’re talking all things homemaking—how we keep our homes functional, cozy, and uniquely our own while managing life as blind moms. From organizing the kitchen to styling a space that feels good, this episode is full of tips, laughs, and real-life solutions.
We kick things off by sharing the one thing in our homes we’re obsessed with—or the one thing that drives us absolutely nuts. Then it’s all about decor: how we approach it, what styles speak to us, and how detailed (or minimal) we get when it comes to designing a space.
We also walk through our cleaning routines, talk about systems that help us stay on top of the chaos, and share hacks for making your space both beautiful and manageable. You’ll hear how we meal plan, keep track of pantry staples, and build routines that actually work.
Whether you’re just trying to keep your space livable or love turning your home into a sanctuary, this episode brings plenty of relatable takes and useful ideas.
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This month, we’re putting the spotlight on Naquela Wright, a mother of two and the powerhouse cofounder of Eyes Like Mine, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the abilities and potential of people with vision loss. Through community service projects, empowerment workshops, and advocacy events, Eyes Like Mine is reshaping how the world sees blindness.
Naquela lived a full, active life throughout her teenage years—until everything changed at 18 when pseudotumor cerebri took her vision. She allowed herself just one week to grieve before making a promise to herself: she wasn’t going to let blindness define her. Five years later, not only had she adjusted, but she launched an organization that has gone on to inspire countless others.
She shares her journey with us—raising a teenage son and a young daughter, balancing family life with community work, and continuing her passion for music as an R&B singer. Naquela gives us an inside look at Eyes Like Mine’s mission, past initiatives, and the many ways they continue to uplift and empower the blind community through events like the Ms. Blind Diva Empowerment Pageant, Dancing With The Blind, and the Marvelous Moms Community Baby Shower.
Her story is one of action, not pity—a reminder that life doesn’t end with vision loss. It changes, grows, and, in Naquela’s case, becomes a platform for helping others. Press play to hear how she turned a life-altering moment into a life full of purpose, impact, strength, and full-on love.
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IN this latest episode, we’re going deep into all things haircare—from the routines that keep our families’ curls and coils healthy to the bigger conversations around cultural identity and understanding.
We kick things off with the products we swear by for our kids—from detanglers and leave-in conditioners to protective styles that make morning routines smoother and gentler. We break down how we manage our own hair alongside our children’s, what our typical wash days look like from start to finish, and how we’ve made space for self-care through it all.
Then the conversation expands. We discuss the importance of bonnets and nighttime protection, what protective styles work for our kids, and how we maintain them throughout the week. But this isn’t just about hair—it’s about culture, too. We get honest about cultural appropriation vs. appreciation, and the way misunderstandings around race and hair often play out in society. Whether it’s braids, locs, or twist-outs, we’re shedding light on how certain styles are perceived depending on who’s wearing them—and why education matters.
From the hot tools we use to the lessons we’re passing down to our kids, this episode is packed with personal tips, open conversation, and a whole lot of love for every texture, pattern, and routine.
Whether you’re a parent learning to care for your child’s hair, someone building your own routine, or just curious to learn more—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
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Ever wondered how blind moms juggle parenting and traveling with a guide dog? In this episode of Babies Down, Bottles Up, we’re bringing together a powerhouse panel of three moms who do just that. Meet Shelly, an attorney working between New York and New Jersey, Julie, a civil rights attorney in Baltimore, and returning guest Jasmine, whose guide dog is specially trained for running 5Ks.
These moms walk us through their journey to getting a guide dog while raising kids. From choosing the right school to train with, to their initial worries, to how they prepared their homes and children for the arrival of a new working dog—it’s all on the table. They also share practical tips for traveling with kids and a dog, when to ask for help, and how to advocate in unfamiliar environments.
A big part of the conversation focuses on teaching children guide dog etiquette—what to do, what not to do, and how to create respect for the working role these dogs play. Jasmine shares what made her finally decide to get a guide dog: the chance to run again, independently and confidently.
If you’re a blind parent who’s ever considered getting a guide dog but didn’t know how it would fit into your life with kids—this one’s for you. Insightful, funny, and full of real-world advice, this episode brings together moms who are doing it all—with a leash in hand.
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In this episode, we’re heading north—way north—to chat with Elizabeth, a mom of two and founder of the Pacific Training Centre for the Blind (PTCB) in Canada. Elizabeth’s story is anything but conventional. In the middle of a divorce, she packed up her kids, towed a trailer across the border, and enrolled at the Louisiana Center for the Blind with one goal: to bring structured discovery and true independence training back to Canada.
She opens up about winning a scholarship from a national organization to attend LCB—something necessary since, unlike in the U.S., government funding for rehab centers is extremely limited in Canada. We talk about what it was like going through intensive blindness skills training with her children in tow, the emotional and physical demands of the program, and why she believed it was all worth it.
Elizabeth breaks down how her own center, Pacific Training Centre, compares to LCB—what’s the same, what’s different, and how it fits into Canada’s broader system of services. She also shares important insights about sleep shades, why structured discovery matters, and the often misunderstood differences between vocational rehabilitation programs and centers that actually prioritize blind people leading blind people. Her center’s training program, appropriately named Blind People In Charge, is a direct reflection of that philosophy.
We also get into the weeds with certification—NOMC vs. AER-recognized O&M instructors—and how the delivery of orientation and mobility training impacts real-world independence. Elizabeth offers advice on when it’s the right time to attend a program like LCB or PTCB, and how to resist falling back into old habits when you return home after training.
Her story and the work she’s doing in British Columbia is making a lasting impact on blind Canadians seeking full, meaningful independence—and her message is loud and clear: advocate for yourself, and never settle for less than full freedom.
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This month’s Mom of the Month, Misha, didn’t have time to ease into life after blindness—she had to figure it out fast. With two teenagers who she jokingly calls her second set of parents, she knew there was no option but to push forward. Just five years ago, at 29, Misha lost her vision due to pseudotumor cerebri, a condition that took everything she had known in an instant.
Before blindness, she was living life on her terms—holding a high-ranking job at Newark Liberty Airport, enjoying summers outside with friends, and just getting into traveling. Then, everything changed. In this episode, Misha takes us through those first overwhelming months when life felt impossible, the support her mom gave her when she needed it most, and the way her relationship unraveled after losing her sight.
But she didn’t stay down for long. After attending JKTC (Joseph Kohn Training Center) in New Jersey, she started rebuilding—learning new skills, sharpening her tech abilities, and stepping into part-time work. Travel is back on her list, and she shares her favorite place she’s been so far. She also talks about the one thing she’s most proud of since losing her sight and how she’s now exploring adaptive sports, with beep baseball catching her interest.
Misha’s story is one of real life—messy, unexpected, and full of moments that remind you why you keep going. And honestly? She fits right in with us at BDBU.
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In this episode, we’re shining a light on the strength, resilience, and sheer determination of single mothers who do it all. We’re joined by two incredible women—licensed marriage counselor Shaii and former co-host Izzie—who share their personal journeys of navigating motherhood, independence, and self-growth while raising their children on their own.
Becoming a single mom right at the start of grad school was never part of the plan, but Shaii took on the challenge head-on. She opens up about her fears of passing down her brittle bone disease and how, despite knowing her blindness was congenital, that wasn’t her biggest concern when having children. She also shares the heartbreaking story of a father figure who entered her son’s life, only to abandon him—an experience that led her to seek a Black male therapist to support her son’s emotional well-being. Plus, Shaii gets candid about the realities of dating as a single blind mother and what she’s learned along the way.
Long-time listeners may remember Izzie, a former co-host and friend of the show. It’s been five years, and she’s back to catch us up on where life has taken her. From becoming a single mom and struggling in an unsupportive Seattle, to returning to New Jersey only to feel stripped of her independence, she shares the emotional and financial challenges that nearly broke her. But her story doesn’t stop there—she found her footing in Colorado, where a local nonprofit provided housing and resources for single mothers, helping her rebuild from the ground up. Izzie also speaks on the importance of therapy, how it has helped both her and her daughter, and the intense eye surgeries she endured while trying to stabilize life as a single mom.
This episode is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices, strength, and perseverance it takes to raise a child alone. Shaii and Izzie prove that single blind moms don’t just survive—they thrive.
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This episode carries a weight that only a few can truly understand—the profound responsibility of opening your home and heart to a child in need. Today, we welcome cousins Jasmine and Melissa, two remarkable women whose lives have been shaped by fostering, adoption, and an extraordinary family history.
Melissa stepped into motherhood in an unexpected yet powerful way, adopting her sister’s daughter after her passing, continuing a legacy of adoption that has been woven through generations of their family. But what makes their story even more unique? Nearly every member of their family, from their grandfather down, has been blind. Their experiences challenge outdated perceptions of what it means to be a blind parent, proving that love and capability know no limits.
Jasmine and Melissa give us a rare look into the realities of fostering—what agencies look for in home inspections, the emotional complexity of reuniting children with their biological families, and the deep bonds that form when adoption becomes part of the journey. They also share something even more incredible: Jasmine's children and Melissa’s daughter are siblings—a connection that deepens their family’s already unbreakable ties.
Jasmine’s story goes beyond parenting—she is also an athlete who travels to sporting events with her running guide dog, a specially trained companion who allows her to compete with confidence. She shares how she manages the demands of training and travel while raising her children. Meanwhile, Melissa sheds light on an often-overlooked reality—adoptive parents don’t receive maternity leave, leaving them to navigate major life changes without the same support systems in place.
And in a twist that challenges traditional ideas of parenthood, Melissa’s kids don’t call her "Mom," nor do they refer to her partner as "Dad"—a choice that works for their family in ways only they can explain.
This episode is filled with eye-opening moments, powerful truths, and the undeniable love that fuels their journey as foster and adoptive parents. Their stories aren’t just about parenting—they’re about showing up for kids who need a home, a family, and a future.
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We sit down with Taylor Leigh Aguilar for the second installment of our Mom of the Month series. Taylor wears many hats—she’s got an IMDb page, runs her own production company, Blind Eagle Productions, and is navigating motherhood as a blind woman. She opens up about losing her vision in her late 20s, the challenges and wins of parenting alongside her totally blind partner, and how she found her way through it all.
Taylor shares pieces of her past, from growing up sighted to adjusting to a world without vision. She talks about her time at the Colorado Center for the Blind and the unexpected sources of inspiration that pushed her forward—like the little blind kids who reminded her that parenthood was still in the cards. And, of course, we mix in some fun along the way, like sippy cups doubling as wine glasses and Bucky’s road trip adventures.
Beyond motherhood, Taylor breaks down how she shifted from visual arts to tactile storytelling, the work she’s doing with Blind Eagle Productions, and what’s next with her Blind Movement Podcast and docuseries. Her story isn’t just about adapting—it’s about thriving, creating, and proving that limits are meant to be redefined.
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