Traveling with kids isn’t for the faint of heart, especially when you’re juggling strollers, car seats, and white canes. This week, the crew shares their best tips, stories, and survival tactics for traveling as blind parents.
From wrangling car seats in Ubers and Lyfts to managing flights, trains, and buses, we’re breaking down how to keep the little ones safe, close, and calm. You’ll hear how we plan seating arrangements, pack efficiently, and handle those unpredictable moments in airports because there’s always one.
We also talk motion sickness, yes, Dramamine gets a shoutout after Kisha’s unforgettable plane story, and the rules we set for the kids when we’re out in public. Whether it’s staying hydrated, staying together, or staying sane, this episode’s full of the small details that make traveling just a little smoother.
Hit play, grab your carry-on, and let’s get going.
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This episode is one of the hardest we’ve ever recorded. Terrin and Josselyn open up about their personal experiences with miscarriage, sharing what it was really like to go through it from start to recovery. They talk about the first signs that something was wrong, how they identified what was happening as blind women, and what the medical process looks like when a miscarriage occurs.
They walk through the procedures doctors perform, what recovery actually feels like, and how the emotional impact lingers long after the physical pain fades. The conversation gets deeply personal as they describe how grief affected them and their partners in different ways, and how even simple things—like attending events or enjoying certain activities—can bring back memories.
They also share what it’s like dealing with doctors who don’t always say the right thing, and why it’s important to express your own feelings separately on medical paperwork. Both women reflect on the joys they felt during pregnancy, the parts of that experience they miss, and the moments that took time to enjoy again without the weight of those reminders.
It’s a heavy, honest episode that doesn’t shy away from the details—but it’s also a reminder of the strength it takes to talk about what most keep to themselves.
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It’s giving petty, pretty, and witty! 💅🎤 The crew finally linked up LIVE in Dallas, glammed up and ready to pod with champagne flutes in hand! The energy was sky-high, the laughs were nonstop, and this one feels like you’re right there in the room with us.
We’re spilling all the tea—from our airport adventures to whether our families actually listen to the podcast 👀. We share what we’re most proud of, get a little sentimental (in between the jokes), and even introduce you to our amazing studio engineer and photographer who came through for our Dallas photoshoot.
And because no BDBU moment is complete without a surprise guest, Tanner Gers from Accessibility Officer pops in to tell us what he loves about the show and why he had to jump on board to support.
So grab your glass, press play, and catch the vibe—it’s BDBU, live, loud, and unapologetically us. 🥂✨
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Friend of the show Tanner Gers, founder of AccessAbilityOfficer.com, joins us to get real about employment in the blind and visually impaired community. With most blind adults still facing massive barriers to finding and keeping steady work, Tanner breaks down what it actually takes to stand out and succeed.
He talks about learning your strengths, mastering assistive tech, and why staying close to people in positions of influence—what he calls “proximity to power”—can change everything. We also talk about the hidden skills that stay-at-home parents build every day and how to translate those into résumé-ready experience when it’s time to rejoin the workforce.
Along the way, we share our own work-life balance struggles, the lessons we’ve learned about professionalism, and why effort matters more than excuses. Tanner keeps it straight, reminding us that in this world, cutting corners isn’t an option.
It’s an honest, practical, and motivating conversation about knowing your worth, putting in the work, and creating your own opportunities—no matter where you’re starting from.
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Potty training—it’s one of those milestones every parent faces, and we’re sharing exactly how it went down in our homes. From spotting the first signs that our kids were ready, to the ways we encouraged them to keep going once they started, nothing is off the table.
We talk about the rewards that worked (and the ones that didn’t), how we handled kids who just weren’t ready yet, and the creative methods we used to help them through the process. Kisha, being the only one on the team with experience training both a boy and a girl, breaks down the differences and what worked for her family.
We also open up about teaching independence—how we showed our little ones to care for themselves after using the potty—and the tools that made life easier once they started going on their own.
If you’re a blind parent trying to figure out what works, or you just want to hear a few tried-and-true ideas to make potty training less stressful, this episode is packed with tips, laughs, and a whole lot of real talk. Press play and learn a few things with us.
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Last week we took you through pregnancy. This week—perfect timing for episode 69—we’re tackling sex. From pregnancy sex to postpartum changes, we’re laying it all out: the awkward, the funny, the “hell yes,” and the “not tonight.”
We talk about how desire shifts before and after birth, how to bring the spark back when you’ve been with someone forever, and why communication is the real MVP of the bedroom. From straight-up saying what you like to experimenting with new ways of getting there, we’re giving you suggestions that will encourage your partner to listen—and deliver.
Birth control makes an appearance too: how it affected our bodies, why we stayed on, why we came off, and what sex felt like on both sides of the decision. And then there’s the jaw-dropping part—sighted people who can’t seem to wrap their heads around the fact that blind people have sex. (Yes, seriously.) We’re not just laughing at it—we’re asking YOU to send us your best retort for the next time someone drops one of those comments.
It’s blunt, it’s funny, it’s episode 69. Press play, because you know you want to hear this one.
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This one’s personal. We’re opening up and sharing our pregnancy journeys—everything from the moment we found out we were expecting to the rollercoaster of labor and delivery. You’ll hear how we navigated those early pregnancy tests, what it was like experiencing ultrasounds and hearing our babies’ heartbeats, and the ways morning sickness showed up during each of our pregnancies. We talk about what we packed in our hospital bags, the contractions that signaled it was time, and the unique challenges that came with delivering during COVID.
We don’t hold back on the hard stuff either—the complications, the unexpected moments, and how it all felt as we entered motherhood for the first time. At the same time, we celebrate the joy, the belly, and the miracle of growing a tiny human.
This episode isn’t just a trip down memory lane—it’s an honest look at the journey of becoming a mom, from the scary parts to the magical ones. We want you to walk away embracing the beauty of pregnancy, showing off that belly proudly, and knowing you’re part of something miraculous.
Hit play and come along for the ride—we’re taking you from that first trimester all the way to the delivery room.
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This week we’re keeping things fun and light! We’re talking about the people in our lives who knew us before we were moms—and what it’s like for them to see us as parents now. We also share the best (and worst) parenting advice we’ve ever been given and play another round of Playlist Playoff, this time featuring the songs that get us through our cleaning routines.
But that’s not all. We reflect on the things we would never do now as parents that we might have done—or thought about doing—before motherhood. We get into gentle parenting, why “just popping your kids” isn’t the answer for us, and even share the wild story of a blind family who bought their teenager a car and expected them to chauffeur everywhere.
And, as always, we kick things off with “What’s on your mind?”—because sometimes you just need to catch up, laugh, and get real before diving into everything else.
It’s a mix of laughs, real talk, and plenty of stories to give you a better glimpse of who we are beyond the mics. Hit play and hang out with us—you’ll definitely get to know us a little better in this one!
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When it comes to your child’s education, nothing is more important than understanding their rights—and yours. In this episode, Terrin and Josselyn roll up their sleeves and get into the world of evaluation plans, accommodations, and everything tied to IEPs, 504s, and ARD meetings.
They break down the differences between an IEP, a 504 plan, and ARD meetings, explaining what each one actually covers and why it matters for your child’s success. From what’s typically discussed in these meetings to how to make sure your child’s true needs are reflected in their plan, this conversation gives parents the clarity and tools they need to walk into the room prepared.
But it doesn’t stop there. Terrin and Josselyn also tackle the emotional side of these meetings—the overwhelming jargon, the intimidating number of professionals sitting across the table, and the pressure parents often feel to agree to whatever is suggested. Their message is clear: you are the boss in that room, and you have the final say.
Along the way, they share stories from their own school days, recalling what it was like to go through ARD and IEP meetings themselves, and how those experiences now shape the way they advocate for their own children. They also talk about seeking outside advocates when necessary, making sure you know when and how to push for more, and the power of documenting exactly what you want in writing.
Packed with practical advice, personal experiences, and encouragement, this episode is your guide to showing up strong in IEP and 504 meetings, ensuring your child gets the support they deserve.
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Your baby’s growth doesn’t come with a manual, but early childhood intervention comes pretty close. In this episode, we talk and get real about what it looks like from day one through those first critical years of development.
We start at the beginning: screenings at birth for vision, hearing, and reflexes, and how prematurity can shift the timeline for everything that follows. Extra rounds of testing? Yep. Developmental charting? Absolutely—but with a reminder that it should be about your child’s progress, not your abilities as a blind parent.
We as moms open up about our own journeys navigating early intervention services. Terrin shares her path of switching out therapists until she found the right fit, while Josselyn talks candidly about an occupational therapist that just wasn’t working out. Together, they dive into the ups and downs of speech therapy, the benefits they’ve seen in their kids, and the sometimes awkward invasion of home life when therapists show up at the door.
You’ll hear about what therapists actually test for, how progress is measured, and why speaking up about what you are (and aren’t) comfortable with is essential. The conversation also covers the frustrating pushback districts can give when it comes to referrals—and exactly how to advocate for your child when they try to say no.
If you’ve ever wondered what early intervention really looks like, how to gauge if your child needs services, or how to make sure you’re being heard in the process, this episode breaks it down with honesty, humor, and hard-earned insight.
So grab your coffee, settle in, and hit play—because this one is packed with the info you’ve been waiting for.
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Backpacks packed, pencils sharpened—the kids are officially back in school, and Terrin and Josselyn are here to talk all about it. They kick things off with some Taylor Swift chatter before jumping into the real stuff: uniforms versus no uniforms, how pricey clothes and supplies have gotten, and even the added hit of class and lab fees for Terrin’s teenager.
The conversation doesn’t stop there. They get into when it’s smartest to shop for supplies, the latest craze around Labubu figures, and how they keep track of school-issued tech like Chromebooks and iPads. They also break down what it looks like to meet teachers and stay on top of homework as blind moms, offering a peek into their routines and challenges.
It’s back-to-school season BDBU style—equal parts laughs, real talk, and useful takeaways.
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In this “Best of BDBU” episode, the girls share the moments their kids first realized they were blind, the baby items they were given or bought but never actually used, and their experiences with breastfeeding.
They also bring back the “Playlist Playoff,” picking songs that match their parenting styles, and talk about their opinions on sleepovers and slumber parties.
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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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