Mystic Access Podcast

We have several topics to cover in this episode, but first we want to remind you about our spooky treats sale going on every weekend throughout October. Check out MysticAccess.com/shop every Thursday morning to learn which product has been heavily discounted. Sales only run Thursday mornings through Sunday evenings, and each week features a different product on sale. Listen to learn more, and reme...

We have an interesting story and some demos to share in this episode, but first, a couple reminders. Our two-session Understanding GPS event ended up being postponed by one week. We both weren’t feeling our best the weekend we intended to record, and we didn’t want to give a half-baked presentation, of course. So, we pushed class out by one week. It begins the evening this podcast epis...

We begin this episode with a few event reminders. Coming up on Thursday, September 17 is our latest free virtual event, When Not to Rely on AI. If possible, AI is an even bigger hot-button topic than ever in the news cycle, and while we feel there are positives, this event focuses heavily on the negative aspects of AI and how it affects us, what it does poorly, and what it doesn’t do at all....

A Little Admin, a Near Kitchen Disaster, GPS, AI, and Getting Structured! In other words, there’s a lot going on in Mystic Access Land this time around! We’re sharing several important announcements, talking about a serious AI-related experience that nearly led to a kitchen nightmare, previewing upcoming events, and wrapping things up with a look at a handy app designed to help get you...

New Updates, YouTube Fun, Talking Books & Lawn-Care Adventures! This episode is a bit of a smorgasbord—and we think you’ll find plenty to dig into! We kick things off with a reminder about You’ve Got YouTube, then celebrate a major update to the National Library Service’s digital Talking Book player. And because no episode is complete without a little everyday-life adventure...

Today’s episode begins… well, we’ll let you figure out the surprise about that beginning. It leads us into a discussion of AI, how it both hurts and helps, and a few cool things we as blind and low vision folks do with it that others may never consider. Kim also discusses why, particularly as a musician, she is torn about using AI for music. Chris also shares a cool experience he...

YouTube, Tech Talk, Weather Apps & Little House? Yep…It’s One of *Those* Episodes! This week, we have a delightful smorgasbord of topics, so grab your favorite beverage and come hang out with us! You’ve Got YouTube! We’re kicking things off by telling you all about our upcoming two-part virtual event, You’ve Got YouTube! If you’ve ever wondered whether YouT...

Did you notice a recent surprise bonus episode in your podcast feed? Before joining Mystic Access, Chris was part of Sendero Group, one of the pioneers in accessible GPS technology. That episode is a special retrospective that takes a walk down memory lane while catching up with several former Sendero team members to learn what they’re doing today. If you haven’t listened yet, be sure...

In this special bonus episode of the Mystic Access Podcast, we’re delighted to share a memorable piece of history from the “The People Make the Places — Mike May and Friends podcast.” With Mike’s generous permission, we’re featuring this episode here because Sendero Group played such a meaningful role in Chris’s life and in the evolution of accessible GPS for blind and low‑vision travelers. This p...

In this episode, return with us to the email simplicity of yesterday… or at least, a couple decades ago. Chris is demoing Quickmail, a public beta Windows program developed by Kelly Ford. It’s a screen reader first program, and there’s a lot we love about it. Here are a few things to know. • Multi-account — connect any number of IMAP/SMTP accounts simultaneously • Unified inbox —...

If you enjoyed our last episode, you’re in luck! This one continues the theme with more helpful tools, fun discoveries, and practical demos to make everyday life a little easier—and a lot more enjoyable. Don’t Forget Our Library Event! Before we dive into today’s topics, here’s a friendly reminder that we’re headed to the library—virtually, of course! Join us on Thurs...

Welcome to today’s episode, featuring: Tabs, Time, and Techy Goodness! If you browse the web on a desktop or laptop, we’ve got tips, tools, and fun discoveries to make your online life smoother and more productive. But before we dive into demos, we have two exciting announcements for our community! Join Our Virtual Library Event — June 11 Did you know you can borrow books from your loc...

Something exciting is brewing in the podcast world! We kick off this episode with a sneak peek at a brand-new podcast client for iOS that Chris has been beta testing. While we’re keeping the app under wraps for now, there’s already plenty to be excited about. We share some early impressions, favorite features, and why even longtime podcast app loyalists may want to keep this one on their radar. Be...

Episode Overview This episode kicks off with a little bit of magic—literally—as we head to the “magic castle” for a fascinating conversation with a special guest from HumanWare. We’re joined by Mathieu Paquette to explore a device that’s been generating serious buzz: the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. Are these glasses just a flashy gadget, or do they offer real value for people with low or no vision...

This episode is truly out of this world—and not just metaphorically. We kick things off by diving into the excitement surrounding the recent Artemis II mission, NASA’s bold step toward returning humans to the Moon. We share our personal experiences following the mission, how we stayed connected to the action, and what it sparked in our imaginations. Along the way, we explore the question: what wou...

In this special episode, we’re doing something a little different… we’re telling a story—our story. But before we hop in the time machine, we’ve got an exciting announcement that longtime listeners (and newcomers!) won’t want to miss… — Special Announcement: A Classic Returns! We’re thrilled to share that the very first piece of audio documentation Chris and Kim ever created together—the Vic...

If you love curling up with a good book from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, this episode is especially for you. We recently received our brand-new Digital Advanced Players (DA2) from the library, and of course we couldn’t resist taking them for a thorough spin. We start by sharing our first impressions of the player and giving you a friendly tour of the hardware. Fr...

Do you love an episode that gives you a little bit of everything? High tech, low tech, practical info, and a dash of surprise? Yes, please. WiFi That Thinks It’s Invincible? In this episode, we kick things off with a deep dive into the Invincible Wifi internet Package from Spectrum. Chris walks you through: * What’s actually included in the package * What the equipment offers (and who it’s best fo...

This episode is a delightful mixed bag—in the best possible way. We’ve got two very different low-tech demos, a juicy tech update for the gadget lovers, and one topic that surprised even us. Think of it like Kim’s column in Our Special from National Braille Press—something for every skill level. So buckle up. This ride has range. Low-Tech Fun: The BrailleDoodle We kick things off with a hands-on (...

We hope you’re in the mood for some hands-on learning, because this episode is packed with not one, but TWO demos that run under Windows 10/11—plus a cozy bonus to help you survive winter in style. Demo #1: FastPlay Media Player for Windows Chris kicks things off with a walkthrough of FastPlay, a free Windows-based media player that comes with some pleasantly unexpected features. In this demo, we:...

You may be relieved to know that today’s episode gives hospitals and medical talk a well-deserved rest. Instead, we’re cozying up with ideas to keep you entertained, informed, and moving through the coldest months of the year. Grab a blanket—let’s dive in. Reading, Reimagined What kind of reader are you? In this episode, we take a nostalgic stroll down Memory Lane while exploring different reading...

In this episode, Chris and Kim share even more adventures from their daily lives. They kick things off by talking about Chris’s We-Walk cane —and the mystery of why it decided to walk away on its own. Next, they discuss and demonstrate a talking blood pressure monitor that connects to a smartphone app via Bluetooth, sharing their thoughts and experiences with it. They also chat about a cool pill o...

We’re excited to both be here for this episode! Chris is now out of the hospital and back home. We decided to devote this episode to sharing some tips and things we’ve learned during this experience. If you’re faced with an emergency room visit or hospitalization, what do you need to take into account physically, emotionally, and financially? What should you bring? What should yo...

Today’s episode is very different than what we expected to release. Please listen to the first few minutes where Kim shares important news about the immediate future of Mystic Access and our podcast. Then, stay tuned as Kim and Lisa deliver two delicious holiday recipes. We’ll get these posted in the show notes as soon as possible. Thanks, as always, for listening. The post Important a...

Today’s episode is short but definitely sweet—think mini-pumpkin-pie sweet. Both of us are a little under the weather (Chris especially… send tissues!), but we still have a fun demo to share with you. First Things First: Our Annual Open House! Before we dive in, here’s your cheerful reminder that our annual *post-Turkey Day* open house is happening **Friday, November 28, from 1–5 PM ET**. Bring yo...