Blindsight — Phoenix: Ashley’s Rise After Darkness

In this powerful episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren speaks with Ashley, a survivor whose journey through trauma, depression, and blindness has forged a message of resilience and rebirth. Ashley opens up about her early struggles with family instability, mental illness, and a life-changing suicide attempt that left her blind but ultimately set her on a path toward self-discovery and purpose.
She discusses the process of rebuilding her life after losing her sight, finding independence at Perkins School for the Blind, and redefining strength through the metaphor of the Phoenix—rising renewed from her own ashes. Ashley and Bill explore themes of mental health, self-foundation, interdependence, and the delicate balance between support and autonomy for people who are blind.
This episode is a raw and inspiring reminder that healing begins when we stop hiding from the fire and start walking through it.
Contact Information
Guest: Ashley — Mental Health Advocate & Public Speaker
Organization: Perkins School for the Blind
Host: Bill Lundgren
Producer: Jonathan Price
Podcast Network: Aftersight
📩 For Resources or Questions: contact@aftersight.org
☎️ If You or Someone You Know Is Struggling: Dial 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
🌐 Learn More: www.aftersight.org
Show Credits
Host: Bill Lundgren
Guest: Ashley
Producer: Jonathan Price
Audio Production: Aftersight Studios
Presented by: Aftersight — Empowering the Blind and Low-Vision Community
Chapter Markers
00:00 — Introduction and Content Warning
01:00 — Ashley’s Early Life and Family Struggles
05:00 — Mental Health and Early Depression
07:00 — Trauma, Self-Harm, and Institutional Care
09:00 — The Night of the Attempt
13:00 — Waking Up Blind: A New Beginning
16:00 — Recovery and Perkins School for the Blind
18:00 — Becoming the Phoenix
21:00 — Building a Foundation of Self
25:00 — Learning Independence and Advocacy
30:00 — Accepting Blindness and Teaching Others
39:00 — Mental Health, Balance, and Support Systems
46:00 — Lessons in Interdependence and Resilience
49:00 — Steps Toward Healing and Moving Forward
52:00 — Closing Thoughts and Crisis Resources