Sharing Your Story With the World -- Bethany Joy Boring

Part 4 of the “Telling Your Story” series explores the moment after you’ve shared your story with a few trusted people—and what it takes to move from private courage to public confidence. Bill and Bethany dive into shame, identity, pride, and the fear of “sticking out,” unpacking how those internal battles shape the way people with blindness show up in the world.
The conversation moves through humor, hard truths, and deeply human stories—from awkward cane moments and guide-dog pride to skydiving, kitchen mishaps, and falling off stages. Bill reflects on learning to speak to thousands without knowing it, and Bethany shares the tension of wanting to inspire but not wanting to be an “inspiration story.”
Together, they break down:
Why sharing your story helps you reclaim your identity
How to deal with misunderstanding, awkward interactions, and unwanted “help”
Why shame often shows up for blind and low-vision people—and how to push back
The difference between doing life differently and being “less than”
How humor becomes a powerful tool to open people up
Why everyday moments—helping your kids with homework, hiking with a guide dog, navigating a picnic—are the real stages you stand on
Why connecting with others who “get it” matters to your confidence and resilience
This episode encourages listeners to embrace their story, share it boldly (even when it’s uncomfortable), and recognize that everyday courage creates real change.
Contact Info
Guest / Co-Host
Bethany Joy Boring
Aftersight
Website: aftersight.org
Email for guest inquiries: jonathan@aftersight.org
Phone: 720-712-8856
Producer Credits
Produced by Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer at Aftersight.

Show Credits
Host: Bill Lundgren
Co-Host: Bethany Joy Boring
Producer: Jonathan Price
An Aftersight Original Podcast

Chapter Markers
00:00 — Opening & Recap of the Series
01:48 — Sharing Your Story Beyond Close Friends
03:50 — Hurtful Comments, Vulnerability, and Identity
05:30 — Humor as a Tool for Comfort and Connection
07:48 — Finding Language to Explain Vision Loss
09:40 — Bill’s Early Podcast Nerves & Learning New Tech
11:30 — Realizing Your Story Reaches the World
13:00 — Shame, Pride, and “Doing Things Differently”
15:20 — Basketball, Muscle Memory & Challenging Assumptions
17:45 — Everyday Moments as Your “Podium”
20:10 — Cane Shame, Guide Dogs & Accepting Visibility
22:39 — Advocating for Yourself Without Apology
24:20 — Pain, Triumphs & Why Both Matter
26:25 — Hikes, Helpfulness & When Others Get in the Way
28:40 — The Universal Language of Struggle
30:15 — Using Technology to Connect With Family
32:10 — Educating the Public (Even When You’re Tired)
34:00 — Healthy Boundaries, “Hug Reflex,” and Self-Advocacy
36:10 — Building a Circle That Stays at the Table
38:00 — Everyday Courage & Living Life Differently
41:05 — Closing Reflections on Storytelling and Connection