Shut Up (Kindly) and Listen: Active Listening, Safe Storytelling, and Communication in the Blind CommunityShut Up (Kindly) and Listen: Active Listening, Safe Storytelling, and Communication in the Blind Community
Blindsight
Bill Lundgren and Bethany Joy Boring discuss active listening and safe storytelling within the blind community, highlighting the importance of silence and emotional safety.
52:42•14 Nov 2025
Active Listening and Safe Storytelling: Communication in the Blind Community
Episode Overview
- Active listening involves paying attention to non-verbal cues.
- Silence can be a powerful tool in communication.
- Creating a safe environment is crucial for storytelling.
- Understanding bodily sensations can improve communication.
- Effective communication requires recognising emotional shifts.
“Safety begins with curiosity, right? But then also giving that person that place where they are welcome as they are.”
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? This episode of Blindsight, hosted by Bill Lundgren with co-host Bethany Joy Boring, tackles the essential skill of active listening within the blind community. The duo discusses how silence, curiosity, and emotional safety can foster meaningful connections, especially when non-visual cues are missing. Through a lively role-play, they illustrate how quickly conversations can derail when dominance or assumptions take over.
You'll learn about the bodily sensations that signal emotional shifts and the importance of recognising these moments in communication. Bill and Bethany share personal anecdotes and practical advice on how to be an effective listener and storyteller, even when dealing with hearing deficits or blindness. They emphasise the value of safe storytelling environments where individuals can share their experiences without fear of judgement.
The episode is packed with engaging discussions that highlight the complexities of communication and the power of silence. Whether you're interested in improving your listening skills or understanding the unique dynamics of communication in the blind community, this episode offers valuable insights that resonate beyond sighted interactions. So, how do you plan to enhance your communication skills today?
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.
Related Episodes
Similar episodes from other shows in the catalogue.