Happy Hearing Podcast: Episode 30 - The Power of Representation with Zara Musker

Happy Hearing Podcast: Episode 30 - The Power of Representation with Zara Musker

In this 30th episode of the Happy Hearing Podcast, Dr. Ruth Reisman and Carly Sygrove are joined by Zara Musker. Zara is a clinical scientist in audiology, captain of the England Deaf Women's Futsal International Team, cochlear implant user, and passionate Deaf advocate. Zara shares her personal journey with hearing loss, including experiencing sudden hearing loss in adulthood, navigating identity, discovering the Deaf community, and finding confidence through sport and representation. Zara’s links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zara_musker3/ [https://www.instagram.com/zara_musker3/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zara-musker-9b72b6188/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zara-musker-9b72b6188/]   Email: zara.musker@yahoo.com [zara.musker@yahoo.com]

Happy Hearing Podcast: Episode 29 - In the Bear’s House with Bruce Hunter

In Episode 29 of the Happy Hearing Podcast, we are joined by award-winning writer, editor, speaker and mentor Bruce Hunter. Bruce shares his lifelong journey with hearing loss, his experience living bimodally with a cochlear implant and hearing aid, and the profound emotional impact of hearing new sounds later in life, including birdsong for the very first time. The conversation explores creativity, disability, resilience, identity and the idea of finding your “superpower” through adversity. Bruce also discusses how hearing technology transformed not only his hearing, but his writing, relationships and connection to the world around him. Bruce’s website: https://www.brucehunter.ca/ [https://www.brucehunter.ca/]

Happy Hearing Podcast: Episode 28 - Exploring the Hard of Hearing Spectrum with Brian Ceci, Creator of the film Heard

In this episode of The Happy Hearing Podcast, we’re joined by documentary cinematographer and filmmaker Brian Ceci, who was born with moderate to severe hearing loss. Brian shares his personal journey from being bullied for wearing hearing aids as a child, to rejecting them in his teens, and ultimately rediscovering sound and embracing his hearing loss as an adult.  He opens up about identity, stigma, the challenges of living between the hearing and Deaf worlds, and the importance of finding community. We also discuss Brian’s new documentary, Heard, where he explores the varied experiences of people across the hard of hearing spectrum. Brian’s links: Heard website: https://heard-film.com/ [https://heard-film.com/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianceci/ [https://www.instagram.com/brianceci/]  Email: brian@brianceci.com [brian@brianceci.com]    Note: There is a brief audio dropout around the 25-minute mark. During that moment, Carly is referring to the film Sound of Metal.

Happy Hearing Podcast: Episode 27 - Lace AI Pro Auditory Training with Dr. Miles Aron

Carly Sygrove and Dr. Ruth Reisman speak with Dr. Miles Aron, co-founder of Neurotone AI, about Lace AI Pro, the AI-powered app transforming auditory training. Learn how it improves listening, builds confidence, and even lets you train with the voices of loved ones. Plus, hear insights on cochlear implant rehab and tinnitus management. Find out more about Neurotone AI: https://www.neurotone.com/ [https://www.neurotone.com/]

Happy Hearing Podcast: Episode 26 - The Power of Lipreading and Communication Strategies with Rachel Barber

In this episode of the Happy Hearing Podcast, Carly Sygrove and Dr. Ruth Reisman speak with lipreading teacher Rachel Barber about how lipreading and hearing-management strategies can transform communication and confidence for people with hearing loss.  Rachel shares her personal journey of growing up with severe hearing loss, the skills she developed over time, and why lipreading is most effective when combined with context, body language, and proactive communication strategies such as requesting “keywords” in conversation.  The discussion explores how learning lipreading can reduce isolation, build self-advocacy, and empower people of all hearing levels to stay connected in social, professional, and family settings. Rachel also explains what happens in lipreading classes and why learning these skills early can make future hearing changes easier to navigate. You can find out more by visiting Rachel’s website: www.living4moments.com [http://www.living4moments.com/]