Talking In The Dark With Evie Roberts

🎧 Episode 88: Jon Doyle – Guide Dogs UK

In this episode ofTalking in the Dark, Evie chats to Jon Doyle from Guide Dogs UK to discuss his role within the organisation, and to share on the variety of services they provide in supporting the blind and visually impaired community. During the conversation Jon discusses how he transitioned from being a teacher, to the role of a habilitation specialist. He explains the fundamental role that a habilitation specialist has in helping to achieve independence for blind and low vision children and young adults. Jon explains the child centered approach to teaching and the need to suit the training to each individual.  Along with how the advancements in technology are playing a part. This conversation is imbued with kindness and care as both host and guest discuss a subject matter which is very significant and plays a deep part of the lives they lead.

🎧 Episode 87: Miles Hilton-Barber – Blind Adventurer

In this week’s inspiring episode ofTalking in the Dark, Evie sits down with Miles Hilton-Barber to explore his remarkable life as a blind adventurer. Miles shares stories from his childhood growing up in Rhodesia, before opening up about the profound changes he faced as a young man when he lost his sight due to Retinitis Pigmentosa. He speaks candidly about the emotional and physical challenges of living with vision impairment, as well as the adaptations he was forced to make along the way. The conversation also highlights the powerful support of his family during this time—especially the influence of his brother, who became a key source of inspiration as Miles navigated this difficult chapter of his life. Evie and Miles go on to discuss his incredible adventures, reflecting on the many daring and deeply rewarding expeditions he has undertaken around the world. This is a beautifully enriching conversation with a guest who shares his extraordinary journey with honesty, depth, and wisdom. AD (Accessible Description): The podcast graphic features a purple background with the title “Talking in the Dark” in bold white text at the top center. Two photographs appear on either side of a central microphone icon. On the left is Evie, smiling warmly, with shoulder-length wavy red hair and wearing a light grey round-neck top. On the right is a color photograph of Miles Hilton-Barber. In the photograph Miles is stood in front of a snowy landscape and looking off slightly to the right. Miles has short grey hair and is smiling. He is wearing a blue ski jacket that has a Union Jack flag badge on the left side of his chest.

🎧 Episode 86: Claire Bell — Listening Books Charity

Ahead of World Book Day 2026, in this episode of Talking in the Dark, Evie speaks with Claire Bell from the Listening Books Charity about the incredible work they do to make reading books more accessible. During this lovely conversation, Claire shares the charity’s history and explains the wide range of services they offer. She highlights the resources available to schools and outlines the many different ways people can access and enjoy the audiobooks they provide. Claire also discusses the charity’s aspirations for the future and explains how listeners can support the organisation in achieving its wonderful goals and ambitions. This is a beautiful and insightful conversation that shines a light on a truly admirable charity. AD: The podcast graphic features a rich purple background with the title “Talking in the Dark” in bold white text at the top centre. Two portraits frame a central microphone icon. On the left, host Evie smiles warmly, with shoulder-length wavy red hair and a light grey top. On the right is a photo of Claire standing in front of a Listening Books upright banner. She has a blonde bob hairstyle, wears black-rimmed glasses and a black V-neck sweater, and is smiling broadly.

🎧 Episode 85: Gary Williamson — Blind Photographer, focused on what’s possible—one frame at a time!

In this week’s exciting episode of Talking in the Dark, Evie talks to Gary Williamson about his life and work as a blind professional photographer. Gary explains his VI condition is and how he takes photographs with his limited vision by capitalising upon the latest in camera technology to capture and record images in the wonderful way that he does. Gary also describes the way in which he got into photography and the long journey that has led to his most recent collection entitled, ‘Through The Lens’, which he has created is collaboration with Sony.    Gary has a wonderful philosophy ‘Focus on what you can still do, not what you've lost and it is this same positivity that radiates throughout this conversation.  This is a wonderful, inspiring conversation you won’t want to pass by.

🎧 Episode 84: Kate Risdon — Professional Flutist and Music Teacher

This episode ofTalking in the Dark brings together two acquaintances for a wonderful and highly engaging conversation . Host Evie, student of the flute, and Kate Risdon, the inspiring professional flautist and music teacher. During this episode, Kate shares with Evie the story of her life and career as a visually impaired flautist. Kate talks about where she first discovered her deep love and connection to music, and how she developed that passion into an acclaimed and highly respected career. Kate also explains the many differences between braille music and traditional written sheet music, and speaks about the joy she finds in teaching others how to play music. As an accomplished musician, Kate is in high demand both for her playing and her collaborative skills and outlines to Evie the many roles she has held with different orchestras that she has played with throughout her long and successful career. Kate is a passionate musician and a strong advocate for disabled musicians, and this interview is clear evidence of that commitment.  This is a wonderful, inspiring conversation you won’t want to pass by. AD (Accessible Description):The podcast graphic features a rich purple background with the title “Talking in the Dark” in bold white text at the top centre. Two portraits frame a central microphone icon: on the left, host Evie smiles warmly, with shoulder-length wavy red hair and a light grey top; on the right, a photo of Kate. In the picture Kate is stood next to a river, the sun is shining and the light is reflecting off the water. Kate has short dark hair and is wearing a purple striped shirt.