Within Reason Within Reason

#157 How a Blind Man Sees the World - Tommy Edison

Jun 8, 2026 · 1h 4m

Summary

Tommy Edison, the blind film critic and host of The Blind Experience, discusses his life, career, and perspective on blindness. He shares stories from his 19-year radio career, where he navigated studios without sight, and explains how technology like the iPhone’s VoiceOver transformed his independence. Edison also addresses philosophical questions about color, his method for "watching" movies through sound and dialogue, and common misconceptions people have about daily life for the blind.

Topics discussed

Introduction and Ben Churchill's background Childhood, diagnosis, and school experiences Career in radio and hiding blindness Technological advancements and accessibility Experiencing movies and audio description The concept of color and Mary's Room Common questions and perceptions of beauty Navigating public spaces and self-driving cars Independence, assistance, and choosing joy Impact on families and conclusion
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