In this episode of Off the Beaten Path, Dave sits down with Steve Baskis for a thoughtful conversation about adaptive sports, leadership, and what it takes to keep moving forward when life changes.

The discussion explores how mindset, trust, and well-designed equipment shape the way blind and low-vision individuals navigate both rugged terrain and everyday environments. Dave and Steve talk candidly about problem-solving, mentorship, and the role of movement in building confidence and resilience.

Together, they reflect on how adaptive sports create opportunities not just for physical challenge, but for leadership, teamwork, and personal growth—on the trail and beyond.

About Steve

Steve Baskis is a blind veteran, athlete, author, and founder of the Blind Endeavors Foundation. After completing Infantry Training at Fort Benning, Georgia in 2007, Steve deployed with the U.S. Army’s distinguished 4th Infantry Division, a unit with deep historical roots dating back to World War II. In 2008, while serving in Baghdad, Iraq, Steve sustained catastrophic injuries when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. The blast took his eyesight and caused extensive shrapnel injuries, hearing loss, loss of smell, and nerve damage. For his courageous service, Steve was awarded the Purple Heart Medal.

In the years following his injury, Steve rebuilt his life through movement, resilience, and purpose. More than fifteen years later, he has become a nationally recognized advocate for the blind and adaptive community. He is an accomplished athlete, having earned medals at both the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games, and in 2013 he received the prestigious Louis Braille Award for his contributions to the blind and visually impaired community.

Steve is the founder of Blind Endeavors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring people of all abilities to explore life through movement, leadership, and adventure. Through Blind Endeavors, Steve works in schools, military communities, and institutions across the country to promote awareness, adaptive equipment education, and bold, unconventional programs that challenge perceptions of disability.

An experienced public speaker and motivator, Steve has appeared on The Today Show, in documentaries, and at events worldwide. His adventures include hiking Kilimanjaro, cycling across the United States, kayaking the Colorado River, and summiting four of the world’s tallest peaks. Steve often says, “While I may have lost my physical ability to see, I gained a new vision for what’s possible,” a perspective that continues to inspire others to move forward—no matter the terrain.

Connect with Steve

Website: https://stevebaskis.com/

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevebaskis/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevebaskis

Thanks for listening! Off The Beaten Path is brought to you by Dave Epstein and Awarewolf Gear, makers of the All Terrain Cane and the Urban Xplorer. To purchase a cane or find out more visit https://awarewolfgear.com/awghome

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In this episode, Dave sits down with Australian chef-turned-adventurer Dale Pierce, whose life took an unexpected turn after sudden vision loss in 2023. Dale shares how he moved from a 32-year culinary career into a new chapter defined by resilience, movement, and wilderness exploration.

He talks about adapting to blindness through cardio, O&M training, and eventually trail running — a journey that led him from treadmill walks to half-marathons, technical trail races, and ultimately completing the legendary Kokoda Track, one of the most demanding treks in the world.

Dave and Dale dig into cane techniques, navigation strategies, the mental challenge of moving through rugged landscapes with limited sight, and the freedom found in nature that no city environment can replicate. Dale also reflects on essential gear, working with run guides, and why embracing low vision — rather than fighting it — has opened a new sense of purpose.

It’s an inspiring conversation about grit, adaptation, and discovering what’s possible when the trail becomes your teacher.

More About Dale

Dale Pierce is a low-vision adventurer based in regional Victoria, Australia, about an hour northwest of Melbourne. Before vision loss reshaped his life, Dale spent 32 years as a chef, working across hotels and restaurants and later serving as a mentor and trainer for apprentice chefs. His background in human resources, work health and safety, and mental health informed his leadership style, allowing him to support hundreds of young chefs and help create healthier, more sustainable kitchen environments. Dale went on to run his own consulting and freelance chef business, focusing on best-practice systems and financial sustainability.

In 2023, Dale experienced sudden sight loss in both eyes due to central retinal vein occlusions, leaving him legally blind. He adapted by building his cardio fitness, immersing himself in orientation and mobility training, and eventually taking up running—progressing from treadmill workouts to outdoor parkruns and his first half marathon in 2024. Since then, he has expanded into trail running and adventuring, using a combination of all-terrain canes, hiking poles, run guides, and Meta glasses to navigate diverse terrain. In 2024, he completed the legendary Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, a 96 km trek known for its brutal elevation and historical significance.

Dale also serves on Vision Australia’s Client Reference Group, working with leadership to improve outcomes for the blind and low-vision community. He and his seeing-eye dog, Yana, have been partners for over a year and continue to grow as a team.

Connect with Dale

Instagram: @dale.pierce.967

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dale.pierce.967

Thanks for listening! Off The Beaten Path is brought to you by Dave Epstein and Awarewolf Gear, makers of the All Terrain Cane and the Urban Xplorer. To purchase a cane or find out more visit https://awarewolfgear.com/awghome

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I am so pleased to welcome Ted Tahquechi to the show!

Ted and I talk about his transition from managing game development at Atari, Accolade, and Mattel Toys to creating tactile art after losing significant vision in a car accident.

He explained how he developed a process with his wife Carrie, in partnership with the Andy Warhol Foundation for Visual Art, to transform photographs into touchable artwork using texture extraction and 3D printing.

The project, which debuted at the National Federation of the Blind National Convention, aims to make art accessible to people who cannot see it, following in the spirit of Andy Warhol's philosophy of making art accessible to everyone.

This was such a great interview I am sure you will love it!

More about Ted

Ted Tahquechi spent more than two decades in the video game industry, managing the development of iconic titles at Atari, Accolade, and Mattel Toys. From producing games on the Atari Lynx and Jaguar to managing the Hot Wheels franchise at Mattel, he lived through both the chaotic charm and the caffeine-fueled crunch of early game development. His voice, sound design work, and production credits touched more than 35 titles, including fan favorites like Tempest 2000, I-War, Kasumi Ninja, and Test Drive Off-Road.

A car accident at the height of his games career changed his vision, but not his direction. With total blindness in one eye and low vision in the other, Ted rebuilt his creative world through photography. That journey led him to an unexpected frontier, tactile art. Partnering with the Andy Warhol Foundation for Visual Art, Ted and his wife Carrie developed a process that transforms photographs into touchable works of art using texture extraction and 3D printing. Their tactile photographs debuted at the National Federation of the Blind national convention and have since been showcased at galleries, festivals, and accessible art events nationwide.

Today, Ted is also the voice behind BlindTravels.com, where he shares accessible travel reviews, tips, and firsthand stories for blind and low vision travelers. He speaks nationally about accessibility in art, travel, and technology, always championing the idea that creativity doesn’t end when circumstances change, it simply adapts.

Whether he’s talking retro games, exploring new cities with his guide dog Fauna, or helping others navigate the world with more confidence, Ted continues to prove that vision is far bigger than what we see.

Connect with Ted

Substack: https://substack.com/@nedskee?utm_source=global-search

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nedskee/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ted.tahquechi

Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/nedskee.bsky.social

Thanks for listening! Off The Beaten Path is brought to you by Dave Epstein and Awarewolf Gear, makers of the All Terrain Cane and the Urban Xplorer. To purchase a cane or find out more visit https://awarewolfgear.com/awghome

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In this episode of Off The Beaten Path, Dave sits down with the remarkable Laurie McBride—martial artist, advocate, and fierce champion of the DeafBlind community.

Their conversation moves from the mat to daily life, weaving together Laurie’s journey in Taekwondo, her commitment to earning her black belt, and her hands-on work as an employment specialist supporting DeafBlind adults in building meaningful, empowered lives.

Dave and Laurie dive into adaptive self-defense, the art of navigating the world with determination and humor, and what true advocacy looks like when you center individual experience over assumptions.

This episode is inspiring, disarming, and downright fun—come listen to two trailblazers talk resilience, autonomy, and the real power of showing up for yourself and your community.

More about Laurie

Laurie McBride is a DeafBlind advocate, professional, and graphic designer-turned-human services leader based in Mason City, Iowa. Originally from Ontario, Canada, Laurie has spent the past 26 years in Iowa, where she transitioned from a career in commercial printing and newspaper design to a mission-driven role serving the DeafBlind community.

Diagnosed with Usher syndrome, a rare genetic condition causing progressive hearing and vision loss, Laurie has worn hearing aids since the age of five and now identifies within the DeafBlind spectrum as hard of hearing and low vision.

After losing the ability to drive and work in her previous field, Laurie returned to school, earning an A.A. and Human Services Certificate from NIACC, a B.A. in Human Services from Buena Vista University (BVU), and completed her M.A. in Organizational Leadership (May 2025), also from BVU.

Since 2019, she has worked as a DeafBlind Employment Specialist at the Helen Keller National Center, supporting DeafBlind individuals across Iowa and Minnesota with job placement, job coaching, transition services for youth, and access to assistive technology. Laurie is also a conference presenter, mentor, and lead trainer in programs that expand communication access for the DeafBlind community.

Outside of work, Laurie is a proud wife, stepmom, and nana, with two cats, one dog, and a passion for Taekwondo, currently training for her Blue Belt Decided. She also enjoys traveling, much of which ties into her advocacy and outreach work across the Midwest.

Connect with Laurie

Website: https://www.ushersyndromesociety.org/blog/finding-purpose-by-laurie-mcbride/

https://www.helenkeller.org/DBAW25/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cougs33

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cougs33av/?hl=en

Thanks for listening! Off The Beaten Path is brought to you by Dave Epstein and Awarewolf Gear, makers of the All Terrain Cane and the Urban Xplorer. To purchase a cane or find out more visit https://awarewolfgear.com/awghome

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Climbing Kilimanjaro Blind: A Conversation with Joel Isaac
In this episode, Dave talks with Joel Isaac — a Ugandan-born father of two, former software engineer, and passionate adventurer who recently summited Mount Kilimanjaro. Joel shares how he trained for the climb, the gear that got him through volcanic ash and freezing nights, and the moment he chose safety over ego near the summit. Together they explore what it means to hike, travel, and live with blindness (and autism), challenge assumptions about accessibility, and rediscover the power of presence beyond technology.

More about Joel:

Joel Isaac was born near the Mountains of the Moon in Uganda, East Africa. Soon after birth, Joel and his family had to leave Uganda due to government instability. As a baby refugee, Joel lived in Spain for his first few months and eventually he and his family were resettled in the United States.

When he was still a child, Joel learned he had a genetic condition that would cause him to lose his eyesight. Though this was a looming fear, he attended public schools and tried to ignore the signs of what was to come, engaging in competitive sports and academics like his classmates.

As he was growing up Joel found he had a passion for technology and human behavior, eventually attaining multiple degrees and working in start-ups for the early Internet. Ten years ago, Joel lost his usable vision and is still learning about the advantages and disadvantages to life without eyesight.

After years of sitting behind a desk developing applications and providing accessibility guidance, Joel has an overwhelming desire to return to Africa, put his feet in the soil and acquaint himself with the people and the terrain that were lost to him so many years ago.

Connect with Joel

Linked in: linkedin.com/in/joel-isaac-bb031263

Thanks for listening! Off The Beaten Path is brought to you by Dave Epstein and Awarewolf Gear, makers of the All Terrain Cane and the Urban Xplorer. To purchase a cane or find out more visit https://awarewolfgear.com/awghome

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Sedona Dave launches Season 2 of Off the Beaten Path with a brief recap of season one and a preview of the upcoming season.

We're going to take an adjacent and more esoteric path this season by diving deeper into our blind experience. With this season's guests, Sedona Dave is exploring topics like: breaking stereotypes within our own beliefs of what a blind person can and should be doing; what we are offering and contributing to the world; being seen and receiving understanding by the sighted and so much more deep and enriching conversations. And of course delivered with Sedona Dave's quirky and engaging humorous style! Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Thanks for listening! Off The Beaten Path is brought to you by Dave Epstein and Awarewolf Gear, makers of the All Terrain Cane and the Urban Xplorer. To purchase a cane or find out more visit https://awarewolfgear.com/awghome

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We are wrapping up Season One of Off The Beaten Path with the amazing Justin Bishop. Justin shares about his life and journey with his condition, Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). Justin's condition advanced rapidly, leading to his blindness at the age of 25. He also talked about his work with children on the autism spectrum, teaching them social and motor skills through sports like skateboarding.

Justin also talked about his professional career as a skateboarder. He is expecting his first child and plans to make this his last year as a contracted skateboarder. He is excited to return to skateboarding for fun, without the pressures of making a living from it.

We had such a deeply inspirational dialogue, that moves from blindness to the rigors of balancing sport, life and family.

More about Justin

Justin Bishop is a Professional skateboarder and adaptive athlete passionate about accessibility. He is blind in his left eye, only has peripheral shadows in his right eye. Justin was eight when he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a rare degenerative eye disease that came with a warning that he would go blind in middle age.

Undeterred, he picked up skateboarding at the age of 10. But by the time he turned 25, he could only see shadows and blurs. After a four-year break from skating to remaster all of his essential life skills, he was finally ready to get back on the board.

In 2019, he partnered with Zappos and Not Impossible Labs to develop a sound-based technology that uses speakers to create audio markers visually impaired skaters can use to navigate a skatepark.

Now in his mid-thirties, Justin is a professional skater with sponsors, has starred in commercials and documentaries, and advocates for the inclusion of visually impaired skateboarding in the Paralympics.

Connect with Justin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinthebishop

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justinthebishop

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justinthebishop

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEi---3J7xAwm-tuMXg7Sqg

Thanks for listening! Off The Beaten Path is brought to you by Dave Epstein and Awarewolf Gear, makers of the All Terrain Cane and the Urban Xplorer. To purchase a cane or find out more visit https://awarewolfgear.com/awghome

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Part two of my interview with Julius Mbura! We continue to dive deep into his life growing up in Kenya and his remarkable climb of all seven peaks of Kenya!

More about Julius

Julius Mbura is a lawyer, disability rights advocate, and motivational speaker making waves in Kenya and beyond. As a blind person, Julius is driven by his lived experience to bridge the gap between legal frameworks and the realities of persons with disabilities (PWDs), promoting their full and effective participation in society. He inspires younger generations of PWDs, demonstrating that their potential is limitless, and connects with thousands of followers across his social media platforms, where he is famously known as JSupercharge. Due to his ever-expanding influence, Julius is currently signed to RECA Talent Management to further extend his reach. Beyond his advocacy work, Julius is a mentor, spoken word artist, and even a car enthusiast, reviewing cars by touch and feel. A graduate of the University of Nairobi's LLB program, Julius is also a distinguished alumnus of both the Mandela Washington Fellowship (2024) and the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) (2024), further fueling his commitment to building a more inclusive society. He serves as the Advocacy Officer and Head of Programming at inABLE, where he champions disability inclusion and accessibility.

Connect with Julius

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juliusmbura01/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jsupercharge/?hl=en

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliusmbura/?originalSubdomain=ke

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jsupercharge

Website:

Official Julius Mbura site: https://www.jmbura.com/

Heights Unseen: https://heightsunseen.hustlesasa.shop/

Thanks for listening! Off The Beaten Path is brought to you by Dave Epstein and Awarewolf Gear, makers of the All Terrain Cane and the Urban Xplorer. To purchase a cane or find out more visit https://awarewolfgear.com/awghome

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