Code Orange

About Code Orange

No Entries

Publisher

Aftersight

Category

education · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

2 Sept 2025

Latest episode

18 Nov 2025

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   18 Nov 2025

   S1:12 Dispatch Log - EMT is not just a job but a way of life

   1) Episode Summary In this special episode of Code Orange, producer Jonathan Price hands the mic to host Marty and guest Kammy Kinkade for a deep dive into life on the front lines of rural emergency response. Kammy shares how a love for science, a nurse-practitioner mom, and a “what’s a few more credits?” EMT class turned into a full-blown career in EMS—from CNA and lab work to EMT, advanced EMT, and ultimately paramedic. She walks listeners through her first ambulance ride-along, the intensity of rural 911 calls where response times can stretch to an hour or more, and what it’s like working 48-hour shifts covering more than 17,000 square miles with only 53,000 residents. From there, Kammy explains how her passion for disasters (the science, not the suffering) led her into Basic Academy and eventually into her current role as Rural and Frontier Coordinator for the Nevada Division of Emergency Management & Homeland Security. She and Marty unpack the key differences between urban and rural preparedness, the realities of flight transport versus long ground drives, and why constant education matters in a field where protocols can change every few years. In the final segment, they use Marty’s real-life 911 call for his mom to talk through how families can prepare for medical emergencies: staying calm, keeping medical information organized and accessible, understanding medication risks, and advocating clearly for the person you love. The result is a grounded, practical look at how EMS and emergency management work together—and how you can be ready when the sirens are coming for someone you care about. 2) Contact Info Guest: Kammy Kinkade, Rural and Frontier Coordinator, Nevada Division of Emergency Management & Homeland Security Aftersight / Code Orange: Website: aftersight.org Email: feedback@aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight 3) Show Credits Show: Code Orange — Emergency preparedness for the blind and low-vision community Episode: Rural Readiness & The Road to Paramedic Life Host: Marty Sobo Guest: Kammy Kinkade Producer: Jonathan Price Presented by: Aftersight 4) Chapter Markers 00:01 – Cold open: “Disaster doesn’t wait” 00:35 – Jonathan sets up the special episode and introduces Kammy 02:20 – Growing up around medicine and discovering the EMT class 04:45 – First hospital and ambulance rotations: falling in love with EMS 07:10 – Volunteering, advanced EMT, and getting onto the ambulance 09:30 – Rural Nevada realities: huge counties, long response times, and flight vs. ground transport 14:15 – Loving the pace of ambulance work and craving more education 16:45 – Paramedic school: 11-month sprint, internships, and 360 hours on the rig 21:35 – National Registry exam: adaptive testing, stress, and finally passing 26:20 – Field training, tough preceptors, and earning trust as a new paramedic 33:20 – Discovering emergency management through Basic Academy and “science of disasters” 37:55 – Becoming Rural and Frontier Coordinator and supporting seven rural counties 42:40 – Fire medic work: wildland deployments, line medic life, and long operational periods 49:55 – Marty’s real-life 911 scenario with his mom: when you have to make the call 52:15 – Staying calm, having paperwork ready, and why medical history matters 54:40 – Antibiotics, C. diff, and advocating for safer treatment decisions 57:05 – How to reach Kammy through official channels and how to contact Aftersight

2. 

   11 Nov 2025

   S1:11 Our Mental Health in Emergency Situation

   Episode Summary In this powerful episode of Code Orange, host Marty Sobo and producer Jonathan Price sit down with psychotherapist and Blindsight host Bill Lundgren to discuss the often-overlooked phase of emergency response — what happens after the crisis ends. Bill draws from 40 years in psychotherapy to explore trauma, panic attacks, compartmentalization, grief, and the healing process. Listeners learn how to manage emotional triggers, practice mindfulness, recognize signs of delayed trauma, and embrace healthy grieving after loss. The conversation balances humor and depth, featuring relatable banter about “go bags,” “dude wipes,” and Thanksgiving “fat pants,” reminding us that preparedness includes both the physical and emotional. As Bill shares his personal experience with trauma and delayed grief, this episode becomes a candid masterclass in post-crisis resilience, emphasizing the critical importance of self-care, logic, and community in healing. Contact Info Guest: Bill Lundgren, Psychotherapist and Host of Blindsight Organization: Aftersight Website: aftersight.org Email: feedback@aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight Contact: jonathan@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856 Show Credits Host: Marty Sobo Guest: Bill Lundgren Producer: Jonathan Price Executive Producer: Aftersight Recorded for: Code Orange — an Aftersight Original Learn more: aftersight.org Chapter Markers 00:00 – Opening: “No fear, no hesitation, just preparation.” 01:30 – Thanksgiving prep and winter go-bags 03:00 – Pumpkin spice dude wipes and humor in preparedness 04:45 – Introducing guest Bill Lundgren 06:50 – Emotional aftermath of disaster 09:35 – Logic vs. emotion: how the brain processes trauma 12:00 – Supporting loved ones after emergencies 15:00 – Compartmentalization and survival responses 18:30 – Bill’s personal ER trauma story 21:15 – Panic attacks and calming logic 25:50 – Mindfulness and breathing tools 27:40 – Grief and delayed emotional processing 33:00 – Anger as part of grieving 35:30 – The importance of self-care after crisis 37:40 – About Blindsight and mental health in blindness 40:00 – Thanksgiving gratitude and closing reflections

3. 

   4 Nov 2025

   S1:10 Dispatch Log - Accessible Tech for Emergency Situations

   On Code Orange, host Marty Sobo and producer Jonathan Price talk with technologist and Blind Level Tech host Evan Starnes about practical emergency tech for blind and low-vision travelers. They cover “first 60 seconds” decision-making, ride-share drop-off mistakes, building a minimalist digital go-bag, when to use Aira vs. Be My Eyes, core wayfinding apps (BlindSquare, GoodMaps Outdoors/Indoor), simple preparedness for the holidays, and new phone-based satellite SOS features. Clear steps: stop and assess, confirm location, choose the next move, communicate, and shelter if needed. Contact Info Guest: Evan Starnes — Host, Blind Level Tech Listen: aftersight.org/podcasts/blind-level-tech Aftersight: feedback@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856 | aftersight.org Producer: Jonathan Price — Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight Show Credits Host: Marty Sobo Guest: Evan Starnes Producer: Jonathan Price An Aftersight Original Podcast Chapter Markers 00:01 — Cold open: “Code Orange” mission 00:30 — Thanksgiving banter and guest intro 02:23 — Why emergency tech matters during the holidays 04:49 — Lyft drop-off gone wrong: using Aira to get found 07:10 — Aira vs. Be My Eyes: when safety and vetting matter 09:35 — The first 60 seconds: don’t panic, assess, plan 12:00 — Fast location tools: Siri/Assistant, live location, Check In 14:25 — Wayfinding apps: BlindSquare, VoiceVista, Apple/Google Maps 16:44 — GoodMaps Outdoors/Indoor and beaconed venues 18:32 — Ride-share realities: misdrops, language barriers, backups 21:01 — Aira free locations and getting human help in stores 23:23 — Pocket kit: phone, power bank + cable, wallet; cane tips, multitool 25:44 — The 5-step playbook: stop, locate, choose, communicate, shelter 28:04 — O&M training confidence: skills without tech 30:26 — Weekly prep: keep the toolset simple and practiced 32:51 — No service? Use satellite SOS and emergency texts 34:45 — Outro: BLT plug, feedback line, and ice-cream lightning round

4. 

   28 Oct 2025

   S1:09: Dispatch Log — When Staying Put Saves Lives with Dawn Skaggs

   This episode of Code Orange explores sheltering in place and how individuals with disabilities can prepare, respond, and recover effectively during emergencies. Guest Dawn Skaggs, Chief Program Officer at the World Institute on Disability (WID), joins to discuss best practices, accessible technology, and the importance of personal preparedness. Dawn explains when and why shelter-in-place orders are issued—ranging from pandemics to natural disasters—and how early warning systems like IPAWS, Everbridge, and WID’s upcoming app Infinite Access can provide accessible alerts tailored to each user’s needs. She stresses redundancy in communication and planning, including keeping devices charged, storing backups, and maintaining low-tech options like written notes and portable recorders. The conversation expands to the mental and emotional aspects of preparedness, the importance of rehearsing plans with family, aligning workplace and personal emergency procedures, and connecting with first responders before disasters happen. Dawn encourages active community engagement, participation in local emergency exercises, and establishing communication plans that include trusted sources and geographically distant contacts. Finally, she discusses post-event recovery, emphasizing that rebuilding should mean building better—using lessons learned to create more inclusive and accessible systems moving forward. Contact Info Guest: Dawn Skaggs, Chief Program Officer World Institute on Disability 📧 dawn@wid.org 🌐 wid.org Aftersight: 📧 feedback@aftersight.org 🌐 aftersight.org Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight Show Credits Host: Marty Sobo Guest: Dawn Skaggs Producer: Jonathan Price A Production of Aftersight Chapter Markers 00:01 — Opening and Introduction 00:31 — What is Shelter-in-Place? 02:50 — Understanding Alerts and Warnings 05:20 — Accessible Technology and the Infinite Access App 10:15 — Building Redundancy and Backup Systems 12:40 — Planning Ahead for Individual Needs 17:00 — Practicing Plans and Staying Mentally Ready 19:25 — Emotional Preparedness and Comfort Items 21:45 — Family Coordination and Ownership of Plans 23:55 — Handling No-Notice Events (e.g., Active Shooter Scenarios) 28:45 — Engaging with First Responders and Local Agencies 31:15 — Building Community Relationships 33:40 — Verifying Trusted Information Sources 36:10 — Reliable Community and Faith-Based Networks 38:35 — Knowing When It’s Safe to Re-Enter the Community 41:00 — Post-Disaster Recovery and Building Better 43:24 — Closing Remarks and Contact Information

5. 

   21 Oct 2025

   S1:08: Dispatch log — When Disaster Strikes Your Wallet and Will with Heidi Gassman

   Emergencies don’t just test your physical readiness—they test your paperwork, too. In this episode of Code Orange, host Marty Sobo and producer Jonathan Price talk with attorney Heidi Gassman about how to prepare financially and legally before disaster strikes. Heidi explains what essential documents everyone should have—powers of attorney, medical directives, and HIPAA authorizations—and how to keep them accessible and secure. She also dives into fraud prevention, financial preparedness, and how blind and low-vision individuals can protect themselves from scams and unauthorized access. From fireproof safes to encrypted drives and verbal passwords, this conversation covers practical, no-nonsense steps for safeguarding your health, finances, and identity before crisis hits. Contact Info Guest: Heidi Gassman, Attorney at Law Robinson Waters & O’Dorisio, P.C. 📞 (303) 824-3140 🌐 rwolaw.com Organization: Aftersight — Supporting the blind and low-vision community 🌐 aftersight.org 📧 feedback@aftersight.org 📞 (720) 712-8856 Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer at Aftersight Show Credits Host: Marty Sobo Guest: Heidi Gassman, Attorney Producer: Jonathan Price Production: Aftersight Originals Show: Code Orange — Emergency Preparedness for the Blind Community Chapter Markers 00:01 — Introduction and Halloween Banter 02:16 — Guest Introduction: Attorney Heidi Gassman 03:15 — Why Financial Planning Matters in Emergencies 04:36 — Building Your Financial “Go-Bag” 06:57 — Safe vs. Portable Storage Options 08:32 — The Most Important Legal Documents 09:14 — Medical Powers of Attorney Explained 11:40 — Uploading and Sharing Your Documents 13:59 — Free and Affordable Legal Resources 16:22 — Sharing Copies and Certifications 18:45 — Advance Medical Directives and End-of-Life Planning 20:05 — Accessibility for Blind and Low-Vision Clients 21:13 — Safeguarding Documents During Travel 23:35 — Digital and Cloud-Based Document Storage 25:59 — Financial Powers of Attorney 28:20 — Fraud Prevention and Identity Protection 30:37 — Secure Passwords and Encryption 32:50 — Red Flags and Scam Awareness 35:11 — Supported Decision-Making and Trust 37:29 — Handling Family Dynamics and Boundaries 39:50 — Closing and Resources

6. 

   14 Oct 2025

   S1:07: Dispatch Log: Preparedness with a Guide Dog, The Michael Hingson Story

   Code Orange host Marty Sobo and producer Jonathan Price talk with Michael Hingson about emergency readiness for blind and low-vision listeners. Hingson recounts evacuating the World Trade Center on 9/11 with his guide dog Roselle and extracts practical lessons: map environments in advance, build two-way trust with your guide dog, control fear, and practice intelligent disobedience. The episode covers first-30-seconds decision-making, travel in unfamiliar buildings, ally etiquette, and go-to tools for staying oriented and safe. Contact Info Guest / Resources Michael Hingson — Speaker & Author Email: speaker@michaelhingson.com Podcast: Unstoppable Mindset Books: Thunder Dog, Running with Roselle, Live Like a Guide Dog Aftersight Website: www.aftersight.org Email: feedback@aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Producer Credits Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight — jonathan@aftersight.org , (720) 712-8856 Show Credits Show: Code Orange — Emergency Preparedness for the Blind Community Host: Marty Sobo Guest: Michael Hingson Voiceover / Producer: Jonathan Price Network: Aftersight Chapter Markers 00:01 — Cold open and show intro 00:28 — Host–producer banter 01:15 — Guest intro: who is Michael Hingson 02:28 — 9/11 context: 78th floor with Roselle 04:56 — Preparation mindset and building knowledge 07:22 — Stairwell evacuation and keeping order 09:45 — Fear control and calm signaling to the dog 12:08 — Learn your environment; don’t rely on signs 14:24 — Guide dog training vs rote routing 16:48 — Team trust and intelligent disobedience 19:11 — Handling triggers; praise to keep guiding 21:35 — One-time buildings: what to ask and note 24:00 — Practical tips for sighted allies 26:11 — Cane and dog share the same principles 28:32 — Asking for help to gain information 30:58 — Intelligent disobedience at crossings 33:21 — First 30 seconds checklist on impact 38:01 — Books and Unstoppable Mindset 40:19 — How to contact Michael 41:30 — Aftersight contacts and close

7. 

   7 Oct 2025

   S1:06 Dispatch Log: Rural vs Urban Readiness, Go-Bags, Generators, and Ham Radio with Kammy Kinkade

   Rural vs urban readiness, without the fluff. Nevada OEM’s rural and frontier coordinator Kammy Kinkade breaks down what changes when roads are few, resources are thin, and response times stretch. We cover go-bag vs shelter-in-place kits, water and power continuity, generators and fuel planning, amateur radio for comms, neighbor networks, livestock and equipment plans, insurance and documentation, accessibility gaps for blind/low-vision residents, utility shutoffs, medical records, and why “30+ days ready” is the new baseline. Clear steps. Fewer assumptions. Higher odds you get through winter intact. Contact Info Guest: Kammy Kinkade, Rural & Frontier Coordinator, Nevada Office of Emergency Management; Paramedic — inquiries via Nevada OEM. Aftersight: aftersight.org | feedback@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856 Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight — jonathan@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856 Show Credits Host: Marty Sobo Guest: Kammy Kinkade Producer: Jonathan Price Editing & Post: Jonathan Price Airs on: Code Orange — Emergency Preparedness for the Blind Community Chapter Markers 00:01 — Cold open: Why Code Orange exists 00:31 — Rural vs urban: stakes and scale 02:55 — Role snapshot: Nevada OEM + paramedic work 05:20 — Wildfire realities: 50 acres vs 100,000 07:42 — The rural constraints: volunteers, distance, time 09:33 — Water logistics and hazmat limits 11:36 — Go-bag vs home kit: what each is for 13:54 — Threat mapping by region and hazard 16:17 — Infrastructure awareness: above vs underground 18:42 — Wells, pumps, freezing, backup power 20:41 — Comms that work: amateur/ham radio 23:01 — Ham clubs as emergency comm hubs 24:58 — Know your neighbors: lifesaving intel 27:39 — Ag speed: tractors, tenders, cutting fuel 29:56 — The big “don’t”: assume it won’t happen 32:11 — Checklists beat adrenaline 34:23 — Pets, livestock, meds, carriers, leashes 36:47 — Equipment, insurance, documentation 38:52 — Medical records and cloud backups 41:13 — Accessibility gaps: don’t rely on first responders 43:40 — Utility priority programs and oxygen power needs 46:01 — Label and know utility shutoffs 48:23 — Why response isn’t “10 minutes” rural 50:48 — Pipelines, access routes, and constraints 53:13 — Motivation: protect what you value 55:40 — Neighborhood planning meeting: make it real 57:56 — Advocate with local EM: show them the map 59:50 — Seasonal shift: winterize your plan 60:24 — Outro and contact points

8. 

   30 Sept 2025

   S1:05 Dispatch Log: Preparedness in Your Pocket with John Romano

   In this episode of Code Orange, host Marty Sobo speaks with John Romano, Executive Director of Disaster Central and lead developer of the Be Ready app. Romano introduces Be Ready as a preparedness tool designed to help people with disabilities and access/functional needs build secure, individualized emergency plans. The app stores critical documents in an encrypted digital vault, supports OCR for accessibility, and allows secure sharing of plans via encrypted links. Romano emphasizes that preparedness is not just about tools but about mindset and community. He shares his background in disaster relief during Hurricane Sandy, his partnership with the University of Sydney’s Person-Centered Emergency Preparedness program, and his focus on coupling the app with training classes (“Dare to Prepare”). The conversation highlights accessibility considerations, integration with screen readers, partnerships with Independent Living Centers, and the importance of friends and family as the first line of response. Romano’s vision is to pilot the app in Colorado and Montana, then expand nationally and globally. Listeners are encouraged to visit DisasterCentral.org to learn more, join training sessions, and participate in pilot projects. Contact Info Guest: John Romano, Disaster Central Website: disastercentral.org Contact: disastercentral.org/contact Aftersight: aftersight.org Email: feedback@aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast Producer at Aftersight Show Credits Host: Marty Sobo Guest: John Romano Producer: Jonathan Price An Aftersight Original Production Chapter Markers 00:01 — Opening: Code Orange introduction 01:00 — John Romano’s role and Disaster Central 02:00 — Overview of the Be Ready app 04:30 — Security and compliance features 06:00 — Accessibility and screen reader support 08:00 — Pilot projects and training programs 11:30 — John’s background in Hurricane Sandy relief 13:30 — Partnerships with universities and best practices 16:00 — Building community networks for preparedness 18:20 — Transportation and evacuation challenges 21:00 — In-person and virtual preparedness training 23:20 — Philosophy: “With us, not about us” 25:30 — Closing: Contact info and future opportunities

9. 

   23 Sept 2025

   S1:E4 Dispatch Log: Accessible Alerts with Carson MacPherson-Krutsky

   AES — Code Orange S1:E3 Dispatch Log: Accessible Alerts with Carson MacPherson-Krutsky Episode Summary In this episode of Code Orange, host Marty Sobo and producer Jonathan Price welcome Carson MacPherson-Krutsky, a research associate at the Natural Hazards Center at CU Boulder. Carson shares her journey from geology to social science and disaster preparedness, sparked by the Oso landslide in Washington. The conversation dives into how emergency alerts are delivered, the accessibility challenges faced by people with disabilities, and the surprising gaps in how communities prepare for and communicate during crises. The team discusses the importance of personal networks, differences between rural and urban preparedness, and tools like NOAA weather radios, ham radios, and go-bags. Carson highlights the patchwork nature of alerting systems, stressing the need for community feedback to help authorities improve accessibility. Marty and Jonathan emphasize practical steps listeners can take right away—like signing up for local alerts, building a support system, and re-purposing household items for emergency use. This episode blends expert research with real-world advice, giving listeners a roadmap for taking small, manageable steps toward disaster preparedness. Contact Info Guest: Carson MacPherson-Krutsky, Research Associate, Natural Hazards Center at CU Boulder Website: hazards.colorado.edu Aftersight: Website: aftersight.org Email: feedback@aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Producer: Jonathan Price Show Credits Host: Marty Sobo Guest: Carson MacPherson-Krutsky Producer: Jonathan Price An Aftersight Original Chapter Markers 00:01 — Intro: Disaster doesn’t wait 01:20 — Post-hike reflections and Lions Club thanks 02:10 — Meet Carson: From geology to social science 03:40 — The Oso landslide and a career shift 06:00 — Research on emergency alerts in Colorado 09:00 — Accessibility gaps and surprising survey results 11:20 — Cell tower failures and delayed alerts 13:50 — Building networks and community resilience 16:10 — Alert providers and county systems 18:35 — Rural vs. urban alerting resources 20:56 — Personal networks and local resilience 23:10 — Feedback loops with emergency managers 25:31 — G ...

10. 

    16 Sept 2025

    S1:E3 Dispatch Log: WayAround Your World — Smart Labeling for Crisis Prep

    In this episode of Code Orange, host Marty Sobo sits down with Neva Fairchild from WayAround to explore how NFC tagging technology can empower blind and low-vision individuals in emergency preparedness. Neva explains how WayAround tags work with smartphones, including iPhone, Android, and BlindShell devices, to label and identify everything from important documents to medication, clothing, and go bags. The conversation dives deep into using WayAround as a tool for creating, practicing, and updating evacuation and shelter-in-place plans. Neva highlights different tag types—stickers, buttons, magnets, and clips—and explains their practical use in real-world emergencies. She shares powerful personal stories of navigating fires, floods, and blackouts, underscoring the importance of practicing plans, rotating supplies, and preparing for both evacuation and shelter-in-place scenarios. Listeners will come away with actionable strategies for building a well-equipped go bag, tagging critical information like IDs and insurance documents, preparing medication, and ensuring family-wide access to emergency plans. This episode makes clear that preparedness is not just about having supplies—it’s about rehearsing responses until they become second nature. Contact Info Guest: Neva Fairchild — WayAround Website: wayaround.com Phone: 1-888-898-4265 App: WayAround Tag and Scan (iOS & Android) Aftersight: Website: aftersight.org Email: feedback@aftersight.org Phone: (720) 712-8856 Producer: Jonathan Price Show Credits Host: Marty Sobo Guest: Neva Fairchild Producer: Jonathan Price An Aftersight Original Podcast Chapter Markers 00:01 — Code Orange intro 01:30 — What is WayAround and how it works 04:30 — Using tags to build and update emergency plans 07:00 — Different types of WayAround tags 09:20 — Everyday practice for emergency readiness 11:40 — Importance of planning and practicing as a family 13:50 — Sharing plans across devices and accounts 16:10 — What to pack in a go bag 18:30 — Medication rotation and tagging systems 20:40 — Solar chargers, radios, and light sources 23:00 — Pets, canes, and family communication during emergencies 25:00 — Protecting documents with dry bags and tags 27:40 — Redundancy: Dropbox, tags, and paper copies 30:00 — Personal story: panic during an office fire 32:30 — Fire drills, gyroscopes, and the buddy system 37:10 — California wildfires and unprepared evacuations 39:20 — Flood evacuations and lessons learned 41:30 — Shelter-in-place vs evacuation readiness 44:00 — Expiration dates, MREs, and tagging food supplies 46:00 — Closing thoughts and resources

11. 

    9 Sept 2025

    S1:E2 Dispatch Log: Code Orange – Risk, Neighbors, and Readiness

    In this episode of Code Orange, hosts Marty Sobo and Jonathan Price are joined by Monica Weber, coordinator at the Boulder Office of Disaster Management. Together, they dive into the fundamentals of personal and community preparedness for disasters. Monica explains the concept of risk—likelihood and impact—and how individuals can tailor their own risk assessments. The conversation explores practical planning steps such as building a support system, creating family communication plans, preparing for evacuation or shelter-in-place scenarios, and conducting home safety assessments from both a blind and sighted perspective. Listeners will also hear how small steps—like labeling essentials, signing up for emergency alerts, or simply talking with neighbors—can make a big difference. Monica closes with five key action items for everyone to begin their preparedness journey. This episode emphasizes empowerment: preparation doesn’t have to be perfect, but starting today makes you safer tomorrow.

12. 

    2 Sept 2025

    S1.E1 Dispatch Log: Code Orange - Zero Hour

    The premiere of Code Orange kicks off with host Marty Sobo and guest Penn Street diving into why this show exists: to bring emergency preparedness into focus for the blind and low-vision community. From Penn’s personal experiences with Colorado floods to Marty’s firsthand accounts of California wildfires, the two underscore how unprepared many people are when disaster strikes. They tackle the gaps in emergency alerts, the risks of not having a plan, and the importance of neighbors and support networks. They also explore practical steps: building a go-bag with essentials like a cane, meds, backup power, clothes, food, and pet supplies; setting up ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts; and even preparing service animals with their own “to-go” kits. This conversation challenges the idea that people with disabilities are simply “at risk.” Instead, Penn and Marty argue that the blind community can lead the way in preparedness, often planning ahead and adapting faster than sighted peers. The episode closes with a strong call to action: preparation isn’t fear—it’s survival and leadership. Contact Info Guest: Penn Street — penn@aftersight.org | The Blind Chick Podcast (available on all major platforms) Organization: Aftersight — aftersight.org | feedback@aftersight.org Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast Producer at Aftersight Show Credits Host: Marty Sobo Guest: Penn Street Producer: Jonathan Price Chapter Markers 00:01 — Show Intro: Why Code Orange exists 02:15 — The origin story: floods, fires, and lived experience 04:45 — Gaps in preparedness and the danger of “grab anything” 07:10 — The importance of having a plan vs. improvising 09:25 — Evacuation challenges when blind and alone 11:50 — Should disabilities be marked for responders? 14:15 — Building support with trusted neighbors 16:30 — People with disabilities as leaders in disasters 19:00 — Guide dog stories from 9/11 and beyond 21:15 — What to pack: essentials for a go-bag 25:40 — Pet and service animal preparedness 28:00 — Travel and hotel emergencies 30:20 — Top three steps in an emergency 35:00 — Failures of the alert system 38:30 — Tech gaps: rural areas, Wi-Fi, and cell towers 43:00 — Homework for listeners: to-do lists and go-bags 45:30 — Final goals: education, awareness, and hope 48:00 — ICE contacts and medical ID setup 50:15 — Tech tools for safety (Apple Watch, smartphones) 52:00 — Looking ahead: topics and expert guests 54:00 — Closing thoughts and contact information

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.