Alex and Lee welcome filmmakers , Aaron Sauerland and Dustin Little, to the show to discuss their upcoming short film “In Case Of Fear”. We also recap our favorite horror films of 2024 so far. If you would like to partner with Aaron and Dustin on “In Case Of Fear” which will have audio description, you can contribute to their campaign here: http://…

In honor of Venom: The Last Dance's release, Alex and Lee debate the best and worst of the 9 Spider-Man Films! Email us and let us know what you think of the Spider-Man films! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for…

For this episode, Alex and Lee take a detour from the film world to discuss the video game landscape with Ross Minor, a blind accessibility consultant. Ross has played a huge role in advancing accessibility for video games within the blind and low vision communities and he discusses his experiences with us. TRIGGER WARNING: There are discussions of…

Greetings from Heartland Sings! The Heartland Voice podcast will be taking a quick break while we prep for our 28th Season. We will be back in September! While you wait, head on over to heartlandsings.org or call (260) 436-8080 to pick up your season tickets now! Thanks for listening! INVEST IN OUR MISSION Misión: Heartland Sings inspira a personas…

A few months ago we enjoyed live music with Hannah and Elijah Denecke. We share a few ideas about music, trips, and love. Biographies The Deneckes could have met as toddlers in Western New York; instead, they fell in love as teenagers in Western Illinois. Since then, they’ve roamed and rambled to Florida, New Jersey, and Indiana. The Deneckes are m…

Alex and Lee chat with Tristan Snyder, blind audio describer and sound engineer. In our discussion, Tristan talks about his journey into the world of audio description and sound engineering and the way he navigates this being blind. Tristan’s website: https://ear2earsound.com Find video versions of Tristan’s audiobooks here: https://dcmp.org Questi…

Today, April 22, we had a conversation about Dr. Jonathan Young and his journey as a well rounded artist with experience in percussion, voice, and his main instrument the piano. "Dr. Jonathan Young is an active pianist, composer, teacher, conductor, and accompanist. He earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano performance at the University of…

Principal Teaching Artist David Bobay sat down for an exciting three-episode Pride month series with Dr. William Sauerland, author of Queering Vocal Pedagogy: A Handbook for Teaching Trans and Genderqueer Singers and Fostering Gender-Affirming Spaces. Dr. Sauerland and David discussed vocal repertoire across the spectrum for trans and Genderqueer s…

Principal Teaching Artist David Bobay sat down for an exciting three-episode Pride month series with Dr. William Sauerland, author of Queering Vocal Pedagogy: A Handbook for Teaching Trans and Genderqueer Singers and Fostering Gender-Affirming Spaces. Dr. Sauerland and David discussed vocal repertoire across the spectrum for trans and Genderqueer s…

Principal Teaching Artist David Bobay sat down for an exciting three-episode Pride month series with Dr. William Sauerland, author of Queering Vocal Pedagogy: A Handbook for Teaching Trans and Genderqueer Singers and Fostering Gender-Affirming Spaces. Dr. Sauerland and David discussed vocal repertoire across the spectrum for trans and Genderqueer s…

Today we had a conversation about the life of the artist, countertenor performer. pedagogue, choir conductor, and more with Dr William Sauerland from Purdue University Fort Wayne. "William Sauerland (he/they) is an Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies for the School of Music at Purdue University – Fort Wayne, conducting chora…

Today we enjoyed a conversation filled with experiences and music with Cote Godoy from Musical Connexion. José Manuel (¨Cote¨) Godoy, musician and educator, was born in Santiago de Chile, where, at 5 years old he began his journey with music. Cote has received national recognition for his songwriting and pioneered the community arts Open Microphone…

Introducing the first of many future Side Casts, where guests are invited on to discuss their own personal encounters with the supernatural. How do these episodes differ from the main ones? The Side Cast episodes are shorter stories that don't necessarily center around town-specific folklore or legends. These are tales of unique, personal experienc…

Today (03/14) we talked about her artistic journey from Canada to the United States and Beyond. Emily loves going on walks with her dog and taking care of her plants. Emily Bird is a graduate from the University of Notre Dame, with a Masters of Sacred Music in vocal performance. While at Notre Dame, she served as a director with the Notre Dame Chil…

Lee and Alex discuss the accessibility and history of movie trailers with special guest Kensuke Nakamura. He discusses his process when making audio described trailers. NOTE: This episode resulted in the Alien Romulus trailer getting described by Kensuke, you can find it, along with his other trailers. at the link below. Kensuke's Audio Described t…

Today (03/05) we talked with Jonathan Busarow, the choir conductor at Fort Wayne Children's Choir. Professor Busarow is in frequent demand as a clinician and as a tenor soloist. He has conducted at the American Choral Director’s Association National and Regional Conferences, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, the Indiana Music Educators …

Alex and Lee give their reactions to the 2024 Oscars ceremony and winners and review DUNE: PART 2. Please follow us on Instagram and YouTube at @darkroomfilmcast and if you have any questions or comments, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com. Support the show…

Today 03/04 we spent time with Dr. Tescarollo from Purdue University Fort Wayne to share his artistic journey from Brazil to the United States and beyond. "Since his debut with the São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra (OSESP), Hamilton Tescarollo has performed both as a solo and collaborative pianist in the United States, Canada, Europe, and South Am…

Now that the Oscars are over, Alex and Lee look ahead to the rest of the year and discuss their most anticipated films for the remainder of 2024. *** Please note: this episode was recorded prior to the release of “Dune: Part 2”. Questions? Email us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American…

Alex and Lee continue their celebration of the accessible world of Disney with part 2 focusing on Disney animated films. They review the latest Disney animated feature “Wish” and share their favorite animated movies from the Disney cannon. Image Description: The words "The Dark Room" are in the classic 90s Disney Home Video white Font sitting over …

Tonight Joe Rotondo joins us around the fire to tell us a story originating from Burlington, Connecticut. It's a tale of love and longing from beyond the grave, and ghostly spirits of possible good intention. This is the story of The Green Lady. Tonight's Charity: The Spina Bifida Association Find Joe Rotondo on... Instagram: @joetondo His Stories …

Today, (02/22) we had a conversation with Maestro Marshall White. A kind and wise person and artist that loves movies and playing billiards. Marshall A. White is the esteemed Founder and CEO of Unity Performing Arts Foundation in Fort Wayne, IN, and serves as the Director and Life Coach for the Voices of Unity Youth Choir. Established in July 2000,…

David Calderon, el Salvadoreño host de WBOI/NPR con 22 años del programa Connexxion Latina. Un programa que se transmite todos los domingos a las 6pm en Indiana, Michigan, Ohio y más por 89.1 FM. David Calderon the Salvadorian host of WBOI/NPR with 22 years of the the Connexxion Latina. The radio program is transmitted every Sunday at 6 p.m in Indi…

Watch the video version of this episode here! Alex and Lee are pleased to present this special panel presentation, featuring audio description writers and narrators who worked on 7 of the 10 Oscar-nominated Best Picture films. In their conversation, they celebrate the works of these wonderful individuals who made these films accessible and highligh…

Alex and Lee are joined by returning guest Jamie Gagnon to discuss Alex and Jamie's trip to Sundance 2024, the slate of films they saw, and the overall festival's accessibility. Watch the Thelma Post-Screening Q&A! (minor spoilers) Watch Jamie's newest horror shorts here! Questions? Email us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com Search for Audio Descriptio…

Lindsay Platt is the Director of Development for the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir. She is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and a graduate of Butler University, where she received a degree in Arts Administration and studied voice with Dr. Steven Rickards. Her love of music began at age five when she persistently asked her parents for a violin. Since that…

Alex and Lee reflect on the films of 2023. They reveal their favorite audio description tracks and movies of the year! Questions? Email us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website! Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout! Subscribe …

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! This episode is a fun compilation of ONLY the ghost stories from every episode so far, condensed into one experience. So if you're in the mood to listen to some spooky stories without interruption or guest discussion, then this is the episode for you! I thought this would be a fun episode since my shoulder surgery…

Today, (12/07/2023), we had a meaningful moment to share the music we love, traditions, and thoughts about the 2023. We collaborated with several artist to offer this last episode of the 2023. Introduction Poem "Twas The Spirit of Christmas", farewell and acknowledgment by Laura Burger, Development Director. Microphones and logistics by Eric Miller…

Today (11/28), had a conversation with Josiah Lund the education associate and staff pianist at Heartland Sings. "Josiah Lund is a Pianist and Teacher with a passion for sharing the expressive beauty of music. Josiah Graduated in 2022 with a Bachelors in Music in Piano Performance from Purdue Fort Wayne, where he won the Purdue Fort Wayne Concerto …

Today, (11/20), we had a time to learn about Patricia Adsit. One of the biggest supporters of Heartland Sings. The vocal studios are named after her generous contribution to the mission Heartland Sings fills. We appreciate the support Patricia Adsit offers to Heartland Sings from the beginning of the company to the current times to provide a consis…

Alex and Lee chat with Ashley Eakin, a disabled director and writer, who has worked on projects for Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+. Ashley recounts her journey into Hollywood, and what navigating her disability has looked like, as well as how her experiences have influenced her storytelling. She also discusses her experiences utilizing audio descr…

Today (11/15) talked about the artist going away from the land we grow up and the moments the international experience brings through discipline and love for music. Jude Balthazar is the tenor Principal Teaching Artist at Heartland Sings and a lover of the movies! "Jude Balthazar is a Haitian tenor and is completing his DMA degree in voice and oper…

Lee and Alex chat with Michele Spitz, a speaker, philanthropist, audio, describer, and grant provider for filmmakers. In this episode, Michele discusses her journey into the audio description world, and the way she has been able to advance accessibility for blind and low vision viewers. Michele Spitz's Woman of Her Word website: https://www.womanof…

Today (11/02) we had a conversation with Mary Snow, soprano member of the big choir and treasurer with the Board of Directors at Heartland Sings. "Mary Snow is a native of Fort Wayne. She graduated from Concordia Lutheran High School and Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana majoring in Management with an Accounting option. Mary was a Field Ex…

Today (10/24) we have a conversation with Rachel Colman about resilience and her artistic journey. "Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Rachael Colman serves as a vocalist in the United States Air Force. Rachael earned a B.M. in Voice from Baylor University and an M.M. in Opera from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She then traveled the country for severa…

Happy Halloween! To celebrate spooky season, Alex and Lee chat with Rein Brooks, audio description writer for “Birth/Rebirth”, “The Royal Hotel”, and other films. We discuss your favorite horror films and the unique challenges of writing audio description for the horror genre. Note: When Rein discusses The Walking Dead description he is referring t…

Celebrate Campfire Stories' anniversary episode with special guests Brett & Crystal from Scary Savannah and Beyond . Tonight, they take us down to the most haunted city in America - Savannah, Georgia. This is the story of The Marshall House. Find Scary Savannah and Beyond : Their Website Youtube Apple Podcast Spotify Podcast Instagram Tonight's Cha…

Today (10/13) we had a conversation with Dr Diana Jackson, the chairman of the board at Heartland Sings, director of diversity and inclusion at Parkview Hospital and a lover of ballroom dances. "Dr. Diana Jackson-Davis was born in Manchester, England to British Nigerian parents and lived in Nigeria for several years before moving to Fort Wayne Indi…

In this part 2 episode, Alex continues recounting his experience at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and discusses the ways the film festival was accessible as well as areas where there is room for growth. Audio Description Project: https://adp.acb.org/ Questions? Email us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com Find transcripts of our episodes…

Alex had the amazing opportunity to attend the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and he is back to discuss his experience on this episode. In part one, Alex shares his thoughts on the movies he saw at TIFF and which ones he anticipates being part of the awards season conversations. Audio Description Project: https://adp.acb.org/ Questions?…

Today (10/12) we had a conversation with Kara Fahl Jaurigue the box and office manager at Heartland Sings, Youth Director Plymouth Congregational Church, UCC, and the vocalist at Home by 10. "Kara Fahl Jaurigue is a native of Fort Wayne and a graduate of South Side High School. She has joined Heartland Sings as the Office Manager, and is stepping i…

Today (09/14) we had a conversation with Antonio Azpiri the bass/baritone Principal Vocal Artist at Heartland Sings and a lover of trips and books. "Antonio Azpiri is a Mexican Bass Baritone, he has sung “Leporello” in Mozart’s “Don Giovanni,” first with Universidad Pan Americana at Teatro de las Artes in Mexico City, with West Bay Opera at Palo Al…

Today (09/123, we had a conversation with Ashlee Bickley McCrory, the Development Associate & Teaching Artist at Heartland Sings, a voice faculty at Purdue University Fort Wayne, and a mother of two. "Mezzo-soprano Ashlee Bickley performs and teaches various genres across the classical singing medium. Ashlee has appeared as a soloist across the Uni…

Today (09/12), we had a conversation with Sydney Fabregas the soprano Principal Teaching Artist at Heartland Sings and an avid reader and a lover of long distance calls to keep in touch with family. "Sydney Fabregas is a rising American Soprano carving her path in classical and musical theatre performance. She has recently completed her Master's De…

Today (09/11) we had a conversation with David Bobay the bass/baritone Principal Teaching Artist at Heartland Sings and a lover of nature and several art forms. "David Bobay is a multifaceted artist who performs and teaches at Heartland Sings in Fort Wayne, IN. He is a graduate of Ball State University (‘14). His recent performance roles have taken…

Today ( 08/31) we had a conversation with Lisa Gerstenkorn , the alto principal vocal artist at Heartland Sings. Lisa is a cat lover, a collections, and loves different cuisines. "Praised for her genuine stage presence and signature low notes, contralto Lisa Marie Gerstenkorn is an active and enthusiastic performer and educator of varied vocal genr…

Alex and Lee welcome back friend and blind movie critic John Stark on the show to rank Christopher Nolan's entire filmography so far. In this second part, we review and rank Nolan's second six films from Inception through Oppenheimer. For a video version of this episode check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwfrdRkUMGDNwgL…

Today ( 08/27) we had a constructive and enjoyable conversation with Eric Miller ,Vice President & General Manager of Heartland Sings. Eric offers not only a rich baritone voice to the table but also an authentic persona in each to each one of his professional duties. "After growing up in Indianapolis and spending five years at Ball State Universit…

Unlucky number 13. Cursed children. Flying demons of the woods. Tonight Johnny Berchtold joins us around the fire to tell us a story originating from the Pine Barrens of New Jersey. It's a twisted tale that I promise you've never heard quite like this. This is the story of the Jersey Devil. Tonight's Charity: Best Friends Animal Society Find Johnny…