In this episode, Shaimond and guest co-host Dr. Gary Cusick interview graphic novelist and researcher Gareth Brookes. Brookes discusses his graphic novel, “A Thousand Coloured Castles” which features a main character with Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS). Inspired by his grandmother's experiences with the condition, Brookes aims to raise awareness and empathy by portraying the visual hallucinations associated with CBS. He describes the nuances of CBS and its impact on people living with the condition and their families. The conversation also covers Brookes' research into comics, his creative proc ..read more

In this episode, Shaimond interviews Dr. Jasleen Jolly, Associate Professor in Vision and Eye Research at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, England and Director of Jolly Vision Science. Dr. Jolly discusses her extensive work and research on Charles Bonnet Syndrome. She explains the misconceptions about the syndrome, its prevalence and highlights the importance of asking patients proactively about symptoms to overcome the stigma that might prevent them from coming forward. Additionally, she touches on her motivations for founding Jolly Vision Science and the need for greater inclusion and ..read more

In this episode, Shaimond interviews Scot Muirden, Director at Charles Bonnet Syndrome Foundation AU. He explains the mission of the Foundation, which includes providing direct services to those affected by CBS and raising awareness within the medical and healthcare sectors. The conversation covers the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and support, potential triggers of CBS, and strategies for managing symptoms. Additionally, Scot emphasizes the need for more research on CBS, including its causes and potential treatments. The episode also touches on the difficulties faced ..read more

In this episode, Shaimond interviews Robin Davies who is totally blind and shares his journey with Best disease and Charles Bonnet Syndrome. The episode emphasizes resilience, the value of community and support, and how remaining engaged with life and passions can help navigate the challenges of visual impairment and Charles Bonnet syndrome. For help with CBS call 704-389-0160 Contact me at cbsyndromepodcast@gmail.com For the link to attend Pocklington Trust’s UK-based bi-weekly virtual CBS support group email Jonathan at Jonathan.Ward@pocklington.org.uk UK Support Group Time: Every other Thur ..read more

In this episode, Shaimond interviews Chris Wilsdon a representative from the Kent Association for the Blind, to discuss Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) and how his organization supports the visually impaired in Kent and parts of London, UK. Wilsdon shares his personal journey from experiencing vision problems to dedicating over 15 years to aiding those with vision impairments. The episode highlights the collaborative efforts within the sight loss community, the significance of addressing CBS openly, and the impact of cognitive therapies and medication adjustments on managing CBS hallucinations ..read more

In this episode, Shaimond interviews Tanya Straker, who shares her journey as a caregiver and discusses her book “6 Life Hacks For Family Caregivers,” her weekly caregiver support group, Coffee with Caregivers, and shares tips to help caregivers manage, among other things she does to support people on their journey to being their best self. For more information about Tanya and for a link to join her support group, Coffee with Caregivers visit https://tanyastraker.com Contact Tanya at tstraker@outlook.com For help with Charles Bonnet Syndrome call 704-389-0160 Contact us at cbsyndromepodcast@gm ..read more

In this episode, Shaimond and Eva interview Susan Michel who shares her journey with Retinitis Pigmentosa, Macular Degeneration and Charles Bonnet Syndrome. For help with Charles Bonnet Syndrome call 704-389-0160 Contact us at cbsyndromepodcast@gmail.com For the link to attend Dr. Gary Cusick’s weekly virtual Charles Bonnet Syndrome support group and caregivers support group, please contact us at the phone number or email address listed above. Support Group Times: CBS Support Group, Saturday, 12 p.m., Eastern Time CBS Caregivers Support Group, Saturday, 1 p.m., Eastern Time ..read more

In this episode, Shaimond and Eva interview Irvine Harris who shares his journey with Macular Degeneration and Charles Bonnet Syndrome. Contact Irvine at harrisfl@gmail.com Irvine’s website https://savinghumanity.net/ For help with Charles Bonnet Syndrome call 704-389-0160 Contact us at cbsyndromepodcast@gmail.com For the link to attend Dr. Gary Cusick’s weekly virtual Charles Bonnet Syndrome support group and caregivers support group, please contact us at the phone number or email address listed above. Support Group Times: CBS Support Group, Saturday, 12 p.m., Eastern Time CBS Caregivers Supp ..read more

In this episode, Shaimond interviews Esme’s Umbrella founder, Judith Potts. She shared how she first became aware of Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) when it affected her mother and how she founded Esme's Umbrella, her Charity that focuses on raising awareness, offering support and sourcing funding for research for CBS. Contact Judith Potts at judith@charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk Esme’s Umbrella’s website https://charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk Esme’s Umbrella Information Day, March 16, 2024, Manchester, UK https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/esmes-umbrella-information-day-tickets-792995038507 Charles Bonnet Synd ..read more

In this episode, Shaimond and Eva interview Dave Hommel who shares his story as a caregiver for his mother who has journey Charles Bonnet Syndrome. Contact Dave at williamdhommel@gmail.com For help with Charles Bonnet Syndrome call 704-389-0160 Contact us at cbsyndromepodcast@gmail.com For the link to attend Dr. Gary Cusick’s weekly virtual Charles Bonnet Syndrome support group and caregivers support group, please contact us at the phone number or email address listed above. Support Group Times: CBS Support Group, Saturday, 12 p.m., Eastern Time CBS Caregivers Support Group, Saturday, 1 p.m ..read more