In this thought-provoking and unexpectedly fun continuation, The Blind Chick welcomes back author, tech blogger, and blind speedcubing pioneer Paul Martz for Part 2 of a conversation that bends the mind as much as the Rubik’s Cube does.
Paul, Penn, and Moses unpack how blind speedcubing works, why accessibility gaps in tech still exist (and what we can learn from curb cuts), and how Paul’s book Solve It is breaking down barriers for blind cubers everywhere. Paul shares how he hacks tactile cubes, connects with a small but growing blind cubing community worldwide, and compares speedcubing to the artistry of musicianship.
He also dives into his punk rock days in the 1980s—bands, bar gigs, and brushes with musical legends—proving the life of a blind innovator can be as unpredictable as a scrambled cube. Finally, the team reminds listeners that everyone has a part to play in pushing accessibility forward—one request to Bard at a time.
It’s witty, inspiring, and might just convince you to dust off your old Rubik’s Cube, make it tactile, and get your brain moving again—whether you’re blind, sighted, or somewhere in between.
⏱️ Chapter Markers
00:00 — Welcome Back + Summer Vibes
00:40 — Blind Speedcubing: Why It Matters
01:50 — ADA, Curb Cuts & Digital Accessibility
04:00 — AppleViz, Blogging & Making the Impossible Possible
07:00 — Tactile Cubes: DIY or Buy?
09:15 — Writing Solve It: No Pictures Needed
11:30 — Requesting Bard & Bookshare Access
13:00 — Speedcubing Records & Community
16:00 — Rubik’s Cube as Brain Exercise
18:00 — Paul’s Punk Rock Past
22:00 — Brushes with Fame & Hotel Stories
25:00 — Final Words: Pay It Forward
📚 Get Paul’s Book
Title: Solve It: The Only Speed Solving Guide for Blind Cubers
Find It: Search “Solve It Paul Martz” or visit PaulMartz.com
Where to Request: NLS Bard, Bookshare, RNIB (UK), Sela (Canada)
📞 Stay Connected
Aftersight: (720) 712-8856
Email: feedback@aftersight.org