{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Volunteer Spotlight","title":"Jim Steckman: “The Impact You Can Have Is Tremendous”","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/76432bf4\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1886,"description":"In this heartfelt and engaging episode of Volunteer Spotlight, host Evan Starnes kicks off the new year by introducing an exciting new chapter for the show: Jennifer Neptune, Aftersight’s Volunteer and Publications Manager, officially joins as permanent co-host.\nThe spotlight shines on December’s Volunteer of the Month, Jim Stechman, whose audiobook-quality narrations have elevated Aftersight’s programming, including Blind History Lady, The Getting There Guide, and the Dr. MAC (Mobility Access Council) Newsletter. Jim shares his long history of reading for blind and low vision communities, from early tape-based recordings for rural Colorado to his current work with multiple reading services.\nThe conversation explores:\n• \nJim’s journey into volunteer voice work and why storytelling matters\n• \nThe impact of accessible information in rural communities\n• \nHow Aftersight bridges gaps in transportation, news, and local resources\n• \nJim’s eclectic taste in music, from Wagner to Slayer\n• \nA deep dive into his home recording setup and audio production background\n• \nAftersight’s transition to new recording and hosting platforms, including Riverside and Transistor\nJim also reflects on living in Australia and New Zealand, comparing accessibility, infrastructure, and culture, while Jennifer and Evan reinforce Aftersight’s mission to expand content reach and recruit more volunteer readers.\nThe episode closes with a powerful call to action for listeners to get involved, share the podcast, and help grow Aftersight’s impact across Colorado and beyond.\n00:00 – Welcome to Volunteer Spotlight\n00:12 – New Year kickoff and Jennifer Neptune joins as co-host\n01:40 – Introducing Volunteer of the Month: Jim Stechman\n02:18 – Jim’s volunteer history and discovering Aftersight\n05:45 – Favorite content to read and the impact of the Dr. MAC Newsletter\n07:24 – Voiceover growth and storytelling skills\n09:00 – Volunteer recognition and versatility\n10:30 – Home recording setup and audio gear talk...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/kWbtFbKg5NCiWRxJYsUm7l9TNvpWG7sj4Ii0hZl4AoQ/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9iNmU2/YmI3YjFmODYwODNj/ZDQ2NDQ0YTM2YmIz/YjcwOS5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}