{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Blind Level Tech","title":"BLT Is Back: Tech, Travel, and a Fresh Start","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1813,"description":"In this welcome-back episode of Blind Level Tech, host Evan Starnes explains the unexpected hiatus that caused several months of episodes to temporarily disappear, sharing honest reflections on burnout, creative fatigue, and the need to recalibrate. Rather than pushing for constant growth, Evan introduces 2026 as a “stabilization year” for BLT — a chance to refine what already works, improve consistency, and rediscover the joy of creating the show.Evan also walks listeners through a small but meaningful update to the show’s intro, retiring the voiceover while keeping the familiar BLT music intact. He invites listeners to help shape the future of the show by offering feedback, ideas, and even tagline suggestions.The episode then shifts into tech coverage, starting with an in-depth accessibility-focused review of a recent Amtrak trip, highlighting strong tactile and Braille labeling on trains, mixed accessibility in sleeper car controls, and significant usability issues with Amtrak’s app and website. Evan also shares a standout accessibility feature from Chicago Union Station, where audible track number announcements made navigation intuitive and efficient.Rounding out the episode is a robust tech news segment, including new features for Meta Ray-Ban and Oakley Vanguard glasses, Southwest Airlines’ integration with Apple Wallet, and a lighthearted Sandwich of the Week inspired by Chicago cuisine. Evan closes by previewing what he’s excited to follow in 2026 — from AI accessibility improvements to autonomous vehicles in Denver. Key Topics & Segments• The BLT hiatus: burnout, reflection, and creative reset• 2026 as a “stabilization year” for Blind Level Tech• Intro update: retiring the voiceover, keeping the iconic music• Listener feedback invitation and open communication• Accessibility-focused Amtrak travel review• Chicago Union Station’s audible track number system• Meta smart glasses updates and new AI-powered features• Southwest Airlines + Apple Wallet...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/qq0NUq4nWGqX2goOdMs-oJz5Mm0YWNNh7iyXAYL6n6k/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8wODFh/MDExMmY2NTVhODNk/Y2Q2MmJlYmVlMTY0/YTQ5Yi5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}