I am an anatomist who lost his sight while teaching anatomy, a philosopher who uncovered richer truths in darkness, and a guide for those navigating life’s inexorable transformations. Diagnosed at age three with retinitis pigmentosa, I embarked on a journey that reshaped my perception of both the visible and invisible worlds—a journey where light faded but understanding deepened.
My academic path defied convention. Leaving Ball State University after initial struggles, I sought the tools to reclaim my independence, learning Braille and mobility skills at the Bosma Center. When I returned, I discovered a passion for anatomy—a field many deemed inaccessible to someone losing their sight. I became a tutor, teaching others while redefining my own limits. This experience taught me that our assumptions about ability often blind us more than any physical condition ever could.
I earned my Bachelor’s in Exercise Science, graduating magna cum laude, and later completed a Master’s in Wellness and Gerontology. For thirteen years, I taught Anatomy and Physiology at Ivy Tech Community College. As my vision dwindled, I found my understanding of the body’s intricacies sharpened. My own progressive blindness became a teaching tool, showing students that adaptation is not just survival but evolution—proof that limits can inspire innovation.
Beyond the classroom, I’ve worn many hats: yoga instructor, senior fitness program director, certified Sage-ing Leader, and advocate for intentional aging. Each role enriched my understanding of how we grapple with loss, growth, and the inexorable passage of time. Now, through my channel, Talking with Your Mind Full, I weave together the threads of philosophy, science, and personal transformation, offering a tapestry of insight for those confronting life’s uncertainties.
At the heart of my work is a philosophical framework I call Being-towards-Blindness, inspired by Nietzsche, Heidegger, Wittgenstein, and others. Yet, one of my most vivid revelations emerged from what I’ve named The Sewer of Sight—a metaphor born from a psilocybin journey that illuminated how vision can both reveal and distort truth. This idea challenges the ocularcentric biases of our age, inviting us to embrace alternative ways of perceiving and understanding the world.
We now stand at the threshold of an era defined by artificial intelligence and technological upheaval, a moment that will redefine perception and humanity alike. My work explores how we navigate these seismic shifts without losing our essence. Whether you’re grappling with vision loss, aging, career transitions, or the chaos of change, I aim to help you uncover clarity in uncertainty and purpose amid transformation.
Since 2017, I’ve called Madison, Wisconsin, home—a place where I continue to study, teach, and engage in the ever-unfolding conversation of existence.
True vision demands more than eyes. It requires courage to see beyond appearances, wisdom to interrogate our assumptions, and an openness to find meaning even in what we once called loss.
Komm mit mir spielen—come play with me—as we push the boundaries of perception, understanding, and the extraordinary potential of being.