Bridging Barriers and Building Resilience: A Conversation with

Michael Hingson

Hello, hello and welcome to Living and Loving Each Day: Bridging Barriers! I’m your host, Susan Janzen, and I’m so glad you’re here. This podcast is all about identifying and breaking down the barriers we face in life—whether physical, emotional, or societal. I often speak with parents of children with adaptive needs, adults with adaptive needs themselves, and the incredible service providers and advocates making a difference in their communities. I also love to introduce you to people who inspire me personally—and today’s guest is one of them.

I’m thrilled to welcome Michael Hingson to the show. I had the honor of being a guest on his podcast just last week, and now I get to return the favor! Michael is a New York Times #1 bestselling author, international lecturer, and a 9/11 survivor—thanks to the help of his guide dog, Roselle. His remarkable story of survival and resilience is the subject of his bestselling book Thunder Dog. He’s now releasing a new book titled Live Like a Guide Dog, and we’ll dive into that as well.

Michael has been blind since birth and has never let that stop him from living a full, impactful life. His speaking engagements take him around the world—he’s presented to organizations like ExxonMobil, AT&T, Rutgers University, the American Red Cross, and many more. I’m beyond honored to have him here today.

A Life of Purpose, Not Limitation

Michael shared how he was born two months premature and placed in a pure oxygen environment, which led to blindness due to a condition now known as retinopathy of prematurity. Doctors told his parents he’d never amount to anything and should be sent to a home. But his parents had other plans—they raised him with the belief that he could achieve anything he set his mind to. And he did.

From becoming an Eagle Scout and earning a master’s degree in physics, to leading legislative change and teaching others how to reframe their understanding of disability, Michael’s life is proof that blindness is not a limitation—it’s society’s misconceptions that create barriers.

Redefining “Disability”

One of the most powerful insights Michael shared is his take on the word “disability.” After witnessing people panic during a power outage in a hotel, he realized something profound: the real disability wasn’t blindness—it was people’s dependency on light. The electric lightbulb, he noted, is simply an accommodation for the light-dependent. So who’s truly limited?

Michael challenges us to view disability not as a lack of ability, but as a universal human trait. We all have limitations—it’s just that they manifest differently. The key is not to assume someone is “less than” because they navigate life differently.

Lessons from Guide Dogs and Facing Fear

Michael’s newest book, Live Like a Guide Dog, is filled with life lessons learned through his relationships with nine guide dogs. At its core, it’s about transforming fear into focus and using it as a motivator rather than something that paralyzes us. Through personal stories and practical wisdom, Michael teaches how to manage fear, build resilience, and live with purpose.

His story is especially powerful in the context of 9/11. Working on the 78th floor of Tower 1, he and Roselle navigated their way to safety, guided by training, trust, and calm under pressure. He shares these stories to help others realize that calm, clarity, and preparation can overcome panic and fear—even in the most extreme situations.

A Powerful Closing Thought

To close our conversation, Michael shared a deeply moving excerpt from a 1956 speech titled Within the Grace of God, delivered by Jacobus tenBroek, the founder of the National Federation of the Blind. It redefines what it means to be “other” and reminds us that, at our core, we are all the same—made of the same stuff, shaped by the same world, and deserving of the same respect and opportunities.

“We are that beggar and he is each of us. We are made in the same image and out of the same ingredients… How much more a part of a true humanity to say instead: There within the grace of God do go I.”

Thank you, Michael, for this meaningful, inspiring conversation. Your voice, your advocacy, and your message are a gift to the world.

For anyone who wants to learn more about Michael, check out his website and his talks www.michaelhingson.com ,. If you're looking for an engaging, powerful speaker—Michael is someone you want to connect with.

Until next time—love and light, and be kind. 💜