Rare with Flair

hi hello hey, happy 2026! And more importantly… welcome to season SEVEN of Rare with Flair! 🎉 There’s no better way to kick off a new year than with one of our favorite traditions: vision boards. This year’s boards are our most ambitious yet, with over ten focus areas each—covering everything from mind and health to home, spirit, and the big-picture dreams we’re calling in. We love the practice of setting intention at the start of the year and creating something tangible we’ll see every single day. They say vision boards have a way of coming true (often in the most unexpected ways), so we’re diving in with fresh habits, big hopes, and a few exciting announcements you definitely won’t want to miss. 👀✨ Do you make a vision board—or did listening to the pod inspire you to start one? We’d love to hear about it! Send us a note at hello@rarewithflair.com. related episodes If you haven’t heard our 2025 recap episode, look back with us! 134. guide dogs, rings, and traveling things: 2025 recap For our past vision board episodes, check out these episodes: 110. are we ready to thrive in 2025? 84. 2024 vision boards: moving forward with courage Case & Cass “taking on the world” at Universal, 2025

hi hello hey — let’s chat about accessibility! We’ve touched on accessibility throughout past episodes, but this week we’re giving it the spotlight it deserves. It’s a topic close to both our hearts — especially Cass’, since she works in digital accessibility! There’s a common misconception that making something accessible somehow makes it worse, but in reality, designs created for people with disabilities often end up benefiting everyone. In the accessibility world, this is known as the curb-cut effect: curb cuts were originally made to help wheelchair users navigate sidewalks, but they also help anyone rolling a stroller, suitcase, delivery cart — basically anything on wheels. The reverse can happen too: products never intended for accessibility can unexpectedly become invaluable for disabled folks. We dive into some of our favorite examples of this “secret assistive tech,” from GPS to permanent bracelets. Do you have your own examples of hidden assistive tech? Send them our way at hello@rarewithflair.com — we’d love to shout you out on the pod! related episodes Check out some other episodes we mention! 87. the definitive ranking of all assistive technology 61. is reading an audiobook really reading? 34. shouting from the rooftops about assistive technology Case & Cass speaking at various events, 2025

Case + Cass unpack the blurry line of helping too much vs. not enough, and why that “middle ground” makes them feel truly included.

Case + Cass share the unexpected perks of being blind, some that make life fairer, and others that are just plain fun!

Case and Cass dive into Cass’ two-week guide dog training experience and introduces her new partner in part 1 of this special podcast series.

Case + Cass share their fitness journeys, from childhood sports to how things have changed in 5 years and what keeps them moving today.

hi, hello, hey, we’re talking all about guide dogs today! 🦮 Over the years, we’ve gotten lots of requests to make an episode all about guide dogs. Whether you’re seriously considering one or just curious about what it takes to get a working dog, this episode is for you! We’ve talked about canes plenty, and even compared pet dogs and guide dogs before, but we never dedicated a full episode to the topic, mostly because Cass is the one with experience, having worked with a guide dog for about eight years (now retired!), while Case hasn’t. So in this slightly atypical episode, Cass takes the lead and shares everything from how to know if a guide dog is right for you, to how to choose from the nearly 15 guide dog schools in the U.S.—each with their own unique approach and vibe. She also walks through the application process at Guide Dogs for the Blind and gives a peek into the incredible training that goes into preparing a dog to become a guide. Got more guide dog (or non-guide dog) questions? Send them our way at hello@rarewithflair.com and we just might answer them in a future episode! Want more cane or dog talk? Check these episodes out! 102. white cane hot takes 92. cass’ guide dog is retiring?! 48. mobility tools therapy sesh 13. ru & ro: guide dogs vs. pet dogs 2. canes, guide dogs, & faking disability Cassandra’s guide dog, Romana, snoozing onstage at the NOAH Con, 2022 show notes the National Federation of the Blind’s list of guide dog schools in the USA check out Guide Dogs for the Blind’s Orientation and Mobility Immersion program!Whether you’re looking to get a guide dog or not, this is a great opportunity to get much needed mobility skills you can learn more from this 20 minute podcast from GDB’s show, Central Bark watch the “Pick of the Litter” documentary by GDB to get more insight into the puppy raising process (and to enjoy some precious pups!). Look it up to see what current streaming options are available, or rent it for a small fee on Prime Video

hi hello hey, ready for some representation? A few years ago, we did an episode all about disability representation in media (with one of the greatest episode titles in Rare with Flair history), focusing specifically on blind characters in animated and live-action shows and movies. Since then, we’ve come across even more disabled characters (not just with vision impairments!) that we’re excited to talk about and rank for authenticity. This time around, we’re expanding our scope, and with that comes the understanding that many of these characters represent disability communities we’re not part of, like the Deaf community. While we can’t speak for those experiences, we’ll still share our perspectives as members of the broader disability community and approach each portrayal with curiosity and care. We had lots of fun talking about animated and live-action characters, but even included a book and toy, too! Did we miss any characters you love (or hate)? Send us an email at hello@rarewithflair.com and we’ll talk about it on a future episode! Case + Cass after the HPS conference, 2025