The real Food Stories Podcast with Heather Carey

Blindness didn’t stop her: A chef’s story of courage & cooking with Debra Erickson.

What if your biggest challenge became your greatest calling?

That’s exactly what happened to Debra Erickson, who lost her vision to retinitis pigmentosa. At age 59, she did something extraordinary: she enrolled in culinary school — and became the only blind graduate in her class.

Today, Debra is the founder of The Blind Kitchen, where she’s making it possible for people with vision loss to cook independently and confidently.

The truth? The kitchen can be intimidating for anyone — sharp knives, hot pans, complicated recipes. Now imagine facing all of that without sight. In this powerful episode, Debra shares how she turned fear into purpose, building a business that helps others overcome their own kitchen anxieties.

What I love most is that her story isn’t just about blindness. It’s about resilience, creativity, and pushing through whatever’s holding you back — in the kitchen or in life.

Debra’s approach to cooking is all about making things organized, clear, and manageable — lessons that anyone can use, whether you’re a total beginner or just someone who wants to feel more confident making meals at home.

Her courage and innovation are truly inspiring, and I know you’ll come away from this conversation feeling empowered to tackle your own challenges.

https://heathercarey.com
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