New podcast on living and dealing with Aphantasia

Aphantasia is a condition that affects an individual’s ability to voluntarily visualise imagery. It can present varying symptoms, but for many the condition means they aren’t able to possess a functioning mind’s eye. Aphantasia can be developed over time, or had since birth - and it is projected that as many as 3% of the UK’s population has some manner of the condition.

Now, Alan Kendle - engineer and author of the only published book on Aphantasia in the world - is delving deeper and hoping to raise awareness of the little-known cognitive state with a new podcast series which looks to explore people’s experiences of accepting, living and dealing with Aphantasia.

As an 'Aphant’ himself, Alan is keen to investigate further - finding out what people can see, what individual methods they use to formulate images and why results between people with the same condition can be so different and inconsistent.

Alan said: “Aphantasia can affect and impact all five senses to varying degrees, but each individual can have a unique experience, so sharing these experiences with others that have the condition can create a real dialogue about a spectrum we have a lack of detail and mainstream awareness of. This is what I am hoping to get to the bottom of.”

Although the condition is gradually becoming more widely known, it is still not listed by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This list is the classification for any and all conditions for medical professionals. Without being on this list, it will be difficult for anyone to get medical advice or assistance.

The Aphantasia podcast is a place where Alan and guests will discuss all aspects of the condition. Because it’s a situation that is constantly changing and evolving, open discussions and sharing of thoughts and ideas is a vital way to improve knowledge and understanding - provoking new thoughts, ideas and lines of questioning that could help to reshape or reconsider what we all see, hear and generally experience in our minds.

People can email and message: alan@aphantasia.co.uk

We welcome ideas, questions, thoughts and suggestions for programme topics, from those with the condition and people just wishing to know more and understand. We may not always produce the answers, but we will examine the many questions that the subject matter produces. More than a serious medical discussion, the podcast offers a lighter look at our minds, mental experiences and thought processes.