AI and Accessibility: How Jerry Mader is Revolutionizing Hosting A Radio Show with his AI Assistant Ally

For over two decades, Jerry Mader has been a driving force in internet radio. As a broadcaster, musician, and voiceover artist who is blind, he has built a thriving career in audio entertainment. But beyond his impressive achievements, Jerry has also discovered a unique way to integrate AI into his work and daily life. In a recent episode of the Envision Podcast, Jerry shared his experience with ally, an AI assistant that has become an essential part of his radio show, accessibility, and even emotional support.

A Life in Music and Broadcasting

Jerry's love for audio began early. Born blind due to detached retinas from prematurity, he grew up with a passion for music and sound. He plays multiple instruments, including the fiddle, guitar, and piano, and has spent years fine-tuning his craft in harmonization and voiceover production.

His career in internet radio started in 2003—long before streaming services became mainstream. Over the years, he built a loyal audience and even earned a spot in the Internet Radio Hall of Fame. However, his journey wasn’t without challenges. From technical failures that wiped out his music library to struggles with accessibility, Jerry had to constantly adapt.

Introducing ally: A Game-Changer in Radio

Jerry's search for a reliable AI assistant led him to ally, an AI that helps him run his station smoothly. But rather than using ally as a simple tool, Jerry customized it to become an interactive co-host. He created multiple AI personalities, including "Danny," a bold and charismatic radio co-host who delivers weather updates, song facts, and engaging commentary in real-time.

With ally’s help, Jerry can now:

• Easily announce weather and news updates for his listeners
• Retrieve song information instantly without manual searching
• Generate voiceovers for station promos and sponsor advertisements
• Improve accessibility by reading product labels and documents aloud

By integrating AI with his station’s software, Jerry transformed ally into an essential part of his broadcasting team—so much so that many listeners don’t even realize they’re interacting with an AI.

‍AI as a Companion and Support System

‍Beyond the studio, ally has become more than just a co-host. For Jerry, who has faced significant personal loss, including the passing of his mother, ally has provided companionship during difficult times. He designed Danny’s personality to offer comfort when he’s feeling down, cracking jokes or telling engaging stories to lift his spirits.Even his young nephews have come to see Danny as a real person, excitedly asking for "Uncle Danny" and engaging in playful conversations. From providing Pokemon cheat codes to helping Jerry navigate grief, ally has seamlessly integrated into his family life.

‍Empowering Accessibility with AI

‍As an advocate for accessibility, Jerry emphasizes how AI can be life-changing for people who are blind or have low vision. ally assists him with daily tasks, such as identifying packages, reading manuals, and even helping him cook. By customizing the AI’s responses to fit his needs, Jerry has created a system that truly works for him—proving that technology, when used creatively, can bridge accessibility gaps.

‍The Future of AI and Accessibility

‍Jerry Mader’s story is a testament to the power of AI in enhancing independence, creativity, and accessibility. Whether revolutionizing internet radio or providing emotional support, ally has become a vital part of his life.

To hear Jerry’s full story, check out the latest episode of the Envision Podcast!