Nation’s Blind Podcast
Episodes
Our Stories, Our Mission: The People Behind the Organized Blind Movement (Part One)
04 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by Gary Wunder. They dive into the story of Adelmo Vigil, president of th...
All Laughs, No Fools
20 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Anil is joined by blind comedians Yvonne Neubert and Shannon Cantan. Tune in for laughs, great storyt...
The Myth of the SuperBlind
06 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by Denise Avant, Chairperson of our Membership Committee. They address mi...
Women’s History Month: Honoring Blind Women Who Have Paved the Way
23 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In recognition of Women’s History Month, we are honoring blind women who have made significant contributions to the organized blind movement. In thi...
We Can Have Our Pi and STEM Too
14 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by Ashleigh Moon, our STEM2U Coordinator. They celebrate Pi Day and discu...
Through Snow and Ice: Advocacy Won’t Stop
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by President Riccobono; Kelsy Tallant, First Vice President of the NFB of...
Say Yes to Braille, Part Two
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by Casey Robertson and Chris Parsons to continue their conversation about...
Living in Purpose Through Service
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Anil and Melissa are joined by Dorothy Griffin and Brian Mackey. They discuss the importance of servi...
Say Yes to Braille, Part One
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Anil and Melissa are joined by Casey Robertson and Chris Parsons. They discuss the importance of Brai...
Growing Pains in the Organized Blind Movement: Reacting to Student Leaders’ Perspectives
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Anil and Melissa are joined by board member Norma Crosby. They react to a very honest discussion abou...
Communicating with Blind People: What Sighted People Should Know
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by board members Marilyn Green and Tracy Soforenko. They share interestin...
Mental Health: Overcoming Stress and Anxiety
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by counselors LaKisha Holmes and James Boehm. They discuss mental health,...
We Need Advocacy
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by Legislative Director Leah Campbell and advocates Nathanael Wales and L...
Empowering Blind Students Through IEP Advocacy
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa is joined by Individualized Education Program (IEP) advocates Katie Filaski, and Javier Diaz....
Increasing Accessibility in Higher Education
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa Riccobono and Chris Danielsen are joined by students Harold Rogers and Miranda Lacy. They sha...
Just Keep Moving
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa Riccobono and Anil Lewis are joined by Terri Rupp, an ultramarathon runner, Richie Flores, pr...
Knowing and Promoting Our Truth as Blind People
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa Riccobono and Anil Lewis are joined by Julie Deden, our 2025 Jacobus tenBroek award winner an...
Guide Dogs: A Partner and Friend
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, our hosts are joined by Raul Gallegos, president of the National Association of Guide Dog Users (NAGD...
Time to Submit Your Resolution
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you haven’t already submitted a policy proposal for consideration at the national convention in the form of a resolution, or are just curious abo...
Efficient Ways to Use Technology
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In honor of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we have invited Jonathan Mosen, our executive director for accessibility excellence and Brittany Savag...
Travel with Confidence
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by Pam Allen, executive director of the Louisiana Center for the Blind, a...
Always Partisan for Blind People
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Chris are joined by President Riccobono. They discuss our stance on recent proposals to r...
Advocacy for Blind Americans
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Anil and Melissa are joined by legislative directors Denise Avant, and Liz Wisecarver. They discuss t...
Gun Ownership
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by Jim Marks, a hunting instructor, and president of the NFB of Montana. ...
Cooking Journey
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Anil and Melissa are joined by Cameron Loehr, a blind Chef and instructor at the Louisiana Center for...
Blind Students Pursue the Careers They Want
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by NFB scholarship winners, Joshua Olukanni, and Trisha Kulkarni. They ar...
Blind Parents
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by Lisamaria Martinez and Stacie Leap. They discuss alternative technique...
Increasing Employment Opportunities for the Blind
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by Lia Stone, a co-chairperson of our employment committee, Shawn Callawa...
Blindness Journey
27 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Anil and Melissa are joined by Carla McQuillan, executive director of Main Street Montessori. They’...
Media Representation and Pop Culture
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Anil Lewis and Melissa Riccobono are joined by colleagues, Danielle McCann, our membership coord...
Jonathan Mosen Introduces Access On
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Anil Lewis and Chris Danielsen are joined by Jonathan Mosen, former producer and host of the Bolotin ...
Preserving our Dignity as Blind People
15 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Anil and Melissa are joined by two of our new board members, Jamie Richey and Ben Dallin. They discus...
Know Your Rights as a Blind Voter!
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast focuses on the right of blind Americans to cast a secret, independent ballot, and what we can do when that ...
Join the #NFB24 Virtual Experience
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Melissa Riccobono, Anil Lewis, and Danielle McCann (NFB Membership Building Coordinator) discuss the...
Fighting for our Rights in the Courts and Beyond
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Anil Lewis and Chris Danielsen are joined by Sanho Steele-Louchart, an attorney and the legal program c...
Celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2024 with CENA
17 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Anil Lewis is joined by members of the Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility (CENA) t...
Not Letting the Flood of Doubt Win
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by Marinela “Mari” Ortiz, an assistive technology instructor and writer...
Washington Seminar 2024
24 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Anil, Melissa, and Chris Danielsen discuss the upcoming Washington Seminar of the National Federation o...
AI and the Blind
03 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Anil and Melissa are joined by Gary Wunder, editor of the Braille Monitor, and Aaron Cannon, a blind ac...
Shopping for the Holidays or the Everyday
14 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Melissa Riccobono and Anil Lewis discuss various shopping strategies that blind people use, both in sto...
Braille Readers Are Leaders Contest 2023/2024 Is Here
29 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Anil Lewis and Chris Danielsen introduce the 2023/2024 Braille Readers Are Leaders contest, which is a ...
Celebrating and Supporting Blind Veterans
13 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, Melissa Riccobono and Chris Danielsen discuss Veterans Day and the role of veterans in the National Fed...
#BlindMonth2023: How Do We Educate the Public?
26 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast, hosts Melissa Riccobono and Anil Lewis discuss Blind Equality Achievement Month with two chapter and af...
Catching Up with CENA
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility (CENA) is a concentrated center of expertise, best practices, and resources that enables businesse...
#NFB23 Virtual Convention Experience
12 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Melissa and Chris Danielsen preview the virtual convention experience, a free, dedicated online space for people who are unable to at...
Time to Submit Your Resolution
24 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you haven’t already submitted a policy proposal for consideration at the national convention in the form of a resolution, or are just curious abo...
The MrBeast Cure Controversy
10 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The wealthy and influential YouTube celebrity MrBeast recently caused a stir in our community by posting a video in which he “cured” the blindness...
U.S. Currency to Become Easier to Use
20 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing, United states Treasury Department, is close to producing paper currency with tactile features to make it more ea...
The Myth of the Model Federationist
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Is there such a thing as a model Federationist or blind person? Is Federation philosophy a rigid set of rules? How do we provide support and raise exp...
NFB Helps Win Battle for Blind Federal Employees
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode highlights recent developments in a case supported by the National Federation of the Blind, Orozco v. Garland, addressing the right of fe...
Meet the Monarch
13 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In January 2023, Anil and Melissa spoke with Dr. Craig Meador, President of the American Printing House for the Blind (APH). They discussed the mon...
Meet the National Organization of Blind Black Leaders
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In celebration of Black History Month, this episode highlights the National Organization of Blind Black Leaders, a division of the National Federation...
Kellogg’s and NaviLens: A Path to Inclusion One Cereal at a Time
22 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Melissa chats with Beth Foor from Kellogg Company, makers of some of your favorite cereals and snacks. Beth shares her story with bli...
Supporting Tomorrow’s Teachers of blind Students
01 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Anil and Melissa talk with Karen Anderson, who coordinates educational programs at the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Inst...
October 12, 2022 – Blind Equality Achievement Month Featuring President Riccobono
12 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode features an interview with NFB President Mark Riccobono about the purpose and importance of Blind Equality Achievement Month, formerly kn...
September 22, 2022 – Netflix Winner of 2022 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award
22 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode features an interview with Elisa Beniero of Netflix. The popular streaming service received one of the 2022 Dr. Jacob Bolotin awards at t...
August 16, 2022 – Meet Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award Winner Caroline Karbowski
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode features an interview with Caroline Karbowski, who received one of the 2022 Dr. Jacob Bolotin awards at the national convention in New Or...
July 21, 2022 – Reviewing an Outstanding Convention
21 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Anil and Melissa chat with President Riccobono, as well as Chris Danielsen and Danielle McCann, who participated in the “pre-shows”...
June 10, 2022 – Prepare for Convention
10 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Anil and Melissa chat with John Berggren, Executive Director for Operations for the National Federation of the Blind and chairperson ...
May 19, 2022 - Center for Excellence in Nonvisual Access #GAAD
19 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode for Global Accessibility Awareness Day (#GAAD), Anil Lewis and his special guest co-host take a deep dive into the work of the...
January 19, 2022 - Behind the scenes of JAWS with Ted Henter
19 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Nation’s Blind Podcast is back for 2022! On this first new episode, recorded in the fall of 2021, Anil and Melissa talk with Ted Henter, who is ...
June 30, 2021 – Convention Preview with President Riccobono
30 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Anil talks with President Riccobono to get a sneak preview of #NFB21, the biggest event of the year. Learn how our President prepares...
May 6, 2021 – Spectrum Access: Audio Description to Go
13 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Anil and Melissa talk with Petr Kucheryavyy, senior manager at Charter Spectrum’s Product Accessibility Center of Excellence, about...
April 23, 2021 - And The Audio Description Goes to…
23 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Anil and Melissa talk with Rick Boggs, CEO and general manager of AudioEyes. He has breaking news about a forthcoming event with live...
Diversity and Inclusion in the National Federation of the Blind
14 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Anil and Melissa talk with Colin Wong, who co-chairs the diversity and Inclusion Committee of the National Federation of the Blind. C...
March 18, 2021 – A Conversation with the National Federation of the Blind Survivor Task Force
18 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Content warning: This episode of the Nation’s blind podcast discusses abuse and sexual assault. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual vi...
Meet Blindness Tech Pioneer Dean Blazie
02 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, Anil and Chris talk with Dean Blazie, who has been working with blind people to develop technology we can use since the 1960s. They d...
November 10, 2020 – The Continued Fight for Fair Wages
10 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, Anil and Melissa talk with Stephanie Flynt, government program specialist for the National Federation of the Blind. They discuss the ...
September 29, 2020 – Use Your Power at the Polls
29 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Anil and Melissa talk with Lou Ann Blake, the NFB’s Help America Vote Act project coordinator, about the November 3 election and ho...
July 23, 2020 – Learning Together in the Time of Coronavirus (Part 2 of 2)
23 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast is the second of two episodes featuring a conversation about the joys and challenges of having children l...
July 2, 2020 – Learning Together in the Time of Coronavirus (Part 1 of 2)
02 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast is the first of two episodes featuring a conversation about the joys and challenges of having children ...
May 13, 2020 – Behind the Scenes of Presidential Release Live
13 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Anil and Melissa have a conversation with President Riccobono, who takes us behind the scenes of the presidential release live. They...
March 4, 2020 – Audio Description: A Professional Perspective (Part 2 of 2)
04 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast is the second of two episodes exploring the topic of audio description. Chris Danielsen chats with Ro...
February 26, 2020 – Audio Description: The Big Picture (Part 1 of 2)
26 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast is the first of two episodes exploring the topic of audio description. Anil Lewis chats with Everette...
February 19, 2020 – Celebrating Black History
19 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast celebrates Black History Month with a contemporary discussion from several leaders in our movement. Chris...
November 27, 2019 – Meet Libra Robinson
05 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Libra Robinson
October 31, 2019 – Meet the Blind Month
31 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Meet the Blind Month
September 24, 2019 - Blind Parents Connection Episode 7: Household Tasks
24 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Household Tasks
September 23, 2019 – National Guide Dog Month
23 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
National Guide Dog Month
September 5, 2019 - Blind Parents Connection Episode 6: Making Back to School Successful
05 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Making Back to School Successful
August 16, 2019 – Teacher Talk
16 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Teacher Talk
August 7, 2019 – Back to School Tips
07 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Back to School Tips
July 29, 2019 – Traveling Abroad with Your Guide Dog
29 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Traveling Abroad with Your Guide Dog
July 18, 2019 - Blind Parents Connection Episode 4: Child-Proofing and Playing Inside
18 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Child-Proofing and Playing Inside
July 3, 2019 – Vegas or Bust
03 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Travel Tips for Convention
June 20, 2019 – Summer Programs
20 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Discovering a New Calling
June 12, 2019 – Blind Parents Connection Episode 3: Traveling
12 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Traveling
June 5, 2019 – Summer Programs
05 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Prepare and Pack to Independence
May 8, 2019 – Blind Parents Connection Episode 2: Feeding
08 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Feeding
April 10, 2019 – Blind Parents Connection Episode 1: Resources
15 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Resources
The Nations Blind Podcast: Episode 30
30 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
November 2018 - Mentoring Can Be Momentous
The Nation's Blind Podcast: Episode 29
15 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
October 2018 - White Cane Awareness Day
The Nation's Blind Podcast: Bonus Episode 7
19 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
September 2018 - NFB Night With The Orioles and Jim Hunter
The Nation's Blind Podcast: Bonus Episode 6
10 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
September 2018 - Rice Krispies Treats "Love Notes"
The Nation's Blind Podcast: Episode 28
23 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
August 2018 - Advocacy and Community Involvement
The Nation's Blind Podcast: Episode 27
27 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
July 2018 - The Proof is in the Parenting
The Nation's Blind Podcast: Bonus Episode 5
20 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
June 2018 - How To Dress For Convention
The Nation's Blind Podcast: Episode 26
31 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
May 2018 - Convention
The Nation's Blind Podcast: Episode 25
27 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
- April 2018 - Technology and its Role in Living the Lives We Want
The Nation's Blind Podcast: Episode 24
27 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
March 2018 - Tactile Art