Nation’s Blind Podcast

Women’s History Month: Honoring Blind Women Who Have Paved the Way

In recognition of Women’s History Month, we are honoring blind women who have made significant contributions to the organized blind movement. In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by Joyce Brooks and Lois Staves, two women who have gone above and beyond to help blind people live the lives they want.

We Can Have Our Pi and STEM Too

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 discuss accessible ways that blind students and blind adults can practice STEM.

 

Through Snow and Ice: Advocacy Won’t Stop

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 Alaska; and Barbie Elliot, Secretary of the NFB of Utah. They discuss highlights from the Washington Seminar and how their advocacy continued through snow and ice.

Say Yes to Braille, Part Two

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 the importance of Braille, plus some fun Braille trivia.

Living in Purpose Through Service

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 service and how it can help you fulfill your purpose.

Say Yes to Braille, Part One

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 Braille, and why it’s still relevant in 2026 and beyond.

Growing Pains in the Organized Blind Movement: Reacting to Student Leaders’ Perspectives

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 about the experiences that student leaders have had within the organized blind movement.

Communicating with Blind People: What Sighted People Should Know

In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by board members Marilyn Green and Tracy Soforenko. They share interesting and sometimes surprising social interactions that they’ve had with sighted people while traveling, hanging out with friends, and even while spending time with family members, especially during the holidays. They also discuss the best ways that sighted people should communicate with blind people.

Mental Health: Overcoming Stress and Anxiety

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, share words of encouragement, and talk about ways to relieve stress and anxiety.

 

Important Links:

• Mental Health: Overcoming Stress and Anxiety Transcript
• Alliance Counseling - Depression, Anxiety, Therapy
• LaKisha Holmes, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, San Antonio, TX, 78229 | Psychology Today
• Blind Owned and Operated Marketplace | National Federation of the Blind
• STOP Acronym
• The Stars We Miss When We Rush
• Prayers for Ups and Downs
• Finding Your Center in the Storm: Why We Need Boundaries More Than Ever
• RELAX Acronym by James Boehm

 

We Need Advocacy

In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Melissa and Anil are joined by Legislative Director Leah Campbell and advocates Nathanael Wales and Lindsay Kerr. They discuss the mass layoffs within the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, the expiration of Medicare telehealth benefits, and the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act. They also talk about why advocacy is important and how our members can advocate for policies that benefit us as blind Americans.

 

Important Link:

Advocacy | National Federation of the Blind