Episodes

  • Guide Dogs: A Partner and Friend
    Jun 10 2025

    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 (NAGDU) and Meghan Whalen, a guide dog trainer. They discuss their experiences and the benefits of having a guide dog. As well as how NAGDU supports guide dog owners and those who are considering getting a guide dog.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Time to Submit Your Resolution
    May 27 2025

    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 about the process, then this episode will tell you everything you need to know.

    President Riccobono talks with Resolutions Committee Chair, Donald Porterfield, who also serves as president of the National Federation of the Blind of Arizona and on our national Board of Directors, about how to submit a resolution, what happens once it’s submitted, and the importance of resolutions to the activity of our movement.

    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • Efficient Ways to Use Technology
    May 14 2025

    In honor of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we have invited Jonathan Mosen, our executive director for accessibility excellence and Brittany Savage, an instructor at our Colorado Center for the Blind. They discuss the latest technology, efficient ways to use technology, and emphasize the importance of being tech-savvy with low tech skills.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Travel With Confidence
    Apr 25 2025

    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, and Jordyn Castor. They provide advice on how blind people can travel with confidence to the National Convention, conferences, vacation, and more.

    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • Always Partisan for Blind People
    Apr 17 2025

    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 restructure or eliminate government agencies and programs that serve the blind community, such as the Department of Education, Social Security Administration, and Institute of Museum and Library Services. They emphasize our commitment to being partisan for blind people and advocating for policies that directly benefit the blind. They also address concerns that our members and followers have about the organized blind movement.

    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
  • Advocacy for Blind Americans
    Mar 24 2025

    In this episode of the Nation’s Blind Podcast, Anil and Melissa are joined by legislative directors Denise Avant, and Liz Wisecarver. They discuss the Blind Americans Return to Work Act, ways that blind people can advocate for ourselves, and highlights from the 2025 Washington Seminar.

    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • Gun Ownership
    Mar 11 2025

    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. They respond to a segment that The Breakfast Club did on a viral news story of a blind man from Indiana who experimented to see if he would be able to acquire a gun license, and to his surprise, he was able to but felt that he shouldn’t have been. Anil and Melissa also discuss a trending video from Audible that sparked a debate on social media about listening speeds.

    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
  • Cooking Journey
    Feb 25 2025

    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 the Blind. They’re also joined by Elizabeth Rouse, a former student of the Louisiana Center, and Delfina Rodriguez, an instructor at the Colorado Center for the Blind. They discuss how they became successful in cooking and preparing meals for over forty people.

    Show More Show Less
    53 mins