Brandy Pinder, a talented blind massage therapist and passionate triathlete, shares her journey into massage therapy as well as her athletic goals as a triathlete. Brandy offers insights into overcoming misconceptions about blindness in her profession, the tools and techniques that keep her competitive, and how athletics have shaped her life and career. We also cover her thoughts on other people who are blind and low vision getting into massage as well as some fun stories about her experiences....
Nov 14, 2024•22 min•Ep. 74
Subscribe for more episodes like this! Leave us a comment to tell us what you liked and if you have any suggestions for future episodes. Simon is an assistive technology instructor at the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library, a branch of the NY Public Library system. The library is now the national library service for the blind and print disabled, rather than national library service for the blind and physically handicapped. This makes it more clear that people with print reading dis...
Nov 05, 2024•38 min•Ep. 73
Andrew is a blind DM leading many dungeons and dragons games. We have a conversation about how he got into D&D and what makes a compelling and successful D&D session. Drop us a comment to tell us what you think! Hit us up @RunWithChestnut on for extras!
Oct 31, 2024•29 min•Ep. 72
Welcome to Season 3 of the Run with Chestnut podcast. We catch everyone up on the past few months and go on to discuss our races and future goals. This includes Simon’s first ever 70.3 half ironman triathlon, the NYC marathon, and more. We would greatly appreciate it if you would leave a review for this podcast on which ever platform you use to listen to podcasts. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.
Jan 28, 2024•50 min•Ep. 71
This bonus episode was recorded back in March of 2023 and it recaps Ultraman Florida. This is an ultra distance triathlon and Francesco was the first person with a disability to successfully complete it! Listen to hear all about the struggle and drama that happened over the 3 days of racing. We would greatly appreciate it if you would leave a review for this podcast on which ever platform you use to listen to podcasts. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give ...
Jan 02, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 70
In this episode first for 2023, Francesco and Simon are joined by first time podcast guest Tianna to discuss Francesco’s upcoming attempt to be the first person with a disability to finish UltraMan Florida. We also discuss how Tianna found the Achilles team and how she got involved with racing as a guide for Francesco. We would greatly appreciate it if you would leave a review for this podcast on which ever platform you use to listen to podcasts. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebo...
Mar 03, 2023•58 min•Ep. 69
Today we discuss how both Francesco and Simon face their recent injuries! Is it coincidence that they both were injured a week apart? Listen on to find out. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.
Sep 24, 2022•49 min•Ep. 68
Today we discuss the fun adventure of bar trivia and how accessible it is to the blind! Before hitting this, we recap the Boston Marathon and the first time both Francesco and Simon roll jiujitsu. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.
May 03, 2022•48 min•Ep. 67
We discuss the invasion of some not so friendly neighborhood pigeons into the Chestnut apartment, as well as THE positive test that no one wants to receive! Finally we talk a bit of race recap where Simon sends it on the course to beat out our third flat mate Andrew in their long standing rivalry. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.
Apr 24, 2022•36 min•Ep. 66
We discuss the purpose and evolution of audio description which helps to make visual media accessible to those who are blind. We share some personal stories then go on to discuss our own top 5 favorite movies and TV shows as well as the role of audio description within our favorites. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.
Mar 01, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 65
We open the episode with a few fun tidbits from the week including a hot take on a sauna trick on how to ensure early morning sauna sessions are super toasty! Then, we discuss how Simon runs up the bills on a certain blind related assistant app. Finally we enter into a discussion on technology used by the blind, hardware, software, and ultimately the different forms of audiobooks that we have consumed from special four track cassette tapes up to the modern smartphone app. Reach out to us on Twit...
Feb 13, 2022•44 min•Ep. 64
Welcome to the first late night recording of the RWC podcast where we go off the rails slightly! We start by discussing common don’ts for parents of blind kids, then go on to discuss the role of taking ownership for those who are blind. We open the episode with a recap of the snow storm that hit our area over the weekend and some of our blind snow antics. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.
Feb 06, 2022•53 min•Ep. 63
Francesco and Simon discuss their recent ski trip where Simon along with a few other buddies got on the slopes for the first time. They discuss what it takes to ski as a blind person and the different ways the sport might be adapted for a person with a disability. Shoutout to TASP (Telluride Adaptive Sports Program) who got all of our skiers going on the snow! Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.
Jan 25, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 62
Francesco and Simon discuss the top 10 list of experiences that some people who are blind miss out on in their childhood or growing up. It’s easy to assume that everybody has experienced the same things, so here are some that not all people who are blind have had. Think about potentially exposing yourself as a blind person, or your blind friend / relative! Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.
Jan 07, 2022•26 min•Ep. 61
Francesco and Simon discuss the general thoughts and concerns surrounding raising a child who is blind. Covered subjects include how to decide on the type of schools, mindset on teaching, ways to integrate the person into broad society, activities and hobbies to create relationships, and more. Clearly there is a whole lot of areas not covered so feel free to get in touch with anything you’d like us to cover in a future episode. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut...
Dec 30, 2021•53 min•Ep. 60
In this episode, Francesco and Simon discuss the top 10 gifts to give a blind person in your life. Whether they are a friend, partner, or acquaintance - Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.
Dec 23, 2021•35 min•Ep. 59
In this return to podcasting for Francesco and Simon, we discuss what we’ve been up to in the past few months including Ironman 70.3 Sardegna, the NYC Marathon, and the return to in person rehearsals for our blind chorus! It’s good to be back! Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.
Dec 17, 2021•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 58
In this special bonus episode of season one in the RWC podcast, we discuss Simon’s unexpected trip to the emergency room. Discover the malicious intent of certain ordinary household items and their intention to injure poor Simon. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.
Dec 10, 2021•30 min•Ep. 57
In this episode, Francesco and Simon talk about the meaning of a first impression on those who can’t see the stereotypically highlighted aspects of a first impression. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.
Jul 18, 2021•29 min•Ep. 56
In this episode, Francesco and Simon dive deep into what exactly digital accessibility is and what makes something inaccessible to blind and low vision tech users. We cover the accessibility of Google apps, Microsoft, Apple, as well as popular social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Linked In. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.
Jun 03, 2021•40 min•Ep. 55
In this episode, we discuss different job seeking tips for people who are blind. Francesco then gives some insight into getting an MRI during covid, as well as going to weddings and other events as a blind person. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.
Mar 31, 2021•32 min•Ep. 54
On today's episode of the Run With Chestnut podcast (teacher's edition!), Milica and Simon discuss what teaching has been like during the pandemic. They go over their own experiences as visually impaired student teachers and what it means to be a teacher: both in school and in life. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.
Mar 15, 2021•48 min•Ep. 53
In this episode, we discuss Andrew's epic adventure in Chicago. We talk about his trip getting there, his fast-food experiences, and other fun stuff. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.
Feb 22, 2021•35 min•Ep. 25
In this episode, we discuss the disorienting effects of acupuncture on the blind, as well as the difficulties of cane travel on the snow. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.
Feb 18, 2021•23 min•Ep. 51
This week, we bring you a special episode for Valentine’s day, where we interview the cast of “Blind Love,” a documentary following the dating lives of a few people who are blind including our very own Simon. We discuss what the cast has been up to since the release of the documentary a year ago, as well as giving some dating advise to help spice things up. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.
Feb 16, 2021•47 min•Ep. 50
In this episode, we discuss finding motivation to read and how to read effectively. We cover the different devices used by the blind to read, we touch on braille music, and we end by discussing some challenges we’ve faced when trying to source accessible materials. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.
Feb 08, 2021•45 min•Ep. 49
In this episode, we discuss Francesco’s first ever ski trip. We talk about skiing with a guide, as well as predict what Simon and Andrew will have most trouble with when they try to dip their toes into the world of skiing themselves. Big shoutout to the amazing group Telluride Adaptive Sports Program for helping Francesco experience this. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.
Feb 04, 2021•41 min•Ep. 48
In this episode, we discuss what it is like to run with a guide for people who are blind and visually impaired. We talk about our most memorable experience, as well as share some tips for first time athletes and guides. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.
Jan 11, 2021•21 min•Ep. 47
In this episode, we discuss “Can’t Hurt Me,” by David Goggins. We chat about our take-aways, thoughts on the most impactful moments, as well as our favorite challenges in the book Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.
Jan 07, 2021•44 min•Ep. 46
In this episode, we discuss Andrew’s journey in finding employment. We discuss his interview experiences, as well as his first few days of holding a job. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.
Jan 04, 2021•41 min•Ep. 45
