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 ca…

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 prin…

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!By Francesco Magisano

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 lis…

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 revie…

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 i…

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.By Francesco Magisano

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.…

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…

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 @RunWithChest…

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 t…

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 …

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 …

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 / r…

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 fe…

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.By Francesco Magisano

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 to…

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.…

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.By Francesco Magisano

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,…

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.…

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 @RunWithChestn…

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.By Francesco Magisano, Simon Isakov, Andrew Zhang

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.By Francesco Magisano, Simon Isakov, Milica Milić

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 t…

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 …

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…

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.…

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.By Francesco Magisano, Simon Isakov, Andrew Zhang

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.By Francesco Magisano, Simon Isakov, Andrew Zhang

In this episode, we discuss what we missed this past year and what we are looking forward to. We also discuss our goals for the new year, as well as play a game where we predict what will happen in the next five years. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.…

In this episode, we discuss how to start cooking as a blind person. We discuss different tips for getting started, as well as our own preferred method of cooking. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.By Francesco Magisano, Simon Isakov, Milica Milić

In this episode, we discuss how each of us celebrate Christmas. We share what Christmas means to us and finish with a lightning round of questions. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.By Francesco Magisano, Simon Isakov, Milica Milić, Andrew Zhang

In this episode, we discuss what swimming is like for people who are blind. We discuss what it was like learning to swim, the different techniques we used to learn, as well as the adaptations blind people use to navigate the pool, and open water. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future…

In this episode, we discuss how people who are blind watch “The Bachelorette.” We discuss what it is like watching the show without having any visual cues or context. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.By Francesco Magisano, Simon Isakov, Andrew Zhang

In this episode, we discuss what it was like for blind people to get tested for covid. We discuss the process of getting tested, as well as the amazing pizza we had afterwords. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.By Francesco Magisano, Simon Isakov, Andrew Zhang

In this episode, we discuss how the blind and low vision cook. We discuss different methods used for cooking and navigating the kitchen. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.By Francesco Magisano, Simon Isakov, Andrew Zhang

In this episode, we discuss what it is like for people who are blind to move into a new apartment. We discuss Francesco and Andrew’s journey, as they buy and build furniture from Ikea, and navigate their way in the kitchen. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.…

In this episode, we discuss going to the gym for the first time since the pandemic, while being blind, and what it was like working out with a mask on. We also discuss having sighted guides during the pandemic, and Francesco shares his experience of navigating the airport and being on an airplane. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook…

In the spirit of Thanksgiving we share the things we are grateful for, reflect on the year and discuss some motivating mindsets and tips to stay positive during challenging times. We also explore Black Friday and a number of smaller, informative, and semi-structured tangents. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to g…

In this episode, we discuss tips for combatting non-24, and improving your sleep schedule. While non-24 is most common in people who are totally blind, this episode is good for anyone who would like to improve their sleep. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.…

In this episode, we discuss what it is like for blind people to play video games. We discuss different types of games, and their accessibility. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.By Francesco Magisano, Simon Isakov, Andrew Zhang

In this episode, we discuss what it is like for blind people to watch sports. We discuss different types of sports, and give our perspectives on what it is like to watch them without having the visual stimulus to go with it. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.…

In this episode, we interview producer and director Patricia Zagarella. WE know Pattie from participating in a documentary she was directing called Blind Love, which follows four blind singles looking for love. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.…

In this episode, we discuss our views on popular supplements, what is useful and what is a waste of money, and we review an article published by bodybuilding.com where they list the top 10 supplements. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.…

In this episode, we discuss how people with disabilities vote in the US elections and any accessibility improvements that can be made in the elections process. We also address the debate surrounding whether or not to break apart large corporations like Apple, Google, and Microsoft. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnu…

In this episode, we discuss what it was like for Francesco and Andrew to walk the virtual New York City marathon. They memorized the route ahead of time, and walked it on their own using their canes and no sighted guide. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.…

In this episode, we discuss what children owe their parents, the different types of relationships they can have with their parents, and whether or not that extends to other providers such as environmental and other institutions. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.…

In this episode, we discuss the difference between bodyweight and resistance training, plus basic skills you need to ride a tandem bike. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.By Francesco Magisano, Simon Isakov, Andrew Zhang

In this episode, we discuss the top 12 traits we admire most in people and we relate each trait to a significant person. Reach out to us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @RunWithChestnut to give us any feedback, or future topic requests.By Francesco Magisano, Simon Isakov, Milica Milić, Andrew Zhang