PODCAST · education
Blonde and Blind
by Marissa Nissley
A podcast created by Marissa Nissley, a legally blind recent college graduate with albinism, that will change the way you think about blindness. Episodes discuss interdependence, accessibility, and disability justice.
Episodes
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37. Don't Mess with Section 504 (feat. Kaleigh Brendle)
Don’t mess with Texas? More like don’t mess with Section 504—and Kaleigh Brendle. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 protects the rights of people with disabilities in universities, hospitals, and other institutions that receive federal financial assistance. But in September, 17 states...
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36. Let's Talk About (Blind) Sex (feat. Laura Millar) - 18+
Blind people face unique challenges when it comes to sex. After all, we can’t drive by a CVS to pick up birth control or catch someone making eye contact from across the bar. In “Let’s Talk About (Blind) Sex,” Laura Millar, a blind certified sex educator, joins Marissa to offer insights on...
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35. "Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind" (feat. Rose West)
Picture yourself watching TV in your living room when, without warning, you suddenly lose vision in your right eye. People born blind often say “you can’t miss what you never had,” but what happens when someone with normal eyesight suddenly or gradually loses their vision? In “Out of Sight, Not…
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34. "Your IEP Didn't Fall Out of a Coconut Tree" (feat. Olivia O'Connell)
As the 2024 Presidential Election approaches, Blonde & Blind is amplifying the voices of a group often overlooked—students with disabilities. Olivia O’Connell, a dedicated disability rights activist, joins Marissa to talk about how the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and...
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33. Advice for College-Bound Blind Kids
In “Advice for College-Bound Blind Kids,” you’ll get college tips, advice, and life hacks from a recent Georgetown graduate. Starting college can be exciting but overwhelming, especially for students with low vision who also have to think about accommodations, orientation, mobility, and talking...
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32. Questions “Tipsy” People Ask about my Disability
Alcohol can be a social lubricant, so it’s no surprise that I’ve received some of the most fascinating, bizarre, and hilarious questions about my low vision at the bar. Disability is often the elephant in the room. People either avert their gaze or stare at us across the street. They either ask...
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31. Albinism is not an Accessory
We’ve all heard the phrase “albinism is beautiful,” and over the last decade, albino models, influencers, and advocates have taken the world by storm. But albinism representation—especially in the fashion and beauty industry—is far from perfect. In the thirtieth episode of Legally Blonde & Blind…
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30. Blind Athletics and the Paralympic World (feat. Liza Corso)
If you were asked to picture an “athlete,” you probably wouldn’t imagine someone who is blind. But with creativity, collaboration, and a few modifications, athletes with low vision can partake in many elite and recreational activities, such as goalball, skiing, tandem cycling, and many more!…
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29. Blind Social Butterfly
Research indicates that 55% of communication in face-to-face conversations is through nonverbal cues such as body language and facial expressions. How can blind folks navigate social settings where subtle, nonverbal communication is prevalent? In “Blind Social Butterfly,” I share my perspective…
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28. Guide Dogs & Access Issues: A Survival Guide
“No dogs allowed!” “Can you show me your service animal ID?” “Just take an UberPet.” In restaurants, airports, convenience stores, and Ubers across the United States, many service animal teams experience access issues and denials. A survival guide for both new and experienced service animal...
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27. I’m Not Broken: Why Albinism Advocacy is more Valuable than Genetic Research
I have never wanted a “cure” for my albinism and corresponding visual impairment, but only recently found the words to explain why. Research regarding treatments for and the genetic origins of disabilities raises complex ethical questions. Does studying albinism in a laboratory genuinely improve...
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26. SMALLS TALK: Meeting and Training with My First Guide Dog
There is more to “guide dogging” than meets the eye. Contrary to popular belief, guide dogs are not perfect robots or GPS systems who can single-handedly take handlers to class or tell them when to cross the street. Working with assistance animals is much like learning a language, an entirely new...
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25. Blind Ladies Breaking into Corporate America (feat. Kathryn Webster)
Less than 30% of working-age blind adults in the United States are employed full-time. Approximately only 16% of them have a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Tired of being the only blind person in the room, Kathryn Webster joins Marissa to discuss how her organization Together Achieving Dreams will...
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24. Two Feet Instead of Four Wheels
Driving is a rite of passage in the United States and many people with albinism find themselves on the cusp of qualifying for a license. In the 24th episode of Legally Blonde & Blind, Marissa shares how she learned to accept and embrace her status as a nondriver. Tune in to learn about bioptics,...
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23. Making our Voices Heard: Albinism and Human Rights Advocacy (feat. Tess Ballis)
How can we help people with albinism facing violence and discrimination in East Africa as college students halfway across the world? On Episode 23 of Legally Blonde & Blind, Tess Ballis joins Marissa to discuss healthcare, education, and dispelling harmful myths surrounding albinism at a…
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22. Before Posting about your Child’s Disability, Listen to this…
Many parents of children with disabilities or chronic illnesses use social media to share information and connect with others, but when does this go too far? In Episode 22 of Legally Blonde & Blind, Marissa discusses issues surrounding representation and consent when sharing a child’s disability…
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21. Gifted & Talented Blind Kids
In “Gifted & Talented Blind Kids,” Marissa explains why she and many other students with visual-impairments tend to be perfectionists in the classroom. This episode will outline how the U.S. education system fosters toxic attitudes towards grades, success, and intelligence that disproportionately...
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20. White Canes in the Wild
White canes in the albinism community can be rather controversial. Some view them as a useful tool for navigation while others feel they are “overkill” for people with significant residual vision. After years of resistance, I share why I decided to use a white cane and how I find it beneficial…
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Introducing: Blonde & Blind
Connect with Legally Blonde & Blind! Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Podcast Trailer Transcript
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19. How Many Fingers am I Holding up?
Whether it be through invasive questions, unsolicited remarks, or condescending attitudes, people who are blind or visually-impaired experience microaggressions, actions that occur casually, frequently, and often without any negative intentions, on a daily basis. In “How Many Fingers am I Holding...
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18. Life with J.A.K: Embracing Albinism and Low Vision (feat. Tikia Kidd)
Tikia Kidd, author of Life with J.A.K: Living with Albinism, joins Marissa to share her experiences raising and advocating for her son Julian (aka J.A.K) who has albinism. They discuss processing a new diagnosis, embracing differences, and fostering self-advocacy skills. Tune in to learn how...
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17. Understanding Vision Loss and Preventative Care (feat. Sean Curry)
Sean Curry joins Marissa to discuss the current state of access to vision care in the United States, particularly in the DC metro area, and the importance of eye exams. Tune in to learn more about how public transportation, income, and other social determinants of health impact vision loss (and...
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16. Let’s Talk about the Hard Things
Sometimes the glass feels half empty, and that’s okay. In “Let’s Talk about the Hard Things,” Marissa shares the most challenging aspects of living with albinism and low vision, including inaccessible buildings, awkward interactions, and society’s low expectations for blind people. Acknowledging...
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15. Blind Baking! (Feat. Lia Stone)
Lia Stone joins Marissa to discuss gaining confidence and independence in the kitchen with low vision. She shares several organizational tips as well as approaches for handling knives, ovens, and other potentially dangerous tools. They also discuss the benefits of attending a training center and...
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14. Finding a Voice in the Workplace (feat. Shaara Roman)
Shaara Roman joins Marissa to discuss her experiences implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs (DEI) as well as what companies can do, both at the individual and organizational level, to prioritize accessibility in these efforts. Tune in to learn more about amplifying the voices of...
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13. Movin’ On Out: Living Independently and Navigating a New City
After several months living in Georgetown, exploring D.C., using public transit, and getting lost more than a few times, Marissa discusses the unexpected challenges she encountered as a blind person navigating a new city. She shares how her attitudes towards blindness and independence have…
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12. “Tic-Tok:” College, COVID-19, and Mental Health (feat. Jenna Giesecke)
Jenna Giesecke joins Marissa to share how she developed and adapted to a tic disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss transitioning to college, requesting accommodations, and finding a place in the disabled community. Tune in to learn more about the intersection between disability and...
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11. “All the Blind Ladies, Put Your Hands Up!” (feat. Mia Parra)
How does gender identity impact the way blind women live, work, and travel independently? In the next episode of Legally Blonde & Blind, Marissa and special guest Mia Parra discuss the intersection of gender, sexuality, and blindness. Tune in to learn how their combined identities influence how...
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10. Sharing My Story: Writing about Blindness and Disability
In the tenth episode of Legally Blonde & Blind, Marissa discusses how inspiration porn and other narratives surrounding disability made it challenging for her to share her story. She’ll then share some writing, editing, and brainstorming tips she’s gathered along the way. Connect with Blonde &...
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9. 1-AC: Accessibility in Speech and Debate (feat. Alanna Cronk)
Marissa interviews Alanna Cronk, the founder of 1AC-CESSIBILITY, They discuss how the hyper-competitive culture and inflexible, “one size fits all” structure of speech and debate harms participants, especially those who are members of marginalized communities. Learn how speech and debate...
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8. White Hair, Don’t Care: Self Love, Acceptance & Albinism
What is albinism and what unique challenges does it present? In the eighth episode of Legally Blonde & Blind, Marissa explains how the physical appearance of people with albinism can lead to ostracization, discrimination, and low self-esteem. Tune in to learn more about how she learned to embrace...
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7. Mother’s Day Special: A Conversation with Mama Nissley
How do parents of a visually-impaired child process a new diagnosis and encourage their child to develop a positive attitude towards blindness? How does one navigate the alphabet soup of IEP plans and other accommodations? In Legally Blonde & Blind’s Mother’s Day Special, Marissa’s mom shares her...
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6. Miss Independent: What Does Independence Mean to Me?
How does one define independence and set reasonable goals for daily living? In this episode of Legally Blonde & Blind, Marissa discusses developing a healthy mindset towards independence and asking for help. She also shares toxic ways she used to view independence and offers advice for sighted...
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5. Legally Blonde & Blind Benefits
In the fifth episode of Legally Blonde & Blind, Marissa shares her favorite things about being legally blind, such as being able to make friends in the blind community, scroll through her phone with her nose, and much more! She also discusses how her blindness helped her develop communication,...
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4. Spilling the Disabili-TEA (feat. Samantha Hurley)
Samantha Hurley, a high school senior who has made several YouTube videos about her experiences with albinism, joins Marissa to discuss bullying, activism, and raising awareness for albinism on social media. Samantha is a rising sophomore at the University of Georgia studying Journalism with a...
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3. Virtual Learning with a Visual Impairment
From web accessibility to Zoom fatigue, blind students face a unique set of challenges while learning virtually. Marissa discusses the roadblocks she has encountered and offers practical advice based on her experiences as an online college student. Connect with Blonde & Blind! Website -...
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2. Not Blind to Injustice (feat. Kaleigh Brendle)
Marissa interviews Kaleigh Brendle, a high school senior in New Jersey who learned in March that the College Board would not provide paper, Braille copies of her AP exams. They discuss the legal action Kaleigh took and share self-advocacy tips. Kaleigh Brendle is a Justice & Peace studies major…
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1. The Art of the Blind Joke
In the first episode of Legally Blonde & Blind, Marissa discusses how humor helped her develop confidence and feel more comfortable talking about her visual impairment. Connect with Blonde & Blind! Website - https://www.blondeblind.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blondeblindgirl/...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A podcast created by Marissa Nissley, a legally blind recent college graduate with albinism, that will change the way you think about blindness. Episodes discuss interdependence, accessibility, and disability justice.
HOSTED BY
Marissa Nissley
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Blonde and Blind have?
Blonde and Blind currently has 38 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Blonde and Blind about?
A podcast created by Marissa Nissley, a legally blind recent college graduate with albinism, that will change the way you think about blindness. Episodes discuss interdependence, accessibility, and disability justice.
How often does Blonde and Blind release new episodes?
Blonde and Blind has 38 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Blonde and Blind?
You can listen to Blonde and Blind on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Blonde and Blind?
Blonde and Blind is created and hosted by Marissa Nissley.
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