The Blind Life Podcast
This is the companion podcast for The Blind Life, a popular YouTube channel serving the blind and visually impaired community. Host Sam Seavey discusses topics related to vision loss, assistive technology, and daily living tips. The podcast aims to inform and empower individuals with visual impairments.
Episodes
Audiobook Club: Dungeon Crawler Carl (& Princess Donut!) Ep. 56
Welcome back to the Audiobook Club! In this episode, I'm joined by my wife Rachel and our good friends Myrna and Dan as we dive into the wildly entertaining Dungeon Crawler Carl series. We share our favorite characters, discuss some of the most outrageous moments from the books, and talk about why Jeff Hays' incredible audiobook performance has made this one of our all-time favorite audiobook seri
Accessible App Overview: Hadley App Ep. 55
In this episode of the Accessible App Overview podcast series, we're taking a look at the new Companion app from Hadley. Available for both Android and iOS, the app gives you easy access to all of Hadley's services, including a convenient way to call and connect with their support team directly.
If you're already a fan of Hadley and the resources they provide, this is definitely an app you'll want
Accessible App Overview: COOKIE Voice Recipes Ep 54
In this episode of the Accessible App Overview series, we're taking a look at the Cookie Voice Recipes app. This AI-powered app delivers accessible recipes and allows you to interact entirely through your voice. You can listen to ingredients and step-by-step instructions, ask questions along the way, and get the information you need completely hands-free.
App link: https://cookievoicerecipes.com/
Master NVDA with NVDA Coach: Free Screen Reader Training Add-On Ep. 53
I sat down with Tony Gabehart to discuss NVDA Coach, a free interactive training add-on for the NVDA screen reader. Designed for both beginners and experienced users, NVDA Coach helps people learn NVDA through guided lessons, keyboard commands, and hands-on practice. A fantastic resource for blind and visually impaired users, assistive technology trainers, and anyone wanting to improve their scree
Coping With The Emotional Side of Vision Loss | Joan Jaeger Talks About A New Hadley Workshop Series Ep. 52
In this episode of The Blind Life Podcast, I sit down with Joan Jaeger from Hadley to talk about the emotional side of vision loss, peer support, asking for help, and Hadley’s new “Coping and Adjusting Together” workshop series. An important conversation about mental health, low vision, blindness, and learning how to move forward after vision loss.
Visit Hadley to learn more:
► https://hadleyhelps
Gene Therapy for Vision Loss Explained - An Interview With AAVantgarde Ep 51
What is ocular gene therapy, and could it treat inherited retinal diseases like Stargardt and Usher syndrome? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jayashree Sahni of AAVantgarde to break down how gene therapy works, what clinical trials involve, and what patients can expect. We cut through the myths and explore the real potential of gene therapy for vision loss.
Contact AAVantgarde to learn more:
►
Birding by Ear: All About Blind Birding And The Annual Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon! Ep 50
I sat down with Jerry Barrier to explore the world of blind birding and why it’s such a powerful, accessible hobby. By focusing on bird calls, you don’t need sight to enjoy the experience fully. We also discuss helpful smartphone apps and dive into the upcoming Global Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon (May 3–4, 2026), a 24-hour event celebrating connection through sound!
Birdability website ► https://www.b
Breaking the Music Barrier: Accessible Sheet Music for the Blind & More! Ep. 49
In this interview, I talk with Tamara, a professional musician who has been teaching accessible music for blind and visually impaired musicians for nearly 20 years. We explore low-tech and high-tech options for learning and reading sheet music, from traditional approaches to modern assistive technology. Tamara also shares insights from her accessible music theory books designed specifically for bl
Breaking Barriers: How ABLR Is Creating Real Jobs for the Blind - Ep. 48
In this interview, I talk with Mike Iannelli, co-founder of ABLR, and Heather Buster, a visually impaired professional who completed the ABLR workforce training program and went on to secure meaningful employment. We discuss what ABLR is, how the accredited training program works, and why digital accessibility testing is a strong career path for blind and visually impaired individuals. Mike shares
Accessibyte: Fun and Accessible Learning Tools for the Blind and Visually Impaired - Ep. 47
In this episode of The Blind Life Podcast, Sam sits down with Joe Jorgensen, creator of "Accessibyte", a powerful suite of assistive technology tools designed to help the blind and visually impaired community build essential skills for school, work, and everyday life. From the interactive Typio typing program to fun, educational games in Accessibyte Arcade, Joe shares how his accessible software a
Ep. 46 Splice Bio And The Future Of Vision Loss Treatment | Gene Therapy For Stargardt Disease
In this interview, we sit down with John Tobin, Vice President of Clinical Operations at Splice Bio, to explore groundbreaking gene therapy research for Stargardt’s disease and its potential impact on the blind and visually impaired community. John shares insights into Splice Bio’s mission, how their innovative work could transform options for people living with vision loss, and what families, pro
Blind-Led Innovation in Action: How NFB and InnoSearch Are Changing the Game! Episode 45
In this episode, Sam speaks with Patrick Long of InnoSearch.ai and Mark Riccobono of the NFB about their new partnership to improve digital accessibility for blind users. Rather than focusing on basic compliance, the conversation explores true usability—addressing issues like unlabeled buttons and missing alt text. They emphasize the need for blind-led innovation and meaningful collaboration with
Massive Apple Accessibility Updates Just Announced! New Accessibility Features for 2025 - Ep. 44
In this episode, I break down all the brand-new accessibility features coming to **iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and VisionOS** this summer. From accessibility nutrition labels in the App Store to Live Captions on Apple Watch, Braille Note Taker functionality, and even personal voice upgrades, Apple is making huge strides for users with low vision, blindness, hearing loss, and other disabilities. A
Ep. 43, A Staff of Independence - History of the White Cane
"A Staff Of Independence"
As the US celebrates the anniversary of its independence, we are talking about the white cane and how it has brought independence to the visually impaired community. I also talked to several VIP influencers and asked them about their white cane journeys.
Project Guiding White:
► https://guidingwhite.wordpress.com/
ACB:
► http://www.acb.org/tennessee/white_cane_history.h
Ep. 42. New Partnership! Be My Eyes + InnoSearch Make Online Shopping Accessible
In this exciting episode of The Blind Life, Sam is joined by InnoSearch AI and Be My Eyes representatives to announce a groundbreaking new partnership that will revolutionize accessible shopping for the blind and visually impaired community. InnoSearch AI is a screen-reader-optimized shopping and travel platform offering access to over one billion products and services. Thanks to their collaborati
Ep 41. Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses 2025: Updates You Need to Know About! Live AI Is Here!!
In this video, we’re diving into all the latest updates to the Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses for 2025, including two game-changing features that just rolled out in April. Whether you're new to the Meta glasses or a longtime user, these updates bring some major quality-of-life improvements—especially for those of us in the blind and visually impaired community. I walk through how features like real-ti
Ep 40. BlindShell Classic 3 – The Best Accessible Phone Just Got Better
The BlindShell Classic 3 is here. This latest version of the popular accessible phone for the blind and visually impaired comes packed with major upgrades, including a touchscreen for select apps, a faster processor, and a brand-new AI assistant, Luna. Plus, we’re diving into Tandem, the exclusive BlindShell app that makes communication easier than ever. New Features: - Touchscreen support for sel
Ep 39. Invisible No More: Overcoming Isolation in Social Gatherings for the Visually Impaired
In this heartfelt episode of "The Blind Life Podcast," we discuss the often-overlooked challenges faced by blind and visually impaired individuals at social events. From the struggle to recognize faces and read body language to the emotional weight of feeling invisible, we explore the complexities of navigating social spaces without sight. This anonymous Facebook post highlights the importance of
Ep. 38. The Working Blind Series - Drew Crook Accessibility Architect at Paramount Global
Welcome to The Blind Life Podcast!
In this exciting episode, we're joined by Drew Crook, an accessibility architect at Paramount Global. Drew is at the forefront of making streaming platforms like Pluto TV and Paramount Plus more accessible to everyone.
Drew shares his personal journey living with a vision impairment, and how he thrives in his career with the support of his third guide dog. We di
Ep. 37. Deep Dive Into The Meta Ray-Ban Accessibility For The Blind And Visually Impaired
Okay, folks, get ready. Because today, we’re going deep, deep into the world of those Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. Oh, yeah. Hold on. We’re not just talking about how cool they look. But let’s be honest, they are pretty slick. Right. But you’ve sent us a ton of stuff on these glasses. Yeah. Reviews, articles, even some hints about what’s coming down the line.
🔍 Episode Highlights:
Unboxing &
Ep. 36, Innovating Mobility with Sedona Dave - All Terrain Cane & Urban Xplorer
Hey everybody, it's Sam with The Blind Life! Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Blind Life Podcast. In today's episode, I'm thrilled to chat with my friend Sedona Dave, the brilliant mind behind Awarewolf Gear. We dive deep into the creation and innovation of two groundbreaking mobility aids: the All Terrain Cane and the brand new Urban Xplorer.
We revisit my conversation with Dave in
Ep. 35 - Christy’s Career in Accessibility: Working Blind & Making an Impact"
In this episode of The Blind Life Podcast, Sam Seavey continues the Working Blind series with Christy, who shares her inspiring journey from a career in consulting to leading global disability accommodations at Otis Elevator. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at age 3, Christy talks about adapting to vision loss, the transition to audiobooks, and how self-advocacy plays a key role in creating a
Ep. 34, Meet InnoSearch: The Accessible Online Shopping Solution for the Visually Impaired!
Shopping online as a blind or visually impaired individual can be challenging due to inaccessible websites. In this video, I introduce InnoSearch, a new platform designed specifically for the blind and visually impaired. It integrates with major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy, providing a cleaner, streamlined experience free of clutter. I'll walk you through my purchase experience an
Ep. 33. Behind the Mic: Meet the Hosts of the Seesaw Podcast - Vision, Friendship, and Advocacy"
In this episode, I chat with Selena, Cleaves, and T, the brilliant minds behind the popular UK-based Seesaw Podcast. We dive into their history, from meeting in school to starting the podcast during lockdown, and explore each host's vision impairment journey. Learn how they leveraged Selena's popularity to boost their reach in a truly entrepreneurial way. Looking for a new advocacy podcast? Seesaw
Ep. 32- My Journey with Stargardt’s Disease: Sam’s Vision Story
Hey everyone! In this episode of The Blind Life podcast, I share my vision story – from my diagnosis with Stargardt's disease at age 11 to how it has progressed over the years. Discover how I navigated school challenges, found solace at a school for the blind, and adapted to life with limited vision. Plus, learn about my tips for living independently with Stargardt's. Big thanks to Irie A.T. for s
Ep. 31 - Blazing Trails: A Blind Cyclist's Journey Across America
Join Sam from The Blind Life as he interviews Chris, a remarkable individual with an inspiring vision story. At the age of 24, Chris received a diagnosis of Stargardt disease, leading to legal blindness by his early thirties. Despite the challenges, Chris embarked on a transformative journey of self-discovery through cycling. From commuting to work to conquering 100-mile charity rides and tackling
Ep. 30, Working Blind Series - Brad Manning of the Two Blind Brothers
In this episode of the working blind series, I'm talking with Brad Manning, 1/2 of the very successful Two Blind Brothers team.
Brad discusses how he and his brother got started in the fashion industry and how their meteoric rides in popularity led to some difficult growing pains and uncertainty for the future of the business. #TheBlindLife #Blind #BlindTok #LowVision #VisuallyImpaired #Stargardt
Ep. 29, Mastering Accessibility: iPhone & iPad Setup for Low Vision Users
Unlock the full potential of your iPhone or iPad with our comprehensive tutorial! Join us as we guide you through optimizing your device for low vision needs. Learn to navigate Accessibility settings, customize displays for clarity, and enlarge screen elements effortlessly. Discover the power of the zoom magnifier and set up hardware shortcuts for quick access. With our step-by-step guidance, anyo
Ep. 28, Apple Vision Pro: Comprehensive Review for the Blind and Visually Impaired
In this video, I put the Apple Vision Pro to the test to determine if it's a viable device for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Through a thorough week-long evaluation, I explore its features, accessibility options, and overall usability in various real-life situations. Join me as I delve into this cutting-edge wearable headset's capabilities and determine if it truly lives up to it
Episode 27 │ Epic Minecraft Storytime: Recreating Biltmore Estate Brick by Brick!!
Join me as I unfold an amazing story of determination and creativity in Minecraft! In this captivating storytime,I share the incredible journey of recreating the iconic Biltmore Estate from scratch.
Prepare to be amazed as I recount the painstaking process of constructing the entire Biltmore Mansion, room by room, over several months. From the grandeur of its sheer size to the meticulous attentio
Episode 26 | Will the new TESLA robot be our salvation, or our destruction? |Robots for the blind
Today we explore the world of Tesla's humanoid robots and their potential as personal assistants for the blind community. Could the Optimus Gen II be the ideal solution for the visually impaired? Tesla unveiled their groundbreaking prototype humanoid robot in 2021, and just two years later, they announced the third-generation model called Optimus. These highly advanced robots closely resemble huma
Episode 25 ► BE MY AI │ The Future Of Assistive Technology
Be My Eyes, one of the most popular apps in the blind community has added a new AI tool. Be My AI Adds the power of ChatGPT and introduces amazing possibilities to the assisted technology world! Website: • https://www.bemyeyes.com/ For Apple: • https://apps.apple.com/us/app/be-my-eyes/id905177575 For Android: • https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bemyeyes.bemyeyes&hl=en_US&gl
Episode 24 - ”The Visit” Let’s Revisit The Short Film
In 2016 I created a very short film called "The Visit". It was just a fun little project I did with my daughter Skyler, and then posted on my channel. Since barely anyone saw it at the time, I thought I would repost the video and this time include audio description. This is the audio from that video. I hope you enjoy it!
Watch the full video here! https://youtu.be/vDitqipFPDI?si=wVzZk1bdJREKO-x5
Episode 23 - Talk Back With The Blind Life - December 2023
This is talked back with the blind life, the video podcast where my wife Rachel and I answer frequently asked questions and comments from the previous month's videos. We also do a giveaway in each episode. To watch the full episode, and join in the giveaway, head over to www.youtube.com/theblindlife.
Episode 22 - Crazy Voices Available On Apple VoiceOver And Spoken Content
Did you know there are a bunch of crazy voices available to use on your Mac? They are novelty voices that can be used for many of your text-to-speech applications like VoiceOver, or Spoken Content. Monsters, robots, underwater voices, even a guy that whispers! These novelty voices will add some fun to your otherwise boring computer! Part one of my Mac accessibility series.
My PC playlist: ► https:
Episode 21- What do zombies and accessible computers have in common? One man’s dedication to the low vision community!
In this episode, we talked to Gary Beene, the creator of the EZ Reader accessible computer system. The EZ Reader is a full computer system that offers a suite of over 100 tools and applications that will make computing more accessible. With easy to understand applications, which offer customizable, high contrast, large print interfaces, The EZ Reader system is a fantastic option for anyone struggl
Episode 20: What I love about being blind!
You know, we've all had those conversations where we talk about all the reasons why it sucks to be blind. Countless frustrations and annoyances that we face every day as VIPs. I'm sure we can all relate to that. But this week I want to switch it up a bit. This week I want to talk about some of the things I love about being blind!
Check out the full video over on my Youtube channel, www.Youtube.c
Episode 19, The Hable One, A Braille keyboard inspired accessory that could make the smartphone more Accessible for blind users
This is the Hable One, a smartphone and tablet remote control for the blind and visually impaired. From the website, "Using your smartphone with a visual impairment can sometimes be frustrating and difficult. At Hable, we like to make this easier for you. The Hable One is the most convenient physical keyboard for the entire smartphone operation". If you'd like to learn more, check out the Habble w
Episode 18 - Audiobook Club 1 - Ready Player One
The first in my audio book club video series, this is my review of the very popular book, Ready Player One. Written by Ernest Klein, and narrated by The Amazing Will Wheaton, this is my favorite book of all time and I was excited to feature it as the first installment in the audiobook club series. Although the series never panned out, this is still a fantastic book which I highly recommend!
Here i
Episode 17” Working Blind, Oguz Buyukberber, Professional Musician.
This is the "Working Blind" series where I interview amazing people in the visually impaired community who are successfully working as a VIP! The goal is to highlight different jobs that people in the blind community are doing, In hopes of inspiring others who might be wondering what types of jobs are possible. In this episode, I'm interviewing Oguz Buyukberber, a professional musician. "Working B
Episode 16, The BlindShell Classic 2, Accessible Phone For The Blind
In this episode, we feature the BlindShell Classic 2, an accessible cell phone for the visually impaired and senior market. This is one of my favorite options for the blind community because it offers a fully accessible, fully featured, easy-to-use, smartphone alternative. The BlindShell Classic 2 Offers a wide range of accessible features such as mobile games, an Internet radio, a book player,
Episode 15: The Working Blind Series, Running a NonProfit and TV Producer!
In this episode, I'm attending the healtheVoices conference hosted by Johnson and Johnson, and get to speak with three amazing VIPs to learn what it takes to be successful when working blind! I sit down with Jill King, a "baby blind" VIP who talks about creating a nonprofit aimed at helping disabled students get the services they require, Amir Rahimi, A new member of the Johnson and Johnson team w
Episode 14 Right Hear, AI Enhanced Indoor Orientation - Interview with Idan Meir
This is my interview with Idan Meir, CEO and co-founder of Right Hear. Right Hear Is a system designed to provide both indoor and outdoor orientation. As Idan puts it, they're basically creating talking signs. Imagine if you walked up to a building, and your smartphone announced that you had arrived at the front door. That would be pretty cool right? Well how about if it also told you that after y
Episode 13 SOUNDSCAPE IS BACK!!Interview with Kirsty McIntosh and the Scottish Tech Army
This is an interview I had recently with Kirsty McIntosh of ScottishTechArmy.org, talking about bringing back the very popular Soundscape app. Soundscape Was a former Microsoft research project that became a very popular app in the blind and visually impaired community. After the app was discontinued, Kirsty and her team decided to take on the project of saving the application and relaunching it f
Episode 12 Why Do We Act More Blind Than We Are?
Have you ever experienced the phenomenon of feeling like you need to act more blind than you really are? In this episode, I talk about experiencing this while traveling and using my cane. This was a video that I put out a few years ago and it sparked a lot of response from the community. Apparently, as with most things dealing with low vision, I'm not the only one that experiences this! If you'd l
Episode 11 When an iron man competition gets too boring! Super Dave Strikes Again! Blind Ambition
super Dave Wilkinson is at it again! Apparently, triathlons, super triathlons, ultra marathons, and Iron man competitions Just weren't posing enough of a challenge anymore . Now Dave is on to his next crazy adventure! But wait, what's this about being airlifted off the side of a mountain in Canada? Oh Dave!
Episode 10 ”My vision story” - diagnosis growing up, the present, the future, everything.
I've talked about the different parts of my vision story many times over the last 10 years. In hundreds of videos, presentations, and podcast interviews, I've slowly pieced together the different parts of my story. However, this was the first time that I laid it all out in one single video. In this episode of the blind life podcast, I share the audio from that video. If you would like to watch the
Episode 9 Talk Back With The Blind Life August 2023
"Talk Back With The Blind Life" is a monthly video podcast where my wife Rachel and I answer the previous month's most frequently asked questions. This is the August episode! To watch the full video and to enter in the contest, visit the YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/theblindlife
Episode 8 ”You don’t know true fear until you’re backstage at the Ellen Show and they say 5 minutes!” My Interview With The Two Blind Brothers
This is my interview with Brad and Bryan Manning, the Two Blind Brothers. A few years ago, Brad and Bryan started a company selling supersoft, high-quality clothing, and donating 100% of the profits to help fund clinical research in hopes of finding a cure for blindness. For this interview, I joined them in their New York loft to talk about their vision impairment why they started the company, and
Episode 7 The Braille Doodle, a fun way to create art using braille!
This is an interview with Daniel Lubiner, the founder of the TouchPad Pro Foundation and creator of the Braille Doodle. In this interview, Daniel talks about the inspiration behind creating the Braille Doodle, which is a fun and engaging new way for the blind and visually impaired to draw and learn braille! The BrailleDoodle Kickstarter is happening now. ► https://www.tinyurl.com/BrailleDoodle...
Episode 6 Let’s talk about the new Victor Reader Stream 3 - An interview with Mathieu Paquette and Peter Tucic
In this episode, I have an informative and entertaining discussion with Mathieu Paquette and Peter Tucic from Humanware. we talk about the latest version of the Victor Reader Stream 3 and how it's improved over the previous versions! To learn more, be sure to visit the website, www.humanware.com.
Episode 5 ”I love being blind and reckless!” An interview with professional skateboarder Justin Bishop
A while back, I had the opportunity to participate in a photo shoot with some amazing blind athletes. Don't ask me why I was there, one of those "right time right place" situations! Anyway, one of the athletes was professional skateboarder Justin Bishop who was fresh off a championship win! During a lull in our new career as fashion models, I pulled Justin aside to ask him a few questions about hi
Episode 4 The Cane That Will Take You Anywhere You Want To Go! The All Terrain Cane From Awarewolf Gear
This is the All Terrain Cane, a new adventure cane brought to us by the extraordinary Sedona Dave and Awarewolf Gear! In this episode, I described the cane and talk about how useful it can be for the adventurous vip. I also sit down with Sedona Dave and learn how one treacherous day on the hiking trail inspired a new revolution in the White Cane!
Get it here: https://awarewolfgear.com/atc/
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Episode 3 It’s Impossible To Sneak Cookies When Your Dad Has Super Hearing! Growing Up With A Blind Parent
Have you ever wondered what it's like growing up with a blind parent? In this interview with my daughter Skyler we discussed her being embarrassed about having a blind parent and how it's impossible to sneak cookies when your dad has super hearing!
Episode 2 Talk Back With The Blind Life June 2023
This is the June 2023 episode of Talk Back With The Blind Life! This is a video podcast I produced with my wife Rachel where we answer frequently asked questions and comments from the previous month's videos. During these episodes, we also chat with the audience and do a giveaway. In this particular episode, we also discuss the new Apple Vision Pro VR headset.
Episode 1 Working Blind Series Episode 1 - Sam Seavey
This is the first episode in our new series, "The Working Blind Series"! In this series, we will interview amazing VIPs who are successfully working, in hopes of inspiring those in the community curious about what types of jobs and careers are available to the blind and visually impaired.
In this first episode, I interview one of my favorite people in the world, myself!
If you'd like to see all
