Podcast
Taking the Lead
Hosted by Leader Dogs for the Blind · EN
Leader Dogs for the Blind empowers people who are blind or visually impaired with the tools for safe and independent daily travel. Our goal is to educate, advocate, and share real life experiences of those with blindness. Come learn, laugh, and grow with us.
27episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Richest Relationship
Yesterday00:28:00Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Taking the Lead, the team sits down with Trisha to explore her journey through vision loss, independence, and personal growth. She shares how her experience with Leader Dog programs and especially her partnership with her guide dog Libby became one of the richest relationships in her life and shaped her confidence, mobility, and outlook. Together, they reflect on how connection, community, and choice in travel tools can empower people to live fully and pursue their goals.
Transcribe →Laboratory Labrador
2w ago00:24:28Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Taking the Lead, we sit down with Mackenzie Nichols, a devoted puppy raiser whose journey with Leader Dogs for the Blind began on a college campus and grew into a lasting impact. Mackenzie shares what it was like raising four future guide dogs while balancing college life, leading an on‑campus puppy raising program, and preparing for veterinary school along with the powerful connections that continue long after the leash is passed.
Transcribe →Paws on the Ground
4w ago00:29:10Tap to summarizeThis episode of the Taking the Lead podcast features Leader Dog alum Dylan Nichols, who shares how Orientation & Mobility training and his guide dog supported his journey toward greater independence, including a two‑month road trip evaluating accessible cities before relocating. The conversation highlights real‑world accessibility, public transportation, travel with a guide dog, and the impact of Leader Dog programs on long‑term independence and quality of life
Transcribe →We Got You
Apr 2300:27:36Tap to summarizeOn this week’s episode of Taking the Lead, we’re going behind the scenes. We are joined by Andy Hernandez, our Client Experience Supervisor, whose work helps ensure that every person who comes to campus feels comfortable, supported, and ready to focus on what matters most—learning new skills for independent travel.
Transcribe →Pivot
Apr 900:20:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode we talk with Leader Dog team member Monica who is working to implement the Behavior Checklist, a system designed to track and support our dogs’ behavior across their entire lifecycle, from puppy raising to on-campus training and breeding.
Transcribe →Marketplace
Mar 2600:26:28Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Taking the Lead we talk with Margaret and Lisa who are co-raising a Future Leader Dog together. They share their experience as co-raisers and the unconventional way they met!
Transcribe →History and Hot Dogs
Mar 1200:30:51Tap to summarizeOn this episode we talk with Jeannine Penzone, is a certified orientation and mobility specialist and a certified vision rehabilitation therapist at Leader Dogs for the Blind to give us an update on the Unmet Needs survey.
Transcribe →Barbie
Feb 2600:28:27Tap to summarizeOn this episode we talk with Tony Stephens the Assistant Vice President of Communications at the American Foundation for the Blind. With over 30 years of experience in management and communications for the nonprofit sector, he has spearheaded advocacy for national organizations such as the American Council of the Blind and National Industries for the Blind.
Transcribe →Tightrope
Feb 1200:30:56Tap to summarizeOn this episode we talk with Lynn Gautreaux served as the Director of Orientation and Mobility at the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired and the statewide Director of O&M and Visually Impaired Services for Louisiana until his retirement after 30 years of service. His first association with Leader Dog was as a guest orientation and mobility instructor in 2006 and lucky for us he keeps coming back.
Transcribe →Candy Shop
Jan 2900:32:32Tap to summarizeIt's the start of a new Taking the Lead season! On this episode we talk with cohost Timothy Cuneio who is on campus for brush up instruction of his O&M skills along with his instructor COMS Garret Waldie.
Transcribe →