Advertise on podcast: Taking the Lead

In this episode of Taking the Lead, we sit down with Dr. Joshua Robinson, a leading low vision Doctor of Optometry at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, to explore how low vision rehabilitation helps people maintain independence and continue doing the things they love. From the growing impact of assistive technology and AI to the importance of connecting individuals with blindness and low vision resources, Dr. Robinson shares valuable insights for professionals, family members, and anyone navigating vision loss. Plus, hear why strong partnerships between healthcare providers and organizations like Leader Dog are helping more people discover the tools, training, and support they need to thrive.

In this episode of Taking the Lead, Leslie, Alyssa, and Timothy pull back the curtain on what it's really like to attend Orientation & Mobility or Guide Dog training at Leader Dog. From travel arrangements and campus life to individualized instruction, dining, and resident support, they walk listeners through every step of the experience and share reassuring insights for anyone considering training. Whether you're preparing for your first visit or simply curious about the journey, this episode highlights the supportive environment that helps clients build confidence, independence, and new skills.

In this episode of Taking the Lead, we sit down with Manny Puma, a psychology student, competitive goalball athlete, and Leader Dog client, to discuss his journey from lifelong cane user to guide dog handler and advocate for blind athletes. Manny shares how his experiences with Leader Dog, higher education, and adaptive sports have shaped his independence, confidence, and future goals, including growing the sport of goalball and pursuing a career in mental health counseling. Along the way, he offers valuable advice on staying active, building community, and embracing new opportunities as a person who is blind or low vision.

In this episode of Taking the Lead, Leslie, Alyssa, and Timothy sit down with Erica Bearden, Director of Human Resources at Leader Dog, to explore what makes the organization’s culture, hiring process, and mission so unique. Erica shares her journey to Leader Dog, discusses the qualities that help team members thrive, and highlights exciting initiatives such as dual certification opportunities that expand services for clients. The conversation offers an inside look at the passion, collaboration, and commitment that drive Leader Dog’s work and the people behind it.

Join us for a heartfelt summer short episode of Taking the Lead as we explore the life cycle of a Leader Dog, from puppy raiser to working guide and ultimately retirement. Tim shares his personal journey as he prepares for Glacier's retirement, offering an honest look at the emotions, decisions, and support that come with this important transition. It's a touching conversation about partnership, independence, and the lasting impact these remarkable dogs have on the people they serve.

This episode of Taking the Lead features Emily Sharp, a guide dog mobility instructor and program manager at Leader Dog, who shares her journey into the field and her current work supporting guide dog training and quality assurance. She highlights a recent collaborative harness study with university partners that explores how different harness designs impact guide dogs’ comfort, movement, and performance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of research, client feedback, and industry collaboration to improve outcomes for both guide dogs and the people they serve.

This episode of the Taking the Lead podcast highlights the critical work of advocacy and government relations to protect the rights of guide dog handlers. Featuring leaders from The Seeing Eye, the conversation explores common access challenges—especially rideshare discrimination—and the importance of education, legislation, and collaboration across organizations. The episode also offers practical insights and encouragement for individuals to confidently advocate for themselves while strengthening a broader, united voice within the disability community.

In this episode of Taking the Lead, hosts welcome President and CEO Melissa Weisse for an inside look at the exciting work happening at Leader Dogs for the Blind. Melissa shares updates on the organization’s strategic plan, including new pilot programs, the historic Alumni Board, and plans for campus renovations designed to enhance accessibility and client experience. The conversation highlights the power of collaboration, innovation, and client-centered growth as Leader Dog continues to evolve for the future.

In 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.

In 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.

This 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

On 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.

In 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.

On 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!

On 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.