Taking the Lead

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.

Skydiving into Leader Dog

This week's episode featuring Rod Haneline, a true pioneer in the field of orientation and mobility and guide dog mobility instruction for individuals who are blind and visually impaired. Rod has been an integral part of the Leader Dog team since 1979. For more than two decades, he served as our Chief Operations Officer, earning international recognition for his extensive knowledge in developing advanced instructional programs. His groundbreaking work combines the use of canes, guide dogs, and GPS technology into integrated orientation and mobility (O&M) and guide dog training methods.

05-02
27:13

Unmet Needs

In this episode we talk with Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist Kristy Plesscher on our Unmet Needs survey. If you'd like more information about the survey email takingthelead@leaderdog.org. 

04-18
26:27

Be Curious

On this episode we had the incredible opportunity to speak with Eric Bridges, President and CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). With over two decades of experience championing causes that impact people who are blind or have low vision, Eric provided us with fascinating insights into the groundbreaking work being done at AFB.

04-04
29:32

It Started with a Tour

On this episode we talk with longtime volunteer Mike Toger about why he got involved with Leader Dog and continues to volunteer. 

03-21
29:10

Make it Cool

02-22
21:57

Beautiful Biscuit

On this episode we talk with Jeannine Penzone, a mother of two of our Leader Dogs for the Blind clients. She joins us again to share her experience interning at Leader Dogs for the Blind with our Certified Orientation and Mobility team.

02-08
27:02

Get Back on the Horse

On this episode we talked with client Karen Leonetti. She opened up about an obstacle she faced and how she overcame it. Karen shared some great advice for anyone adapting to vision loss.

01-25
27:47

Be an Olympic Learner

This episode features Melissa Weisse, the new President and CEO of Leader Dogs for the Blind! Melissa shares her inspirational vision for leading the organization into the future and discusses her goals for this pivotal role. 

01-11
32:32

Work to Live

On this episode we talk with Sue Daniels about her tenure as President and CEO of Leader Dogs for the Blind. 

12-28
28:23

Sponsored by Nashville

This week we learned more about one of the new volunteer puppy raising options called co-raising. The podcast features two Leader Dog team members who have experience co-raising several puppies together. They discussed what co-raising involves and shared why they continue to enjoy volunteering as puppy raisers under this model.

12-14
24:59

Stay Firm Know Your Rights

On this episode we talk with Raul Gallegos the president of the the National Association of Guide Dog Users about what the association does for guide dog users. 

11-30
29:31

Be You

We talk with Leader Dog Client Elizabeth Fryseth who has worked with first responders to teach them about how to best respond to incidences involving people who are blind and visually impaired and have guide dogs.

11-16
20:47

CCTV

On this episode we talk with client Dr. Jesse Bolinger who shares with us his journey with blindness and advances in accessible technology.

11-02
27:31

My Oxygen Mask First

On this episode we talk with Linda Hawkins, wife of Leader Dog client Jeff Hawkins, about her perspective on her husband's vision loss journey and the impact it's had on her life. 

10-19
27:59

They're not Blind

On this episode with talk with Leader Dog client Jeff Hawkins about his journey with vision loss and representing Leader Dog as a keynote speaker.

10-05
30:52

Well Oiled Machine

On this episode we talk with Sharon the manager of residential and food services at Leader Dogs for the Blind about what clients can expect when they come to stay on the Leader Dog campus. 

09-21
27:52

Accessibility

On this episode we talk with Leader Dog Client Maria Kristic on issues people who have guide dogs are seeing with ride shares and accessibility. 

09-07
28:07

Wrong Eye

On this episode we talk with Ophthalmologist Dr. Matt Trese about what happens when someone is diagnosed legally blind. He also shares technology advances in the blindness and low vision field. 

08-24
30:03

An Adult in Kindergarten

Welcome back to season 5! On our first episode we talk with Leader Dog client Justin Sutton. Justin shares how his journey to becoming a para-cyclist with his Leader Dog by his side. 

08-10
31:20

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