Central Bark: A Guide Dogs for the Blind Podcast

Central Bark: A Guide Dogs for the Blind Podcast

Central Bark shares the stories and conversations that make Guide Dogs for the Blind's life-changing mission so unique. Join our host, Theresa Stern, and special guests as they discuss how lives are changed every day through the special partnerships created between people, dogs and communities. Learn everything you ever wanted to know about our pups (from guide dog DNA to training techniques), and we’ll introduce you to the amazing people in our community, including clients, staff, volunteers and supporters.

Episodes

Ky Wiese, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist

February 5, 2026 • 23 mins
Orientation and mobility training is essential to safe, confident, and independent travel for people who are blind or visually impaired. In this episode of Central Bark, an on-staff Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) at Guide Dogs for the Blind shares expert insight into how GDB’s Orientation and Mobility Immersion Program supports clients at all stages. Learn how core O&M skills prepare indiv...
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International Guide Dog Federation

January 29, 2026 • 38 mins
In this episode of Central Bark, we’re joined by David Maynard, Executive Director of the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF), and Susan Armstrong, Vice President of Client Programs at Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB), for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, collaboration, and the future of the guide dog industry. Together, David and Susan explore how IGDF sets global standards that guide high-qualit...
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Careers and Canine Connections 2026

January 20, 2026 • 20 mins
In this episode of Central Bark, host Theresa Stern explores Careers and Canine Connections, a unique program empowering young adults who are blind or visually impaired to navigate careers, independence, and guide dog readiness. Joined by Jane Flower from Guide Dogs for the Blind, Richard Rueda from the American Printing House for the Blind, and program alum Melina Mendoza, the conversation highlights how career ed...
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Annual Update with Christine Benninger

January 15, 2026 • 25 mins
In this annual update episode of Central Bark, host Theresa Stern sits down with Guide Dogs for the Blind President and CEO Christine Benninger for a candid conversation about the organization’s impact in 2025 and what’s ahead in 2026. Together, they explore major milestones, from serving more guide dog, orientation and mobility, and K9 Buddy clients, to expanding advocacy efforts around access rights and transp...
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Senior Dog Care

December 21, 2025
Welcome to a special bonus episode of Central Bark. Today, we’re excited to share a live recording from our GDB Alumni Reunion focused on Senior Dog Health and Care presented by GDB Registered Veterinary Technician, Sandra Olivera. In this episode, Sandra breaks down essential tips for caring for aging dogs, including guide dogs, retired guide dogs, and beloved pets, covering mobility support, nutrition, common ...
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Mindfulness Moment

December 9, 2025
Welcome to a special bonus episode of Central Bark: A Podcast by Guide Dogs for the Blind. Today, we’re sharing a powerful live recording from a mindfulness workshop led by Dr. Jason Doorish during our recent Alumni Reunion. In this exclusive session, Jason guides listeners through grounding techniques, stress-reduction strategies, and a calming guided meditation designed to support guide dog handlers, puppy raiser...
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Ted Henter, A Pioneer in Access Technology

November 18, 2025
Meet Ted Henter, the legendary creator of the JAWS screen reader. Ted’s pioneering vision and commitment to accessibility helped open the digital world long before it was the norm. His work paved the way for so much of the assistive technology that people with visual impairments rely on every day at school, at work, on the web, and everywhere life takes them.
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Science meets Service: The Future Generations of Guide Dogs

November 7, 2025
Meet Lauren Holtz, Guide Dogs for the Blind's Breeding Program Manager! Lauren sits down with Theresa to talk all things guide dogs, from puppy raising to the science of purpose breeding future generations of guide dogs.
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Ask the GDB Experts

September 22, 2025
We love getting questions from our listeners, so for this episode, we asked GDB staff (the real experts!) to answer some of the most common questions that you send us. Hear from our Canine Welfare Neonatal Team about puppy socialization and activities in our Puppy Center, our HR team about some of the most unique jobs at GDB and the perks of working here, as well as our Guide Dog Mobility Instructors! Have other qu...
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Paralympic Gold Medalist, Olivia Chambers

September 10, 2025
Catch up with GDB Client and Paralympic Gold Medalist, Olivia Chambers, and her guide dog, Mahi. Since graduating from GDB, Olivia has completed college, won GOLD and two SILVER medals in the Paris Paralympic Games, and travels the world representing Team USA. So, what is next for this semi-aquatic duo? Tune in to find out!
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Introducing Rocio!

September 2, 2025
A personal discussion about guide dog retirement, applying for a successor guide dog, and what it’s like to form a bond with your new partner. Theresa’s guest will be Apprentice Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, Carlos Gutierrez, who was her instructor in class.
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GDB Alumni Association and 2025 Alumni Reunion

August 20, 2025
Theresa talks with Amy Salger, GDB's Alumni Engagement Manager, to talk about the unique role that our Alumni Association plays in supporting our clients and building community. They also discuss plans for the upcoming Alumni Reunion in October 2025. Learn more today at guidedogs.com/reunion.
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Building Brighter Futures

June 10, 2025
Theresa sits down with Guide Dogs for the Blind VP of Client Programs, Susan Armstrong, and architect George Miers to discuss the planned renovation of our Oregon Campus Residence and Community spaces. They discuss the design firms approach to universal design and share upcoming milestones. To learn more the project, visit guidedogs.com/oregon-campaign.
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The Future of Puppy Raising

May 6, 2025 • 24 mins
Raise a puppy, change a life! Theresa sits down with Sarah Blevins, GDB Director of Puppy Raising, to talk all things puppy! From the team's approach to research and canine welfare to all the ways that you can raise a guide dog puppy for GDB. You won't want to miss this one!
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Careers and Canine Connections 2025

April 23, 2025 • 17 mins
Back by popular demand! Let's revisit our interview with Richard Rueda and Jane Flower about Careers and Canine Connections ahead of our 2025 season. Plus, hear from client Alana Ambrosecchia about her experience attending Careers and Canine Connections.
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2025 Annual Update with Christine Benninger

February 10, 2025 • 23 mins
Guide Dogs for the Blind President and CEO, Christine Benninger is back on Central Bark to share thoughts and reflections on 2024 and exciting news about 2025.
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Meet Faith Snapp

October 18, 2024 • 21 mins
Meet GDB Client Faith Snapp and her guide dog Prim. Faith sat down with host Theresa Stern to talk about her history with Guide Dogs for the Blind, her leadership role in FFA, and her future plans as she embarks on her newest adventure- veterinary school.
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GDB is 100% Donor-Supported

September 6, 2024 • 19 mins
Did you know that GDB is 100% donor-supported and that we receive no government funding? Find out how GDB is able to offer our programs and services at no cost for clients thanks to the generosity of our community.
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The Impact of Rideshare Denials on Service Dog Handlers

June 4, 2024 • 21 mins
Guide Dogs for the Blind surveyed its alumni in the US and Canada to identify common experiences with rideshare denials. In this episode, GDB Alumni Association Manager, Amy Salger, and Lead Researcher, Melba Vélez-Ortiz, share the staggering results and what GDB is doing to ensure that rideshare companies are held accountable for these egregious actions.
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Access and Representation in the Entertainment Industry

April 19, 2024 • 25 mins
Television and film producer Joe Strechay joins Theresa on Central Bark to talk about accessibility and inclusion in the entertainment industry. Joe was a producer on All The Light We Cannot See where he worked with GDB alum Aria Mia Loberti, who was the first legally blind leading actress to portray a blind character in a major studio production. They talk about his work in the area of disability employment advoca...
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