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

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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Canine Socialization

April 3, 2024 • 21 mins
Have you ever heard that its important to socialize your dog? What does this mean, exactly? Socialization is often used when discussing dog behavior, but what is it?! Join us as Theresa talks to Dr. Lynna Feng, GDB's Canine Research Manager, about the principals and practice of canine socialization and how it helps GDB's dogs go on to do life-changing work.
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"Career Changed" and GDB Dog Placement

March 12, 2024 • 24 mins
In this episode, we're answering one of your most common questions. "What happens to the dogs who don't become a guide dog or K9 Buddy?" Theresa sat down with James Dress, GDB's Dog Placement Program Manager to talk about what it means when a dog is Career Changed and how GDB ensures that all dogs find their purpose and their path.
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Annual Update with Christine Benninger

February 21, 2024 • 22 mins
GDB President and CEO Christine Benninger joins Theresa on the podcast for her third Annual Update. She talks about some of the biggest successes in the last year and what she is most looking forward to in 2024.
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Careers & Canine Connections 2024

February 15, 2024 • 14 mins
Careers & Canine Connections is back! This innovative partnership between Guide Dogs for the Blind and APH CareerConnect will once again bring young adults together to learn about how a guide dog will fit into their future college and career-related goals. Hear from Jane Flower, Youth Outreach Specialist at GDB, and Richard Rueda, Assistant Director at APH CareerConnect, about the impact of these programs and the n...
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Orientation and Mobility Immersion Program

January 11, 2024 • 31 mins
In this episode, Theresa sits down with GDB Director of Orientation & Mobility Services, Marc Gillard, to talk about the importance of our Orientation and Immersion Program in helping clients reach their independent travel goals.
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Dr. Sarah-Elizabeth Byosiere

December 14, 2023 • 25 mins
This week we welcome, Dr. Sarah-Elizabeth Byosiere, GDB's Director of Canine Research, to discuss how her team's work is working to change the lives of our dogs and the people who love them.
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Aria Mia Loberti - Part Two

November 27, 2023 • 54 mins
Welcome back for Part Two of our interview with actor, advocate, and GDB client Aria Mia Loberti. Hear about what it was like behind the scenes on the set of Netflix's "All The Light We Cannot See," and how Aria prepared for her breakout role as Marie-Laure LeBlanc. WARNING: This episode contains SPOILERS! You can watch the whole series, streaming now on Netflix. Don't say we didn't warn you!
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Aria Mia Loberti

October 23, 2023 • 28 mins
Meet Aria Mia Loberti, an American actress, writer, human rights advocate, Fulbright recipient, and GDB client who will play the lead role in the upcoming Netflix adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE. Aria sat down with host Theresa Stern to talk about her experience living the guide dog lifestyle and her partnership with her guide dog, Ingrid. For show notes and details, plea...
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