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

Ready for Recall!

September 4, 2026 • 31 mins
What makes a guide dog puppy ready for formal training? In this episode, we sit down with Guide Dog Mobility Instructor Claire Lozito to break down the connection between the skills and behaviors that guide dog puppy raising volunteers instill in our puppies in training and the skills needed for formal guide dog training. We explore how early foundational behaviors directly shape a dog's ability to learn the skills of advanced guid...
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The Life of a GDB Puppy Raiser

July 21, 2026 • 22 mins
What does it take to raise a future guide dog -and then let them go? In this episode of Central Bark, we sit down with volunteer guide dog puppy raiser, Kristine Reynolds, to explore the rewarding journey of raising George, her third Guide Dogs for the Blind puppy in training. From the daily routines of socializing and training a future guide dog to the emotions of saying goodbye when it's time for formal guide dog training, this ...
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Summer Safety Tips for Dogs

June 12, 2026 • 23 mins
Summer is here, and while many of us look forward to spending more time outdoors, hot weather can pose serious risks for our dogs. In this episode of Central Bark, we talk with Guide Dogs for the Blind Veterinarian Dr. Rebecca Satterwhite about how heat affects dogs and what every dog owner should know before heading outside. From hot pavement and dehydration to water safety and recognizing the signs of heatstroke, we cover practic...
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Kids and Guide Dogs: Growing Up Together

May 8, 2026 • 21 mins
What is it really like to raise children alongside a working guide dog? In this episode of Central Bark, we talk with GDB client, Juanita Herrera, about the everyday realities of parenting with a guide dog in the home. From setting boundaries to building strong relationships, this conversation explores how guide dogs and kids learn to live and thrive together. We’ll hear how routines evolve, how children learn to understand a...
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Finding Your Voice: Advice from an Experienced Advocate

April 13, 2026 • 29 mins
In this episode, we hear directly from Day Al-Mohamed, a guide dog handler, policy executive, award-winning filmmaker, and science fiction author about her advocacy journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way. She shares practical advice for new advocates, from getting started to navigating challenges. We also explore ways the broader community can engage in advocacy, highlighting opportunities to make a meaningful im...
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From Awareness to Action: Resources for Meaningful Impact

April 1, 2026 • 24 mins
In this episode, we kick off Advocacy Month with a conversation about what meaningful advocacy looks like and how our community can take action in informed, sustainable ways. Kirsten French, Guide Dogs for the Blind Manager of Community Education and Advocacy, will discuss how GDB is expanding our advocacy work and the resources we are launching to support our entire community on their advocacy journey. We will also hear from Steve...
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Orientation using Tech and Remote Assistance

March 26, 2026
What happens when guide dog travel meets emerging technology, and the right human support? In this episode of Central Bark, we explore how tools such as smart glasses, smartphones, and remote assistants can help guide dog handlers navigate unfamiliar places with greater confidence. Guide dog handler Alan Holst and orientation assistant Rachel Nelson join us to talk about how they’ve developed a system that combines technolog...
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The Heart of the Partnership: The Relationship Behind the Harness

March 5, 2026
What makes the bond between a guide dog handler and their dog so unique? In this episode, we explore the deeply layered relationship at the center of every guide dog partnership; one built not only on training and skill, but on trust, identity, and shared movement through the world. While guide dogs are often recognized for the independence they provide, the emotional connection between handler and dog is just as profound. Our gu...
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Communicating With Your Dog

February 26, 2026
Dogs are always communicating; we just have to learn how to listen. In this episode, we explore what it really means to communicate with our dogs and how strong, trusting relationships are built over time. From body language and behavior cues to consistency, patience, and mutual respect, we dig into the everyday moments that shape the bond between humans and their dogs. GDB Training Class Supervisor, Stacey Ellison, shares insigh...
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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 individuals fo...
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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-quality guide dog p...
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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 education, mentorsh...
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Annual Update with Christine Benninger

January 16, 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 transportatio...
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Senior Dog Care

December 22, 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 age-related c...
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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 raisers, voluntee...
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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 questions for us? S...
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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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