Rephonic
Artwork for Taking the Lead
Leader Dogs For the Blind
Guide Dogs
Puppy Raising
Orientation and Mobility
Leader Dog For the Blind
Blindness
Leader Dog
Accessibility
Blindness Awareness Month
Usher Syndrome
Meta Smart Glasses
Community Engagement
Transportation
Advocacy
Weddings
Vision Loss
Client Services
American Foundation For the Blind
Assistive Technology
Smart Technology For Disabled

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.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes148Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Society & CultureEducation

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Artwork for Taking the Lead

Latest Episodes

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... more

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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 futur... more

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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 accessi... more

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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 focu... more

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Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Trisha Kulkarni
Originally from Dayton, Ohio; software engineer at Apple working on accessibility for Mac VoiceOver; long-time Leader Dog participant
Apple; Leader Dog for the Blind
Episode: The Richest Relationship
Mackenzie Nichols
Puppy raiser and student leader involved with Leader Dogs for the Blind on the Oakland University campus
Leader Dogs for the Blind; Oakland University
Episode: Laboratory Labrador
Andy Hernandez
Client experience supervisor at Leader Dog for the Blind
Leader Dog for the Blind
Episode: We Got You
Jeannine Penzone
Certified orientation and mobility specialist and certified vision rehabilitation therapist
Leader Dogs for the Blind
Episode: History and Hot Dogs
Tony Stephens
Assistant Vice President of Communications at the American Foundation for the Blind
American Foundation for the Blind
Episode: Barbie
Lynn Gautreaux
Former Director of Orientation and Mobility at the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired and guest instructor at Leader Dog.
Leader Dogs for the Blind
Episode: Tightrope
Garret Waldie
Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist at Leader Dog
Leader Dogs for the Blind
Episode: Candy Shop
Katie Wattles
Guide dog mobility instructor at Leader Dog with over 20 years of experience
Leader Dogs for the Blind
Episode: All About the Match
Luis Sanchez
Experiencing vision loss and reclaiming independence through orientation and mobility training.
Leader Dogs for the Blind
Episode: Life Changing

Hosts

Leslie Hoskins
Host of Taking the Lead, Leader Dogs for the Blind
Christina Heppner
Host of Taking the Lead
Timothy Cugno
Co-host, Host of Taking the Lead
Alyssa Otis
Co-host/Host on episode

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 68 ratings
  • Learning More with Every Episode

    I’m one of the fortunate ones who gets to work at Leader Dog. I’m going into my 13th year and I would think I couldn’t learn more than I already have but I’ve learned even more with the addition of this podcast! So informative! As a puppy raiser of eight Leader Dogs, I also love and appreciate all the client stories. Brilliant!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Branvyrewolfen
    United States3 years ago
  • My favorite podcast

    I love the information and perspectives the shares. I only wish the show was longer! Cheers to a job well done!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BCColorado001
    United States3 years ago
  • Love it!

    After receiving O and M training at Leader Dog, and now awaiting my return date for my first Leader Dog, I discovered this podcast and it quickly became my favorite! Listening to every single one to entertain and educate myself about everything to do with blindness and Leader Dog. I feel like Tim, Leslie, and Christina are entertaining and feel like family. Keep them coming guys! Maybe I’ll run into y’all when I get to Leader Dog for training soon.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Catysdad
    United States4 years ago
  • Taking the Lead - A Podcast Produced by Leader Dogs for the Blind

    This is an amazing podcast produced out by an even better organization! As someone who himself has had and hopes to have again a Leader Dog, this organization works miracles! Leader Dogs for the Blind is an organization focused on helping individuals facing vision loss become more independent. This podcast, Taking the Lead, put on by them contains heart-warming stories, useful tips and practices, and information on an amazing organization! If you are looking for a podcast, love heart-warming sto... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Caleb Railsback
    United States4 years ago
  • Great Info!

    Loving the show! I am a one time puppy raiser for Leader Dogs, but this show is providing much more insight into this amazing organization! Informative and enjoyable. Keep it coming!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    LeahB906
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Guests and hosts are commended for accessibility focus and actionable insights for training and advocacy.
Listeners appreciate the authentic perspectives from leaders and clients, noting the program's positive impact on understanding blindness.
Audience consistently praises the show for informative, touching client stories and practical mobility tips.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Richest Relationship
Q: How did Leader Dog influence your later decision to pursue independent mobility and a career in tech?
She recounts continuing mobility training, pursuing cane skills to complement dog mobility, and eventually leveraging accessibility work at Apple to advocate for inclusive technology.
The Richest Relationship
Q: What was it like meeting peers who were blind for the first time, and how did that shape your sense of normalcy and possibility?
Trisha explains that meeting other blind peers helped her realize there was nothing wrong with her, and that people with diverse talents could achieve different goals, which reinforced a sense of belonging and potential.
The Richest Relationship
Q: Trisha, welcome to the podcast. How did you find Leader Dog as a teenager and come to the camp?
She describes losing her sight before high school, seeking adventure with family, discovering Leader Dog's Teen Camp, and finding a community of peers who shared similar experiences, which inspired broader mobility goals.
Laboratory Labrador
Q: So Mackenzie, if somebody's listening, you're in college, how did you balance this? How did you do it?
Mackenzie explains there are highs and lows but credits an incredible support system, including family and campus buddies, as essential to balancing puppy-raising with academics and leadership roles, with a strong calendar and structured routines helping manage time.
History and Hot Dogs
Q: What has been the most impactful takeaway for participants this week?
Timothy shares that regaining control in the kitchen—like slicing onions and preparing hot dogs—has dramatically boosted confidence and independence, highlighting how these small, practical skills translate into bigger personal empowerment.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Taking the Lead

What is Taking the Lead about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Across episodes, the show consistently centers on mobility, independence, and advocacy for people who are blind or visually impaired. Key threads include real-life client journeys, organizational operations to support stays and travel, data-driven approaches to guide dog matching and training, and the integration of technology and daily living skills into mobility. A standout is the frequent emphasis on community, volunteer involvement, and personal empowerment through mobility training, travel, and accessible technology. The format blends personal storytelling with practical insights for both prospective clients and professionals in the disability and nonprofit sectors, making it a compelling listen for anyone interested in accessibility, ... more

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Taking the Lead launched 5 years ago and published 148 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Taking the Lead?

Recent guests on Taking the Lead include:

1. Trisha Kulkarni
2. Mackenzie Nichols
3. Andy Hernandez
4. Jeannine Penzone
5. Tony Stephens
6. Lynn Gautreaux
7. Garret Waldie
8. Katie Wattles

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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