Podcasts about guide dogs

In this episode, we chat with client Maria Kristic and cohost Timothy Cuneio about Meta Smart Glasses, exploring their pros and cons for users in the blind and low vision community. 

The U.S. Department of Justice recently sued Uber for refusing rides to passengers who use service dogs. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires ride-hailing services to accommodate riders who use service animals and mobility devices such as wheelchairs. A self-selected survey from the nonprofit Guide Dogs for the Blind found that 83% of respondents had been refused a ride at some point, causing them to miss appointments, flights, job interviews and more.   Kirsten French, community education and advocacy manager at Guide Dogs for the Blind, has had drivers cancel rides due to her service dog. She joins us with more details about the lawsuit, along with Lynn Dubinski, vice president of client engagement and impact at the organization.  

Case + Cass share stories from Cass' guide dog training journey with her new partner, Mr. A, and celebrate graduation in part 2!

This is a classic episode of Things People Do (following last week's disaster where every guest dropped out on us

Case and Cass dive into Cass' two-week guide dog training experience and introduces her new partner in part 1 of this special podcast series.

Hubert welcomes James O'Driscoll back to Guide Dog Blogs this week, as he finds out how his training, and the first few weeks with his new guide dog have been. We also find out a funny habit, and a very interesting talent of his new friend. 

The Visionary Annual Conference took place in Birmingham this week, where local and national sight loss organisations came together to share ideas for better supporting blind and partially sighted people. Day 2 began with Panel 'Balancing Innovation And Responsibility: AI, Social Media And Ethical Communications' and Amelia spoke to Char Speedy from Guide Dogs about how they are applying AI to support their work and sharing their learning with other charities. Learn more about Guide Dogs on their website - Guide Dogs | The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font.

On this episode we talk with Avril Rinn a guide dog client who is working with her 3rd dog Louie and she serves as the secretary on the Leader Dog board. 

I'm excited to welcome back my friend, writer, and podcaster Kim Lengling for her second appearance on Unstoppable Mindset. Kim's journey is a powerful example of how unexpected changes can lead to new beginnings filled with purpose, faith, and hope.   In our conversation, Kim shares how losing her corporate job in 2020 opened the door to writing, podcasting, and a deeper exploration of the things that bring her joy. Together, we talk about the importance of balance, kindness, and being present—whether that's through connecting with nature, learning from animals, or practicing gratitude even during life's hardest moments.   What We Talked About Kim's Writing Journey – From her first anthology contribution to full-time writing and podcasting, and how storytelling became both a calling and a source of healing. Work-Life Balance – Why flexibility, happiness, and cultural shifts matter in how we work and live. Nature & Animals as Teachers – Lessons in patience, empathy, and presence, from walks in the woods to stories about guide dogs and even a moth's transformation. Faith & Resilience – How Kim found faith in her 30s, and how prayer, stillness, and gratitude help her manage PTSD and life's challenges. Nuggets of Hope Project – Kim's book and community initiative built around small acts of kindness, and how those acts ripple outward in powerful ways. This episode is full of heart, gentle wisdom, and encouragement. Whether you're navigating change, seeking more balance, or simply needing a reminder of the beauty in kindness, Kim's words are sure to resonate.     About the Guest:   As a multi-published author, Kim shares her love of nature and animals, her life with PTSD, and her mission to toss out Nuggets of Hope through her writing and podcast.   Kim is the lead author and coordinator of six anthologies: The When Grace Found Me Series (three books), When Hope Found Me, Paw Prints on the Couch, and Paw Prints on the Kitchen Floor. Her newest book, Nuggets of Hope, was released on November 15, 2024.   In addition to writing, she hosts the podcast Let Fear Bounce, which spotlights people who have faced and overcome personal fear(s) to make a difference in their slice of the world through writing, coaching, film production, philanthropy, teaching, founding non-profits, public speaking, or simply being an amazing human being.   You can regularly find Kim drinking coffee, reading, and talking with the critters in the woods while taking long walks with her dog, Dexter. Visit her website, www.kimlenglingauthor.com, to keep up with everything happening in her realm.   Ways to connect with Kay:     Website:                                www.kimlenglingauthor.com Amazon:                               https://www.amazon.com/author/kimlengling   Let Fear Bounce                 @Letfearbounce Apple:                                   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/let-fear-bounce/id1541906455   Facebook:                            https://www.facebook.com/letfearbouncepodcast   LinkedIn:                              https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlylengling/   Instagram:                            https://www.instagram.com/lenglingauthor/   Twitter:                                  https://www.tiktok.com/@klengling?lang=en   TikTok:                                 ** https://www.tiktok.com/@klengling?lang=en     About the Host:   Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog.   Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards.   https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/   accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/       Thanks for listening!   Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!   Subscribe to the podcast   If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset .   Leave us an Apple Podcasts review   Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.       Transcription Notes:   Michael Hingson ** 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us.   Michael Hingson ** 01:20 Hi everyone, and here we are once again with another episode of unstoppable mindset. And I'd like to welcome you all to another episode from wherever you may be. And we have a guest who was on once before, Kim lemring, and Kim is here to continue our discussions. One of the things that I ask people to do when they're going to come going to come on this podcast is to send me questions they want to talk about. And so when we decided that Kim was going to come on again, I asked her to send me more questions. So I don't know how much agony she had to go through to figure that out, but I'll bet she figured it out pretty well, since she's a published author with a lot of books to her credit, so we'll and we'll talk about some of those as well. So again, Kim, welcome to unstoppable mindset. We're glad you're here again.   Kim Lengling ** 02:09 Well, thanks for having me back. I've been looking forward to this.   Michael Hingson ** 02:13 I think it was episode 327, that you were in originally. So anyway, we're, we're glad you're here, and I think it will be a lot of fun to kind of talk about things. Again, you're in Pennsylvania, which is kind of cool. You share a love of nature and animals, and I guess you write about those things. Tell us a little bit about, kind of in general, what you write about, and how you got started in doing   Kim Lengling ** 02:39 that. Yeah, I got started writing. I wasn't I never thought to be a writer that wasn't a dream of mine or anything that was even on the back burner. I was approached years ago by a woman that I had met in a business networking group, and she was putting together an anthology, and asked me if I would like to contribute a chapter. And the name of the book was called Inspire. And it's, you know about inspiring stories about people that have overcome something, whether it's trauma or what have you. And I had never shared my story before, and I had, I declined. I politely declined. At first, she, you know, kind of kept at me. She was persistent, but in a gentle, loving way, and said, Kim, you shared your story with me. And I really think it's something that should be shared. And so I eventually did share that, and that was a an eye opener for me, on on actually writing and writing something that's so personal and had such an impact. And from that point forward, I kind of kind of got bit by the writing bug. I'm thinking, You know what? I had such positive feedback from the story as well. And I thought, okay, maybe, maybe this is something I should look into a little bit more. I was working full time and all of that. So I was just writing, you know, in my off timer in late in the evenings when I couldn't sleep or something like that. But that's kind of how it started.   Michael Hingson ** 04:09 What were you working on originally, before you started writing, what were you doing?   Kim Lengling ** 04:13 I was sales and sales and marketing manager. That's, that's my background in the corporate world. Ah, yeah. Did that for, oh, close to 25 years.   Michael Hingson ** 04:24 Wow, yeah, then you, then you decided to go off and spin and do other things.   Kim Lengling ** 04:30 Well, the world changed. It was 2020   Michael Hingson ** 04:34 Oh, the world did change. Yeah, yes, the world   Kim Lengling ** 04:37 changed. And I lost my job, along with millions and millions of others, because so many doors were closing, and many of them closed for good, when the world changed at that time. And I thought, you know, at the season I'm at in life, in other words, the age I decided I don't want to go back in the corporate world. I'm not happy there anymore. I don't feel fulfilled in any way. And all of the doors are shut right now. Everyone's stuck at home. We can't do anything. I'm gonna try and make something happen. And, you know, figure out, figure out what it is I can do. So I asked myself three questions, what are you good at? What do you like doing? And what are you having a passion for? And I thought, Well, okay, I actually like writing. I'm getting much better at it from when I started years ago, and I love meeting and talking to new people and learning new things. So I took that and created a podcast and started writing books.   Michael Hingson ** 05:36 There you go. You know, it's interesting, when September 11 occurred. The main mantra I heard from so many people is, or was, at the time, we got to get back to normal. And my reaction was always kind of negative. And it took me a while to realize why I was never happy hearing that, and the reason I wasn't, rightfully so, by the way, was normal would never be the same again. And so many people kept saying, We got to get back to normal, but normal would never be the same again. And the other thing that hopefully people are a little bit more now discovering is that normal is a moving target anyway. I mean, look at the pandemic, and getting back to normal is not going to be productive from that either. The pandemic happened. Some companies want you to just come back to work full time, which flies in the face of the whole concept that maybe there is relevance in letting people at least partially work at home, because they're happier and they will be just as productive, if not more, so if you really go back to the whole concept of having happy employees, but you know, we're still not there   Kim Lengling ** 06:56 yet. No, I agree. Yes, yes. And prior to I was really unhappy where I was at and it felt like, and I'm, I am sure that there are many, many people out there that feel the same, or have felt the same, that you're just on this, you're on this hamster wheel, and it just seems you're more and more is expected. Now, I'm a hard worker. Always have been, so I'm not, I would never stop the issue, right? Yeah, that's not the issue, but it's, you know, quality of life. Am I living to work or I'm working to live? Mm, hmm, you know? And it gets to the point where sometimes that's where I for me personally, that's why I said, you know, I don't want to go back in the corporate world. I was so unhappy, and it was actually becoming the the atmosphere I was in was making me unhealthy, and that's not good long term either. And I'm thinking, I want to be able to enjoy retirement if I ever get there, you know, Lord willing, I want to be able to enjoy retirement in a healthy manner, not be sick and you know. So it was a big decision, and it was kind of scary. That's why they named my podcast. Let fear bounce. There was, there was some fear in there, but I thought, you know, if not now when you know when, when gonna be feeling okay, Kim, you know. I think that's a question we all have to ask. Now, I know everybody's circumstance is so different. I know that. And please don't think you know anyone listening that I'm putting any, I'm making light of any situation that someone's in. But for me, I had reached that point where it's like, I'm just gonna do it, I'm just gonna do it period. And it was bumpy. It was very bumpy. And actually, I will be very honest, it was very hard the first two years. I'll bet there were times I'm like, am I gonna be able to make the mortgage?   Michael Hingson ** 08:46 You know, yeah, and that's a fair question, but at the same time, you made a decision that I'm sure helped your health a lot, and the more you came to grips with all of it, probably the better things became for you.   Kim Lengling ** 09:06 Yes, you're absolutely right. And once I, you know, I had to, I had to let those fears bounce, you know, like you said, I made that decision, and I was getting healthier, and I was feeling much better mentally as well as physically, and that's huge. Yeah, you know, you life is not meant to be a grind.   Michael Hingson ** 09:29 Well, it's not supposed to be. You're right. How do we get the corporate world to recognize that and deal with it? And I hope that the pandemic would would help, and it has in some quarters, but in some quarters it certainly has not. How do we get people to recognize that there's a lot to be said for giving people more freedom on the job, letting people spend some time working from home, and the reality is they'll. Probably be more productive. I spoke with someone a few months ago on the podcast about it was in he was in Europe the work week, and what he said that there was that there's a big difference between five, eight hour days and 410, hour days or four eight hour days, depending on what different companies did, but for 10 hour days, you had an extra day that you didn't have to work and that you worked at home. And surveys have shown productivity wise people do at least as well with the 410, hour days or four day work week than they do with a five day work week.   Kim Lengling ** 10:44 I've my ex husband, who is from Germany, and they in Germany anyway, and I think a lot of Europe, they have much more time off than Americans do. So you know, when he moved here, he was, like, two weeks off a year. What do you mean? Two weeks that is nothing. Because they get they get six, yeah, you know, and they have much more sick time and much more personal time they're able to take. And a lot of the the companies, at least over there, from what I know from him, the larger companies, they recognize that that, you know, a happy, healthy employee is going to be a loyal employee, yep. And you know, working your folks into the ground, they're going to burn out and leave you sooner. And I, you know, I don't know, Michael, you have to tell me what you think, or what you've run into when you talk to folks. Do some larger companies. And I don't know, because I'm not in the corporate world anymore, but anymore, but do some larger companies in larger cities, because I'm in a rural area, they have employees. But then, you know, there's that's just work. Work works so much over time they burn out, and then they hire younger and younger people for less and less money until they, in turn, burn out. It seems like it's an endless cycle, from what I've heard from a few folks that I've talked to, you heard that as well.   Michael Hingson ** 12:04 Well, I've heard that. And in fact, I spoke with someone yesterday, and we were talking about the whole concept of how investors and CEOs and so on work to a to a degree. And one of the bottom lines is the only thing that we have to do as a company is make our investors happy and make a profit for them. That's just not true, and I don't know what it's going to take for people to learn there really is more to our life, and there is so much more to be gained by having employees who are a lot more comfortable and a lot more happy. So I don't know it is a it is a very frustrating thing. And the reality is that if you have happy employees, then when there's a need, they will step up and do more than you will probably have ever thought they would do. Agreed.   Kim Lengling ** 13:05 Yes, I agree. Yeah, my daughter works for a company that she she works from home one day a week. But they're also very flexible. So if something's wrong or like her daughter's sick or something like that, they will let her work from home on days like that, as long as she has her time in, and she will often go above and beyond, like you just mentioned, because she's given that opportunity and despair, yeah, and I think it makes a huge difference in the work environment. And then also, you know, your mental view of your job, it doesn't feel like it's a grind. My daughter, she loves her job. Loves it. For me, it would be incredibly high stress, but the way they've set it up, where she works, it's, yes, she has stressful days, but it's not sustained stress every single day. You know? What does she do? She does the finance and the HR for the parent company that oversees like four to five different companies.   Michael Hingson ** 14:08 So there can be stress, there can be   Kim Lengling ** 14:13 Yeah, but you know, she's, I often tease her. I'm like, you know, finance, soon as you say numbers, just my brain turns off, yeah, but it's such a different thing, a different atmosphere from, like, work experiences that I've had. So her bosses are younger, so it's like, I'm hoping that maybe it's, maybe it's a different generation that's going to take to have that become the norm, you know. And you had said normal, you know. People said, we have to get back to normal. I don't, you know what is normal. I don't even such a thing as normal, just what you're used to, not normal, you know, right?   Michael Hingson ** 14:52 Well, that's the point. And yeah, and what is normal for me is not necessarily normal for you. But the bottom line is, you. That when something like September 11 happens or the pandemic happens, the fact of the matter is, conditions will never go right back to the way they were before, and shouldn't, because in theory, at least hopefully we learn from what happened. So with the pandemic, there was so much that all of us had the opportunity to learn about how to interact with each other, how to work with companies, and for those who did it, allow people to work at home part of the time, and I can understand and value going into an office to work, but you shouldn't have to do that five days a week and just have that be a grind. That's not what a job should really be about.   Kim Lengling ** 15:48 I agree. Now, unfortunately, just get many, many, many more people to agree with us.   Michael Hingson ** 15:53 They're probably a lot of workers who agree.   Kim Lengling ** 15:57 But yes, you know, I was, I don't know, have you ever listened to the group Alabama? I just love them. They're one of my favorite groups. And the other day, I was driving along, running errands, and the Alabama song, 40 hour week came on, and it's the whole song is about, you know, Pittsburgh steel mill worker. They list, you know, that truck driver, they list all of the different workers that keep America moving. And I just love that song. And I was listening that song, I thought, I thought of you actually thinking of this upcoming conversation. But I love that. So I think folks go listen to that Alabama song, 40 hour week. It's a really good it's a really good song. And if you're from the United States, it just kind of really slams home, like what it should be and what we should be thankful for.   Michael Hingson ** 16:52 I think that it's absolutely appropriate for companies to want you somehow to put in a certain amount of time, and that they have goals that that need to be achieved, but you want to have some flexibility in exactly how you deal with it, so long as you get the work done, and if you're really comfortable in doing it, probably more than they ever thought possible, Right?   Kim Lengling ** 17:20 Yeah, that's what you're hired for a 40 hour week job, and then they say they expect 65 to 70 from you, yeah, and I've been in those jobs that's that's tough.   Michael Hingson ** 17:33 The other side of it is the person who gets hired for a 40 hour a week job, but they're given more flexibility, they're given more freedom, and they put in 65 hours. And it shocks the heck out of some bosses. Well, you're putting all this time in, but the job is wonderful. I love   Kim Lengling ** 17:50 it, right? Yes,   Michael Hingson ** 17:53 yeah. So it's, it is a, it's an interesting discussion that to have here, but it is also something that we're all going to be dealing with. And I think you're right. It's going to take younger generations to come in and hopefully have learned from the pandemic, and we'll see, because now we have the students who experienced it in high school, and they're going into college, and I'm sure that they're in part, going to demand, and probably in a college environment, they get the ability to be a little bit more flexible in how they learn, because there's more lectures online, there are more things online, so they don't necessarily sit all the time in a classroom. But I think that there's also value in being in an office or being in a classroom at least part of the time.   Kim Lengling ** 18:42 Oh, I agree. I agree, yeah. And I wouldn't ever expect to not be in an office. I mean, if that's if that's where, if it was a local company to me, or something like that, there's a lot of online jobs that you know are full time remote. But because being I think, for me, anyway, I do enjoy, I did enjoy part of the office atmosphere, because you're meeting people. And my job, I was meeting new people almost every day in sales, marketing. So that part, you know, that I really enjoyed, you know, and being out on the road and going to different companies and speaking the other companies and things like that. So that part I enjoyed. So you know that part I would never want to not do. Should I ever be in corporate America again? But yeah, I know it's interesting, interesting.   Michael Hingson ** 19:31 I know that when I started in sales and so on, it was mostly all by phone, and I was selling high tech, very sophisticated, innovative products. But then it got to the point where we were selling a lot to Wall Street, and Wall Street insists that manufacturers actually have a presence in the city. I'm not sure if it's as much that way anymore, but probably it is, because Wall Street people. People tend to get what they want. But the bottom line is that then I moved to the East Coast, and so then I started doing a lot more traveling to visit customers, and I see the value of that as well. It was easy for me on the phone, because I don't have to sit there and look at people anyway.   Michael Hingson ** 20:19 So meeting with some of those people was was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed doing it when we actually had a chance to start meeting. So there's value in that too. Yeah, I agree. So one of the things that you describe yourself as is a lover of all things nature and animals and coffee, how does all that come together in your life? Because, personally, I do tea more than coffee, but that's okay.   Kim Lengling ** 20:51 I'll forgive you for being a tea drinker.   Michael Hingson ** 20:55 Get some spam. You know,   Kim Lengling ** 21:00 that's nature coffee, animals that those are my that's that's kind of like my happy place. That's where I breathe, that's where I am most at ease, outside walking my dog first thing in the morning, that first cup of coffee sitting on the back porch listening to the birds as they wake up. You know, they're heralding a new day, and they're welcoming you to it, and as I sip my coffee and my dog sniffing around the backyard after all the critters that probably came through the night before, you know that's just, that's my happy place right there. So a lot of my thoughts and ideas come on my walks. And you know, yesterday this, I mean, nature is just amazing for me, and it's just magical. And there was this really large cocoon hanging from two small branches for weeks, and to go out into the field with my dog. I would pass it every day. It was always, it's like, right at my eye level. So I would always, you know, tilt my head so I didn't hit it right. And I was often wondering, what is in that? What is going to come out? Yesterday, I was going to take my dog for a walk in the evening, because it's been so amazingly hot here, you have to wait until almost 730 at night to do anything. I'm walking by, and there's the most beautiful moth, like the size of my hand, hanging from that cocoon that had just come. And I thought I have been watching this for weeks, and now look at the magic of nature. It's the most beautiful thing. And I just stood there. I took pictures of it, and I just stood there in awe and wonder over it. And I thought, you know, as I was walking away, and I kept looking back, because it had just come out. It was just starting to flutter its wings a little bit, to air out. And I had never seen anything like that so soon after something, you know. And it was so big size of my hand. And my thought was, you know, okay, wow. Look at the magic of nature right there. And these things that I notice, and I often wonder how much people miss because they're so busy all the time, right, right, you know. And to me, that was just such a big reminder of, there is a lot of beauty in the world. There truly is. It might not seem like it, but there's a lot. There is a lot, and that that was a big reminder to me yesterday, and that's part of why I just that's why that's in my bio nature dogs, animals and   Michael Hingson ** 23:43 coffee. So what kind of dog is Dexter?   Kim Lengling ** 23:47 Dexter? I got him from a local humane society. So he's a rescue. He is a Belgian malnois Mastiff mix with just a smidge of Husky. Wow. Yeah. He's a very unique dog, very unique looking dog. He has a fawn body, a black head, white feet, and one blue eye and one brown eye.   Michael Hingson ** 24:12 We had a cat that and her name was Kelly. Actually it was Kelly Alico, but Kelly short and she had, we are of the opinion that she was two cats that were glued together because one side was white and the other side was and I don't remember whether it was orange or what, but literally, the line went right down her back and under her tummy. Oh, geez. There's a wonderful kitty.   Kim Lengling ** 24:45 I love the unique ones well.   Michael Hingson ** 24:47 And then we had her sister also, who is named smudge, because smudge was run to the litter and a little gray smudge, just a smudge, just a smudge. Cutie pie. Awesome. Now you're talking about nature. We moved to New Jersey in 1996 and my wife Karen, one day, I came home in what had to be, I guess, the end of March, the beginning of April. And she said, I finally really understand what spring is about. I never thought about it. Thought about it much in California, but she said, this morning I looked out and all the blossoms were on the trees, and when I looked out this afternoon, they had all opened to flowers. They sprung Yes, which I thought was very interesting. I've always remembered that Yeah. What a what a cool way to   Kim Lengling ** 25:36 Yeah, yeah, yes. She was right.   Michael Hingson ** 25:41 She was,   Kim Lengling ** 25:44 he was, yeah. And that's, you know, that's I'm I might complain more and more for the older I get about winters of where I'm at, because we experience all four seasons where Ivania, but there is so much beauty in each season, yeah? And for me, that's, it's just such a joy to experience all of them. You know, it might be super cold in the winter, but there's beauty in that, in that really still cold silence and the snow sparkling as the sun hits it, you know, it's just, I mean, there's just, just so many things. And to me, that's, you know, it's almost, it's almost spiritual, those those moments that that you can grasp on to, and for me, I grasp on to them, and then I pull them out later on days that I need them. They're my little nuggets of hope that are put before me that I'm to pull out every once in a while, if I'm having a tough day.   Michael Hingson ** 26:41 I tend to disagree with most people you know who say things like, well, out in California, you don't have four seasons. We do. It isn't necessarily as dramatic, perhaps, but in the winter, it is very cold, and there's, of course, a lot of snow, and the flowers do come out in the spring. They don't spring like they do in the east, perhaps, and it's a lot more gradual. But I really think there are four seasons, at least, from my experience, there are, maybe, from a visual standpoint, it isn't there so   Kim Lengling ** 27:11 much. But I think that's, I think that's what I mean when I say that before, no, I know, I know, yeah, because they're so definitive,   Michael Hingson ** 27:20 they're much more definitive. And I have and I buy that now, now in a place like Hawaii, perhaps, where there isn't snow and it doesn't get as cold in the winter, but even so, seasons are are definable, and so what winter is is still different than what spring and summer in autumn are, fall is and it's just a matter of how you perceive it. But guess the way it goes, everybody's got little bit different observations,   Kim Lengling ** 27:49 what you're used to and where you live. Yeah, because I've never lived in California, I've not experienced those seasons.   Michael Hingson ** 27:59 So yeah, I think, I think it's a it's a fun place to live. I enjoy it not being as cold, although in the winter out here we can get down to 10 degrees or colder, we don't get snow. I'm in a valley, so we don't tend to get the snow that the ski resorts around us get. So as I love to tell people, they hog the snow at the ski resorts, but they're perfectly willing to share their cold air with us. So, you know,   Kim Lengling ** 28:24 yeah, 10 degrees is cold. That's chilly.   Michael Hingson ** 28:28 Yeah, this get pretty cold, but that's okay. I have a house that is well insulated, so it stays pretty warm in the winter, and it's easy to keep it, keep it hot. And in the summer it is, it is pretty cool. It stays pretty cool. In the house. It'll get up if I don't turn the air conditioning on at all, it'll get up to 76 or 77 degrees by the evening time, but starting to feel a little warm, but it's okay. I'll still take the warmer air all year round than we typically find in the East. And I don't, and I don't mind the lack of snow, not because of the snow, but because when it starts to melt and then the nighttime comes, it turns to ice. It's the ice. It's a frustration   Kim Lengling ** 29:17 that's pretty scary sometimes, especially here black ice, yeah, in the wintertime, and the traveling, traveling in winter, that's, I'm kind of thankful that I no longer have to go back and forth to work each day, because, you know, you have those winter days where it's still dark in the morning. It's dark when you leave for work, it's dark when you come home and yes, no. And you know, three feet of snow and you have to come home and shovel. It's a lot. It's a lot.   Michael Hingson ** 29:45 So, you know, the the thing is that I think we all live in different environments and so on, but I also know that if I have to live somewhere else, I can do it. I prefer to stay where I am. I'm fighting where I am, and I. Um, so I will do that as much as possible, but I also understand that sometimes things change and you you deal with it.   Kim Lengling ** 30:07 That's right. I like how you just said, you know you could live a different you like knowing that if you had to live a different place, that you could do it, yeah, that's   Michael Hingson ** 30:17 the big issue, yeah. Well, yeah, for you, you've you've said that you've had experiences dealing with PTSD. How has that shaped your mission to offer? I know this goes back to a book titled nuggets of hope, but for people and the other things that you're able to share because of your PTSD experience,   Kim Lengling ** 30:40 yeah, I found over the years that and all the folks that I've met that have been through some sort of trauma that has left them with, you know, post traumatic stress, that, for myself and I've witnessed it in others, makes you much more empathetic and compassionate to people. Yeah, and for me, it seems, the older I get, the more empathy I have, and because I can relate to or I recognize in others, symptoms or things that they're going through, I can relate to, and maybe, maybe I can offer a little nugget of hope and say, hey, you know I've been there too. I've been in those same shoes, and oh my gosh, it is so hard. And, oh, you're right. You're right. Sometimes it's even hard to breathe. Yep, you're right. Sometimes it stops you in your tracks. Yes, you're right. Sometimes you have three days of no sleep, but you can get through it. That's right, you know? And I, someone actually was my counselor told me a few years ago, said Kim and I was having a bad day. I mean, it was, it was tough. It was one of those days where anxiety was just ruling the day, and it was, it was hard to breathe that day. And she said, Kim, when's the last time you looked in the mirror like truly looked at yourself in the mirror? And I said, I don't do that. She goes, why? And I said, because I don't want to see the mess that I am. And she said, Why? Why go negative? Why do you look at yourself as a mess when you should be looking in that mirror and saying, Wow, Kim, look at you. You have a 100% success rate for getting through the tough stuff. So don't look at yourself as a mess. You look at yourself as a success because you're still standing and you're able to look in the mirror and tell yourself that, and however that is for someone you know, maybe it's not looking in the mirror. Maybe I don't know what that would be for someone you know, whatever it is, remind yourself you're still standing. You're still here. It's another day. It's a brand new day. So that means you have a 100% success rate for getting through the tough stuff. And when she said that, that that flicks a switch in my mind, and I've not forgotten it, and I've shared it with so many other people that have been in tough spots, and then they have told me later, you know, I shared that with someone when they were having a tough day, so I was like, you know, look at all these little nuggets of hope that we can toss out to people. And you might be a nugget of hope and not even realize it like your show, your show, Michael, could be nuggets of hope for 1000s of people that listen to it way in the future. So, I mean, you know, how amazing to think of it that way, that we can in our own way, just as that one person you know, someone says, you know, well, you're just one person. You can't change the world. No, you're right. I can't, but I could change one person's world. I can. I can be a positive nugget of hope in my own small slice of the world. And if we can do that, why wouldn't we?   Michael Hingson ** 33:55 Geez, and you never know what change that might bring to the whole world, which is what you just said, Yeah. And the reality is, you shouldn't do it to change the world. You should do it to do what's right for you, but that is what people see. I think ultimately, most people will sense when you're doing something, especially when you're doing it for the right reason. You're not doing it just to try to get vision. To get visible or publicity or whatever. And so I think when people see that, they empathize with it. And so you're right now, you never know when you're a nugget of hope.   Kim Lengling ** 34:34 That's right. Let's, let's just keep on making ripples.   Michael Hingson ** 34:37 Huh? Well, you know, it's similar, and I've thought and I've thought about it and talked about it on the podcast a few times. I used to always say when I wanted to to deal with something, and I was thinking about me internally, I'm going to deal with this, because I'm my own worst critic, and only in the last couple of years. Have I realized wrong thing to say I'm my own best teacher, which is a much more positive and relevant thing. And if you use that every time you might have used I'm my own worst critic, but you'd rather say I'm my own best teacher, look at the difference and the positive impact that mentally immediately has on you, much less however else you deal with it?   Kim Lengling ** 35:22 Oh, that is awesome. Michael, you should make that into a coffee cup.   Michael Hingson ** 35:28 Oh, well, or a teacup, but I'll have to worry.   Kim Lengling ** 35:35 Oh, I love that though. See, it's just shifting a couple words and how that can change your mindset and how you look at it exactly. Amazing. I love that. Thanks for sharing.   Michael Hingson ** 35:46 Well, you're welcome, and you can, you can use it. It's fair. I think I will perfect. Go ahead,   Kim Lengling ** 35:53 yeah, we've got see. That was an awesome nugget. So you're tossing it to me and I'm going to toss it elsewhere. Yeah, there you go. See we can. And you're in California and I'm in Pennsylvania, we have literally, just like criss crossed across the entire country.   Michael Hingson ** 36:08 Not gonna hope. We've blanketed the country, that's right, with hope. So you wrote, you've written a number of anthologies, and I guess the latest one is paw prints on the kitchen floor, which is the creative title, but what, what do you learn? And what do animals help you learn and and grow from that?   Kim Lengling ** 36:31 Gosh, you know, it's so fun. It was so fun putting that book together. There's, you know, about 20 different co authors in there, each with a chapter sharing a story of their animal on how they enrich their life in some way. And for me, oh my gosh. You know, some of the stories just bring you the tears. They make you laugh out loud. And each person writes so differently, it was just but for me, the dogs in my life that I've had in my life, they have taught me patience, empathy. They've also taught me to slow down at times, you know, I'll be I've caught myself rushing my dog. I'm like, come on, extra, come on. You've been sniffing that one blade of grass for like, two and a half minutes. Let's go. And then I realized, and then he doesn't listen to me, keeps on sniffing. And I'm like, You know what? Why am I? Why am I rushing him? You know, maybe I should just sit down and, you know, take in a couple deep breaths. So they've taught me to slow down and to enjoy the little things more, to see the world. You know, it's something, it's like, sometimes feels like, yeah, just get down on the ground and see the world from their point of view. You know? And I don't know, I we can learn an awful lot from animals, as I'm sure you are aware.   Michael Hingson ** 38:00 Well, last August, we published live like a guide dog, true stories from a blind man and his dogs about being brave, overcoming adversity and moving forward in faith. And the whole idea was to try to start to teach people how they can learn to control fear and not let it overwhelm or, as I put it, blind them. And the reality is, there's so much of that that we can learn from dogs and other animals, but specifically for me, guide dogs and in really studying fear,   Michael Hingson ** 38:33 so many lessons like, why do people fear so much? Well, because all we do is spend all day going well, what if this happens, or we are worried about every single thing that comes along, and we don't have control over, like over 90% of the things that come along, but yet we we try to, and we become afraid because of that. And rather than stepping back and going, Wait a minute, I don't have any influence over that. Okay, I'll be aware of it, but there's nothing I can do about it, so I'm not going to worry about it, you know. And you know, for example, using probably the most visible one today is, is our elected leaders. We've got people who are on both sides of supporting or not supporting the president and so on. But the reality is, the President is going to do what the President's going to do, and we and I'm not going to say what's good and not good about that, but the president's going to do what the President's going to do. What good does it do us to worry about all that all day, every day. Now I want to be aware of it, so I do watch the news, but I want awareness not being around to just go ape over everything that happens. And I learned that from working with and being involved with dogs. Dogs don't worry about that they live in. The moment they worry about what they have to deal with, and that's all they have to worry about. So they tend not to fear. They tend not to do well. They don't do what if and their their lives are much better and more peaceful. And we could learn so much from that, if we would, but do it.   Kim Lengling ** 40:17 Yes, yes, that's right. And you mentioned you used the word control at one point, because we don't have control over so much, even we like to think we do, yeah and we don't. Yeah, we don't at all. And once you realize that and actually accept that, I think for me anyway, it was easier to let fears go, because it's like, you know, I don't have control over really anything.   Michael Hingson ** 40:48 You know, control   Kim Lengling ** 40:50 is going to happen. I mean, yeah, some things, but not the big things. Or, like you said, to go ape over certain things we have no control over, so much, and you know, there's no reason to argue, fight, rip each other apart over things that literally you you personally have no control over.   Michael Hingson ** 41:10 The other part about that, though, is not while not having control, if we would, but talk about things and listen to other people and listen to their viewpoints. You never know what you might learn. Necessarily mean you're going to change your position, but you never know what you're going   Kim Lengling ** 41:28 to learn. That is right, and we don't have to agree. No, it's okay to disagree and still like each other.   Michael Hingson ** 41:36 Yeah, and it's and there's nothing wrong with that, no, but we live in such a society today, everyone wants to control everything, and if you don't do it just the way I do it, you're wrong. And that's just not true.   Kim Lengling ** 41:50 Yeah, and that's not the way it's supposed to be. You know, that's not how we're supposed to be living, not supposed to be living in anger and fear and arguments and, you know, darkness, that's just, it's just not the way it's supposed to be folks I don't know. So I work very hard to not live in an atmosphere or let myself be sucked into an atmosphere like that.   Michael Hingson ** 42:12 Yeah, I will, I will avoid those kinds of situations simply because there's no, there's no opportunity to really discuss and learn. If people want to talk, I love to talk, and I love to learn. And if, if people disagree with me, that's perfectly okay. My job is not to get angry about it. But I might say, Why do you have that position? Tell me more. Now, I've had some people where I know that their political views are opposite of mine, and if I ask them, Why do you believe this? For example, they won't even talk about it, because they just say, you know I'm right. And if you're asking, then you clearly don't have the same opinion I do, and we're not going to talk about   Kim Lengling ** 43:04 it. Yeah, I I steer clear of those types of conversations as well. When you know, when you know, going in, it'll go nowhere, but negative. Yeah, yeah, that's why, you know, I take a lot of walks with my dog.   Michael Hingson ** 43:23 Sometimes you can have those conversations, and that is so wonderful, because you never know what you might learn exactly. Doesn't necessarily mean you're going to change your opinion, but you get insights that you wouldn't get any other way. Communication is so important.   Kim Lengling ** 43:39 Yes, it is respectful, communicating, yes, I agree.   Michael Hingson ** 43:45 Yeah. Well, your latest book, nuggets of hope, cultivating kindness, that's that's a creative title, and so on. And I think that's really kind of cool. Can you tell us a story that particularly moved you that came out of that book, yeah, since we're authors and telling stories, yeah,   Kim Lengling ** 44:08 that's right, and I'm trying to remember if I shared this one on the last time I was with you or not, but I'll share a different one years ago. I'm a veteran, and I support veterans that struggle, that are in through my veteran post, we have, it's called Project support our troops. We send monthly boxes to those that are deployed around the globe. And we also help veterans in need in our local area as we're able to, and many of those have been, you know, through traumatic experiences or they live with PTSD. There was one young man years ago who reached out and called me and said, Hey, I need help. And I said, Okay, what can we help you with? And he gave me a little bit of his situation, and I said, All right, this is going to take me a minute. Or two to get some things rounded up. But yes, I think we can help you, and I want to help you. And then he called me back and said, You know what? No, forget about it. Forget I called you. I don't need help. I'm fine. And I said, I don't agree with you. I think you're fibbing. And it took a while, but he finally agreed to meet and not knowing him, and I'm, you know, I'm a single person. So I took a friend, a male friend, with me when I went to meet him at this at his home. And his home was more of a hovel than anything, and it was, it was a hovel. It was really unlivable. And I said, Where are you Where are you sleeping? And he pointed at a spot on the floor. And I said, well, and he was a Marine. I said, Well, marine, you're not going to sleep on the floor on my watch. And he says, Ma'am, I've slept in much worse places. I said, I am sure you have, but you're not going to sleep on the floor on my watch. We will get you a bed. What else do you need? And he wouldn't tell me, and I said, Can you show me through your home? And he said, I prefer not to. And I said, I can't help you unless I know what you need. And he took me through his home, and each room was worse than the last, falling apart, no water. It was pretty rough. And he was just a young man just doing the best he could to hang on, and I reached out to people that I knew, that I had met over the years, of doing things that we do through our post and to make a longer story shorter. It turns out a contractor saw and heard what I was trying to do, what we were trying to do for this young man. And he contacted me, and he said, If this young Marine agrees to it, take me out there, let me, let me take a look at his home, and we'll see what we can do. And he went in, took a look, and the young Marine was like, you know, what? If you could just fix this living room floor, that would be great. That's all I need, just if my living room floor because it was about to fall in. So if you could just fix that. And the contractor literally came in, and this brings me to tears. Came in room to room, and redid his whole home. I mean, with a bathroom, bedroom, living room, kitchen, I was able to get him furniture, I was able to get him a new appliances. I was able to get him a bed. We were able to get him a car, because he only had a motorcycle and winter was coming, and we know where I live. Yes, he's like, No, I'll be I'll be fine. I'm like, you cannot drive a motorcycle in the winter to work. You'll lose your job. And he had lost his job before because of that, so he was really, really in a tough spot. But people came together. Total strangers came together when I tossed out that call, and everyone came and brought in nuggets of hope, I mean, and for this young Marine, who was struggling so terribly in many ways, he now had a livable home that was much nicer than he even could imagine. He had a used car that a car sales, car dealership. They had an older used car, but it was in great condition. And they said, Hey, this will last him for a couple years, if he maintains it well, at least it'll get him by, you know. And then I had another person reach out and said, Hey, my mom would like to donate six months of insurance for this young marines car in honor of my dad, who was Marine. So all these people were tossing out these nuggets of Hope completely changed this young marines life completely around I kept in touch with them for years after and then I ran into him at a convenience store one day I was getting gas, and he said, Miss Kim. And I said, Oh my goodness. How are you? And he goes, I'm doing really, really well. You have no idea how good I'm doing, and I need to thank you, because you were my angel coming, coming to me when I needed it most. He goes, I got a full time job. I got accustomed to my son. I just bought a new house. I have a brand new car, and I just looked at him. I started crying because I met him at his lowest point, yeah, but so many of us came together and tossed out a nugget of hope and just shared kindness and love and understanding.   Michael Hingson ** 49:32 Was, was this all because of something like PTSD in his case?   Kim Lengling ** 49:37 Yes, yeah. He was struggling mentally, physically, because mental, mental has a plays a big part on your physical as well. You know, he was going through a divorce. He lost custody of his son. He was probably going to lose his job, his house was falling apart. And then, you know, for. Five or six years later, because I honestly almost didn't recognize him physically when I saw him, and I was just, I was thinking, Oh my gosh. So that was years later. So just think of what those little nuggets of hope that you toss out today, the long, lasting effects that they have. That's why I wrote this book. And it's just little stories, you know, little stories. That's such a huge story, but stories like that that are shared in there, along with just, you know, practical things on just, you know how to be kind. You can do it. You know, it doesn't cost a dime to be kind.   Michael Hingson ** 50:35 How did writing that book affect you, and how does it affect you? And I'll tell you why. Well, let me, let you answer, and then I'll tell you why I asked.   Kim Lengling ** 50:45 Well, I too live with PTSD, and when I help others, and when I am able to be a small spark of light or a nugget of hope to others that, in turn, helps me. And because sometimes, for me, anyway, I can, I call it a weight PTSD, sometimes can be really heavy on some days. And on those days, I found that if I reach out and help others, or do something to help others, do something positive, it takes some of that weight off. So it's a healing thing for me. And putting this book together and writing it, and thinking back over some of the things you know that happened as I was right. There were tears involved. I laughed, and then I at the end, I was just so very thankful, so very thankful that I was able to be in that spot, and that God put me where I was supposed to be in all this different circumstances to be a nugget of hope for someone so it was healing and also empowering, and gave me, you know, the inspiration to just keep on, keep on keeping on, keep on doing what I'm doing.   Michael Hingson ** 51:52 I asked because I kind of figured that would be your your answer. But I asked because I know, in my case, after September 11, people said, you need counseling and all that sort of stuff. But I started getting phone calls from reporters and my wife and I decided that I would would take those interview calls and people would come to our home, and that was therapy, because I got asked virtually any question that you could imagine regarding September 11 and me and so on, some very dumb questions that still happen today, but some really incredibly excellent, intuitive and concerning questions and having to learn to answer all of those because I put myself in the position where I needed to answer the questions was probably the best thing that I could do. So in your case, writing about it had to be helpful and pretty cathartic for you as well.   Kim Lengling ** 53:01 Yeah, it is amazing that now, did you, I guess, have a question for you. Yes, I do. Did you? Did you ever, I know that you said you and your wife decided yes, you're going to take those phone calls, you're going to take those interviews. But prior to that, did you find yourself maybe trying to stuff some of that stuff down.   Michael Hingson ** 53:23 I never did. So the story is that the next day, I contacted Guide Dogs for the Blind, where I've gotten all of my dogs, and among other things, I spoke to Joe and Ritter, who was our director of public information at the time, and she wanted to write a story, and I wasn't really thinking very straight. I that's what I say. But it didn't really matter. I said, Sure, go ahead. And she said, Well, I'll bet you'll also get a chance to be on TV. What television show do you want to be on first so I sort of flippantly said, Larry King lives, and on the 14th of September, we had the first of five interviews on Larry King Live. So the the first interview was actually from a major magazine the day before Larry King, I won't mention the name, and I'll and you'll see why in a moment, but the media had already gotten the story because Joanne wrote it and went out, and somebody called and they said they wanted to talk with me, and then near the end, they said, I want to come and take a picture of you wearing the suit that you wore on September 11. And I said, why? Well, that's all dirty and all that. And I said, No, we sent it to the cleaners already. Now we hadn't sent it to the cleaners, although we did, but I just thought that was a pretty obnoxious thing to say it was insensitive to say, I want you in the suit that you wore. I want to show you it was this dirty, scruffy guy when that really wasn't the kind of image that I wanted to project, because I was wow point where it's it's hard. Hope it's positiveness, and just doesn't make sense to do. So that was   Kim Lengling ** 55:05 the first that's really wow. That just amazes me that someone asked you to do that.   Michael Hingson ** 55:11 Yeah, wow. But, you know, had a lot of a lot of interviews and a lot of conversations with people ever since, and now it's kind of fun every so often, and I can't remember the last one, but every so often I'll get a question I've not heard before, but it doesn't happen very often anymore. But by the same token, I look for those questions because it shows that somebody's really thinking. I always hear what you didn't know happened because you couldn't see it. And that is so fun to deal with, because my response is always the same. The last time I checked Superman and X ray vision are fictitious, and the building was struck 18 floor above us on the other side. Nobody saw it where I was. But people want to rationalize, that's okay.   Kim Lengling ** 55:58 Yeah, that's okay.   Michael Hingson ** 56:02 So it makes   Kim Lengling ** 56:04 the world go round. You know, you have everybody that looks at the world in a different viewpoint.   Michael Hingson ** 56:07 So there, yeah, and sometimes we get to help people reshape it, or we work anyway. That's right. So faith is a big part of your life, isn't it?   Kim Lengling ** 56:16 It is, it is, I think that's, um, that's something. It wasn't always a part of my life. I was probably my mid 30s that I came to have faith, and since then, it has been a big part of my life. And on those tough days when the weight feels heavy and I'm out there walking with my dog more than normal, that is what I turn to, and I know, you know, it doesn't That's my belief. You know, everybody has their own beliefs, but for me, if I I've got God to talk to, and that makes a huge difference in in my life, and helps to settle me on those days that are then my that my soul feels a little bit unsettled. Prayer, being outside, being with my dog, that's what settles me, settles my soul, and I can just take a deep breath and keep on, keeping on.   Michael Hingson ** 57:13 I was talking with someone yesterday on a podcast episode that will be coming out and and it'll be probably one or two before yours. But he had an interesting thing to say, which I absolutely buy and I've believed for a long time, and that was we were talking about prayer, and he said the biggest problem with people in prayer is they're always telling God what they need, and they never listen to get the real answer, rather than recognizing God really knows what you want. And yeah, you might, we might say it, but then the real question is, do you ever slow down and listen to your inner voice, which is God that will tell you the answer to whatever it is that you're perplexed about? I thought that was very interesting for him to observe that. And I, I've believed that for a long time.   Kim Lengling ** 58:04 I believe the same as well for a very long time. That's why I'm always saying you got to slow down. You just got to slow down and take a look, you know, and listen, there's a reason that be still. Those two words are so powerful to Christians. Be still so and sometimes it's hard. I know that we're human, we're, you know, none of us, none of us are perfect. We are going to stumble, you know, especially if you're, you know, in your faith or your Christian walk, we're going to stumble because we're human, we're normal. But try and get off that, that hamster wheel, and slow down, because you're missing out on a lot. You're missing out on so much, and you're going to get, you know, Lord willing, you'll get to the end of your life, your later years, and you want to be able to look back fondly and smile, and not with, gosh, I wish I would have,   Michael Hingson ** 59:02 yeah, yeah. And it's so true. And the reality is that you do miss so much by just running around on the hamster wheel rather than slowing down, taking time to think about what happened today and even the good stuff. Could I have made it better? Could I have done anything? But when you have the stuff that didn't go well, what am I afraid of? What? What kind of fear is this causing? And those are things that we talk about and live like a guide dog, because those are all part of we need to learn to address and deal with in order to discover how better to control fear. And we can do that,   Kim Lengling ** 59:39 yes and be thankful, even for those, Mm, hmm, even for the crappy days. Yeah, yeah, thank you for even third crappy days, because you still, you got another day,   Michael Hingson ** 59:50 but still take the time on the crappy days to learn exactly right? And most people won't do that, and that's that is a. Fortunate, because those are the best learning experiences if you listen to hear what you're being told about, how to make sure that crappy day never happens again.   Kim Lengling ** 1:00:11 I agree. Look at us. Michael, see still, we're still solving the world problems here.   Michael Hingson ** 1:00:17 Yeah, we're blindly blanketing the country with nuggets, right? Well, I don't want to bury everybody, so I'm gonna thank you for being here. It's been a whole hour already. How can people reach out to you?   Kim Lengling ** 1:00:33 Best way is just go through my website, which is Kim Lang, author.com you can see what I'm doing, the books that are out there, what's coming up. You can meet Dexter, because he is my office manager, and he actually he receives all the emails and then lets me know what's happening and who I need to reach out to. So he keeps me on track and keeps me on my toes. But yeah. Kim Lengling, author.com, you can find   Michael Hingson ** 1:00:59 lending and spelled   Kim Lengling ** 1:01:00 L, E N, G, l, I N, G,   Michael Hingson ** 1:01:04 there you go, just like it sounds. That's right. Well, and reach out to Dexter. And one of these days, well, we were talking before we started the podcast. I'm going to be in Pennsylvania at the beginning of October, and I hope maybe we'll get to meet Dexter. Wouldn't that be awesome? We'll let Dexter meet Alamo.   Kim Lengling ** 1:01:25 There we go. Yeah. Why not? By golly works for me.   Michael Hingson ** 1:01:33 Well, thank you for being here and again, I want to thank all of you for listening. I hope you've enjoyed this. I hope you've gotten some things out of it.   Michael Hingson ** 1:01:41 It's it's fun talking to Kim. We'll have to do it again. And I know that I was on let fear bounce, and I'm going to go back on that again. So go off and check out her podcast, let fear bounce and listen to it. Lots to learn there, and we'll hopefully contribute a few nuggets along the way as well, but I want to thank you all for for all that you do to support us. Please give us a five star rating wherever you're listening and please, if you would know anybody else who want to be a guest, or who you think ought to be a guest, let us know. Introduce us. We would appreciate it, and give us a five star rating wherever you're listening to us so again though. Kim, thanks very much. This has been fun again.   Kim Lengling ** 1:02:25 Yes, it has. Thank you very much. Been a true blessing. Michael, thank you.   Michael Hingson ** 1:02:33 You have been listening to the Unstoppable Mindset podcast. Thanks for dropping by. I hope that you'll join us again next week, and in future weeks for upcoming episodes. To subscribe to our podcast and to learn about upcoming episodes, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com slash podcast. Michael Hingson is spelled m i c h a e l h i n g s o n. While you're on the site., please use the form there to recommend people who we ought to interview in upcoming editions of the show. And also, we ask you and urge you to invite your friends to join us in the future. If you know of any one or any organization needing a speaker for an event, please email me at speaker at Michael hingson.com. I appreciate it very much. To learn more about the concept of blinded by fear, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com forward slash blinded by fear and while you're there, feel free to pick up a copy of my free eBook entitled blinded by fear. The unstoppable mindset podcast is provided by access cast an initiative of accessiBe and is sponsored by accessiBe. Please visit www.accessibe.com . AccessiBe is spelled a c c e s s i b e. There you can learn all about how you can make your website inclusive for all persons with disabilities and how you can help make the internet fully inclusive by 2025. Thanks again for Listening. Please come back and visit us again next week.

In this podcast, Hubert chats to Lauren Bateman, about how her guide dog Grace, changed her life, and finds out about her unique personality.  Image description:  Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

In this powerful episode of Soul Elevation, I sit down with the extraordinary Laura Bratton, a speaker, coach, and author who shares her inspiring journey of going blind as a teenager—and how she transformed devastation into spiritual strength, resilience, and purpose. Laura opens up about the moment she realized she was losing her sight, the emotional toll it took, and the grief and fear that followed. She shares the mindset shifts that helped her move from “I can't” to “I can”, and how the love of her family, her guide dogs, and her inner courage carried her forward. We talk about: Navigating the trauma of sudden vision loss The power of grit and gratitude Awakening intuitive and energetic awareness when physical senses are diminished Her book, Harnessing Courage, and the deeper meaning behind the title How she helps others overcome change through her coaching and speaking work What her guide dogs taught her about healing, presence, and unconditional love

Pippa speaks to Toni Erasmus, Marketing Manager for the South African Guide-Dogs Association about Wear Your Shades Day on 17 October to mark World Sight Month. Lunch with Pippa Hudson is CapeTalk’s mid-afternoon show. This 2-hour respite from hard news encourages the audience to take the time to explore, taste, read and reflect. The show - presented by former journalist, baker and water sports enthusiast Pippa Hudson - is unashamedly lifestyle driven. Popular features include a daily profile interview #OnTheCouch at 1:10pm. Consumer issues are in the spotlight every Wednesday while the team also unpacks all things related to health, wealth & the environment. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Lunch with Pippa Hudson Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays between 13:00 and 15:00 (SA Time) to Lunch with Pippa Hudson broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/MdSlWEs or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/fDJWe69 Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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In this thought-provoking episode of Working Like Dogs, we're joined by Kara Milotte, Manager of Client Services at the nationally recognized nonprofit NEADS and James “Chip” Harrington from the Massachusetts Department of Correction. Together, they offer a powerful look into the transformative partnership between NEADS and correctional facilities—and how this unique collaboration is changing lives through the training and placement of world-class service dogs. From fostering rehabilitation and purpose within prisons to creating life-changing bonds between dogs and their future handlers, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.EPISODE NOTES: Behind the Leash: How Service Dogs Transform Lives—Inside and Outside Prison WallsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-like-dogs-service-dogs-and-working-dogs-pet-life-radio-original--6668004/support.

This week, I'm happy to share that I've finished the draft of The Sentinel's Mercy, the latest standalone in my Ravenglass Guardians series. With that wrapped up, I've shifted gears and started writing a psychological thriller under a new pen name—an exciting side project that's been on my mind for a while.I also talk about something more personal: I've received the official retirement date for my guide dog, Digit. It's a big emotional moment, and one that marks the end of an important chapter.

Send us a text*Visiting the archives today in commemoration of 9/11. kWelcome, New York Times Bestseller Michael Hingson, survivor of the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks, and his guide dog Roselle, as they share profound wisdom about bravery, overcoming adversity, and moving forward with faith as we celebrate our 300th episode.The conversation takes us through the powerful lessons Michael has learned from each of his guide dogs, from Squire to Alamo. These 11 principles form a roadmap for anyone facing challenges: awareness builds confidence, preparation prevents panic, flexibility and faith move you forward. Support the showBegin Your Heartlifter's Journey: Visit and subscribe to Heartlift Central on Substack. This is our new online coaching center and meeting place for Heartlifters worldwide. Download the "Overcoming Hurtful Words" Study Guide PDF: BECOMING EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY Meet me on Instagram: @janellrardon Leave a review and rate the podcast: WRITE A REVIEW Learn more about my books and work: Janell Rardon Make a tax-deductible donation through Heartlift International

The hosts of the Taking the Lead podcast share about themselves for new listeners and Timothy shares his story with blindness. 

Today in 2001, as the world watched the horrific scene in lower Manhattan, and as those on scene faced all kinds of obstacles, a guide dog named Roselle stayed focused on her job, and helped her human get to safety. Michael Hingson (911Memorial.org)

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Peter Boyles talks with Dave Swanson of MC1 Foundation on the upcoming 12th Annual MC-1 Honor Run Motorcycle Fundraiser! CLICK HERE TO PRE-REGISTER: https://www.mc1foundation.com/ Then, Guide Dog Trainer Becky Wynn is In-Studio with Jolie the Guide Dog! Becky tells us how Veterans, Active-Duty Service Members, and First Responders with Disabilities can get a Service Dog, fully trained. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://www.vetdogs.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Hey, Hey, Hey Bookshelvers! This week we have another DOGx Special for you. We also have been graced with the presence of, the one and only, Jason Light as this topic is very close to his heart.  Every year we have a charity slot at DOGx and this year we've managed to get the wonderful Guide Dogs to do a presentation and demo for us. With that in mind we thought it would be wonderful to have Elli Cavazza, a puppy development advisor for Guide Dogs and Mandy Pike, a guide dog user with her dog, Loney on to talk all things Guide Dogs from both perspectives.   The discussion provides a fascinating peek into the world of Guide Dogs, going beyond the public-facing image to explore the detailed, dog-centred approach to training. We find out about Elli's role, which involves training puppy-raisers and ensuring puppies are well-socialized and prepared for their future, as well as Guide Dogs passionate views on their dog-centric and human-centric approach working in unison. We then get Mandy's perspective as a guide dog partner. She shares her journey, from her initial hesitation as a self-proclaimed "cat person" to her profound bond with her current dog, Lonnie. Mandy openly discusses the challenges and triumphs of working with a dog that is a "work in progress," highlighting the importance of trust, communication, and understanding Loney as an individual first and a guide dog second. There are also some real valuable insights from both Ellie and Mandy for the general public. Enjoy!  Links:Find out more about Guide DogsDOGx TicketsLink to our Bookstore

On this episode we talk with client Juanita Lillie who is the chair of our new alumni board about what the board is and how clients can get involved.

In this inspiring episode of Working Like Dogs, I sit down with two extraordinary women—Jeni Exley and Dr. Margaret Jones—who not only work at Craig Hospital, but also serve as passionate, dedicated puppy raisers for Canine Companions. Jeni has raised an incredible 19 puppies, and together, she and Dr. Jones co-raise future service dogs, creating a powerful team fueled by love, discipline, and purpose. They share what it's really like to be part of the life-changing journey from puppy to service partner—and the incredible support system that surrounds them, including the expert trainers at Canine Companions. If you've ever wondered what goes into raising a service dog—or felt a tug at your heart to get involved—this episode is for you. EPISODE NOTES: Raising Heroes: Inside the Life of a Puppy RaiserBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-like-dogs-service-dogs-and-working-dogs-pet-life-radio-original--6668004/support.

In this episode of Working Like Dogs on Pet Life Radio, Marcie and her co-host and service dog Fenway sit down with Kyle Lephart, Executive Director, and Miki Brewington, Client Services Manager, from Canine Partners of the Rockies Kyle and Miki share how their organization is transforming lives through the placement of expertly trained service dogs and facility dogs across Colorado. They also dive into their innovative community-based programs where these incredible dogs serve in schools, healthcare settings, and other places where their presence brings comfort, connection, and confidence. It's a heartwarming and inspiring conversation that showcases the power of purpose-bred dogs and the humans who love and train them.EPISODE NOTES: Canine Partners of the RockiesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-like-dogs-service-dogs-and-working-dogs-pet-life-radio-original--6668004/support.

On this episode we talk with client Krista Webb on her experience with Leader Dog and her passion of wood burning.

Listen now to Irene Lambert on 125 Future Now How do you interview your own mother and keep the show relevant to our listeners? Fortunately dear mother was a major influence on me especially with my interests in tech, science, and psychology of the human family.  So it is with great pleasure that we present you with tales from Irene Lambert, recently honored in Parliament for the remarkable achievements she has made in this lifetime! Listen to The Futures with Mother FutureIrene Lambert was born in Lachine, Quebec, Canada at the same time, August 10, 1930, as the R-100 dirigible flew over head making its first flight over Canada. As it was the dawn of the age of Airships, all the nurses and hospital staff rushed out to see it, leaving Irene alone as her first experience in this world.  Being the eldest of three children in a very loving family. Irene was diagnosed at ten with Retinitis Pigmentosa and lived with diminishing sight and then complete blindness. For many years she and her late husband Dr. Robert Lambert fought and won many battles for the rights of the disabled, especially the blind, while pioneering helpful new tech. In 2021, Irene Lambert was honored with the Chris Stark Distinguished Advocacy Award by Barrier Free Canada  in recognition of her lifelong contributions to disability rights and accessible communities around the world. And now, at 95, she is is still with us, with more memories to share and tales to tell! Enjoy.. Recipient of the Chris Stark Distinguished Advocacy Award

On this heartwarming episode of Working Like Dogs on Pet Life Radio, Marcie and Fenway chat with Diane Rampelberg, founder of Dustin's Paw a remarkable nonprofit based in Idaho. Since 2000, Diane has been pioneering canine-enhanced learning and therapy for children with disabilities. With her Canine Companions-trained facility dog, Leopold, by her side, Diane works as a Canine Modality Specialist, designing creative, interactive activities that help children achieve their therapeutic and educational goals. Diane shares how she collaborates with professional teams to unlock each child's potential through the powerful human–canine bond. Tune in to hear how she's transforming lives, one paw at a time.EPISODE NOTES: Paws, Play, and Possibility: Unlocking Potential with Canine-Assisted Learning Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-like-dogs-service-dogs-and-working-dogs-pet-life-radio-original--6668004/support.

Can smart glasses help you play poker? Does AI give blind users superpowers? And what really happens when a guide dog retires? Steven and Shaun dig deep into the inbox to explore listener stories, smart tech, brain science, and blind pride—plus some laughs along the way.This episode of Double Tap opens with caffeine-fueled chaos and rolls into a lively, insightful discussion based entirely on listener emails. Dean from New Zealand kicks things off with high praise for the WeWALK Smart Cane and a surprising nod to Shaun's tip about using Copilot on mobile. The hosts then unpack the latest updates to the cane's obstacle detection and battery life, teasing a full review coming soon.Shaun explains why he prefers the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses over Envision despite Meta AI's limitations—hint: it's all about video calling and interface. Steven agrees, but raises concerns about battery life and the lack of display real estate. They also touch on upcoming AI-powered features like CoBrowse AI and agentic AIs, and the growing appeal (and privacy implications) of wearables.Listener Craig shares his emotional experience of retiring his guide dog Merlin, prompting a deep discussion about the lack of control blind users have in that process. Steven also opens up about his own hesitations around getting a guide dog, from access refusals to society's challenges.Amy writes in with thoughtful reflections on sensory substitution—especially the growing research around brain plasticity in blind people—and shares a story about resisting pressure to wear glasses as a child. This sparks a nuanced conversation about disability identity, assumptions from sighted people, and whether blind people really do develop “super senses.”Paul, a blind social worker, emails about using smart glasses to play cards or access online casinos. Steven and Shaun discuss current limitations, suggest tactile braille cards, and speculate about the future of AI-powered agents for gaming and kiosk access.The episode wraps with praise for Richer Sounds and a broader chat about how experiential retail could revive the high street—and why Amazon might ironically be leading the way.Chapters00:00 - Introduction02:44 - Listener Dean talks about the WeWalk smart cane and praises Shaun!16:06 - Listener Craig talks about retirement of his guide dog, Merlin29:37 - Get in touch with Double Tap30:01 - Listener Amy on blindness and better hearing44:36 - Listener Ian joins in on the praise of UK chain store Richer Sounds48:53 - Listener Paul on smart glasses and accessible gambling Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc.

In this episode we talk with Megan Jones, manager of canine care and welfare, about what her team does to care for and enrich the lives of our dogs in training.

UK charity Guide Dogs has recently come out of a period of Transformation, where it looked at staffing, services and running costs. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Guide Dogs CEO Andrew Lennox to discuss the changes. For more info on Guide Dogs, go to www.guidedogs.org.uk You can also call their helpline on 0800 781 1444 #RNIBConnect Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

On this episode of Working Like Dogs on Pet Life Radio, Marcie and her loyal service dog, Fenway, sit down with Chris Diefenthaler, Executive Director of Assistance Dogs International (ADI). As the leading authority in the development of standards for the assistance dog industry, ADI is a global coalition of nonprofit organizations that raise, train, and place assistance dogs. Chris shares insights about ADI's rigorous accreditation process, its critical role in shaping industry best practices, and highlights from the groundbreaking Paws for Access report. Tune in to learn how ADI is working to ensure that individuals with disabilities have safe, reliable access to expertly trained assistance dogs around the world.EPISODE NOTES: Assistance Dogs International Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-like-dogs-service-dogs-and-working-dogs-pet-life-radio-original--6668004/support.

In this episode we hear all about the facilities team and the work they do to keep the Leader Dog campus running smoothly.

Sam Ralfe (AKA blind mum) has started writing a series of children's audiobooks inspired by the adventures of her son and guide dog. Amelia spoke with her to learn more. Buy Leo and Toe Toe's park adventure on Ko-di - Leo and Toe Toe's park adventure audiobook - Sam Ralfe Blind Mum's Ko-fi Shop Find Sam on Facebook as BlindMum - Facebook Find Sam on Instagram as @blind_mum - https://www.instagram.com/blind_mum/ Find Sam on Tiktok as @samralfe - Sam Ralfe - Blind Mum (@samralfe) | TikTok Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

– Nothing would deter us from enjoying our well-earned evening out.Ash-gray script swirled across the textured buff pages like hazy clouds crossing the sky at dusk. Marcia J. Wick is a blind, grey-haired grandmother, retired from a professional writing career. She writes freelance if it pays, for fun if not. Her work has appeared in the Motherwell blog, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Modern Dog Magazine, Guide Dogs for the Blind Alumni News, and Magnets and Ladders. Her essays reflect on parenting, caregiving, living with a disability, and adventures with her guide dog. When not reading or writing, Marcia volunteers, advocates for guide dogs and public transit, and enjoys the outdoors with family and friends. Contact her at marciajwick@gmail.com.

Case + Cass (but mostly Cass) chat guide dogs—how to decide, apply, pick a school, and what it takes for a dog to become a guide.

On this episode we talk with Lauren and Greg who are puppy raisers for Leader Dogs for the Blind. They talk about how they got involved and why they continue to raise puppies.

On Sept. 11, 2001,

Imagine navigating the world without sight. In this inspiring episode, Christine Benninger, President and CEO of Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB), joins us to share how one rescued German Shepherd named Blondie sparked a movement in 1942 to help WWII veterans—and how that mission has evolved into the largest guide dog organization in North America. With over 16,000 guide dog teams graduated, GDB continues to transform lives through the incredible bond between dogs and their human partners. Christine walks us through the organization's history, the challenges they've overcome, and the groundbreaking work they're doing today. As GDB says, “Everyone deserves to move through the world safely.” This episode will open your eyes to the life-changing role of these extraordinary dogs. www.guidedogs.com               www.furrealpodcast.com ig @gdb_official      ig @thefurrealpodcast     ig@markakyle fb @ Guide Dogs for the Blind         fb @ Mark A Kyle tik tok @gdb_official        tik tok @thefurrealpodcast  Speical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!! Special thanks to Jake Olson  jfolson.music@gmail.com for awesome sound editing  and to our supporters: www.prepvet.com  Stem cells for pets

Steven shares the emotional and practical realities of applying for a guide dog, while Shaun questions the balance between blind pride and accessibility struggles. The duo also tackles listener emails on delivery frustrations, hearing myths, and audio description failures.In this episode of Double Tap, Steven opens up about his recent guide dog assessment and the mental toll it took. The conversation explores the complexities of guide dog eligibility, mobility expectations, and the challenges blind people face in daily life. Shaun and Steven reflect on blind pride, debating whether it empowers or downplays real obstacles. Listener feedback adds depth, from Grace's Amazon delivery experience to Logan's frustration with inaccessible blind school screenings. Lisa shares insight on using Glide, while Hetty and Lucas raise important points about independence and tech durability.Chapters00:00 - Introduction01:31 - Steven has his guide dog assessment!18:04 - Listener Geroge doesn't like to move it, move it22:22 - Listener Lisa with comments on Glide and blind people's hearing28:31 - Listener Grace on blind people texting and annoying delivery drivers33:10 - Listener Heddy on the subject of blind pride44:42 - Listener Logan on school for the blind not showing audio described movies in class48:24 - Listener Lucas on the durability of Meta Ray Bans53:53 - Listener Camille on boats not having steering wheels! Find Double Tap online: YouTube, Double Tap Website---Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedin Subscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheart About Double TapHosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited. "Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc.

On this episode we talk with Leader Dog client and volunteer Karen Burke. She shares her story and talks about what it's like to volunteer at Leader Dog. 

Tune in to this fascinating episode of Working Like Dogs on Pet Life Radio as Dr. Cynthia Fast, Director of Training at APOPO in Tanzania, joins Marcie and Fenway to share the incredible work of their “HeroRATs” and “HeroDOGs.” In over 60 countries contaminated by hidden landmines and explosive remnants of war, APOPO's scent detection animals are saving lives and transforming communities by safely and efficiently locating deadly threats. They're also tackling the global tuberculosis crisis, helping identify undiagnosed cases with speed and accuracy. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about how these remarkable animals are making the world a safer, healthier place—one sniff at a time! EPISODE NOTES: Sniffing Out Danger: The Life-Saving Work of HeroRATs and HeroDOGs

For people who suffer from problems with vision and need the help of a guide dog, for companionship, safety and the ability to live an independent life, they can turn to the world's oldest guide dog school in the world. The 'Seeing Eye' is a non-profit located in Morristown, New Jersey which has been in operation for almost a century. They breed, train and pair guide dogs to those who need them. FOX's Tonya J. Powers speaks with Lauren Christie, director of canine development at the 'Seeing Eye', who explains how you can be a part of training adorable puppies to become guides for those who are blind or visually impaired. For more information visit: https://seeingeye.org/you-can-help/ Click Here⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode we talk with the Leader Dogs for the Blind Board Chair John Reed on his new role.

In Episode 136 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein welcome retired Judge David Tatel, author of Vision: A Memoir of Blindness and Justice. Judge Tatel reflects on his remarkable legal career—most notably, three decades on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit—while offering an unflinching look at his personal struggle with blindness caused by retinitis pigmentosa. Tatel shares how he spent most of his life downplaying or hiding his vision loss, even removing mentions from public records and press materials. It wasn't until his eighties, and through the process of writing Vision, that he fully embraced blindness as part of his identity. The conversation dives into his legal philosophy, his path from science to civil rights law, and the tools—both human and technological—that helped him succeed as a judge who is blind. The memoir is more than a professional journey; it's also a deeply personal story of resilience, love, and self-acceptance. Listeners will hear about Tatel's guide dog Vixen, his enduring partnership with his wife Edie, and his evolving fight for justice. It's a compelling episode about truth, advocacy, and the power of living fully seen. Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/136        Links Mentioned Get the book! It is available many places, including BARD, but here is the link at Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/4dZy61J  Have you checked out Federation Focus yet? https://www.youtube.com/@nfbofpa/  An Easy Way to Help the NFB of PA Support the NFB of PA with every purchase at White Cane Coffee Company by going to https://www.whitecanecoffee.com/ref/nfbp. When you use that link to purchase from White Cane Coffee, the NFB of PA earns a 10% commission! Share the link with your family and friends! Listen to Erin and Bob Willman from White Cane Coffee on episode 072 of White Canes Connect. Donate to the NFB of PA Like what you hear on White Canes Connect? Support us and donate to the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, visit https://www.NFBofPA.org/give/. We Want to Hear Your Story Reach out with questions and comments, or share ideas! We want to hear from you. Call us at (267) 338-4495 or at whitecanesconnect@gmail.com. Follow White Canes Connect Find out why White Canes Connect is currently ranked at #13 of the 100 Best Visually Impaired Podcast. Find the show on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pablindpodcast 

Don't miss this powerful episode of Working Like Dogs on Pet Life Radio featuring Felicia Ako and Celeste Walsen from the Courthouse Dogs Foundation. Hosts Marcie and her amazing service dog, Fenway, sit down with Felicia and Celeste to explore how their groundbreaking nonprofit partners with facility dog handlers to support children and other vulnerable victims of crime. With heart and expertise, they share how these specially trained dogs provide comfort and a sense of safety to those navigating the justice system—not just in the U.S., but around the globe. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the healing power of dogs and the critical role they play in the courtroom. EPISODE NOTES: Courthouse Facility Dogs

Philomena has to quit her job as a school warden despite no desire to do so. Danielle has been a Metallica fan since primacy school. Buchra's son Mohammad was grievously wounded in a bombing in Khan Younis, but received treatment in Crumlin. Dara Ó Cinnéide's guide dog Hansen retired after eight years of duty.

On this episode we talk with team member Chelsea Nohan about their work on accessibility at Leader Dog.

We are excited to head to South Carolina today to speak with Listener Adrial who just returned from her Walt Disney World vacation less than 2 weeks ago! We hear about this awesome trip to Disney's Boardwalk Inn with her mother and father to celebrate her mother's victory over cancer! We discuss the excitement and challenges of putting together a trip at the last-minute (and how romantic this was, on behalf of her dad!), and hear why WDW is such a special place for this family! We also hear about Adrial's service dog Jolie, and what it is like navigating a place like Walt Disney World with her! We talk great dining experiences like Tratoria al Forno, Teppan Edo, San Angel Inn, and more too! We hope you can continue the conversation with us this week in the Be Our Guest Podcast Clubhouse at www.beourguestpodcast.com/clubhouse! Thank you so much for your support of our podcast! Become a Patron of the show at www.Patreon.com/BeOurGuestPodcast.  Also, please follow the show on Twitter @BeOurGuestMike and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/beourguestpodcast.   Thanks to our friends at The Magic For Less Travel for sponsoring today's podcast!

Guide Dogs of America is an important organization based in Sylmar providing canine companions to the visually impaired, veterans, and children with autism. I sit down with Sean Chiles, Guide Dog Mobility Instructor and Katherine Juhl, Sr. Manager Puppy Programs, to discuss everything that goes into getting these cute pups trained into trusted cohorts. Cuteness warning: tail wags and puppy licks ahead!