Podcasts about leader dogs

In this episode of Taking the Lead, hosts welcome President and CEO Melissa Weisse for an inside look at the exciting work happening at Leader Dogs for the Blind. Melissa shares updates on the organization's strategic plan, including new pilot programs, the historic Alumni Board, and plans for campus renovations designed to enhance accessibility and client experience. The conversation highlights the power of collaboration, innovation, and client-centered growth as Leader Dog continues to evolve for the future.

In this episode of Taking the Lead, the team sits down with Trisha to explore her journey through vision loss, independence, and personal growth. She shares how her experience with Leader Dog programs and especially her partnership with her guide dog Libby became one of the richest relationships in her life and shaped her confidence, mobility, and outlook. Together, they reflect on how connection, community, and choice in travel tools can empower people to live fully and pursue their goals.

In this episode of Taking the Lead, we sit down with Mackenzie Nichols, a devoted puppy raiser whose journey with Leader Dogs for the Blind began on a college campus and grew into a lasting impact. Mackenzie shares what it was like raising four future guide dogs while balancing college life, leading an on‑campus puppy raising program, and preparing for veterinary school along with the powerful connections that continue long after the leash is passed.

This episode of the Taking the Lead podcast features Leader Dog alum Dylan Nichols, who shares how Orientation & Mobility training and his guide dog supported his journey toward greater independence, including a two‑month road trip evaluating accessible cities before relocating. The conversation highlights real‑world accessibility, public transportation, travel with a guide dog, and the impact of Leader Dog programs on long‑term independence and quality of life

On this week's episode of Taking the Lead, we're going behind the scenes. We are joined by Andy Hernandez, our Client Experience Supervisor, whose work helps ensure that every person who comes to campus feels comfortable, supported, and ready to focus on what matters most—learning new skills for independent travel.

In this episode we talk with Leader Dog team member Monica who is working to implement the Behavior Checklist, a system designed to track and support our dogs' behavior across their entire lifecycle, from puppy raising to on-campus training and breeding.

Jaidyn Smith of Friedman Real Estate covers the intricacies of multi-tenant retail investment sales and shopping center value-add strategies. The Crexi Podcast connects commercial real estate (CRE) professionals with industry insights built for smart decision-making. In each episode, we explore the latest trends, innovations and opportunities shaping commercial real estate, because we believe knowledge should move at the speed of ambition and every conversation should empower professionals to act with greater clarity and confidence.   Jaidyn Smith started her CRE career almost by accident (a friend's cold call changed the trajectory she thought she was on) and six years later she's closing multi-tenant shopping center deals for US and international investors across Michigan, Ohio, Texas, and beyond. She specializes in the kinds of transactions that require patience, creativity, and a willingness to stay on the phone when things go sideways. In this episode, Jaidyn joins host Shanti Ryle to talk about how she built her business from a list of KFCs and dollar stores, what actually happens between LOI and closing, why landlords currently have the upper hand, and what she sees coming for retail in 2026. Jaidyn Smith's background and path to Friedman Real Estate From radiology school to residential to commercial CRE The moment she knew commercial real estate was it Starting out in single tenant net lease: KFCs, Wendy's, Chase Banks What triple net leases taught her about the fundamentals The Family Dollar cold call that opened the door to shopping centers What that first client saw in her — and what she proved Joining Friedman Real Estate: resources, culture, and a new chapter Social media as a business development tool, not a vanity play The 1031 buyer who found her off-market deal through a single post Crexi Auction: price discovery, on-market exposure, expanded buyer pool Structuring the day: to-do lists, phones from 10 to 2, LOIs at end of day State of retail: vacancy at 4.6%, more openings than closings Concepts on the rise: pickleball, golf sims, and repurposed drug store boxes Top 40 MSAs, Texas development, and where she's expanding next Value add in practice: under-market rents, vacancies, cap ex, parking lots TI, free rent, and how landlords are getting creative to keep tenants Demand exceeds supply: landlords have the upper hand right now Bid-ask gaps and how to have the tough pricing conversation Between LOI and closing: estoppels, site visits, and surprises The burst pipe, the cockroaches, and the deals that closed anyway Working with international investors: eyes, ears, and boots on the ground How trust and follow-through build a repeat client base Women in CRE: underestimated, more visible, building community Co-founding Ladies Leading CRE with Chassidy Goolsby Advice for anyone entering commercial real estate: just get started Rapid fire: $50M, worst advice, and retail optimism   About Jaidyn Smith: Jaidyn Smith is a nationally recognized commercial real estate advisor known for her relationship-driven approach and consistent execution across single-tenant net lease and multi-tenant retail investment sales. Over time, she has become increasingly focused on assisting investment sales clients with multi-tenant shopping centers, successfully completing a number of both on-market and off-market transactions. She works with U.S. and international investors on acquisitions and dispositions, advising on pricing strategy, timing, and long-term value creation. With a background in sales and investor advisory, Jaidyn is known for her responsiveness, negotiation skill, and ability to simplify complex transactions. Jaidyn remains deeply engaged in the commercial real estate community through ongoing education, investor seminars, and industry organizations, including ICSC, CREi, CREW and Ladies Leading CRE. She also volunteers with the Leader Dogs for the Blind, The Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce and the Entrepreneurs' Organization of Michigan. For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi's blog.Looking to stay ahead in commercial real estate? Visit Crexi to explore properties, analyze markets, and connect with opportunities nationwide. Follow Crexi:https://www.crexi.com/​ https://www.crexi.com/instagram​ https://www.crexi.com/facebook​ https://www.crexi.com/twitter​ https://www.crexi.com/linkedin​ https://www.youtube.com/crexi About Crexi:Crexi is reimagining commercial real estate with an AI-powered platform built to deliver smarter, more efficient solutions at every stage of the deal lifecycle. From real-time data and market insights with Crexi Intelligence, to targeted property marketing and seamless deal management through Crexi PRO, and a transparent, time-bound bidding experience with Crexi Auction— Crexi enables users to evaluate opportunities, maximize exposure, and close with speed and confidence. To date, Crexi has subsidized over $2.74 trillion in property value, 26 billion square feet listed, and supports a growing community of more than 23 million yearly users.

On this episode of Taking the Lead we talk with Margaret and Lisa who are co-raising a Future Leader Dog together. They share their experience as co-raisers and the unconventional way they met!

On this episode we talk with Jeannine Penzone, is a certified orientation and mobility specialist and a certified vision rehabilitation therapist at Leader Dogs for the Blind to give us an update on the Unmet Needs survey.

On this episode we talk with Tony Stephens the Assistant Vice President of Communications at the American Foundation for the Blind. With over 30 years of experience in management and communications for the nonprofit sector, he has spearheaded advocacy for national organizations such as the American Council of the Blind and National Industries for the Blind.

On this episode we talk with Lynn Gautreaux served as the Director of Orientation and Mobility at the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired and the statewide Director of O&M and Visually Impaired Services for Louisiana until his retirement after 30 years of service. His first association with Leader Dog was as a guest orientation and mobility instructor in 2006 and lucky for us he keeps coming back.

It's the start of a new Taking the Lead season! On this episode we talk with cohost Timothy Cuneio who is on campus for brush up instruction of his O&M skills along with his instructor COMS Garret Waldie.

20260120 RS Vendor check-in - Leader Dog innovations Originally broadcasted January 20, 2026, on ACB Media 6 Scott introduced Leslie Hoskins from Leader Dogs, the speaker that month. She highlighted some new innovations they then offered for giving orientation to blind clients with or without a guide dog. They also assisted folks moving into a new community or work situation. Sponsored by: Randolph Sheppard Vendors of America

We sit down with Guide Dog Mobility Instructor Katie Wattles, who brings over 20 years of experience, to explain the art and science behind matching a client with the right guide dog.

On this episode we talk with client Luis Sanchez about his journey with blindness and receiving services at Leader Dog.

We take a closer look at what it truly means to be ready for a guide dog. 

Donors don't remember stats. They remember how you made them feel!My keynote titled "Casting Your Donors in a Lead Role: The Power of Immersion," which I delivered last week at the Nonprofit Storytelling Conference, generated so much conversation. Last week, I witnessed 800 nonprofit professionals moved to tears and action by stories that make our missions come alive.It's clear our field is hungry for ways to move beyond transactions and ignite true empathy.From water walks to blindfolded dinners, immersive donor experiences can change everything.Here's what I know: Donors want to feel your mission, not just fund it. In this episode, I share some inspiring examples (charity: water, Leader Dogs for the Blind, Covenant House Michigan, and MADD) that have changed my perspective on fundraising.Donor empathy skyrockets, support deepens, and fundraising transforms.Listen and share it with your leadership and team or a colleague!Review my show: Please review my show. After you click the link, scroll to the bottom, first tap to rate with five stars, and then tap “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you liked most about this particular episode or how you find my podcast helpful, valuable, insightful, or inspiring in some way. Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.

On this episode we talk with Stephanie Enyart the Chief Public Policy and Research Officer at the American Foundation for the Blind.

In this episode, we talk with client Jeff Petersen, who came to Leader Dog for both orientation and mobility as well as a guide dog. He shares his experiences with blindness and how our programs have impacted his journey. 

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. 

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. 

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

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.

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

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.

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

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 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. 

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

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

On this episode we talk with Leader Dog Client Mark Hymes who is the Community Program Manager for Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston about his role. 

On this episode we talk with client Dr. Allison Weinmann about her experience at Leader Dog. 

We talk with Dr. Gail McRae, Leader Dog's first Theriogenologist about her work at the organization.

On this episode we talk with Leader Dogs for the Blind's new Psychosocial Support Manager.

On this episode we talk with Sam Seavey from the Blind Life YouTube channel about his work teaching others about emerging technology in the blindness and low vision field. Find Same on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@theblindlife

On this episode Leader Dogs for the Blind CEO and President Melissa Weisse joins us to talk about one year in her position. 

On this episode we talk with a volunteer who is working to recruit puppy raisers and breeding hosts for Leader Dogs for the Blind.

Happy 2025! In this first episode of the new season, cohost Christina Hepner has big news to share! We also talk with a client who is also a Leader Dog team member about her journey with Leader Dog.

On this episode we take a look back at the last 3 years of the podcast. 

On this shorter episode we catch up with Timothy on his journey from when he first came to Leader Dog until now and share about our programs and services. 

On this episode we have cohost Timothy Cuneio in studio! We catch up on life and talk about tips for navigating the holidays.

On this episode we talk with two of six Leader Dog team members who are co-raising a Future Leader Dog. 

On this episode we talk with Dr. Graeme Harper who is a Leader Dog ambassador who's established a student organization of puppy raisers at the college campus he works at. 

On this episode we talk with Jill Gaus is a Leader Dog client and board member. She is a licensed nurse, educator and longtime advocate for individuals who are DeafBlind. 

We talk with Alan Spaulding, a Leader Dog client who first came to Leader Dog during our 50th anniversary back in 1986 and has had a total of 6 Leader Dogs! 

On this episode we talk with volunteer Eric Walters about his volunteer role as a client and puppy driver for Leader Dogs for the Blind.

We talk with team member Beth Dahlke and her father Karl who was a Leader Dog client back in the 1990's. 

We talk with Client Erica Rodman on her journey to Leader, her work with disability awareness and advocacy work in her community.

This week we're sitting down with Dani Landolt, the first-ever Chief Impact Officer at Leader Dogs for the Blind! We talk with her about her new position and the work she's doing at Leader Dog. 

On this episode we talk with a GDMI and client services representative about things to consider if getting a guide dog when going to college. We also somewhat settle an ongoing debate on the podcast.