Published by Steve Cook, Jr.
Welcome to the National Association of Guide Dog Users Division (NAGDU) Unleashed podcast! We hope you will find this podcast informative and provide information to the listener to keep you coming back for more! If you have any suggestions about possible content, send a message to Steve Cook at podcast@nagdu.org
Listen on Apple Podcasts31 min
🎙️ NAGDU Unleashed – August 2026Episode Now Available! Have you ever wondered what it's really like to attend theNational Federation of the Blind National Convention with a guide dog? Then youwon't want to miss this month's episode of NAGDU Unleashed! "Conventioning With Your Guide Dog!" takes listeners inside the 2026 NFB National Convention inAustin, Texas, through the experiences of guide dog handlers who were there. Host Steve Cook is joined by special guests ShannonBritt and Angie Castro as they share their firsthand experiencesnavigating one of the largest gatherings of blind people in the world withtheir guide dogs. Together, they discuss the joys, challenges, and valuablelessons learned while traveling, staying in the convention hotel, attendingsessions, navigating crowded hallways, and ensuring their guide dogs remainedhealthy, comfortable, and ready to work throughout the week. Whether you're preparing to attend your first nationalconvention with a guide dog, are a seasoned convention attendee, or are simplyinterested in learning more about guide dog travel, this episode offerspractical tips, personal stories, and helpful advice that every guide dog usercan appreciate. Tune in today and hear how Shannon and Angie made the mostof their convention experience while partnering with their guide dogs everystep of the way. Thank you for listening to NAGDU Unleashed , theofficial podcast of the National Association of Guide Dog Users, where guidedog users come together to share information, experiences, and resources thatempower our community. Happy listening!
22 min
🐾🎙️ NAGDU Unleashed – Getting YourFirst Guide Dog! 🦮 Have you ever wondered what it's really like to get your first guide dog?What inspired someone to apply, and how did partnering with a guide dog changetheir life? Join us for a brand-new episode of NAGDU Unleashed as we sit down withtwo guide dog handlers who will share their personal journeys of receivingtheir very first guide dog. They'll discuss why they chose to pursue a guidedog, training process was like, the challenges they faced, and the incrediblefreedom and independence their guide dogs have brought to their lives. 🎤 Appreciate Lindsay Kerr and MorganA. Estes volunteering to take time out of there schedules to volunteer forNAGDU Unleashed! Whether you're considering applying for a guide dog, are currently on thewaiting list, recently received your first guide dog, or are simply curiousabout the experience, this episode is for you! We can't wait to have you with us on NAGDU Unleashed!
3 hr 34 min
🎙️🐾 NAGDU Unleashed PodcastAnnouncement 🐾🎙️ Are you preparing to attend the National Federation of the Blind NationalConvention with your guide dog? Then you won't want to miss this specialepisode of NAGDU Unleashed! Join us as we welcome a panel of experienced convention attendees and guide doghandlers who will share their best tips, tricks, and practical advice fornavigating one of the largest gatherings of blind people in the world with aservice dog by your side. 🐕🦺 Featured Guests: ✨Al Elia ✨Stacie Gallegos ✨Elizabeth Campbell In this informative discussion, our guests will cover topics such as: 🏨 Navigating hotels and convention facilities 🚶Managing crowded hallways and exhibit halls 🍽️Dining with your service dog during convention 💧Locating relief areas and maintaining routines 🎒Packing essentials for your service dog 🤝Handling public interactions and distractions 🎉Balancing convention activities while ensuring your dog's needs are met Whether this is your first National Convention or you're a seasoned attendeelooking for fresh ideas, this episode is packed with valuable insights to helpmake your convention experience successful and enjoyable. 🎙️ NAGDU Unleashed – Your source for guide doginformation, advocacy, and community. 🐾 Empowering guide dog users through sharedexperiences and practical knowledge.
45 min
We’re excited to announce this month’s episode of the NAGDU UnleashedPodcast, featuring a discussion on exercising with your guide dog! A special thank you to Donna Permar and Jackie Schiemann for volunteering tojoin us for this episode. They share valuable insights, personal experiences,and practical tips for staying active with your guide dog. While their exerciseroutines may look different from yours, we hope you’ll discover ideas andstrategies that can support you and your guide dog in your own fitness journey. Looking ahead, our June NAGDU Unleashed Podcast will focus on attending theNational Convention with your guide dog. We’ll feature a panel discussiondesigned to help you prepare for convention and ease some of the stress thatcan come with the planning process. Stay tuned for more details!
1 hr 53 min
🎙️ NAGDU Unleashed Podcast: Toys & Games with ServiceDogs 🐾 The National Association of Guide Dog Users is excited tobring you another engaging episode of NAGDU Unleashed ! This time, we’refocusing on a fun and meaningful topic— toys and games for service dogs . Our guide and service dogs work incredibly hard, butplaytime is just as important for their overall well-being. In this episode,we’ll explore a variety of toys, favorite games, and creative ways handlerskeep their dogs happy, active, and mentally enriched while off duty. We’re proud to feature a wonderful panel of experiencedguide dog users: Our panelists will share their personal experiences,favorite activities, and helpful tips to make playtime both fun and rewarding. Whether you’re a guide dog user, service dog handler, orsimply interested in learning more, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
22 min
🎙️ Exciting Guest on NAGDU Unleashed! We are thrilled to welcome Stacie Gallegos as a guest speakeron the latest episode of the NAGDU Unleashed podcast! Staciewill share her insights, experiences, and stories, giving listeners a uniqueperspective on guide dog partnerships and the adventures that come with them. Tune in to hear Stacie’s inspiring journey and learn more about theincredible work happening in the guide dog community. Don’t miss this engagingand informative conversation! 📧 Have questions or comments for Stacie? Sendthem to podcast@NAGDU.org . 🎧Listen on your favorite podcast platform!
37 min
Listen to President Raul as he discusses different situations about guide dogs