Angie and Kimberly are joined by Bonnie Archibald, Associate Director of Mira USA, for a grounded conversation about guide dogs for blind youth and what truly goes into placing a dog with a child or teen. Mira USA focuses exclusively on blind youth ages 11 to 17, serving families at a point where independence starts to matter in very real ways.

Bonnie explains Mira USA’s rigorous application process, why training takes place in Canada, and how their Labernese dogs are bred and matched with young handlers. She shares what happens after training ends, when kids return to school, navigate social spaces, and begin moving through the world with a level of confidence that often surprises the people around them.

The episode also explores the responsibility that comes with giving a child a guide dog, the expectations placed on families, and why Mira USA is intentional about who they serve and how they grow. Bonnie reflects on her own journey to the organization and what keeps her committed to work that demands patience, structure, and long term follow through.

This conversation offers a clear look at how guide dog placement for blind youth works, without glossing over the effort required to make it successful.

Contact Mira USA:

Website: https://mirausa.org

Events and Fundraising: https://miraevents.org

Email: info@mirausa.org

Phone: 910-691-0438

Angie and Kimberly are back behind the mics, and this week they’re joined by Greg, who brings both wit and wisdom to a conversation about life on the move when you’re blind. From his trusty cane days, to teaming up with his guide dog Vader (yes, like that Vader), Greg shares how each tool shaped his independence, freedom, and even the way strangers interact with him.

But Greg doesn’t stop there. He also introduces us to the Glide, a cutting edge mobility device blending AI smarts, cameras, and obstacle detection into one sleek package. Could it be the future of navigation for blind travelers who want something beyond a dog or cane? You’ll hear Greg break it down in a way that’s funny, relatable, and packed with real life perspective.

Along the way, Angie and Greg swap stories about public misconceptions, first impressions, and the responsibility of being the “first blind person” someone meets. Kimberly keeps the conversation flowing with sharp questions, making sure no stone is left unturned.

It’s an episode that’s equal parts practical advice, personal storytelling, and a peek into the future of accessibility tech. Whether you’re team cane, team dog, or curious about what’s next, you’ll come away seeing mobility through a whole new lens.

Season 6 kicks off with a jam-packed conversation featuring Angie, Kimberly, and Danny. Angie shares her powerful experience attending the Uber/Lyft protest that took place on White Cane Day 2024, touching on the impact it had and the meaningful connections she made with blind creators on TikTok.

The trio dives deep into the world of guide dogs—from the emotional bond between handler and dog to the tough decisions around whether or not to get one. They explore common hesitations, the responsibilities of maintaining a guide dog’s training and hygiene, and the reality of facing ride-share denials. The conversation also tackles how handlers navigate cultural misconceptions about dogs, and the ongoing work of educating the public and drivers alike.

Expect personal stories about Angie’s guide dog Draco and Danny’s former guide Teeva, a breakdown of guide dog schools versus privately trained dogs, and a real look at the challenges and triumphs of life with a working dog. If you’ve ever wanted the full picture of what it takes to own, trust, and advocate for a guide dog, this episode covers it all.