Join Ben Shaberman as he speaks with Nicolai Priebe and Eric Brinkman about the profound impact their guide dogs, Winsome and Charlie, have had on their daily lives. Nic shares how Winsome has given him increased confidence, independence, and motivation to go out more, while also serving as a helpful social bridge in public settings. Eric reflects on Charlie’s loyalty, reliability, and ability to help him navigate the complexities of city life, sharing humorous and memorable moments that highlight the dog’s intelligence and awareness.
Both Nicolai and Eric emphasize the emotional bond they share with their guide dogs. Beyond navigation, these companions provide comfort, emotional support, and joy, offering a loving presence at the end of the day or during challenging moments.
This episode highlights the extraordinary role guide dogs play, combining independence, safety, and companionship for those who rely on them.
Join Ben Shaberman with Jeanyne Gembarski, Region Puppy Instructor in the Puppy Raising Program, and Annemarie Seifert, volunteer Puppy Raiser, both from Guiding Eyes for the Blind, as they take you behind the scenes of raising and training guide dogs.
They walk through the two-year journey from puppy raising to guide dog graduation, sharing what it takes to care for, bond with, and build trust with these extraordinary animals. Jeanyne and Annemarie discuss daily responsibilities, challenges, and surprises and share memorable stories from their experiences. Discover how anyone, even without prior dog experience, can become a puppy raiser and support the development of future guide dogs.
This is Part 1 of our two-part guide dog series—stay tuned for Part 2!
In this episode of the Hope in Focus Podcast, host Ben Shaberman is joined by Kara Fick, Director of Patient Advocacy at Atsena Therapeutics, and Andy Bolan, Director of Patient Advocacy at Sepul Bio. Both Kara and Andy work closely with families affected by inherited retinal diseases, helping them better understand the clinical trial process and the realities of drug development.
They share how they entered the field, what patient advocacy looks like day-to-day inside biotech companies, and why this work is essential for bridging the gap between researchers and the patient community. Together, they highlight how advocates support families through the clinical trial journey— making sure the patient voice remains at the center of gene therapy development.
