What It's Really Like with Molly Burke

What It’s Really Like is a podcast hosted by Molly Burke, who draws on her lived experience as a blind woman to go beyond the superficial and uncover the unexpected stories behind fascinating lives. Each episode features honest, revealing conversations with people whose experiences challenge assumptions and change the way we see the world. Prepare to drop the stereotypes, forget the taboo, and open your mind. It’s a show for thoughtful listeners who know every story is more complicated than it appears. For people who listen with empathy, think with openness, and always leave room to be surprised. Expect funny, intimate, and unpredictable stories that are impossible to pause. From pop-culture personalities and remarkable public figures to people who have lived through the unimaginable, every guest brings unexpected turns and unforgettable revelations. Molly built her career by being raw and vulnerable, and she has seen the real-world impact that can have. Now, she is creating a space that empowers others to share with that same openness. Molly believes that when we understand one another better, we build compassion, bridge divides, and realize we have far more in common than we think. Raw, captivating, and deeply human, What It’s Really Like is for people who are more curious than certain—and who know the most fascinating stories begin when we make room for the awkward question.

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  1. Sep 18

    What It's Really Like Training a Guide Dog for a Blind Person

    In this episode of What It's Really Like, I sit down with a professional guide dog trainer from Guide Dogs of America whose career path is anything but ordinary. Before training guide dogs, she worked as an animal trainer at Universal Studios and spent time training animals at a zoo — experience that now shapes the incredible, highly specialized work she does helping guide dogs prepare to become the eyes of a blind or visually impaired handler. I talk with her about what it actually takes to train a guide dog, the differences between training animals for entertainment versus training for lifesaving service work, and the emotional and technical skill it takes to prepare a dog for one of the most important jobs there is. We also dig into what it's like learning to work with a blind person — the trust, communication, and adjustments that go into that process from the trainer's side. Guide Dogs of America provides expertly trained guide dogs, service dogs, and facility dogs to people in need — completely free of charge, thanks to volunteers, staff, and generous donors.   Learn more about Guide Dogs of America: https://www.guidedogsofamerica.org/   Pre-order my children's book, Eltie Takes the Lead! A heartwarming story inspired by the journey of a guide dog puppy, perfect for young readers who love animals and big hearts.  Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/eltie-takes-the-lead-molly-burke/1149412262?ean=9781419778230 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1419778234?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallbackThank you for supporting this episode and the incredible work of guide dog puppy raisers everywhere!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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About

What It’s Really Like is a podcast hosted by Molly Burke, who draws on her lived experience as a blind woman to go beyond the superficial and uncover the unexpected stories behind fascinating lives. Each episode features honest, revealing conversations with people whose experiences challenge assumptions and change the way we see the world. Prepare to drop the stereotypes, forget the taboo, and open your mind. It’s a show for thoughtful listeners who know every story is more complicated than it appears. For people who listen with empathy, think with openness, and always leave room to be surprised. Expect funny, intimate, and unpredictable stories that are impossible to pause. From pop-culture personalities and remarkable public figures to people who have lived through the unimaginable, every guest brings unexpected turns and unforgettable revelations. Molly built her career by being raw and vulnerable, and she has seen the real-world impact that can have. Now, she is creating a space that empowers others to share with that same openness. Molly believes that when we understand one another better, we build compassion, bridge divides, and realize we have far more in common than we think. Raw, captivating, and deeply human, What It’s Really Like is for people who are more curious than certain—and who know the most fascinating stories begin when we make room for the awkward question.

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