I Am Ingrid
Actor, writer, and advocate Aria Mia Loberti joins Marcie and Fenway to share the magic behind her new children's book, I Am Ingrid—a heartfelt story that speaks to both kids and adults about the meaningful path to becoming a guide dog. Aria invites us into "Ingrid's world," where courage, identity, and a pair of beloved plastic pearls shine at the center of the tale. In this uplifting and insightful conversation, she explores disability representation, the heart of guide-dog work, and the universal longing to follow our dreams. It's charming, wise, and full of joy—an episode you won't want to miss.
Listen to Episode #205 Now:
BIO:
Ingrid knows she is fabulous. She flies around the world with her person, Aria. Working as a team, they navigate everything from college classes and ancient ruins to movie sets and red carpets. And Ingrid never goes anywhere without her string of pearls. But before Ingrid was the best guide dog there ever was, she was just a small, black puppy with very big paws.
Growing up at Guide Dogs for the Blind, Ingrid saw lots of grown-up dogs wearing special harnesses. They were guide dogs, and they got to help people and go on adventures. Ingrid dreamed of being just like them. But becoming a guide dog isn't easy. It takes a lot of training and hard work. When they are wearing their harnesses, guide dogs must be focused and calm. That means no sniffing strangers, barking, or picking up food from the ground -- no matter how good it smells! But Ingrid was determined to complete her training and become the best guide dog in the world.
This funny and heartwarming illustrated picture book will teach kids what guide dogs do and how they work together with their humans to become an unstoppable team. Plus, the back of the book includes nonfiction information about guide dogs, the spectrum of vision, Aria's life and career, and photos of the real Ingrid -- including her wearing her trademark pearls!