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Andrea McCarren

Global Strategy Consultant, Writing & Storytelling Coach. Marathon runner. Cyclist. Service dog raiser. Vegetarian. Grateful.

08/08/2026

Work hard. Play hard.

08/07/2026

Bittersweet news: Nigel has retired at the age of nine! He’s the second service dog I raised and trained in a D.C. newsroom.

Nigel enjoyed an incredible career in Philly with his wonderful human, occupational therapist Peter DeLong.

Nigel brought comfort to patients on their most challenging days, offering a paw to hold, and a reason to smile. That was Nigel’s quiet magic. He never needed words to do his job. Nigel just had to show up, as his sweet, goofy banana-loving self.

Thank you, Nigel and Peter, for showing all of us that service comes in many forms—including two legged and four.

08/05/2026

A brilliant colleague just asked me for five traits that make a great mentor. A few came to mind immediately. What do YOU think?

India has been an amazing experience, but I’m homesick for my dogs, shown here.

08/02/2026

Something I NEVER expected in Delhi (and Jaipur) was the abundance of monkeys I’d see—even in an urban setting.

As an anthropologist by training, I never tire of watching primates in their element—the social dynamics, the mischief, the sheer personality.

A highlight of my journalism career was interviewing the late, great Jane Goodall. Chatting with someone who spent a lifetime showing the world how much of “us” is in “them” is something I’ll never forget.

Also unforgettable: the monkeys who tried to break into my flat. They’re adorable, but can be aggressive.

07/31/2026

India is not for everyone. But if you come with an open mind, you’ll uncover so much beauty and humanity beneath the surface.

On a recent visit to Old Delhi, perhaps the most chaotic place I’ve ever been, we had the opportunity to visit a Sikh Gurudwara (temple).

Inside was a Langar, a community kitchen found in every Sikh temple. Here volunteers prepare 15,000 healthy vegetarian meals a day! They are free for everyone—regardless of their religion, caste, or background.

Meals typically consist of dal (lentil stew), sabzi (vegetable curry), roti (flatbread), and rice.

In a world that spends so much energy deciding who belongs and who doesn’t, the Langar has been quietly answering that question for over 500 years: everyone.

07/29/2026

Dreams do come true… but they don’t happen overnight. You build them, one goal at a time.

Visiting India, including the Taj Mahal, was on my bucket list for as long as I can remember.

Getting here taught me something as important as the destination: the goals that matter most are rarely just about us.

Life is far more meaningful when you help someone else chase their dreams. Working with military veterans for so many years taught me the importance of simply showing up for people when they need it most.

Choose compassion even when it isn’t convenient.

Pursue the impossible. Go after big dreams. The best that come true are ones we didn’t chase alone.

07/28/2026

“This is YOUR temple.”
—Old Delhi rickshaw driver passing a McDonald’s

I laughed. But his words stuck with me.

Like a lot of Americans, I’ve heard mostly stereotypes about India: an entire nation reduced to its poverty, pollution, crime and chaos.

I came here anyway.

What I’ve found in Delhi: 3,000 years of history. Forts and tombs that take your breath away. A culture too diverse to sum up in a single post. Food that’s impossible to forget.

But mostly: the kindness of strangers, reminding me there’s still beauty and light in a world that can feel awfully dark.

Life is about taking chances. No regrets.

07/24/2026

How cool is THIS?! Twenty years ago, during a Harvard Fellowship, I taught journalism to an extraordinary group of students from around the world. One of them was Anant Goenka. He’s now the Executive Director of The Indian Express.

In a full circle moment, I’m now working in the powerhouse newsroom founded by his great grandfather. What humbles me most is that Anant still remembers HOW I taught, not just that I did. What fills me with pride is who HE has become: a leader in a place where journalism comes first.

We’re surrounded by people who care about uncovering the truth and informing their communities. Professionals who view the industry as public service.

Leadership matters. Journalism matters. Now more than ever.

07/18/2026

Bunce is a big brother! 🐾

As many of you know, I never went to war, so always believed the least I can do is raise and train service dogs for someone who has.

I did it to change someone’s life. Turns out, it changed mine too.

The recipients of my pups are now family. Thrilled to share (with permission) that service dog #1, Bunce, has a baby sister!

07/14/2026

My new home away from home: The Indian Express newsroom in Delhi, India. The historic city defies description but I’ll try: Electrifying. Captivating. Intense. And so much beauty amidst the chaos.
Thrilled to serve as a writing, editing and storytelling coach in one of the world’s leading news organizations. Known for its investigative reporting and ‘Journalism of Courage’ motto, Indian Express has been a trusted source of news and information since 1932.
I’m collaborating with journalistic legends—and some of the kindest people I’ve ever met. Check us out: indianexpress.com

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