Dad to Dad Podcast

Our guest this week is Nathan Simpson of Colorado Springs, CO an aircraft mission planner for the U.S. Air Force and father of nine children including one with tuberous sclerosis.  Nathan and his wife, Stefanie, have been married for 19 years and are the proud parents of nine children ranging in age from 3 months to 17 years, including six year old Tevia, who has tuberous sclerosis.  The family lives outside of Colorado Springs on a working farm, with all types of animals and Stefanie home schools the children.  Nathan has also been a member of the SFN Matermind Group in Colorado.  It's an enlightening, uplifting and inspiring story about a young couple, with a large family and a demonstrated spiritual dimension to their lives, all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcvJoin 21CD on the SFN U.S. Tour, a 30 day, 50 state, 60+ stop tour taking place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network as well as give away 2,000 copies of our new book.  Click here to see the full tour schedul and register for the venuw closest to you: https://21stcenturydads.org/us-tour-venue-details/ Show Notes - Email – simpson.nathan@pm.meTSA website - https://tuberous-sclerosis.org/information-and-support/what-is-tsc/Special Fathers Network –SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Join the SFN U.S. Tour in one of 60+ locations all across the U.S. from May 21st to June 21st.  Go to www.21stCenturyDads.org for additional informaiton. Please conisder hosting, co-hosting or simoly joining the tour near your home.  Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  

Our guest this week is Mike Schugt of Orlando, FL, a former hotel and hospitality executive, founder of INNclusivity and fahter of two daughters. Mike and his x-wife are the proud parents of two young adult daughters.  After a successful career in the hospitality industry including senior roles at: Hyatt Regency, Hilton Hotels and Teneo Group, Mike has founded INNclusivity, a non-profit whose mission is: empowering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to build meaningful careers in the hospitality industry by creating pathways to independence, purpose, and professional success.It's an inspring story about being a social entrepreneur, taking for-profit principles and bringing them to bear for the benfit of the community all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes -Phone – (407) 973-5253Email – mike@innclusivity.orgWebsite - https://innclusivity.org/Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcvJoin 21CD on the SFN U.S. Tour, a 30 day, 50 state, 60+ stop tour taking place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network as well as give away 2,000 copies of our new book.  Special Fathers Network –SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Join the SFN U.S. Tour in one of 60+ locations all across the U.S. from May 21st to June 21st.  Go to www.21stCenturyDads.org for additional informaiton. Please conisder hosting, co-hosting or simoly joining the tour near your home.  Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  

Our guest this week is Jeff Zaugg of Flagler Beach, FL father of four, former youth pastor, founder of Fathers for the Fatherless, host of the Dad Awesome Podcast and now author of Dad Awesome: Dad Discoveries To Activate Awesomness.  Jeff is a returning podcast guest.  Jeff and his wife, Michelle, have been married for 20 years and are the proud parents of four daughters: Kiva (12), Ruthie (9), Raya (7) and Zara (5).Jeff is the founder of Fathers for the Fatherless a movement to engage men and host activities to raise funds to address the issue of father absence.  Jeff is also host of the Dad Awesome Podcast now with more than 430 weekly episodes.  David Hirsch was featured in episode #274 in April of 2023. https://www.dadawesome.org/blog/274 Jeff has recently published his first book: Dad Awesome: Dad Discoveries To Activate Awesomness. It's well researched and includes six sections: Wonder & Delight, Identity & Sonship, Story & Legacy, Intentionality & Building, Freedom & Healing and Leadership & Activation.  Jeff is a believer, an amazing father and has a true passion for connecting the hearts of fathers to their children.  It's grest to welcome Jeff back to the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Email – jeff@dadawesome.orgWebsite – https://dadawesome.org/Website - https://www.thereelhopeproject.org/about-us/LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffzaugg/Instagram: @dadawesome  @fatherforthefatherless Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dadawesomepodcast/ Book: Dad Awesome - https://www.dadawesome.org/book Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcvJoin 21CD on the SFN U.S. Tour, a 30 day, 50 state, 60+ stop tour taking place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network as well as give away 2,000 copies of our new book.  https://21stcenturydads.org/us-tour-venue-details/ Special Fathers Network –SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 900+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Join the SFN U.S. Tour in one of 60+ locations all across the U.S. from May 21st to June 21st.  Go to www.21stCenturyDads.org for additional informaiton. Please consider hosting, co-hosting or simply joining the tour at a location near you.  Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  

Our guest this week is Andrew Ginsburg of Southport, CT who is a stand-up comedian, author of three books and perhaps most importantly, father of three young children.Andrew and his wife, Rachel Gerber, have been married for 10 years and are the proud parents of three young children: Ben (8), Leo (6) and Remi (4).Professionally Andrew has been a fitness trainer and an accomplished stand-up comedian for more than two decades.  He was also a competitive body builder in his youth.   One of Andrew's gifts is his ability to write and communicate.  He is the author of: Pumping Irony: How to Build Muscle, Lose Weight, and Have the Last Laugh, and two children's books: Critter Caravan, andThe Colors Of My Sky Andrew's passion for being a father is rooted in the complicated relationship he shared with his late father, who was a medic and Lt. Commender in the Navy in Vietnam, a Harvard trained physician and chief of surgery at Forrest Hills. Sadly his dad was catastrophically injured in a jogging accident at 68 that compromised his mobility and intellectual ability the last 15 years of his life. It's an authentic and uplifting story all on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Phone – (917) 576-0919Email – ginsburgnyc@gmail.comWebsite - https://andrewginsburg.com/homeBook – Pumping Irony - https://tinyurl.com/4tzkd346Book - Critter Caravan - https://tinyurl.com/3tt3ndffBook – The Colors Of My Sky - https://tinyurl.com/4h6v8c98Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcvJoin 21CD on the SFN U.S. Tour, a 30 day, 50 state, 60+ stop tour taking place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network as well as give away 2,000 copies of our new book.  Special Fathers Network –SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Join the SFN U.S. Tour in one of 60+ locations all across the U.S. from May 21st to June 21st.  Go to www.21stCenturyDads.org for additional informaiton. Please conisder hosting, co-hosting or simoly joining the tour near your home.  Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  

Our guest this week is Murray Jones of Brisbane. Australia who is the owner of Big Ideas, a creative communications company, a director of Brisbane Investment and Property Management, the father of three including one with autism and host of the A Few Good Men Podcast.Murray and his wife, Pamela, have been married for 30 years and are the proud parents of three: Hayley (20), Bridget (26) and Fred (28) who is autistic and non-verbal. Murray is a seasoned advertising industry veteran with three decades of expereince and is also founder of Brisbane Invest a property management company.  Along with friend and fellow special needs dad, Garry Butler, Murray hosts the A Few Good Men Podcast, which aims to understand some of the very difficult and unexpected journeys that men have experienced when raising children with a disability and the way that has altered the course of their lives.It's and uplifting and inspiring story all on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Phone – +61 419 349 5587Email – murray@bigideasgroup.com.auLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mujones/Hear A few Good Men on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/02iTSEBGmQKZT2u1wrUQnrOrder your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcvJoin 21CD on the SFN U.S. Tour, a 30 day, 50 state, 60+ stop tour taking place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network as well as give away copies of our new book.  Special Fathers Network –SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Join the SFN U.S. Tour in one of 60+ locations all across the U.S. from May 21st to June 21st.  Go to www.21stCenturyDads.org for additional informaiton. Please conisder hosting, co-hosting or simoly joining the tour near your home.  Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  

Our guest this week is Jon Gustin of Nashville, TN who is a writer, content creator, father of two young children and author of the upcoming book: The Tired Dad.Jon and his wife, Jessica, have been married for 12 years and are the proud parents of two children: Dakota (9) and Asher (6).Jon has over two million followers across four platforms including; YouTube, Instagram and his Tired Dad & Tired Mom Podcast, where he shares real moments of fatherhood and the lessons learned. Jon reflects authentically on his rebellion as a youth, overcoming addiction and how being a husband and father have provided him with purpose and a new direction. It's an uplifting story all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Email – thetireddadlife@gmail.comSubstack - https://thetireddad.substack.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetireddad/Book - The Tired Dad - https://tinyurl.com/yck5cwua Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcvJoin 21CD on the SFN U.S. Tour, a 30 day, 50 state, 60+ stop tour taking place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network as well as give away copies of our new book.  Special Fathers Network –SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Join the SFN U.S. Tour in one of 60+ locations all across the U.S. from May 21st to June 21st.  Go to www.21stCenturyDads.org for additional informaiton. Please conisder hosting, co-hosting or simoly joining the tour near your home.  Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  

Our guest this week is Pat Wire, of Crystal Lake, IL a social studies teacher at Barrington High School, long-time head coach of the Barrington Broncos High School varsity baseball team and father of four, including a son with autism.Pat and his wife, Leane, are the proud parents of four children: Gabrielle (19), Bobbi (17), Shaelyn (12) and Preston (11) who is autistic and non-verbal.Pat has been coaching for nearly three decades and at the high school level for more than two decades.  Pat reflects on how much Preston has taught him about; parenting, patience, himself and what's important in life.  The big take away?  Parents of a child with special abilities need to use the child's yardstick to measure the child's progress vs. the one they might have used for themselves.  We'll hear all about Pat, his open and transparent views on parenting and life, all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Phone – (847) 754-0138Email – PWire@barrington220.orgOrder your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcvJoin 21CD on the SFN U.S. Tour, a 30 day, 50 state, 60+ stop tour taking place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network as well as give away copies of our new book.  Special Fathers Network –SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Join the SFN U.S. Tour in one of 60+ locations all across the U.S. from May 21st to June 21st.  Go to www.21stCenturyDads.org for additional informaiton. Please conisder hosting, co-hosting or simoly joining the tour near your home.  Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  

Our guest this week is Matt Might of Birmingham, AL who is the director of the Hugh Kaul Precision Medicine Institute at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a researcher, author, TEDx presenter and perhaps most importantly, father of three, including a son with NGLY1 Deficiency.Matt and his x-wife, Cristina, are the proud parents of three children: Winston (10), Victoria (14) and Bertrand who was born in 2007 and very sadly passed away in in 2020 at age 12.  Bertrand was born with an ultra-rare genetic disorder known as NGLY1 Deficiency, which prohibits the creation of the enzyme N-Glycanase 1.  At the time of diagnosis, NGLY1 Deficiency was so rare, Bertrand was considered an N of 1, the only person known to have this particular condition. Matt was a tenured computer science professor.  Motivated to find a cure for his son he pivoted into the world of precision medicine.  Through a brilliant blog post entitled: 'Hunting Down My Killer' they were able to find seven more children with NGLY1.  Matt also gave a gave a highly informative and well delivered TEDx Talk. We also learn about NORD (National Organization for Rare Disease), the Great Science Foundation and NCATS (National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences) within the National Health Institute.   All on this epsiode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Phone – (404) 376-3204Email – matt@might.netWebsite – matt.might.netLinkedIn –   https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewmight/TEDx Talk  https://www.ted.com/talks/matt_might_being_an_accidental_pioneer_in_precision_medicine Blog – blog.might.netOrder your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcvJoin 21CD on the SFN U.S. Tour, a 30 day, 50 state, 60+ stop tour taking place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network as well as give away copies of our new book.  Special Fathers Network –SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Join the SFN U.S. Tour in one of 60+ locations all across the U.S. from May 21st to June 21st.  Go to www.21stCenturyDads.org for additional informaiton. Please conisder hosting, co-hosting or simoly joining the tour near your home.  Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  

Our guest this week is Justin DeVault of Algonquin, IL a data analyst and father of three including one with Autism and the loss of their oldest at 15 years of age two years ago.  This is a follow up interview to the interview Justin did in June of 2022.  Justin and his wife, Margaret, have been married for 21 years and are the proud parents of three; Hazel (7), Alice (9) and Henry, who would be 17, but very sadly passed away two years ago.  Hazel has Autism and Henry had a brain stroke shortly after birth, that lead to the loss of his sight and impaired his neurological development.Justin reflects on the loss of Henry, the value of therapy and the ongoing challenges of raising a daughter with autim, that lead to the difficult decision of a residential placement, for a pre-teen, at the Genesee Lake School in Oconomowoc, WI. Justin, thank you for sharing the update and sincere condolences to your family on the loss of Henry.  All on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Email – pasteboardmask@gmail.com LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-devault-373043b9/ Therapeutic Residential School - https://www.geneseelakeschool.com/Dream Riders TLC - https://www.dreamriderstlc.com Clearbrook Arlington Heights - https://www.clearbrook.org Thumbuddy Special - https://www.thumbuddyspecial.orgJune 2022 SFN Dad To Dad Podcast - https://21stcenturydads.org/205-justin-devault-of-algonquin-il-the-father-of-three-including-a-daughter-with-autism-son-who-suffered-a-brain-stroke/ Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcvJoin 21CD on the SFN U.S. Tour, a 30 day, 50 state, 60+ stop tour taking place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network as well as give away copies of our new book.  Special Fathers Network –SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Join the SFN U.S. Tour in one of 60+ locations all across the U.S. from May 21st to June 21st.  Go to www.21stCenturyDads.org for additional informaiton. Please conisder hosting, co-hosting or simoly joining the tour near your home.  Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  

Our guest this week is Dan Roth of San Diego, CA who is a seasoned human resource consultant, professional speaker and perhaps most importantly, father of twin girls, who are both autistic. Dan and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for 8 years and are the proud parents of 6 ½ year old twin daughters Haley & Brooklyn, who are autistic.In addition to being the parent to young autistic twins daughters, Dan has become somewhat of an expert in the area of body dysmorphia, which he experienced as a child and young adult.  On January 30, 2026, Dan was privileged to make a TEDx Talk at the Houston Dream To Dare event.  The topic of his talk was: How We Can Shape our Children through Transparency.It's an authentic and upligting story that deserves more attention all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Phone – (619) 455-7484Email – dan.roth4@gmail.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/danrothstrategy/TEDx Talk How We Can Shape our Children through Transparency - https://www.tedxthirdward.com/Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcvJoin 21CD on the SFN U.S. Tour, a 30 day, 50 state, 60+ stop tour taking place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network as well as give away copies of our new book.  Special Fathers Network –SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Join the SFN U.S. Tour in one of 60+ locations all across the U.S. from May 21st to June 21st.  Go to www.21stCenturyDads.org for additional informaiton. Please conisder hosting, co-hosting or simoly joining the tour near your home.  Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  

Our guest this week is Rob Floyd of Franklin, TN a master mixologist, TV host, author and father of five including a daughter who has Moyamoya.Rob and his wife, Megan, have married for 20 years and are the proud parents of five children: Joseph (29), Robbie (28), Ella (14), Indego (11) and Anges (5).  Indego is the one with Moyamoya, a rare progressive brain disease.   The older two are from Rob's first marriage, which resulted in him becoming a single custodial father. Professionally, Rob is a mixologist (yes he makes drinks for a living).  He does this on TV as part of the Bar Rescue franchise and aboard dozens of Princess Cruises on an annual basis. Rob is also author of the book, Sip At Sea: A Princess Cruises Cocktail Collection From Celebrity Mixologist Rob Floyd.  Rob also shares some terrific stories, including how he became good freinds with people like Brad Pitt when they were both very early in their careers doing commercials for Mountain Dew. It's a very uplifting story and one that should be enjoyed with a cocktail or mocktail, all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Email – robfloyd@robfloydent.comLinkedIn –   https://www.linkedin.com/in/drinkwithrob/Instagram – @drinkwithrobBook – Sip At Sea -  https://tinyurl.com/2pw8eunxMoyamoya World Alliance - https://www.moyamoya.org/living-with-moyamoyaMountain Dew Commercial - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9miyq8nutMOrder your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcvJoin 21CD on the SFN U.S. Tour, a 30 day, 50 state, 60+ stop tour taking place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network as well as give away copies of our new book.  Special Fathers Network –SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Join the SFN U.S. Tour in one of 60+ locations all across the U.S. from May 21st to June 21st.  Go to www.21stCenturyDads.org for additional informaiton. Please conisder hosting, co-hosting or simoly joining the tour near your home.  Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/Special thanks to SFN Mentor Father, SFN Mastermind Group dad and 21CD board member Shane Madden for creating the SFN jingle on the front and back end of the podcast..

Our guest this week is Matt Shepherd of Emporia, KS who is President and CEO of Midwest Evaluation & Research and father of two adopted children including one with developmental delays. Matt and his wife, Brenda, have been married for 35 years and are the proud parents of two adopted children; Jeremy (26) and Bonnie (25) who has high emotional intelligence as well as development delays.Professionally, Matt is owner of Midwest Evaluations and Research, a consulting firm that helps community-based organizations, foundations, schools, and governments evaluate and improve their programs.  Along the way he has developed a high level of experience and expertise doing research for and evaluation of fatherhood programs. Matt is also to the founder and former board chair of Social Innovation Labratory, a non-profit that drives community-led change through partnerships and research to build equitable, innovative, and sustainable systems.Matt also founded Caerus Place for Woman, based in Souix Falls, SD to provide safe housing, compassionate support, and pathways to stability and independence for women in crisis.We'll hear all about Matt's work and family on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Phone – (620) 757-9101Email – Matt.Shepherd@Midwestevaluation.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-shepherd-86594056/Company – https://midwestevaluation.com/Social Innovation Labs – https://www.socialinnovationlab.org/Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcvSpecial Fathers Network –SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Join the SFN U.S. Tour in one of 60+ locations all across the U.S. from May 21st to June 21st.  Go to www.21stCenturyDads.org for additional informaiton. Please conisder hosting, co-hosting or simoly joining the tour near your home.  Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/Special thanks to SFN Mentor Father, SFN Mastermind Group dad and 21CD board member Shane Madden for creating the SFN jingle on the front and back end of the podcast..

Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcvOur guest this week is Mike Griffiths of San Francisco, CA an Executive Vice-President at CBRE, a real estate management firm and father of two children including one with KCNB1, a very rare genetic disorder.Mike and his wife, Julia, have been married for 17 years and are the proud parents of two children, daughter Rowe (9) and son, Hall (14) who has KCNB1, a very rare genetic disorder associated with severe developmental delays, intellectual disability, and various types of seizures.Hall and the family have benefited from a number of organizations including; the KCNB1 Foundation,  Support for Families with Disabilities, and Best Buddies to name a few.  Mike has also participated in some endurance cycling events to raise funds for charity.  Mike is very authentic about parenting a child with a wide range of physical, intellectual and emotional challenges.  We'll hear about that and more on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Phone – (415) 407-7782Email – michael.w.griffiths@gmail.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-griffiths-63a87/KCNB1 Foundation – http://www.kcnb1.org/Best Buddies - https://www.bestbuddies.org/Special Fathers Network –SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcvJoin the SFN U.S. Tour in one of 60+ locations all across the U.S. from May 21st to June 21st.  Go to www.21stCenturyDads.org for additional informaiton.  Please conisder hosting, co-hosting or simoly joining the tour near your home.  Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/Special thanks to SFN Mentor Father, SFN Mastermind Group dad and 21CD board member Shane Madden for creating the SFN jingle on the front and back end of the podcast..

Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcvOur guest this week is Patton Dodd, of San Antonio,TX who is the Executive Director of the H.E. Butt Foundation, author and father of three. Patton and his wife, Michaela, have married for 26 years and are the proud parents of three children: Isabell (22), Henry (18) and Luisa (15).Occupationally, Patton is the executive director of the H.E. Butt Foundation.  Since the 1930s, the foundation has served people in Texas and beyond in various ways according to the needs of the time, including improving literacy and mental health care, funding recreation and camps, hosting ecumenical Christian retreats at Laity Lodge, at Laity Lodge, and partnering with other organizations that serve families and children.Patton a longtime journalist and essayist is also author of the book: The Father You Get And The Ones You Make, Believe In And Become, a reflective and deeply personal exploration of how men inherit, reinterpret, and ultimately choose the models of fatherhood that shape their own identity as dads.It's an enlightening and houghtful conversation about fathering all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Phone – (719) 325-6965Email – pattondodd@gmail.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattondodd/Substack – https://pattondodd.substack.com/H.E. Butt Foundation - https://hebfdn.org/The Father You Get And The Ones You Make, Believe In And Become - https://tinyurl.com/293wx6urSpecial Fathers Network –SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcvCheck out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/Special thanks to SFN Mentor Father, SFN Mastermind Group dad and 21CD board member Shane Madden for creating the SFN jingle on the front and back end of the podcast..

Our guest this week is Christian Pache of Thousand Oaks, CA who is a seasoned financial service IT manager, Angelman Syndrome Foundation board member and father of two including one with Angelman Syndrome & Autism.Christian and his wife, Anna, have been married for 24 years and are the proud parents of twenty-year old twins: Chloe and Aidan, who has Angelman Syndrome and Autism.Born, raised and educated in Germany, Christian immigrated to the U.S. for work in NYC.  A number of years later he met Anna, married and they started their family.  Work opportuinteis took them across the country. Informed about Angelman Syndrome as the result of Aidan's diagnosis and with a deep passion for helping others and wanting to give back, the couple has been active within the Angelman Syndrome Foundation, where Christian now serves as a board member.  It's an uplifting story about family and service to others, all on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast. Show LinksPhone – (917) 882-0562Email – cpache@gmail.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-pache/Angelman Syndrome Foundation - https://angelman.org/  Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics -  https://cureangelman.org/Special Fathers Network –SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/Special thanks to SFN Mentor Father, SFN Mastermind Group dad and 21CD board member Shane Madden for creating the SFN jingle on the front and back end of the podcast..

Our guest this week is Brad Meshell, a wealth advisor, executive director of Jacob's Audible and father of three, including an autistic son. Brad and his wife, Jaime, have been married for seven years and are the proud parents of three children: Jailyn (18), Jackson (4) and Jacob (7) who is Autistic. Brad is also the founder and executive director of Jabob's Audible, a non-profit founded in 2022, whose mission is: Supporting Autistic Kids, Empowering Parents and Building Community.  Some of their events include: Pictures With Santa, Ammo For Autism Clay Shoot and the 444 Mile Walk, Bike, Run.Some of Brad's gifts include his authenticity and his reslience.  It's a frank discussion where Brad tells of his journey of having a child with special needs all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Links Phone – (615) 589-9898Email – brad@jacobsaudible.orgLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-meshell-a956b21b6/Jacob's Audible - https://www.jacobsaudible.org/Special Fathers Network –SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/Special thanks to SFN Mentor Father, SFN Mastermind Group dad and 21CD board member Shane Madden for creating the SFN jingle on the front and back end of the podcast..

Our guest this week is Hugh Hempel, a technology industry veteran turned health care entrepreneur and father of identical twin daughters with Niemann Pick Type C.Hugh and his wife Chris, have been married for 25 years and are the proud parents of identical twin daughters Addison & Cassidy.  The girls were born in January 2004 and were both diagnosed with Niemann Pick Type C, a type of childhood ALS, a very rare neurogenerative disease.  Despite heroic efforts to find a cure and treatments, very sadly the twins passed away in 2019 at age 15.After a successful tech career that included working at: IBM, Apple and Netscape, to name a few, and as a result of the twins' diagnosis, Hugh & Chris became outspoken advocates for rare disease research.  They also created the Addi & Cassidy Fund, a resource for families impacted by Niemann Pick, Cyclodextrin, and a myriad of stories, and resources for families impacted by a wide range of rare diseases.  Hugh has also served in a wide range of leadership positions, including Solutions Therapuetics, Sparkpr, Parent Advocist, N=1 Collaboration and Strainz.  In January 2015 Hugh gave a TEDx Talk presentation entitled: Why I Changed My Mind About Medical Cannabis, coincidentally on Addi & Cassidy's 11th birthday.  We'll hear about the Hempel family and about Hugh and Chris' quest to find a cure and treatments for  rare and ultra rare diseases, all on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast.  This is the final sintallment of this two part interview. Show Links Phone - (775) 338-4844Email – Hugh@Hempelfamily.com LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughhempel/?skipRedirect=true Website – N=1 Collaboration – https://www.n1collaborative.org/Website – Addi & Cassie Fund - https://addiandcassi.com/TEDx Talk – Why I Changed My Mind About Medical Cannabis (January2015) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N8QMeIsX2c&t=1sDr. Sanjay Gupta CNN story (11.22.14) -https://vimeo.com/420572177?fl=pl&fe=vlMayo Clinic NPT1 - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/niemann-pick/symptoms-causes/syc-20355887MIPLYFFA Website - https://miplyffa.com/Special Fathers Network –SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/Special thanks to SFN Mentor Father, SFN Mastermind Group dad and 21CD board member Shane Madden for creating the SFN jingle on the front and back end of the podcast.. 

Our guest this week Hugh Hempel of Denver, CO, a technology industry veteran turned health care entrepreneur and father of identical twin daughters with Niemann Pick Type C.Hugh and his wife Chris, have been married for 25 years and are the proud parents of identical twin daughters Addison & Cassidy.  The girls were born in January 2004 and were both diagnosed with Niemann Pick Type C, a type of childhood ALS, a very rare neurogenerative disease.  Despite heroic efforts to find a cure and treatments, very sadly the twins passed away in 2019 at age 15.After a successful tech career that included working at: IBM, Apple and Netscape to name a few, and as a result of the twins' diagnosis, Hugh & Chris became outspoken advocates for rare disease research.  They also created the Addi & Cassidy Fund, a resource for families impacted by Niemann Pick, Cyclodextrin, and a myriad of stories, and resources for families impacted by a wide range of rare diseases.  Hugh has also served in a wide range of leadership positions, including Solutions Therapuetics, Sparkpr, Parent Advocist, N=1 Collaboration and Strainz.  In January 2015 Hugh gave a TEDx Talk presentation entitled: Why I Changed My Mind About Medical Cannabis, coincidentally on Addi & Cassidy's 11th birthday.  We'll hear about the Hempel family and about Hugh and Chris' quest to find a cure and treatments for  rare and ultra rare diseases, all on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast.  This is Part 1 of a two part interview. Show Links Phone - (775) 338-4844Email – Hugh@Hempelfamily.com LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughhempel/?skipRedirect=true Website – N=1 Collaboration – https://www.n1collaborative.org/Website – Addi & Cassie Fund - https://addiandcassi.com/TEDx Talk – Why I Changed My Mind About Medical Cannabis (January2015) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N8QMeIsX2c&t=1sDr. Sanjay Gupta CNN story (11.22.14) -https://vimeo.com/420572177?fl=pl&fe=vlMayo Clinic NPT1 - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/niemann-pick/symptoms-causes/syc-20355887MIPLYFFA Website - https://miplyffa.com/Special Fathers Network –SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/Special thanks to SFN Mentor Father, SFN Mastermind Group dad and 21CD board member Shane Madden for creating the SFN jingle on the front and back end of the podcast.. 

Our guest this week is Mike Kinner of Colorado Springs, CO who is the founder of Air-O-Sport and father of three including a son with microcephaly.Mike and his wife, Stephanie, have been married for 12 years and are the proud parents of three children: daughters; Elieyanah (1) and McKenzie (9) as well as son, Samuel (6) who has microcephaly, which is linked to several disorders, including; epilepsy, cerebral palsy, being deaf, visually impaired and non-verbal.Mike is the founder of Air-O-Sport, a unique fast-paced, non-contact team game where players pass and throw a lightweight ring through the air to score points by hitting targets or completing passes in a defined zone. It blends elements of basketball, ultimate frisbee, and handball, emphasizing agility, teamwork, and quick decision-making.We learn about the Kinner family, their love for Samuel and the energy they bring to life, all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Phone – (719) 243-9111Email – mike@playairosport.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikekinner/Website - https://playairosport.com/Special Fathers Network –SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/Special thanks to SFN Mentor Father, SFN Mastermind Group dad and 21CD board member Shane Madden for creating the SFN jingle on the front and back end of the podcast.. 

Our guest this week is John O'Leary of St. Louis MO who is a motivational speaker, bestselling author, host of the Live Inspired Podcast, the subject of the recently released major motion picture SOUL ON FIRE and perhaps most importantly, the father of four children.John and his wife, Beth, have married for 22 years and are the proud parents of four children ages 14 to 20.At age nine, John was badly burned in a horrific gasoline fire, leaving him with third-degree burns on more than 80% of his body.  Given less than 1/2 of 1% chance of survival, he somehow beat the odds. Central to John's story is the role Jack Buck, the iconic St. Louis Cardinals sportcaster, played in John's life. After graduating from St. Louis University and a 15 year career in real estate, John became a motvational speaker and two-time best selling author of the books: ·       On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life·       In  Awe: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning, and JoyThe theatrical release of the movie Soul On Fire took place in October 2025, which is an inspiring true story about John, who survives a devastating childhood burn accident and transforms unimaginable suffering into a life of gratitude, resilience, and purpose—showing how hope, faith, and human connection can triumph over tragedy.  The movie is now streaming on: Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube and elsewhere.  This is Part 2 of the interview with John O'Leary, a story about faith, family and perseverance, on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes – Email – jo@johnolearyinspires.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-o-leary-08b2805/Website –  https://johnolearyinspires.com/Book – On Fire: The Seven Chocies To Ignite A Radically Ispired Life – https://tinyurl.com/vn5d733u Book – In Awe: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning, and Joy – https://tinyurl.com/4h4duvjtMovie – Soul On Fire Trailer –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslVGLETWpsSpecial Fathers Network –SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/Special thanks to SFN Mentor Father, SFN Mastermind Group dad and 21CD board member Shane Madden for creating the SFN jingle on the front and back end of the podcast.. 

Our guest this week is John O'Leary of St. Louis MO who is a motivational speaker, bestselling author, host of the Live Inspired Podcast, the subject of the recently released major motion picture SOUL ON FIRE and perhaps most importantly, the father of four children.John and his wife, Beth, have married for 22 years and are the proud parents of four children ages 14 to 20.At age nine, John was badly burned in a horrific gasoline fire, leaving him with third-degree burns on more than 80% of his body.  Given less than 1/2 of 1% chance of survival, he somehow beat the odds. Central to John's story is the role Jack Buck, the iconic St. Louis Cardinals sportcaster, played in John's life. After graduating from St. Louis University and a 15 year career in real estate, John became a motvational speaker and two-time best selling author of the books: ·       On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life·       In  Awe: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning, and JoyThe theatrical release of the movie Soul On Fire took place in October 2025, which is an inspiring true story about John, who survives a devastating childhood burn accident and transforms unimaginable suffering into a life of gratitude, resilience, and purpose—showing how hope, faith, and human connection can triumph over tragedy.  The movie is now streaming on: Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube and elsewhere.  This is Part 1 of the interview with John O'Leary, a story about faith, family and perseverance, on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes – Email – jo@johnolearyinspires.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-o-leary-08b2805/Website –  https://johnolearyinspires.com/Book – On Fire: The Seven Chocies To Ignite A Radically Ispired Life – https://tinyurl.com/vn5d733u Book – In Awe: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning, and Joy – https://tinyurl.com/4h4duvjtMovie – Soul On Fire Trailer –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslVGLETWpsSpecial Fathers Network –SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: “I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through.”SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/Special thanks to SFN Mentor Father, SFN Mastermind Group dad and 21CD board member Shane Madden for creating the SFN jingle on the front and back end of the podcast.. 

Our guest this week is John O'Leary of St. Louis MO who is a motivational speaker, bestselling author, host of the Live Inspired Podcast, the subject of the recently released major motion picture SOUL ON FIRE and perhaps most importantly, the father of four children.John and his wife, Beth, have married for 22 years and are the proud parents of four children ages 14 to 20.At age nine, John was badly burned in a horrific gasoline fire, leaving him with third-degree burns on more than 80% of his body.  Given less than 1/2 of 1% chance of survival, he somehow beat the odds. Central to John's story is the role Jack Buck, the iconic St. Louis Cardinals sportscaster, played in John's life. After graduating from St. Louis University and a 15 year career in real estate, John became a motivational speaker and two-time best selling author of the books: On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired LifeIn  Awe: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning, and JoyThe theatrical release of the movie Soul On Fire took place in October 2025, which is an inspiring true story about John, who survives a devastating childhood burn accident and transforms unimaginable suffering into a life of gratitude, resilience, and purpose—showing how hope, faith, and human connection can triumph over tragedy.  The movie is now streaming on: Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube and elsewhere.  This is Part 1 of the interview with John O'Leary, a story about faith, family and perseverance, on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Email – jo@johnolearyinspires.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-o-leary-08b2805/Website -  https://johnolearyinspires.com/Book - On Fire: The Seven Chocies To Ignite A Radically Ispired Life - https://tinyurl.com/vn5d733u Book - In Awe: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning, and Joy - https://tinyurl.com/4h4duvjtMovie - Soul On Fire Trailer -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslVGLETWpsSpecial Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

Our guest this week is Nick Massie of Los Angeles, CA, a film industry veteran and father of an adult son who is an actor with Cerebral Palsy. Nick and his wife, Michelle, have been married for 29 years and are the proud parents of Cole (28), an actor and member of the Screen Actors Guild, who also has cerebral palsy. Cole was featured in the highly acclaimed movie The Paper Bag Plan, which debuted in 2024.  It's a well told story and Cole gave a heartfelt performance as Billy, a young man with Cerebral Palsy.  The screen play was written and the film was directed by Anthony Lucero.  We also learn about the impact that various organization's have had on Cole's development, including: Canine Companions, Shane's Inspiration, United CP and Ronald McDonald House.  It's an uplifting father-son interview with a cameo appearance from Michelle, all on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast. Show Notes - Phone – (323) 620-3903Email – nickmassie04@gmail.comPaper Bag Plan YouTube -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFRKK3wIQ3ECole Massie's Web Page: http://www.colemassie.comSpecial Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/Special thanks to SFN Mentor Father, SFN Mastermind Group dad and 21CD board member Shane Madden for creating the SFN jingle on the front and back end of the podcast.. 

Our guest this week is Eric Freund of San Diego, CA who is a high school teacher, coach, co-founder of Hope On The Hard Road and father of two children who are both Autistic.Eric and his wife, Christen, have married for 27 years and are the proud parents of two: Abby (21) and Caleb (23), both who are on the Autism spectrum. Christen & Eric are co-founders of Hope On The Hard Road, a non-profit organization whose mission is: helping connect and encourage families with children with special needs through programs designed to support the unique needs of the individual, the family, and the community.Eric also hosts the bi-weekly Hope on the Hard Road Special Needs Podcast, now with more than 90 episodes.The Freund family story is one of; faith, hope and a commitment to serving others, all on this eipsode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Phone – (760) 201-5207Email – eric@hopeonthehardroad.orgLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-freund-5438416b/Website - https://hopeonthehardroad.orgSpecial Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/Special thanks to SFN Mentor Father, SFN Mastermind Group dad and 21CD board member Shane Madden for creating the SFN jingle on the front and back end of the podcast.. 

Our guest this week is Jeff Wallis, of Valparaiso, IN who is a veterinarian and father of who had a son with Hypotonia, Ataxia, Developmental Delay, and Tooth-Enamel Defects Syndrome (HADDTS) an extremely rare but serious genetic condition caused by a mutation in the CTBP1 gene.Jeff and his wife, Mindy, have married for 22 years and are the proud parents of Charles 18, who very sadly past away in May, who had Hypotonia, Ataxia, Developmental Delay, and Tooth-Enamel Defects Syndrome (HADDTS) an extremely rare but serious genetic condition caused by a mutation in the CTBP1 gene.We learn about a host of organizations that played a key role in the Wallis family and on behalf of Charles including; the HADDTS Foundation, University of Chicago Genetics, Kids Work and Jacob's Ladder.  We also learn about an epic cross country RV trip the family took with Charles during COVID to provide him with some extraordinary memories. While Charles lived a relatively short life, the Wallis family story one is about making the most of the situation and celebrating life.Show Notes -Phone – (219) 771-6129Email – wallisje1@yahoo.comHADDTS Foundation –  https://www.haddtsfoundation.org/Jacob's Ladder - https://www.jacobskids.org/Special Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/Special thanks to SFN Mentor Father, SFN Mastermind Group dad and 21CD board member Shane Madden for creating the SFN jingle on the front and back end of the podcast.. 

Our guests this week are Dave Tolmie of Lake Forest IL and Tumsifu Munuo, of Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.In 1999, Dave Tomlie's parents, John and Joann, raised $250,000 and with the help of the Lutheran Church built Faraja School, a boarding school for one hundred K-7 youth with physical disabilities, where Tumsifu serves as director.  In addiiton to the Faraja School, the Tolmie family created the Faraja Fund Foundation where Dave and his brothers have been instramentally involved for decades.  John serves as vice-president, Paul is secretary/treasurer, and Dave is chairman of the board of directors.More recently the Faraja Fund Foundation created Faraja Forward a mobile outreach clinic and partnership with local health care providers as well as other specialists to serve families beyond those able to attend Faraja School.  Faraja Forward is filling the unmet healthcare needs of hundreds of additional children in more remote locations, offering diagnosis, psychosocial support, physical and occupational therapy, and training to mothers and village health workers.It's an uplifting story about how a U.S. family has been able to transform the lives of thousands of families half way around the world through faith, education and building community around those touched by physical disabilities, all on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast. Show Links - Phone – (312) 927-5010Email – dmtolmie@gmail.comWhatsApp - +255 757 594 204Email – munuotumsifu4@gmail.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-tolmie-b3339889/  Website –  https://www.farajaschool.org/Special Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/Special thanks to SFN Mentor Father, SFN Mastermind Group dad and 21CD board member Shane Madden for creating the SFN jingle on the front and back end of the podcast.. 

Our guest this week is John Peter (JP) Klop of Alberta, Canada who is a draftsman with JPR Industries and father of two young children including a son with Schwachman Diamond Syndrome.JP and his wife, Lianna, have married for three years and are the proud parents of two young children: Anna (1) and Isaac (2), who has Schwachman Diamond Syndrome, which is characterized by: inability to digest food due to missing digestive enzymes, low muscle tone, anemia, skeletal findings and intellectual disability. JP is very open and authentic about the challenges related to SDS and his own brush with Autism that runs in his family.  We'll hear JP's story, his commitment to family and service to others all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes -Phone – (226) 231-0933Email – jpklop@outlook.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpeterklop/Website –  https://shwachman-diamond.org/Special Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/Special thanks to SFN Mentor Father, SFN Mastermind Group dad and 21CD board member Shane Madden for creating the SFN jingle on the front and back end of the podcast.. 

Our guest this week is Tom Chibucos of Chicago, IL, who is a Related Service Provider Manager of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology services at Chicago Public Schools and father of two including one who is on the Autism spectrum.  Tom and his wife, Michelle, have been married for 20 years and are the proud parents of two children; Sylvie (10) and Vincent (9), who is non-verbal and on the Autism spectrum.Tom is also a co-founder of Pediatric Therapy Network Chicago, started in 2010 to deliver highly skilled therapeutic support to young children and families in their homes and communities so that all children can fully participate in the joys of childhood.We'll hear Tom's story, his commitment to family and service to others on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes -Phone – (773) 818-3491Email – tomchibucos@gmail.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomaschibucos/Website - https://www.ptnchicago.com/Special Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/Special thanks to SFN Mentor Father, SFN Mastermind Group dad and 21CD board member Shane Madden for creating the SFN jingle on the front and back end of the podcast.. 

Our guest this week is Swapna Sasidharan, of Schaumburg, IL, a Vice President of Technology at APCO Holdings, mother of two children, including one with POGZ, and founder of the Cure POGZ Disorders Foundation. Swapna and her husband, Sandeep, have been married for 17 years and are the proud parents of two children: daughter Sloka (12) and son Ved (10) who has POGZ, a rare genetic disorder characterized by: developmental delays, cyclic vomiting, autism, microcephaly and gastrointestinal issues.Educated as an engineer, informed about the challenges of rare diseases and inspired to find a cure for POGZ, the rare disorder her son has, Swapna and the team at the Cure POGZ Disorders Foundation are dedicated to finding treatments and hopefully a cure for POGZ and other rare diseases.We'll hear all about Swapna's background growing up in a traditional Indian family, about her career, her journey as a rare disease parent, her understanding about acceptance (the difference between surrender and acknowledgement) and her enthusiasum for life on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show LinksPhone – (847) 532-9808Email – swapna@curepogzdisorders.orgLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/swapnasasidharan/Website –  https://www.curepogzdisorders.org/Daily Herald Story - https://www.dailyherald.com/20250226/news/schaumburg-moms-mission-is-to-find-cure-for-sons-rare-condition/  IL Tech Magazine Spot Light - https://issuu.com/illinois_tech/docs/illinois_tech_magazine_spring_2025 Kirt Consulting Blog - https://www.ronkritconsulting.com/post/the-mom-who-took-on-genetics-swapna-sasidharan-s-mission-to-cure-rare-diseaseFacebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/people/Cure-Pogz-Disorders-Foundation/61566626403487/Instagram Page - https://www.instagram.com/curepogzdisorders/Special Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/Special thanks to SFN Mentor Father, SFN Mastermind Group dad and 21CD board member Shane Madden for creating the SFN jingle on the front and back end of the podcast.. 

Our guest this week is David Apple of San Francisco, CA, a serial entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Shark Tooth Bio, and father of two, including a son with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease. David and his wife, Cristina, have married for seven years and are the proud parents of two young children: Zoe (3) and Ari (5) who was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, AKA CMT1A, a rare mono genetic disease that impairs the signal from the brain to the muscles causing weakness, loss of sensation, pain, and atrophy.   David reflects on growing up in France and Israel.  In March 2024 and after Ari's diagnosis, with his background as an engineer and success in the business world, David shifted his primary focus to creating and building Shark Tooth Bio, a for profit organization whose mission is: developing treatments for CMT1A and unlocking solutions for other neuropathies.  To-date Shark Tooth Bio has raised $650K and has been able to assemble and first class board and contract with some of the world's top scientists. We also learn about David's involvement with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association (CMTA). It's an uplifting story about commitment to family and service to others all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Links -Phone – (415) 910-8647Email – apple@sharktooth.bioLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/appledavid/Website –  https://www.sharktooth.bio/Website - https://cmtausa.org/Special Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/Special thanks to SFN Mentor Father, SFN Mastermind Group dad and 21CD board member Shane Madden for creating the SFN jingle on the front and back end of the podcast.. 

Our guest this week is Greg Corey of Highland Park, IL a wealth manager at Ameriprise Financial Services and father of three children including a son with Down Syndrome.Greg and his wife, Carly, have been married for 10 years and are the proud parents of three children: Ashton (4), Frankie (6) and Presley (8), who has Mosaic Down syndrome, which was not detected or diagnosed until he was three years old.  We also learn about a host of organizations that Presley has benefited from including:  Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA)Kick Start Therapeutic Day Care, andGigi's PlayhouseIt's an uplifting story about commitment to family and service to others all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Links - Phone - (847) 847-2134 Email – gregorycorey@gmail.comEmail - greg.corey@AMPF.com LinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryjcorey/ Website –  https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/gregory.corey/Special Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/Special thanks to SFN Mentor Father, SFN Mastermind Group dad and 21CD board member Shane Madden for creating the SFN jingle on the front and back end of the podcast.. 

To celebrate the 400th episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast, David Hirsch, founder of 21st Century Dads Foundation and host of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast offers his heartfelt thanks to all those who have been involved with and supported 21CD & SFN.  He reflects on:addressing the issue of father absence in society,his journey as a fatherhood advocate,starting the Illinois Fatherhood Initiative, making an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show, starting the 21st Century Dads Foundation, Dads Honor Ride 2015 from Santa Monica to Chicago, 2,325 miles in 21 days, giving a TEDx Talk entitled: Why We Need To Break The Cycle Of Father Absence, writing the book: A Father's Journey To Break The Cycle Of Father Absence, Dads Honor Ride 2016 from Boston to Chicago, 1,400 miles in 21 days, Creating the C2EFA (Cycle To End Father Absence) indoor riding events, Dads Honor Ride 2017 Around Lake Michigan, 958 miles in 9 days, creating the Special Fathers Network Mentoring Program, starting the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast, recording 24 bi-weekly Zoom calls on various topicscreating the 21CD YouTube channel,holding annual SFN Dads Virtual Conferences, creating the SFN audiobook series, creating the weekly virtual SFN Mastermind Group experience, andholding annual SFN Mastermind Group weekend retreatsSpecial thanks to all the individuals, businesses, and foundations that have financially supported 21CD, the growing list of partners and affiliates, all the individuals who have volunteered, especially the 21CD board of directors: Tom Costello, Rich Gathro, Gary Grube, Chris Hunter, Shane Madden, Wayne Messmer, Brian Page and John Shouse.  Special thanks to Shane Madden for creating the SFN fathers jingle at teh beginning and end of this episode.  And last but not least, Tom Couch of Couch Media, who has produced the past 398 episodes of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast. Show Notes –   Email - david@21stCenturyDads.orgEmail - tcouch2501@gmail.comWebsite - https://21stcenturydads.org/  TEDx Talk -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CDeMgmeb94Special Fathers Network - SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 500+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated. There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.21CD YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@21stcenturydads58/videosClick Here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/SFN Dads Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

Our guest this week is Casey Stubbs of Burlington, NC a trading specialist, author, podcast host and father to nine children. Casey and his wife, Deanna, have been married for 20 years and are the proud parents of nine children: twins Andrea & Courtney (26), Casey Jr (19), Caleb (17), Abbey (16), Ellie (15), Austin (14), Danielle (12) and Ethan (12).  Ellie and Danielle were adopted at age 2/12 and as a newborn and are biological sisters.Casey has been a host of the Replace Your Income With Options Podcast and author of: The Complete Trading System: How to Develop a Mindset, Maximize Profitability, and Own Your Market Success (2023)Casey reflects on his military experience, as well as his thoughts on investing, podcasting and fatherhood in this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Links - Phone – (724) 493-9315 Email – caseystubbs@gmail.com LinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseystubbs/ Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ai/podcast/replace-your-income-with-options/id1364693088 Substack –  https://caseystubbs.substack.com/about YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@FreedomIncomeOptions/videos Book – The Complete Trading System: How To Develop A Mindset, Maximize Profitability, And Own Your Market Success. https://tinyurl.com/3zn6ck3nSpecial Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

Our guest this week Luba Patlakh of Bucks County, PA a mother of three children and founder of Kidology Inc., a pediatric practice specializing in speech, occupational, physical therapy, and ABA services.Luba and her husband, Boris, have married for 10 years and are the proud parents of three children ages 4 to 9 years old. Founded in 2014, Kidology, Inc. a top-rated family friendly pediatric therapy and child development center in Pennsylvania, offering families and children the support and guidance they need to thrive. They provide educational services in special needs and tutoring capacities.  They offer pediatric therapy and instructive sessions like; S/T,  P/T, O/T, Behavioral and Myofunctional Therapy for a wide range of developmental delays, including fine motor, speech, feeding and mobility issues.It's a fascinating story and on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Links Phone – (267) 968-1707Email – luba@kidologyinc.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubapatlakh/Website –  https://kidologyinc.com/Special Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

Our guest this week is Daryl Potter of Toronto, Canada who is an executive at TD Merchants, a prolific author and father of two including a daughter with profound disabilities. Daryl and his wife, Carolyn, have been married for 28 years and are the proud parents of two children, Jackson (21) and McKenzie (24) who was diagnosed with Cardio Facio Cutaneous (CFC) syndrome.  Some of the challenges include; intellectual disabilities, non-verbal since age 12, being tube fed, the need for a hospital bed and being wheelchair bound.Beyond work and being a vigilant caregiver, Daryl has nurtured his passion for writing and has found time to write and publish a number of books, including: Something More: Living Well In A Broken World. (2024)  Bitter For Sweet (2022)Even The Monsters: Living With Grief, Loss and Depression: A Journey Through The Book Of Job. (2021)       Blind Man's Labyrinth (2021)       Keziah's Song (2021)It's a fascinating story about commitment and resilience all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show LinksPhone – (289) 681-4521Email – daryl.potter@gmail.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/daryl-potter-8a3160/Website –  https://www.darylpotter.com/Books -      Even The Monsters: Living With Grief, Loss and DepressionSomething More: Living Well In A Broken WorldKeziah's SongBlind Man's LabyrinthBitter For SweetSpecial Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

Our guest this week is Olivier Cortambert of London, UK who is head of solutions architecture at Yospace and father of a son with a rare undiagnosed disease.Olivier and his wife, Feng, have been married for seven years and are the proud parents of Antoine (3) who has a genetically tested undiagnosed disease, which presents with; low muscle tone, hearing loss, non-verbal as well as difficulty swallowing and walking.     We learn about Small Steps, a UK based agency that provides free services to those who are unable to walk and the pros and cons of having an undiagnosed rare disease.  We also learn about Olivier's involvement with the SFN Mastermind Group.  The Cortambert family story is one filled with hope and optimism all this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes -WhatsApp – +44 7801 120520Email – olivier.cortambert@gmail.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/cortambert/Special Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

Our guest this week is Mark Reinfeld of Boulder, CO who is an award-winning chef, best-selling author and authority on plant-based cuisine. He is also the father of two young boys, including one with Angelman SyndromeMark and his wife, Ashley Boudet, have been married for 10 years and are the proud parents of two boys: River (7) and Sage (9) who has Angelman Syndrome. With more than two decades of experience, Chef Mark has written several acclaimed cookbooks, including The 30-Minute Vegan series, and has been recognized as a leader in the vegan and conscious cooking space.  Mark is also founder of the Vegan Fusion Culinary Academy, where he trains the next generation of plant-based chefs.  His work emphasizes flavor, nutrition, and compassion, making him a sought-after speaker, consultant, and culinary instructor around the world.Mark also leads or co-leads two dads groups of fathers raising children with special needs and is the author of the forthcoming book entitled: Islands Of Peace: Navigating The World Of Special Needs Parenting.We'll hear Mark's story on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Phone – 808-652-5904 Email – info@chefmarkreinfeld.com LinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-reinfeld-6921344/ Website - https://www.chefmarkreinfeld.com/ Website – https://www.ohanavitality.org/ Books – Healing The Vegan Way - https://tinyurl.com/vnauxsw7The Ultimate Age Defying Plan - https://tinyurl.com/h9b3u7u5Islands Of Peace: Navigating The World Of Special Needs ParentingSpecial Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

Our guest this week is Jelani Memory of Portland, OR is the father of six, an entrepreneur, author, and the visionary founder of A Kids Co.Jelani and his wife, Brandy, have married for 9 years and are the proud parents of six children including (his) four stepchildren: Rowan (21), Grace (19), Jay (16), Sebastian (15), Titus (14) and Solomon (7).  Two have ADHD, one has scoliosis, and some other undiagnosed conditions.Jelani first wrote A Kids Book About Racism for his own children, which grew into a movement that now includes more than two hundred books, podcasts, and videos helping kids and families talk openly about some of life's toughest topics — from anxiety, cancer, feminism, gratitude, racism and beyond.We also learn about Pitch Black, a multi faceted platform to support black entrepreneurs and businesses as well organizations the Memory family has benefited from, including: Trevor ProjectQ ProjectShriner's Hospitals Jelani also openly talks about his faith and the role his father's absence has played in shaping his world view, all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes -Phone – (503) 360-6034Email – jelani@akidsco.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jelanimemory/Website – www.akidsco.comWebsite – https://meetcircle.com/ (Aura Parent Controls)Social Media – @jelanimemory  Special Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

Our guest this week is Mike Rinaldi of Fairfield, CT, who is a senior director at Ankura, a litigations and investigations company, and father of two young children, including one with Autism. Mike and his wife, Tracey, have married for 9 years and are the proud parents of Vienna (8) and Harrison (5) who is on the Autism spectrum. Mike talks openly about the relationship with his father and the challenges he and his family have experienced.  All on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Phone – (860) 655-7696Email –  mike.rinaldi@ankura.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-rinaldi-54262b3/Special Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

Our guest this week is Dion Chavis of Raleigh, NC, a former radio personality, founder and president of the Glad Dad LLC, and father of two children, including one with Autism. Dion and his wife, Aisha, have married for 9 years and are the proud parents of Maceo (7) who is on the Autism spectrum.  Dion is also the father to daughter Nyla (21) from a previous marriage.  For decades, Dion has been an outspoken advocate for and dedicated to improving the lives of children and fathers.  Through the Glad Dads LLC, he offers coaching, mentoring and training.  Dion also used to host two podcasts: "Dads In The Class" and "Black Parenting."  We also learn about the Frankie Lemmon School & Development Center and the impact the organization has with young children. It's a fascinating conversation on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Links - Phone – (757) 927-2773Email – dion.chavis@gmail.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dionchavis/Website – https://www.dionchavis.com/Frankie Lehman Development Center - https://frankielemmonschool.org/Special Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

Our guest this week is Chris Losacco of Evergreen, CO who is owner of Elemental Forge, a blacksmith & knife maker as well as the father of two young children, including a son with a very rare genetic disorder.  Chris and his wife, Evan, have married for nearly 10 years and are the proud parents of two young children: daughter Elliot (4) and son Wilder (3), who has a rare genetic disorder known as MEF2C, which commonly includes: intellectual disability and developmental delays, motor skill difficulties, limited or absent speech development, Epilepsy, and Autistic-like behavior. Chris is also owns Elemental Forge, a blacksmith and knife maker, is active with the MEF2C Family Foundation as well as the SFN Mastermind Group in Denver.We'll hear all about the insightful and authentic Losacco family story on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast. Show Links -Phone – (847) 525-7332Email – christmastaco@duck.com Email #2 - Chris@ElementalForge.usWebiste - https://www.elementalforge.us/U.S. MEF2C Foundation - https://www.usmef2cfoundation.org/MEF2C Family Foundation – https://www.mef2cfamilyfoundation.org/  Special Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

Our guest this week is Tom Sander of Charlotte, NC a territory account manager at Liquidia Corporation, a rare disease bio pharma company, and father of three including a daughter with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Syndrome, a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy. Tom and his wife, Julie, have married for 22 years and are the proud parents of three children: Will (22), and twins: Jack (18) and Lily (18) who has Charcot-Marie-Tooth Syndrome, which is a type of Muscular Dystrophy that is a spectrum of nerve disorders.    From a very young age Lily has been speaking in public about her condition and how it's affected her and others.  She was selected this past year to be one of two national ambassadors for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. We'll hear all about the Sander famiy story on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast. Show Links - Phone – (803) 493-7744Email – tfsander2@gmail.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-sander-30977b12/MDA Website – https://www.mda.org/press-releases/2025/mda-announces-2025-mda-national-ambassador-lily-sanderCharcot-Marie-Tooth Association - https://www.cmtausa.org/Charcot-Marie-Tooth Research Foundation - https://cmtrf.org/YouTube – 2025 Ambassador https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stJElfj7uqg&t=11sInstagram Video Burn Bootcamp Be Our Muscle - https://www.instagram.com/p/DIRIv74ODkt/ Special Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

Our guest this week is Dr. Robert Naseef, of Philadelphia, PA, a clinical psychologist, keynote speaker, author and father of four including a son who is autistic. Robert and his wife, Cindy Ariel, have been married for 34 years.  He and Cindy have two daughters: Zoe (32) and Kara (33).  Robert is also a father to Antonette (43) and Tariq (45), who is autistic.Robert has written two books:Special Children, Challenged Parents: The Struggles & Rewards of Raising A Child With A Disability. (2001)  Autism In The Family: Caring & Coping Together.  (2013)Informed by his work as a psychologist and his lived experience as a father, Robert also gave a TEDx Talk in 2017 entitled: ‘How Autism Teaches Us About Being Human'Robert shares his story on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.   Show LinksPhone – (215) 592-1333Email – Robert.naseef@gmail.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rnaseefspeakerautism/Website – https://drrobertnaseef.com/Website - https://www.alternativechoices.com/Books –  - Autism In The Family: Caring & Coping Together - (2013) - https://tinyurl.com/4wunxs2p- Special Children, Challenged Parents: The Struggles & Rewards of Raising A Child With A Disability. (2001) - https://tinyurl.com/2fzcrb58 TEDx Talk – How Autism Teaches Us About Being Human - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yn9lKa8IJeY&t=7sSpecial Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

Our guest this week is Randy Pierce of Concord, NH who is an author, avid outdoorsman, mountain climber, keynote speaker, president & CEO of Future In Sight New Hampshire, and who himself if blind. Randy and his wife, Tracy, have been married for 15 years. When Randy was in his early 20s he suddenly went blind in one eye and then over a number of years would lose sight in the other eye.  If that wasn't challenging enough, Randy also lost the ability to walk for the better part of two years.  After a series of medical procedures and through old fashion grit and determination, Randy regained his ability to walk and has become an avid outdoorsman and mountain climber.  Professionally Randy is president & CEO of Future In Sight New Hampshire, a non-profit providing essential services and support for over 100 years to children, adults and elderly living in New Hampshire who are blind and visually impaired.Randy is also author of the book: See You At The Summit: My Blind Journey From The Depths Of Loss To The Heights Of Achievement, a brilliant and inspirational read.  There was so much to cover we decided to break his interview into two parts.  This is Part #2 of Randy's SFN Dad To Dad Podcast interview. Show Notes - Phone – (603) 546-8542Email – rpierce@futureinsight.orgLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-pierce-2020/Website - https://futureinsight.org/Heroes of Summer YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmUKmbNLvagBook - See You At The Summit: My Blind Journey From The Depths Of Loss To The Heights Of Achievement - https://tinyurl.com/y6kwpvjhSpecial Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

Our guest this week is Randy Pierce of Concord, NH who is an author, avid outdoorsman, mountain climber, keynote speaker, president & CEO of Future In Sight New Hampshire, and who himself if blind. Randy and his wife, Tracy, have been married for 15 years. When Randy was in his early 20s he suddenly went blind in one eye and then over a number of years would lose sight in the other eye.  If that wasn't challenging enough, Randy also lost the ability to walk for the better part of two years.  After a series of medical procedures and through old fashion grit and determination, Randy regained his ability to walk and has become an avid outdoorsman and mountain climber.  Professionally Randy is president & CEO of Future In Sight New Hampshire, a non-profit providing essential services and support for over 100 years to children, adults and elderly living in New Hampshire who are blind and visually impaired.Randy is also author of the book: See You At The Summit: My Blind Journey From The Depths Of Loss To The Heights Of Achievement, a brilliant and inspirational read.  There was so much to cover we decided to break his interview into two parts.  This is Part #1 of Randy's SFN Dad To Dad Podcast interview. Show Notes - Phone – (603) 546-8542Email – rpierce@futureinsight.orgLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-pierce-2020/Website - https://futureinsight.org/Heroes of Summer YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmUKmbNLvagBook - See You At The Summit: My Blind Journey From The Depths Of Loss To The Heights Of Achievement - https://tinyurl.com/y6kwpvjhSpecial Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

Our guest this week is Dr. Paul Collins, of Portland, OR a professor at Portland State University, a prolific author, and father of two boys including one with Autism.Paul and his wife, Jennifer Elder, have married for 28 years and are the proud parents of two boys: Bramwell (21) and older brother Morgan (26) who is Autistic. Paul is a professor of English in the college of Liberal Arts & Science at Portland State University.  In addition to teaching English, Paul has been a prolific author including the book: Not Even Wrong: A Father's Journey Into the Lost History of Autism (Bloomsbury, 2004), which is a brilliant story including a fascinating look back on the history of Autism. We'll hear Paul's story on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes -Phone – (503) 725-3504Email – pcollins@pdx.eduWebsite – https://www.pdx.edu/profile/paul-collinsWikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Collins_(American_writer)Books –Blood & Ivy (W.W. Norton, 2018)Edgar Allan Poe: The Fever Called Living (New Harvest, 2014)Duel With the Devil: The True Story of How Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr Teamed Up to Take on America's First Sensational Murder Mystery (Crown, 2013)The Murder of The Century: The Gilded Age Crime That Scandalized a City and Sparked the Tabloid Wars (Crown, 2011)The Book of William: How Shakespeare's First Folio Conquered the World (Bloomsbury, 2009)The Trouble With Tom: The Strange Afterlife and Times of Thomas Paine (Bloomsbury, 2005)Not Even Wrong: A Father's Journey Into the Lost History of Autism (Bloomsbury, 2004)Sixpence House: Lost in a Town of Books (Bloomsbury, 2003)Banvard's Folly: Thirteen Tales of People Who Didn't Change the World (Picador, 2001)Community Writing: Researching Social Issues Through Composition (Erlbaum, 2001)Special Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

Our guest this week is Steve Harris of Lanesboro, MN a free-lance writer, widower, author and father of two sons with disabilities.  Part 2. Steve and his wife, Susan, have married for 17 years.  Steve and his first wife, Pam, were together for 30 years, before she passed away in 2012 due to a rare neurological disorder.  Steve and Pam had two boys: Matthew who was born in 1980 with Spina bifida and younger son, Andrew, who is 37 and who has Cerebral Palsy. Both boys would eventually be diagnosed with PMD or Pelizaeus Merzbacher Disease, a rare neurological disease, where there is a lack of myelin covering the nerves.Very sadly, Matthew passed away in October 2020 four days short of his 40th birthday. Steve's career included being a pastor, a middle school teacher and for 20 years, director of communications at Twin Cities YMCA .  All along Steve has been a writer who morer recently has published two books: Dads Like Us: A Survival Guide For Fathers Raising Children With Disabilities (2024)Lanesboro, Minnesota (2018)We also learn about a wide range of supporting organizations the family has benefited from, including: Spina Bifida Association,      Boston Children's Hospital, University of MA Medical Center, Genetic Counseling Gillette Children's Hospital (St. Paul),     Wanna Meonie's School (Palo Alto) inclusive, and   MN Accessible sports.One of Steve's superpowers is his resilience through some of life's greatest challenges. This week's episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast is Part 2.Show Links:Phone – (952) 836-7904Email – sharris1962@msn.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-harris-44101315/Website – https://steveharrisauthor.com/Books –Dads Like Us: A Survival Guide For Fathers Raising Children With Disabilities  (2024) https://tinyurl.com/mrxact2yLanesboro, Minnesota (2018) https://tinyurl.com/2zfbv24sSpecial Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

Our guest this week is Steve Harris of Lanesboro, MN a free-lance writer, widower, author and father of two sons with disabilities.  Part 1.Steve and his wife, Susan, have married for 17 years.  Steve and his first wife, Pam, were together for 30 years, before she passed away in 2012 due to a rare neurological disorder.  Steve and Pam had two boys: Matthew who was born in 1980 with Spina bifida and younger son, Andrew, who is 37 and who has Cerebral Palsy.  Both boys would eventually be diagnosed with PMD or Pelizaeus Merzbacher Disease, a rare neurological disease, where there is a lack of myelin covering the nerves.Very sadly, Matthew passed away in October 2020 four days short of his 40th birthday. Steve's career included being a pastor, a middle school teacher and for 20 years, director of communications at Twin Cities YMCA .  All along Steve has been a writer who morer recently has published two books: Dads Like Us: A Survival Guide For Fathers Raising Children With Disabilities (2024)Lanesboro, Minnesota (2018)We also learn about a wide range of supporting organizations the family has benefited from, including: Spina Bifida Association,      Boston Children's Hospital, University of MA Medical Center, Genetic Counseling Gillette Children's Hospital (St. Paul),     Wanna Meonie's School (Palo Alto) inclusive, and   MN Accessible sports.One of Steve's superpowers is his resilience through some of life's greatest challenges. This week's episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast is Part 1.Show Links:Phone – (952) 836-7904Email – sharris1962@msn.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-harris-44101315/Website – https://steveharrisauthor.com/Books –Dads Like Us: A Survival Guide For Fathers Raising Children With Disabilities  (2024) https://tinyurl.com/mrxact2yLanesboro, Minnesota (2018) https://tinyurl.com/2zfbv24sSpecial Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

Our guest this week is Peter Gerhardt of Rich Hill Park, NJ who is executive director at EPIC Schools located in Paramus, NJ, author of dozens of publications and books, an internationally recognized Autism expert and outspoken advocate for the disability community.Peter has three degrees from Rutgers University: a BA in Psychology, an EdM in Special Education, and a PhD in Education Psychology and Special Education. He has dedicated his life to researching Autism and serving the disability community.  He has developed workshops and given hundreds of presentations domestically and internationally.  Some of his publications include: Make it Meaningful: Creating Programs that Matter into Adulthood for Learners with Autism and Related Disorders (2024).Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series (2022).Transition to Adulthood for Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism: Can We Improve Outcomes? (2022) Social Skill and Adaptive Behavior Intervention with Learners with Autism (2013). Peter also served as a consultant for the widely respected documentary In A Different Key (2021) co-producers: Caren Zucker, John Donovan & Ray Conley with music by Wynston Marsalis.Given the scope of Peter's work we decided to split his interview into two parts. This is part #2. Show Links:Phone – (210) 576-0600Email – PGerhardt@epicschool.orgLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-gerhardt-112a4b29/Website - https://www.epicschool.org/Organization for Autism Research (OAR) - https://researchautism.org/Books – - Make it Meaningful: Creating Programs that Matter into Adulthood for Learners with Autism and Related Disorders - Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series - Publication- Transition to Adulthood for Adolescents and Young Adults  with Autism: Can We Improve Outcomes?. Movie – https://www.inadifferentkeythemovie.com/Special Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

Our guest this week is Peter Gerhardt of Rich Hill Park, NJ who is executive director at EPIC Schools located in Paramus, NJ, author of dozens of publications and books, an internationally recognized Autism expert and outspoken advocate for the disability community.Peter has three degrees from Rutgers University: a BA in Psychology, an EdM in Special Education, and a PhD in Education Psychology and Special Education. He has dedicated his life to researching Autism and serving the disability community.  He has developed workshops and given hundreds of presentations domestically and internationally.  Some of his publications include: Make it Meaningful: Creating Programs that Matter into Adulthood for Learners with Autism and Related Disorders (2024).Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series (2022).Transition to Adulthood for Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism: Can We Improve Outcomes? (2022) Social Skill and Adaptive Behavior Intervention with Learners with Autism (2013). Peter also served as a consultant for the widely respected documentary In A Different Key (2021) co-producers: Caren Zucker, John Donovan & Ray Conley with music by Wynston Marsalis.Given the scope of Peter's work we decided to split his interview into two parts. This is part #1. Show Links:Phone – (210) 576-0600Email – PGerhardt@epicschool.orgLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-gerhardt-112a4b29/Website - https://www.epicschool.org/Organization for Autism Research (OAR) - https://researchautism.org/Books – - Make it Meaningful: Creating Programs that Matter into Adulthood for Learners with Autism and Related Disorders - Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series - Publication- Transition to Adulthood for Adolescents and Young Adults  with Autism: Can We Improve Outcomes?. Movie – https://www.inadifferentkeythemovie.com/Special Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

Our guest this week is Rick Bolle of Naperville, IL founding pastor of the newly formed Front Porch Church, father of two and retired businessman. Rick and his wife, Alinda, have been married for 32 years and are the proud parents of two adult children.  Shortly after retiring from Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2022, where he was a Senior Safety Specialist, Rick felt a calling to start or plant Front Porch Church.   Established in 2023, Front Porch Church helps people of all ability find their way back to God.  FPC is specifically designed to welcome individuals with special needs and their families.  Weekly services offer a worship experience that embraces all expressions and all movements, ensuring that everyone feels included, valued, safe and loved.It's an illuminating conversation and we'll hear it on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show LinksPhone – (630) 442-4031Email – rickbolle2@icloud.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-bolle-6955b150/Website - https://kidsmatter2us.org/front-porch-church/Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/groups/962219779455651Special Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/