Dad to Dad 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 four 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.com 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 emd

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/