276 – Paul Carroll, of Situate, RI A Senior Exec at CVS Health, Founder of AutismDadvocate & Father Of An Autistic Son

Our guest this week is Paul Carroll, of Situate, RI who is senior HR director at CVS Health, founder of Autism Dadvocate and father of an Autistic son. Paul and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for 20 years and are the proud parents of Vaughan(16) who is Autistic. Professionally, Paul is an Executive Director of Talent Manager at CVS Health. Informed by being a father to a neurodiverse child and guided by his faith, Paul has been called to create AutismDadvocate.org, a non-profit an online support forum for dads with children with autism and about the commonalities we all

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263 – Hutch Matteson of Cummings, GA A Career Pastor, Father Of Four & Founder of The Pier Foundation For People Disabilities

Our guest this week is Hutch Matteson of Cummings, GA a pastor for 37 years and more recently the founder of The Pier Center Foundation, opening doors for adults with intellectual disabilities. Hutch and his wife, Cindy, are the proud parents of four children; Julia (26), Jenna (28), Jonathan (30) and Josh (33), who has Down Syndrome. We’ll hear about the poor advice the Mattesons received shortly after Josh’s birth about all the things Josh would be unable to do. We learn about the supporting organizations that Josh benefited from, including: High Hope Early Intervention, Special Olympics, and their GA-based

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262 – Adam Terry of Nashville, TN Father of Three Including A Son With Noonan Syndrome & A Traumatic Brain Injury

Our guest this week is Adam Terry of Nashville, TN who is the director of business analytics at Adhere Health in Nashville. Adam and his wife Catherine have been married for 18 years and are the rpuod parents of three children; Brooke (6), Callie (9) and Will (12), who has Noonan Syndrome, a genetic condition that stops typical development in various parts of the body. More recently Will suffered a traumatic brain injury. We’ll hear the Terry family story, including how their faith has helped them cope with Will’s injury. That’s all in this episode of the Special Fathers Network

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261 – Frank McKinney of Delray Beach, FL (Part 2) Real Estate Artist, Best-Selling Author, Philanthro-Capitalist, Ultramarathoner

Our guest this week is Frank McKinney of Delray Beach, FL a father, real estate artist, eight time best-selling author, philanthro-capitalist & 12 time badwater135 ultramarathon competitor. This is part two of a two part interview. In last week’s episode we heard Frank talk about the first of his his five aspirations, the importance of family. In part two we’ll hear more about Frank’s other four aspirations, the role of faith and much more. Frank and his wife Nilsa have been married for 33 years and are the proud parents of Laura (24). Professionally, Frank has built and renovated 44

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260 – Frank McKinney of Delray Beach, FL Father, Real Estate Artist, Best-Selling Author, Philanthro-Capitalist & Ultramarathoner

Our guest this week is Frank McKinney of Delray Beach, FL a father, real estate artist, eight time best-selling author, philanthro-capitalist & 12 time badwater135 ultramarathon competitor. Frank and his wife Nilsa have been married for 33 years and are the proud parents of Laura (24). Professionally, Frank has built and renovated 44 ocean-front mansions with an average selling price of $44M. He is known as a real artist with a flair for creating these one of a kind master pieces and for the way he markets them. Frank is also the best-selling author of eight books in 5 different

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247 – Jeff Seitzer of Chicago, An Author & Father of 2 Including a Son With Special Healthcare Needs Who Tragically Passed At 9

Our guest this week is Jeff Seitzer of Chicago, IL. Jeff and his wife, Janet, have been married for 33 years and are the proud parents of two children; Penelope (16) and Ethan, who had many special healthcare needs and who tragically passed away in a drowning accident, at age nine in 2010. Jeff earned a Ph.D in political science from the University of Chicago. He has over a quarter century of teaching experience in the Chicago area. He is currently, the secretary of the adjunct faculty union at Roosevelt University where he is a highly qualified organizer, manager, and

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234 – Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield of Fayetteville, AR, A Licensed Psychologist, Speaker, Author & The Dad Whisperer

This is the second installment of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast interview with Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield, PhD, LPC, a nationally known speaker, author, licensed professional counselor of 28 years and founder of The Abba Project, a program serving dads and daughters. She writes regularly for professional journals and magazines. She is also the author of books: Dad Here’s What I Really Need from You, and Let’s Talk: Conversation Starters for Dads and Daughters. Michelle also hosts “The Dad Whisperer” Podcast. Michelle talks openly and authentically about her spirituality, marrying late in life as well as her personal experience with

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233 – Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield of Fayetteville, AR, A Licensed Psychologist, Speaker, Author & The Dad Whisperer

Our guest this week is Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield, PhD, LPC, a nationally known speaker, author, licensed professional counselor of 28 years and founder of The Abba Project, a program serving dads and daughters. She writes regularly for professional journals and magazines. She is also the author of books: Dad Here’s What I Really Need from You, and Let’s Talk: Conversation Starters for Dads and Daughters. Michelle also hosts “The Dad Whisperer” Podcast. Michelle talks openly and authentically about her spirituality, marrying late in life as well as her personal experience with eating disorders and sexual abuse. She brings a high

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232 – David Barth of Sand Point, ID, a Licensed Therapist, Member of Evryman & Co-Founder of Team Autism 24/7

Our guest this week is David Barth of Sand Point, ID who is a licensed therapist. David and his wife, Lisa, have been married for 26 years and are the proud parents of Jackson (23) who has Autism. David is a member Evryman, a benefit corporation whose mission is to connect and help men lead more successful, satisfying and fulfilling lives. David is also co-founder of Team Autism 24/7, a non-profit that builds autism awareness. We’ll hear David’s story on this week’s Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Links: Email – dcbarth69@gmail.comLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/da…Evryman – https://evryman.comPanhandle Special Needs Inc.: https://panhandlespecialneeds….Team Autism 24/7

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231 – Nelson Rascon of Tacoma, WA, Father of Three, a Licensed Realtor and Co-founder & Executive Director of Dads Move

Our guest this week is Nelson Rascon of Tacoma, WA who is the father of three, a realtor and co-founder of Dads Move – Strengthening The Roles Of Dads In Raising Their Kids With Special Needs. Nelson and his wife, JoRay, have been married for 9 years and between them are the proud parents of three children; Samantha (30) who has cognitive delays, Eric (26) who has Autism, severe Epilepsy and who is bi-polar, and Kaleb (26) who has Asperger’s and was more recently diagnosed as bi-polar too. Nelson reflects on his parents divorce, growing up without his dad, moving with

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230 – Bonner Paddock Rinn of Laguna Beach, CA Founder of Project Possible, Ironman Triathlete with CP & NYTs Best Selling Author

Our guest this week is Bonner Paddock Rinn of Laguna Beach, CA, founder of Project Possible, the first person with Cerebral Palsy to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro and to complete the Ironman distance triathlon, a New York Times best selling author of the book One More Mile, founder of Spark – launching poverty fighting ventures that open the door of possibility. He was featured in the documentary film Beyond Limits, narrated by the actor Michael Clarke Duncan (The Green Mile), depicting Bonner’s successful summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. We’ll hear Bonner’s inspiring story on this week’s Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.

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229 – Brian Altounian & Shawn Francis of Los Angeles, Co-Hosts of the Just Two Dads Podcast Talk About Raising Special Kids

Our guests this week are Brian Altounian and Shawn Francis of Los Angeles, CA. Brian and Shawn are financial advisors who created the Just Two Dads Podcast to help fathers raising kids with special healthcare needs. Every Wednesday at 11am Pacific Time, they host their podcast live on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/wearejusttwodads They’re quite a compelling duo and they are our guests on this week’s Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Email – wearejusttwodads@gmail.comEmail Brian – brian.altounian@gmail.comEmail Shawn – contactshawnfrancis@gmail.comBrian LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianaltounian/Shawn LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnf56/ Transcript: Tom Couch: Special thanks to Horizon Therapeutics for sponsoring the Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, working tirelessly to

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226 – Owen Marcus of Nevada City, CA an Executive Coach, Founder of Whole Clinics & Co-Founder of Evryman

Our guest this week is Owen Marcus, of Nevada City, CA, an executive coach, founder of Whole Clinics, a Group Lead Trainer for the Mankind Project and Co-Founder of EvryMan, a global community of men who come together to challenge and assist one another with their emotional well being and personal growth. We’ll hear Owen talk and provide insights about being a man in today’s world and how to be the best: father, husband, friend and man you can be. That’s all on this this week’s Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Find out more about Owen Marcus at – https://owenmarcus.com

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225 – Ron Janowczyk of Colleyville, TX, Father of Three and Founder of Special Strong of Northeast Tarrant County

Our guest this week is Ron Janowczyk of Colleyville, TX the father of three, a wine industry veteran and owner of Special Strong of Northeast Tarrant County, a sports facility, that helps develop specialized fitness programs for people with mental, cognitive, and physical challenges. Ron and his wife, Gloria, have been married for 39 years and are the proud parents of three children; Lauren (35), Joe (33) and Jake (26) who has Williams Syndrome. After a very successful career in the wine industry, Ron felt the call to do something purposeful and in line with his values driven by his faith,

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224 – Stewart Perriliat of San Anselmo, CA, Father of 3, Former USMC Sergeant, Author & Founder of Man2Man Urban Youth Advocate

Our guest this week is Stewart Perriliat of San Anselmo, CA, who is the father of three, a former U.S. Marine Sergeant, Founder and CEO of Perrilliat Enterprises, a general contracting and engineering firm, an author, ordained minister and founder of Man2Man Urban Youth Advocate. Stewart is father of three: Jessica (34), Stewart Jr. (18) and Destiny (15). Stewart is a man on a mission — helping dads be better dads — whether they’re incarcerated or just needing that extra push. Stewart and his team also help men be better men. It’s an inspiring story and one we’ll hear this week

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218 – Pete Hixson of Woodstock, GA, Father of Two, a Pastor & Launch Director at Shepherds College

Our guest this week is Pete Hixson of Woodstock, GA, the father of two, a pastor, certified business coach, a facilitator at Story Brand, Campus Launch Director at Shepherds College and CEO/founder of Beyond Communities. Pete and wife, Hollie, have been married for 25 years and are the proud parents of two girls: Addie (18) and Hope (20), who has Cerebral Palsy as well as seizures. We learn about Pete’s role at Story Brand, a business that helps organizations clarify their message and build a sales funnel to thrive in the marketplace. We also learn about Pete’s role at Shepherds College,

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217 – Doug Noll of Fresno County, CA, Lawyer, Mediator, Peacemaker, Author & Co-Founder of Prison of Peace

Our guest this week is Doug Noll, of Fresno County, CA, who worked for 20 years as a corporate lawyer, is a professional mediator, recognized expert in the area of peacemaking and conflict resolution, co-founder of Prison of Peace, and author of four books, including the Best-Seller – De-Escalate: How to Calm An Angry Person in 90 Seconds or Less. Most remarkably, growing up in San Marino, CA, Doug was the oldest of five, was blind, partially deaf and club footed. At three he had corrective surgery. In 4th grade his sight was 20/400. While Doug knew he was loved, he

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212 – Joe Lang of Sacramento, CA, Whose Daughter Jordan is the Namesake for Jordan Syndrome & Jordan’s Guardian Angels

Our guest this week is Joe Lang of Sacramento, CA who is managing partner at Lang, Hansen, Giroux & Kidane, a lobbying/government relations firm, as well as the co-founder of Jordan’s Guardian Angels, a non-profit whose mission is helping to improve and bring joy to the lives of children and families in the Coachella Valley and beyond. Joe and his wife, Cynthia, have been married for 18 years and are the proud parents of two children; Blythe (30) and Jordan (16), who was diagnosed with PPP2R5D, now known as Jordan’s Syndrome. We’ll learn about the Lang family journey, how PPP2R5D was

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211 – University Of Illinois Has Been a Leader In Adaptive Athletics. Meet Alums: Adam Bleakney, Amanda McGrory & Brian Siemann

This week David Hirsch talks with fellow Illini Adam Bleakney, head coach of the wheelchair track program, which is part of the Division Of Disability Resources & Educational Services in the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. We also meet: Amanda McGrory and Brian Siemann, two University of Illinois graduates who were part of the wheelchair track team and who have both competed in numerous international Paralympic events. You’ll learn about their backstories, what brought them to the world of adaptive athletics at UofI, as well as how their university experience has allowed them to

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207 – Sarah Putt of Seattle, WA An Occupational Therapist, Leader & Host Of The OT4Lyfe Podcast

Our guest this week is Sarah Putt of Seattle, WA, the mother of young child, the founder and clinical director of Sarah Bryan Therapy, and Creator/Host of the OT 4 Lyfe Podcast, dedicated to promoting and bringing awareness to the field of occupational therapy. We’ll learn about Sarah’s background with degrees in psychology from Pepperdine University and masters in occupational therapy from University of Southern California, which prepared her for a career as an occupational therapist. We also learn about her role as a leader in the OT field, which includes mentoring younger OTs and hosting the OT4Lyfe Podcast, now with

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203 – Riana Milne of Del Ray Beach, FL a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Global Life & Love Coach and Best Selling Author

Our guest this week is Riana Milne of Del Rey Beach, FL, who is a mother of two, grandmother of six, a licensed mental health counselor with decades of experience, a global life & love coach, childhood and love trauma recovery specialist, bestselling author and fellow podcast host. Riana has a BA in Broadcasting & Speech Communications from Penn State University, and a MA in Applied Clinical & Counseling Psychology from Rowan University, NJ, plus a dozen certificates and licenses, including; Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Certified Addictions Professional and Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor. She is also a best selling author

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202 – Catherine Whitcher of Milwaukee, WI, Mother of Two Daughters & Nationally Recognized Expert on IEPs

Our guest this week is Catherine Whitchter of Milwaukee, WI a mother two daughters, one of whom has Epilepsy. Catherine is also one the country’s most well-respected experts on IEPs or Individual Education Plans. She is also a podcast host and has created the Master IEP Coach program. We’ll learn about her career as a Special Education teacher, growing up with a younger brother with Down syndrome and hear some sage advice on how to create win-win strategies to help your child succeed. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Links:Website – https://catherinewhitcher.mykajabi.comEmail – catherine@catherinewhitcher.comLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinewhitcher/Special Education Inner

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200 – Bill Strickland of Pittsburgh, PA MacArthur Genius Fellow, Founder of Bidwell Training Center & Manchester Craftsmans Guild

Our guest this week is William “Bill” Strickland, Jr. of Pittsburg, PA, a John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Genius Fellow, founder of Bidwell Training Center and Manchester Craftsman’s Guild, an author, and a former pilot. Bill is the quintessential social entrepreneur. Through his love of the arts and specifically pottery, Bill has been offering welfare moms, out of work steel workers and at-risk youth vocational training in the arts and culinary worlds. Bill Strickland and his work offers new hope to displaced and underemployed workers around the country and we’re proud to have him be our guest for this 200th

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198 – Jeremiah Kuria of Maaimahiu, Kenya, Father of Three and Co-Founder of Ubuntu Life a NGO & Global Lifestyle Brand

Our guest this week is Jeremiah Kuria of Maaimahiu, Kenya, the father of three adult children and co-founder of Ubuntu Life, a Non-Governmental Organization and global lifestyle brand that provides economic security to hundreds of families raising children with special needs. Jeremiah reflects on his growing up in Escarpment, Kenya as the oldest of six children, the cultural differences, his paternal grandfather who was an assistant chief in their village, working in a children’s home in Kenya, and going to school, working and living in Grand Rapids, MI for eight years. Jeremiah also reflects on the chance encounter in he had

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196 – Spela Mirosevic of Ljubljana, Slovenia, Co-Founder Of The CTNNB1 Foundation, Mother of Two, Including A Son With CTNBB1

Our guest this week is Spela Mirosovic. who is a psychotherapist and biopsychologist, working as a researcher at the Medical University Ljubljana. Her work is focused on exploring unmet needs of cancer survivors and teaching mindfulness programs. Spela is also a mother to 2-year-old Urban who was diagnosed with CTNNB1, a rare autosomal genetic disorder that affects an estimated 1 out of 50,000 children worldwide. Spela is also co-founded and president of the CTNNB1 Foundation created to help find a cure for this debilitating syndrome. We’ll hear Spela’s story and much more on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.

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