21cd logo
Facebook-f
Youtube
Linkedin
Twitter
Donate
Contact Us

Results for:

<< Back to podcasts

133 – Seven Time Emmy Award Winning Broadcast Journalist Rob Johnson Reflects On Growing Up With A Brother With Down Syndrome

Our guest this week is Rob Johnson who is a seven time Emmy award winning broadcast journalist and an outspoken advocate for those with disability. He has a brother, Edward (48) who has Down Syndrome. David Hirsch talked to Rob about his life experiences and lessons from growing up with a brother with special needs. Rob is also the author of Timothy Trainor: Head In The Game (2015), which is a children’s book about a hockey player who suffers a concussion. And we’ll hear that discussion on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Concussion Legacy Foundation – https://concussionfoundation.org Chicago Youth

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

132 – Casey Parks of Mercer Island, WA Has A Son With CTNNB1 Syndrome, A Rare Genetic Deletion

Our guest on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast is Casey Parks of Mercer Island, WA., who is a deputy prosecuting attorney and father of two children, one of whom, Ford, was diagnosed with CTNNB1 Syndrome, a rare genetic deletion. We’ll hear the Parks family story and all about Casey’s wife Effie who created the Once Upon a Gene Podcast. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. For more information on CTNNB1 Syndrome go to https://www.ctnnb1.org You can check out their Facebook page at: https://www.ctnnb1.org To hear Effie’s podcast and to find out more go to https://effieparks.com Find

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

131 – Phil Irwin Father of Successfully Separated Conjoined Twin Daughters – Part 2

Our guest on this two-part Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast is Phil Irwin. Phil is the father of three girls including 1½ year old twins who were conjoined until August 2020, when surgeons successfully separated the twins at 14 months. In this second part we’ll hear about the recent successful surgery to separate the twins. The Million Dollar Day. It’s a fascinating story and it is all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. University of Michigan CS Mott Children’s Hospital Video: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/rare-conjoined-twins-born-locked-in-embrace-successfully-separated-in-michigan/ar-BB19dDOq Transcript: Dad to Dad 131 – Phil Irwin Father of Successfully Separated Conjoined Twin Daughters

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

130 – Phil Irwin Father of Successfully Separated Conjoined Twin Daughters – Part 1

Our guest on this special two-part Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast is Phil Irwin. Phil is the father of three girls including 1½ year old twins who were conjoined until jAugust, when surgeons successfully separated the two at 14 months. We’ll hear the first part in this episode in which Phil and his wife Alyson discover they’ll have twins that are conjoined. It’s a fascinating story and it’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Transcript: Dad to Dad 130 – Phil Irwin Father of Successfully Separated Conjoined Twin Daughters – Part 1 [00:00:00] Tom

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

129 – Teacher Michael Striegl Dedicates His Life To Kids Including His Two Children With Autism

David Hirsch’s guest on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast is Michael Striegl. Michael is a teacher whose core mission is to help children. Michael himself has two kids who are both autistic. Hear his story of being adopted and later raising two kids with differing special needs. It’s a fascinating listen and all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Transcript: Dad to Dad 129 — Teacher Michael Striegl Dedicates His Life To Kids Including His Two Children With Autism [00:00:00] Tom Couch: The Special Fathers Network is thrilled to be sponsored by Rubin Law.

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

128 – Navy Veteran Evan Spotswood of San Clemente, CA Has Two Young Children With Autism

Our guest this week is Evan Spotswood of San Clemente, CA. Evan works in facilities management at Chapman University and has two children; Fletcher and June, who are both autistic. He served 5 1/2 years in the Navy, which included two deployments. We’ll hear his faith, his family and some of his challenges and triumphs, including overcoming alcoholism on this Special Fathers Network, Dad to Dad Podcast. Beach Kids Therapy San Clemente – https://www.beachkidstherapy.com Stepping Forward, LCC – https://www.steppingforwardcounselingcenter.com Evan’s Email Address – Evan.Spotswood@gmail.com Transcript: Dad to Dad 128 – Navy Veteran Evan Spotswood of San Clemente, CA Has Two Young Children With Autism

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

127 – Dr. Bob Franks – President & CEO of The Judge Baker Children’s Center & Author of: Be A Better Parent

Our guest this week on The Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast is Dr. Bob Franks, who is a nationally recognized child psychologist, is the president and CEO of the Judge Baker Children’s Center, is on the clinical faculty at Harvard Medical School and author of Be A Better Parent: 10 Strategies For Being The Best You Can Be For Your Child. Bob is also the father of twin teenage boys adopted from Columbia, and a daughter, who vey sadly passed away shortly after birth, 18 years ago, due to underdeveloped lungs. We’ll hear his fascinating story on this Special

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

126 – Blair Cornell – Father of Four Including A Son With Dandy Walker Syndrome – JoyRide Car Club For Kids

Our guest on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast is Blair Cornell. Blair is a financial advisor with UBS Financial Services and founder of JoyRide.org, a not for profit whose mission is to provide kids with special needs an opportunity to ride in incredibly special vehicles. Think Ferrari, or Bugatti. Blair and his wife Kat have four children, including 9 year old Carter, who has Dandy Walker Syndrome. We’ll hear the Cornell family story and more on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Find out about JoyRide at: https://joyridecars.org Watch the Joy Ride Video: https://youtu.be/pXEAT84JmNU  Learn more about Dandy

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

125 – New York Times Best Selling Author Bill Danko Lost His Father & Brother, Tony, to Multiple Sclerosis

Our guest on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast is New York Times best selling author, Bill Danko. Sadly, Bill’s dad, Milton, a WWII veteran, died at 38 from MS and his younger brother, Tony, was also diagnosed at 21 with MS and died in 2015 at age 68. Through faith, with gratuity, and an incredibly upbeat attitude, Bill keeps keeping on. And we’ll hear his story on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. If you’d like to contact Bill his email is wdd9125@gmail.com. To find out about his best selling book visithttps://richerthanamillionaire.com The Milton & Mary

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

124 – Legendary Endurance Bike Rider Lon Haldeman – Daughter Ericka Passed Away Before Her 1st Birthday Due to Infantile ALS

Our guest this week on the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast is Lon Haldeman, one of the world’s most well respected long distance, endurance bike riders of all time. He’s also and a mentor, of sorts, to our host David Hirsch. Lon and his wife Susan, herself a champion bike rider, have two children, Rebecca and Ericka, who sadly passed away just shy of her first birthday of Infantile ALS. It’s an incredibly interesting conversation and you’ll hear it on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. To find out about Pacific Atlantic Cycling Tour go to: www.Pactour.com To make

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

123 – From Russia With Love: Alex Lyubelsky Has a Daughter With Mild Retardation, Autism, ADHD & Asperger’s

David Hirsch’s guest on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast is Alex Lyubelsky. Alex and his family came to the U.S. from Russia when he was a boy. He now lives in Wheaton, Illinois and works in corporate recruiting. He and his wife Tonie have two children, one of whom, Amanda, has mild retardation, Autism ADHD and Aspergers. We’ll hear about Alex’s journey to the U.S.and how he and Tonie have worked together to raise their two children. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Contact Alex at alyubelsky@yahoo.com Transcript: Dad to Dad 123 –

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

122 – SOAR Founder Stephen “Doc” Hunsley Lost His Son At Age 5 To Dravet Syndrome and Autism

Our guest this this week is Stephen “Doc” Hunsley . Doc is a father of three children, one of whom, Mark, sadly passed away at age five due to complications from Dravet Syndrome and Autism. Doc is the founder of SOAR (Special Opportunities Abilities & Relationships) Special Needs, focusing on Abilities/the positive not Disabilities/the negative. We’ll hear Doc’s life story, including his time in the Air Force, the loss of his brother at five days, the loss of his career as a pediatrician and more on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast. For more information about SOAR Special Needs

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

121 – Attorney Bruce Hearey, Father of 7 Including A Daughter Who Is A Spastic Quadriplegic With Cerebral Palsy

Bruce Hearey is our guest this week on the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast. Bruce is an attorney who has 7 children, including 36-year-old Jill who is a spastic quadriplegic with cerebral palsy, unable to walk or talk. Bruce talks authentically about his divorce from Jill’s mom and the hardest decision of his life, moving Jill to the Hattie Larlham Home, to ensure Jill will be well cared for and get the best services available. We’ll hear Bruce’s and Jill’s story on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast. To find out more about Hattie Larlham go to: http://www.hattielarlham.org Transcript: Dad

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

120 – Mark Arnold of Bournemouth, England, Advocates For Fathers Raising Children Like His Son, Who Has Autism & Epilepsy

Our guest on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast is Mark Arnold. Mark and his wife Clare live in Bournemouth, South England and are parents to Phoebe and James, who is autistic, has epilepsy and is mostly non verbal. Mark is the director of the Urban Saints Additional Needs Ministry, hosts the Additional Needs Blogfather blog, and started an advocacy group called Dad’s File Circle. We’ll hear his story on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. LINKS-Urban Saints:  https://www.urbansaints.org/additionalneeds Additional Needs Alliance:   http://additionalneedsalliance.org.ukand https://www.facebook.com/groups/additionalneedsalliance/  The Additional Needs Blogfather:   https://theadditionalneedsblogfather.com The Dads’ Fire Circle (Founded July 2020): https://thedadsfirecircle.com and https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedadsfirecircle/ YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8sK7U6d0r_7uVmyg0yN5sQ

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

119 – Al Feria Father Of Four Including A Non-verbal Son With Autism & Works With One Collective

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, host David Hirsch talks with special father Al Feria. Al has four children, including John, who is autistic and non-verbal. Al works for One Collective a christian not for profit helping integrate communities across the globe. We’ll hear his intriguing story on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast. To find out about One Collective go to: onecollective.orgContact Al directly at: Alcoleparis@gmail.com Transcript: Dad to Dad 119 – Al Feria Father Of Four Including A Non-verbal Son With Autism & Works With One Collective Tom Couch: The Special Fathers Network

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

118 – Dwayne Wiseman Reflects On Fathering Three Children With Dwarfism & Growing Up As A Little Person Himself

Our guest on this Dad to Dad Podcast is Dwayne Wiseman. Dwayne was born with Dwarfism and is short statured. He and his wife Sandy, who is also short statured, have four children; two with different forms of Dwarfism, another with Dwarfism who sadly passed away at age one, and the fourth of average height. It’s a fascinating story and we’ll hear it on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. For more information on dwarfism visit the Little People of America website at: https://www.lpaonline.org And find out about the Dwarf Athletic Association of America at:http://www.daaa.org Transcript: Dad to Dad

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

117 – Chris LaFriniare: Co-Creator of A Bunch Of Dads Facebook Group & Father of Zachary Who Has Autism

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, host David Hirsch talks with Chris LaFriniere. Chris is the founder of the Bunch of Dads Facebook group that currently has over 120,000 members. Chris also has a son Zachary who is autistic. We’ll hear Chris’ story on this Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Links:A Bunch Of Dads Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/abunchofdadsContact Chris LaFriniere at” CLafriniere@gmail.com Transcript: Dad to Dad 117 Chris LaFriniare: Co-Creator of A Bunch Of Dads Facebook Group & Father of Zachary Who Has Autism Tom Couch: The Special Fathers Network is thrilled to be sponsored by Rubin Law. A multigenerational

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

116 – Daniel DeFabio Part 2 – Co-Founder of DISORDER: The Rare Disease Film Festival, Reflects On Losing A Son To Menkes Disease

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast It’s the conclusion of host David Hirsch’s conversation with multi media producer, director and marketer, Daniel DeFabio. Daniel and his wife Tina lost their oldest son Lucas (11) just months ago to Menkes Disease, a very rare genetic disorder. Daniel along with fellow SFN Mentor Father Bo Bigelow (SFN D2D #51) are co-founders of DISORDER: The Rare Disease Film Festival. It’s an emotional story that we’ll hear in two parts on the Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast. This is part two. To find out about Menkes Disease go to: https://themenkesfoundation.orgTo find

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

115 – Daniel DeFabio Co-Founder of DISORDER: The Rare Disease Film Festival, Reflects On Losing A Son To Menkes Disease

In this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast host David Hirsch talks with multi media producer, director and marketer, Daniel DeFabio. Daniel and his wife Tina lost their oldest son Lucas (11) just months ago to Menkes Disease, a very rare genetic disorder. Daniel along with fellow SFN Mentor Father Bo Bigelow (SFN D2D #51) are co-founders of DISORDER: The Rare Disease Film Festival. It’s an emotional story that we’ll hear in two parts on the Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast. This is part one. To find out about Menkes Disease go to: https://themenkesfoundation.orgTo find out about DISORDER

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

114 – SEND International Missionary Nathan Woerner And His Daughter with Angelman Syndrome

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, we hear from Nathan Woerner, a missionary with SEND international and a father of two children including Ada. (2), who has Angelman Syndrome. Nathan tells of his family’s travels to Japan and the differences between American and Japanese healthcare. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast Show Links: SEND International – https://send.org/Angelman’s Syndrome – https://www.angelman.orgFAST (Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics – https://cureangelman.org Find out about the Special Fathers Network at: https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network/ Sponsored by Rubin Law www.rubinlaw.com Transcript: Coming Soon. 

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

113 – Business Coach Jim Vaselopulos Talks of His Son’s Dyslexia & Discovering His Own

In this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, guest and entrepreneur Jim Vaselopulos talks of the challenges faced by people with Dyslexia, including his 20-year-old son, Spyros and himself. It’s an illuminating discussion about a condition that affects more than 15m Americans from all walks of life. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Links: Contact Jim at Jim@rafti.com Find out about Susan Barton’s work with Dyslexia at: https://www.dys-add.com See her introductory video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcpyR_K5X_k Learn about the Orton-Gillingham Academy at: https://www.ortonacademy.org/resources/what-is-the-orton-gillingham-approach/ Check out Jim’s The Leadership Podcast at: https://theleadershippodcast.com/home-page/ Check out Jim’s LedX talk on leadership: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poF3NAN_mLY Transcript: Dad

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

112 – Jack Lavin, CEO of Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Reflects on Raising a Child with Down Syndrome

Meet Jack Lavin. Jack has a storied business career including his current role as CEO/President of the Chicago Chamber of Commerce. He’s the father of three children including Emily, 24, who has Down Syndrome. We’ll hear Jack’s inspiring story and the commitment he and his wife Kathy have made to serving those with disability, on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Links: Contact Jack Lavin at: JLavin@chicagolandchamber.org Find out about the Gateway to Learning at: https://www.gtlchicago.com/programsThe email is: info@gatewaytolearning.org Transcript:   Dad to Dad 112 – Jack Lavin, CEO of Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Reflects on Raising a Child with

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

111 – Registered Nurse Roddy Vannoy Juggles Caring For COVID Patients And Two Daughters with Autism

In this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, host David Hirsch talks with Roddy Vannoy about the challenges of being a single father of three girls, including two with autism. Roddy is a registered nurse who treats COVID patients and his story is an amazing one. For more information on the Special Fathers Network, go to https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network/ Show links: Here’s where you can purchase the book “Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters” by Meg Meeker M.D.https://www.amazon.com/Strong-Fathers-Daughters-Secrets-Father/dp/0345499395 Reach out to Roddy Vannoy at RoddyVannoy@gmail.com Transcript: Dad to Dad 111 – Registered Nurse Roddy Vannoy Juggles Caring For COVID Patients And Two Daughters with Autism Roddy

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

110 – Retired Navy SEAL Master Chief Stephen Drum Reflects On His Brother With Severe Special Needs

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, host David Hirsch talks with Stephen Drum, a retired Navy SEAL who has a brother with significant special needs. Steve is a public speaker who talks about his 27 years as a Master Chief in the SEALS. He’s seen combat and led teams in and out of incredibly sticky situations. Listen to his story on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Find out more about Stephen Drum and see a demo of his public speaking: https://stephendrum.com Transcript: Dad to Dad 110 – Retired Navy SEAL Master Chief Stephen Drum

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

109 – Brian & Allen Lynch, Medal Of Honor Recipient, Reflect On Raising A Child With A Super Rare Genetic Disorder

This is the Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. When we say Dad to Dad that’s exactly what we have today, because David Hirsch is talking to special father Brian Lynch and his father Allen Lynch. Brian’s daughter Cailinn was diagnosed early in her life with a rare chromosome disorder, while Brian’s father Allen is one of only 80 living recipients of the Medal of Honor. It’s an intriguing conversation between two special dads. Show Links: AJ Lynch Foundation – https://ajlynchfoundation.orgKaty’s Kloset – http://www.teamupwithfamilies.org/katys-kloset/ Children’s Hospital Wisconsin – https://childrenswi.org Illinois Fatherhood Initiative – www.4fathers.org  Special Fathers Network – https://21stcenturydads.org Transcript:  Dad to Dad 109 Brian & Allen

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

Mission & Vision

Mission Statement
 Improving the lives of children by raising awareness and resources for greater father involvement; and inspiring dads to be present —physically, emotionally, financially and spiritually.

Vision Statement
That all children will grow up with a loving, caring and nurturing father and family.

Contact Us

Join the 21CD Mailing List

Click here to join our email list and receive weekly email messages and links to the latest SFN Dad To Dad Podcasts, resources, events and important updates.