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

Results for:

<< Back to podcasts

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

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

206 – Chris Velona of North Los Angeles, Father of Two, Including a Son With Batten Disease & Founder of Project Sebastian

Our guest this week is Chris Velona of North Los Angeles, CA. Chris and his x-wife, Teresa, are the proud parents of two boys; Gage (16) and Sebastian (18), who was diagnosed with Batten Disease CLN8, a rare neurodegenerative disorder. We’ll learn about Chris’ journey, which includes his own battle with alcoholism, shouldering the Batten Disease diagnosis, and creating Project Sebastian, a non-profit to support families touched by Batten Disease and rare disease. We also learn about a number of organizations that have played an influential role in their lives, including: Charlotte & Gwyneth Gray Foundation, the Batten Disease Support &

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

205 – Justin DeVault of Algonquin, IL, The Father of Three Including a Daughter with Autism & Son Who Suffered a Brain Stroke

Our guest this week is Justin DeVault of Algonquin, IL. Justin and his wife, Margaret, have been married for 17 years and are the proud parents of three; Hazel (3), Alice (5) and Henry (13). Hazel was diagnosed with Autism and Henry had a brain stroke shortly after birth, that lead to the loss of his sight and has impaired his neurological development. We’ll learn about Justin’s journey, which included a sister with special needs and who is legally blind, teaching in a Montessori School, the full range of challenges their children have encountered and a number of organizations that have

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

204 – Mike Graglia of Palo Alto, CA Father of Two & Co-Founder Of The SynGAP Research Foundation

Our guest this week is Mike Graglia of Palo Alto, CA. Mike and his wife, Ashley, are parents to two boys John (3) and Tony (8) who was diagnosed with SynGap 1, a rare genetic disorder. We’ll learn about Mike’s eclectic career including being a Peace Corps volunteer in Namibia, as well as working at: the World Bank, Boston Consulting Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, New America, and Emerson Collective before jumping in full-time at the SynGAP Research Foundation in a quest to find treatments and a cure for those who diagnosed with SynGap1. It’s a

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

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

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

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

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

201 – Duncan Keya of Nairobi, Kenya Father of Four Including a Daughter With Albinism & Son With Autism.

Our guest this week is Duncan Keya of Nairobi, Kenya, the father of four children and a Designated Migration Officer at the Canadian High Commission in Nairobi. Duncan and his wife, wife, Faith, have been married for six years and are the proud parents of four children: Luka (5), who has Autism, Khalayi (2) who has Albinism and two other children: Keith (13) and Kaylee (6) from his first marriage. Duncan has become an outspoken advocate for families raising children with all types of special healthcare needs and has helped start the SFN Nairobi Dads Meetup Group. It’s a very compelling

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

200 – Bill Strickland of Pittsburg, 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

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

199 – Damion Navarro of Frankfort, IL Father of Three Including A Son With Down Syndrome & Co-Founder Of Navarro Farm

Our guest this week is Damion Navarro of Frankfort, IL, owner of NES Environmental, a father of three, including son Carter, who has Down Syndrome, and now a farmer! Damion and his wife, Sherri, are co-founders of Navarro Farm, a place to grow and employ people with all types of ability. We’ll hear Damion’s and the Navarro Farm story in this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Navarro Farm – https://www.navarrofarm.orgEmail – damion@navarrofarm.orgLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/damion-navarro-31314160/CBS Story – https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2021/08/13/navarro-farm-frankfort-illinois-special-needs/ Transcript: Coming Soon

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

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

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

197 – Josh LaBelle, ED at Seattle Theatre Group & Father of Two Including a Son With Extreme ADHD & Other Challenges

Our guest this week is Josh LaBelle, Executive Director of the Seattle Theatre Group, a former drummer for musicians Sam Phillips and T Bone Burnett and a father of two including son Levi (8) who has extreme ADHD and speech issues. We’ll hear Josh’s story including his own challenges with Epilepsy and how the Seattle Theatre Group runs a program to provide theatre that caters to families raising children with special needs. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Links: Seattle Theater Group https://www.STGPresents.orgEmail Josh: JoshL@stgpresents.org Transcript: Coming Soon

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

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.

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

195 – Susanna Peace-Lovell of Marina del Rey, CA Is An Outspoken Advocate for Families Raising Children With Special Needs

Our guest this week is Susanna Peace-Lovell, a single mother, certified life coach and advocate for the health and wellness of all special needs families. Susanna’s daughter, Arizona, has ADHD, Eczema, severe food allergies, sensory and auditory processing disorders as well as Autism. We’ll hear Susanna’s story, her work as a life coach and her dedication to serve families raising children with special healthcare needs. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Links: Email – susanna@susannapeacelovell.comLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/susannapeace/Website – https://www.susannapeacelovell.comCheerful Helpers Child & Family Study Center – https://www.cheerfulhelpers.orgThe Children’s Ranch – http://www.thechildrensranch.orgSocial Foundations LA – https://www.socialfoundationsla.comWe Are Brave Together – https://www.wearebravetogether.com Transcript: Coming

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

194 – Dr. Al Freedman of West Chester, PA, A Psychologist Specializing In Rare Disease & Disability Lost A Son To SMA Recently.

Our guest this week is Al Freedman of West Chester, PA a Psychologist who specializes in counseling families touched by rare disease and disability. Al is a divorced father of two adult children; Cara (21) and Jack (26), who had Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare neuromuscular disorder, leaving him wheel chair and ventilator dependent. David Hirsch recorded this interview with Al in August, 2021, but ivery sadly, Jack passed away in October at age 26. So, David spoke again with Al this week to have Al reflect on the impact Jack had on him, those he met and beyond. We’ll

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

193 – Miguel Sancho of Larchmont, NY, An Emmy Award Winning TV Producer, Author & Father Of Two, Including a Son With CGD

Our guest this week is Miguel Sancho, of Larchmont, NY a journalist and an Emmy award winning TV producer. Miguel and his wife, Felicia Morton, have been married for 16 years and are the proud parents of two; Lydia (13) and Sebastian (9), who was diagnosed with CGD, Chronic Granulomatous Disease, a rare genetic disorder in which white blood cells called phagocytes are unable to kill certain types of bacteria and fungi. People with CGD are constantly at risk of developing bacterial and fungal diseases that can be life-threatening. Miguel is also the author of: More Thank You Can Handle: A

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

192 – Eliya Stromberg of Jerusalem, Author, Fatherhood Advocate & Father of Three, Including A Son With Down syndrome

Our guest this week is Eliya Stromberg, the founder of Fathers Connect and author of Chosen Fathers. Eliya and his wife Esther have several grandchildren and parent of three grown children, including Ariel (32) who has Down Syndrome. We’ll hear Eliya’s story about growing up in Los Angeles, taking degrees from UC Berkeley, Yeshiva University (NYC) and University of Kansas and how his career took him all across North America, before landing in Jerusalem. We also learn about his transformation from being an educator of to the parent of a child with special needs and his calling to assist fathers, which

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

191 – Special Report Ukraine – With SFN Mentor Father Ruslan Vasyutin

Listen to “Dad To Dad 191 – Special Report Ukraine – With SFN Mentor Father Ruslan Vasyutin” on Spreaker. Our guest on this SFN Dad To Dad Podcast ‘Special Report’ is SFN Mentor Father Ruslan Vasyutin of Kiev Ukraine, the father of a nine year old daughter with Cerebral Palsy, who is unable walk or talk. Today March 9, 2022 marks day 14 since Russia sent its army into Ukraine. This unprovoked and hostile action has upended the lives of all Ukrainians and put Ukraine at the Geopolitcal center of the world. Ruslan previously did an interview for the SFN

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

190 – Shandra Cubin Co-Founder of Special Hearts, A Dating App For Parents Of Kids With Special Needs & Who Has A Son Hyperlexia

Our guest this week is Shandra Cubin, co-founder of Special Hearts, a dating app for parents of kids with special needs. Shandra and her husband, Rich, have two children, including a son, Koen, who has been diagnosed with Seizure Disorder and Hyperlexia, which includes the ability to read at a surprisingly early age and often accompanied by an obsessive interest in letters and numbers. We’ll hear Shandra’s story and more on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Links: Find the Special Hearts app in the Google Play store, or Go to https://www.special-hearts.com Email – shandraeastman@yahoo.com Transcript: Coming Soon

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

189 – Amjad Farah, of Livonia, MI Father Of Three Including A Son With Epilepsy & Cognitive Impairment

Our guest this week is Amjad Farah, of Livonia, MI who is a global account director at PPG. Amjad and his wife Buthayna, have been married for 27 years and are the proud parents of three children: Amal (26), Sadallah (25) and Abdullah (19) who was diagnosed with Epilepsy and moderate to severe cognitive impairment. We’ll hear Ahmad’s family story, their immigration from the West Bank in Palestine, and more this week on the Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Links: Muhsen – https://muhsen.orgARC of NW Wayne County – https://thearcnw.orgEarly On Intervention MI – https://www.1800earlyon.orgEmail – Amjad.farah5@gmail.comLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/amjad-farah-a0975643/ Transcript: Coming Soon

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

188 – Tom D’Amato of St. Charles, IL, A Patent Advocate At Horizon Therapeutics, Serving Those With Special Healthcare Needs

Our guest this week is Tom D’Amato of St. Charles, IL who is a Patient Advocate at Horizon Therapeutics, a company dedicated to delivering medicines for rare, autoimmune and severe inflammatory diseases. Tom and his wife, Ashley, have been married for 13 years are the proud parents of three, including two of whom have special healthcare needs. Callie has a rare kidney disease, and Brody has Periodic Fever Syndrome, one of only 700 cases worldwide. Tom also reflects on being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and his own treatment regimen. We’ll hear all about that and more on this Special Fathers Network

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

187 – Edgar Pacheco, Sr. of Pearland, TX, Father of Three Including Son Edgar, Jr. Who Was Born Without Arms Or Legs

Our guest this week is Edgar Pacheco, Sr., of Pearland, TX, a senior paralegal and father of three, including oldest child Edgar Jr. who was born without arms or legs. We’ll hear the story of the two Edgars, from senior’s growing up in Huatulco, Mexico, his immigration to the U.S., the family’s faith as well as Edgar junior’s knack for politics and how he has been transforming lives. That’s all on this Special Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Links:ABC News Story – https://abc13.com/game-changer-edgar-pacheco-tetra-amelia-pearland-texas/5384431/ House Bill 1252 renamed the Edgar Pacheco Bill (2:44 – 2:47)https://tlcsenate.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=49&clip_id=16253 Edgar Pacheco Email – edgar__p__m@hotmail.com Edgar’s phone

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

186 – Mark Miller of Marietta, GA, Leadership Guru & Author, Chick-fil-A Exec, Enlightened By His Son With Cerebral Palsy & Autism

Our guest this week is Mark Miller, of Marietta, GA a self proclaimed ‘chicken salesman’ and one of the original employees at Chick-fil-A, where he has worked for more than 40 years and currently serves as Vice-President of High Performance Leadership. Mark is a best selling author or co-author of nine books with more than one million copies in print and in 25+ languages. Mark is also a well respected pubic speaker and executive coach who has had the privilege to teach and lead in not-for-profit organizations domestically and globally. Mark and his wife Donna have been married for 39 years

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

185 – Lenn Boston of Kalamazoo, MI Retired U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer, Father of Four Including A Child With Angelman Syndrome

Our guest this week is Leonard Boston of Kalamazoo, MI, a retired U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer, real estate agent, board member of Parent To Parent (P2P) USA, and father of four, including a daughter with Angelman Syndrome. Lenn and his wife, LaTrieva, have been married for 13 years and are the proud parents of four children: Kenyana (31), Ashante (28), Maleek (26) and Chloe(11), who was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome, a genetic disorder that mainly effects the nervous system. After serving 20 years in the Navy, Lenn became a real estate agent and also serves on the board of Parent

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

184 – Agust Kristmanns of Reykjavik, Iceland, Board Member of Einstokborn, Father of 3, Including a Son with 2Q37 Deletion Syndrome

Our guest this week is Agust Kristmanns, of Reykjavik, Iceland an electrician with three children, including middle child Ingi (20) who was diagnosed with 2Q37 Deletion Syndrome, a rare chromosome condition affecting an estimated 300 people in the world. Because of Ingi’s late diagnosis, at age 11, he was denied access to resources, which prompted the family to sue the education ministry. We’ll hear Agust’s story including his effort to start a Dads Meetup Group in Iceland. It’s a unique tale and one you’ll enjoy on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Links:Unique Children of Iceland. (Einstokborn) – https://www.einstokborn.is/is/english

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

183 – Jason Hsieh of University Park, WA, Founder of LakiKid & Father of Three, Including a Son With Autism

Our guest this week is Jason Hsieh of University Park, WA. Jason and his wife Miho have been married for 11 years and are the proud parents of three children: Moani (3) who has speech delays, Luana (7) who was diagnosed with Leukemia, and Keanu (10), who has Autism and ADHD. Jason is founder of LakiKid, a company whose motto is to ‘Empower Kids To Have A Life Full Of Possibilities’ and that sells sensory tools and toys that help kids with autism and other special needs at school and at home. Jason is also a member of the first SFN

[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.