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

Results for:

<< Back to podcasts

145 – Jeremy Kredlo of Seattle, WA Is Raising His Two Granddaughters with Special Needs

Our guest this week on the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast is Jeremy Kredlo. Jeremy is single and has two granddaughters with special needs, making Jeremy a senior member of the Special Fathers Network, a Special Grandfather, if you will. He also spends a great deal of time helping other dads at the Washington State Fathers Network and Arc of King County. We’ll hear all about his life and what makes him tick on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Find out about the Washington State Fathers Network: https://fathersnetwork.org Find out about the Parent to Parent Program at the Arc

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

144 – Andy McCall of Greeneville, TN, Father of Three, Lost His Oldest Child Before Her 2nd Birthday

Our guest this week is Andy McCall of Greenville, TN. Andy is a career teacher and coach who has three children, including daughter, Penelope, who, sadly, passed away at age two, due to severe special needs and cancer. Andy kept a blog during Penelope’s life, which he turned into a book entitled, Pigtails & Steel, which is available on Amazon. His experience has led to his dedication as a volunteer at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital as well as with Dads of Steele, a charity that supports dads who have lost a child. Andy credits his family, his faith and The

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

143 – Warren Rustand: Husband, Father, Grandfather, Leader & Role Model To Countless Others – Part 2

This week we’ll hear the final installment of David Hirsch’s conversation with Warren Rustand. Warren has led an exemplary life. He’s been a serial entrepreneur, a former White House Fellow, former NBA player for the Golden State Warriors, past CEO of the World Presidents Organization, a frequent speaker, a grandfather of nineteen and a father of seven. This week, in part two, we’ll hear about Warren’s son, Scott, who has special needs. We’ll also hear tips on how to live a healthy productive life, with his five life principles. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. https://www.warrenrustand.com

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

142 – Warren Rustand: Husband, Father, Grandfather, Leader & Role Model To Countless Others – Part 1

Our guest this week is legendary Warren Rustand. Warren’s career is as varied as it is interesting. He’s been a serial entrepreneur, served on 50 for-profit and non-profit boards, a former White House Fellow, former NBA player for the Golden State Warriors, past CEO of the World Presidents Organization, a frequent speaker, grandfather of nineteen, father of 7, including a son with special needs. and most recently author of the book: The Leader Within Us: Mindset, Principals & Tools for Life By Design. He and Carson, his wife of 56 years, have led an extraordinary life and we’ll hear all about

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

141 – Rob Harris, Father Of Three, Two Who Passed At Birth – Advocates For ‘Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep’ A National Non-Profit

Our guest this week on the Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast is Rob Harris of Littleton, CO. Rob tells the heartbreaking story of how he and his wife Gina lost two children at childbirth and the happy occurrence of the arrival of their third child, a bouncing baby boy named R.J. Their life experience propelled Gina to become involved with and now serves as CEO of Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, a national non-profit, whose mission is to introduce remembrance photography to parents suffering the loss of a baby with a free gift of professional portraiture. It’s

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

140 – Young Girl With Wolf Hirschhorn Syndrome Benefits From The Love Of Her Father & Mother’s Significant Other

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, host David Hirsch talks to two Dads, Chris Wade and Travis Jorgensen. Chris is a divorced dad of three kids one of whom, Luca, has Wolf Hirschhorn Syndrome, a rare congenital disease. Travis is a step-dad of sorts to Luca, though not married to Luca’s mom, Leah, he is a dedicated partner and caregiver of Luca and her siblings. Chris, Travis and Leah all take turns caring for those three kids. It’s a unique as well as beneficial situation and we’ll hear all about it in this Special Father Network Dad to

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

139 – Lyle Liechty’s Daughter with Down Syndrome Inspired Him To Help Create DADS (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome)

Our guest this week is Lyle Liechty, a father of three including a daughter with Down Syndrome. We’ll hear Lyle’s family story, which includes being adopted, and about his work with DADS (Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome), a group that offers support for dads of kids with Down Syndrome, now in dozens of communities across the country. We also learn how Lyle’s family and faith have shaped his journey as we’ll as his involvement with All Pro Dads. That’s’ all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. DADS National – https://dadsnational.org DSI (Down Syndrome Indiana) DADS – https://dsindiana.org All Pro Dads – https://www.allprodad.com

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

138 Don Raineri – Father of Four Including Twins; One With Down Syndrome, The Other Who Passed Away At Childbirth

Our guest this week is Don Raineri, president of Dads of Steele. Don is the father of four children,, including twins; one with Down Syndrome and the other who, sadly, died at childbirth. We’ll hear Don’s family story, about his faith and Dads of Steele, a charity dedicated to strengthening dads to be more present in their children’s lives. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast. Learn about Dads of Steele – https://dadsofsteele.org/mission-focus/ Contact Don at don@dadsofsteele.org Learn more about Special Fathers Network – https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network/ Transcript: Coming Soon

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

137 – Tony Gayle, A US Marine & Army Veteran, Lost His Wife Days After Delivering Their Son, Who Has Special Needs – Part 2

Our guest this week is Tony Gayle, a US Army and US Marine veteran as well as father of a son with special needs. He has an amazing story to tell and we’re hearing it in two parts. Last week we heard how Tony grew up on a US military base in Panama, then moved to NYC with his Panamanian mom only to end up in foster care before being raised by an elderly Jewish couple. He served in both the US Marines and US Army. Three years into marriage, he almost lost his Son, Hezekiah, at birth, only to have

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

136 – Tony Gayle, A Marine & Army Veteran, Lost His Wife Days After Delivering Their Son, Who Has Special Needs – Part 1

Our guest this week on the Dad to Dad Podcast is Tony Gayle, an Army and Marine veteran whose son has special needs. He’s got an amazing story to tell and we’ll hear it in two parts. This week, we’ll hear how Tony almost lost his son when he was born, only to lose his wife from complications of that delivery. It’s an incredibly moving story from an incredibly powerful story teller. And it’s all in this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast. Washington State Fathers Network – https://fathersnetwork.org Kindering Center – https://www.kindering.org Transcript: Coming Soon

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

135 – Rob Kenney ‘The YouTube Dad’ & Creator Of The ‘Dad How Do I?’ Video Series With Over 3M Subscribers

Our guest on this Dad to Dad Podcast is Rob Kenney of Seattle, WA, who is also known as ‘The YouTube Dad’ with over 3 million subscribers. Rob has created more than 60 ‘Dad How Do I?’ videos that have taken off in popularity during the COVID pandemic. We’ll hear about Rob’s faith and how the pandemic has brought him a huge internet following. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Rob’s 6 point mission statement: 1. Share God’s love 2. Provide a safe space for anybody to learn 3. Promote Kindness 4. Encourage Other Dads 5.

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

134 – James Mack of Columbia, SC Has Been Dedicated to Serving the Autism Community Since 1982

Our guest this week is James Mack of Columbia, SC. James has spent his career working with people who have Autism. He also has a step-son who is autistic. We’ll hear James’ unique story and many words of wisdom about raising a child with special needs. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. South Carolina Autism Society – www.scautism.org Brookland Baptist Church – https://brooklandbaptist.org Concussion Legacy Foundation – https://concussionfoundation.org Chicago Youth Foundation – Hockey On Your Block – https://www.chicagoyouthfoundation.org Gigi’s Playhouse – www.gigisplayhouse.org Special Olympics Illinois – www.soill.org Rob Johnson Consulting – www.rj47llc.com Rob’s email – robjohnson@RJ47LLC.com Transcript: Coming Soon

[CLICK TO READ MORE]
Listen to Podcast

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

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.