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Dad to Dad 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

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Dad to Dad 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

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Dad to Dad 108 – Nik Nikic’s Son Chris Who Has Down Syndrome Is Training for Ironman Florida – 1% Better Every Day

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast we hear from SFN father Nik Nikic. Nik has two children including son Chris (20), who has Down Syndrome. Nik has developed the 1% Better Every Day method to help Chris set and achieve goals, like being a triathlete and now public speaker. It’s a great story and it’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Show links:Find out all about Chris and his amazing accomplishments at: https://chrisnikic.com

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Dad To Dad 107 – Mike Carmody Has A Brother With Down Syndrome & Is Co-Founder of Opportunity Knocks

Meet Mike Carmody whose brother John has Down syndrome. Mike has spent the last decade running Opportunity Knocks, a non profit that provides activities, programs and general kindness to young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Mike’s our guest on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast. To find out more about Opportunity Knocks go to: www.opportunityknocksnow.org

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Dad To Dad 106 – Meet Jose Velasco Who Has Two Kids On the Spectrum & Leads The SAP Autism At Work Program

In this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, host David Hirsch talks to Jose Valesco, a VP at SAP Software Solutions and director of the SAP Autism at Work Program. Jose has two children who are on the Autism spectrum and he strives to get people with autism and other special needs hired at SAP. Show Links: Find out why diversity and inclusion is fundamental to SAP’s mission: https://www.sap.com/corporate/en/company/diversity.html?video=d40f384d-507d-0010-87a3-c30de2ffd8ff

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Dad To Dad 105 – Dr. Richard Shuster

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, host David Hirsch talks with Dr. Richard Shuster, a clinical psychologist, CEO of Your Success Insights, a psychological assessment company and host of the The Daily Helping Podcast. It’s a fascinating conversation filled with hope affirming insights. He is also founder of Every Kids Rocks a non-profit that helps students reach their full potential. Show Links: Visit Dr. Shusters website at: www.drrichardshuster.com Listen to The Daily Helping Podcast – https://www.thedailyhelping.com/podcast/ Hear Richard’s TEDx Talk at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44wBwSIsz5E Find out about Every Kid Rocks – http://everykidrocks.org/about/ And lastly check out Dr. Richard’s Facebook page at:https://www.facebook.com/Thedailyhelping / And to find

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Dad To Dad 104 – Dr. Stephen Grcevich

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, host David Hirsch talks with Dr. Stephen Grcevich, a child & adolescent psychiatrist and founder of Key Ministry, promoting meaningful connection between churches and families of kids with special needs. To find out Key Ministries go to: https://www.keyministry.org To find out about Dr, Grcevich’s book, Mental Health & The Church: A Ministry Handbook for Including Children and Adults with ADHD, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, and Other Common Mental Health Conditions, go to https://www.amazon.com/Mental-Health-Church-Including-Conditions/dp/031053481X Follow Stephen Grcevich on Facebook or Twitter: search Key Ministy.

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Dad To Dad 103 – Jonathan McGuire

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, host David Hirsch talks with Jonathan McGuire. Jonathan and his wife Sarah are parents to Josiah and Jordan who is autistic. Jonathan and Sarah formed HopeAnew.com; a laugh together, cry together, pray together community that helps parents of kids with special needs navigate their path to the future. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast. To find out about Hope Anew, read the blog and listen to the podcast, go to http://hopeanew.com Check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hopeinthetrenches/

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000 – Meet Dad to Dad host, David Hirsch

In this Special Fathers Network Podcast introduction, hear host David Hirsch tell why he feels fathers are so important. David also explains the mission behind the Special Fathers Network that of fathers helping fathers.  Transcript: Dad To Dad #00 – Meet Dad to Dad host, David Hirsch David Hirsch: Hi, I’m David Hirsch, founder of the 21st century dads foundation and creator of the special fathers network, a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers, raising children with special needs. Thanks for taking the time to listen to the Special Fathers Network introductory podcast. The mission of the 21st Century

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Dad To Dad 102 – Robert Blackwell

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, host David Hirsch talks with Robert Blackwell, a successful serial entrepreneur who is founder of Killerspin, a luxury table tennis company that’s transformed the sport and been a pioneer in the #UnPlugNPlay movement. His daughter Ali-Yah is 23 and was diagnosed with autism at age 2 as the result of reaching a vaccine. We’ll hear Robert’ and Ali-Yah’s amazing story, how he played ping pong with legal consultant Barack Obama and Pope Francis’ connection to Killerspin. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. To find out about Killerspin

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001 – Tony Oommen: The Story Of How A Virus Caused His 6 Year Old Son To Suffer A Traumatic Brain Injury

This is the story of a virus that changed 6-year-old Ben Oommen’s life forever…and now his father Tony’s story, of living in a whole new world. For our “Special Fathers” series, we hear from the fathers of children with special needs. Listen to Oommen’s special story. Transcript: Dad To Dad 1 – Tony Oommen: The Story Of How A Virus Caused His 6 Year Old Son To Suffer A Traumatic Brain Injury Lee Habib: This is Lee Habib, and this is our American stories and it’s time for our Special Fathers Series, which tells the stories of fathers with special

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002 – Randy Lewis: The Walgreens Story & Providing Employment For Those With Disability

The Father Who Was Transformed By His Son’s Autism. And it would lead him, to then transform the lives of thousands of other “differently-abled” Americans. Former Walgreens executive Randy Lewis’ incredible story as part of our Special Fathers series. Transcript: Dad To Dad 2 – Randy Lewis: The Walgreens Story & Providing Employment For Those With Disability Lee Habeeb: This is Lee Habeeb, and this is our American stories and it’s time for our Special Father’s Series, which tells the stories of fathers with special needs children. And it’s brought to us by the Special Fathers Network, which matches up

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003 – Skip Gianopulos: Raising Four Daughters Including Two With Down Syndrome

Skip Gianopulos Is the father of four daughters; two with special needs. Take a listen to see just how this man’s life has been changed, and how he’s helped change the lives of many more through his work with GiGi’s Playhouse. Transcript: Dad To Dad 3 – Skip Gianopulos: Raising Four Daughters Including Two With Down Syndrome Tom Couch: This is the Special Fathers Network podcast. The Special Fathers Network is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs through our personalized matching process. New fathers with special needs children connect with mentor fathers in

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004 – Jim Elliott: The Story Behind Founding Diveheart.org & Scuba As Therapy

Jim Elliott, the father of two daughters with disabilities and founder of Diveheart.org, changes lives by people with all abilities through scuba diving, scuba therapy and related activities. Transcript: Dad To Dad 4 – Jim Elliott: The Story Behind Founding Diveheart.org & Scuba As Therapy David Hirsch: Hi, I’m David Hirsch. This is the Special Fathers Network podcast stories of fathers helping fathers. Jim Elliott: There are pools in every community, and my thought was we can get people with mobility issues out of their wheelchairs into pools. David Hirsch: That’s today’s guest, Jim Elliott, the father of a 37

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005 – Actor Joe Mantegna’s journey with his daughter Mia, who has Autism

Movie, television and Broadway star Joe Mantenga and his wife Arlene discovered that daughter Mia — at two and a half years old — was autistic. Joe shares his journey with listeners of raising an autistic child: finding the right schools and searching for needed resources. He also talks about the special relationship between Mia and her younger sister Gia. Transcript: Dad To Dad 5 – Actor Joe Mantegna’s journey with his daughter Mia, who has Autism David Hirsch: Hi, I’m David Hirsch. This is the Special Fathers Network podcast stories of fathers helping fathers. Joe Mantegna: People say to

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006 – Paul Gianni And The Founding of Gigi’s Playhouses for Individuals With Down Syndrome.

Paul and his wife Nancy are co-founders of Gigi’s Playhouse, which are Down syndrome achievement centers for individuals, like their daughter Gigi, who have Down syndrome. There are now more than 30 Gigi’s Playhouses across the country. Listen to Paul share his life with and commitment to his special daughter, Gigi. Transcript: Dad To Dad 6 – Paul Gianni And The Founding of Gigi’s Playhouses for Individuals With Down Syndrome. Tom Couch: This is the Special Fathers Network podcast. The Special Fathers Network is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs through our personalized

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007 – Clayton Frech & the Story Behind Founding Angel City Sports & Adaptive Athletics

David Hirsch talks with Clayton Frech, father of Ezra Frech. Ezra was born missing his left knee and fibula and with only one finger on his left hand, but through spirit, grit and determination Ezra has gone on to do some great things and has propelled his dad to found Angel City Sports, which offers sports programming in Southern California for kids, adults and veterans with physical liabilities or impairments. It’s an amazing story and a great listen. Transcript: Dad To Dad 7 – Clayton Frech & the Story Behind Founding Angel City Sports & Adaptive Athletics Tom Couch: This

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008 – Jeff Aider and his wife open a new college prep school for special needs and dyslexic kids.

Molly Aider, Jeff’s oldest daughter, struggled in school with dyslexia and learning differences. At a conference with school counselors, Jeff and his wife, Jennifer Levine, were told to send Molly to a large school in the suburbs or to a boarding school. Instead, Jeff and his wife founded Walcott School in Chicago — a college prep high school for students with learning differences. Transcript: Dad To Dad 8 – Jeff Aider and his wife open a new college prep school for special needs and dyslexic kids. Tom Couch: This is the Special Fathers Network podcast. The Special Fathers Network is

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009 – A conversation with the director of the film Special Needs, Scott Sowers.

David Hirsch talks with film producer and director Scott Sowers. Scott and his wife Sharon live outside of Atlanta and are parents of a special needs daughter, Gloria. Scott produced and directed a film called Special Needs, about people with special needs and the families that care for them. Transcript: Dad To Dad 9 – A conversation with the director of the film Special Needs, Scott Sowers. Tom Couch: This is the Special Fathers Network podcast. The Special Fathers Network is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs through our personalized matching process. New

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010 – Air Force vet Bob Roybal raises a gold medal winning Paralympic athlete.

David Hirsch talks with Air Force Vet Bob Roybal. Bob and his wife Michelle are parents of Brody Roybal, a forward for the U.S. Paralympic Hockey Team. Brody, 19, just won his second gold medal at the Paralympic Games in South Korea. Transcript: Dad To Dad 10 – Air Force vet Bob Roybal raises a gold medal winning Paralympic athlete. Tom Couch: This is the Special Fathers Network podcast. The Special Father’s Network is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs through our personalized matching process. New fathers with special needs children connect with

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011 – The Legendary Dick Hoyt Who Has Pushed His Son Rick In 1,200+ Races Including 34 Boston Marathons & Six Ironman Triathlons.

David Hirsch talks to special father Dick Hoyt. Dick and his son Rick, a non-verbal spastic quadriplegic with cerebral palsy, have competed in over 1200 races including 34 Boston Marathons and Six Iron Man Triathalons. Hear their amazing story on this Special Fathers’ Network Podcast. Transcript: Dad To Dad 11 – The Legendary Dick Hoyt Who Has Pushed His Son Rick In 1,200+ Races Including 34 Boston Marathons & Six Ironman Triathlons. Tom Couch: This is the Special Fathers Network podcast. The Special Father’s Network is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs through

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012 – Shanne Sowards, a Former Teen Father, Steps up to Raise His Daughter & Mentor Teen Fathers

David talks to a special father who’s making a difference in Portland, Oregon. His name is Shanne Sowards who at the age of 15 became a father to his daughter Kendra. While the relationship with the mother didn’t work out and against the odds, Shanne stuck by Kendra. With the help of a mentor named Ben. Years later Shanne felt the calling to inspire teen fathers and started Squires, a mentoring program for teen fathers. Also David Hirsch will talk to one of Shanne’s mentees, Quame Assumen; who at 16 became a teen father to his son King, who has had

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013 – Special Father Jim Mueller tells of raising a quadriplegic son with Cerebral Palsy.

David Hirsch talks to special father Jim Mueller. Jim and his wife Margot are parents of three children, Jessica, Lili and Luke, who was born as a spastic quaraplegic with cerebral palsy.Jim tells David of his journey raising a special needs son and how it helped enrich his and his family’s life. Sadly, Luke passed away in December of 2016 but the Mueller family moves forward and Jim shares with us his many insights he learned from being Luke’s father. Transcript: Dad To Dad 13 – Special Father Jim Mueller tells of raising a quadriplegic son with Cerebral Palsy.  

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014 – Rob Greenlee, VP Spreaker, tells of raising two children with ADHD.

David Hirsch talks to a special father who’s a media marketing manager, the head of partnerships at Voxnet and Spreaker and a podcaster extraordinaire, Rob Greenlee. Rob has two children, Michael and Carolyn, who both have experienced the challenges of ADHD. We’ll hear their story on this Special Fathers Network Podcast with Rob Greenlee.  Transcript: Dad To Dad 14 – Rob Greenlee, VP Spreaker, tells of raising two children with ADHD.   Tom Couch: This is the Special Fathers Network podcast. The Special Fathers Network is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs through

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015 – Dan Marquardt Father of 10 Including Six Adopted Kids With Special Needs.

In this Special Fathers’ Network Podcast, David Hirsch talks with Dan Marquardt, from Marquardt of Barrington, Buick GMC. Dan and with his wife Jennifer are parents to 9 children, including six adopted children who all have special needs. It’s an amazing story of a couple who are trying to make the world a better place – and succeeding.  Transcript: Dad To Dad 15 – Dan Marquardt Father of 10 Including Six Adopted Kids With Special Needs. Tom Couch: This is the Special Fathers Network podcast. The Special Fathers Network is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children

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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.

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