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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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016 – Rob Gorski Father of Three Boys With Autism & The Autistic Dad Blog & Website.

This Special Fathers Network Podcast features a series of conversations David Hirsch had over the last few months with The Autism Dad, Rob Gorski. Rob and his wife Liz are parents to three special needs boys.Rob shares his stories and writes of his parenting experiences both positive and negative on his website “The Autism Dad.com.” These interviews took place over several days and we’re featuring them for you now.  Transcript: Dad To Dad 16 – Rob Gorski Father of Three Boys With Autism & The Autistic Dad Blog & Website. Rob Gorski: This is the Special Fathers Network podcast. The

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017 – How John Cronin, who has Down Syndrome, and his dad Mark launched John’s Crazy Socks.

Meet John Cronin. John and his Dad, Mark, own the successful on-line business John’s Crazy Socks. John has Down Syndrome and it was his idea to start a business selling colorful crazy socks with his Dad. Today David Hirsch talks to John’s Dad, Mark Cronin about the journey that led to this crazy successful business idea. That’s on this Special Fathers Network Podcast.  Transcript: Dad To Dad 17 – How John Cronin, who has Down Syndrome, and his dad Mark launched John’s Crazy Socks. Tom Couch: This is the Special Fathers Network podcast. The Special Fathers Network is a dad

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018 – How Tom Landis hires and trains special needs employees at Howdy’s Homemade Ice Cream.

In this Special Fathers Network Podcast we’re saying Howdy to Tom Landis of Howdy Homemade Ice Cream, in Dallas Texas. In addition to serving great ice cream, Howdy’s is staffed almost exclusively by people with special needs. We’ll meet some members of the Howdy Homemade team and maybe have a taste of some Howdy Homemade. That’s all in this Special Fathers Network Podcast.  Transcript: Dad To Dad 18 – How Tom Landis hires and trains special needs employees at Howdy’s Homemade Ice Cream. Tom Couch: This is the Special Fathers Network podcast. The Special Fathers Network is a dad to

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019 – How Brian Page, VP Shepherds College, raised a son with a brain bleed.

In this Special Fathers’ Network Podcast, David Hirsch talks to special father Brain Page. Brian and his wife Natalie are parents of four young adults including 21-year-old Benjamin who was born with a brain bleed. Brian talks about challenges of raising a child with special needs.But through hard work and lots of encouragement, Benjamin has gone on to live a productive busy life. He’s now a student at Shepherd’s College.  Transcript: Dad To Dad 19 – How Brian Page, VP Shepherds College, raised a son with a brain bleed. Tom Couch: This is the Special Fathers Network podcast. The Special

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020 – Gene Andrasco Tells of Raising a Daughter With Alternating Hemiplegia a Rare Neurological Disorder.

Meet Gene Andrasco. Gene and his wife Kelley are the proud parents of 2 children, 18 year-old Ryan and 17 year-old Kiley who has been diagnosed with Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood, or AHC. In this Special Fathers’ Network Podcast, we’ll hear the Andrasco family story, how they’ve dealt with Kiley’s rare neurological disorder and how they’ve tried to help other people who have the same disorder. That’s all on this edition of the Special Fathers Network Podcast. Transcript: Dad To Dad 20 – Gene Andrasco Tells of Raising a Daughter With Alternating Hemiplegia a Rare Neurological Disorder.   Tom Couch:

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021 – Sports radio legend Dan McNeil on raising his Autistic son and best friend, Patrick.

In this Special Fathers Network Podcast, Host David Hirsch talks to Chicago Sports radio legend, Dan McNeil. Dan has been broadcasting all across the radio dial throughout his 30 plus year career in Chicago.Currently he’s broadcasting at his old home, Sports Radio 670, The Score. Dan tells us about being a Dad – a special father to three boys – Van, Patrick and Jack. It’s his second son, Patrick who’s Autistic.The bond between Dan and Patrick is very special. Patrick regards his Dad as his best friend. We’ll hear the story of the McNeil family, Dan’s kids, his wife, Sherri and

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022 – A premature birth and the complications afterward help Adam Levy launch The Nora Project.

Host David Hirsch talks to special father Adam Levy. Adam is a personal trainer who lives in the Chicago area. He and his wife Lauren are parents of four year old Nora, who has complex medical needs due to a premature birth. It’s a story of tough times for Adam and his family, but like many special parents, they persevered. And as a direct result the Nora Project was formed. It’s a program that teaches students to treat their special needs classmates with empathy and kindness. And it all ends with a custom made video and a red carpet film fest.

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023 – Joe Ciriano tells of becoming a widower and raising a special needs child solo.

Host David Hirsch talks to Special Father, Joe Ciriano. Joe and his late wife, Joy were married for 21 years and had four children. Ashley, 28, Emily, 25, Charles,18 and 14-year-old Grace who has Down Syndrome. Joe has had his challenges and his life became even more challenging when he became an only parent after his wife Joy passed away in 2009, due to breast cancer. Joe and six other fathers who had also lost their wives became a part of a support group, their story is told in the book, The Group, by Donald J Rosenstein and Justin Yopp. Joe

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024 – Peter Morici, sight impaired dad, talks of life with an autistic child and another with ADHD.

In this Special Fathers Network podcast, host David Hirsch talks to Special Father Peter Morici, a father of two who has been visually disabled for the past several years. Peter and his wife Elena have been married for 13 years and have two kids, Alex, 11, who is autistic and Jenny, 8, who has a form of ADHD. Peter has spent a lot of time over the years trying to find alternative forms of treatment for his kids. He discovered with the help of others that he could take matters into his own hands and with great success. Also, recently Peter

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025 – Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson opens up about his twins, one who is severely autistic.

In This Special Fathers Network podcast, David Hirsch talks to Special Father Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson. Rabi Artson and his wife Elana are parents of 25 year old twins, Shira and Jacob, who’s severely autistic. Rabbi Artson has found that allowing his non-verbal son Jacob the ability to communicate via keyboard was the key to unlocking many of Jacob’s difficulties. And like many parents of special needs children, the bond between child and parent is very strong indeed. We’ll hear great stories, profound insights and examples of what makes the Artsons a very tight knit family unit. Transcript: Dad To Dad

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026 – How David Friedman and his family of 6 worked together to raise their autistic son/ brother.

In This Special Fathers Network podcast David Hirsch talks to special father, David Friedman. David and his wife Diane are the parents of 4 children, Stacy, Jenna, Helene and Mathew who is autistic. We’ll hear the Friedman story of and how they’ve stuck together as a family unit.And David Friedman who has had a successful business career formed a company called Autonomy Works, where employees with autism use their particular skills to perform needed services for clients.  Transcript: Dad To Dad 26 – How David Friedman and his family of 6 worked together to raise their autistic son/ brother. Tom

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027 – Lessons learned from Brian Rubin, an attorney who represents families with special needs kids.

In This Special Fathers Network podcast David Hirsch talks to special father, Brian Rubin, a lawyer who works with families with special needs kids. Brian and his wife Linda have been married 41 years and have three grown children, Nicole, Benji, and Mitchell, who is autistic.We’ll hear the Rubin family story, get some sage advice, and we’ll hear about Brian’s legal work and how he and his team really help the special needs community. That’s all in this Special Fathers Network podcast.  Transcript: Dad To Dad 27 – Lessons learned from Brian Rubin, an attorney who represents families with special

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028 – How Minister and Special Father Joe Butler formed Ability Tree

In This Special Fathers Network podcast, David Hirsch talks to special father and ordained minister, Joe Butler. Joe and his wife Jen are parents of three children, Clara, Hanna and Micah, who has multiple special needs. We’ll hear the story of Joe and Jen, how they found a new life in Arkansas with their family and how having a child with special needs has improved and enriched their lives. Joe and Jen formed Ability Tree, a not for profit organization that helps parents of special needs kids. Ability tree provides a safe nurturing environment for special needs kids so parents can

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029 – Kim “Rooster” Rossiter, founder of Ainsley’s Angels, talks of his daughter with Neuroxinal Dystrophia.

In This Special Fathers Network podcast, David Hirsch talks to special father and just retired U.S. Marine, Kim “Rooster” Rossiter. Rooster and his wife Laurie are parents of three children, Briley, Kamden and Ainsley who had Infantile Neuroxinal Dystrophia. Rooster is also president and founder of Ainsley’s Angels a not for profit that builds awareness for the special needs community by making sure that everyone can experience sporting events like marathons and 5k runs. Ainsley’s Angels helps those with special needs cross the finish line all across the country. We’ll hear the story of Rooster and his family and how Ainsley’s

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030 – A conversation with special father Paul Miller, author of “Love Walked Among Us.”

In This Special Fathers Network podcast, David Hirsch talks to special father Paul Miller, an author of many books including, “Love Walked Among Us.” He’s also Executive Director of SEE JESUS, a global discipling mission that supports spiritual growth in more than 30 countries. Paul and his wife Jill are parents of 6 children, Courtney, Ashley, John, Andrew, Emily and Kim who has significant disabilities.We’ll hear the Miller family story including how Paul discovered that putting extra effort into loving your family pays off with huge dividends.He’s another amazing father, Paul Miller. And he’s David’s guest today on this Special Fathers

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031 – Sedona firefighter Kris Kazian on the loss of his daughter, Lexie, and the formation of the Lexie Kazian Foundation.

He’s a fire chief in Sedona Arizona, he had a daughter with special needs who sadly passed away at age two, and through it all he continues in his quest to help people. He’s Kris Kazian and he’s David Hirsch’s guest in this Special Fathers Network Podcast. Kris and his wife Christine formed Helping from Heaven – the Lexie Kazian foundation, a not for profit organization that improves the quality of life for families with special needs kids. It’s a compelling interview and a great listen. Transcript: Dad To Dad 31 – Sedona firefighter Kris Kazian on the loss of

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032 – Special Father Bob Bjerkaas raises a child with Tourettes Syndrome and Rolandic Epilepsy

Special Father Bob Bjerkaas is David Hirsch’s guest in this Special Fathers Network Podcast. Bob and his wife Kerrie are parents of four children, Christopher, Maggie, Timmie and Nate. Christopher had previously been diagnosed with with Tourettes Syndrome at age four and Rolandic Epilepsy at age eight. Bob is a pastor at Church of the Canyon in Calabasas, California, he also has Retinitis Pigmentosa an eye disease that severely affects his vision. It’s the story of another amazing father and his family, Bob Bjerkass David Hirsch’s guest in this Special Fathers Network podcast. Transcript: Dad To Dad 32 – Special Father

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033 – Lee Jorwic, a father of an autistic son, creates opportunities for the disabled.

Lee Jorwic, a manufacturers sales rep tells about his life with an autistic son and how facilitative communication has allowed Chris to share his thoughts with the world around him. We’ll also hear about Lee’s work as Chairman of the Board of the Ray Graham Association, creating opportunities that empower people with disabilities. That’s all in this Special Fathers Network Podcast.  Transcript: Dad To Dad 33 – Lee Jorwic, a father of an autistic son, creates opportunities for the disabled. Tom Couch: This is the Special Fathers Network podcast. The Special Fathers Network is a dad to dad mentoring program

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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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