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21st Century Dads

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

21st Century Dads

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.org
Katy’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

21st Century Dads

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

21st Century Dads

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

21st Century Dads

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

21st Century Dads

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 out more about the Special Fathers Network go to:

https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network/

21st Century Dads

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.

21st Century Dads

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/

21st Century Dads

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 go to: https://www.killerspin.com

To find out about Robert’s work making it easier for organizations to go digital go to:

https://www.eki-digital.com

Contact Robert at: rblackwell@killerspin.com

21st Century Dads

Ben Satterfield is David Hirsch’s guest on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast. Ben and his wife Pat are parents to five children, including Kathleen and Blake who both have Down Syndrome. Ben has spent his much of his life developing computer solutions that help those with disabilities communicate with their families and loved ones. We’ll hear Ben’s fascinating life story on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.

Show Links:

https://gatfl.gatech.edu/index.php

Email Ben direct at: Ben@gatfl.org

21st Century Dads

In this 100th episode of the Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, we are both honored and pleased to welcome a truly exceptional father, Doron Almog, retired Major General, Israel Defense Forces. Doron is a truly heroic figure in his native Israel. During his 34-year military career he was involved in dozens of high level missions including the legendary rescue of the 105 Jewish Air France hostages from the Entebbe, Uganda airport in 1976.

Doron and his wife Didi have been married 42 years and are the proud parents of three children: one of whom Eran, was born with Autism and who passed away at age 23 in 2007. In Eran’s honor, Doron lead the creation of Aleh-Negev Nahalat Eran, a $50m state-of-the-art rehabilitation village, where 145 people with special needs lead a life of happiness and dignity. Through all of this Doron has maintained a positive attitude towards life. He calls his son Eran ”My Greatest Teacher.” And the motto he lives by? To be: “Less Selfish, More Humble and Less Arrogant.” It’s an incredible story and we’re proud to be sharing it with you.

To find out about Aleh Negev go to https://aleh.org

21st Century Dads

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, host David Hirsch talks with Dr. Lawrence Fung, a psychologist and Director of the Stanford University Neurodiversity Alliance. Dr. Fung and his wife Michele have two children Hannah,13 and Zachary, 16, who was diagnosed with Autism at age 3. We’ll hear Dr. Fung talk about his work to help take advantage of the inherent talents of individuals with Autism. It’s a fascinating glimpse at a man who is changing the world for the better. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.

Find out more about the Stanford Neurodiversity Project at: https://med.stanford.edu/neurodiversity.html

21st Century Dads

In this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, host David Hirsch talks to Special Father David Hall, the founder of Life Guides For Autistics and Neuroguides. David has three children who are all on the Autism spectrum and more recently discovered he is too. We’ll hear some sage advice and pearls of wisdom from David in this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Here’s our host, David Hirsch.

Show Links:

Jeff Erlinger with Mr. Rogers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BZlyxS37Kk

Find out more about the Autism spectrum at https://neuroclastic.com

Find out more about Neuroguides at https://neuroguides.org

21st Century Dads

We’ll hear excerpts of some of host David Hirsch’s conversations with five special fathers. These Fathers of kids with special needs have used adaptive sports to give their children’s lives purpose and great meaning. We’ll hear from Gregg Chalmers. Gregg’s son Ryan is a Paralympic champion with Spina bifida who has pushed his wheelchair all the way across America. We’ll hear from Air Force veteran Bob Roybal. Bob’s son Brody, has no legs and is a forward for the three-time-champion U.S. Paralympic hockey team. Then there’s Angel City sports founder Clayton Frech whose 14 year old son Ezra was born missing his left knee and fibula and with only one finger on his left had. Ezra is a gifted athlete and motivational speaker. And finally we’ll hear about Bob Mendez’ son Robert who was born with no legs or arms but went on to become a successful and inspirational high school varsity football coach. Then there’s Jim Elliott who has two daughters with disabilities and is the founder of Diveheart,an organization that uses scuba to dramatically imiprove the lives of kids with special needs.
www.divehert.org
www.angelcitysports.org
www.stay-focused.org
https://teamusa.usahockey.com/usnationalsledteam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXEruspkD_Q

21st Century Dads

We are proud to present this very special edition of the Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Host David Hirsch talks to special father Miguel Cervantes. Miguel performed the lead role of Alexander Hamilton for the entire 171 week Chicago run of “Hamilton: An American Musical.” Miguel and his wife, Kelly, son Jackson and Newborn Adelaide, moved to Chicago so Miguel could take on the role of a lifetime. But soon after, Adelaide started having seizures due to a severe form of pediatric epilepsy. Tragically Adelaide passed away at age three. In this Dad to Dad Podcast, Miguel talks to host David Hirsch about the highs and the lows of this difficult phase of his life.

Show Links:

Check out Miguel Cervantes’ website: https://www.migcervantes.com

Read Kelly Cervantes’ blog and listen to her podcast: https://www.kellycervantes.com

21st Century Dads

The Special Fathers Network was created so that dads with an average of 10 or more years of experience raising a child with special needs, could share their insights with and mentor younger fathers, who are closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child in a similar situation.

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast, host David Hirsch talks to young father, Joe Lofino. Joe and his wife Jennifer have two children ages two and three, both with Fragile X Syndrome. Joe talks to David about life with his children and how he’s adjusted to this sudden change of reality.

It’s a heartwrenching and fascinating discussion, and it’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast.

To find out more about Joe, search Joe Lofino on Facebook.

21st Century Dads

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, host David Hirsch talks to Special Father, Air Force reservist and stand-up comic Jarrell Roach. Jarell, and his wife Kinesha, have four children; John, Karia, Jeremiah and Karley. Both Karia and Jeremiah have Autism. We’ll hear about Jarell’s family, his military service and about being campus director for Greater Omaha Youth for Christ. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast.

Show Links:

Find out all about Jarrel at: https://jroachpresentations.com

Find out about Greater Omaha Youth for Christ at http://goyfc.org

21st Century Dads

From terrible tragedy comes forgiveness, which leads to incredible acts of kindness.

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, host David Hirsch talks to Special Father Sam Rodriguez. Sam and his wife Stacey have three children. Ben, Emma and Manny, who passed away as a baby. Sam tells his family’s story including the formation of the Manny Rodriguez fund and the 87 random acts of kindness day. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast.

Show Links:

Find out about the Manny Rodriguez children’s education’s fund at
Facebook.com/mannysfund

The Akron Children’s hospital website: https://www.akronchildrens.org

The Courageous Parents Network: https://courageousparentsnetwork.org

And to find out more about the Special Fathers Network go to: https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network/

21st Century Dads

This is the Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast. Of the close to 100 Dads we’ve interviewed thus far, many are the proud parents of kids with Down Syndrome. So today we’re going to hear clips from these Dads. We’ll hear how they reacted to the news that they’re child has Down Syndrome, and we’ll hear how these children have been a real blessing. That’s all on this Dad to Dad Podcast, presented by The Special Fathers Network.

21st Century Dads

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast, host David Hirsch speaks with Rob Wrubel, a father of three, including Sarah, who has Down Syndrome. Rob is a financial planner who specializes in helping special needs families invest in their future. He’s an author, an advocate for children with special needs and he’s David Hirsch’s guest on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast.
Show Links: Cascade Investment Group: https://ciginc.net
Rob Wrubel’s website: https://robwrubel.com

21st Century Dads

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast, host David Hirsch speaks with Dr. Harold Reitman, a retired orthopedic surgeon and former professional heavy weight boxer, an author, a filmmaker and founder of Different Brains.org. Dr, Reitman is father to Rebecca, 38, who has Asperger Syndrome. We’ll hear all about Harold, or Hackie and he’s known in boxing circles, and his incredible and inspiring life on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast.

Show Links:

https://www.differentbrains.org

Hackie Reitman Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Reitman

21st Century Dads

This SFN Podcast is a compilation of excerpts from earlier interviews of SFN Mentor Fathers who each lost a child with special needs. They are listed here in alphabetical order. The number relates to each dad’s podcast: #66 Jerry Castro/Son Jack age 15, #31 Kris Kazian/daughter Lexi age 2, #57 Tim Kuck/son Nathaniel age 4, #64 Shane Lee/daughter Jocelyn age 4 1/2, #37 Matt Mooney/son Elliot age 99 days, #13 Jim Mueller/son Luke 23 and #29 Rooster Rossiter/daughter Ainsley age 12. Not all families are able to perpetuate their child’s memory in the form of a non-profit, but many of these families have. Here are the names of and URLs related to the charities:
Helping From Heaven/Lexi Kazian Foundation – http://helpingfromheaven.org,
Nathaniel’s Hope – http://nathanielshope.org,
99 Balloons – http://99balloons.org, and
AinsleysAngels – http://ainsleysangels.org

21st Century Dads

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast, host David Hirsch speaks with special father Mark O’Halloran. Mark and his wife, Gerlinde, have adopted six children, four from Russia and two from Mexico all who suffered severe trauma from being abandoned by their birth parents and living in orphanages. Three of the kids have very limited cognitive ability as a result. Mark is also the director of economic development at Together Chicago, a not for profit dedicated to inspiring change and hope in the Windy City. We’ll hear all about Mark and his family on this Dad to Dad podcast, presented by the Special Fathers Network.

21st Century Dads

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast, host David Hirsch speaks with special Father Juan Vagilenty, a lawyer from Chicago. Juan and wife Anna, have two children with special needs. Amelia, age 9, has Pallister-Killian Mosaic Syndrome, or PKS and Max, age 7, has Down Syndrome. We’ll hear the Vagilenty family story and how religion has been an important part of their life.

21st Century Dads

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast, host David Hirsch speaks with special father, Dan Morrissey. Dan and his wife Kristin have two children, one of whom, Emily, has Cerebral Palsy. We’ll hear the Morrissey family story including how they started a new business, www.Emilysbracelets.com. We’ll also hear how Emily’s younger brother PJ wrote two books about having a sister with special needs. That’s all on this Dad to Dad podcast, presented by the Special Fathers Network.

21st Century Dads

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast, host David Hirsch speaks with Don Garner. Don and his wife Alisa have three girls, one of whom, Francesca, was diagnosed with a brain tumor when she was 8 years old. We’ll hear Don’s story and how the Make a Wish Foundation granted a very special wish to Frannie and the entire Garner family. That’s all on this Dad to Dad podcast, presented by the Special Fathers Network.

21st Century Dads

We’ve talked to over 80 Dads in the Dad to Dad podcast, presented by the Special Fathers Network, and in this episode we present a “greatest hits” version of the podcast. You’ll hear many fathers chiming in on why they joined the Special Fathers Network and why being a father of a kid with special needs is so important to them. 

21st Century Dads

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast, host David Hirsch speaks with Jon Heckert. Jon and his wife Doris are parents of a son, Jackson, who was diagnosed early in life with special needs. In the Heckert household the word can’t doesn’t exist. Jon makes sure Jackson competes in races and he takes him on hunting trips. Jon is indeed a special dad. As a side note, just prior to this interview, host David Hirsch pushed Jackson in the Louisiana Half Marathon. We’ll hear all about that and more on this Dad to Dad podcast, presented by The Special Fathers Network. To find out about Ainsley’s Angels, who make it possible for special needs kids to compete in endurance races go to https://ainsleysangels.org. To find out about Hunt of a Lifetime, go to https://huntofalifetime.org.

21st Century Dads

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast, host David Hirsch speaks with Josh Avis, father of three and cofounder of The Lucky Few Instagram account and podcast. Josh and his wife Heather have adopted three children two of whom have Down Syndrome. Josh and Heather consider themselves among the lucky few to have two children with special needs, in fact, Avis has written a book entitled The Lucky Few: Finding God’s Best in the Most Unlikely Places, which you can find at Amazon. We’ll hear all about the Avis family and The Lucky Few on this Dad to Dad podcast. To find out about The Lucky Few and to hear the podcast go to https://www.theluckyfewpodcast.com. To hear about this mission of The Special Fathers Network go https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network. Lastly hear’s the link to the Amazon page for The Lucky Few: Finding God’s Best in the Most Unlikely Places. https://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Few-Finding-Unlikely-Places/dp/0310345464/ref=sr_

21st Century Dads

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast, host David Hirsch speaks with special father Jude Morrow, of Derry Northern Ireland. Jude’s son, Ethan, doesn’t have special needs, Jude himself, the dad has special needs. He’s on the autism spectrum and he’s written a book about his experience which will be available in April 2020. It’s a fascinating conversation and it’s all on this Dad to Dad Podcast. Visit Jude Morrow Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/jude.morrow.7

21st Century Dads

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast, host David Hirsch speaks with special father Steve Mogul, a financial advisor with UBS Financial Services and a father of two children who both have very rare developmental disorders. Hayley, is only one of 19 in the world who has a rare form of Smith–Magenis Syndrome. Bari, is one of only 19 in the world who have a mutated GRIN2B gene. It’s a very unique situation and Steve spells out the challenges that his family faces. He also offers other parents of kids with special needs some truly insightful advice. That’s all on this Dad to Dad podcast. To find out about Smith-Magenis syndrome go to:https://www.smsresearchfoundation.org, https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/8197/smith-magenis-syndrome. To read about the GRIN@B gene, go to http://grin2b.com/about-grin2b/. 

21st Century Dads

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast, Host David Hirsch speaks with special father John Kimec, principal of St. John De Sales, a Catholic High School in Chicago, Illinois. John and his wife Lindsay have five children including Michael who has Pierpont Syndrome and is non-verbal. John and host David Hirsch will talk about the challenges and joys of raising a son with special needs on this Dad to Dad podcast presented by The Special Fathers Network. To find out about the work being done on Pierpont Syndrome go to https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4495254.

21st Century Dads

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast, Host David Hirsch speaks with Chad Johnson. Chad is a father of six children and a military veteran with three tours of duty. Chad talks frankly to David Hirsch about dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, while raising 6 kids including Cameron who was diagnosed with CHARGE Syndrome. Chad is also heavily involved with Retrieving Freedom a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that pairs military veterans and youth with Autism with service dogs. Chad also has his own service dog, who has really helped Chad deal with his PTSD. To see more on Retrieving Freedom go to www.retrievingfreedom.org.

21st Century Dads

On this Dad to Dad podcast, host David Hirsch talks to Special Kneads and Treats bakery co-founder/owner Michael Kohler. Michael is the father of two young adults, Ashley and Bradley, who at age 29, has Fragile X Syndrome. Michael talks of family, work and how he and his wife Tempa formed the Special Kneads and Treats bakery that employs young adults with special needs. They also provide free birthday cakes for kids whose families can’t afford them. Go to www.specialkneadsandtreats.org to find out more. Learn more about Fragile X syndrome at www.fragilex.org.

21st Century Dads

On this Dad to Dad podcast, host David Hirsch talks with special father Jeff Katz. Jeff is the afternoon host of The Jeff Katz Show at News Radio WRVA, in Richmond Virginia. He has three children including Julie who has global development delays and is non-verbal. Jeff tells his life story and why he truly treasures his daughter Julia. That’s all on this Dad to Dad podcast. To find out more about Jeff and WRVA go to Newsradiowrva.radio.com/shows/jeff-katz.

21st Century Dads

That’s Mark Paterson, an executive in the industrial equipment industry, and father of a boy who is autistic. Mark speaks candidly with our host David Hirsch about some of the difficulties of raising a child with special needs. That’s on this Dad to Dad podcast. To find out about Little City go to www.littlecity.org.

21st Century Dads

On this Dad to Dad podcast, host David Hirsch talks to special father, Cory Estby, the pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Grant Park, Illinois. Cory and his wife Christena have four children including two adopted brothers who both have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Hear the fascinating story of how these two young boys became a part of the Estby family on this Dad to Dad podcast. Visit Giftofadoption.org to find out more, also check out parentprojectmd.org to find out about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

033.5 – Highlights Podcast

21st Century Dads

Welcome to the Dad-To-Dad Highlights Podcast presented by the Special Fathers Network. Here’s a brief overview of host David Hirsch’s decades long commitment to fathers as well as snippets from some of the couple of dozen Dad to Dad Podcast … [CLICK TO READ MORE]

000 – Meet Dad to Dad host, David Hirsch

21st Century Dads

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 – … [CLICK TO READ MORE]