Special Fathers' Network Podcast

In this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, guest and entrepreneur Jim Vaselopulos talks of the challenges faced by people with Dyslexia, including his 20-year-old son, Spyros and himself. It’s an illuminating discussion about a condition that affects more than 15m Americans from all walks of life. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Links:Contact Jim at Jim@rafti.comFind out about Susan Barton’s work with Dyslexia at: https://www.dys-add.comSee her introductory video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcpyR_K5X_kLearn about the Orton-Gillingham Academy at: https://www.ortonacademy.org/resources/what-is-the-orton-gillingham-approach/ Check out Jim's The Leadership Podcast at: https://theleadershippodcast.com/home-page/ Check out Jim’s LedX talk on leadership: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poF3NAN_mLYAnd find out more about the Special Fathers Network at https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network

Meet Jack Lavin. Jack has a storied business career including his current role as CEO/President of the Chicago Chamber of Commerce. He’s the father of three children including Emily, 24, who has Down Syndrome. We’ll hear Jack’s inspiring story and the commitment he and his wife Kathy have made to serving those with disability, on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Links:Contact Jack Lavin at: JLavin@chicagolandchamber.org Find out about the Gateway to Learning at: https://www.gtlchicago.com/programsThe email is: info@gatewaytolearning.orgAnd find out more about the Special Fathers Network at 21stcenturydads.org

In this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, host David Hirsch talks with Roddy Vannoy about the challenges of being a single father of three girls, including two with autism. Roddy is a registered nurse who treats COVID patients and his story is an amazing one. For more information on the Special Fathers Network, go to https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network/Show links: Here’s where you can purchase the book “Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters” by Meg Meeker M.D. https://www.amazon.com/Strong-Fathers-Daughters-Secrets-Father/dp/0345499395Reach out to Roddy Vannoy at RoddyVannoy@gmail.com

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.comFind out more about the Special Fathers Network at: https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network/

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

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.comLearn more about the Special Fathers Network at: https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network/

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.orgTo find out more about the Special Fathers Network go to 21stcenturydads.org

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

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/

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.orgTo 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/031053481XFollow Stephen Grcevich on Facebook or Twitter: search Key Ministy.And to find out more about the Special Fathers Network go to:https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network/

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

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 receiving a vaccine. We’ll hear Robert’s 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.comTo find out about Robert’s work making it easier for organizations to go digital go to:https://www.eki-digital.comContact Robert at: rblackwell@killerspin.comAnd to find out more about the Special Fathers Network go to: https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network/

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.phpEmail Ben direct at: Ben@gatfl.orgFind out more about the Special Fathers’ Network at https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network/

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

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

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.comFind out more about Neuroguides at https://neuroguides.orgAnd find out more about the Special Fathers Network at: https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network/

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 t

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.comRead Kelly Cervantes’ blog and listen to her podcast: https://www.kellycervantes.comFind out about CURE, Citizens united for research in Epilepsy Epihttps://www.cureepilepsy.org/adelaide/Watch the video for Miguel’s song. “’Til The Calm Comes” https://www.youtube.com/

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

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.comFind out about Greater Omaha Youth for Christ at http://goyfc.orgAnd to find out about the Special Fathers Network go to: https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network/