Special Fathers' Network Podcast

Our guest this week is Chris Losacco of Evergreen, CO who is owner of Elemental Forge, a blacksmith & knife maker as well as the father of two young children, including a son with a very rare genetic disorder.  Chris and his wife, Evan, have married for nearly 10 years and are the proud parents of two young children: daughter Elliot (4) and son Wilder (3), who has a rare genetic disorder known as MEF2C, which commonly includes: intellectual disability and developmental delays, motor skill difficulties, limited or absent speech development, Epilepsy, and Autistic-like behavior. Chris is also owns Elemental Forge, a blacksmith and knife maker, is active with the MEF2C Family Foundation as well as the SFN Mastermind Group in Denver.We’ll hear all about the insightful and authentic Losacco family story on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast. Show Links -Phone – (847) 525-7332Email – christmastaco@duck.com Email #2 - Chris@ElementalForge.usWebiste - https://www.elementalforge.us/U.S. MEF2C Foundation -

Our guest this week is Tom Sander of Charlotte, NC a territory account manager at Liquidia Corporation, a rare disease bio pharma company, and father of three including a daughter with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Syndrome, a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy. Tom and his wife, Julie, have married for 22 years and are the proud parents of three children: Will (22), and twins: Jack (18) and Lily (18) who has Charcot-Marie-Tooth Syndrome, which is a type of Muscular Dystrophy that is a spectrum of nerve disorders.    From a very young age Lily has been speaking in public about her condition and how it’s affected her and others.  She was selected this past year to be one of two national ambassadors for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. We’ll hear all about the Sander famiy story on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast. Show Links - Phone – (803) 493-7744Email – tfsander2@gmail.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-sander-30977b12/MDA Website – https://www.mda.org/press-releases/2025/mda-announces-2025-m

Our guest this week is Dr. Robert Naseef, of Philadelphia, PA, a clinical psychologist, keynote speaker, author and father of four including a son who is autistic. Robert and his wife, Cindy Ariel, have been married for 34 years.  He and Cindy have two daughters: Zoe (32) and Kara (33).  Robert is also a father to Antonette (43) and Tariq (45), who is autistic.Robert has written two books:Special Children, Challenged Parents: The Struggles & Rewards of Raising A Child With A Disability. (2001)  Autism In The Family: Caring & Coping Together.  (2013)Informed by his work as a psychologist and his lived experience as a father, Robert also gave a TEDx Talk in 2017 entitled: ‘How Autism Teaches Us About Being Human’Robert shares his story on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.   Show LinksPhone – (215) 592-1333Email – Robert.naseef@gmail.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rnaseefspeakerautism/Website – https://drrobertnaseef.com/Website - https://www.alternativechoices.com/Books –  - Autism

Our guest this week is Randy Pierce of Concord, NH who is an author, avid outdoorsman, mountain climber, keynote speaker, president & CEO of Future In Sight New Hampshire, and who himself if blind. Randy and his wife, Tracy, have been married for 15 years. When Randy was in his early 20s he suddenly went blind in one eye and then over a number of years would lose sight in the other eye.  If that wasn't challenging enough, Randy also lost the ability to walk for the better part of two years.  After a series of medical procedures and through old fashion grit and determination, Randy regained his ability to walk and has become an avid outdoorsman and mountain climber.  Professionally Randy is president & CEO of Future In Sight New Hampshire, a non-profit providing essential services and support for over 100 years to children, adults and elderly living in New Hampshire who are blind and visually impaired.Randy is also author of the book: See You At The Summit: My Blind Journey From The Depths Of Loss To T

Our guest this week is Randy Pierce of Concord, NH who is an author, avid outdoorsman, mountain climber, keynote speaker, president & CEO of Future In Sight New Hampshire, and who himself if blind. Randy and his wife, Tracy, have been married for 15 years. When Randy was in his early 20s he suddenly went blind in one eye and then over a number of years would lose sight in the other eye.  If that wasn't challenging enough, Randy also lost the ability to walk for the better part of two years.  After a series of medical procedures and through old fashion grit and determination, Randy regained his ability to walk and has become an avid outdoorsman and mountain climber.  Professionally Randy is president & CEO of Future In Sight New Hampshire, a non-profit providing essential services and support for over 100 years to children, adults and elderly living in New Hampshire who are blind and visually impaired.Randy is also author of the book: See You At The Summit: My Blind Journey From The Depths Of Loss To T

Our guest this week is Dr. Paul Collins, of Portland, OR a professor at Portland State University, a prolific author, and father of two boys including one with Autism.Paul and his wife, Jennifer Elder, have married for 28 years and are the proud parents of two boys: Bramwell (21) and older brother Morgan (26) who is Autistic. Paul is a professor of English in the college of Liberal Arts & Science at Portland State University.  In addition to teaching English, Paul has been a prolific author including the book: Not Even Wrong: A Father's Journey Into the Lost History of Autism (Bloomsbury, 2004), which is a brilliant story including a fascinating look back on the history of Autism. We’ll hear Paul's story on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes -Phone – (503) 725-3504Email – pcollins@pdx.eduWebsite – https://www.pdx.edu/profile/paul-collinsWikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Collins_(American_writer)Books –Blood & Ivy (W.W. Norton, 2018)Edgar Allan Poe: The Fever Called Livi

Our guest this week is Steve Harris of Lanesboro, MN a free-lance writer, widower, author and father of two sons with disabilities.  Part 2. Steve and his wife, Susan, have married for 17 years.  Steve and his first wife, Pam, were together for 30 years, before she passed away in 2012 due to a rare neurological disorder.  Steve and Pam had two boys: Matthew who was born in 1980 with Spina bifida and younger son, Andrew, who is 37 and who has Cerebral Palsy. Both boys would eventually be diagnosed with PMD or Pelizaeus Merzbacher Disease, a rare neurological disease, where there is a lack of myelin covering the nerves.Very sadly, Matthew passed away in October 2020 four days short of his 40th birthday. Steve's career included being a pastor, a middle school teacher and for 20 years, director of communications at Twin Cities YMCA .  All along Steve has been a writer who morer recently has published two books: Dads Like Us: A Survival Guide For Fathers Raising Children With Disabilities (2024)Lanesboro, Minnesot

Our guest this week is Steve Harris of Lanesboro, MN a free-lance writer, widower, author and father of two sons with disabilities.  Part 1.Steve and his wife, Susan, have married for 17 years.  Steve and his first wife, Pam, were together for 30 years, before she passed away in 2012 due to a rare neurological disorder.  Steve and Pam had two boys: Matthew who was born in 1980 with Spina bifida and younger son, Andrew, who is 37 and who has Cerebral Palsy.  Both boys would eventually be diagnosed with PMD or Pelizaeus Merzbacher Disease, a rare neurological disease, where there is a lack of myelin covering the nerves.Very sadly, Matthew passed away in October 2020 four days short of his 40th birthday. Steve's career included being a pastor, a middle school teacher and for 20 years, director of communications at Twin Cities YMCA .  All along Steve has been a writer who morer recently has published two books: Dads Like Us: A Survival Guide For Fathers Raising Children With Disabilities (2024)Lanesboro, Minnesot

Our guest this week is Peter Gerhardt of Rich Hill Park, NJ who is executive director at EPIC Schools located in Paramus, NJ, author of dozens of publications and books, an internationally recognized Autism expert and outspoken advocate for the disability community.Peter has three degrees from Rutgers University: a BA in Psychology, an EdM in Special Education, and a PhD in Education Psychology and Special Education. He has dedicated his life to researching Autism and serving the disability community.  He has developed workshops and given hundreds of presentations domestically and internationally.  Some of his publications include: Make it Meaningful: Creating Programs that Matter into Adulthood for Learners with Autism and Related Disorders (2024).Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series (2022).Transition to Adulthood for Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism: Can We Improve Outcomes? (2022) Social Skill and Adaptive Behavior Interv

Our guest this week is Peter Gerhardt of Rich Hill Park, NJ who is executive director at EPIC Schools located in Paramus, NJ, author of dozens of publications and books, an internationally recognized Autism expert and outspoken advocate for the disability community.Peter has three degrees from Rutgers University: a BA in Psychology, an EdM in Special Education, and a PhD in Education Psychology and Special Education. He has dedicated his life to researching Autism and serving the disability community.  He has developed workshops and given hundreds of presentations domestically and internationally.  Some of his publications include: Make it Meaningful: Creating Programs that Matter into Adulthood for Learners with Autism and Related Disorders (2024).Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series (2022).Transition to Adulthood for Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism: Can We Improve Outcomes? (2022) Social Skill and Adaptive Behavior Interv

Our guest this week is Rick Bolle of Naperville, IL founding pastor of the newly formed Front Porch Church, father of two and retired businessman. Rick and his wife, Alinda, have been married for 32 years and are the proud parents of two adult children.  Shortly after retiring from Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2022, where he was a Senior Safety Specialist, Rick felt a calling to start or plant Front Porch Church.   Established in 2023, Front Porch Church helps people of all ability find their way back to God.  FPC is specifically designed to welcome individuals with special needs and their families.  Weekly services offer a worship experience that embraces all expressions and all movements, ensuring that everyone feels included, valued, safe and loved.It’s an illuminating conversation and we’ll hear it on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show LinksPhone – (630) 442-4031Email – rickbolle2@icloud.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-bolle-6955b150/Website - https://kidsmatter2us.org/front-po

Our guest this week is Spencer Doman of Philadelphia, PA, who is president and CEO of the Doman International Institute, where they empower parents with knowledge and tools to help their children with special needs thrive and teach parents how to create a loving, stimulating and healthy home so that their child can reach their fullest potential.Spencer and his wife, Melissa, have been married for 15 years.Spencer's grandfather, Glenn Doman, created the The Doman Method, and dedicated his life to helping kids with special needs.  Doman International Institute was founded by Glenn’s son, Douglas Doman, and four other members of the Doman family.  Spencer is the 3rd generation leader of DII.  Over the past 70 years they have served more than 40K families in eight countries.  Their research based results indicate 2X faster development for children after starting treatment.  The DII website has a robust level of resources including books, articles and various trainings for parents and caregivers. Show LinksPhone –

Our guest this week is Rebekah Taussig of Shawnee, KS who is a mother, wife, author, podcast host, outspoken advocate for those with disability and who, herself is a paraplegic.  Rebekah and her husband, Micah have been married for seven years and are the proud parents of Otto, who is typical five year old. Rebekah was diagnosed with spine cancer at age one and due to multiple surgeries lost her ability to walk at age four.  She was the youngest of six children and despite her disability, still slept on the top bunk upstairs in her family home.  She credits much of her success and resilience to her parents and siblings, who didn't treat her any differently.  Prior to Otto's birth, Rebekah was a high school English and Literature teacher.  Rebekah combined her PhD in Creative Non-Fiction & Disability Studies from University of Kansas, with her passion for writing to author Sitting Pretty: The View From My Ordinary, Resilient Disabled Body (2020). and more recently, a children's book entitled: We Are the Sc

Our guest this week is Leon Logothetis of Los Angeles, a British-born adventurer, author, and television host renowned for promoting global kindness.  Formerly a London-based broker, he left finance to explore human connection through travel. Leon created and starred in the docuseries Amazing Adventures of a Nobody (2006–2008), journeying across the U.S., U.K., and Europe on minimal daily budgets.  His acclaimed Netflix series The Kindness Diaries (2017–2019) chronicled his travels relying solely on strangers' generosity, offering life-changing gifts in return.Leon has authored several books, including The Kindness Diaries and Live, Love Explore, inspiring audiences to embrace empathy and adventure.  His work underscores the transformative power of compassion in everyday life.Show LinksInstagram - @thekindnessguy Email – leon@createdbywinston.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonlogothetis/ Website - https://www.leonlogothetis.com/Website - https://gobekind.org/Books –The Kindness Diaries: One Man’s

Our guest this week is Jim Littlefield-Dalmares of Louisville, KY who is Director of Market Development at BNI Middle Tennessee, author, podcast host, founder of Seeing Ability and perhaps most importantly, father of two including a child with Cerebral Palsy. Jim and his wife, LeAnn, have been married for 27 years and are the proud parents of two: Peter (21) and Sophia (25) who was born very prematurely, diagnosed early on with Spina Bifida and who has Cerberal Palsy.  Professionally, Jim is the Director of Market Development at BNI of Middle Tennessee.  He is also author of the book: Seeing Ability: Finding Your Path In Parenting A Child With Special Needs and host of the Seeing Ability Podcast.  More recently, Jim has also created the Seeing Ability Foundation.We’ll hear Jim’s life story and all about the Seeing Ability book, podcast and foudnation all on this episode of the SFN.Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Phone – (502) 528-0894Email – jimld858@aol.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimld/Websit

Our guest this week is Dr. Patrick Schwarz, of Highland Park, IL who is CEO of Creative Culture Consulting, a public speaker, author of numerous books and an outspoken advocate for inclusive education for people of all abilities.Dr. Schwarz earned his BS, MS and PhD in special education from the University of Wisconsin - Madison.  Dr. Schwarz is a dynamic professor, author, and motivational speaker renowned for his leadership in inclusive education, special education, and educational leadership.Dr. Schwarz has dedicated his career to transforming educational practices to better serve students with diverse support needs.  His seminal work, From Disability to Possibility, advocates for inclusive classrooms that recognize and nurture the potential of every learner.Collaborating with Dr. Paula Kluth, he co-authored influential titles such as You're Welcome, Just Give Him the Whale!, and Pedro's Whale.Through global presentations and consultations, Dr. Schwarz continues to inspire educators to create environments

Our guest this week is Jamiel Owens, of Hatfield, PA who is a volunteer firefighter, advocate for those with disability, founder of Ausomeness Inc. and a father of two, including a son who is autistic.Jamiel and his wife, Marta Santa, have been married for 5 years and you are the proud father of two children: Alejandro (3) and Shane (16), who is Autistic.With little more than a GED, Jamiel has become a disability advocate and role model for others raising children with disability.  Through Ausomeness, Inc. Jamiel has created a social enterprise that provides education, empowerment, engagement, and support to families of children with autism.We also learn about Jamiel's faith, his overcoming the issue of father absence in his youth and how that has informed him about the importance of being present. All on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show LinksPhone – (445) 247-2071Email – owensjd@chop.eduLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiel-owens-75a985213/Website - https://ausomenessinc.com/Facebook -

Our guest this week is Eli Pierce of Aurora, CO who is a customer service representative at Silk Trade, a UK based software company.  Eli is the father of four children, including one who is a spastic quadriplegic with cerebral palsy and epilepsy.  Eli, and his wife, Cassidy, have been married for 5 years and he is the proud father of four children: Evelyn (14), Elias (11), adopted daughter Annabelle (6) and Ettison (13) who is spastic quadriplegic with Cerebral Palsy and epilepsy. For many years, Eli was a single dad with full custody of his three children from his first marriage.  Eli's an overcomer dad.  He's overcome a challenging upbringing, a challenging first marriage and the ongoing challenges of fathering four children, including one with profound disability.  Eli's commitment to his family is second to none and he serves as a great role model to those within and outside the disability community.  More recently Eli has joined the Denver SFN Mastermind Group and is thriving. Learn this and more on the

Michael our guest this week is Michael Pereira of Miami, FL who a financial representative, the father of two and founder of the The Autism Voyage. Michael and his wife, Elizeth, have been married for 9 years and you are the proud parents of two children: Amanda Sophia (3) and Christian Omar (7) who is Autistic.  Michael is also the founder of Autism Voyage, offering financial planning assistance to parents of kids with special needs.  Michael has made it his mission to share specialized knowledge in financial planning and support for special needs families, driven by his firsthand understanding and commitment to aiding similar families navigate their unique challenges. We’ll hear about Michael’s journey, about his faith, growing up in Puerto Rico, being raised by a single mom and going on to be a very committed husband and father all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Phone – (786) 387-7522Email – michael@theautismvoyage.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpereirafl/Website - 

Our guest this week is Jason Bechtold of Cary, IL. a director of IT services and an executive coach at Bain as well as the father of three who have a variety of neurological, psychological and intellectual challenges.Jason and his wife, Lori Hermann, have been married for 8 years and he is the proud father of three children: Jordyn (24), Tyler (20), and Jessica (18), who between them have experienced: brain cancer, Asperger’s, ADHD and very sadly sexual assault.   Jason is a former weapons specialist with the U.S. Army Natiaonl Guard.  For the past 20+ years he has worked in Chicago at Bain, the international consulting firm, where he serves as director of IT and as an executive coach.  Separate from his work there, Jason also does leadership coaching for men.  Jason reflects on his spirituality and growing up as one of three boys with a father who was a pastor, owner of Christian book stores, a chaplain for the local police and fire departments as well as a long-time social worker in Cook County.  We’ll hear