Special Fathers' Network Podcast

Our guest this week on the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast is Lon Haldeman, one of the world’s most well respected long distance, endurance bike riders of all time. He’s also and a mentor, of sorts, to our host David Hirsch. Lon and his wife Susan, herself a champion bike rider, have two children, Rebecca and Ericka, who sadly passed away just shy of her first birthday of Infantile ALS. It’s an incredibly interesting conversation and you’ll hear it on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.To find out about Pacific Atlantic Cycling Tour go to: www.Pactour.comTo make a donation to the PAC Tour Million Mile Challenge go to: https://donate.alsawi.org/campaign/pac-tour/c281674 To support the PAC Tour Peruvian Projects go to: https://pactour.com/peruprojects2012.html For more information on ALS go to: https://lesturnerals.org To find out about the Special Fathers Network go to: https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network/

David Hirsch’s guest on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast is Alex Lyebelsky. Alex and his family came to the U.S. from Russia when he was a boy. He now lives in Wheaton, Illinois and works in corporate recruiting. He and his wife Tonie have two children, one of whom, Amanda, has Autism ADHD and cognitive challenges. We’ll hear about Alex's journey to the U.S.and how he and Tonie have worked together to raise their two children. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.Contact Alex at [email protected] more information on the Special Fathers Network, go to https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network/

Our guest this this week is Stephen "Doc" Hunsley . Doc is a father of three children, one of whom, Mark, sadly passed away at age five due to complications from Dravet Syndrome and Autism. Doc is the founder of SOAR (Special Opportunities Abilities & Relationships) Special Needs, focusing on Abilities/the positive not Disabilities/the negative. We’ll hear Doc’s life story, including his time in the Air Force, the loss of his brother at five days, the loss of his career as a pediatrician and more on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast.For more information about SOAR Special Needs go to: https://www.soarspecialneeds.orgEmail Doc directly at: [email protected] find out about the Special Fathers Network, go to: https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network/

Bruce Hearey is our guest this week on the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast. Bruce is an attorney who has 7 children, including 36-year-old Jill who is a spastic quadriplegic with cerebral palsy, unable to walk or talk. Bruce talks authentically about his divorce from Jill's mom and the hardest decision of his life, moving Jill to the Hattie Larlham Home, to ensure Jill will be well cared for and get the best services available. We'll hear Bruce’s and Jill’s story on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast. To find out more about Hattie Larlham go to: http://www.hattielarlham.orgTo find out about The Special Fathers Network go to: https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network/

Our guest on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast is Mark Arnold. Mark and his wife Clare live in Bournemouth, South England and are parents to Phoebe and James, who is autistic, has epilepsy and is mostly non verbal. Mark is the director of the Urban Saints Additional Needs Ministry, hosts the Additional Needs Blogfather blog, and started an advocacy group called Dad’s File Circle. We’ll hear his story on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.LINKS- Urban Saints:  https://www.urbansaints.org/additionalneedsAdditional Needs Alliance:   http://additionalneedsalliance.org.ukand https://www.facebook.com/groups/additionalneedsalliance/ The Additional Needs Blogfather:   https://theadditionalneedsblogfather.comThe Dads' Fire Circle (Founded July 2020): https://thedadsfirecircle.com and https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedadsfirecircle/YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8sK7U6d0r_7uVmyg0yN5sQ

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, host David Hirsch talks with special father Al Feria. Al has four children, including John, who is autistic and non-verbal. Al works for One Collective a christian not for profit helping integrate communities across the globe. We’ll hear his intriguing story on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast. To find out about One Collective go to: onecollective.orgContact Al directly at: [email protected] to find out more about the Special Fathers Network go to: https://21stcenturydads.org

Our guest on this Dad to Dad Podcast is Dwayne Wiseman. Dwayne was born with Dwarfism and is short statured. He and his wife Sandy, who is also short statured, have four children; two with different forms of Dwarfism, another with Dwarfism who sadly passed away at age one, and the fourth of average height. It’s a fascinating story and we’ll hear it on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. For more information on dwarfism visit the Little People of America website at: https://www.lpaonline.orgAnd find out about the Dwarf Athletic Association of America at:http://www.daaa.orgFind out about the Special Fathers Network athttps://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network/

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, host David Hirsch talks with Chris LaFriniere. Chris is the founder of the Bunch of Dads Facebook group that currently has over 120,000 members. Chris also has a son Zachary who is autistic. We’ll hear Chris’ story on this Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Links:A Bunch Of Dads Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/abunchofdads Contact Chris LaFriniere at" [email protected] out about The Special Fathers Network at: https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network/

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast It's the conclusion of host David Hirsch's conversation with multi media producer, director and marketer, Daniel DeFabio. Daniel and his wife Tina lost their oldest son Lucas (11) just months ago to Menkes Disease, a very rare genetic disorder. Daniel along with fellow SFN Mentor Father Bo Bigelow (SFN D2D #51) are co-founders of DISORDER: The Rare Disease Film Festival. It’s an emotional story that we'll hear in two parts on the Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast. This is part two.To find out about Menkes Disease go to: https://themenkesfoundation.orgTo find out about DISORDER go to: https://www.rarediseasefilmfestival.comTo find out DeFabio design go to: http://defabiodesign.comTo find out about Every Life Foundation: http://www.everylifefoundation.orgTo find out about Ronald McDonald House Charities: http://wwwrmhc.orgAnd to find out more about the Special Fathers Network go to: https://21stcenturydads.org

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast host David Hirsch talks with multi media producer, director and marketer, Daniel DeFabio. Daniel and his wife Tina lost their oldest son Lucas (11) just months ago to Menkes Disease, a very rare genetic disorder. Daniel along with fellow SFN Mentor Father Bo Bigelow (SFN D2D #51) are co-founders of DISORDER: The Rare Disease Film Festival. It’s an emotional story that we'll hear in two parts on the Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast. This is part one.To find out about Menkes Disease go to: https://themenkesfoundation.orgTo find out about DISORDER go to: https://www.rarediseasefilmfestival.comTo find out DeFabio design go to: http://defabiodesign.com/And to find out more about the Special Fathers Network go to: https://21stcenturydads.org

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, we hear from Nathan Woerner, a missionary with SEND international and a father of two children including Ada. (2), who has Angelman Syndrome. Nathan tells of his family's travels to Japan and the differences between American and Japanese healthcare. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad PodcastShow Links: SEND International – https://send.org/ Angelman’s Syndrome - https://www.angelman.orgFAST (Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics - https://cureangelman.orgFind out about the Special Fathers Network at: https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network/Sponsored by Rubin Law www.rubinlaw.com

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 [email protected] 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: [email protected] Find out about the Gateway to Learning at: https://www.gtlchicago.com/programsThe email is: [email protected] 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 [email protected]

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/