Special Fathers' Network Podcast

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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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/

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 atFacebook.com/mannysfundThe Akron Children’s hospital website: https://www.akronchildrens.orgThe Courageous Parents Network: https://courageousparentsnetwork.orgAnd to find out more about the Special Fathers Network go to: https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network/

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. You’ll hear highlights from David Hirsch’s conversations, listed here in the order in which they appear: Kelly Moynihan (Dad to Dad #63), Joe Ciriano (#23), Skip Gianopulos (#3), John Wagner (#62), Rob Wrubel (#91) , Josh Avis (#82), Mark Cronin (#17), Paul Gianni (#6), Tom Delaney (#44), Stacy Tetschner (#41) , Sean Farrell (#59) and Rick Daynes (#45).Show Links:To find out more about Gigi’s Playhouse go to: https://gigisplayhouse.orgFind out more about Rob Wrubel and his books at  https://robwrubel.comPurchase Heather Avis’ book The Lucky Few: Finding God’s Best in the Most Unl

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.netRob Wrubel’s website: https://robwrubel.comTo learn about the mission of 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 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.orgHackie Reitman Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_ReitmanTo hear about the mission of The Special Fathers Network, go to https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network.

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 Special thanks to these dads for sharing their highly personal stories to inspire others and to celebrate their child's life. For more information ab

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. That’s all on this Dad to Dad podcast, presented by the Special Fathers Network. To hear about the mission of The Special Fathers Network, go to https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network. Show links: Find out about Pallister-Killian Mosaic Syndrome at https://PKSKids.netMisericordia, Heart of Mercy: https://www.misericordia.com The Illinois Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments: http://www.ipvi.orgThe Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind: https://chicagolighthouse.orgRaise Your Hand for Illinois Public Education: https://www.ilraiseyourhand.orgJuan Vagilenty: [email protected]

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. To hear about the mission of The Special Fathers Network, go to https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network. Show links: Emily’s Bracelets: https://www.emilysbracelets.comSpecial Olympics: https://www.specialolympics.orgHear David Hirsch's interview with Jeff Katz on Dad to Dad #76: https://www.spreaker.com/user/specialfathers/dad-to-dad-76-radio-host-jeff-katz-has-a

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. To hear about the mission of The Special Fathers Network, go to https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network. Show links: Make A Wish America: https://wish.orgOperation North Pole: https://www.operationnorthpole.org

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