Special Fathers' Network Podcast

This is part of a special series of interviews within the SFN Dad To Dad Podcasts known as the SFN Mastermind Group Monday Podcasts.  Each Monday host David Hirsch interviews one of the SFN Mastermind Group dads on the impact the mastermind group has had on him and the wellbeing of his family.  This Monday’s guest is Matt Bando of Downers Grove, IL who owns Prodigy Printing & Promotions and is father of an adult son with Cerebral Palsy.Matt and his wife, Saba, have been married for 29 years and are the proud parents of Zain, 25, who has Cerebral Palsy and who is also a graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and more recently the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.Matt has been part of the Tuesday night SFN Mastermind Group, has attended the annual weekend SFN Mastermind Group Retreats and was featured in episode #237 of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast in January of 2023. Show Notes - Phone – (630) 362-1151Email – [email protected] – https://www.linkedin.com/in/m

Our guest this week is Al Malavolti of Rockford, IL a retired aerospace operations manager, father of 22 and grandfather of 34.  Al and his wife, Rose, have been married for 51 years and are the proud parents of 22 children; four biological children, 17 adopted children and one who they parented, as well as 34 grandchildren. Their first experience included adopting eight siblings, upon their biological mother's deathbed wish to keep her children together.The Malavolti family story is a fascinating one, inspired by their deep faith and the call to make a difference in the lives of so many by opening up their hearts and homes to 18 youth who might not otherwise experience the love of a family.Given the scope and scale of the Malavolti family, the story is being told over two episodes.  This is Part 1 in today's SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.  Show Notes -Phone – (815)298-5527Email - [email protected] Times Story 1/4/98 - https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19980104&slug=2726904Special Father

This is part of a special series of interviews within the SFN Dad To Dad Podcasts known as the SFN Mastermind Group Monday Podcasts.  Each Monday host David Hirsch interviews one of the SFN Mastermind Group dads on the impact the mastermind group has had on him and the wellbeing of his family.  This Monday’s guest is Tony Brescia of West Dundee, IL who owns a Hallmark store, is the father of two including a son with Tuberous Sclerosis, and more recently is raising funds to create Project ALEX (Adult Living EXperience) Communities, a unique residential community for adults with intellectual disabilities. Tony and his wife, Joelle, have been married for 35 years and are the proud parents of two boys: Jason (29) and Alex (33), who was born with Tuberous Sclerosis, a rare genetic disease that causes non-cancerous (or benign) tumors to grow in the brain and several areas of the body, including the spinal cord, nerves, eyes, lung, heart, kidneys, and skin. Tony has been part of the Tuesday night SFN Mastermind Grou

Our guest this week is Sam Farmer of North Easton, MA who is an Information Technology Consultant, a neurodiversity advocate, an Autistic writer, author, speaker, a husband and father of a son with Autism and himself was diagnosed later in life with Asperger’s.  Sam and his wife wife have been married for 23 years and are the proud parents of a 16 year old son, who is Autistic. Sam is also the author of: A Long Walk Down A Winding Road: Small Steps, Challenges, and Triumphs Through an Autistic Lens (October 2019).Sam was also a panelist along with Dr. Temple Grandin and Dr. Eric Endlich for the June 22, 2024 SFN Zoom Panel Discussion: Learning About Autism From Autistic Adults, which garnered more than 275 reigstrations, now available on the 21CD YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2Mhiudvngs&t=1105sIt’s a highly enlightening conversation on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.  Show Notes -Email - [email protected] – https://www.samfarmerauthor.com/LinkedIn - https://www.li

This is part of a special series of interviews within the SFN Dad To Dad Podcasts known as the SFN Mastermind Group Monday Podcasts.  Each Monday host David Hirsch interviews one of the SFN Mastermind Group dads on the impact the mastermind group has had on him and the wellbeing of his family.  This Monday’s guest is Ian Todd of Baltimore, MD who is a Senior Service Consultant with SS&C Advent, father of two daughters and one of the original members of the inaugural SFN Mastermind Group.Ian and his wife, Erin, have been married for 12 years and are the proud parents of two girls: Maple (8) and Rosie (6), who suffered a brain injury from bacterial meningitis and who is sight impaired.  Ian has been involved with the Special Fathers Network for more than three years and his SFN Dad To Dad Podcast, episode #238, aired in January 2023.  For the past three years Ian has attended the Wednesday night SFN Mastermind Group and he has attended all three of the annual SFN Mastermind Group weekend retreats. Show Note

Our guest this week is Kelley Coleman of Los Angeles, CA a feature film maker turned author, disability advocate, wife and mother of two including a son with an undiagnosed rare disease and many disabilities.Kelley and her husband, Eric, have been married for 16 years and are the proud parents of two boys: Sean (12) and Aaron (10) who has multiple disabilities, including: An Undiagnosed Genetic DisorderCortical Visual ImpairmentFailure to ThriveAutismEpilepsyCerebral PalsyMicrocephaly, andA Feeding TubeKelley is also the author of Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child, available on Amazon.Kelley has lots to say about a host of supporting organizations, including the Undiagnosed Disease Network, Canine Companions, and Painted Turtle Camp to name a few.   That's all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.  Show LinksEmail - [email protected] – https://www.kelleycoleman.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kelley.coleman.56Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hellokel

This is part of a special series of interviews within the SFN Dad To Dad Podcasts known as the SFN Mastermind Group Monday Podcasts.  Each Monday host David Hirsch interviews one of the SFN Mastermind Group dads on the impact the mastermind group has had on him and the wellbeing of his family.  This Monday’s guest is Shane Madden of Collierville, TN who is an operations analyst at Pfizer and the father of a son with cerebral palsy.  Shane and his wife, Emily, have been married for 8 years and are the proud parents of Marshall (8) who has cerebral palsy. Shane has been involved with SFN for four years, part of the Wednesday night SFN Mastermind Group for two years, has attend the SFN Mastermind Group Weekend Retreat and was featured in episode #154 of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast in June of 2021. Show Notes -Phone – (615) 556-9333Email – [email protected] - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-madden-cpf-62956b18/SFN Dad To Dad Podcast #154 – https://www.spreaker.com/cms/shows/2825002/dashboardShane's favor

In April 2024, our host David Hirsch traveled to Cuba with Joni & Friends, as one of 12 U.S. volunteers participating in a Wheels For The World Program, to fit and distribute 200+ wheelchairs to youth and adults, who might not otherwise experience mobility.  During his visit, he recorded two interviews with individuals connected to the disability community in Cuba. This is the the second of the two interviews.Toady's guest is Noel Fernandez Collott of Ciego de Avila, Cuba an 82 year old retired Baptist pastor who led seven churches during his career, who is one of the country's most well respected disability advocates and himself, went blind at age 30.Noel and his wife, Ornara, have been married for 58 years.  We also learn about how Retinitis Pigmentosa took his dad and grandfather's sight as well.Thirty years ago, Noel was the initial point of contact with Joni & Friends, the Agoura Hills, CA global Chrsitian disability ministry.  Since then there have been J&F Family Retreats and Wheels for the

This is part of a special series of interviews within the SFN Dad To Dad Podcasts to be known as the SFN Mastermind Group Monday Podcasts.  Each Monday host David Hirsch interviews one of the SFN Mastermind Group dads on the impact the mastermind group has had on him and the wellbeing of his family.  This Monday’s guest is Jon Heckert of Madisonville, LA who is a vice president of human resources at K.L. Breeden & Sons, LLC a privately held, family-owned and operated, trucking & transportation company.  Jon is also father of a son with disabilities and a volunteer with Ainsley’s Angels. Jon and his wife, Doris, have been married for 18 years and are the proud parents of Jackson (17) who was diagnosed invitro with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) a rare disease that causes permanent tightening of the baby’s muscles, skin and tendons that make their joints short and stiff. Arthrogryposis means crooking (bending) of the joint. “Artho” means joint, and “gryposis” means crooking.Jon has been part o

English Version - In April 2024, our host David Hirsch traveled to Cuba with Joni and Friends, as one of 12 U.S. volunteers participating in a Wheels For The World Program, to fit and distribute 200+ wheelchairs to youth and adults, who might not otherwise experience mobility.   This week's guest is Leonardo Cespedes of Bayamo, Cuba, a Baptist Preacher and father of two including a son with intellectual and physical disabilities.  Leonardo and his wife, Mairelis, have been married for 26 years and are the proud parents of two; daughter Reveca (23) who is a teacher, and son Marko (20) who has undiagnosed intellectual disabilities, suffers from seizures and is hard of hearing.   Marko was one of the recipients of a wheelchair. During his visit, David spoke with and recorded interviews with two Cubans connected to the disability community in Cuba.  Special thanks to Dairy Hernandez, the young Cuban woman that served as one of David's translators during the week and for her help translating today's episode in Eng

This is the fourth in a special series of interviews within the SFN Dad To Dad Podcasts to be known as the SFN Mastermind Group Monday Podcasts.  Each Monday host David Hirsch will interview one of the SFN Mastermind Group dads on the impact the mastermind group has had on him and the wellbeing of his family.  This Monday’s guest is John Shouse of Nashville, TN who works as an Industrial Control Sales Engineer at Link Systems and is father of three children including twins and more recently has became a grandfather. John and his wife, Janet, have been married for 40 years and are the proud parents of three children; Emma (35) and 28 year old twins Brendan and Evan, who is Autistic.John has been part of the Tuesday night SFN Mastermind Group, has attended the annual weekend SFN Mastermind Group Retreats and was featured in episode #52 of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast in April of 2019.  John and Janet have been outspoken advocates for disability locally and nationally. Show Notes -Phone –  (615) 476-7472Email – jm

Leading into Father's Day weekend, this week’s guest is Paul Briggs of Falling Waters, WV, who works in the technology industry and is father to 38 children, including six biological and 32 adopted children. Paul and his wife, Jeanne, have been married for 48 years and are the proud parents to 38 children ranging in age from 8-44.  Six are biological and 32 are adopted from five countries, including; 13 from Ghana, 10 from Ukraine, six from Russia, two from Bulgaria, and one from Mexico.  They also have 23 grandchildren ranging in age from 1-19 years old.  Paul reflects on his upbringing, those who influenced him growing up, his spirituality, and the steps that lead to opening their home and hearts to this extraordinary family.  Paul also provides insights on how such a large family handles; meals, doing laundry, transportation, education as well as thier entry into the world of adoption and special needs, which started with the first adoption of Abraham (from Mexico) who is blind.  Favorite quote from this i

This is the third in a special series of interviews within the SFN Dad To Dad Podcasts to be known as the SFN Mastermind Group Monday Podcasts.  Each Monday host David Hirsch will interview one of the SFN Mastermind Group dads on the impact the mastermind group has had on him and the wellbeing of his family.  This Monday’s guest is Jeff Johnson of Anderson, SC who works as a meat cutter at Publix Supermarkets and father of two boys, including one with profound disability.Jeff and his wife, Michelle, have been married for 40 years and are the proud parents of two adult children; Michael (29) and Daniel (26) who has Hydrocephalus and Encephalocele is non-verbal, non-ambulatory and ventilator dependent. Jeff has been part of the Wednesday night SFN Mastermind Group, has attended the annual weekend SFN Mastermind Group Retreats and was featured in episode #155 of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast in June of 2021.Show Notes -Phone – 864-444-8170 Email – [email protected] Dad To Dad Podcast – https://21stcenturydads.o

Today's guest is Jordan Jankus of Wallingford, VT who is a disability advocate, founder of Plastic Learning, a freelance writer and perhaps most importantly, father of two including an adult daughter with Cerebral Palsy.  Jordan and his wife, Cathy, have been married for 49 years and are the proud parents to two children: Justin (35) and Jessie (45) who has multiple developmental disabilities including Cerebral Palsy. Jordan is a freelance writer and disability advocate, serving in various roles, as a vocational coach, case-manager, advocate and personal technology specialist. Jordan is also founder of Plastic Learning, which was created to promote lifelong learning opportunities for people with cognitive disabilities.Jordan is also a more recent member of the SFN Dad To Dad Mastermind Group community.  It’s a fascinating conversation that we’ll hear on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Email - [email protected] -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-jankus-a4215328/Website

This is the second in a special series of interviews within the SFN Dad To Dad Podcasts to be known as the SFN Mastermind Group Monday Podcasts.  Each Monday host David Hirsch will interview one of the SFN Mastermind Group dads on the impact the mastermind group has had on him and the wellbeing of his family.  This Monday’s guest is Matthew Rehbein of Nashville, TN an Executive Director for Institutional Research and Analytics at Lipscomb University and father of two children.   Matt and his wife, Waleska, have been married for 18 years and are the proud parents of two children; daughter Sabina (9) and son Benja (12) who has Autism, ADHD and epilepsy.   Matt has been part of the Tuesday night SFN Mastermind Group and attended the annual weekend SFN Mastermind Group Retreat, the past couple of years. Show Notes -Phone – 615-767-9218Email – [email protected] – https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-rehbein-7832085/Matt’s Favorite Book Reviewed As Part Of The Mastermind Group – One More Step: My Story o

This week’s guest is Jon Ghahate of Placitas, NM a Native American and a member of the Pueblos of Laguna and Zuni and of the Badger and Turkey clans.  Jon is a Vietnam-era veteran, a former educator, healthcare practitioner, journalist and father of three, including one who is blind. While in the U.S. Army Jon served as a physician's assistant.  He went on to be a public middle school and high school math and science educator as well as athletic coach for the public school system.He has also been a journalist for a national radio talk program and more recently an educator at the Crow Canyon Archeological Center in Colorado where he works with students and patrons to develop accurate, credible, and respectful narratives of Southwest cultures.Jon has a lot to say about being a Native American and is a wealth of knowledge about Native American culture. That's all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad podcast.Show Notes -Email - [email protected] - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-ghahate-13a5a2250/Websit

This is the first in a special series of interviews within the SFN Dad To Dad Podcasts to be known as the SFN Mastermind Group Monday Podcasts.  Each Monday host David Hirsch will interview one of the SFN Mastermind Group dads on the impact the mastermind group has had on him and the wellbeing of his family.  This Monday’s guest is Rich Gathro of Largo, FL a retired career educator and father of two adult children.   Rich and his wife, Kathy, have been married for 46 years and are the proud parents of two adopted adult children; daughter Kate who had a brain tumor at age 10 and stroke at 21, and son Will, who was born with Schizencephaly, a rare disease.  For further background about the Gathro family journey, please listen to Rich’s SFN Dad To Dad Podcast, episode #54, which originally aired in April 2019.  See link below.Show Notes - Email - [email protected] LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-gathro-515556/ Rich’s SFN Dad To Dad Podcast #54 - https://21stcenturydads.org/dad-to-dad-54-rich-gathr

Our guest this week is United States Air Force retired Major General John Borling of Rockford, IL, a father, grandfather, author and founder of Service Over Self (S.O.S.) America, a non-profit dedicated to promoting the values of; freedom, responsibility, liberty and duty.John and his wife, Myrna, both Rockford, IL natives, have been married for 61 years and are the proud parents of two daughters and two grandchildren. John served in the United States Air Force for 37 years and retired as a Major General in 1994.  He was a fighter pilot who flew 97 combat missions in Vietnam, before being shot down, captured by the North Vietnamese, and held as a POW in the infamous Hanoi Hiton for 6 1/2 years.   His many awards include: a Silver Star, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Bronze Stars with V for Valor, and two Purple Hearts among a host of other accolades.   John is author of the book:Taps On The Walls: Poems From The Hanoi HIlton.  The book includes a collection of stories and poems John shared with his f

Our guest this week is Marc Moschetto of Holly Springs, NC who is CEO of Kick Motor, host of The Rational Workforce Podcast, a neurodiversity advocate and father of three.Marc and his wife, Kate, have been married for 27 years and are the proud parents of three children: Jacob (24), Grace (21) and Samuel (15), who collectively have experienced a variety of challenges including ASD, anxiety, depression and food aversion to name a few.Marc enjoys interviewing guests on his The Rational Workforce Podcast on a wide range of business related topics dedicated to looking at the news, people, policies, and programs that are shaping today’s world of work in a way that strips away the jargon and pushes back on political correctness.Marc is also an outspoken neurodiversity advocate and supporter of Beme.ai a web-based platform that empowers Autistic individuals, their families, and care teams with the tools they need to thrive.It's a uplifting story about a father's commitment to his faith, family and serving the broade

Our guest this week is Gary Rabine of Naples, FL (formerly of Bull Valley, IL), a serial entrepreneur, a patriot, host of the Ditch Digger CEO podcast and father of four, including a son with cerebral palsy. Gary and his late wife Cheryl were married for 35 years and are the proud parents to four children including: Austin (36), Janelle (34), Jordan (33), and Nick, 23, who was adopted from Russia and has Cerebral Palsy.Gary has founded more than 30 businesses, which collectively have generated over $1B in sales.  The most prominent of the businesses is Rabine Paving, a nationally recognized business that caters to residential and commercial customers, including Fortune 500 companies and municipalities across the country. Gary is also the host of the Ditch Digger CEO Podcast, with more than 100 episodes featuring some of the country's most prominent CEOs and business owners.  Gary is also a strong supporter of the Job Creators Network based in Boca Raton, FL.  He is also very proud of the Cheryl Rabine Foundat