Special Fathers' Network Podcast

Our guest this week is Dr. Greg Pursley of Jackson, MO who is a chiropractor, owner of PC Medical Centers, father of two and author of two books.Greg and his wife, Sheree, have been married for 19 years and are the proud parents of two children: daughter, Eveekay(18) and son, Izaac(16), who has dwarfism.We’ll hear about the many organizations that have played an influential role in the Pursley family, including:Make A Wish FoundationChallenged Athlete FoundationLittle People of America      Dwarf Athletes Association of America, and      Ronald McDonald HouseDr. G also reflects on the two books he's written:A New Kind Of NormalFix Your BS (Belief System)That’s all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Links - Email - [email protected] – https://www.fixyourbs.com/homeWebsite - https://drgregpursley.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgregpursley1/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drgregpursley/Make A Wish Foundation - https://wish.org/Challenged Athlete Foundation - https

Our guest this week is Allan Turner of Mansfield, TX proprietor of Turner Insurance Group and father of three including one with Down Syndrome.Allan and his wife, Ebony, have been married for 23 years and are the proud parents of three children: Anaiah (19), Jael (17) and Isaiah (10), who has Downs Syndrome.Allan owns an insurance brokerage agency, which is how he supports his family.  Not satisfied with the level of life and health insurance available to families touched by disability, Allan has been an outspoken advocate to create new products that meet the unmet needs of families impacted by disability. Allan also reflects on some of the organizations that have played an important role in his family, including; the Black Down Syndrome Association, the Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas, Kinder Frogs at TCU and Special Olympics.It’s an inspiring conversation on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast.Show LinksEmail - [email protected] – https://www.turnerinsurancegroup.net/LinkedIn

Our guest this week is Gabe Perna of Newtown, CT who is an award winning journalist, a digital health editor with Modern Healthcare and father of two young boys, including one with Autism. Gabe and his wife, Amanda, have been married for 10 years and are the proud parents of two children: Logan (3) and Spencer (6) who has Autism. We learn about the Perna family story, the the changes and adaptations the family has made and the importance of embracing your child for who they are so you can help them reach their full potential.That's all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Links:Email - [email protected] – https://www.modernhealthcare.com/author/gabriel-pernaLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-perna-b41b114/Families United Newtown – https://familiesunitedinnewtown.org/Ever Wonder Children's Museum Newtown - https://www.everwondermuseum.orgTwitter: GabrielSPernaSpecial Fathers Network - SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs.

Our guest this week is Jonathan Bennett of Ontario, Canada, an executive and leadership coach, a poet and author of seven books and father of two. Jonathan and his wife, Wendy, have been married for 25 years and are the proud parents of two children who are 17 and 19 years old.We’ll hear some sage advice from Jonathan about raising an Autistic child who is also non-binary. That’s all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Email - [email protected] – https://clearlythen.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennettjonathan/Novels and books of poetry - https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001K8O160?ingress=0&visitId=4732666f-192a-47e6-ad0a-05a2610979e8&ref_=ap_rdrSpecial Fathers Network - SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 500+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.

To celebrate the 300th episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast, David Hirsch, founder of 21st Century Dads Foundation and host of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast offers his heartfelt thanks to all those who have been involved with and supported 21CD & SFN.  He reflects on:addressing the issue of father absence in society,his journey as a fatherhood advocate,starting the Illinois Fatherhood Initiative, making an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show, starting the 21st Century Dads Foundation, Dads Honor Ride 2015 from Santa Monica to Chicago, 2,325 miles in 21 days, giving a TEDx Talk entitled: Why We Need To Break The Cycle Of Father Absence, writing the book: A Father's Journey To Break The Cycle Of Father Absence, Dads Honor Ride 2016 from Boston to Chicago, 1,400 miles in 21 days, Creating the C2EFA (Cycle To End Father Absence) indoor riding events, Dads Honor Ride 2017 Around Lake Michigan, 958 miles in 9 days, creating the Special Fathers Network Mentoring Program, starting the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast, recor

Our guest this week is Steve Thomas of Manhattan, IL father of eight, serial entrepreneur and author of Catholic Joe Superhero.  Steve and his wife, Ginny, have been married for 33 years and are the proud parents of eight children: Steve (32), 30 year old twins David & John, Joseph (28), Francis (26), Mary (25), Grace (23) and Gabriel (21).  The twins are the ones with additional needs.        The twins were diagnosed in their 20s with issues including; anxiety, Autism, OCD and schizophrenia.  Despite the many challenges including incarceration and institutionalization, Steve and Ginny have found strength in their faith, family and marriage.   In 2023 Steve published Catholic Joe Superhero a riveting tale about Joseph Salvatore, the father of eight and retired Lieutenant General who endeavors to save his brother Vinnie’s marriage, while inadvertently getting immersed in many thorny issues, including: abortion, alcohol abuse, espionage, graft, mental illness and school book banning.  Steve was also one of

Our guest this week is Keith Harris of Albuquerque, NM, an entrepreneur and father of four including one who has Down Syndrome.  Keith and his wife, Jeannie, have been married for 44 years and are the proud parents of four: Daniel (39), Tim (38), Thomas (35) and John (33).  Tim is the one with Down Syndrome.Tim's got a big heart which he opens to virtually everyone he meets.  And he's a busy guy.  They opened and ran Tim's Place Restaurant for five years, where 'hugs' were listed on the menu, which Tim would deliver as requested. Tim also wrote a children's book entitled:The Book of Hugs, which came out in 2021.  Jeanne & Keith also created the Tim’s Big Heart Foundation with the mission of healing of trauma of those who made a career choice to serve, including those in the military and first responders.There’s was an awful lot to cover so we’re presenting this interview in two segments, this week is part two the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast interview of Keith Harris.Show Notes - Email – muchogusto.keith@gmail.

Our guest this week is Keith Harris of Albuquerque, NM, an entrepreneur and father of four including one who has Down Syndrome.  Keith and his wife, Jeannie, have been married for 44 years and are the proud parents of four: Daniel (39), Tim (38), Thomas (35) and John (33).  Tim is the one with Down Syndrome.Tim's got a big heart which he opens to virtually everyone he meets.  And he's a busy guy.  They opened and ran Tim's Place Restaurant for five years, where 'hugs' were listed on the menu, which Tim would deliver as requested. Tim also wrote a children's book entitled:The Book of Hugs, which came out in 2021.  Jeanne & Keith also created the Tim’s Big Heart Foundation with the mission of healing of trauma of those who made a career choice to serve, including those in the military and first responders.There’s was an awful lot to cover so we’re presenting this interview in two segments, this week is part one the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast interview of Keith Harris.Show Notes - Email – muchogusto.keith@gmail.

Our guest this week is Adam Goldman of Houston, TX, a real estate investor, serial entrepreneur, coaching consultant and author of the book The Franchisee Lifestyle.Adam and his, wife, Dori, have been married for 15 years and are the proud parents of five children: Lila (6), Dalia (8) and Amelia (12), as well as twins; Eli and Ariella who were born at 23 weeks, in 2010, and very sadly passed away shortly after birth. Adam reflects on the harsh reality of some miscarriages as well as losing their oldest children, pre-mature twins, who passed away within a month of their birth. While quite traumatic, it has helped him better appreciate the blessing of having three additional children and the importance of being present. That is all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Email – [email protected] – https://www.franchisecoach.net/Phone – (713) 309-6778Book – https://www.amazon.com/Franchisee-Lifestyle-Future-Better-Think/dp/B07MKP8JW8/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&a

Our guest this week is Eric Nixon of Lansdale, PA who works for a blood plasma company and is the father of three all with Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID), a rare autoimmune disease. Eric and his wife, Candy, have been married for 33 years and are the proud parents of three: Benjamin (30), Hannah (27), and Daniel (24) all who have CVID, or Common Variable Immune Deficiency, a rare autoimmune disease. Eric also has Multiple Sclerosis and has been on disability for 17 years. Despite all the family health challenges, Eric has been leading small groups of fathers for years and years. The couple has also been actively involved with Rising Above Ministries and Joni & Friends, two outstanding Christian disability ministiries. Their family journey has been shared in several books:"Marriage Ability" by Joan Borton"Sharing Love Abundantly in Special needs families (the 5 Love Languages for parents raising children with disabilities)" by Gary Chapman & Jolene Philo"Common Man, Extraordinary Call" by Bec

Our guest this week is Robert "Bob" Manganelli formerly of southern California, a photo-journalist and filmmaker, reflects on the joys and challenges of being a father of two deaf children. Bob and Terrylene are the proud parents of two children: daughter Catalene (19) and son Gianni 'Gio' who lost his hearing at age three and, who very sadly, took his own life at age 23, in March 2014. Bob reflects about the deaf community, Terrylene's and their children's deafness and the intersection of the typically hearing community. He also discusses some of the challenges Gio encountered, including seizures and bipolar disorder.Bob is a distinguished and well respected photo-journalist, film maker and proprietor of Sundagger Media, LLC. Credits include: "Pennsylvania Photographers," "Waking The Divine," Senator Ted Kennedy's "Inside the beltway," "Listen Carefully," "Seeing in the Dark" ("After Image" 2001), "How to Make an Independent Film: Cameras & Credit Cards" and the upcoming film: "We Were Here" from - Griev

Our guest this week is Robert "Bob" Manganelli formerly of southern California, a photo-journalist and filmmaker, reflects on the joys and challenges of being a father of two deaf children. Bob and Terrylene are the proud parents of two children: daughter Catalene (19) and son Gianni 'Gio' who lost his hearing at age three and, who very sadly, took his own life at age 23, in March 2014. Bob reflects about the deaf community, Terrylene's and their children's deafness and the intersection of the typically hearing community. He also discusses some of the challenges Gio encountered, including seizures and bipolar disorder.Bob is a distinguished and well respected photo-journalist, film maker and proprietor of Sundagger Media, LLC. Credits include: "Pennsylvania Photographers," "Waking The Divine," Senator Ted Kennedy's "Inside the beltway," "Listen Carefully," "Seeing in the Dark" ("After Image" 2001), "How to Make an Independent Film: Cameras & Credit Cards" and the upcoming film: "We Were Here" from - Griev

Our guest this week is Allan Shedlin of Chevy Chase, MD, who is a father, grandfather, former educator and outspoken advocate for all things related to 'Daddying.'Allan and his x-wife, Michelle, were married for 32 years and are the proud parents of three adult daughters: Raya, Samantha and Christina as well as grandparents of five. Allan was a career educator and was founding Executive Director of the National Elementary School Center. He has also been a freelance writer for 39 years with work appearing in; The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Hearst News Service, Education Week, Phi Delta Kappan magazine, Principal magazine, GRAND magazine, Baltimore Sun, Philadelphia Inquirer, Desert News, Johannesburg Times, and more.Allan is one of the country's most outspoken advocates for father involvement going back to the 1980s. Allan coined the term 'Daddying.' He leads the Dadvocacy Consulting Group and he curates the Daddying Film Festival & Forum, now in its third year. He also oversees th

Our guest this week is Dave Jereb, of Sydney, Australia an occupational therapist, co-founder of MoveAbout Therapy Services and an author.Dave and his wife, Kathy, have been married for 17 years and are the proud parents of two children: Harry (8) and Hugo (5). Dave & Kathy are also co-founders of MoveAbout Therapy Services a multi-location firm that provides individual and group therapy services for children to enable them to participate in the activities of everyday life. They also provide parent coaching, training and support.Dave is also the author of a new book entitled: Challenging The Story: A Surprisingly Simple Approach to Supporting Children with Challenging Behaviours.That’s all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show LinksEmail – [email protected] - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-jereb-039b2a4/Website – https://www.moveabout.com.au/Challenging The Story - https://www.amazon.com/Challenging-Story-Surprisingly-Supporting-Behaviours/dp/1781338264/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_enc

Our guest this week is Graham Caldow of Brighton, England who is co-founder and a coach at Red Giraffe Solutions, an author and father of two young adult daughters, one who has additional needs. Graham and his wife, Debra, have been married for 30 years and are the proud parents of two young adult daughters. Graham & Debra are co-founders of Red Giraffe Solutions, helping plan a better future for young adults with additional needs. They are parents to two young daughters, one of whom has a history of learning difficulties.Debra hosts the Expanding Worlds Podcast established in April 2017, now with more than 140 episodes, on a broad range of topics for families raising children with special abilities. More recently, Graham authored the book “What’s Possible?: Plan A Better Future For Your Young Adult With Additional Needs." It's a fascinating story and we’ll hear it on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Email – [email protected] - https://www.linkedin.com/in/graham

Our guest this week is James “Jamo” Myles of Georgetown, Grand Cayman who is father of seven, including two with ASD and who is a coordinator with the Department of Youth Services for the Cayman Islands.James and his wife, Melissa, have been married for two years and between them they are the proud parents of seven children; his children: Ahmed (28), Jamar (23), Jarrod (23) and Sarah (14) and Melissa’s children; Novano (22), Myra (17) and Jade (13). Both Jarrod and Sarah have Autism.James is a proud member of the Myles family one of the largest families in the Cayman Islands. We also learn about how his faith has guided him, his Youth Flex Radio program and Inclusion Cayman (formerly the Special Needs Trust) whose mission as an independent, impartial non-profit organization is to: 'advocate on behalf of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.'James has an engaging personality and has quite a story to tell. And we’ll hear it on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad

Our guest this week is Jonathan Eig, of Chicago, a journalist, best-selling author, father of two daughters and guardian.Jon and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for 27 years and are the proud parents of two daughters: Lillian (20) and Lola (14) as well as Jeffrey (33) who Jon mentored from Jeffrey's age seven through Big Brothers/Big Sisters before the couple formally became his guardian. With a degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, he began his career at the New Orleans Times Picayune, then Dallas Morning News, Chicago Magazine, and the Wall Street Journal. Starting in 2005 Jon published his first best-selling biography: Luckiest Man: The Life And Death Of Lou Gehrig. He went on to publish Opening Day: The Story of Jackie Robinson’s First Season (2007), Get Capone: The Secret Plot That Captured America’s Most Wanted Gangster (2010), The Birth Of The Pill: How Four Crusaders Reinvented Sex & Launched a Revolution (2014), Ali, A Life (2017), and King, A Life (2023).J

Our guest this week is Bob Bourke of Evanston, IL, a retired banker, father of four including a daughter with Down Syndrome and a advisory board member at Misericordia in Chicago.Bob and his wife, Peggy, have been married for 44 years and are the proud parents of three boys: Bo (40), Matt (36), and Nick (32) as well as daughter, Molly (38) who has Down Syndrome. Bob had a storied career in banking. We learn about the wide range of programs and services Molly benefited from and that have helped her develop into this bright, vivacious young woman. Bob has also become a passionate volunteer and supporter at Misericordia, a Chicago based non-profit whose mission is: to provide a continuum of care and support for children and adults of all faiths and cultures who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through the leadership of sister Rosemary Connelly, the past 50+ years, Misericordia provides residency to more than 600 specially abled adults. They also provide the highest quality of care designed to me

Our guest this week is Faye Simon-Harac of Sparta, NJ, a former teacher and current Editor-in-Chief at Exceptional Parent Magazine as well as president and founder of the Irene & Eric Simon Brain Research Foundation. After serving as an educator in the Teaneck, NJ school district for a decade, Faye founded and became president of the Irene & Eric Simon Brain Research Foundation, named in honor of her parents, while they were still alive. Eric was an internationally recognized neuroscientist and served in that capacity for mare than 50 years at NYU. One of his many claims to fame was the discovery of opiate receptors in the brain, which lead to understanding of drug addiction & pain.Since 2004 the IESBRF has been providing annual cash fellowships to college and graduate school students pursuing careers in neuroscience and brain research. To date they have provided more than 120 fellowships. Faye joined the Exceptional Parent Magazine team in 2015 and has been Editor-in-Chief since 2020. EP Magazine

Our guest this week is Florence Ann Romano of Hinsdale, IL a village and child care advocate, entrepreneur, author of two books and the oldest of four siblings, including a brother with Autism. Florence Ann served as a nanny for more than 15 years, which led to a variety of opportunities including; starting the web series The Windy City Nanny, which covered the lives of 12 families, her first book entitled 'Nanny and Me' and more than 200 speaking engagements. She also founded Kindred Content, a woman-owned digital content company, more recently acquired by Yakkety Yak, where she is a Vice-President of Business Strategy. Florence's second book is 'Build Your Village: A Guide to Finding Joy and Community in Every Stage of Life' which was published earlier this year. In it we learn about the six types of villagers everyone can benefit from as well as strategies for building meaningful and healthy relationships. We’ll hear about Florence’s fascinating life, including: the influence of her faith, her Nana & P