Special Fathers' Network Podcast

Our guest this week is Siggi Thosseinn-Gudmundson of Akranes, Iceland who is a healthcare professional and father of five including four with special needs.Siggi and his wife, Fridur, have known each other since they were 15 years of age and have been married for 8 years. They are the proud parents of five children: Sittimfia (7), who has ADHD, Gudmuntuk (12), who is Autistic and non-verbal, Kolbrun (14) who has Prader-Willi Syndrome and Autism, and Matthias (16) who has Autism. Very sadly they lost your first child, Oscar, at 24 weeks gestation more than 15 years ago. We’ll hear how Siggi and Fridur have perseverd the loss of a child and embraced being parents to children with a wide range of special healthcare needs. We also learn how Siggi has struggled balancing family and work along with a limited amount of formal education. What Siggi may lack from an academic perspective, he more than makes up with his commitment to family and being present: physically, emotionally and spiritually for his wife and chil

Our guest this week is Hutch Matteson of Cumming, GA a pastor for 37 years and more recently the founder of The Pier Center Foundation, opening doors for adults with intellectual disabilities.Hutch and his wife, Cindy, are the proud parents of four children; Julia (26), Jenna (28), Jonathan (30) and Josh (33), who has Down Syndrome.We’ll hear about the poor advice the Mattesons received shortly after Josh's birth about all the things Josh would be unable to do. We learn about the supporting organizations that Josh benefited from, including: High Hope Early Intervention, Special Olympics, and their GA-based church, to name a few.We also learn about how the Matteson family experience informed and inspired them in 2011 to create The Pier Foundation which has been opening doors of opportunity for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, including life & job skills training, and even some jobs, which provides these adults with different abilities a genuine sense of purpose, fulfillment, dignity

Our guest this week is Adam Terry of Nashville, TN who is the director of business analytics at Adhere Health in Nashville.Adam and his wife Catherine have been married for 18 years and are the rpuod parents of three children; Brooke (6), Callie (9) and Will (12), who has Noonan Syndrome, a genetic condition that stops typical development in various parts of the body.More recently Will suffered a traumatic brain injury. We’ll hear the Terry family story, including how their faith has helped them cope with Will’s injury.That’s all in this episode of the Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Links - Email – [email protected] – https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-terry-a8692626/Vanderbilt Children’s CHAMPions Tri My Best video - https://vimeo.com/821419152?share=copyNoonan Syndrome Foundation - https://www.teamnoonan.org/Special 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

Our guest this week is Frank McKinney of Delray Beach, FL a father, real estate artist, eight time best-selling author, philanthro-capitalist & 12 time badwater135 ultramarathon competitor.This is part two of a two part interview. In last week’s episode we heard Frank talk about the first of his his five aspirations, the importance of family. In part two we’ll hear more about Frank’s other four aspirations, the role of faith and much more. Frank and his wife Nilsa have been married for 33 years and are the proud parents of Laura (24). Professionally, Frank has built and renovated 44 ocean-front mansions with an average selling price of $44M. He is known as a real artist with a flair for creating these one of a kind master pieces and for the way he markets them. Frank is also the best-selling author of eight books in 5 different genres. In reverse chronologicle order they are:Adversitology: Overcoming Adversity When You’re Hanging On By A Thread (March 2023)Aspire: How To Create Your Own Reality And Alter

Our guest this week is Frank McKinney of Delray Beach, FL a father, real estate artist, eight time best-selling author, philanthro-capitalist & 12 time badwater135 ultramarathon competitor. Frank and his wife Nilsa have been married for 33 years and are the proud parents of Laura (24). Professionally, Frank has built and renovated 44 ocean-front mansions with an average selling price of $44M. He is known as a real artist with a flair for creating these one of a kind master pieces and for the way he markets them. Frank is also the best-selling author of eight books in 5 different genres. In reverse chronologicle order they are:Adversitology: Overcoming Adversity When You’re Hanging On By A Thread (March 2023)Aspire: How To Create Your Own Reality And Alter Your DNA (November 2021)The Other Thief: A Collision Of Love, Flesh & Faith (September 2018)The Tap (February 2009)Dead Fred, Flying Lunchboxes And The Good Luck Circle (January 2009)Burst This!: Frank McKinney’s Bubble Proof Real Estate Strategies (

Our guest this week is Ryan Wolfe of Canton, OH, who is a minister as well president and executive director of Ability Ministry, founded in 1983, an independent Christian nonprofit that provides resources, curriculum, training, and residential services designed to equip and empower the disability community.. Ryan and his wife Melissa have been married for 25 years and are the proud parents of two children, Rocco (16) and Zoey (14) who is dislexia.We’ll hear all about Ryan and his work on this week’s Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Links - Email – [email protected] – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-wolfe-a121021a/Website – https://abilityministry.com/Disabililty is Beautiful - https://disabilityisbeautiful.comFacebook Page https://www.facebook.com/AbilityMinistry/YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/AbilityMinistry?app=desktop Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abilityministry/?hl=enSpecial Fathers Network - SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children w

Our guest this week is Ben Mattlin of Los Angeles, CA a disability advocate, an author, educator and writer. Ben was born in New York City in 1962 with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a congenital muscle weakness. He attended the Walden School, Rudolf Steiner High School, and Harvard University, graduating cum laude.Ben and his wife, Mary, have been married for 34 years and are the proud parents of two adult daughters. Ben is a freelance writer and frequent contributor to Financial Advisor magazine. His writings have appeared in the New York Times, LA Times, and The Washington Post, to name a few.He is also the author of: three books Miracle Boy Grows Up (2012), In Sickness & In Health (2018), and Disability Pride: Dispatches From A post-ADA World. (2022) Ben reflects on being mainstreamed educationally, his objections to being labeled and misrepresented by the National MDA as a youth and how he has gone on to live a full and rewarding life as a husband, father and being gainfully employed, despite being c

Our guest this week is David Ross of Little Hampton, England. David is a rare disease advocate for mens mental health. He plans and hosts valuable international support calls focused on men in the rare disease community. David also has a rare disease himself called Cowden Syndrome, a rare genetic inherited condition. People with Cowden syndrome often have many noncancerous, tumor-like growths. They may also have an increased risk of developing certain cancers. Experts estimate it affects 1 in 200,000 people. The condition often goes underdiagnosed because some healthcare providers may not recognize its symptoms.David reflects on the relationship with his daughter and the importance of communicating with loved ones and friends as part of confronting the challenges associated with rare disease and one's own mortality, all on this week’s Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Links -Email – [email protected] – https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-ross-844965171/Eurodis Rare Diseases Europ

Our guest this week is Jahmeer Reynolds of El Sobrante, CA, who is the father of five children and Executive Director of the Marin County Cooperation Team, a black led multi service agency that provides services and support to the community. Jahmeer and his wife, Shakira, have been married for 12 years and are the proud parents of two young boys with Autism.We’ll hear Jahmeer’s story, the years they lived and worked in Abu Dhabi, his thoughts on fatherhood and working hand in hand with the community as well as his thoughts on the importance of developing positive police relations, including his TEDx Talk entitled: 'Reimagining Policing For The Good Of All.'That's all here on this episode of the Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Notes -Email – [email protected] LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jahmeerreynolds/details/experience/TEDx Talk - https://www.ted.com/talks/jahmeer_reynolds_reimagining_policing_for_the_good_of_all Marin County Cooperation Team - https://www.marincountycoo

Our guest this week is Steve Chatman of Cookeville, TN who is a pastor and VP at Rising Above Ministries, a Christian non-profit whose mission is 'to provide special-needs families with support, encouragement, inspiration, and community based a belief that God deeply loves all families and wants them to know that love in an authentic and meaningful way."Steve and his wife, Lori Ann, have been married for 25 years and are the proud parents of five children: Taylor (27), Josie (20), Emily (19), Mallory (17) and Russell (12). The three oldest are adopted and Josie & Emily 'the Downs Duo' have Down Syndrome.For most of his career Steve has been a pastor. More recently he has signed on with Rising Above Ministries, where he is VP, where leads Ministry Advancement & Pastoral Care as well as the men's ministry among other responsibilities. We’ll hear Steve’s story and his views on life in this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Email – [email protected] – https://

Our guest this week is Jesse White of Chicago, who is the recently retired Illinois Secretary of State, who served in that capacity for 24 years and under five governors. Prior to serving as Secretary of State, he was the Cook County Recorder of Deeds for seven years and a member of the Illinois House of Representatives for 16 years. Prior to his five decades long political career he served as a paratrooper in the US Army and was a member of the 101st Airborne Division and Illinois National Guard. Jesse was also a Chicago Public School teacher and administrator for 33 years. He also played minor league baseball for the Chicago Cubs after his time in the Army. Perhaps, most impressively, starting in 1959 he founded the Jesse White Tumblers, which has provided more than 19,000 at-risk youth (girls and boys) with training and guidance to make positive choices and learn important lessons for life. Jesse White Tumbler teams have performed at countless parades, NFL, MLB, and NBA games. They have also performed all

Our guest this is week Francis Arana of Georgetown, Grand Cayman, who is head of Anti-Money Laundering for the Cayman Islands.Francis and his his wife, Helen, have been married for 30 years and are the proud parents of two boys; Nayil (23) and Khalid (19) who is Autistic.Francis and Helen are originally from Belize. They both studied in the U.S. and have lived in the Cayman Islands for 20 years. One of the organizations that has played an instrumental role has been Inclusion Cayman, whose mission is: "to support the community in the commitment to cultivating and upholding values and practices that ensure the equal rights of ALL individuals and families, regardless of ability."We’ll hear Francis’ story on this week’s Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Links - Email - [email protected] -(345) 244-2392Inclusion Cayman: https://inclusioncayman.kySpecial Fathers Network - SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 500+ SFN Mentor Fathers,

Our guest this week is Bob West of Colorado Springs, CO a retired IT professional and founder and president of Need Project, a non-profit serving families impacted by special healthcare needs.Bob and his wife, Sue, have been married for 32 years and are the proud parents of three: Monica (25), Jonathan (27) and Kyle (30) who has Cerebral Palsy. At age seven, Kyle had the good fortune to meet Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus On The Family and from that point forward, Kyle was on a different trajectory. He would eventually go to Patrick Henry College and earn a Bachelors of Arts degree on disability in the ancient world.It's an uplifting story about faith, family and about helping those impacted by disability to reach their full God given potential. It's all on this week's Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Email – [email protected] – 719-930-9036Website – http://www.needproject.org/YouTube - https://youtu.be/clowniPOlGg 3:20 at 3:20 video, conversation with James Dobson. YouT

Our special guest this week is the legendary stand-up comedian, Tom Dreesen of Sherman Oaks, CA, father of three, grandfather of four and great grandfather two as well as an outspoken advocate for father involvement. This is Part 2 of the interview. Tom has appeared on stage with presidents and show-biz royalty, including most famously, as the long-time opening act for the chairman of the board, Frank Sinatra.Tom's made more than 500 TV appearances often as a guest on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carsonand The Late Show with David Letterman and hosted the show in David’s absence. Tom also has a number of acting credits, including the following television series: Columbo, WKRP in Cincinnati and Murder, She Wrote, and in such films as Spaceballs, The Rat Pack and Trouble with the Curve. Starting in 2013 he began appearing around the country in a one man show called "An Evening of Laughter and Memories of Sinatra." He is also the author two books Tim & Tom: An American Comedy in Black and White and more rece

Our special guest this week is the legendary stand-up comedian, Tom Dreesen of Sherman Oaks, CA, father of three and outspoken advocate for father involvement. Tom has appeared on stage with presidents and show-biz royalty, including most famously, as the long-time opening act for the chairman of the board, Frank Sinatra.Tom's made more than 500 TV appearances often as a guest on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and The Late Show with David Letterman and hosted the show in David’s absence. Tom also has a number of acting credits, including the following television series: Columbo, WKRP in Cincinnati and Murder, She Wrote, and in such films as Spaceballs, The Rat Pack and Trouble with the Curve. Starting in 2013 he began appearing around the country in a one man show called "An Evening of Laughter and Memories of Sinatra." He is also the author two books Tim & Tom: An American Comedy in Black and White and more recently a memoir entitled: Still Standing...My Journey from Streets and Saloons to the Stage

Our guest this week is Robert Hendershot of Irvine, CA owner of Material Engineering, a manufactures’ rep firm, founder of Angels For Higher, a non-profit dedicated to providing employment for young adults with Down Syndrome, and author of the book Angel For Higher. Robert and his wife, Melissa, have been married for 37 years and are the proud parents of three boys: Tanner (28), Taylor (30) and Trevor (32), who has Down Syndrome.Trevor is a team greeter for the Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Rams and Anaheim Ducks. Trevor's experiences lead Robert to create Angels for Higher, working with sports teams across the U.S. to provide employment opportunities for dozens and dozens of young adults with Down Syndrome. Robert talks openly and authentically about overcoming alcoholism, writing the book Angels For Higher, and what it's like to be know as Trevor's dad :-)That's all on this week's Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Email – [email protected] – (949) 910-0477Website - http://www

Our guest this week is Olivier Bernier of Montcliar, NJ, who is a writer, producer, filmmaker and owner of Rota6 Film Company.Olivier and his wife, Hilda, are the proud parents of two; Camila Rose (1) and Emilio (6) who has Down Syndrome.We’ll hear Olivier’s story including his lifelong love for film and discover details about his award winning documentary, “Forget Me Not: Inclusion In The Classroom.”That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes -Email – [email protected] - https://www.forgetmenotdocumentary.com/Website – https://rota6films.com/LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivier-bernier-baba3616/The Film "Forget Me Not: Inclusion In The Classroom" - https://www.forgetmenotdocumentary.comForget Me Not, Inclusion In The Class Room - https://www.amazon.com/Forget-Me-Not-Inclusion-Classroom/dp/B0B8PJDBKQ/ref=sr_1_3?crid=XRU7UPWTUWNQ&keywords=forget+me+not+film&qid=1670434898&sprefix=forget+me+not+film%2Caps%2C152&sr=8-3Watch the “Forget Me Not: Inclusi

Our guest this week is Jeff Seitzer of Chicago, IL. Jeff and his wife, Janet, have been married for 33 years and are the proud parents of two children; Penelope (16) and Ethan, who had many special healthcare needs and who tragically passed away in a drowning accident, at age nine in 2010. Jeff earned a Ph.D in political science from the University of Chicago. He has over a quarter century of teaching experience in the Chicago area. He is currently, the secretary of the adjunct faculty union at Roosevelt University where he is a highly qualified organizer, manager, and editor. Jeff is also the author and translator of numerous works on law and philosophy. He is also author of memoir entitled: "The Fun Master: A Father's Journey of Love, Loss and Learning to Live One Day At a Time.”The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project produced a documentary entitled: "Danger Amidst The Beauty: The Ethan Seitzer Story," based on his memoir The Fun Master. We’ll hear Jeff’s poignant story on this week's Special Fathers Network Da

Our guest this week is Paul Peterangelo of Tonowanda, NY, who is clinical supervisor at Fidelis Care, Director of Worship Band Psalm 151 at Saint Amelia RC Church, and father of five girls including one with Down Syndrome.Paul and his wife, Renee, have been married for 29 years and are the proud parents of five daughters; Sonia (37), Emilia (36), DeAnna (28), Amanda (26) who has Down Syndrome and Tabitha (21). We’ll hear Paul’s story which includes:his role as a nurse practitioner, including 15 years in the ER on the night shift,the ups and downs of raising a child with Down Syndrome,his faith journey, including leading a global Bible study, andhis role as a 'minority in a sorority.' :-That's all on this week’s Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Links - Phone – (716) 868-3793Email – [email protected] – https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-w-peterangelo-b7748864/ Born Hava - http://bornhava.org/The Arc - https://www.arceriecounty.org/People Inc. - https://www.people-inc.org/Summit Educat

Our guest this week is Marsh Naidoo of Dyersburg, TN is a physical therapist who was born and raised in Durban, South Africa during Apartheid. Marsh and her husband, Prakash, are the proud parents to son Kellan, who has Cerebral Palsy.Marsh is the host of the popular Raising Kellan Podcast and author of the book “What I Wish I Knew Back Then."We’ll hear this intriguing conversation between Marsh and our host David Hirsch on this episode ot the Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Links - Email – [email protected] – https://www.raisingkellan.org/LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/marsh-naidoo-pt/Healing Horses – https://equinetherapyregistry.org/index.phpTri My Best Triathlon - https://give.vanderbilthealth.org/event/tri-my-best-triathlon-brentwood/e275146 The Book: What I Wish I Knew Back Then: A Physical Therapist and Mother's Perspective of Raising her Child with Cerebral Palsy. https://www.amazon.com/What-Wish-Knew-Back-Then/dp/1735224014/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2TV60DU2DA68M&keywor