Special Fathers' Network Podcast

David Hirsch’s guest this week is Louis Geigerman, founder of National ARD/IEP Advocates, a firm that represents parents of children with special needs in schools throughout Texas. Louis is the father of two, including son Ben, who had Aspergers and tragically took his own life, shortly after graduating cum laude from Texas State University. We’ll hear the Geigerman family story as well as the Benjamin J. Geigerman Lecture Series at University of Texas and more on Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) - https://www.copaa.org National ARD/IEP Advocates - http://www.narda.org National Alliance for Mentally Ill – https://www.nami.org The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - https://www.afsp.orgThe Benjamin J. Geigerman Lecture Series at University of Texas: https://med.uth.edu/calendar/event/2021-benjamin-j-geigerman-lecture-series/Hear Louis Geigerman’s radio show, The Special Ed Section 504 Radio Hour at http://cypressradio.org/louis-geigerman.

David Hirsch’s guest this week is Colonel Mark Huhtanen of Columbia, SC, a 25 year combat veteran of the US ARMY, who has served four active duty tours, and is the father of two, including a non-verbal son with Autism. Mark and his wife, Shelly, have been married for 18 years and are the proud parents of two boys; Hayden (17) and Broden (15) who is non-verbal and has Autism. Serving in the military and raising a family presents unique challenges. Raising a child with special needs, while serving in the military requires an extra level of dedication and additional resources like that offered through the military's Exceptional Family MemberProgram, also known as EFMP. In addition to being a military spouse, which has entailed several moves, being a mom and raising two boys, Shelly somehow found the time to author the book: Giving A Voice To The Silent Many and writes a regular column for Exceptional Parent Magazine entitled: Puzzles & Camo. It's a patriotic and uplifting story about a couple's commitmen

Our guest this week is Dr. Harsha Rajasimha of Herndon, VA who is the father of three as well as CEO and Founder of Jeeva Informatics, a human-centric software as a service, also known as SaaS, enabling clinical research at scale. Harsha and his wife, Ashwini, have been married for 16 years and are the proud parents of three daughters: Amulya (14), Mytri (7) and middle daughter Kahushi who, very sadly, died in 2012, shortly after birth due to Edwards Syndrome, also known as Trisomy 18, which is a rare congenital disorder.Harsha is also founder of Indo-US Organization For Rare Diseases, a non-profit focused on accelerating therapies for rare diseases by building collaborative bridges between the USA and the Indian subcontinent for education, advocacy and research.It's an uplifting story about a father's love for his family and how his heart has been shaped bya daughter's death. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Jeeva Informatics - https://jeevatrials.com Indo-US Organization For R

Our guest this week is Jeremy Knakmuhs of Colorado Springs, CO who is a structural project engineer at CTL Thompson. Jeremy and his wife, Emily, have been married for 8 years and are the proud parents of three children: Colton (6), and three year old twins: Remi and Kennedy, who has PFIC, which is Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis, a rare genetic liver disorder that affects infants and children. We’ll hear the Knakmuhs family story and how Jeremy and Emily have navigated the ups and downs of raising three children, including one with special needs. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. PFIC Network – https://www.pfic.org Alberio Pharma - https://www.albireopharma.com PFIC Voices (An educational resource created by Albireo)- https://www.pficvoices.com/Donate Life Colorado - https://www.donatelifecolorado.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

Meet Marilyn York of Reno, NV the mother of four and one of the country's top family law practitioners who leads an all female practice specializing in men's rights. Marilyn and Mike, her fourth husband, have been married for six years and are parents to a four year old son. Marilyn in also a mom to three other children ranging in age from 14 - 25 from previous marriages.Marilyn was born and raised in San Jose, CA until age 13 when the family moved to Reno, NV. Shehas an extraordinary and unique relationship with her dad who is a serial entrepreneur.As you'll learn, Marilyn is an outspoken advocate for father rights and involvement. Her TEDx Talk entitled: 'What Representing Men in Divorce Taught Me About Fatherhood' has been viewed more than 6.5M times. She has also created a series of rather provocative advertisements including one known as the 'Woman Hater' Ad.It's an intriguing story told from the perspective of a mom and legal expert about the importance of father involvement.Website: https://www.maril

Meet Greg Hubert of Torrance, CA, who is an executive at Joni & Friends, the Christian Global Disability Ministry and father of three boys on the Autism spectrum.Greg and his wife, Gina, have been married for 33 years and are the proud parents of three boys; Zachary (29), Tyler (27) and Tate (23), who are all on the Autism spectrum.Greg reflects on his Faith, his career in the medical device sales industry, the call to do work at Joni & Friends, and the rather unusual as well as dysfunctional relationship with his biological father. We also learn a great deal about the history and impact that Joni & Friends has made over the past four decades across the globe and in particular with assisting churches to become more inclusive and accepting of persons with disability and the J&Fs Wheels To The World program that has provided more than 200,000 wheelchairs to those outside the U.S. It's a uplifting story about a father’s love for his family and how his special needs child has shaped his heart.Jon

Our guest this week is Dan Habib, an outspoken advocate for the disabled, a gifted photojournalist and award winning documentarian. One of those documentaries is “Including Samuel” which profiles his 21 year old son, Samuel, who was diagnosed with GNAO1, a rare neurodevelopment disorder. Other award winning films include: "Mr. Connolly Has ALS" and "Intelligent Lives." We’ll hear about Dan’s advocacy for those touched by disability, about his family, the documentaries as well as how Samuel continues to thrive and inspire, all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/danhabib/ Email – dhabib@wihd.orgDan's TedX Talk: "Disabling Segregation" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izkN5vLbnw8Westchester Institute For Human Development - https://www.wihd.org/what-we-do/inclusive-communities-2/University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability – https://iod.unh.edu Documentaries -“Including Samuel” - https://includingsamuel.com/“Intelligent Lives”. https://intelligen

Our guest this week is Paul Mannino of Libertyville, IL, who is CFO at the Archdiocese of Chicago and the father of four, including Sofia (18) who has Down syndrome. Paul talks very openly and authentically about his career, which included overseas assignments, his family and recent divorce. We’ll hear Paul’s story on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulvmannino/ Western DuPage Special Recreation Association - https://www.warrenvilleparks.org/programs/wdsra/ 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 special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated. There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younge

Our guest this week is Frederick Jefferson of Houston, TX, who is the father of three, an Army veteran, retiree from the Department of Justice Bureau of Prisons and founder of Man II Man, a non-profit effort serving families raising children with special needs. Frederick was inspired to create Man II Man based on his experience raising his daughter, Jasmine (22), who has Autism. We’ll hear Frederick’s story on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Blue Skies Over Autism - http://blueskyesoverautism.com/index.htmlMan II Man. http://blueskyesoverautism.com/man-ii-man-support-group.htmlSpecial 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. There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate

Our guest this week is John Rosemond of New Bern, NC, who is the father of two, grandfather of seven, a licensed family psychologist, the author of a dozen books on childrearing, a widely syndicated columnist, a sought after speaker and by some measure: “America’s Most Widely Read Parenting Expert.” Some of the book titles include: "Grandma Was Right After all" "Parenting By The Book" and "The Well Behaved Child" John is syndicated in approximately 225 newspapers nationwide and has the longest running continuous newspaper column, for a record breaking 45 years. We’ll hear his thoughts on raising children, the importance of being a good husband and more sage advice on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.To learn more or contact John Rosemond go to: https://www.rosemond.comSpecial 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 somethi

Our guest this week is Mike Ensminger of Conroe, TX. Mike is the father of three, including Aaron, 15, who is autistic. We’ll hear about Mike’s journey as a stepfather to a child with special needs, about his faith walk and much more on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.Blue Skies Over Autism - http://blueskyesoverautism.comNight of Superstars Houston - http://www.nightofsuperstars.org/houston/ Autism On The Seas - https://autismontheseas.com Mike’s Cell # - 469-733-7364Special 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. There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning

Our guest this week is Dr. Taruj Ali, a pulmonologist and father of three, including Daanish (20) who has severe Autism and is non-verbal. We’ll hear the Ali family story and with the help of organizations like MUHSEN, the PANDAS Center and Autism Society of Central VA, how they have helped Daanish live a happy and satisfying life. That’s all in this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.MUHSEN - www.muhsen.orgThe Autism Society of Central Virginia: https://ascv.orgPANDAS Center, Richmond, VA - https://www.medicinenet.com/pandas/richmond-va_city.htm 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 special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated. There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor F

Our guest this week is Chad Lunt of Menlo Park, CA. Chad is married to Cherisse and they have three children including Lucy, age 12, who has Type 1 Spinal Muscular Atrophy. We’ll hear how the Lunt family through their faith, along with help from the Tess Research Foundation, the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation and the miracle drug Spinraza has helped Lucy overcome. And about their hopes for the future in this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.Tess Research Foundation - https://www.tessresearch.org Gwendolyn Strong Foundation - https://nevergiveup.org Email Chad - chad.t.lunt@gmail.comCherisse’s Instagram: @chertluntSpecial 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. There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who

Our guest this week is Special Father Brian Martin, father of eighteen-year-old twins born at 23 weeks, weighing 11 ounces and 1 lb 1 once, the smallest surviving twins on record. We’ll hear about health issues they experienced after birth and how they are persevering despite Tyler's Autism and Calahan's Cerebral Palsy. That’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad PodcastLindedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-martin-06774470/ On Instagram send a direct message to Brian at: #bmartinsportsParents of Exceptional Children - https://www.tricountyresourcenet.org/search/bernards-parents-for-exceptional-children-pec/ A Seat At The Table Foundation Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/A-Seat-at-the-Table-Foundation-2054459918183793/?ref=page_internal 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 special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first rec

Sometimes you come across a person who seems almost superhuman. A person who overcomes every obstacle thrown their way and constantly breaks new ground. Today’s guest is such a person. Jim Stovall, who lost his sight before age 30 is founder of the Emmy Award winning Narrative Television Network, author of 51 books, many of which have been made into major motion pictures, including “The Ultimate Gift.” Jim is also a voracious reader, reading one book a day for the past 25 years. Jim is a gifted and inspiring speaker, who is respected by people around the world.It is with great pride we welcome Jim Stovall as our guest on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Narrative Television Network - https://www.narrativetv.comEmail Jim at: Jim@Jimstovall.comOr call him at: (918) 627-1000Special 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 som

Our guest this week is Bailey Pratt of Franklin, TN. Bailey and his wife Jill are parents to three children, including Jiselle who has Rett Syndrome, a rare neurological genetic disorder that causes severe muscle movement disability. We’ll hear the Pratt family story including the creation of The Jiselle Lauren Foundation on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.The Jiselle Lauren Foundation - https://www.thejisellelaurenfoundation.orgFB Page - https://www.facebook.com/watch/thejisellelaurenfoundation/Email - bailey.pratt@thejisellelaurenfoundation.orgInternational Rett Syndrome Foundation - https://www.rettsyndrome.orgRett University - https://rettuniversity.orgSpecial 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. There was no one within my famil

Our guest this week is Canadian entrepreneur Chris Jones, father of two boys; Trey (14) and Derek (17), who has Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as Dyspraxia. Interestingly, DCD impacts 1:20 youth, three times more prevalent than Autism, but goes mostly undiagnosed or mis-diagnosed. We’ll hear about Chris, his family, his experience as a successful entrepreneur, his passion for coaching business owners and entrepreneurs and DCD. That's all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.Strategic Traction - www.StrategicTraction.ca EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) Worldwide - https://www.eosworldwide.com Dyspraxia Foundation (UK) - https://dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk/about-dyspraxia/ Dr. Pauline Kamps - https://drkamps.ca Book by Dr. Pauline Kamps - Autism: Exploring The Explosion - https://drkamps.ca/autism-exploring-the-explosionSpecial Fathers Network - SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 500+ SFN Mentor Fathe

Our guest this week is Osman Arain, who is the father of four including Sarina, his oldest, who is a spastic quadriplegic with Cerebral Palsy and Autism. Osman was born in Scotland, raised in England and moved to U.S. where he went to college at Dartmouth and graduate school at Columbia. He is a financial advisor with Romano Brothers & Co. Wealth Management in Evanston, IL.Osman reflects on his marriage to his lovely wife, Saba, being the father of four girls and the challenges of maintaining work-life and family balanceWe’ll hear Osman’s family story on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Muhsen - https://muhsen.org Shore Services - https://shoreservices.orgOsman's Linked In Page - https://www.linkedin.com/in/osman-arain-cfa/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 special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received

Our guest this week is Ray Arata, co-founder of the Better Man Movement, whose mission is "to Transform Culture Through Heart-Based Leadership." The Better Man Movement provides resources, support, and community to encourage the involvement of men in creating an inclusive culture. Through their workshops, training, and events, their programming shifts organizations from managing diversity as a necessity to leveraging differences for allyship, connection, and collaboration. We’ll hear all about Ray and his extraordinary life’s work on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.Better Man Movement: www.bettermanconference.comRay’s book, “Wake Up, Man Up, Step Up: Transforming Your Wake-Up Call into Emotional Health and Happiness” - https://www.amazon.com/Wake-Man-Step-Transforming-Emotional/dp/0983943265/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=ray+arata&qid=1626969464&sr=8-Special Fathers Network - SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 500+

Our guest this week is Tom Hamilton. Tom has three children, one of whom, Bethany, is a champion surfer who lost an arm in a shark attack at age 13. But that didn’t stop Bethany! She still surfs, she’s had her story told in books and movies and has dedicated her life to helping others. Her Dad Tom is our guest on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Find all about Soul Surfer, the movie and the book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soul_Surfer_(film)Find out about Beautifully Flawed, The Forge Program and Shine Forth at:Beautifully Flawed Foundation - https://bethanyhamilton.com/beautifully-flawed-foundation/ 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 special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated. There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who u