Special Fathers' Network Podcast

Our guest this week is Gus Aguilera of Oak Harbor, WA who is a cinematic special effects, IT specialist and a father of three children including a son who has Down Syndrome.Gus and his x-wife Bobbie Jo, became teen parents and were married for 36 years, before divorcing earlier this year. They are the proud parents of three children: Cassandra (35), Jordan (27) and Gabriel (14), who has Down Syndrome. Gus has full-time custody of Gabe who is non-verbal and not toilet trained. Gus speaks very authentically about the challenges of being a single parent, living in a remote area of Washington, with limited local resources as well as the limited type of work he is able to pursue from a professional perspective. That’s all on this special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Links - Email – gaguilera.vfx@gmail.comCHOC Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. https://choc.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.orgDown Syndrome Association of Orange County https://www.dsaoc.orgWashington State Fathers Network https://fathe

Our guest this week is Paul Carroll, of Situate, RI who is senior HR director at CVS Health, founder of Autism Dadvocate and father of an Autistic son. Paul and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for 20 years and are the proud parents of Vaughan(16) who is Autistic. Professionally, Paul is an Executive Director of Talent Manager at CVS Health. Informed by being a father to a neurodiverse child and guided by his faith, Paul has been called to create AutismDadvocate.org, a non-profit an online support forum for dads with children with autism and about the commonalities we all face as fathers. They host a blog, a podcast and workshops. That's all on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast. Show Links:Email – Paul.Carroll@CVSHealth.comLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-carroll-autismdadvocate/Website - https://www.autismdadvocate.org/Podcast - https://www.autismdadvocate.org/podcastSpecial Fathers Network - SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many

Our guest this week is Nate Boltz of Anchorage, AK who is executive director at Challenge Alaska and father of two, including one with Spina Bifida.Nate and his wife, Leah, have been married for 20 years and are the proud parents of two: Adeline (5) and Anna (16) who has Spina Bifida.Born in Bozeman, MT and raised in Fairbanks and Anchorage, Nate has always enjoyed the outdoors and athletics, including: skiing, hiking and endurance sports. Challenge Alaska is a non-profit dedicated to adaptive athletics and therapeutic recreation. Leah is also co-founder of Parks for All, a non-profit that designs and builds playgrounds that emphasize accessibility and inclusion, which has spread across the state of Alaska. We also learn about a range of other organizations, including: Equate Assist Therapy Alaska, Move United Association Therapeutics, Stay Focused and the National Ability Center. It's an uplifting story about strong family values, a love of athletics, merged with inclusion, acceptance and service to the comm

Our guest this week is Brady Murray of Salt Lake City, who is father to 11 children, a managing director at Capstone Partners a Mass Mutual General Agent, founder of RODS Heroes as well as the Special Abilities Network. Brady and his wife, Andrea, have been married for 21 years and are the proud parents of 11 children. By age they are: Brinley (17), Nash (16), Ridge (13), Copper (11), Mason (8), Willow (6) and Olivia (5) and as this episode gets published the couple is in Columbia adopting four siblings: John (16), Jarrow (14), Sandra (15) and Roccio (10). Both Nash and Cooper have Down Syndrome.RODS Heroes is a non-profit organization with the mission to inspire families to adopt children with special needs or other unique circumstances. Over the last decade, RODS Heroes has inspired the adoption of 102 children (83 of whom have Down syndrome), providing them with loving forever homes. Through their advocacy and dedication, RODS Heroes aims to raise awareness and promote a positive perception of adoption of

Our guest this week is Rob Billerbeck of Lakewood, CO who works for the National Park Service in Colorado.Rob and his wife, Sarah, have been married for 27 years and are the proud parents of three children; a daughter, a son who has Down Syndrome and a third who is non-binary.Rob reflects on being the 9th of nine children and the impact that losing a sister in a car accident and a brother to suicide. Rob also reflects on the challenges they have encountered as parents, the organizations that played an influential role and very humbly, how his children have been his greatest teacher. That's all on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast. Links - Email – billerbeckrob@gmail.comGlobal Down Syndrome Foundation - https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/Mile High Down Syndrome Association - http://www.mhdsa.org/The ARC of Colorado – https://thearcofco.org/about/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

Our guest this week is Father Medard Laz of Ft. Lauderdale, FL a retired Catholic priest for the Archdioscese of Chicago, founding pastor of Holy Family Church in Inverness Illinois, the author of nine books and a serial social entrepreneur. His achievements are many; so many in fact, that we’re presenting his conversation with David Hirsch in two parts. This week in part 2, we’ll hear about Father Laz’s not for profit ventures, his many books and more. Father Med is the founder of many non-profits, including:Rainbows For All ChildrenJoyful AgainTreats For The SoulHearts For HumanityAngels in Action -He is also the author of nine books including:Love Adds A Little Chocolate (1998)Life After Divorce (1998)Coping When Your Spouse Dies (1998)The Gathering: Jesus And Abortion A Story For Our Time (2020)Spiritual Guidance for Separated & DivorcedSix Levels Of A Happy MarriageLift Up My Spirit LordAfter Your Loved One DiesThat’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast.Show Notes - Email – medardl

Our guest this week is Father Medard Laz of Ft. Lauderdale, FL a retired Catholic priest for the Archdioscese of Chicago, founding pastor of Holy Family Church in Inverness Illinois, the author of nine books and a serial social entrepreneur. His achievements are many; so many in fact, that we’re presenting his conversation with David Hirsch in two parts. In this first installment we’ll hear about his home life growing up and the beginnings of a spiritual journey to help those in need.Father Med is the founder of many non-profits, including:Rainbows For All ChildrenJoyful AgainTreats For The SoulHearts For HumanityAngels in Action -He is also the author of nine books including: Love Adds A Little Chocolate (1998)Life After Divorce (1998)Coping When Your Spouse Dies (1998)The Gathering: Jesus And Abortion A Story For Our Time (2020)Spiritual Guidance for Separated & DivorcedSix Levels Of A Happy MarriageLift Up My Spirit LordAfter Your Loved One DiesThat’s all on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podc

Our guest this week is Eric Swithin of Florence, AL a retired U.S. Marine, a former youth pastor, now founder and executive director of Outdoor Adventures as well as The Alliance For Ending The Fatherless Epidemic. Eric and his wife, Kameron, have been married for 14 years and are the proud parents of two children: Mason (6) and McKinzie (4).After some formative years in the U.S. Marines and serving as a youth pastor, Eric has found his calling: to end the fatherless epidemic through mentorship. Eric is the founder and executive director of Outdoor Adventures and creator of the film “Fatherless Epidemic.” Eric works with youth, many who are fatherless, and through Biblical based teaching and experiences, empowers them to chart a new path for themselves and serve as leaders in their families and the community at-large.We’ll hear Eric’s story on this episode of the Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast.Show Links - Email – eric@outdooradventures.clubWebsite- http://www.fatherlessepidemic.org/Website – http

Our guest this week is Eric Jorgensen of Frederick, MD a retired Navy veteran, widower, founder of True North Disability Planning, cancer survivor and father of two, including a son with Autism.Eric and his wife, Christine, were married for 12 years before, very sadly, she passed away in April 2012, after a short battle with HLH (Hemophagocytic Lympho Histiocystosis), a rare autoimmune disease. They are the proud parents of two; including William (23), who has Autism, is non-verbal with learning & intellectual disabilities, and mental health challenges. Eric reflects on his 20+ years in the Navy and work aboard submarines as well as his more recent battle with cancer. He also talks about his frustration navigating the world of disability resources that lead to creating Spectrum Needs Navigator, which starting in 2020 lead to creating True North Disability Planning, a company whose mission is: to make Disability Planning accessible to all.Eric also publishes a weekly newsletter entitled: Waypoints and is t

Our guest this week 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 Communities, a unique residential community for adults with intellectual disabilities. Tony and his wife, Joelle, have been married for 34 years and are the proud parents of two boys: Jason (28) and Alex (32) who was born with Tuberous Sclerosis, a rare genetic disease that causes non-cancerous (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 owns the Joelle's Hallmark Shop in Clarendon Hills. Joelle and Tony also have a vision for building Project ALEX Communities. ALEX stands for Adult, Living EXperience and the mission is "establishing a safe (residential) living environment and create a community atmosphere for adults with intellectual / developmental disabilities and individuals without disabilities."We also le

Our guest this week is Jeff Zaugg of Minneapolis, MN, a former pastor of family ministries, a fatherhood advocate and host of the DadAwesome Podcast. Jeff and his wife, Michelle, have been married for 17 years and are the proud parents of four daughters: Kiva (9), Ruthie (6), Raya (4) and Zara (2).Jeff has been an outspoken advocate for fathers and is founder of Fathers for the Fatherless, a non-profit dedicated to: activate dads to lead with wonder—building intentional connection with their kids while experiencing God’s awesomeness together.Jeff is also the host of the DadAwesome Podcast now with nearly 300 episodes. In fact he interviewed David Hirsch, 21CD founder and host of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast. Here is a link to that interview episdoe #274: https://www.dadawesome.org/blog/274-2We also learn about the Zaugg family RV travels (yes all six of them) all over the U.S. the past two years. It's a touching and uplifting story all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Links:Email – jeff@dadawe

Our guest this week is Dan Redfield of Anchorage, AK who is an Emmy nominated filmmaker and the father of three children.Dan and his wife, Kristen, have been married for two years and are proud parents of three children; Henry (8 mo.), Reagan (3) and Ava, who very sadly passed away in November 2021 at age six, after suffering from Infantile Tay-Sachs, a rare inherited genetic disease. We’ll hear how Dan developed a passion for film making and how that led to the creation of the PBS documentary film 'Granted,' which led to creating short documentary films for other families touched by disabiltiy, in the name of Adventures for Ava, a non-profit dedicated to helping families with special needs capture memories. That’s all on this episode of the Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Email – dan@danredfield.comWebsite – https://www.danredfield.com/Website – https://www.avasstory.orgLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/danredfield/Cure Tay-Sachs Foundation - https://www.curetay-sachs.org/Nationa

Our guest this week is Krista Mason, of Holland, Michigan, a Christian, wife and mother. Krista and her husband, David have been married for 32 years and are the proud parent of two boys: James (29) and Benjamin (27), who has Autism and developmental delays. Krista is also the co-founder of Benjamin’s Hope, a live, learn, play, worship farmstead community where people of all abilities are transformed by the love Christ. The Ben's Hope Way: Committed to loving God and others,we fiercely respect the dignity intelligence and value of all humans. We are creative, courageous and committed to excellence. Through the love of Christ we live the abundant life togetherWe’ll hear the story of Benjamin’s Hope and more on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. It’s a fascinating conversation, one which you are sure to enjoy.Show Notes -Email – k.mason@benjaminshope.netLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-mason-90a804b/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/benjaminshopeWebsite – https://www.benjaminshope.n

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 – terryad70@hotmail.comLinkedIn – 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 – ryan@ccdmonline.orgLinkedIn – 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