Special Fathers' Network Podcast

Our guest this week is Daryl Potter of Toronto, Canada who is an executive at TD Merchants, a prolific author and father of two including a daughter with profound disabilities. Daryl and his wife, Carolyn, have been married for 28 years and are the proud parents of two children, Jackson (21) and McKenzie (24) who was diagnosed with Cardio Facio Cutaneous (CFC) syndrome.  Some of the challenges include; intellectual disabilities, non-verbal since age 12, being tube fed, the need for a hospital bed and being wheelchair bound.Beyond work and being a vigilant caregiver, Daryl has nurtured his passion for writing and has found time to write and publish a number of books, including: Something More: Living Well In A Broken World. (2024)  Bitter For Sweet (2022)Even The Monsters: Living With Grief, Loss and Depression: A Journey Through The Book Of Job. (2021)       Blind Man’s Labyrinth (2021)       Keziah’s Song (2021)It’s a fascinating story about commitment and resilience all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad

Our guest this week is Olivier Cortambert of London, UK who is head of solutions architecture at Yospace and father of a son with a rare undiagnosed disease.Olivier and his wife, Feng, have been married for seven years and are the proud parents of Antoine (3) who has a genetically tested undiagnosed disease, which presents with; low muscle tone, hearing loss, non-verbal as well as difficulty swallowing and walking.     We learn about Small Steps, a UK based agency that provides free services to those who are unable to walk and the pros and cons of having an undiagnosed rare disease.  We also learn about Olivier's involvement with the SFN Mastermind Group.  The Cortambert family story is one filled with hope and optimism all this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes -WhatsApp – +44 7801 120520Email – olivier.cortambert@gmail.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/cortambert/Special Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of th

Our guest this week is Mark Reinfeld of Boulder, CO who is an award-winning chef, best-selling author and authority on plant-based cuisine. He is also the father of two young boys, including one with Angelman SyndromeMark and his wife, Ashley Boudet, have been married for 10 years and are the proud parents of two boys: River (7) and Sage (9) who has Angelman Syndrome. With more than two decades of experience, Chef Mark has written several acclaimed cookbooks, including The 30-Minute Vegan series, and has been recognized as a leader in the vegan and conscious cooking space.  Mark is also founder of the Vegan Fusion Culinary Academy, where he trains the next generation of plant-based chefs.  His work emphasizes flavor, nutrition, and compassion, making him a sought-after speaker, consultant, and culinary instructor around the world.Mark also leads or co-leads two dads groups of fathers raising children with special needs and is the author of the forthcoming book entitled: Islands Of Peace: Navigating The World

Our guest this week is Jelani Memory of Portland, OR is the father of six, an entrepreneur, author, and the visionary founder of A Kids Co.Jelani and his wife, Brandy, have married for 9 years and are the proud parents of six children including (his) four stepchildren: Rowan (21), Grace (19), Jay (16), Sebastian (15), Titus (14) and Solomon (7).  Two have ADHD, one has scoliosis, and some other undiagnosed conditions.Jelani first wrote A Kids Book About Racism for his own children, which grew into a movement that now includes more than two hundred books, podcasts, and videos helping kids and families talk openly about some of life’s toughest topics — from anxiety, cancer, feminism, gratitude, racism and beyond.We also learn about Pitch Black, a multi faceted platform to support black entrepreneurs and businesses as well organizations the Memory family has benefited from, including: Trevor ProjectQ ProjectShriner’s Hospitals Jelani also openly talks about his faith and the role his father's absence has played

Our guest this week is Mike Rinaldi of Fairfield, CT, who is a senior director at Ankura, a litigations and investigations company, and father of two young children, including one with Autism. Mike and his wife, Tracey, have married for 9 years and are the proud parents of Vienna (8) and Harrison (5) who is on the Autism spectrum. Mike talks openly about the relationship with his father and the challenges he and his family have experienced.  All on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes - Phone – (860) 655-7696Email –  mike.rinaldi@ankura.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-rinaldi-54262b3/Special Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ 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

Our guest this week is Dion Chavis of Raleigh, NC, a former radio personality, founder and president of the Glad Dad LLC, and father of two children, including one with Autism. Dion and his wife, Aisha, have married for 9 years and are the proud parents of Maceo (7) who is on the Autism spectrum.  Dion is also the father to daughter Nyla (21) from a previous marriage.  For decades, Dion has been an outspoken advocate for and dedicated to improving the lives of children and fathers.  Through the Glad Dads LLC, he offers coaching, mentoring and training.  Dion also used to host two podcasts: "Dads In The Class" and "Black Parenting."  We also learn about the Frankie Lemmon School & Development Center and the impact the organization has with young children. It’s a fascinating conversation on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Links - Phone – (757) 927-2773Email – dion.chavis@gmail.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dionchavis/Website – https://www.dionchavis.com/Frankie Lehman Developmen

Our guest this week is Chris Losacco of Evergreen, CO who is owner of Elemental Forge, a blacksmith & knife maker as well as the father of two young children, including a son with a very rare genetic disorder.  Chris and his wife, Evan, have married for nearly 10 years and are the proud parents of two young children: daughter Elliot (4) and son Wilder (3), who has a rare genetic disorder known as MEF2C, which commonly includes: intellectual disability and developmental delays, motor skill difficulties, limited or absent speech development, Epilepsy, and Autistic-like behavior. Chris is also owns Elemental Forge, a blacksmith and knife maker, is active with the MEF2C Family Foundation as well as the SFN Mastermind Group in Denver.We’ll hear all about the insightful and authentic Losacco family story on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast. Show Links -Phone – (847) 525-7332Email – christmastaco@duck.com Email #2 - Chris@ElementalForge.usWebiste - https://www.elementalforge.us/U.S. MEF2C Foundation -

Our guest this week is Tom Sander of Charlotte, NC a territory account manager at Liquidia Corporation, a rare disease bio pharma company, and father of three including a daughter with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Syndrome, a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy. Tom and his wife, Julie, have married for 22 years and are the proud parents of three children: Will (22), and twins: Jack (18) and Lily (18) who has Charcot-Marie-Tooth Syndrome, which is a type of Muscular Dystrophy that is a spectrum of nerve disorders.    From a very young age Lily has been speaking in public about her condition and how it’s affected her and others.  She was selected this past year to be one of two national ambassadors for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. We’ll hear all about the Sander famiy story on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast. Show Links - Phone – (803) 493-7744Email – tfsander2@gmail.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-sander-30977b12/MDA Website – https://www.mda.org/press-releases/2025/mda-announces-2025-m

Our guest this week is Dr. Robert Naseef, of Philadelphia, PA, a clinical psychologist, keynote speaker, author and father of four including a son who is autistic. Robert and his wife, Cindy Ariel, have been married for 34 years.  He and Cindy have two daughters: Zoe (32) and Kara (33).  Robert is also a father to Antonette (43) and Tariq (45), who is autistic.Robert has written two books:Special Children, Challenged Parents: The Struggles & Rewards of Raising A Child With A Disability. (2001)  Autism In The Family: Caring & Coping Together.  (2013)Informed by his work as a psychologist and his lived experience as a father, Robert also gave a TEDx Talk in 2017 entitled: ‘How Autism Teaches Us About Being Human’Robert shares his story on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.   Show LinksPhone – (215) 592-1333Email – Robert.naseef@gmail.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rnaseefspeakerautism/Website – https://drrobertnaseef.com/Website - https://www.alternativechoices.com/Books –  - Autism

Our guest this week is Randy Pierce of Concord, NH who is an author, avid outdoorsman, mountain climber, keynote speaker, president & CEO of Future In Sight New Hampshire, and who himself if blind. Randy and his wife, Tracy, have been married for 15 years. When Randy was in his early 20s he suddenly went blind in one eye and then over a number of years would lose sight in the other eye.  If that wasn't challenging enough, Randy also lost the ability to walk for the better part of two years.  After a series of medical procedures and through old fashion grit and determination, Randy regained his ability to walk and has become an avid outdoorsman and mountain climber.  Professionally Randy is president & CEO of Future In Sight New Hampshire, a non-profit providing essential services and support for over 100 years to children, adults and elderly living in New Hampshire who are blind and visually impaired.Randy is also author of the book: See You At The Summit: My Blind Journey From The Depths Of Loss To T

Our guest this week is Randy Pierce of Concord, NH who is an author, avid outdoorsman, mountain climber, keynote speaker, president & CEO of Future In Sight New Hampshire, and who himself if blind. Randy and his wife, Tracy, have been married for 15 years. When Randy was in his early 20s he suddenly went blind in one eye and then over a number of years would lose sight in the other eye.  If that wasn't challenging enough, Randy also lost the ability to walk for the better part of two years.  After a series of medical procedures and through old fashion grit and determination, Randy regained his ability to walk and has become an avid outdoorsman and mountain climber.  Professionally Randy is president & CEO of Future In Sight New Hampshire, a non-profit providing essential services and support for over 100 years to children, adults and elderly living in New Hampshire who are blind and visually impaired.Randy is also author of the book: See You At The Summit: My Blind Journey From The Depths Of Loss To T

Our guest this week is Dr. Paul Collins, of Portland, OR a professor at Portland State University, a prolific author, and father of two boys including one with Autism.Paul and his wife, Jennifer Elder, have married for 28 years and are the proud parents of two boys: Bramwell (21) and older brother Morgan (26) who is Autistic. Paul is a professor of English in the college of Liberal Arts & Science at Portland State University.  In addition to teaching English, Paul has been a prolific author including the book: Not Even Wrong: A Father's Journey Into the Lost History of Autism (Bloomsbury, 2004), which is a brilliant story including a fascinating look back on the history of Autism. We’ll hear Paul's story on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show Notes -Phone – (503) 725-3504Email – pcollins@pdx.eduWebsite – https://www.pdx.edu/profile/paul-collinsWikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Collins_(American_writer)Books –Blood & Ivy (W.W. Norton, 2018)Edgar Allan Poe: The Fever Called Livi

Our guest this week is Steve Harris of Lanesboro, MN a free-lance writer, widower, author and father of two sons with disabilities.  Part 2. Steve and his wife, Susan, have married for 17 years.  Steve and his first wife, Pam, were together for 30 years, before she passed away in 2012 due to a rare neurological disorder.  Steve and Pam had two boys: Matthew who was born in 1980 with Spina bifida and younger son, Andrew, who is 37 and who has Cerebral Palsy. Both boys would eventually be diagnosed with PMD or Pelizaeus Merzbacher Disease, a rare neurological disease, where there is a lack of myelin covering the nerves.Very sadly, Matthew passed away in October 2020 four days short of his 40th birthday. Steve's career included being a pastor, a middle school teacher and for 20 years, director of communications at Twin Cities YMCA .  All along Steve has been a writer who morer recently has published two books: Dads Like Us: A Survival Guide For Fathers Raising Children With Disabilities (2024)Lanesboro, Minnesot

Our guest this week is Steve Harris of Lanesboro, MN a free-lance writer, widower, author and father of two sons with disabilities.  Part 1.Steve and his wife, Susan, have married for 17 years.  Steve and his first wife, Pam, were together for 30 years, before she passed away in 2012 due to a rare neurological disorder.  Steve and Pam had two boys: Matthew who was born in 1980 with Spina bifida and younger son, Andrew, who is 37 and who has Cerebral Palsy.  Both boys would eventually be diagnosed with PMD or Pelizaeus Merzbacher Disease, a rare neurological disease, where there is a lack of myelin covering the nerves.Very sadly, Matthew passed away in October 2020 four days short of his 40th birthday. Steve's career included being a pastor, a middle school teacher and for 20 years, director of communications at Twin Cities YMCA .  All along Steve has been a writer who morer recently has published two books: Dads Like Us: A Survival Guide For Fathers Raising Children With Disabilities (2024)Lanesboro, Minnesot

Our guest this week is Peter Gerhardt of Rich Hill Park, NJ who is executive director at EPIC Schools located in Paramus, NJ, author of dozens of publications and books, an internationally recognized Autism expert and outspoken advocate for the disability community.Peter has three degrees from Rutgers University: a BA in Psychology, an EdM in Special Education, and a PhD in Education Psychology and Special Education. He has dedicated his life to researching Autism and serving the disability community.  He has developed workshops and given hundreds of presentations domestically and internationally.  Some of his publications include: Make it Meaningful: Creating Programs that Matter into Adulthood for Learners with Autism and Related Disorders (2024).Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series (2022).Transition to Adulthood for Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism: Can We Improve Outcomes? (2022) Social Skill and Adaptive Behavior Interv

Our guest this week is Peter Gerhardt of Rich Hill Park, NJ who is executive director at EPIC Schools located in Paramus, NJ, author of dozens of publications and books, an internationally recognized Autism expert and outspoken advocate for the disability community.Peter has three degrees from Rutgers University: a BA in Psychology, an EdM in Special Education, and a PhD in Education Psychology and Special Education. He has dedicated his life to researching Autism and serving the disability community.  He has developed workshops and given hundreds of presentations domestically and internationally.  Some of his publications include: Make it Meaningful: Creating Programs that Matter into Adulthood for Learners with Autism and Related Disorders (2024).Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series (2022).Transition to Adulthood for Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism: Can We Improve Outcomes? (2022) Social Skill and Adaptive Behavior Interv

Our guest this week is Rick Bolle of Naperville, IL founding pastor of the newly formed Front Porch Church, father of two and retired businessman. Rick and his wife, Alinda, have been married for 32 years and are the proud parents of two adult children.  Shortly after retiring from Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2022, where he was a Senior Safety Specialist, Rick felt a calling to start or plant Front Porch Church.   Established in 2023, Front Porch Church helps people of all ability find their way back to God.  FPC is specifically designed to welcome individuals with special needs and their families.  Weekly services offer a worship experience that embraces all expressions and all movements, ensuring that everyone feels included, valued, safe and loved.It’s an illuminating conversation and we’ll hear it on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show LinksPhone – (630) 442-4031Email – rickbolle2@icloud.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-bolle-6955b150/Website - https://kidsmatter2us.org/front-po

Our guest this week is Spencer Doman of Philadelphia, PA, who is president and CEO of the Doman International Institute, where they empower parents with knowledge and tools to help their children with special needs thrive and teach parents how to create a loving, stimulating and healthy home so that their child can reach their fullest potential.Spencer and his wife, Melissa, have been married for 15 years.Spencer's grandfather, Glenn Doman, created the The Doman Method, and dedicated his life to helping kids with special needs.  Doman International Institute was founded by Glenn’s son, Douglas Doman, and four other members of the Doman family.  Spencer is the 3rd generation leader of DII.  Over the past 70 years they have served more than 40K families in eight countries.  Their research based results indicate 2X faster development for children after starting treatment.  The DII website has a robust level of resources including books, articles and various trainings for parents and caregivers. Show LinksPhone –

Our guest this week is Rebekah Taussig of Shawnee, KS who is a mother, wife, author, podcast host, outspoken advocate for those with disability and who, herself is a paraplegic.  Rebekah and her husband, Micah have been married for seven years and are the proud parents of Otto, who is typical five year old. Rebekah was diagnosed with spine cancer at age one and due to multiple surgeries lost her ability to walk at age four.  She was the youngest of six children and despite her disability, still slept on the top bunk upstairs in her family home.  She credits much of her success and resilience to her parents and siblings, who didn't treat her any differently.  Prior to Otto's birth, Rebekah was a high school English and Literature teacher.  Rebekah combined her PhD in Creative Non-Fiction & Disability Studies from University of Kansas, with her passion for writing to author Sitting Pretty: The View From My Ordinary, Resilient Disabled Body (2020). and more recently, a children's book entitled: We Are the Sc

Our guest this week is Leon Logothetis of Los Angeles, a British-born adventurer, author, and television host renowned for promoting global kindness.  Formerly a London-based broker, he left finance to explore human connection through travel. Leon created and starred in the docuseries Amazing Adventures of a Nobody (2006–2008), journeying across the U.S., U.K., and Europe on minimal daily budgets.  His acclaimed Netflix series The Kindness Diaries (2017–2019) chronicled his travels relying solely on strangers' generosity, offering life-changing gifts in return.Leon has authored several books, including The Kindness Diaries and Live, Love Explore, inspiring audiences to embrace empathy and adventure.  His work underscores the transformative power of compassion in everyday life.Show LinksInstagram - @thekindnessguy Email – leon@createdbywinston.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonlogothetis/ Website - https://www.leonlogothetis.com/Website - https://gobekind.org/Books –The Kindness Diaries: One Man’s