Dad to Dad Podcast

On this Dad to Dad Podcast, host David Hirsch talks with John Wagner, of NYC, who is a leader at Young Life and an author. John and his late wife, Gae, were married for 28 year and are the proud parents of three: Michael (27), Jessie (25) and David (21), who has Down Syndrome. a father of three, including David who has Down Syndrome. John has also written a book about his family entitled: “Perfect...

On this Dad to Dad podcast host David Hirsch talks with Jason Lehmbeck of Los Angeles, CA. Jason and his wife, Leah, have been married for 16 years and are the proud parents of three boys Isaac (3), Elliott (6), and Noah (11) who has FOX G1, a rare genetic disorder. We’ll hear about Jason’s family and his career, including co-founding of Team Special X (now known as Undivided) a non-profit, helpin...

On this Dad to Dad podcast host David Hirsch talks to Martin Cuevas of Crystal Lake, IL. Martin and his wife, Amy have been married for 8 years and are the proud parents of twin 4 year old daughters, one of whom has Pitt Hopkins Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability and developmental delay, breathing problems, recurrent seizures (epilepsy), and distinctive faci...

On this Dad to Dad podcast we hear from Sean Farrell, of Franklin, TN, a father who feels blessed to have a boy with Down Syndrome, saying families that have someone with Down Syndrome, are statistically happier and have a better life. Sean Farrell is a leader at Gigi's Playhouse in Nashville and he is David Hirsch’s guest on this SFN Dad to Dad Podcast. Email - volfarrell@gmail.com LinkedIn - htt...

On this Dad to Dad podcast we hear the story of a boy who was born with no arms and no legs, who went on to become an inspiring and successful high school varsity football coach. Host David Hirsch talks with Coach Mendez’s father, Bob and hears the story of how young Robert was born with an extremely rare condition that currently affects around 100 people globally. Email - bshrrkk@gmail.com ESPN V...

In this Dad to Dad Podcast we talk with special father, Tim Kuck. Tim not only builds boats - he’s the COO of Regal Marine, but he’s also a special father to three children, including Nathanial who passed away at age 4, due to multiple birth anomalies. In this Dad to Dad podcast, Tim talks of the journey undertaken by he and his wife Marie, including the formation of Nathanial’s Hope, a charity th...

In this Dad to Dad Podcast we talk with the legendary Chicago voice, Wayne Messmer. For decades Wayne has sung the national anthem for every sports team in Chicago. He’s been on TV, the radio, the stage, the screen, and then it all stopped – when he was shot in the neck in a late night robbery attempt in April, 1994. But through grit and determination he came back. He came back to sing and he came...

In this Dad to Dad Podcast we talk with our first Mom. Becky Davidson is a podcaster, author and mother to Jon Alex, who has multiple special needs. Becky and her husband Jeff formed Rising Above Ministries.org, a national organization that helps families with children with special needs. Sadly, In 2017, Jeff passed away unexpectedly, leaving Becky an only parent. Becky talks to Host David Hirsch...

In this Dad to Dad Podcast we meet Rich Gathro. Rich and his wife Kathy have been married for 41 years and are the proud parents of two adopted children, who are now young adults; daughter Kate who had a brain tumor at age 10, and son Will, who was born with Schizencephaly, a rare disease. We’ll hear the Gathro family story, including some highs and lows, as well as Will's love for sports and ESPN...

In this Dad to Dad Podcast, host David Hirsch talks with Special Father Network Mentor Father Stephen Duffley. Steve and his wife, Christine, have been married for 30 years and are the proud parents of five children; Steve (26), Grace (24), AnnMarie (22), Luke (18) and adopted son Christopher (17), who was born 14 weeks premature, weighed 1 lb 5 ozs, is blind and has Autism. Christopher is also an...

In this Dad to Dad Podcast host David Hirsch talks with John Shouse. He and his wife Janet have been married for 36 years and are the proud parents of three children; Emma (30) and 23 year old twins Brendan and Evan, who is Autistic. John is an outspoken advocate on behalf of people with autism, is chair of the development committee at Arc of Tennessee and he’s David Hirsch’s guest on this Dad to...

In this Dad to Dad Podcast host David Hirsch talks with special father Bo Bigelow, a lawyer, cofounder of Disorder: A rare disease film festival and father of two, including Tess, who has a rare disease related to the mutation of the USP 7 gene. Bo is also the host of the podcast Stronger Every Day, documenting his journey as Tess’ parent. He’s our guest today on the Dad to Dad Podcast. Email - bo...

In this Dad to Dad Podcast, host David Hirsch talks with Rick Bovell of Chicago, IL. Rick and his wife, Michele, have been married for 23 years and are the proud parents of five boys; Nathaniel (23), Ethan (20), Daniel (19), Stephen (16), and Evan (14). Both Ethan and Evan are on the Autism Spectrum. Rick is also an ordained minister and works with other dads and families as part of Joni & Friends...

Our guest this week is Haki Nkrumah of Orlando, FL. Haki was born in upstate New York and has a BA in Urban Studies and Psychology from State University of New York- Buffalo. After graduation he served in the U.S. Army for three years. Haki is the father of three and founder of Young Fathers of Central Florida, an non-profit dedicated to serving men who inadvertently become fathers at a young age,...

In this Dad to Dad Podcast we hear from Gregg Chalmers. Gregg and his wife, Linda, have been married for 36 years and are the proud parents three children; Josh (35), Emily (19) and Ryan (30), who was born with Spina bifida and who gets around in a wheelchair. Ryan is also a Collegiate and Paralympic champion who has pushed his wheelchair all the way across America to benefit “Stay Focused”, helpi...

In this Dad to Dad podcast we hear from country music artist, Seth Keiffer of Houston, TX. Seth and his wife Haley are proud parents of four children. including a daughter with autism. Seth has great stories to tell and great music as well. He’s David Hirsch’s guest on this Dad to Dad podcast. Email - rckstar190140@yahoo.com Website - https://sethkeiffer.com Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.co...

In this Dad to Dad podcast we hear from special father, Jon Ebersole of Oak Park, IL. Jon and his wife, Peggy, are proud parents of three, an older son and twin girls who both have Cerebral Palsy. Jon is also the Senior Area Director of Joni and Friends, serving individuals and families with disability for over 40 years. And he’s David Hirsch’s guest on this Dad to Dad podcast. Email - jonebersole...

In this Dad to Dad podcast we hear from special father, Rick Daynes. Rick doesn’t have a child with special needs, he has three children with special needs. And he’s written a book to help other special needs dads and parents with their journey. It’s called "Keep It Together Man: For Dads with a Special Kid." We’ll hear all about it in this Dad to Dad Podcast. To find out more about the Special Fa...

In this Dad to Dad podcast, host David Hirsch talks with his guest Tom Delaney of Downers Grove, IL. Tom is the president of Bankers Insurance Services and leader of the local DADS (Dads Appreciating Down syndrome) organization. Tom and his wife, Peggy, have been married for 13 years and are the proud parents of two boys including younger son Jack who has Down Syndrome. We’ll hear the story of Tom...

In this Dad to Dad podcast, host David Hirsch talks with Dr. Charles Ware of Indianapolis, IN, president emeritus of Crossroads Bible College. Dr. Ware and his wife, Sharon, have been married for 46 years and are the proud parents of six, including Matt (37) who was seriously injured while attending a high school basketball practice and has been a quadriplegic for the past 18 years. We’ll hear abo...

Meet Paul Koza, of Libertyville, IL a retired sales executive. Paul has four boys, including triplets, two of whom were diagnosed with Autism. The boys are all young adults now and Paul and his wife Maureen are focused on securing a group living situation for the two boys with ASD. Paul is an engaging guy and he’s our special guest on this Dad to Dad podcast. Email - pkoza611@gmail.com LinkedIn -...

Our guest this week is Stacy Tetschner of Fredericksburg, VA the father of three boys including, Raymond, an adopted Native American son with Down Syndrome. Stacy is also author of the book - “Windows into Heaven - Stories Celebrating Down Syndrome.” It's an inspiring story and it's all here on this SFN Dad to Dad Podcast. Special Fathers Network - SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers...

Our guest in this Dad to Dad podcast is special brother, Brent Chase. Brent grew up having a younger brother who’s autistic. We’ll hear Brent’s stories and how he’s working to develop products that will benefit his brother Alec and others like him. That’s all on this Dad to Dad podcast. https://www.f6s.com/brentchase Special Fathers Network - SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raisi...

He’s an author, a blogger and a special father. He’s Mark Wallace Maguire and he’s David Hirsch’s guest in this Dad to Dad podcast, presented by the Special Fathers Network. Mark is the author of the noted fictional series the "Alexandria Chronicles" as well as "Confessions of a Special Needs Dad.". He and his wife Jami are parents to two boys Patrick and Andrew, who was diagnosed with Cri-Du-Chat...

He’s a fellow who in believes in the human spirit and that people really want to help people. They just need to be asked. He’s Joshua Jacobs and he’s our guest in this Dad to Dad podcast. Josh and his wife Jodi are parents to two girls, Marnie, 13, and Allie, 11, who has Cerebral Palsy and a rare seizure disorder. It’s a fascinating conversation with an inspirational Dad. All on this Dad to Dad po...