Inclusion and Disability Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Blake Baumann and Pickens Calhoun for a powerful conversation on neurodiversity, parenting, and inclusion. Blake shares his journey of being diagnosed with autism later in life after his son’s diagnosis, and how that experience inspired him to create ASPIE-R Autism Coaching and the Autism Independence Academy. Together, Blake and Pi...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with Brooke Garren, an autistic, ADHD, and dyslexic licensed clinical social worker and founder of Uniquely You Behavioral Health and Affirming Minds Coaching and Consulting . Brooke shares how her lived experience shapes her work in creating neurodivergent affirming therapy, workplaces, and communities. She discusses the importance o...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Kendra Gottsleben, a rare disease and disability advocate, to explore what true inclusion looks like in practice. Kendra shares her journey with Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS), her role as founder of Rare by Design, and how representation and accessibility can transform communities. From film festivals to inclusive fashion shows,...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes author and coach Ellen Busch for a powerful conversation on resilience, identity, and inclusion. Ellen shares her journey with dyslexia, the barriers she faced in education, and the deep trauma that shaped her path. She reflects on breaking free from societal labels, surviving abuse, and embracing healing through therapy, spirituali...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast , host AAron sits down with Dr. Robin Harwick, founder and director of The Pearl Remote Democratic High School. Together, they dive into what true inclusion looks like in schools and society, the power of democratic learning environments, and how trauma-informed practices can transform education. Dr. Harwick shares how giving students voice, choice, and...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast , host AAron sits down with Lyubim Kogan, former Olympic ski jumper, 9/11 survivor, and founder of Wings for Heroes. Lyubim shares his powerful journey from growing up in the Soviet Union to building a life in the United States, where inclusion became a defining theme. He reflects on resilience, the importance of community, and how adventure sports like...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes community activist and mother of three, Carol Waldman, for an engaging conversation on inclusion, advocacy, and the journey of raising a son on the autism spectrum. Carol shares her family’s story, from navigating early diagnoses and therapies to celebrating milestones in sports, faith communities, and college life. She also highlig...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with counselor and coach Kathy O’Connell to explore the intersection of disability, inclusion, and dating. Kathy, who lives with cerebral palsy, shares her personal journey of self-advocacy, navigating early exclusion, and eventually finding love. Together, they unpack the challenges people with disabilities face in building meanin...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes author, volunteer firefighter, and gym co-owner Mila Maxwell to share her story of growing up with a sister who has cerebral palsy and how that shaped her view of inclusion. Mila discusses the challenges of balancing empathy with guilt, the lessons her sister taught her about gratitude and perspective, and the healing process of wri...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with Margie Ainsworth, host of the More Than Able podcast. Margie shares her perspective on growing up with hydrocephalus and agenesis of the corpus callosum, navigating school and relationships, and the ways she’s building independence with support from community organizations. She explains how language shapes inclusion, why “unique...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Andrew Davie, a clinical mental health counselor, author, and former educator whose life took an unexpected turn after surviving a ruptured brain aneurysm. Andrew shares his journey of recovery, becoming a full-time caregiver for his mother with ALS, and redefining fulfillment through service, empathy, and presence. He discusses the...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Roman Wyden, life coach and host of ADHD IS OVER . Roman shares his journey of questioning his son’s ADHD diagnosis, choosing not to medicate, and focusing on creating a calmer, safer family environment. He explains how stress, trauma, and environmental factors influence behavior, and why addressing the “nervous system of the family...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast , host AAron welcomes Rebecca Prejean, CEO of EB Graphics & Consulting, to discuss how her personal journey as a parent of an autistic child led to building a business focused on accessible design and inclusive learning. Rebecca shares insights about navigating Texas school systems, creating neurodivergent-friendly workplaces, and how empathy and en...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron talks with Kyle Wright, a content creator and advocate who received a late autism diagnosis during the COVID pandemic. Kyle shares how losing structure triggered his self-discovery and led to a powerful journey of autism acceptance, neurodiversity advocacy, and creating Rubik’s Cube art as a therapeutic tool. He opens up about navigating cor...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with nurse, author, and advocate Allyssa Meyerhofer to discuss her journey into disability advocacy following her daughter Gabby’s rare diagnosis of Trisomy 9p. Allyssa shares how connection, creativity, and community transformed her challenges into purpose. From writing her first book Mama’s Heart to winning the Karis Award at May...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes autistic self-advocate and tech leader Shea Belsky for a candid and insightful conversation on neurodiversity, leadership, and authentic inclusion. Shea shares how his IEP shaped his self-awareness, the power of crafting a personal advocacy "elevator pitch" at work, and how inclusion requires more than intention—it require...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes hypnotist and coach Duff McDuffee for a powerful conversation on neurodivergence, self-acceptance, and shifting from punishment to progress. Duff shares his personal journey as a late-discovered autistic person and how embracing difference rather than masking it opened up a life of meaning and connection. From redefining inclusion t...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Derek Crager, founder of Practical AI and AIforAutistics.com, for a powerful conversation about late autism diagnosis, the intersection of AI and neurodiversity, and how technology can empower inclusion. Derek shares his personal journey, the challenges of growing up undiagnosed, and how he transformed his experiences into tools lik...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with Matt Melvin, author of Bullied Behind Bars , about inclusion, transformation, and the role faith plays in healing and justice. Matt opens up about his experience with autism, impulsivity, incarceration, and the powerful lessons learned through adversity. Together, they discuss the importance of empathy, the brokenness of the just...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Dr. Victoria Mattingly, CEO of Mattingly Solutions and author of Inclusalytics , for a powerful conversation on allyship, inclusive leadership, and redefining DEI. Dr. V shares her unique two-book approach to allyship, why empathy and active listening are game changers, and how her lived experience with alopecia has reshaped her vie...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with Dr. Eric Endlich, founder of Top College Consultants, to explore college readiness and inclusion for neurodivergent students. From practical advice on navigating college admissions to insights on empathy and identity-first language, Dr. Endlich shares decades of lived and professional experience. They discuss how starting early c...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Daniela Feldhausen, founder of Kids Up Reading Tutors, to explore the connection between literacy and inclusion. Daniela shares her inspiring journey from lawyer to reading advocate and offers deep insights into dyslexia, dysgraphia, and the science of reading. She explains how inclusive literacy starts with access to the written wo...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with April Ratchford, an autistic occupational therapist and advocate for neurodivergent young adults. April shares her personal journey as a late-diagnosed autistic individual, her experiences parenting an autistic son, and the systemic gaps that exist in post-secondary support for autistic students. Together, they discuss life skill...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with Julie Barth, a mother of six and founder of the Colin James Barth Outreach. Julie shares her journey raising a daughter with primordial dwarfism. Together, they explore the realities of disability parenting, the meaning of true inclusion, and the power of resilience. Julie challenges outdated systems and emphasizes trusting your...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast , host AAron sits down with Desiree Taylor, a deaf author, advocate, and mom, to discuss her personal journey with hearing loss and raising a child with the same condition. Desiree opens up about navigating an inaccessible education system, embracing her identity, and transitioning from legalism to a personal relationship with Jesus. The conversation ex...