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

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Kanika Vasudeva, an energy coach and Akashic records healer, for a powerful conversation on soul contracts, energetic healing, and inclusion. Kanika shares how children with disabilities may bring deep spiritual lessons and how parents are often part of sacred agreements to help shift outdated societal narratives. Together, they exp...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes author and speaker Jeannie Ewing for a heartfelt conversation about parenting, inclusion, grief, and redefining faith. Jeannie shares her journey of raising a daughter with Abert syndrome, navigating neurodivergence in her family, and transforming grief into purpose. They explore how faith evolves, what true inclusion means, and how...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Dr. Diana Fannon—special education director, bilingual school psychologist, and parent of a child with autism. Together, they explore the power of informed consent, the importance of transparency in IEP meetings, and how lived experience fuels inclusive advocacy. Dr. Diana shares how her own journey with epilepsy shaped her commitme...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Israeli singer-songwriter and genre-blending artist Lital Yohay. Lital shares her personal journey with a hearing disorder, her unique definition of inclusion, and how music serves as both escape and connection. From growing up in silence about her condition to using sound as a tool for empathy and storytelling, Lital invites listen...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Samantha Foote, a board-certified music therapist, neurodivergent mom of three, and podcast host of Every Brain is Different . They explore Samantha’s journey of parenting neurodivergent kids, navigating therapy overload, and using music as a tool for healing and expression. Samantha shares how her own ADHD diagnosis shaped her unde...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Constance Lewis, a nurse practitioner turned children’s book author and mom of three, to explore how emotions, inclusion, and advocacy intersect. Constance shares her family’s emotional journey navigating her son’s seizures, the inspiration behind her upcoming children’s book Colorful Capes of Feelings , and the power of teach...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Pastor Romell Parks-Weekly for a powerful conversation on faith, identity, and inclusion. Romell shares his journey as an openly gay pastor in a formerly non-affirming church, unpacking how biblical interpretation, cultural context, and lived experience shape his theology. They discuss the intersection of Christianity, sexuality, an...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Karen Hale—life coach, podcast producer, and mother of a son on the autism spectrum. Karen shares her family’s powerful journey through diagnosis, exclusion, and advocacy, revealing how her son defied limitations to thrive in professional sports. Together, they explore how labels, empathy, and honest conversations shape inclusion, a...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast , host AAron welcomes author and psych nurse T.L. McCoy, who shares the heartfelt inspiration behind her children's book Delilah vs. the Ghastly Grimm . Written for her granddaughter with Dravet syndrome, the book champions disability representation in children's literature. T.L. opens up about her family's journey with seizures, the urgent...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Dr. Kristen Williamson, a late-diagnosed neurodivergent counselor, autism advocate, and proud “neurospicy” mom. Together, they explore how inclusion looks for those with invisible disabilities, why autism presents differently in women, and how workplaces can better support neurodivergent employees. With humor, vulnerability, a...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast , host AAron sits down with Paolo Gaudiano, author of Measuring Inclusion and founder of Aleria.tech, to explore a data-driven, business-savvy approach to inclusion. Paolo shares how inclusion is not just a moral issue but a financial one—and how companies are “bleeding money” when exclusion goes unchecked. They unpack the real meaning of DEI, the dange...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with resilience coach and chronic illness warrior Jenn Fredericks. Together, they explore Jenn’s journey through two kidney transplants, her daughter's courageous battle with a brain tumor, and the power of resilience in the face of long-term health challenges. Jenn shares practical strategies for building resilience, the deep...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes ADHD coach and author Sue Day for a powerful conversation about inclusion, neurodiversity, and practical strategies for thriving with ADHD. Sue shares her personal journey from an undiagnosed child in the '80s to a passionate advocate and coach helping others understand their extraordinary brains. Together, they unpack common mi...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Marlee Kivens, a trailblazer in disability advocacy and independent living. Marlee shares her powerful journey of living with spina bifida, gaining independence through accessible kitchen tools, and challenging stereotypes about disability. She opens up about her path from relying on daily care to becoming a successful Pampere...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Kem Frasier, an inspiring educator and leader who shares her journey and powerful insights on creating real inclusion in schools and communities. Together, they explore the importance of mindset, the necessity of intentional leadership, and the critical role both educators and parents play in building environments where everyone bel...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Emily Levy, founder of EBL Coaching, to explore practical strategies for inclusive education. Emily shares her journey growing up in special education, the importance of early advocacy, and how research-based multisensory techniques help all students thrive. They dive into empowering parents, navigating IEPs, and the vital rol...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast , host AAron sits down with Stephanie Fluger, founder of Connection Therapy Clinic, to explore the raw realities of parenting a neurodivergent child. Stephanie shares her personal journey from overwhelmed mom to inclusion advocate, and how her clinic puts families first with neurodivergent-affirming, play-based therapy. Together, they discuss the gaps i...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Jack Kammer, retired social worker and men's advocate, for a heartfelt discussion about the importance of fatherhood, inclusion, and nurturing masculinity. They explore the often-overlooked role of dads in special education spaces, societal expectations around gender roles, and the subtle pressures men face when choosing caregiving...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast , host AAron sits down with Debra Erickson, founder of The Blind Kitchen, to talk about blindness, independence, and inclusive cooking. Debra shares her journey of losing her sight later in life, how she navigated culinary school as the only blind student, and the adaptive tools and techniques she now teaches others. Her story is a powerful reminder tha...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes writer and editor Heidi Fiedler for a heartfelt conversation about parenting, inclusion, and navigating the IEP process. Heidi shares her family’s journey with autism, the importance of finding supportive school communities, and how creativity sustains her identity as a mother and individual. Together, they reflect on the evolving d...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes entrepreneur and neurodiversity advocate Pazbi Zavatzki. Pazbi shares his journey from childhood cancer survival and temporary paralysis to a late ADHD diagnosis and becoming a champion for neurodivergent inclusion. They explore the power of shared stories, the domino effect of diagnosis, and why universal design benefits everyone....

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with Danielle Sullivan, a neurodivergent educator, writer, and founder of Neurodiverging, about redefining inclusion through the lens of neurodiversity. Danielle shares her personal journey with autism and ADHD, highlighting the power of embracing one’s identity and the importance of community. Together, they discuss how parents, educ...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Craig Parks — a dad, musician, and longtime advocate for kids with special needs. Craig shares his journey raising a son on the autism spectrum, the power of music in building connections, and his "Parenting A to E" framework designed to help parents foster joy and lasting memories with their kids. He highlights the importance of su...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast , host AAron welcomes Hollis Peirce — a disability advocate, historian, and podcaster — to discuss accessibility, ableism, and the power of inclusive design. Hollis shares personal stories, from navigating inaccessible spaces to performing accessibility audits at music festivals, while advocating for a social model of disability. The conversation highli...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Maria Chapman, a ghostwriter and founder of Journey 2 Success , a nonprofit supporting disabled entrepreneurs. Maria shares her powerful journey from teaching to medical retirement due to a neuromuscular condition, highlighting the barriers she faced — from workplace discrimination to denied Social Security benefits — and how she tu...