Rising Above Dads Podcast

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, the hosts explore how caring for a loved one with disabilities can distract from faith development without intentional tools and practices that keep us connected to God. Meet the hosts: Steve Chatman is married to Lori Ann and has five children and four grandchildren. Two of his daughters have Down Syndrome. Steve serves as VP of R...

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, our hosts discuss the importance of knowing where we are emotionally, physically, relationally, and spiritually as a special-needs dad.  Great conversation centered around Genesis chapter 3! Meet the hosts: Steve Chatman is married to Lori and has 5 children and 4 grandchildren.  Two of his adult daughters live with Down Syndrome....

RAD Podcast S2E12 Show Notes / Summary    Episode Title: Our Relationship with friends, Part 2 Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, we continue our conversation on the challenges and blessings of being friends with other men who do not have children with disabilities.   Great conversation! Lots of laughs, tears, and encouragement!  Meet the hosts: Steve Chatman is mar...

RAD Podcast S2E11 Show Notes / Summary  Episode Title: Our Relationship with friends, Part 1 Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, our hosts are joined by a few of their closest friends.  A super fun conversation about the challenges and blessings of being friends with other men who do not have children with disabilities.   Lots of laughs, tears, and encouragement!  Me...

RAD Podcast S2E10 Show Notes / Summary    Episode Title: Our Relationship with Employers, Part Two Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, we continue the conversation with local small business leaders who employ individuals with disabilities. We discuss how both parents and employers can equip and empower our children with disabilities to thrive in the workplace.   Meet...

RAD Podcast S2E9 Show Notes / Summary    Episode Title: Our Relationship with Employers, Part 1 Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, our hosts talk with local small business leaders who employ individuals with disabilities. We discuss how both parents and employers can equip and empower our children with disabilities to thrive in the workplace.   Meet the hosts: Steve...

RAD Podcast S2E8 Show Notes / Summary    Episode Title: Our Relationship with School Personnel   Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, our hosts discuss the importance of dad’s involvement with our child’s educational experience.  Joining us on this episode are Todd Clinton, Director of Special Education in Jackson County, TN and Becky Davidson, Co-Founder and Presiden...

RAD Podcast S2E7 Show Notes / Summary    Episode Title: Our Relationship with Culture, part 2 Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, our hosts continue the conversation on stepping out into culture with our children living with disabilities and how we overcome our fears, frustrations, and fatigue and lead both our family and culture. Meet the hosts: Steve Chatman is mar...

RAD Podcast S2E6 Show Notes / Summary  Episode Title: Our Relationship with Culture, part 1 Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, our hosts discuss the challenges of stepping beyond the safety and familiarity of our homes and engaging a culture that often doesn’t know what to do with families like ours.  As dads, how can we help make this a win-win for both our familie...

RAD Podcast S2E5 Show Notes / Summary    Episode Title: Our Relationship with other Special-Needs Dads, part 2 Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, we continue our conversation with guest hosts Chris Riley and Hutch Matteson who join Steve at our annual Base Camp weekend for dads to discuss some practical steps to locate and connect with other dads who are caring for...

RAD Podcast S2E4 Show Notes / Summary    Episode Title: Our Relationship with other Special-Needs Dads, part 1 Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, guest hosts Chris Riley and Hutch Matteson join Steve at our annual Base Camp weekend for dads to discuss the importance of connecting with other dads who are caring for children with disabilities and special needs. Fun co...

RAD Podcast S2E3 Show Notes / Summary  Episode Title: Our relationship with the church, part 2 Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, the hosts continue their very candid conversation with Pastors Bryan Vaughn and Lee Bailey about the relationship between special-needs families and the church. Brandon Jones, a board member of Rising Above Ministries and father of a chil...

RAD Podcast S2E2 Show Notes / Summary  Episode Title: Our relationship with the church, part 1 Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, our hosts discuss the relationship between special-needs dads and the local church.  Local pastors Bryan Vaughn and Lee Bailey join our hosts for an open discussion about the fears and uncertainties faced by everyone involved. Brandon Jon...

RAD Podcast S2E1 Show Notes / Summary  Episode Title: The many relationships we navigate Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, our hosts discuss the many different “relationship hats” we wear as special-needs dads.  Whether it’s family, friends, co-workers, special-education teachers, therapists, doctors, church leaders or others, we need to navigate these relationship...

RAD Podcast S1E10 part 2 Show Notes Episode Title: A Conversation with our wives, part two Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, we continue the conversation with our wives discussing the challenges and joys of navigating marriage while raising children with disabilities. We share more fun stories, tough moments, and valuable lessons from our 68 years of combined marri...

RAD Podcast S1E10 Part 1 Show Notes Episode Title: A Conversation with our Wives, Part One Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, our wives join us to discuss the challenges and joys of navigating marriage while raising children with disabilities. We share fun stories, tough moments, and valuable lessons from our 68 years of combined marriage experience. Meet the hosts:...

RAD Podcast S1E9 Show Notes Episode Title: Recommended Resources for Dads Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, the hosts discuss various resources that have proven beneficial to them over the years. These resources encompass areas such as marriage, parenting, and healthy habits. Meet the hosts: Steve Chatman is married to Lori and they have 5 children and 4 grandchild...

RAD Podcast S1E8 Show Notes Episode Title: Four Things Special-Needs Dads face, but probably won’t tell anyone Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, the hosts play a “Game Show” to reveal four challenges special-needs dads face but rarely discuss. Play along to guess the answers and join the discussion as the hosts delve into these issues. Meet the hosts: Steve Chatman...

RAD Podcast S1E7 Show Notes Episode Title: You Asked, We Answered Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, the hosts answer listener questions on topics such as advocating for your child at school or church, helping others see beyond disabilities, managing respite guilt, and finding the best barbeque in St. Louis! Meet the hosts: Steve Chatman is married to Lori and they...

RAD Podcast S1E6 Show Notes Episode Title: Rethinking Success Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, the hosts explore the impact of cultural expectations on parenting a child with disabilities, the dangers of the comparison trap, and the importance of focusing on the unique strengths and joys of your children. Meet the hosts: Steve Chatman is married to Lori and they h...

RAD Podcast S1E5 Show Notes / Summary Episode Title: Saying yes to special-needs adoption…three times Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, Steve Chatman shares his experience of becoming a special-needs father through adoption. His story includes unique and remarkable circumstances. From dealing with infertility to having a household filled with children and grandchil...

RAD Podcast S1E4 Show Notes / Summary Episode Title: My son Max: A rare champion indeed Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, Daniel Brooks discusses his experiences with his son Max, who has Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS), a rare condition that impacts his ability to breathe during sleep. The conversation explores the challenges, uncertainties, and...

RAD Podcast S1E3 Show Notes / Summary  Episode Title: From Plan A to Plan B: A Father's Perspective Episode Summary: In this episode of Rising Above Dads, hosts Steve Chatman, Daniel Brooks, and Dustin Rawls engage in a heartfelt discussion about the realities of parenting children with disabilities. They explore the transition from expectations of a typical life (Plan A) to the challenges and ada...

RAD Podcast S1E2 Summary / Show Notes Episode Title: Stuck? What To Do When You Don’t Like Your Story. Episode Summary: In this honest and heartfelt episode of Rising Above Dads, hosts Steve Chatman, Daniel Brooks, and Dustin Rawls dive into the emotional realities of being a special needs-dad—especially when the journey feels overwhelming and unfair. They kick things off with light-hearted tow tr...

RAD Podcast S1E1 Show Notes / Summary Episode Title: Expectations vs. Reality in Special Needs Fatherhood Episode Summary: In the debut episode of Rising Above Dads, three fathers share honest, vulnerable stories about adjusting to life as special needs dads. Through humor, faith, and raw emotion, they explore what it means to grieve unmet expectations, navigate anger, and find hope in the unexpec...