The Dadvocating Podcast

What does it take to truly engage fathers? In this episode of Dadvocating, Troy Grant shares his remarkable journey from growing up with New York State child welfare and juvenile justice system involvement to leading New York's statewide fatherhood efforts at the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). He reflects on the father figures who shaped his life, why fathers are...

In this episode of the Dadvocating podcast, we speak with Bin Feng about fatherhood, autism advocacy, cultural stigma, and finding purpose through family. Bin shares his journey as a Chinese American immigrant father in New York City From the fear and uncertainty of visa challenges and his son’s autism diagnosis, to discovering hope through education, community, and advocacy. What once felt overwh...

In this episode, we sit down with self-advocate  Shamika Andrews , Community Outreach Coordinator at the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State. Shamika shares how growing up in an inaccessible neighborhood helped shape her passion for disability rights and advocacy. She reflects on key moments that launched her advocacy journey, from challenging an inaccessible graduation stage to becoming i...

What happens when lived experience meets statewide leadership? In this episode of Dadvocating, Simcha Weinstein and fellow dadvocate Steve Gonyea sit down with Willow Baer, Commissioner of the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, for a candid kitchen table conversation about dads, disability, and what families really need from systems. From what OPWDD actually oversees...

In this episode of the Dadvocating Podcast, host Simcha welcomes Steve Gonyea, a fellow state lead from the New York Alliance for Developmental Disabilities (Nyad). Steve shares his journey as a father and advocate, highlighting the challenges and joys of raising an autistic child, fostering children with disabilities, and navigating the complex systems of support services. Steve emphasizes the im...

A candid conversation with  Robin Carus , legendary casting director whose career spans theater, film, and television. Robin shares her journey into casting, what drives her, and the gratitude she finds in discovering and nurturing authentic talent. We explore the groundbreaking  New York City Accessibility Fund  and its promise to reshape inclusivity across the entertainment industry. Robin discu...

In this episode of the Dadvocating Podcast, the host explores the intersections of disability, neurodivergence, and mental wellness with Dr. Janina Scarlet, a clinical psychologist and creator of superhero therapy. Dr. Scarlet shares her personal journey as a first-generation immigrant from Ukraine, her struggles with radiation poisoning from Chernobyl, and how she overcame bullying by finding sol...

This episode explores the challenges and strategies involved in back-to-school transitions for neurodivergent students. Guest Haley Moss, an attorney, author, artist, and advocate diagnosed with autism at age 3 shares her expertise and lived experience to offer valuable insight and guidance. Topics include the excitement and anxiety around school transitions, masking, identity, self-advocacy, and...

In this debut episode of The Dadvocating Podcast, host Simcha Weinstein sits down with Mrs. Willie Mae Goodman to reflect on more than six decades of advocacy. Her journey began when her daughter Margaret, born with high support disabilities, was placed in the infamous Willowbrook State School. What she witnessed there, neglect, abuse, and injustice ignited a lifetime of action. Together with othe...