Episodes

  • SFN Dad To Dad 400 - David Hirsch, Founder Of 21st Century Dads Foundation & Podcast Host Reflects On The Past Nine Years

    SFN Dad To Dad 400 - David Hirsch, Founder Of 21st Century Dads Foundation & Podcast Host Reflects On The Past Nine Years
    Oct 17 2025
    To celebrate the 400th episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast, David Hirsch, founder of 21st Century Dads Foundation and host of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast offers his heartfelt thanks to all those who have been involved with and supported 21CD & SFN. He reflects on:
    • addressing the issue of father absence in society,
    • his journey as a fatherhood advocate,
    • starting the Illinois Fatherhood Initiative,
    • making an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show,
    • starting the 21st Century Dads Foundation,
    • Dads Honor Ride 2015 from Santa Monica to Chicago, 2,325 miles in 21 days,
    • giving a TEDx Talk entitled: Why We Need To Break The Cycle Of Father Absence,
    • writing the book: A Father's Journey To Break The Cycle Of Father Absence,
    • Dads Honor Ride 2016 from Boston to Chicago, 1,400 miles in 21 days,
    • Creating the C2EFA (Cycle To End Father Absence) indoor riding events,
    • Dads Honor Ride 2017 Around Lake Michigan, 958 miles in 9 days,
    • creating the Special Fathers Network Mentoring Program,
    • starting the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast,
    • recording 24 bi-weekly Zoom calls on various topics
    • creating the 21CD YouTube channel,
    • holding annual SFN Dads Virtual Conferences,
    • creating the SFN audiobook series,
    • creating the weekly virtual SFN Mastermind Group experience, and
    • holding annual SFN Mastermind Group weekend retreats
    Special thanks to all the individuals, businesses, and foundations that have financially supported 21CD, the growing list of partners and affiliates, all the individuals who have volunteered, especially the 21CD board of directors: Tom Costello, Rich Gathro, Gary Grube, Chris Hunter, Shane Madden, Wayne Messmer, Brian Page and John Shouse. And last but not least, Tom Couch of Couch Media, who has produced the past 398 episodes of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast.

    Show Notes –
    Email - david@21stCenturyDads.org
    Email - tcouch2501@gmail.com
    Website - https://21stcenturydads.org/
    TEDx Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CDeMgmeb94

    Special Fathers Network -
    SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 500+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated. There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."

    SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.

    21CD YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@21stcenturydads58/videos

    Click Here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/

    Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/

    SFN Dads Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/
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    50 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 399 - Casey Stubbs of Burlington, NC, Trading Strategist, Author, Podcast Host, Army Veteran & Father To Nine

    SFN Dad To Dad 399 - Casey Stubbs of Burlington, NC, Trading Strategist, Author, Podcast Host, Army Veteran & Father To Nine
    Oct 10 2025
    Our guest this week is Casey Stubbs of Burlington, NC a trading specialist, author, podcast host and father to nine children.

    Casey and his wife, Deanna, have been married for 20 years and are the proud parents of nine children: twins Andrea & Courtney (26), Casey Jr (19), Caleb (17), Abbey (16), Ellie (15), Austin (14), Danielle (12) and Ethan (12). Ellie and Danielle were adopted at age 2/12 and as a newborn and are biological sisters.

    Casey has been a host of the Replace Your Income With Options Podcast and author of: The Complete Trading System: How to Develop a Mindset, Maximize Profitability, and Own Your Market Success (2023)

    Casey reflects on his military experience, as well as his thoughts on investing, podcasting and fatherhood in this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    Show Links -
    Phone – (724) 493-9315
    Email – caseystubbs@gmail.com
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseystubbs/
    Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ai/podcast/replace-your-income-with-options/id1364693088
    Substack – https://caseystubbs.substack.com/about
    YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@FreedomIncomeOptions/videos
    Book – The Complete Trading System: How To Develop A Mindset, Maximize Profitability, And Own Your Market Success. https://tinyurl.com/3zn6ck3n

    Special Fathers Network -
    SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated. There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."

    SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.

    Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videos

    Please support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/

    Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/

    SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/
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    45 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 398 - Luba Patlakh of Bucks County, PA Mother of Three & Founder Of Kidology Inc. Pediatric Therapy Center

    SFN Dad To Dad 398 - Luba Patlakh of Bucks County, PA Mother of Three & Founder Of Kidology Inc. Pediatric Therapy Center
    Oct 3 2025
    Our guest this week Luba Patlakh of Bucks County, PA a mother of three children and founder of Kidology Inc., a pediatric practice specializing in speech, occupational, physical therapy, and ABA services.

    Luba and her husband, Boris, have married for 10 years and are the proud parents of three children ages 4 to 9 years old.

    Founded in 2014, Kidology, Inc. a top-rated family friendly pediatric therapy and child development center in Pennsylvania, offering families and children the support and guidance they need to thrive. They provide educational services in special needs and tutoring capacities. They offer pediatric therapy and instructive sessions like; S/T, P/T, O/T, Behavioral and Myofunctional Therapy for a wide range of developmental delays, including fine motor, speech, feeding and mobility issues.

    It's a fascinating story and on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    Show Links
    Phone – (267) 968-1707
    Email – luba@kidologyinc.com
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubapatlakh/
    Website – https://kidologyinc.com/

    Special Fathers Network -
    SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated. There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."

    SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.

    Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videos

    Please support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/

    Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/

    SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/
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    49 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 397 - Daryl Potter of Toronto, CA A TD Merchants Exec, A Prolific Author & Father of 2 Including A Daughter with CFC Syndrome

    SFN Dad To Dad 397 - Daryl Potter of Toronto, CA A TD Merchants Exec, A Prolific Author & Father of 2 Including A Daughter with CFC Syndrome
    Sep 26 2025
    Our guest this week is Daryl Potter of Toronto, Canada who is an executive at TD Merchants, a prolific author and father of two including a daughter with profound disabilities.

    Daryl and his wife, Carolyn, have been married for 28 years and are the proud parents of two children, Jackson (21) and McKenzie (24) who was diagnosed with Cardio Facio Cutaneous (CFC) syndrome. Some of the challenges include; intellectual disabilities, non-verbal since age 12, being tube fed, the need for a hospital bed and being wheelchair bound.

    Beyond work and being a vigilant caregiver, Daryl has nurtured his passion for writing and has found time to write and publish a number of books, including:
    • Something More: Living Well In A Broken World. (2024)
    • Bitter For Sweet (2022)
    • Even The Monsters: Living With Grief, Loss and Depression: A Journey Through The Book Of Job. (2021)
    • Blind Man’s Labyrinth (2021)
    • Keziah’s Song (2021)
    It’s a fascinating story about commitment and resilience all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    Show Links
    Phone – (289) 681-4521
    Email – daryl.potter@gmail.com
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/daryl-potter-8a3160/
    Website – https://www.darylpotter.com/
    Books -
    Even The Monsters: Living With Grief, Loss and Depression
    Something More: Living Well In A Broken World
    Keziah’s Song
    Blind Man’s Labyrinth
    Bitter For Sweet

    Special Fathers Network -
    SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated. There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."

    SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.

    Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videos

    Please support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/

    Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/

    SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/
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    56 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 396 - Olivier Cortambert, London, Head Of Solutions Architecture at Yospace & Father Of A Son With A Rare Undiagnosed Disease

    SFN Dad To Dad 396 - Olivier Cortambert, London, Head Of Solutions Architecture at Yospace & Father Of A Son With A Rare Undiagnosed Disease
    Sep 19 2025
    Our guest this week is Olivier Cortambert of London, UK who is head of solutions architecture at Yospace and father of a son with a rare undiagnosed disease.

    Olivier and his wife, Feng, have been married for seven years and are the proud parents of Antoine (3) who has a genetically tested undiagnosed disease, which presents with; low muscle tone, hearing loss, non-verbal as well as difficulty swallowing and walking.

    We learn about Small Steps, a UK based agency that provides free services to those who are unable to walk and the pros and cons of having an undiagnosed rare disease. We also learn about Olivier's involvement with the SFN Mastermind Group.

    The Cortambert family story is one filled with hope and optimism all this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    Show Notes -
    WhatsApp – +44 7801 120520
    Email – olivier.cortambert@gmail.com
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/cortambert/

    Special Fathers Network -
    SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated. There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."

    SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.

    Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videos

    Please support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/

    Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/

    SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/
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    51 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 395 - Mark Reinfeld of Boulder, CO A Chef, Author, Founder of Vegan Fusion Culinary Academy & Father Of A Son With Angelman

    SFN Dad To Dad 395 - Mark Reinfeld of Boulder, CO A Chef, Author, Founder of Vegan Fusion Culinary Academy & Father Of A Son With Angelman
    Sep 12 2025
    Our guest this week is Mark Reinfeld of Boulder, CO who is an award-winning chef, best-selling author and authority on plant-based cuisine. He is also the father of two young boys, including one with Angelman Syndrome

    Mark and his wife, Ashley Boudet, have been married for 10 years and are the proud parents of two boys: River (7) and Sage (9) who has Angelman Syndrome.

    With more than two decades of experience, Chef Mark has written several acclaimed cookbooks, including The 30-Minute Vegan series, and has been recognized as a leader in the vegan and conscious cooking space. Mark is also founder of the Vegan Fusion Culinary Academy, where he trains the next generation of plant-based chefs. His work emphasizes flavor, nutrition, and compassion, making him a sought-after speaker, consultant, and culinary instructor around the world.

    Mark also leads or co-leads two dads groups of fathers raising children with special needs and is the author of the forthcoming book entitled: Islands Of Peace: Navigating The World Of Special Needs Parenting.

    We’ll hear Mark's story on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    Show Notes -
    Phone – 808-652-5904
    Email – info@chefmarkreinfeld.com
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-reinfeld-6921344/
    Website - https://www.chefmarkreinfeld.com/
    Website – https://www.ohanavitality.org/
    Books –
    • Healing The Vegan Way - https://tinyurl.com/vnauxsw7
    • The Ultimate Age Defying Plan - https://tinyurl.com/h9b3u7u5
    • Islands Of Peace: Navigating The World Of Special Needs Parenting
    Special Fathers Network -
    SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated. There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."

    SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.

    Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videos

    Please support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/

    Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/

    SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/
    Show more Show less
    59 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 394 - Jelani Memory of Portland, OR Father Of Six, Entrepreneur, Author & Founder Of A Kids Company

    SFN Dad To Dad 394 - Jelani Memory of Portland, OR Father Of Six, Entrepreneur, Author & Founder Of A Kids Company
    Sep 5 2025
    Our guest this week is Jelani Memory of Portland, OR is the father of six, an entrepreneur, author, and the visionary founder of A Kids Co.

    Jelani and his wife, Brandy, have married for 9 years and are the proud parents of six children including (his) four stepchildren: Rowan (21), Grace (19), Jay (16), Sebastian (15), Titus (14) and Solomon (7). Two have ADHD, one has scoliosis, and some other undiagnosed conditions.

    Jelani first wrote A Kids Book About Racism for his own children, which grew into a movement that now includes more than two hundred books, podcasts, and videos helping kids and families talk openly about some of life’s toughest topics — from anxiety, cancer, feminism, gratitude, racism and beyond.

    We also learn about Pitch Black, a multi faceted platform to support black entrepreneurs and businesses as well organizations the Memory family has benefited from, including:
    • Trevor Project
    • Q Project
    • Shriner’s Hospitals
    Jelani also openly talks about his faith and the role his father's absence has played in shaping his world view, all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    Show Notes -
    Phone – (503) 360-6034
    Email – jelani@akidsco.com
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jelanimemory/
    Website – www.akidsco.com
    Website – https://meetcircle.com/ (Aura Parent Controls)
    Social Media – @jelanimemory

    Special Fathers Network -
    SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated. There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."

    SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.

    Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videos

    Please support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/

    Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/

    SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/
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    59 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 393 - Mike Rinaldi of Fairfield, CT A Senior Director at Ankura, Father Of Two Including One With Autism

    SFN Dad To Dad 393 - Mike Rinaldi of Fairfield, CT A Senior Director at Ankura, Father Of Two Including One With Autism
    Aug 29 2025
    Our guest this week is Mike Rinaldi of Fairfield, CT, who is a senior director at Ankura, a litigations and investigations company, and father of two young children, including one with Autism.

    Mike and his wife, Tracey, have married for 9 years and are the proud parents of Vienna (8) and Harrison (5) who is on the Autism spectrum.

    Mike talks openly about the relationship with his father and the challenges he and his family have experienced.

    All on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    Show Notes -
    Phone – (860) 655-7696
    Email – mike.rinaldi@ankura.com
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-rinaldi-54262b3/

    Special Fathers Network -
    SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated. There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."

    SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.

    Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videos

    Please support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/

    Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/

    SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/
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    48 mins