Episodes

  • SFN Dad To Dad 334 - Mastermind Group Monday With Tom Costello of Frankfort, IL

    SFN Dad To Dad 334 - Mastermind Group Monday With Tom Costello of Frankfort, IL
    Aug 26 2024
    This is part of a special series of interviews within the SFN Dad To Dad Podcasts known as the SFN Mastermind Group Monday Podcasts. Each Monday host David Hirsch interviews one of the SFN Mastermind Group dads on the impact the mastermind group has had on him and the wellbeing of his family.

    This Monday’s guest is Tom Costello of Frankfort, IL who is an investment professional, father of twin 21 year old boys who are Autistic and are co-founder of the Twin Hearts Autism Foundation.

    Tom and his wife, Irene, have been married for 23 years and are the proud parents of twin boys: Michael and John who are Autistic.

    Tom has been involved with the Special Fathers Network for about five years. He was featured in episode #69 of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast that aired in October 2019. He was part of the inaugural SFN Mastermind Group and also serves as treasurer of the 21st Century Dads Foundation.

    It’s an uplifting conversation about perseverance, overcoming life's challenges and advocacy, all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    Show Notes -
    Phone – (708) 205-2964
    Email - tomcostello18@gmail.com
    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-costello-05867311/
    FB Page - https://www.facebook.com/Twin-Hearts-Autism-Foundation-580801878996598/ SFN Dad To Dad Podcast Episode #69 – https://21stcenturydads.org/dad-to-dad-69-tom-costello/
    Twin Hearts Autism Foundation - https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/twin-hearts-autism-foundation,272189829/
    Another Kind Of Courage by Steve Bundy - https://tinyurl.com/mrs7cvac

    About the SFN Mastermind Group –

    WHAT-
    SFN Mastermind Group dads meet weekly by Zoom for 75 minutes. Each meeting:
    ◦ starts with a round of wins from the past week,
    ◦ includes a discussion of the current book (6 per year) being reviewed,
    ◦ has two Dad-In-The-Middle sessions for dads to share a challenge, and
    ◦ ends with a recap and look at the week ahead.

    WHO -
    SFN Mastermind Group Dads are those:
    ◦ seeking meaningful friendships with like-minded dads,
    ◦ willing to invest their time and make a financial commitment,
    ◦ looking for a safe place to be open and authentic, and
    ◦ who realize seeking advice is a strength, not a weakness.

    WHY -
    SFN Mastermind Group Dads benefit by:
    ◦ realizing they are NOT alone
    ◦ having better relationships with their spouse,
    ◦ developing improved understandings of their child(ren),
    ◦ tapping into the experience and wisdom of others,
    ◦ getting weekly encouragement from like-minded dads, and
    ◦ creating a pathway to become the best version of themselves

    21st Century Dads Foundation is looking to provide 100 special needs fathers with the opportunity to be part of the class of 2024 Mastermind Group.
    Show more Show less
    17 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 333 - Mazi Keyghobadi of Houston, TX Father Of A Son With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy & Founder of Hope For Luka

    SFN Dad To Dad 333 - Mazi Keyghobadi of Houston, TX Father Of A Son With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy & Founder of Hope For Luka
    Aug 23 2024
    Our guest this week is Mazi Keyghobadi of Houston, TX, a father and outspoken advocate for those with disabilities.

    Mazi, who was born and raised in Iran, emigrated to the U.S. as a teenager with his parents and brothers in 2000.

    Mazi and his x-wife, Dunia, were married for nine years, before divorcing in 2021 and are the proud parents of son, Luka (7) who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

    Mazi has also formed Hope For Luka, a non-profit dedicated to funding Muscular Dystrophy research with the objective of finding a cure as well as advanced therapies for those impacted by Muscular Dystrophy.

    It's a an uplifting story about overcoming adversity, a father's commitment to his son, and advocacy for others. All on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    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/
    Show more Show less
    27 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 332 - Mastermind Group Monday With John Fela of Lyons, IL

    SFN Dad To Dad 332 - Mastermind Group Monday With John Fela of Lyons, IL
    Aug 19 2024
    This is part of a special series of interviews within the SFN Dad To Dad Podcasts known as the SFN Mastermind Group Monday Podcasts. Each Monday host David Hirsch interviews one of the SFN Mastermind Group dads on the impact the mastermind group has had on him and the wellbeing of his family.

    This Monday’s guest is John Fela of Lyons, IL who works in Chicago for Joni & Friends, the global Christian disability ministry. John is also the father of a teenage son with Autism.

    John and his x-wife, Elizabeth, were married for 15 years and are the proud parents of Christopher (16), who is Autistic and non-verbal. The couple divorced about five years ago. More recently, John is happily married to Faith.

    John was part of the original SFN Dad To Dad Mastermind Group community. He was previously featured in episode #65 of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast in August 2019.

    It’s an uplifting conversation about perseverance, overcoming life's challenges and advocacy, all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    Show Notes -
    Phone – (847) 722-5273
    Email – jfelageller74@gmail.com
    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-fela-0b839920/
    SFN Dad To Dad Podcast #65 - https://www.spreaker.com/episode/dad-to-dad-65-john-felageller-of-highwood-il-father-of-a-son-with-autism-school-teacher-blogger-and-writer--18772596
    Favorite Mastermind Group Books –
    The Voice Of Victory, by Wayne Messmer – https://tinyurl.com/5n8uhku6
    The Secrets of the Bulletproof Spirit, by Azim Khamisa -https://tinyurl.com/5bztw4cm

    About the SFN Mastermind Group –

    WHAT-
    SFN Mastermind Group dads meet weekly by Zoom for 75 minutes. Each meeting:
    ◦ starts with a round of wins from the past week,
    ◦ includes a discussion of the current book (6 per year) being reviewed,
    ◦ has two Dad-In-The-Middle sessions for dads to share a challenge, and
    ◦ ends with a recap and look at the week ahead.

    WHO -
    SFN Mastermind Group Dads are those:
    ◦ seeking meaningful friendships with like-minded dads,
    ◦ willing to invest their time and make a financial commitment,
    ◦ looking for a safe place to be open and authentic, and
    ◦ who realize seeking advice is a strength, not a weakness.

    WHY -
    SFN Mastermind Group Dads benefit by:
    ◦ realizing they are NOT alone
    ◦ having better relationships with their spouse,
    ◦ developing improved understandings of their child(ren),
    ◦ tapping into the experience and wisdom of others,
    ◦ getting weekly encouragement from like-minded dads, and
    ◦ creating a pathway to become the best version of themselves

    21st Century Dads Foundation is looking to provide 100 special needs fathers with the opportunity to be part of the class of 2024 Mastermind Group.
    Show more Show less
    22 mins
  • SFN Dad to Dad 331 - Alvin Green of Chicago, IL Founder Of Al's Cookie Mixx, Father of Two Including A Son With Autism

    SFN Dad to Dad 331 - Alvin Green of Chicago, IL Founder Of Al's Cookie Mixx, Father of Two Including A Son With Autism
    Aug 16 2024
    Our guest this week is Alvin Green of Chicago who is a chef, founder of Al’s Cookie Mixx and father of two including a son with Autism.

    Alvin and his wife, Angella Ferguson, have been married for 27 years and are the proud parents of two: Asa (23) and Aiden (20), who is Autistic and was also diagnosed with Hyperlexia.

    Alvin has directed his culinary skills and love for baking into creating Al's Cookie Mixx, a social enterprise created in 2018, that makes delicious custom home baked cookies and provides employment to young adults with disabilities.

    One of the company's catch phrases is: "Your Enjoyment Provides Employment."

    We also learn about the impact that Special Olympics and Victory Reins Equestrian Therapy have had on Aiden's life and personal development.

    Alvin’s an incredibly positive guy and we’ll hear his family story on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    Show Notes -
    Phone – 773-474-8295
    Email - alvin@alscookiemixx.com
    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvin-green-98523915/
    Al’s Cookie Mixx - https://alscookiemixx.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/
    Show more Show less
    37 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 330 - Mastermind Group Monday With Jordan Jankus Of Wallingford, VT

    SFN Dad To Dad 330 - Mastermind Group Monday With Jordan Jankus Of Wallingford, VT
    Aug 12 2024
    This is part of a special series of interviews within the SFN Dad To Dad Podcasts known as the SFN Mastermind Group Monday Podcasts. Each Monday host David Hirsch interviews one of the SFN Mastermind Group dads on the impact the mastermind group has had on him and the wellbeing of his family.

    This Monday’s guest is Jordan Jankus of Wallingford, VT who is a disability advocate, founder of Plastic Learning, a freelance writer and perhaps most importantly, father of two including an adult daughter with Cerebral Palsy.

    Jordan and his wife, Cathy, have been married for 49 years and are the proud parents to two children: Justin (35) and Jessie (45) who has multiple developmental disabilities including Cerebral Palsy.

    Jordan is a freelance writer and disability advocate, serving in various roles, as a vocational coach, case-manager, advocate and personal technology specialist. Jordan is also founder of Plastic Learning, which was created to promote lifelong learning opportunities for people with cognitive disabilities.

    Jordan is also a more recent member of the SFN Dad To Dad Mastermind Group community. He was previously featured in episode #311 of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast in June 2024.

    It’s an uplifting conversation and a reminder, no matter what age you are, there is value in being in fellowship with other dads, all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    Show Notes -
    Email - jordan.jankus@gmail.com
    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-jankus-a4215328/
    Website – https://plasticlearning.com/
    Substack - https://plastlearn.substack.com/

    About the SFN Mastermind Group –

    WHAT-
    SFN Mastermind Group dads meet weekly by Zoom for 75 minutes. Each meeting:
    ◦ starts with a round of wins from the past week,
    ◦ includes a discussion of the current book (6 per year) being reviewed,
    ◦ has two Dad-In-The-Middle sessions for dads to share a challenge, and
    ◦ ends with a recap and look at the week ahead.

    WHO -
    SFN Mastermind Group Dads are those:
    ◦ seeking meaningful friendships with like-minded dads,
    ◦ willing to invest their time and make a financial commitment,
    ◦ looking for a safe place to be open and authentic, and
    ◦ who realize seeking advice is a strength, not a weakness.

    WHY -
    SFN Mastermind Group Dads benefit by:
    ◦ realizing they are NOT alone
    ◦ having better relationships with their spouse,
    ◦ developing improved understandings of their child(ren),
    ◦ tapping into the experience and wisdom of others,
    ◦ getting weekly encouragement from like-minded dads, and
    ◦ creating a pathway to become the best version of themselves

    21st Century Dads Foundation is looking to provide 100 special needs fathers with the opportunity to be part of the class of 2024 Mastermind Group.

    Curious to learn more?
    Are you looking to meet like-minded dads?
    Do you feel like something is missing?
    SFN Mastermind Group FAQs - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/
    Schedule A Call - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group-inquiry-form/
    Show more Show less
    21 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 329 - Dave Van Doorn of Carpentersville, IL Father Of Two Including An Autistic Daughter & Take A Vet Fishing Ambassador

    SFN Dad To Dad 329 - Dave Van Doorn of Carpentersville, IL Father Of Two Including An Autistic Daughter & Take A Vet Fishing Ambassador
    Aug 9 2024
    Our guest this week is Dave Van Doorn of Carpentersville, IL a retired general contractor, father of two, including an autistic daughter and Take A Vet Fishing ambassodor.

    Dave and his wife, Nancy, have been married for 35 years and are the proud parents of two: Tim (31) and Sara (29), who has Autism.

    Dave is a retired general contractor and professional fisherman, having won numerous tournaments. More recently he has directed his love for fishing to serving as an ambassodor for Take A Vet Fishing, a non-profit dedicated to: honor, comfort and provide healing for our PTS (Post Traumatic Stress) veterans and their family members.

    It's an uplifting story about commitment to family, overcoming adversity and service to others, here on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    Show Links -
    Phone – 847-636-2677
    Email - davevandoorn@comcast.net
    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-vandoorn-85664713/
    Take A Vet Fishing - https://takeavetfishing.org/
    Special Olympics Illinois https://www.soill.org

    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/
    Show more Show less
    48 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 328 - Mastermind Group Monday With Tim Coughlin of London, England

    SFN Dad To Dad 328 - Mastermind Group Monday With Tim Coughlin of London, England
    Aug 5 2024
    This is part of a special series of interviews within the SFN Dad To Dad Podcasts known as the SFN Mastermind Group Monday Podcasts. Each Monday host David Hirsch interviews one of the SFN Mastermind Group dads on the impact the mastermind group has had on him and the wellbeing of his family.

    This Monday’s guest is Tim Coughlin of London, England who works for Morgan Stanley and is the father of two young daughters, one who has a rare genetic disease.

    Tim and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for 9 years and are the proud parents of two young girls: Alice (5) and Edith (3), who was diagnosed with BBSOAS or Bosch-Boonstra-Schaff Optic Atrophy Syndrome, a very rare neurological disorder caused by a disruption in the NR2F1 gene. The young couple have also played leader roles within the BBSOAS community, with Jennifer leading the board of the NR2F1 Foundation, which funds research for BBSAOS.

    Tim has helped establish the London SFN Mastermind Group earlier this year. He was featured in episode #279 of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast in November 2023. Tim has also gone on to advocate for greater father involvement within the BBSOAS community.

    Show Notes -
    Email – trcoughlin@gmail.com
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-coughlin-97ba6225/
    SFN Dad To Dad Podcast Episode #279 – https://21stcenturydads.org/279-tim-coughlin-a-u-s-xpat-in-london-england-an-ed-with-morgan-stanley-father-of-two-including-one-diagnosed-with-bbsoas/

    About the SFN Mastermind Group –

    WHAT-
    SFN Mastermind Group dads meet weekly by Zoom for 75 minutes. Each meeting:
    ◦ starts with a round of wins from the past week,
    ◦ includes a discussion of the current book (6 per year) being reviewed,
    ◦ has two Dad-In-The-Middle sessions for dads to share a challenge, and
    ◦ ends with a recap and look at the week ahead.

    WHO -
    SFN Mastermind Group Dads are those:
    ◦ seeking meaningful friendships with like-minded dads,
    ◦ willing to invest their time and make a financial commitment,
    ◦ looking for a safe place to be open and authentic, and
    ◦ who realize seeking advice is a strength, not a weakness.

    WHY -
    SFN Mastermind Group Dads benefit by:
    ◦ realizing they are NOT alone
    ◦ having better relationships with their spouse,
    ◦ developing improved understandings of their child(ren),
    ◦ tapping into the experience and wisdom of others,
    ◦ getting weekly encouragement from like-minded dads, and
    ◦ creating a pathway to become the best version of themselves

    21st Century Dads Foundation is looking to provide 100 special needs fathers with the opportunity to be part of the class of 2024 Mastermind Group.

    Curious to learn more?
    Are you looking to meet like-minded dads?
    Do you feel like something is missing?
    SFN Mastermind Group FAQs - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/
    Schedule A Call - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group-inquiry-form/
    Show more Show less
    16 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 327 - Scott Maulsby of Lebanon, TN A Life & Health Agent With HeathMarkets, Father Of Five Including Two Adopted Sons

    SFN Dad To Dad 327 - Scott Maulsby of Lebanon, TN A Life & Health Agent With HeathMarkets, Father Of Five Including Two Adopted Sons
    Aug 2 2024
    Our guest this week is Scott Maulsby of Lebanon, TN, who is a life and health insurance agent with HealthMarkets, Inc. and father of five inlcuding two adopted sons.

    Scott and his wife, Carrie, have been married for 13 years and are the proud parents of five children; two older daughters, daughters Zoie (11) and two adopted sons, Jackson (11) and Ridley, who is autistic and intellectually disabled.

    Scott and Carrie have also been outspoken advocates for people with disabilities through Joni & Friends and Rising Above Ministries.

    We’ll hear Scott’s story on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast.

    Show Notes -
    Phone - (615) 606-1006
    Email - maulsbys@icloud.com
    Website - https://www.healthmarkets.com/local-health-insurance-agent/smaulsby/
    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottmaulsby/
    Blog - https://www.itsweewee.com/
    Joni & Friends – https://joniandfriends.org/
    Rising Above Ministries - https://www.risingaboveministries.org/

    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/
    Show more Show less
    54 mins