Episodes

  • SFN Dad To Dad 387 - Randy Pierce of Concord, NH An Author, Avid Outdoorsman, Mountain Climber, CEO and Who Is Blind

    SFN Dad To Dad 387 - Randy Pierce of Concord, NH An Author, Avid Outdoorsman, Mountain Climber, CEO and Who Is Blind
    Jul 18 2025
    Our guest this week is Randy Pierce of Concord, NH who is an author, avid outdoorsman, mountain climber, keynote speaker, president & CEO of Future In Sight New Hampshire, and who himself if blind.

    Randy and his wife, Tracy, have been married for 15 years.

    When Randy was in his early 20s he suddenly went blind in one eye and then over a number of years would lose sight in the other eye. If that wasn't challenging enough, Randy also lost the ability to walk for the better part of two years. After a series of medical procedures and through old fashion grit and determination, Randy regained his ability to walk and has become an avid outdoorsman and mountain climber.

    Professionally Randy is president & CEO of Future In Sight New Hampshire, a non-profit providing essential services and support for over 100 years to children, adults and elderly living in New Hampshire who are blind and visually impaired.

    Randy is also author of the book: See You At The Summit: My Blind Journey From The Depths Of Loss To The Heights Of Achievement, a brilliant and inspirational read.

    There was so much to cover we decided to break his interview into two parts. This is Part #1 of Randy's SFN Dad To Dad Podcast interview.

    Show Notes -
    Phone – (603) 546-8542
    Email – rpierce@futureinsight.org
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-pierce-2020/
    Website - https://futureinsight.org/
    Heroes of Summer YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmUKmbNLvag
    Book - See You At The Summit: My Blind Journey From The Depths Of Loss To The Heights Of Achievement - https://tinyurl.com/y6kwpvjh

    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
    50 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 386 - Dr. Paul Collins of Portland, OR A Professor at PSU, Prolific Author & Father Of Two Including An Autistic Son

    SFN Dad To Dad 386 - Dr. Paul Collins of Portland, OR A Professor at PSU, Prolific Author & Father Of Two Including An Autistic Son
    Jul 11 2025
    Our guest this week is Dr. Paul Collins, of Portland, OR a professor at Portland State University, a prolific author, and father of two boys including one with Autism.

    Paul and his wife, Jennifer Elder, have married for 28 years and are the proud parents of two boys: Bramwell (21) and older brother Morgan (26) who is Autistic.

    Paul is a professor of English in the college of Liberal Arts & Science at Portland State University. In addition to teaching English, Paul has been a prolific author including the book: Not Even Wrong: A Father's Journey Into the Lost History of Autism (Bloomsbury, 2004), which is a brilliant story including a fascinating look back on the history of Autism.

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

    Show Notes -
    Phone – (503) 725-3504
    Email – pcollins@pdx.edu
    Website – https://www.pdx.edu/profile/paul-collins
    Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Collins_(American_writer)
    Books –
    • Blood & Ivy (W.W. Norton, 2018)
    • Edgar Allan Poe: The Fever Called Living (New Harvest, 2014)
    • Duel With the Devil: The True Story of How Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr Teamed Up to Take on America's First Sensational Murder Mystery (Crown, 2013)
    • The Murder of The Century: The Gilded Age Crime That Scandalized a City and Sparked the Tabloid Wars (Crown, 2011)
    • The Book of William: How Shakespeare's First Folio Conquered the World (Bloomsbury, 2009)
    • The Trouble With Tom: The Strange Afterlife and Times of Thomas Paine (Bloomsbury, 2005)
    • Not Even Wrong: A Father's Journey Into the Lost History of Autism (Bloomsbury, 2004)
    • Sixpence House: Lost in a Town of Books (Bloomsbury, 2003)
    • Banvard's Folly: Thirteen Tales of People Who Didn't Change the World (Picador, 2001)
    • Community Writing: Researching Social Issues Through Composition (Erlbaum, 2001)
    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
    1 hr and 1 min
  • SFN Dad To Dad 385 - Steve Harris of Lanesboro, MN A Freelance Writer, Author, Widower, Husband & Father of 2 Sons With Disabilities Part 2

    SFN Dad To Dad 385 - Steve Harris of Lanesboro, MN A Freelance Writer, Author, Widower, Husband & Father of 2 Sons With Disabilities Part 2
    Jul 4 2025
    Our guest this week is Steve Harris of Lanesboro, MN a free-lance writer, widower, author and father of two sons with disabilities. Part 2.

    Steve and his wife, Susan, have married for 17 years. Steve and his first wife, Pam, were together for 30 years, before she passed away in 2012 due to a rare neurological disorder. Steve and Pam had two boys: Matthew who was born in 1980 with Spina bifida and younger son, Andrew, who is 37 and who has Cerebral Palsy. Both boys would eventually be diagnosed with PMD or Pelizaeus Merzbacher Disease, a rare neurological disease, where there is a lack of myelin covering the nerves.

    Very sadly, Matthew passed away in October 2020 four days short of his 40th birthday.

    Steve's career included being a pastor, a middle school teacher and for 20 years, director of communications at Twin Cities YMCA . All along Steve has been a writer who morer recently has published two books:
    • Dads Like Us: A Survival Guide For Fathers Raising Children With Disabilities (2024)
    • Lanesboro, Minnesota (2018)
    We also learn about a wide range of supporting organizations the family has benefited from, including:
    • Spina Bifida Association,
    • Boston Children’s Hospital,
    • University of MA Medical Center,
    • Genetic Counseling Gillette Children’s Hospital (St. Paul),
    • Wanna Meonie’s School (Palo Alto) inclusive, and
    • MN Accessible sports.
    One of Steve's superpowers is his resilience through some of life's greatest challenges. This week's episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast is Part 2.

    Show Links:
    Phone – (952) 836-7904
    Email – sharris1962@msn.com
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-harris-44101315/
    Website – https://steveharrisauthor.com/
    Books –
    • Dads Like Us: A Survival Guide For Fathers Raising Children With Disabilities (2024) https://tinyurl.com/mrxact2y
    • Lanesboro, Minnesota (2018) https://tinyurl.com/2zfbv24s
    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
    41 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 384 - Steve Harris of Lanesboro, MN A Freelance Writer, Author, Widower, Husband & Father of 2 Sons With Disabilities Part 1

    SFN Dad To Dad 384 - Steve Harris of Lanesboro, MN A Freelance Writer, Author, Widower, Husband & Father of 2 Sons With Disabilities Part 1
    Jun 27 2025
    Our guest this week is Steve Harris of Lanesboro, MN a free-lance writer, widower, author and father of two sons with disabilities. Part 1.

    Steve and his wife, Susan, have married for 17 years. Steve and his first wife, Pam, were together for 30 years, before she passed away in 2012 due to a rare neurological disorder. Steve and Pam had two boys: Matthew who was born in 1980 with Spina bifida and younger son, Andrew, who is 37 and who has Cerebral Palsy. Both boys would eventually be diagnosed with PMD or Pelizaeus Merzbacher Disease, a rare neurological disease, where there is a lack of myelin covering the nerves.

    Very sadly, Matthew passed away in October 2020 four days short of his 40th birthday.

    Steve's career included being a pastor, a middle school teacher and for 20 years, director of communications at Twin Cities YMCA . All along Steve has been a writer who morer recently has published two books:
    • Dads Like Us: A Survival Guide For Fathers Raising Children With Disabilities (2024)
    • Lanesboro, Minnesota (2018)
    We also learn about a wide range of supporting organizations the family has benefited from, including:
    • Spina Bifida Association,
    • Boston Children’s Hospital,
    • University of MA Medical Center,
    • Genetic Counseling Gillette Children’s Hospital (St. Paul),
    • Wanna Meonie’s School (Palo Alto) inclusive, and
    • MN Accessible sports.
    One of Steve's superpowers is his resilience through some of life's greatest challenges. This week's episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast is Part 1.

    Show Links:
    Phone – (952) 836-7904
    Email – sharris1962@msn.com
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-harris-44101315/
    Website – https://steveharrisauthor.com/
    Books –
    • Dads Like Us: A Survival Guide For Fathers Raising Children With Disabilities (2024) https://tinyurl.com/mrxact2y
    • Lanesboro, Minnesota (2018) https://tinyurl.com/2zfbv24s
    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
    46 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 383 - Peter Gerhardt of Rich Hill Park, NJ ED at Epic Schools, Author, Autism Expert & Disability Advocate - Part 2

    SFN Dad To Dad 383 - Peter Gerhardt of Rich Hill Park, NJ ED at Epic Schools, Author, Autism Expert & Disability Advocate - Part 2
    Jun 20 2025
    Our guest this week is Peter Gerhardt of Rich Hill Park, NJ who is executive director at EPIC Schools located in Paramus, NJ, author of dozens of publications and books, an internationally recognized Autism expert and outspoken advocate for the disability community.

    Peter has three degrees from Rutgers University: a BA in Psychology, an EdM in Special Education, and a PhD in Education Psychology and Special Education.

    He has dedicated his life to researching Autism and serving the disability community. He has developed workshops and given hundreds of presentations domestically and internationally.

    Some of his publications include:
    Make it Meaningful: Creating Programs that Matter into Adulthood for Learners with Autism and Related Disorders (2024).

    Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series (2022).

    Transition to Adulthood for Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism: Can We Improve Outcomes? (2022)

    Social Skill and Adaptive Behavior Intervention with Learners with Autism (2013).

    Peter also served as a consultant for the widely respected documentary In A Different Key (2021) co-producers: Caren Zucker, John Donovan & Ray Conley with music by Wynston Marsalis.

    Given the scope of Peter's work we decided to split his interview into two parts. This is part #2.


    Show Links:
    Phone – (210) 576-0600
    Email – PGerhardt@epicschool.org
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-gerhardt-112a4b29/
    Website - https://www.epicschool.org/
    Organization for Autism Research (OAR) - https://researchautism.org/
    Books –
    - Make it Meaningful: Creating Programs that Matter into Adulthood for Learners with Autism and Related Disorders
    - Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series - Publication
    - Transition to Adulthood for Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism: Can We Improve Outcomes?. Movie – https://www.inadifferentkeythemovie.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/
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 382 - Peter Gerhardt of Rich Hill Park, NJ ED at Epic Schools, Author, Autism Expert & Disability Advocate

    SFN Dad To Dad 382 - Peter Gerhardt of Rich Hill Park, NJ ED at Epic Schools, Author, Autism Expert & Disability Advocate
    Jun 13 2025
    Our guest this week is Peter Gerhardt of Rich Hill Park, NJ who is executive director at EPIC Schools located in Paramus, NJ, author of dozens of publications and books, an internationally recognized Autism expert and outspoken advocate for the disability community.

    Peter has three degrees from Rutgers University: a BA in Psychology, an EdM in Special Education, and a PhD in Education Psychology and Special Education.

    He has dedicated his life to researching Autism and serving the disability community. He has developed workshops and given hundreds of presentations domestically and internationally.

    Some of his publications include:
    Make it Meaningful: Creating Programs that Matter into Adulthood for Learners with Autism and Related Disorders (2024).

    Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series (2022).

    Transition to Adulthood for Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism: Can We Improve Outcomes? (2022)

    Social Skill and Adaptive Behavior Intervention with Learners with Autism (2013).

    Peter also served as a consultant for the widely respected documentary In A Different Key (2021) co-producers: Caren Zucker, John Donovan & Ray Conley with music by Wynston Marsalis.

    Given the scope of Peter's work we decided to split his interview into two parts. This is part #1.

    Show Links:
    Phone – (210) 576-0600
    Email – PGerhardt@epicschool.org
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-gerhardt-112a4b29/
    Website - https://www.epicschool.org/
    Organization for Autism Research (OAR) - https://researchautism.org/
    Books –
    - Make it Meaningful: Creating Programs that Matter into Adulthood for Learners with Autism and Related Disorders
    - Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series - Publication
    - Transition to Adulthood for Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism: Can We Improve Outcomes?. Movie – https://www.inadifferentkeythemovie.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/
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 381 Rick Bolle of Naperville, IL - Founding Pastor of Front Porch Church Serving Those With Disabilities & Their Families

    SFN Dad To Dad 381 Rick Bolle of Naperville, IL - Founding Pastor of Front Porch Church Serving Those With Disabilities & Their Families
    Jun 6 2025
    Our guest this week is Rick Bolle of Naperville, IL founding pastor of the newly formed Front Porch Church, father of two and retired businessman.

    Rick and his wife, Alinda, have been married for 32 years and are the proud parents of two adult children.

    Shortly after retiring from Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2022, where he was a Senior Safety Specialist, Rick felt a calling to start or plant Front Porch Church.

    Established in 2023, Front Porch Church helps people of all ability find their way back to God. FPC is specifically designed to welcome individuals with special needs and their families. Weekly services offer a worship experience that embraces all expressions and all movements, ensuring that everyone feels included, valued, safe and loved.

    It’s an illuminating conversation and we’ll hear it on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    Show Links
    Phone – (630) 442-4031
    Email – rickbolle2@icloud.com
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-bolle-6955b150/
    Website - https://kidsmatter2us.org/front-porch-church/
    Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/groups/962219779455651

    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
    40 mins
  • SFN Dad to Dad 380 - Spencer Doman Of Philadelphia, PA CEO & 3rd Generation Leader of the Doman International Institute

    SFN Dad to Dad 380 - Spencer Doman Of Philadelphia, PA CEO & 3rd Generation Leader of the Doman International Institute
    May 30 2025
    Our guest this week is Spencer Doman of Philadelphia, PA, who is president and CEO of the Doman International Institute, where they empower parents with knowledge and tools to help their children with special needs thrive and teach parents how to create a loving, stimulating and healthy home so that their child can reach their fullest potential.

    Spencer and his wife, Melissa, have been married for 15 years.

    Spencer's grandfather, Glenn Doman, created the The Doman Method, and dedicated his life to helping kids with special needs. Doman International Institute was founded by Glenn’s son, Douglas Doman, and four other members of the Doman family. Spencer is the 3rd generation leader of DII. Over the past 70 years they have served more than 40K families in eight countries. Their research based results indicate 2X faster development for children after starting treatment.

    The DII website has a robust level of resources including books, articles and various trainings for parents and caregivers.

    Show Links
    Phone – (267)270-6657
    Email – spencer@domaninternational.org
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-doman-05957523/
    Website - https://www.domaninternational.org/
    Books –
    • The Doman Method: From Special Needs To Wellness - https://tinyurl.com/3eutfh7y
    • Answering Autism: The Doman Method Plan for Autism, ADD and Neurodevelopmental Delays - https://tinyurl.com/yvefnbbv
    • From Immobility To Walking: The Doman Method Pln To Teach A Special Needs Child To Talk & Run - https://tinyurl.com/bddy3uye
    • Fit Baby, Smart Baby, Your Baby!: From Birth To Age Six - https://tinyurl.com/bdf57yty
    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
    43 mins