Episodes

  • SFN Dad To Dad 443 - Brandon Boyd of Stillwater, OK, Cru Staff Member, Author & Father of Two, Including One With FOXP1

    SFN Dad To Dad 443 - Brandon Boyd of Stillwater, OK, Cru Staff Member, Author & Father of Two, Including One With FOXP1
    Aug 14 2026
    Our guest this week is Brandon Boyd of Stillwater, OK who is a senior staff member with Cru at Oklahoma State University, an author and father of two including a son with FOXP1, a rare genetic disorder.

    Brandon and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for 25 years and are the proud parents of two boys: Ethan (19) and Ben (21) who has FOXP1, a rare genetic disorder that is characterized by developmental delays, speech impairments, and other neurological and behavioral challenges.

    Brandon is author of the book: Delighting In Ben: A Father & Son Discovering The Delight Of God (2026). The book is a father’s moving journey of discovering, through his son Ben, that every life has immeasurable value and that God’s deepest delight is often revealed through those the world may overlook.

    We also learn about; Sooner Care and Dads On Special Assignment (DOSA).

    It's an uplifting story about faith, family and embrasing life.

    Show Notes -
    Phone – (405) 269-1004
    Email – brandon.boyd@cru.org
    LinkedIin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-boyd-9221728/
    Book – Delighting In Ben: A Father & Son Discovering The Delight of God – https://tinyurl.com/3ze8fkyr
    FOXP1 - https://www.foxp1.org/foxp1syndrome

    About The Special Fathers Network -
    Special thanks to all those who supported the SFN U.S. Tour, a month-long, 50-state, 60+ stop tour that took place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network and distribute 1,000+ complimentary copies of our new book: Dads Raising Children With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads.

    Special Fathers Network –
    SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 900+ 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/
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    30 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 442 - Jeremy Warren of Tulsa, OK, Founder of DOSA (Dads On Special Assignment & Father of 6, Including 1 With A Rare Disease

    SFN Dad To Dad 442 - Jeremy Warren of Tulsa, OK, Founder of DOSA (Dads On Special Assignment & Father of 6, Including 1 With A Rare Disease
    Aug 7 2026
    Our guest this week is Jeremy Warren of Tulsa, OK a graphic artist, founder of DOSA (Dads On Special Assignment) and fatther of six boys, including one with a rare disease.

    Jeremy and his wife, Heidi, have been married for 22 years and are the proud parents of six boys ranging in age from 2 to 18 including, their second oldest, Landon (16) who has a rare disease, which was officially diagnosed just a few years ago as PURA Syndrome and a secondary condition known as P-O-L-G, both of which have resulted in severe neurodevelopmental delays and intellectual disabilities, plus a slew of other side effects.

    The mission of DOSA is to serve dads of children with special needs by providing tools and resources that equip them to become healthier mentally, physically, and spiritually in order to lead their families well and embrace their role as a dads on special assignment.

    We also learn about a couple of organizations that Landon has benefited from, including:
    • Little Light House
    • OK Family Network
    It’s an uplifting story about a father's commitment to family and service to others, all on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast.

    Show Notes -
    Phone – (918) 269-1409
    Email – jw@dosausa.org
    Dads On Special Assignment - https://dosausa.org/

    Special thanks to all those who supported the SFN U.S. Tour, a month-long, 50-state, 60+ stop tour that took place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network and distribute 1,000+ complimentary copies of our new book: Dads Raising Children With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads.

    Special Fathers Network –
    SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 900+ 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
    30 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 441 - Frank Dillon of Glendale, AZ A Professor at Arizona State University & Father of Two Including One with Down Syndrome

    SFN Dad To Dad 441 - Frank Dillon of Glendale, AZ A Professor at Arizona State University & Father of Two Including One with Down Syndrome
    Jul 31 2026
    Our guest this week is Frank Dillon of Glendale, AZ who is a professor at Arizona State University in the School of Counseling and Counseling Psychology and perhaps most importantly, father of two including one with Down Syndrome.

    Frank and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for 25 years and are the proud parents of two children: Brady (14) and Reese (18) who has Down syndrome.

    We learn about a number of organizations that Reese and the Dillon family have benefited from, including: Gigi's Playhouse, New York Special Olympics and Arizona Down Syndrome Network.

    It's an uplifting story about family and resilience on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    (this episode was recorded face-to-face in front of the audience at Gigi's Playhouse Scottsdale, as part of the SFN U.S. Tour).

    Show Notes -
    Phone – (480) 622-4721
    Email – Frank.Dillon@asu.edu
    Gigi’s Playhouse Scottsdale – https://gigisplayhouse.org/phoenix/

    Special thanks to all those who supported the SFN U.S. Tour, a month-long, 50-state, 60+ stop tour that took place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network and distribute 1,000+ complimentary copies of our new book: Dads Raising Children With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads.

    Special Fathers Network –
    SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 900+ 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 439 - Rodger Northouse of Summit, WI A Mfg Hardware & Software Consultant, Founder of Let Us Ride, Father To A Son With DS

    SFN Dad To Dad 439 - Rodger Northouse of Summit, WI A Mfg Hardware & Software Consultant, Founder of Let Us Ride, Father To A Son With DS
    Jul 17 2026
    Our guest this week is Rodger Northouse of Summit, WI, a manufacturing software and hardware consultant, founder of Let Us Ride and father of two, including son with Down Syndrome.

    Rodger and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for 14 years and are the proud parents of two children: Georgia (14), and Reed (12), who has Down syndrome.

    The couple are co-owners of Let Us Ride, an adaptive bike company that makes cycling more accessible by providing extra support, stability, and customization to suit different abilities and limitations. Some of the different styles include: handcycles, tricycles, tandem bikes, recumbent bikes, electric-assist adaptive bikes and custom-modified bikes.

    We also learn about a variety of organizations that Reed and the family have benefited from including: Gigi's Playhouse, YMCA Special Olympics, Zacharias Acres, and Basketball Miracle League.

    It's an uplifting story about family and resilience all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    Show Notes -
    Phone – (414) 406-7158
    Email – rodger@letusride.com
    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodger-northouse/ j
    Gigi’s Playhouse Milwaukee - https://gigisplayhouse.org/milwaukee/
    Let Us Ride - https://letusride.com/

    Special thanks to all those who supported the SFN U.S. Tour, a month-long, 50-state, 60+ stop tour that took place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network and distribute 1,000+ complimentary copies of our new book: Dads Raising Children With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads.

    Special Fathers Network –
    SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 900+ 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 440 - Jerod Garland of Pella, IA An 8th Grade History Teacher, Author and Father Of Three Including One With Down Syndrome

    SFN Dad To Dad 440 - Jerod Garland of Pella, IA An 8th Grade History Teacher, Author and Father Of Three Including One With Down Syndrome
    Jul 24 2026
    Our guest this week is Jerod Garland of Pella, IA who is an 8th grade history teacher, an author and father of three including one with Down Syndrome.

    Jerod and his wife, Leah, have been married for 19 years and are the proud parents of three girls: Zoe (11), Eliana (14) and Kayla (17), who has Down syndrome.

    In addition to being an 8th grade history teacher Jerod authored the book Shovels And Spades, where he shares his journey as the father raising a spirited daughter with Down Syndrome.

    We also learn about two organizations that have played an important role in Kayla's life: Special Olympics and Gigi's Playhouse.

    It's an uplifting story about faith, family and embracing life, all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    (this episode was recorded face-to-face in front of the audience at Gigi's Playhouse Des Moines, as part of the SFN U.S. Tour).

    Show Notes -
    Phone – (641) 295-9642
    Email – jerod.garland@pellaschools.org
    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerod-garland-6948313a/
    Gigi’s Playhouse Des Moines – https://gigisplayhouse.org/desmoines/
    Book: Shovels & Spades - https://tinyurl.com/yhjmt3h2

    Special thanks to all those who supported the SFN U.S. Tour, a month-long, 50-state, 60+ stop tour that took place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network and distribute 1,000+ complimentary copies of our new book: Dads Raising Children With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads.

    Special Fathers Network –
    SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 900+ 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
    30 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 438 - Damian Buchman of Wauwatosa, WI, Disability Advocate, Cancer Survivor, Father of Three - Part 2

    SFN Dad To Dad 438 - Damian Buchman of Wauwatosa, WI, Disability Advocate, Cancer Survivor, Father of Three - Part 2
    Jul 10 2026
    Our guest this week is Damian Buchman of Wauwatosa, WI, disability advocate, cancer survivor and father of three adopted children. This is Part 2 of the interview with Damian.

    At age 12, Damian was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer, in his right leg. Seven months later and after undergoing chemotherapy, limb-salvage surgery, and remission, he was also diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his left leg. His physicians believed surviving two primary bilateral osteosarcomas was extraordinarily unlikely. Because of his cancer treatments, he has undergone more than three dozen major knee replacement and revision surgeries over the years and lives with a permanent ambulatory disability.

    Damian and his wife, Elizabeth, have been married for 18 years. Unable to have children of their own, due to Damian's cancer treatments, the couple adopted three children as newborns: Lenon (10), Harrison (12) and Jackson (14), who has ADHD.

    Rather than allowing disbility to define him, Damian has dedicated his career to expanding opportunities for people with disabilities. He is the founder of:
    • The Ability Center
    • Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association, and
    • The Opportunity Center initiative, an ambitious vision for a universally accessible recreation and wellness destination.
    We also learn about Damian's journey as an adaptive athlete.

    This is the concluding segment of this two-part interview.

    It's a remarkable story about beating the odds, overcoming a life-time of obstacles, living a full and meaningful life and creating opportunities for countless others.

    Show Notes -
    Phone – (262) 385-5738
    Email – damian@tacwi.org
    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianbuchman/
    The Ability Center - https://tacwi.org/
    Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Assn - https://www.wasa.org/
    The Opportunity Center - https://tocwi.org/
    Website: https://www.damianbuchman.com

    Special thanks to all those who supported the SFN U.S. Tour, a month-long, 50-state, 60+ stop tour that took place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network and distribute 1,000+ complimentary copies of our new book: Dads Raising Children With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads.

    Special Fathers Network –
    SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 900+ 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
    31 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 437 - Damian Buchman of Wauwatosa, WI, Disability Advocate, Cancer Survivor, Father of Three - Part 1

    SFN Dad To Dad 437 - Damian Buchman of Wauwatosa, WI, Disability Advocate, Cancer Survivor, Father of Three - Part 1
    Jul 3 2026
    Our guest this week is Damian Buchman of Wauwatosa, WI, disability advocate, cancer survivor and father of three adopted children.

    At age 12, Damian was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer, in his right leg. Seven months later and after undergoing chemotherapy, limb-salvage surgery, and remission, he was also diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his left leg. His physicians believed surviving two primary bilateral osteosarcomas was extraordinarily unlikely. Because of his cancer treatments, he has undergone more than three dozen major knee replacement and revision surgeries over the years and lives with a permanent ambulatory disability.

    Damian and his wife, Elizabeth, have been married for 18 years. Unable to have children of their own, due to Damian's cancer treatments, the couple adopted three children as newborns: Lenon (10), Harrison (12) and Jackson (14), who has ADHD.

    Rather than allowing disbility to define him, Damian has dedicated his career to expanding opportunities for people with disabilities. He is the founder of:
    • The Ability Center
    • Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association, and
    • The Opportunity Center initiative, an ambitious vision for a universally accessible recreation and wellness destination.
    We also learn about Damian's journey as an adaptive athlete.

    It's a remarkable story about beating the odds, overcoming a life-time of obstacles, living a full and meaningful life and creating opportunities for countless others.

    Show Notes -
    Phone – (262) 385-5738
    Email – damian@tacwi.org
    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianbuchman/
    The Ability Center - https://tacwi.org/
    Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Assn - https://www.wasa.org/
    The Opportunity Center - https://tocwi.org/
    Website: https://www.damianbuchman.com

    Special thanks to all those who supported the SFN U.S. Tour, a month-long, 50-state, 60+ stop tour that took place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network and distribute 1,000+ complimentary copies of our new book: Dads Raising Children With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads.

    Special Fathers Network –
    SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 900+ 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
    30 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 436 - Jamie Bark of New Richmond, WI A Widower And Proud Father Of Two Daughters Including One With SMA.

    SFN Dad To Dad 436 - Jamie Bark of New Richmond, WI A Widower And Proud Father Of Two Daughters Including One With SMA.
    Jun 26 2026
    Our guest this week is Jamie Bark, of New Ricchmond, WI, a fire fighter, former owner of Value Auto Glass, a widower and father of two daughters, including one with Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

    Jamie and his wife, Jackie, were married for 30 years, before she very sadly passed away in January of 2025 after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. He is also the proud father of two daughters: Maddie (21) and Gabby (17) who has a type of Muscular Dystrophy known as Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) level 2.

    Jamie reflects on his life as a firefighter and private business owner, the struggles of raising a child with SMA, losing his wife to a debilitating disease and becoming a sole parent as well as the role Cure SMA and MDA have played on behalf of his family.

    Jamie's story speaks volumes about his commitment to family, perseverence and reslience all on this episode of the sFN Dad To Dad Podcast.

    Show Notes -
    Phone – (715) 222-0369
    Email – valueglassco@gmail.com
    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bark-74631022/
    MDA – https://www.mda.org/
    Cure SMA - https://www.curesma.org/

    SFN Audiobook 'On Losing A Child' - https://tinyurl.com/46jueh3s

    Special thanks to all those who supported the SFN U.S. Tour, a month-long, 50-state, 60+ stop tour that took place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network and distribute 1,000 complimentary copies of our new book: Dads Raising Children With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads.

    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
    30 mins