Dad to Dad Podcast

David Hirsch

Fathers mentoring fathers of kids with special needs - presented by the Special Fathers Network. Host David Hirsch interviews some amazing fathers of kids with special needs.

  1. SFN Dad To Dad 431 - Mike Durso of Philadelphia, PA SVP at Ping Identity, Father of Three Including One With a Rare Disease

    6D AGO

    SFN Dad To Dad 431 - Mike Durso of Philadelphia, PA SVP at Ping Identity, Father of Three Including One With a Rare Disease

    Our guest this week is Mike Durso of Philadelphia, PA who is a senior vice president at Ping Identity, a cyber security firm.  Mike is the father of three children including one with a very rare disease who is also involved with martial arts.  Mike and his wife, Mary, have been married for 21 years and are the proud parents of three children: daughters: Giuliana (19) and Mia (9) and son Dominic (17) who has a rare genetic condition known as RBN12 gene depletion, which has created global developmental delays We learn about some fascinating aspects Dominic's situation, his rare disease diagnosis, his schooling at Our Lady of Confidence (OLC) Catholic School, his involvement with Montgomery City Special Olympics, Tiger Schulmann's Martial Arts and the organization's Swing for the Stars program, a special event where individuals with disabilities step into the spotlight and go one-on-one with some of the gym’s top fighters. It’s more than an exhibition. It’s a night built on inclusion, awareness, and respect. Giving these special athletes an experience they’ll never forget. Mike has also helped start the Dominator Foundation, a charity committed to raising funds for student activities & scholarships so families facing financial hardship can send their children to OLC. It's an uplifting story about faith, family, acceptance and embracing life all on this episode of the Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Notes - Phone – (267) 254-7840 Email – durso2323@gmail.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldurso/ Spot.fund/thedominatorfoundation Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thedominatorfoundation?igsh=MXc3NXQ5bDN1dDJ1OA== Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcv Join 21CD on the SFN U.S. Tour, a 30 day, 50 state, 60+ stop tour taking place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network and distribute 2,000 complimentary copies of our new book.   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. Join the SFN U.S. Tour in one of 60+ locations all across the U.S. from May 21st to June 21st.  Go to www.21stCenturyDads.org for additional informaiton.  Please conisder hosting, co-hosting or simoly joining the tour near your home.   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/

    30 min
  2. SFN Dad To Dad 430 - Nathan Simpson of Colorado Springs, CO Father of Nine, Including One With Tuberous Sclerosis

    MAY 15

    SFN Dad To Dad 430 - Nathan Simpson of Colorado Springs, CO Father of Nine, Including One With Tuberous Sclerosis

    Our guest this week is Nathan Simpson of Colorado Springs, CO an aircraft mission planner for the U.S. Air Force and father of nine children including one with tuberous sclerosis.   Nathan and his wife, Stefanie, have been married for 19 years and are the proud parents of nine children ranging in age from 3 months to 17 years, including six year old Tevia, who has tuberous sclerosis.   The family lives outside of Colorado Springs on a working farm, with all types of animals and Stefanie home schools the children.  Nathan has also been a member of the SFN Matermind Group in Colorado.   It's an enlightening, uplifting and inspiring story about a young couple, with a large family and a demonstrated spiritual dimension to their lives, all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast. Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcv Join 21CD on the SFN U.S. Tour, a 30 day, 50 state, 60+ stop tour taking place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network as well as give away 2,000 copies of our new book.  Click here to see the full tour schedul and register for the venuw closest to you: https://21stcenturydads.org/us-tour-venue-details/  Show Notes -  Email – simpson.nathan@pm.me TSA website - https://tuberous-sclerosis.org/information-and-support/what-is-tsc/ 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. Join the SFN U.S. Tour in one of 60+ locations all across the U.S. from May 21st to June 21st.  Go to www.21stCenturyDads.org for additional informaiton.  Please conisder hosting, co-hosting or simoly joining the tour near your home.   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/

    29 min
  3. SFN Dad To Dad 429 - Mike Schugt of Orlando, FL A Former Hospitality Exec, Founder of INNclusivity and Father of Two Daughters

    MAY 8

    SFN Dad To Dad 429 - Mike Schugt of Orlando, FL A Former Hospitality Exec, Founder of INNclusivity and Father of Two Daughters

    Our guest this week is Mike Schugt of Orlando, FL, a former hotel and hospitality executive, founder of INNclusivity and fahter of two daughters.  Mike and his x-wife are the proud parents of two young adult daughters.   After a successful career in the hospitality industry including senior roles at: Hyatt Regency, Hilton Hotels and Teneo Group, Mike has founded INNclusivity, a non-profit whose mission is: empowering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to build meaningful careers in the hospitality industry by creating pathways to independence, purpose, and professional success. It's an inspring story about being a social entrepreneur, taking for-profit principles and bringing them to bear for the benfit of the community all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Notes - Phone – (407) 973-5253 Email – mike@innclusivity.org Website - https://innclusivity.org/ Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcv Join 21CD on the SFN U.S. Tour, a 30 day, 50 state, 60+ stop tour taking place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network as well as give away 2,000 copies of our new book.   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. Join the SFN U.S. Tour in one of 60+ locations all across the U.S. from May 21st to June 21st.  Go to www.21stCenturyDads.org for additional informaiton.  Please conisder hosting, co-hosting or simoly joining the tour near your home.   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/

    29 min
  4. SFN Dad To Dad 428 - Jeff Zaugg of Flagler Beach, FL Father of Four, Founder of Fathers for the Fatherless, Podcast Host & Now Author

    MAY 1

    SFN Dad To Dad 428 - Jeff Zaugg of Flagler Beach, FL Father of Four, Founder of Fathers for the Fatherless, Podcast Host & Now Author

    Our guest this week is Jeff Zaugg of Flagler Beach, FL father of four, former youth pastor, founder of Fathers for the Fatherless, host of the Dad Awesome Podcast and now author of Dad Awesome: Dad Discoveries To Activate Awesomness.  Jeff is a returning podcast guest.   Jeff and his wife, Michelle, have been married for 20 years and are the proud parents of four daughters: Kiva (12), Ruthie (9), Raya (7) and Zara (5). Jeff is the founder of Fathers for the Fatherless a movement to engage men and host activities to raise funds to address the issue of father absence.  Jeff is also host of the Dad Awesome Podcast now with more than 430 weekly episodes.  David Hirsch was featured in episode #274 in April of 2023. https://www.dadawesome.org/blog/274  Jeff has recently published his first book: Dad Awesome: Dad Discoveries To Activate Awesomness. It's well researched and includes six sections: Wonder & Delight, Identity & Sonship, Story & Legacy, Intentionality & Building, Freedom & Healing and Leadership & Activation.   Jeff is a believer, an amazing father and has a true passion for connecting the hearts of fathers to their children.  It's grest to welcome Jeff back to the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Notes -  Email – jeff@dadawesome.org Website – https://dadawesome.org/ Website - https://www.thereelhopeproject.org/about-us/ LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffzaugg/ Instagram: @dadawesome  @fatherforthefatherless Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dadawesomepodcast/  Book: Dad Awesome - https://www.dadawesome.org/book  Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcv Join 21CD on the SFN U.S. Tour, a 30 day, 50 state, 60+ stop tour taking place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network as well as give away 2,000 copies of our new book.  https://21stcenturydads.org/us-tour-venue-details/  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. Join the SFN U.S. Tour in one of 60+ locations all across the U.S. from May 21st to June 21st.  Go to www.21stCenturyDads.org for additional informaiton.  Please consider hosting, co-hosting or simply joining the tour at a location near you.   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/

    29 min
  5. SFN Dad To Dad - 427 Andrew Ginsburg of Southport, CT Loving Father of Three, Author, Trainer & Stand-Up Comedian

    APR 24

    SFN Dad To Dad - 427 Andrew Ginsburg of Southport, CT Loving Father of Three, Author, Trainer & Stand-Up Comedian

    Our guest this week is Andrew Ginsburg of Southport, CT who is a stand-up comedian, author of three books and perhaps most importantly, father of three young children. Andrew and his wife, Rachel Gerber, have been married for 10 years and are the proud parents of three young children: Ben (8), Leo (6) and Remi (4). Professionally Andrew has been a fitness trainer and an accomplished stand-up comedian for more than two decades.  He was also a competitive body builder in his youth.    One of Andrew's gifts is his ability to write and communicate.  He is the author of: Pumping Irony: How to Build Muscle, Lose Weight, and Have the Last Laugh, and two children's books:  Critter Caravan, andThe Colors Of My Sky Andrew's passion for being a father is rooted in the complicated relationship he shared with his late father, who was a medic and Lt. Commender in the Navy in Vietnam, a Harvard trained physician and chief of surgery at Forrest Hills. Sadly his dad was catastrophically injured in a jogging accident at 68 that compromised his mobility and intellectual ability the last 15 years of his life.  It's an authentic and uplifting story all on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast. Show Notes -  Phone – (917) 576-0919 Email – ginsburgnyc@gmail.com Website - https://andrewginsburg.com/home Book – Pumping Irony - https://tinyurl.com/4tzkd346 Book - Critter Caravan - https://tinyurl.com/3tt3ndff Book – The Colors Of My Sky - https://tinyurl.com/4h6v8c98 Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcv Join 21CD on the SFN U.S. Tour, a 30 day, 50 state, 60+ stop tour taking place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network as well as give away 2,000 copies of our new book.   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. Join the SFN U.S. Tour in one of 60+ locations all across the U.S. from May 21st to June 21st.  Go to www.21stCenturyDads.org for additional informaiton.  Please conisder hosting, co-hosting or simoly joining the tour near your home.   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/

    30 min
  6. SFN Dad To Dad 426 - Murray Jones of Brisbane, Australia, Owner of Big Ideas, Father of Three Including One With Autism & Podcast Host

    APR 17

    SFN Dad To Dad 426 - Murray Jones of Brisbane, Australia, Owner of Big Ideas, Father of Three Including One With Autism & Podcast Host

    Our guest this week is Murray Jones of Brisbane. Australia who is the owner of Big Ideas, a creative communications company, a director of Brisbane Investment and Property Management, the father of three including one with autism and host of the A Few Good Men Podcast. Murray and his wife, Pamela, have been married for 30 years and are the proud parents of three: Hayley (20), Bridget (26) and Fred (28) who is autistic and non-verbal.  Murray is a seasoned advertising industry veteran with three decades of expereince and is also founder of Brisbane Invest a property management company.   Along with friend and fellow special needs dad, Garry Butler, Murray hosts the A Few Good Men Podcast, which aims to understand some of the very difficult and unexpected journeys that men have experienced when raising children with a disability and the way that has altered the course of their lives. It's and uplifting and inspiring story all on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast. Show Notes -  Phone – +61 419 349 5587 Email – murray@bigideasgroup.com.au LinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mujones/ Hear A few Good Men on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/02iTSEBGmQKZT2u1wrUQnr Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcv Join 21CD on the SFN U.S. Tour, a 30 day, 50 state, 60+ stop tour taking place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network as well as give away copies of our new book.   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. Join the SFN U.S. Tour in one of 60+ locations all across the U.S. from May 21st to June 21st.  Go to www.21stCenturyDads.org for additional informaiton.  Please conisder hosting, co-hosting or simoly joining the tour near your home.   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/

    31 min
  7. SFN Dad To Dad 425 - Jon Gustin of Nashville, TN A Writer, Content Creator, Father Of Two & Author Of The Upcoming Book: The Tired Dad

    APR 10

    SFN Dad To Dad 425 - Jon Gustin of Nashville, TN A Writer, Content Creator, Father Of Two & Author Of The Upcoming Book: The Tired Dad

    Our guest this week is Jon Gustin of Nashville, TN who is a writer, content creator, father of two young children and author of the upcoming book: The Tired Dad. Jon and his wife, Jessica, have been married for 12 years and are the proud parents of two children: Dakota (9) and Asher (6). Jon has over two million followers across four platforms including; YouTube, Instagram and his Tired Dad & Tired Mom Podcast, where he shares real moments of fatherhood and the lessons learned.  Jon reflects authentically on his rebellion as a youth, overcoming addiction and how being a husband and father have provided him with purpose and a new direction.  It's an uplifting story all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Notes -  Email – thetireddadlife@gmail.com Substack - https://thetireddad.substack.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetireddad/ Book - The Tired Dad - https://tinyurl.com/yck5cwua  Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcv Join 21CD on the SFN U.S. Tour, a 30 day, 50 state, 60+ stop tour taking place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network as well as give away copies of our new book.   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. Join the SFN U.S. Tour in one of 60+ locations all across the U.S. from May 21st to June 21st.  Go to www.21stCenturyDads.org for additional informaiton.  Please conisder hosting, co-hosting or simoly joining the tour near your home.   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/

    29 min
  8. SFN Dad To Dad 424 - Pat Wire of Crystal Lake, IL High School Teacher, Varsity Baseball Coach & Father of 4, Including One With Autism

    APR 3

    SFN Dad To Dad 424 - Pat Wire of Crystal Lake, IL High School Teacher, Varsity Baseball Coach & Father of 4, Including One With Autism

    Our guest this week is Pat Wire, of Crystal Lake, IL a social studies teacher at Barrington High School, long-time head coach of the Barrington Broncos High School varsity baseball team and father of four, including a son with autism. Pat and his wife, Leane, are the proud parents of four children: Gabrielle (19), Bobbi (17), Shaelyn (12) and Preston (11) who is autistic and non-verbal. Pat has been coaching for nearly three decades and at the high school level for more than two decades.   Pat reflects on how much Preston has taught him about; parenting, patience, himself and what's important in life.  The big take away?  Parents of a child with special abilities need to use the child's yardstick to measure the child's progress vs. the one they might have used for themselves.   We’ll hear all about Pat, his open and transparent views on parenting and life, all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Notes -  Phone – (847) 754-0138 Email – PWire@barrington220.org Order your copy of the new 21CD book: Dads Raising Chidlren With Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide For 21st Century Dads on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tdvjcv Join 21CD on the SFN U.S. Tour, a 30 day, 50 state, 60+ stop tour taking place from May 21 to June 21, 2026: to strengthen and grow the Special Fathers Network as well as give away copies of our new book.   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. Join the SFN U.S. Tour in one of 60+ locations all across the U.S. from May 21st to June 21st.  Go to www.21stCenturyDads.org for additional informaiton.  Please conisder hosting, co-hosting or simoly joining the tour near your home.   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/

    31 min
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4.6
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

Fathers mentoring fathers of kids with special needs - presented by the Special Fathers Network. Host David Hirsch interviews some amazing fathers of kids with special needs.

Information

  • Creator
    David Hirsch
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    430
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright David Hirsch
  • Show Website
    Dad to Dad Podcast

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