Dad to Dad Podcast

David Hirsch
  • 4.6 (23)
  • KIDS & FAMILY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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 403 - Swapna Sasidharan Of Schaumburg, IL Mother of 2 Including One With POGZ & Founder Of The Cure POGZ Disorders Foundation

    4D AGO

    SFN Dad To Dad 403 - Swapna Sasidharan Of Schaumburg, IL Mother of 2 Including One With POGZ & Founder Of The Cure POGZ Disorders Foundation

    Our guest this week is Swapna Sasidharan, of Schaumburg, IL, a Vice President of Technology at APCO Holdings, mother of two children, including one with POGZ, and founder of the Cure POGZ Disorders Foundation.  Swapna and her husband, Sandeep, have been married for 17 years and are the proud parents of two children: daughter Sloka (12) and son Ved (10) who has POGZ, a rare genetic disorder characterized by: developmental delays, cyclic vomiting, autism, microcephaly and gastrointestinal issues. Educated as an engineer, informed about the challenges of rare diseases and inspired to find a cure for POGZ, the rare disorder her son has, Swapna and the team at the Cure POGZ Disorders Foundation are dedicated to finding treatments and hopefully a cure for POGZ and other rare diseases. We’ll hear all about Swapna's background growing up in a traditional Indian family, about her career, her journey as a rare disease parent, her understanding about acceptance (the difference between surrender and acknowledgement) and her enthusiasum for life on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Links Phone – (847) 532-9808 Email – swapna@curepogzdisorders.org LinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/swapnasasidharan/ Website –  https://www.curepogzdisorders.org/ Daily Herald Story - https://www.dailyherald.com/20250226/news/schaumburg-moms-mission-is-to-find-cure-for-sons-rare-condition/   IL Tech Magazine Spot Light - https://issuu.com/illinois_tech/docs/illinois_tech_magazine_spring_2025  Kirt Consulting Blog - https://www.ronkritconsulting.com/post/the-mom-who-took-on-genetics-swapna-sasidharan-s-mission-to-cure-rare-disease Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/people/Cure-Pogz-Disorders-Foundation/61566626403487/ Instagram Page - https://www.instagram.com/curepogzdisorders/ 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/ Special thanks to SFN Mentor Father, SFN Mastermind Group dad and 21CD board member Shane Madden for creating the SFN jingle on the front and back end of the podcast..

    27 min
  2. SFN Dad To Dad 402 - David Apple of San Francisco, CA, Founder & CEO Of Shark Tooth Bio & Father Of Two Including One With CMT1A

    OCT 31

    SFN Dad To Dad 402 - David Apple of San Francisco, CA, Founder & CEO Of Shark Tooth Bio & Father Of Two Including One With CMT1A

    Our guest this week is David Apple of San Francisco, CA, a serial entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Shark Tooth Bio, and father of two, including a son with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease.  David and his wife, Cristina, have married for seven years and are the proud parents of two young children: Zoe (3) and Ari (5) who was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, AKA CMT1A, a rare mono genetic disease that impairs the signal from the brain to the muscles causing weakness, loss of sensation, pain, and atrophy.    David reflects on growing up in France and Israel.  In March 2024 and after Ari's diagnosis, with his background as an engineer and success in the business world, David shifted his primary focus to creating and building Shark Tooth Bio, a for profit organization whose mission is: developing treatments for CMT1A and unlocking solutions for other neuropathies.  To-date Shark Tooth Bio has raised $650K and has been able to assemble and first class board and contract with some of the world's top scientists.  We also learn about David's involvement with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association (CMTA).  It's an uplifting story about commitment to family and service to others all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.  Show Links - Phone – (415) 910-8647 Email – apple@sharktooth.bio LinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/appledavid/ Website –  https://www.sharktooth.bio/ Website - https://cmtausa.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/   SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/ Special thanks to SFN Mentor Father, SFN Mastermind Group dad and 21CD board member Shane Madden for creating the SFN jingle on the front and back end of the podcast..

    29 min
  3. SFN Dad To Dad 401 - Greg Corey of Highland Park, IL, A Wealth Manager & Father Of Three Including A Son With Down Syndrome

    OCT 24

    SFN Dad To Dad 401 - Greg Corey of Highland Park, IL, A Wealth Manager & Father Of Three Including A Son With Down Syndrome

    Our guest this week is Greg Corey of Highland Park, IL a wealth manager at Ameriprise Financial Services and father of three children including a son with Down Syndrome. Greg and his wife, Carly, have been married for 10 years and are the proud parents of three children: Ashton (4), Frankie (6) and Presley (8), who has Mosaic Down syndrome, which was not detected or diagnosed until he was three years old.   We also learn about a host of organizations that Presley has benefited from including:   Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA)Kick Start Therapeutic Day Care, andGigi’s PlayhouseIt's an uplifting story about commitment to family and service to others all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.  Show Links - Phone - (847) 847-2134 Email – gregorycorey@gmail.com Email - greg.corey@AMPF.com  LinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryjcorey/ Website –  https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/gregory.corey/ 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/ Special thanks to SFN Mentor Father, SFN Mastermind Group dad and 21CD board member Shane Madden for creating the SFN jingle on the front and back end of the podcast..

    26 min

  4. OCT 17

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

    To celebrate the 400th episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast, David Hirsch, founder of 21st Century Dads Foundation and host of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast offers his heartfelt thanks to all those who have been involved with and supported 21CD & SFN.  He reflects on: addressing the issue of father absence in society,his journey as a fatherhood advocate,starting the Illinois Fatherhood Initiative, making an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show, starting the 21st Century Dads Foundation, Dads Honor Ride 2015 from Santa Monica to Chicago, 2,325 miles in 21 days, giving a TEDx Talk entitled: Why We Need To Break The Cycle Of Father Absence, writing the book: A Father's Journey To Break The Cycle Of Father Absence, Dads Honor Ride 2016 from Boston to Chicago, 1,400 miles in 21 days, Creating the C2EFA (Cycle To End Father Absence) indoor riding events, Dads Honor Ride 2017 Around Lake Michigan, 958 miles in 9 days, creating the Special Fathers Network Mentoring Program, starting the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast, recording 24 bi-weekly Zoom calls on various topicscreating the 21CD YouTube channel,holding annual SFN Dads Virtual Conferences, creating the SFN audiobook series, creating the weekly virtual SFN Mastermind Group experience, andholding annual SFN Mastermind Group weekend retreatsSpecial thanks to all the individuals, businesses, and foundations that have financially supported 21CD, the growing list of partners and affiliates, all the individuals who have volunteered, especially the 21CD board of directors: Tom Costello, Rich Gathro, Gary Grube, Chris Hunter, Shane Madden, Wayne Messmer, Brian Page and John Shouse.  Special thanks to Shane Madden for creating the SFN fathers jingle at teh beginning and end of this episode.  And last but not least, Tom Couch of Couch Media, who has produced the past 398 episodes of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast.  Show Notes –    Email - david@21stCenturyDads.org Email - tcouch2501@gmail.com Website - https://21stcenturydads.org/   TEDx Talk -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CDeMgmeb94 Special Fathers Network -  SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 500+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated. There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through." SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations. 21CD YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@21stcenturydads58/videos Click Here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/ Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/ SFN Dads Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

    50 min
  5. SFN Dad To Dad 399 - Casey Stubbs of Burlington, NC, Trading Strategist, Author, Podcast Host, Army Veteran & Father To Nine

    OCT 10

    SFN Dad To Dad 399 - Casey Stubbs of Burlington, NC, Trading Strategist, Author, Podcast Host, Army Veteran & Father To Nine

    Our guest this week is Casey Stubbs of Burlington, NC a trading specialist, author, podcast host and father to nine children.  Casey and his wife, Deanna, have been married for 20 years and are the proud parents of nine children: twins Andrea & Courtney (26), Casey Jr (19), Caleb (17), Abbey (16), Ellie (15), Austin (14), Danielle (12) and Ethan (12).  Ellie and Danielle were adopted at age 2/12 and as a newborn and are biological sisters. Casey has been a host of the Replace Your Income With Options Podcast and author of: The Complete Trading System: How to Develop a Mindset, Maximize Profitability, and Own Your Market Success (2023) Casey reflects on his military experience, as well as his thoughts on investing, podcasting and fatherhood in this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Links - Phone – (724) 493-9315 Email – caseystubbs@gmail.com LinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseystubbs/ Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ai/podcast/replace-your-income-with-options/id1364693088 Substack –  https://caseystubbs.substack.com/about YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@FreedomIncomeOptions/videos Book – The Complete Trading System: How To Develop A Mindset, Maximize Profitability, And Own Your Market Success. https://tinyurl.com/3zn6ck3n Special Fathers Network - SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through." SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations. Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videos Please support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/ Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/   SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

    45 min
  6. SFN Dad To Dad 398 - Luba Patlakh of Bucks County, PA Mother of Three & Founder Of Kidology Inc. Pediatric Therapy Center

    OCT 3

    SFN Dad To Dad 398 - Luba Patlakh of Bucks County, PA Mother of Three & Founder Of Kidology Inc. Pediatric Therapy Center

    Our guest this week Luba Patlakh of Bucks County, PA a mother of three children and founder of Kidology Inc., a pediatric practice specializing in speech, occupational, physical therapy, and ABA services. Luba and her husband, Boris, have married for 10 years and are the proud parents of three children ages 4 to 9 years old.  Founded in 2014, Kidology, Inc. a top-rated family friendly pediatric therapy and child development center in Pennsylvania, offering families and children the support and guidance they need to thrive. They provide educational services in special needs and tutoring capacities.  They offer pediatric therapy and instructive sessions like; S/T,  P/T, O/T, Behavioral and Myofunctional Therapy for a wide range of developmental delays, including fine motor, speech, feeding and mobility issues. It's a fascinating story and on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Links  Phone – (267) 968-1707 Email – luba@kidologyinc.com LinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubapatlakh/ Website –  https://kidologyinc.com/ Special Fathers Network - SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through." SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations. Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videos Please support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/ Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/   SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

    49 min
  7. SFN Dad To Dad 397 - Daryl Potter of Toronto, CA A TD Merchants Exec, A Prolific Author & Father of 2 Including A Daughter with CFC Syndrome

    SEP 26

    SFN Dad To Dad 397 - Daryl Potter of Toronto, CA A TD Merchants Exec, A Prolific Author & Father of 2 Including A Daughter with CFC Syndrome

    Our guest this week is Daryl Potter of Toronto, Canada who is an executive at TD Merchants, a prolific author and father of two including a daughter with profound disabilities.  Daryl and his wife, Carolyn, have been married for 28 years and are the proud parents of two children, Jackson (21) and McKenzie (24) who was diagnosed with Cardio Facio Cutaneous (CFC) syndrome.  Some of the challenges include; intellectual disabilities, non-verbal since age 12, being tube fed, the need for a hospital bed and being wheelchair bound. Beyond work and being a vigilant caregiver, Daryl has nurtured his passion for writing and has found time to write and publish a number of books, including:  Something More: Living Well In A Broken World. (2024)  Bitter For Sweet (2022)Even The Monsters: Living With Grief, Loss and Depression: A Journey Through The Book Of Job. (2021)       Blind Man’s Labyrinth (2021)       Keziah’s Song (2021)It’s a fascinating story about commitment and resilience all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Links Phone – (289) 681-4521 Email – daryl.potter@gmail.com LinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/daryl-potter-8a3160/ Website –  https://www.darylpotter.com/ Books -       Even The Monsters: Living With Grief, Loss and Depression Something More: Living Well In A Broken World Keziah’s Song Blind Man’s Labyrinth Bitter For Sweet Special Fathers Network - SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through." SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations. Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videos Please support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/ Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/   SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

    56 min
  8. SFN Dad To Dad 396 - Olivier Cortambert, London, Head Of Solutions Architecture at Yospace & Father Of A Son With A Rare Undiagnosed Disease

    SEP 19

    SFN Dad To Dad 396 - Olivier Cortambert, London, Head Of Solutions Architecture at Yospace & Father Of A Son With A Rare Undiagnosed Disease

    Our guest this week is Olivier Cortambert of London, UK who is head of solutions architecture at Yospace and father of a son with a rare undiagnosed disease. Olivier and his wife, Feng, have been married for seven years and are the proud parents of Antoine (3) who has a genetically tested undiagnosed disease, which presents with; low muscle tone, hearing loss, non-verbal as well as difficulty swallowing and walking.      We learn about Small Steps, a UK based agency that provides free services to those who are unable to walk and the pros and cons of having an undiagnosed rare disease.  We also learn about Olivier's involvement with the SFN Mastermind Group.   The Cortambert family story is one filled with hope and optimism all this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast. Show Notes - WhatsApp – +44 7801 120520 Email – olivier.cortambert@gmail.com LinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/cortambert/ Special Fathers Network - SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through." SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations. Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videos Please support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/ Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/   SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

    51 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
23 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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    402
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright David Hirsch
  • Show Website
    Dad to Dad Podcast

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