Episodes

  • SFN Dad To Dad 395 - Mark Reinfeld of Boulder, CO A Chef, Author, Founder of Vegan Fusion Culinary Academy & Father Of A Son With Angelman

    SFN Dad To Dad 395 - Mark Reinfeld of Boulder, CO A Chef, Author, Founder of Vegan Fusion Culinary Academy & Father Of A Son With Angelman
    Sep 12 2025
    Our guest this week is Mark Reinfeld of Boulder, CO who is an award-winning chef, best-selling author and authority on plant-based cuisine. He is also the father of two young boys, including one with Angelman Syndrome

    Mark and his wife, Ashley Boudet, have been married for 10 years and are the proud parents of two boys: River (7) and Sage (9) who has Angelman Syndrome.

    With more than two decades of experience, Chef Mark has written several acclaimed cookbooks, including The 30-Minute Vegan series, and has been recognized as a leader in the vegan and conscious cooking space. Mark is also founder of the Vegan Fusion Culinary Academy, where he trains the next generation of plant-based chefs. His work emphasizes flavor, nutrition, and compassion, making him a sought-after speaker, consultant, and culinary instructor around the world.

    Mark also leads or co-leads two dads groups of fathers raising children with special needs and is the author of the forthcoming book entitled: Islands Of Peace: Navigating The World Of Special Needs Parenting.

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

    Show Notes -
    Phone – 808-652-5904
    Email – info@chefmarkreinfeld.com
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-reinfeld-6921344/
    Website - https://www.chefmarkreinfeld.com/
    Website – https://www.ohanavitality.org/
    Books –
    • Healing The Vegan Way - https://tinyurl.com/vnauxsw7
    • The Ultimate Age Defying Plan - https://tinyurl.com/h9b3u7u5
    • Islands Of Peace: Navigating The World Of Special Needs Parenting
    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/
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    59 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 394 - Jelani Memory of Portland, OR Father Of Six, Entrepreneur, Author & Founder Of A Kids Company

    SFN Dad To Dad 394 - Jelani Memory of Portland, OR Father Of Six, Entrepreneur, Author & Founder Of A Kids Company
    Sep 5 2025
    Our guest this week is Jelani Memory of Portland, OR is the father of six, an entrepreneur, author, and the visionary founder of A Kids Co.

    Jelani and his wife, Brandy, have married for 9 years and are the proud parents of six children including (his) four stepchildren: Rowan (21), Grace (19), Jay (16), Sebastian (15), Titus (14) and Solomon (7). Two have ADHD, one has scoliosis, and some other undiagnosed conditions.

    Jelani first wrote A Kids Book About Racism for his own children, which grew into a movement that now includes more than two hundred books, podcasts, and videos helping kids and families talk openly about some of life’s toughest topics — from anxiety, cancer, feminism, gratitude, racism and beyond.

    We also learn about Pitch Black, a multi faceted platform to support black entrepreners and businesses as well organizations the Memory family has benefited from, including:
    • Trevor Project
    • Q Project
    • Shriner’s Hospitals
    Jelani also openily talks about his faith and the role his father's absence has played in shaping his world view, all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    Show Notes -
    Phone – (503) 360-6034
    Email – jelani@akidsco.com
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jelanimemory/
    Website – www.akidsco.com
    Website – https://meetcircle.com/ (Aura Parent Controls)
    Social Media – @jelanimemory

    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
    59 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 393 - Mike Rinaldi of Fairfield, CT A Senior Director at Ankura, Father Of Two Including One With Autism

    SFN Dad To Dad 393 - Mike Rinaldi of Fairfield, CT A Senior Director at Ankura, Father Of Two Including One With Autism
    Aug 29 2025
    Our guest this week is Mike Rinaldi of Fairfield, CT, who is a senior director at Ankura, a litigations and investigations company, and father of two young children, including one with Autism.

    Mike and his wife, Tracey, have married for 9 years and are the proud parents of Vienna (8) and Harrison (5) who is on the Autism spectrum.

    Mike talks openly about the relationship with his father and the challenges he and his family have experienced.

    All on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    Show Notes -
    Phone – (860) 655-7696
    Email – mike.rinaldi@ankura.com
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-rinaldi-54262b3/

    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
    48 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 392 -Dion Chavis of Raleigh, NC Founder & President of The Glad Dad LLC And Father of Two Including A Son With ASD

    SFN Dad To Dad 392 -Dion Chavis of Raleigh, NC Founder & President of The Glad Dad LLC And Father of Two Including A Son With ASD
    Aug 22 2025
    Our guest this week is Dion Chavis of Raleigh, NC, a former radio personality, founder and president of the Glad Dad LLC, and father of two children, including one with Autism.

    Dion and his wife, Aisha, have married for 9 years and are the proud parents of Maceo (7) who is on the Autism spectrum. Dion is also the father to daughter Nyla (21) from a previous marriage.

    For decades, Dion has been an outspoken advocate for and dedicated to improving the lives of children and fathers. Through the Glad Dads LLC, he offers coaching, mentoring and training.

    Dion also used to host two podcasts: "Dads In The Class" and "Black Parenting." We also learn about the Frankie Lemmon School & Development Center and the impact the organization has with young children.

    It’s a fascinating conversation on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    Show Links -
    Phone – (757) 927-2773
    Email – dion.chavis@gmail.com
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dionchavis/
    Website – https://www.dionchavis.com/
    Frankie Lehman Development Center - https://frankielemmonschool.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/
    Show More Show Less
    59 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 391 - Chris Losacco of Evergreen, CO A Knife Maker & Father Of Two Including One With A Rare Genetic Disorder

    SFN Dad To Dad 391 - Chris Losacco of Evergreen, CO A Knife Maker & Father Of Two Including One With A Rare Genetic Disorder
    Aug 15 2025
    Our guest this week is Chris Losacco of Evergreen, CO who is owner of Elemental Forge, a blacksmith & knife maker as well as the father of two young children, including a son with a very rare genetic disorder.

    Chris and his wife, Evan, have married for nearly 10 years and are the proud parents of two young children: daughter Elliot (4) and son Wilder (3), who has a rare genetic disorder known as MEF2C, which commonly includes: intellectual disability and developmental delays, motor skill difficulties, limited or absent speech development, Epilepsy, and Autistic-like behavior.

    Chris is also owns Elemental Forge, a blacksmith and knife maker, is active with the MEF2C Family Foundation as well as the SFN Mastermind Group in Denver.

    We’ll hear all about the insightful and authentic Losacco family story on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast.

    Show Links -
    Phone – (847) 525-7332
    Email – christmastaco@duck.com
    Email #2 - Chris@ElementalForge.us
    Webiste - https://www.elementalforge.us/
    U.S. MEF2C Foundation - https://www.usmef2cfoundation.org/
    MEF2C Family Foundation – https://www.mef2cfamilyfoundation.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/
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • SFN Dad To Dad 390 - Tom Sander of Charlotte, NC Father of Three Including a Daughter With Charcot-Marie-Tooth Syndrome A Rare From Of MD

    SFN Dad To Dad 390 - Tom Sander of Charlotte, NC Father of Three Including a Daughter With Charcot-Marie-Tooth Syndrome A Rare From Of MD
    Aug 8 2025
    Our guest this week is Tom Sander of Charlotte, NC a territory account manager at Liquidia Corporation, a rare disease bio pharma company, and father of three including a daughter with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Syndrome, a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy.

    Tom and his wife, Julie, have married for 22 years and are the proud parents of three children: Will (22), and twins: Jack (18) and Lily (18) who has Charcot-Marie-Tooth Syndrome, which is a type of Muscular Dystrophy that is a spectrum of nerve disorders.

    From a very young age Lily has been speaking in public about her condition and how it’s affected her and others. She was selected this past year to be one of two national ambassadors for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

    We’ll hear all about the Sander famiy story on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast.

    Show Links -
    Phone – (803) 493-7744
    Email – tfsander2@gmail.com
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-sander-30977b12/
    MDA Website – https://www.mda.org/press-releases/2025/mda-announces-2025-mda-national-ambassador-lily-sander
    Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association - https://www.cmtausa.org/
    Charcot-Marie-Tooth Research Foundation - https://cmtrf.org/
    YouTube – 2025 Ambassador https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stJElfj7uqg&t=11s
    Instagram Video Burn Bootcamp Be Our Muscle - https://www.instagram.com/p/DIRIv74ODkt/

    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
    57 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 389 - Dr. Robert Naseef of Philadelphia, PA, Psychologist, Author, Father Of Four Including One With Autism

    SFN Dad To Dad 389 - Dr. Robert Naseef of Philadelphia, PA, Psychologist, Author, Father Of Four Including One With Autism
    Aug 1 2025
    Our guest this week is Dr. Robert Naseef, of Philadelphia, PA, a clinical psychologist, keynote speaker, author and father of four including a son who is autistic.

    Robert and his wife, Cindy Ariel, have been married for 34 years. He and Cindy have two daughters: Zoe (32) and Kara (33). Robert is also a father to Antonette (43) and Tariq (45), who is autistic.

    Robert has written two books:
    • Special Children, Challenged Parents: The Struggles & Rewards of Raising A Child With A Disability. (2001)
    • Autism In The Family: Caring & Coping Together. (2013)
    Informed by his work as a psychologist and his lived experience as a father, Robert also gave a TEDx Talk in 2017 entitled: ‘How Autism Teaches Us About Being Human’

    Robert shares his story on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    Show Links
    Phone – (215) 592-1333
    Email – Robert.naseef@gmail.com
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/rnaseefspeakerautism/
    Website – https://drrobertnaseef.com/
    Website - https://www.alternativechoices.com/
    Books –
    - Autism In The Family: Caring & Coping Together - (2013) - https://tinyurl.com/4wunxs2p
    - Special Children, Challenged Parents: The Struggles & Rewards of Raising A Child With A Disability. (2001) - https://tinyurl.com/2fzcrb58
    TEDx Talk – How Autism Teaches Us About Being Human - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yn9lKa8IJeY&t=7s

    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
    59 mins
  • SFN Dad To Dad 388 - Randy Pierce of Concord, NH An Author, Avid Outdoorsman, Mountain Climber, CEO and Who Is Blind - Part Two

    SFN Dad To Dad 388 - Randy Pierce of Concord, NH An Author, Avid Outdoorsman, Mountain Climber, CEO and Who Is Blind - Part Two
    Jul 25 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 #2 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/
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    37 mins