Episodios

  • SFN Dad To Dad 412 - Hugh Hempel of Denver, CO Rare Disease Entrepreneur & Advocate, Father Of Identical Twins With Niemann Pick Type C

    SFN Dad To Dad 412 - Hugh Hempel of Denver, CO Rare Disease Entrepreneur & Advocate, Father Of Identical Twins With Niemann Pick Type C
    Jan 16 2026
    Our guest this week Hugh Hempel of Denver, CO, a technology industry veteran turned health care entrepreneur and father of identical twin daughters with Niemann Pick Type C.

    Hugh and his wife Chris, have been married for 25 years and are the proud parents of identical twin daughters Addison & Cassidy. The girls were born in January 2004 and were both diagnosed with Niemann Pick Type C, a type of childhood ALS, a very rare neurogenerative disease. Despite heroic efforts to find a cure and treatments, very sadly the twins passed away in 2019 at age 15.

    After a successful tech career that included working at: IBM, Apple and Netscape to name a few, and as a result of the twins' diagnosis, Hugh & Chris became outspoken advocates for rare disease research. They also created the Addi & Cassidy Fund, a resource for families impacted by Niemann Pick, Cyclodextrin, and a myriad of stories, and resources for families impacted by a wide range of rare diseases.

    Hugh has also served in a wide range of leadership positions, including Solutions Therapuetics, Sparkpr, Parent Advocist, N=1 Collaboration and Strainz.

    In January 2015 Hugh gave a TEDx Talk presentation entitled: Why I Changed My Mind About Medical Cannabis, coincidentally on Addi & Cassidy's 11th birthday.

    We’ll hear about the Hempel family and about Hugh and Chris’ quest to find a cure and treatments for rare and ultra rare diseases, all on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast. This is Part 1 of a two part interview.

    Show Links
    Phone - (775) 338-4844
    Email – Hugh@Hempelfamily.com
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughhempel/?skipRedirect=true
    Website – N=1 Collaboration – https://www.n1collaborative.org/
    Website – Addi & Cassie Fund - https://addiandcassi.com/
    TEDx Talk – Why I Changed My Mind About Medical Cannabis (January
    2015) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N8QMeIsX2c&t=1s
    Dr. Sanjay Gupta CNN story (11.22.14) -
    https://vimeo.com/420572177?fl=pl&fe=vl
    Mayo Clinic NPT1 - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/niemann-pick/symptoms-causes/syc-20355887
    MIPLYFFA Website - https://miplyffa.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/

    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..
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    30 m
  • SFN Dad To Dad 412 - Mike Kinner of Colorado Springs, CO Founder of Air-O-Sport & Father of Three Including A Son With Microcephaly

    SFN Dad To Dad 412 - Mike Kinner of Colorado Springs, CO Founder of Air-O-Sport & Father of Three Including A Son With Microcephaly
    Jan 9 2026
    Our guest this week is Mike Kinner of Colorado Springs, CO who is the founder of Air-O-Sport and father of three including a son with microcephaly.

    Mike and his wife, Stephanie, have been married for 12 years and are the proud parents of three children: daughters; Elieyanah (1) and McKenzie (9) as well as son, Samuel (6) who has microcephaly, which is linked to several disorders, including; epilepsy, cerebral palsy, being deaf, visually impaired and non-verbal.

    Mike is the founder of Air-O-Sport, a unique fast-paced, non-contact team game where players pass and throw a lightweight ring through the air to score points by hitting targets or completing passes in a defined zone. It blends elements of basketball, ultimate frisbee, and handball, emphasizing agility, teamwork, and quick decision-making.

    We learn about the Kinner family, their love for Samuel and the energy they bring to life, all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    Show Notes -
    Phone – (719) 243-9111
    Email – mike@playairosport.com
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikekinner/
    Website - https://playairosport.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/

    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..
    Más Menos
    30 m
  • SFN Dad To Dad 411 - John O'Leary of St. Louis, MO, A Motivational Speaker, Best-Selling Author, Podcast Host & Father of Four - Part 2

    SFN Dad To Dad 411 - John O'Leary of St. Louis, MO, A Motivational Speaker, Best-Selling Author, Podcast Host & Father of Four - Part 2
    Jan 2 2026
    Our guest this week is John O’Leary of St. Louis MO who is a motivational speaker, bestselling author, host of the Live Inspired Podcast, the subject of the recently released major motion picture SOUL ON FIRE and perhaps most importantly, the father of four children.

    John and his wife, Beth, have married for 22 years and are the proud parents of four children ages 14 to 20.

    At age nine, John was badly burned in a horrific gasoline fire, leaving him with third-degree burns on more than 80% of his body. Given less than 1/2 of 1% chance of survival, he somehow beat the odds. Central to John’s story is the role Jack Buck, the iconic St. Louis Cardinals sportcaster, played in John’s life.

    After graduating from St. Louis University and a 15 year career in real estate, John became a motvational speaker and two-time best selling author of the books:

    · On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life
    · In Awe: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning, and Joy

    The theatrical release of the movie Soul On Fire took place in October 2025, which is an inspiring true story about John, who survives a devastating childhood burn accident and transforms unimaginable suffering into a life of gratitude, resilience, and purpose—showing how hope, faith, and human connection can triumph over tragedy. The movie is now streaming on: Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube and elsewhere.

    This is Part 2 of the interview with John O’Leary, a story about faith, family and perseverance, on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    Show Notes –
    Email – jo@johnolearyinspires.com
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-o-leary-08b2805/
    Website – https://johnolearyinspires.com/
    Book – On Fire: The Seven Chocies To Ignite A Radically Ispired Life – https://tinyurl.com/vn5d733u
    Book – In Awe: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning, and Joy – https://tinyurl.com/4h4duvjt
    Movie – Soul On Fire Trailer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslVGLETWps

    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..
    Más Menos
    30 m
  • SFN Dad To Dad 410 - John O'Leary of St. Louis, MO, A Motivational Speaker, Best-Selling Author, Podcast Host & Father of Four - Part 1

    SFN Dad To Dad 410 - John O'Leary of St. Louis, MO, A Motivational Speaker, Best-Selling Author, Podcast Host & Father of Four - Part 1
    Dec 26 2025
    Our guest this week is John O’Leary of St. Louis MO who is a motivational speaker, bestselling author, host of the Live Inspired Podcast, the subject of the recently released major motion picture SOUL ON FIRE and perhaps most importantly, the father of four children.

    John and his wife, Beth, have married for 22 years and are the proud parents of four children ages 14 to 20.

    At age nine, John was badly burned in a horrific gasoline fire, leaving him with third-degree burns on more than 80% of his body. Given less than 1/2 of 1% chance of survival, he somehow beat the odds. Central to John’s story is the role Jack Buck, the iconic St. Louis Cardinals sportcaster, played in John’s life.

    After graduating from St. Louis University and a 15 year career in real estate, John became a motvational speaker and two-time best selling author of the books:

    · On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life
    · In Awe: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning, and Joy

    The theatrical release of the movie Soul On Fire took place in October 2025, which is an inspiring true story about John, who survives a devastating childhood burn accident and transforms unimaginable suffering into a life of gratitude, resilience, and purpose—showing how hope, faith, and human connection can triumph over tragedy. The movie is now streaming on: Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube and elsewhere.

    This is Part 1 of the interview with John O’Leary, a story about faith, family and perseverance, on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    Show Notes –
    Email – jo@johnolearyinspires.com
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-o-leary-08b2805/
    Website – https://johnolearyinspires.com/
    Book – On Fire: The Seven Chocies To Ignite A Radically Ispired Life – https://tinyurl.com/vn5d733u
    Book – In Awe: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning, and Joy – https://tinyurl.com/4h4duvjt
    Movie – Soul On Fire Trailer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslVGLETWps

    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..
    Más Menos
    29 m
  • SFN Dad To Dad 409 - Nick Massie of Los Angeles, CA A Film Industry Veteran & Father To Son, Cole, An Actor With Cerebral Palsy

    SFN Dad To Dad 409 - Nick Massie of Los Angeles, CA A Film Industry Veteran & Father To Son, Cole, An Actor With Cerebral Palsy
    Dec 19 2025
    Our guest this week is Nick Massie of Los Angeles, CA, a film industry veteran and father of an adult son who is an actor with Cerebral Palsy.

    Nick and his wife, Michelle, have been married for 29 years and are the proud parents of Cole (28), an actor and member of the Screen Actors Guild, who also has cerebral palsy.

    Cole was featured in the highly acclaimed movie The Paper Bag Plan, which debuted in 2024. It's a well told story and Cole gave a heartfelt performance as Billy, a young man with Cerebral Palsy. The screen play was written and the film was directed by Anthony Lucero.

    We also learn about the impact that various organization's have had on Cole's development, including: Canine Companions, Shane's Inspiration, United CP and Ronald McDonald House.

    It's an uplifting father-son interview with a cameo appearance from Michelle, all on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast.

    Show Notes -
    Phone – (323) 620-3903
    Email – nickmassie04@gmail.com
    Paper Bag Plan YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFRKK3wIQ3E
    Cole Massie's Web Page: http://www.colemassie.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/

    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..
    Más Menos
    26 m
  • SFN Dad To Dad 408 - Eric Freund of San Diego, CA A HS Teacher, Founder of Hope On The Hard Road, Podcast Host & Father Of Two With ASD

    SFN Dad To Dad 408 - Eric Freund of San Diego, CA A HS Teacher, Founder of Hope On The Hard Road, Podcast Host & Father Of Two With ASD
    Dec 12 2025
    Our guest this week is Eric Freund of San Diego, CA who is a high school teacher, coach, co-founder of Hope On The Hard Road and father of two children who are both Autistic.

    Eric and his wife, Christen, have married for 27 years and are the proud parents of two: Abby (21) and Caleb (23), both who are on the Autism spectrum.

    Christen & Eric are co-founders of Hope On The Hard Road, a non-profit organization whose mission is: helping connect and encourage families with children with special needs through programs designed to support the unique needs of the individual, the family, and the community.

    Eric also hosts the bi-weekly Hope on the Hard Road Special Needs Podcast, now with more than 90 episodes.

    The Freund family story is one of; faith, hope and a commitment to serving others, all on this eipsode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

    Show Notes -
    Phone – (760) 201-5207
    Email – eric@hopeonthehardroad.org
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-freund-5438416b/
    Website - https://hopeonthehardroad.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..
    Más Menos
    29 m
  • SFN Dad To Dad 407 - Jeff Wallis of Valparaiso, IN A Veterinarian & Father Of A Son Who Had HADDTS Before Passing Away At 18

    SFN Dad To Dad 407 - Jeff Wallis of Valparaiso, IN A Veterinarian & Father Of A Son Who Had HADDTS Before Passing Away At 18
    Dec 5 2025
    Our guest this week is Jeff Wallis, of Valparaiso, IN who is a veterinarian and father of who had a son with Hypotonia, Ataxia, Developmental Delay, and Tooth-Enamel Defects Syndrome (HADDTS) an extremely rare but serious genetic condition caused by a mutation in the CTBP1 gene.

    Jeff and his wife, Mindy, have married for 22 years and are the proud parents of Charles 18, who very sadly past away in May, who had Hypotonia, Ataxia, Developmental Delay, and Tooth-Enamel Defects Syndrome (HADDTS) an extremely rare but serious genetic condition caused by a mutation in the CTBP1 gene.

    We learn about a host of organizations that played a key role in the Wallis family and on behalf of Charles including; the HADDTS Foundation, University of Chicago Genetics, Kids Work and Jacob's Ladder.

    We also learn about an epic cross country RV trip the family took with Charles during COVID to provide him with some extraordinary memories.

    While Charles lived a relatively short life, the Wallis family story one is about making the most of the situation and celebrating life.

    Show Notes -
    Phone – (219) 771-6129
    Email – wallisje1@yahoo.com
    HADDTS Foundation – https://www.haddtsfoundation.org/
    Jacob’s Ladder - https://www.jacobskids.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..
    Más Menos
    31 m
  • SFN Dad To Dad 406 - Dave Tolmie With Tumsifu Munuo of Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Director of Faraja School & Father Of A Child With Autism

    SFN Dad To Dad 406 - Dave Tolmie With Tumsifu Munuo of Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Director of Faraja School & Father Of A Child With Autism
    Nov 28 2025
    Our guests this week are Dave Tolmie of Lake Forest IL and Tumsifu Munuo, of Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

    In 1999, Dave Tomlie's parents, John and Joann, raised $250,000 and with the help of the Lutheran Church built Faraja School, a boarding school for one hundred K-7 youth with physical disabilities, where Tumsifu serves as director.

    In addiiton to the Faraja School, the Tolmie family created the Faraja Fund Foundation where Dave and his brothers have been instramentally involved for decades. John serves as vice-president, Paul is secretary/treasurer, and Dave is chairman of the board of directors.

    More recently the Faraja Fund Foundation created Faraja Forward a mobile outreach clinic and partnership with local health care providers as well as other specialists to serve families beyond those able to attend Faraja School. Faraja Forward is filling the unmet healthcare needs of hundreds of additional children in more remote locations, offering diagnosis, psychosocial support, physical and occupational therapy, and training to mothers and village health workers.

    It's an uplifting story about how a U.S. family has been able to transform the lives of thousands of families half way around the world through faith, education and building community around those touched by physical disabilities, all on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast.

    Show Links -
    Phone – (312) 927-5010
    Email – dmtolmie@gmail.com
    WhatsApp - +255 757 594 204
    Email – munuotumsifu4@gmail.com
    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-tolmie-b3339889/
    Website – https://www.farajaschool.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..
    Más Menos
    32 m