Episodes

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes disability advocate, educator, and speaker Jennifer Chassman Browne for a powerful conversation about moving beyond accessibility and embracing true belonging. Jennifer shares how living with visible arthritis transformed the way others treated her, why good intentions can still exclude people, and how simple shifts in mindset create meaningful inclusion. Together they explore disability etiquette, systemic ableism, accessible des...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Jeff Skoglund, also known as the Blind Outdoorsman, for an honest conversation about life with progressive vision loss, resilience, and practical inclusion. Jeff shares how he adapted after becoming legally blind, how his guide dog helps him navigate everyday life, and why accessibility benefits everyone. From home maintenance and technology to a recent heart attack that highlighted the importance of respectful communication in he...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes financial planner and parent advocate Mary McDirmid for a practical conversation about preparing for the future of loved ones with disabilities. Drawing from her personal journey raising her daughter with a rare disease, Mary explains special needs trusts, ABLE accounts, and common planning mistakes that can jeopardize essential benefits. Beyond finances, the discussion explores curiosity, respectful conversations, and why inclusi...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Dr. Patti Bevilacqua, educator, author, TEDx speaker, and longtime advocate living with multiple sclerosis. Patti shares how her diagnosis reshaped her identity, taught her the power of mindset shifts, and deepened her understanding of inclusion. Together, they explore invisible disabilities, the importance of curiosity over assumptions, and why asking “How can I help?” matters more than taking control. Patti offers practica...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Regina Beach, a disability advocate, writer, and wellness educator living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Regina shares her journey from being an active classroom teacher to navigating life with an acquired disability and redefining what participation, accessibility, and inclusion truly mean. Together, they discuss the realities of living with MS, the importance of designing spaces with access in mind, and how mindfulness, meditatio...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Sean Adelman, orthopedic trauma surgeon, author, and father of a daughter with down syndrome. Sean shares how becoming a parent reshaped his understanding of inclusion, success, and happiness. Together, they explore the difference between acceptance and true inclusion, the importance of raising expectations, and why advocacy matters in healthcare, education, and everyday life. Sean discusses the power of seeing possibilities inste...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Lisa Woodruff, founder of Organize 365 and author of Escaping Quicksand, for an honest conversation about caregiving, organization, and self-care. Drawing from her experiences as a teacher, parent of children with IEPs, entrepreneur, and newly minted PhD, Lisa shares practical strategies for managing the invisible load many caregivers carry. Together, they explore the importance of structure, embracing excellence over perfection, ...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Jamiel Owens, an autism father, former first responder, and advocate dedicated to supporting families raising children with disabilities. Jamiel shares his deeply personal journey through trauma, fatherhood, divorce, and ultimately healing through vulnerability and community. Together, AAron and Jamiel explore the importance of creating safe spaces for fathers, breaking down silos within the disability community, and embracing inc...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Nic Flores for an honest conversation about parenting, autism, identity, faith, and inclusion. Nic shares his journey as a multiracial father, survivor of childhood trauma, and parent of an autistic son, reflecting on how these experiences reshaped his understanding of empathy and belonging. Together, they discuss moving beyond awareness toward true inclusion, navigating evolving beliefs, embracing children for who they are, and c...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes author, artist, and naval officer Agazit Negash to share her family's powerful journey through grief, caregiving, and autism advocacy. After losing both parents within weeks of each other, Agazit unexpectedly became the legal guardian of her autistic brother. Together, they navigated complex support systems, honored cultural and faith traditions, and discovered the importance of autonomy, community, and resilience. Agazit discusse...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Janie Heinrich, founder of MobilityDog.org, to discuss service dogs, disability advocacy, and creating truly inclusive communities. After experiencing an incomplete spinal cord injury, Janie transformed personal challenges into a mission to empower others through service dogs and accessibility education. She shares how service dogs provide independence, dignity, and confidence while highlighting the ongoing barriers people with di...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes speech-language pathologist Meagan Sardana for a conversation about dyslexia, literacy, and inclusion. Meagan explains what dyslexia is, how it affects reading and learning, and why early identification and support are critical. She discusses the importance of universal screening, evidence-based reading instruction, and helping children recognize their strengths rather than focusing on challenges. Together, they explore the emotio...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Dr. Stuart D. Jones, retired higher education leader, author, pastor, and disability advocate, to share the inspiring story of his brother Stephen. Through personal stories, faith, and advocacy, Dr. Jones explores how Stephen’s life challenged assumptions about disability and revealed the true meaning of inclusion. The conversation highlights the difference between simply being included and genuinely belonging, the role of faith i...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes educator and Montessori expert Marsha Familaro Enright for a conversation about inclusion, learning, and helping young people thrive. Marsha shares how Montessori education creates environments where children are treated as individuals and encouraged to develop confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking. Together, they explore the myths of traditional education, the importance of respectful dialogue, and why today’s young adults...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron talks with artist, creativity consultant, and nonprofit leader Patrick Williams about creativity, inclusion, play, mindfulness, and reconnecting with what makes us human. Patrick shares how undirected play, time in nature, journaling, and slowing down can help people rediscover creativity that may have been buried by busy schedules, technology, or childhood messages. Together, they explore how inclusion starts with simple human connection,...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes somatic coach Emily Jacobson for a powerful conversation about nervous system regulation, parenting, and inclusion. Emily shares how understanding the body’s stress responses can help parents become calmer, safer spaces for their children. Together, they explore anxiety, emotional regulation, co-regulation, neurodivergence, and practical tools families can use every day. Emily explains how inclusion starts with helping people feel...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Kelly Berger and Avery Roberts, disability and rare disease advocates living with congenital muscular dystrophy. Together, they share powerful insights on what true inclusion looks like—moving beyond labels, breaking down barriers, and challenging societal assumptions. Through personal stories of navigating school systems, public spaces, and everyday interactions, they highlight the importance of self-advocacy, community, and poli...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Amy Shannon, who shares her lived experience as a quadriplegic navigating life, inclusion, and caregiving. Amy opens up about becoming disabled at 13 and the emotional and practical challenges that followed—from school and friendships to independence and identity. She introduces her powerful concept of “life care,” a reimagining of caregiving that centers autonomy, dignity, and true partnership. Together, they explore gaps in curr...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Daniel Hodges, a blind attorney, nonprofit leader, and father, to explore what true inclusion really means. Daniel shares his journey navigating education, parenthood, and systemic bias while living with blindness and chronic pain. Together, they unpack how society often creates more barriers than disabilities themselves and why curiosity—not skepticism—is key to meaningful inclusion. Daniel also opens up about a deeply pers...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Alessia Perretti, a system change youth advocate working at the intersection of disability and juvenile justice. Alessia shares powerful insights on how overlooked disabilities contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline and why inclusion must consider intersecting identities. She discusses gaps in reentry systems, the importance of collaboration across sectors, and the need to challenge “us vs. them” thinking. Through real-...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Fr. Joash Thomas to explore a deeper, justice-centered understanding of inclusion rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus. Together, they unpack how empire-shaped Christianity has distorted the gospel, replacing unity with division and exclusion. Fr. Joash challenges listeners to rethink inclusion by learning from marginalized voices and embracing a faith that unites to heal rather than divide to conquer. This powerful con...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Maria Gallucci, a child of deaf adults (CODA), author, and real estate agent, to share her powerful story of growing up between two worlds. Maria opens up about learning empathy, advocacy, and communication from an early age while navigating a world that often misunderstood her family. She discusses inclusion as creating space for authenticity, the importance of accessibility in everyday environments, and how small acts of kindnes...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Bill Volkmann to explore what true inclusion looks like through lived experience. Bill shares his journey from being one of the first students with a developmental disability integrated into public school to launching a for-profit company focused on inclusion through media and advocacy. Together, they discuss breaking down stigma, the power of education, and why simple human connection matters most. Bill offers practical ins...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Rosemary and Patricia, co-founders of the Highland Friendship Club, to share how a simple need turned into a life-changing community. What began as a small walking group grew into a thriving organization that provides meaningful social opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. They discuss the power of connection, the importance of belonging, and how inclusion goes beyond programs—it’s about relationships and ...