Episodes

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron talks with Ellie AuDHD Capstick about late-diagnosed autism and ADHD, childhood experiences, and the power of understanding neurodivergence. Ellie shares how discovering her neurodivergence after her children’s diagnoses helped explain years of feeling different, facing criticism, and struggling to fit in. She discusses the intersection of neurodivergence and trauma, why neurodivergent children need safety and understanding, and how her on...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron talks with author and disability advocate Jenn Chassman Browne and artist, educator, and activist Hope Demetriades about the power of stories to create understanding and inclusion. Jenn shares her book See Us, Know Us: Profiles of Disability, featuring 30 people with diverse disabilities and identities. Hope discusses living with an invisible disability, the challenges of being misunderstood, and why curiosity is more powerful than judgmen...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron DeVries sits down with BE Alink, inventor, author, and founder of the Alinker walking bike, for a bold and thought-provoking conversation about inclusion, identity, and systems that were never built for everyone. BE challenges the idea of “fixing bodies” and instead invites us to rethink mobility, disability, and belonging. Together, they explore why inclusion often feeds exclusionary systems, how language shapes power, and what it looks l...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron welcomes artist, activist, and art therapist Zian Chavez, producer of the award-winning documentary We Are the Most Beautiful People: Adults with Disabilities. Zian shares their journey as a queer, non-binary, neurodiverse, Spanish, Indigenous, New Mexican living with multiple sclerosis, and how lived experience fueled their global movement for disability equity and dignity. Together, Aaron and Zian explore redefining beauty, dismantling s...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron interviews Nefrit El-Or, an advocate for eating disorder recovery and late-diagnosed autism awareness. Nefrit shares her journey from feeling broken to embracing self-acceptance after receiving an autism diagnosis during treatment for anorexia nervosa. She highlights the significant overlap between autism and eating disorders, emphasizing the need for greater inclusivity and accommodations in treatment settings. Nefrit discusses her creati...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron welcomes Michaell Magrutsche, an advocate for human-centric perspectives. They discuss the natural state of inclusion, the flaws in systemic labeling, and the need to rethink education and support systems. Michaell shares his personal experiences with dyslexia and neurodiversity, emphasizing that every human is uniquely designed by nature. The conversation challenges societal norms, highlighting how bureaucracy and financial systems dehuma...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron talks with Tasha Schuh, a speaker, author, and advocate who shares her powerful journey of resilience after becoming a C5 quadriplegic at 16 following a stage accident. Tasha opens up about overcoming depression, challenging stereotypes about disability, finding support through family and faith, and learning to live one day at a time. She also discusses the everyday realities of accessibility, why people with disabilities must advocate for...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron talks with Dr. Krisztina Weiszhaupt about conductive education and what it means to truly see the potential in people with disabilities. Dr. Krisztina shares how this educational approach helps individuals with neurological disorders build skills through learning, repetition, goals, and everyday routines. They discuss the important role parents play in recognizing their child’s abilities, communicating those strengths to professionals, and...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes psychotherapist Robert Rackley to explore what true inclusion looks like for neurodivergent people. Drawing from his own late ADHD diagnosis and years of clinical experience, Robert explains masking, neurodivergent burnout, trauma, and why so many people are misunderstood in traditional therapy and education systems. He shares practical ways to create environments where people can stop surviving and start thriving. This powerful c...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Elisa Neven-Pugh for a thoughtful conversation about moving beyond inclusion and toward true integration. Elisa shares her experiences as a disability advocate, author, and founder of Positively Adaptive Services, explaining why breaking down silos between disabled and nondisabled communities is essential for lasting change. She discusses faith, advocacy, personal responsibility, affordable support services, and the importance of ...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Molly Kennedy, disability advocate, nonprofit leader, and host of the Be Determined podcast. Born with cerebral palsy, Molly shares how losing her ability to walk later in life reshaped her journey while strengthening her commitment to self-determination and inclusion. She explains why person-centered planning empowers people to lead their own lives instead of being defined by limitations. The conversation explores disability serv...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Karl Kates, founder of Drive Wise Academy, to explore how inclusive driver's education is changing lives. Karl shares how decades in special education inspired him to help people with disabilities, anxiety, and unique learning needs gain the confidence to drive safely. From teaching the first person with Down syndrome in Iowa to earn a driver's license to adapting vehicles for wheelchair users, Karl proves that success comes from ...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Tina Hoang, a speaker and advocate living with cerebral palsy, for a heartfelt conversation about inclusion, resilience, and rediscovering play. Tina shares how her disability shaped her perspective, why simply inviting someone to join can change a life, and how embracing playfulness creates belonging for everyone. Together they explore cultural views of disability, independence, caregiving, and the importance of moving beyond soc...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Lisa Richer, a neurodivergent success partner, consultant, and parent of two neurodivergent sons. Lisa shares how her own late diagnosis, elite gymnastics career, and years of advocacy shaped her approach to inclusion. Together they explore psychological safety, the importance of curiosity over judgment, and why true inclusion requires collaboration instead of conflict. Lisa introduces her practical frameworks for creating lasting...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Antar Salim, a father, educator, and advocate whose youngest daughter has Down syndrome. Antar shares the emotional journey of receiving a prenatal diagnosis, the faith and family conversations that shaped their decision, and how his daughter has transformed his understanding of patience, purpose, and inclusion. Together, they explore why every person deserves the opportunity to flourish, the importance of recognizing individual s...

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...