Episodes

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes writer and editor Heidi Fiedler for a heartfelt conversation about parenting, inclusion, and navigating the IEP process. Heidi shares her family’s journey with autism, the importance of finding supportive school communities, and how creativity sustains her identity as a mother and individual. Together, they reflect on the evolving definitions of inclusion, the role of empathy in education, and the hidden labor of caregiving. Wheth...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes entrepreneur and neurodiversity advocate Pazbi Zavatzki. Pazbi shares his journey from childhood cancer survival and temporary paralysis to a late ADHD diagnosis and becoming a champion for neurodivergent inclusion. They explore the power of shared stories, the domino effect of diagnosis, and why universal design benefits everyone. Pazbi also opens up about how ADHD shaped his entrepreneurial spirit and his mission to create acces...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with Danielle Sullivan, a neurodivergent educator, writer, and founder of Neurodiverging, about redefining inclusion through the lens of neurodiversity. Danielle shares her personal journey with autism and ADHD, highlighting the power of embracing one’s identity and the importance of community. Together, they discuss how parents, educators, and systems can shift from pathologizing to empowering neurodivergent individuals. This heart...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Craig Parks — a dad, musician, and longtime advocate for kids with special needs. Craig shares his journey raising a son on the autism spectrum, the power of music in building connections, and his "Parenting A to E" framework designed to help parents foster joy and lasting memories with their kids. He highlights the importance of support networks, inclusive environments, and embracing curiosity over judgment to build a more connec...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron welcomes Hollis Peirce — a disability advocate, historian, and podcaster — to discuss accessibility, ableism, and the power of inclusive design. Hollis shares personal stories, from navigating inaccessible spaces to performing accessibility audits at music festivals, while advocating for a social model of disability. The conversation highlights the impact of technology, the importance of lived experiences, and how true inclusion requires s...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Maria Chapman, a ghostwriter and founder of Journey 2 Success, a nonprofit supporting disabled entrepreneurs. Maria shares her powerful journey from teaching to medical retirement due to a neuromuscular condition, highlighting the barriers she faced — from workplace discrimination to denied Social Security benefits — and how she turned those struggles into a mission to empower others. She dives into practical steps for inclusive e...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes author and chronic illness advocate Sara Willoughby. Sara shares her journey with chronic illness, discussing the challenges of misdiagnosis, navigating relationships, and finding community through her online Diamonds Conference. She highlights the importance of inclusion through awareness and intentional invitation. Sara also reflects on how faith has been a foundation in her journey, offering hope amidst suffering. Together, the...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron interviews Dr. Craig Hane aka Dr.Del, a math educator passionate about making math accessible and practical. Dr.Del shares his insights on why traditional math education often fails students, the importance of teaching only the math people actually need, and how technology—like scientific calculators and AI tools—can revolutionize learning. He also discusses his experiences in NASCAR, business, and technical training, demonstrating how mat...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes disability advocate Jenna Udenberg. Jenna shares her journey from being diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at age seven to becoming a passionate accessibility educator and founder of Above & Beyond With U. She discusses her experiences growing up in a wheelchair, challenges with ADA compliance, and the importance of going beyond minimum accessibility standards. Jenna also talks about her book Within My Spokes, her Bush F...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Emmy-winning filmmaker Dan Watt, director and producer of Everybody Dance, a documentary about the transformative power of dance for children with disabilities. Dan shares his journey from Hollywood producer to documentary filmmaker, driven by a passion for telling meaningful stories. He discusses the impact of inclusive dance spaces, the importance of focusing on similarities rather than differences, and the lessons he learned wh...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Janet Elliott, author of The Alien Savant, to discuss her nonverbal autistic brother Michael’s journey. Janet shares personal stories of her family's fight for inclusion in a time when institutionalization was the norm. She highlights the importance of recognizing individual strengths, advocating for neurodivergent individuals, and ensuring accessibility in everyday life. The conversation also explores historical deficiencies in s...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron interviews Devon Wieters, a disability advocate and podcast host. Devon shares her advocacy work on the SSI Restoration Act and the struggles disabled individuals face due to restrictive government policies. She discusses her experiences with cerebral palsy, accessibility, and the systemic challenges in disability services. The conversation also highlights the impact of social stigma, Medicaid waivers, and ways to improve inclusion. Devon ...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with writer and speaker Emily Goodson about her journey with disability, self-acceptance, and inclusion. Emily shares her experience of acquiring a disability at age eight, navigating internalized ableism, and eventually embracing her identity. She discusses how disability has shaped her career in HR and made her a more empathetic leader. Emily highlights the importance of representation, open conversations, and inclusion in workpla...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron welcomes Lois Letchford, a literacy specialist and author, to discuss her son’s journey from being labeled as a failure in first grade to earning a PhD in Applied Mathematics from Oxford. Lois shares how traditional teaching failed her son and how she transformed his learning through creative, hands-on methods. They explore the impact of labels, the importance of social inclusion, and how parents can advocate for their children. The conver...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron welcomes autism advocate and philanthropist Crystal Jordan. Crystal shares how her son’s autism diagnosis ignited her passion for advocacy, inclusion, and employment opportunities for neurodiverse individuals. She discusses her journey navigating the IEP process, the importance of workforce inclusion, and her efforts to introduce a legislative bill supporting autism resources. Crystal also highlights the power of faith, her upcoming Ausome...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes financial expert Michael Ringel to discuss essential financial planning for families of children with disabilities. They explore the importance of planning for two lifetimes, strategies to protect government benefits, and the role of special needs trusts and ABLE accounts. Michael emphasizes the need for proactive estate planning to secure a stable future for children with disabilities. He shares practical steps to ensure financia...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron welcomes Wendy Hooton, an author and advocate for Down syndrome inclusion. Wendy shares her journey of raising her son with Down Syndrome, highlighting the evolving meaning of inclusion throughout his life. She discusses her book, Big People Don’t Pee in the Park, which blends humor and heartfelt experiences to support parents navigating a similar path. Wendy emphasizes the importance of fostering independence, social inclusion, and advoca...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with Curtis "Curveball" Jackson, a blind entrepreneur, hip-hop artist, and podcast host. Curtis shares his journey growing up blind, navigating public school, and breaking societal expectations. He discusses his ventures in music, cybersecurity, and vending, emphasizing resilience and self-advocacy. Curtis talks about the importance of inclusion, his podcast Living the Dream with Curveball, and how he empowers others through storyte...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with Jason Tuttle, a devoted father and advocate, about his journey raising two children with complex medical needs. Jason shares the profound challenges and joys of parenting children with disabilities, the emotional impact of losing his son, and how grief shaped his advocacy. They discuss the importance of inclusion, acceptance, and creating meaningful connections. Jason highlights his project, Letters to Zachary, a grief-centered...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with Michelle Steiner, a writer, speaker, and paraeducator, about her journey living with a learning disability. Diagnosed with dyscalculia in kindergarten, Michelle shares her experiences navigating school, social challenges, and adulthood. She highlights the importance of empathy, the value of community, and how her disability shaped her love for writing, photography, and helping students with disabilities. Michelle also discusses...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Jennifer Celeste Briggs, author of Watching Sarah Rise, to discuss her journey parenting a daughter with special needs. Jennifer shares how the Son-rise Program, a family-centered approach to autism, transformed their lives by focusing on connection, patience, and individualized learning. She highlights the importance of honoring each child's pace, embracing repetitive behaviors as pathways to connection, and building a supp...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Stephanie Warlick, founder of 5 Foot View Consulting and author of Dark and Silent Office. They discuss the importance of digital and content accessibility in workplaces and how small, intentional actions can make a big impact. Stephanie shares her journey into accessibility advocacy, her definition of inclusion, and practical tips for making communication more accessible. The conversation highlights empathy, awareness, and the ne...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with Lisa Drennan, founder of MERGE Consulting, about building authentic inclusion in community spaces. Lisa shares her journey from working in specialized programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to leading system-wide inclusion initiatives. Together, they discuss the importance of shifting from segregated programs to inclusive environments where everyone participates side by side. Lisa outlines her...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Darci Steiner, a nutritionist, author, and disability advocate, who shares her powerful journey living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Darci discusses the challenges of accessibility, the importance of awareness in inclusion, and how her faith and nutrition played pivotal roles in her healing journey. She emphasizes the need for proactive inclusion and highlights how simple changes can create more accessible spaces. Da...