Episodes

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with Sharon Dunlevy, an educational advocate for children in foster care. Sharon shares her journey from special education and ministry to child welfare, highlighting systemic barriers faced by foster youth. They discuss the impact of trauma on education, the critical role of foster parents as advocates, and the importance of trauma-informed practices in schools. Sharon emphasizes the need for inclusive policies, stable school envir...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Murphy Monroe, an autism advocate, parent, entrepreneur, and executive director of a circus school. Murphy shares his journey of self-discovery, including his late autism diagnosis and how it reshaped his personal and professional life. He discusses the importance of sensory-friendly spaces, the challenges people with autism face with interoception, and his work as a city commissioner for disabilities. Murphy emphasizes creating e...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with historian, educator, and children's author Barbara Ann Mojica. Barbara shares her journey from history academia to special education, driven by her passion to reach every learner. They discuss her transition into writing children's books that foster critical thinking and make history engaging and accessible. The conversation dives deep into the importance of individualized education, the gaps in public school curriculums, and t...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron welcomes artist and graphic designer Katherine Klimitas, who shares her journey growing up with osteogenesis imperfecta. Katherine discusses the challenges and triumphs of navigating life in a wheelchair, the importance of true inclusion in schools and society, and how her passion for art became a career. She highlights misconceptions about disability, the need for better accessibility at events, and the struggles of finding reliable perso...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes trauma counselor and anti-oppression coach Natalie Jovanic. They discuss the importance of dismantling systemic barriers in counseling, the role of privilege in inclusion, and how performative allyship hinders progress. Natalie shares personal experiences as a non-binary immigrant and insights on fostering meaningful inclusivity. The conversation explores actionable steps for allies, the challenges of cultural adaptation, and the ...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Christopher Wyatt, an autistic self-advocate, educator, and father of two neurodiverse daughters. Christopher shares his insights on inclusion, universal design, and the persistent barriers in education. He discusses how outdated systems, resistance to change, and lack of input from people with disabilities hinder accessibility. Drawing from personal and professional experiences, he emphasizes the importance of listening to those ...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron welcomes Jason Richlin, a former respiratory therapist turned high school teacher and advocate for marginalized communities. Jason shares his personal journey as a neurodivergent individual, his experiences in education, and the importance of restorative justice. He discusses the challenges and strengths of neurodivergence, the impact of inclusion in classrooms, and his mission through his podcast Beyond the Margins. Together, they explore...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with educational therapist Dr. Bibi Pirayesh about the intersection of learning disabilities and social justice. They discuss the barriers within education systems, the need for systemic change, and the importance of advocacy. Dr. Pirayesh shares insights on the role of educational therapy, the challenges of inclusion, and practical strategies for parents navigating special education. They also explore the societal impact of ableism...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Marjorie Turner Hollman, a disability advocate and author of the Easy Walks book series. Marjorie shares her journey from professional storyteller to outdoor accessibility champion after a life-changing brain surgery left her partially paralyzed. She discusses the importance of detailed trail accessibility information, the need for universal design in outdoor spaces, and how inclusion starts with awareness and advocacy. Through pe...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Kevin McShan, a journalist and disability advocate, to discuss inclusion, employment challenges, and accessibility. Kevin shares his journey of overcoming barriers in the workforce and how businesses can benefit from hiring people with disabilities. They explore the importance of transition planning, entrepreneurship, and advocacy for equal opportunities. Kevin emphasizes using innovation and empathy to drive inclusion, while AAro...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron welcomes accessibility consultant Angela Fowler to discuss the critical role of accessibility in true inclusion. Angela shares her personal experiences as a blind professional and emphasizes why accessibility should be seen as a business advantage rather than just a compliance requirement. They explore digital barriers, common mistakes businesses make, and practical steps to create accessible spaces. Angela also introduces her upcoming gro...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron welcomes Doug Katz, a veteran, entrepreneur, and innovator in adaptive product design. Doug shares his journey from military service to creating the Nulu, an adaptive kitchen knife designed for people with disabilities and those experiencing age-related challenges. He discusses the importance of inclusive design, the "ability curve" model, and how adaptive products can enhance independence. Doug also emphasizes the need for greater awarene...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron welcomes author, speaker, and disability advocate Sara Freeman Smith. Sara shares her journey of vision loss and how it reshaped her career in HR and recruiting. She discusses overcoming biases in the workplace, advocating for inclusive hiring, and using technology to break accessibility barriers. Sara emphasizes the power of self-belief, the importance of practical inclusion efforts, and the need for companies to embrace disability as par...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron welcomes early childhood specialist DJ Stutz to discuss practical ways to foster inclusion. DJ shares her extensive experience teaching and raising children with diverse needs, emphasizing the importance of recognizing each child's "zone of genius." They explore how early exposure to diversity shapes attitudes, strategies for raising confident and independent children, and how parents can advocate for inclusion in schools. DJ also highligh...

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 welcomes writer and advocate Nancy Burrows to discuss her journey as a mother raising a son with autism. Nancy shares her experiences navigating inclusion in education, employment, and community life, offering insights on overcoming challenges and fostering acceptance. She reflects on her son's strengths, struggles, and transition to a residential program. The conversation explores the importance of meeting people where they are and creati...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron welcomes Curtis Butler, a career coach and father of a daughter with significant disabilities. They discuss redefining inclusion, adaptive sports, and the lifelong journey of advocating for access and opportunity. Curtis shares personal insights on resilience, presuming competence, and the transformation that comes with raising a child with disabilities. The conversation expands into career coaching, where Curtis offers strategies for youn...

In this episode ofThe Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron welcomes guests Aimée and her daughter, Lila, to discuss their advocacy journey within the school system. Lila, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, shares her fight to attend a more accessible high school alongside her established support system. They dive into the barriers of special education policies, the power of self-advocacy, and the importance of inclusion beyond compliance. Aimée and Lila emphasize the role of community in...

In this episode ofThe Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Karla Hildebrand to share her daughter Maddie’s fight for accessibility in school. Maddie, a talented musician with a mitochondrial disorder and autism, has been denied equitable participation in her junior high band program due to inaccessible facilities and systemic neglect. Karla recounts their struggles, advocacy efforts, and the emotional toll on their family. Despite legal roadblocks and school inaction, their persistence led...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with school principal and special education advocate Leroy Slanzi about creating truly inclusive school environments. They discuss the importance of centralizing student services, fostering empathy, and ensuring students with disabilities are meaningfully included. Leroy shares insights from his books on leadership, mental health, and emotional regulation, emphasizing structured play and mindfulness as key strategies. He also provid...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Amanda Trisdale, an autism advocate and co-founder of Autistic Wings Dance Company. Amanda shares her journey of raising her autistic daughter, Leta, who excelled in dance but faced barriers in traditional studios. Frustrated by exclusion, Leta inspired her parents to create an autism-centered dance studio. Amanda discusses the importance of individualized dance education, the need for neurodiverse representation in performing art...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron speaks with Delphia Howze, an author and inclusion expert with over 25 years of experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). Delphia shares her journey into DEIA work, emphasizing the importance of true inclusion beyond surface-level representation. She discusses common misconceptions, the need for shared definitions, and how everyone—not just leaders—has a role in fostering inclusive environments. The conversation...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron speaks with author Michaela Cox, who shares her journey through disability, loss, and resilience. Michaela discusses navigating life as legally blind, her experiences with inclusion and advocacy, and how she has channeled her challenges into writing over 15 books. She offers practical advice on self-care, the power of mindset, and the importance of equipping oneself with knowledge and resources. Her 38 Triple D journey—disability, divorce,...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron interviews Kenneth Kunken, the first quadriplegic to graduate from Cornell University. Kenneth shares his journey of navigating life after a spinal cord injury sustained during college, the evolution of accessibility before and after the ADA, and his career as an attorney and rehabilitation counselor. He emphasizes the importance of high expectations, the transformative power of inclusion, and the value of perseverance. Kenneth’s story ins...