Episodes

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...

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...