Inclusion and Disability Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Dr. Victoria Mattingly, CEO of Mattingly Solutions and author of Inclusalytics, for a powerful conversation on allyship, inclusive leadership, and redefining DEI. Dr. V shares her unique two-book approach to allyship, why empathy and active listening are game changers, and how her lived experience with alopecia has reshaped her view on visible differences. Together, ...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with Dr. Eric Endlich, founder of Top College Consultants, to explore college readiness and inclusion for neurodivergent students. From practical advice on navigating college admissions to insights on empathy and identity-first language, Dr. Endlich shares decades of lived and professional experience. They discuss how starting early can ease transitions, where to find ...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Daniela Feldhausen, founder of Kids Up Reading Tutors, to explore the connection between literacy and inclusion. Daniela shares her inspiring journey from lawyer to reading advocate and offers deep insights into dyslexia, dysgraphia, and the science of reading. She explains how inclusive literacy starts with access to the written word—whether through “eye reading” or...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with April Ratchford, an autistic occupational therapist and advocate for neurodivergent young adults. April shares her personal journey as a late-diagnosed autistic individual, her experiences parenting an autistic son, and the systemic gaps that exist in post-secondary support for autistic students. Together, they discuss life skills education, the need for inclusive...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with Julie Barth, a mother of six and founder of the Colin James Barth Outreach. Julie shares her journey raising a daughter with primordial dwarfism. Together, they explore the realities of disability parenting, the meaning of true inclusion, and the power of resilience. Julie challenges outdated systems and emphasizes trusting your parental instincts, even in the fac...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron sits down with Desiree Taylor, a deaf author, advocate, and mom, to discuss her personal journey with hearing loss and raising a child with the same condition. Desiree opens up about navigating an inaccessible education system, embracing her identity, and transitioning from legalism to a personal relationship with Jesus. The conversation explores the emotional layers of inclu...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Kanika Vasudeva, an energy coach and Akashic records healer, for a powerful conversation on soul contracts, energetic healing, and inclusion. Kanika shares how children with disabilities may bring deep spiritual lessons and how parents are often part of sacred agreements to help shift outdated societal narratives. Together, they explore how viewing disabilities throu...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes author and speaker Jeannie Ewing for a heartfelt conversation about parenting, inclusion, grief, and redefining faith. Jeannie shares her journey of raising a daughter with Abert syndrome, navigating neurodivergence in her family, and transforming grief into purpose. They explore how faith evolves, what true inclusion means, and how churches can either harm or heal. ...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Dr. Diana Fannon—special education director, bilingual school psychologist, and parent of a child with autism. Together, they explore the power of informed consent, the importance of transparency in IEP meetings, and how lived experience fuels inclusive advocacy. Dr. Diana shares how her own journey with epilepsy shaped her commitment to equity, and how schools can b...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Israeli singer-songwriter and genre-blending artist Lital Yohay. Lital shares her personal journey with a hearing disorder, her unique definition of inclusion, and how music serves as both escape and connection. From growing up in silence about her condition to using sound as a tool for empathy and storytelling, Lital invites listeners into a world where deep thinkin...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Samantha Foote, a board-certified music therapist, neurodivergent mom of three, and podcast host of Every Brain is Different. They explore Samantha’s journey of parenting neurodivergent kids, navigating therapy overload, and using music as a tool for healing and expression. Samantha shares how her own ADHD diagnosis shaped her understanding of inclusion and community...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Constance Lewis, a nurse practitioner turned children’s book author and mom of three, to explore how emotions, inclusion, and advocacy intersect. Constance shares her family’s emotional journey navigating her son’s seizures, the inspiration behind her upcoming children’s book Colorful Capes of Feelings, and the power of teaching emotional literacy through creat...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Pastor Romell Parks-Weekly for a powerful conversation on faith, identity, and inclusion. Romell shares his journey as an openly gay pastor in a formerly non-affirming church, unpacking how biblical interpretation, cultural context, and lived experience shape his theology. They discuss the intersection of Christianity, sexuality, and the call to radically love others...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Karen Hale—life coach, podcast producer, and mother of a son on the autism spectrum. Karen shares her family’s powerful journey through diagnosis, exclusion, and advocacy, revealing how her son defied limitations to thrive in professional sports. Together, they explore how labels, empathy, and honest conversations shape inclusion, and why dreams must never be dismiss...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron welcomes author and psych nurse T.L. McCoy, who shares the heartfelt inspiration behind her children's book Delilah vs. the Ghastly Grimm. Written for her granddaughter with Dravet syndrome, the book champions disability representation in children's literature. T.L. opens up about her family's journey with seizures, the urgent need for inclusive stories, and the p...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Dr. Kristen Williamson, a late-diagnosed neurodivergent counselor, autism advocate, and proud “neurospicy” mom. Together, they explore how inclusion looks for those with invisible disabilities, why autism presents differently in women, and how workplaces can better support neurodivergent employees. With humor, vulnerability, and practical wisdom, Dr. Kristen sh...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad Podcast, host AAron sits down with Paolo Gaudiano, author of Measuring Inclusion and founder of Aleria.tech, to explore a data-driven, business-savvy approach to inclusion. Paolo shares how inclusion is not just a moral issue but a financial one—and how companies are “bleeding money” when exclusion goes unchecked. They unpack the real meaning of DEI, the dangers of diversity checkboxes, and how ...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with resilience coach and chronic illness warrior Jenn Fredericks. Together, they explore Jenn’s journey through two kidney transplants, her daughter's courageous battle with a brain tumor, and the power of resilience in the face of long-term health challenges. Jenn shares practical strategies for building resilience, the deep role of faith and intuition in her ...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes ADHD coach and author Sue Day for a powerful conversation about inclusion, neurodiversity, and practical strategies for thriving with ADHD. Sue shares her personal journey from an undiagnosed child in the '80s to a passionate advocate and coach helping others understand their extraordinary brains. Together, they unpack common misconceptions about ADHD, its impact...