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

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, naviga...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes author, artist, and naval officer Agazit Negash to share her family's powerful journey through grief, caregiving, and autism advocacy. After losing both parents within weeks of each other, Agazit unexpectedly became the legal guardian of her autistic brother. Together, they navigated complex support systems, honored cultural and faith traditions, and discovered the i...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Janie Heinrich, founder of MobilityDog.org, to discuss service dogs, disability advocacy, and creating truly inclusive communities. After experiencing an incomplete spinal cord injury, Janie transformed personal challenges into a mission to empower others through service dogs and accessibility education. She shares how service dogs provide independence, dignity, and ...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes speech-language pathologist Meagan Sardana for a conversation about dyslexia, literacy, and inclusion. Meagan explains what dyslexia is, how it affects reading and learning, and why early identification and support are critical. She discusses the importance of universal screening, evidence-based reading instruction, and helping children recognize their strengths rath...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Dr. Stuart D. Jones, retired higher education leader, author, pastor, and disability advocate, to share the inspiring story of his brother Stephen. Through personal stories, faith, and advocacy, Dr. Jones explores how Stephen’s life challenged assumptions about disability and revealed the true meaning of inclusion. The conversation highlights the difference bet...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes educator and Montessori expert Marsha Familaro Enright for a conversation about inclusion, learning, and helping young people thrive. Marsha shares how Montessori education creates environments where children are treated as individuals and encouraged to develop confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking. Together, they explore the myths of traditional education, th...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron talks with artist, creativity consultant, and nonprofit leader Patrick Williams about creativity, inclusion, play, mindfulness, and reconnecting with what makes us human. Patrick shares how undirected play, time in nature, journaling, and slowing down can help people rediscover creativity that may have been buried by busy schedules, technology, or childhood messages. Together...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes somatic coach Emily Jacobson for a powerful conversation about nervous system regulation, parenting, and inclusion. Emily shares how understanding the body’s stress responses can help parents become calmer, safer spaces for their children. Together, they explore anxiety, emotional regulation, co-regulation, neurodivergence, and practical tools families can use ...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Kelly Berger and Avery Roberts, disability and rare disease advocates living with congenital muscular dystrophy. Together, they share powerful insights on what true inclusion looks like—moving beyond labels, breaking down barriers, and challenging societal assumptions. Through personal stories of navigating school systems, public spaces, and everyday interactio...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Amy Shannon, who shares her lived experience as a quadriplegic navigating life, inclusion, and caregiving. Amy opens up about becoming disabled at 13 and the emotional and practical challenges that followed—from school and friendships to independence and identity. She introduces her powerful concept of “life care,” a reimagining of caregiving that c...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Daniel Hodges, a blind attorney, nonprofit leader, and father, to explore what true inclusion really means. Daniel shares his journey navigating education, parenthood, and systemic bias while living with blindness and chronic pain. Together, they unpack how society often creates more barriers than disabilities themselves and why curiosity—not skepticism&m...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Alessia Perretti, a system change youth advocate working at the intersection of disability and juvenile justice. Alessia shares powerful insights on how overlooked disabilities contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline and why inclusion must consider intersecting identities. She discusses gaps in reentry systems, the importance of collaboration across sectors...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Fr. Joash Thomas to explore a deeper, justice-centered understanding of inclusion rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus. Together, they unpack how empire-shaped Christianity has distorted the gospel, replacing unity with division and exclusion. Fr. Joash challenges listeners to rethink inclusion by learning from marginalized voices and embracing a faith tha...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Maria Gallucci, a child of deaf adults (CODA), author, and real estate agent, to share her powerful story of growing up between two worlds. Maria opens up about learning empathy, advocacy, and communication from an early age while navigating a world that often misunderstood her family. She discusses inclusion as creating space for authenticity, the importance of acce...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Bill Volkmann to explore what true inclusion looks like through lived experience. Bill shares his journey from being one of the first students with a developmental disability integrated into public school to launching a for-profit company focused on inclusion through media and advocacy. Together, they discuss breaking down stigma, the power of education, and wh...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Rosemary and Patricia, co-founders of the Highland Friendship Club, to share how a simple need turned into a life-changing community. What began as a small walking group grew into a thriving organization that provides meaningful social opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. They discuss the power of connection, the importance of belonging, and...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Katherine Gyolai, founder of Find Love Safely, to explore the often-overlooked topic of dating and relationships for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Katherine shares her deeply personal journey that led to creating a safer, more supportive matchmaking service after her own family experienced online harm. Together, they discuss the ...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron talks with Jason Lyle, founder of The Sacred Grit and Adventures in Recovery, about healing, self-awareness, and what true inclusion really means. Jason shares his journey from pastor to recovery advocate after battling addiction, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Through practices like breathwork, cold immersion, meditation, and nervous system regulation, he now helps men r...

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron DeVries sits down with licensed educational psychologist and photographer Scott Gutentag to explore the intersection of storytelling, disability, and inclusion. Scott shares how he combined his background in psychology with his lifelong passion for photography to highlight the humanity and individuality of people with disabilities. The conversation dives into how photography ...