Disabled Expectations

In this episode of Disabled Expectations, I sit down with John Boersma to talk about raising his 8-year-old son, Wrigley, who has Down syndrome.  We get into the real impact on family life, marriage, and how John believes he’s been preparing his whole life for this role as a dad. It’s an honest, grounded conversation about disability, purpose, and showing up for your family in ways that matter. Disabled Expectations is a podcast for dads raising children with disabilities, focused on real stories and perspective. Sponsored by Certain Hope Community. Contact: [email protected]

In this episode of Disabled Expectations, I sit down with John Gleason to talk about his journey raising his 30-year-old daughter Kendra, who has cerebral palsy. The daily routines, the constant responsibility, and the weight that doesn’t get talked about enough. John opens up about what day-to-day care truly looks like over time. We get into the thoughts that stay in a father’s head, the pressure to keep showing up, and how this path reshapes your perspective on everything—especially marriage. When the statistics say it’s going to be hard to last, we talk about what actually keeps a relationship together and moving forward. Have a story to share or want to connect? Email: [email protected] Sponsored by Certain Hope Community- Bringing families who have children with disabilities together through consistent, free events—so no one walks this journey alone. https://certainhopecommunity.org

In this episode of Disabled Expectations, I talk with Dan Hartwell, dad to Mikey, his 23-year-old son with autism. Dan shares what it was like realizing his son had autism, how he responded when he heard the diagnosis, and the role faith played in shaping his perspective from the beginning. We talk about accepting reality as it is, not rushing to fix it or explain it away, and holding onto a steady truth that continues to surface throughout the conversation: it is still good. This episode is an honest reflection on perspective, faith, and the way expectations can shift without losing hope or meaning. 🎙 Recorded at Barton Studio 🤝 Sponsored by Certain Hope Community Questions or feedback: 📧 [email protected]

In this episode of Disabled Expectations, Andy sits down with Dan Schmidt, a dad whose 18-year-old daughter, Jessica, has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Dan shares what it looks like to intentionally fight for his marriage and faithfully show up as a father in the disability world. This conversation centers on commitment, leadership, and the daily choices required to love well when life looks different than expected. This is an honest and encouraging discussion for dads, parents, and couples navigating disability—focused on perseverance, presence, and the long road of fatherhood. This episode is sponsored by Certain Hope Community, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families who have children with disabilities. Filmed at Barton Studio. For questions, feedback, or to connect with the podcast, email [email protected]

In this episode of Disabled Expectations, I sit down with Geof Coeling to talk about his daughter Vivian and the whirlwind of her early days. Vivian was diagnosed with KCNQ2-DEE, and Geof shares what it felt like to become a first-time dad in the middle of fear, confusion, and a thousand unanswered questions. We talk honestly about checking in with ourselves as dads—naming how we’re really doing and why that honesty matters. This conversation will encourage you to keep showing up with courage and heart. Sponsored by: Certain Hope Community 
 Contact: [email protected]

In this episode, Mark Mulder shares the raw truth of raising two sons with Sanfilippo Syndrome (MPS III) — a degenerative disease that reshapes every part of family life. He opens up about the nonstop caregiving, the strain and strength of marriage under pressure, and where he finds the endurance to keep going. Honest, hopeful, and deeply real — you don’t want to miss this conversation.   Sponsored by: Certain Hope Community Contact: [email protected] Learn more and support Mark's Foundation: https://teamjarodteamcaleb.org  

In this episode of Disabled Expectations, we sit down with Mark Meier, father of Annika, whose journey began like so many others—until a diagnosis of medulloblastoma, a childhood brain tumor, changed everything. What followed was a long road of medical challenges, complications, and the reality of living with disabilities. Mark shares with honesty and heart about the resilience of his daughter, the strength of his family, and the power of community rallying around one of their own. This is a story of perseverance, love, and the daily courage it takes to keep moving forward. This episode is brought to you by Certain Hope Community, a nonprofit connecting families of children with disabilities (certainhopecommunity.org). You can also learn more about Mark’s nonprofit, Anni’s Army, at annisarmy.org. For questions, sponsorships, or guest inquiries, contact us at [email protected].

Jason Blain is a dad to two boys living with MPS II (Hunter Syndrome), a rare and exhausting disease. In this episode, we talk about what it's really like to raise kids with severe disabilities—no sugarcoating. Jason opens up about the emotional toll, the fight to keep his marriage strong, and how hardship and gratitude somehow coexist in his world. He doesn’t pretend to have it all figured out—but what he shares is honest, raw, and hopeful. You’ll walk away challenged and encouraged   📧 Contact: [email protected] 🙌 Sponsored by Certain Hope Community 🎙️ Available on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts

In this episode, I talk with Bill Barton—dad to Lucas, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We get real about the painful weight of a degenerative diagnosis and how it doesn’t just affect the child, but reshapes the entire family. Bill shares what it's like to parent in a world where control slips away day by day, and how he's learning to show up with presence instead of answers. We talk about the surprising strength that surfaces when you stop trying to fix everything—and start walking through it together. This is an honest look at fatherhood, faith, and the deep love that holds when nothing else does. Brought to you by: Certain Hope Community- certainhopecommunity.org
Contact: [email protected]

Joel Keck joins me on Disabled Expectations to share his journey as a dad to Cade, who was born with Dandy-Walker and Joubert syndrome. We talk about life in the NICU for 22 days, the tough choices families face in times of crisis, and how fatherhood has reshaped his view of life, faith, and strength. You’re going to like Joel — honest, real, and full of quiet strength.   Sponsored by: Certain Hope Community (certainhopecommunity.org). Contact: [email protected]

In this episode of Disabled Expectations, we sit down with Brian, a father whose son Chris has cerebral palsy. Brian shares his powerful journey of advocating for his son, the importance of community, and the life-altering experience of adoption. We dive into the honest struggles and triumphs of being a dad in a special needs family, exploring how love, resilience, and faith drive him every day. Certain Hope Community is proud to sponsor this conversation, highlighting the strength of fathers and the crucial role of community. Tune in for a raw, inspiring discussion on fatherhood, advocacy, and the power of community. certainhopecommunity.org. Connect with us: 📧 Email: [email protected] 🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more authentic conversations about parenting children with disabilities.

In this episode of Disabled Expectations, I sit down with Jeff Weir, a dad whose son Landon lives with Schaaf-Yang Syndrome, an extremely rare genetic condition. Jeff opens up about the joys, heartbreaks, and traumatic events their family has faced both in and out of the hospital. This is a raw, honest, eye opening conversation about parenting through uncertainty, holding on to hope, and finding strength in the middle of unimaginable circumstances. Jeff's vulnerability will encourage you, challenge you, and remind you that even in the hardest seasons, you're not alone. 💡 Whether you're a parent, caregiver, advocate, or simply someone who wants to understand more about life with disabilities—this episode is for you Sponsored by Certain Hope Community – connecting families who have children with disabilities. Learn more at certainhopecommunity.org 📧 Contact us: [email protected]

In this episode of Disabled Expectations, I sit down with Cameron Kinney, dad to Wells, who has Dandy-Walker Syndrome. We dive deep into the importance of being open and honest as dads, the mental and emotional weight of raising a medically complex child, and the challenges of multiple extended hospital stays. Cameron shares his raw experiences—the fears, the resilience, and the unexpected strength that comes from walking this road. If you're a dad navigating similar challenges, or you just want a real, unfiltered look at fatherhood in the world of disability, this one’s for you. 📩 Contact us: [email protected] 🙏 Sponsored by: Certain Hope Community 🔔 Subscribe & Join the Conversation!

In this episode of Disabled Expectations, I sit down with Ben Lawrence, a dedicated father whose son, Jory, was born with spina bifida. Ben shares how he and his wife have prioritized building a life where everyone has a seat at their table—both literally and figuratively. We dive into the power of community, the realities of accessibility, and how their faith has guided them through the journey of raising a child with a disability. Tune in as we explore the intersection of faith, perseverance, and fatherhood in the face of challenges. This episode is sponsored by Certain Hope Community—bringing families together so no one walks this road alone. www.certainhopecommunity.org

In this episode of Disabled Expectations, I sit down with Collin Hubbell, whose daughter Palmer has a rare disease called Bilateral open lip schizencephaly. We dive into the difficult reality of diagnosis day, the strength behind a marriage that thrives through challenges, and the everyday frustrations of handicap parking. Plus, we even get into some mustache talk—because why not? Certain Hope Community sponsors this conversation, bringing families together who navigate life with disabilities.

In this episode of Disabled Expectations, I sit down with John Arlt to talk about his family's journey through his daughter's hemispherectomy—a life-altering brain surgery—and what it means to trust God in the hardest moments. We dive into faith, fatherhood, and the realities of raising a child with a disability. John shares his raw and honest perspective on navigating medical challenges, leaning on faith, and the strength it takes to be a dad in this space. Don’t miss this powerful conversation about encouragement, surrender, and hope. Sponsored by: Certain Hope Community – Families Navigating Disabilities Together. www.certainhopecommunity.org  

In this episode of Disabled Expectations, I sit down with Dan Vainner, a dedicated husband, adventurer, and all-in dad to a son with Au-Kline Syndrome—a rare condition with only about 100 known cases worldwide. We dive into:
 The challenges and joys of parenting a child with a rare diagnosis. 
How Dan and his wife navigate marriage through it all. 
The relentless journey of advocating for their son. 
And yes—why you don’t want to challenge Dan to a puzzle! This conversation is raw, real, and filled with encouragement for any parent on a similar path. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!
 Have a question or a takeaway? Drop it in the comments below! Sponsored by Certain Hope Community—connecting families raising children with disabilities. certainhopecommunity.org 
Contact us: [email protected]

In this episode, Baron Grutter shares his journey as a dad to a child with Type 1 SMA. With 12 years of experience, he offers powerful insights, hard-earned wisdom, and encouragement for families navigating disabilities. Sponsored by: Certain Hope Community.

In this Episode you will get to know Tim. A real family man who puts in the work to be the best dad he knows how to be. He is honest and open about having a daughter who has disabilities. 

In this episode, Mike shares his family’s incredible 11-month journey in the NICU with their son, Evan. He opens up about the challenges they faced, how they found strength to persevere, and the importance of saying “yes” to support from friends and family. Mike offers wisdom and encouragement for dads raising children with disabilities, reminding dad’s they are not alone on the disability journey.  Contact us: [email protected]

In this episode of Disabled Expectations, Dave Hodge shares his story and insight into the disability world. We cover everything from work to faith, family and construction projects! You will love Dave, stay till the end to get his advice for new dads who have a child with disabilities.   📧 Contact us: [email protected]