Reframing What It Means to Be a “Good Dad”

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, the guys discuss

how parenting children with a disability has reshaped their understanding of what it means

to be a good dad.

Meet the hosts: Nearly 70 years of combined special-needs parenting!

Steve Chatman is married to Lori Ann and has five children and four grandchildren. Two of

his daughters have Down syndrome. After 30 years in church ministry, Steve now serves as

vice president of Rising Above Ministries. He attended college in Tennessee and seminary

in Minnesota and is a frequent procrastinator who enjoys watching YouTube videos. He

owns a banjo, reciprocating saw, and a tuxedo—though he rarely uses any of them.

Daniel Brooks is married to Dusti and has four sons, including one with Congenital Central

Hypoventilation Syndrome. As his church’s Online Campus Pastor, he uses technology and

media to help people connect with God. Daniel studied music performance in college and

enjoys hanging with his family, supporting his sons’ interests, and singing random songs on

the podcast. He is often late to podcast recording sessions due to fixing someone’s car.

Dustin Rawls is married to Mandy and has two children, including a daughter born with

spina bifida. He works for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, leads the men’s

ministry at his church, and is passionate about discipleship. Dustin has never met an

audience he didn’t enjoy. From bowling a perfect 300 to being MTSU’s first homecoming

king to earning four degrees, he clearly enjoys proving he can do things no one cares about.

Brandon Jones is married to Elizabeth and has two daughters, including one with cerebral

palsy. He works in automotive detailing and serves on the board of the local Rescue

Mission and Rising Above Ministries. A devoted family man and “Best Girl Dad Ever”

according to his wife, Brandon enjoys talking about the Jordan-era Bulls, conspiracy

theories, professional wrestling, and reminding everyone of the night he met Hulk Hogan.

Related links:

“The Lord Will Provide” song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AB78OHv85s

Base Camp for Dads: https://www.risingaboveministries.org/base-camp

Contact us:

schatman@risingaboveministies.orgAbout the Show

Rising Above Dads is created & produced by Rising Above Ministries. To learn more about

us and our resources for special-needs families, visit our website at

www.risingaboveministries.org. If you’ve enjoyed listening and want to hear more, we’d love

for you to subscribe to our podcast or share it to encourage a friend.

*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, the hosts have fun

evaluating ChatGPT’s answers about special-needs fatherhood and sharing some crazy

stories about “bedazzled ice cream”!

Meet the hosts: Nearly 70 years of combined special-needs parenting!

Steve Chatman is married to Lori Ann and has five children and four grandchildren. Two of

his daughters have Down syndrome. After 30 years in church ministry, Steve now serves as

vice president of Rising Above Ministries. He attended college in Tennessee and seminary

in Minnesota and is a frequent procrastinator who enjoys watching YouTube videos. He also

owns a banjo, an impressive reciprocating saw, and a tuxedo—though he rarely uses them.

Daniel Brooks is married to Dusti and has four sons, including one with Congenital Central

Hypoventilation Syndrome. As his church’s Online Campus Pastor, he uses technology and

media to help people connect with God. Daniel studied music performance in college and

enjoys hanging with his family, supporting his sons’ interests, and singing random songs on

the podcast. He is often late to podcast recording sessions due to fixing someone’s car.

Dustin Rawls is married to Mandy and has two children, including a daughter born with

spina bifida. He works for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, leads the men’s

ministry at his church, and is passionate about discipleship. Dustin has never met an

audience he didn’t enjoy. From bowling a perfect 300 to being MTSU’s first homecoming

king to earning four degrees, he clearly enjoys proving he can do things no one cares about.

Brandon Jones is married to Elizabeth and has two daughters, including one with cerebral

palsy. He works in automotive detailing and serves on the board of the local Rescue

Mission and Rising Above Ministries. A devoted family man and “Best Girl Dad Ever”

according to his wife, Brandon enjoys talking about the Jordan-era Bulls, conspiracy

theories, professional wrestling, and reminding everyone of the night he met Hulk Hogan.

Related links:

Base Camp for Dads: https://www.risingaboveministries.org/base-camp

Contact us:

schatman@risingaboveministies.org

About the ShowRising Above Dads is created & produced by Rising Above Ministries. To learn more about

us and our resources for special-needs families, visit our website at

www.risingaboveministries.org. If you’ve enjoyed listening and want to hear more, we’d love

for you to subscribe to our podcast or share it to encourage a friend.

*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, the hosts—who are raising four daughters with disabilities between them—continue to share the realities of caring for their girls. Blending wisdom, experience, honesty, and humor, they offer a candid look at a life they never expected along lots of helpful lessons learned over the years.

Meet the hosts: Nearly 70 years of combined special-needs parenting!

Steve Chatman is married to Lori Ann and has five children and four grandchildren. Two of his daughters have Down syndrome. After 30 years in church ministry, Steve now serves as vice president of Rising Above Ministries. He attended college in Tennessee and seminary in Minnesota and is a frequent procrastinator who enjoys watching YouTube videos. He also owns a banjo, an impressive reciprocating saw, and a tuxedo—though he rarely uses them.

Daniel Brooks is married to Dusti and has four sons, including one with Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome. As his church’s Online Campus Pastor, he uses technology and media to help people connect with God. Daniel studied music performance in college and enjoys hanging with his family, supporting his sons’ interests, and singing random songs on the podcast. He is often late to podcast recording sessions due to fixing someone’s car.

Dustin Rawls is married to Mandy and has two children, including a daughter born with spina bifida. He works for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, leads the men’s ministry at his church, and is passionate about discipleship. Dustin has never met an audience he didn’t enjoy. From bowling a perfect 300 to being MTSU’s first homecoming king to earning four degrees, he clearly enjoys proving he can do things no one cares about.

Brandon Jones is married to Elizabeth and has two daughters, including one with cerebral palsy. He works in automotive detailing and serves on the board of the local Rescue Mission and Rising Above Ministries. A devoted family man and “Best Girl Dad Ever”according to his wife, Brandon enjoys talking about the Jordan-era Bulls, conspiracy theories, professional wrestling, and reminding everyone of the night he met Hulk Hogan.

Related links:

Community Groups for Dads: https://www.risingaboveministries.org/community

Contact us:

schatman@risingaboveministies.orgAbout the Show

Rising Above Dads is created & produced by Rising Above Ministries. To learn more about us and our resources for special-needs families, visit our website at

www.risingaboveministries.org. If you’ve enjoyed listening and want to hear more, we’d love for you to subscribe to our podcast or share it to encourage a friend.

*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.

https://openmicrecordingstudio.com

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, the hosts—who are raising four daughters with disabilities between them—share the realities of caring for their girls. Blending wisdom, experience, honesty, and humor, they offer a candid look at a life they never expected. Meet the hosts: Nearly 70 years of combined special-needs parenting! Steve Chatman is married to Lori Ann and has five children and four grandchildren. Two of his daughters have Down syndrome. After 30 years in church ministry, Steve now serves as vice president of Rising Above Ministries. He attended college in Tennessee and seminary in Minnesota and is a frequent procrastinator who enjoys watching YouTube videos. He also owns a banjo, an impressive reciprocating saw, and a tuxedo—though he rarely uses them. Daniel Brooks is married to Dusti and has four sons, including one with Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome. As his church’s Online Campus Pastor, he uses technology and media to help people connect with God. Daniel studied music performance in college and enjoys hanging with his family, supporting his sons’ interests, and singing random songs on the podcast. He is often late to podcast recording sessions due to fixing someone’s car. Dustin Rawls is married to Mandy and has two children, including a daughter born with spina bifida. He works for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, leads the men’s ministry at his church, and is passionate about discipleship. Dustin has never met an audience he didn’t enjoy. From bowling a perfect 300 to being MTSU’s first homecoming king to earning four degrees, he clearly enjoys proving he can do things no one cares about. Brandon Jones is married to Elizabeth and has two daughters, including one with cerebral palsy. He works in automotive detailing and serves on the board of the local Rescue Mission and Rising Above Ministries. A devoted family man and “Best Girl Dad Ever” according to his wife, Brandon enjoys talking about the Jordan-era Bulls, conspiracy theories, professional wrestling, and reminding everyone of the night he met Hulk Hogan. Related links: Community Groups for Dads: https://www.risingaboveministries.org/community Contact us: schatman@risingaboveministies.org

About the Show Rising Above Dads is created & produced by Rising Above Ministries. To learn more about us and our resources for special-needs families, visit our website at www.risingaboveministries.org. If you’ve enjoyed listening and want to hear more, we’d love for you to subscribe to our podcast or share it to encourage a friend.

*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios. https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/

RAD Podcast Episode 28 Show Notes / Summary

Episode Title: Becoming a special-needs dad via adoption Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, Brandon Jones, our official backup co-host extraordinaire, shares his journey to becoming a special-needs dad through the adoption of his daughter Rickie Rose from China. Meet the hosts: Nearly 70 years of combined special-needs parenting! Steve Chatman is married to Lori Ann and has five children and four grandchildren. Two of his daughters have Down syndrome. After 30 years in church ministry, Steve now serves as vice president of Rising Above Ministries. He attended college in Tennessee and seminary in Minnesota and is a frequent procrastinator who enjoys watching YouTube videos. He also owns a banjo, an impressive reciprocating saw, and a tuxedo—though he rarely uses them. Daniel Brooks is married to Dusti and has four sons, including one with Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome. As his church’s Online Campus Pastor, he uses technology and media to help people connect with God. Daniel studied music performance in college and enjoys hanging with his family, supporting his sons’ interests, and singing random songs on the podcast. He is often late to podcast recording sessions due to fixing someone’s car. Dustin Rawls is married to Mandy and has two children, including a daughter born with spina bifida. He works for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, leads the men’s ministry at his church, and is passionate about discipleship. Dustin has never met an audience he didn’t enjoy. From bowling a perfect 300 to being MTSU’s first homecoming king to earning four degrees, he clearly enjoys proving he can do things no one cares about. Brandon Jones is married to Elizabeth and has two daughters, including one with cerebral palsy. He works in automotive detailing and serves on the board of the local Rescue Mission and Rising Above Ministries. A devoted family man and “Best Girl Dad Ever” according to his wife, Brandon enjoys talking about the Jordan-era Bulls, conspiracy theories, professional wrestling, and reminding everyone of the night he met Hulk Hogan. Related links: The Starting Lineup Series: www.risingaboveministries.org Contact us: schatman@risingaboveministies.org About the Show

Rising Above Dads is created & produced by Rising Above Ministries. To learn more about us and our resources for special-needs families, visit our website at www.risingaboveministries.org. If you’ve enjoyed listening and want to hear more, we’d love for you to subscribe to our podcast or share it to encourage a friend.

*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios. https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, the guys answer listener questions about resentment and embarrassment surrounding a child’s diagnosis, encouraging a wife to accept help, a few pointless Blockbuster memories, and a fun listener poll. Meet the hosts: Nearly 70 years of combined special-needs parenting! Steve Chatman is married to Lori Ann and has five children and four grandchildren. Two of his daughters have Down syndrome. After 30 years in church ministry, Steve now serves as vice president of Rising Above Ministries. He attended college in Tennessee and seminary in Minnesota and is a frequent procrastinator who enjoys watching YouTube videos. He also owns a banjo, an impressive reciprocating saw, and a tuxedo—though he rarely uses them. Daniel Brooks is married to Dusti and has four sons, including one with Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome. As his church’s Online Campus Pastor, he uses technology and media to help people connect with God. Daniel studied music performance in college and enjoys hanging with his family, supporting his sons’ interests, and singing random songs on the podcast. He is often late to podcast recording sessions due to fixing someone’s car. Dustin Rawls is married to Mandy and has two children, including a daughter born with spina bifida. He works for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, leads the men’s ministry at his church, and is passionate about discipleship. Dustin has never met an audience he didn’t enjoy. From bowling a perfect 300 to being MTSU’s first homecoming king to earning four degrees, he clearly enjoys proving he can do things no one cares about. Brandon Jones is married to Elizabeth and has two daughters, including one with cerebral palsy. He works in automotive detailing and serves on the board of the local Rescue Mission and Rising Above Ministries. A devoted family man and “Best Girl Dad Ever” according to his wife, Brandon enjoys talking about the Jordan-era Bulls, conspiracy theories, professional wrestling, and reminding everyone of the night he met Hulk Hogan. Related links: www.risingaboveministries.org The last Blockbuster Store: https://bendblockbuster.com/ Episode 27 Poll: Who would get voted off the island first? Steve, Dustin, or Daniel? Email us your choice at schatman@risingaboveministries.org

Contact us: schatman@risingaboveministies.org About the Show Rising Above Dads is created & produced by Rising Above Ministries. To learn more about us and our resources for special-needs families, visit our website at www.risingaboveministries.org. If you’ve enjoyed listening and want to hear more, we’d love for you to subscribe to our podcast or share it to encourage a friend.

*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios. https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/

Overcoming faulty assumptions and perceptions

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, the guys discuss how faulty assumptions and perceptions often cause others to make wrong conclusions about our family, and how our own faulty assumptions can lead us to make wrong decisions for our family.

Meet the hosts: Steve Chatman is married to Lori Ann and has five children and four grandchildren. Two of his daughters have Down Syndrome. Steve serves as VP of Rising Above Ministries. He did his undergrad studies at Tennessee Tech and ETSU and later studied theology and family ministry at Bethel Seminary. He procrastinates often, enjoys watching old game shows on YouTube, and owns a banjo and a tuxedo, though he rarely uses either. Daniel Brooks is married to Dusti and has four sons, one of whom has Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome. Daniel serves as the Online Campus Pastor at his church and enjoys using technology and media to help people connect with God. He studied music performance at Tennessee Tech. He enjoys being with his family and watching his boys pursue their passions. He also likes to sing random songs on the podcast. Dustin Rawls is married to Mandy and has two children, Dylan and Madison, who was born with Spina Bifida. Dustin leads the Men’s Ministry at his church and loves discipleship. He works for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and has never met an audience he didn’t enjoy. Whether bowling a perfect 300, becoming MTSU’s first homecoming king, or earning four degrees, he clearly has a need to prove something no one else cares about.

Related links: www.risingaboveministries.org Contact us: schatman@risingaboveministies.org About the Show Rising Above Dads is created & produced by Rising Above Ministries. To learn more about us and our resources for special-needs families, visit our website at www.risingaboveministries.org. If you’ve enjoyed listening and want to hear more, we’d love for you to subscribe to our podcast or share it to encourage a friend.

*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios. https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, the hosts explore how caring for a loved one with disabilities can distract from faith development without intentional tools and practices that keep us connected to God.

Meet the hosts:

Steve Chatman is married to Lori Ann and has five children and four grandchildren. Two of his daughters have Down Syndrome. Steve serves as VP of Rising Above Ministries. He did his undergrad studies at Tennessee Tech and ETSU and later studied theology and family ministry at Bethel Seminary. He procrastinates often, enjoys watching old game shows on YouTube, and owns a banjo and a tuxedo, though he rarely uses either.

Daniel Brooks is married to Dusti and has four sons, one of whom has Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome. Daniel serves as the Online Campus Pastor at his church and enjoys using technology and media to help people connect with God. He studied music performance at Tennessee Tech. He enjoys being with his family and watching his boys pursue their passions. He also likes to sing random songs on the podcast.

Dustin Rawls is married to Mandy and has two children, Dylan and Madison, who was born with Spina Bifida. Dustin leads the Men’s Ministry at his church and loves discipleship. He works for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and has never met an audience he didn’t enjoy. Whether bowling a perfect 300, becoming MTSU’s first homecoming king, or earning four degrees, he clearly has a need to prove something no one else cares about.

Related links:

www.risingaboveministries.org

Contact us:

schatman@risingaboveministies.org

About the Show

Rising Above Dads is created & produced by Rising Above Ministries. To learn more about us and our resources for special-needs families, visit our website at www.risingaboveministries.org. If you’ve enjoyed listening and want to hear more, we’d love for you to subscribe to our podcast or share it to encourage a friend.

*Theme music and editing by Open Mic Studios.

https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/