Rising Above Dads Podcast

Four Things Special-Needs Dads Face But Probably Won't Tell Anyone.

RAD Podcast S1E8 Show Notes
Episode Title: Four Things Special-Needs Dads face, but probably won’t tell anyone
Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, the hosts play a “Game Show” to reveal four challenges special-needs dads face but rarely discuss. Play along to guess the answers and join the discussion as the hosts delve into these issues.
Meet the hosts:Steve Chatman is married to Lori and they have 5 children and 4 grandchildren. Three of their children live with special needs. Steve serves as Vice President of Rising Above Ministries, played rugby at Tennessee Tech, studied theology and family ministry at Bethel Seminary, procrastinates a lot, loves to watch old TV Gameshows on YouTube, and he owns a banjo and tuxedo but rarely uses either.
Daniel Brooks is married to Dusti and they have 4 sons, one of which has congenital central hyperventilation syndrome. Daniel is the Online Campus Pastor at his church and enjoys using technology and media to help others connect with God. He studied music performance at Tennessee Tech. In his spare time he enjoys hanging with hisfamily and watching his boys pursue their passions. He also loves to drink coffee and quote Tow Mater from the movie Cars.
 
Dustin Rawls is married to Mandy and has two children, Dylan and Madison who was born with Spina Bifida. Dustin serves as the Men’s Ministry director at his church and has a passion for discipleship. He works for the financial aid arm of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and has never met an audience he didn’t love. Whetherit was bowling a perfect 300, becoming the first ever homecoming king at MTSU, or finishing his fourth degree, clearly Dustin has a need to prove something that nobody else cares about.
Related links:Rising Above Respite for Your MindWalk Right InFocus on the Family CounselingChristian Care Net
Jama Network
Madison House Autism Article
PTSD in Parents of Medically Fragile Children (Cincinnati Children's Article)
Father's Cope with Pressures (The Guardian)
For Mothers Raising Children with Autism
Caregiving Life Proves Stressful for Mothers of Children with Autism
 
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.https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/

You Asked, We Answered

RAD Podcast S1E7 Show Notes
Episode Title:
You Asked, We Answered
Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, the hosts answer listener questions on topics such as advocating for your child at school or church, helping others see beyond disabilities, managing respite guilt, and finding the best barbeque in St. Louis!
Meet the hosts:Steve Chatman is married to Lori and they have 5 children and 4 grandchildren. Three of their children live with special needs. Steve serves as Vice President of Rising Above Ministries, played rugby at Tennessee Tech, studied theology and family ministry at Bethel Seminary, procrastinates a lot, loves to watch old TV Gameshows on YouTube, and he owns a banjo and tuxedo but rarely uses either.
Daniel Brooks is married to Dusti and they have 4 sons, one of which has congenital central hyperventilation syndrome. Daniel is the Online Campus Pastor at his church and enjoys using technology and media to help others connect with God. He studied music performance at Tennessee Tech. In his spare time he enjoys hanging with hisfamily and watching his boys pursue their passions. He also loves to drink coffee and quote Tow Mater from the movie Cars.
Dustin Rawls is married to Mandy and has two children, Dylan and Madison who was born with Spina Bifida. Dustin serves as the Men’s Ministry director at his church and has a passion for discipleship. He works for the financial aid arm of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and has never met an audience he didn’t love. Whetherit was bowling a perfect 300, becoming the first ever homecoming king at MTSU, or finishing his fourth degree, clearly Dustin has a need to prove something that nobody else cares about.
Related links:https://subsplash.com/risingaboveministries/apphttps://www.risingaboveministries.org/podcasthttps://order.spoton.com/so-smoke-n-bones-bbq-9424/saint-louis-mo/629a7adc24b4c4256c96788ehttps://www.pappyssmokehouse.com/https://www.bogartssmokehouse.com/
 
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/

Rethinking Success

RAD Podcast S1E6 Show Notes
Episode Title: Rethinking SuccessEpisode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, the hostsexplore the impact of cultural expectations on parenting a child with disabilities, thedangers of the comparison trap, and the importance of focusing on the unique strengths and joys of your children.
Meet the hosts:Steve Chatman is married to Lori and they have 5 children and 4 grandchildren. Three of their children live with special needs. Steve serves as Vice President of Rising Above Ministries, played rugby at Tennessee Tech, studied theology and family ministry at Bethel Seminary, procrastinates a lot, loves to watch old TV Gameshows on YouTube, and he owns a banjo and tuxedo but rarely uses either.
Daniel Brooks is married to Dusti and they have 4 sons, one of which has congenitalcentral hyperventilation syndrome. Daniel is the Online Campus Pastor at his churchand enjoys using technology and media to help others connect with God. He studiedmusic performance at Tennessee Tech. In his spare time he enjoys hanging with hisfamily and watching his boys pursue their passions. He also loves to drink coffee andquote Tow Mater from the movie Cars.
Dustin Rawls is married to Mandy and has two children, Dylan and Madison who wasborn with Spina Bifida. Dustin serves as the Men’s Ministry director at his church andhas a passion for discipleship. He works for the financial aid arm of the TennesseeHigher Education Commission and has never met an audience he didn’t love. Whether it was bowling a perfect 300, becoming the first ever homecoming king at MTSU, or finishing his fourth degree, clearly Dustin has a need to prove something that nobody else cares about.
Related links:www.risingaboveministries.org
https://www.risingaboveministries.org/store-page/anchored-a-personal-study
https://www.risingaboveministries.org/base-camp
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 atwww.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/

Saying Yes to Special-Needs Adoption...Three Times.

RAD Podcast S1E5 Show Notes / Summary
Episode Title: Saying yes to special-needs adoption…three times
Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, Steve Chatmanshares his experience of becoming a special-needs father through adoption. His story includes unique and remarkable circumstances. From dealing with infertility to having a household filled with children and grandchildren, Steve describes the various aspects of their journey towards becoming a special-needs family.
Meet the hosts:Steve Chatman is married to Lori and they have 5 children and 4 grandchildren. Three of their children live with special needs. Steve serves as Vice President of Rising Above Ministries, played rugby at Tennessee Tech, studied theology and family ministry at Bethel Seminary, procrastinates a lot, loves to watch old TV Gameshows on YouTube, and he owns a banjo and tuxedo but rarely uses either.
Daniel Brooks is married to Dusti and they have 4 sons, one of which has congenitalcentral hyperventilation syndrome. Daniel is the Online Campus Pastor at his churchand enjoys using technology and media to help others connect with God. He studiedmusic performance at Tennessee Tech. In his spare time he enjoys hanging with hisfamily and watching his boys pursue their passions. He also loves to drink coffee andquote Tow Mater from the movie Cars.
Dustin Rawls is married to Mandy and has two children, Dylan and Madison who wasborn with Spina Bifida. Dustin serves as the Men’s Ministry director at his church andhas a passion for discipleship. He works for the financial aid arm of the TennesseeHigher Education Commission and has never met an audience he didn’t love. Whether it was bowling a perfect 300, becoming the first ever homecoming king at MTSU, or finishing his fourth degree, clearly Dustin has a need to prove something that nobody else cares about.
Related links:www.risingaboveministries.orghttps://subsplash.com/risingaboveministries/appContact 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 atwww.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/

My Son Max: A Rare Champion Indeed

RAD Podcast S1E4 Show Notes / Summary
Episode Title: My son Max: A rare champion indeed
Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, Daniel Brooks discusses his experiences with his son Max, who has Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS), a rare condition that impacts his ability to breathe during sleep. The conversation explores the challenges, uncertainties, and concerns associated with managing the needs of a medically fragile child, while balancing family, work responsibilities, and personal emotions. Through both joyful and poignantmoments, the hosts highlight the importance of connection and support among fathers facing similar circumstances, offering encouragement and optimism for the future.
Meet the hosts:Steve Chatman is married to Lori and they have 5 children and 4 grandchildren. Three of their children live with special needs. Steve serves as Vice President of Rising Above Ministries, played rugby at Tennessee Tech, studied theology and family ministry at Bethel Seminary, procrastinates a lot, loves to watch old TV Gameshows on YouTube, and he owns a banjo and tuxedo but rarely uses either.
Daniel Brooks is married to Dusti and they have 4 sons, one of which has congenital central hyperventilation syndrome. Daniel is the Online Campus Pastor at his church and enjoys using technology and media to help others connect with God. He studied music performance at Tennessee Tech. In his spare time he enjoys hanging with his family and watching his boys pursue their passions. He also loves to drink coffee and quote Tow Mater from the movie Cars.
Dustin Rawls is married to Mandy and has two children, Dylan and Madison who was born with Spina Bifida. Dustin serves as the Men’s Ministry director at his church and has a passion for discipleship. He works for the financial aid arm of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and has never met an audience he didn’t love. Whetherit was bowling a perfect 300, becoming the first ever homecoming king at MTSU, or finishing his fourth degree, clearly Dustin has a need to prove something that nobody else cares about.
Related links:www.risingaboveministries.org
Base Camp info
www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/congenital-central-hypoventilation-syndrome
 
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.https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/

From Plan A to Plan B: A Father's Perspective

RAD Podcast S1E3 Show Notes / Summary 
Episode Title: From Plan A to Plan B: A Father's Perspective
Episode Summary: In this episode of Rising Above Dads, hosts Steve Chatman, Daniel Brooks, and Dustin Rawls engage in a heartfelt discussion about the realities of parenting children with disabilities. They explore the transition from expectations of a typical life (Plan A) to the challenges and adaptations required in a special needs journey (Plan B). Dustin shares his personal story about his daughter Madison, who has spina bifida, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with her medical needs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of perspective, acceptance, communication, and the unconditional love that defines their experiences as fathers.
Meet the hosts:
Steve Chatman is married to Lori and they have 5 children and 4 grandchildren.  Three of their children live with special needs. Steve serves as Vice President of Rising Above Ministries, played rugby at Tennessee Tech, studied theology and family ministry at Bethel Seminary, procrastinates a lot, loves to watch old TV Gameshows on YouTube, and he owns a banjo and tuxedo but rarely uses either.  
Daniel Brooks is married to Dusti and they have 4 sons, one of which has congenital central hyperventilation syndrome.  Daniel is the Online Campus Pastor at his church and enjoys using technology and media to help others connect with God.  He studied music performance at Tennessee Tech. In his spare time he enjoys hanging with his family and watching his boys pursue their passions.  He also loves to drink coffee and quote Tow Mater from the movie Cars.  
Dustin Rawls is married to Mandy and has two children, Dylan and Madison who was born with Spina Bifida. Dustin serves as the Men’s Ministry director at his church and has a passion for discipleship. He works for the financial aid arm of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and has never met an audience he didn’t love. Whether it was bowling a perfect 300, becoming the first ever homecoming king at MTSU, or finishing his fourth degree, clearly Dustin has a need to prove something that nobody 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/

Stuck? What To Do When You Don’t Like Your Story.

RAD Podcast S1E2 Summary / Show Notes
Episode Title: Stuck? What To Do When You Don’t Like Your Story.
Episode Summary:
In this honest and heartfelt episode of Rising Above Dads, hosts Steve Chatman, Daniel Brooks, and Dustin Rawls dive into the emotional realities of being a special needs-dad—especially when the journey feels overwhelming and unfair.
They kick things off with light-hearted tow truck stories that transition into deeper reflections about being “stuck”—not in mud, but in mindset. The conversation unpacks how many fathers can feel trapped in resentment, anger, and disillusionment after receiving a diagnosis that changes everything.
Mentioned Resources:
Flipside Bible Study – For dads needing a renewed perspective
Common Man, Extraordinary Call by Jeff Davidson – A field guide for special needs fathers
Rising Above Ministries Website: risingaboveministries.org
Contact us at: schatman@risingaboveministries.org
Meet the hosts:
Steve Chatman is married to Lori and they have 5 children and 4 grandchildren.  Three of their children live with special needs. Steve serves as Vice President of Rising Above Ministries, played rugby at Tennessee Tech, studied theology and family ministry at Bethel Seminary, procrastinates a lot, loves to watch old TV Gameshows on YouTube, and he owns a banjo and tuxedo but rarely uses either.  
Daniel Brooks is married to Dusti and they have 4 sons, one of which has congenital central hyperventilation syndrome.  Daniel is the Online Campus Pastor at his church and enjoys using technology and media to help others connect with God.  He studied music performance at Tennessee Tech. In his spare time he enjoys hanging with his family and watching his boys pursue their passions.  He also loves to drink coffee and quote Tow Mater from the movie Cars.  
Dustin Rawls is married to Mandy and has two children, Dylan 11 and Madison 14 who was born with Spina Bifida. Dustin serves as the Men’s Ministry director at his church and has a passion for discipleship. He works for the financial aid arm of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and has never met an audience he didn’t love. Whether it was bowling a perfect 300, becoming the first ever homecoming king at MTSU, or finishing his fourth degree, clearly Dustin has a need to prove something that nobody else cares about. 
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/

Expectations vs. Reality in Special-Needs Fatherhood

RAD Podcast S1E1 Show Notes / SummaryEpisode Title: Expectations vs. Reality in Special Needs Fatherhood
Episode Summary:
In the debut episode of Rising Above Dads, three fathers share honest, vulnerable stories about adjusting to life as special needs dads. Through humor, faith, and raw emotion, they explore what it means to grieve unmet expectations, navigate anger, and find hope in the unexpected journey of parenting children with disabilities.
Meet the hosts:Steve Chatman is married to Lori and they have 5 children and 4 grandchildren. Three of their children live with special needs. Steve serves as Vice President of Rising Above Ministries, played rugby at Tennessee Tech, studied theology and family ministry at Bethel Seminary, procrastinates a lot, loves to watch old TV Gameshows on YouTube, and he owns a banjo and tuxedo but rarely uses either.
Daniel Brooks is married to Dusti and they have 4 sons, one of which has congenital central hyperventilation syndrome. Daniel is the Online Campus Pastor at his church and enjoys using technology and media to help others connect with God. He studied music performance at Tennessee Tech. In his spare time he enjoys hanging with his family and watching his boys pursue their passions. He also loves to drink coffee and quote Tow Mater from the movie Cars.
Dustin Rawls is married to Mandy and has two children, Dylan and Madison who was born with Spina Bifida. Dustin serves as the Men’s Ministry director at his church and has a passion for discipleship. He works for the financial aid arm of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and has never met an audience he didn’t love. Whether it was bowling a perfect 300, becoming the first ever homecoming king at MTSU, or finishing his fourth degree, clearly Dustin has a need to prove something that nobody else cares about. 
Related links:www.risingaboveministries.org
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.https://openmicrecordingstudio.com/