Disabled Expectations

Disabled Expectations 13- Bill Barton

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: disabledexpectations@gmail.com

Disabled Expectations 12- Joel Keck

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: disabledexpectations@gmail.com

Disabled Expectations 11- Brian Hagler

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: disabledexpectations@gmail.com
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Disabled Expectations 10- Jeff Weir

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: disabledexpectations@gmail.com

Disabled Expectations 9- Cameron Kinney

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: disabledexpectations@gmail.com
🙏 Sponsored by: Certain Hope Community
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Disabled Expectations 8- Ben Lawrence

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

Disabled Expectations 7- Collin Hubbell

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.

Disabled Expectations Episode 6- John Arlt

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
 

Disabled Expectations Episode 5- Dan Vainner

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: disabledexpectations@gmail.com

Disabled Expectations 4- Baron Grutter

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.