Dadvengers Podcast Episode 05 - Richard Whitehead MBE

Paralympian and world record holder, Richard Whitehead becomes the first gold medalist to be inducted into the Dadvengers community. A father of two, Richard talks openly about his daughter's autism, his achievements on the track and the road, but how winning isn't just about the medals.

Time Codes

1:40 - "It's a great coaster mate"... Richard talks about winning a gold medal and what he does with it now!

3:55 - Richard shares how becoming a parent is the biggest achievements of his life, over the Olympics.

6:10 - "The autism spectrum is really precious" Richard discusses parenting his autistic daughter and how they don't let the label stop her doing what ever she wants in life.

08:39 - How Richard tells us how he deals with the difficulties of managing his disability and how society needs to change to be more accepting of minority communities.

11:46 - Richard shares his advice for parents of children with suspected autistic spectrum disorders.

15:05 - Richard discusses the relationship between his two children and how he and his partner manage their individual needs.

18:15 – "We get the presents early and then they change their mind!" how Richard and his partner manage the changing wants of their children near Christmas! 

21:05 – Richard shares his favourite toys as a child - "It had to have about 18 batteries in, it was ace!"

23:06– Why Richard ran 40 marathons in 40 days - what inspired it, and the legacy he wants to leave through that challenge.

27:43 – "Having the opportunity to have a voice" - Richard tells us how he uses his position to talk and the impact on our mental health.

29:00 – The balance of empowering children to do and achieve what they want - while also putting in appropriate boundaries.

31:32 - "My children have a roof over their head... But there are children out there not in the same situation" - Richard shares how he wants to use his experiences to be the best he can and help other people,

34:08 - Richard tells us about his podcast "Track and Ball".

35:23 - "You feel like a superhero" - Richard shares the responsibility he feels being an Olympic athlete.

37:46 - Richards Parenting Superpower. 

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