Rising Above Dads Podcast

By Rising Above Ministries

Calling all dads in the special needs world—whether you’re navigating IEP meetings, meltdowns, or just trying to get through the day without stepping on a LEGO... this one’s for you.

Rising Above Dad... more

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FAQs about Rising Above Dads Podcast:

How many episodes does Rising Above Dads Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 14 episodes available.

Rising Above Dads Podcast episodes:

November 20, 2025 Our Relationship with the Church, Part Two
RAD Podcast S2E3 Show Notes / Summary
Episode Title: Our relationship with the church, part 2
Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, the hosts continue their very candid conversation with Pastors Bryan Vaughn and Lee Bailey about the relationship between special-needs families and the church. Brandon Jones, a board member of Rising Above Ministries and father of a child with special needs, joins the conversation as a guest and sits in for co-host Dustin Rawls.
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
Oaks church website: https://www.oakscookeville.church/
Pastor Bryan Vaughn email: [email protected]
Stevens Street Baptist Church website: https://www.stevensstreet.org/
Executive Pastor Lee Bailey email: [email protected]
Clemson study on church attendance and disability: https://keyministry.org/2018/07/22/2018-7-22-its-the-hidden-disabilities-that-keep-kids-out-of-church/
Contact us:
[email protected]
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/

...more
48min
November 13, 2025 Our Relationship with the Church, Part One
RAD Podcast S2E2 Show Notes / Summary
Episode Title: Our relationship with the church, part 1
Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, our hosts discuss the relationship between special-needs dads and the local church. Local pastors Bryan Vaughn and Lee Bailey join our hosts for an open discussion about the fears and uncertainties faced by everyone involved. Brandon Jones, a Rising Above Ministries Board member and special-needs dad, fills in for co-host Dustin Rawls.

Meet the hosts:
Steve Chatman is married to Lori and has 5 children and 4 grandchildren. Two of his adult daughters live with Down Syndrome. Steve is Vice President of Rising Above Ministries. He studied Psychology and played rugby at Tennessee Tech and later studied theology and family ministry at Bethel Seminary. He procrastinates a lot, loves to watch old Gameshows on YouTube, and he owns a banjo and tuxedo but rarely uses either.
Daniel Brooks is married to Dusti and has 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
Oaks church website
Pastor Bryan Vaughn email: [email protected]
Stevens Street Baptist Church website
Executive Pastor Lee Bailey email: [email protected]
Clemson study on church attendance and disability
Contact us:
[email protected]
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/

...more
46min
November 06, 2025 The Many Relationships We Navigate
RAD Podcast S2E1 Show Notes / Summary
Episode Title: The many relationships we navigate
Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, our hosts discuss the many different “relationship hats” we wear as special-needs dads. Whether it’s family, friends, co-workers, special-education teachers, therapists, doctors, church leaders or others, we need to navigate these relationships well but often we feel unprepared and overwhelmed! This episode also gives an overview of season two.
Meet the hosts:
Steve Chatman is married to Lori and has 5 children and 4 grandchildren. Two of his adult daughters live with Down Syndrome. Steve is Vice President of Rising Above Ministries. He studied Psychology and played rugby at Tennessee Tech and later studied theology and family ministry at Bethel Seminary. He procrastinates a lot, loves to watch old Gameshows on YouTube, and he owns a banjo and tuxedo but rarely uses either.
Daniel Brooks is married to Dusti and has 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:
[email protected]
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/

...more
43min
July 03, 2025 A Conversation with Our Wives, Part Two
RAD Podcast S1E10 part 2 Show Notes

Episode Title: A Conversation with our wives, part two

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, we continue the
conversation with our wives discussing the challenges and joys of navigating marriage
while raising children with disabilities. We share more fun stories, tough moments, and
valuable lessons from our 68 years of combined marriage experience.

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/marriage-resources
https://disabilityparenting.com/book/ - How to build a Thriving Marriage as you care for
Children with Disabilities by Kristin and Todd Evans
Contact us:
[email protected]
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/
...more
44min
June 26, 2025 A Conversation with Our Wives, Part One
RAD Podcast S1E10 Part 1 Show Notes

Episode Title: A Conversation with our Wives, Part One
Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, our wives join us to discuss the challenges and joys of navigating marriage while raising children with disabilities. We share fun stories, tough moments, and valuable lessons from our 68 years of combined marriage experience.

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 andn 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
Marriage Resources
How to build a Thriving Marriage as you care for Children with Disabilities by Kristin and Todd Evans
Contact us:
[email protected]

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/
...more
41min
June 19, 2025 Recommended Resources for Dads
RAD Podcast S1E9 Show Notes

Episode Title: Recommended Resources for Dads
Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, the hosts discuss various resources that have proven beneficial to them over the years. These resources encompass areas such as marriage, parenting, and healthy habits.

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
By the Brook
Common Man, Extraordinary Call by Jeff Davidson
Make your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven
Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
For Men Only: A Straightforward Guide to the Inner Lives of Women by Shaunti and Jeff
Feldhahn
Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
VidAngel

Contact us:
[email protected]
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/
...more
36min
June 12, 2025 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 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:
Rising Above Respite for Your Mind
Walk Right In
Focus on the Family Counseling
Christian 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:
[email protected]

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/
...more
46min
June 05, 2025 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 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:
https://subsplash.com/risingaboveministries/app
https://www.risingaboveministries.org/podcast
https://order.spoton.com/so-smoke-n-bones-bbq-9424/saint-louis-
mo/629a7adc24b4c4256c96788e
https://www.pappyssmokehouse.com/
https://www.bogartssmokehouse.com/

Contact us:
[email protected]

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/
...more
40min
May 29, 2025 Rethinking Success
RAD Podcast S1E6 Show Notes
Episode Title: Rethinking Success
Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, the hosts
explore the impact of cultural expectations on parenting a child with disabilities, the
dangers 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 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
https://www.risingaboveministries.org/store-page/anchored-a-personal-study
https://www.risingaboveministries.org/base-camp

Contact us:
[email protected]
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/
...more
39min
May 22, 2025 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 Chatman
shares 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 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
https://subsplash.com/risingaboveministries/app
Contact us:
[email protected]
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/
...more
37min

FAQs about Rising Above Dads Podcast:

How many episodes does Rising Above Dads Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 14 episodes available.