Rising Above Dads Podcast

By Rising Above MinistriesParenting Kids & Family

Rising Above Dads Podcast episodes

October 01 ChatGPT, Dads, and Bedazzled Push Up Pops
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:
[email protected]
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.
42 min
September 17 Dads caring for daughters with disabilities, part 2
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:
[email protected] 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
44 min
September 03 Dads caring for daughters with disabilities, part 1
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:
[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/
35 min
August 20 Becoming a special-needs dad via adoption
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:
[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/
40 min
August 06 Answering Listener Emails
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 [email protected]
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/
47 min
July 16 Overcoming faulty assumptions and perceptions
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:
[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/
40 min
July 02 Disability, distractions, and discipleship.
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:
[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/
39 min
June 18 Dad, where are you?
Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, our hosts discuss the importance of knowing where we are emotionally, physically, relationally, and spiritually as a special-needs dad. Great conversation centered around Genesis chapter 3!
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 likes to sing random songs that he thinks are relevant to the conversation during the podcast.
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/
40 min
January 29 Our Relationship with Friends, Part Two
RAD Podcast S2E12 Show Notes / Summary

Episode Title: Our Relationship with friends, Part 2
Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, we continue our conversation on the challenges and blessings of being friends with other men who do not have children with disabilities. Great conversation! Lots of laughs, tears, and encouragement!
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 Hope 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:
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/
45 min
January 23 Our Relationship with Friends, Part One
RAD Podcast S2E11 Show Notes / Summary
Episode Title: Our Relationship with friends, Part 1
Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, our hosts are joined by a few of their closest friends. A super fun conversation about the challenges and blessings of being friends with other men who do not have children with disabilities. Lots of laughs, tears, and encouragement!
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 Hope 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:
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/

44 min

About Rising Above Dads Podcast

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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.

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About Rising Above Dads Podcast