Rising Above Dads Podcast

By Rising Above MinistriesParenting Kids & Family

Rising Above Dads Podcast episodes

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/
44 min
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/
41 min
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/
36 min
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/
46 min
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/
40 min
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/
39 min
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/
37 min
May 15, 2025 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 poignant
moments, 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. 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
Base Camp info
www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/congenital-central-
hypoventilation-syndrome

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/
41 min
May 08, 2025 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:
[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/
41 min
May 01, 2025 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: [email protected]
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:
[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

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