From Plan A to Plan B: A Father’s Perspective

2025-05-08

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 ...

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.