Hi Pod! I'm Dad.

Leaving “Charming”: Finding Peace With the Life I Didn’t Expect

We all have stories we tell ourselves about who our kids will become, how our relationships will unfold, and what life is supposed to look like. But what happens when reality tears those stories apart?In this week’s episode of Hi Pod! I’m Dad, James Guttman shares a raw, honest reflection on the life he never expected. From a divorce during the pandemic to parenting a nonverbal son with autism, James opens up about the imagined futures he had to grieve and the unexpected beauty he found in letting them go.▶️ Watch the full episode on YouTube and subscribe to the channel: 👉 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Qn6bV6k6Jq8📺 YouTube: @HiBlogImDad💬 The emotional centerpiece? A memory about almost giving his son the middle name “Charming” so he could impress girls at bars one day. It’s a funny, touching reminder of the hopes we place on unborn children — and how healing it can be to release those hopes when life takes a different turn.🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform — including Spotify, Audible, Apple, and more — or stream the episode directly here:  👉 Listen on HiPodImDad.com📖 Hi World, I’m Dad — Available now on Amazon (print, eBook, and audiobook): 👉 Buy the book📝 New blog posts every Monday & Wednesday at HiBlogImDad.com 📱 Follow @HiJamesGutman on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and FacebookIt's Here! Get the book – “Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation” on audio, digital, or print.Follow Us On Facebook and YouTube. Follow James Guttman on Instagram. Also, be sure to read the blog that started it all - Hi Blog! I'm Dad.

When They Stop Being Babies: A Father’s Journey Between Two Worlds

James Guttman reflects on the emotional milestones of parenting a neurotypical teenager and a nonverbal son with autism. In this week’s heartfelt episode, he shares how Olivia has grown from the little girl who monopolized his time after school into a self-sufficient 17-year-old — and how their bond has evolved along the way.At the same time, James discusses the equally powerful connection he shares with Lucas, built on unspoken cues and trust. With honesty, humor, and vulnerability, he explores:How his blog shifted focus as Olivia requested privacyThe unique but equal importance of both of his childrenFamily values that center on unity, not hierarchyLessons learned from heart surgery, divorce, and parenting through changeHow positivity and self-respect shape the people we attract into our livesThis episode is a tribute to the evolution of parenthood, the power of love without comparison, and the beauty of building a life you’re proud of — one moment at a time.WATCH THIS EPISODE HERE: https://youtu.be/1EpKjVaXoew🟢 Follow @HiJamesGuttman on Instagram, Threads & Facebook 📘 New blog posts every Monday & Wednesday at HiBlogImDad.com 🎧 New podcast episodes every Friday at midnight ▶️ Subscribe to @HiBlogImDad on YouTube for new podcast episodes every Friday and more stories about fatherhood, autism, and life’s unexpected lessons.It's Here! Get the book – “Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation” on audio, digital, or print.Follow Us On Facebook and YouTube. Follow James Guttman on Instagram. Also, be sure to read the blog that started it all - Hi Blog! I'm Dad.

What My Non-Verbal Son Taught Me About Love, Toys, and Letting Go

Watch This Episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/ad4q7DE2SlEJames Guttman shares a deeply personal look at the evolution of his parenting journey with Lucas, his 14-year-old son with severe autism. From the emotional tug-of-war over age-appropriate toys to unexpected moments of connection in thrift stores and living rooms, James explores how he learned to stop correcting his son’s play and instead joined him in it.This episode dives into the beauty of authenticity, the pressure of societal expectations, and the unspoken bond between a father and son. James opens up about dignity, boundaries, and why he now lets Lucas lead the way, because loving a child sometimes means letting go of what the world tells you is “right.”It’s not just a parenting story. It’s a story about unconditional love, acceptance, and finding peace in unexpected places.It's Here! Get the book – “Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation” on audio, digital, or print.Follow Us On Facebook and YouTube. Follow James Guttman on Instagram. Also, be sure to read the blog that started it all - Hi Blog! I'm Dad.

Appreciating Autism Changed How I See Everything

Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5tgNT1CIUw4What does it really mean to appreciate autism - not just accept it? In this personal episode, James Guttman reflects on how his non-verbal son Lucas has reshaped his perspective and brought unexpected joy into their lives.Through emotional honesty and candid moments, James shares how their bond has grown through trust, gestures, and a shared understanding that goes far beyond words.It's Here! Get the book – “Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation” on audio, digital, or print.Follow Us On Facebook and YouTube. Follow James Guttman on Instagram. Also, be sure to read the blog that started it all - Hi Blog! I'm Dad.

Learning to Love Autism - One Heartbeat at a Time

In this special episode, James Guttman celebrates the release of his new book Hi World, I'm Dad and officially launches the video version of his podcast - available here on YouTube. He opens up about autism appreciation, what it truly means to love without conditions, and how his son Lucas, who is non-verbal with autism, has shaped his understanding of life, connection, and purpose. From surviving a heart attack and quintuple bypass to embracing his son’s unfiltered authenticity, James shares the powerful moments that led to his most personal work yet.Catch new blogs every Monday and Wednesday at HiBlogImDad.com and follow James on social media @HiJamesGuttman.It's Here! Get the book – “Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation” on audio, digital, or print.Follow Us On Facebook and YouTube. Follow James Guttman on Instagram. Also, be sure to read the blog that started it all - Hi Blog! I'm Dad.