Hi Pod! I'm Dad. podcast

#Fitness #Parenting #Mental Health #pJames Guttman #Autism #Heart Health #Positive #Autism Awareness #Autism Acceptance #Special Needs #Additional Needs #Fathers #Family #Wholesome #Podcasting Education #Self-Improvement #Dads

29:53

Steve Preston is the CEO of Goodwill Industries. Though Goodwill is known for big stores where people can donate clothes and buy them secondhand, those stores are just the first level of what Goodwill Industries are about. Those stores fund an international organization that provides job training, employment placement services and other community-based programs for people who face barriers in their employment. Steve joins Jay to discuss the ways Goodwill Industries support veterans and individuals who lack job experience, an education, or face employment challenges, such as those people who are formerly incarcerated. Today's episode was produced by Tani Levitt and Mijon Zulu. To check out more episodes or to learn more about the show, you can visit our website Allaboutchangepodcast.com. If you like our show, spread the word, tell a friend or family member, or leave us a review on your favorite podcasting app. We really appreciate it. All About Change is produced by the Ruderman Family Foundation. Episode Chapters 0:00 intro 1:02 The Goodwill you don’t know 4:33 The troubling reality of work reintegration for formerly incarcerated folks 10:00 How Steve brings his public-sector experience to Goodwill 11:17 Goodwill’s employment centers 15:51 The interplay between Goodwill’s national and local arms 24:07 The case for minimizing recidivism becoming a cross-party cause 27:05 Goodbye For video episodes, watch on www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation Stay in touch: X: @JayRuderman | @RudermanFdn LinkedIn: Jay Ruderman | Ruderman Family Foundation Instagram: All About Change Podcast | Ruderman Family Foundation To learn more about the podcast, visit https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/ Looking for more insights into the world of activism? Be sure to check out Jay’s brand new book, Find Your Fight , in which Jay teaches the next generation of activists and advocates how to step up and bring about lasting change. You can find Find Your Fight wherever you buy your books, and you can learn more about it at ⁠⁠⁠www.jayruderman.com⁠⁠⁠ .…

Hi Pod! I'm Dad.

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James Guttman, the dad behind "Hi Blog! I'm Dad", on raising a non-verbal teenager with Autism and a neurotypical teenage daughter. A show dedicated to positive special needs parenting and centered around his journey from Autism Awareness to Autism Acceptance to Autism Appreciation.

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Hi Pod! I'm Dad.

updated 6 днів тому

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256 епізодів

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1
What Lucas Taught Me About Living Without Fear 26:03

6 днів тому26:03

26:03

James Gutman shares his journey of learning to truly see and appreciate his nonverbal son Lucas, transforming what many would consider a challenging situation into a source of profound joy and personal growth. This deeply personal episode explores how a heart surgery became the catalyst for shifting from constant worry about what he wasn't doing for his son to genuine appreciation for who his son actually is. • The contrast between raising a neurotypical daughter who hit all developmental milestones early and a son with autism who missed them • How people often take credit for their children's successes but blame themselves for developmental delays • The transformative impact of heart surgery and facing mortality on James's perspective about what truly matters • Moving from autism awareness to acceptance to appreciation • Learning to understand Lucas on his own terms rather than trying to change him • How Lucas embodies the qualities most parents want in their children—authenticity, joy, and living in the moment • The beautiful relationship between Lucas and his sister Olivia • Finding positivity in life's challenges by learning from them • The upcoming book "Hi World, I'm Dad: How Fathers Can Journey from Autism Awareness to Acceptance to Appreciation" Pre-order my book "Hi World, I'm Dad" available June 19th everywhere books are sold—in print, digital, and as an audiobook narrated by James himself Preorder James Guttman’s new book – “Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation” Follow Us On Facebook and Follow James Guttman on Instagram . Also, be sure to read the blog that started it all - Hi Blog! I'm Dad.…

1
My Son's Love Is Louder Than Any Challenge We Face 12:38

13 днів тому12:38

12:38

James Gutman shares personal stories about raising his son Lucas who has severe autism, revealing how his perspective evolved from fighting against pity to embracing complete appreciation for who his son is. •James discusses his upcoming book "Hi World, I'm Dad: How Fathers Can Journey from Autism Awareness to Acceptance, to Appreciation," releasing globally on June 19, 2025. • Started blogging in 2017 to share stories about Lucas without the pity that often came with in-person conversations • Why he's glad early pitches for the book didn't go through until the time was right • Describes beautiful moments like "Reunion Wednesday" hugs that demonstrate Lucas's clear love • Shares a breakthrough moment when Lucas understood food needs time to cook • Explains how these small victories exceed his early expectations when Lucas was first diagnosed • Emphasizes that his love for Lucas isn't despite autism but encompasses his entire being • Wouldn't change or "cure" his son even if he could Follow James on social media @HiJamesGutman and visit HiBlogImDad.com with new content every Monday and Wednesday. Reserve your physical and audiobook copy of "Hi World, I'm Dad" on Amazon, Audible, Google, and everywhere books are sold, available June 19th. Preorder James Guttman’s new book – “Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation” Follow Us On Facebook and Follow James Guttman on Instagram . Also, be sure to read the blog that started it all - Hi Blog! I'm Dad.…

1
Hi World I'm Dad: The Audiobook - Available Everywhere June 19 12:30

20 днів тому12:30

12:30

James Gutman makes a major announcement about his upcoming book "Hi World I'm Dad: How Fathers Can Journey from Autism Awareness to Acceptance to Appreciation" being released as an audiobook on June 19th, 2025. He shares personal reflections on recording the audiobook and his authentic approach to parenting his son Lucas. • The audiobook will be available on multiple platforms including Audible, Amazon, Spotify, Apple Books, Google Play, and Kobo. It is available for pre-order now. • James describes his initial hesitation about recording the audiobook but ultimately enjoyed the experience • Authenticity is key to his approach to parenting and advocacy • He emphasizes finding joy in everyday moments with his son rather than lamenting challenges • James shares touching anecdotes about his relationship with Lucas, including why he can never stay mad at him for more than five minutes • The book demonstrates his journey from autism awareness to acceptance to appreciation Visit HiBlogImDad.com every Monday and Wednesday for new blog posts and follow James on Instagram @Hi_JamesGutman. Preorder James Guttman’s new book – “Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation” Follow Us On Facebook and Follow James Guttman on Instagram . Also, be sure to read the blog that started it all - Hi Blog! I'm Dad.…

1
From Worry to Wonder: When Life Forces You To See Differently 12:56

27 днів тому12:56

12:56

James reflects on his journey from worried father to advocate for autism appreciation, crediting his quintuple bypass surgery at 35 as a turning point in how he viewed his son Lucas's autism. Rather than focusing on what needed to be "fixed," James began appreciating Lucas's unique perspective and finding joy in moments others might misinterpret as sad. • The podcast grew from James's frustration with not being able to share funny stories about Lucas without receiving sympathy • James explains the difference between autism awareness, acceptance, and his preferred term: appreciation • Shares the memorable "pretzel story" that triggered the blog • Reflects on writing about Lucas from age 5 to 14 and watching him grow through the blog • Talks about his upcoming book "Hi World I'm Dad: How Fathers Can Journey from Autism Awareness to Acceptance to Appreciation" • Expresses gratitude for the supportive community that has made him feel less alone Preorder James Guttman’s new book – “Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation” Follow Us On Facebook and Follow James Guttman on Instagram . Also, be sure to read the blog that started it all - Hi Blog! I'm Dad.…

1
The Journey From Fear to Pride 12:21

5 weeks тому12:21

12:21

From being unable to say the word "autism" aloud to embracing the term "severe autism," James Gutman shares his transformative seven-year journey with his son Lucas in this heartfelt episode. He recalls a pivotal moment when someone referred to his non-verbal son's condition as "the real autism," triggering both offense and reflection about how we label and understand neurodiversity. James takes us through his evolution as a father and writer, revealing how his blog "Hi Blog, I'm Dad" (launched in 2017) chronicles their journey from fear to appreciation. He describes the early days of struggling to explain his son's silence to strangers, followed by years of growth that changed his perspective entirely. Rather than defending against pity or judgment, James now focuses on celebrating Lucas's unique way of experiencing the world—from the gentle finger games he plays with his sister to the fascinating way he studies his own hand in the sunlight. The episode offers rare insight into parenting a child with severe autism, balancing the clinical realities with moments of pure joy. James reflects on how Lucas brings him happiness even during challenging moments, and how his son's unfiltered emotions have taught him to live more authentically. With his book "Hi World I'm Dad: How Fathers Can Journey from Autism Awareness to Acceptance to Appreciation" launching soon, James invites listeners to understand that while labels serve their purpose, they never tell the complete story. Pre-order his book now on Amazon to join him on this continuing journey of discovery and appreciation. Preorder James Guttman’s new book – “Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation” Follow Us On Facebook and Follow James Guttman on Instagram . Also, be sure to read the blog that started it all - Hi Blog! I'm Dad.…

1
Autism Appreciation Isn't Just About The Happy Times 13:04

6 weeks тому13:04

13:04

James Gutman explores the evolution from autism awareness to acceptance to appreciation as a father raising his nonverbal son, Lucas. He shares personal stories about appreciating his son's unique perspective on life, including the refreshing honesty that comes with autism even during challenging moments. • The differences between autism awareness, acceptance, and appreciation from both a parent's and society's perspective • How public understanding of autism has improved significantly since 2011 • The refreshing honesty and authenticity that comes with autism, even during mischievous moments • Why James appreciates rather than wants to "cure" his son's autism • Personal stories about Lucas knowingly breaking the rules while maintaining direct eye contact • The journey of learning to appreciate autism as an integral part of who his son is James's new book "Hi World, I'm Dad: How Fathers Can Journey from Autism Awareness to Acceptance to Appreciation" will be available June 19th. Pre-order now on Amazon, and follow James on social media at @HiJamesGutman or read his blog at hiblogimdad.com for more stories and updates. Preorder James Guttman’s new book – “Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation” Follow Us On Facebook and Follow James Guttman on Instagram . Also, be sure to read the blog that started it all - Hi Blog! I'm Dad.…

1
Why I Don't Want To "Cure" My Non-Verbal Son's Autism 13:26

7 weeks тому13:26

13:26

What does it really mean to love your child unconditionally? In this raw, heartfelt episode, James Gutman tackles the controversial topic of "curing" autism, sharing why he celebrates rather than seeks to change his 14-year-old non-verbal son Lucas. After his recent HuffPost article went viral, James found himself at the center of an intense debate. Many readers assumed his son must be "high-functioning" simply because he writes positively about him. The reality? Lucas faces significant daily challenges, yet James still wouldn't change who his son fundamentally is. "My son is just a pure person who is so in touch with his feelings and emotions," he explains. "When he's sad, he cries. When he's happy, he screams for joy." The podcast explores the dangerous assumption that parents of children with more significant support needs should want different kids. James pushes back against this narrative, highlighting the beautiful qualities often overlooked in discussions about autism – authenticity, emotional honesty, and lack of cruelty or deception. He shares his journey from making desperate bargains with God when Lucas was young to reaching a place of genuine appreciation for who his son is. Preorder James Guttman’s new book – “Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation” Follow Us On Facebook and Follow James Guttman on Instagram . Also, be sure to read the blog that started it all - Hi Blog! I'm Dad.…

1
My Son With Autism Is More Than Just What People See 10:34

8 weeks тому10:34

10:34

Ever wondered what pure, unfiltered humanity looks like? My son Lucas shows me every day. Through the lens of raising a nonverbal child with autism, I've discovered something remarkable about human connection that I never expected to find. Most people see limitations when they look at someone like Lucas. Politicians make sweeping statements about what autism is, focusing on what's missing rather than what's present. But they're missing the extraordinary gifts hiding in plain sight. Lucas communicates his desires more clearly without words than many people do with thousands of them. There's no social game-playing, no hidden agendas—just pure, authentic expression. What makes Lucas truly exceptional isn't just how he communicates, but who he is at his core. When he discovers joy in something—even a YouTube video he's watched hundreds of times—his excitement eclipses nearly anything I experience. And what does he do with that joy? He shares it with everyone around him, tapping strangers on the shoulder to include them in his happiness. He feels emotions deeply, loves unconditionally, and lives without the burden of caring what others think about him. He'll never bully anyone. He'll never be intentionally cruel. In many ways, he embodies exactly what I'd hope for in any child. The journey from hearing "autism" for the first time to where we are today has transformed me completely. The "worst-case scenarios" I feared have come true, yet here we are, living our best life together. That's why I wrote "Hi World, I'm Dad"—to show others that the autism journey holds unexpected treasures for those willing to see beyond society's narrow understanding. Pre-order my book now on Amazon, follow me on social media @HiJamesGutman, and join me every Friday for new podcast episodes where we continue exploring this extraordinary journey together. Preorder James Guttman’s new book – “Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation” Follow Us On Facebook and Follow James Guttman on Instagram . Also, be sure to read the blog that started it all - Hi Blog! I'm Dad.…

1
Taking Our Autism Journey Step By Step 13:46

9 weeks тому13:46

13:46

James Gutman explores the journey of raising his nonverbal son Lucas, challenging societal expectations about fatherhood and special needs parenting. Through this experience, he's discovered that the future he once feared has become the life he now cherishes, finding unexpected beauty in raising a child who reflects his purest values. • Raising a nonverbal child means gradual adaptation rather than sudden change • Society often sets low expectations for fathers, especially special needs dads • Growing alongside Lucas has taught James to worry less about everything in life • The fears we have about future challenges often dissolve when we actually face them • Character and kindness matter more than developmental milestones or achievements • Lucas reflects James's values through his kindness, pure heart, and genuine nature Pre-order James's upcoming book "Hi World I'm Dad: How Fathers Can Journey from Autism Awareness to Acceptance, to Appreciation" to join us on this journey. Preorder James Guttman’s new book – “Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation” Follow Us On Facebook and Follow James Guttman on Instagram . Also, be sure to read the blog that started it all - Hi Blog! I'm Dad.…

1
Awareness to Appreciation: Navigating Autism in April and Beyond 13:02

10 weeks тому13:02

13:02

James Gutman reflects on Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation Month, sharing personal insights as the father of Lucas, his 14-year-old nonverbal son with autism. He explores how language creates conflict even among those advocating for people with autism, while emphasizing that his son's non-verbal communication has shown him how "overrated" words can be. • Terminology matters but creates division—"child with autism" vs "autistic" • Autism Awareness helps others understand behaviors like unexpected loud noises or clapping • Autism Acceptance benefits those seeking inclusion in workplaces, schools and social settings • Autism Appreciation recognizes beautiful qualities like honesty and authenticity across the spectrum • Lucas demonstrates refreshing directness—wanting only what he truly wants without social pretense • Avoiding both superhero narratives and disability-focused labels helps see the whole person Pre-order James' new book "Hi World, I'm Dad: A Journey from Autism Awareness to Acceptance to Appreciation" now on Amazon, available in stores this June. Preorder James Guttman’s new book – “Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation” Follow Us On Facebook and Follow James Guttman on Instagram . Also, be sure to read the blog that started it all - Hi Blog! I'm Dad.…

1
The Karate Chop Hand-Washer: Life Skills & Growing Up 15:43

11 weeks тому15:43

15:43

Preorder James Guttman’s new book – “Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation” Follow Us On Facebook and Follow James Guttman on Instagram . Also, be sure to read the blog that started it all - Hi Blog! I'm Dad.

1
My 14 Year Old Non-Verbal Son 16:58

12 weeks тому16:58

16:58

James Gutman shares his journey raising his nonverbal son with autism, Lucas, who is about to turn 14, reflecting on how initial fears have transformed into deep appreciation for their perfectly imperfect life together. He describes the breakthrough moment when he joined Lucas in play rather than trying to correct him, leading to a connection that showed him his son understood more than he realized. • Discussion of James' new book "Hi World, I'm Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance and Appreciation" coming June 19th and the big news still to come. • Reflections on Lucas turning 14 and how reality has defied early fears about the future • The joy of having a loving, affectionate teenage son who still wants to spend time with his dad • The pivotal "toy phone" moment that changed their relationship • Learning that children don't need to be "fixed" to have a wonderful life • Understanding that love isn't about getting something in return • Recent blog posts about sitting with Lucas during meltdowns and learning to hear him without words Pre-order "Hi World, I'm Dad" now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Jessica Kingsley Publishing's website, and follow James on social media @HiJamesGutman and at HiPodImDad.com and HiBlogImDad.com for new content every Monday and Wednesday. Preorder James Guttman’s new book – “Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation” Follow Us On Facebook and Follow James Guttman on Instagram . Also, be sure to read the blog that started it all - Hi Blog! I'm Dad.…

1
Hi World I'm Dad: Details On The New Book Coming June 19th! 14:52

13 weeks тому14:52

14:52

James Gutman announces his upcoming book "Hi World, I'm Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance and Appreciation," now available for pre-order and due in stores June 19th. This deeply personal work chronicles his journey with his 14-year-old nonverbal son Lucas, moving beyond society's fear-based narrative about autism to discover the pure joy and genuine connection that comes from appreciating autism. • Book explores the journey from fear and confusion to genuine appreciation of autism • Available for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Jessica Kingsley Publishing's website • Written in the same storytelling style as James's blog and podcast • Shares both challenging moments and beautiful revelations about raising Lucas • Describes how the "worst case scenario" became a perfect life • Highlights the refreshing honesty and purity that autism brings to Lucas's personality • Intended for new parents, experienced parents, grandparents, and anyone wanting to understand autism • Contains funny, emotional, and thought-provoking stories from their lives together • Moves beyond awareness and acceptance to true appreciation Preorder Today - https://amzn.to/4itLPPL - Let's spread the word about autism appreciation together—it's long overdue and will make the world a better place. Preorder James Guttman’s new book – “Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation” Follow Us On Facebook and Follow James Guttman on Instagram . Also, be sure to read the blog that started it all - Hi Blog! I'm Dad.…

1
What If Everything You Assumed About Autism Was Wrong? 9:47

14 weeks тому9:47

9:47

"Lucas is straightforward. There's no manipulation with him. He doesn't lie... If Lucas loves you, Lucas loves you." James Gutman reflects on the unexpected joys and profound lessons of raising his nonverbal son Lucas, who has autism. He challenges common misconceptions about special needs parenting and explains his concept of "autism appreciation" – recognizing his son's unique qualities as strengths rather than deficits. • Distinguishing between wanting certain capabilities for Lucas versus needing him to achieve specific milestones • Finding beauty in Lucas's authenticity – his inability to manipulate, lie, or be arrogant • Appreciating the purity of Lucas's emotional expressions, especially his unfiltered joy • Challenging the imaginary scenarios people create when thinking about special needs parenting • Writing about Lucas through his blog to share these perspectives with others • Balancing acknowledgment of real challenges with celebration of unexpected blessings Visit HiBlogI'mDad.com on Monday for a big announcement! Follow James on Instagram at HiJamesGutman. Preorder James Guttman’s new book – “Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation” Follow Us On Facebook and Follow James Guttman on Instagram . Also, be sure to read the blog that started it all - Hi Blog! I'm Dad.…

1
Supermarket Adventures: My Son Is Growing Up 13:31

15 weeks тому13:31