Disabled Expectations

Everything Is Not OK- John Boersma

In this episode of Disabled Expectations, I sit down with John Boersma to talk about raising his 8-year-old son, Wrigley, who has Down syndrome.  We get into the real impact on family life, marriage, and how John believes he’s been preparing his whole life for this role as a dad. It’s an honest, grounded conversation about disability, purpose, and showing up for your family in ways that matter. Disabled Expectations is a podcast for dads raising children with disabilities, focused on real stories and perspective. Sponsored by Certain Hope Community. Contact: disabledexpectations@gmail.com

30 Years of Caregiving- John Gleason

In this episode of Disabled Expectations, I sit down with John Gleason to talk about his journey raising his 30-year-old daughter Kendra, who has cerebral palsy. The daily routines, the constant responsibility, and the weight that doesn’t get talked about enough. John opens up about what day-to-day care truly looks like over time. We get into the thoughts that stay in a father’s head, the pressure to keep showing up, and how this path reshapes your perspective on everything—especially marriage. When the statistics say it’s going to be hard to last, we talk about what actually keeps a relationship together and moving forward. Have a story to share or want to connect? Email: disabledexpectations@gmail.com [disabledexpectations@gmail.com] Sponsored by Certain Hope Community- Bringing families who have children with disabilities together through consistent, free events—so no one walks this journey alone. https://certainhopecommunity.org

Disabled Expectations- Dan Hartwell

In this episode of Disabled Expectations, I talk with Dan Hartwell, dad to Mikey, his 23-year-old son with autism. Dan shares what it was like realizing his son had autism, how he responded when he heard the diagnosis, and the role faith played in shaping his perspective from the beginning. We talk about accepting reality as it is, not rushing to fix it or explain it away, and holding onto a steady truth that continues to surface throughout the conversation: it is still good. This episode is an honest reflection on perspective, faith, and the way expectations can shift without losing hope or meaning. 🎙 Recorded at Barton Studio 🤝 Sponsored by Certain Hope Community Questions or feedback: 📧 disabledexpectations@gmail.com

Disabled Expectations 18- Dan Schmidt

In this episode of Disabled Expectations, Andy sits down with Dan Schmidt, a dad whose 18-year-old daughter, Jessica, has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Dan shares what it looks like to intentionally fight for his marriage and faithfully show up as a father in the disability world. This conversation centers on commitment, leadership, and the daily choices required to love well when life looks different than expected. This is an honest and encouraging discussion for dads, parents, and couples navigating disability—focused on perseverance, presence, and the long road of fatherhood. This episode is sponsored by Certain Hope Community, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families who have children with disabilities. Filmed at Barton Studio. For questions, feedback, or to connect with the podcast, email disabledexpectations@gmail.com

Disabled Expectations 17- Geof Coeling

In this episode of Disabled Expectations, I sit down with Geof Coeling to talk about his daughter Vivian and the whirlwind of her early days. Vivian was diagnosed with KCNQ2-DEE, and Geof shares what it felt like to become a first-time dad in the middle of fear, confusion, and a thousand unanswered questions. We talk honestly about checking in with ourselves as dads—naming how we’re really doing and why that honesty matters. This conversation will encourage you to keep showing up with courage and heart. Sponsored by: Certain Hope Community Contact: disabledexpectations@gmail.com