• Our Relationship with Friends, Part Two
    Jan 29 2026

    RAD Podcast S2E12 Show Notes / Summary

    Episode Title: Our Relationship with friends, Part 2

    Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, we continue our conversation on the challenges and blessings of being friends with other men who do not have children with disabilities. Great conversation! Lots of laughs, tears, and encouragement!

    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 Hope 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:

    Risingaboveministries.org

    Contact us:

    schatman@risingaboveministies.org

    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/

    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • Our Relationship with Friends, Part One
    Jan 23 2026

    RAD Podcast S2E11 Show Notes / Summary

    Episode Title: Our Relationship with friends, Part 1

    Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, our hosts are joined by a few of their closest friends. A super fun conversation about the challenges and blessings of being friends with other men who do not have children with disabilities. Lots of laughs, tears, and encouragement!

    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 Hope 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:

    Risingaboveministries.org

    Contact us:

    schatman@risingaboveministies.org

    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/

    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • Our Relationship with Employers, Part Two
    Jan 15 2026

    RAD Podcast S2E10 Show Notes / Summary

    Episode Title: Our Relationship with Employers, Part Two

    Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, we continue the conversation with local small business leaders who employ individuals with disabilities. We discuss how both parents and employers can equip and empower our children with disabilities to thrive in the workplace.

    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 Hope 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:

    Grade-A-Catering

    The Exceptional Bean

    Rising Above Community Groups for dads

    The Runner Dudes Podcast

    Contact us:

    schatman@risingaboveministies.org

    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/

    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • Our Relationship with Employers, Part One
    Jan 8 2026

    RAD Podcast S2E9 Show Notes / Summary

    Episode Title: Our Relationship with Employers, Part 1

    Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, our hosts talk with local small business leaders who employ individuals with disabilities. We discuss how both parents and employers can equip and empower our children with disabilities to thrive in the workplace.

    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 Hope 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:

    Grade-A-Catering

    The Exceptional Bean

    Rising Above Community Groups for dads

    The Runner Dudes Podcast

    Contact us:

    schatman@risingaboveministies.org

    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/

    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • Our Relationship with School Personnel
    Jan 1 2026

    RAD Podcast S2E8 Show Notes / Summary

    Episode Title: Our Relationship with School Personnel

    Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, our hosts discuss the importance of dad’s involvement with our child’s educational experience. Joining us on this episode are Todd Clinton, Director of Special Education in Jackson County, TN and Becky Davidson, Co-Founder and President of Rising Above Ministries.

    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 Hope 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:

    The Rising Above App

    Rising Above with Becky Davidson

    How to navigate an IEP videos

    Contact us:

    schatman@risingaboveministies.org

    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/

    Show More Show Less
    59 mins
  • Our Relationship with Culture, Part Two
    Dec 18 2025

    RAD Podcast S2E7 Show Notes / Summary

    Episode Title: Our Relationship with Culture, part 2

    Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, our hosts continue the conversation on stepping out into culture with our children living with disabilities and how we overcome our fears, frustrations, and fatigue and lead both our family and culture.

    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 Hope 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:

    Contact us:

    schatman@risingaboveministies.org

    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/

    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • Our Relationship with Culture, Part One
    Dec 11 2025

    RAD Podcast S2E6 Show Notes / Summary

    Episode Title: Our Relationship with Culture, part 1

    Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, our hosts discuss the challenges of stepping beyond the safety and familiarity of our homes and engaging a culture that often doesn’t know what to do with families like ours. As dads, how can we help make this a win-win for both our families and our culture?

    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:

    Navigating IEP resources

    Disney World

    Dollywood Theme Park

    Contact us:

    schatman@risingaboveministies.org

    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/

    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • Our Relationship with other Special-Needs Dads, Part Two
    Dec 4 2025

    RAD Podcast S2E5 Show Notes / Summary

    Episode Title: Our Relationship with other Special-Needs Dads, part 2

    Episode Summary: In this episode of the Rising Above Dads podcast, we continue our conversation with guest hosts Chris Riley and Hutch Matteson who join Steve at our annual Base Camp weekend for dads to discuss some practical steps to locate and connect with other dads who are caring for children with disabilities and special needs.

    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:

    Base Camp

    Affluent Bridge

    Riley & You

    The Sanctuary of North Georgia

    Parents/Siblings and Caregivers of Adults with Down Syndrome Facebook page

    Contact us:

    schatman@risingaboveministies.org

    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/

    Show More Show Less
    38 mins