Dadvengers Podcast Episode 5 – Richard Whitehead
It’s Dadvengers Podcast Episode 5 – Richard Whitehead. I can’t lie I’m pretty blown away that we had such an incredible athlete join us for this episode. Having a double leg amputation would thwart some peoples ability to achieve but not this man. In 2010 he set the marathon world record for people with lower limb amputations. However, in 2012 without a Paralympic marathon event for his disability class he competed in a totally different event. The 200m. And won Gold.
What he’s been through should tell you the kind of determination Richard possesses. Learning about this side of him was fascinating but learning about the challenges he faces now with 2 kids, one of whom is autistic was eye opening. Having said that he doesn’t let this phase him. He was brought up in a time when he had to struggle due to his disability but these challenges and the guidance of his parents helped him become the man he is today.
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Episode Time Codes
1:40 – “It’s a great coaster mate”… Richard talks about winning a gold medal and what he does with it now!
3:55 – Richard shares how becoming a parent is the biggest achievements of his life, over the Olympics.
6:10 – “The autism spectrum is really precious” Richard discusses parenting his autistic daughter and how they don’t let the label stop her doing what ever she wants in life.
08:39 – How Richard tells us how he deals with the difficulties of managing his disability and how society needs to change to be more accepting of minority communities.
11:46 – Richard shares his advice for parents of children with suspected autistic spectrum disorders.
15:05 – Richard discusses the relationship between his two children and how he and his partner manage their individual needs.
18:15 – “We get the presents early and then they change their mind!” how Richard and his partner manage the changing wants of their children near Christmas!
21:05 – Richard shares his favourite toys as a child – “It had to have about 18 batteries in, it was ace!”
23:06– Why Richard ran 40 marathons in 40 days – what inspired it, and the legacy he wants to leave through that challenge.
27:43 – “Having the opportunity to have a voice” – Richard tells us how he uses his position to talk and the impact on our mental health.
29:00 – The balance of empowering children to do and achieve what they want – while also putting in appropriate boundaries.
31:32 – “My children have a roof over their head… But there are children out there not in the same situation” – Richard shares how he wants to use his experiences to be the best he can and help other people,
34:08 – Richard tells us about his podcast “Track and Ball”.
35:23 – “You feel like a superhero” – Richard shares the responsibility he feels being an Olympic athlete.
37:46 – Richards Parenting Superpower.
Also on Dadvengers…
If you enjoyed this episode of the Dadvengers Podcast don’t forget to check out some of the others. We have dads from all sorts of backgrounds and industries talking about their journey’s through fatherhood. And more are being added all the time.
Whether you are male, female, and parent or a parenting professional there’s lots to be learned by listening to men tell their stories. We also have a comments box below if you’d like to leave your thoughts.
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Another awesome guest that will hopefully inspire others to keep on learning as we parent. There is no one size fits all formula to being a dad we all have to adapt to whatever life throws at us. Richard is living proof of that and can thank him enough for his honesty and openness.
If you want to hear more Dadvengers Podcast episodes the easiest way is to subscribe via your usual podcast provider. In addition you can always check back here on the website where all episodes are listed on the Podcast page.
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