This is part of a special series of interviews within the SFN Dad To Dad Podcasts known as the SFN Mastermind Group Monday Podcasts.  Each Monday host David Hirsch interviews one of the SFN Mastermind Group dads on the impact the mastermind group has had on him and the wellbeing of his family.  

This Monday’s guest is Tom Costello of Frankfort, IL who is an investment professional, father of twin 21 year old boys who are Autistic and are co-founder of the Twin Hearts Autism Foundation.   

Tom and his wife, Irene, have been married for 23 years and are the proud parents of twin boys: Michael and John who are Autistic. 

Tom has been involved with the Special Fathers Network for about five years.  He was featured in episode #69 of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast that aired in October 2019.  He was part of the inaugural SFN Mastermind Group and also serves as treasurer of the 21st Century Dads Foundation. 

It’s an uplifting conversation about perseverance, overcoming life's challenges and advocacy, all on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.

Show Notes - 
Phone – (708) 205-2964
Email - tomcostello18@gmail.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-costello-05867311/
FB Page - https://www.facebook.com/Twin-Hearts-Autism-Foundation-580801878996598/ SFN Dad To Dad Podcast Episode #69 –  https://21stcenturydads.org/dad-to-dad-69-tom-costello/
Twin Hearts Autism Foundation - https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/twin-hearts-autism-foundation,272189829/
Another Kind Of Courage by Steve Bundy - https://tinyurl.com/mrs7cvac

About the SFN Mastermind Group –

WHAT- 
SFN Mastermind Group dads meet weekly by Zoom for 75 minutes. Each meeting:
◦            starts with a round of wins from the past week,
◦            includes a discussion of the current book (6 per year) being reviewed,
◦            has two Dad-In-The-Middle sessions for dads to share a challenge, and
◦            ends with a recap and look at the week ahead. 

WHO - 
SFN Mastermind Group Dads are those:
◦            seeking meaningful friendships with like-minded dads,
◦            willing to invest their time and make a financial commitment,
◦            looking for a safe place to be open and authentic, and
◦            who realize seeking advice is a strength, not a weakness.  

WHY - 
SFN Mastermind Group Dads benefit by:
◦            realizing they are NOT alone
◦            having better relationships with their spouse,
◦            developing improved understandings of their child(ren),
◦            tapping into the experience and wisdom of others,
◦            getting weekly encouragement from like-minded dads, and
◦            creating a pathway to become the best version of themselves

21st Century Dads Foundation is looking to provide 100 special needs fathers with the opportunity to be part of the class of 2024 Mastermind Group.