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 for the past few months, host David Hirsch has interviewed members of the SFN Mastermind Group community, men who meet virtually via Zoom on a weekly basis. 

This Monday’s episode is a recap from the 4th Annual SFN Mastermind Group Weekend Retreat, held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago from September 6-8, 2024.  In total 27 dads attended including three from Iceland and one from Ukraine.   

Friday, September 6th -
The retreat kicked off with a Meet & Greet with pizza, sodas and some special treats, including Al's Cookie Mixx cookies provided by SFN Mentor Father Alvin Green of Chicago and some Mullen's Apple Sauce provided by SFN Mentor Father Jim Mullen. 

Saturday, September 7th -
On Saturday morning the group participated in a Cycle To End Father Absence (C2EFA) ride at Cyclebar River North. 

The morning session included playing 21CD/SFN Trivia and talking about the importance of Self-Care. SFN Mentor Father Wayne Messmer made a terrific presentation over lunch. The afternoon session included discussions about the importance of Respite & Marriage. 

From there the group enjoyed a performance by Dennis Watkins at the Magic Parlour, Chicago's #1 Show (as per TripAdvisor). The evening was capped off with a sumptuous dinner at Maggiano's Little Italy Grand, including birthday wishes for SFN Mentor Father Nathan Woerner. 

Sunday, September 8th -
Sunday's session included discussions about Planning Ahead, Project ALEX, Hope For Luka, and Ideas for Improving the Mastermind Group experience. 

All in all it was a fun and memorable experience. Lots of laughter, some tears and good fellowship. 

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.