Special Chronicles Podcast
Disabled Voices Matter! As an award-winning intellectual disability advocate and host of the Special Chronicles Podcast, Daniel Smrokowski tells special needs stories from an insider’s perspective. “PodmanDan” is himself a person with special needs. As your weekly guide to finding joy and acceptance, Special Chronicles offers entertaining and informational disability conversations.
Episodes
January 5, 2026 • 44 mins
On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast Inclusive Travel Series, we sit down with Laurie and Caroline Bridges from Tip Tock Travel to explore how to make travel more inclusive for individuals with developmental disabilities. Laurie shares the story behind Caroline’s birth and diagnosis, while Caroline gives us an inside look into her personal travel experiences, including university and Disney Cruises. We discuss tips for...
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December 29, 2025
To close out the year, the Special Chronicles Podcast brings you a special Best of 2025 episode! Our Host and Founder Daniel Smrokowski shares highlights from the most popular episodes of the year—selected by you, our listeners—along with his personal favorites episodes. From powerful advocacy conversations to empowering stories across the disability community, this episode celebrates the moments that made 2025 unforgettable.
Ep...
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On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast: Bill Dwyer, CEO of Helping Hand, returns to sit down with host Daniel Smrokowski as we discuss the latest in inclusive housing, independent living, and meaningful employment for people with disabilities.
Topics and Chapter Markers:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:15:00 Inclusive Housing & Independent Living
00:38:00 High School Transition & Unified at Work
01:07:00 Leadership & Vision
01:...
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December 21, 2025 • 59 mins
Get into the holiday spirit with us in this heartwarming Christmas Special! In this cozy livestream, we exchange thoughtful gifts, sip on some delicious hot cocoa, and dive into a heartfelt conversation about what Christmas really means. Plus, we wrap things up with a few classic Christmas Carols to spread the holiday cheer.
Whether you're here for the laughs, the love, or the joy of the season, we’re so grateful to share this spe...
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December 15, 2025 • 68 mins
https://www.youtube.com/live/2iGHpvTTFi0?si=8Kv_XPGWbK40UY7Y
On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with David Evangelista, the incoming CEO of Special Olympics International. From volunteering at the 1995 World Games to leading programs across 58 countries, David shares his lifelong journey within the Special Olympics movement, his global vision, and what inclusion truly means.
I...
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December 8, 2025 • 22 mins
This week on the Special Chronicles Podcast, we’re honored to share a special re-release of our 2017 conversation with Mary Davis, CEO of Special Olympics, Inc., as she prepares to retire.
In this heartfelt interview, Mary reflects on her inspiring journey, her leadership across the global movement, and the lasting legacy of inclusion she leaves behind. Host Daniel Smrokowski also takes a moment to express his gratitude for Mary’s...
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December 1, 2025 • 25 mins
This week on the Special Chronicles Podcast, we honor Judy Heumann—the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement”—with a stirring lecture originally aired on Disability Beat Radio at WEFT 90.1 FM. Her words ignited a global movement for inclusion, dignity, and justice. Tune in to hear the voice that sparked a revolution and continues to inspire generations.
🎧 Listen now and carry the legacy forward.
This episode originally aired...
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November 24, 2025 • 45 mins
In this special episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, we kick off the Special Chronicles 2026 Giving Campaign and share why this year’s fundraising goal — $41,600 — is our biggest yet. Producing inclusive, high-quality media costs about $800 per episode, and your support helps us keep our studio running, livestream shows, and share stories that celebrate the voices of people with special needs.
Join us as we reflect on our 17...
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November 17, 2025 • 29 mins
In honor of our 17th year anniversary on the Special Chronicles Podcast, we’re sharing a special live radio conversation host Daniel Smrokowski had on Disability Beat Radio at WEFT Community Radio in Champaign, Illinois. Tune in for a heartfelt celebration of inclusion, advocacy, and the voices that have shaped our journey. From humble beginnings to a global platform, this episode reflects on the power of storytelling to change liv...
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November 10, 2025 • 81 mins
https://www.youtube.com/live/O4LxUVZJF7k?si=5h0oXLdTBUHMVTaF
In this powerful episode of The Special Chronicles Podcast, host Daniel Smrokowski welcomes Matthew F. Gorski, Athlete Leader with Special Olympics Illinois, to talk about his incredible journey running the 2025 Chicago Marathon.
Matthew takes us behind the scenes of what it’s like to train for 26.2 miles — from early training runs and mental preparation to race da...
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November 9, 2025 • 82 mins
After a two-month break, Georgia and Daniel return with real-life updates from a whirlwind fall — including hospital stays, health scares, family reunions, and joyful adventures. From fevers to laughter, this heartfelt episode is all about resilience, recovery, and finding joy in life’s unexpected moments. ❤️🍂
Episode ShowNotes: https://specialchronicles.com/gdpodcast103
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November 3, 2025 • 93 mins
https://youtu.be/H_Si6W28H1g?si=pS8XGuTO8zUiW-mC
In this week’s episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with author Nancy Goodfellow to discuss her inspiring new novel, Special — a heartfelt story that celebrates friendship, inclusion, and the beauty of being exactly who you are.
Special follows Madison and Meg, two junior high students navigating grief, growing up, and disability awarenes...
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9MDrXgExe4
Join host Daniel Smrokowski LIVE From United Airlines headquarters as he sits down with David Kinzelman — Chief Customer Officer & Senior VP of Airport Operations at United — for an inspiring conversation during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).
They explore how United’s SOSA program and its broader accessibility initiatives are creating real change for both...
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October 20, 2025 • 60 mins
On this all-new episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's Unified at Work Series S6:Pt9: Host Daniel Smrokowski welcomes back Emmy Award-winning journalist, consultant, podcaster, and Special Olympics Illinois Board Member Rob Johnson.
Rob joins us to talk about his brand-new book, Overcommunicate: A Guide for Business Executives and Aspiring Leaders. Most leaders confuse saying something with being understood — this book offer...
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In this compelling episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's Unified at Work Series S6:Pt8—originally aired on Disability Beat Radio on WEFT 90.1 FM in Champaign, IL—host Vicki Niswander sits down with Nicholas Wyman, President of IWSI America, to unpack their groundbreaking 2023 report that’s reshaping how we think about workforce inclusion.
🎙️ Discover why embracing disability inclusion isn’t just ethical—it’s a catalyst for ...
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October 6, 2025 • 79 mins
In this empowering episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Caleb J. Prewitt – the Guinness World Record Holder as the Most Prolific Down Syndrome Triathlete/Runner – and his mom Karen McConeghy Prewitt.
At just 18 years old, Caleb has already completed 46 triathlons, 123 races, and 5 half-marathons, while serving as a Planet Fitness USA Triathlon Foundation Ambassador. Together with his mom...
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September 30, 2025 • 72 mins
On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, host Daniel Smrokowski celebrates International Podcast Day with the 800th Episode of this podcast! We share an ALL NEW speech he recently gave to the regional marketing staff of Special Olympics about his lessons as a Podcasting Legend within the Special Olympics Movement.
Then, Daniel transitions into an encore conversation with fellow Special Olympics Illinois Athlete Leader J...
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September 29, 2025 • 9 mins
In this fourteenth episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast LIVE Coverage, host Daniel Smrokowski talks with Lawanda Grant.
We’re excited to announce that Special Chronicles provided exclusive LIVE and On-Demand Coverage of the The Arc of Illinois #SUSO2025 – the annual Speak Up and Speak Out Summit that celebrates the voices of people with disabilities.
You’ll hear directly from disability self-advocates, families, speakers, a...
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September 29, 2025 • 12 mins
In this thirteenth episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast LIVE Coverage, host Daniel Smrokowski talks with Carrie & Kalib McCoy, a husband and wife self-advocates.
We’re excited to announce that Special Chronicles provided exclusive LIVE and On-Demand Coverage of the The Arc of Illinois #SUSO2025 – the annual Speak Up and Speak Out Summit that celebrates the voices of people with disabilities.
You’ll hear directly from disabi...
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September 26, 2025 • 17 mins
In this twelfth episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast LIVE Coverage, host Daniel Smrokowski talks with Timotheus (TJ) Gordon from the Institute on Disability & Human Development at UIC.
We’re excited to announce that Special Chronicles provided exclusive LIVE and On-Demand Coverage of the The Arc of Illinois #SUSO2025 – the annual Speak Up and Speak Out Summit that celebrates the voices of people with disabilities.
You’ll he...
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