Special Chronicles Podcast

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

March 2, 2026 57 mins
In this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, Daniel Smrokowski welcomes back Athlete Leader and advocate Amanda Harrinauth to discuss the Spread the Word campaign and this year’s theme: Words Matter. Amanda shares the personal story behind her article about transforming the R-word into respect, reflecting on how language impacts dignity, belonging, and inclusion. Through honest conversation, poetry, and lived experience, she ...
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On this month’s episode of The Georgia and Daniel Show, we’re taking you on the road with us — recording on location from Fruita, Colorado! ✈️🏔️ Our adventure begins with our NonRev standby journey from Chicago (ORD) to Denver (DEN) and on to Grand Junction (GJT)— sharing the ups and downs of flying standby and the excitement of making it to our destination. Friday kicks off with a snowy walk along the beautiful Colorado River, ...
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In this special encore episode of The Special Chronicles Podcast, host Daniel Smrokowski welcomes Michelle Mark, Director of Athlete Leadership and Family Initiatives, and Emily Sullivan, Assistant Director of Athlete Leadership and Family Initiatives at Special Olympics Illinois. Together, they dive into the future of Athlete Leadership through the newly redesigned Athlete Leadership University (ALU) — a structured pathway empowe...
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In celebration of the Winter Olympic Games (February 6–22, 2026), this week on the Special Chronicles Podcast we’re revisiting a powerful encore conversation with Apolo Anton Ohno — 8-time Olympic medalist, the most decorated Winter Olympian in U.S. history, and proud Special Olympics Global Ambassador. Apolo reflects on his early years, the discipline that shaped his identity, and the journey that led him to become one of the mos...
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This Valentine’s‑week episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast celebrates partnership, faith, and the power of belonging. Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Matthew and Crystal Williams from Special Olympics Canada for a heartfelt conversation about love, advocacy, and the journey of building a life together. Matthew and Crystal open up about: • The disabilities they were diagnosed with • How they met and fell in love • Their invo...
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On this encore episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, Sven Albrecht joins host Daniel Smrokowski for an energizing conversation recorded during the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 — the world’s largest inclusive sports event, held June 17–25, 2023. Sven, now the Regional President of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at how the Local Organizing Committee and Special Olympics Germany prep...
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In this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast EnergyForce Series S9:E2, host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Trace Nardi, a ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador and proud participant in Best Buddies Illinois. Trace shares his inspiring journey as a new EnergyForce Ambassador, spreading the message of energy efficiency and inclusion, and highlights his active involvement in Best Buddies programs, including the Jobs Program and his posi...
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On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, award-winning host and founder Daniel Smrokowski kicks off Season 9 of the EnergyForce Series—marking the 9th year of partnership with the ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador Program. In Energy Savings 101, Daniel shares an updated, engaging presentation designed to help you better understand how energy choices impact both your home and the planet. This episode covers: The basics of ener...
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January 12, 2026 81 mins
On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, host and founder Daniel Smrokowski celebrates his 37th birthday with a special encore episode that reflects on his journey, advocacy, and lived experiences. Daniel shares exciting news about speaking at The Arc of Illinois 76th Annual Convention (April 29–30, 2026), then turns the mic over to journalist RJ Nealon, who interviews Daniel about quarantine life, school memories, Speci...
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January 11, 2026 42 mins
Join Georgia an Daniel as they celebrate Daniel's 37th birthday over a cozy New Year's weekend filled with family traditions, heartfelt reflections, and fun moments. Highlights include their weekend watchlist featuring Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, Avatar: Fire and Ash, and Shifting Gears Season 2 on Hulu. Tune in for a joyful start to 2026 and a glimpse of what's next on the Georgia & Daniel Podcast: https://specialchronicles.com/gdpod...
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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