Special Chronicles Show Podcast

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast: Special Olympics Nebraska Athlete Leader and newly selected Sargent Shriver Global Messenger Wyatt Spalding joins SSGM Alum and Award-winning Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski for an empowering conversation about his story of overcoming obstacles in life which led him to this elite athlete leadership role! Episode 571 ShowNotes & Links: 10:00 | Wyatt's Birth Story: born prematurely with many health challenges spending 7 months in NICU including early life full of surgical procedures; "scars who needs tattoos" 17:00 | Challenges and Joys Accomplishments: Heartbroken moment when his dad sat him down and said he couldn't play organized sports due to it was too risky for Wyatt's health challenges with Cerebral Palsy 28:30 | Becoming a Special Olympics Athlete in Basketball and Tennis Sports 33:30 | Wyatt recounts 2018 USA Games 38:00 | Meaning of Special Olympics and not cute; we're capable 48:00 | Becoming a Health Messenger and Paid Health Intern w

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast: Lily and Nancy F. Goodfellow sit down with Award-winning Podcaster Daniel Smrokowski talking about World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st, the Special Olympics Movement and College of DuPage as well as all Lily has accomplished to follow her dreams of being a sports reporter for ESPN and Special Olympics. Lily even announces her latest endeavor — her own YouTube channel Lily’s Sports Beat where she’ll ask athletes “Five Quick Questions with Lily.” Longtime listeners finally become podcast guests Lily's Birth Story Connecting with Down Syndrome Organizations like Dear Mom Conference and The Lucky Few Intro to Special Olympics Movement and How Athlete Leadership Prepares Lily for College Dreams of a Sports Reporter; Lily's biggest media opportunities -- Gaming For Inclusion with Microsoft and Special Olympics! Plus, we hope you'll Pledge support for Ruby’s Rainbow in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st! Listen full episode here: New episodes d

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's  Unified at Work Series S5:Pt4: Special Olympics Illinois Athlete Leader Bella Kurash and her mom Christine sit down with Sargent Shriver Global Messenger Alum and Award-winning Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski for a cheerful conversation about the Stepping Stones to Inclusive Employment, Inspired by United Airlines' SOSA Program, Social Story Prepares Travelers of All Abilities, and how attending Special Olympics USA Games leads to Becoming a Special Olympics Athlete! Bella and Christine Kurash had so much fun chatting with us! Appreciate Daniel Smrokowski encouraging Bella to get involved with Special Olympics and being a role model that you can achieve whatever you put your mind to do. WARNING: this podcast includes lots of late-night giggles and cake… cheesecake!

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast: Spread The Word Co-Founder Tim Shriver Jr. sits down with Sargent Shriver Global Messenger Alum and Award-winning Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski for a heartfelt conversation on the motivation for Spread The Word, sharing personal stories Never-Before-Heard-On-A-Podcast that will empower grassfoot leaders to refocus and take action for inclusion. Join us and make your #PledgeToInclude this week! Friend of the podcast and 3-Time Guest Tim Shriver Jr. joins us as we’re celebrating and reflecting on 15 Years of Spread The Word, a global campaign where we think the world would be better if everyone were included. Around the world, exclusion and discrimination continue to divide people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are changing that with grassroots action for inclusion. That’s Spread the Word. Topic Chapter Markers: 00:00 | Introduction 5:00 | Special Olympics Founder’s Council and World Games Berlin 2023 13:00 | Tim recoun

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's Unified at Work Series S5:Pt3: In celebration of the 8 Year Anniversary of Bitty & Beau's Coffee and with our recent visit a month ago to their Savannah location, we are celebrating a human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are valued in the workplace. It's a place where diversity isn't just appreciated, it's celebrated. Bitty & Beau's Coffee proudly employs 400+ individuals with disabilities nationwide. Bitty & Beau's Coffee Co-Founders Ben and Amy Wright join us for an exclusive interview to talk about their family story before their popular coffee shop was established. This episode originally aired on March 15, 2013 Listen full episode here:  New episodes drop weekly so be sure you tap Follow wherever you get podcasts to be notified every Monday! Watch full Video Here Episode 567 ShowNotes & Links:  Visit. Shop. Follow. bittyandbeauscoffee.com  Follow @bittyandb

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast: Special Olympics New Zealand Athlete Leader and newly selected Sargent Shriver Global Messenger Grace Payne joins SSGM Alum and Award-winning Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski for a great conversation about being the first SSGM from New Zealand! Tune in as Grace chats with Daniel about: Becoming Involved in Special Olympics Movement, One of Two Females on an all Men's Basketball Team at 2019 World Games Abu Dhabi, An Introduction to Athlete Leadership, Unified Schools Project at Global Athlete Congress, Becoming a SSGM and Goals for her 2024-2027 Term, and we dive into how Tim Shriver's challenge of Inclusive Education for this SSGM class perfectly aligns with Grace's project of bringing Unified Schools and Brand Awareness to New Zealand! Listen full episode here:  New episodes drop weekly so be sure you tap Follow wherever you get podcasts to be notified every Monday! Watch full Video Here Episode 566 ShowNotes & Links: Follow Grace’s SSGM Journey on S

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast: In celebration of Valentine's Day this week, we are celebrating this holiday focused on love with a special rebroadcast of an episode that goes Behind-The-Scenes of the feature length documentary AUTISM IN LOVE with Director Matt Fuller and Producer Carolina Groppa. This episode originally aired on January 10, 2016 Listen full episode here: New episodes drop every Monday so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one! Watch full Video HERE Episode 565 ShowNotes & Links: Watch: Autism in Love Film On Demand Learn more about Autism in Love Film: Website   Follow @AutismInLove on Socials:  Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Support This Podcast: Make a donation to our 2024 Giving Campaign right HERE  Visit Our MERCH Store: Click HERE to Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection  Connect with Special Chronicles: Follow this podcast on social media: @SpecialChronicles Join Our Newsletter: Subscribe to our Mailing List Send your audio and email f

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's EnergyForce Series S7:Pt2: Project Onward Visual Artist Janno Juguilon sits down with Award-winning Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski for an honest and candid conversation about: Becoming a Visual Artist, Commentary on a few selections of Janno's Art, Connecting with Project Onward, and Becoming a ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador!   Listen full episode here:New episodes drop every Monday so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!   Watch full Video here:   https://www.youtube.com/live/-K7FsSbCX-c?si=SaTlcKM63mqfALZ8   Episode 564 ShowNotes & Links:   Shop Janno Juguilon's Art Connect with Project Onward at projectonward.org to learn more about this nonprofit art studio and gallery that supports Chicago visual artists developmental disabilities Follow @ProjectOnward on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok |  YouTube | LinkedIn Located: Bridgeport Art Center 1200 W. 35th St., 4th Floor Chicago, IL 60609 which is steps away from where th

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's Unified at Work Series S5:Pt2: John and Mark Cronin, co-founders of John's Crazy Socks sit down with Award-winning Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski for a candid and honest conversation about their father & son business, spreading happiness through socks, Supporting Special Olympics, The Spreading Happiness Podcast, and we dive into how they are celebrating the 7 Year Anniversary of John's Crazy Socks!   Listen full episode here: New episodes drop every Monday so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!   Watch full Video here:   https://www.youtube.com/live/968uW7BNbOc?si=bpVUx73xQ-xWv5iY   Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 563 ShowNotes & Links Mentioned On This Episode:   Visit John’s Crazy Socks at JohnsCrazySocks.com Follow @JohnsCrazySocks on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TikTok | X(Twitter) | YouTube Follow and Listen to The Spreading Happiness Podcast wherever you get podcasts Follow and Listen t

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast: Nicholas Mcmahill, Special Olympics Illinois Athlete sits down with Award-winning Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski for a candid and honest conversation about Becoming a Special Olympics Athlete, Athlete Leadership, and his Adventuring Journey into Blogging.   Listen full episode here: New episodes drop every Monday so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!   Watch full Video here:   https://www.youtube.com/live/dNErwG3GWkU?si=mLRXdbK77I2B5wBI   Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 562 ShowNotes & Links Mentioned On This Episode:   Follow Nicholas' Journey on Facebook or Instagram: @NicholasJourney26   Support This Podcast: Make a donation to our 2024 Giving Campaign right HERE     Shop Our Merch Store: Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection HERE     Connect with Special Chronicles:   Follow this podcast on social media: @SpecialChronicles Join Our Newsletter: Subscribe to our Mailing List Send your audio and email feedback to:

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast: Sofia Sanchez, a Ukrainian American actress, author and advocate sits down with Award-winning Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski to talk about her role in The Hunger Games, helping launch Mattel's first Barbie with Down syndrome, and how her story inspired a Scholastic Book Series! Listen full episode here: New episodes drop every Monday so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one! Watch full Video here: Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 561 ShowNotes & Links Mentioned On This Episode: Follow Sofia Sanchez on Instagram: @the.sofia.sanchez  Sofia’s Website  Get your copies of “You Are Enough,” You are loved,” and now pre-selling the newest, “You Are Brave?”   Support This Podcast: Make a donation to our 2024 Giving Campaign right HERE     Shop Our Merch Store: Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection HERE     Connect with Special Chronicles:   Follow this podcast on social media: @SpecialChronicles Join Our Newsletter: Subscribe to our

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's Unified at Work Series S5:Pt1: Shannon Maher, Manger of NextGen Leader Initiatives at Disability:IN sits down with Award-winning Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski for a candid conversation about Disability:IN's NextGen Leadership Program and how students with disabilities are connected with Fortune 100 companies! Listen full episode here: New episodes drop every Monday so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!   Watch full Video here:       Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 560 ShowNotes & Links Mentioned On This Episode:   NextGen Leader Application: 2024 Disability:IN NextGen Leadership Program Application  NextGen Menter Application: NextGen Mentor Application Email questions to nextgen@disabilityin.org Learn more about Disability:IN NextGen Leadership Program   Support This Podcast: Make a donation to our 2024 Giving Campaign right HERE     Visit Our MERCH Store: Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection HERE     Connect wit

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's EnergyForce Series S7:Pt1: Join award-winning Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski as we kickoff our 7th year of partnership with the ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador Program with an educational presentation on energy and solar savings, energy efficiency tips, and we test your knowledge with an Energy Quiz.   Listen full episode here: New episodes drop every Monday so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one! Watch full Video here  Episode 559 ShowNotes & Links Mentioned On This Episode: Learn more about ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador Program Listen and Follow Special Chronicles Podcast's ComEd EnergyForce Series for more conversations with ComEd EnergyForce Ambassadors, staff, and educational lessons on energy and solar efficiency   Support This Podcast: Make a donation to our 2024 Giving Campaign right HERE     Shop Our Merch Store: Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection HERE     Connect with Special Chronicles:   Follow this podcast on soc

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast: Carter Sanders, Special Olympics athlete from Chicago, sits down with award-winning Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski for a candid and fun conversation to recap his recent travels to SO Hawaii Holiday Classic, competing in bocce, and favorite memories from his trip to Hawaii during the holiday season!   Listen full episode here: New episodes drop every Monday so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!   Watch full Video Here Episode 558 ShowNotes & Links Mentioned On This Episode: Connect with your local Special Olympics Program Learn more about Easterseals Chicago HERE   Support This Podcast: Make a donation to our 2024 Giving Campaign right HERE     Shop Our Merch Store: Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection HERE     Connect with Special Chronicles:   Follow this podcast on social media: @SpecialChronicles Join Our Newsletter: Subscribe to our Mailing List Send your audio and email feedback to: feedback@specialchronicles.com

On this rebroadcast episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast’s Unified at Work Series S4:Pt10: United Airlines Chief Diversity Equity & Inclusion Officer Jessica Muench and Chief Operations Officer Toby Enqvist sits down with award-winning Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski for a candid and honest conversation about disability inclusion, how to make travel more accessible and United’s part in the Inclusion Revolution.   This episode was recorded from United's Polaris Club at O'Hare International Airport and originally aired April 18, 2020   Listen full episode here: New episodes drop every Monday so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!   Watch full Video here:   Episode 557 ShowNotes & Links Mentioned On This Episode:   Follow Jessica Kimbrough on X: @justrustme Follow Toby Enqvist on X: @tobyatunited Book your travel today on United.com or on the award-winning United mobile app. Learn more about United’s commitment to disability inclusion for employment and travel HERE Follow and

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast’s Unified at Work Series S4:Pt9: Steve Restivo, Vice President of Global Communications at United Airlines, joins Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski for a conversation about inclusive employment and United's SOSA Program, Accessibility Showcase, and how inclusion is the story of an airline when Good Leads The Way!   Listen full episode here:         New episodes drop every Monday so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!   Watch full Video here:       Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 556 ShowNotes & Links Mentioned On This Episode:   Watch Video for global accessibility day Link to Social Story HERE: a Social Story helps prepare people with disabilities, children or anyone for travel. Connect with Steve Restivo on LinkedIn  Follow @United on Social Media: X, Instagram, TikTok  Book your travel today on United.com or on the award-winning United mobile app. Learn more about United’s commitment to disability inclusion for employment

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast’s EnergyForce Series S6:Pt10: Carter Sanders, a ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador from Easterseals returns on the show to join Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski as we talk all about the Holiday Lights events.   We recap our experience working these Holiday Lights events and encourage why you should join us this year and attend a Holiday Lights event this year!   Listen full episode here:   New episodes drop every Monday so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!   Watch full Video here:   https://www.youtube.com/live/Q-qSwEQM21g?si=Mn3HgbhCP2duzvxm   Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 555 ShowNotes & Links Mentioned On This Episode:   Learn more about ComEd's Holiday Lights events HERE Connect with Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Rockford: EastersealsChicago.org Listen to previous episodes of this podcast featuring Carter Learn more about ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador Program Listen and Follow our ComEd EnergyForce Series for more conve

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast: Join Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski for our annual Year-End Giving Campaign Episode! We hear from a few of our supporters on the impact of Special Chronicles on the community; highlight our 15th Anniversary; and we encourage you to support Special Chronicles so we can continue producing our weekly podcasts and mission.   Listen full episode here:   New episodes drop every Monday so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!   Watch full Video here:   https://www.youtube.com/live/2k5UMiL4w4s?si=JvoNgILMu5DVnWgG   Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 554 ShowNotes & Links Mentioned On This Episode:   Listen to episode 552 of this podcast as we celebrated our 15th Anniversary in a 2-hour retrospective episode of a few of our most impactful episodes over the years.  Watch “Special Chronicles Impact on Community” video Support This Podcast: Make a donation to our 2024 Giving Campaign right HERE       Shop Our Merch Store: Show your support fo

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast: Join Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski as he talks about our new "Disabled Voices Matter" collection on our Merch Store, managed by Outshine Labels! Backstory of how we came up with this design and how this new line of Merch is connected to our mission at Special Chronicles. Plus, we dive into a few listener comments on the launch of our new Merch Store!   Listen full episode here: New episodes drop every Monday so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!   Watch full Video here:   https://www.youtube.com/live/DynGtQ3XfvQ?si=_sS2CzIj3G9po8Uq   Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 553 ShowNotes & Links Mentioned On This Episode:   Outshine Labels episode conversation with Outshine Labels Founder & CEO Jessica Connor Shop Our Merch Store: Show your support for Special Chronicles and Shop Our Store HERE     Support This Podcast: Make a donation to our 2024 Giving Campaign right HERE     Watch Livestream: Watch full video episodes here

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast: Join us for our Special Chronicles 15th Year Anniversary Celebration. We’ll highlight a few of our most impactful episodes over the years, kickoff our year-end Giving Campaign, and launch our new Merch Store, managed by Outshine Labels.   Listen full episode here:   New episodes drop every Monday so be sure to subscribe so you never miss one!   Watch full Video here:   https://www.youtube.com/live/3ZTiPXmLmfY?si=K14wrf74YJ17bzNH Producer's Note: the audio clips heard on this episode may not be audible on the video version. Listen to the audio podcast for the full episode!  Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 552 ShowNotes & Links Mentioned On This Episode:       Support This Podcast: Make a donation to this Podcast right HERE Shop Our Merch Store: Show your support for Special Chronicles and Shop Our Store HERE Early Days clips: SCP02 -- first speech Daniel gave for Special Olympics in 2009 to high school students SCP10 -- Interview with