Special Chronicles Show Podcast

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.

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-year journey, highlight the impact your donations make, and explain how your gift helps grow the Inclusion Revolution — one story, one voice, one episode at a time.

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 lives. Episode 808 ShowNotes & Links Listen to Disability Beat Radio on WEFT 90.1 FM in Champaign, IL Listen and Follow at SpecialChronicles.com/Pod

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 day excitement and the unforgettable moment he crossed the finish line. He also shares how representing Special Olympics at the marathon embodies leadership, inclusion, and perseverance.

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 awareness. Meg, who has Down syndrome, brings joy and resilience to every page, while Madison’s journey through loss and healing reminds readers of the power of supportive friendships. During their conversation, Daniel and Nancy explore why stories like Special matter — especially for young readers — and how the novel helps foster empathy, understanding, and the celebration of differences. If you care about inclusion, disability representation, or simply love a good story, this episode is for you. Together, let’s keep amplifying voices that make the world more inclusive — one story, one episode at a time.

 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 employees and customers. Hear how leadership commitment, inclusive culture, and operational design come together to make travel and work more accessible for everyone. What you’ll hear: • The impact and meaning of NDEAM within a major global airline • How the SOSA initiative drives inclusive employment and delivers measurable results • Concrete examples of accessibility built into airport & customer operations • Strategies you can apply in your own workplace or everyday life

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 offers the tools to align people, clarify strategy, and drive action with clarity and intention. We dive into: Why clarity—not noise—is a leader’s most powerful tool The “Communication Flywheel” that helps leaders build alignment and trust How to avoid the most common communication mistakes Lessons Rob has learned from journalism, consulting, and serving on the board of Special Olympics Illinois Why overcommunicating matters for inclusive leadership and the Unified at Work initiative Rob also shares practical takeaways for executives, entrepreneurs, and aspiring leaders —

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.

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 and Caleb’s Crew, Caleb is helping to prove that Abilities > Disabilities. We discuss Caleb’s athletic journey, his Guinness World Record, his role as an ambassador, and the family story behind his success. Plus, hear how he’s Racing for 3.21 on World Down Syndrome Day 2024 and taking part in a USA Triathlon Foundation campaign at the 2025 Chicago Bank of America Marathon. Episode 802 ShowNotes & Links Follow @calebs_crew on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, X, and LinkedIn to keep up with his journey. Listen and Follow at SpecialChronicles.com/Pod

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 Jose Moreno, where they discuss the art of podcasting about podcasting,  sharing some of our best tips for you to get into podcasting yourself!

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 disability self-advocates, families, speakers, and professionals as they share their voices on leadership, advocacy, and inclusion. This annual self-advocacy conference empowers people with disabilities to speak up for themselves, take action, and create positive change in their communities. Let’s Speak Up. Let’s Speak Out. Let’s Be Heard. Join The Conversation

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, and professionals as they share their voices on leadership, advocacy, and inclusion. This annual self-advocacy conference empowers people with disabilities to speak up for themselves, take action, and create positive change in their communities. Let’s Speak Up. Let’s Speak Out. Let’s Be Heard. Join The Conversation

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 hear directly from disability self-advocates, families, speakers, and professionals as they share their voices on leadership, advocacy, and inclusion. This annual self-advocacy conference empowers people with disabilities to speak up for themselves, take action, and create positive change in their communities. Let’s Speak Up. Let’s Speak Out. Let’s Be Heard. Join The Conversation

In this eleventh episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast LIVE Coverage, host Daniel Smrokowski talks with Marijane Sheridan from Sertoma Star.  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, and professionals as they share their voices on leadership, advocacy, and inclusion. This annual self-advocacy conference empowers people with disabilities to speak up for themselves, take action, and create positive change in their communities. Let’s Speak Up. Let’s Speak Out. Let’s Be Heard. Join The Conversation

In this tenth episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast LIVE Coverage, host Daniel Smrokowski talks with Jeffrey Matlock from Sertoma Star. 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, and professionals as they share their voices on leadership, advocacy, and inclusion. This annual self-advocacy conference empowers people with disabilities to speak up for themselves, take action, and create positive change in their communities. Let’s Speak Up. Let’s Speak Out. Let’s Be Heard. Join The Conversation

In this ninth episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast LIVE Coverage, host Daniel Smrokowski talks with Iris Pickens. 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, and professionals as they share their voices on leadership, advocacy, and inclusion. This annual self-advocacy conference empowers people with disabilities to speak up for themselves, take action, and create positive change in their communities. Let’s Speak Up. Let’s Speak Out. Let’s Be Heard. Join The Conversation

In this all-new Unified at Work Series episode, host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Nefertiti “Neffie” S. Fisher, HR Operations Assistant Manager at United Airlines and ORD Bridge Disability BRG Director, to talk about The Arc’s Wings for All® event hosted at Chicago O’Hare on August 16, 2025. Neffie shares highlights from the day, powerful behind-the-scenes stories, and the heartwarming moment when a young participant overcame his fears to board the plane. You’ll also hear how United’s Bridge BRG and The Arc are creating more inclusive air travel experiences for families with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This inspiring conversation will leave you encouraged to take simple steps toward building inclusion—in the airport, workplace, and beyond. Episode 794 ShowNotes & Links Listen and Follow at SpecialChronicles.com/Pod

In this eighth episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast LIVE Coverage, host Daniel Smrokowski talks with Carl Nave from Macon Resources. 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, and professionals as they share their voices on leadership, advocacy, and inclusion. This annual self-advocacy conference empowers people with disabilities to speak up for themselves, take action, and create positive change in their communities. Let’s Speak Up. Let’s Speak Out. Let’s Be Heard. Join The Conversation

In this seventh episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast LIVE Coverage, host Daniel Smrokowski talks with Erika Kissel from Just a Dollop. 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, and professionals as they share their voices on leadership, advocacy, and inclusion. This annual self-advocacy conference empowers people with disabilities to speak up for themselves, take action, and create positive change in their communities. Let’s Speak Up. Let’s Speak Out. Let’s Be Heard. Join The Conversation

In this sixth episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast LIVE Coverage, host Daniel Smrokowski talks with Bridget Brown from Engage IL Leadership Team.  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, and professionals as they share their voices on leadership, advocacy, and inclusion. This annual self-advocacy conference empowers people with disabilities to speak up for themselves, take action, and create positive change in their communities. Let’s Speak Up. Let’s Speak Out. Let’s Be Heard. Join The Conversation