In this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, Host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Austin Graf, Recreation Specialist at SEASPAR and Special Olympics Illinois coach. Daniel and Austin first met at the 2025 Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games, where Austin coached Daniel in bocce at the state championships.

Austin shares the story of how he discovered his passion for coaching, the moment he realized college wasn’t the right path, and how that decision led him to SEASPAR — where he now supports athletes with developmental disabilities every day.

This conversation explores purpose, inclusion, mentorship, and the joy of coaching. It’s a heartfelt look at what happens when someone chooses to build a career around empowering others.

Chapter Marks:
00:00 Welcome
06:30 Austin's Origin Story
11:45 Finding SEASPAR
17:30 Coaching athletes at 2025 Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games
24:30 Inclusion & Impact
31:50 Fun Segment including what animal should be SEASPAR's mascot?
38:30 Closing Segment including advice for future Special Olympics Coaches

• Learn more about SEASPAR Special Recreation Association — seaspar.org 
• Find Special Olympics program near you or SO Illinois at soill.org

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Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice” written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright, co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee. Used with permission.

Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate, best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform featuring over 800 episodes produced across 17 years. Through storytelling and journalism, Daniel amplifies the voices of people with disabilities while promoting inclusion, awareness, and social change. In recognition of his impact, he is a recipient of the Matthew Freeman Award for Social Justice for his efforts through media to give people with disabilities a voice.

 Read more about Daniel |  Discover Daniel’s Story – Listen here

In this powerful episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, host and founder Daniel Smrokowski welcomes back Special Olympics Athlete Leader, writer, and advocate Amanda Harrinauth for an important conversation about the global Spread the Word campaign and this year’s theme: Words Matter.

Amanda shares the deeply personal story behind her article, “What I Learned from the Kids of Classroom 111: Turning the R-Word into the Word RESPECT.” From first hearing the R-word as a middle school student to studying its harmful impact in college and finding her voice as a leader through Special Olympics, Amanda reflects on how language shapes dignity, identity, and belonging.

Together, Daniel and Amanda explore why words carry real consequences, how harmful language affects people with intellectual disabilities, and what it means to replace stigma with respect. Amanda also speaks about the mentors and experiences that shaped her advocacy—including the influence of disability rights icon Judy Heumann—and how poetry and storytelling help her educate, empower, and inspire change.

This episode is an honest and emotional call to action for listeners to become allies in everyday conversations, take the pledge for respectful language, and help build a more inclusive world where every voice is valued.

Chapter Markers:
00:00 Opening + Personal Stories
15:00 The Harm of the R-Word
26:45 Influences + Leadership
36:00 Spread The Word Campaign - Words Matter
45:00 Amanda's Letter to the R-Word
49:00 Closing Reflection

• Take the Pledge Here
• Learn more about Spread the Word campaign
• Listen to more episodes in our Spread The Word Series
• Spread the Word Day is March 4, 2026.  Access Your Guide to Spread the Word Day--podcasts, columns, and the pledge HERE 

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Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice” written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright, co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee. Used with permission.

Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate, best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform featuring over 800 episodes produced across 17 years. Through storytelling and journalism, Daniel amplifies the voices of people with disabilities while promoting inclusion, awareness, and social change. In recognition of his impact, he is a recipient of the Matthew Freeman Award for Social Justice for his efforts through media to give people with disabilities a voice.

 Read more about Daniel |  Discover Daniel’s Story – Listen here

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 empowering athletes to build skills, strengthen their voices, and lead the inclusion movement.

They discuss what it means to be an athlete leader today, why the new ALU structure was created, how it supports leadership development at every stage, and how athlete voices are shaping the future of Special Olympics Illinois.

Whether you’re an Athlete Leader or just beginning your journey, this conversation offers inspiring insight into how athletes are driving meaningful change.

This episode originally Aired on August 18, 2025

Learn more about Special Olympics Illinois Athlete Leadership

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Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice” written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright, co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee. Used with permission.

Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate, best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform featuring over 800 episodes produced across 17 years. Through storytelling and journalism, Daniel amplifies the voices of people with disabilities while promoting inclusion, awareness, and social change. In recognition of his impact, he is a recipient of the Matthew Freeman Award for Social Justice for his efforts through media to give people with disabilities a voice.

 Read more about Daniel |  Discover Daniel’s Story – Listen here

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 most iconic athletes in Winter Games history. He shares his passion for championing inclusion, discusses his induction into the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame, and explains how his work as a Global Ambassador continues to inspire athletes of all abilities.

We also explore life during quarantine, staying focused through uncertainty, and get a preview of his book Hard Pivot.

A timely and inspiring conversation celebrating the Winter Games and the athletes who move our world forward.

Listen anytime, anywhere, on your favorite podcast apps at SpecialChronicles.com.

This episode originally aired on April 29, 2020

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Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice” written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright, co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee. Used with permission.

Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate, best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform featuring over 800 episodes produced across 17 years. Through storytelling and journalism, Daniel amplifies the voices of people with disabilities while promoting inclusion, awareness, and social change. In recognition of his impact, he is a recipient of the Matthew Freeman Award for Social Justice for his efforts through media to give people with disabilities a voice.

 Read more about Daniel |  Discover Daniel’s Story – Listen here

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 involvement in Special Olympics

• Reflections on the 2019 World Games in Abu Dhabi

• What marriage means to them as people with intellectual disabilities

• How their relationship inspires hope for others

• What inclusion and belonging look like in their lives

You’ll also hear Matthew share insights from his leadership roles — including serving on the Special Olympics International Board, chairing the Global Athlete Congress, and giving a TED Talk in Vancouver that has reached over a million views. Crystal talks about her blog, CrystalMWilliams.com, and her passions for writing, travel, photography, and horseback riding.

This episode is a celebration of love, purpose, and the strength that comes from being truly seen.

Originally Aired on October 7, 2019

For full show notes, to stream more episodes on demand, and to subscribe to the Special Chronicles Podcast, visit SpecialChronicles.com/Pod. You can listen anytime, anywhere, on your favorite podcast apps.

📺Watch this full episode (video) on YouTube

• WATCH Matthew Williams TEDx Vancouver TED Talk
• “Happy Valentine’s Day from Matthew & Crystal” Story on SpecialOlympics.org
• Crystal M. Williams' Blog

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Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice” written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright, co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee. Used with permission.

Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate, best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform featuring over 800 episodes produced across 17 years. Through storytelling and journalism, Daniel amplifies the voices of people with disabilities while promoting inclusion, awareness, and social change. In recognition of his impact, he is a recipient of the Matthew Freeman Award for Social Justice for his efforts through media to give people with disabilities a voice.

🔗Read more about Daniel |🎧Discover Daniel’s Story – Listen here

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 prepared to host a global celebration of inclusion. The conversation dives into the Games by and for athletes, the Opening Ceremony, Fans in the Stands, Host Towns, Healthy Athletes, Congresses, and the unforgettable emotion of nine days of sport, unity, and joy.

This encore episode highlights Sven’s perspective on global leadership, the future of the Special Olympics Movement, and the lasting impact of Berlin 2023. Whether you’ve been part of the Movement for years or are discovering it for the first time, this conversation captures the spirit of being #UnbeatableTogether.

🔗Learn more about Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia region

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📰 Subscribe to the newsletter for the latest updates from Special Chronicles

Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice” written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright, co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee. Used with permission.

Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate, best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform featuring over 800 episodes produced across 17 years. Through storytelling and journalism, Daniel amplifies the voices of people with disabilities while promoting inclusion, awareness, and social change. In recognition of his impact, he is a recipient of the Matthew Freeman Award for Social Justice for his efforts through media to give people with disabilities a voice.

🔗Read more about Daniel | 🎧Discover Daniel’s Story – Listen here

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 position at O’Hare Airport.

Together, Daniel and Trace explore how programs like ComEd’s EnergyForce and Best Buddies empower people with disabilities to gain confidence, develop professional skills, and make a meaningful impact in their communities. They also dive into the mission of Best Buddies, emphasizing connection, opportunity, and empowerment for people with and without disabilities.Tune in for a heartwarming and inspiring conversation about inclusion, advocacy, and making a difference.

📺Watch this full episode on YouTube

🔗Learn more and get involved in Best Buddies

💡Learn more about the ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador Program

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⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite app

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❤️ Support the mission of Special Chronicles by donating or joining the PLUS membership

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Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice” written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright, co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee. Used with permission.

Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate who is best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform with over 800 episodes across 17 years.  Through storytelling and journalism, Daniel is a recipient of the Matthew Freeman Award for Social Justice for his efforts through media to give people with disabilities a voice. Read more about Daniel HERE

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast EnergyForce Series S9:E1, 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 energy and solar savings
• Practical, easy-to-use energy efficiency tips
• Key insights into Electric Vehicles (EVs)
• A fun and interactive Energy Savings Quiz to test your knowledge

Tune in to discover how small changes can make a big impact on your energy use, your wallet, and the environment—while supporting a more sustainable future for all.

📺Watch this full episode on YouTube

 🔗Learn more more about the ComEd EnergyForce Program

💡Find Ways To Save (click HERE) – ​Save energy and money by taking advantage of these offerings and tools for your home.

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Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice” written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright, co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee. Used with permission.

Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate who is best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform with over 800 episodes across 17 years.  Through storytelling and journalism, Daniel is a recipient of the Matthew Freeman Award for Social Justice for his efforts through media to give people with disabilities a voice. Read more about Daniel HERE

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, host and founder Daniel Smrokowski marks his 37th birthday with a meaningful and celebratory encore episode that reflects on his journey, advocacy, and the stories that continue to shape his life.

Before diving into the conversation, Daniel shares some big news: he’ll be speaking at The Arc of Illinois 76th Annual Convention on April 29–30, 2026—an exciting opportunity to elevate disability advocacy and inclusion on a statewide stage. To receive updates and learn how to watch live or on demand, subscribe to our newsletter.

This special birthday encore turns the tables as Daniel’s good friend and fellow journalist RJ Nealon takes over the mic and interviews him.

Together, they reflect on key chapters of Daniel’s life, including:

• What quarantine life looked like for Daniel and his family
• Memories from his school years and experiences that shaped him
• His Special Olympics journey and the impact of athlete leadership
• Serving as a Sargent Shriver Global Messenger
• The role of storytelling and journaling in his advocacy work

The conversation also revisits a moment Daniel remains deeply grateful for: being presented with The Arc of Illinois 2020 Self Advocacy Award.

Whether you’ve been part of the Special Chronicles community for years or you’re tuning in for the first time, this episode celebrates the mission at the heart of the podcast—using our voices, stories, and lived experiences to help build a more inclusive world.

If this episode inspires you or makes you smile, consider sharing it with a friend.

📺Watch this full episode on YouTube

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Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice” written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright, co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee. Used with permission.

Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate who is best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform with over 800 episodes across 17 years.  Through storytelling and journalism, Daniel is a recipient of the Matthew Freeman Award for Social Justice for his efforts through media to give people with disabilities a voice. Read more about Daniel HERE

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 stress-free travel, common barriers to accessible travel, and resources for planning your next trip. If you’re looking for practical advice on how to make travel more inclusive, this episode is for you!

📺Watch full episodes on YouTube

📱Follow Tip Tock Travel on Instagram: @tiptocktravel

🔗Learn more about Tip Tock Travel here
🎙Check out more episodes of our Inclusive Travel Series
✈Check out full episodes of Wings for All The Podcast that takes you inside The Arc’s nationwide airport rehearsal program

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⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite app

📺 Watch full episodes (video) on YouTube

❤️ Support the mission of Special Chronicles by donating or joining the PLUS membership

👕 Shop our ‘Disabled Voices Matter’ Merch

📱 Follow us on socials: @SpecialChronicles (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)

📰 Subscribe to the newsletter for the latest updates from Special Chronicles

Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice” written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright, co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee. Used with permission.

Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate who is best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform with over 800 episodes across 17 years.  Through storytelling and journalism, Daniel is a recipient of the Matthew Freeman Award for Social Justice for his efforts through media to give people with disabilities a voice. Read more about Daniel HERE

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.

Best of 2025:
👉 Click here to explore the full Best of 2025 playlist and listen to the complete episodes featured in this special highlight show.

💙 Support the Special Chronicles Giving Campaign: Your donation helps us continue producing weekly episodes, sharing inclusive stories, and amplifying voices that deserve to be heard.

🎁 Give today at SpecialChronicles.com/Give

🎧 Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast wherever you get your podcasts

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Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice” written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright, co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee. Used with permission.

Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate who is best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform with over 800 episodes across 17 years.  Through storytelling and journalism, Daniel is a recipient of the Matthew Freeman Award for Social Justice for his efforts through media to give people with disabilities a voice. Read more about Daniel HERE