The Special Chronicles radio show tells special needs stories in a unique way because the host, Daniel “PodmanDan” Smrokowski, is a person with special needs. Because of his insider’s perspective and the show being available online, Special Chronicles broadcasts distinctive, first person accounts of special needs that are heard around the world. Daniel interviews people with special needs including their families, friends and anyone who touches their lives. Special Chronicles is your weekly guide to finding joy, acceptance, and inclusion.
On this special encore episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, Host Daniel Smrokowski is bringing you a conversation that perfectly sets the stage for The Arc of Illinois 76th Annual Convention — “Together We Rise,” happening April 29-30, 2026, in Bloomington‑Normal and online.
We’re revisiting my conversation with keynote speaker Zach Anner — comedian, author, television writer, and one of the funniest, most joy‑filled advocates you’ll ever meet.
In this encore episode, Zach and I talk about his keynote, “Joyful Grit: Turning Setbacks Into Setups,” and how embracing obstacles can unlock optimism in ways that lift all of us. We also dive into his work as a writer on the hit ABC sitcom “Speechless,” and what authentic disability representation looks like when it’s done right.
This conversation gives you a preview of Zach’s upcoming keynote at the convention: “Joyful Grit: How Embracing Obstacles Unlocks Optimism.” Zach blends laugh‑out‑loud storytelling with the legacy of disability rights activism, reminding us that progress comes from trailblazers and everyday acts of kindness — and that humor, resilience, and joy are powerful companions on the journey.
Episode 832 ShowNotes & Links🎧 Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast wherever you get your podcasts
⭐ 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
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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.
About The Podcast Host: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
April marks Autism Acceptance Month, and this encore installment of the Special Chronicles Podcast Limited Series uplifts the voices, stories, and lived experiences that continue to expand society’s understanding of autism. In this episode, host Daniel Smrokowski revisits a lively and insightful conversation with filmmaker Alex Lehmann, director of the acclaimed documentary Aspergers Are Us.
The episode offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at the making of a film that follows four comedians on the autism spectrum and their comedy troupe of the same name. Lehmann reflects on how the project began, his first encounters with the troupe, and the creative spark that drew him into their world. He shares what he knew about autism before filming, what he learned along the way, and how the group’s humor, honesty, and friendship shaped the story he ultimately brought to the screen.
Listeners will hear Lehmann discuss:
This encore episode celebrates creativity, authenticity, and the power of storytelling to shift perspectives. Whether listeners are longtime fans of the film or discovering it for the first time, the conversation offers a warm, humorous, and deeply human look at autism through the lens of art and friendship.
Episode 831 ShowNotes & Links🎧 Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast wherever you get your podcasts
🧩Enjoyed this episode? Access our full Autism Podcast Collection
⭐ 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.
About The Podcast Host: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
April is Autism Acceptance Month, and this encore episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast honors the voices, stories, and lived experiences that continue to deepen our understanding of autism.
Hosted by Daniel Smrokowski, this episode revisits a lively, thoughtful, and deeply human conversation that continues to resonate years later.
In this encore, Daniel sits down with Dr. Kerry Magro—a nationally recognized speaker, bestselling author, consultant, and leading autism advocate. Kerry shares his remarkable journey from being nonverbal as a young child to becoming a powerful voice within the autism community. His message reflects strength and self-definition, captured in his belief: “Autism can’t define me… I define autism.”
The conversation explores Kerry’s early years, his diagnosis, and the obstacles he worked to overcome, along with his nonprofit work through KFM Making a Difference. Listeners will hear how he built a career as a sought-after public speaker, the stories behind the books he has written, and his consulting work on major film and television projects. Kerry also shares ways audiences can connect with him and follow his ongoing advocacy efforts.
In addition to the interview, the episode features several news stories from the disability community, including topics such as Down syndrome and adoption, misconceptions around eye contact and special needs, Daniel’s first original video on The Mighty, stories connecting Spider-Man and autism, Spread the Word to End the Word Day, and a new Special Voices column.
Packed with inspiration, advocacy, and storytelling, this episode is a reminder of how powerful voices can be when used to create positive change
Episode 830 ShowNotes & Links🎧 Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast wherever you get your podcasts
🧩Enjoyed this episode? Access our full Autism Podcast Collection
⭐ 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.
About The Podcast Host: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
April is Autism Acceptance Month, and this encore episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast honors the voices, stories, and lived experiences that continue to shape our understanding of autism. Hosted by Daniel Smrokowski, this episode revisits a powerful conversation originally aired in December 2016—one that continues to inspire listeners around the world.
In this episode, Daniel sits down with author and self-advocate Tyler McNamer, who was diagnosed on the autism spectrum and went on to write the influential book Population: One – Autism, Adversity, and the Will to Succeed. Tyler invites listeners into his world with honesty, humor, and a perspective that challenges assumptions while celebrating individuality.
Their conversation explores how his book project began, what inspired him to write, and the deeper meaning behind his message. Tyler shares his belief that he can “show you a different way of viewing the world,” and offers a powerful reframing of identity—not as “autistic,” but as “highly unique.” He also reflects on his philosophy that “the best kind of freedom is the freedom to do good.”
The episode dives into several of the book’s most meaningful chapters, touching on communication, family, personal growth, leadership, and change. Tyler shares insights from his journey—navigating challenges, finding mentors, honoring memories, and ultimately claiming his voice.
He also reflects on the response to his book, his hopes for readers, future writing plans, and offers heartfelt advice for others with autism or special needs who dream of going to college or sharing their own story.
Episode 829 ShowNotes & Links🎧 Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast wherever you get your podcasts
🧩Enjoyed this episode? Access our full Autism Podcast Collection
⭐ 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 Chronicle
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.
About The Podcast Host: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’s DanTalks Series, host Daniel Smrokowski shares his heartfelt speech from the 2026 Polar Plunge—an inspiring event that brings communities together in support of Special Olympics athletes.
More than just a jump into icy waters, the Polar Plunge represents courage, inclusion, and the power of unified action. In his speech, Daniel reflects on the importance of belonging, the impact of Special Olympics, and how each of us can play a role in creating a more inclusive world.
Tune in for a powerful message filled with passion, purpose, and the spirit of inclusion.
Episode 828 ShowNotes & Links📺Watch this full episode on YouTube
🎧 Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast wherever you get your podcasts
⭐ 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.
About The Podcast Host: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, host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Maegan Duffy, Director of Operations for the Hellcat Group, a Jersey Mike’s franchise organization deeply involved in the Month and Day of Giving supporting Special Olympics.
Each year, Jersey Mike’s donates 100% of sales on the Day of Giving — fueling more opportunities for Special Olympics athletes, expanding Unified programs, and strengthening inclusive communities. Maegan shares what this campaign looks like behind the scenes, how her teams prepare across multiple stores, and why this partnership continues to grow nationwide.
A powerful conversation about leadership, community, and the impact of generosity — one sub at a time.
Chapter Markers:
00:00 About the partnership Jersey Mike's + Special Olympics
06:45 Maegan's role + Leadership
11:30 Impact on athletes + communities
17:00 Behind the Scenes at Jersey Mike's Day of Giving
21:00 Community Engagement
24:20 Call to Action
28:00 Personal Reflections
🎧 Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast wherever you get your podcasts
⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite app
📺 Watch this full episode (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.
About The Podcast Host: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
Author Nancy Goodfellow returns to the Special Chronicles Podcast for an encore conversation celebrating the March release of her new novel, Special, and World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st.
Host Daniel Smrokowski and Nancy explore the story of Madison and Meg—two junior high friends navigating grief, growing up, and disability awareness. Meg, who has Down syndrome, brings joy and resilience to the narrative, while Madison’s journey highlights the power of supportive friendships.
This episode dives into why inclusive stories matter, how Special fosters empathy for young readers, and the importance of authentic disability representation.
Tap play to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, discover a heartfelt new book, and join us in amplifying voices that make our world more inclusive.
This episode originally Aired on November 3, 2025
Episode 826 ShowNotes & LinksOrder your copy of SPECIAL at: Anderson’s Bookstore or Amazon
Connect with Nancy F. Goodfellow at: NancyFGoodfellow.com
🎧 Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast wherever you get your podcasts
⭐ 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.
About The Podcast Host: Daniel Smrokowski Edit profileDaniel 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
Hear how local officers champion inclusion through the Law Enforcement Torch Run, why the Polar Plunge has become a beloved tradition, and the powerful impact it has on athletes with intellectual disabilities.
From funny Plunge stories to heartfelt reflections, this episode highlights what happens when a community comes together for a cause that truly matters.
Whether you’re a longtime supporter or thinking about taking the Plunge for the first time, this conversation will inspire you to be bold, be brave, and be cool — all while supporting a more inclusive world.
Episode 825 ShowNotes & Links🐻❄ Click here to support our 2026 Polar Plunge!
🎧 Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast wherever you get your podcasts
⭐ 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.
About The Podcast Host: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, 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
🎧 Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast wherever you get your podcasts
⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite app
📺 Watch this 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.
About The Podcast Host: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
📺Watch this full episode on YouTube
🎧 Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast wherever you get your podcasts
⭐ 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.
About The Podcast Host: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
Episode 822 ShowNotes & LinksLearn more about Special Olympics Illinois Athlete Leadership
🎧 Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast wherever you get your podcasts
⭐ 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.
About The Podcast Host: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