Blogs:
- Mental Health Series: Strong Minds Strategies for Stress & Resilience | Ep.834
On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, host Daniel Smrokowski is joined by Carolyn Cronin as they continue the show’s Mental Health Awareness Month 3‑Part Series. This week’s encore episode features an honest and supportive conversation about coping with stress and anxiety during a challenging time. Daniel and Carolyn share practical strategies for staying mentally strong, along with simple at‑home activities that can help listeners support their emotional wellbeing. They also highlight the Strong Minds discipline of Special Olympics Healthy Athletes, exploring how its tools can help individuals build healthier habits and strengthen resilience. Throughout May, the podcast is releasing weekly episodes filled with firsthand mental health resources and real stories from across the Special Olympics Movement. Show notes and resources for this episode are available at stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/MentalHealth, 👉 Follow, subscribe, and join our newsletter so you never miss an episode. - Gala, Airport Comedy and Family Fun | GeorgiaandDanielPodcast, Ep.108
Join us for a joyful, family‑filled episode of the Georgia & Daniel Podcast as we go in motion at the OK Gala 2026! Georgia delivers her annual OK Gala speech — and you can now watch the full speech on the Special Chronicles YouTube channel. After the gala, we spend quality Hunter Family time in Palatine, including a fun lunch at Fat Rosie’s Taco & Tequila Bar in Schaumburg. We also share one of the funniest moments of the week as half‑sister Wendy tells Dad Glenn’s unforgettable Airport Comedy Story that had everyone laughing. We wrap up with what we watched this week, including: • Coco on Disney+ • Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair on Hulu If you love family stories, disability representation, gala events, and real‑life moments, this episode is full of warmth, humor, and behind‑the‑scenes fun. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00:00 – Welcome 00:03:00 – OK Gala 2026: In Motion 00: 13:00 – Georgia’s Annual Speech 00: 30:00 – Hunter Family Time in Palatine 00:34:00 – Lunch at Fat Rosie’s 00: 39:00 – Wendy’s Airport Comedy Story 00: 46:00 – What We Watched: Coco 00:54:00 – Malcolm in the Middle Special 01:00:00 – Closing Thoughts 🔗 Links & Resources Follow @DanielandGeorgia on social media https://Instagram.com/DanielandGeorgia https://facebook.com/DanielandGeorgia Georgia: https://Instagram.com/peachgeorgia22 Daniel: https://Instagram.com/podmandan Watch Georgia’s OK Gala Speech on Special Chronicles YouTube: https://youtu.be/oehaiNv3mk0?si=92DobFZaA0XH8gkv Watch Glenn’s Airport Comedy Story: https://youtu.be/FAzzpcYoCy8 Follow the Show: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/GDPod Follow Special Chronicles on social media https://Instagram.com/SpecialChronicles https://facebook.com/SpecialChronicles https://www.linkedin.com/company/special-chronicles/ https://youtube.com/@specialchronicles?si=5A7H1jnsF8i-GUQn 📣 Keywords to Boost Search: #GeorgiaAndDanielPodcast #SpecialChronicles #OKGala2026 #GalaHighlights #FamilyStories #AirportComedy #CocoReview #MalcolmInTheMiddle #PodcastEpisode #ChicagoPodcasts - Inside Special Olympics Illinois’ New Athlete Leadership University | Ep.822
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 Listen anytime, anywhere, on your favorite podcast apps at https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/podcast822 - Best of 2025: Our Most Impactful Episodes | Ep.814
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. Episode ShowNotes & Links: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/podcast814 💙 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 https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/Give 👉 Visit https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud to follow us on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, and stay connected. 🎧 Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast wherever you get your podcasts: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/Pod ⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite app: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/ApplePodcasts Watch full episodes (video) on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD01BA706651153C3&si=5Sobl6g4iomoX2WK Support the mission of Special Chronicles by donating at https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/donate or Joining the Plus membership at https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/plus Shop our ‘Disabled Voices Matter’ Merch: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/shop Follow us on socials: @SpecialChronicles (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) SUBSCRIBE to the newsletter for the latest updates from Special Chronicles: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/newsletter - Special Father’s Day Episode | DadPod
Special Father’s Day Episode We’re celebrating Father’s Day with a special conversation between award-winning host Daniel Smrokowski and his dad, Adam. Hear about the journey of raising a son with special needs, early challenges, and how Special Chronicles is making a difference in the Special Olympics movement and beyond. ShowNotes & Links: 🎧Click to Follow and Listen on SpecialChronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/POD 📺Click to Subscribe and Watch on YouTube: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/WATCH 😀Support This Podcast: stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/GIVE ➕Join SpecialChronicles+PLUS! Go to: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/PLUS for our Premium Pre Show with behind the scenes podcast chats, exclusive bonus content, and to help support the show. 🛒Visit our Merch Shop: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/SHOP 📧Send us an Email: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/CONTACT 📱Get Social with us: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/SOCIALS 📧Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/NEWSLETTER 🎤Speaking Engagements with Daniel: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/SPEAKING 💡ComEd EnergyForce Partner: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/COMED ✈️United Bridge BRG Partner: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/UNITED 🎙️Podcast Hosting by Podbean: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/PODBEAN 📡Recording Studio by StreamYard: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/STREAMYARD 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: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/BittyandBeausCoffee . . . . . . About the Podcast Host: Daniel Smrokowski is a columnist and the founder and host of the award-winning podcast, Special Chronicles, which has released over 750 episodes in over 15 years. In recognition of these accomplishments, 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: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/DanielSmrokowski - Special Mother’s Day Episode | MomPod
🎙️ Episode 250 – Special Mother’s Day Live Podcast with Daniel & His Mom Recorded live from the Imperial Oak Brewery in Willow Springs, Illinois, this heartfelt 30-minute episode celebrates Mother’s Day with a very special guest—Daniel Smrokowski’s mom, Linda Smrokowski! Join Daniel and his mom for a touching and inspiring conversation as they reflect on: – Daniel’s miraculous birth story—born three-and-a-third months premature – The developmental therapies and support Daniel received growing up – What it’s like raising a son with special needs, including developmental delays, learning disabilities, and a severe language disorder – Candid moments, laughter, and love from a mother and son who’ve been through it all—together Whether you’re a parent, advocate, or simply looking for an uplifting story, this episode offers insight, hope, and lots of heart. Don’t miss this special celebration of motherhood and resilience. 👉 Tune in and celebrate with us! — ShowNotes & Links: 🎧Listen: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/POD 📺Watch: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/WATCH 😀Donate: stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/GIVE ➕Bonus: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/PLUS 🛒Merch: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/SHOP 📧Email: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/CONTACT 📱Socials: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/SOCIALS 📧Newsletter: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/NEWSLETTER 🎤Speaking Engagements with Daniel: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/SPEAKING 💡ComEd EnergyForce Partner: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/COMED ✈️United Bridge BRG Partner: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/UNITED 🎙️Podcast Hosting: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/PODBEAN 📡Recording Studio: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/STREAMYARD 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: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/BittyandBeausCoffee . . . . . . About the Podcast Host: Daniel Smrokowski is a columnist and the founder and host of the award-winning podcast, Special Chronicles, which has released over 750 episodes in over 15 years. In recognition of these accomplishments, 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: https://stg-specialchronicles-staging.kinsta.cloud/DanielSmrokowski
Award-winning Columns by Daniel Smrokowski:
- IDPD: Help advance inclusion every day
By Daniel Smrokowski Columnist | Column: Special Voices | Originally … Continue reading IDPD: Help advance inclusion every day - On To A Unified Future
Editor’s Note: This column originally appeared in the “Celebrating A Movement,” … Continue reading On To A Unified Future - For Daniel Smrokowski, chronicling SO athletes’ journeys is study in empowerment
By Daniel Smrokowski Editor’s Note: This column originally appeared in the … Continue reading For Daniel Smrokowski, chronicling SO athletes’ journeys is study in empowerment - Abilities Expo celebrates community, puts resources under one roof
Abilities Expo has been serving the disability community since 1979 … Continue reading Abilities Expo celebrates community, puts resources under one roof - An inclusive city moving closer to reality
By Daniel Smrokowski Columnist | Column: Special Voices I was … Continue reading An inclusive city moving closer to reality - College opportunities key for special needs students
By Daniel Smrokowski My friend Chloe Young, 18, of Warrenville, … Continue reading College opportunities key for special needs students - ABC-TV showcases a new face from disabled community
Sitcom ‘Speechless’ has as its mission to include disability community … Continue reading ABC-TV showcases a new face from disabled community - Help spread the word to end disrespectful language
By Daniel Smrokowski Columnist | Column: Special Voices I was … Continue reading Help spread the word to end disrespectful language - Athletes ready to bring message to Winter Games
More than 2,600 athletes to compete at the 2017 World … Continue reading Athletes ready to bring message to Winter Games - Reimagining special needs for better opportunities
By Daniel Smrokowski Columnist | Column: Special Voices Many self-advocates … Continue reading Reimagining special needs for better opportunities
Read more award-winning columns
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