Special Chronicles Podcast

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! 👉 Tune in for a powerful episode you won’t want to miss filled with stories, insights, and inspiration! Episode 800 ShowNotes & Links How To Podcast: A Special Chronicles Resource SpecialChronicles.com/PodWatch Full Episode on YouTubeClick Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special ChroniclesSpecialChronicles.com/PLUS Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection@SpecialChroniclesSend us a message here Subscribe to our Mailing List HERE Learn more and Book Daniel to speak HEREComEd EnergyForceUnited Airlines Bridge BRGPodbeanStreamYardSign the Inclusion Pledge Now!“It Starts With A Voice” Amy Wright and performed by Ben WrightBitty and Beau’s Coffee 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 800 episodes in over 17 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

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 💬✨ #SUSO2025 #SpecialChroniclesLIVE Episode 801 ShowNotes & Links SpecialChronicles.com/PodWatch Full Episode on YouTubeClick Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special ChroniclesSpecialChronicles.com/PLUS Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection@SpecialChroniclesSend us a message here Subscribe to our Mailing List HERE Learn more and Book Daniel to speak HEREComEd EnergyForceUnited Airlines Bridge BRGPodbeanStreamYardSign the Inclusion Pledge Now!“It Starts With A Voice” Amy Wright and performed by Ben WrightBitty and Beau’s Coffee 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

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 💬✨ #SUSO2025 #SpecialChroniclesLIVE Episode 799 ShowNotes & Links SpecialChronicles.com/PodWatch Full Episode on YouTubeClick Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special ChroniclesSpecialChronicles.com/PLUS Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection@SpecialChroniclesSend us a message here Subscribe to our Mailing List HERE Learn more and Book Daniel to speak HEREComEd EnergyForceUnited Airlines Bridge BRGPodbeanStreamYardSign the Inclusion Pledge Now!“It Starts With A Voice” Amy Wright and performed by Ben WrightBitty and Beau’s Coffee 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

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 💬✨ #SUSO2025 #SpecialChroniclesLIVE Episode 798 ShowNotes & Links SpecialChronicles.com/PodWatch Full Episode on YouTubeClick Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special ChroniclesSpecialChronicles.com/PLUS Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection@SpecialChroniclesSend us a message here Subscribe to our Mailing List HERE Learn more and Book Daniel to speak HEREComEd EnergyForceUnited Airlines Bridge BRGPodbeanStreamYardSign the Inclusion Pledge Now!“It Starts With A Voice” Amy Wright and performed by Ben WrightBitty and Beau’s Coffee 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

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 💬✨ #SUSO2025 #SpecialChroniclesLIVE Episode 797 ShowNotes & Links SpecialChronicles.com/PodWatch Full Episode on YouTubeClick Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special ChroniclesSpecialChronicles.com/PLUS Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection@SpecialChroniclesSend us a message here Subscribe to our Mailing List HERE Learn more and Book Daniel to speak HEREComEd EnergyForceUnited Airlines Bridge BRGPodbeanStreamYardSign the Inclusion Pledge Now!“It Starts With A Voice” Amy Wright and performed by Ben WrightBitty and Beau’s Coffee 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

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 💬✨ #SUSO2025 #SpecialChroniclesLIVE Episode 791 ShowNotes & Links SpecialChronicles.com/PodWatch Full Episode on YouTubeClick Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special ChroniclesSpecialChronicles.com/PLUS Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection@SpecialChroniclesSend us a message here Subscribe to our Mailing List HERE Learn more and Book Daniel to speak HEREComEd EnergyForceUnited Airlines Bridge BRGPodbeanStreamYardSign the Inclusion Pledge Now!“It Starts With A Voice” Amy Wright and performed by Ben WrightBitty and Beau’s Coffee 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

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 💬✨ #SUSO2025 #SpecialChroniclesLIVE Episode 791 ShowNotes & Links SpecialChronicles.com/PodWatch Full Episode on YouTubeClick Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special ChroniclesSpecialChronicles.com/PLUS Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection@SpecialChroniclesSend us a message here Subscribe to our Mailing List HERE Learn more and Book Daniel to speak HEREComEd EnergyForceUnited Airlines Bridge BRGPodbeanStreamYardSign the Inclusion Pledge Now!“It Starts With A Voice” Amy Wright and performed by Ben WrightBitty and Beau’s Coffee 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

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 SpecialChronicles.com/PodWatch Full Episode on YouTubeSpecialChronicles.com/PodThe Arc's Wings for All eventclick here Click Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special ChroniclesSpecialChronicles.com/PLUS Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection@SpecialChroniclesSend us a message here Subscribe to our Mailing List HERE Learn more and Book Daniel to speak HEREComEd EnergyForceUnited Airlines Bridge BRGPodbeanStreamYardSign the Inclusion Pledge Now!“It Starts With A Voice” Amy Wright and performed by Ben WrightBitty and Beau’s Coffee 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

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 💬✨ #SUSO2025 #SpecialChroniclesLIVE Episode 791 ShowNotes & Links SpecialChronicles.com/PodWatch Full Episode on YouTubeClick Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special ChroniclesSpecialChronicles.com/PLUS Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection@SpecialChroniclesSend us a message here Subscribe to our Mailing List HERE Learn more and Book Daniel to speak HEREComEd EnergyForceUnited Airlines Bridge BRGPodbeanStreamYardSign the Inclusion Pledge Now!“It Starts With A Voice” Amy Wright and performed by Ben WrightBitty and Beau’s Coffee 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

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 💬✨ #SUSO2025 #SpecialChroniclesLIVE Episode 791 ShowNotes & Links SpecialChronicles.com/PodWatch Full Episode on YouTubeClick Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special ChroniclesSpecialChronicles.com/PLUS Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection@SpecialChroniclesSend us a message here Subscribe to our Mailing List HERE Learn more and Book Daniel to speak HEREComEd EnergyForceUnited Airlines Bridge BRGPodbeanStreamYardSign the Inclusion Pledge Now!“It Starts With A Voice” Amy Wright and performed by Ben WrightBitty and Beau’s Coffee 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

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 💬✨ #SUSO2025 #SpecialChroniclesLIVE Episode 791 ShowNotes & Links SpecialChronicles.com/PodWatch Full Episode on YouTubeBridget’s advocacy workBridget’s Pace Bus Educational VideosSeven Sisters TV SeriesClick Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special ChroniclesSpecialChronicles.com/PLUS Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection@SpecialChroniclesSend us a message here Subscribe to our Mailing List HERE Learn more and Book Daniel to speak HEREComEd EnergyForceUnited Airlines Bridge BRGPodbeanStreamYardSign the Inclusion Pledge Now!“It Starts With A Voice” Amy Wright and performed by Ben WrightBitty and Beau’s Coffee 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

In this fifth episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast LIVE Coverage, host Daniel Smrokowski talks with Nicholas T from Envision Unlimited. 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 💬✨ #SUSO2025 #SpecialChroniclesLIVE Episode 790 ShowNotes & Links SpecialChronicles.com/PodWatch Full Episode on YouTubeClick Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special ChroniclesSpecialChronicles.com/PLUS Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection@SpecialChroniclesSend us a message here Subscribe to our Mailing List HERE Learn more and Book Daniel to speak HEREComEd EnergyForceUnited Airlines Bridge BRGPodbeanStreamYardSign the Inclusion Pledge Now!“It Starts With A Voice” Amy Wright and performed by Ben WrightBitty and Beau’s Coffee 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

In this heartwarming episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, host Daniel Smrokowski is joined by United Airlines Captain Tait Wasser to reflect on the powerful impact of The Arc’s Wings for All event held on August 16, 2025, at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). Captain Tait shares what it was like to participate in this inclusive airport rehearsal program designed for individuals with autism and other intellectual/developmental disabilities. From behind-the-scenes moments to one young passenger’s transformative journey from fear to flying — this episode showcases how partnerships like United’s Bridge Disability Business Resource Group are helping make air travel more inclusive. Together, we dive into what inclusion means in the skies, the training and empathy required to support all travelers, and how we can all play a role in making the world more accessible. 🛫 You’ll hear: 💡 Be inspired. Take action. Make inclusion real. Episode 789 ShowNotes & Links SpecialChronicles.com/PodWatch Full Episode on YouTubeThe Arc's Wings for All eventclick here Click Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special ChroniclesSpecialChronicles.com/PLUS Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection@SpecialChroniclesSend us a message here Subscribe to our Mailing List HERE Learn more and Book Daniel to speak HEREComEd EnergyForceUnited Airlines Bridge BRGPodbeanStreamYardSign the Inclusion Pledge Now!“It Starts With A Voice” Amy Wright and performed by Ben WrightBitty and Beau’s Coffee 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

In this fourth episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast LIVE Coverage, host Daniel Smrokowski talks with Deanna E from Envision Unlimited. 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 💬✨ #SUSO2025 #SpecialChroniclesLIVE Episode 788 ShowNotes & Links SpecialChronicles.com/PodWatch Full Episode on YouTubeClick Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special ChroniclesSpecialChronicles.com/PLUS Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection@SpecialChroniclesSend us a message here Subscribe to our Mailing List HERE Learn more and Book Daniel to speak HEREComEd EnergyForceUnited Airlines Bridge BRGPodbeanStreamYardSign the Inclusion Pledge Now!“It Starts With A Voice” Amy Wright and performed by Ben WrightBitty and Beau’s Coffee 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

In this third episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast LIVE Coverage, host Daniel Smrokowski talks with April McHenry and Leanne Mull who have been at the first SUSO 20 years ago. 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 💬✨ #SUSO2025 #SpecialChroniclesLIVE Episode 787 ShowNotes & Links SpecialChronicles.com/PodWatch Full Episode on YouTubeClick Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special ChroniclesSpecialChronicles.com/PLUS Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection@SpecialChroniclesSend us a message here Subscribe to our Mailing List HERE Learn more and Book Daniel to speak HEREComEd EnergyForceUnited Airlines Bridge BRGPodbeanStreamYardSign the Inclusion Pledge Now!“It Starts With A Voice” Amy Wright and performed by Ben WrightBitty and Beau’s Coffee 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

In this second episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast LIVE Coverage, host Daniel Smrokowski talk to Eva Kott and her parents Michael and Alena about her self-advocacy story, first-time speaking at this conference, and her empowering story. 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 💬✨ #SUSO2025 #SpecialChroniclesLIVE Episode 786 ShowNotes & Links SpecialChronicles.com/PodWatch Full Episode on YouTubeClick Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special ChroniclesSpecialChronicles.com/PLUS Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection@SpecialChroniclesSend us a message here Subscribe to our Mailing List HERE Learn more and Book Daniel to speak HEREComEd EnergyForceUnited Airlines Bridge BRGPodbeanStreamYardSign the Inclusion Pledge Now!“It Starts With A Voice” Amy Wright and performed by Ben WrightBitty and Beau’s Coffee 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

In this first episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast LIVE Coverage, host Daniel Smrokowski talks with Speaker, Comedian and Television Writer Zach Anner about his Keynote Presentation “Joyful Grit: Turning Setbacks Into Setups” and about his role as a television writer on the hit ABC sitcom “Speechless. 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 💬✨ #SUSO2025 #SpecialChroniclesLIVE Episode 785 ShowNotes & Links SpecialChronicles.com/PodWatch Full Episode on YouTubeHEREClick Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special ChroniclesSpecialChronicles.com/PLUS Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection@SpecialChroniclesSend us a message here Subscribe to our Mailing List HERE Learn more and Book Daniel to speak HEREComEd EnergyForceUnited Airlines Bridge BRGPodbeanStreamYardSign the Inclusion Pledge Now!“It Starts With A Voice” Amy Wright and performed by Ben WrightBitty and Beau’s Coffee 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

✈️ In this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast’s Unified at Work Series, host Daniel Smrokowski welcomes Samantha Alloway, Executive Director of The Arc of Illinois, for an inspiring conversation about the Wings for All program. Recorded following the August 16, 2025 Wings for All event at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in partneship with United Airlines’ Bridge Disability Business Resource Group, this episode dives into: 🌟 Whether you’re a family member, advocate, airline professional, or community leader, this episode will leave you inspired to build a more inclusive world. Listen Now! Episode 784 ShowNotes & Links SpecialChronicles.com/PodWatch Full Episode on YouTubeThe Arc's Wings for All eventclick here View this post on Instagram A post shared by Daniel Smrokowski (@podmandan) Click Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special ChroniclesSpecialChronicles.com/PLUS Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection@SpecialChroniclesSend us a message here Subscribe to our Mailing List HERE Learn more and Book Daniel to speak HEREComEd EnergyForceUnited Airlines Bridge BRGPodbeanStreamYardSign the Inclusion Pledge Now!“It Starts With A Voice” Amy Wright and performed by Ben WrightBitty and Beau’s Coffee 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

On this encore Special Chronicles Podcast episode: host Daniel Smrokowski shares his keynote from the 2020 Speak Up and Speak Out Summit, presented by The Arc of Illinois and funded by the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities. Hear the origin story of Special Chronicles, nearly two decades of disability media storytelling, tips for creating social change, live audience Q&A, and musician Peter Leidy’s song “Speak Up and Speak Out.” This episode originally aired on November 17, 2020. Episode 783 ShowNotes & Links Speak Up and Speak Out Summit SpecialChronicles.com/Pod Watch This Full Episode on YouTubeSee Full Episodes on YouTubeClick Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special ChroniclesSpecialChronicles.com/PLUS Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection@SpecialChroniclesSend us a message here Subscribe to our Mailing List HERE Learn more and Book Daniel to speak HEREComEd EnergyForceUnited Airlines Bridge BRGPodbeanStreamYardSign the Inclusion Pledge Now!“It Starts With A Voice” Amy Wright and performed by Ben WrightBitty and Beau’s Coffee 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

In this powerful episode, podcast host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with author and disability advocate Crystal Williams, who shares her journey of growing up with Kabuki Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. Crystal discusses her new memoir, Finding My True Happiness: Life, Love and Everything In Between, and opens up about childhood surgeries, navigating hearing loss, and learning to live boldly as her authentic self. 💡 You'll hear: This heartfelt conversation will inspire you to see strength in vulnerability and beauty in every journey. click to Watch the PRE-show: available only on SpecialChronicles+ PLUS Episode 782 ShowNotes & Links Get Crystal's BookCrystal M Williams' BlogKabuki Syndrome Foundation SpecialChronicles.com/PodWatch the Full Episode HereSee Full Episodes on YouTubeClick Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special ChroniclesSpecialChronicles.com/PLUS Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection@SpecialChroniclesSend us a message here Subscribe to our Mailing List HERE Learn more and Book Daniel to speak HEREComEd EnergyForceUnited Airlines Bridge BRGPodbeanStreamYardSign the Inclusion Pledge Now!“It Starts With A Voice” Amy Wright and performed by Ben WrightBitty and Beau’s Coffee 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