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Special Chronicles Podcast

Special Chronicles Podcast

By: Special Chronicles Network
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 Disabled Voices Matter! As an award-winning intellectual disability advocate and host of the Special Chronicles Podcast, Daniel Smrokowski tells special needs stories from an insider’s perspective. “PodmanDan” is himself a person with special needs. As your weekly guide to finding joy and acceptance, Special Chronicles offers entertaining and informational disability conversations.2024 By Special Chronicles Network Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Turin2025: Kellie Matthews, SO USA - Alpine Skiing

    Turin2025: Kellie Matthews, SO USA - Alpine Skiing
    May 19 2025
    On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast Series: “A Recap of Turin 2025,” Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Kellie Matthew, a Special Olympics USA athlete, who competed in Alpine skiing at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. Kellie, who has been a part of Special Olympics since she was just 9 years old, shares her incredible journey from Coral Springs, Florida, to the international stage. We dive into her experiences, challenges, and the lessons she’s learned through the Special Olympics program. Kellie discusses what it means to represent Special Olympics USA on the world stage, and we hear about her passion for alpine skiing, her training process, and her memorable moments—especially her proudest accomplishment of winning two gold medals. She also opens up about the personal obstacles she’s overcome with the help of Special Olympics, the value of trying new things, and how she manages to balance her hobbies, work, and athletic commitments. Tune in as Kellie shares her inspiration for joining Special Olympics, the life lessons she’s gained, and her advice for others looking to follow in her footsteps. She also talks about the importance of giving back to her community and how her job at Park Summit Retirement Facility has helped her grow both personally and athletically. From singing to volunteering, Kellie’s journey is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the power of community. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with one of Special Olympics’ brightest stars as she competing in Turin for Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025! Episode Highlights: Kellie’s journey with Special Olympics since the age of 9Representing Team USA at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025Training for Alpine skiing and overcoming challengesWinning two gold medals at the World Winter GamesLife lessons learned through Special OlympicsBalancing hobbies, work, and athletic trainingVolunteering and giving back to the communityGoals for the future and advice for young athletes Special Chronicles celebrates the voices of people with disabilities, and this episode is no exception. Join us for a conversation full of heart, motivation, and inspiration. Episode 768 ShowNotes & Links: SpecialChronicles.com/Podcast768 🎧 Listen Now! Listen and Follow Now on Special Chronicles 📺Watch Now! Watch (and Subscribe) Full Episodeson YouTubeEnjoyed this episode? Tune in to our Special Chronicles Podcast Series "A Recap of Turin2025" to hear more stories from the World Winter Games Watch Recap of Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 on YouTubeGet involved in the Special Olympics Movement Connect with Special Olympics USA Meet The Turin 2025 Team Support This Podcast: Click Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special Chronicles➕Want bonus premium content: Join Now at SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS 🛒Shop Our Merch: Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection 📱Follow us on Socials: @SpecialChronicles📧Email: Send us a message here 📧Newsletter: Subscribe to our Mailing List HERE🎤Speaking Engagements with Daniel: Learn more and Book Daniel to speak HERE 💡Partner: ComEd EnergyForce ✈️Partner: United Airlines Bridge BRG📻Podcast Hosting: Podbean 📡Recording Studio: StreamYard🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge Now! 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 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
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    31 mins
  • Turin2025: Nick Mills, SO USA - Alpine Skiing

    Turin2025: Nick Mills, SO USA - Alpine Skiing
    May 12 2025
    On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast Series: “A Recap of Turin 2025,” Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Nick Mills, a dedicated Special Olympics athlete from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, who has been part of the Special Olympics family for 20 years. Nick has competed in a variety of sports, including Alpine skiing, basketball, athletics, bowling, soccer, and volleyball. He’s also actively involved in the Special Olympics South Dakota Athlete Leadership Council and serves as a Health Messenger. In this special recap of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, Nick shares his journey and experience as part of Special Olympics USA . Hear about his deep passion for Alpine skiing, his preparation for the World Winter Games, and the valuable lessons he’s learned about health, fitness, and leadership along the way. We also dive into Nick’s unique perspective on balancing a successful career as a software support specialist and administrative assistant with his athletic goals. Nick’s travels to over 20 states and several countries have also enriched his Special Olympics journey, and he shares how these experiences have shaped his perspective on inclusion and the power of sport. Join us as we discuss the personal and professional milestones that have led to his success, the incredible memories from competing at the World Winter Games, and the meaningful impact of his work as an advocate for health and inclusion. Episode Highlights: Nick’s 20-year journey in Special Olympics and how he got startedHis experience competing in a range of sports, with a focus on Alpine skiingPreparing for the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 and balancing career and athletic goalsThe importance of physical health and mental well-being in Nick’s training and daily lifeWhat inclusion means to Nick and how Special Olympics has impacted his lifeMemorable moments from Turin 2025, both in competition and overall experience Tune in for an inspiring conversation with an athlete who has dedicated his life to both sports and advocating for others, while showing us all the power of inclusion. Listen now on Special Chronicles! Episode 767 ShowNotes & Links: SpecialChronicles.com/Podcast767 🎧 Listen Now! Listen and Follow Now on Special Chronicles📺Watch Now! Watch (and Subscribe) Full Episode on YouTubeEnjoyed this episode? Tune in to our Special Chronicles Podcast Series "A Recap of Turin2025" to hear more stories from the World Winter Games Watch Recap of Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 on YouTubeGet involved in the Special Olympics Movement Connect with Special Olympics USA Meet The Turin 2025 Team Support This Podcast: Click Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special Chronicles➕Want bonus premium content: Join Now at SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS 🛒Shop Our Merch: Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection 📱Follow us on Socials: @SpecialChronicles📧Email: Send us a message here 📧Newsletter: Subscribe to our Mailing List HERE🎤Speaking Engagements with Daniel: Learn more and Book Daniel to speak HERE 💡Partner: ComEd EnergyForce ✈️Partner: United Airlines Bridge BRG📻Podcast Hosting: Podbean 📡Recording Studio: StreamYard🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge Now! 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 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
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    32 mins
  • Special Mother's Day Episode | MomPod

    Special Mother's Day Episode | MomPod
    May 11 2025

    🎙️ 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 Now! Listen and Follow Now on Special Chronicles
    • 📺Watch Now! Watch (and Subscribe) Full Episodes on YouTube
    • Support This Podcast: Click Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special Chronicles
    • ➕Want bonus premium content: Join Now at SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS
    • 🛒Shop Our Merch: Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection
    • 📱Follow us on Socials: @SpecialChronicles
    • 📧Email: Send us a message here
    • 📧Newsletter: Subscribe to our Mailing List HERE
    • 🎤Speaking Engagements with Daniel: Learn more and Book Daniel to speak HERE
    • 💡Partner: ComEd EnergyForce
    • ✈️Partner: United Airlines Bridge BRG
    • 📻Podcast Hosting: Podbean
    • 📡Recording Studio: StreamYard
    • 🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge Now!
    • 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 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
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins

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