Special Chronicles Podcast

This week on the Special Chronicles Podcast, we honor Judy Heumann—the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement”—with a stirring lecture originally aired on Disability Beat Radio at WEFT 90.1 FM. Her words ignited a global movement for inclusion, dignity, and justice. Tune in to hear the voice that sparked a revolution and continues to inspire generations. 🎧 Listen now and carry the legacy forward. Episode 810 ShowNotes & Links Listen to Disability Beat Radio on WEFT 90.1 FM in Champaign, IL Listen and Follow at SpecialChronicles.com/Pod 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts  📺Like watching your podcasts? Listen Full Episode on YouTube Support This Podcast: Click Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special Chronicles ➕Join SpecialChronicles+ PLUS! Go to SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS for our Premium Pre Show with behind the scenes podcast chats, exclusive bonus content, and to help support the show. 🛒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 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

In this special episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, we kick off the Special Chronicles 2026 Giving Campaign and share why this year’s fundraising goal — $41,600 — is our biggest yet. Producing inclusive, high-quality media costs about $800 per episode, and your support helps us keep our studio running, livestream shows, and share stories that celebrate the voices of people with special needs. Join us as we reflect on our 17-year journey, highlight the impact your donations make, and explain how your gift helps grow the Inclusion Revolution — one story, one voice, one episode at a time.🎁 Give Today: Click to Give Now Episode 809 ShowNotes & Links 🎧 [powerpress]🎧 Listen and Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast at: SpecialChronicles.com/Pod📺 Watch the full episode (video) on YouTube ❤️ Support the mission of Special Chronicles by donating at  SpecialChronicles.com/Give or joining the PLUS membership at SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS👕 Shop our ‘Disabled Voices Matter’ merch: SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP📱 Follow us on socials: @SpecialChronicles (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)📰 Subscribe to the newsletter for early access, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes: SpecialChronicles.com/NEWSLETTER 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 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  

In honor of our 17th year anniversary on the Special Chronicles Podcast, we’re sharing a special live radio conversation host Daniel Smrokowski had on Disability Beat Radio at WEFT Community Radio in Champaign, Illinois. Tune in for a heartfelt celebration of inclusion, advocacy, and the voices that have shaped our journey. From humble beginnings to a global platform, this episode reflects on the power of storytelling to change lives. Episode 808 ShowNotes & Links Listen to Disability Beat Radio on WEFT 90.1 FM in Champaign, IL Listen and Follow at SpecialChronicles.com/Pod 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts  📺Like watching your podcasts? Listen Full Episode on YouTube Support This Podcast: Click Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special Chronicles ➕Join SpecialChronicles+ PLUS! Go to SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS for our Premium Pre Show with behind the scenes podcast chats, exclusive bonus content, and to help support the show. 🛒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 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

In this powerful episode of The Special Chronicles Podcast, host Daniel Smrokowski welcomes Matthew F. Gorski, Athlete Leader with Special Olympics Illinois, to talk about his incredible journey running the 2025 Chicago Marathon. Matthew takes us behind the scenes of what it’s like to train for 26.2 miles — from early training runs and mental preparation to race day excitement and the unforgettable moment he crossed the finish line. He also shares how representing Special Olympics at the marathon embodies leadership, inclusion, and perseverance. 🔸 In This Episode: Matthew’s Special Olympics journey and love for running How he trained for the marathon Race day highlights and favorite moments Overcoming challenges and staying motivated What inclusion means to him as an Athlete Leader Future goals and advice for first-time marathoners 🕒 Timestamps for Podcast 00:00:00 – Intro & Welcome 00:20:30 – Matthew’s Special Olympics Journey: “Inclusion Has No Limits” 00:41:30  – Training for the Marathon 00:57:00 – Motivation 01:05:45 – Future Goals & Advice 01:12:45 – Closing & Call To Action Episode ShowNotes & Links 📲Find Special Olympics Near You: specialolympics.org🎧 Listen and follow this podcast at: SpecialChronicles.com/Pod📺 Watch the full episode (video) on YouTube HERE❤️ Support the mission of Special Chronicles by donating at  SpecialChronicles.com/Give or joining the PLUS membership at SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS👕 Shop our ‘Disabled Voices Matter’ merch: SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP📱 Follow us on socials: @SpecialChronicles (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)📰 Subscribe to the newsletter for early access, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes: SpecialChronicles.com/NEWSLETTER 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 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.

In this week’s episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with author Nancy Goodfellow to discuss her inspiring new novel, Special — a heartfelt story that celebrates friendship, inclusion, and the beauty of being exactly who you are. Special follows Madison and Meg, two junior high students navigating grief, growing up, and disability awareness. Meg, who has Down syndrome, brings joy and resilience to every page, while Madison’s journey through loss and healing reminds readers of the power of supportive friendships. During their conversation, Daniel and Nancy explore why stories like Special matter — especially for young readers — and how the novel helps foster empathy, understanding, and the celebration of differences. If you care about inclusion, disability representation, or simply love a good story, this episode is for you. Together, let’s keep amplifying voices that make the world more inclusive — one story, one episode at a time. 💛 Episode ShowNotes & Links 📚Pre-order SPECIAL at: Anderson's Bookstore or Amazon 🔗Connect with Nancy F. Goodfellow at: NancyFGoodfellow.com🎧 Listen and follow this podcast at: SpecialChronicles.com/Pod📺 Watch the full episode (video) on YouTube HERE❤️ Support the mission of Special Chronicles by donating at  SpecialChronicles.com/Give or joining the PLUS membership at SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS👕 Shop our ‘Disabled Voices Matter’ merch: SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP📱 Follow us on socials: @SpecialChronicles (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)📰 Subscribe to the newsletter for early access, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes: SpecialChronicles.com/NEWSLETTER 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 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