Special Chronicles Podcast

On this heartfelt episode of Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: A Special Chronicles Podcast Series, host Daniel Smrokowski welcomes Cathy O’Neill, whose daughter Katie will compete in Gymnastics for Team Illinois at the 2026 USA Games. Cathy shares what it means to be part of her athlete’s support system, how her family prepares for the excitement of Minnesota hosting the Games, and the emotional moments that have shaped their journey. She also discusses the importance of coach–family relationships, how she helps Katie manage nerves, and the growth she’s witnessed as her daughter trains for the national stage. Cathy’s perspective beautifully captures the love, sacrifice, and pride that families bring to the Special Olympics movement. Episode 849 ShowNotes & Links 📱Follow the journey of 3,000 athletes by downloading the USA Games app — search “USA GAMES” in your app store. 👨‍💻Learn more about Special Olympics 2026 USA Games at: 2026USAGames.org  🎧Follow the Podcast Series: Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series for all episodes and subscribe to the full series 🎧 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 Our Team: 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. Darian Packard is a Content Producer at Special Chronicles and Global Advisor for Special Olympics CHEER, a worldwide inclusive cheerleading movement. She is the mother of four children, including a daughter with Williams syndrome, and is passionate about advancing inclusion and disability awareness. Linda Smrokowski serves as a Copy Editor at Special Chronicles, bringing her background as a retired foreign language teacher and former Trader Joe’s Crew Member to her editorial work.  She is the mother of founder Daniel Smrokowski, as well as a proud mother of two daughters, mother-in-law to two sons-in-law, and a grandmother to two granddaughters and one grandson.  Linda is also an active musician, playing flute in the choir at St. Cletus Parish. Adam Smrokowski is the Business Manager at Special Chronicles. He is the father of Founder Daniel Smrokowski, as well as two daughters, and is a proud father-in-law and grandfather to two granddaughters and one grandson.  Adam supports the organization’s mission through leadership, service, and family-centered advocacy.      

On this episode of Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: A Special Chronicles Podcast Series, host Daniel Smrokowski spotlights the essential behind‑the‑scenes work that brings the Special Olympics movement to life. We sit down with Katelin Zandi, a dedicated Team Illinois staff member whose communications work helps shape how athletes, families, and fans experience the 2026 USA Games. Katelin shares how she uses storytelling, media coordination, and on‑site communications to elevate athlete voices and ensure Team Illinois is seen, heard, and celebrated. She reflects on the responsibility of capturing authentic moments, the joy of highlighting athlete achievements, and the teamwork required to keep information flowing during such a massive event. This episode offers a rare look at the people who make the Games run smoothly — the communicators, organizers, and connectors who help bring inclusion to the world. Episode 848 ShowNotes & Links 📱Follow the journey of 3,000 athletes by downloading the USA Games app — search “USA GAMES” in your app store. 👨‍💻Learn more about Special Olympics 2026 USA Games at: 2026USAGames.org  🎧Follow the Podcast Series: Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series for all episodes and subscribe to the full series 🎧 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 Our Team: 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. Darian Packard is a Content Producer at Special Chronicles and Global Advisor for Special Olympics CHEER, a worldwide inclusive cheerleading movement. She is the mother of four children, including a daughter with Williams syndrome, and is passionate about advancing inclusion and disability awareness. Linda Smrokowski serves as a Copy Editor at Special Chronicles, bringing her background as a retired foreign language teacher and former Trader Joe’s Crew Member to her editorial work.  She is the mother of founder Daniel Smrokowski, as well as a proud mother of two daughters, mother-in-law to two sons-in-law, and a grandmother to two granddaughters and one grandson.  Linda is also an active musician, playing flute in the choir at St. Cletus Parish. Adam Smrokowski is the Business Manager at Special Chronicles. He is the father of Founder Daniel Smrokowski, as well as two daughters, and is a proud father-in-law and grandfather to two granddaughters and one grandson.  Adam supports the organization’s mission through leadership, service, and family-centered advocacy.    

On this episode of Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: A Special Chronicles Podcast Series, host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Coach Matt Corso, Head Coach for Team Illinois Bowling, to explore the deep impact coaches have on athletes preparing for the 2026 USA Games. Matt opens up about his coaching philosophy, the intentional preparation that goes into a national competition, and how he recognizes when an athlete needs extra support — mentally, emotionally, or physically. He also reflects on the importance of family partnerships, the pressure of competing on a national stage, and the memorable moments that remind him why inclusion matters. This conversation shines a light on the heart, patience, and purpose behind every great coach. Episode 847 ShowNotes & Links 📱Follow the journey of 3,000 athletes by downloading the USA Games app — search “USA GAMES” in your app store. 👨‍💻Learn more about Special Olympics 2026 USA Games at: 2026USAGames.org  🎧Follow the Podcast Series: Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series for all episodes and subscribe to the full series 🎧 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 Our Team: aniel 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. Darian Packard is a Content Producer at Special Chronicles and Global Advisor for Special Olympics CHEER, a worldwide inclusive cheerleading movement. She is the mother of four children, including a daughter with Williams syndrome, and is passionate about advancing inclusion and disability awareness. Linda Smrokowski serves as a Copy Editor at Special Chronicles, bringing her background as a retired foreign language teacher and former Trader Joe’s Crew Member to her editorial work.  She is the mother of founder Daniel Smrokowski, as well as a proud mother of two daughters, mother-in-law to two sons-in-law, and a grandmother to two granddaughters and one grandson.  Linda is also an active musician, playing flute in the choir at St. Cletus Parish. Adam Smrokowski is the Business Manager at Special Chronicles. He is the father of Founder Daniel Smrokowski, as well as two daughters, and is a proud father-in-law and grandfather to two granddaughters and one grandson.  Adam supports the organization’s mission through leadership, service, and family-centered advocacy.      

On this episode of “Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series,” we spotlight a groundbreaking moment in USA Games history: the debut of Unified Cornhole. Representing Special Olympics Rhode Island, Unified partner Sharon Laliberte shares what it means to compete in a sport built on teamwork, trust, and inclusion. Sharon reflects on the power of Unified Sports, the friendships formed through competition, and the pride of helping introduce a new event to the national stage. Her story shows how inclusion isn’t just a value — it’s a way of competing, connecting, and creating opportunities for athletes everywhere. Episode 846 ShowNotes & Links 📱Follow the journey of 3,000 athletes by downloading the USA Games app — search “USA GAMES” in your app store. 👨‍💻Learn more about Special Olympics 2026 USA Games at: 2026USAGames.org  🎧Follow the Podcast Series: Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series for all episodes and subscribe to the full series 🎧 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 Our Team: 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. Darian Packard is a Content Producer at Special Chronicles and Global Advisor for Special Olympics CHEER, a worldwide inclusive cheerleading movement. She is the mother of four children, including a daughter with Williams syndrome, and is passionate about advancing inclusion and disability awareness. Linda Smrokowski serves as a Copy Editor at Special Chronicles, bringing her background as a retired foreign language teacher and former Trader Joe’s Crew Member to her editorial work.  She is the mother of founder Daniel Smrokowski, as well as a proud mother of two daughters, mother-in-law to two sons-in-law, and a grandmother to two granddaughters and one grandson.  Linda is also an active musician, playing flute in the choir at St. Cletus Parish. Adam Smrokowski is the Business Manager at Special Chronicles. He is the father of Founder Daniel Smrokowski, as well as two daughters, and is a proud father-in-law and grandfather to two granddaughters and one grandson.  Adam supports the organization’s mission through leadership, service, and family-centered advocacy.      

On this episode of “Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series,” we return to the water with Amanda Propheter, a swimmer whose positivity and drive ripple through every practice. Amanda talks about the support system that lifts her up, the challenges she’s faced along the way, and the belief — in herself and from others — that fuels her journey to the USA Games. Her energy is contagious, her determination inspiring, and her story a reminder that confidence grows one stroke at a time. Dive deeper into Amanda’s motivation and her future goals. Episode 845 ShowNotes & Links 📱Follow the journey of 3,000 athletes by downloading the USA Games app — search “USA GAMES” in your app store. 👨‍💻Learn more about Special Olympics 2026 USA Games at: 2026USAGames.org  🎧Follow the Podcast Series: Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series for all episodes and subscribe to the full series 🎧 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 Our Team: 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. Darian Packard is a Content Producer at Special Chronicles and Global Advisor for Special Olympics CHEER, a worldwide inclusive cheerleading movement. She is the mother of four children, including a daughter with Williams syndrome, and is passionate about advancing inclusion and disability awareness. Linda Smrokowski serves as a Copy Editor at Special Chronicles, bringing her background as a retired foreign language teacher and former Trader Joe’s Crew Member to her editorial work.  She is the mother of founder Daniel Smrokowski, as well as a proud mother of two daughters, mother-in-law to two sons-in-law, and a grandmother to two granddaughters and one grandson.  Linda is also an active musician, playing flute in the choir at St. Cletus Parish. Adam Smrokowski is the Business Manager at Special Chronicles. He is the father of Founder Daniel Smrokowski, as well as two daughters, and is a proud father-in-law and grandfather to two granddaughters and one grandson.  Adam supports the organization’s mission through leadership, service, and family-centered advocacy.