Special Chronicles Podcast

In celebration of the Winter Olympic Games (February 6–22, 2026), this week on the Special Chronicles Podcast we’re revisiting a powerful encore conversation with Apolo Anton Ohno — 8-time Olympic medalist, the most decorated Winter Olympian in U.S. history, and proud Special Olympics Global Ambassador. Apolo reflects on his early years, the discipline that shaped his identity, and the journey that led him to become one of the most iconic athletes in Winter Games history. He shares his passion for championing inclusion, discusses his induction into the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame, and explains how his work as a Global Ambassador continues to inspire athletes of all abilities. We also explore life during quarantine, staying focused through uncertainty, and get a preview of his book Hard Pivot. A timely and inspiring conversation celebrating the Winter Games and the athletes who move our world forward. Listen anytime, anywhere, on your favorite podcast apps at SpecialChronicles.com. This episode originally aired on April 29, 2020 Episode 821 ShowNotes & Links 🎧 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 The Podcast Host: 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.  Read more about Daniel |  Discover Daniel’s Story – Listen here  

This Valentine’s‑week episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast celebrates partnership, faith, and the power of belonging. Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Matthew and Crystal Williams from Special Olympics Canada for a heartfelt conversation about love, advocacy, and the journey of building a life together. Matthew and Crystal open up about: • The disabilities they were diagnosed with • How they met and fell in love • Their involvement in Special Olympics • Reflections on the 2019 World Games in Abu Dhabi • What marriage means to them as people with intellectual disabilities • How their relationship inspires hope for others • What inclusion and belonging look like in their lives You’ll also hear Matthew share insights from his leadership roles — including serving on the Special Olympics International Board, chairing the Global Athlete Congress, and giving a TED Talk in Vancouver that has reached over a million views. Crystal talks about her blog, CrystalMWilliams.com, and her passions for writing, travel, photography, and horseback riding. This episode is a celebration of love, purpose, and the strength that comes from being truly seen. Originally Aired on October 7, 2019 For full show notes, to stream more episodes on demand, and to subscribe to the Special Chronicles Podcast, visit SpecialChronicles.com/Pod. You can listen anytime, anywhere, on your favorite podcast apps. Episode 820 ShowNotes & Links 📺Watch this full episode (video) on YouTube WATCH Matthew Williams TEDx Vancouver TED Talk “Happy Valentine’s Day from Matthew & Crystal” Story on SpecialOlympics.org Crystal M. Williams' Blog 🎧 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 The Podcast Host: 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. 🔗Read more about Daniel |🎧Discover Daniel’s Story – Listen here  

On this encore episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, Sven Albrecht joins host Daniel Smrokowski for an energizing conversation recorded during the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 — the world’s largest inclusive sports event, held June 17–25, 2023. Sven, now the Regional President of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at how the Local Organizing Committee and Special Olympics Germany prepared to host a global celebration of inclusion. The conversation dives into the Games by and for athletes, the Opening Ceremony, Fans in the Stands, Host Towns, Healthy Athletes, Congresses, and the unforgettable emotion of nine days of sport, unity, and joy. This encore episode highlights Sven’s perspective on global leadership, the future of the Special Olympics Movement, and the lasting impact of Berlin 2023. Whether you’ve been part of the Movement for years or are discovering it for the first time, this conversation captures the spirit of being #UnbeatableTogether. Episode 819 ShowNotes & Links 🔗Learn more about Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia region 🎧 Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast wherever you get your podcasts📺 Watch this full episode on YouTube ⭐ 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 The Podcast Host: 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. 🔗Read more about Daniel | 🎧Discover Daniel’s Story – Listen here

  In this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast EnergyForce Series S9:E2, host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Trace Nardi, a ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador and proud participant in Best Buddies Illinois. Trace shares his inspiring journey as a new EnergyForce Ambassador, spreading the message of energy efficiency and inclusion, and highlights his active involvement in Best Buddies programs, including the Jobs Program and his position at O’Hare Airport. Together, Daniel and Trace explore how programs like ComEd’s EnergyForce and Best Buddies empower people with disabilities to gain confidence, develop professional skills, and make a meaningful impact in their communities. They also dive into the mission of Best Buddies, emphasizing connection, opportunity, and empowerment for people with and without disabilities.Tune in for a heartwarming and inspiring conversation about inclusion, advocacy, and making a difference. Episode 818 ShowNotes & Links 📺Watch this full episode on YouTube 🔗Learn more and get involved in Best Buddies 💡Learn more about the ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador Program 🎧 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 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

  On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast EnergyForce Series S9:E1, award-winning host and founder Daniel Smrokowski kicks off Season 9 of the EnergyForce Series—marking the 9th year of partnership with the ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador Program. In Energy Savings 101, Daniel shares an updated, engaging presentation designed to help you better understand how energy choices impact both your home and the planet. This episode covers: The basics of energy and solar savings Practical, easy-to-use energy efficiency tips Key insights into Electric Vehicles (EVs) A fun and interactive Energy Savings Quiz to test your knowledge Tune in to discover how small changes can make a big impact on your energy use, your wallet, and the environment—while supporting a more sustainable future for all. Episode 817 ShowNotes & Links 📺Watch this full episode on YouTube  🔗Learn more more about the ComEd EnergyForce Program 💡Find Ways To Save (click HERE) – ​Save energy and money by taking advantage of these offerings and tools for your home. 🎧 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 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