Special Chronicles Podcast

In this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, Host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Austin Graf, Recreation Specialist at SEASPAR and Special Olympics Illinois coach. Daniel and Austin first met at the 2025 Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games, where Austin coached Daniel in bocce at the state championships. Austin shares the story of how he discovered his passion for coaching, the moment he realized college wasn’t the right path, and how that decision led him to SEASPAR — where he now supports athletes with developmental disabilities every day. This conversation explores purpose, inclusion, mentorship, and the joy of coaching. It’s a heartfelt look at what happens when someone chooses to build a career around empowering others. Chapter Marks: 00:00 Welcome06:30 Austin's Origin Story11:45 Finding SEASPAR17:30 Coaching athletes at 2025 Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games24:30 Inclusion & Impact31:50 Fun Segment including what animal should be SEASPAR's mascot?38:30 Closing Segment including advice for future Special Olympics Coaches Episode 824 ShowNotes & Links Learn more about SEASPAR Special Recreation Association — seaspar.org  Find Special Olympics program near you or SO Illinois at soill.org 🎧 Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast wherever you get your podcasts ⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite app 📺 Watch this 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 powerful episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, host and founder Daniel Smrokowski welcomes back Special Olympics Athlete Leader, writer, and advocate Amanda Harrinauth for an important conversation about the global Spread the Word campaign and this year’s theme: Words Matter. Amanda shares the deeply personal story behind her article, “What I Learned from the Kids of Classroom 111: Turning the R-Word into the Word RESPECT.” From first hearing the R-word as a middle school student to studying its harmful impact in college and finding her voice as a leader through Special Olympics, Amanda reflects on how language shapes dignity, identity, and belonging. Together, Daniel and Amanda explore why words carry real consequences, how harmful language affects people with intellectual disabilities, and what it means to replace stigma with respect. Amanda also speaks about the mentors and experiences that shaped her advocacy—including the influence of disability rights icon Judy Heumann—and how poetry and storytelling help her educate, empower, and inspire change. This episode is an honest and emotional call to action for listeners to become allies in everyday conversations, take the pledge for respectful language, and help build a more inclusive world where every voice is valued. Chapter Markers:00:00 Opening + Personal Stories15:00 The Harm of the R-Word26:45 Influences + Leadership36:00 Spread The Word Campaign - Words Matter45:00 Amanda's Letter to the R-Word49:00 Closing Reflection Episode 823 ShowNotes & Links Take the Pledge Here Learn more about Spread the Word campaign Listen to more episodes in our Spread The Word Series Spread the Word Day is March 4, 2026.  Access Your Guide to Spread the Word Day--podcasts, columns, and the pledge HERE  📺Watch this full episode on YouTube 🎧 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

In this special encore episode of The Special Chronicles Podcast, host Daniel Smrokowski welcomes Michelle Mark, Director of Athlete Leadership and Family Initiatives, and Emily Sullivan, Assistant Director of Athlete Leadership and Family Initiatives at Special Olympics Illinois. Together, they dive into the future of Athlete Leadership through the newly redesigned Athlete Leadership University (ALU) — a structured pathway empowering athletes to build skills, strengthen their voices, and lead the inclusion movement. They discuss what it means to be an athlete leader today, why the new ALU structure was created, how it supports leadership development at every stage, and how athlete voices are shaping the future of Special Olympics Illinois. Whether you’re an Athlete Leader or just beginning your journey, this conversation offers inspiring insight into how athletes are driving meaningful change. This episode originally Aired on August 18, 2025 Episode 822 ShowNotes & Links Learn more about Special Olympics Illinois Athlete Leadership 🎧 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

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