Special Chronicles Podcast

On this episode of Live From Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: A Special Chronicles Podcast Series, we’re reporting on location from Huntington Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota during the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics USAGames. From our press box vantage point, we capture the joy, pride, and inclusion that define the Games. As our friend Timothy Shriver reminds us, this celebr...

On this episode of LIVE From Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: A Special Chronicles Podcast Series, host and Health Messenger Daniel Smrokowski is podcasting location at the University of Minnesota for the official Healthy Athletes Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.  Tune in as Daniel co‑emcees this event alongside fellow Health Messenger Kayte Barton, as they welcome leaders from the University of Minnesota...

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 emo...

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...

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...

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, th...

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. H...

In this episode of Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series, Host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Coach Erin, athlete Libby Cheney, and unified partner Marian Lynch from Special Olympics Mississippi Interscholastic Division of Competitive Cheer team. Together, we share how Unified Cheer builds confidence, teamwork, leadership, and lifelong friendships. You’ll h...

On this episode of Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: A Special Chronicles Podcast Series, Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Coach Christina Gould from the Special Olympics Oklahoma Interscholastic Division of Competitive Cheer team.  Together, we share how Unified Cheer builds confidence, teamwork, leadership, and lifelong friendships. You’ll hear how inclusion comes alive in th...

On this episode of “Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series,” we dive into the pool with Team Illinois swimmer Val Densler, whose determination is as strong as her stroke. In this conversation, Val opens up about her training routine, the challenges she’s overcome, and the motivation that keeps her pushing toward Minnesota. Her story is a powerful reminder that...

On this episode of “Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series,” we flip over to the gymnastics floor with Katie O’Neill, a Team Illinois athlete whose strength, grace, and discipline shine through every routine. Katie shares how she prepares mentally and physically for competition, the setbacks that have shaped her resilience, and the goals she’s aiming for as sh...

On episode 4 of Road to Special Olympics USA Games: A Special Chronicles Podcast Series, we dive into the heart of what powers every Special Olympics athlete: their support system. From coaches who guide athletes toward the national stage to families who cheer through every high and low, this episode highlights the people who make the journey possible.  You’ll hear from Coach Matt Corso of Team Il...

On episode 3 of Road to Special Olympics USA Games: A Special Chronicles Podcast Series, “The Athletes Journey” we explore what it truly takes for Special Olympics athletes to prepare for the 2026 USA Games.  Join Daniel Smrokowski, Podcast Host, Special Olympics Illinois Athlete Leader and former Sargent Shriver Global Messenger, as he talks with athletes about their stories of motivation, traini...

On this Episode 2 of Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: A Special Chronicles Podcast Series, we take you behind the scenes with a two incredible athlete leaders — David Booth and Shaun Linsey, co-chairs of the Athlete Advisory Council for the 2026 USA Games. Hosted by Daniel Smrokowski — founder of Special Chronicles, Special Olympics Athlete Leader with Team Illinois, and former Sargent Shr...

Episode 1 of Road to Special Olympics USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series kicks off our journey to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games by answering the essential question: What are the USA Games? On this premiere episode, host Daniel Smrokowski is joined today with someone who has been involved with the USA Games since the beginning and helped get these USA National Games started— Greg...

Ranked #1 for “USA Games” in search results, this landmark 10‑part narrative series from Special Chronicles follows the journey to, through, and beyond the 2026 USA Games in Minneapolis–St. Paul. Through immersive storytelling, on‑site sound, and firsthand voices from athletes, families, coaches, organizers, and Unified partners, the series brings listeners into the heart of the movement. Three Ac...

On this special episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, released in honor of World Accessibility Day on May 21, 2026, host Daniel Smrokowski presents a compelling conversation recorded live at the VMS Professionals 2023 Conference. Daniel sits down with Captain Jill Mills of United Airlines for an in‑depth discussion on what true accessibility and inclusion look like in practice. Together, they...

On this Mental Health Awareness Month episode on the Special Chronicles Podcast, host Daniel Smrokowski welcomes listeners to our 3‑part mental health series, featuring weekly encore conversations designed to empower audiences with firsthand resources, real stories, and practical tools to support emotional well‑being. In this episode, Daniel is joined by Brianna Kaplan, a Chicago‑based United Airl...

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, host Daniel Smrokowski is joined by Carolyn Cronin as they continue the show’s Mental Health Awareness Month 3‑Part Series. This week’s encore episode features an honest and supportive conversation about coping with stress and anxiety during a challenging time. Daniel and Carolyn share practical strategies for staying mentally strong, along with s...

This week on the Special Chronicles Podcast, we are honoring Mental Health Awareness Month with a powerful encore conversation — and the Season 2 Finale of our Inclusive Health Series. Host Daniel Smrokowski is joined by Margaret Turley, Sargent Shriver Global Messenger from Ireland, who brings her leadership, compassion, and lived experience to a meaningful discussion about Strong Minds, one of t...

On this special encore episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, Host Daniel Smrokowski is bringing you a conversation that perfectly sets the stage for The Arc of Illinois 76th Annual Convention — “Together We Rise,” happening April 29-30, 2026, in Bloomington‑Normal and online. We’re revisiting my conversation with keynote speaker Zach Anner — comedian, author, television writer, and one of the...

April marks Autism Acceptance Month, and this encore installment of the Special Chronicles Podcast Limited Series uplifts the voices, stories, and lived experiences that continue to expand society’s understanding of autism. In this episode, host Daniel Smrokowski revisits a lively and insightful conversation with filmmaker Alex Lehmann, director of the acclaimed documentary Aspergers Are Us. The e...

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and this encore episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast honors the voices, stories, and lived experiences that continue to deepen our understanding of autism. Hosted by Daniel Smrokowski, this episode revisits a lively, thoughtful, and deeply human conversation that continues to resonate years later. In this encore, Daniel sits down with Dr. Kerry Magro—a nation...

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and this encore episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast honors the voices, stories, and lived experiences that continue to shape our understanding of autism. Hosted by Daniel Smrokowski, this episode revisits a powerful conversation originally aired in December 2016—one that continues to inspire listeners around the world. In this episode, Daniel sits down with...

In this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast’s DanTalks Series , host Daniel Smrokowski shares his heartfelt speech from the 2026 Polar Plunge—an inspiring event that brings communities together in support of Special Olympics athletes. More than just a jump into icy waters, the Polar Plunge represents courage, inclusion, and the power of unified action. In his speech, Daniel reflects on the i...