This week on the Special Chronicles Podcast, we’re honored to share a special re-release of our 2017 conversation with Mary Davis, CEO of Special Olympics, Inc., as she prepares to retire.

In this heartfelt interview, Mary reflects on her inspiring journey, her leadership across the global movement, and the lasting legacy of inclusion she leaves behind. Host Daniel Smrokowski also takes a moment to express his gratitude for Mary’s years of dedication and the impact she has made on athletes, families, and communities around the world.

Join us as we celebrate Mary Davis and her incredible contributions upon her retirement as CEO of Special Olympics.

This episode originally aired on July 26, 2017.

🎁 Support the Special Chronicles 2026 Giving Campaign: Click to Give Now 🌍 Learn more about Special Olympics: SpecialOlympics.org

🔜 Next week: David Evangelista, incoming CEO of Special Olympics, Inc., joins us to talk vision, inclusion, and the future of the Movement. Follow now wherever you listen so you don't miss an episode!

Episode 811 ShowNotes & Links

🎧 Listen and Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast 📺 Watch full episode (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.

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

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.

• 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
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• 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
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• 🥇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.

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

🎧 [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.

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