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
• 📺Like watching your podcasts? Listen Full Episode on YouTube
• 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
• 💡Partner: ComEd EnergyForce
• ✈️Partner: United Airlines Bridge BRG
• 📻Podcast Hosting: Podbean
• 📡Recording Studio: StreamYard
• 🥇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

In honor of our 17th year anniversary on the Special Chronicles Podcast, we’re sharing a special live radio conversation host Daniel Smrokowski had on Disability Beat Radio at WEFT Community Radio in Champaign, Illinois. Tune in for a heartfelt celebration of inclusion, advocacy, and the voices that have shaped our journey. From humble beginnings to a global platform, this episode reflects on the power of storytelling to change lives.

• 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
• 📺Like watching your podcasts? Listen Full Episode on YouTube
• 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
• 💡Partner: ComEd EnergyForce
• ✈️Partner: United Airlines Bridge BRG
• 📻Podcast Hosting: Podbean
• 📡Recording Studio: StreamYard
• 🥇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 powerful episode of The Special Chronicles Podcast, host Daniel Smrokowski welcomes Matthew F. Gorski, Athlete Leader with Special Olympics Illinois, to talk about his incredible journey running the 2025 Chicago Marathon.

Matthew takes us behind the scenes of what it’s like to train for 26.2 miles — from early training runs and mental preparation to race day excitement and the unforgettable moment he crossed the finish line. He also shares how representing Special Olympics at the marathon embodies leadership, inclusion, and perseverance.

🔸 In This Episode:

• Matthew’s Special Olympics journey and love for running
• How he trained for the marathon
• Race day highlights and favorite moments
• Overcoming challenges and staying motivated
• What inclusion means to him as an Athlete Leader
• Future goals and advice for first-time marathoners

• 00:00:00 – Intro & Welcome
• 00:20:30 – Matthew’s Special Olympics Journey: “Inclusion Has No Limits”
• 00:41:30 – Training for the Marathon
• 00:57:00 – Motivation
• 01:05:45 – Future Goals & Advice
• 01:12:45 – Closing & Call To Action

📲Find Special Olympics Near You: specialolympics.org 🎧 Listen and follow this podcast at: SpecialChronicles.com/Pod 📺 Watch the full episode (video) on YouTube HERE ❤️ 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.

In this week’s episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with author Nancy Goodfellow to discuss her inspiring new novel, Special — a heartfelt story that celebrates friendship, inclusion, and the beauty of being exactly who you are.

Special follows Madison and Meg, two junior high students navigating grief, growing up, and disability awareness. Meg, who has Down syndrome, brings joy and resilience to every page, while Madison’s journey through loss and healing reminds readers of the power of supportive friendships.

During their conversation, Daniel and Nancy explore why stories like Special matter — especially for young readers — and how the novel helps foster empathy, understanding, and the celebration of differences.

If you care about inclusion, disability representation, or simply love a good story, this episode is for you.

Together, let’s keep amplifying voices that make the world more inclusive — one story, one episode at a time. 💛

📚Pre-order SPECIAL at: Anderson's Bookstore or Amazon 🔗Connect with Nancy F. Goodfellow at: NancyFGoodfellow.com 🎧 Listen and follow this podcast at: SpecialChronicles.com/Pod 📺 Watch the full episode (video) on YouTube HERE ❤️ 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

Join host Daniel Smrokowski LIVE From United Airlines headquarters as he sits down with David Kinzelman — Chief Customer Officer & Senior VP of Airport Operations at United — for an inspiring conversation during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).

They explore how United’s SOSA program and its broader accessibility initiatives are creating real change for both employees and customers. Hear how leadership commitment, inclusive culture, and operational design come together to make travel and work more accessible for everyone.

What you’ll hear: • The impact and meaning of NDEAM within a major global airline • How the SOSA initiative drives inclusive employment and delivers measurable results • Concrete examples of accessibility built into airport & customer operations • Strategies you can apply in your own workplace or everyday life

🎧 Tune in for an energizing and actionable episode that demonstrates why accessibility isn’t just the right thing — it’s good business and inclusive leadership in action.

Call to Action: Whether you work at an airline, a global corporation, a nonprofit, or you’re simply passionate about inclusive leadership — take away one thing from today: Inclusion = Innovation. Commit to doing one tangible thing this week that advances accessibility in your sphere of influence. Then share it. We’d love to hear your story.

• 🎧 Listen and follow this podcast at: SpecialChronicles.com/Pod
• 📺 Watch the full episode (video) on YouTube at: YouTube.com/SpecialChronicles
• 💡 Learn more about United Airlines’ Bridge Business Resource Group: specialchronicles.com/united
• 🧭 Discover the SOSA Program at United: SpecialChronicles.com/MeetSOSAs
• 📍 Explore United Airlines’ accessibility commitments and services: (insert link)
• ❤️ 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

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