Special Chronicles Podcast

World Accessibility Day: Inclusion Takes Flight

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 trace the growing momentum of the Inclusion Revolution, from the groundbreaking May 2023 British Vogue cover to new disability representation statistics and United’s first‑ever Accessibility Showcase. Listeners gain insight into the role of a Special Olympics Service Ambassador (SOSA), the impact of the SOSA program across United Airlines, and Captain Mills’ personal reflections on working alongside the SOSA team. The conversation then expands into DEI best practices, highlighting the partnership between United Airlines and Special Olympics and the leadership commitment driving accessibility forward. The episode concludes with actionable takeaways for organizations: the importance of training, the necessity of including the disability community, and how to build a sustainable plan that supports employees from hiring through long‑term retention. Recorded on May 11, 2023, in Chicago, this episode offers a thoughtful, forward‑looking exploration of accessibility, representation, and inclusive workplace culture. Episode 836 ShowNotes & Links 🎧 Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast [https://specialchronicles.com/Pod]wherever you get your podcasts ⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts [http://SpecialChronicles.com/ApplePodcasts] or your favorite app 📺 Watch full episodes (video) on YouTube [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD01BA706651153C3&si=E7AmCB-2hvFHQbO1] ❤️ Support the mission of Special Chronicles by donating [http://specialchronicles.com/Give] or joining the PLUS [https://specialchronicles.com/plus] membership 👕 Shop our ‘Disabled Voices Matter’ Merch [https://specialchronicles.com/shop] 📱 Follow us on socials: @SpecialChronicles (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) 📰 Subscribe to the newsletter [https://specialchronicles.com/newsletter] for the latest updates from Special Chronicles Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice”  [https://music.apple.com/us/album/it-starts-with-a-voice-single/531908118]written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright [https://specialchronicles.com/BittyandBeausCoffee], co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee [https://www.bittyandbeauscoffee.com/]. Used with permission. About The Podcast Host: Daniel Smrokowski [https://specialchronicles.com/DanielSmrokowski] Founder, Special Chronicles  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 [https://specialchronicles.com/DanielSmrokowski] | 🎧 Discover Daniel’s Story – Listen here [https://specialchronicles.com/DanPod]

Mental Health Series: A Flight Attendant’s Journey Through Mental Health & Advocacy

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 Airlines Flight Attendant. Brianna appears On The Job for a fun, uplifting, and meaningful conversation about her mental health advocacy and the way she shares her flight attendant lifestyle across Instagram and YouTube. Together, Daniel and Brianna explore: * Brianna’s personal mental health journey and her passion for advocacy * Encouragement and advice for anyone navigating mental health challenges * How Netflix’s Ginny & Georgia portrays mental health and why representation matters * Brianna’s path to becoming a United Flight Attendant * Practical, insider tips for those dreaming of joining the In‑Flight Team at United It’s an honest, energizing, and inspiring episode that highlights the importance of mental health, storytelling, and community. Episode 835 ShowNotes & Links 👉 Show notes & resources: SpecialChronicles.com/MentalHealth [https://specialchronicles.com/MentalHealth]🎧 Follow [https://specialchronicles.com/Pod], subscribe, and join our newsletter [https://specialchronicles.com/newsletter] so you never miss an episode: ⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts [http://SpecialChronicles.com/ApplePodcasts] or your favorite app 📺 Watch full episodes (video) on YouTube [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD01BA706651153C3&si=E7AmCB-2hvFHQbO1] ❤️ Support the mission of Special Chronicles by donating [http://specialchronicles.com/Give] or joining the PLUS [https://specialchronicles.com/plus] membership 👕 Shop our ‘Disabled Voices Matter’ Merch [https://specialchronicles.com/shop] 📱 Follow us on socials: @SpecialChronicles (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) 📰 Subscribe to the newsletter [https://specialchronicles.com/newsletter] for the latest updates from Special Chronicles Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice”  [https://music.apple.com/us/album/it-starts-with-a-voice-single/531908118]written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright [https://specialchronicles.com/BittyandBeausCoffee], co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee [https://www.bittyandbeauscoffee.com/]. Used with permission. About The Podcast Host: Daniel Smrokowski [https://specialchronicles.com/DanielSmrokowski] Founder, Special Chronicles  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 [https://specialchronicles.com/DanielSmrokowski] | 🎧 Discover Daniel’s Story – Listen here [https://specialchronicles.com/DanPod]

Mental Health Series: Strong Minds Strategies for Stress & Resilience

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 simple at‑home activities that can help listeners support their emotional wellbeing. They also highlight the Strong Minds discipline of Special Olympics Healthy Athletes, exploring how its tools can help individuals build healthier habits and strengthen resilience. Throughout May, the podcast is releasing weekly episodes filled with firsthand mental health resources and real stories from across the Special Olympics Movement. Episode 834 ShowNotes & Links 👉 Show notes & resources: SpecialChronicles.com/MentalHealth [https://specialchronicles.com/MentalHealth]🎧 Follow [https://specialchronicles.com/Pod], subscribe, and join our newsletter [https://specialchronicles.com/newsletter] so you never miss an episode ⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts [http://SpecialChronicles.com/ApplePodcasts] or your favorite app 📺 Watch full episodes (video) on YouTube [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD01BA706651153C3&si=E7AmCB-2hvFHQbO1] ❤️ Support the mission of Special Chronicles by donating [http://specialchronicles.com/Give] or joining the PLUS [https://specialchronicles.com/plus] membership 👕 Shop our ‘Disabled Voices Matter’ Merch [https://specialchronicles.com/shop] 📱 Follow us on socials: @SpecialChronicles (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) 📰 Subscribe to the newsletter [https://specialchronicles.com/newsletter] for the latest updates from Special Chronicles Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice”  [https://music.apple.com/us/album/it-starts-with-a-voice-single/531908118]written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright [https://specialchronicles.com/BittyandBeausCoffee], co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee [https://www.bittyandbeauscoffee.com/]. Used with permission. About The Podcast Host: Daniel Smrokowski [https://specialchronicles.com/DanielSmrokowski] Founder, Special Chronicles  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 [https://specialchronicles.com/DanielSmrokowski] | 🎧 Discover Daniel’s Story – Listen here [https://specialchronicles.com/DanPod]

Mental Health Series: Building Strong Minds with Margaret Turley

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 the essential disciplines within Special Olympics Healthy Athletes. Together, Daniel and Margaret explore: * The emotional and physical signs of stress * Why Strong Minds is a vital part of Inclusive Health * Practical tools athletes can use to build healthy coping strategies * How Margaret encourages athletes worldwide to embrace Strong Minds on and off the playing field Drawing from Daniel’s own five years as a Sargent Shriver Global Messenger, this episode highlights the importance of mental wellness for athlete leaders working at the international level — and why Strong Minds matters for every athlete’s journey. Let’s strengthen our minds, our health, and our community — one story at a time. Episode 833 ShowNotes & Links 👉 Show notes & resources: SpecialChronicles.com/MentalHealth [https://specialchronicles.com/MentalHealth]🎧 Follow [https://specialchronicles.com/Pod], subscribe, and join our newsletter [https://specialchronicles.com/newsletter] so you never miss an episode: ⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts [http://SpecialChronicles.com/ApplePodcasts] or your favorite app 📺 Watch full episodes (video) on YouTube [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD01BA706651153C3&si=E7AmCB-2hvFHQbO1] ❤️ Support the mission of Special Chronicles by donating [http://specialchronicles.com/Give] or joining the PLUS [https://specialchronicles.com/plus] membership 👕 Shop our ‘Disabled Voices Matter’ Merch [https://specialchronicles.com/shop] 📱 Follow us on socials: @SpecialChronicles (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice”  [https://music.apple.com/us/album/it-starts-with-a-voice-single/531908118]written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright [https://specialchronicles.com/BittyandBeausCoffee], co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee [https://www.bittyandbeauscoffee.com/]. Used with permission. About The Podcast Host: Daniel Smrokowski [https://specialchronicles.com/DanielSmrokowski] Founder, Special Chronicles  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 [https://specialchronicles.com/DanielSmrokowski] | 🎧 Discover Daniel’s Story – Listen here [https://specialchronicles.com/DanPod]

Joyful Grit with Zach Anner — A Preview of the 76th Arc of Illinois Convention

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 funniest, most joy‑filled advocates you’ll ever meet. In this encore episode, Zach and I talk about his keynote, “Joyful Grit: Turning Setbacks Into Setups,” and how embracing obstacles can unlock optimism in ways that lift all of us. We also dive into his work as a writer on the hit ABC sitcom “Speechless,” and what authentic disability representation looks like when it’s done right. This conversation gives you a preview of Zach’s upcoming keynote at the convention: “Joyful Grit: How Embracing Obstacles Unlocks Optimism.” Zach blends laugh‑out‑loud storytelling with the legacy of disability rights activism, reminding us that progress comes from trailblazers and everyday acts of kindness — and that humor, resilience, and joy are powerful companions on the journey. Episode 832 ShowNotes & Links 🎧 Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast [https://specialchronicles.com/Pod]wherever you get your podcasts 🎤Learn more about Zach Anner [https://www.zachanner.com/] ⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts [http://SpecialChronicles.com/ApplePodcasts] or your favorite app 📺 Watch full episodes (video) on YouTube [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD01BA706651153C3&si=E7AmCB-2hvFHQbO1] ❤️ Support the mission of Special Chronicles by donating [http://specialchronicles.com/Give] or joining the PLUS [https://specialchronicles.com/plus] membership 👕 Shop our ‘Disabled Voices Matter’ Merch [https://specialchronicles.com/shop] 📱 Follow us on socials: @SpecialChronicles (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) 📰 Subscribe to the newsletter [https://specialchronicles.com/newsletter] for the latest updates from Special Chronicles Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice”  [https://music.apple.com/us/album/it-starts-with-a-voice-single/531908118]written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright [https://specialchronicles.com/BittyandBeausCoffee], co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee [https://www.bittyandbeauscoffee.com/]. 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 [https://specialchronicles.com/DanielSmrokowski] |  Discover Daniel’s Story – Listen here [https://specialchronicles.com/DanPod]