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

Learn more about Special Olympics Illinois Athlete Leadership

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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, 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

🎧 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

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📰 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, 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.

📺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.

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