We’re joined by Dr. Max Kurz from Boys Town, who dives into the research he’s conducted on people with disabilities, focusing specifically on cerebral palsy. His studies aim to help individuals with cerebral palsy find effective ways to improve their body movements. Max discusses the practical nature of his work at Boys Town, highlighting how the simplest things in life can significantly impact daily life for those with disabilities.

Even though individuals with cerebral palsy face challenges with movement, Wyatt and Max discuss how participating in activities like the Special Olympics can greatly benefit them both physically and mentally in their daily lives. Engaging in these events not only encourages physical health but also fosters a sense of community and accomplishment.

In a another  conversation  Max and Wyatt, they explore the everyday challenges faced by people living with cerebral palsy and the importance of raising awareness about these issues. On October 5, Boys Town will host  Global Cp Awareness day an event dedicated to increasing awareness around cerebral palsy. Max and his team are committed to amplifying voices of individuals with cerebral palsy to ensure their experiences and needs are recognized.

Wyatt is joined by Special Olympics swimming coach Mike Messerole, who has dedicated over 30 years to empowering Special Olympics athletes to compete in the pool. Throughout his journey, Mike has been actively involved in various committees aimed at expanding the reach of Special Olympics. He reflects on how profoundly the athletes have influenced him as a coach. Together, Wyatt and Mike discuss the significance of unified sports, highlighting how they benefit athletes not just in their athletic endeavors, but also in their personal lives.

We are thrilled to be joined by Grace Payne, the Sargent Shriver Global Messenger representing the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Region. Grace opens up about her journey living with autism and the various challenges she has faced along the way. When she became involved with the Special Olympics, it truly transformed her life, paving the way for incredible opportunities in basketball and powerlifting.

Grace also highlights the leadership roles she was offered through Special Olympics New Zealand, which empowered her to grow and thrive. Achieving her goal of becoming a Global Messenger has been a lifelong dream, and she vividly recalls the moment she realized she had made that dream a reality!

One of the highlights of her journey was traveling to Turin, Italy, for the Special Olympics World Winter Games, an experience she describes as nothing short of amazing. To Grace, the Special Olympics community feels like one enormous family, a sentiment that resonates deeply: “Special Olympics to me is one big family no matter where you are in the world; we’re one big family!”

Lou Lauria Chief of Sports and Competition for Special Olympics international joins Brave in the Attempt podcast. Lou grew up in the Bronx’s of New York City. Lou has been in charge of organizing huge sporting events from Olympic Games and Paralympic games. Lou takes us behind the scenes of what all goes into planning a Special Olympics international competition. Lou explains what a host town is for world games. To what Special Olympics international is doing with Unified Cups competition. Lou believes that sports can deliver so many opportunities for athletes! From competing on the playing fields to being leaders off the playing field. Set expectations for the athletes and they will achieve it!

Listen to this amazing episode as Wyatt interviews special Olympics  staff members Madeline Safrit and Rachel McQuiston.  

Madeline Podcast Editorial Manger and Special Olympics Internal Communications Manager.  Madeline was introduced to the Special Olympics movement. In 2016, she accepted an internship with Special Olympics North Carolina. For the past five years, she served as their director of communications. 

Rachel McQuiston Marketing and Communications. Rachel  has been a part of the Special Olympics movement for over 20 years her first experience was volunteering as a child with her family at Special Olympics events. 

 Madeline and Rachel have been fortunate enough to share the inspiring stories of the Special Olympics athletes! They dive deep into the entire process—not just the interviews with the athletes but also the behind-the-scenes magic that transforms these heartfelt stories into published narratives. Throughout their journeys with the Special Olympics, both Rachel and Madeline have witnessed firsthand the remarkable growth of the organization and the profound impact it has had on their lives and countless others.

In this inspiring episode, Special Olympic athletes Rachel Milligan and Tiffany Goodman open up about their personal health journeys. Discover how embracing a healthy lifestyle has been a cornerstone of their success both on the playing field and in daily life. Their stories showcase the profound impact that wellness has had not just on their athletic performance, but also on their overall well-being. Tune in to hear how their commitment to health has transformed their lives for the better and inspired them to achieve greatness 

Susan has been a Special Olympics athlete since 2011 and participates in alpine skiing, swimming, floor hockey, and track and field with Special Olympics British Columbia. She has had many leadership opportunities including being the chair of the Canadian Athlete Leadership Council and sitting on the Canadian Board of Directors. Susan is hard working, enthusiastic, and eager to learn. She always has a smile on her face and exudes positivity in everything she does. She loves to be creative and has a strong passion for creating media content on YouTube and taking pictures. Outside of Special Olympics, Susan always strives to make a positive difference in the community. She received her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and is now working full time at a childcare center with children under 5.

"I'm excited to be a SSGM so I can use my voice in a meaningful way and showcase that no matter what our abilities are, we can all make a difference in the community. I want to bring awareness and change the narrative of how society perceives people with intellectual disabilities and advocate for a better change."

Get to know Special Olympics Nebraska athlete leader Cindy Hemberger! In this two part interview we learn about Cindy's  exciting opportunity to go to  Washington DC for Capital Hill day. 

Cindy Hemberger is taking the spotlight as she meets with Members of Congress to underscore the vital mission of the Special Olympics. Cindy passionately articulated the profound impact of the Special Olympics, feeling truly heard in her compelling advocacy. The discussions resonated strongly with  congress and there  staff members she met, highlighting that the voices of Special Olympics athletes truly matter.

In a heartwarming moment, Cindy had the honor of meeting Tim Shriver, the esteemed Chairman of Special Olympics, further fueling her commitment to this incredible cause. Her enthusiasm and dedication shine through as she champions the athletes whose lives are transformed by the opportunities the Special Olympics provides.

Join us in celebrating this pivotal #SOHillDay, where advocates like Cindy are making waves and ensuring that the mission of the Special Olympics is heard loud and clear in the halls of Congress!

Wyatt Interviews Shawn Byrne Management of Digital and Social Media content. Shawn has been involved with special Olympics sense the 1992 law enforcement  torch run.  Where he  saw his dad carried the flame of hope in during the Special Olympics opening ceremony's in Oklahoma. After college Shawn followed in his fathers footsteps and became a cop.  Now as a part of the police force Shawn was even more involved with the torch run and working with Special Olympics.  After 21 years in the Oklahoma city police department Shawn switched careers and went to work for Special Olympics. Shawn loves telling story's of the special Olympics athletes all over the world." I'm waking up everyday and telling the world the good of what Special Olympics is and the lives that it changes for generations!"   

 Brave in the Attempt podcast is collaborating with the Special Chronicles podcast for this episode.  Wyatt and his friend Daniel Smrokowski ( Host of the Special Chronicles) had the amazing experience of attending a Special Olympics event at the White House!  Daniel and Wyatt talk about how they got invited to the White House. They talk about the what it was like to meet President Joe Biden and take a picture with him.  All long with Tim Shriver Loretta Claiborne Wyatt and Daniel had the opportunity to meet celebrities in sports music and political figures.  This event was such great opportunity for the Special Olympics community! This was  an experience Wyatt and Daniel will remember for a lifetime!    
https://www.youtube.com/specialchronicles