Special Chronicles Podcast

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 244, Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Steven and his mom Claudia Clark, stars of Born This Way, the Emmy-winning docuseries airing on the A&E Network that everyone is talking about!  Tune-in as we go behind-the-scenes of Born This Way and talk about: 

* Steven and the rare form of Down syndrome, Mosaic Down syndrome, he was diagnosed with;  Steven’s Story Behind “Up Syndrome” instead of Down syndrome;

* Steven on playing Challenger Baseball; On trying Special Olympics and wants to compete in Special Olympics aquatics; Steven’s Favorite Activity at the Leap & Bounds center;

* Born This Way As More Than a Docuseries Show And More of Narrative, a compelling Story; How Steven and his family first heard about the Born This Way show on A&E;  On Why they wanted to be a part of this show; Goal for Born This Way viewers;  Sneak Peak at one of Steven’s storylines and Does Best Buddies Get Steven a Job and a Buddy?;

* Why Born This Way is an important TV show today in mainstream media; Why Inclusion of those of .us with special needs is important in mainstream media; We love “Life Goes On” Show;

* What TV Show Creators & Filmmakers Can Learn By Watching Born This Way For ALL Disabilities INCLUDED in Mainstream Media; On Future Hope of Inclusion In Media To Be Mainstream;

* Steven’s and Claudia’s Top 3 Favorite Scenes from Born This Way;

* Jobs Steven has worked at including Supermarket clerk and Dishwasher at Angels Games;

* Steven and his Movie Binders;

* Steven  comments on Living Independently with Sean in Season 2;

* Behind-the-scenes stories of what filming was like;

* Steven and Claudia on winning their first Emmy award;

* If Steven and Claudia were producers of Born This Way… Storylines what Steven Wish Producers Would Include In Season 3; And Pitching Idea to producers to show Born This Way Cast watching movies or listening to Special Chronicles and Copyright Challenges;

* Steven’s idea for a “Behind Born This Way Season” with him interviewing producers and creators of the show: Hollywood Goes Disabled!”

* Social Media Plugs on Where to Watch Born This Way show; Final Thoughts; and much more!

Producer’s Note: Bonus video companion of our audio podcast with Steven and Claudia is exclusively available to watch on SCTV- The Special Chronicles TV Channel, linked at the bottom of this page or on our @SpecialChronicles YouTube Channel.

Featured Resource Links Mentioned To Connect with Steven and Claudia Clark and How To Watch #BornThisWay:

* Connect with Steven on his Facebook fan page/@stevenbornthiswayAE

* Born This Way – Available On Demand on aetv.com or the A&E App

* Born This Way: Season One: The Classroom Edition For Teachers! – Available on Amazon

* Born This Way Seasons 1 and 2 – Available on Amazon | iTunes (Season 2) | 

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 245, Daniel Smrokowski and Sarah Perkins co-host our series covering SPEECHLESS, the ABC sitcom everyone is talking about.  Tune-in as they give their spoiler-filled analysis of Season 1, Episode 22: JJ wants to go to camp so he practices independent living skills like dressing; Maya looks forward to not having Kenneth around for the summer; Jimmy realizes his … Continue reading SCP245: Speechless S1 E22 M-A–MAY-JAY Commentary

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 245, Daniel Smrokowski and Sarah Perkins co-host our series covering SPEECHLESS, the ABC sitcom everyone is talking about.  Tune-in as they give their spoiler-filled analysis of Season 1, Episode 22: JJ wants to go to camp so he practices independent living skills like dressing; Maya looks forward to not having Kenneth around for the summer; Jimmy realizes his power within the hospital; Ray is actually good at something & it’s one of Dylan’s favorite things; Our Picks of the Week; and much more!

Our Picks of the Week:

* Sarah: “How Did You Get Here?” Or, Why I Wish People Would Stop Questioning My Independence” By Emily Ladau on Words I Wheel By blog

* Daniel: “Our ADA25th Special,” archived podcast produced by Daniel Smrokowski on Special Chronicles (Episode SCP154)

Links Mentioned On The Show:

“Wheel Respect” Extra podcast (Episode, SCP236)

* For the month of April, Daniel Smrokowski wrote an award-winning “Special Voices” column on supporting more inclusion and  accurate inclusion in the mainstream media of those of us with disabilities.  Read his piece that reviews ABC’s Speechless: “ABC-TV showcases a new face from disabled community: Sitcom ‘Speechless’ has as its mission to include disability community in television”

* Speechless Commentary Listen Now Page

* Participate in our Speechless Commentary Podcast Challenge

* Help support us at Special Chronicles with your tax-deductible monetary donation or technological equipment donation – check out our Amazon Wish List to see what we need to make our media programs better for you!

Resources we recommend:

* It’s time to unite & change the game! Join the 5 million Special Olympics athletes around the globe and use your voice to build an inclusive & unified world.  Check out this graphic for 10 ways you can make a difference and Pledge Now to #ChangeTheGame at: SpecialOlympics.org/ChangeTheGame

* Spread the Word to End the Word campaign: Take the end the r-word pledge at: r-word.org

Music Credits:

* Podcast Theme music: “It Starts With A Voice” By Amy and Ben Wright,

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 244, Daniel Smrokowski sits down with the Sean McElwee and his mom Sandra, owners of Seanese and stars of Born This Way, the Emmy-winning docuseries airing on the A&E Network that everyone is talking about!  Tune-in as we go behind-the-scenes of Born This Way and Seanese and talk about: Sean and his family, On being diagnosed with Down syndrome; Sandra On … Continue reading SCP244: Behind BORN THIS WAY (Part 4) with Sean and Sandra McElwee

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 244, Daniel Smrokowski sits down with the Sean McElwee and his mom Sandra, owners of Seanese and stars of Born This Way, the Emmy-winning docuseries airing on the A&E Network that everyone is talking about!  Tune-in as we go behind-the-scenes of Born This Way and Seanese and talk about:

* Sean and his family, On being diagnosed with Down syndrome;

* Sandra On Her 3 Books About Her Son, Sean; If these books played a role in casting Sean on #Born ThisWay?; On Attending Kindergarten For Two Years; Assistive Technology; Inclusion Is A Right–And a Philosophy of Human Existence!; The Basketball, the Bagel, and the Bus Driver; #NotSpecialNeeds & Special Ed–Not So Special; Sean Got Suspended From School & Teaching Moment of Inclusion; Special Olympics Golf Team and Interested #PlayUnified Golf Experience; Sean and The R-Word; Diploma or Certificate of Completion?; Graduation–Not the End, but the Beginning; Will You Carry the Torch?; Reading with a Purpose and 3×5 Notecards;

* On First Hearing About Born This Way docuseries show on A&E Network; Why Sean Wanted To Be On This This Show; Goal For Viewers; Why Born This Way An Important TV Show Today in Mainstream Media; Why Inclusion in mainstream media is important;

* Behind-The-Scenes Stories Filming Born This Way; Sean and Sandra on winning an Emmy; If You The Were Producer…;

* On Pitching An Idea of Appearing on Special Chronicles And Other Media Platforms;

* Where To Watch Seasons 1 and 2 on DVD and Online Streaming; and Season 3 Premieres May 16th on A&E Network!;

* Megan from Megology & co-star on Born This Way Inspires Sean to Start His SEANESE business;

* BREAKING NEWS, BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Seanese.com website is now live!

* YOU CAN WIN A SIGNED COPY OF SANDRA’S FIRST BOOK ABOUT SEAN:  Who’s The Slow Learning: A Chronicle of Inclusion & Exclusion By Sandra Assimotos McElwee

* Like and Share This Podcast Episode On Facebook And Be Entered To Win This Book! Deadline: May 16th, 2017

* Social Media Plugs; Final Thoughts; and much more!

Producer’s Note: Bonus video companion of our audio podcast with Sean and Sandra is exclusively available to watch on SCTV- The Special Chronicles TV Channel, linked at the bottom of this page or on our @SpecialChronicles YouTube Channel.

Featured Resource Links Mentioned To Connect with Sean & Sandra McElwee and How To Watch #BornThisWay:

* Connect with Sean on Facebook/ @SeanFromBornThisWay

* Sean’s New Business, Seanese:  Seanese.com to purchase your own t-shirts, hats, bags, mugs, pillowcases, and other swag! Enter your email address will get you 10% Off Your First Order!

* Sandra McElwee, author, advocate, and Sean’s mom: SandraMcElwee.com

* Connect with Sandra on Facebook/ @www.sandraamcelweeauthor

* Born This Way – Available On Demand on aetv.com or the A&E App

* Born This Way: Season One: The Classroom Edition For Teachers! – Available on Amazon

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 243, Daniel Smrokowski and Sarah Perkins co-host our series covering SPEECHLESS, the ABC sitcom everyone is talking about.  Tune-in as they give their spoiler-filled analysis of Season 1, Episode 21: JJ uses his "celebrity" to boost another girl's self esteem; Kenneth officially becomes part of the family; Maya & Jimmy have "fight night"; Sarah's PSA for the … Continue reading SCP243: Speechless S1 E21 P-R-PROM Commentary

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 243, Daniel Smrokowski and Sarah Perkins co-host our series covering SPEECHLESS, the ABC sitcom everyone is talking about.  Tune-in as they give their spoiler-filled analysis of Season 1, Episode 21: JJ uses his “celebrity” to boost another girl’s self esteem; Kenneth officially becomes part of the family; Maya & Jimmy have “fight night”; Sarah’s PSA for the Disability Prom Stories We Need See More of in the Media; and much more!

Our Picks of the Week: None

Links Mentioned On The Show:

Airline Pilot Guy show

Maria M. Johnson – Our friend and an author & speaker

Catholic In A Small Town podcast

Greg & Jennifer’s Adventures in Imperfect Living podcast 

Catholic Vitamins (The podcast of Deacon Tom & Dee Fox) 

The SaintCast podcast

Jennifer Fulwiler

“Unintentional Celebrity” on Most Usually Unusual A Blog of Sarah K. Perkins

The Breakfast Club (Wikipedia entry)   

Father Roderick’s vlogs (specifically his #Camino Vlogs produced in April-May 2017)

The staff of Special Chronicles (mostly Sarah) would like to extend their heartfelt (belated) Happy Birthday wishes to Friar (soon to be Father) Nader OFM Conv.

* For the month of April, Daniel Smrokowski wrote an award-winning “Special Voices” column on supporting more inclusion and  accurate inclusion in the mainstream media of those of us with disabilities.  Read his piece that reviews ABC’s Speechless: “ABC-TV showcases a new face from disabled community: Sitcom ‘Speechless’ has as its mission to include disability community in television”

* Speechless Commentary Listen Now Page

* Participate in our Speechless Commentary Podcast Challenge

* Help support us at Special Chronicles with your tax-deductible monetary donation or technological equipment donation – check out our Amazon Wish List to see what we need to make our media programs better for you!

Resources we recommend:

* It’s time to unite & change the game!

https://youtu.be/mufGlTZDXHU In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 242, Daniel Smrokowski sits down with the lovely Megan Bomgaars and her mom Kris, owners of Megology and stars of Born This Way, the Emmy-winning docuseries airing on the A&E Network that everyone is talking about! Ep.242 ShowNotes & Links: Megan Bomgaars - Entrepreneur & Self-Advocate: Megology.com  | Facebook/@MegologyColaradoFollow Megan's Facebook page: @megonceWatch Megan's powerful … Continue reading SCP242: Behind BORN THIS WAY (Part 3) with Megan and Kris Bomgaars

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 242, Daniel Smrokowski sits down with the lovely Megan Bomgaars and her mom Kris, owners of Megology and stars of Born This Way, the Emmy-winning docuseries airing on the A&E Network that everyone is talking about!  Tune-in as we go behind-the-scenes of Born This Way and Megology and talk about:

* Megan and her family; On being diagnosed with Down syndrome; Kris On Someone Telling Her They Did Not Know They Could Talk To People With Down syndrome & How Megan Loves Talking To People;

* Megan On Her College Studies and Film Studies Class; On Skills Learned From Her Megology Business and Starring on Born This Way;

* Kris on Born This Way Partnering with Best Buddies; Megan On Working For Best Buddies;

* How Megology Began; On All the Many Clothes Megan Designes; On Favorite Part of Working at Megology; Kris On Working For Megan As Her First Unpaid, Volunteer Employee;

* On Importance of Inclusion in Mainstream Media;

* Behind-The-Scenes Stories of Filming Born This Way Seasons 1, 2, and 3; Megan & Kris On Winning Their 1st Emmy Award; If Megan & Kris Were Producers of the show…; On Why Born This Way Should Partner With Other Media Platforms (Like Special Chronicles); Where To Watch Born This Way on DVD and Other Platforms;

* Why Mainstream Community Should Watch Born This Way Too; Why People With All Disabilities Can Benefit From Born This Way;

* Social Media Plugs For Megan, Megology, and Born This Way, and much more!

Producer’s Note: Bonus video companion of our audio podcast with Megan and Kris is exclusively available to watch on SCTV- The Special Chronicles TV Channel, linked at the bottom of this page or on our @SpecialChronicles YouTube Channel.

Featured Links mentioned:

* Megan Bomgaars – Entrepreneur & Self-Advocate: Megology.com  | Facebook/@MegologyColarado

* Follow Megan’s Facebook page: @megonce

* Watch Megan’s powerful viral video message, “Don’t Limit Me”

* Born This Way – Available On Demand on aetv.com or the A&E App

* Born This Way: Season One: The Classroom Edition For Teachers! – Available on Amazon

* Born This Way Seasons 1 and 2 – Available on Amazon | iTunes (Season 2) | iTunes (Season 1)

* Follow: Hashtag #BornThisWay on Twitter: @BornThisWayAE | Facebook: 

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 241, Daniel Smrokowski and Sarah Perkins co-host our series covering SPEECHLESS, the ABC sitcom everyone is talking about.  Tune-in as they give their spoiler-filled analysis of Season 1, Episode 20: JJ "runs away" to find some independence (with Maya's help); On How This Isn't Independence; Dylan & Kenneth bond as Kenneth shows Dylan the downside to being … Continue reading SCP241: Speechless S1 E20 R-U-N–RUNAWAY Commentary