In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 184, Daniel Smrokowski sits down with John Wagner, author of Perfect: Sacred Stories From the Heart of a Dad, dad to a 17-year-old diagnosed with Down syndrome, and Senior Vice President with Young Life.  Tune-in as John shares with his about Young Life Capernaum camps for people with special needs; How the book got started; Inspiration for writing his book; how he came up with the format of the book; themes “slow it down,” “our joy,” and “determination”; goal for readers; his son David’s thoughts on his book; and more behind-the-scenes stories from his book!

Featured Links mentioned:

* Learn more about John’s book Perfect: Sacred Stories From The Heart of a Dad at JohnTWagner.com and on Instagram

* Order your copy of John’s book on Amazon

#LetsChangeTheGame segment:

* We talk about P.L.A.Y. #LetsChangeTheGame challenge and how you can change the game. Check out this graphic for 10 ways you can make a difference and change the game!

* Join us and Let’s Change The Game – Take the #LetsChangeTheGame Challenge at: SpecialOlympics.org/LetsChangeTheGame

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

Feedback:

* Read or View What Other Listeners Like You Are Saying

Music Credits:

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

We want to hear from you! Join the Conversation and Send In your Feedback:

* CLICK HERE to call-in your Voicemail Feedback about the show or Email your comments to us: feedback[at]specialchronicles.com

* Join the Conversation on our Facebook Page, Tweet us on Twitter @SpecialCPodcast, or follow us on Instagram for the latest updates–Teaser Photos, Videos, and Other Sneak Peaks!

Connect with your host: 

* Daniel @podmandan on  Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Speaking Engagements: 

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 183, Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Sam and Katie Boland from the Williams syndrome community.  We discuss: Katie on the gifts of Williams syndrome; Williams syndrome Camps, music, & Fine Motor Skills; Family & Connections at Williams syndrome Conventions; Katie's joy of music; Impact on Williams syndrome community; Resources online to check … Continue reading SCP183: The Gifts of Williams syndrome

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 183, Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Sam and Katie Boland from the Williams syndrome community.  We discuss: Katie on the gifts of Williams syndrome; Williams syndrome Camps, music, & Fine Motor Skills; Family & Connections at Williams syndrome Conventions; Katie’s joy of music; Impact on Williams syndrome community; Resources online to check out; and much more!

“Although Williams syndrome offers its fair of challenges for Katie, I don’t think I can picture her any other way. I think the world will be a better place if there were more Katie Boland’s out there,” said Sam Boland

“People who have Williams syndrome are really good at using their words in music in how they feel,” said Katie Boland

Featured Links mentioned:

* Williams Syndrome Association | WSA Camps | WSA Convention

* Check out the WSA YouTube channel for informative videos on Williams syndrome

#LetsChangeTheGame segment:

* We talk about P.L.A.Y. #LetsChangeTheGame challenge and how you can change the game. Check out this graphic for 10 ways you can make a difference and change the game!

* Join us and Let’s Change The Game – Take the #LetsChangeTheGame Challenge at: SpecialOlympics.org/LetsChangeTheGame

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

Feedback:

* Read or View What Other Listeners Like You Are Saying

Music Credits:

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

We want to hear from you! Join the Conversation and Send In your Feedback:

* CLICK HERE to call-in your Voicemail Feedback about the show or Email your comments to us: feedback[at]specialchronicles.com

* Join the Conversation on our Facebook Page, Tweet us on Twitter @SpecialCPodcast, or follow us on Instagram for the latest updates–Teaser Photos, Videos, and Other Sneak Peaks!

Connect with your host: 

* Daniel @podmandan on  Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 182, Daniel Smrokowski is podcasting live from the 2016 Believe & Achieve Banquet in celebration of SEASPAR's 40th anniversary.  Tune-in to hear from participants, staff, and all those involved as we look back at SEASPAR's 40th anniversary and discover the impact that SEASPAR as on the community. Guests on this live episode: … Continue reading SCP182: Celebrating SEASPAR’s 40th LIVE From 2016 Believe & Achieve Banquet

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 182, Daniel Smrokowski is podcasting live from the 2016 Believe & Achieve Banquet in celebration of SEASPAR’s 40th anniversary.  Tune-in to hear from participants, staff, and all those involved as we look back at SEASPAR’s 40th anniversary and discover the impact that SEASPAR as on the community.

Guests on this live episode:

*  Greg Pavesich, recreation coordinator at SEASPAR

* Renne V., participant

* Emily L., participant and went to the same high school as Daniel

* Jim Kauz (dad) and Carly Kauz (participant)

* Morris Botries, participant

* Jennifer G.

* Sara Reggi, participant

* Laura and Christina, from the Actors Guide program at SEASPAR

* Jill Zezuck – son Riley is a participant, recommends FAST, resource for the Angleman syndrome community

* Jeff Penan and Jay from the Downers Grove Park District

Featured Links mentioned:

* SEASPAR – Special Parks & Recreation

* View photos from the banquet (By SEASPAR/ Flickr)

* Jazz music provided by Downers Grove North High School Jazz Ensemble

#LetsChangeTheGame segment:

* We talk about P.L.A.Y. #LetsChangeTheGame challenge and how you can change the game. Check out this graphic for 10 ways you can make a difference and change the game!

* Join us and Let’s Change The Game – Take the #LetsChangeTheGame Challenge at: SpecialOlympics.org/LetsChangeTheGame

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

Feedback:

* Read or View What Other Listeners Like You Are Saying

Music Credits:

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

We want to hear from you! Join the Conversation and Send In your Feedback:

* CLICK HERE to call-in your Voicemail Feedback about the show or Email your comments to us: feedback[at]specialchronicles.com

* Join the Conversation on our Facebook Page, Tweet us on Twitter @SpecialCPodcast, or follow us on Instagram for the latest updates–Teaser Photos, Videos, and Other Sneak Peaks!

Connect with your host: 

* Daniel @podmandan on  Facebook, 

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 181, Daniel Smrokowski brings you to the Chicago Premiere of the documentary film Kelly's Hollywood.  Tune-in for a LIVE Q&A as director Brian Donovan discuss his film and answers audience questions after the showing of his film. Featured Links mentioned: Learn more about the film Kelly's Hollywood at kellyshollywood.com, on Facebook and Twitter Hear Brian discuss … Continue reading SCP181: LIVE From Kelly’s Hollywood Chicago Premiere

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 181, Daniel Smrokowski brings you to the Chicago Premiere of the documentary film Kelly’s Hollywood.  Tune-in for a LIVE Q&A as director Brian Donovan discuss his film and answers audience questions after the showing of his film.

Featured Links mentioned:

* Learn more about the film Kelly’s Hollywood at kellyshollywood.com, on Facebook and Twitter

* Hear Brian discuss behind-the-scenes stories on SCP#167

* Brian’s recommendation: ChangingTheFaceofBeauty.org

#LetsChangeTheGame segment:

* We talk about P.L.A.Y. #LetsChangeTheGame challenge and how you can change the game. Check out this graphic for 10 ways you can make a difference and change the game!

* Join us and Let’s Change The Game – Take the #LetsChangeTheGame Challenge at: SpecialOlympics.org/LetsChangeTheGame

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

Feedback:

* Read or View What Other Listeners Like You Are Saying

Music Credits:

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

We want to hear from you! Join the Conversation and Send In your Feedback:

* CLICK HERE to call-in your Voicemail Feedback about the show or Email your comments to us: feedback[at]specialchronicles.com

* Join the Conversation on our Facebook Page, Tweet us on Twitter @SpecialCPodcast, or follow us on Instagram for the latest updates–Teaser Photos, Videos, and Other Sneak Peaks!

Connect with your host: 

* Daniel @podmandan on  Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Speaking Engagements: 

Book Daniel To Speak about Overcoming Obstacles, Special Olympics, Spread the Word to End the Word, or the power of using new media!

SPONSORS:

* This Episode and our podcasting equipment is brought to you by Listeners...

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 180, Daniel Smrokowski and friends are podcasting live from Springfield, Illinois for the first-ever 2016 Capitol Day for Special Olympics Illinois.  Tune-in as we recount our adventures of meeting with Governor Bruce Rauner and legislators as we advocate on how the movement of Special Olympics impacts our lives. Plus, news on Daniel's … Continue reading SCP180: LIVE From Springfield at 2016 Capitol Day for Special Olympics Illinois

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 180, Daniel Smrokowski and friends are podcasting live from Springfield, Illinois for the first-ever 2016 Capitol Day for Special Olympics Illinois.  Tune-in as we recount our adventures of meeting with Governor Bruce Rauner and legislators as we advocate on how the movement of Special Olympics impacts our lives.

Plus, news on Daniel’s Special Voices Column and the Illinois Press Association, and Laura Baumgardner teacher at Pontiac Township High School calls-in about Spread the Word to End the Word, and much more!

Guests on today’s live episode: Kristen, Kaylee, Samuel, Eric, Nick, Steve, and we conclude with the presentation program at the reception held at the Pasfield House in Springfield, IL.

* Check out photos on social media using the hashtag #SOILLCapitolDay on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter

* Live Streams on Facebook from the 2016 Capitol Day Reception: 

* Meet & Greet at reception  |  Program at reception

News:

* Daniel’s “Special Voices” column in the Bugle newspapers placed in the top 3 for “Best Original Column” in the 2015 Illinois Press Association competition.  Award received by June 10, 2016.

* “Take a Stand, End the Word” – March 2015

* “Down Syndrome Awareness Day Celebrate Abilities, Overcoming Challenges” – April 2015

* “Special Olympics Global Messengers Educate, Inspire” – May 2015

* “The World Came To Celebrate” – August 2015

* “Changing The Game . . . The ADA at 25” – September 2015

#LetsChangeTheGame segment:

* We talk about P.L.A.Y. #LetsChangeTheGame challenge and how you can change the game. Check out this graphic for 10 ways you can make a difference and change the game!

* Join us and Let’s Change The Game – Take the #LetsChangeTheGame Challenge at: SpecialOlympics.org/LetsChangeTheGame

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

Feedback:

* Read or View What Other Listeners Like You Are Saying

Music Credits:

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

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 179, Daniel Smrokowski is podcasting live from the 2016 Illinois Miss Amazing event.  Tune-in to hear from participants with special needs, their buddies, volunteers, Miss Amazing staff, and supporters of this event.  Hear all about this inclusive, unified, and amazing event and the benefits this organization has for girls and women with … Continue reading SCP179: LIVE From 2016 Illinois Miss Amazing