Special Chronicles Podcast

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 191, Daniel Smrokowski is podcasting live from the 2016 National Association For Down Syndrome (NADS) Next Steps Conference.  Tune-in as we continue to feature fun conversations with Ali and David from GiGi’s Playhouse Hugs&Mugs; Shepherds College; Buddy Cruise; Special Sparkle Jewelry Company; Dr. Kathleen Murray author of “Count It All Joy: Lessons From a Child with Special Needs”; and many more guests in part 2 of our live podcast from the NADS2016 Conference!

[Podcaster’s Note: Fast forward to any of the time marks below to hear a segment from one of our featured guests.]

Featured Links mentioned:

Tune-in as we hear from: Ali and David from GiGi’s Playhouse Hugs&Mugs as Ali shares with his about the one-of-a-kind unique mugs that she is creating as the featured artist; GiGi University; #GenerationG; and much more! [Starts at 7:15]

* GiGi’s Playhouse – Down syndrome Achievement Centers | educate. inspire. believe.

Hugs & Mugs | GiGi University | #GenerationG |

Facebook: @GiGisPlayhouse | Twitter: @GiGis_Playhouse | Instagram: @GiGisPlayhouse |

YouTube: @GiGisPlayhouse  | Pinterest: @GiGisPlayhouse | GooglePlus: @GigisPlayhouse

Tune-in as Chris Wright, director of admissions and financial aide at Shepherds College talks all about this country’s leading three-year post-secondary educational program for people with intellectual disabilities that is located in Wisconsin! [Starts at 13:20]

* shepherdscollege.edu | Facebook: @ShepherdsCollege | Twitter: @ShepherdsCollge |

Pinterest: @ShepherdsCollge

Listen in as Margret and her dad Mike Thomas discuss the upcoming Buddy Cruise for families, friends, and those with special needs. [Starts at 20:45]

* BuddyCruise.org to learn more and book next cruise!

Tune-in as Karen and Kelly Neville discuss their Special Sparkle jewelry company and how Kelly’s dream came true in running her own business. [Starts at 26:00]

* SpecialSparkle.com to get your special sparkle handmade jewelry gift!

Finally, we talk with Dr. Kathleen Murray, author of the book Count It All Joy: Life’s Lessons From a Child with Special Needs. [Starts at 30:00]

* DrKathleenMurray.com to learn more and pick up your copy today!

#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!

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 190, Daniel Smrokowski is podcasting live from the 2016 National Association For Down Syndrome (NADS) Next Steps Conference.  Tune-in as we feature fun conversations with Sarah Hart Weir from the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS); Marcus and Mardra Sikora from the Black Day Book; Lexi and Sandy from Specs4Us; and many more … Continue reading SCP190: LIVE at NADS2016 Conference (Part 1)

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 190, Daniel Smrokowski is podcasting live from the 2016 National Association For Down Syndrome (NADS) Next Steps Conference.  Tune-in as we feature fun conversations with Sarah Hart Weir from the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS); Marcus and Mardra Sikora from the Black Day Book; Lexi and Sandy from Specs4Us; and many more guests in part 1 of our live podcast from the NADS2016 Conference!

[Podcaster’s Note: Fast forward to any of the time marks below to hear a segment from one of our featured guests.]

Featured Links mentioned:

Tune-in as we hear: Introductions to the conference from self-advocate Alex, NADS President Steve Connors, NADS Executive Director Diane Urhausen, self-advocate Bridget Brown, and Keynote Speaker Dr. Cathy DiVincenzo. [Starts at 6:30]

* National Association For Down Syndrome (NADS)

Facebook: @NADSFan | Twitter: @NADSChicago | Instagram: @NADSChicago

Then, we sit down with National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) President Sarah Hart Weir and talk about everything NDSS, Down Syndrome Awareness Month, NDSS new #DSWorks campaign, Able Act, Buddy Walks, #AdvocacyMatters, and much more!  [Starts at 17:30]

* National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) | #DSWorks | Buddy Walks

Facebook: @NDSS1979 | Twitter: @NDSS | Instagram: @NDSSorg | YouTube: @NDSSorg | Pinterest: @NDSSorg

* Sarah Hart Weir, MS – President of NDSS on Facebook: @SarahHartWeir | Twitter: @SarahHartWeir

We than sit down for a fun conversation with Marcus and Mardra Sikora.  Marcus was diagnosed with Down syndrome and is the author of “Black Day: The Monster Rock Band” and Mardra, his mom, is author of “The Parents Guide To Down Syndrome.  Marcus and Mardra talk to us about their books and advocacy work. [Starts at 42:15]

* Mardra Sikora: Author, Speaker, and Advocate for and with her adult son, Marcus – mardrasikora.com | Book: The Parents Guide To Down Syndrome 

* Marcus Sikora: Down syndrome Self-Advocate – About Marcus | Twitter: @MarcusMusical | Facebook: @GrownUpAndDowns | Book: BlackDayBook.com

Finally, we sit down with Lexi and Sandi, who are representatives from Specs4Us.  This is a new superior precision eyewear company that specializes in frames designed to fit children and adults with Down Syndrome and others with special needs.  Lexi, Sandi, and Daniel discuss everything about what Specs4Us is about, their mission, and much more fun! (Tune-in to the Facebook Live stream to see the fun...

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 189, Daniel Smrokowski and Sarah Perkins co-host our new series covering SPEECHLESS, the new ABC Comedy sitcom that everyone is talking about.  Tune-in as they give discuss Season 1, Episode 2:  Listener Audio Feedback; their Scene-By-Scene Spoiler-filled Analysis; Themes; Aides and Challenge & Helping Someone; Physical Therapy and Ray; Adjusting to the New Aide; JJ Manager … Continue reading SCP189: Speechless S1 E02 N-E–NEW A-I-AIDE (The Butt Show) Commentary

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 189, Daniel Smrokowski and Sarah Perkins co-host our new series covering SPEECHLESS, the new ABC Comedy sitcom that everyone is talking about.  Tune-in as they give discuss Season 1, Episode 2:  Listener Audio Feedback; their Scene-By-Scene Spoiler-filled Analysis; Themes; Aides and Challenge & Helping Someone; Physical Therapy and Ray; Adjusting to the New Aide; JJ Manager of Cheerleaders and the Butt Section; The Book of JJ Instruction Manuel; Our Picks of The Week; and much more!

Featured Links mentioned:

* “A Special Voice For The Special Needs Community” By Billy Newton/ Blog of the Courtier

Our Picks of the Week – Special Needs Resources edition:

* Sarah: Handicap This!

* Daniel:

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 188, Daniel Smrokowski sits down with filmmaker John Asher, director of the upcoming movie "Po."  Tune-in as John shares with us about his backstory and his dad, William Asher a legendary filmmaker; How the movie project "Po" began; Inspiration for the film; Characters; What John already knew about autism; Cast and Crew … Continue reading SCP188: Behind The Movie Po (Part 1)

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 188, Daniel Smrokowski sits down with filmmaker John Asher, director of the upcoming movie “Po.”  Tune-in as John shares with us about his backstory and his dad, William Asher a legendary filmmaker; How the movie project “Po” began; Inspiration for the film; Characters; What John already knew about autism; Cast and Crew fathers of sons with autism; Response from viewers; the “Land of Color” in the film; Themes of Understanding, Educating, and Appreciating Autism Accuracy; Top Secret Insights in the movie; Where you can see this movie at upcoming Film Festivals; Stay Tuned in 2017 for Your Chance to Win 1 of 5 DVD’s of the movie “Po”; Plugging the film website and social media plugs; Final Thoughts; and much more!  Plus, we conclude today’s episode with some awesome, fun bloopers.

Featured Links mentioned:

* Learn more at themoviepo.com and Watch the Trailer right here on SpecialChronicles.com!

* Follow @TheMoviePo on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram (Film Festival dates are on Facebook page)

* Follow @DirectorAsher on Twitter and @DirectorJohnAsher on Instagram

#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<...

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 187, award-winning columnist Daniel Smrokowski and disability advocate Sarah Perkins co-host our new series covering SPEECHLESS, the new ABC Comedy series.  Tune-in as they give discuss Season 1, Episode 1 the series premiere pilot.  We discuss: Pre-Series Hype, the main Characters, meaning of the Series Title, Themes for the series, our Hopeful Predictions for … Continue reading SCP187: #Speechless S1 E01 Series Premiere P-I-PILOT Commentary

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 187, award-winning columnist Daniel Smrokowski and disability advocate Sarah Perkins co-host our new series covering SPEECHLESS, the new ABC Comedy series.  Tune-in as they give discuss Season 1, Episode 1 the series premiere pilot.  We discuss: Pre-Series Hype, the main Characters, meaning of the Series Title, Themes for the series, our Hopeful Predictions for the next episode and for the series, our Picks of the Weeks “special needs edition”, our social media plugs for connecting with your hosts, many spoilers, and much more!

Featured Links mentioned:

*  sarahkperkins.com

* “Micah Fowler of New Sitcom Speechless Speaks” By Aaron Broverman, New Mobility magazine

* “Why Minnie Driver Comedy ‘Speechless’ Isn’t an “Issue Show” , The Hollywood Reporter

* Speechless & Cerebral Palsy Foundation Facebook Video: ABC’s Speechless partners with Cerebral Palsy Foundation – Watch CPF’s CEO below:

* “ABC’s Speechless Hits My CP Sweet Spot!” – Watch comedian and cerebral palsy advocate Zach Anner review the pilot episode below:

https://

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7rQzpxS1Q4

Our Picks of the Week – Special Needs Resources edition:

* JohnWQuinn.com

* Reaching For The Stars foundation

* United Cerebral Palsy (UCP)

* Easter Seals

#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: 

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 186, Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Peggy Koutas, founder of Atypical Travel, a new travel agency for adults with special needs.  Tune-in to hear about the backstory of Atypical Travel, why Atypical began, thoughts on the term "diverse-abilities", first few recent trips and escorted disability adventures, reaction from participants and families, Where … Continue reading SCP186: Atypical Travel Adventures