In this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Maegan Duffy, Director of Operations for the Hellcat Group, a Jersey Mike’s franchise organization deeply involved in the Month and Day of Giving supporting Special Olympics.

Each year, Jersey Mike’s donates 100% of sales on the Day of Giving — fueling more opportunities for Special Olympics athletes, expanding Unified programs, and strengthening inclusive communities. Maegan shares what this campaign looks like behind the scenes, how her teams prepare across multiple stores, and why this partnership continues to grow nationwide.

A powerful conversation about leadership, community, and the impact of generosity — one sub at a time.

Chapter Markers: 00:00 About the partnership Jersey Mike's + Special Olympics 06:45 Maegan's role + Leadership 11:30 Impact on athletes + communities 17:00 Behind the Scenes at Jersey Mike's Day of Giving 21:00 Community Engagement 24:20 Call to Action 28:00 Personal Reflections

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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

Author Nancy Goodfellow returns to the Special Chronicles Podcast for an encore conversation celebrating the March release of her new novel, Special, and World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st.

Host Daniel Smrokowski and Nancy explore the story of Madison and Meg—two junior high friends navigating grief, growing up, and disability awareness. Meg, who has Down syndrome, brings joy and resilience to the narrative, while Madison’s journey highlights the power of supportive friendships.

This episode dives into why inclusive stories matter, how Special fosters empathy for young readers, and the importance of authentic disability representation.

Tap play to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, discover a heartfelt new book, and join us in amplifying voices that make our world more inclusive.

This episode originally Aired on November 3, 2025

Order your copy of SPECIAL at: Anderson’s Bookstore or Amazon

Connect with Nancy F. Goodfellow at: NancyFGoodfellow.com

🎧 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

Hear how local officers champion inclusion through the Law Enforcement Torch Run, why the Polar Plunge has become a beloved tradition, and the powerful impact it has on athletes with intellectual disabilities. From funny Plunge stories to heartfelt reflections, this episode highlights what happens when a community comes together for a cause that truly matters.

Whether you’re a longtime supporter or thinking about taking the Plunge for the first time, this conversation will inspire you to be bold, be brave, and be cool — all while supporting a more inclusive world.

🐻‍❄ Click here to support our 2026 Polar Plunge!

🎧 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

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

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