Spread the Word: Words Matter

In this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, Daniel Smrokowski welcomes back Athlete Leader and advocate Amanda Harrinauth to discuss the Spread the Word campaign and this year’s theme: Words Matter. Amanda shares the personal story behind her article about transforming the R-word into respect, reflecting on how language impacts dignity, belonging, and inclusion. Through honest conversation, poetry, and lived experience, she explains why choosing respectful words is essential — and how listeners can become allies in everyday life. This episode is a heartfelt call to action to replace stigma with understanding and help build a world where every voice is valued. Chapter Markers: 00:00 Opening + Personal Stories 15:00 The Harm of the R-Word 26:45 Influences + Leadership 36:00 Spread The Word Campaign - Words Matter 45:00 Amanda's Letter to the R-Word 49:00 Closing Reflection Take the Spread the Word Pledge at: https://SpecialChronicles.com/PLEDGE Learn more about Spread the Word campaign: https://www.spreadtheword.global Listen to more episodes in our Spread The Word Series: http://specialchronicles.com/SpreadTheWord Spread the Word Day is March 4, 2026. Access Your Guide to Spread the Word Day--podcasts, columns, and the pledge HERE: http://specialchronicles.com/SpreadTheWordGuide For full show notes, to stream more episodes on demand, and to subscribe to the Special Chronicles Podcast, visit https://SpecialChronicles.com/Podcast823 and listen anytime on your favorite podcast apps. Follow us on Socials: https://instagram.com/specialchronicles https://facebook.com/specialchronicles https://www.linkedin.com/company/special-chronicles/ https://youtube.com/@specialchronicles/podcasts Newsletter: https://specialchronicles.com/newsletter Support This Podcast: https://specialchronicles.com/donate 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: https://specialchronicles.com/DanielSmrokowski Discover Daniel’s Story – Listen here: https://specialchronicles.com/DanPod The post Spread the Word: Words Matter | Ep.823 first appeared on Special Chronicles.