Arts & Entertainment

Podcast Featuring John's Crazy Socks Of Long Island Returns For 2nd Season

John, who has Down syndrome, founded John's Crazy Socks. The "Spreading Happiness Podcast" is meant to make people smile, his father said.

Mark X. (left) and John Cronin, co-hosts of the "Spreading Happiness Podcast," recently launched the show's second season. The Cronins are the founders of John's Crazy Socks, a Farmingdale-based business.
Mark X. (left) and John Cronin, co-hosts of the "Spreading Happiness Podcast," recently launched the show's second season. The Cronins are the founders of John's Crazy Socks, a Farmingdale-based business. (John’s Crazy Socks)

FARMINGDALE, NY — Mark X. and John Cronin, the father and son duo behind John's Crazy Socks, announced the second season of their "Spreading Happiness Podcast."

The family says the new season is "bigger, better, and happier than ever," according to a news release. New 30-minute episodes drop every Tuesday.

"Get ready for another round of laughs, heartwarming stories, and all the joy you’ve come to expect from John and Mark," Mark wrote in a news release.

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The show can be found on all major podcast platforms, or people can watch the video version on the John’s Crazy Socks YouTube channel.

"We have a mission to spread happiness and that is what we do with our podcast," said John Cronin, co-founder of John’s Crazy Socks and the podcast's star. "I want to make people happy."

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Mark said he and John are always looking to learn and improve the podcast. After the first season of their podcast, which they called a success, they took a "long hiatus" to examine what worked and what did not.

Season two builds on the success of the first season, where the family connected with listeners around the globe who embraced John's Crazy Socks mission of spreading happiness. The two will continue to share fun stories, witty banter and inspiring moments in life and in business.

John’s passion and energy are contagious, Mark said, while he plans to showcase his warm humor and business world insights.

"John is a trailblazer," Mark said. "He may be the only person with Down syndrome leading his own podcast."

John is an entrepreneur, author, public speaker and a person with Down syndrome. His Down syndrome does not define or limit John, Mark said. John always says, "I have Down syndrome, but Down syndrome never holds me back."

John and Mark strive to offer a "unique perspective" and always find warmth and humor in their subject matter. Much of the conversation focuses on showing what people with differing abilities can do when given an opportunity.

The show also features:

  • Business of the Week: Every week, the podcast shines a spotlight on a business owned, led by, or focused on people with differing abilities. In this season, the show is featuring companies like Collettey’s Cookies, Blake’s Snow Shack, and Spectrum Design. These stories highlight the talents of people making a difference in their communities and show what inclusion looks like in the business world.
  • Good News Story of the Week: "There’s enough tragedy and sadness in the world, so we make sure to share a feel-good news story each week," Mark said. The show will be sharing inspiring accomplishments of people with differing abilities, from athletes and beauty queens to entrepreneurs. These moments aim to remind audience members that no challenge is too big to overcome.
  • John’s Jokes: A fan favorite, John delivers his signature jokes in every episode. The duo promises viewers that they won’t be able to hold back the laughter. Mark may groan over some of John’s jokes, he said, but listeners love them.

"Whether you’re looking for a podcast to start your day with positivity or something to brighten your afternoon, the 'Spreading Happiness Podcast' has it all," the team wrote. "John and Mark’s chemistry is infectious, and you’ll quickly feel like part of their family."

They share stories from their travels, their day-to-day lives, and, of course, the behind-the-scenes adventures at John’s Crazy Socks. The hosts hope that people who listen will feel happy, inspired, energized and motivated.

"You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll definitely feel happy," Mark said. "We’re just two guys who love sharing happiness, and we’re grateful for everyone who tunes in."

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