Special Chronicles Podcast

Special Chronicles Network

Award‑winning advocate Daniel Smrokowski shares disability stories from an insider’s perspective. As a person with special needs himself, “PodmanDan” brings heart, humor, and lived experience to every conversation. Special Chronicles is your weekly guide to joy, acceptance, and inclusive storytelling.

  1. 1d ago

    Best of IAH Service Ambassadors Celebrating 5 Years of Service, Inclusion & Impact | Unified at Work Series S7:E9

    On this Season 7, Episode 9 of Unified at Work: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series, join us on this special Best Of episode as we celebrate five years of impact, growth, and inclusion.  Hear empowering stories and memorable moments from United Airlines' Houston Service Ambassadors as they celebrate their 5 year work anniversary, and discover how inclusive employment continues to transform lives, strengthen teams, and create opportunities for all. Episode 870 ShowNotes & Links: Listen to full episodes of the Houston SOSA's here Get involved with Special Olympics Texas or Find Special Olympics Near You Connect with Special Chronicles: ✈Meet the SOSAs - Learn more+Conversations Series with United's Service Ambassadors 🏢Follow our Unified at Work Series for more conversations on inclusive employment 🎧 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 ❤️ Unlock Bonus Content. Support Inclusive Storytelling. Make an Impact. Join Special Chronicles+ PLUS for bonus content and support our mission. 👕 Shop our‘Disabled Voices Matter’ Merch 📱 Follow us on socials: @SpecialChronicles 📰 Subscribe to our 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. About Our Team: Daniel Smrokowski, Founder Darian Packard, Content Producer Adam Smrokowski, Business Manager Georgia Hunter, Senior Advisor Linda Smrokowski, Copy Editor

  2. 2d ago

    Best of DEN Service Ambassadors Celebrating 5 Years of Inclusion, Impact & Teamwork | Unified at Work Series S7:E8

    On this Season 7, Episode 8 of Unified at Work: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series, join us on this special Best Of episode as we celebrate five years of impact, growth, and inclusion.  Hear empowering stories and memorable moments from United Airlines' Denver Service Ambassadors as they celebrate their 5 year work anniversary, and discover how inclusive employment continues to transform lives, strengthen teams, and create opportunities for all. Episode 869 ShowNotes & Links: Listen to full episodes of the Denver SOSA's here Get involved with Special Olympics Colorado or Find Special Olympics Near You Connect with Special Chronicles: ✈Meet the SOSAs - Learn more+Conversations Series with United's Service Ambassadors 🏢Follow our Unified at Work Series for more conversations on inclusive employment 🎧 Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast wherever you get your podcasts [powerpress] ⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite app 📺 Watch full episodes (video) on YouTube ❤️ Unlock Bonus Content. Support Inclusive Storytelling. Make an Impact. Join Special Chronicles+ PLUS for bonus content and support our mission. 👕 Shop our‘Disabled Voices Matter’ Merch 📱 Follow us on socials: @SpecialChronicles 📰 Subscribe to our 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. About Our Team: Daniel Smrokowski, Founder Darian Packard, Content Producer Adam Smrokowski, Business Manager Georgia Hunter, Senior Advisor Linda Smrokowski, Copy Editor

  3. 3d ago

    On The Job with Ryan Musciotto, EWR | Unified at Work Series S7:E7

    On this Season 7, Episode 7 of Unified at Work: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series, join us as we go on the job with Ryan Musciotto, a United Airlines Service Ambassador at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and a Special Olympics New Jersey Athlete Leader.  Ryan shares his journey in Special Olympics, his path to inclusive employment at United Airlines, lessons learned through Athlete Leadership, highlights from the 2026 SOSA Summit, and what it's like helping customers every day at one of the nation's busiest airports. Plus, Ryan reflects on the power of inclusion and making a difference through meaningful work. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 3:00 Journey in Special Olympics 7:00 Becoming a United Airlines Service Ambassador Watch this full episode on YouTube Episode 868 ShowNotes & Links: Get involved with Special Olympics New Jersey or Find Special Olympics Near You Connect with Special Chronicles: ✈Meet the SOSAs - Learn more+Conversations Series with United's Service Ambassadors 🏢Follow our Unified at Work Series for more conversations on inclusive employment 🎧 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 ❤️ Unlock Bonus Content. Support Inclusive Storytelling. Make an Impact. Join Special Chronicles+ PLUS for bonus content and support our mission. 👕 Shop our‘Disabled Voices Matter’ Merch 📱 Follow us on socials: @SpecialChronicles 📰 Subscribe to our 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. About Our Team: Daniel Smrokowski, Founder Darian Packard, Content Producer Adam Smrokowski, Business Manager Georgia Hunter, Senior Advisor Linda Smrokowski, Copy Editor

  4. 3d ago

    On The Job with Daniel Block, EWR | Unified at Work Series S7:E6

    On this Season 7, Episode 6 of Unified at Work: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series, join us as we go on the job with Daniel Block, a United Airlines Service Ambassador at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and the first Special Olympics New York Athlete Leader to be a Service Ambassador at at United!  Daniel shares his journey in Special Olympics, his path to inclusive employment at United Airlines, lessons learned through Athlete Leadership, highlights from the 2026 SOSA Summit, and what it's like helping customers every day at one of the nation's busiest airports. Plus, Daniel reflects on the power of inclusion and making a difference through meaningful work. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 4:15 Journey in Special Olympics 9:00 Becoming a United Airlines Service Ambassador Watch this full episode on YouTube Episode 867 ShowNotes & Links: Listen to Daniel Block's previous appearance on this podcast to hear more of his story as a Soccer Official Get involved with Special Olympics New York or Find Special Olympics Near You Connect with Special Chronicles: ✈Meet the SOSAs - Learn more+Conversations Series with United's Service Ambassadors 🏢Follow our Unified at Work Series for more conversations on inclusive employment 🎧 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 ❤️ Unlock Bonus Content. Support Inclusive Storytelling. Make an Impact. Join Special Chronicles+ PLUS for bonus content and support our mission. 👕 Shop our‘Disabled Voices Matter’ Merch 📱 Follow us on socials: @SpecialChronicles 📰 Subscribe to our 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. About Our Team: Daniel Smrokowski, Founder Darian Packard, Content Producer Adam Smrokowski, Business Manager Georgia Hunter, Senior Advisor Linda Smrokowski, Copy Editor

  5. 4d ago

    On The Job with Robert "Bobby" Fredericks Jr., EWR | Unified at Work Series S7:E5

    On this Season 7, Episode 5 of Unified at Work: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series, join us as we go on the job with Robert "Bobby" Fredericks Jr., a United Airlines Service Ambassador at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Special Olympics New Jersey Athlete Leader.  Bobby shares his journey in Special Olympics, his path to inclusive employment at United Airlines, lessons learned through Athlete Leadership, highlights from the 2026 SOSA Summit, and what it's like helping customers every day at one of the nation's busiest airports. Plus, Bobby reflects on the power of inclusion and making a difference through meaningful work. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 4:45 Journey in Special Olympics  15:00 Becoming a United Airlines Service Ambassador Watch this full episode on YouTube here Episode 866 ShowNotes & Links: Subscribe to Bobby’s YouTube Channel  Episode Twelve: Agents of Inclusion on Special Olympics YouTube channel to hear Bobby talking about the Lincoln Tunnel Challenge Get involved with Special Olympics New Jersey or Find Special Olympics Near You Connect with Special Chronicles: ✈Meet the SOSAs - Learn more+Conversations Series with United's Service Ambassadors 🏢Follow our Unified at Work Series for more conversations on inclusive employment 🎧 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 ❤️ Unlock Bonus Content. Support Inclusive Storytelling. Make an Impact. Join Special Chronicles+ PLUS today for bonus content and support our mission. 👕 Shop our‘Disabled Voices Matter’ Merch 📱 Follow us on socials: @SpecialChronicles 📰 Subscribe to our 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. About Our Team: Daniel Smrokowski, Founder Darian Packard, Content Producer Adam Smrokowski, Business Manager Georgia Hunter, Senior Advisor Linda Smrokowski, Copy Editor

  6. Sep 29

    Discerning An Audience | Unified at Work Series S7:E4

    On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's  Unified at Work Series Season 7, Episode 4, Host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Jimi Allen, founder of TalkLab and agency owner of Bureau Gravity, for a conversation rooted in connection, creativity, and inclusion. Jimi shares the story of how he became a longtime listener and follower of Special Chronicles, how he and Daniel first connected, and why disability storytelling has shaped his approach to leadership and communication. Together, they explore the importance of discerning the Disability Storytelling Audience — understanding who listens, who learns, and how authentic narratives can drive meaningful employment and workplace inclusion. This episode is a thoughtful look at the intersection of storytelling, advocacy, and the future of inclusive employment. Episode 865 ShowNotes & Links: Connect with Jimi Allen on LinkedIn Learn more about Bureau Gravity Connect with Special Chronicles: 🏢Follow our Unified at Work Series for more conversations on inclusive employment 🎧 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 ❤️ Unlock Bonus Content. Support Inclusive Storytelling. Make an Impact. Join Special Chronicles+ PLUS today for bonus content and support for our mission. 👕 Shop our‘Disabled Voices Matter’ Merch 📱 Follow us on socials: @SpecialChronicles 📰 Subscribe to our 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. About Our Team: Daniel Smrokowski, Founder Darian Packard, Content Producer Adam Smrokowski, Business Manager Linda Smrokowski, Copy Editor Georgia Hunter, Senior Advisor to the Founder Click here to meet our team

  7. Sep 21

    Innersense Beauty and Joyful Leadership with Joanne & Morgan Starkman | Unified at Work Series S7:E3

    On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's  Unified at Work Series Season 7, Episode 3, Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Joanne Starkman, co‑founder of Innersense Organic Beauty, and her daughter Morgan Starkman Starkman, the company’s beloved Director of Joy. This heart‑centered conversation explores how Innersense is raising clean hair care to a higher standard through ingredient integrity, responsible packaging, and planet‑first sustainability — all while giving back to organizations that create meaningful change. As a Certified B Corp, Innersense donated over $400,000 to nonprofits in 2023 and continues to push for legislation that improves the beauty industry. We also celebrate Williams Syndrome Awareness Month, a cause close to the Starkman family. Morgan, who has Williams syndrome, shares her inspiring journey, her role supporting salons around the world, and her creative collaboration with Outshine Labels — where 100% of profits from her designs support the Williams Syndrome Association. Listeners will hear about Morgan’s joyful leadership, her mantra “Be happy. Be kind. Be you.”, her love for family and nature, and the inclusive culture she helps shape at Innersense. This episode is a celebration of inclusion, meaningful work, and the belief that caring for your hair — and the world around you — begins with trusting your inner sense. Watch this full episode on YouTube Episode 864 ShowNotes & Links: •  Innersense Organic Beauty • People and Planet  • 2025 Impact Report  • Philanthropic Organizations We Give Back To • Williams Syndrome Association • Morgan’s store on Outshine Labels • Meet Morgan, Director of Joy  • Trust Your Innersense ™  with Joanne Starkman Podcast 72 - BONUS Exclusive: Restore Your Hair, Restore Your Spirit Meditation Connect with Special Chronicles: 🏢Follow our Unified at Work Series for more conversations on inclusive employment 🎧 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 ❤️ Unlock Bonus Content. Support Inclusive Storytelling. Make an Impact. Join Special Chronicles+ PLUS today for bonus content and support our mission. 👕 Shop our‘Disabled Voices Matter’ Merch 📱 Follow us on socials: @SpecialChronicles 📰 Subscribe to our 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. About Our Team: Daniel Smrokowski, Founder Darian Packard, Content Producer Adam Smrokowski, Business Manager Linda Smrokowski, Copy Editor Georgia Hunter, Co-Host Georgia and Daniel Show Click here to meet our team

  8. Sep 14

    Future of Inclusive Employment with Bill Dwyer of Helping Hand | Unified at Work Series S7:E2

    On this Season 7, Episode 2 of Unified at Work: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series, we feature a re‑released excerpt from our 2025 conversation with Bill Dwyer, CEO of Helping Hand, joining host Daniel Smrokowski to discuss the future of meaningful employment for people with intellectual disabilities. Together, they explore how High School Transition pathways, inclusive work initiatives, and inclusive hiring practices can transform workplaces and open doors to long‑term career success. Whether you’re an employer, educator, advocate, or ally, this episode offers actionable insights on building environments where everyone can contribute and belong. Click here to watch this full episode on YouTube Episode 863 ShowNotes & Links: Connect with Helping Hand at: helpinghand-il.org Tune in to past episodes with Bill Dwyer, CEO of Helping Hand Follow our Unified at Work Series for more conversations in inclusive employment 🎧 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 independent media with Special Chronicles+ PLUS and enjoy perks like bonus content. Your PLUS membership helps us continue producing inclusive stories elevating disability voices, and creating meaningful conversations weekly. Special Chronicles+ PLUS is more than monus content -- it's a way to support the mission and be part of the community that keeps these stories alive. Join Now starting at $10/month and learn more at: specialchronicles.com/PLUS 👕 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. About Our Team: Daniel Smrokowski, Founder Darian Packard, Content Producer Adam Smrokowski, Business Manager Linda Smrokowski, Copy Editor Georgia Hunter, Co-Host Georgia and Daniel Show Meet our team here

Trailer

4.8
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Award‑winning advocate Daniel Smrokowski shares disability stories from an insider’s perspective. As a person with special needs himself, “PodmanDan” brings heart, humor, and lived experience to every conversation. Special Chronicles is your weekly guide to joy, acceptance, and inclusive storytelling.

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