Special Chronicles Podcast

Special Chronicles Network
  • 4.8 (16)
  • Personal Journals
  • Weekly

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

    Preparing for State: Lessons from Special Olympics Bocce Coach

    On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, athletes with intellectual disabilities prepare for the 2026 Special Olympics Illinois State Bocce Tournament, Host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with his Special Olympics bocce coach to reflect on the season, discuss coaching philosophy, and share how athletes are developing leadership skills both on and off the court. In this conversation, you'll hear about the team's journey to State, why athletes have been serving as referees during practice to deepen their understanding of the sport, and the coaching adjustments made just days before competition to improve performance and confidence. Plus, stay tuned for a special Bocce Training Overview, originally produced by Daniel as his activation project for the Athlete Leadership University Event Leader Class. Created to help volunteers learn the rules and fundamentals of bocce, the training offers a helpful introduction to the sport for athletes, volunteers, coaches, and fans alike. Watch this full episode on YouTube to see us give commentary on a few of our team's best bocce frames! Episode 872 ShowNotes & Links: Learn more about the State Bocce Tournament - Special Olympics Illinois | Nov7, 2026 | Springfield Watch the Bocce Video-Written/Produced/Hosted by Daniel Smrokowski Learn more about SEASPAR - Special Recreation Association Connect with Special Chronicles: 🎧 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. 6d ago

    Inclusion Takes Flight with David Kinzelman, Chief Customer Officer at United Airlines | Unified at Work Series Season 7 Finale

    On this Season 7 Finale episode of Unified at Work: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series, We're coming to you live from the United Airlines Global Headquarters for a special conversation with David Kinzelman, Chief Customer Officer at United Airlines. Learn how leadership, customer experience, and inclusion come together to create opportunities and build a stronger workplace culture for all. From the frontline to the executive level, this inspiring conversation highlights why inclusion matters and how it helps organizations soar. 🎧 Don't miss this special Season 7 Finale! Click to watch this full episode on YouTube, recorded from United Airlines HQ Willis Tower in Chicago! This episode was originally released in 27 October 2025. Episode 871 ShowNotes & Links:   Learn more about United's Bridge Disability Business Resource Group and accessibility ✈Meet the SOSAs - Learn more+Conversations Series with United's Service Ambassadors   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 [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. Oct 29

    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

  4. Oct 28

    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

  5. Oct 27

    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

  6. Oct 26

    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

  7. Oct 25

    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

  8. 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

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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Special Chronicles Network
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    200
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 By Special Chronicles. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Special Chronicles Podcast

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