Special Chronicles Podcast

Special Chronicles Network
Special Chronicles Podcast

Disabled Voices Matter! As an award-winning intellectual disability advocate and host of the Special Chronicles Podcast, Daniel Smrokowski tells special needs stories from an insider’s perspective. “PodmanDan” is himself a person with special needs. As your weekly guide to finding joy and acceptance, Special Chronicles offers entertaining and informational disability conversations.

  1. 3D AGO

    Spread The Word: Stand Up To Bullying

    On this rebroadcast episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast: Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Laura Hertzog from Minnesota who wrote the article "The Short Bus Stops At My House." This Week our focus of Spread The Word is to Stand Up To Bullying. Tune in to hear Laura talk about: Challenges her brother has; Why she wrote “The Short Bus Stops At My House”; Why Kids Make Fun of Short Bus?; Laura’s inspiration; Special Education and Standardized Tests- David and Daniel have similar stories; Beautiful part of her brother’s innocence; Her Brother’s Gifts/Abilities; Why Laura’s Mother Upholds Human Dignity and PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center; Laura’s Thoughts on ADA; “And the Short Bus Stopping At My House Was The Greatest Blessing” We think the world would be better if everyone were included. Around the world, exclusion and discrimination continue to divide people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are changing that with grassroots action for inclusion. That's Spread the Word. This year, you can engage and activate in multiple ways by choosing your focus: derogatory language, bullying or inclusive action. Visit SpreadTheWord.Global to access resources, sign the pledge, and grab your official gear. Together, let's create a more inclusive world! This episode originally aired on May 10, 2015 Episode 758 ShowNotes & Links 🎧 Listen on Special Chronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts  📺Watch on YouTube: Watch Full Episode Visit SpreadTheWord.Global to access resources, sign the pledge, and grab your official gear. Together, let's create a more inclusive world! Enjoy this episode? Tune in to Special Chronicles' Spread the Word Podcast Series to hear more conversations that focus on the Spread the Word campaign. Read Laura Hertzog's article "The Short Bus Stops At My House" Learn more about PACER's National Center of Bulling Prevention Support This Podcast: Click Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special Chronicles ➕Want bonus content? Join Now at SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS to Access our premium content 🛒Want our Merch? Visit SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP to shop our Disabled Voices Matter collection! 📱Follow Special Chronicles on Socials: @SpecialChronicles 📱Follow Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on Socials: @podmandan 📧Email: Send us a message here 💡Partner: ComEd ✈️Partner: United Airlines 📻Podcast Hosting:Podbean  📡Recording Studio: StreamYard 🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge Now! 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 the Podcast Host: Daniel Smrokowski Daniel Smrokowski is a well-known columnist and the founder and host of the award-winning podcast, Special Chronicles, which has released over 750 episodes over the last 15 years. In recognition of these many accomplishments, Daniel 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 HERE

    35 min
  2. MAR 3

    Spread The Word: Derogatory Language

    On this rebroadcast episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast: Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Soeren Palumbo, co-founder of Spread The Word, to talk about the Spread the Word Day of Activation this week on March 5th. This Week, our focus is on derogatory language. Tune in to a rebroadcast conversation with Soeren as he talks about: his backstory of growing up with his sister who has intellectual disabilities; why he co-founded this campaign; how he met Timbo Shriver; Importance of the r-word campaign; Backstory of article he and Tim co-authored entitled “Spread This: Be Good to People with Intellectual Disabilities”; Soeren’s thoughts on this year’s awareness day; Future of the r-word campaign; and much more! We think the world would be better if everyone were included. Around the world, exclusion and discrimination continue to divide people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are changing that with grassroots action for inclusion. That's Spread the Word. This year, you can engage and activate in multiple ways by choosing your focus: derogatory language, bullying or inclusive action. Visit SpreadTheWord.Global to access resources, sign the pledge, and grab your official gear. Together, let's create a more inclusive world! This episode originally aired on March 8, 2015 Episode 757 ShowNotes & Links: 🎧 Listen on Special Chronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts  📺Watch on YouTube: Watch Full Episode Visit SpreadTheWord.Global to access resources, sign the pledge, and grab your official gear. Together, let's create a more inclusive world! Enjoy this episode? Tune in to Special Chronicles' Spread the Word Podcast Series to hear more conversations that focus on the Spread the Word campaign. “Spread This: Be Good to People with Intellectual Disabilities” By Soeren Palumbo and Tim Shriver, Co-founders of  Spread the Word to End the Word, Source: The Huffington Post Support This Podcast: Click Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special Chronicles ➕Want bonus content? Join Now at SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS to Access our premium content 🛒Want our Merch? Visit SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP to shop our Disabled Voices Matter collection! 📱Follow Special Chronicles on Socials: @SpecialChronicles 📱Follow Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on Socials: @podmandan 📧Email: Send us a message here 💡Partner: ComEd ✈️Partner: United Airlines 📻Podcast Hosting:Podbean  📡Recording Studio: StreamYard 🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge Now! 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 the Podcast Host: Daniel Smrokowski is a well-known columnist and the founder and host of the award-winning podcast, Special Chronicles, which has released over 750 episodes over the last 15 years. In recognition of these many accomplishments, Daniel 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 HERE

    51 min
  3. FEB 24

    Conversation with Charlie Carpenter from Misericordia | EnergyForce Series S8:Pt2 | Ep.756

    On this rebroadcast episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's EnergyForce Series S8:Pt2: Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Charlie Carpenter, a ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador from Misericordia to talk about Charlie's Challenges and Accomplishments because of his disability; Being an EnergyForce Ambassador, a Real Passion of Music, and we chat about the Arts and Cultures Programs and enjoy swimming at Misericordia. This episode originally aired on October 16, 2023 Episode 756 ShowNotes & Links: 🎧 Listen on Special Chronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts  📺Watch on YouTube: Watch Full Episode Learn more about Misericordia This EnergyForce Series is brought to you by ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador Program Learn more (click HERE) about the ComEd EnergyForce Program Enjoyed this episode? Tune in to the past 7 seasons of our EnergyForce Series featuring educational lessons of energy and solar efficiency and conversations with ComEd EnergyForce Ambassadors. Support This Podcast: Click Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special Chronicles ➕Want bonus content? Join Now at SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS to Access our premium content 🛒Want our Merch? Visit SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP to shop our Disabled Voices Matter collection! 📱Follow Special Chronicles on Socials: @SpecialChronicles 📱Follow Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on Socials: @podmandan 📧Email: Send us a message here 💡Partner: ComEd ✈️Partner: United Airlines 📻Podcast Hosting:Podbean  📡Recording Studio: StreamYard 🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge Now! 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 the Podcast Host: Daniel Smrokowski is a well-known columnist and the founder and host of the award-winning podcast, Special Chronicles, which has released over 750 episodes over the last 15 years. In recognition of these many accomplishments, Daniel 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 HERE

    24 min
  4. FEB 17

    Be Cool. Take The Plunge | Ep.755

    On this rebroadcast episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast: Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Director of the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run Commander Bill Devine on the Special Chronicles Podcast to talk about how you can be cool and take the Polar Plunge in support of the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois. We talk about: What the Polar Plunge is and how long Bill has been plunging, Why so many are taking the plunge, History of the event’s 23 years of Polar Plunges, How you can Plunge Our Way or Your Way, Cool School Challenge, What it takes to be a plunger, and the impact of the Polar Plunge. This conversation with Bill will encourage you all to Be Cool and Take The Plunge in in support of the athletes of Special Olympics! This episode originally aired on January 31, 2022 Episode 755 ShowNotes & Links: 🎧 Listen on Special Chronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts  📺Watch on YouTube: Watch Full Episode Be Cool. Take The Polar Plunge Today! Register and Donate at: PlungeIllinois.com  Connect with Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run on Social: Facebook | Instagram  Connect with Special Olympics Illinois on Social: soill.org   Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Linkedin Support This Podcast: Click Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special Chronicles ➕Want bonus content? Join Now at SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS to Access our premium content 🛒Want our Merch? Visit SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP to shop our Disabled Voices Matter collection! 📱Follow Special Chronicles on Socials: @SpecialChronicles 📱Follow Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on Socials: @podmandan 📧Email: Send us a message here 💡Partner: ComEd ✈️Partner: United Airlines 📻Podcast Hosting:Podbean  📡Recording Studio: StreamYard 🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge Now! 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 the Podcast Host: Daniel Smrokowski is a well-known columnist and the founder and host of the award-winning podcast, Special Chronicles, which has released over 750 episodes over the last 15 years. In recognition of these many accomplishments, Daniel 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 HERE

    40 min
  5. FEB 10

    A Conversation with Pete Beale-Delvecchio, CEO Special Olympics Illinois | Ep.754

    On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast: Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Pete Beale-DelVecchio, President and CEO of Special Olympics Illinois to reflect on his first year and introduction to Special Olympics. We talk about his Accomplishments and Challenges, Leadership Style, Vision for future of Special Olympics Illinois, Inclusivity Goals, Program Highlights, Athlete Impact, Athlete Leadership, Voices, Community Engagement, and Corporate Partnerships. We look forward to his Future Goals, Challenges Ahead, Personal Growth, Memorable Moments, and Pete gives his advice for leaders stepping into a leadership role within a Special Olympics program. Episode 754 ShowNotes & Links: 🎧 Listen on Special Chronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts  📺Watch on YouTube: Watch Full Episode Get involved in Special Olympics Illinois: SOILL.org or Find Special Olympics Near You Special Olympics Illinois Volunteer Opportunities Follow Special Olympics Illinois on Socials: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Linkedin Support This Podcast: Click Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special Chronicles ➕Want bonus content? Join Now at SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS to Access our premium content 🛒Want our Merch? Visit SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP to shop our Disabled Voices Matter collection! 📱Follow Special Chronicles on Socials: @SpecialChronicles 📱Follow Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on Socials: @podmandan 📧Email: Send us a message here 💡Partner: ComEd ✈️Partner: United Airlines 📻Podcast Hosting:Podbean  📡Recording Studio: StreamYard 🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge Now! 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 the Podcast Host: Daniel Smrokowski is a well-known columnist and the founder and host of the award-winning podcast, Special Chronicles, which has released over 750 episodes over the last 15 years. In recognition of these many accomplishments, Daniel 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 HERE

    1h 7m
  6. FEB 3

    Hidden Disabilities Sunflower | Unified at Work Series S6:Pt2 | Ep.753

    On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's Unified at Work Series S6:Pt2: Paul White, CEO of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower sits down with Award-winning Podcaster Daniel Smrokowski for a thorough understanding of the Sunflower initiative, its importance for people with hidden disabilities, and tune in to the final segment for an exciting new development of the Sunflower Extra Cards! Creation and Inspiration of the Sunflower scheme, Personal and impactful stories from individuals with hidden disabilities, Sunflower helps address common misconceptions about hidden disabilities, Sunflower supports colleagues in workplace not just customers, Sunflower and Legos, Raising Awareness and Education, Sunflower scheme contributes to education in promoting inclusivity, and in looking ahead to the future, Paul announces the launch of the new Sunflower Extra Cards in using technology to tap card to any phone! Episode 753 ShowNotes & Links: 🎧 Listen on Special Chronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts  📺Watch on YouTube: Watch Full Episode Get your Sunflower lanyard and personal card at HDSunflower.com Enjoyed this episode? Listen the past five seasons of our Unified at Work Series to hear more conversations about the meaning of inclusive employment Support This Podcast: Click Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special Chronicles ➕Want bonus content? Join Now at SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS to Access our premium content 🛒Want our Merch? Visit SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP to shop our Disabled Voices Matter collection! 📱Follow Special Chronicles on Socials: @SpecialChronicles 📱Follow Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on Socials: @podmandan 📧Email: Send us feedback or a message here 💡Partner: ComEd ✈️Partner: United Airlines 📻Podcast Hosting:Podbean  📡Recording Studio: StreamYard 🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge Now! 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 the Podcast Host:  Daniel Smrokowski is a well-known columnist and the founder and host of the award-winning podcast, Special Chronicles, which has released over 750 episodes over the last 15 years. In recognition of these many accomplishments, Daniel 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 HERE

    1h 7m
  7. JAN 27

    Energy Savings 101 | EnergyForce Series S8:Pt1 | Ep.752

    On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's EnergyForce Series S8:Pt1: Join award-winning Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski as we kickoff our 8th year of partnership with the ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador Program with an updated educational presentation on energy and solar savings, energy efficiency tips, learn more about Electric Vehicles (EVs),  and we test your knowledge with an Energy Savings Quiz. Episode 752 ShowNotes & Links: Donate Now: Support Our 2025 Giving Campaign   🎧 Listen on Special Chronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts  📺Like watching your podcasts? Click here to see full episode Enjoyed this episode? Tune in to the past 7 seasons of our EnergyForce Series featuring educational lessons of energy and solar efficiency and conversations with ComEd EnergyForce Ambassadors. This EnergyForce Series is brought to you by ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador Program Learn more (click HERE) about the ComEd EnergyForce Program. Find Ways To Save (click HERE) – ​Save energy and money by taking advantage of these offerings and tools for your home. Support This Podcast: Click Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special Chronicles ➕Access our Bonus Premium Content: Join Now at SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS 🛒Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection Merch: SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP 📱Follow This Podcast on Socials: @SpecialChronicles 📱Follow Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on Socials: @podmandan 📧Email: Send us a message here 💡Partner: ComEd ✈️Partner: United Airlines 📻Podcast Hosting:Podbean  📡Recording Studio: StreamYard 🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge Now! 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. Sponsor Break Background Music:Puzzle by Roa Used with permission: Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream | Music promoted by Audio Library About the Podcast Host: Daniel Smrokowski is a well-known columnist and the founder and host of the award-winning podcast, Special Chronicles, which has released over 750 episodes over the last 15 years. In recognition of these many accomplishments, Daniel 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 HERE

    29 min
  8. JAN 20

    DanTalks: Knights of Columbus | Ep.751

    On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's DanTalks series: Join Award-winning Podcaster Daniel Smrokowski as he speaks to the Knights of Columbus about his story in Special Olympics and the many opportunities he has had because of Athlete Leadership, from being a former Sargent Shriver Global Messenger to his jobs of this podcasting platform and working at United Airlines. Tune in to hear the latest speech he's presented to the Knights of Columbus, thanking them for supporting Special Olympics Illinois. Episode 751 ShowNotes & Links: Donate Now: Support Our 2025 Giving Campaign 🎧 Listen on Special Chronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts  📺Like watching your podcasts? Click here to see full episode Enjoyed this episode? Tune in to our DanTalks series, an audio collection of speeches presented by acclaimed disability advocate and Award-winning Podcaster Daniel Smrokowski Get involved in Special Olympics Illinois or Find Special Olympics Near You Support This Podcast: Click Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special Chronicles ➕Want bonus content? Join Now at SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS to access our premium bonus content and support the podcast! 🛒Want our Merch? Visit SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP to shop our Disabled Voices Matter collection! 📱Follow This Podcast on Socials: @SpecialChronicles 📱Follow Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on Socials: @podmandan 📧Email: Send us feedback or a message here 💡Partner: ComEd ✈️Partner: United Airlines 📻Podcast Hosting:Podbean  📡Recording Studio: StreamYard 🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge Now! 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. Sponsor Break Background Music:Puzzle by Roa Used with permission: Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream | Music promoted by Audio Library About the Podcast Host: Daniel Smrokowski is a well-known columnist and the founder and host of the award-winning podcast, Special Chronicles, which has released over 750 episodes over the last 15 years. In recognition of these many accomplishments, Daniel 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 HERE

    18 min
4.8
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Disabled Voices Matter! As an award-winning intellectual disability advocate and host of the Special Chronicles Podcast, Daniel Smrokowski tells special needs stories from an insider’s perspective. “PodmanDan” is himself a person with special needs. As your weekly guide to finding joy and acceptance, Special Chronicles offers entertaining and informational disability conversations.

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