In this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast EnergyForce Series S9:E2, host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Trace Nardi, a ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador and proud participant in Best Buddies Illinois. Trace shares his inspiring journey as a new EnergyForce Ambassador, spreading the message of energy efficiency and inclusion, and highlights his active involvement in Best Buddies programs, including the Jobs Program and his position at O’Hare Airport.

Together, Daniel and Trace explore how programs like ComEd’s EnergyForce and Best Buddies empower people with disabilities to gain confidence, develop professional skills, and make a meaningful impact in their communities. They also dive into the mission of Best Buddies, emphasizing connection, opportunity, and empowerment for people with and without disabilities.Tune in for a heartwarming and inspiring conversation about inclusion, advocacy, and making a difference.

📺Watch this full episode on YouTube

🔗Learn more and get involved in Best Buddies

💡Learn more about the ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador Program

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⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite app

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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.

Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate who is best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform with over 800 episodes across 17 years.  Through storytelling and journalism, 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

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast EnergyForce Series S9:E1, award-winning host and founder Daniel Smrokowski kicks off Season 9 of the EnergyForce Series—marking the 9th year of partnership with the ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador Program.

In Energy Savings 101, Daniel shares an updated, engaging presentation designed to help you better understand how energy choices impact both your home and the planet. This episode covers:

• The basics of energy and solar savings
• Practical, easy-to-use energy efficiency tips
• Key insights into Electric Vehicles (EVs)
• A fun and interactive Energy Savings Quiz to test your knowledge

Tune in to discover how small changes can make a big impact on your energy use, your wallet, and the environment—while supporting a more sustainable future for all.

📺Watch this full episode on YouTube

 🔗Learn more more 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.

🎧 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 the mission of Special Chronicles by donating or joining the PLUS membership

👕 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.

Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate who is best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform with over 800 episodes across 17 years.  Through storytelling and journalism, 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

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, host and founder Daniel Smrokowski marks his 37th birthday with a meaningful and celebratory encore episode that reflects on his journey, advocacy, and the stories that continue to shape his life.

Before diving into the conversation, Daniel shares some big news: he’ll be speaking at The Arc of Illinois 76th Annual Convention on April 29–30, 2026—an exciting opportunity to elevate disability advocacy and inclusion on a statewide stage. To receive updates and learn how to watch live or on demand, subscribe to our newsletter.

This special birthday encore turns the tables as Daniel’s good friend and fellow journalist RJ Nealon takes over the mic and interviews him.

Together, they reflect on key chapters of Daniel’s life, including:

• What quarantine life looked like for Daniel and his family
• Memories from his school years and experiences that shaped him
• His Special Olympics journey and the impact of athlete leadership
• Serving as a Sargent Shriver Global Messenger
• The role of storytelling and journaling in his advocacy work

The conversation also revisits a moment Daniel remains deeply grateful for: being presented with The Arc of Illinois 2020 Self Advocacy Award.

Whether you’ve been part of the Special Chronicles community for years or you’re tuning in for the first time, this episode celebrates the mission at the heart of the podcast—using our voices, stories, and lived experiences to help build a more inclusive world.

If this episode inspires you or makes you smile, consider sharing it with a friend.

📺Watch this full episode on YouTube

🎧 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 the mission of Special Chronicles by donating or joining the PLUS membership

👕 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.

Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate who is best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform with over 800 episodes across 17 years.  Through storytelling and journalism, 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

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast Inclusive Travel Series, we sit down with Laurie and Caroline Bridges from Tip Tock Travel to explore how to make travel more inclusive for individuals with developmental disabilities. Laurie shares the story behind Caroline’s birth and diagnosis, while Caroline gives us an inside look into her personal travel experiences, including university and Disney Cruises. We discuss tips for stress-free travel, common barriers to accessible travel, and resources for planning your next trip. If you’re looking for practical advice on how to make travel more inclusive, this episode is for you!

📺Watch full episodes on YouTube

📱Follow Tip Tock Travel on Instagram: @tiptocktravel

🔗Learn more about Tip Tock Travel here
🎙Check out more episodes of our Inclusive Travel Series
✈Check out full episodes of Wings for All The Podcast that takes you inside The Arc’s nationwide airport rehearsal program

🎧 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 the mission of Special Chronicles by donating or joining the PLUS membership

👕 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.

Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate who is best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform with over 800 episodes across 17 years.  Through storytelling and journalism, 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

To close out the year, the Special Chronicles Podcast brings you a special Best of 2025 episode! Our Host and Founder Daniel Smrokowski shares highlights from the most popular episodes of the year—selected by you, our listeners—along with his personal favorites episodes. From powerful advocacy conversations to empowering stories across the disability community, this episode celebrates the moments that made 2025 unforgettable.

Best of 2025:
👉 Click here to explore the full Best of 2025 playlist and listen to the complete episodes featured in this special highlight show.

💙 Support the Special Chronicles Giving Campaign: Your donation helps us continue producing weekly episodes, sharing inclusive stories, and amplifying voices that deserve to be heard.

🎁 Give today at SpecialChronicles.com/Give

🎧 Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast wherever you get your podcasts

⭐ Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite app

📺 Watch full episode (video) on YouTube

❤️ Support the mission of Special Chronicles by donating or joining the PLUS membership

👕 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.

Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate who is best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform with over 800 episodes across 17 years.  Through storytelling and journalism, 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

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast: Bill Dwyer, CEO of Helping Hand, returns to sit down with host Daniel Smrokowski as we discuss the latest in inclusive housing, independent living, and meaningful employment for people with disabilities.

Topics and Chapter Markers:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:15:00 Inclusive Housing & Independent Living

00:38:00 High School Transition & Unified at Work

01:07:00 Leadership & Vision

01:09:00 Practical advice for Inclusive Housing options

01:11:00 How employers can implement inclusive hiring practices

01:12:30 Ways listeners can get involved or support Helping Hand

01:15:00 Final Thoughts

01:18:00 Defining Inclusion as Beyond Inclusion

🎁 Support the Special Chronicles 2026 Giving Campaign: Click to Give Now
🌍 Learn more about Helping Hand, a nonprofit organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities that is transforming lives of all connected to Helping through genuine care and education.

🎧 Listen and Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast
📺 Watch full episode (video) on YouTube
❤️ Support the mission of Special Chronicles by donating or joining the PLUS membership 👕 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.

Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate who is best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform with over 800 episodes across 17 years.  Through storytelling and journalism, 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

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with David Evangelista, the incoming CEO of Special Olympics International. From volunteering at the 1995 World Games to leading programs across 58 countries, David shares his lifelong journey within the Special Olympics movement, his global vision, and what inclusion truly means.

In this episode, we discuss:

• David’s lifelong dedication to Special Olympics
• His global leadership experience and advocacy work
• Continuing the legacy of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Mary Davis, and Tim Shriver
• His vision for inclusion, Unified Sports, and opportunities worldwide

🎁 Support the Special Chronicles 2026 Giving Campaign: Click to Give Now
🌍 Learn more about Special Olympics: SpecialOlympics.org
📱Connect with David Evangelista: X | Instagram | LinkedIn

🎧 Listen and Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast
📺 Watch full episode (video) on YouTube
❤️ Support the mission of Special Chronicles by donating or joining the PLUS membership 👕 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.

Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate who is best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform with over 800 episodes across 17 years.  Through storytelling and journalism, 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

This week on the Special Chronicles Podcast, we’re honored to share a special re-release of our 2017 conversation with Mary Davis, CEO of Special Olympics, Inc., as she prepares to retire.

In this heartfelt interview, Mary reflects on her inspiring journey, her leadership across the global movement, and the lasting legacy of inclusion she leaves behind. Host Daniel Smrokowski also takes a moment to express his gratitude for Mary’s years of dedication and the impact she has made on athletes, families, and communities around the world.

Join us as we celebrate Mary Davis and her incredible contributions upon her retirement as CEO of Special Olympics.

This episode originally aired on July 26, 2017.

🎁 Support the Special Chronicles 2026 Giving Campaign: Click to Give Now
🌍 Learn more about Special Olympics: SpecialOlympics.org

🔜 Next week: David Evangelista, incoming CEO of Special Olympics, Inc., joins us to talk vision, inclusion, and the future of the Movement. Follow now wherever you listen so you don't miss an episode!

Episode 811 ShowNotes & Links

🎧 Listen and Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast
📺 Watch full episode (video) on YouTube
❤️ Support the mission of Special Chronicles by donating or joining the PLUS membership 👕 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.

Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate who is best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform with over 800 episodes across 17 years.  Through storytelling and journalism, 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

This week on the Special Chronicles Podcast, we honor Judy Heumann—the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement”—with a stirring lecture originally aired on Disability Beat Radio at WEFT 90.1 FM. Her words ignited a global movement for inclusion, dignity, and justice. Tune in to hear the voice that sparked a revolution and continues to inspire generations.

🎧 Listen now and carry the legacy forward.

• Listen to Disability Beat Radio on WEFT 90.1 FM in Champaign, IL
• Listen and Follow at SpecialChronicles.com/Pod
• 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts 
• 📺Like watching your podcasts? Listen Full Episode on YouTube
  
• Support This Podcast: Click Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special Chronicles
• ➕Join SpecialChronicles+ PLUS! Go to SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS for our Premium Pre Show with behind the scenes podcast chats, exclusive bonus content, and to help support the show.
• 🛒Shop Our Merch: Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection
  
  
• 📱Follow us on Socials: @SpecialChronicles
• 📧Email: Send us a message here
• 📧Newsletter: Subscribe to our Mailing List HERE
• 🎤Speaking Engagements with Daniel: Learn more and Book Daniel to speak HERE
  
  
• 💡Partner: ComEd EnergyForce
• ✈️Partner: United Airlines Bridge BRG
• 📻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.

Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate who is best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform with over 800 episodes across 17 years.  Through storytelling and journalism, 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

In this special episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, we kick off the Special Chronicles 2026 Giving Campaign and share why this year’s fundraising goal — $41,600 — is our biggest yet. Producing inclusive, high-quality media costs about $800 per episode, and your support helps us keep our studio running, livestream shows, and share stories that celebrate the voices of people with special needs.

Join us as we reflect on our 17-year journey, highlight the impact your donations make, and explain how your gift helps grow the Inclusion Revolution — one story, one voice, one episode at a time.🎁 Give Today: Click to Give Now

🎧 [powerpress]
🎧 Listen and Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast at: SpecialChronicles.com/Pod
📺 Watch the full episode (video) on YouTube 
❤️ Support the mission of Special Chronicles by donating at  SpecialChronicles.com/Give or joining the PLUS membership at SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS
👕 Shop our ‘Disabled Voices Matter’ merch: SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP
📱 Follow us on socials: @SpecialChronicles (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)
📰 Subscribe to the newsletter for early access, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes: SpecialChronicles.com/NEWSLETTER

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.

Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate who is best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform with over 800 episodes across 17 years.  Through storytelling and journalism, 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

In honor of our 17th year anniversary on the Special Chronicles Podcast, we’re sharing a special live radio conversation host Daniel Smrokowski had on Disability Beat Radio at WEFT Community Radio in Champaign, Illinois. Tune in for a heartfelt celebration of inclusion, advocacy, and the voices that have shaped our journey. From humble beginnings to a global platform, this episode reflects on the power of storytelling to change lives.

• Listen to Disability Beat Radio on WEFT 90.1 FM in Champaign, IL
• Listen and Follow at SpecialChronicles.com/Pod
• 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts 
• 📺Like watching your podcasts? Listen Full Episode on YouTube
  
• Support This Podcast: Click Here to Donate Now and support the mission of Special Chronicles
• ➕Join SpecialChronicles+ PLUS! Go to SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS for our Premium Pre Show with behind the scenes podcast chats, exclusive bonus content, and to help support the show.
• 🛒Shop Our Merch: Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection
  
  
• 📱Follow us on Socials: @SpecialChronicles
• 📧Email: Send us a message here
• 📧Newsletter: Subscribe to our Mailing List HERE
• 🎤Speaking Engagements with Daniel: Learn more and Book Daniel to speak HERE
  
  
• 💡Partner: ComEd EnergyForce
• ✈️Partner: United Airlines Bridge BRG
• 📻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.

Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate who is best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform with over 800 episodes across 17 years.  Through storytelling and journalism, 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