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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.
Episodes
Jan 26, 2026
Jan 26, 2026
34 min
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.
Episode 818 ShowNotes & Links
📺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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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 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
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