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
32.4K
Downloads
203
Episodes
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.
Episodes
Monday Feb 17, 2025
Monday Feb 17, 2025
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
Monday Feb 10, 2025
Monday Feb 10, 2025
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
Monday Feb 03, 2025
Monday Feb 03, 2025
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
Monday Jan 27, 2025
Monday Jan 27, 2025
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:
- 🎧 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
Monday Jan 20, 2025
Monday Jan 20, 2025
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:
- 🎧 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
Monday Jan 13, 2025
Monday Jan 13, 2025
On this episode of the Special Chronicles Presents Unified at Work Series S6:Pt 1: Amanda Spies from Special Olympics Illinois joins us for a presentation to Ingredion. Join us for an inspiring episode with Daniel Smrokowski, a pioneering advocate and original Special Olympics Service Ambassador at United Airlines. Host of the award winning podcast Special Chronicles, with over 750 episodes, and recipient of the Matthew Freeman Award for Social Justice, Daniel has dedicated his career to giving people with disabilities a voice. Don't miss the opportunity to hear his story and learn from his journey.
Episode 750 ShowNotes & Links:
- 🎧 Listen on Special Chronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts
- 📺Like watching your podcasts? Click here to see full episode
- Get involved in Special Olympics Illinois or Find Special Olympics Near You
- Enjoyed this episode? Listen the past five seasons of our Unified at Work Series to hear more conversations about the meaning of inclusive employment
- ➕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
Monday Jan 06, 2025
Monday Jan 06, 2025
On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast: Katie O'Neill, a Special Olympics Illinois Athlete Leader, sits down with Award-winning Podcaster Daniel Smrokowski to talk about her story: Turning Disability Challenges to Joys, Late Start to Special Olympics Success, Overcoming Bullies and Spreading Awareness, Confidence through Athlete Leadership, 3x World Champion Cheerleader, Speaking at International Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference, Employed as a Special Education Paraprofessional, and how Katie is developing Special Olympics Athlete Leadership skills within her job.
Episode 749 ShowNotes & Links:
- 🎧 Listen on Special Chronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts
- 📺Like watching your podcasts? Click here to see full episode
- Get involved in Special Olympics Illinois or Find Special Olympics Near You
- Follow Katie O’Neill on Facebook | Instagram
- ➕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
Monday Dec 30, 2024
Monday Dec 30, 2024
Friend of the podcast and Sargent Shriver Global Messenger Wyatt Spalding sits down with former SSGM and Award-winning Podcaster Daniel Smrokowski on the Special Chronicles Podcast to recap their experience this past week attending a state dinner at the White House. President Joe Biden invited Special Olympics athletes like Wyatt and Daniel to attend "A Christmas for All," in celebration of Unity, America, and Special Olympics.
On a special crossover episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast and Wyatt's Brave in the Attempt Podcast, tune in as Wyatt and Daniel recap their favorite memories of the event at the White House, comments on remarks from President Biden to Tim Shriver and Loretta Claiborne, and how the message of hope and inclusion in the movement were celebrated at this White House Event.
Episode 748 ShowNotes & Links:
- 🎧 Listen on Special Chronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts
- 📺Like watching your podcasts? Click here to see full episodes
- Watch President Biden delivers remarks at Special Olympics White House Celebration
- Read more about “The White House Honors Special Olympics Athletes in Moving Holiday Celebration”
- ➕Want bonus content? Join Now at SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS to support the podcast!
- 🛒Want our Merch? Shop our store at SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP
- 📱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
Monday Dec 23, 2024
Monday Dec 23, 2024
Jonathan Sutter, CEO & Founder of Traveling Wiki sits down with Award-winning Podcaster Daniel Smrokowski after an impromptu conversation they had at O’Hare Airport a few months ago ago to talk about the largest non-profit resource center for travelers with disabilities.
Join us as we follow up our conversation about TravelingWiki.com, Document Resources for TSA (as the sole resource for 20M American) with Autism, ALS, Parkinson’s, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s communities to enable access for those 20M Americans with Special Needs for flying, How Jonathan Sutter is a parent of a child with special needs, and how he works for free for the US Government via the TSA to document resources (sole external resources for those communities on TSA.gov).
Donate Now: Support Our 2025 Giving Campaign
Episode 747 ShowNotes & Links:
- 🎧 Listen on Special Chronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts
- 📺Like watching your podcasts? Click here to see full episode
- Learn more about Traveling Wiki
- ➕Want bonus content? Join Now at SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS to support the podcast!
- 🛒Want our Merch? Shop our store at SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP
- 📱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:
Monday Dec 16, 2024
Monday Dec 16, 2024
Special Olympics Athlete Official Daniel Block sits down with Award-winning Podcaster Daniel Smrokowski to talk about his empowering story of Becoming a Sport Official with Special Olympics and overcoming challenges with autism.
Tune in as Daniel Block talks about how he’s grown from not just being a Special Olympics Athlete but showcases leadership skills beyond sports as a referee from local to national competitions.
Donate Now: Support Our 2025 Giving Campaign
Episode 746 ShowNotes & Links:
- 🎧 Listen on Special Chronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts
- 📺Like watching your podcasts? Click here to see full episodes
- Find a Special Olympics Program Near You!
- ➕Want bonus content? Join Now at SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS to support the podcast!
- 🛒Want our Merch? Shop our store at SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP
- 📱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