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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
Sep 18, 2025
Sep 18, 2025
7 min
In this seventh episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast LIVE Coverage, host Daniel Smrokowski talks with Erika Kissel from Just a Dollop.
We’re excited to announce that Special Chronicles provided exclusive LIVE and On-Demand Coverage of the The Arc of Illinois #SUSO2025 – the annual Speak Up and Speak Out Summit that celebrates the voices of people with disabilities.
You’ll hear directly from disability self-advocates, families, speakers, and professionals as they share their voices on leadership, advocacy, and inclusion. This annual self-advocacy conference empowers people with disabilities to speak up for themselves, take action, and create positive change in their communities. Let’s Speak Up. Let’s Speak Out. Let’s Be Heard.
Join The Conversation 💬✨ #SUSO2025 #SpecialChroniclesLIVE
Episode 792 ShowNotes & Links
- Listen and Follow at SpecialChronicles.com/Pod
- 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts
- 📺Like watching your podcasts? Watch 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.
About the Podcast Host:
Daniel Smrokowski is a columnist and the founder and host of the award-winning podcast, Special Chronicles, which has released over 750 episodes in over 15 years. In recognition of these 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
Sep 17, 2025
Sep 17, 2025
18 min
In this sixth episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast LIVE Coverage, host Daniel Smrokowski talks with Bridget Brown from Engage IL Leadership Team.
We’re excited to announce that Special Chronicles provided exclusive LIVE and On-Demand Coverage of the The Arc of Illinois #SUSO2025 – the annual Speak Up and Speak Out Summit that celebrates the voices of people with disabilities.
You’ll hear directly from disability self-advocates, families, speakers, and professionals as they share their voices on leadership, advocacy, and inclusion. This annual self-advocacy conference empowers people with disabilities to speak up for themselves, take action, and create positive change in their communities. Let’s Speak Up. Let’s Speak Out. Let’s Be Heard.
Join The Conversation 💬✨ #SUSO2025 #SpecialChroniclesLIVE
Episode 791 ShowNotes & Links
- Listen and Follow at SpecialChronicles.com/Pod
- 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts
- 📺Like watching your podcasts? Watch Full Episode on YouTube
- Learn More: Bridget’s advocacy work
- Watch: Bridget’s Pace Bus Educational Videos
- Learn More: Bridget’s upcoming role in Seven Sisters TV Series
- 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.
About the Podcast Host:
Daniel Smrokowski is a columnist and the founder and host of the award-winning podcast, Special Chronicles, which has released over 750 episodes in over 15 years. In recognition of these 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
Sep 16, 2025
Sep 16, 2025
8 min
In this fifth episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast LIVE Coverage, host Daniel Smrokowski talks with Nicholas T from Envision Unlimited.
We’re excited to announce that Special Chronicles provided exclusive LIVE and On-Demand Coverage of the The Arc of Illinois #SUSO2025 – the annual Speak Up and Speak Out Summit that celebrates the voices of people with disabilities.
You’ll hear directly from disability self-advocates, families, speakers, and professionals as they share their voices on leadership, advocacy, and inclusion. This annual self-advocacy conference empowers people with disabilities to speak up for themselves, take action, and create positive change in their communities. Let’s Speak Up. Let’s Speak Out. Let’s Be Heard.
Join The Conversation 💬✨ #SUSO2025 #SpecialChroniclesLIVE
Episode 790 ShowNotes & Links
- Listen and Follow at SpecialChronicles.com/Pod
- 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts
- 📺Like watching your podcasts? Watch 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.
About the Podcast Host:
Daniel Smrokowski is a columnist and the founder and host of the award-winning podcast, Special Chronicles, which has released over 750 episodes in over 15 years. In recognition of these 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
Sep 15, 2025
Sep 15, 2025
1 hr 3 min
In this heartwarming episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, host Daniel Smrokowski is joined by United Airlines Captain Tait Wasser to reflect on the powerful impact of The Arc’s Wings for All event held on August 16, 2025, at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
Captain Tait shares what it was like to participate in this inclusive airport rehearsal program designed for individuals with autism and other intellectual/developmental disabilities. From behind-the-scenes moments to one young passenger’s transformative journey from fear to flying — this episode showcases how partnerships like United’s Bridge Disability Business Resource Group are helping make air travel more inclusive.
Together, we dive into what inclusion means in the skies, the training and empathy required to support all travelers, and how we can all play a role in making the world more accessible.
🛫 You’ll hear:
- What Wings for All is and why it matters
- How Captain Tait learned to better support travelers with IDD
- Favorite memories and emotional moments from the ORD event
- Why inclusion in air travel — and beyond — is everyone’s responsibility
💡 Be inspired. Take action. Make inclusion real.
Episode 789 ShowNotes & Links
- Listen and Follow at SpecialChronicles.com/Pod
- 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts
- 📺Like watching your podcasts? Watch Full Episode on YouTube
- Learn more about The Arc's Wings for All event
- Watch below on Instagram (or click here) Daniel's Instagram Reel highlight video from our ORD Wings for All event
- 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.
About the Podcast Host:
Daniel Smrokowski is a columnist and the founder and host of the award-winning podcast, Special Chronicles, which has released over 750 episodes in over 15 years. In recognition of these 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
Sep 12, 2025
Sep 12, 2025
12 min
In this fourth episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast LIVE Coverage, host Daniel Smrokowski talks with Deanna E from Envision Unlimited.
We’re excited to announce that Special Chronicles provided exclusive LIVE and On-Demand Coverage of the The Arc of Illinois #SUSO2025 – the annual Speak Up and Speak Out Summit that celebrates the voices of people with disabilities.
You’ll hear directly from disability self-advocates, families, speakers, and professionals as they share their voices on leadership, advocacy, and inclusion. This annual self-advocacy conference empowers people with disabilities to speak up for themselves, take action, and create positive change in their communities. Let’s Speak Up. Let’s Speak Out. Let’s Be Heard.
Join The Conversation 💬✨ #SUSO2025 #SpecialChroniclesLIVE
Episode 788 ShowNotes & Links
- Listen and Follow at SpecialChronicles.com/Pod
- 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts
- 📺Like watching your podcasts? Watch 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.
About the Podcast Host:
Daniel Smrokowski is a columnist and the founder and host of the award-winning podcast, Special Chronicles, which has released over 750 episodes in over 15 years. In recognition of these 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
Sep 11, 2025
Sep 11, 2025
20 min
In this third episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast LIVE Coverage, host Daniel Smrokowski talks with April McHenry and Leanne Mull who have been at the first SUSO 20 years ago.
We’re excited to announce that Special Chronicles provided exclusive LIVE and On-Demand Coverage of the The Arc of Illinois #SUSO2025 – the annual Speak Up and Speak Out Summit that celebrates the voices of people with disabilities.
You’ll hear directly from disability self-advocates, families, speakers, and professionals as they share their voices on leadership, advocacy, and inclusion. This annual self-advocacy conference empowers people with disabilities to speak up for themselves, take action, and create positive change in their communities. Let’s Speak Up. Let’s Speak Out. Let’s Be Heard.
Join The Conversation 💬✨ #SUSO2025 #SpecialChroniclesLIVE
Episode 787 ShowNotes & Links
- Listen and Follow at SpecialChronicles.com/Pod
- 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts
- 📺Like watching your podcasts? Watch 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.
About the Podcast Host:
Daniel Smrokowski is a columnist and the founder and host of the award-winning podcast, Special Chronicles, which has released over 750 episodes in over 15 years. In recognition of these 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
Sep 10, 2025
Sep 10, 2025
38 min
In this second episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast LIVE Coverage, host Daniel Smrokowski talk to Eva Kott and her parents Michael and Alena about her self-advocacy story, first-time speaking at this conference, and her empowering story.
We’re excited to announce that Special Chronicles provided exclusive LIVE and On-Demand Coverage of the The Arc of Illinois #SUSO2025 – the annual Speak Up and Speak Out Summit that celebrates the voices of people with disabilities.
You’ll hear directly from disability self-advocates, families, speakers, and professionals as they share their voices on leadership, advocacy, and inclusion. This annual self-advocacy conference empowers people with disabilities to speak up for themselves, take action, and create positive change in their communities. Let’s Speak Up. Let’s Speak Out. Let’s Be Heard.
Join The Conversation 💬✨ #SUSO2025 #SpecialChroniclesLIVE
Episode 786 ShowNotes & Links
- Listen and Follow at SpecialChronicles.com/Pod
- 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts
- 📺Like watching your podcasts? Watch 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.
About the Podcast Host:
Daniel Smrokowski is a columnist and the founder and host of the award-winning podcast, Special Chronicles, which has released over 750 episodes in over 15 years. In recognition of these 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
Sep 9, 2025
Sep 9, 2025
44 min
In this first episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast LIVE Coverage, host Daniel Smrokowski talks with Speaker, Comedian and Television Writer Zach Anner about his Keynote Presentation “Joyful Grit: Turning Setbacks Into Setups” and about his role as a television writer on the hit ABC sitcom “Speechless.
We’re excited to announce that Special Chronicles provided exclusive LIVE and On-Demand Coverage of the The Arc of Illinois #SUSO2025 – the annual Speak Up and Speak Out Summit that celebrates the voices of people with disabilities.
You’ll hear directly from disability self-advocates, families, speakers, and professionals as they share their voices on leadership, advocacy, and inclusion. This annual self-advocacy conference empowers people with disabilities to speak up for themselves, take action, and create positive change in their communities. Let’s Speak Up. Let’s Speak Out. Let’s Be Heard.
Join The Conversation 💬✨ #SUSO2025 #SpecialChroniclesLIVE
Episode 785 ShowNotes & Links
- Listen and Follow at SpecialChronicles.com/Pod
- 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts
- 📺Like watching your podcasts? Watch Full Episode on YouTube
- Learn more about Zach Anner HERE
- 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.
About the Podcast Host:
Daniel Smrokowski is a columnist and the founder and host of the award-winning podcast, Special Chronicles, which has released over 750 episodes in over 15 years. In recognition of these 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
Sep 8, 2025
Sep 8, 2025
1 hr 26 min
✈️ In this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast’s Unified at Work Series, host Daniel Smrokowski welcomes Samantha Alloway, Executive Director of The Arc of Illinois, for an inspiring conversation about the Wings for All program.
Recorded following the August 16, 2025 Wings for All event at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in partneship with United Airlines’ Bridge Disability Business Resource Group, this episode dives into:
- What Wings for All is and why it matters for travelers with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD).
- Behind-the-scenes stories from the event at O’Hare.
- Heartwarming family moments, including a child who overcame fears to board an aircraft for the first time.
- The importance of inclusion in airports, workplaces, schools, and communities.
🌟 Whether you’re a family member, advocate, airline professional, or community leader, this episode will leave you inspired to build a more inclusive world. Listen Now!
Episode 784 ShowNotes & Links
- Listen and Follow at SpecialChronicles.com/Pod
- 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts
- 📺Like watching your podcasts? Watch Full Episode on YouTube
- Learn more about The Arc's Wings for All event
- Watch below on Instagram (or click here) Daniel's Instagram Reel highlight video from our ORD Wings for All event
View this post on Instagram
- 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.
About the Podcast Host:
Daniel Smrokowski is a columnist and the founder and host of the award-winning podcast, Special Chronicles, which has released over 750 episodes in over 15 years. In recognition of these 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
Sep 7, 2025
Sep 7, 2025
39 min
Hello Folks! In this jam-packed episode 102 of The Georgia and Daniel Podcast, we wrap up summer with laughs, travels, and a whole lot of updates!
Georgia hits the road to Door County, Wisconsin and tees off at the OK Golf Tournament—plus she wins Gold at the SOILL State Championships in Golf Skills! 🏅
Daniel visits Old Town Alexandria and hosts live podcast coverage from the Arc of Illinois Speak Up and Speak Out Summit 2025! 🎙️
We both travel to the Chicago suburb of Countryside for our annual Pub & Pool Weekend! 🍻💦
Georgia and Daniel check out the Improvaneers Midwest Tour at Chicago’s Theater on the Lake 🎭
We see comedian Brian Bates at Zanies Comedy Club and talk about his hilarious set, from impressions to edgy jokes about Trump, church, men’s weird nicknames, and more. 😂
Daniel shares some quality family time biking with his nieces and nephew 🚴♂️👨👧👦
🎬 This week’s Reviews:
Freaky Friday (Freakier version!)
Uptown Girls
The Mentalist (S1, Eps 1–5)
Little House on the Prairie (S1, Eps 1–2)
We’re ending summer with stories, laughter, and reflections—so hit play and join the fun!
🎉 That’s all folks!
🎧 Listen now: https://SpecialChronicles.com/GDPodcast102
📺Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/live/DH2WByckRx4?si=KuWaNPDePyZyRaQE
Follow Us on Socials:
Georgia: @peachgeorgia22
Daniel: @podmandan
Our Podcast: @danielandgeorgia
Email: georgiaanddaniel@specialchronicles.com