Join us for a special milestone episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast: EnergyForce Series as we celebrate 15 years of the ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador Program with three guests who represent the program's incredible journey from past to present. Host Daniel Smrokowski welcomes Paula Conrad, Co-Founder of the EnergyForce Ambassador Program, Jessica Frantz, an original EnergyForce Ambassador, and Charlie Carpenter, a current EnergyForce Ambassador and musician from Misericordia. Together, they reflect on how the nation's first clean energy solutions education program led by people with disabilities has empowered individuals, educated communities, and created meaningful opportunities for employment, leadership, and inclusion. Learn how the program began, hear stories from the early years, discover how EnergyForce Ambassadors help customers save energy today, and celebrate the lasting impact of a program dedicated to Empowering Ability, Energizing Communities. Episode Highlights: The founding and growth of the ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador Program Reflections from one of the program's original ambassadors What it's like to be an EnergyForce Ambassador today Energy-saving tips and customer education Charlie Carpenter's music career at Misericordia and passion for playing organ at church The importance of inclusion, employment, and community engagement for people with disabilities Chapters:00:00 Introduction 07:00 Segment 1: Paula Conrad on Looking Back: How the Program Began and Grew33:00 Segment 2: Jessica Frantz on Looking Back: An Original EnergyForce Ambassador’s Perspective 46:00 Segment 3: Charlie Carpenter on Today’s EnergyForce Ambassador Experience57:00 Final Roundtable Questions Episode 861 ShowNotes & Links 📺Watch this full episode on YouTube 💡Access more of our ComEd EnergyForce podcast content Learn more about the ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador Program Learn more about Misericordia mission and programs at Misericordia.com 🎧 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. About Our Team: Daniel Smrokowski, Founder  Darian Packard, Content Producer Adam Smrokowski, Business Manager Linda Smrokowski, Copy Editor Georgia Hunter, Co-Host Click here to meet our team

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast’s EnergyForce Series (Season 9, Episode 3), host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Kara Schwer, Manager of Marketing & Customer Education at ComEd, for an energizing conversation about the fast‑growing world of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and the future of clean transportation. Together, they break down how EVs work, why they matter, and the innovative ways ComEd is helping customers navigate EV adoption through education, accessibility, and customer‑focused programs. Kara shares insights on EV charging, cost savings, clean‑energy technology, and how disability‑led advocacy is shaping a more inclusive energy landscape. Whether you’re an EV owner, EV‑curious, or passionate about sustainability, this episode delivers practical knowledge and inspiring perspectives that illuminate the road ahead. EnergyForce Series S9:E3 | Ep.860 ShowNotes & Links 🔌Learn more about ComEd's Electric Vehicles resources 📺Watch this full episode on YouTube💡Access all of our ComEd related content on our EnergyForce Series🎧 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. About The Podcast Host: Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate, best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform featuring over 800 episodes produced across 17 years. Through storytelling and journalism, Daniel amplifies the voices of people with disabilities while promoting inclusion, awareness, and social change. In recognition of his impact, he 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 | 🎧 Discover Daniel’s Story – Listen here

This week on the Special Chronicles Podcast, Host and Special Olympics Athlete Leader Daniel Smrokowski sits down with fellow Special Olympics Athlete Leader and author Ben Haack to discuss his new book, Reason for Hope: A Parent’s Playbook for Raising Happy and Resilient Kids. Written as a series of personal letters, Ben’s book offers comfort, clarity, and practical guidance for parents navigating life after an autism diagnosis. In this heartfelt conversation, Ben shares hard-won wisdom from his lived experience, including how families can build resilience without erasing difference, create calmer daily rhythms, and help children grow through their strengths, play, and community. Together, Daniel and Ben explore the importance of belonging, confidence, self-advocacy, and the power of embracing each child for who they are. Ben’s message is a powerful reminder that hope is not about changing who a child is, but about helping them thrive. At Special Chronicles, our mission is giving respect and voice to people with special needs through media, and this conversation beautifully reflects that mission. Chapters:00:00 Introduction02:50 Opening and Background14:20 About the book “Reason for Hope”35:00 Strengths, Confidence & Growth50:05 Belonging, Community & Connection57:05 Family Life, Routines & Well-Being01:07:25 Lived Experience & Hard-Won Wisdom01:15:45 Advocacy, Inclusion & the Bigger Picture01:26:00 About the Book’s Impact01:31:25 Closing & Call to Action Episode 859 ShowNotes & Links 📺Watch This Full Episode on YouTube 📖 Order your copy of Reason for Hope: A Parent’s Playbook for Raising Happy and Resilient Kids by Ben Haack:  Buy the book on Amazon 🌐 Learn more about Reason for Hope and Ben Haack's work 🎧 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. About Our Team: Daniel Smrokowski, Founder  Darian Packard, Content Producer Adam Smrokowski, Business Manager Linda Smrokowski, Copy Editor Georgia Hunter, Co-Host--Georgia and Daniel Podcast Click here to meet our team

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast recorded on location from the Chicago Ducky Derby 2026, we bring you the excitement of 90,000 ducks splashing into the Chicago River from the Columbus Drive Bridge — all benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. You’ll hear conversations with sponsors RSM and WayMo, as well as media partners WBBM NewsRadio and WBEZ Chicago Public Radio, who helped share this incredible day with the community. Make sure you like and subscribe to Special Chronicles, the longest‑running and #1 Special Olympics athlete‑led podcast series covering Special Olympics intellectual disability stories, athlete leadership, and inclusion. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction01:55 RSM sponsor 04:30 Waymo sponsor08:18 WBEZ Chicago Public Radio15:00 WBBM News Radio18:49: WBBM Interviewed SOILL Athlete Leaders Daniel Smrokowski and Ryan Murray21:56 Ducks Drop in the Chicago River22:13 Closing with a special Choose To Include montage 👍 Like, Subscribe & Share Help us continue telling stories that celebrate inclusion, leadership, and the power of the Special Olympics movement. 📺Watch and Subscribe on YouTube Click here to Watch this Full Episode on YouTube Episode 858 ShowNotes & Links 🦆 Follow and listen to this and more Ducky Derby conversations — and to learn all about the event, head to SpecialChronicles.com/Duck 🎧 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. About Our Team: Click here to meet our team

On this Series Finale episode of “Road to 2026 Special Olympics USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series,” host Daniel Smrokowski, Founder of Special Chronicles and Special Olympics Athlete Leader, sits down with Jessica Poole, Director of Communications for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Together, they reflect on the meaning, impact, and legacy of the Games. 🌟 What You’ll Hear in This Episode The moment that defined the 2026 USA Games The lasting legacy for athletes, families, and communities How athlete leaders influenced the culture of the Games The future of Unified Sports nationwide The long‑term impact of Healthy Athletes screenings Inclusion momentum in Minneapolis–St. Paul National conversations sparked by the Games Behind‑the‑scenes decisions, challenges, and breakthroughs Inspiring the next generation of athletes What inclusion means today A call to action for listeners Chapter Markers:00:00 Introduction10:00 Looking Back15:00 Defining Legacy25:00 Leadership Perspective36:00 Athlete Leadership44:00 Unified Sports Growth49:00 Healthy Athletes Legacy01:00:00 Host City, National Movement, and Corporate Partner Legacy01:10:00 Challenges & Breakthroughs01:12:56 Personal Reflection01:18:45 Next Generation01:20:00 Movement Evolution01:23:45 Sustaining Inclusion01:28:45 Message to Athletes01:30:00 Message to Families01:32:20 Call to Action01:35:00 Define Inclusion 👍 Like, Subscribe & ShareHelp us continue telling stories that celebrate inclusion, leadership, and the power of the Special Olympics movement. Watch this Full Episode on YouTube - Streaming Now! Episode 857 ShowNotes & Links 👨‍💻Learn more about Special Olympics 2026 USA Games at: 2026USAGames.org  🎧Follow the Podcast Series: Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series for all episodes and subscribe to the full series 🎧 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. About Our Team: click here to meet our team

On this episode of Live From Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series, and in celebration of the anniversary of Special Olympics and the Global Week of Inclusion, this episode is all about Inclusion in Action. In this fast-paced montage episode, we hear from 10 unique voices—including athletes, fans, and families—sharing their heartfelt answers to one powerful question: “What does inclusion mean to you?” Through inspiring, authentic, and moving reflections, discover how inclusion creates belonging, builds communities, and transforms lives both on and off the field of play. These short stories and perspectives capture the spirit of Special Olympics and remind us that everyone deserves to be seen, valued, and included. Click here to Watch Full Episode on YouTube 🎧 Stream more episodes anytime: SpecialChronicles.com/2026USAGames Subscribe, listen, and join us as we bring you empowering stories and memorable moments from the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, right here on Special Chronicles. Episode 856 ShowNotes & Links 👨‍💻Learn more about Special Olympics 2026 USA Games at: 2026USAGames.org  🎧Follow the Podcast Series: Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series for all episodes and subscribe to the full series 🎧 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. About Our Team: click here to meet our team

On this episode Live From Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series, we’re podcasting from the heart of the action at the ESPN Unified Sports Challenge, where Special Olympics athletes, celebrities, NBA stars, and Olympic champions come together to compete side-by-side in the ultimate celebration of inclusion. Host Daniel Smrokowski takes you onto the field for exclusive conversations with Jalen Suggs of the Orlando Magic and Olympian Annie Kunz (Track & Field). Plus, hear exclusive audio from the Honored Guest Reception. From the courts to the sidelines, we bring you inspiring interviews with NBA legends, Team USA Olympians, Unified partners, and supporters who share why the Special Olympics movement motivates them to show up, compete, and champion inclusion for all. You’ll also hear from first-time USA Games fans, families, volunteers, and community supporters experiencing the power and joy of Unified Sports for the very first time. Their reactions capture what makes these Games so special: friendship, community, and a future where everyone belongs. Click here to Watch Full Episode on YouTube 🎧 Catch the full conversations at: SpecialChronicles.com/2026USAGames Subscribe, listen, and join us as we bring you empowering stories, inspiring athlete voices, and unforgettable moments from the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, right here on Special Chronicles. Episode 855 ShowNotes & Links 👨‍💻Learn more about Special Olympics 2026 USA Games at: 2026USAGames.org  🎧Follow the Podcast Series: Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series for all episodes and subscribe to the full series 🎧 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. About Our Team: click here to meet our team

On this episode Live From Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series, we're taking you inside the stories behind the storytellers — the athletes who are shaping how the world sees the Games. First, we meet Wyatt, a proud Special Olympics athlete and Sargent Shriver Global Messenger, who stepped onto one of the biggest stages in sports: ESPN. Wyatt’s voice, confidence, and leadership showcase athlete-led media at its very best. Next, we head over to the SONA Athlete Media Team, where Michael Kelley from Special Olympics Massachusetts and Anne Murray from Special Olympics Kentucky are capturing the spirit of the Games through reporting, interviewing, and content creation that brings fans closer to the action. Finally, we spotlight Lily Goodfellow, whose digital media work on YouTube is helping thousands follow the Games in real time. Through creativity, storytelling, and authentic athlete perspectives, Lily is helping redefine what digital inclusion looks like. This is Athlete Media.This is athlete leadership in action.This is the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Click here to Watch this Full Episode on YouTube 🎧 Catch the full conversations at: SpecialChronicles.com/2026USAGames Subscribe, listen, and join us as we bring you empowering stories, inspiring athlete voices, and memorable moments from the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, right here on Special Chronicles. Episode 854 ShowNotes & Links 👨‍💻Learn more about Special Olympics 2026 USA Games at: 2026USAGames.org  🎧Follow the Podcast Series: Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series for all episodes and subscribe to the full series 🎧 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. About Our Team: click here to meet our team

On this episode of Live From Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series, it's all about the unforgettable Game Day Moments that bring the spirit of the USA Games to life! Join host Daniel Smrokowski from the heart of the action in Minnesota, where athletes, Unified partners, coaches, volunteers, and fans are celebrating inclusion, determination, and community—one game, one cheer, and one incredible moment at a time. First, we head to Cornhole, where Gold Medalists Unified Partners Sharon and Dereck from Special Olympics Rhode Island share how teamwork, trust, and friendship fuel their success in Unified Cornhole. Then, Gold and Silver Medalist Justin Hostetter of Special Olympics Kansas joins us to talk about the focus, skill, and competitive drive that make every toss count. Next, the excitement reaches new heights with Unified Cheer Gold Medalists as Spabina Spoon, Addison Cook, and Derbie Merryman from Special Olympics Mississippi showcase how spirit, rhythm, and unity can energize an entire crowd. On the volleyball court, we meet Bronze Medalist Cody Field from Special Olympics Colorado, whose leadership and passion help keep his team soaring through competition. And finally, we spotlight two amazing volunteers, Linnea and Ella, whose dedication, hospitality, and behind-the-scenes support at the volleyball venue remind us why volunteers are the backbone of the Special Olympics movement. These stories capture what makes the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games about so much more than competition—they're about inclusion, friendship, and the power of sport to unite us all. Watch this Full Episode on YouTube 🎧 Catch the full conversations at: Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games Subscribe, listen, and join us as we bring you empowering stories and memorable moments from the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, right here on Special Chronicles: Episode 853 ShowNotes & Links 👨‍💻Learn more about Special Olympics 2026 USA Games at: 2026USAGames.org    🎧Follow the Podcast Series: Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special ChroniclesPodcast Series for all episodes and subscribe to the full series 🎧 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. About Our Team: click here to meet our team

On this episode of Live From the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games: A Special Chronicles Podcast Series, Daniel connects with Eric Wilfrid of Special Olympics Northern California, Debra Spears, a passionate fan, Sam Wagner, a Team Illinois Athletics athlete, Chris Ritchie, a volunteer from Huntington Bank, and Ty Bricker, co-founder of The Sunshine Stop. Each guest shares their unique perspective on what makes the Special Olympics movement so powerful and why inclusion comes alive in and beyond the field of play. 🎙️ Hear empowering conversations about sports, community, volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and the lasting impact of inclusion from the heart of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. 🎧 Catch the full conversations on Inside the Fan Zone: Live From the 2026 USA Games, available exclusively as part of the Special Chronicles Podcast Series at: SpecialChronicles.com/2026USAGames Episode 852 ShowNotes & Links 👨‍💻Learn more about Special Olympics 2026 USA Games at: 2026USAGames.org  🎧Follow the Podcast Series: Road to Special Olympics 2026 USA Games: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series for all episodes and subscribe to the full series 🎧 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. About Our Team: click here to meet our team