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Special Chronicles Podcast

Special Chronicles Podcast

By: Special Chronicles Network
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 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.2024 By Special Chronicles Network Social Sciences
Episodes
  • The Matthew Brough Podcast

    The Matthew Brough Podcast
    Jul 7 2025

    In this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Matthew Brough, an Athlete Leader from Special Olympics Great Britain, based in York, England.

    Matthew’s journey began on the tennis court and led him all the way to the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, where he proudly won gold and bronze medals. Since then, he’s completed his Athlete Leadership training, become an advocate in his local community, and shared his story through public speaking and media appearances.

    Now working at The Grand Hotel in York and serving as a Level One tennis coach, Matthew continues to inspire others by breaking barriers and promoting inclusion wherever he goes.

    💬 In this episode, Matthew discusses:

    • His athletic journey from local to global competitions
    • Lessons from the Berlin 2023 World Games
    • The power of Athlete Leadership training
    • Speaking to schools and the Youth Sport Trust
    • Career opportunities through Unified Leadership and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
    • His goals for future speaking, media, and athletic opportunities

    Whether you’re an athlete, coach, advocate, or ally, Matthew’s story is a reminder that with courage and opportunity, anything is possible.

    Episode 775 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
    • Get involved in Special Olympics Great Britain or Find Special Olympics Near You
    • 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
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    47 mins
  • ComEd Goats | EnergyForce Series S8:Pt4

    ComEd Goats | EnergyForce Series S8:Pt4
    Jun 30 2025
    On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's EnergyForce Series S8:Pt4: Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Kelvin Limbrick from ComEd to talk about the innovative and eco-friendly goat grazing program that’s helping manage vegetation under power lines in northern Illinois. With nearly three dozen goats on the job this summer, ComEd is leading the way in sustainability by using goats to clear brush and keep the power grid resilient in challenging terrains. Kelvin shares the story behind this unique initiative, explaining how goats are the perfect solution for rocky, steep areas where traditional methods would be difficult or unsafe. We dive into sharing the Goats story with the public — adding some fun and lighthearted moments to the program’s impact. From the environmental benefits to community engagement and the goats’ "office" quirks, you’ll hear how these hardworking goats are not just a solution for vegetation management, but also a symbol of ComEd’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. Join us for this fun and informative episode about one of the most unconventional and effective approaches to powering the grid! Key Topics Covered: The role of goats in keeping the power grid reliable and reducing outages Behind-the-scenes of sharing the goat story with the public The benefits of using goats in difficult-to-reach areas How ComEd’s sustainable practices are shaping the future of energy management Don’t miss this fun conversation about the G.O.A.T. of vegetation management — literally! Episode 774 ShowNotes & Links: SpecialChronicles.com/Podcast774 🎧 Listen Now! Listen and Follow Now on Special Chronicles📺Watch Now! Watch (and Subscribe) Full Episode on YouTubeEnjoyed this episode? Tune in to our Special Chronicles Podcast EnergyForce Series to hear educational lessons about energy and solar efficiency. Learn more (click HERE) about the ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador Program. 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
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    54 mins
  • Celebrate Earth Day | EnergyForce Series S8:Pt3

    Celebrate Earth Day | EnergyForce Series S8:Pt3
    Jun 23 2025
    On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's EnergyForce Series S8:Pt4: Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Kelvin Limbrick, ComEd Vegetation Management Sr. Program Manager to discuss important environmental topics, including their vegetation management practices, the role of brush control, and their sustainability efforts in celebration of Earth Day. Key Topics: Vegetation Management: Kelvin shares insights into why vegetation management is critical for maintaining ComEd’s infrastructure and the reliability of the power grid. He explains how ComEd prioritizes areas for vegetation management and the safety protocols in place to protect both the environment and electrical systems.Brush and Environmental Impact: We dive into how ComEd manages brush and vegetation with minimal environmental impact, exploring initiatives and partnerships that help ensure responsible brush management. Kelvin also talks about the steps ComEd takes to protect wildlife and habitats during vegetation clearing efforts. Earth Day and Sustainability: As Earth Day approaches, Kelvin highlights ComEd's sustainability initiatives and community engagement efforts. He discusses how ComEd balances the practical needs of energy infrastructure with their commitment to environmental responsibility and shares special events and educational initiatives for Earth Day. Tune in to learn more about ComEd’s efforts to promote sustainability, protect the environment, and ensure a reliable energy system for the communities they serve. Don't miss this enlightening conversation about how power companies can lead the way in sustainability and environmental stewardship! Episode 773 ShowNotes & Links: SpecialChronicles.com/Podcast773 🎧 Listen Now! Listen and Follow Now on Special Chronicles📺Watch Now! Watch (and Subscribe) Full Episode Now on YouTubeEnjoyed this episode? Tune in to our Special Chronicles Podcast EnergyForce Series to hear educational lessons about energy and solar efficiency.Learn more (click HERE) about the ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador Program.Learn more about Trees at ComEd.com/Trees 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
    Show more Show less
    35 mins
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