Special Chronicles Podcast

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's  Unified at Work Series Season 7, Episode 4, Host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Jimi Allen, founder of TalkLab and agency owner of Bureau Gravity, for a conversation rooted in connection, creativity, and inclusion.

Jimi shares the story of how he became a longtime listener and follower of Special Chronicles, how he and Daniel first connected, and why disability storytelling has shaped his approach to leadership and communication. Together, they explore the importance of discerning the Disability Storytelling Audience — understanding who listens, who learns, and how authentic narratives can drive meaningful employment and workplace inclusion.

This episode is a thoughtful look at the intersection of storytelling, advocacy, and the future of inclusive employment.

🏢Follow our Unified at Work Series for more conversations on inclusive employment

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.

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On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's  Unified at Work Series Season 7, Episode 3, Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Joanne Starkman, co‑founder of Innersense Organic Beauty, and her daughter Morgan Starkman Starkman, the company’s beloved Director of Joy.

This heart‑centered conversation explores how Innersense is raising clean hair care to a higher standard through ingredient integrity, responsible packaging, and planet‑first sustainability — all while giving back to organizations that create meaningful change. As a Certified B Corp, Innersense donated over $400,000 to nonprofits in 2023 and continues to push for legislation that improves the beauty industry.

We also celebrate Williams Syndrome Awareness Month, a cause close to the Starkman family. Morgan, who has Williams syndrome, shares her inspiring journey, her role supporting salons around the world, and her creative collaboration with Outshine Labels — where 100% of profits from her designs support the Williams Syndrome Association.

Listeners will hear about Morgan’s joyful leadership, her mantra “Be happy. Be kind. Be you.”, her love for family and nature, and the inclusive culture she helps shape at Innersense.

This episode is a celebration of inclusion, meaningful work, and the belief that caring for your hair — and the world around you — begins with trusting your inner sense.

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•  Innersense Organic Beauty

🏢Follow our Unified at Work Series for more conversations on inclusive employment

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.

Click here to meet our team

On this Season 7, Episode 2 of Unified at Work: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series, we feature a re‑released excerpt from our 2025 conversation with Bill Dwyer, CEO of Helping Hand, joining host Daniel Smrokowski to discuss the future of meaningful employment for people with intellectual disabilities. Together, they explore how High School Transition pathways, inclusive work initiatives, and inclusive hiring practices can transform workplaces and open doors to long‑term career success.

Whether you’re an employer, educator, advocate, or ally, this episode offers actionable insights on building environments where everyone can contribute and belong.

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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.

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In this special crossover episode of Special Chronicles' Unified at Work Series and Mental Health Series, host Daniel Smrokowski welcomes fellow United Airlines employees Melinda Riddle and Donna Paggi for a powerful conversation about grief, resilience, mental health advocacy, and hope.

Melinda Riddle, Assistant Manager of Inflight, co-founder of UMatter, and volunteer with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), shares how the loss of her stepson Bradley inspired her mission to support others through mental health awareness and suicide prevention advocacy.

Donna Paggi, a Customer Service Representative with United Airlines, reflects on the childhood trauma and suicide loss that shaped her life, the challenges of navigating grief and unanswered questions, and the healing that can come through sharing one's story.

Together, these conversations explore how personal loss can lead to purpose, why mental health support matters, the impact of community and connection, and how each of us can help create a culture where people feel seen, heard, and supported.

Topics Include:

Listener Discretion Advised: This episode contains discussion of suicide, grief, trauma, and mental health challenges.

If you or someone you know is struggling, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

Watch this full episode on YouTube (and subscribe while you there!)

Learn about suicide, how you can help prevent it, and resources for those affected, from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Follow our Unified at Work Series for more conversations in inclusive employment

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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.

Daniel Smrokowski, Founder

Darian Packard, Content Producer

Adam Smrokowski, Business Manager

Linda Smrokowski, Copy Editor

Georgia Hunter, Video Podcast Host

click here to meet more of our team

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:

Chapters:

📺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

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⭐ 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

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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.

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.

🔌Learn more about ComEd's Electric Vehicles resources

📺Watch this full episode on YouTube

⭐ 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

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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.

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:

📺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.

00:00 Introduction

Help us continue telling stories that celebrate inclusion, leadership, and the power of the Special Olympics movement.

Click here to Watch this Full Episode on YouTube

🦆 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.

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.

Chapter Markers:

👍 Like, Subscribe & Share

Watch this Full Episode on YouTube - Streaming Now!

👨‍💻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)

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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.

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.

👨‍💻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.