Special Chronicles Presents: ComEd EnergyForce Series

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:

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:

07:00 Segment 1: Paula Conrad on Looking Back: How the Program Began and Grew

33:00 Segment 2: Jessica Frantz on Looking Back: An Original EnergyForce Ambassador’s Perspective

46:00 Segment 3: Charlie Carpenter on Today’s EnergyForce Ambassador Experience

57:00 Final Roundtable Questions

Watch this full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hf--fU124C8

Episode 861 ShowNotes & Links: https://specialchronicles.com/podcast861

For show notes, resources, links mentioned in this episode and more ComEd EnergyForce podcast content is available at https://SpecialChronicles.com/EnergyForce

Learn more about the ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador Program at https://SpecialChronicles.com/ComEd

Learn more about Misericordia mission and programs at https://Misericordia.com

Subscribe on YouTube for more podcast episodes: http://youtube.com/specialchronicles

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🎙️⚡💡 #EnergyForce #Inclusion #DisabilityInclusion #SpecialChronicles #ComEd #EnergyEfficiency #Misericordia #EnergyForce15Years

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 more about ComEd’s Electric Vehicles (EVs) at: https://www.comed.com/EV

Find full show notes for this episode at https://specialchronicles.com/podcast860

Follow Special Chronicles on social media: @SpecialChronicles

🔌Access more of our ComEd related content at https://SpecialChronicles.com/EnergyForce

Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for updates and new episode releases at: https://specialchronicles.com/listen/pod/#subscribe

In this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast EnergyForce Series S9:E2, host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Trace Nardi, a ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador and proud participant in Best Buddies Illinois. Trace shares his inspiring journey as a new EnergyForce Ambassador, spreading the message of energy efficiency and inclusion, and highlights his active involvement in Best Buddies programs, including the Jobs Program and his position at O’Hare Airport.

Together, Daniel and Trace explore how programs like ComEd’s EnergyForce and Best Buddies empower people with disabilities to gain confidence, develop professional skills, and make a meaningful impact in their communities. They also dive into the mission of Best Buddies, emphasizing connection, opportunity, and empowerment for people with and without disabilities.Tune in for a heartwarming and inspiring conversation about inclusion, advocacy, and making a difference.

Subscribe to the Special Chronicles Podcast and learn more at: https://specialchronicles.com/podcast818

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On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, award-winning host and founder Daniel Smrokowski kicks off Season 9 of the EnergyForce Series—marking the 9th year of partnership with the ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador Program.

In Energy Savings 101, Daniel shares an updated, engaging presentation designed to help you better understand how energy choices impact both your home and the planet. This episode covers:

Tune in to discover how small changes can make a big impact on your energy use, your wallet, and the environment—while supporting a more sustainable future for all.

Subscribe to the Special Chronicles Podcast and learn more at: https://specialchronicles.com/podcast817

In this powerful episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, we sit down with Jessica Rojas from ComEd to explore how the Powering Lives Community Center and other ComEd education programs are lighting the way for students, families, and future energy professionals. From interactive K-12 field trips to immersive college experiences and STEM scholarships, ComEd is building a brighter, more inclusive energy future. Jessica shares stories, insights, and opportunities that empower lives and communities across the region.

🗣️ Topics Covered:

Hands-on STEM field trips for K–12

The “Our Energy, Our Future” interactive exhibit

Internship, scholarship, and college prep programs

How inclusion and equity are central to ComEd’s vision

ShowNotes & Links:

Enjoyed this episode? Tune in to our Special Chronicles Podcast Series "EnergyForce" to hear educational lessons about energy and solar efficiency! Follow and Listen Now on https://SpecialChronicles.com/EnergyForce

Watch Full Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/0b9i8XAJKs0?si=VN5B8IO7HB93G9Kt

🎧Follow and Listen to the Special Chronicles Podcast on SpecialChronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts: https://SpecialChronicles.com/POD

📺LIke watching your podcasts? Visit https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD01BA706651153C3&si=1LdygYBIuMJbTBkX to see full episodes on YouTube.

😀Support This Podcast: https://SpecialChronicles.com/Donate

➕Join SpecialChronicles+PLUS! Go to: https://SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS for our Premium Pre Show with behind the scenes podcast chats, exclusive bonus content, and to help support the show.

🛒Visit our Merch Shop: https://SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP

📧Send us an Email: https://SpecialChronicles.com/CONTACT

📱Get Social with us: https://SpecialChronicles.com/SOCIALS

📧Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://SpecialChronicles.com/NEWSLETTER

🎤Speaking Engagements with Daniel: https://SpecialChronicles.com/SPEAKING

💡ComEd EnergyForce Partner: https://SpecialChronicles.com/COMED

✈️United Bridge BRG Partner: https://SpecialChronicles.com/UNITED

🎙️Podcast Hosting by Podbean: https://SpecialChronicles.com/PODBEAN

📡Recording Studio by StreamYard: https://SpecialChronicles.com/STREAMYARD

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: https://specialchronicles.com/BittyandBeausCoffee

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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 the "Goatternship" campaign, which introduces us to the goats with personalities like "Selena Goatmez" and "Great Goatsby" — 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 the "Goatternship" campaign

- 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:

Watch Full Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wSgSWBiF6Uw

Enjoyed this episode? Tune in to our Special Chronicles Podcast Series "EnergyForce" to hear educational lessons about energy and solar efficiency! Follow and Listen Now on https://SpecialChronicles.com/EnergyForce

ShowNotes & Links:

🎧Click to Follow and Listen on SpecialChronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts: https://SpecialChronicles.com/POD

📺Click to Subscribe and Watch on YouTube: https://SpecialChronicles.com/WATCH

😀Support This Podcast: SpecialChronicles.com/GIVE

➕Join SpecialChronicles+PLUS! Go to: https://SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS for our Premium Pre Show with behind the scenes podcast chats, exclusive bonus content, and to help support the show.

🛒Visit our Merch Shop: https://SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP

📧Send us an Email: https://SpecialChronicles.com/CONTACT

📱Get Social with us: https://SpecialChronicles.com/SOCIALS

📧Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://SpecialChronicles.com/NEWSLETTER

🎤Speaking Engagements with Daniel: https://SpecialChronicles.com/SPEAKING

💡ComEd EnergyForce Partner: https://SpecialChronicles.com/COMED

✈️United Bridge BRG Partner: https://SpecialChronicles.com/UNITED

🎙️Podcast Hosting by Podbean: https://SpecialChronicles.com/PODBEAN

📡Recording Studio by StreamYard: https://SpecialChronicles.com/STREAMYARD

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: https://specialchronicles.com/BittyandBeausCoffee

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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:

Enjoyed this episode? Tune in to our Special Chronicles Podcast Series "EnergyForce" to hear educational lessons about energy and solar efficiency! Follow and Listen Now on https://SpecialChronicles.com/EnergyForce

Learn more about trees at: https://ComEd.com/Trees

ShowNotes & Links:

🎧Click to Follow and Listen on SpecialChronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts: https://SpecialChronicles.com/POD

📺Click to Subscribe and Watch on YouTube: https://SpecialChronicles.com/WATCH

😀Support This Podcast: SpecialChronicles.com/GIVE

➕Join SpecialChronicles+PLUS! Go to: https://SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS for our Premium Pre Show with behind the scenes podcast chats, exclusive bonus content, and to help support the show.

🛒Visit our Merch Shop: https://SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP

📧Send us an Email: https://SpecialChronicles.com/CONTACT

📱Get Social with us: https://SpecialChronicles.com/SOCIALS

📧Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://SpecialChronicles.com/NEWSLETTER

🎤Speaking Engagements with Daniel: https://SpecialChronicles.com/SPEAKING

💡ComEd EnergyForce Partner: https://SpecialChronicles.com/COMED

✈️United Bridge BRG Partner: https://SpecialChronicles.com/UNITED

🎙️Podcast Hosting by Podbean: https://SpecialChronicles.com/PODBEAN

📡Recording Studio by StreamYard: https://SpecialChronicles.com/STREAMYARD

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: https://specialchronicles.com/BittyandBeausCoffee

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On this rebroadcast episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's EnergyForce Series S8:Pt2: Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Charlie Carpenter, a ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador from Misericordia to talk about Charlie's Challenges and Accomplishments because of his disability; Being an EnergyForce Ambassador, a Real Passion of Music, and we chat about the Arts and Cultures Programs and enjoy swimming at Misericordia.

This episode originally aired on October 16, 2023

Episode 756 Show Notes & Links:

🎧 Listen on SpecialChronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts https://specialchronicles.com/podcast756

Learn more about Misericordia: https://www.misericordia.com

This EnergyForce Series is brought to you by ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador Program: https://specialchronicles.com/comed

Learn more about the ComEd EnergyForce Program: https://comed.com/EnergyForce

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: https://specialchronicles.com/EnergyForce

Support This Podcast: Visit https://SpecialChronicles.com/Give to Donate Now and support the mission of Special Chronicles.

➕Want bonus content? Join Now at https://SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS to access our premium bonus content and support the podcast!

🛒Want our Merch? Visit https://SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP to shop our Disabled Voices Matter collection!

📱Follow Special Chronicles on Socials:

📱Follow Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on Socials:

📧Email: Send us a message at https://SpecialChronicles.com/CONTACT

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✈️Partner: United Airlines https://SpecialChronicles.com/UNITED

📻Podcast Hosting: Podbean https://SpecialChronicles.com/PODBEAN

📡Recording Studio: StreamYard https://SpecialChronicles.com/STREAMYARD

🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge at https://JoinTheRevolution.org

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. https://specialchronicles.com/BittyandBeausCoffee

About the Podcast Host:

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 Show Notes & Links:

🎧 Listen on SpecialChronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts https://specialchronicles.com/podcast752

📺Like watching your podcasts? Visit https://youtube.com/@specialchronicles/podcasts to see full episodes.

Support Our Special Chronicles 2025 Giving Campaign and Donate Now at https://specialchronicles.com/2025Giving

This EnergyForce Series is brought to you by ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador Program https://specialchronicles.com/comed

Learn more about the ComEd EnergyForce Program: https://comed.com/EnergyForce

Find Ways to ​Save energy and money by taking advantage of these offerings and tools for your home: https://www.comed.com/WaysToSave/ForYourHome/Pages/Default.aspx

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📱Follow Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on Socials:

📧Email: Send us a message at https://SpecialChronicles.com/CONTACT

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✈️Partner: United Airlines https://SpecialChronicles.com/UNITED

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📡Recording Studio: StreamYard https://SpecialChronicles.com/STREAMYARD

🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge at https://JoinTheRevolution.org

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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

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On the Special Chronicles Podcast’s EnergyForce Series Season 7 Finale: Linda Rhodes Senior Manager Customer Assistance and Advocacy with ComEd sits down with Award-winning Podcaster Daniel Smrokowski to talk about customer’s frequently asked questions about financial assistance paying your ComEd bill.

From Budget Billing Program and high usage alerts to State Program for Eligible Customers, ComEd is here to help those who have high energy bills this holiday season and throughout the year! Tune in to this educational episode about Financial Assistance, Presented by ComEd!

Episode 607 Show Notes & Links:

🎧 Listen on SpecialChronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts https://specialchronicles.com/podcast607

📺Like watching your podcasts? Visit https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLf9HemrAQXjlfJZlMk8iIL-98XcNCQH16&si=85Z3ipU9OIFIh7Gl to see full episode.

Learn more about ComEd Financial Assistance https://www.comed.com/my-account/customer-support/payment-assistance?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA6Ou5BhCrARIsAPoTxrCCLVgQdr7MEZFN8qGbQvtZNf10FIC6Pos9wSQgyysGqkIThXUKJ24aAkmVEALw_wcB

Enjoyed this episode? We have more than 40 episodes on our EnergyForce Series https://specialchronicles.com/EnergyForce

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🛒Want our Merch? Shop our store at https://SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP

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📱Follow Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on Socials: @podmandan https://SpecialChronicles.com/PODMANDAN

📧Email: Send us a message at https://SpecialChronicles.com/CONTACT

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✈️Partner: United Airlines https://SpecialChronicles.com/UNITED

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📡Recording Studio: StreamYard https://SpecialChronicles.com/STREAMYARD

🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge at https://JoinTheRevolution.org

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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

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