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: Powering Lives Community Center and its mission 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 . . . . . . 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: https://specialchronicles.com/DanielSmrokowski
ComEd Goats | EnergyForce Series S8:Pt4 | Ep.774
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 . . . . . . 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: https://specialchronicles.com/DanielSmrokowski
Celebrate Earth Day | EnergyForce Series S8:Pt3 | Ep.773
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 . . . . . . 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: https://specialchronicles.com/DanielSmrokowski
Conversation with Charlie Carpenter from Misericordia | EnergyForce Series S8:Pt2 | Ep.756
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 📺Watch on YouTube: Visit https://youtube.com/@specialchronicles/podcasts to Watch Full Episodes. 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: Instagram: https://instagram.com/SpecialChronicles Facebook: https://facebook.com/SpecialChronicles LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/special-chronicles/ Newsletter: https://specialchronicles.com/newsletter 📱Follow Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on Socials: Instagram: https://instagram.com/podmandan Facebook: https://facebook.com/podmandan LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/danielsmrokowski 📧Email: Send us a message at https://SpecialChronicles.com/CONTACT . . . . . 💡Partner: ComEd https://SpecialChronicles.com/COMED ✈️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: Daniel Smrokowski is a well-known columnist and the founder and host of the award-winning podcast, Special Chronicles, which has released over 750 episodes over the last 15 years. In recognition of these many accomplishments, Daniel is a recipient of the Matthew Freeman Award for Social Justice for his efforts through the media to give people with disabilities a voice. Read more about Daniel HERE: https://specialchronicles.com/podmandan
Energy Savings 101 | EnergyForce Series S8:Pt1 | Ep.752
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 . . . . 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 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 . . . . . ➕Access our Bonus Premium Content: Join Now at https://SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS 🛒Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection Merch: https://SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP . . . . . 📱Follow This Podcast on Socials: Instagram: https://instagram.com/SpecialChronicles Facebook: https://facebook.com/SpecialChronicles LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/special-chronicles/ X: https://x.com/specialcpodcast Newsletter: https://specialchronicles.com/newsletter 📱Follow Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on Socials: Instagram: https://instagram.com/podmandan Facebook: https://facebook.com/podmandan X: https://x.com/podmandan LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/danielsmrokowski 📧Email: Send us a message at https://SpecialChronicles.com/CONTACT . . . . . 💡Partner: ComEd https://SpecialChronicles.com/COMED ✈️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 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 . . . . . About the Podcast Host: Daniel Smrokowski is a well-known columnist and the founder and host of the award-winning podcast, Special Chronicles, which has released over 750 episodes over the last 15 years. In recognition of these many 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: https://specialchronicles.com/podmandan
