Special Chronicles – Giving Respect and Voice To People with Special Needs Through Media

Giving Respect and Voice To People with Special Needs Through Media

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From Loss to Leadership: United Employees Changing the Conversation on Mental Health | Unified at Work Series S7:E1 | Ep.862

September 8, 2026 kamille808 Podcasts

From Loss to Leadership: United Employees Changing the Conversation on Mental Health | Unified at Work Series S7:E1 | Ep.862

August 31, 2026September 8, 2026 Daniel Smrokowski ComEd Energy Force Podcast Original Series, Podcasts

Celebrating 15 Years of ComEd EnergyForce Program | EnergyForce Series S9:E4 | Ep.861

August 31, 2026 kamille808 Podcasts

Celebrating 15 Years of ComEd EnergyForce Program | EnergyForce S9:E9

August 27, 2026August 27, 2026 Daniel Smrokowski The Daniel and Georgia Show

Travel Diary: Washington Dulles 2026 | GeorgiaandDanielPodcast Ep.112

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:

Mental health awareness and advocacy
Suicide loss and grief
AFSP Out of the Darkness Walks
UMatter at United Airlines
Childhood trauma and resilience
Healing through storytelling
Workplace mental health support
Inclusion, connection, and community

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
04:45 Melinda Riddle’s story of profound loss
38:49 Donna Paggi’s story of childhood trauma and suicide loss
59:25 Closing

Episode 862 ShowNotes & Links

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
Houston Out of the Darkness Walk Sept 26, 2026
Register and Donate: Chicagoland Out of the Darkness Walk Oct 3, 2026

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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.

About Our Team:

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

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From Loss to Leadership: United Employees Changing the Conversation on Mental Health | Unified at Work Series S7:E1 | Ep.862

September 9, 2026

Special Chronicles Network

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Celebrating 15 Years of ComEd EnergyForce Program | EnergyForce S9:E4

August 31, 2026

Special Chronicles Network

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Recent Posts

From Loss to Leadership: United Employees Changing the Conversation on Mental Health | Unified at Work Series S7:E1 | Ep.862

From Loss to Leadership: United Employees Changing the Conversation on Mental Health | Unified at Work Series S7:E1 | Ep.862

Celebrating 15 Years of ComEd EnergyForce Program | EnergyForce Series S9:E4 | Ep.861

Celebrating 15 Years of ComEd EnergyForce Program | EnergyForce S9:E9

Travel Diary: Washington Dulles 2026 | GeorgiaandDanielPodcast Ep.112

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