On episode 34 of the StreamYard Spotlight, hosts Dana and Kelsey sit down with Daniel Smrokowski! He founder of the Special Chronicles Network– a Global Digital Media Platform Giving Respect & Voice to People with Special Needs AND he hosts the Special Chronicles Show. He’s been podcasting since 2008 and now generates over 42,000 average listeners per month. This Thursday, we will talk about how Daniel’s leading the way for those with disabilities in using StreamYard!
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From Loss to Leadership: United Employees Changing the Conversation on Mental Health | Unified at Work Series S7:E1 | Ep.862
bySpecial Chronicles Network
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
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