On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with David Evangelista, the incoming CEO of Special Olympics International. From volunteering at the 1995 World Games to leading programs across 58 countries, David shares his lifelong journey within the Special Olympics movement, his global vision, and what inclusion truly means.
In this episode, we discuss:
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๐ Learn more about Special Olympics: SpecialOlympics.org
๐ฑConnect with David Evangelista: X | Instagram | LinkedIn
Episode 812 ShowNotes & Links
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Podcast Theme Music:ย โIt Starts With A Voiceโย written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright, co-founders ofย Bitty and Beauโs Coffee. Used with permission.
About the Podcast Host:
Daniel Smrokowskiย is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate who is best known as the founder and host ofย Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform with over 800 episodes across 17 years.ย Through storytelling and journalism, Daniel is a recipient of the Matthew Freeman Award for Social Justice for his efforts through media to give people with disabilities a voice.ย Read more about Daniel HERE


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
04:45 Melinda Riddleโs story of profound loss
38:49 Donna Paggiโs 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 theย 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
Follow our Unified at Work Series for more conversations in inclusive employment
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๐ Shop our โDisabled Voices Matterโ Merch
๐ฑ Follow us on socials: @SpecialChronicles (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)
๐ฐ Subscribe to the newsletter for the latest updates from Special Chronicles
Podcast Theme Music:ย โIt Starts With A Voiceโย written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright, co-founders ofย Bitty and Beauโs 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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