Special Chronicles

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Special Chronicles Podcast

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Georgia and Daniel Podcast

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Unified at Work Series

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ComEd EnergyForce Series

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Inclusive Travel Series

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Inclusive Health Series

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Road to Special Olympics USA Games Minnesota 2026 Series

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Special Olympics World Games Series

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DanTalks Series

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The Daniel Smrokowski Podcast

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Spread The World Inclusion Series

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Movies and TV Commentary Series

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Amazing Individuals Podcast

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Good Vibes with Jerry Holy Podcast

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Georgia’s Grill Show

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Disability Topics:

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

Follow our Unified at Work Series for more conversations in inclusive employment
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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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