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Unified At Work
Unified At Work episodes
- Discerning An Audience | Unified at Work Series S7:E4 | Ep.865
On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's Unified at Work Series Season 7, Episode 4, Host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Jimi Allen, founder of TalkLab and agency owner of Bureau Gravity, for a conversation rooted in connection, creativity, and inclusion.
Jimi shares the story of how he became a longtime listener and follower of Special Chronicles, how he and Daniel first connected, and why disability storytelling has shaped his approach to leadership and communication. Together, they explore the importance of discerning the Disability Storytelling Audience — understanding who listens, who learns, and how authentic narratives can drive meaningful employment and workplace inclusion.
This episode is a thoughtful look at the intersection of storytelling, advocacy, and the future of inclusive employment.
Episode 865 ShowNotes & Links: https://specialchronicles.com/podcast865/
Connect with Special Chronicles
Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast Wherever You Get Podcasts: https://specialchronicles.com/PodFollow our Unified at Work Series for more conversations on inclusive employment: https://specialchronicles.com/Work
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Watch+Subscribe full video episodes on YouTube: https://specialchronicles.com/SCPYouTube
Unlock Bonus Content. Support Inclusive Storytelling. Make an Impact. Join Special Chronicles+ PLUS for bonus content and to support our mission: https://specialchronicles.com/PLUS
Shop our merch: https://specialchronicles.com/Shop
Follow us on Socials: https://specialchronicles.com/Socials
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates from Special Chronicles: https://specialchronicles.com/Newsletter
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.
Meet our team: https://specialchronicles.com/team
The post Discerning An Audience | Unified at Work Series S7:E4 | Ep.865 first appeared on Special Chronicles.1 hr 25 min - Innersense Beauty and Joyful Leadership with Joanne & Morgan Starkman | Unified at Work Series S7:E3 | Ep.864
On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast’s Unified at Work Series Season 7, Episode 3, Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Joanne Starkman, co‑founder of Innersense Organic Beauty, and her daughter Morgan Starkman, the company’s beloved Director of Joy.
This heart‑centered conversation explores how Innersense is raising clean hair care to a higher standard through ingredient integrity, responsible packaging, and planet‑first sustainability — all while giving back to organizations that create meaningful change. As a Certified B Corp, Innersense donated over $400,000 to nonprofits in 2023 and continues to push for legislation that improves the beauty industry.
We also celebrate Williams Syndrome Awareness Month, a cause close to the Starkman family. Morgan, who has Williams syndrome, shares her inspiring journey, her role supporting salons around the world, and her creative collaboration with Outshine Labels — where 100% of profits from her designs support the Williams Syndrome Association.
Listeners will hear about Morgan’s joyful leadership, her mantra “Be happy. Be kind. Be you.”, her love for family and nature, and the inclusive culture she helps shape at Innersense.
This episode is a celebration of inclusion, meaningful work, and the belief that caring for your hair — and the world around you — begins with trusting your inner sense.
Watch this full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/YNbqp4_emmo?si=LJLbfUaoPy8RxSHa
Episode 864 ShowNotes & Links: https://specialchronicles.com/podcast864/
Be sure to subscribe and follow the podcast so you never miss an episode at https://SpecialChronicles.com/Pod
Follow our Unified at Work Series for more conversations on inclusive employment- https://SpecialChronicles.com/Work
The post Innersense Beauty and Joyful Leadership with Joanne & Morgan Starkman | Unified at Work Series S7:E3 | Ep.864 first appeared on Special Chronicles.1 hr 11 min - Future of Inclusive Employment with Bill Dwyer of Helping Hand | Unified at Work Series S7:E2
On this Season 7, Episode 2 of Unified at Work: a Special Chronicles Podcast Series, we feature a re‑released excerpt from our 2025 conversation with Bill Dwyer, CEO of Helping Hand, joining host Daniel Smrokowski to discuss the future of meaningful employment for people with intellectual disabilities. Together, they explore how High School Transition pathways, inclusive work initiatives, and inclusive hiring practices can transform workplaces and open doors to long‑term career success.
Whether you’re an employer, educator, advocate, or ally, this episode offers actionable insights on building environments where everyone can contribute and belong.
click here to watch this full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/VQJ3cqpVXqA?si=mpzhkHLCqi-0A_E4
Episode 863 ShowNotes & Links: https://specialchronicles.com/podcast863
For more episodes of our Unified at Work Series, follow and listen at: SpecialChronicles.com/Work
Subscribe on YouTube for more podcast episodes: http://youtube.com/specialchronicles
Follow Special Chronicles on SocialsInstagram: https://instagram.com/specialchroniclesFacebook: https://facebook.com/specialchroniclesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/special-chroniclesThe post Future of Inclusive Employment with Bill Dwyer of Helping Hand | Unified at Work Series S7:E2 | Ep.863 first appeared on Special Chronicles.58 min - From Loss to Leadership: United Employees Changing the Conversation on Mental Health | Unified at Work Series S7:E1 | Ep.862
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 … Continue reading From Loss to Leadership: United Employees Changing the Conversation on Mental Health | Unified at Work Series S7:E1 | Ep.862
The post From Loss to Leadership: United Employees Changing the Conversation on Mental Health | Unified at Work Series S7:E1 | Ep.862 first appeared on Special Chronicles.1 hr 16 min - Live from United Airlines HQ: On The Job with David Kinzelman, Chief Customer Officer | Unified at Work Series S6:Pt10 | Ep.805
Join host Daniel Smrokowski LIVE From United Airlines headquarters as he sits down with David Kinzelman — Chief Customer Officer & Senior VP of Airport Operations at United — for an inspiring conversation during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). They explore how United’s SOSA program and its broader accessibility initiatives are creating real change … Continue reading Live from United Airlines HQ: On The Job with David Kinzelman, Chief Customer Officer | Unified at Work Series S6:Pt10 | Ep.805
The post Live from United Airlines HQ: On The Job with David Kinzelman, Chief Customer Officer | Unified at Work Series S6:Pt10 | Ep.805 first appeared on Special Chronicles.58 min - Rob Johnson on Overcommunicate | Unified at Work Series S6:Pt9 | Ep.804
On this all-new episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's Unified at Work Series S6:Pt9: Host Daniel Smrokowski welcomes back Emmy Award-winning journalist, consultant, podcaster, and Special Olympics Illinois Board Member Rob Johnson.
Rob joins us to talk about his brand-new book, Overcommunicate: A Guide for Business Executives and Aspiring Leaders. Most leaders confuse saying something with being understood — this book offers the tools to align people, clarify strategy, and drive action with clarity and intention.
We dive into:
Why clarity—not noise—is a leader’s most powerful tool
The “Communication Flywheel” that helps leaders build alignment and trust
How to avoid the most common communication mistakes
Lessons Rob has learned from journalism, consulting, and serving on the board of Special Olympics Illinois
Why overcommunicating matters for inclusive leadership and the Unified at Work initiative
Rob also shares practical takeaways for executives, entrepreneurs, and aspiring leaders — including Special Olympics athletes stepping into leadership roles.
This conversation is packed with wisdom, real-world stories, and tools you can use to lead with clarity.
Episode 804 ShowNotes & Links
👉 Learn more about Rob Johnson at: http://robjohnsoncommunications.com/
👉 Pre-order Rob’s Book: Overcommunicate https://books.manuscripts.com/product/overcommunicate-a-guide-for-business-executives-and-aspiring-leaders/
👉Rob’s Podcast: Listen & Subscribe to Can You Hear Me? https://can-you-hear-me.simplecast.com/
👉 More Unified at Work stories: https://specialchronicles.com/UnifiedatWork
Presented by United Airlines Bridge Business Resource Group, proud partner of the Unified at Work Series.
Listen and Follow at SpecialChronicles.com/Pod
🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts
📺Like watching your podcasts? Visit https://youtube.com/@specialchronicles/podcasts to see Full Episodes on YouTube
Support This Podcast: Donate Now and support the mission of Special Chronicles https://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.
🛒Shop Our Merch: Shop Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection https://specialchronicles.com/Shop
📱Follow us on Socials: @SpecialChronicles https://specialchronicles.com/Socials
📧Email: Send us a message here https://specialchronicles.com/contact
📧Newsletter: Subscribe to our Mailing List HERE https://specialchronicles.com/newsletter
🎤Speaking Engagements with Daniel: Learn more and Book Daniel to speak HERE https://specialchronicles.com/speaking
💡Partner: ComEd EnergyForce https://specialchronicles.com/ComEd
✈️Partner: United Airlines Bridge BRG https://specialchronicles.com/United
📻Podcast Hosting: Podbean https://specialchronicles.com/podbean
📡Recording Studio: StreamYard https://specialchronicles.com/streamyard
🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge Now! 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 columnist and the founder and host of the award-winning podcast, Special Chronicles, which has released over 800 episodes in over 17 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/DanielSmrokowskiThe post Rob Johnson on Overcommunicate | Unified at Work Series S6:Pt9 | Ep.804 first appeared on Special Chronicles.59 min - Willing and ABLE: Why Hiring People with Disabilities Is Smart Business | Unified at Work Series S6:Pt8 | Ep.803
In this compelling episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's Unified at Work Series S6:Pt8—originally aired on Disability Beat Radio on WEFT 90.1 FM in Champaign, IL—host Vicki Niswander sits down with Nicholas Wyman, President of IWSI America, to unpack their groundbreaking 2023 report that’s reshaping how we think about workforce inclusion.
🎙️ Discover why embracing disability inclusion isn’t just ethical—it’s a catalyst for innovation and competitive advantage.
This episode originally aired on Disability Beat Radio on WEFT 90.1 FM in Champaign, IL: https://new.weft.org/publicaffairs/disabilitybeat.html
ShowNotes & Links:
🎧 Listen and Follow the Special Chronicles Podcast
Stream 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 an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate who is best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform with over 800 episodes across 17 years. 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.Read more about Daniel HERE: https://specialchronicles.com/DanielSmrokowski
The post Willing and ABLE: Why Hiring People with Disabilities Is Smart Business | Unified at Work Series S6:Pt8 | Ep.803 first appeared on Special Chronicles.25 min - Lessons From A Podcasting Legend | Ep.800
On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, host Daniel Smrokowski celebrates International Podcast Day with the 800th Episode of this podcast! We share an ALL NEW speech he recently gave to the regional marketing staff of Special Olympics about his lessons as a Podcasting Legend within the Special Olympics Movement.
Then, Daniel transitions into an encore conversation with fellow Special Olympics Illinois Athlete Leader Jose Moreno, where they discuss the art of podcasting about podcasting, sharing some of our best tips for you to get into podcasting yourself!
👉 Tune in for a powerful episode you won’t want to miss filled with stories, insights, and inspiration!
ShowNotes & Links:
🎧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/DanielSmrokowskiThe post Lessons From A Podcasting Legend | Ep.800 first appeared on Special Chronicles.1 hr 13 min - Wings for All: On The Job with Nefertiti “Neffie” Fisher | Unified at Work Series S6:Pt6 | Ep.794
In this all-new Unified at Work Series episode, host Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Nefertiti “Neffie” S. Fisher, HR Operations Assistant Manager at United Airlines and ORD Bridge Disability BRG Director, to talk about The Arc’s Wings for All® event hosted at Chicago O’Hare on August 16, 2025.
Neffie shares highlights from the day, powerful behind-the-scenes stories, and the heartwarming moment when a young participant overcame his fears to board the plane. You’ll also hear how United’s Bridge BRG and The Arc are creating more inclusive air travel experiences for families with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
This inspiring conversation will leave you encouraged to take simple steps toward building inclusion—in the airport, workplace, and beyond.
👉 Listen now and subscribe at specialchronicles.com/podcast794
ShowNotes & Links:
🎧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.
Learn more about The Arc's Wings for All event: https://thearc.org/our-initiatives/travel/
Watch on Instagram Daniel's Instagram Reel highlight video from our ORD Wings for All event: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNbzSbVttCC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MXB1aml0eXc4aGgweQ==
😀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/DanielSmrokowskiThe post Wings for All: On The Job with Nefertiti “Neffie” Fisher | Unified at Work Series S6:Pt6 | Ep.794 first appeared on Special Chronicles.59 min - Wings for All: Flying with Heart-A Conversation with United Captain Tait Wasser | UnifiedatWorkS6 Pt5 | Ep.789
In this heartwarming episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, host Daniel Smrokowski is joined by United Airlines Captain Tait Wasser to reflect on the powerful impact of The Arc’s Wings for All event held on August 16, 2025, at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
Captain Tait shares what it was like to participate in this inclusive airport rehearsal program designed for individuals with autism and other intellectual/developmental disabilities. From behind-the-scenes moments to one young passenger’s transformative journey from fear to flying — this episode showcases how partnerships like United’s Bridge Disability Business Resource Group are helping make air travel more inclusive.Together, we dive into what inclusion means in the skies, the training and empathy required to support all travelers, and how we can all play a role in making the world more accessible.🛫 You’ll hear:What Wings for All is and why it mattersHow Captain Tait learned to better support travelers with IDD
Favorite memories and emotional moments from the ORD event
Why inclusion in air travel — and beyond — is everyone’s responsibility
💡 Be inspired. Take action. Make inclusion real.
🎧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.
Learn more about The Arc's Wings for All event: https://thearc.org/our-initiatives/travel/
Watch on Instagram Daniel's Instagram Reel highlight video from our ORD Wings for All event: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNbzSbVttCC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MXB1aml0eXc4aGgweQ==
😀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/DanielSmrokowskiThe post Wings for All: Flying with Heart-A Conversation with United Captain Tait Wasser | UnifiedatWorkS6 Pt5 | Ep.789 first appeared on Special Chronicles.1 hr 4 min
About Unified At Work
From the publisher's feed
Unified at work is a Special Chronicles Original Series featuring conversations about the meaning of inclusive employment; Based on the groundbreaking partnership between Special Olympics and…
United Airlines. The Unified At Work Series is sponsored by Bridge, one of United’s business resource groups connecting people of all abilities.
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