Unified At Work

✈️ In this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast’s Unified at Work Series, host Daniel Smrokowski welcomes Samantha Alloway, Executive Director of The Arc of Illinois, for an inspiring conversation about the Wings for All program.

Behind-the-scenes stories from the event at O’Hare.

Heartwarming family moments, including a child who overcame fears to board an aircraft for the first time.

The importance of inclusion in airports, workplaces, schools, and communities.

🌟 Whether you’re a family member, advocate, airline professional, or community leader, this episode will leave you inspired to build a more inclusive world.

🎧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

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https://www.youtube.com/live/t0wI68fiSA4?si=6r0JrYUQlg9AYpp0 ✈️ In this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast’s Unified at Work Series, host Daniel Smrokowski welcomes Samantha Alloway, Executive Director of The Arc of Illinois, for an inspiring conversation about the Wings for All program. Recorded following the August 16, 2025 Wings for All event at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in partneship … Continue reading Wings for All: Flying with Heart – A Conversation with The Arc’s Samantha Alloway | Unified at Work Series S6:Pt4

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast Series: “A Recap of Turin 2025,” Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Carly Pietrzak, Chief of Staff at Bridge Business Resource Group, and John Kloosterman, Vice President of Bridge BRG at United Airlines. Together, they reflect on their powerful experience at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025and the impact of United Airlines’ ongoing partnership with Special Olympics.

From walking alongside athletes during the Opening Ceremony to supporting the Global Youth Leadership Summit, Carly and John share how these moments reflect United’s deeper commitment to inclusion and global unity. They also offer insight into how Bridge BRG fosters a culture of belonging within the company and supports meaningful volunteer engagement.

Listen in as we discuss:

United’s journey with Special Olympics since 2017

The role of Bridge BRG in advancing inclusion and accessibility

Employee-led initiatives like Plane Pulls and volunteerism on the Deed platform

Firsthand stories of connection and community from Turin 2025

Why investing in youth leadership is crucial to the future of the inclusion movement

💬 Plus, Carly and John open up about what this work has meant to them personally—and what they want others to know about building truly inclusive spaces for people of all abilities.

🔗 Tune in and be inspired by how United Airlines is helping lead the way in creating a more welcoming world.

Episode 771 ShowNotes & Links:

Watch Full Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/15OCCNK18vk

Watch the Producer's Cut of Episode 771 (Available Only on Special Chronicles PLUS) at https://specialchronicles.com/premium/plus771

Learn more about United Airlines' Bridge Business Resource Group: https://specialchronicles.com/united

Enjoyed this episode? Tune in to our Special Chronicles Podcast Series "A Recap of Turin2025" to hear more stories from the World Winter Games! Follow Now on https://specialchronicles.com/Turin2025

Tune in to our Special Chronicles Podcast Series "Unified at Work" to hear more conversations about the meaning of inclusion employment! Follow Now on https://SpecialChronicles.com/UnifiedatWork

Watch Recap of Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHbm7j-AXsVNDkcqICXeEgjeugXpfOuS&si=xfoWV8jdaQf1PcFO

Get involved in the Special Olympics Movement: https://www.specialolympics.org/get-involved?locale=en

ShowNotes & Links:

🎧Click to Follow and Listen on SpecialChronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts: https://SpecialChronicles.com/POD

📺Click to Subscribe and Watch on YouTube: https://SpecialChronicles.com/WATCH

😀Support This Podcast: 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.

🛒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

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On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's Unified at Work Series S6:Pt2: Paul White, CEO of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower sits down with Award-winning Podcaster Daniel Smrokowski for a thorough understanding of the Sunflower initiative, its importance for people with hidden disabilities, and tune in to the final segment for an exciting new development of the Sunflower Extra Cards!

Creation and Inspiration of the Sunflower scheme, Personal and impactful stories from individuals with hidden disabilities, Sunflower helps address common misconceptions about hidden disabilities, Sunflower supports colleagues in workplace not just customers, Sunflower and Legos, Raising Awareness and Education, Sunflower scheme contributes to education in promoting inclusivity, and in looking ahead to the future, Paul announces the launch of the new Sunflower Extra Cards in using technology to tap card to any phone!

Episode 753 Show Notes & Links:

🎧 Listen on SpecialChronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts https://specialchronicles.com/podcast753

Get your Sunflower lanyard and personal card at https://hdsunflower.com

Enjoyed this episode? Listen to the past five seasons of our Unified at Work Series to hear more conversations about the meaning of inclusive employment: https://specialchronicles.com/UnifiedatWork

Support This Podcast: Visit https://SpecialChronicles.com/Give to Donate Now and support the mission of Special Chronicles.

➕Want bonus content? Join Now at https://SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS to access our premium bonus content and support the podcast!

🛒Want our Merch? Visit https://SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP to shop our Disabled Voices Matter collection!

📱Follow This Podcast on Socials:

📱Follow Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on Socials:

📧Email: Send us a message at https://SpecialChronicles.com/CONTACT

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✈️Partner: United Airlines https://SpecialChronicles.com/UNITED

📻Podcast Hosting: Podbean https://SpecialChronicles.com/PODBEAN

📡Recording Studio: StreamYard https://SpecialChronicles.com/STREAMYARD

🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge at 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:

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Presents Unified at Work Series S6:Pt 1: Amanda Spies from Special Olympics Illinois joins us for a presentation to Ingredion. Join us for an inspiring episode with Daniel Smrokowski, a pioneering advocate and original Special Olympics Service Ambassador at United Airlines. Host of the award winning podcast Special Chronicles, with over 750 episodes, and recipient of the Matthew Freeman Award for Social Justice, Daniel has dedicated his career to giving people with disabilities a voice. Don't miss the opportunity to hear his story and learn from his journey.

Episode 750 Show Notes & Links:

🎧 Listen on SpecialChronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts https://specialchronicles.com/podcast750

📺Like watching your podcasts? Visit https://youtube.com/@specialchronicles/podcasts to Watch Full Episode.

Support Our Special Chronicles 2025 Giving Campaign and Donate Now at https://specialchronicles.com/2025Giving

Get involved in Special Olympics Illinois or Find Special Olympics Near You: https://www.specialolympics.org/programs?locale=en

Enjoyed this episode? Listen the past five seasons of our Unified at Work Series to hear more conversations about the meaning of inclusive employment: https://specialchronicles.com/UnifiedatWork

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🛒Want our Merch? Visit https://SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP to shop our Disabled Voices Matter collection!

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📱Follow Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on Socials:

📧Email: Send us a message at https://SpecialChronicles.com/CONTACT

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✈️Partner: United Airlines https://SpecialChronicles.com/UNITED

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📡Recording Studio: StreamYard https://SpecialChronicles.com/STREAMYARD

🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge at https://JoinTheRevolution.org

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Sponsor Break Background Music:Puzzle by Roa Used with permission: Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream | Music promoted by Audio Library

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This Week on the Special Chronicles Podcast: We are so excited to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October with the Season 5 Finale of our popular Unified at Work Series, celebrating the 5 Year Workiversary of United Airlines’ Special Olympics Service Ambassador (SOSA) Program.

Join Award-winning Podcast Host and ORD SOSA Daniel Smrokowski as he recounts the Origin Story of the 5 Year Milestone of working at United Airlines, Excerpt clips from Original SOSAs, Executives and Airport Leaders, and we look back to the groundbreaking first year of the innovative and impactful inclusive employment program.

Episode 603 Show Notes & Links:

🎧 Follow: Wherever You Get Podcasts https://SpecialChronicles.com/Listen

📺Like watching your podcasts? Visit

Enjoyed this episode? Re-live Season 1 https://specialchronicles.com/WorkSeason1 and all five seasons of our popular  Unified at Work Series https://specialchronicles.com/UnifiedAtWork

Sponsored by United Airlines' Bridge Disability Business Resource Group https://specialchronicles.com/united

Your Local Special Olympics Program: https://www.specialolympics.org/programs?locale=en

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🛒Want our Merch? Shop our store at https://SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP

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📱Follow Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on Socials: @podmandan https://SpecialChronicles.com/PODMANDAN

📧Email: Send us a message at https://SpecialChronicles.com/CONTACT

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✈️Partner: United Airlines https://SpecialChronicles.com/UNITED

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📡Recording Studio: StreamYard https://SpecialChronicles.com/STREAMYARD

🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge at https://JoinTheRevolution.org

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Sponsor Break Background Music:Puzzle by Roa Used with permission: Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream | Music promoted by Audio Library

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This Week on the Special Chronicles Podcast’s  Unified at Work Series S5:P10: We're On The Job with IAD Service Ambassador Sophia Gheblawi sits down with ORD Service Ambassador and Award-winning Podcaster Daniel Smrokowski for an engaging conversation about: Becoming a Special Olympics Virginia Athlete, Journey Coming to United Airlines, and we hear about her first year of inclusive employment as a Special Olympics Service Ambassador (SOSA), Recorded From Washington Dulles International Airport.

Episode 602 ShowNotes & Links:

🎧 Follow: Wherever You Get Podcasts https://SpecialChronicles.com/Listen

📺Like watching your podcasts? Visit https://www.youtube.com/live/NJr6oCqfbzQ?si=iUmkqLwyC8ODbXWv podcasts to see full episode.

Enjoyed this episode? We have five seasons of our popular  Unified at Work Series https://specialchronicles.com/UnifiedAtWork

Sponsored by United Airlines' Bridge Disability Business Resource Group https://specialchronicles.com/united

Connect with Special Olympics Virginia: https://www.specialolympicsva.org

Your Local Special Olympics Program: https://www.specialolympics.org/programs?locale=en

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🛒Want our Merch? Shop our store at https://SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP

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📱Follow Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on Socials: @podmandan https://SpecialChronicles.com/PODMANDAN

📧Email: Send us a message at https://SpecialChronicles.com/CONTACT

. . . . .

✈️Partner: United Airlines https://SpecialChronicles.com/UNITED

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📡Recording Studio: StreamYard https://SpecialChronicles.com/STREAMYARD

🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge at https://JoinTheRevolution.org

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Sponsor Break Background Music:Puzzle by Roa Used with permission: Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream | Music promoted by Audio Library

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This Week on the Special Chronicles Podcast’s  Unified at Work Series S5:P8: We're On The Job with IAD Service Ambassador John Gionfriddo sits down with ORD Service Ambassador and Award-winning Podcaster Daniel Smrokowski for an engaging conversation about: Becoming a Special Olympics Virginia Athlete, Journey Coming to United Airlines, and we hear about his first year of inclusive employment as a Special Olympics Service Ambassador (SOSA), Recorded From Washington Dulles International Airport.

Episode 601 ShowNotes & Links:

🎧 Follow: Wherever You Get Podcasts https://SpecialChronicles.com/Listen

📺Like watching your podcasts? Visit https://www.youtube.com/live/ee6FsVVI2dA?si=JPKKvU75WR_gEXJJ podcasts to see full episode.

Enjoyed this episode? We have five seasons of our popular  Unified at Work Series https://specialchronicles.com/UnifiedAtWork

Sponsored by United Airlines' Bridge Disability Business Resource Group https://specialchronicles.com/united

Connect with Special Olympics Virginia: https://www.specialolympicsva.org

Your Local Special Olympics Program: https://www.specialolympics.org/programs?locale=en

. . . . .

🛒Want our Merch? Shop our store at https://SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP

. . . . .

📱Follow Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on Socials: @podmandan https://SpecialChronicles.com/PODMANDAN

📧Email: Send us a message at https://SpecialChronicles.com/CONTACT

. . . . .

✈️Partner: United Airlines https://SpecialChronicles.com/UNITED

. . . . .

📡Recording Studio: StreamYard https://SpecialChronicles.com/STREAMYARD

🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge at https://JoinTheRevolution.org

. . . . .

Sponsor Break Background Music:Puzzle by Roa Used with permission: Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream | Music promoted by Audio Library

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This Week on the Special Chronicles Podcast’s  Unified at Work Series S5:P8: We're On The Job with IAD Service Ambassador John Gionfriddo sits down with ORD Service Ambassador and Award-winning Podcaster Daniel Smrokowski for an engaging conversation about: Becoming a Special Olympics Virginia Athlete, Journey Coming to United Airlines, and we hear about his first year of inclusive employment as a Special Olympics Service Ambassador (SOSA), Recorded From Washington Dulles International Airport.

Episode 600 ShowNotes & Links:

🎧 Follow: Wherever You Get Podcasts https://SpecialChronicles.com/Listen

📺Like watching your podcasts? Visit https://youtube.com/@specialchronicles/podcasts to see full episodes.

Enjoyed this episode? We have five seasons of our popular  Unified at Work Series https://specialchronicles.com/UnifiedAtWork

Sponsored by United Airlines' Bridge Disability Business Resource Group https://specialchronicles.com/united

Connect with Special Olympics Virginia: https://www.specialolympicsva.org

Your Local Special Olympics Program: https://www.specialolympics.org/programs?locale=en

. . . . .

🛒Want our Merch? Shop our store at https://SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP

. . . . .

📱Follow Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on Socials: @podmandan https://SpecialChronicles.com/PODMANDAN

📧Email: Send us a message at https://SpecialChronicles.com/CONTACT

. . . . .

✈️Partner: United Airlines https://SpecialChronicles.com/UNITED

. . . . .

📡Recording Studio: StreamYard https://SpecialChronicles.com/STREAMYARD

🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge at https://JoinTheRevolution.org

. . . . .

Sponsor Break Background Music:Puzzle by Roa Used with permission: Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream | Music promoted by Audio Library

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This Week on the Special Chronicles Podcast’s  Unified at Work Series S5:Pt7: We're On The Job with IAD Service Ambassador Margaret Goodman sits down with ORD Service Ambassador and Award-winning Podcaster Daniel Smrokowski for an engaging conversation about: Becoming a Special Olympics Virginia Athlete, Journey Coming to United Airlines, and we hear about her first year of inclusive employment as a Special Olympics Service Ambassador (SOSA), Recorded From Washington Dulles International Airport.

Episode 599 ShowNotes & Links:

🎧 Follow: Wherever You Get Podcasts https://SpecialChronicles.com/Listen

📺Like watching your podcasts? Visit https://youtube.com/@specialchronicles/podcasts to see full episodes.

Enjoyed this episode? We have five seasons of our popular  Unified at Work Series https://specialchronicles.com/UnifiedAtWork

Sponsored by United Airlines' Bridge Disability Business Resource Group https://specialchronicles.com/united

Connect with Special Olympics Virginia: https://www.specialolympicsva.org

Your Local Special Olympics Program: https://www.specialolympics.org/programs?locale=en

. . . . .

🛒Want our Merch? Shop our store at https://SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP

. . . . .

📱Follow Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on Socials: @podmandan https://SpecialChronicles.com/PODMANDAN

📧Email: Send us a message at https://SpecialChronicles.com/CONTACT

. . . . .

✈️Partner: United Airlines https://SpecialChronicles.com/UNITED

. . . . .

📡Recording Studio: StreamYard https://SpecialChronicles.com/STREAMYARD

🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge at https://JoinTheRevolution.org

. . . . .

Sponsor Break Background Music:Puzzle by Roa Used with permission: Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream | Music promoted by Audio Library

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