Unified At Work

Special Chronicles Network
  • 4.5 (2)
  • Documentary
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. Sep 21

     Innersense Beauty and Joyful Leadership with Joanne & Morgan Starkman | Unified at Work Series

    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.

  2. Sep 14

    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 Socials Instagram: https://instagram.com/specialchronicles Facebook: https://facebook.com/specialchronicles LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/special-chronicles The post Future of Inclusive Employment with Bill Dwyer of Helping Hand | Unified at Work Series S7:E2 | Ep.863 first appeared on Special Chronicles.

  3. Sep 10

    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.

  4. 10/27/2025

    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.

  5. 10/20/2025

    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/DanielSmrokowski The post Rob Johnson on Overcommunicate | Unified at Work Series S6:Pt9 | Ep.804 first appeared on Special Chronicles.

  6. 10/13/2025

    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.

  7. 09/30/2025

    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/DanielSmrokowski The post Lessons From A Podcasting Legend | Ep.800 first appeared on Special Chronicles.

  8. 09/22/2025

    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/DanielSmrokowski The post Wings for All: On The Job with Nefertiti “Neffie” Fisher | Unified at Work Series S6:Pt6 | Ep.794 first appeared on Special Chronicles.

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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Special Chronicles Network
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Unified At Work

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