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
. . . . . .
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,