The Shared Experience Podcast

The Ability Experience is a nonprofit organization with a simple mission: create shared experiences with people with disabilities and members of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. We do so through a variety of volunteer events, bringing students together from across the country to bike, build, and create lasting memories. Our host, Zorth Pilonieta is a two-time team event alumnus. Join us as we explore the many unique stories that make up The Ability Experience.

Available on all platforms.

Our Hosts

 Gary Sugg & Zorth Pilonieta

 

Zorth is a Pi Kappa Phi brother from the Zeta Eta (South Florida) chapter, and a two time Pi Alpha, having cycled Journey of Hope in 2011 and Ability Challenge Europe in 2017. When he is not hosting the podcast, Zorth volunteers as a cycling safety coach for The Ability Experience summer events.

 

Gary is a Pi Kappa Phi Brother from the Delta Zeta (Appalachian State) chapter. He was apart of The Ability Experience and Fraternity staff for seven years before making a career-switch to the Finance industry in 2021. He remains actively involved with our events in Charlotte, NC and cherishes his Fraternity involvement over the years.

As a Pi Alpha, Cycling Coach and Board Member, it’s fair to say that Corey Dillon has impacted the The Ability Experience’s cycling events more than just about anyone. Over the years, Corey has dedicated himself to the evolution of our events – particularly in the interest of safety. Join us and we uncover what Corey has added to the Journey of Hope and Gear Up Florida experiences since is 1991 cross-country trek.

Paul Drake has done it all. As a seven time Pi Alpha, Paul has cycled all three routes of Journey of Hope and Gear Up Florida. Join us as Paul compares and contrasts his experiences depicting the evolution of our programs over the years.

Paul’s involvement: Journey of Hope (1989, 1991, 1998, 2003, 2005), Gear Up Florida (2004), Pi Alpha Ride Along (2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2017), Cycling Events Cycling Coach (2018-present)

Twin brothers, Josh and Will Ingram have a lot to unpack when it comes to Ability Experience involvement. Join us as we compare and contrast two unique experiences including the 2019 Journey of Hope.

As a result of a traumatic motorcycle accident, Brent Freeman is a Pi Alpha who is now blind. While injuries have effected his memory, Journey of Hope will never be forgotten. Join us as he shares how his perspective of his 2010 experience has evolved and what he cherishes most about that summer.

(Recorded LIVE as a part of 2021 Pi Kapp College for Chapter Officers)

3x Pi Alpha and past-staff member, Mike McBride, Omega (Purdue), is an adventurer. From leading The Ability Experience’s only event in Europe, to most recently riding the Blue Ridge Parkway in just five days, Mike reflects on what it truly means to be a Pi Alpha and how your first event shouldn’t be the end.

Since 2003, our flagship construction program Build America has been building more than just accessible facilities at our partner camps. Join us as our inaugural Build America Project Manager discusses the program and the reasons why many view it as the most impactful program The Ability Experience has to offer.

On this episode of #TheSharedExperience, our host Zorth Pilonieta sits down with Ryan Thibodaux, Gamma Iota (LSU). Learn how Ryan is balancing family, his dental practice, and playing in one of New Orleans’ top bands all while taking on the challenge of riding segments of the Journey of Hope South Route in the wake of COVID-19.

Journey of Hope Ride Along Challenge:

Gear Up Florida 2020 team member and now five-time Pi Alpha, David Dalton, Beta Nu (Houston), reflects on his time with the organization. Find out where this year’s virtual event stacks up against his previous cycling event experiences on this episode of The Shared Experience. (Dalton participated in Gear Up Florida 2001 and 2020 as a cyclist, 2003 and 2004 as a crew member, as well as a cyclist on the 2002 Journey of Hope south team)

“Living in a wheelchair is never easy, but no one said life was easy.”

Kyle Pease, Eta Delta (Kennesaw State) is a four-time Iron Man and co-founder of the Kyle Pease Foundation. Listen in as Kyle sheds light on his journey as a competitive athlete and how he continues to push the envelope to inspire and motivate us all.

Our flagship episode features Chael Williams, Theta Alpha (Southern Mississippi), a 2019 Journey of Hope South Route cyclist. Join us as Chael shares his experience with The Ability Experience.