Unstoppable Stories: A ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Podcast

At ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´, we believe that everyone has a story worth telling – stories of triumph, perseverance, and transformation. Unstoppable Stories is a podcast dedicated to uncovering the powerful narratives of individuals who have pursued their educational goals while balancing families, jobs, health, military service, and everything in between – you know...life – and they are now making their indelible mark professionally and in their communities.

From entrepreneurs and artists to athletes and educators, our guests share their personal journeys, offering valuable insights, life lessons, and inspiration. Whether you’re seeking motivation, guidance, or simply a good story, with Unstoppable Stories you’ll find the spark to fuel your passion and ignite your potential. 

Tune in, get inspired, and discover the unstoppable story within you.

 
Shaun Paris headshot with text that reads, "Unstoppable Stories."
November 2026: Shaun Paris
Host Nathan James sits down with Staff Sergeant Shaun Paris, an Army medic, paratrooper, and ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´â€™s 2025 Student Veteran of the Year.
Improving the Foxhole: A Medic’s Mission for Systems Change
Cathy Francois, Chava Roberts, and Dr. Patti Phillips headshots with text that reads, "Unstoppable Stories."
November 2026: The Value of A Skills-based Education
In this special bonus episode, host Lauren Cardillo introduces a roundtable conversation on what employers look for in job candidates today.
What Employers Really Want: Inside the Minds of Workforce Leaders
Joshua Neiubuurt headshot with text that reads, "Unstoppable Stories."
October 2026: Joshua Nieubuurt
Host Lauren Cardillo sits down with Joshua Nieubuurt, an assistant professor at ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ in Asia whose path to the "ivory tower" was anything but direct.
Building Global Bridges: From Construction to the Classroom
Dr. Kate Goldberg and Mary Crowley-Farrell
October 2026: Beyond the Prompt
In this bonus episode of Unstoppable Stories, host Nathan James brings together ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ faculty members Dr. Kate Goldberg and Mary Crowley-Farrell for a dynamic, forward-thinking dialogue on artificial intelligence in higher education.
Beyond the Prompt: Building True AI Literacy
Jake Messier headshot with text that reads, "Unstoppable Stories."
October 2026: Jake Messier
Host Nathan James sits down with Jake Messier, whose career has transitioned into urgent healthcare advocacy.
Words as Currency: The Marine, the Marketer, and the Metastatic Advocate
Ashley Esposito headshot with text that reads, "Unstoppable Stories."
September 2026: Ashley Esposito
Host Lauren Cardillo talks with Ashley Esposito, a community organizer and the first mother elected to the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners.
The Equalizer: Representation and Resilience in Leadership
Giovanna William headshot with text that reads, "Unstoppable Stories."
September 2026: Giovanna Williams
Host Lauren Cardillo interviews Giovanna "Gia" Williams, a two-time ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ master’s graduate, about her remarkable journey of reinvention and success.
Giovanna Williams: Building Stability Through Education
Dr. Greg Fowler & Dr. Angie Besendorfer headshots with text that reads, "Unstoppable Stories."
August 2026: Dr. Greg Fowler & Dr. Angie Besendorfer
ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ President Dr. Gregory Fowler sits down with Dr. Angela Besendorfer Martin, ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´'s Chief Learner Experience & Success Officer, to talk about the new role Dr. Fowler created to unite the university's approach to the entire student journey.
Dr. Greg Fowler & Dr. Angie Besendorfer: Reimagining Higher Education and the Learner Experience
Matthew Ruchie
August 2026: Matthew Ruchie
Host Nathan James sits down with Air Force veteran and ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ alumnus Matthew Ruchie to trace his remarkable path from academic probation to becoming a logistics supervisor for ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ in Europe.
Matthew Ruchie: How Trial & Error Built an Unstoppable Future
Joe Arden headshot with text that reads, "Unstoppable Stories."
July 2026: Joe Arden
Host Lauren Cardillo sits down with Joe Arden, who spent 40 years with ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ as a professor and director.
A Life Overseas: 40 Years of Teaching the Military
Jesse Varsalone headshot with text that reads, "Unstoppable Stories."
July 2026: Jesse Varsalone
Host Lauren Cardillo sits down with Jesse Varsalone, a cybersecurity guru, ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ faculty member, and the coach of ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´â€™s award-winning cyber competition team, the Shells.
Hack the Madness: Building a Worldclass Cyber Team Online
Christina Barlas headshot with text that reads, "Unstoppable Stories."
July 2026: Christina Barlas
Host Nathan James sits down with Christina Barlas, a Senior Regional Marketing Specialist and ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ MBA graduate who turned a life-altering trauma into a story of absolute resilience.
The Architecture of Resilience: Reclaiming Life After Trauma
Kwame Johnson headshot with text that reads, "Unstoppable Stories."
June 2026: Kwame Johnson
Host Lauren Cardillo sits down with Kwame Johnson, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, an author, and a ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ graduate.
The Defender of Potential: How Mentorship Helps Solve Poverty
ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Unstoppable Stories: Sharon Grassi
June 2026: Sharon Grassi
Host Lauren Cardillo sits down with ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ student and nonprofit leader Sharon Grassi to explore her profound transition from a corporate career to becoming a full-time caregiver for her combat medic son.
Finding Calm Through Community Connection
ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Unstoppable Stories: Ehsan Jamshidi
May 2026: Ehsan Jamshidi
Host Nathan James sits down with Marine veteran and UC alumnus Ehsan Jamshidi to chronicle a life story that begins in Afghanistan.
Boots to Books: Finishing Strong With Focus and Gratitude
Unstoppable Stories Commencement Special
May 2026: Commencement Special
Welcome to a special edition of Unstoppable Stories. May is a special time of the year for students – especially those who will earn their degrees and officially graduate.
ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´'s 2026 Commencement Special
Tamila Urumbaeva headshot with text that reads, "Unstoppable Stories."
April 2026: Tamila Urumbaeva
Nathan James interviews ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ cybersecurity graduate Tamila Urumbaeva about her journey from Uzbekistan to the U.S.
Ask, Listen, Adapt: Pathways to Cyber Confidence
Ben Thapa headshot with text that reads, "Unstoppable Stories."
April 2026: Ben Thapa
Nathan James interviews ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ alumnus Ben Thapa about his journey from Nepal to a long, persistence‑driven career.
Fairways and Friendships, Lessons Beyond the Score
Jeannie Lum headshot with text that reads, "Unstoppable Stories."
March 2026: Jeannie Lum
Host Lauren Cardillo sits down with Jeannie Lum to share her story of resilience, compassion, and cultural connection.
Navigating Currents of Change, Finding Meaning Through Family and Community
Gavata Smith headshot with text that reads, "Unstoppable Stories."
March 2026: Gavata Smith
Host Nathan James sits down with ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ student and project manager, Gavata Smith, to trace a path built on faith, forgiveness, and steady self-improvement.
Routines and Redemption, Learning That Leads
Erika Lane headshot with text that reads, "Unstoppable Stories."
February 2026: Erika Lane
Host Lauren Cardillo sits down with ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ alumna and HR leader, Erika Lane to trace the path from East Baltimore beginnings to guiding people strategy at a major airline.
From East Baltimore to the Boardroom, Same Heartbeat
ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Unstoppable Stories: Pedro Diaz
February 2026: Pedro Diaz
Host Nathan James sits down with Pedro Diaz, Director of Language and Guest Services at Children’s National Hospital and proud ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ alumnus, who share his remarkable journey of compassion, connection, and leadership in healthcare.
Speaking the Language of Care: Listening, Learning, Leading
ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Unstoppable Stories: Ronette Meyers
January 2026: Ronette Meyers
Host Lauren Cardillo connects with ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ alumna, Ronnette Meyers. She shares her unstoppable journey from braiding hair with her grandma to building JLAN Solutions, LLC. and leaving a lasting impact in her community.
Starting Where You Are: Finding Opportunity in Every Room
ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Unstoppable Stories: Dale Dye
January 2026: Dale Dye
Host Lauren Cardillo sits down with producer, actor, author, retired Marine and ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ alumnus, Dale Dye to trace the thread from Vietnam combat tours to Hollywood soundstages. Dale explains how a professor opened the door to writing, how a chance pitch led to three weeks in the jungle with 33 actors and why doing it right matters when stories shape how audiences see service and sacrifice.
From Combat to Camera, Influencing the Big Screen to Make War Movies Human

The Best of 2025

Amazing guests from around the world shared their unstoppable stories with us this year. From celebrities and entrepreneurs to community leaders and military servicemembers and veterans, their determination, perservance and commitment to achieving their goals and their dreams was very inspiring. Listen to some of the great clips from each of the 24 episodes.