Unstoppable Stories

University of Maryland Global Campus
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to UMGC’s "Unstoppable Stories," a podcast that showcases extraordinary journeys of individuals who turned their dreams into reality. Join hosts Lauren Cardillo and Nathan James as they sit down with inspiring people who have broken barriers, defied expectations, and achieved remarkable success in their fields. In each episode, Lauren and Nathan dive deep into the real, unvarnished stories behind their guests' accomplishments. From military veterans turned entrepreneurs to working parents who became industry leaders, these inspiring individuals share the obstacles they overcame and the pivotal moments that shaped their paths to success. They offer compelling insights for anyone looking to transform their own life and achieve their dreams. "Unstoppable Stories" goes beyond the highlight reel to explore the grit, determination, and resilience it takes to achieve your goals. Whether you're a student, career changer, or simply someone seeking inspiration, these powerful narratives prove that with dedication and perseverance, there's no limit to what you can achieve.

  1. Sep 9

    Unstoppable Stories S. 2 Ep. 17: Building Stability Through Education with Giovanna Williams

    Join Lauren Cardillo on Unstoppable Stories as she sits down with Giovanna "Gia" Williams, a two-time UMGC master’s graduate - earning her MBA and MS in Project Management - whose life journey is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention. In this episode, Gia shares her incredible story of growing up in Panama amidst systemic unfairness, moving to Brooklyn at age ten, and navigating an abusive household. She reveals how she broke generational cycles by using education as her ultimate strategy for stability, eventually pivoting from a dream in criminal justice to a profound career in healthcare management after the tragic passing of her mother. Today, Gia leads a massive federal web modernization program for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). You’ll hear her powerful insights on the importance of self-awareness in leadership, why empathetic leadership always beats top-down management, and how therapy helped her uncover her blind spots. If you’re looking to turn your toughest circumstances into your greatest strengths, this episode will show you what it truly means to be unstoppable. Be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment! Learn more about the UMGC community at umgc.edu Time Stamps: 00:00 Intro 01:11 Growing Up in Panama 05:56 Moving to the US 08:07 Overcoming Abusive Environments 10:00 Breaking the Cycle 11:15 Education as a Strategy 13:12 Reconnecting With Mom 15:58 Shifting to Healthcare 22:47 Pursuing Two Master's 27:15 Leading with Empathy 35:08 The Power of Mentoring 38:01 Moving to Baltimore 40:30 Navigating Complex Situations 43:56 Self-Awareness in Therapy 47:18 Closing

  2. Aug 26

    Unstoppable Stories - Bonus Episode: Reimagining Higher Education and the Learner Experience

    In this bonus episode of Unstoppable Stories, UMGC President Dr. Gregory Fowler sits down with Dr. Angie Besendorfer Martin, UMGC'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. Angie reflects on what drew her to the position, from Dr. Fowler's explicit vision for change to her own experience leading through crisis as an administrator in Joplin, Missouri, following the historic 2011 tornado. The conversation explores what it really means to build a student-centered institution: rethinking degrees around demonstrated skills rather than seat time, using AI to enhance rather than replace the human elements of teaching, and creating a consistent UMGC experience for learners everywhere from military bases overseas to fully online classrooms. Dr. Fowler and Angie also discuss UMGC's recent trip to visit learners and staff across Asia, the new Digital Student Experience team charting individual learner journeys, and why practitioner faculty with real-world experience are central to closing the gap between a degree and a job. In closing, they offer a vision for the next five years, explain why UMGC maintains rigorous standards alongside its open-enrollment policy, and reflect on how a nearly 80-year legacy of serving students in remote military outposts and war zones continues to define the university's mission today.  Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments! To learn more about UMGC, visit UMGC.edu Time Stamps: 00:00 Welcome To The Bonus Episode 00:31 Creating A New Kind Of Role 01:47 What Student Centricity Really Means 02:36 Being Intentional About Disruption 03:00 Leading Through The Joplin Tornado 04:55 A Fulbright In Brussels And The Bologna Process 05:40 Rethinking Skills And Competencies 07:15 Making The Case For Skills-Based Hiring 08:07 Scaffolding Skills From K-12 Through Career 09:43 Credentialing Learning That Happens Outside The Classroom 11:03 A Plug-And-Play Model For Degrees 12:10 Rebuilding The Team Around The Strategic Plan 14:24 Broadening UMGC's Global Perspective 17:05 Serving 175+ Locations In 24+ Countries 18:30 Charting The Learner Journey 21:08 Learning From Disruption In Other Industries 22:52 Where AI Fits Into The Future Of Education 26:16 AI As Augmented, Not Artificial, Intelligence 27:50 Rethinking Assessment And Skill Signals 31:20 Holding UMGC Accountable For Outcomes 32:38 Moving From Inputs To Outputs 34:07 Why Practitioner Faculty Matter 35:00 Building A Skills-Based Culture Internally 39:01 Defining What Success Looks Like In Five Years 42:02 UMGC's 80-Year Mission And Closing Thoughts

  3. Aug 12

    Unstoppable Stories S. 2 Ep. 16: Failing Forward: How Trial & Error Built an Unstoppable Future

    Host Nathan James sits down with Air Force veteran and UMGC alumnus Matthew Ruchie to trace his remarkable path from academic probation to becoming a logistics supervisor for UMGC in Europe. As a first-generation college student, Matthew initially struggled at a private university, dropping out to enlist in the Air Force where he served as a mental health specialist. He shares how transitioning out of the military triggered a deep depression, leading to a 1.8 GPA and failing a foundational writing class multiple times.  Through the vital support of his wife, a life-changing meeting with a dedicated academic advisor, and leveraging AI for structured planning, Matthew completely reversed his trajectory. Today, he oversees educational operations and complex logistics across forward operating stations in Germany and Poland. Matthew shares powerful insights into removing self-imposed barriers, treating mental health like proactive car maintenance, and why a fifth attempt can change your entire life. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments! Time Stamps: 00:00 Breaking Self-Imposed Barriers 00:39 Introducing Matthew Ruchie 01:23 Mission of UMGC Europe 03:35 First-Generation College Obstacles 05:03 Enlisting for Higher Purpose 07:39 Mental Health Specialist Role 09:06 Preventing Personal Breakdowns 13:48 The Academic Downward Spiral 15:16 Finding the Way Out 16:36 Advisor Intervention in Europe 19:26 Building Confidence through Skills 22:02 From Sweeping Floors to Supervisor 22:38 Coordinating Logistics in Poland 24:43 Agility and Pivoting Under Pressure 26:48 Running Classes in Base Chapels 32:28 Mastering VA Benefit Policies 37:12 Leveraging AI for Study Blocks 42:28 Mindset Shift for Failing Students

  4. Jul 29

    Unstoppable Stories S. 2 Ep. 15: A Life Overseas: 40 Years of Teaching the Military with Joe Arden

    Host Lauren Cardillo sits down with Joe Arden, who spent 40 years with UMGC as a professor and director. Joe recounts his incredible journey from serving as an Army intelligence officer in Vietnam to accepting a traveling teaching position in 1967 that changed his life forever. Taking a massive pay cut to leave a think tank, Joe found his true calling teaching American military personnel across Asia and Europe.  He shares powerful stories of his time in the classroom, including teaching armed soldiers in Vietnam, helping a former Vietnamese faculty member escape as a "boat person," and receiving a life-changing letter from a student nearly 30 years later. Reflecting on his transition to administration and his decision to live in Thailand, Joe proves that doing your best is the key to an unstoppable career. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments! Host: Lauren Cardillo Guest: Joe Arden, Veteran, Retired UMGC Faculty Member Time Stamps & Show Notes:  00:00 Do Your Best  01:08 Favorite Career Stops  02:26 A Fortuitous Interview  05:52 The Value of the Experience 08:33 Impacting Students' Lives  12:29 Origins of UMGC Asia  17:15 Passion for Travel  19:52 Moving to Europe  21:45 Transition to Administration  28:54 Settling in Thailand  32:17 The Fall of Saigon  36:29 Advice to Younger Self

  5. Jul 22

    Unstoppable Stories S. 2 Ep. 14: Hack the Madness: Building a Worldclass Cyber Team Online

    Host Lauren Cardillo sits down with Jesse Varsalone, a cybersecurity guru, UMGC faculty member, and the coach of UMGC’s award-winning cyber competition team, the Shells. Jesse shares his 32-year teaching journey, explaining how he transitioned from a high school math teacher to the fast-paced world of cybersecurity. He breaks down the biggest misconceptions about the field, emphasizing that it requires curiosity rather than advanced math, and boasts incredibly low barriers to entry. Jesse also dives into the diverse makeup of his championship team—which includes everyone from bartenders to military personnel—and how their online, flexible model helped them conquer major professional competitions and reach the Final Four in "Hack the Madness". Whether you are a career changer or a tech hobbyist, Jesse proves that anyone with passion can go pro in cybersecurity.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable. Host: Lauren Cardillo  Guest: Jesse Varsalone, Associate Professor & Cyber Team Coach Time Stamps & Show Notes:  00:00 No Barriers to Entry 01:03 A 32-Year Teaching Journey 04:07 Pivoting to Cybersecurity 09:12 Diversity on the Cyber Team 11:50 Naming the Shells 15:12 Coaching Adult Learners Online 22:12 Recruiting Cyber Team Members 24:41 Inside a Cyber Competition 32:20 Beating Professional Cyber Teams 35:34 Reaching the Final Four

  6. Jul 1

    Unstoppable Stories S. 2 Ep. 13: The Architecture of Resilience: Reclaiming Life After Trauma

    Host Nathan James sits down with Christina Barlas, a Senior Regional Marketing Specialist and UMGC MBA graduate who turned a life-altering trauma into a story of absolute resilience. At age 16, Christina’s world was shattered by a violent home invasion that left her feeling unsafe and disconnected from her education.  After initially dropping out of school to work in the salon industry, Christina realized that her true potential lay beyond the stylist's chair. She shares the pivotal moment she rediscovered her childhood love for art and technology, leading her to enroll at UMGC. Balancing multiple jobs with a rigorous academic schedule, she not only earned her bachelor's degree but went on to complete her MBA with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Today, Christina advocates for "making the most of wherever you go," using her past experiences as a foundation for leadership, mentorship, and a future dedicated to helping other victims of crime. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments! Time Stamps: 00:00 It Is All Worth It 01:11 The Sixteen-Year-Old Self 02:56 Surviving a Home Invasion 04:40 Processing PTSD and Survival 07:12 Pivoting from Salon Life 10:33 Finding a Fit at UMGC 13:19 Falling in Love with Learning 15:04 The Hectic Dual Grind 16:47 Impact of Micro Internships 19:43 Achieving a 4.0 MBA 23:11 Climbing the Corporate Ladder 27:22 Leading Through Service 30:28 Advice for the Lost 32:58 What Felt Like the End

  7. Jun 17

    Unstoppable Stories S. 2 Ep. 12: The Defender of Potential: How Mentorship Helps Solve Poverty

    Host Lauren Cardillo sits down with Kwame Johnson, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, an author, and a UMGC graduate. Kwame shares how a wrong turn at age 17 led him to prison, where a year in solitary confinement forced him to figure out his life's purpose. He recounts the persistence it took to become the first person in the U.S. to take the SATs behind bars, paving the way for his college education. Guided by civil rights leader Bob Woodson, Kwame learned to view his past mistakes not as a stigma, but as his "superpower". Today, he dedicates his life to being a "defender of potential," advocating that mentorship is the most effective solution to poverty in America. Kwame emphasizes that anyone can be a mentor by simply incorporating a young person into their existing routines, proving that it truly takes little to be big. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments! Time Stamps:  00:00 Defender of Potential  02:59 Finding A Way Out  04:13 Solitary Confinement Awakening  05:59 SATs Behind Bars  09:51 Meeting Bob Woodson  11:58 Human Antibodies  16:50 Journey to CEO & Challenges 22:37 Creating Safe Spaces for Men 26:13 Simple Mentorship Moments  29:35 Vision to Solve Poverty

  8. Jun 3

    Unstoppable Stories S. 2 Ep. 11: It’s Not About the Leash: Finding Calm Through Community Connection

    Host Lauren Cardillo sits down with UMGC 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. Sharon opens up about the "mama bear" advocacy required to navigate the VA healthcare maze, the loss of her professional identity, and the pivotal moment a paracord dog leash sparked a new mission. Sharon explains the science behind her nonprofit, Co-Op Survival, revealing how the simple rhythm of weaving leashes provides bilateral brain stimulation that helps veterans and caregivers lower stress and connect. She also discusses her return to education as a Pillars of Strength scholar, proving that even after life-altering setbacks, it is possible to find a new tribe, a new degree, and a renewed sense of self. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments! To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable. Time Stamps: 00:00 Intro and The Leash  01:48 Becoming a Caregiver  05:09 The Turning Point  07:40 Navigating The VA Maze  10:59 The Mama Bear Advocate  12:43 Leaving Corporate Life  17:34 The Dog Leash Origin  24:27 The Science of Healing  32:13 A New Academic Path  39:12 Finding Your Tribe

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to UMGC’s "Unstoppable Stories," a podcast that showcases extraordinary journeys of individuals who turned their dreams into reality. Join hosts Lauren Cardillo and Nathan James as they sit down with inspiring people who have broken barriers, defied expectations, and achieved remarkable success in their fields. In each episode, Lauren and Nathan dive deep into the real, unvarnished stories behind their guests' accomplishments. From military veterans turned entrepreneurs to working parents who became industry leaders, these inspiring individuals share the obstacles they overcame and the pivotal moments that shaped their paths to success. They offer compelling insights for anyone looking to transform their own life and achieve their dreams. "Unstoppable Stories" goes beyond the highlight reel to explore the grit, determination, and resilience it takes to achieve your goals. Whether you're a student, career changer, or simply someone seeking inspiration, these powerful narratives prove that with dedication and perseverance, there's no limit to what you can achieve.

Information

  • Creator
    University of Maryland Global Campus
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Unstoppable Stories