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. 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

    43 min

  2. May 20

    Unstoppable Stories S. 2 Ep. 10: Boots to Books: Finishing Strong with Ehsan Jamshidi

    Host Nathan James sits down with Marine veteran and UMGC alumnus, Ehsan Jamshidi to trace a journey that begins in Afghanistan and evolves into a life of service, study, and purpose in the United States. Ehsan shares how his mother’s sacrifice and the challenge of learning English shaped his mindset, why the Marine Corps Embassy Security Program became a proving ground, and how discipline, attention to detail, and gratitude guided each decision along the way. He recounts the 2021 Kabul evacuation turning personal when his own family needed a way out, then describes rebuilding after medical retirement, transitioning into a Department of Defense role, and finishing both a bachelor’s and a master’s with top grades. The conversation highlights practical lessons for veterans and adult learners, why it's important to use every resource, keep your network active, and move forward with steady routines that compound over time.  His incredible story of perseverance and his commitment to excellence in the classroom earned him the 2024 UMGC Student Veteran of the Year award.  Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments! To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable. Host: Nathan James Guest: Ehsan Jamshidi, Marine veteran and 2024 UMGC Student Veteran of the Year Time Stamps:  00:00 Kabul crisis response 01:11 New country start 04:24 Mother fuels grit 07:23 Choosing purposeful service 11:28 Embassy duty momentum 14:46 Family rescue mission 19:01 Medical setback reset 23:28 Defense career pivot 27:11 Degrees driving gratitude 31:09 Forward focused advice

    32 min

  3. May 6

    Unstoppable Stories S. 2 Ep. 9: Commencement Episode: The Stories Behind the Degrees

    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. This week, we’re excited to share interviews from several UMGC graduates from around the globe as they tell their stories and offer advice on what made their journeys a success. As with most of our students who manage work, family life, military service, and more on the road to earning their degree, you will love these genuine clips of these graduates from UMGC locations worldwide. From Asia and Europe to stateside, these unstoppable stories will give you insights and inspiration as you pursue your own educational goals. 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 Introduction  00:39 Kiwamu  02:15 Ashley  03:16 Frederick  04:49 Donald  06:01 Abigail  07:29 Scott  08:39 Jackie  10:16 Pamela  11:55 Jasmin  14:04 Daniel  16:07 Nikkia  17:10 Conclusion

    18 min

  4. Apr 22

    Unstoppable Stories S. 2 Ep. 8: Ask, Listen, Adapt: Pathways to Cyber Confidence w/ Tamila Urumbaeva

    Host Nathan James sits down with UMGC cybersecurity graduate, Tamila Urumbaeva, to trace a move from Uzbekistan to the United States, a seven year stretch apart from her father, and the decision to rebuild in a new language and culture. She explains the hardest early hurdle, communicating with care across cultures, and how asking good questions, listening closely, and adjusting tone in real time became a daily practice.  Tamila shares how she chose cybersecurity, earned an Excellence in Cybersecurity award at community college, transferred to UMGC for the online fit, stacked credentials like CompTIA Security Plus, and balanced four jobs with school through disciplined routines and honest burnout recovery. She also reflects on launching leadership with Women in Cybersecurity, the confidence of conference community, and a vision to secure systems and inspire more women to enter the field.  Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments! To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable. Host: Nathan James Guest: Tamila Urumbaeva, Cybersecurity Specialist, UMGC alumnus Time Stamps & Show Notes:  (00:00 - 00:50) Cybersecurity Impact (00:50 - 02:59) Delay and move (03:00 - 05:12) Culture shock (05:13 - 08:10) Choosing cyber (08:11 - 10:34) Early wins (10:35 - 13:10) UMGC fit (13:11 - 16:35) Four jobs (16:36 - 19:49) Burnout reset (19:50 - 24:15) WiCyS leadership (24:16 - 27:08) Never give up (27:09 - 30:59) Community and close

    31 min

  5. Apr 8

    Unstoppable Stories S. 2 Ep. 7: Fairways and Friendships, Lessons Beyond the Score with Ben Thapa

    Host Nathan James sits down with systems engineer and UMGC alumnus, Ben Thapa to trace the thread from Nepal to night classes, from a first IT role to a multi decade career built on routine, persistence, and family support. Ben explains how early mornings, long commutes, and library nights created momentum, and why staying curious kept doors opening at work and at school. He shares the story behind playing golf in all 50 states and on every continent, including a bucket list swing in Antarctica, and how the real goal was never the scorecard but the friendships and check ins that followed. Along the way he highlights the master’s decision, the campus resources that helped, and a people first mindset that turns busy schedules into lasting community. Listen for lessons on structure, gratitude, and connection that apply far beyond the fairway. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments! To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable. Host: Nathan James Guest: Ben Thapa, Systems Engineer, Author, UMGC alumnus Time Stamps & Show Notes:  (00:00 - 00:22) People first (00:22 - 00:53) Welcome (00:54 - 03:10) Golf origins (03:11 - 05:04) Work and UMGC (05:05 - 09:12) Daily grind (09:13 - 12:34) Family view (12:35 - 16:08) First IT role (16:09 - 20:32) Master’s decision (20:33 - 24:10) 50 states, 7 continents (24:11 - 29:39) Staying in touch (29:40 - 32:43) Connection over loneliness (32:44 - 33:32) Gratitude and close

    32 min

  6. Mar 25

    Unstoppable Stories S. 2 Ep. 6: Finding Meaning Through Family and Community with Jeannie Lum

    In this episode of Unstoppable Stories, UMGC alumna, Jeannie Lum, joins host Lauren Cardillo to share her story of resilience, compassion, and cultural connection. Born in the Philippines and raised as a military kid, Jeannie’s journey has been defined by movement, adaptability, and heart. When her father decided to stop relocating their family, Jeannie learned the power of staying grounded, keeping connected through collect calls, calling cards, and even pottery, a creative bond she still treasures today. Now living in Oahu, Hawaii with her two autistic daughters, Jeannie balances motherhood, advocacy, and her role as a former Outreach Partnership Specialist at UMGC. She opens up about embracing challenges, finding purpose through community, and learning to let the rhythm of life, like the ocean, carry her forward. Jeannie’s story is a reminder that strength isn’t just about perseverance; it’s about leading with love, embracing culture, and staying rooted no matter where the tide takes you. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments for more unstoppable stories! To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable  Connect with Jeannie on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanniealum/ Host: Lauren Cardillo Guest: Jeannie Lum (Former Outreach Partnership Specialist, UMGC Alumnas) Time Stamps & Show Notes:  (00:00 - 00:49) Introduction (00:50 - 04:12) Growing Up (04:13 - 05:28) Early Responsibilities  (05:29 - 06:55) It Started With Family (06:56 - 08:34) Miss Aloha (08:35 - 13:41) The Accidental Pathway (13:42 - 19:09) Outreach Partnership Specialist (19:10 - 20:55) Preventing Burn Out (20:56 - 30:00) Now From The NICU (30:01 - 32:18) Raising Children (32:19 - 35:30) Water is Life (35:30 - 36:15) Conclusion

    33 min

  7. Mar 11

    Unstoppable Stories S. 2 Ep. 5: Routines and Redemption: Learning That Leads with Gavata Smith

    Host Nathan James sits down with UMGC student and project manager, Gavata Smith, to trace a path built on faith, forgiveness, and steady self-improvement. She shares how her mother’s addiction, her own early motherhood and other hard seasons sharpened her resolve, why telling the truth about past mistakes gives her family and community real hope, and how healing looks when love and accountability meet. Gavata breaks down a late-career pivot into technology, the certification stack that keeps her relevant in GovCon, and the time management system that lets work, school, and family coexist. She also explains how service keeps her grounded, from mentoring justice-involved women to relaunching a domestic violence ministry and helping job seekers with stronger résumés and interviews. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments! To learn more about UMGC, visit: UMGC.edu/Unstoppable. Host: Nathan James Guest: Gavata Smith, Project Manager and UMGC student Time Stamps & Show Notes:  (00:00 - 01:30) Intro and transparency  (01:30 - 05:13) Early lessons  (05:14 - 08:00) Tech break  (08:01 - 11:00) Cert stack & routines  (11:01 - 13:55) YouTube tips  (13:56 - 16:46) Family healing  (16:47 - 21:08) Service work  (21:09 - 24:39) IC pivot  (24:40 - 28:00) Volunteer mindset  (28:01 - 30:53) Reflections and next steps

    31 min

  8. Feb 25

    Unstoppable Stories S. 2 Ep. 4: From East Baltimore to the Boardroom, Same Heartbeat w/ Erika Lane

    Host Lauren Cardillo sits down with UMGC alumna and HR leader, Erika Lane to trace the path from East Baltimore beginnings to guiding people strategy at a major airline. Erika explains how she refused labels, chose the grind over complaints, and turned early customer service work into leadership by practicing empathy and composure. She shares the mentors and sponsors who opened doors, why she runs her life like a project manager, and how inclusive leadership starts with relatability and service. Along the way she breaks down her ‘stay ready’ system, updated materials, active networking, and the family legacy that keeps her anchored as the goals move forward. Listen for lessons on resilience, ownership, and building community that apply in any industry. 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: Erika Lane, Human Resources leader, UMGC alumna Time Stamps & Show Notes:  (00:00 - 03:27) Origin Story (03:28 - 07:46) First Job & Mentorship (07:47 - 09:59) Sponsorship vs. Mentorship (10:00 - 13:57) Staying Ready (13:58 - 18:09) Work-Life Integration (18:10 - 21:04) Back to School (21:05 - 25:40) Leading with Empathy (25:41 - 27:32) No Ceilings (27:33 - 29:26) Texas Transition (29:27 - 31:12) Future Plans (31:13 - 34:16) Loving the Work (34:17 - 36:13) Navigating "The Only" (36:14 - 39:19) Owning Choices & Closing

    39 min
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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
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Unstoppable Stories