Unstoppable Stories: A UMGC Podcast

2026 Archives

At t ºÚÁÏÉçÇø, 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.

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Joshua Neiubuurt headshot with text that reads, "Unstoppable Stories."
Joshua Nieubuurt: Building Global Bridges; From Construction to the Classroom
October 21, 2026
Host Lauren Cardillo sits down with Joshua Nieubuurt, an assistant professor at t ºÚÁÏÉçÇø in Asia whose path to the "ivory tower" was anything but direct.
Jake Messier headshot with text that reads, "Unstoppable Stories."
Jake Messier: Words as Currency; The Marine, the Marketer, and the Metastatic Advocate
October 07, 2026
Host Nathan James sits down with Jake Messier, whose career has transitioned into urgent healthcare advocacy.
Ashley Esposito headshot with text that reads, "Unstoppable Stories."
Ashley Esposito: The Equalizer; Representation and Resilience in Leadership
September 23, 2026
Host Lauren Cardillo talks with Ashley Esposito, a community organizer and the first mother elected to the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners.
Giovanna William headshot with text that reads, "Unstoppable Stories."
Giovanna Williams: Building Stability Through Education
September 09, 2026
Host Lauren Cardillo interviews Giovanna "Gia" Williams, a two-time UMGC master’s graduate, about her remarkable journey of reinvention and success.
Dr. Greg Fowler & Dr. Angie Besendorfer headshots with text that reads, "Unstoppable Stories."
Dr. Greg Fowler & Dr. Angie Besendorfer: Reimagining Higher Education and the Learner Experience
August 26, 2026
UMGC President Dr. Gregory Fowler sits down with Dr. Angela 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.
Matthew Ruchie
Matthew Ruchie: How Trial & Error Built an Unstoppable Future
August 12, 2026
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.
Joe Arden headshot with text that reads, "Unstoppable Stories."
Joe Arden: A Life Overseas; 40 Years of Teaching the Military
July 29, 2026
Host Lauren Cardillo sits down with Joe Arden, who spent 40 years with UMGC as a professor and director.
Jesse Varsalone headshot with text that reads, "Unstoppable Stories."
Jesse Varsalone: Hack the Madness; Building a Worldclass Cyber Team Online
July 15, 2026
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.
Christina Barlas headshot with text that reads, "Unstoppable Stories."
Christina Barlas: The Architecture of Resilience; Reclaiming Life After Trauma
July 01, 2026
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.
Kwame Johnson headshot with text that reads, "Unstoppable Stories."
Kwame Johnson: The Defender of Potential; How Mentorship Helps Solve Poverty
June 17, 2026
Host Lauren Cardillo sits down with Kwame Johnson, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, an author, and a UMGC graduate.
UMGC Unstoppable Stories: Sharon Grassi
Sharon Grassi: Finding Calm Through Community
June 03, 2026
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.
UMGC Unstoppable Stories: Ehsan Jamshidi
Ehsan Jamshidi: Boots to Books; Finishing Strong With Focus and Gratitude
May 20, 2026
Host Nathan James sits down with Marine veteran and UC alumnus Ehsan Jamshidi to chronicle a life story that begins in Afghanistan.
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