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Unstoppable Stories: A UMGC Podcast

At UMGC, 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.

 
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.
UMGC's 2026 Commencement Special
Tamila Urumbaeva headshot with text that reads, "Unstoppable Stories."
April 2026: Tamila Urumbaeva
Nathan James interviews UMGC cybersecurity graduate Tamila Urumbaeva about her journey from Uzbekistan to the U.S.
Tamila Urumbaeva: Ask, Listen, Adapt; Pathways to Cyber Confidence
Ben Thapa headshot with text that reads, "Unstoppable Stories."
April 2026: Ben Thapa
Nathan James interviews UMGC alumnus Ben Thapa about his journey from Nepal to a long, persistence‑driven career.
Ben Thapa: 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.
Jeannie Lum: 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 UMGC student and project manager, Gavata Smith, to trace a path built on faith, forgiveness, and steady self-improvement.
Gavata Smith: Routines and Redemption, Learning That Leads
February 2026: 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 Lane: From East Baltimore to the Boardroom, Same Heartbeat
UMGC 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 UMGC alumnus, who share his remarkable journey of compassion, connection, and leadership in healthcare.
Pedro Diaz: Speaking the Language of Care; Listening, Learning, Leading
UMGC Unstoppable Stories: Ronette Meyers
January 2026: Ronette Meyers
Host Lauren Cardillo connects with UMGC 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.
Ronette Meyers: Starting Where You Are; Finding Opportunity in Every Room
UMGC Unstoppable Stories: Dale Dye
January 2026: Dale Dye
Host Lauren Cardillo sits down with producer, actor, author, retired Marine and UMGC 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.
Dale Dye: 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.