<![CDATA[Unbreakable Her]]>https://riverside.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Tue, 16 Jun 2026 03:22:39 GMTTue, 14 Oct 2025 07:26:55 GMT60Monique JamesUnbreakable Her is a podcast that honors the women whose stories have shaped us—the mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, colleagues, and community leaders who’ve faced the unimaginable and kept going. Each episode invites listeners into the sacred space between challenge and change, between who she was and who she’s becoming. Hosted by Monique James—a granddaughter, daughter, niece, sister, friend, and colleague of resilient women—this show isn’t about perfection; it’s about perseverance. It’s about what happens when women hold on to faith, hope, and self through every twist and turn of life. Through heartfelt interviews, personal reflections, and powerful short pieces, Unbreakable Her captures the real, unfiltered journey of womanhood—the kind that doesn’t always make the timeline but defines who we truly are. You’ll hear from women who have faced tragedy and loss, who’ve rebuilt after disappointment, who’ve started again when doors closed, and who’ve stepped into rooms that once seemed out of reach. You’ll also hear from the woman behind the mic, as Monique shares lessons learned from her own path of resilience, faith, and determination. This podcast is both a celebration and a conversation—a reminder that every woman carries a story worth telling and a strength worth honoring. Whether you’re in the middle of your climb or standing on the mountaintop, you’ll find your reflection here. Unbreakable Her reminds us that we don’t have to have it all together to be whole, and we don’t have to be fearless to be strong. Sometimes being unbreakable simply means showing up, holding on, and believing there’s more ahead. So listen, laugh, cry, and remember: the fire didn’t destroy her—it revealed her. Her story isn’t finished. It’s unfolding, one episode at a time.episodicMonique Jamesthemojabrand@gmail.comno<![CDATA[S2 E4 Patrice Thomas Through Her Son's Eyes]]>In this conversation Ernest Thomas explores the unique relationship between a mother and her son, highlighting the challenges, transitions, and the evolving dynamics between him and his mom, Patrice Thomas. The discussion also touches on the transition from a traditional mother-son relationship to a friendship dynamic, as well as the preparation of a son for the world.

Takeaways

  • Resilience and strength of single mothers
  • The evolving relationship between a mother and her son Parental sacrifice
  • Understanding parental choices

Chapters

  • 00:00 Celebrating Mothers Through Her Son's Eyes
  • 08:30 The Shift in the Mother-Son Relationship
  • 15:52 Becoming Friends with Mom
  • 23:02 Describing the Mother
]]>85393956-4bd1-4158-a455-a2d3b2b06fe5Wed, 27 May 2026 09:09:14 GMT<p>In this conversation Ernest Thomas explores the unique relationship between a mother and her son, highlighting the challenges, transitions, and the evolving dynamics between him and his mom, Patrice Thomas. The discussion also touches on the transition from a traditional mother-son relationship to a friendship dynamic, as well as the preparation of a son for the world. </p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Resilience and strength of single mothers</li><li>The evolving relationship between a mother and her son Parental sacrifice</li><li>Understanding parental choices</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Celebrating Mothers Through Her Son's Eyes</li><li>08:30 The Shift in the Mother-Son Relationship</li><li>15:52 Becoming Friends with Mom</li><li>23:02 Describing the Mother</li></ul>no00:37:40S2 E4 Patrice Thomas Through Her Son's Eyesfull<![CDATA[S2 E3 Cora Lee Morgan Through Her Son's Eyes]]>Felix Morgan honors his mother, Cora Lee Morgan, who passed away in 2024. The conversation delves into the impact of a mother-son relationship, exploring the themes of grief, faith, and love. It highlights the unique challenges and experiences associated with the loss of a mother and the journey of grieving. The chapters provide a comprehensive exploration of these themes, offering insights into the complexities of grief and the enduring impact of a mother's love.

Takeaways

  • Grief as a gift
  • The impact of a mother-son relationship

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Grief as a Gift
  • 06:05 The Influence of a Mother's Faith
  • 12:03 The Circumstances of the Mother's Passing
  • 17:55 The Gift of Love and Grief
  • 23:52 The Unresolved Grief
]]>58ea1aa8-1153-4bf5-9b30-1dadaf75fb9cWed, 20 May 2026 06:22:24 GMT<p>Felix Morgan honors his mother, Cora Lee Morgan, who passed away in 2024. The conversation delves into the impact of a mother-son relationship, exploring the themes of grief, faith, and love. It highlights the unique challenges and experiences associated with the loss of a mother and the journey of grieving. The chapters provide a comprehensive exploration of these themes, offering insights into the complexities of grief and the enduring impact of a mother's love.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Grief as a gift</li><li>The impact of a mother-son relationship</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Grief as a Gift</li><li>06:05 The Influence of a Mother's Faith</li><li>12:03 The Circumstances of the Mother's Passing</li><li>17:55 The Gift of Love and Grief</li><li>23:52 The Unresolved Grief</li></ul>no00:27:22S2 E3 Cora Lee Morgan Through Her Son's Eyesfull<![CDATA[S2 E2 Charlotta Cartwright Through Her Son's Eyes]]>Tarawa T.C. Cartwright shares the story of his resilient mother, Charlotte Nadine Cartwright, and the impact she has had on his life. From her upbringing to her compassionate nature, Tarawa paints a vivid picture of his mother's strength and character.

Takeaways

  • Resilience in motherhood
  • The impact of a mother's character on her children

Chapters

  • 00:00 A Heartfelt Message to His Mother
]]>89098d39-2374-46e7-9e75-08ec137ffb33Wed, 13 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT<p>Tarawa T.C. Cartwright shares the story of his resilient mother, Charlotte Nadine Cartwright, and the impact she has had on his life. From her upbringing to her compassionate nature, Tarawa paints a vivid picture of his mother's strength and character.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Resilience in motherhood</li><li>The impact of a mother's character on her children</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 A Heartfelt Message to His Mother</li></ul>no00:27:59S2 E2 Charlotta Cartwright Through Her Son's Eyesfull<![CDATA[S2 E1 Leslie Sterling Through Her Son's Eyes]]>The conversation delves into Greg's (Junie's) experiences and memories of being raised by a resilient and sacrificial mother, Leslie. It explores the impact of her sacrifices, her unconditional love, and the influence of her character on her children. The conversation highlights the depth of Leslie's care and the lasting impact of her sacrifices on her children's lives.

Takeaways

  • Resilience and Sacrifice
  • Unconditional Love

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to the Series
  • 05:24 Understanding and Appreciating Mom's Sacrifices
  • 10:31 The Impact of Mom's Sacrifices on Her Children
  • 15:51 The Influence of Mom's Love and Sacrifice
  • 21:10 The Impact of Mom's Sacrifices on Her Children
  • 26:17 The Influence of Mom's Love and Sacrifice
  • 31:42 The Impact of Mom's Sacrifices on Her Children
]]>83bf22a8-e373-4d10-bd50-d27ab5abdabbWed, 06 May 2026 09:10:12 GMT<p>The conversation delves into Greg's (Junie's) experiences and memories of being raised by a resilient and sacrificial mother, Leslie. It explores the impact of her sacrifices, her unconditional love, and the influence of her character on her children. The conversation highlights the depth of Leslie's care and the lasting impact of her sacrifices on her children's lives.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Resilience and Sacrifice</li><li>Unconditional Love</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to the Series</li><li>05:24 Understanding and Appreciating Mom's Sacrifices</li><li>10:31 The Impact of Mom's Sacrifices on Her Children</li><li>15:51 The Influence of Mom's Love and Sacrifice</li><li>21:10 The Impact of Mom's Sacrifices on Her Children</li><li>26:17 The Influence of Mom's Love and Sacrifice</li><li>31:42 The Impact of Mom's Sacrifices on Her Children</li></ul>no00:33:52S2 E1 Leslie Sterling Through Her Son's Eyesfull<![CDATA[Update - Season Two Coming]]>This short episode provides an update on the end of Season One and shares when Season Two will begin. Monique expresses gratitude, shares some of what's been happening during the break, and invites stories of resilience for the upcoming season.

]]>0d7bbc0d-65ee-4ec9-bed7-700026e81ce1Mon, 20 Apr 2026 05:46:51 GMT<p>This short episode provides an update on the end of Season One and shares when Season Two will begin. Monique expresses gratitude, shares some of what's been happening during the break, and invites stories of resilience for the upcoming season.</p>no00:10:53Update - Season Two Comingfull<![CDATA[S1 E11 Dr. Annu Goel - Held by Community: Navigating Tragedy After Unexpected Loss]]>In this episode, Monique sits with Dr. Annu Goel, whose life and medical career have been shaped by a deep commitment to service and community. Alongside her husband, Dr. Goel began practicing medicine in underserved communities at a Navajo reservation and in several countries abroad. The returned to the US to start a family, but returned to international practice after their first child was born. Together they worked on the reservation and in Lesotho, Ethiopia, and Vietnam, building meaningful community with the people they served.

Just as her husband accepted what seemed like the perfect role with the CDC while they were still living overseas, they learned he had a brain tumor. After his passing, Dr. Goel continues to practice pediatric medicine and raise her children, grounded in gratitude for the communities she serves and the shared humanity that sustains her. This episode reflects on grief, calling, and the strength found in community when life unfolds differently than planned.

]]>43b5bc2d-e5a7-4f1a-94e9-485b0799e8f5Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:06:30 GMT<p>In this episode, Monique sits with Dr. Annu Goel, whose life and medical career have been shaped by a deep commitment to service and community. Alongside her husband, Dr. Goel began practicing medicine in underserved communities at a Navajo reservation and in several countries abroad. The returned to the US to start a family, but returned to international practice after their first child was born. Together they worked on the reservation and in Lesotho, Ethiopia, and Vietnam, building meaningful community with the people they served.</p><p>Just as her husband accepted what seemed like the perfect role with the CDC while they were still living overseas, they learned he had a brain tumor. After his passing, Dr. Goel continues to practice pediatric medicine and raise her children, grounded in gratitude for the communities she serves and the shared humanity that sustains her. This episode reflects on grief, calling, and the strength found in community when life unfolds differently than planned.</p>no01:03:43111S1 E11 Dr. Annu Goel - Held by Community: Navigating Tragedy After Unexpected Lossfull<![CDATA[S1 E10 Claudette Colvin - The Fight to Stay Seated: A Teenager’s Courage]]>Before history made room for applause, a fifteen year old girl made room for courage.

In this solo episode, host Monique James tells the story of Claudette Colvin, a teenager whose refusal to stand on a Montgomery bus helped change the law of the land, even as her name nearly disappeared from the record. This is a story about unseen bravery, the cost of doing the right thing too early, and the quiet power of staying seated when the world expects you to move.

]]>95f02748-d51a-4b0a-b8eb-eaf82e26c2aeThu, 29 Jan 2026 09:57:18 GMT<p>Before history made room for applause, a fifteen year old girl made room for courage.</p><p>In this solo episode, host Monique James tells the story of <b>Claudette Colvin</b>, a teenager whose refusal to stand on a Montgomery bus helped change the law of the land, even as her name nearly disappeared from the record. This is a story about unseen bravery, the cost of doing the right thing too early, and the quiet power of staying seated when the world expects you to move.</p>no00:30:03110S1 E10 Claudette Colvin - The Fight to Stay Seated: A Teenager’s Couragefull<![CDATA[S1 E9 Victoria Wynder - From Diagnosis to Miracle]]>In this episode, we sit down with Victoria Wynder to share a powerful story of faith, waiting, and perseverance. From a lifelong desire to become a mother to years of infertility, endometriosis, and PCOS, Victoria reflects on the emotional weight of unanswered prayers and prolonged uncertainty.

As she leaned on faith, community, and self-care, Victoria prepared to consider fertility treatments — only to receive an unexpected miracle. With honesty and vulnerability, she shares her fears, her hope, and the trust required to keep believing in the in between. This episode is a reminder that even long seasons of waiting can still lead to promise.

]]>4c0c33bd-c10b-490b-8aff-8d903e3c536bWed, 21 Jan 2026 08:28:47 GMT<p>In this episode, we sit down with Victoria Wynder to share a powerful story of faith, waiting, and perseverance. From a lifelong desire to become a mother to years of infertility, endometriosis, and PCOS, Victoria reflects on the emotional weight of unanswered prayers and prolonged uncertainty.</p><p>As she leaned on faith, community, and self-care, Victoria prepared to consider fertility treatments — only to receive an unexpected miracle. With honesty and vulnerability, she shares her fears, her hope, and the trust required to keep believing in the in between. This episode is a reminder that even long seasons of waiting can still lead to promise.</p>no01:03:1319S1 E9 Victoria Wynder - From Diagnosis to Miraclefull<![CDATA[S1 E8 Leslie Sterling - Choosing To Love Anyway]]>In this episode of the Unbreakable Her Podcast, I sit down with my mother, Leslie Sterling, to explore the heart of her life’s work. With more than three decades in the health and human services field, she has devoted herself to caring for people in moments of need, vulnerability, and transition.

What makes her story especially powerful is not just what she’s done, but where it comes from. She did not experience consistent love during the first five years of her life, yet somehow grew into a woman who leads with deep compassion, patience, and care for others.

This conversation centers on how love can be formed without a blueprint, how service can become a calling, and how giving to others can be both a gift and a healing. This episode is a reflection on resilience, empathy, and the strength of a woman who chooses to love anyway.

]]>611f156d-ed47-4573-9a04-3b51dc261682Wed, 14 Jan 2026 16:20:34 GMT<p>In this episode of the Unbreakable Her Podcast, I sit down with my mother, Leslie Sterling, to explore the heart of her life’s work. With more than three decades in the health and human services field, she has devoted herself to caring for people in moments of need, vulnerability, and transition.</p><p></p><p>What makes her story especially powerful is not just what she’s done, but where it comes from. She did not experience consistent love during the first five years of her life, yet somehow grew into a woman who leads with deep compassion, patience, and care for others.</p><p></p><p>This conversation centers on how love can be formed without a blueprint, how service can become a calling, and how giving to others can be both a gift and a healing. This episode is a reflection on resilience, empathy, and the strength of a woman who chooses to love anyway.</p>no00:32:5518S1 E8 Leslie Sterling - Choosing To Love Anywayfull<![CDATA[S1 E7 Thankful: Unbreakable Friendships]]>This episode is a love letter. I’m sharing the stories of how I met my three closest friends—Quitaya (Tay), Chavella (Vel), and Alicia (Swiss)—and how each of them became strength for me during the hardest season of my life: the loss of my grandmother.

There are no guests today, just me reflecting on friendship, and the gift these women are to me. The episode isn’t about telling their detailed stories, but about honoring who they are and celebrating how they always show up for me.

This is about borrowed strength, shared silence, and the women who held space for me when I didn’t have the strength to hold myself.

]]>672e4fb2-d2d4-4011-a5be-5122d3aeade3Wed, 31 Dec 2025 08:27:07 GMT<p>This episode is a love letter. I’m sharing the stories of how I met my three closest friends—<b>Quitaya (Tay), Chavella (Vel), and Alicia (Swiss)</b>—and how each of them became strength for me during the hardest season of my life: the loss of my grandmother.</p><p>There are no guests today, just me reflecting on friendship, and the gift these women are to me. The episode isn’t about telling their detailed stories, but about honoring who they are and celebrating how they always show up for me.</p><p>This is about borrowed strength, shared silence, and the women who held space for me when I didn’t have the strength to hold myself.</p>no00:33:32S1 E7 Thankful: Unbreakable Friendshipsfull<![CDATA[S1 E6 Kenderlyn Turner - From Pushing Through to Pushing for Answers]]>In this episode, we sit down with Kenderlyn Turner as she shares the journey that shifted everything. For nearly a year, she lived with migraines, memory lapses, and overwhelming exhaustion — symptoms she chalked up to motherhood and the nonstop pace of raising three small children. Like so many women, she kept pushing through what she assumed was normal.

But her body was telling a different story. And when her symptoms intensified, her husband pushed for deeper answers, urging neurologists to look beyond the surface. What they uncovered — fluid accumulating in her brain — brought both relief and fear. Relief in finally having an explanation, and fear in knowing surgery was the only way forward.

Kenderlyn opens up about the emotional toll, the moments she felt unseen, and the courage it took to face a diagnosis that demanded immediate action. Now on the other side of surgery, she is learning new rhythms, honoring her limits, and choosing gratitude for the gift of being here with her family.

Here to share her story, her strength, her triumph, we welcome this week’s guest, Kenderlyn Turner.

]]>b2e8c542-38f3-4682-bd89-35b79ef84748Wed, 19 Nov 2025 18:54:42 GMT<p>In this episode, we sit down with Kenderlyn Turner as she shares the journey that shifted everything. For nearly a year, she lived with migraines, memory lapses, and overwhelming exhaustion — symptoms she chalked up to motherhood and the nonstop pace of raising three small children. Like so many women, she kept pushing through what she assumed was normal.</p><p>But her body was telling a different story. And when her symptoms intensified, her husband pushed for deeper answers, urging neurologists to look beyond the surface. What they uncovered — fluid accumulating in her brain — brought both relief and fear. Relief in finally having an explanation, and fear in knowing surgery was the only way forward.</p><p>Kenderlyn opens up about the emotional toll, the moments she felt unseen, and the courage it took to face a diagnosis that demanded immediate action. Now on the other side of surgery, she is learning new rhythms, honoring her limits, and choosing gratitude for the gift of being here with her family.</p><p>Here to share her story, her strength, her triumph, we welcome this week’s guest, Kenderlyn Turner.</p>no01:05:22S1 E6 Kenderlyn Turner - From Pushing Through to Pushing for Answersfull<![CDATA[S1 E5 Monique James - Grief and Gratitude]]>In this episode, Monique opens up about the quiet and complicated place where gratitude meets grief.

She never imagined she’d become a mother, but life had other plans. After a beautiful first pregnancy came an unexpected loss — not of a child, but of choice. The ability to try again was taken from her, leaving a space she didn’t know she’d one day ache to fill.

Through honesty and reflection, Monique shares what it feels like to live between what is and what might have been — how she’s learned to honor the twinge that still shows up, to find peace in the present, and to give thanks even when her heart still remembers what was lost.

This is her story of gratitude and grief, loss and love, and the quiet triumph of choosing joy anyway.

Her story. Her strength. Her triumph.

]]>10a8d88a-6738-4820-98e5-be3479498af5Wed, 12 Nov 2025 17:29:35 GMT<p>In this episode, Monique opens up about the quiet and complicated place where gratitude meets grief.</p><p>She never imagined she’d become a mother, but life had other plans. After a beautiful first pregnancy came an unexpected loss — not of a child, but of choice. The ability to try again was taken from her, leaving a space she didn’t know she’d one day ache to fill.</p><p>Through honesty and reflection, Monique shares what it feels like to live between what is and what might have been — how she’s learned to honor the twinge that still shows up, to find peace in the present, and to give thanks even when her heart still remembers what was lost.</p><p>This is her story of gratitude and grief, loss and love, and the quiet triumph of choosing joy anyway.</p><p>Her story. Her strength. Her triumph.</p>no00:44:00S1 E5 Monique James - Grief and Gratitudefull<![CDATA[S1 Ep. 04 Joniqua Combs - Faith Between the Losses]]>In this episode, we sit down with Joniqua Combs, a woman whose journey through infertility and child loss redefined her understanding of faith, hope, and perseverance. After four miscarriages and the heartbreaking loss of a baby shortly after birth, she found the courage to keep believing that motherhood was still possible.

]]>54b8ce3d-c3d3-416a-af92-8939518f6cb3Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:12:46 GMT<p>In this episode, we sit down with <b>Joniqua Combs</b>, a woman whose journey through infertility and child loss redefined her understanding of faith, hope, and perseverance. After four miscarriages and the heartbreaking loss of a baby shortly after birth, she found the courage to keep believing that motherhood was still possible.</p>no01:07:52S1 Ep. 04 Joniqua Combs - Faith Between the Lossesfull<![CDATA[Ep. 03 Kelly - Fractured but Unbroken]]>In this episode, we sit down with Kelly — a survivor whose story is one of endurance and strength. After years of emotional abuse and one violent turning point, she chose herself. She opens up about the moments that tested her spirit, the silence that kept her bound, and the courage it took to finally break free. Her journey is a reminder that it’s possible to rebuild and rise — still unbroken.

]]>810f67c2-30e0-45ab-987a-e3e1b5638540Thu, 30 Oct 2025 04:12:41 GMT<p>In this episode, we sit down with Kelly — a survivor whose story is one of endurance and strength. After years of emotional abuse and one violent turning point, she chose herself. She opens up about the moments that tested her spirit, the silence that kept her bound, and the courage it took to finally break free. Her journey is a reminder that it’s possible to rebuild and rise — still unbroken.</p>no01:05:5913Ep. 03 Kelly - Fractured but Unbrokenfull<![CDATA[Ep. 02 Maxine Hobson - A Survivor's Journey]]>When faith becomes your focus, fear loses its power.

In this episode of Unbreakable Her, Maxine Hobson opens up about her journey as a breast cancer survivor — a story of unwavering faith, mental focus, and the strength it takes to keep believing even when pain tests your resolve. Her words remind us that healing is more than physical, it’s spiritual, emotional, and deeply personal.

#unbreakableher

#HerStoryHerStrengthHerTriumph

]]>41b2b508-7def-4308-940b-0a888ddf016bWed, 22 Oct 2025 08:28:02 GMT<p>When faith becomes your focus, fear loses its power.</p><p>In this episode of <i>Unbreakable Her</i>, <b>Maxine Hobson</b> opens up about her journey as a breast cancer survivor — a story of unwavering faith, mental focus, and the strength it takes to keep believing even when pain tests your resolve. Her words remind us that healing is more than physical, it’s spiritual, emotional, and deeply personal.</p><p>#unbreakableher</p><p>#HerStoryHerStrengthHerTriumph</p>no00:38:05Ep. 02 Maxine Hobson - A Survivor's Journeyfull<![CDATA[Episode 01 Doris Helen Talley - The Standard]]>In this first episode of Unbreakable Her, we honor the life of Doris Helen Talley — born in 1940, gone in 2016, but forever the standard for what it means to be unbreakable. Through the voices of her two daughters and two granddaughters, we share the story of a woman who gave love freely, cared deeply, and stood strong even when she wasn’t always met with the same love in return. This is her story, her strength, her triumph!

]]>35064e86-a33d-4518-ab81-252cada01e08Thu, 16 Oct 2025 08:19:07 GMT<p>In this first episode of <i>Unbreakable Her</i>, we honor the life of Doris Helen Talley — born in 1940, gone in 2016, but forever the standard for what it means to be unbreakable. Through the voices of her two daughters and two granddaughters, we share the story of a woman who gave love freely, cared deeply, and stood strong even when she wasn’t always met with the same love in return. This is her story, her strength, her triumph!</p>no00:46:38Episode 01 Doris Helen Talley - The Standardfull