Unbreakable Her

About Unbreakable Her

Unbreakable 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.

Publisher

Monique James

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 Oct 2025

Latest episode

21 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   21 Jun 2026

   S2 E6 Kirk Gray - That's My Dad w/ Gina

   In this episode, the host is joined by her sister Gina celebrate their dad. The conversation highlights the strength and resilience of family relationships, as well as the challenges and growth that come with navigating loss and grief. The conversation delves into the profound influence of the father figure, highlighting his impact on the both lives, though at different phases Takeaways Resilience and strength in family relationships The impact of loss and grief on family dynamics Father's influence Sensitivity and empathy Mechanical skills Love of music Courage and resilience Chapters 00:00 Introducing the 'That's My Dad' Series 09:00 Reconnecting with Bio Dad 13:55 Loss and Grief in the Family 24:01 The Protective and Kind Nature of Dad 32:00 Dad's Impact on Family Relationships 47:09 Sensitivity and Empathy 56:22 Mechanical Skills and Love of Music 01:02:08 Courage and Resilience

2. 

   21 Jun 2026

   S2 E5 Gregory Robinson, Sr. - That's My Dad w/ Wezzy

   The podcast episode begins a series on fathers, celebrating dads in the month of June. The hosts sister, Wezzy, joins as a guest to talk about their unconventional family structure, the impact of dad's decision to be a father, and the relationships they've built. It also explores dad's strength, overcoming addiction, and his parenting style, mindset, and soft spot. They discuss family unity, gratitude, and the gift of each other. The speakers express gratitude for dad's presence and acknowledge the gift of siblinghood and chosen family. Takeaways Celebrating dads in June The impact of dad's decision to be a father Gratitude for dad's presence Acknowledgment of chosen family and siblinghood Chapters 00:00 Celebrating Dads in June 05:15 The Impact of Dad's Decision 10:30 The Moms' Interaction 16:22 Dad's Strength and Overcoming Addiction 21:29 Dad's Parenting Mindset 28:13 Dad's Supportive Presence 35:04 Identity and Family Bonds 41:32 Understanding Dad's Perspective 49:36 Maintaining Connection with Dad 56:52 Dad's Choice to Be a Father 01:02:35 The Gift of Each Other

3. 

   27 May 2026

   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

4. 

   20 May 2026

   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

5. 

   13 May 2026

   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

6. 

   6 May 2026

   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

7. 

   20 Apr 2026

   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.

8. 

   4 Feb 2026

   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.

9. 

   29 Jan 2026

   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.

10. 

    21 Jan 2026

    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.

11. 

    14 Jan 2026

    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.

12. 

    31 Dec 2025

    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.

13. 

    19 Nov 2025

    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.

14. 

    12 Nov 2025

    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.

15. 

    5 Nov 2025

    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.

16. 

    30 Oct 2025

    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.

17. 

    22 Oct 2025

    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

18. 

    16 Oct 2025

    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!

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Apple Podcasts (US)

3.0 / 5

2 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.