Advertise on podcast: Despite Impossible

Today’s guest is Erik Meerschaert. Erik is known for his positivity, his dedication to creating belonging among young students, his passion for unified sports, his love of music (including Dave Matthews Band & Eminem), and he's often described as a ball of energy. Erik, or Mr. M, is also a special education teacher at Lake Orion High School and the 2026-27 Michigan Teacher of the Year! This is Erik’s story.

Today’s guest is Melissa Weisse. Melissa loves the arts and the ballet, is a person who sees both how large and small the world is, and is passionate about the impact Leader Dogs for the Blind has in people’s life. Melissa is also the President and Chief Executive Officer of Leader Dogs for the Blind, a globally recognized nonprofit empowering people who are blind or have low vision with lifelong skills for safe, independent travel through guide dog services, orientation and mobility training, and programs that remove barriers to independence. This is Melissa’s story.

Today’s guest is Rashmi Airan. Rashmi is known to be courageous, kind, loyal, vulnerable, and loving. She is also a celebrated motivational speaker, cultural consultant, and former attorney whose journey from corporate law to overcoming a federal conviction has made her a powerful advocate for conscious and courageous leadership. This is Rashmi’s story.

Today’s guest is Daniel Schaffa. Daniel is funny, easy to talk to, studious, and someone who is known for being observant of others. Daniel is also a professor of law at the University of Richmond School of Law, where he studies tax and law & economics. He is one of a handful of humans with 5 degrees from the University of Michigan. Go blue! His tax research focuses on how the tax system can be designed to achieve socially desirable goals. This is Daniel’s story.

Today’s guest is Dr. Nicole (Nikki) Hamp. People who know Nikki best would describe her as an advocate, a dancer, and someone fiercely committed to supporting Michigan families' well-being. Nikki is also the Chief Health and Program Officer for the Autism Alliance of Michigan, a board-certified developmental behavioral pediatrician, and an adjunct clinical assistant professor within the division of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics at Michigan Medicine. This is Nikki’s story.

IRL: From Estes Park with Love To access this article and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

Some journeys end when the final mile is complete. The Choose the Bear® ride is not one of them. We invite you to listen (and watch on Spotify or Apple Podcasts) to this special release of the closing speech for the Choose the Bear® ride conclusion and the journey ahead.

Despite Impossible is preparing for its fifth season, by introducing video recordings of our interviews!  Join us for powerful conversations with people chasing bold dreams, creating impact, and proving that impossible is only the beginning. This week, Tansley seats down with Jill Nowacki to talk her impossible.

Today’s guest is Jill Nowacki, Jill is thoughtful, contemplative, and someone who thinks about the many possibilities in front of her. She is also the co-founder and President & CEO of Zealyst, an organization dedicated to catalyzing for what's possible through executive search, leadership development, and organizational performance solutions, helping leaders and teams show up at their highest level. This is Jill’s story.

Invisibility Isn't a Superpower To access this article and subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit Tansley Stearns' Curiously Driven Newsletter page.

When the Tools Stop Working This recording is based on an article written by Tansley Stearns and originally published by CUInsight.com on May 28, 2026. We are grateful to CUInsight.com for authorizing this audio version.

Today's guest is Dr. Scott Edwards. Scott is a music lover, educator, hiker, and biker. He is curious, flexible, and deeply committed to bringing experience to life. As an academic and educator, he spends much of his time thinking about how we will leave the world for future generations. At Harvard University, he studies bird diversity and disease resistance using field research, museum collections, and genomics. Scott's dedication to exploring the natural world while staying grounded in community and learning inspires me, and so many others. This is Scott's story.

Today’s episode rewinds to last year’s conversation with Megan Spanitz. Now serving as both Chief Operating Officer and Chief Strategy Officer at the Detroit Regional Chamber, Megan is undoubtedly in full swing preparing for this year’s Mackinac Policy Conference, which kicks off next week! Rewind: Today’s guest is Megan Spanitz. Megan is a voracious reader, intellectually curious, and someone who loves her Peloton (and Cody Rigsby). Megan is also the Chief Strategy Officer for the Detroit Regional Chamber, playing a leading role in planning and executing the annual Mackinac Policy Conference and shaping the future of the great state of Michigan. This is Megan’s story.