Why STEM? Podcast

About Why STEM? Podcast

Welcome to The Why STEM Podcast—where purpose meets possibility in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Hosted by Dr. Ramees Madourie, a seasoned STEM educator, speaker, and visionary leader, this podcast explores the personal and powerful “why” behind the journeys of today’s most inspiring voices in STEM. From students and scientists to educators, entrepreneurs, and industry experts, each episode dives deep into transformational stories, career insights, and the social impact of STEM education and innovation. Whether you're navigating your own path in STEM or supporting the next generation of leaders, this podcast is your go-to source for motivation, mentorship, and momentum. 🔍 What You'll Get: Real stories from diverse leaders in STEM Practical advice on careers, leadership, and innovation Insights on equity, access, and diversity in STEM STEM education strategies for teachers and institutions Inspiration for students, parents, and professionals alike ✅ Perfect for: Educators, students, STEM professionals, career changers, school leaders, youth mentors, diversity advocates, and anyone passionate about the future of science and technology. 🌍 Available On: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms.

Publisher

Dr. Rameesh Madourie

Category

education · education · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 Jun 2025

Latest episode

14 Jan 2026

Latest episodes

9 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   14 Jan 2026

   My Why: From Curiosity in Jamaica to Purpose in STEM | Dr. Rameesh Madourie | S1 Finale- Episode 8

   This episode is personal. In this solo Season 1 finale of The Why STEM Podcast, host Dr. Rameesh Madourie shares the story he hasn’t told yet, his own. From growing up in Jamaica with curiosity and imagination, to becoming an educator and leader committed to equity and opportunity, this episode explores the moments, mentors, and purpose that shaped his “Why.” Dr. Madourie reflects on early inspiration, the power of teachers who believe in potential, the role of Career & Technical Educat...

2. 

   10 Dec 2025

   Purpose, Passion & the STEM Path | Why STEM Podcast - Ep 7

   In this reflective episode, we dive deep into the “why” behind STEM careers the motivation, passion, and defining moments that drive professionals to innovate, lead, and push boundaries. Whether you're a student exploring STEM or a seasoned professional seeking renewed purpose, this conversation will help you reconnect with the heart of your STEM journey. Join our featured guests — Jess Hastings, Dr. Fernando Branch, Nahjee Maybin as they sit with our host Dr. Rameesh Madourie to share perso...

3. 

   20 Aug 2025

   Building Futures: Civil Engineering, Mentorship & Impact with Jess Hastings | Why STEM Podcast Ep 6

   In Episode 6 of the Why STEM Podcast, Dr. Rameesh Madourie sits down with Jess Hastings, Senior Vice President at Benesch, to explore the intersection of civil engineering, mentorship, and shaping the next generation of STEM leaders. Jess shares his journey from being a curious kid building with LEGOs in Nebraska to leading major infrastructure projects that shape communities. More importantly, he talks about his passion for investing in students, bridging the gap between industry and educat...

4. 

   16 Jul 2025

   From Struggling in Math to Leading: Zach Nahman’s Nonlinear STEM Journey | Why STEM Podcast Ep 5

   What happens when a student struggling in precalculus becomes a tech leader in software engineering? In this episode of the Why STEM Podcast, Dr. Rameesh Madourie sits down with Zach Neihman, a mechanical engineer turned software leader, to explore how powerful mentorship, failure, and self-discovery can spark a lifelong passion for STEM. Zach opens up about the pivotal moment in high school when his math teacher, Coach Johnson, refused to let him quit. That "no" changed the course of his li...

5. 

   9 Jul 2025

   Redefining Excellence: Dr. Fernando Branch on Turnaround Leadership | Why STEM Podcast Ep 04

   In this powerful episode of the Why STEM Podcast, Dr. Fernando Branch joins host Dr. Rameesh Madourie to share his remarkable journey from Memphis to becoming a transformative leader in STEAM education. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Branch reflects on his early challenges, the inequities he witnessed firsthand, and the pivotal educators who changed his life. He dives deep into: The realities and misconceptions of school turnaround work How STEAM education can drive equity and social ...

6. 

   2 Jul 2025

   Bold Leadership | Frannie Matthews on STEM, Risk & Resilience | Why STEM Podcast Ep. 03

   Frannie Matthews discusses bold leadership in STEM, sharing her experiences navigating challenges, embracing failure, and adopting a beginner's mindset in this interview.

7. 

   25 Jun 2025

   From Military Brat to CEO | How Failure Built Nahjee Maybin’s STEM Success | Why STEM Podcast Ep. 02

   Nahjee Maybin, CEO, discusses with host Dr. Rameesh Madourie how his multicultural upbringing and resilience led to STEM success and leadership, in this interview.

8. 

   18 Jun 2025

   From Rejection to Licensed Civil Engineer | Breaking the Mold with Kemmy Mizinga | Why STEM Podcast Ep. 1

   Civil Engineer Kemmy Mizinga recounts to host Dr. Rameesh Madourie how he overcame discouragement to achieve his engineering dreams through perseverance and mentorship in this interview.

9. 

   13 Jun 2025

   Why STEM? | The Mission Behind the Why STEM Podcast

   Dr. Rameesh Madourie introduces the Why STEM Podcast, explaining its mission to make STEM education accessible and inspiring for students, educators, and leaders.

Who has been a guest on Why STEM? Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Frannie Matthews
• Nahjee Maybin
• Kemmy Mizinga

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

14,735

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 37 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

40

Social presence

0

YouTube

85

Engagement

0

Contact Why STEM? Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

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