In this moving and high-energy episode of the BRSTEM Podcast, we sit down with professional photographer Motelewa Smith of Motelewa Smith Photography.

Motelewa takes us on a deeply personal journey—from Baton Rouge to the creative hubs of Nashville—sharing the formative experiences that shaped his character long before he ever picked up a camera. He opens up about the pivotal, middle-of-the-night escape from a dangerous home situation and the sanctuary he found in the care of his grandmother, aunt, and uncle.

We explore how those early lessons in discipline and "rebelliousness" translated into his transition to college and his eventual rise as a premier professional photographer. Motelewa’s story isn’t just about photography; it’s a masterclass in how our past challenges can become the fuel for our future excellence.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Power of Village: Growing up under the guidance of strong family figures.

• Overcoming Trauma: Moving from a volatile environment to a place of peace and purpose.

• The College Transition: Finding identity and navigating the shift to higher education.

• The Creative Hustle: How Motelewa built his photography brand from the ground up.

• STEM & Art: The technical precision and discipline required to master the craft of photography.

Connect with our Guest:

• Website: motelewasmithphotography.com

• Instagram: @Motelewa

Follow BRSTEM:

• Website: batonrougestem.org

• Social Media: @BRSTEM

In this inspiring interview, Coach Darren Franklin shares his journey from New Orleans to becoming a leadership and personal development expert. He discusses the importance of roots and wings, overcoming challenges like Hurricane Katrina and divorce, and how his F-42 empowerment framework helps young people and professionals thrive.

Our guest, Daron Franklin, shares profound insights on growth, resilience, and the importance of planting seeds for success in life and business. He discusses life lessons from agriculture, navigating challenges like Hurricane Katrina and divorce, and the power of personal development and community impact.

In this powerful episode, Eric B. Lewis sits down with Isaiah Marshall to explore a life defined by service, transformation, and an unwavering commitment to family.

The conversation begins with Isaiah’s roots in New Orleans, tracing the path that eventually led him to Baton Rouge. Isaiah shares his candid initial impressions of the capital city and how he successfully translated his expertise into the world of workforce and small business development, helping others find their footing in the local economy.

However, the heart of the episode shifts to a more personal battle. Isaiah opens up about his prostate cancer diagnosis, detailing the moment his world changed and the profound shift in perspective that followed. No longer just focused on professional milestones, Isaiah discusses how this journey refocused his energy toward building a lasting legacy for his children and grandchildren.

This episode is a masterclass in resilience—offering hope to those facing health challenges and providing a blueprint for anyone looking to live a life of purpose.

In this episode of the BRSTEM podcast, Eric Lewis interviews Corinthia Lee Jones, the founder of Grace Haven, a non-profit organization aimed at providing support and a nurturing environment for children and youth in need. Corinthia shares her personal journey, the inspiration behind Grace Haven, and the importance of love, mentorship, and educational support in helping children grow and thrive. The conversation explores the challenges faced by today's youth, the need for change in the education system, and the significance of providing a safe haven for children to develop their potential.

Why do so many students dread high school chemistry before they even step into the classroom? In this solo episode of the BRSTEM Podcast, we dive into the "stigma of fear" surrounding chemistry and how we can dismantle it by starting early with hands-on engagement.

Our Executive Director, Eric Lewis, shares our teams recent experiences conducting Chemical Reaction workshops with our partner schools, where we’ve seen firsthand how curiosity replaces intimidation when students are given the freedom to experiment. To show you how easy it is to bring this magic home, I also walk through the classic Lava Lamp demonstration—a perfect example of a "kitchen table lab" that is budget-friendly, safe, and visually stunning.

In this episode of the BRSTEM podcast, host Eric Lewis engages in a heartfelt conversation with is guest and brother Marcus about their upbringing, community involvement, and the challenges facing young people today. They reflect on their childhood experiences growing up in a large family, the values instilled by their parents, and the importance of community support. Marcus, who has risen to the position of Vice President of Funeral Operations, shares insights from his career in the funeral industry, emphasizing the need for empathy and connection with families during their most difficult times. The brothers discuss the critical role of mentorship and the impact of positive male figures in the lives of young men, particularly those from single-parent households.
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​The conversation also touches on the societal issues of violence and the need for community engagement to provide hope and guidance to youth. They highlight the importance of instilling values such as respect, accountability, and the power of dreams in young people.
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​The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to become more involved in their communities and support the next generation, emphasizing that every child deserves roots and wings to thrive in life.

In this episode of the BRSTEM podcast, host Eric Lewis engages with Jasmin Johnson, the Executive Director of the Baton Rouge Area Youth Network, to explore the critical role of youth development in the community. Jasmin emphasizes that youth support should be viewed as essential infrastructure rather than a mere service. With over a decade of experience in bridging gaps between schools, nonprofits, and stakeholders, she discusses the importance of collaboration and system improvement in creating effective out-of-school programs for young people in Baton Rouge. The conversation delves into the challenges faced in the youth development sector, particularly the tendency to treat these initiatives as optional rather than essential, and the need for a proactive approach to funding and support.