Ordinarily Extraordinary

27/08/2025

https://open.substack.com/pub/kathykalenelson/p/changing-the-world-one-story-at-a?r=6a443n&utm_medium=ios

12/08/2025

New! STEM Stories Newsletter

I’m excited to share something I’ve been working on — my new Substack newsletter, STEM Stories.

This will be my space for:

🔹 Inspiring conversations with women in STEM (from my Ordinarily Extraordinary podcast)

🔹 Behind-the-scenes of my writing journey — including my STEM-focused children’s books

🔹 Curious discoveries and thought-provoking topics from the worlds of science, technology, engineering, and math

Whether you’re in STEM, curious about STEM, or just love great stories, I’d love for you to join me.

Subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/gAQSgUtE

Your support — by subscribing, reading, or sharing — means the world as I grow this next chapter.

https://open.substack.com/pub/kathykalenelson/p/welcome-to-stem-stories

Why I’m starting STEM Stories — and how I hope you’ll be part of it

15/07/2025

Behind the scenes prepping for our podcast relaunch! 🎙️
We had our first co-host photoshoot and started exploring music for the new episodes—it’s all starting to feel real! So many exciting things happening as we get ready to launch in September. One of the best parts? Every woman here - photographer, musician, hosts - are my dear friends and women in STEM!

11/07/2025

As posted a bit ago, we're relaunching Ordinarily Extraordinary - conversations with women in STEM - with a new co-host - Linda LaTourelle.

We’re trying out a brand new segment for the show called "Ask the (not) Expert" — a space where we answer YOUR questions with honesty, humor, and a healthy dose of real-world experience (not textbook theory).

🎤 Have a question about careers, STEM, work-life balance, burnout, leadership, impostor syndrome, awkward office politics — or something totally random?
💬 Message me your question, and we’ll answer it on the podcast! We’ll only use first names or keep it anonymous if you prefer.

📩 So go ahead — ask us anything. Seriously. We’re all just figuring it out together. Message me with your questions!

03/07/2025

We’re relaunching Ordinarily Extraordinary – Conversations with Women in STEM!

If you’ve ever listened, we want to hear from YOU. What brings you to the podcast? What do you want more of? It takes just 2 minutes and helps us shape the future.

👉 https://lnkd.in/gKkBKnSM

Thanks for being part of this community!

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

01/07/2025

🎉 Big news! After a short hiatus, Ordinarily Extraordinary – Conversations with Women in STEM is coming back—and this time, with a co-host! I’m thrilled to welcome Linda LaTourelle to the show as we relaunch this fall.

Over the years, we’ve had the honor of sharing 130+ stories from brilliant, inspiring women in STEM—real, unfiltered conversations about their journeys, challenges, wins, and insights.

As we gear up for this new season, we want to hear from you—our community, listeners, and supporters.

👉 What would you love to hear on the podcast?

New segment ideas (e.g., listener Q&A, "Ask the Not-Experts," advice columns)?

Topics you’re curious about?

Guest suggestions?

Something fun or unexpected?

Drop your ideas in the comments or DM me—we're building this next chapter together, and your input is invaluable.

Let’s continue making space for more voices, more stories, and more connection in STEM.

17/10/2024

Why rely on just one source when life presents countless possibilities? Fae emphasizes the beauty of algorithms in life and how math could make our lives much easier than we thought. 💡

If you're curious about this conversation, check out my latest episode! My guest is Fae Gaze, a mathematician, data scientist, and machine learning researcher with degrees in mathematics, molecular biology, computer science, and data science engineering. She shares her journey into math, data science, and machine learning and discusses her joy in problem-solving and working with data.

Check out the episode here 👉 https://buff.ly/4dPkkNq

12/09/2024

Sandra's story is a powerful reminder that representation matters. Hear how she's breaking barriers in ! 🎧

Listen to the whole episode here! https://buff.ly/3zcfpIj

31/07/2024

Join Sheila Buswell as she shares a heartfelt story about her mother and the challenges faced in daily living activities. Discover how Sheila's innovative device, the Upward Mobility, uses artificial intelligence to empower individuals in rehab settings to live more independently.

"You learn to call before you need help in that situation," Sheila explains. Her groundbreaking device allows people to use their own power while ensuring healthcare workers are always aware of their position and status.

Don't miss this inspiring and informative episode on Ordinarily Extraordinary Conversations With Women In STEM.

🎧 Listen now: https://buff.ly/3WKuv0s

23/07/2024

Standing out in a crowded job market is tough.

Learn why investing in your reputation and relationships can give you the advantage you need, even in a competitive job market.

Listen to the whole episode here: https://buff.ly/4cNEGHm

10/07/2024

Combining talents for a greater impact! 🌟 Kalpana shares how acting and science communication opened new doors for her. Join the conversation with Kathy about the importance of representation in STEM.

Listen to the full episode here! https://buff.ly/45ZigjD

22/05/2024

This episode of Ordinarily Extraordinary Conversations with Women in STEM features Dr. Audra Morse, Dean of the College of Engineering at Michigan Tech, who is a distinguished professional with a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering and degrees in Environmental Engineering.

What do we talk about in this episode?
1. The Role and Responsibilities of a Dean in Engineering
2. Challenging the Status Quo in Engineering Practices
3. Women in Engineering: Progress and Challenges
4. Addressing the Engineering Shortage: Education and Retention Strategies
5. Preparing for Engineering: Advice for Students and Parents

Listen to the full episode here! https://buff.ly/4bsKdCe
Learn more about this episode here! https://buff.ly/4bsKdlI