About us
Why They Started was created by Pramatha Payra, PhD, inspired by a deep curiosity to understand what drives people - their journeys, their challanges, and the purpose behind what they do.
About the Creator
Behind the Scenes
It is a collaborative effort, with Sanjukta Ghose, PhD, contributing to editing and review, helping bring clarity and depth to each story.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Why They Started? Why They Started is a storytelling platform focused on real people and the reasons behind what they do. Through honest conversations, we share journeys, challenges, turning points, and the purpose that drives individuals forward.
Who can be featured? Anyone with a meaningful journey or story to share. This includes entrepreneurs, immigrants, community leaders, volunteers, artists, professionals, retirees, small business owners, and everyday people making a difference in their own way.
Why are we doing this project? We believe many inspiring stories never get heard. The goal of this project is to preserve and share real human experiences that can inspire, encourage, and connect others.
Will my interview be shared publicly? Yes. Interviews may be shared publicly on platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, the website, and other social media channels associated with Why They Started.
Do participants get paid? At this stage, the project is focused on building a meaningful storytelling platform and documenting authentic journeys. Participation is voluntary and intended to help preserve and share stories that may inspire others.
Will the channel make money from these videos? As the platform grows, videos may eventually become monetized through YouTube or other channels. However, the current focus is on creating meaningful, respectful, and authentic storytelling content.
Can I review the video before it is published? In some cases, short previews or clips may be shared before publishing, especially if there are factual concerns. However, final editorial decisions remain with Why They Started to maintain consistency and storytelling flow.
Can I request my video to be removed later? Reasonable requests will always be considered respectfully. However, once content has been published online and shared publicly, complete removal from all platforms or third-party sharing may not always be possible.
How long does an interview usually take? Most interviews range from approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the depth of the conversation and the story being shared. The conversations are informal, relaxed, and focused on authenticity rather than performance.
How can I participate or nominate someone? You can reach out through the Contact page or email us directly to share your story or recommend someone whose journey deserves to be heard.
Get in Touch
We’d love to hear your story or answer any questions you have about our journey.
Phone
+1 832 303 3638
hello@whytheystarted.com
Our Home
Rooted near NASA in Houston, Why They Started is built on curiosity, resilience, and the belief that every journey has a purpose.
Address
Houston, Texas, USA
Hours
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm