In this episode, we’re joined by Jasmine Singh, a planetary scientist, science communicator, and graduate researcher studying some of the most exciting questions in space exploration today. Jasmine shares her journey from a childhood fascination with the solar system to working on NASA’s Europa Clipper mission, which is investigating the habitability of Jupiter’s icy moon Europa and its vast subsurface ocean. We also explore her passion for science communication, how she built an online commu...

In this episode, Lisa Morris, Vice President of Operations at Solestial, walks us through her career from an industrial engineer to a leader in advanced manufacturing and commercial space. We also dive into Solestial’s groundbreaking space solar technology, the rapid growth of Arizona’s commercial space ecosystem, and Lisa’s perspective on building resilient teams and scalable solutions that will power the future of space exploration. --- Where to find Lisa: LinkedIn Where to find Solestial: ...

In this episode, we’re joined by Kristina Gatto, an astrophysicist, content creator, and founder of NOVA (the Network for Outreach and Vocation in Astronomy), to talk about her journey from a space-obsessed kid in New Jersey to a physics PhD student and astronomy advocate. Kristina shares how encouragement, mentorship, and community helped her overcome self-doubt and pursue astrophysics. We also explore her passion for outreach which led her to the creation of NOVA, a network of students from...

In this episode, we’re joined by Charlie McGillis, a retired Air Force Colonel and founder and CEO of 2 Polaris & Beyond, LLC. Charlie shares how her early curiosity, shaped by travel, a military family, and mentorship, led her to engineering, a long-held career as an intelligence officer, and ultimately, to use her expertise in national security to start her own business in the space industry. Charlie also reflects on leadership, the importance of mentorship, and her passion for empoweri...

Join us for a conversation with Laura Stiles, Director of New Shepard Flight Operations at Blue Origin and a newly minted Blue Origin astronaut, to explore her journey from studying engineering physics to launching to space. Laura shares how an early NASA internship sparked her passion for aerospace, how she found her place in the industry through different roles at Blue Origin, and what it’s like to train commercial astronauts. We also dive into her last-minute selection to be a crew member ...

We’re joined by Izzy House, a marketing strategist, author, and space industry communicator who blends creativity with a passion for exploration. We explore her journey from running marketing firms to writing books on marketing the space industry, launching both a podcast and magazine, and writing children’s books that introduce STEM concepts through space adventures. Izzy also discusses her work with SpaceCom and Civil Air Patrol, her efforts to improve public understanding of the space indu...

In this episode, we’re joined by Cathy Yeung, an Associate Professor at the University of Washington School of Pharmacy, to explore the intersection of drug development, kidney health, and space science. Cathy shares her unexpected journey from studying English to being a key investigator of cutting-edge kidney-on-a-chip research that uses human cells to better predict how medication metabolizes in the body. We dive into how her team’s research supports safer drug testing, reduces reliance on...

In this episode, Shawn is joined by Anita Renteria, Chief Growth Officer of Barrios Technology, for an honest conversation about carving out your own path in the space industry. Anita shares her journey into the space industry from a career in sales, the role mentorship and unconditional support played in her career and personal life, and how being true to yourself allows for better growth and confidence in your work. --- Where to find Anita: Barrios Technologies LinkedIn --- Hosted by Shawn ...

In this episode, Shawn sits down with Jordan Callaham, Assistant Director at the University of Florida's Astraeus Space Institute. Jordan shares how her education in plant and animal sciences launched her into spaceflight research. Shawn and Jordan discuss the intricacies of growing plants in space and how we can support first-time space researchers, while also opening up about motherhood and overcoming failure in STEM. --- Where to find Jordan: Instagram LinkedIn https://astraeus.ufl.edu/ ...

In this episode, we're joined by Colleen McLeod Garner, Marketing and BD Capture Manager at Paragon Space Development Corporation and a University of North Dakota PhD candidate. Colleen walks us down her unconventional path from the wine and spirits industry into the space sector, sharing how her graduate studies at the Thunderbird School of Global Management fueled her curiosity of space business and policy. Grab a drink and settle in to talk astronaut psychology, AI bartenders, and followin...