Casual Space
238 episodes - English - Latest episode: 13 days ago - ★★★★★ - 51 ratingsLet’s talk SPACE, and let’s keep it casual. Nothing too technical. Stories that inspire. As a former NASA Public Affairs Officer, let be serve as your guide. I’ll provide conversations that are both interesting and fun. Each weekly episode brings a new, fresh discussion on a variety of space topics & stories. The universe is pretty big, so there’s always something new to discover! Join me and find YOUR inner space geek on Casual Space!
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
38: NASA Successes from Failures, PART 1
August 29, 2019 06:00 - 1 hour - 45.1 MBIn this two-part series, RSE Dean Mikolajczyk shares several examples of how NASA learned valuable lessons from manned spaceflight mistakes including: (Part 2 will feature manned flights and will be posted January 2020) What we learned from the Surveyer Program (the very first unmanned lunar landers) Mars Polar Lander (just a bit of a fast landing) Mars Express (this lesson really hurts) and The most recent Moon lander mission: Israel’s nearly-successful, almost first-ever private ...
37: NASA Mission Control Flight Director Ed Van Cise
August 22, 2019 07:00 - 30 minutes - 24 MBEd shares with Beth: Becoming a Space Camp Hall of Fame Honoree and meeting his childhood hero astronaut Charlie Duke Details regarding the many job responsibilities the NASA Mission Control Flight Director has, getting to crew to space safely and back home safely is always the first priority. Big and small success that are worth celebrating- and learning from- during days/ nights on the International Space Station About Ed: Right Stuff” recipient Ed Van Cise knew before his trip t...
36: Flying Along with Captain Mark Hardcastle
August 15, 2019 09:00 - 48 minutes - 36.5 MBBeth Meets Airline Captain Mark Hardcastle and learns: How the air force academy put Mark on the path to a future in aviation. What’s Mark’s favorite plane? (It’s the Cadillac of planes)… Mark explains “The magic of the 4th” How do we respond when things challenge us? Mark’s got 60+ years of inspirational stories he’s gathered and shares both on stage and in his book, The Symphony of Your Life – Restoring Harmony When Your World is Out of Tune About Mark: Mark graduated fro...
35: Robert Feierbach on Rockets, Balloons and Satellite Access with the Swedish Space Corporation
August 08, 2019 09:00 - 45 minutes - 34.4 MBRobert explains… While the Swedes may not be very braggadocios, they’ve launched more than 650 balloon missions with NASA, JAXA, and others to test things in 50+ kilometer altitudes…and more than 550 rocket launches! They go straight up, 400-700 kilometers, and come right back down, (often in the snow). Launching near the polar north of Sweden allows balloons with experiments and materials to hover in very low wind environments…it’s ideal for items that need to be exposed to and tested in...
34: Computers! With Resident Space Expert Dean Mikolajczyk
August 01, 2019 09:00 - 59 minutes - 43.9 MBThis week, Beth gains a deeper understanding & appreciation on how COMPUTERS help NASA explore the cosmos with her returning guest and Resident Space Expert Dean Mikolajczyk. Here are the highlights: Dean shares his insights from his days as programmer for the MARS rovers Spirit and Opportunity! Dean explains how a democratic computer system works down to the second before a launch SAFE MODE (and why this feature on computers is so important). The reason why Space X lands on a barge… (i...
33: Iconic Space Innovations with author Charles Pappas
July 25, 2019 21:22 - 1 hour - 44.9 MBCharles Pappas shares with Beth details from the stories within his new book, including; What kind of sandwich was snuck on board an early Gemini mission!! How Charles always wanted to be an astronomer, and got to meet astronaut Gus Grissom as a young boy What one historic item Charles would select from all the possible spaceflight memorabilia About Charles Pappas: Charles Pappas is a senior writer at Exhibitor magazine, where for the last 15 years he has researched and writt...
32: "First on the Moon- The Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Experience” with author Rod Pyle
July 18, 2019 20:03 - 56 minutes - 41.8 MBFriend of the show Rod Pyle returns to discuss his latest book, and all things Apollo with Beth AND… Receiving the foreword from Buzz Aldrin himself! Rod’s impressions and insights from speaking with the Apollo 11 astronauts’ children (now grown adults) Combing through the NASA archives to find incredible, never before shared documents, photos and stories from the Apollo era And what the future of space can be, returning to the Moon, on to Mars, and beyond… Quotes from Rod here: ...
31: "Eight Years to the Moon" with Nancy Atkinson
June 27, 2019 09:00 - 47 minutes - 35.7 MB"Eight Years to the Moon" with Nancy Atkinson
30: Telescopes Q & A with Dean
June 20, 2019 13:59 - 44 minutes - 33.9 MBIntroducing our RSE; Resident Space Expert Dean! Beth and Dean enjoy; Reminiscing about what each of thought when we looked through a telescope for the first time, and last year’s Great American Solar Eclipse! Understanding the difference between seeing something in the night sky and looking at something in the night sky Highlighting all the many types of telescopes, places to look through a telescope FOR FREE, and where BIG observatories can be found if you really want to see deep into...
29: ASU Professor and author Ed Finn
June 13, 2019 09:00 - 1 hour - 47 MBOn this episode of Casual Space, Beth meets Ed Finn! Ed shares his origin story for how the Center for Science and Imagination got started at ASU when a great question is presented to the college president We review some of Ed’s favorite movies that opened his mind to merge Hollywood with space and science exploration… We touch upon the recent The Boeing 737 Max as an AI story; what it means to trust the machine over the human “Storytelling is one of our best tools for dealing with com...
28: 100 Milestones in Lunar History with Astrobiologist David Warmflash
June 06, 2019 09:00 - 42 minutes - 32.5 MBOn this episode, Beth and Astrobiologist Dr. David Warmflash discuss his new book, Moon: An Illustrated History; From Ancient Myths to the Colonies of Tomorrow. Here are some highlights from both the book and the Casual (Space) conversation: This new and different book about the moon includes images on every left side of the page, and illuminating text on every right side! Moon: An Illustrated History chronologically presents 100 milestones in the Moon’s development and explor...
27: Challenger Center CEO Lance Bush
May 31, 2019 02:42 - 36 minutes - 28.3 MBShow Notes for Lance Bush In the aftermath of the Challenger accident, the crew’s families came together, firmly committed to the belief that they must carry on the spirit of their loved ones by continuing the Challenger crew’s educational mission. Their efforts resulted in the creation of Challenger Center for Space Science Education. Challenger Centers use space-themed simulated learning and role-playing strategies to help students bring their classroom studies to life and cultivate sk...
26: Space Suits and Parachutes with Aerospace Engineer Brian Neumann
May 23, 2019 19:06 - 54 minutes - 40.8 MBBrian is an experienced test engineer in our nation’s space and defense industry. He’s worked to test and improve space suits, parachutes, and F-14’s. Which makes Brian pretty damn cool. Beth and Brian enjoyed talking: Star Wars talk & who is the best villain (Emperor) Brian remembers the theater he saw Star Wars in. Working in air traffic control software in Dallas, working on F-16 program at Lockheed Martin (just like his grandmother). His grandmother also worked at Lockheed Martin...
25: NASA Flight Surgeon Sean Roden
May 16, 2019 13:55 - 43 minutes - 33 MBDr. Roden brings his Texas tales to share: His assessment whether or not Beth could be medically qualified for space flight Why increased exercise helps space travel How growing up on a west Texas ranch allowed him to become the perfect medic for the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Australia How he works to support “rock star” NASA astronaut Christina Koch’s 11-month mission on the International Space Station Key Takeaways: Every astronaut can call their physician directly on th...
24: Star Wars Artist Brian Miller
May 09, 2019 09:00 - 48 minutes - 47.1 MBIn this episode, Brian shares with Beth How his father took him to air shows, space museums and started the foundation of an influence in air and space exploration. Then Star Wars came out and changed everything. What it was like to work with Marvel and DC Comics right out of college! What it would look like if all the planets in the Star Wars universe had their own luggage tags!? Brian’s favorite ride at Disney ever (it’s NOT Space Mountain)... Key Takeaways: Brian’s art is inspire...
23: A SpaceX Perspective with Engineer Nick Hansen
May 02, 2019 09:00 - 52 minutes - 39.4 MBNick and Beth talk space specifics in this episode, including: Nick’s fascinating job working on composite structures- inner stage and the fearing (nose cone) and payload attachment structures How quality control plays such a major part of the rocket creation process, and how much is hand made! Nick’s interpretations on the culture of SpaceX, and how new ideas are tested & encouraged Key Takeaways: SpaceX works to make us become a multi-planet species, so ideas, rockets and most...
22: A Planetarium Success Story featuring Loras College
April 25, 2019 13:43 - 32 minutes - 25.2 MBProfessor Kristen Thompson and Loras College student Audrey Miller share with Beth: Why there was a need to improve the Hientkamp Planetarium at Loras College How a select group of honors students raised funding for a new projector Why the planetarium is an important part of both the college and the community How a man traveled all the way from Israel on the coldest day of the year to install the new projector Key Takeaways: Never judge a planetarium by it’s outside appearan...
21: Star Wars Celebration with Beth and Chad
April 18, 2019 21:08 - 43 minutes - 32.9 MBIn this episode, Beth and Chad geek out about: Impressions from the Star Wars Celebration event in Chicago- what it IS and what it was like to be among the 70,00+ attendees Chad shares an amazing story of how storm trooper fans in costume made it into a real Star Wars production Collectibles! Art! Costumes! Comics! Tattoos? AND What Star Wars tattoo Chad would get.. Presentations! Panel and breakout discussions! Chad shares highlights from the artists, producers, and creators who ga...
20: Award Winning Sci-Fi Writer C. Stuart Hardwick
April 11, 2019 12:07 - 48 minutes - 36.5 MBIn this episode, Beth and Stuart laugh about: The stories from his family that helped inspire him to write “hard sci-fi” Why going to the moon was really expensive and incredible How writing allows you to learn about people and about yourself Key Takeaways: Becoming an award-winning sci-fi writer didn’t happen overnight, but when it happened… wow! Science can’t answer everything, but reality is the standard “All stories are about people. I look for what fits my technical know...
19: NASA Orion Program with Stu McClung
April 04, 2019 13:01 - 24 minutes - 19.8 MBIn this episode, Beth and Stu discuss: The differences between the retired Space Shuttle and NASA’s (new) Orion spacecraft* What it was like to work as an engineer for the B52 bomber, the NASA shuttle program, and now NASA Orion program How a horrible commute turned into a 30+ successful NASA career Key Takeaways: NASA’s work with international and commercial partners has played a large role in building this new vehicle Returning to the moon is a process with a lot of moving par...
18: Social Media at NASA with Stephanie Fernandez
March 28, 2019 09:00 - 54 minutes - 40.4 MBIn this episode, Beth and Stephanie discuss: Helping the astronauts communicate (and educate) through social media What happened when Stephanie gets a phone call direct from the International Space Station What responsibilities come with the title, “Social Media Coordinator for the Astronaut Office" How NASA found Stephanie Key Takeaways: Posts that have the most engagement are the most human. Astronaut words are their own "Follow your arrow. If it’s something you’re...
17: Two Astronaut Lectures in a Week!
February 28, 2019 06:05 - 36 minutes - 36.8 MBIn this episode, Beth and Chad review two astronaut lectures they attended this week: Working at NASA with astronaut coworkers. Captain Mark Kelly and Colonel Frederick Gregory. Following a mission checklist. Being adventurous and curious. Key Takeaways: Cpt. Kelly’s experience as a test pilot helped shape him for his time as an astronaut, as did Col. Gregory’s experience as a career pilot. NASA astronauts are primarily trained in operational procedures, they already know how ...
16: “Out There” Author Michael Wall
February 07, 2019 08:00 - 50 minutes - 49.7 MBMichael Wall joined Space.com in 2010 as a senior writer reporting on Mars exploration, exoplanet discoveries, astrophysics and space technology. For Space.com, Mike has wandered through California's Mojave Desert with scientists on NASA's Mars rover Curiosity mission and helped launch balloon missions through Earth's auroras in Alaska. He's based in San Francisco, where he chronicles the space tech revolution in Silicon Valley. Prior to joining Space.com, Mike was a science writer for the...
15: Space Illustrator James Vaughan
January 31, 2019 08:00 - 57 minutes - 55.6 MBBorn in 1955, James Vaughan grew up in the idyllic surroundings of a small town near Akron, Ohio. His father was a scientist and director of research for one of America’s largest corporations. His mother was an artist and a poet. Vaughan completed high school a year ahead of his classmates and in 1972 left for Chicago and college. He studied both photography and journalism and, while still a student, his freelance work appeared in many of the city’s major magazines and newspapers. ...
14: Astronaut Leroy Chiao
January 24, 2019 16:44 - 40 minutes - 39.9 MBIn this episode, Beth and Leroy discuss: Changing technology: how far we’ve come and the exciting changes in our future. What we need to master (on the moon) before we go to Mars What it was like to fly on board the International Space Station for more than 6 months. How do you eat in space? What was it like to be weightless? Kids questions and astronaut Chiao answers!! Key Takeaways: A successful space mission is a success for all o...
13: 2019 - The Year of Space
January 17, 2019 08:00 - 30 minutes - 31.2 MBIn this episode, Beth discusses: Movies and Shows! Star Wars Episode IX countdown! Highly controversial new shows along with classics to inspire Books! 9 books that you simply MUST read & enjoy Podcasts! Stay up to date with the latest space news, technology, missions, and explorations with some of Beth’s favorites Experiences! Hands-on interactive space-themed experiences for ALL AGES Key Takeaways: There’re so many great ways to be i...
12: Mark O’Connell – The Close Encounters Man and Writing for Star Trek
December 27, 2018 08:30 - 1 hour - 82.2 MBIn this episode, Beth and Mark discuss: What MUFON is and Mark’s years as a “certified” field investigator for MUFON. Dr. J. Allen Hynek and Mark’s book The Close Encounters Man. The 1966 Michigan Swamp Gas Case, how it affected Hynek, the UFO community, and Hynek’s career. Close encounters of the first, second, and third kind. IGY, the global tracking network, and Sputnik. Key Takeaways: Most people report their sightings because they want to know what it was and if anybo...
11: Space Journalist & Author Rod Pyle
December 20, 2018 08:30 - 1 hour - 64.8 MBIn this episode, Beth and Rod discuss: How Rod interviews the space experts and writes stories for us all Is there a renewed space race, and is that how reporters should frame the story? The “thing” Rod collected from the Saturn Cassini folks, and the Mars Lander folks at NASA It took Rod years to write a book WITHOUT a bias towards a particular commercial space company What Rod thinks about the recently proposed “Space Force" Key Takeaways: Telling the stories about spa...
10: Joe DalSanto – The Firsts in Astronomy
December 13, 2018 08:30 - 39 minutes - 39.7 MBAfter beginning to read about astronomy, Joseph DalSanto wanted to observe the night sky himself. So, he purchased a telescope as a freshman in high school and, during the past 40 years, has developed an in-depth knowledge and familiarity with the night sky due to hundreds of evening observations. “I’ve used and built numerous telescopes and observed thousands of objects from my home observatories as well as from locations in such places as Florida, New Mexico, Indiana, Wisconsin and...
09: Mark J. Lindquist brings the JOY
December 06, 2018 08:30 - 31 minutes - 31.6 MBIn this episode, Beth and Mark discuss: · Mark's life of service. · Being nervous versus being excited - defining our energy before we’re in front of audiences What inspired the "Heel Kick Around the World" pictures · The Mark J. Lindquist Big Band announcement! Key Takeaways: · If you are going to Hawaii and want to learn to surf, go to Waikiki and learn from Hawaiian Fire. · Your creative genius comes out most when you are comfortable. · ...
08: BONUS EPISODE: InSight Mars Landing Review
November 29, 2018 08:30 - 38 minutes - 38.2 MBIn this episode, Beth discusses: NASA Lands on Mars (earlier this week) with InSight The who, what, where, when and why this Mars mission, and what it means for us on Earth. The excitement of landing in “the most boring place on Mars.” Key Takeaways: Entry and decent are the most critical parts of any landing mission. Each landing tells us what we can do new. When we understand what’s around us, it helps us understand our place in space. Happy 20th Birthday, International Sp...
07: Through the NASA Lens: A Discussion with NASA Photographer Mark Sowa
November 22, 2018 08:30 - 53 minutes - 52 MBIn this episode, Beth and Mark discuss: The unique behind the scenes perspective as witnessed by a NASA photographer The opportunity Mark created when he didn’t fit "traditional pre-defined roles" in school Watching space movies without a bias (is this even possible)? Some of the most memorable moments NASA gave us, and how we share them with the world Key Takeaways: Mixing art with science is not only possible, it greatly benefits our perspective. Documenting the g...
06: Wayne Messmer would go to space, but...
November 15, 2018 08:30 - 51 minutes - 50.4 MBIn this episode, Beth and Wayne discuss: Going to Mars and surviving those space rations. The joys of building and sinking a boat. Tomfoolery as an expansive art. What it’s like to watch a live launch. The power of hope. Key Takeaways: Everyone wants to see how far they can go, to test the limits of life. The wonders of the world are as real as you let them be. There is nothing in the world that can keep you from ...
05: Laurie Guest Would Make a Perfect Astronaut!
November 08, 2018 21:51 - 35 minutes - 35.9 MBIn this episode, Beth and Laurie discuss: The benefits of personal retreats and how it opens your personal insight. Surviving the bathroom in space. Customers service with space travel! Knowing your expectations and knowing how to communicate them. The best way to present learning material. Key Takeaways: Getting in tune with yourself during a retreat or a stay-cation lets you unwind and refocus. Don’t let your body’s limits stop you from reaching for the moon. Always be c...
04: Joe DalSanto Loves Astronomy
November 01, 2018 21:30 - 38 minutes - 38.6 MBAbout Joseph DalSanto: After beginning to read about astronomy, Joseph DalSanto wanted to observe the night sky himself. So he purchased a telescope as a freshman in high school and, during the past 40 years, has developed an in-depth knowledge and familiarity with the night sky due to hundreds of evening observations. DalSanto first worked as an IT support professional for Hewlett Packard, where he worked on onsite and remote system hardware support for 15 years and then moved into IT...
03: Beth Meets the Earth Lady, Izolda Trakhtenberg
November 01, 2018 20:00 - 1 hour - 67.5 MBAbout Izolda Trakhtenberg: Born in Moldova, Izolda learned how to communicate in multiple languages through a year-long immigration process. Today, Izolda facilitates workshops that help people tap into and master their leadership, creativity, and communication skills. She worked as an educator for the National Geographic Society. Later, she traveled the world as a NASA trainer. Additionally, she is the author of five books, including, Speak From Within, Engage, Inspire, and Motivate Any A...
02: Elon Musk Must Be Discussed with Beth & Chad
November 01, 2018 16:38 - 1 hour - 71.5 MBIn this episode, Beth and Chad discuss the Joe Rogan interview with Elon Musk, including: What it must be like to live, and think so differently The many different companies Elon owns and runs What makes people like Elon so driven? The long and awkward pauses between Joe’s questions and Elon’s answers... And a deep discussion about where we came from and if we might be an interplanetary species About Beth Mund: Beth’s love for space started as a Space Camp attendee at the Mar...
01: Welcome to Casual Space with Beth Mund
October 30, 2018 02:44 - 7 minutes - 10.4 MBWelcome to Casual Space, a podcast about the wonders of space. Beth brings us space as it really and truly is, every day in our lives. Beth is a former NASA public affairs officer and shares with us her dream job and its experiences. Beth and her guests explore how space affects your daily life. She tells us the stories and adventures of space that she learned during her time at the Johnson Space Center. In each episode, we will learn about the different jobs that are available right now, an...