The Launch Pad Space Podcast
40 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 months ago -Come along as the former aerospace journalist Paul Ring discusses space exploration in history and science fiction with some of the best and brightest in the business.
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Episodes
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 24 - Christopher Roosa
June 07, 2023 03:41 - 57 minutes - 78.7 MBEpisode 024 – Son of Apollo – Christopher Roosa Episode Summary Christopher Roosa is a retired colonel from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and a combat veteran. He is also the son of Apollo 14 Command Module pilot Stuart Roosa. In his book “Son of Apollo: The Adventures of a Boy Whose Father Went to the Moon,” He tells the story of his father’s humble beginnings growing up in Oklahoma. From there the elder Roosa became a smoke jumper, fighter pilot and test pilot before being chosen...
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 23 - Anna Fisher
June 07, 2023 00:58 - 1 hour - 86.4 MBEpisode 023 – First Mom – Anna Fisher Episode Summary Anna Fisher is one of the first women chosen by NASA to become astronauts. She flew on STS-51A, one of the most technically demanding missions in the Space Shuttle program. She also helped develop the International Space Station and the Orion spacecraft that will return astronauts to the Moon. In this episode of The Launch Pad Space Podcast, host Paul Ring talks to Anna Fisher about her career and her contributions over 40 year...
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 22 - Meredith Bagby
April 11, 2023 03:17 - 57 minutes - 78.8 MBEpisode 022 – The New Guys – Meredith Bagby Episode Summary Meredith Bagby is the author of an incredible new book, “The New Guys: The Historic Class of Astronauts That Broke Barriers and Changed the Face of Space Travel.” This new release has been the talk of space aficionados, as Bagby tells the story of the first group of Space Shuttle astronauts. She focuses on the first 10 minority astronauts, while telling the story of all 35 “new guys.” In this episode of The Launch Pad Spac...
Launch Pad Space Podcast – Episode 21 – Stacey Morgan
February 21, 2023 03:15 - 1 hour - 114 MBEpisode 21 – The Astronaut’s Wife – Stacey Morgan Episode Summary Stacey Morgan may never go into space, but she’s an important as any engineer when it comes to ensuring her husband, NASA Astronaut Drew Morgan, is successful as an astronaut. For the first time, Stacey Morgan, the wife of an active astronaut, has written about her experiences, both good and bad. Recently, I had the pleasure of talking with her about her book “The Astronaut’s Wife: How Launching My Husband into Out...
Launch Pad Space Podcast – Special 01 - Space Adventure Boston
January 31, 2023 04:05 - 16 minutes - 22.8 MBEpisode SP01 – Space Adventure Boston Episode Summary Recently, I got a sneak preview of the new Space Adventure Boston exhibit in Chelsea. It will be in town through February 2023 and will move on to either Chicago or Atlanta once it's done. I spoke with one of the producers, David Rosenfield, as we walked through the exhibit. In this video we talk about some of the amazing artifacts on display. The immersive video portions of the event you’ll have to experience for yourself. I highly r...
Launch Pad Space Podcast – Episode 20 – Margaret A. Weitekamp
December 19, 2022 17:49 - 1 hour - 86.4 MBEpisode 20 – Space Craze – Margaret A. Weitekamp Episode Summary Margaret A. Weitekamp is the Smithsonian’s Space History Department chair and curator of the museum’s Cultural History of Spaceflight Collection. In this episode of the Launch Pad Space Podcast, I talk with her about the intersection of fictional space flight and the real-life adventures of explorers during the space race. Her new book “Space Craze: America’s Enduring Fascination with Real and Imagined Spaceflight,” offers ...
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 19 - Mary Roach
October 05, 2022 12:40 - 1 hour - 82.8 MBEpisode 019 – Toilet Training and More – Mary Roach Episode Summary This episode features my conversation with one of my favorite authors, science writer Mary Roach, author of six New York Times bestsellers, including her 2010 book “Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the void.” She always finds the fascinating and offbeat details of her subjects and passes them on with a wonderful sense of fun. Her latest project is a new version of her popular space book, called “Packing f...
Launch Pad Space Podcast – Episode 18 – Lori Garver
August 30, 2022 20:22 - 1 hour - 91.6 MBEpisode 018 – Space for Change – Lori Garver Episode Summary In this episode, Launch Pad host Paul Ring talks to controversial former NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver about her new book “Escaping Gravity: My Quest to Transform NASA and Launch a New Space Age.” She gives a look at the inner workings of NASA, talking about the battles she won – like continuing funding to the Commercial Crew Program – and those she lost – spending multi-billions of dollars on the Space Launch System. ...
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 17 - Liisa Jorgensen
August 10, 2022 22:10 - 1 hour - 111 MBEpisode 017 – Frank and Susan – Liisa Jorgensen Show Notes In this episode, author Liisa Jorgensen stops by to talk about her book “Far Side of the Moon: Apollo 8 Commander Frank Borman and the Woman Who Gave Him Wings.” She and host Paul Ring discuss the strength of astronaut wives during the 1960s, and the toll it took on their lives and their marriages through the lens of Frank Borman and his wife Susan. Their marriage lasted 71 years, but their love story is timeless. Further Readi...
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 16 – Eileen Collins and Jonathan Ward
July 26, 2022 02:31 - 1 hour - 130 MBEpisode 016 – The Sky’s No Limit – Eileen Collins and Jonathan Ward Episode Summary In this episode, Launch Pad host Paul Ring talks to retired astronaut Eileen Collins and writer Jonathan Ward, authors of “Through the Glass Ceiling to the Stars: The Story of the First American Woman to Command a Space Mission.” They discuss Collins’ career a U.S. Air Force pilot and Space Shuttle commander that is documented in her autobiography. Show Notes In this episode, Launch Pad host Paul Ring...
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 15 - Jennifer Levasseur
June 08, 2022 21:16 - 1 hour - 100 MBEpisode 015 – In Good Hands – Jennifer Levasseur Episode Summary In this episode, Launch Pad host Paul Ring sits down with Jennifer Levasseur a Smithsonian curator with the enviable job of caring for and interpreting the Space Shuttle Discovery. She and Paul talk about the different aspects of her job, how she got there, and their common affection for the grande dame of the orbiter fleet. Show Notes In this episode, Launch Pad host Paul Ring sits down with Jennifer Levasseur a Smiths...
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 14 - Never Panic Early - Bill Moore
May 06, 2022 14:49 - 1 hour - 110 MBEpisode 014 – Never Panic Early – Bill Moore Episode Summary Launch Pad host Paul Ring sits down with Bill Moore, co-author of “Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut’s Journey,” the autobiography of Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise. They discuss how that mantra, “Never panic early, “ played a key role in Haise’s life from his time growing up in Biloxi, Mississippi, to the critical design work he did on the Space Shuttle and the Shuttle Approach and Landing Tests.. Show Notes Launc...
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 14 - Bill Moore
May 06, 2022 14:49 - 1 hour - 110 MBEpisode 014 – Never Panic Early – Bill Moore Episode Summary Launch Pad host Paul Ring sits down with Bill Moore, co-author of “Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut’s Journey,” the autobiography of Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise. They discuss how that mantra, “Never panic early, “ played a key role in Haise’s life from his time growing up in Biloxi, Mississippi, to the critical design work he did on the Space Shuttle and the Shuttle Approach and Landing Tests.. Show Notes Launc...
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 13 - Greg Brennecka
January 26, 2022 22:07 - 53 minutes - 73.6 MBEpisode 013 – Impact – Greg Brennecka Episode Summary Launch Pad host Paul Ring goes a little further afield as he discusses comets and meteorites and the universe with Greg Brenneck, a meteoriticist who is a staff scientist and cosmochemist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. He is the author of “Impact: How Rocks from Space Let to Life, Culture and Donkey Kong.” Show Notes Launch Pad host Paul Ring goes a little further afield as he discusses comets and meteorites and the univer...
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 13 - Impact - Greg Brennecka
January 26, 2022 22:07 - 53 minutes - 73.6 MBEpisode 013 – Impact – Greg Brennecka Episode Summary Launch Pad host Paul Ring goes a little further afield as he discusses comets and meteorites and the universe with Greg Brenneck, a meteoriticist who is a staff scientist and cosmochemist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. He is the author of “Impact: How Rocks from Space Let to Life, Culture and Donkey Kong.” Show Notes Launch Pad host Paul Ring goes a little further afield as he discusses comets and meteorites and the universe...
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 12
December 23, 2021 05:15 - 1 hour - 134 MBEpisode 012 – One Giant Leap – Charles Fishman Episode Summary Launch Pad host Paul Ring sits down with award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author Charles Fishman, author of “One Giant Leap: The Impossible Mission that Flew Us to the Moon.” In this special, Christmas-sized episode, they will talk the unsung heroes and little-known facts about the Space Race. Show Notes Launch Pad host Paul Ring sits down with award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling...
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 12 - Charles Fishman
December 23, 2021 05:15 - 1 hour - 134 MBEpisode 012 – One Giant Leap – Charles Fishman Episode Summary Launch Pad host Paul Ring sits down with award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author Charles Fishman, author of “One Giant Leap: The Impossible Mission that Flew Us to the Moon.” In this special, Christmas-sized episode, they will talk the unsung heroes and little-known facts about the Space Race. Show Notes Launch Pad host Paul Ring sits down with award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling...
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 11 - Nicole Stott
November 30, 2021 06:20 - 58 minutes - 81.5 MBEpisode 11 – Crewmates – Nicole Stott Episode Summary Launch Pad host Paul Ring sits down with Aquanaut, Astronaut, Artist and Author Nicole Stott to talk about her new book, “Back to Earth: What Life in Space Taught Me About Our Home Planet – And Our Mission to Protect It.” They talk about how her space missions led to her to discovering a new mission here on Earth. Show Notes Launch Pad host Paul Ring sits down with Aquanaut, Astronaut, Artist and Author Nicole Stott to talk about ...
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 11
November 30, 2021 06:20 - 58 minutes - 81.5 MBEpisode 11 – Crewmates – Nicole Stott Episode Summary Launch Pad host Paul Ring sits down with Aquanaut, Astronaut, Artist and Author Nicole Stott to talk about her new book, “Back to Earth: What Life in Space Taught Me About Our Home Planet – And Our Mission to Protect It.” They talk about how her space missions led to her to discovering a new mission here on Earth. Show Notes Launch Pad host Paul Ring sits down with Aquanaut, Astronaut, Artist and Author Nicole Stott to talk about ...
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 10
August 20, 2021 04:24 - 55 minutes - 76.4 MBEpisode 10 – Moon Wheels – Earl Swift Episode Summary Launch Pad host Paul Ring sits down with New York Times Bestselling author Earl Swift, whose latest book, "Across the Airless Wilds: The Lunar Rover and the Triumph of the Final Moon Landings,” is a fascinating deep dive into the design, creation and deployment of the first manned vehicle on another world. Show Notes Launch Pad host Paul Ring sits down with New York Times Bestselling author Earl Swift, whose latest book, "Across t...
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 10 - Earl Swift
August 20, 2021 04:24 - 55 minutes - 76.4 MBEpisode 10 – Moon Wheels – Earl Swift Episode Summary Launch Pad host Paul Ring sits down with New York Times Bestselling author Earl Swift, whose latest book, "Across the Airless Wilds: The Lunar Rover and the Triumph of the Final Moon Landings,” is a fascinating deep dive into the design, creation and deployment of the first manned vehicle on another world. Show Notes Launch Pad host Paul Ring sits down with New York Times Bestselling author Earl Swift, whose latest book, "Across t...
Launch Pad Space Podcest - Episode 9 - Bruce McCandless III
July 28, 2021 18:32 - 44 minutes - 61.4 MBEpisode 9 – Untethered – Bruce McCandless III Episode Summary The son of Space Shuttle astronaut Bruce McCandless II sits down with Paul Ring to discuss his new book “Wonders All Around: The Incredible True Story of Astronaut Bruce McCandless II and the First Untethered Flight in Space.” Show Notes The son of Space Shuttle astronaut Bruce McCandless II sits down with Paul Ring to discuss his new book “Wonders All Around: The Incredible True Story of Astronaut Bruce McCandless II and...
Launch Pad Space Podcest - Episode 9
July 28, 2021 18:32 - 44 minutes - 61.4 MBEpisode 9 – Untethered – Bruce McCandless III Episode Summary The son of Space Shuttle astronaut Bruce McCandless II sits down with Paul Ring to discuss his new book “Wonders All Around: The Incredible True Story of Astronaut Bruce McCandless II and the First Untethered Flight in Space.” Show Notes The son of Space Shuttle astronaut Bruce McCandless II sits down with Paul Ring to discuss his new book “Wonders All Around: The Incredible True Story of Astronaut Bruce McCandless II and...
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 8
December 22, 2020 20:03 - 45 minutes - 62.6 MBEpisode 8 – Space by the Book – Andrew Chaikin Episode Summary Award-winning space journalist Andrew Chaikin sits down with host Paul Ring to discuss his love of space exploration, his book “A Man on the Moon: The Voyages of the Apollo Astronauts,” and his work on the Viking Mars missions. Show Notes Award-winning space journalist Andrew Chaikin sits down with host Paul Ring to discuss his love of space exploration, his book “A Man on the Moon: The Voyages of the Apollo Astronauts,” ...
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 8 - Andrew Chaikin
December 22, 2020 20:03 - 45 minutes - 62.6 MBEpisode 8 – Space by the Book – Andrew Chaikin Episode Summary Award-winning space journalist Andrew Chaikin sits down with host Paul Ring to discuss his love of space exploration, his book “A Man on the Moon: The Voyages of the Apollo Astronauts,” and his work on the Viking Mars missions. Show Notes Award-winning space journalist Andrew Chaikin sits down with host Paul Ring to discuss his love of space exploration, his book “A Man on the Moon: The Voyages of the Apollo Astronauts,” ...
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 7 - Pete Conrad III
November 24, 2020 17:37 - 42 minutes - 60.5 MBEpisode 7 – Son of a Spaceman – Pete Conrad III Episode Summary Pete Conrad III, son of Apollo 12 commander Pete Conrad, is our guest for this episode. He talks with host Paul Ring about the close-up view he had of his father’s aerospace career from Pawtuxet River, Maryland, to the Ocean of Storms and beyond. Show Notes Pete Conrad III, son of Apollo 12 commander Pete Conrad, is our guest for this episode. He talks with host Paul Ring about the close-up view he had of his father’s ae...
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 7
November 24, 2020 17:37 - 42 minutes - 60.5 MBEpisode 7 – Son of a Spaceman – Pete Conrad III Episode Summary Pete Conrad III, son of Apollo 12 commander Pete Conrad, is our guest for this episode. He talks with host Paul Ring about the close-up view he had of his father’s aerospace career from Pawtuxet River, Maryland, to the Ocean of Storms and beyond. Show Notes Pete Conrad III, son of Apollo 12 commander Pete Conrad, is our guest for this episode. He talks with host Paul Ring about the close-up view he had of his father’s ae...
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 6
October 27, 2020 15:32 - 1 hour - 89.7 MBEpisode 6 – Suited for Space - Bill Ayrey Episode Summary Bill Ayrey, former ILC Dover space suit test engineer and company historian, talks to host Paul Ring about the creation of the space suits that allowed Apollo astronauts to walk and work on the Moon and his new book, “Lunar Outfitters Making the Apollo Space Suit. Show Notes Bill Ayrey, former ILC Dover space suit test engineer and company historian, talks to host Paul Ring about the creation of the space suits that allowed Apo...
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 6 - Bill Ayrey
October 27, 2020 15:32 - 1 hour - 89.7 MBEpisode 6 – Suited for Space - Bill Ayrey Episode Summary Bill Ayrey, former ILC Dover space suit test engineer and company historian, talks to host Paul Ring about the creation of the space suits that allowed Apollo astronauts to walk and work on the Moon and his new book, “Lunar Outfitters Making the Apollo Space Suit. Show Notes Bill Ayrey, former ILC Dover space suit test engineer and company historian, talks to host Paul Ring about the creation of the space suits that allowed Apo...
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 5
August 25, 2020 16:00 - 53 minutes - 75.7 MBEpisode 5 – Collecting Space – Larry McGlynn Episode Summary Paul Ring talks with collector, lecturer, appraiser and space historian Larry McGlynn about collecting space-related items and art. He offers his thoughts about the current market and offers tips for new collectors. And he also tells a slightly NSFW story about a very special artifact. Show Notes Paul Ring talks with collector, lecturer, appraiser and space historian Larry McGlynn about collecting space-related items and ...
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 5 – Larry McGlynn
August 25, 2020 16:00 - 53 minutes - 75.7 MBEpisode 5 – Collecting Space – Larry McGlynn Episode Summary Paul Ring talks with collector, lecturer, appraiser and space historian Larry McGlynn about collecting space-related items and art. He offers his thoughts about the current market and offers tips for new collectors. And he also tells a slightly NSFW story about a very special artifact. Show Notes Paul Ring talks with collector, lecturer, appraiser and space historian Larry McGlynn about collecting space-related items and ...
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 4
August 11, 2020 16:00 - 50 minutes - 70.7 MBEpisode 4 – Father, Son and Holy Shuttle – Patrick Mullane Episode Summary Paul Ring talks to Air Force veteran, executive director of Harvard Business School Online Patrick Mullane. He is the son of Shuttle astronaut Mike Mullane and the author of “The Father, Son and Holy Shuttle: Growing Up an Astronaut’s Kid in the Glorious 80s,” which is out now. Strap in for another Launch Pad Space Podcast. Show Notes Paul Ring talks to Air Force veteran, executive director of Harvard Busine...
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 4 – Patrick Mullane
August 11, 2020 16:00 - 50 minutes - 70.7 MBEpisode 4 – Father, Son and Holy Shuttle – Patrick Mullane Episode Summary Paul Ring talks to Air Force veteran, executive director of Harvard Business School Online Patrick Mullane. He is the son of Shuttle astronaut Mike Mullane and the author of “The Father, Son and Holy Shuttle: Growing Up an Astronaut’s Kid in the Glorious 80s,” which is out now. Strap in for another Launch Pad Space Podcast. Show Notes Paul Ring talks to Air Force veteran, executive director of Harvard Busine...
The Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 3
July 28, 2020 18:27 - 51 minutes - 70.5 MBEpisode 3 – Moonwalker Daughter Episode Summary Amy Bean, daughter of Apollo 12 moonwalker, Skylab Commander and renowned space artist Alan Bean talks to host Paul Ring about what it was like growing up among the community that landed the first men on the moon. Show Notes Amy Bean, daughter of Apollo 12 moonwalker, Skylab Commander and renowned space artist Alan Bean talks to host Paul Ring about what it was like growing up among the community that landed the first men on the moon....
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 3 - Amy Bean
July 28, 2020 18:27 - 51 minutes - 70.5 MBEpisode 3 – Moonwalker Daughter Episode Summary Amy Bean, daughter of Apollo 12 moonwalker, Skylab Commander and renowned space artist Alan Bean talks to host Paul Ring about what it was like growing up among the community that landed the first men on the moon. Show Notes Amy Bean, daughter of Apollo 12 moonwalker, Skylab Commander and renowned space artist Alan Bean talks to host Paul Ring about what it was like growing up among the community that landed the first men on the moon....
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 2 – Emily Carney
July 15, 2020 16:00 - 54 minutes - 76.3 MBEpisode 2 – The Space Hipster – Emily Carney Episode Summary Paul Ring talks to writer, blogger and Space Hipsters creator Emily Carney about space fandom, Skylab, SpaceX and a whole lot more. Someone might even bring up a certain Soviet space shuttle that shall not be named. So, strap in for another Launch Pad Space Podcast. Show Notes Paul Ring talks to writer, blogger and Space Hipsters creator Emily Carney about space fandom, Skylab, SpaceX and a whole lot more. Someone might eve...
The Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 2
July 15, 2020 16:00 - 54 minutes - 76.3 MBEpisode 2 – The Space Hipster – Emily Carney Episode Summary Paul Ring talks to writer, blogger and Space Hipsters creator Emily Carney about space fandom, Skylab, SpaceX and a whole lot more. Someone might even bring up a certain Soviet space shuttle that shall not be named. So, strap in for another Launch Pad Space Podcast. Show Notes Paul Ring talks to writer, blogger and Space Hipsters creator Emily Carney about space fandom, Skylab, SpaceX and a whole lot more. Someone might eve...
Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 1 - Alan Bean
June 30, 2020 16:00 - 24 minutes - 34.2 MBEpisode 1 – The Alan Bean Interview Episode Summary Host Paul Ring recalls his interview with Apollo 12 Lunar Module Pilot, and Skylab II Commander Alan Bean. Whip up a spaghetti dinner and enjoy this premiere episode of The Launch Pad Space Podcast. Show Notes Host Paul Ring recalls his interview with Apollo 12 Lunar Module Pilot, and Skylab II Commander Alan Bean. Whip up a spaghetti dinner and enjoy this premiere episode of The Launch Pad Space Podcast. The show opens with a qui...
The Launch Pad Space Podcast - Episode 1
June 30, 2020 16:00 - 24 minutes - 34.2 MBEpisode 1 – The Alan Bean Interview Episode Summary Host Paul Ring recalls his interview with Apollo 12 Lunar Module Pilot, and Skylab II Commander Alan Bean. Whip up a spaghetti dinner and enjoy this premiere episode of The Launch Pad Space Podcast. Show Notes Host Paul Ring recalls his interview with Apollo 12 Lunar Module Pilot, and Skylab II Commander Alan Bean. Whip up a spaghetti dinner and enjoy this premiere episode of The Launch Pad Space Podcast. The show opens with a qui...
Launch Pad Space Podcast
June 30, 2020 16:00 - 24 minutes - 34.2 MBEpisode 1 – The Alan Bean Interview Episode Summary Host Paul Ring recalls his interview with Apollo 12 Lunar Module Pilot, and Skylab II Commander Alan Bean. Whip up a spaghetti dinner and enjoy this premiere episode of The Launch Pad Space Podcast. Show Notes Host Paul Ring recalls his interview with Apollo 12 Lunar Module Pilot, and Skylab II Commander Alan Bean. Whip up a spaghetti dinner and enjoy this premiere episode of The Launch Pad Space Podcast. The show opens with a qui...