Casual Space

In 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 good days can be rewarding, and documenting the difficult days can share a true perspective. Space exploration is for everyone, and NASA has made all images shared available to explorers big and small! About Mark Sowa: https://www.annenbergphotospace.org/person/mark-sowa/ Photographer Mark Sowa is the supervisor of NASA's Imagery Acquisition Group at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. He has photographed 45 crew portraits, countless individual astronaut portraits, documented engineering and astronaut training aboard NASA's reduced‑gravity aircraft, and dived over 1,300 times while photographing suited extravehicular training underwater in NASA's Water Environment Training Facility and later in NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Training Facility. He has logged many hours flying aboard NASA's reduced gravity aircraft. Operating eight different camera systems, the NASA photography team captures images, HD video, high speed digital motion picture, time‑lapse and spherical 360 panoramas as a record of research and development at NASA. The wide range of multimedia products produced by Sowa's team not only record humankind's efforts in space exploration but inspire the public. Connect with Mark Sowa: Twitter: @marksowa Website: https://www.annenbergphotospace.org/person/mark-sowa/ About Beth Mund: Beth's love for space started as a Space Camp attendee at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, where she would return years later as an instructor. After grad school, Beth worked as a journalist, a technical writer for Motorola, and then went on to serve as a Public Affairs Officer for the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. In addition, Beth worked to support the International Space Station program as a communication specialist. In Chicago, Beth worked as an corporate communication advisor to Fortune 50 companies including Allstate and United Airlines. She's worked as a college instructor, a political advisor, and public relations manager for her hometown city. Beth recently founded Stellar Communications, LLC and travels the country as a keynote speaker- inspiring audiences with her lessons learned from our nation's space program. She's the host of the Casual Space Podcast, and a self-proclaimed space geek. Connect with Beth Mund: Email: bethisbeth@me.com Website: bethmund.com Facebook: @BethMund Show notes by show producer/podcastologist: Laura Gray

In 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 following your dreams. Even when you have accomplished all you dreamed of, there is still more to experience. "I am constantly dreaming with my eyes open." — Wayne Messmer About Wayne Messmer: Wayne Messmer grew up as a "city kid" on Chicago's Southwest Side. Always practicing "opportunity management" he positioned himself in the right place at the right time for 99% of his life. As the volunteer P.A. Announcer for the Loyola University Hockey Team, the tape recording of the National Anthem broke before a game was about to start, so Wayne stepped up and took the challenge, and the microphone and sang it himself. Messmer's extraordinary singing career started that very day at a college hockey game… and the rest was history. As the celebrated National Anthem soloist with the Chicago Blackhawks at the old Chicago Stadium, for 13 seasons in the NHL, and subsequently with the Chicago Wolves, Chicago Cubs and formerly the Chicago White Sox, he became known nationally as, "Chicago's Voice of the National Anthem." His signature ending note on the word, "brave," (on the 5th) has been recognized as his trademark since the 1980's, and has frequently been copied by other singers ever since. In 1994, he faced his biggest life challenge after an incident left him with his life and voice in peril. No one knew then if he would survive that fateful spring night, let alone speak or sing again. But his courage, conviction and perseverance brought him to his triumphant performance as "The Voice of Victory" at the 2016 World Series. Connect with Wayne Messmer: Twitter: @WayneMessmer Website: waynemessmer.com LinkedIn: @waynemessmer Youtube: @WayneMessmer About Beth Mund: Beth's love for space started as a Space Camp attendee at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, where she would return years later as an instructor. After grad school, Beth worked as a journalist, a technical writer for Motorola, and then went on to serve as a Public Affairs Officer for the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. In addition, Beth worked to support the International Space Station program as a communication specialist. In Chicago, Beth worked as an corporate communication advisor to Fortune 50 companies including Allstate and United Airlines. She's worked as a college instructor, a political advisor, and public relations manager for her hometown city. Beth recently founded Stellar Communications, LLC and travels the country as a keynote speaker- inspiring audiences with her lessons learned from our nation's space program. She's the host of the Casual Space Podcast, and a self-proclaimed space geek. Connect with Beth Mund: Email: bethisbeth@me.com Website: bethmund.com Facebook: @BethMund Show notes by show producer/podcastologist: Laura Gray

In 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 clear on your expectations and on the expectations of the places you are going. Break your learning into episodes so that you can digest the information. "I don't have the answers, I have the right questions." — Laurie Guest About Laurie Guest: Entrepreneur, author and motivational keynote speaker. Owner of Guest Enterprises, a speaking and training firm founded in 1997. The firm focuses on customer service and staff development topics presented in an entertaining format. Member of the National Speakers Association and a Certified Speaking Professional, a designation held by less than 12% of speakers worldwide and one of only 204 women to currently hold the honor. Top-rated keynote speakers for corporate events association meetings and business retreats. Author of Wrapped in Stillness: A Personal Retreat Guide. Graduated from Palmer College 1983 Certified Ophthalmic Technician from 1986-2001 Assistant Administrator for a regionally known ophthalmic surgery center. Responsible for sales, marketing, volunteer programs and referring physician relations. Community hospital marketing team member. Award-winning columnist on the topic of customer service for an industry trade publication. A Midwest farmer's daughter from Northern Illinois with a passion for people and with a sarcastic sense of humor. Wife, mother, golfer, board game lover, autograph collector, sea glass gatherer, metal detecting fan, geocaching hobbyist and Netflix binge watcher. Connect with Laurie Guest: Twitter: @laurieguest Website: laurieguest.comLinkedIn: @laurieguest About Beth Mund: Beth's love for space started as a Space Camp attendee at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, where she would return years later as an instructor. After grad school, Beth worked as a journalist, a technical writer for Motorola, and then went on to serve as a Public Affairs Officer for the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. In addition, Beth worked to support the International Space Station program as a communication specialist. In Chicago, Beth worked as a corporate communication advisor to Fortune 50 companies including Allstate and United Airlines. She's worked as a college instructor, a political advisor, and public relations manager for her hometown city. Beth recently founded Stellar Communications, LLC and travels the country as a keynote speaker- inspiring audiences with her lessons learned from our nation's space program. She's the host of the Casual Space Podcast, and a self-proclaimed space geek. Connect with Beth Mund: Email: bethisbeth@me.com Website: bethmund.comFacebook: @BethMund Show notes by show producer/podcastologist: Laura Gray

About 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 project management. In this role, he helped lead HP's early system web support. But it was his love of the sky that eventually led DalSanto to the classroom. He began making presentations to astronomy clubs and groups and was invited to perform public outreach and oversee the observatory at Waubonsee Community College. His growing love for teaching led to the pursuit of a master's degree in astronomy, and he began teaching credit classes part-time at Waubonsee. When a full-time astronomy position opened up at College of DuPage in 2012, he left HP to pursue his passion. He teaches two rigorous courses on planetary astronomy and stars and galaxies as well as honors versions of each. Connect with Joseph DalSanto: Faculty page: http://www.cod.edu/spotlights/faculty/dalsanto.aspx Astronomy programs at DuPage: http://cod.edu/programs/earth_science/astronomy/index.aspx About Beth Mund: Beth's love for space started as a Space Camp attendee at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, where she would return years later as an instructor. After grad school, Beth worked as a journalist, a technical writer for Motorola, and then went on to serve as a Public Affairs Officer for the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. In addition, Beth worked to support the International Space Station program as a communication specialist. In Chicago, Beth worked as a corporate communication advisor to Fortune 50 companies including Allstate and United Airlines. She's worked as a college instructor, a political advisor, and public relations manager for her hometown city. Beth recently founded Stellar Communications, LLC and travels the country as a keynote speaker- inspiring audiences with her lessons learned from our nation's space program. She's the host of the Casual Space Podcast, and a self-proclaimed space geek. Connect with Beth Mund: Email: bethisbeth@me.comWebsite: bethmund.com Facebook: @BethMund Show notes by show producer/podcastologist: Laura Gray

About 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 Audience. She is also the host of the Tell Your Story Better podcast. Izolda, her husband, and their dog and two cats live in Maryland, USA. Connect with Guest: Instagram: @IzoldaTTwitter: @IzoldaTLinkedIn: IzoldaTFacebook: @IzoldaTSpeakerTell Your Story Better Podcast: https://izoldat.com/tysb/ About Beth Mund: Beth's love for space started as a Space Camp attendee at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, where she would return years later as an instructor. After grad school, Beth worked as a journalist, a technical writer for Motorola, and then went on to serve as a Public Affairs Officer for the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. In addition, Beth worked to support the International Space Station program as a communication specialist. In Chicago, Beth worked as a corporate communication advisor to Fortune 50 companies including Allstate and United Airlines. She's worked as a college instructor, a political advisor, and public relations manager for her hometown city. Beth recently founded Stellar Communications, LLC and travels the country as a keynote speaker - inspiring audiences with her lessons learned from our nation's space program. She's the host of the Casual Space Podcast, and a self-proclaimed space geek. Connect with Beth Mund: Email: bethisbeth@me.comWebsite: bethmund.com Facebook: @BethMund Show notes by show producer/podcastologist: Laura Gray

In 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 Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, where she would return years later as an instructor. After grad school, Beth worked as a journalist, a technical writer for Motorola, and then went on to serve as a Public Affairs Officer for the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. In addition, Beth worked to support the International Space Station program as a communication specialist. In Chicago, Beth worked as a corporate communication advisor to Fortune 50 companies including Allstate and United Airlines. She's worked as a college instructor, a political advisor, and public relations manager for her hometown city. Beth recently founded Stellar Communications, LLC and travels the country as a keynote speaker- inspiring audiences with her lessons learned from our nation's space program. She's the host of the Casual Space Podcast and a self-proclaimed space geek. Connect with Beth Mund: Email: bethisbeth@me.com Website: bethmund.com Facebook: @BethMund Show notes by show producer/podcastologist: Laura Gray

Welcome 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, and how those jobs will open your world to wonderful intergalactic adventures. About Beth Mund: Beth's love for space started as a Space Camp attendee at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, where she would return years later as an instructor. After grad school, Beth worked as a journalist, a technical writer for Motorola, and then went on to serve as a Public Affairs Officer for the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. In addition, Beth worked to support the International Space Station program as a communication specialist. In Chicago, Beth worked as a corporate communication advisor to Fortune 50 companies including Allstate and United Airlines. She's worked as a college instructor, a political advisor, and public relations manager for her hometown city. Beth recently founded Stellar Communications, LLC and travels the country as a keynote speaker- inspiring audiences with her lessons learned from our nation's space program. Connect with Beth Mund: Email: beth@bethmund.com Website: bethmund.com Facebook: @BethMund Show notes by show producer/podcastologist: Laura Gray