Casual Space

Casual Space is BACK with all new episodes, casual conversations with amazing guests! The summer break is just about coming to an end, but don't worry- the next 200 episodes of the Casual Space Podcast is just about to START! This week, Beth welcomes you back with a preview of some upcoming guest conversations that include AI, Antarctica, and of course, aliens!!!! You'll recognize returning guests like author Mark O'Connell, and new friends of the show sharing their incredible stories of adventure, NASA history, and more. AND, Beth will read one of the BEST STORIES of Space submissions you've ever heard, as she counts down to the August 1 launch of the STORIES of Space Project payload- launching from NASA's Wallops Flight Center!

Want to learn more about the rocky and icy worlds in the solar system? Dr. Kirby Runyon can serve as your guide- from earth or from space! Kirby can remember being fascinated with space since he was three years old! His parents brought him to a space museum, and soon after gave him a telescope for Christmas, securing a passion for space exploration that continues today. Dr. Kirby is a space explorer, planetary geologist, zero gravity coach, and space tourism tour guide! You're going to want to check our Dr. Kirby's planetary experience consulting company, Planex here: https://planex.space/ His research is in geomorphology and stratigraphy using remote sensing and laboratory experiments, and uses reduced gravity parabolic flights for studying the geology and dynamics of impact crater ejecta emplacement. You can learn more here: https://psi.edu/about/staffpage/krunyon Dr. Kirby is fascinated with astronaut-enabled science on and near the Moon. In addition to these awesome fields of study, Dr. Kirby takes astronauts-in-training (private astronauts and anyone who wants to know how New Mexico's geological landscape relates to space) and explains how New Mexico's most enchanting geologic landscapes give astronauts even more appreciation of their spaceflight experience. In the past year, Kirby has led Virgin Galactic ticket holders on two educational expeditions as a professional planetary geologist, and now he's opening the same opportunity to all Casual Space Podcast listeners as well! Want to learn more? Check out these photos from his recent expedition to Aden volcanic crater, Kilbourne steam-explosion crater, and White Sands National Park with future astronauts here: https://planex.space/astronaut-geology Did you love this episode? Please let me know! Review the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or any other platform you're listening to the show! And you can always share your thoughts about this episode on social media too! https://www.facebook.com/CasualSpacePodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/casualspacepodcast/?hl=en Oh, and catch MORE of Dr. Kirby talking about his work and love of space in these other podcasts: https://www.thespaceshow.com/guest/dr.-kirby-runyon and https://daretoexplore.fireside.fm/26

Danny was born and raised on a ranch near Ignacio, Colorado — the Rocket Ranch — to a farmer and his wife. Instead of farming, Danny dreamed of being an astronaut as he watched the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space flights and knew his future would include his love for space exploration. Danny started his career in education teaching science, and was invited to tour the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. He was so impressed with the programs, facilities, and people, he decided it would become his mission to share the opportunity with his students. Danny started organizing students in grades 4-12 to attend Space Camp, and since then, have chaperoned over 500 students, with plans to continue for many more years. Because of his work and dedication to so many students, Danny was inducted as a member of the Space Camp Hall of Fame in 2010. With encouragement from family and friends, Danny's Rocket Ranch was established in 2018. This small business specializes in selling scrumptious dehydrated products. "I have always loved to cook and eat, and after years of making a delicious fresh salsa, I perfected a dehydrated salsa to be consumed on Earth, in space, and beyond. To help students continue to attend Space Camp, Danny's Rocket Ranch will donate a portion of the profits to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Education Foundation for Space Camp Scholarships." Order YOUR Space Camp Salsa TODAY from Danny's Rocket Ranch here: https://www.dannysrocketranch.com/ and help students attend Space Camp! Watch Danny be inducted into the Space Camp Hall of Fame here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIy-vU6XMy0

Many dates in history stand out in human space flight and exploration. From the first airplane flight to the first man in space, much has been accomplished. Many of our significant milestones were not without danger. On this podcast Beth & our Resident Space Expert (RSE) Dean Mikolaiczyk revisit our historic 3rd trip to the moon. *Actual conversation between Dean and Captain James Lovell on his triumphant flight of Apollo 13. RSE Dean Mikolajczyk

Do you want to see humans on the surface of Mars by the mid-2030s? Explore Mars, Inc.'s annual conference, the 2023 Humans to Mars Summit (H2M) takes place on May 16-18, 2023 at the National Academy of Sciences Building in Washington, D.C. This event is already shaping up to be the largest H2M yet, featuring leaders from NASA, innovators, policy experts and elected officials, STEM professionals, artists and musicians, members of the entertainment community, and more presentations from throughout the industry. ONLY on the Casual Space Podcast, Beth Mund and returning guest Chris Carberry, Explore Mars CEO, provide a insider preview as to what's to be expected at this year's event! CASUAL SPACE LISTENERS can receive 10% OFF your ticket to the H2M Summit with the code: CASUALMARS https://www.exploremars.org/summit/ "It is time for the space community to inject a sense of urgency into our common goal of sending humans to Mars," notes Explore Mars CEO Chris Carberry. "H2M 2023 will not only highlight the steps that need to be taken to assure that NASA, industry, Congress and the Administration, and international partners will do what is necessary in order to achieve this goal by the mid-2030s, but also how we can inspire and harness non-traditional business and other players to become our partners in this effort." The Artemis Accords. Returning to the Moon and on to Mars. Innovations that benefit the Earth now. Ensuring a diverse and inclusive future in space. Architecture and policy on the Moon and Mars. These are just a few of the themes being presented at H2M (Humans to Mars Summit). So join us! You'll be sure to learn and enjoy the resources presented at this influential conference. More about Explore Mars and the Humans to Mars Summit:: https://www.exploremars.org/summit/ About Chris Carberry Chris Carberry is CEO and co-founder of Explore Mars, Inc. a nonprofit which was created to advance the goal of sending humans to Mars within the next two decades. The organization also encourages the use of STEM curriculum in the classroom to instill a desire to pursue space exploration for future generations. Carberry is a well-respected expert and influential director of strategic alliances in the space community and has been responsible for growing many partnerships, grants and sponsorships for leading industry organizations. His innovative ideas and vast knowledge regarding space have given him a political presence when it comes to policymaking concerning the space related matters. Currently, as Explore Mars Executive Director, he acts as the main liaison for efforts and project ventures. He has been an international spokesperson on behalf of various space related entities on numerous occasions. Prior to joining Explore Mars, Carberry served as Executive Director to The Mars Society. In his early career, he acted as a member of the Steering Committee where he organized congressional outreach efforts around the country. He also played a part in congressional lobbying events such as the 2007-2010 Space Budget Blitz, the 2007 Moon-Mars Blitz, the 2006 Space Blitz, and the Great 2006 Mars Blitz as chairman and co-coordinator. In more recent years, he has led successful international conferences including the ISS and Mars Conference in Washington, D.C. and Strasbourg, France, and the Women and Mars Conference in Washington, D.C. In 2012, he represented Explore Mars as a delegate to the Mars500 Symposium in Moscow, Russia, and is spearheading the Humans to Mars Summit in Washington, DC in May 2013.He currently serves as Chairman of the Steering Committee for the Space Exploration Alliance, which is an umbrella group representing 13 space advocacy organizations with total membership of over 700,000 people.

Shelli Brunswick is the COO of Space Foundation, overseeing Center for Innovation and Education, Symposium 365, and Global Alliance. This week on the Casual Space Podcast, we learn more about Shelli's distinguished career as a space acquisition and program management leader and congressional liaison for the U.S. Air Force, her perspective of the global space ecosystem, and how Shelli works with government, commercial and educational sectors on initiatives for space commerce and why she's actively advocating for space technology innovation and entrepreneurship. *Whew!* More about Shelli Brunswick: https://shelli-brunswick.com/ About Space Foundation: https://www.spacefoundation.org/ About the Space4Women Mentorship Program mentioned: https://space4women.unoosa.org/mentorship-program More about Sheli Brunswick: Shelli Brunswick, COO of Space Foundation, brings a broad perspective and deep vision of the global space ecosystem — from a distinguished career as a space acquisition and program management leader and congressional liaison for the U.S. Air Force to her current role overseeing Space Foundation's three primary divisions: Center for Innovation and Education, Symposium 365, and Global Alliance. Advocating for space technology innovation, entrepreneurship, diversity, and inclusion, Shelli collaborates with organizations around the world to connect commercial, government, and educational sectors. Her work to champion the inclusion of underserved groups stems from staying true to the values instilled while she was in the military: a passion to share her journey, give back to the space community, and contribute to the development of the next-generation workforce. She has published articles in consumer, technology, and space-related journals, including SpaceNews and Forbes Technology Council. She is a highly sought-after keynote speaker. She has delivered more than 100 speeches and presentations in 2022 alone on navigating career success and workforce development to audiences in Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North and South America. As a thought leader, she is invited to speak at various think tanks, such as the Hudson Institute and the Wilson Center, to discuss innovation, technology, and workforce development. And she has participated in research projects for both NASA and ESA to better understand the future of the global space system and its implications over the coming decades. Brunswick was named the 2022 Chief in Tech Award by WomenTech Network, the World Women Organization's Lifetime Achievement Award, the Top 100 Leaders Award, The Most Influential Women in Leadership 2022 by March8 Magazine, and a Top Aviation and Aerospace Professional to Follow on LinkedIn in 2022. Shelli plays an active leadership role with various international organizations such as: Space4Women Mentoring Program, an affiliate of the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs; the WomenTech Network; the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO); the World Business Angels Investment Forum; the G100 Global Chair for Space Technology and Aviation; the Global Policy Insights – Global Policy, Diplomacy and Sustainability (GPODS) Fellowship program, and more.

Dr. Janet L. Kavandi is an American scientist and NASA astronaut, a veteran of three Space Shuttle missions who has logged more than 33 days in space and traveled more than 13.1 million miles in 535 Earth orbits! During her time in the Astronaut Office, Janet supported ISS payload integration, capsule communications, and robotics. While at NASA, Dr. Kavandi was the Deputy Chief of the Astronaut Office, Deputy Director of Health and Human Performance, and served as the Center Director at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland from 2015 until her retirement in 2019. Janet Kavandi now serves as President and Chief Science Officer of Sierra Space and leads the Human Spaceflight Center and Astronaut Training Academy. Today on the show, Dr. Kavandi talks about her experiences as an astronaut, some of her favorite sci-fi movies, her exciting work at Sierra Space and more- don't miss this inspirational conversation! Read more about Dr. Janet Kavandi here: https://www.sierraspace.com/leadership/janet-kavandi/ And her incredible NASA experience via her bio here: https://www.nasa.gov/content/biography-janet-l-kavandi-dr Learn More about Sierra Space, Dream Chaser, Orbital Reef and the Astronaut Training Academy here: https://www.sierraspace.com/ More about Dr. Kavandi: Janet serves as the President of Sierra Space in Louisville, Colorado. There, she is responsible for the company's space programs, including the Dream Chaser® spaceplane, which is under contract to deliver supplies to the International Space Station beginning in 2023. Dream Chaser is a winged vehicle and the only resupply vehicle capable of landing on a commercial runway. Dr. Kavandi also leads the Sierra Space Human Spaceflight Center and Astronaut Training Academy, responsible for astronaut selection, training, and human health for three categories of space travelers: professional astronauts, industry customers, and experiential customers. Prior to her current position, Dr. Kavandi served as Director of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's John H. Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. In this position, she was responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the activities required for cutting-edge research on aerospace and aeronautical propulsion, power, and communication technologies. Preceding the Director position, Dr. Kavandi served as Glenn's Deputy Director. Before her time at Glenn, Dr. Kavandi worked at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, where she served as the Director of Flight Crew Operations. In this role, she was responsible for the Astronaut Corps and Aircraft Operations at Ellington Field. Dr. Kavandi also served as the Deputy Director of the Health and Human Performance Directorate, where she was responsible for the NASA flight surgeons and human research investigations on the International Space Station (ISS). Dr. Kavandi was selected as a NASA astronaut in December 1994 as a member of the fifteenth class of U.S. astronauts. During her time in the Astronaut Office, she supported International Space Station payload integration, capsule communications, robotics and served as Deputy Chief of the Astronaut Office. She is a veteran of three space flights, serving as a mission specialist on STS-91 in 1998, STS-99 in 2000 and STS-104 in 2001. Dr. Kavandi has logged more than 33 days in space, traveling more than 13.1 million miles in 535 Earth orbits. Born in Springfield, Missouri, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, a Master of Science degree in chemistry from the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, and her Doctorate in analytical chemistry from the University of Washington in Seattle. Dr. Kavandi has been recognized with two Presidential Rank Awards, two NASA Outstanding Leadership Medals, two Exceptional Service Medals, three NASA Space Flight Medals, and NASA's highest award, the Distinguished Service Medal. She was inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2019. Dr. Kavandi and her husband, John, have two adult children.

Artemis Generation Exploration. International Space Station Crewed Missions. SLS Test Crew Announcement. MARS Sample Return, Satellite Missions to obtain more of Earth's Climate Data, Asteroid Detection and Protection, "Green" Aircraft, and a 7.1% increase in the NASA budget to accomplish it all. Last week, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson presented the State of NASA address for 2023. Listen as Beth and Dean walk through the goals for 2023, NASA's plans to explore the Moon and Mars, monitor and protect the planet, sustain U.S. leadership in aviation and aerospace innovation, drive economic growth and promote equity and diversity within the agency and across the nation, while inspiring the next generation of explorers for the benefit of humanity. There's lots to learn in this episode, and it's all fun with our retuning guest and resident space expert Dean Mikolajczyk. Watch NASA's State of the Agency Address with NASA Administrator Bill Nelson here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTVxELrVfB0 DO NOT MISS the opportunity to check out Lockheed Martin's and NASA's x-59 Supersonic "quiet" jet https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/quesst.html About Casual Space's Resident Space Expert; Dean Mikolajczyk (and listen to one of Beth's favorite episodes with Dean on episode #167 "James Webb Space Telescope with RSE Dean Mikolajczyk… Part 2") BS Technical Photography MS Astrophysics NASA MER Mars program NASA Public Relations Astronomy instructor & lecturer Where to find Dean: www.TritionCollege.edu/Cernan www.HarperCollege.edu https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-mikolajczyk-63125389/

Casual Space Podcast is BACK in a BIG way, so let's celebrate! Beth is joining Tim Bailey to extend YOUR personal invitation to celebrate space exploration with Yuri's Night! Yuri's Night is a World Space Party. Every year on or around April 12th, Yuri's Night activities and parties celebrate all that humanity brings with us as we explore the cosmos: music, art, science, culture, and each other! Yuri's Night uses space to bring the world together, to empower the greatest parts of who we are, and give vision to where we are going. Today on the podcast, Executive Director of Yuri's Night Tim Bailey joins Beth to invite the WORLD (and you- yes, YOU) to this exciting space celebration! You're going to want to sign up to join us and find everything Yuri's Night here: https://yurisnight.net/ Once you're signed up to celebrate, check out the silent auction to help support the Cosmic Odyssey Scholarship here: https://yurisnight.net/silent-auction/ -Where to find Tim Bailey and pretty much everything he's doing: www.NovaBailey.com Tim Bailey is space enthusiast, an Eagle Scout, a former counselor for Space Camp Florida, and a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Tim never thought he'd be a Flight Attendant on his way to becoming an Astronaut, yet he's celebrated 18 years on the job and is still loving it! In addition to his part-time work with Zero Gravity Corporation, Tim is the Executive Director for Yuri's Night, a nonprofit best known for the self-named annual world space parties in April. I've done an assortment of other project management jobs for organizations including NSS, Space Generation Advisory Council to the UN, Kennedy Space Center, the Department of Energy, the US Marine Corps, and DARPA. Want to learn more about Tim and his work? Check out his website at www.NovaBailey.com

Beth Carr is a formally trained performer and brand communications designer, who became passionately obsessed with figuring out how she could elevate storytelling for a brand creating authentic, long-lasting relationships with their ideal audiences and how that could be expressed through all their design, branding, messaging, and marketing. And when it comes to telling the story about space, Beth Carr has professionally and personally helped me build a StoryBrand framework that has allowed me to serve you, Casual Space Podcast listeners! Please enjoy this last episode of 2022! Don't forget- you can send a story to space over the holiday break at www.storiesofspace.com, so don't miss this last opportunity before the submission deadline closes- and for Casual Space Podcast listeners only, the deadline is extended to January 5th!!!! Happy New Year to you and your families, colleagues and space explorers- from Beth Mund and the Casual Space Podcast! See you in 2023! Find Beth Carr, and her work as a Certified StoryBrand Guide at Fortified Branding Fortified Brandingwww.fortifiedbranding.com bethcarr@fortifiedbranding.com @fortifiedbranding on IG