Casual Space

What if you could help a student experience the wonder of space, despite the odds? In this heartwarming episode of Casual Space, we sit down with Dan Oates, a true legend within the Space Camp community, who has dedicated his life to doing just that. From his impactful work with students with disabilities to his induction into the Space Camp Hall of Fame, Dan shares stories that will inspire and t...

What happens when a childhood dream turns into a lifelong passion? In this heartwarming episode, Beth Mund sits down with Space Camp alumni Charity, Ruth Marie, Josh and Chris to reflect on the incredible journey from camp memories to real-world achievements. Discover how Space Camp planted the seeds for big dreams, teamwork, and a "never give up" attitude that continues to inspire and shape lives...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to guide astronauts through the challenges of space exploration, ensuring their safety and mission success? In this exciting episode, host Beth Mund, along with co-hosts Chris Key and Josh Whitfield, kicks off a brand-new series titled "Through These Doors," where they explore the incredible journeys of Space Camp alumni who have gone on to achieve extraordinar...

Have you ever wondered how a college freshman ends up in the Space Camp Hall of Fame? In this limited-release series, join your hosts Beth Mund, Chris Key, and Joshua Whitfield as they welcome special guest Andrea Hanson. Andrea shares her incredible journey from being introduced to Space Camp in college to becoming a Space Camp Hall of Famer. She spills the secrets of her time as a crew trainer a...

Have you ever thought about what confidence really means and how it can shape your professional journey? In this episode of the Casual Space Podcast, Beth and Hannah Stanley dive into the essence of confidence and how it can propel your career, like a goose crossing the street in traffic.  Confidence isn't just a trait; it's a skill that can be honed and applied to make a real impact. In between t...

Prepare for a magical journey! Our official Disney Insider, Hannah Stanley, is back and ready to whisk us away on an adventure through the world of innovation and imagination. In this episode, Hannah shares fascinating examples and delightful references that tie together space exploration and the ever-inspiring Disney spirit of innovation. From animatronic presidents to the dream of living on the...

Ahh, the precious memories made from summer camp!  The adventures, the friendships, the HEAT... they're all fun parts of the camp experience and stories that say with us through the years.   In this episode, we dive into the stories of Space Camp Alumni whose impressive careers within the space industry and as lifelong learners all began when they walked "through these doors" at the historic US. S...

This week, in our ongoing summer series, "Summer-ease," we meet at the intersection of innovation, Disney, and space exploration. Our returning and always insightful guest (and Disney insider), Hannah Stanley, joins us to discuss Disney's innovative culture and its profound influence on space-related endeavors.  Why Disney?  Disney shares the same pioneering spirit as our nation's space industry....

Have you ever been captivated by a moment from a space movie? Did that movement make you laugh, learn, or even lean in a little further into the science or story?    In this third summary (summer-ease) episode of Casual Space, Chad and I plunge into the whimsical world of space movies, from makeshift force fields to mutant monsters born from nuclear waste. But amidst the laughter and incredulity,...

What does grace look like in a high-performance workplace like the space exploration industry?  Why is grace in the workspace important?  Can someone have professional grace if they don't necessarily have a lot of experience?  On this 2nd summaries (summer-ease) episode, Beth welcomes her colleague, media host and longtime Disney cast member Hannah Stanley discuss what professional grace looks lik...

Welcome to the first episode in our new series, "Summaries" (Summer-ease) where host Beth Mund provides a shortened, easy- going, "summary" for your listening enjoyment.  Every week, you'll find themes within space exploration of course, and related topics.  Guests will occasionally stop by, and we'll keep the conversation light and non-technical (we always do).  Like a cool and refreshing iced te...

Last spring, Beth Mund delivered the commencement speech at her alma matter, Loras College. Here is the recording of her speech, never before released.  It's one of life long exploration and curiosity- Beth draws examples from her own experiences and from her colleagues in the space industry to help inspire the next generation of explorers. 

Sean Wilson is a strategic communications and crisis communications expert who has worked extensively within the space industry. Sean currently works as the Director of Communications for the Aerospace Corporation and has also worked as the Director of Media and Public Relations for Northrop Grumman and the Director of Strategic Communications for Orbital ATK. *Whew!* AND, that's not even all of i...

Returning guest Danny Jaques has taken students to Space Camps for the past 32 years! He's been a certified space geek since he watched the last flight of Project Mercury with Gordon Cooper in Faith 7 on May 15, 1963, with his Dad.   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 pro...

Dr. Kirby Runyon is completely qualified to be your outer space lifestyle guide and science consultant.  What makes him qualified, you ask? He's a Planetary Geologist at The Planetary Science Institute, a Creative Space Science Consultant, his research has flown on a recent Zero-G flight(s), he hosts tours of the Kennedy Space Center, offers astrogeology tours for educators, and, well, you can rea...

40 years ago, the six surviving Mercury 7 Astronauts (Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, John Glenn, Walter Schirra, Alan Shepard, and Deke Slayton), Betty Grissom, William Douglas, M.D., and Henri Landwirth established the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF). Since its inception, the ASF had the mission of retaining the United States' world leadership in technology and innovation to support the b...

Stephen Matier is the President and CEO of Maritime Launch Services. He is also the visionary behind Spaceport Nova Scotia, a world-class commercial space complex that will launch Canada into the global space industry. Steve and his team at Maritime Launch will carry the next set of stories about space INTO space later this summer (Mission 03, currently open for story submissions) through the STOR...

Are you ready for the April 8 solar eclipse? Don't worry, Tyler Nordgren is THE perfect guide, and he's here to walk us through what to expect on the upcoming solar eclipse, along with other celestial events- Tyler is an artist, astronomer, and night sky ambassador. So tune in, and get ready for this incredible event with our friend and returning guest expert and guide, Tyler Nordgren!  More about...

Maureen Gibbons, MD, (known on social media as Dr. Moe), is a practicing physician, sports nutritionist and life coach who also held athletic trainer and triathlon coach credentials for many years. Her board certification is in emergency medicine, obesity medicine and lifestyle medicine. Dr. Moe founded and runs a remote lifestyle medicine practice called Active Medical Solutions.  As an author an...

Why is space agriculture important, possible, and necessary? Daniel Tompkins believes the present and future of agriculture can be reimagined.  Daniel Tompkins is an expert in plant medicine and agriculture, with a unique doctorate from the University of Florida that combines practical problem-solving with a focus on agriculture- a perfect mixture to explore sustainable agricultural practices for...

Can we settle space, should we settle space, and have we really thought this through? Kelly and Zach Weinersmith make their triumphant return to Casual Space sharing their new book, "A City on Mars." Beth asks Kelly and Zach to spill the beans about everything they've learned and extensively researched regarding space settlements. In      doing their research Kelly attended numerous space conferen...

Dr. Karen Nyberg is an engineer, astronaut, and artist who, through nearly thirty years of experience in human spaceflight, has gained an appreciation for the value of working within and across diverse political ideologies, cultural values, and world views to advance critical missions. In this episode of Casual Space, Beth and Karen delve into Karen's journey from learning how to sew by her mother...

Our future in space is going to be radically different with the implementation of space solar power.  According to John Mankins, space solar power is an energy application that's going to happen in the coming decade(s); the only question is, who will build it? John Mankins has made his case. It's a case for space solar power. John's more than qualified to make this case, too. He's a leading intern...

We're talking tacos on the shuttle. Pizza on the ISS. And we're washing it down with a big glass (that's not made of glass, but rather, a well-engineered pouch) of Tang on this episode of Casual Space with NASA food scientist Vickie Kloeris!  What I enjoyed most about talking with Vickie was her career journey that she's shared in her book, "Space Bites."  What started as an "impulsive decision" h...

Jan Spacek is an explorer both on Earth and beyond. He has worked in the fields of astrobiology, electrochemistry, nanoscience, genomics, and proteomics searching for life within our solar system. Jan is an astrobiologist working with renowned scientist Steven Benner on expanding the genetic alphabet.  In this episode of Casual Space, Jan discusses his transition to astrobiology, his work on proje...