Charles 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 written the Archive colum...
Jul 25, 2019•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 33
Friend 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: “You get the sen...
Jul 18, 2019•56 min•Ep. 32
"Eight Years to the Moon" with Nancy Atkinson
Jun 27, 2019•47 min•Ep. 31
Introducing 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 space! W...
Jun 20, 2019•45 min•Ep. 30
On 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 complexity.”-...
Jun 13, 2019•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 29
On 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 exploration. Starting 4.5...
Jun 06, 2019•43 min•Ep. 28
Show 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 skills nee...
May 31, 2019•37 min•Ep. 27
Brian 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, and co...
May 23, 2019•55 min•Ep. 26
Dr. 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 the phone if needed-...
May 16, 2019•43 min•Ep. 25
In 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 inspired by travel ...
May 09, 2019•48 min•Ep. 24
Nick 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 things need ...
May 02, 2019•53 min•Ep. 23
Professor 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 appearance… people are astoni...
Apr 25, 2019•32 min•Ep. 22
In 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 gave behind-the...
Apr 18, 2019•43 min•Ep. 21
In this episode, Beth and Stuart laugh about: The stories from his family that helped inspire him to write “hard sci-fi” W hy 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 knowledge, but mostly I...
Apr 11, 2019•49 min•Ep. 20
In 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 parts Every (Orion) ...
Apr 04, 2019•24 min•Ep. 19
In 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 interested in, keep followin...
Mar 28, 2019•54 min•Ep. 18
In 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 to handle the missi...
Feb 28, 2019•37 min•Ep. 17
Michael 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 Idaho...
Feb 07, 2019•51 min•Ep. 16
Born 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. After he earne...
Jan 31, 2019•57 min•Ep. 15
In 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 of humanity. The moon is only 3 days away and is similar to Mars...
Jan 24, 2019•40 min•Ep. 14
In 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 inspired by space and space exploration in 2019 Be the sma...
Jan 17, 2019•31 min•Ep. 13
In 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 anybody else has ever seen t...
Dec 27, 2018•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 12
In 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 space are both a challenge a...
Dec 20, 2018•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 11
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. “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 California,...
Dec 13, 2018•40 min•Ep. 10
In 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. · You won’t get nervous if it’s familiar. Once you’re prep...
Dec 06, 2018•31 min•Ep. 9
In 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 Space Station! “Looking...
Nov 29, 2018•38 min•Ep. 8
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...
Nov 22, 2018•53 min•Ep. 7
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...
Nov 15, 2018•52 min•Ep. 6
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 expectatio...
Nov 08, 2018•36 min•Ep. 5
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 m...
Nov 01, 2018•39 min•Ep. 4
