In this episode of the Space Madness podcast, host Jeff interviews Matthias Girod, an independent science and diplomacy consultant based in France. The conversation explores the differences in educational experiences, the challenges faced by researchers in Europe, and the complexities of European science funding and collaboration. Matthias shares insights on the cultural differences between countries and the evolving landscape of scientific research in Europe, including the impact of Brexit and the role of Switzerland. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of the EU in global scientific collaboration.

In this episode of the Space Madness podcast, host Jeff Nosanov speaks with Hugh Chen, a PhD student in aerospace engineering at Georgia Tech. Hugh shares his journey from Hong Kong to the US, his passion for space exploration, and his experiences in different educational systems. He discusses his research projects, including liquid mirror telescopes and CubeSat propulsion systems, and his aspirations to make a positive impact on the world through technology and conservation efforts.

In this episode of the Space Madness podcast, Jeff Nosanov interviews architect Anthony Longman, who discusses his innovative ideas for expandable rotating habitats in space. Anthony shares his journey from the UK to the US, traditional architecture to space architecture, and the importance of ecological design and the influence of nature on his work. He explains the concept of tensegrity structures and their potential applications in space, as well as the challenges of developing sustainable and maintainable structures for long-term use in extraterrestrial environments. The conversation also touches on the role of NASA's NIAC program in fostering innovative concepts and the future of space architecture.

In this episode of the Space Madness podcast, host Jeff Nosanov speaks with Matt Bille, a seasoned professional in the space industry. Matt shares his journey from witnessing the Apollo 11 launch as a child -from an airplane!- to his military career in the Air Force, and later his extensive work in the private sector, including collaborations with NASA. He discusses his passion for writing, particularly in science fiction and space-related topics, and reflects on the evolution of microsatellites and the importance of space archaeology. The conversation also touches on the formation of the Space Force, the Artemis program, and the future of space exploration.

Today we talk with Shelli Brunswick, who shares her unique journey through the space industry, from her early days in the Air Force to her current role as an entrepreneur and author. The conversation explores various themes including space acquisition, the importance of soft skills, the impact of space technology on everyday life, and the significance of mentorship and leadership in the industry. Shelli emphasizes the need for a growth mindset and the role of technology in fostering economic prosperity, while also discussing the geopolitical implications of space exploration.

In today's episode we talk with labor and employment attorney Jon Anderson from law firm Husch Blackwell to discuss the evolving landscape of labor law as it pertains to NASA and JPL. We explore the historical context of unions, the complexities of employment at JPL, and the implications of project-based funding on job security. The conversation delves into the challenges of unionization efforts, the importance of transparency in layoff decisions, and the unique nature of employment in the government-sponsored space industry. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of labor rights in this context. Here are the two JPL unionization websites referenced in the discussion: https://jplworkersunited.org/ https://jplbeinformed.com/

In this episode of the Space Madness Podcast we have Ken Ruffin, a long-time volunteer with the National Space Society. We discuss Ken's journey into space exploration, the history and mission of the National Space Society, and the impact of the Challenger disaster on Ken's career. The conversation also touches on the importance of public engagement in space exploration, the challenges of funding, and the role of optimism in advocating for a better future in space. Ken shares his experiences in outreach and education, emphasizing the need for public awareness and the potential for rapidly advancing technology to shape the future of space missions.

Today we continue the conversation with Dr. Jim Green, former Chief Scientist of NASA. We discuss Green's journey to becoming Chief Scientist, his experiences working with different NASA administrators, and the surprising discoveries he made while expanding his knowledge beyond planetary science. The conversation also delves into the role of medicine in space exploration, the potential of virtual reality for astronaut mental health, and the future of NASA's Chief Scientist position amidst changing political landscapes. Green shares insights from his ongoing research and educational initiatives in the metaverse, highlighting the importance of collaboration in advancing space science.

Today we have a real treat; the former Chief Scientist of NASA, Jim Green. We talk about his journey from the fields of Iowa to the top floor of NASA HQ. He shares series of fortunate events - gravity assists as he calls them - that introduced him to astronomy and space exploration, then unique educational opportunities, and a wonderful series of leadership opportunities first connecting NASA and then global institutions using the early internet. We also talk about Jim's other interests including history and civil war hot air ballooning. 

Today we talk with recent Georgia Tech Ph.D. graduate Chad Pozarycki. We discuss Chad's journey into the field, the intricacies of capillary electrophoresis, and its applications in detecting life on other planets. The conversation also covers the challenges of Mars sample return missions, the importance of risk management in instrument development, and Chad's innovative startup focused on health monitoring through chemical analysis.

Today we talk with Jason Derleth, a recently retired NASA technologist with a diverse career. We discuss Jason's journey from aspiring fantasy author to a key player in NASA's innovative projects, including the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts program and the Habitable Worlds Observatory. The conversation explores the importance and value of unusual career paths in space exploration, the philosophical implications of discovering life beyond Earth, and the impact of NASA's work on society and technology. Jason shares insights on leadership, creativity, and the challenges of project management in a complex environment.

Today we talk with Elsbeth Magilton, former Executive Director of my alma mater, the University of Nebraska, Lincoln Space and Cyber Law LL.M. program. We talk about growing up in Nebraska, finding a pathway to a legal education through community programs and web design, and joining the UNL Law Space Law program and ultimately the faculty. We also discuss the Artemis Accords and how international legal agreements affect space exploration. 

n our final episode with Lou we talk about different views on the future of space exploration in the USA, options for young people interested in the field, and thoughts about predicting the future. 

In part 2 of our discussion with Lou Friedman, co-founder of The Planetary Society, we discuss his decades of advocacy work. We talk about early Direct Mail efforts that enabled the Society's explosive growth, the conflict between planetary science and the Space Shuttle, his visits to Washington, D.C. to give testimony, and more. Lou also shares charming stories of Carl Sagan's wit. 

"I have been working on space as long as there has been a space age, since 1957." With a career spanning the entire space age, Lou shares his journey from the Bronx to the forefront of space exploration. He discusses his pivotal roles at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, co-founding the Planetary Society with Carl Sagan, and his insights into the evolving role of humans in space exploration. Dive into the history of space missions, the challenges of interplanetary navigation, and the future of human space travel.

Today we talk with a JPL colleague of mine, Olivia Dawson. Inspired by Voyager as a child (as was I) she began a long journey to JPL that took some unexpected turns. Now she moves on to an international opportunity for herself and her family. 

Today we chat with Sheila Xu, the first deaf asian female pilot. We discuss her hearing challenges as a child, the range of availability of accomodations throughout her education, and the events that led to her goal of becoming a pilot. We also talk about technologies and products available to help people hear, backpacking through Europe while deaf, and charting her path to advocacy. 

In this episode of the Space Madness Podcast, we host Andreea Mosila, who shares her remarkable journey from growing up in communist Romania to working at NASA and JPL. Andreea discusses her passion for space exploration, her experiences at various NASA centers, and her current research on climate security in the Danube Delta. The conversation highlights the importance of bridging science and governance, the challenges of communicating research findings, and the impact of personal passion on career choices.

In this episode we have a college buddy of mine, now Dr. Loren Chang, Professor and Chair of the Department of Space Science and Engineering at the National Central University in Taiwan. We discuss his fascinating journey growing up traveling back and forth to Taiwan throughout his education. That period happened to overlap with Taiwan's growth from post-martial law scenario to global dominance in technology - specifically semiconductors - and it's recent embrace of space and drone technologies.   * this episode has been edited much more extensively than previous ones, due to slight lags and delays when recording between my studio in Atlanta and our guest's location in Taiwan.

In today's episode we have director of the film Advanced Chemistry Etana Jacobson. Etana has an extensive career in film, television and video games bringing science to audiences in an engaging and personal way. Today we discuss those efforts and new ones in the modern digital environment.