Libsyn Directory

Kalpana Pot: Actor, writer, host, and science communicator

Release Date: 04/03/2024

Mark Sasson: Co-founder and CEO of Pinpoint Search Group (recruiting in the space industry)

The Astro Ben Podcast

This week on The Astro Ben Podcast, Ben sits down with Mark Sasson, co-founder and CEO of Pinpoint Search Group, as he launches Operation Voyager to tackle the space sector’s talent gap in March 2025. From his roots in cybersecurity to his new frontier in space, Mark shares a compelling story of industry evolution, drawing parallels between these booming fields. We dive into proven strategies for attracting top talent, the unique hiring challenges facing space companies, and how to build effective recruiting processes in an industry still finding its footing. OUTLINE: Here’s approximate...

Jonathan McDowell: Astronomer and owner of Jonathan's Space Report

The Astro Ben Podcast

In this week's episode of The Astro Ben Podcast (sponsored by SkyFi), we dive into the cosmos with the legendary Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer known for his extensive work in cataloging space objects and his invaluable contributions to the space community. Ben and Jonathan discuss his journey, the importance of space tracking, and his monumental effort to transition his private space library to the UK, for which he's currently seeking support through a GoFundMe campaign (link below). Tune in to learn about the significance of his work, the future of space cataloging, and how you can...

Kate van Dam: Marine Corps attack helicopter pilot, now strategic leader in the space industry with SkyFi

The Astro Ben Podcast

In this episode, sponsored by Sky Fi, Ben journeyed with Kate Van Dam from her days as a Marine Corps attack helicopter pilot to her current role leading strategy at SkyFi. They explore SkyFi's mission to democratise access to geospatial data, touching on the ethical implications, privacy concerns, and the revolutionary potential of this technology. Kate shared insights on how her military background shapes her strategic vision, how SkyFi navigates the evolving space industry landscape, and the role of AI and machine learning in transforming geospatial analysis. They also discussed upcoming...

Astronaut John “ Danny ” Olivas: Astronaut, Mission Assurance Expert, Author and Forensic Engineer

The Astro Ben Podcast

In this episode of The Astro Ben Podcast, Ben speaks with astronaut and mission assurance expert Dr. John "Danny" Olivas from Intuitive Machines HQ. The conversation centers around the IM-2 Lunar Lander mission, set to land at the Moon’s south pole in early 2025. Danny shares exclusive insights into the technology on board, including NASA’s PRIME-1 drill, Nokia’s Lunar Surface Communications System, and Intuitive Machines’ Micro Nova Hopper. The discussion also explores the critical role of engineering in lunar infrastructure, the challenges of operating in the Moon’s extreme...

The Astro Ben Podcast Trailer 2025

The Astro Ben Podcast

Remco Timmermans: Space Events Marketing Specialist at Space Agenda, Independent Space Marketing and Communications Consultant

The Astro Ben Podcast

In this episode, Ben sits down with Remco Timmermans to explore the dynamic world of space industry marketing and events. They discuss Remco's journey into space, the emotional power of rocket launches, and how space is becoming a true people's industry. The conversation covers the space industry's outlook for 2025, the curation of industry events, the debate between live and virtual events, and the critical role of social media in engaging the public. Remco also shares his predictions for the sector's future. To celebrate the start of this dynamic year, we invite you to download Remco's...

Emily Carney: Space Historian, Journalist, and Co-Author of new book Star Bound: A Beginner’s Guide to the American Space Program.

The Astro Ben Podcast

In this episode of the Astro Ben Podcast, we chat with Emily Carney, space historian, journalist, and co-author of the new book Star Bound: A Beginner’s Guide to the American Space Program. OUT JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS (LINK BELOW) Emily shares her insights on the cultural and societal impact of America’s space exploration journey and why understanding our space history is vital for the next generation. From her iconic Space Hipsters community to her thoughts on mining the Moon and asteroids, Emily brings her trademark wit and wisdom to the conversation. We also touch on the lessons the...

Camille Wardrop Alleyne: Ed.D. Founder | CEO | Rocket Scientist | Speaker | Humanitarian

The Astro Ben Podcast

In this episode, Ben explores the extraordinary journey of Dr. Camille Wardrop Alleyne, a trailblazer in the field of aerospace engineering. Camille reflects on her impactful career at NASA, where she led key human spaceflight programs and advanced groundbreaking science missions. She shares insights into her work at Arusha Space, promoting space-based solutions for global sustainability, and her passion for STEM education for young women through The Brightest Stars Foundation. They discuss her Trinidadian upbringing, her journey to becoming one of the few women of colour in senior leadership...

Nicolina Elrick: Blue Origin Astronaut and Entrepreneur

The Astro Ben Podcast

In this weeks episode, Nicolina Elrick takes us behind the scenes of her extraordinary journey to space with Blue Origin. Nicolina is a multi-faceted leader in both philanthropy and entrepreneurship, and on this weeks episode shares what it’s like to break through the Kármán line and experience the profound awe of space. We explore the pivotal moments of her flight, her reflections on seeing Earth from afar, and her proposal for a future SpaceX philanthropic mission! This weeks episode is sponsored by AIDAA. Check them out: https://www.aidaa.it/ OUTLINE: Here’s approximate timestamps for...

Yanni Barghouty: Co-Founder and CEO of Cosmic Shielding Corporation (CSC)

The Astro Ben Podcast

This episode explores Yanni Barghouty’s work with Cosmic Shielding Corporation (CSC) and their mission to create next-generation radiation shielding solutions for the space industry. Yanni shares his journey from biomedical engineering to space entrepreneurship, discusses the challenges of developing advanced materials for radiation protection, and provides insights into the future of space safety and human spaceflight. OUTLINE: Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode. 01:00 What/Why is Cosmic Shielding Corporation/CSC? 07:09 Starting up/Business partner 11:20 Launching/testing 13:25...

More Episodes

Kalpana Pot is an actor, writer, host, and science communicator. She’s appeared in numerous national commercials and TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Hot in Cleveland, and Days of Our Lives to name a few, runs popular space-based social media pages, and is a published author. Her latest book, Spaced Out: A Casual Approach to the Cosmos is a general overview of all things space-related mixed with a sense of humour. Her ultimate goal in Hollywood is to help mitigate the recent rise in anti-science by bridging her two loves of storytelling and science.

OUTLINE:

Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode.

00:43 Into to Kalpana Pot

04:00 Things getting sweary and definitly not conspiratorial!

05:28 Debunking conspiracies

10:10 “Truth” on Social Media

11:33 Spaced Out: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spaced-Out-Casual-Approach-Cosmos/dp/B0CPCKJ4PX?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

14:20 Hollywood telling Space Stories on Forgotten Women in STEM

18:00 How accurate is film making in explaining relativity?

20:45 The James Web Space Telescope - Importance of Imagery

23:42 Taxpayer Value

24:24 Big Bang age