272: Summer-ease Series: STORIES of Space Underwater Invitation
Casual Space
In this episode, Beth introduces and personally invites you to join MISSION 05: STORIES of the Sea, the latest adventure from STORIES of Space — and it's unlike anything she’s done before. Beth and her crew are heading to Jules’ Undersea Facility, to live, work, and explore from beneath the ocean’s surface, bringing YOUR stories along with! Why? Because space and sea have more in common than you might think. Confined environments, exploration, isolation, teamwork — it’s a powerful, immersive experience that connects us more deeply to our planet... and to each other. Here’s...
info_outline
271: Summer-ease Series "One More Thing" Almost Cost Me An EPIC Family Vacation
Casual Space
Ever feel like you can’t take a break because there’s always one more thing to do? In this heartfelt episode in the abbreviated Summer-ease (summeries) series, host Beth Mund explores the myth of “earning” your time off — and how a much-needed family vacation almost didn’t happen because of it. Tune in as Beth shares: The chaotic lead-up to pressing pause on work, life, and laundry How her family rediscovered joy, spontaneity, and s’mores (not necessarily in that order) Surprising science on why breaks literally make you healthier, happier, and way more creative A...
info_outline
270: John A. Read, Space Systems Engineer, Author and Astronomer
Casual Space
John A. Read is no stranger to reaching for the stars—both figuratively and literally. Fresh off earning his Master’s in Space Systems Engineering from Johns Hopkins (without an undergrad in engineering—yes, really), John joins Beth to explore his fascinating journey from finance to astrophysics, and from a $15 pharmacy telescope to founding Stargaze Nova Scotia, a public dark-sky observatory. Along the way, John shares how a spark of curiosity from a Chris Hadfield novel launched him into grad school, how he's helping democratize astronomy through smart telescopes and best-selling...
info_outline
269: Mark O’Connell, Author of The Year Science Changed Everything
Casual Space
Mark O’Connell returns to Casual Space to discuss one of the most extraordinary scientific collaborations in human history: the 1957 International Geophysical Year. With his signature wit and storytelling style, Mark takes us on the journey behind his NEW book, The Year Science Changed Everything, revealing how 6,000 scientists from 66 nations put aside political differences to study Earth’s greatest mysteries—from the depths of the ocean to the edge of space. Beth and Mark explore the ripple effects of this global effort, including the formation of the Antarctic Treaty, the surprising...
info_outline
268: Stargazing, Friendship & Following Your Curiosity — with Kevin Rehberg of ClearSky Events
Casual Space
Have you ever looked up at the stars and wished someone could walk you through the wonders above your head — without needing a PhD for confusing telescope parts? Well, you're in luck. In this episode, I’m thrilled (and honestly, a little misty-eyed) to reconnect with my lifelong friend and kindred curiosity-seeker, Kevin Rehberg! Kevin is the founder of his newly- launched company, , providing a truly magical mobile stargazing experience for people looking to ENJOY the simple wonders of stargazing. Kevin’s love of the night sky began at age 10 with a clunky plastic telescope...
info_outline
267: Susan Tate Ankeny, Author of American Fly Girl, Captures the Story of American Hero Hazel Ying Lee
Casual Space
Hazel Ying Lee was a fearless pilot and a true aviation pioneer — the first Asian American to fly with the Women Airforce Service Pilots. But for decades, her remarkable story was left untold, until now. In this episode, author Susan Tate Ankeny tells us how she uncovers Hazel’s legacy in her book, American Fly Girl. Through rich research, Susan brings Hazel’s courage, wit, and determination back into the spotlight — where it belongs. This conversation is a tribute to hidden heroes and the storytellers who make sure we don’t forget them. This conversion captures *Hazel’s...
info_outline
266: Michelle Lucas on Launching Dreams: From NASA Flight Controller to Higher Orbits Founder
Casual Space
Michelle Lucas knows what it means to chart your own course—especially when the stars aren't clearly mapped. In this heartfelt conversation, Michelle recounts her unexpected trajectory from a third-grader dreaming about rockets in a refrigerator box “space station” to becoming a NASA flight controller and the founder of Higher Orbits, a nonprofit bringing students’ experiments to actual space. Beth and Michelle explore how childhood curiosity, persistent grit, and a few key mentors launched Michelle into the heart of space exploration—and how she's now using that same passion to...
info_outline
265: Shawn Linam: Training Astronauts, Launching a Business, and Finding Her Orbit
Casual Space
Shawn Linam, Aerospace Entrepreneur & Host of In Her Orbit Podcast Shawn Linam’s journey didn’t start with a telescope or dreams of rockets—it began with candy striping, biomedical engineering, and a resilient heart that would eventually take her to NASA. Listen for a candid conversation about the challenges and joys of being a woman in the space exploration industry, raising kids while growing a company, and navigating a professional trajectory that’s anything but linear. Shawn shares the behind-the-scenes truths of her extraordinary career: from training astronauts at...
info_outline
264: From Wall Street to weightlessness: Matt Gohd, Chairman of Zero Gravity Corporation
Casual Space
With zero prior flight experience but a deep love for space (and Star Trek), Matt Gohd took the helm of Zero G during a pivotal moment and helped guide the company into a new era—one marked by resilience, accessibility, and unforgettable experiences that allow everyday people to float like astronauts. In this episode, Beth and Matt explore the incredible evolution of Zero G—from its bold beginnings inspired by Peter Diamandis to flying 22,000+ people, including Stephen Hawking and Apollo astronaut Charlie Duke. Matt shares what it took to revive the company after near shutdown, launch...
info_outline
263: Lunar Landings & Late-Night Shifts: Ben Tackett from Firefly Aerospace on Blue Ghost Mission 1
Casual Space
Ben Tackett Show Notes TITLE: Lunar Landings & Late-Night Shifts: Ben Tackett from Firefly Aerospace on Blue Ghost Mission 1” This week on Casual Space, it’s one small step for your playlist — one giant landing for a Blue Ghost…this episode delivers big on space, story, and spirit! Beth is joined by Ben Tackett, Lead Systems Operator at Firefly Aerospace, to relive the extraordinary journey that took him from Purdue classrooms to helping land a spacecraft on the Moon. Ben shares how his early love of aerospace evolved into a hands-on career that’s shaping the future...
info_outlineChris Quigg, the celebrated theoretical physicist and co-author of Grace in All Simplicity, whisks us away on a journey through the wonders of particle physics—served with a dash of poetry and a sprinkle of grace! With a talent for turning complex ideas into accessible stories, Chris shares insights from his new book and reveals the inspiration behind its intriguing title. Listen for unforgettable moments in the history of science and get a sneak peek into life at iconic research centers like CERN and Fermilab.
Thank you, Chris, for showing us how curiosity and a love for learning can transform our understanding of science and our approach to life.
About Chris Quigg:
Chris Quigg has spent his career making particle physics approachable and fascinating for everyone. Having worked at world-renowned institutions like CERN and Fermilab, he’s explored fundamental questions about the universe. In Grace in All Simplicity, co-authored with Bob Kahn, Chris combines science with storytelling, inviting readers to discover the personal journeys of scientists behind remarkable breakthroughs. His warm and engaging style draws in curious minds of all ages to experience the wonder of physics.
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Chris:
Twitter/X: @chrisquigg
bsky.social: @chrisquigg
Check out the reviews of the book:
Nature: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-03424-5
Science https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adl2396.
If you enjoyed this episode and would like to share, I’d love to hear it!