279: The Everyday Adventure That Changes Everything with Jessica DeAngelo
Casual Space
This week on the Casual Space Podcast, I’m joined by my friend, adventurer, and all-around visionary Jessica DeAngelo — founder of Hike to Become®, author of the international bestseller The Wild Advantage, and the leader behind a movement that encourages us to step outside (literally) to find the clarity, creativity, and calm we keep trying to chase indoors. Jessica works with leaders from companies like Amazon, Nike, and Uber to help them break out of the boardroom mindset and reconnect with the part of themselves that already knows the answer. Her 31-day outdoor awareness challenge and...
info_outline
278: From Spacewalks to Service: Astronaut Mike Foreman on a Career of Service and Exploration
Casual Space
What does life after space look like for an astronaut? For Mike Foreman, it looks like community, connection, and continuing to serve — just a little closer to Earth. Mike is a retired NASA astronaut, a U.S. Navy veteran, and the current Mayor of Friendswood, Texas. Over the course of two Space Shuttle missions — STS-123 and STS-129 — Mike logged more than 637 hours in space and completed five spacewalks (that’s over 32 hours working outside the spacecraft!) helping to deliver and assemble parts of the International...
info_outline
277: Launching from Nova Scotia: STORIES of Space MISSION 03
Casual Space
In this exciting new episode of Casual Space, Beth is joined by Alex Martin to share all the details about STORIES of Space MISSION 03, launching soon from Canada’s first commercial spaceport in beautiful Nova Scotia! Together, Beth and Alex talk about what it takes to prepare for this historic suborbital mission — from planning and partnerships to payloads and the people who make it all possible. Listeners will get an insider’s look at how stories (your submitted stories) are being sent to space, connecting us all to exploration in a deeply personal and creative...
info_outline
276: Behind the Scenes: The Challenges and Lessons Learned by Exploring Underwater on MISSION 05
Casual Space
This week on Casual Space, Beth is joined by Alex and Chad for a lively and candid conversation about their unforgettable underwater MISSION 05 STORIES of Space adventure! Together, Paul, Alex, Chad and Beth took STORIES of Space to new depths—literally—by bringing human stories into an underwater research habitat. Join us as we swap stories, laughs, and lessons learned from this one-of-a-kind mission. From the early days of planning and unexpected challenges, to the pure joy of exploring together as a team, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to...
info_outline
275: Disney Persistence: Why Foundations Matter More Than “Perfect Timing”
Casual Space
What if Walt Disney’s real magic wasn’t perfection…but persistence? In this episode, Beth takes you behind the myths of creative genius to explore how Disney built through failure, loss, and uncertainty—and why those moments became the foundation for his greatest successes. From bankruptcy to Mickey, from “Disney’s Folly” to Disneyland, Walt’s story reminds us that the impossible often starts in the middle of adversity. Beth connects Disney’s journey with her own: building Casual Space, launching STORIES of Space, and saying “yes” to dreams long before things felt...
info_outline
274: Space Inspired Reads: A Fall Wish List
Casual Space
It’s that time of year for back-to-school! What does that mean for grown-ups and space explorers like us? For me,it means diving into the stack of books that keep me learning, curious, and inspired. As the host of Casual Space Podcast, I’m fortunate enough to receive books from our incredible guests, so sometimes I choose what to read, and other times the stories find their way to me. Right now, I’m re-reading two standouts so rich with insight that I’ve taken notes, underlined passages, and even brought some of their wisdom into my work. I believe a book becomes truly powerful...
info_outline
273: Our Ocean Adventure That Proved Stories Give Exploration
Casual Space
Something magical happens when you bring the right people, the right purpose, and one wild idea together — and then take it 30 feet below the ocean’s surface. In this episode, we’re celebrating STORIES of Space MISSION 05, where our crew lived for four days in the world’s only underwater habitat, Jules’ Undersea Lodge. We didn’t just bring gear… we brought hundreds of YOUR stories — the same ones that have flown to the International Space Station — and immersed them in an extreme environment to see what new tales would emerge. I’ll share the challenges, the...
info_outline
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_outlineAward-winning author and astrophysicist Alan Smale joins the podcast to share his unique journey of weaving hard science and historical fiction into gripping alternate-history narratives. From his NASA career studying X-ray astronomy to crafting meticulously researched novels that reimagine space exploration and ancient civilizations, Alan’s storytelling is as rich as the history that inspires it.
Alan discusses how his extensive travels and deep scientific knowledge influence his writing, leading to immersive stories like the Clash of Eagles trilogy and the Apollo Rising series. He explores the inspiration behind his latest work, highlighting the Apollo program’s alternate path had space exploration continued at full speed beyond the 1970s. With detailed world-building and intense character development, Alan’s books challenge readers to consider how history might have unfolded differently.
Through engaging storytelling, Alan shares insights into the creative process, the importance of critical thinking in science and fiction, and the evolving landscape of space exploration. He also provides a behind-the-scenes look at the editorial process, his approach to writing large-scale narratives, and the personal stories that shape his characters.
About Alan Smale
Alan Smale is a physicist and author known for blending history, science, and fiction into compelling alternate-history novels. With a background in astrophysics at NASA, he brings a unique perspective to his storytelling. His books, including Clash of Eagles and the Apollo Rising series, have been widely acclaimed for their meticulous research and captivating narratives.
Connect with Alan Smale
-
Visit AlanSmale.com for updates, books, and upcoming projects.
-
Follow Alan on Facebook and X for insights into his writing and space science.
-
Apollo Rising: Burning Night, the final book in the trilogy, releases later this year—stay tuned for updates!
This episode is a must-listen for fans of historical fiction, space enthusiasts, and those fascinated by the intersections of science and storytelling.