PODCAST

The Space Madness Podcast

spacemadness

A series of personal conversations about how we explore the universe and our place in it.

science astronomy

All Episodes

39:18

Space Madness Podcast Episode 24: Residential Space...

The Space Madness Podcast ·

2025/10/20

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

41:12

Space Madness Podcast Episode 23: Apollo Microsats to...

The Space Madness Podcast ·

2025/10/13

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

52:56

Space Madness Podcast Episode 22: What's Space got to...

The Space Madness Podcast ·

2025/10/06

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

48:01

Space Madness Podcast Episode 21: Labor Law, NASA,...

The Space Madness Podcast ·

2025/09/29

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

47:03

Space Madness Podcast Episode 20: Journey to the...

The Space Madness Podcast ·

2025/09/22

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

42:29

Space Madness Episode 19: Gravity Assists from Iowa...

The Space Madness Podcast ·

2025/09/15

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

44:52

Space Madness Episode 18: Gravity Assists from Iowa...

The Space Madness Podcast ·

2025/09/08

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

44:01

Space Madness Episode 17: Astrobiology, Analysis and...

The Space Madness Podcast ·

2025/09/05

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.

52:47

Space Madness Episode 16: From Cellos to the Cosmos

The Space Madness Podcast ·

2025/08/25

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

52:16

Space Madness Episode 15: From Nebraska with Law

The Space Madness Podcast ·

2025/08/18

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.

31:06

Space Madness Episode 14: The Life of Lou Friedman...

The Space Madness Podcast ·

2025/08/16

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.

52:33

Space Madness Episode 13: The Life of Lou Friedman...

The Space Madness Podcast ·

2025/08/04

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.

41:36

Space Madness Episode 12: The Life of Lou Friedman...

The Space Madness Podcast ·

2025/07/28

"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

38:21

Space Madness Episode 11: The Je ne sais quoi of Jupiter

The Space Madness Podcast ·

2025/07/21

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.

38:21

Space Madness Episode 10: Sheila Xu, the First Deaf...

The Space Madness Podcast ·

2025/07/14

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.

50:20

Space Madness Episode 8: From Romania to the Stars

The Space Madness Podcast ·

2025/06/30

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

54:04

Space Madness Episode 7: Space Weather and Growing up...

The Space Madness Podcast ·

2025/06/23

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.*

55:58

Space Madness Episode 6: Science Fiction, Faction,...

The Space Madness Podcast ·

2025/06/16

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.

42:19

Space Madness Episode 5: Deafness in Space? The first...

The Space Madness Podcast ·

2025/06/09

Today we "talk" with Eric Shear, a remarkable Ph.D. student with the unique distinction of being the first deaf person to experience microgravity since the Galludet 11, a group of deaf men who were instrumental in developing the Apollo program. View his writing here.Note: this episode has periods of silence as Eric signs to Justin. I have left them in to maintain the integrity of the experience of interviewing a deaf person.

53:56

Space Madness Episode 4: a War Reporter, the Book of...

The Space Madness Podcast ·

2025/06/02

Today we have a special guest with a deep connection to history. Peter Laitin joins me to talk about his father, Joe Laitin, a war correspondent turned trusted member of several administrations in the 1960s and 1970s. Notably, he and his wife Christine Laitin wrote the speech read by Apollo 8 astronauts on Christmas Eve, 1968 from Earth orbit after being the first human beings to see the whole Earth at once from space. See this short CNN clip from the 90s.

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