Casual Space

283: How Will Project Hail Mary Make the Leap from Book to Silver Screen?

Have you read "Project Hail Mary," by Andy Weir? No spoilers in this episode, as Beth reviews three of the main characters, and wonders how they will make the leap from page to the silver screen. Project Hail Mary on Amazon

282: Five STORIES Going to the Moon

The deadline for submitting stories to the Moon on MISSION 06 with STORIES of Space has been extended to December 28! In this episode, Beth selects & shares five recently submitted stories that will be sent to the Moon. Hundreds more will be sent to the moon along with these inspiring stories. Will yours be one of them?  You have until December 28 to submit your story at storiesofspace.com    About STORIES of Space  Stories of Space is a non-for-profit organization that collects personal narratives about space, and sends them into space. MISSION 06 will take stories to the lunar surface, creating a lasting legacy. Learn more at storiesofspace.com

281: STORIES of Space is Going to the Moon with Uplift Aerospace

This week on Casual Space, Beth is joined by two extraordinary guests: Josh Hanes, CEO of Uplift Aerospace and Dr. Sian Proctor, astronaut, artist, educator, and founder of Space2Inspire to share an announcement that's truly out of this world. Josh, whose background spans physics, advanced propulsion concepts, and aerospace leadership with a mission to expand access to space for all through innovative education and immersive experiences, explains how Uplift's journey has grown from astronaut training to student-centered lunar missions. https://www.upliftaerospace.com Dr. Proctor, best known as the first African-American woman to pilot a commercial spacecraft on the Inspiration4 mission and a celebrated science communicator and artist, shares how her experiences have shaped her work in space, art, and education. https://space2inspire.art Together with Beth, they unveil STORIES of Space MISSION 06, a groundbreaking initiative that is taking human-written stories and student messages to the Moon aboard Astrolab's FLEX rover. This mission blends creativity, STEM learning, and legacy, preserving voices and visions from classrooms and communities in laser-engraved crystal time capsules and symbolic artwork. You'll hear how this collaboration unites awe, imagination, and education, inspiring students to think bigger and dream longer, and how this mission invites listeners to send their story to be embedded onboard a rover that will help explore the lunar surface! This episode is a must-listen (and watch on YouTube) for anyone curious about how storytelling, art, and space exploration intersect—and how your own story might find its way to the lunar surface. Visit storiesofspace.com to submit your original work before the December 16 deadline and become part of this historic lunar journey.

280: The View from the Launch Pad: Steve Matier on Building Canada's Spaceport

This week on Casual Space, Beth welcomes back a very special guest: Stephen Matier, President & CEO of Maritime Launch Services, to celebrate Canada's history-making commercial suborbital launch completed at the end of November. Fresh from the launch pad in Canso, Nova Scotia, Beth and Steve sit down to reflect on the extraordinary milestone for Canada's growing space sector and share the personal, behind-the-scenes stories that made the mission unforgettable.   You can both listen AND watch this conversation on YouTube, where Beth shares exclusive launch-day footage, photos, and the emotional moment when the STORIES of Space payload took flight. https://www.youtube.com/@casualspacepodcast83  Let's Celebrate Canada's New Era of Space Access Listen as Steve shares the significance of this suborbital mission—how it strengthens Canada's sovereign launch capability, what makes Spaceport Nova Scotia so strategically powerful, and why this successful demonstration matters for future orbital flights. You'll enjoy hearing Steve reflect on the countless preparations, the coordination with national agencies, and the humbling reality of seeing years of work soar into the atmosphere. STORIES of Space: A Payload with Heart Beth shares the profound impact of having STORIES of Space selected as the featured payload on this mission—representing storytellers from across Canada and around the world.Together, they discuss why sending stories to space is more than symbolic—it's deeply human, deeply connective, and essential to inspiring the next generation of explorers. Steve and Beth recount the unscripted moments from the launch site • the anticipation• the countdown• the roar of the rocket• the incredible sense of community• and the moment the payload carrying hundreds of stories lifted off to complete the 5th mission in just two short years!!! These reflections shine a light on the teamwork, passion, and persistence behind a mission that will shape Canada's space future. This episode includes special launch images, videos, and behind-the-scenes moments you won't want to miss.  https://www.youtube.com/@casualspacepodcast83  Learn More about Maritime Launch Services and our STORIES of Space MISSION 03 success at https://www.maritimelaunch.com/news Posted Friday at 6:48pm – Edit or Delete

279: The Everyday Adventure That Changes Everything with Jessica DeAngelo

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 executive nature-based retreats have helped hundreds of professionals solve complex problems, unlock breakthrough ideas, and return to their work with purpose (and joy!). In our conversation, we talk about: Why your brain actually works better outdoors (and what the science says about it) How movement, nature, and curiosity come together to unlock new thinking The surprising truth behind burnout — and why "working harder" is the opposite of the solution What happens when you finally make space to hear your own ideas again The magic that comes from small steps (or walks) taken consistently This isn't just a conversation about hiking. It's about learning to reclaim the part of ourselves that thrives in wonder, exploration, and stillness — whether that's on a trail, in your neighborhood, or simply stepping away from the demands that never seem to end. As someone who has hiked with Jessica, learned from her, and taken the Hike to Become challenge myself, I can tell you this: The shift is real. And powerful. You don't have to summit a mountain to rediscover your clarity — you just need to be willing to step outside and listen.  Jessica DeAngelo Founder & Chief Hiking Officer of Hike to Become® TEDx Speaker Executive Retreat Leader & Strategy Facilitator Author of The Wild Advantage: Why Your Brain on Nature Is Your Boldest Business Move Lover of wide open skies, big ideas, and good snacks She lives in Boise with her husband and two spirited kiddos who remind her that adventure is always within reach — especially when you're holding a granola bar.   Where to find with Jessica  Website: www.jessicadeangelo.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-deangelo-mba/  Instagram: @hiketobecome   If today's conversation inspires you to get outside — even just for five minutes — then you're already on your way.   Let's go find what's waiting for you out there.