It's a HOT TAKE BAY BEE! In this bonus episode of the Smart in Public podcast, the Katies slightly unravel talking about Blue Origin's recent space mission featuring an all-female crew. They unpacked the publicity leading up to the launch, how it aligned to Blue Origin's company mission, the media's reaction, the public backlash, and the implications of celebrity involvement in space exploration. Yes we did some [heavy] critiquing on the PR strategy around the mission, including the focus on superficial aspects rather than substantive discussions about women in STEM and the role of NASA amidst budget cuts. They also reflect on the impact of wealth on space tourism and the need for humility in celebrity culture, ultimately celebrating the achievement while calling for a more meaningful narrative around women in space.

Chapters

• 03:04 - The Crew and Their Significance
• 06:05 - Public Perception and Media Coverage
• 08:57 - The Role of Celebrity in Space Exploration
• 12:06 - Critique of Blue Origin's Messaging
• 15:03 - The Broader Implications for Women in STEM
• 18:08 - Conclusion and Reflections on the Future
• 19:40 - Gail King's Perspective on Space Travel
• 22:00 - The Cost of Space Travel and Public Perception
• 24:35 - Celebrity Influence and Public Relations in Space
• 26:04 - Katy Perry: Public Image and Controversies
• 29:58 - Reflections on Female Representation in Space
• 33:01 - Concluding Thoughts on Space Exploration and Celebrity Culture

Key Takeaways

• The crew consisted of notable public figures, raising questions about representation.
• Media reactions highlighted the superficial focus on celebrity appearances.
• Criticism arose regarding the lack of substantive discussions on STEM.
• NASA's budget cuts coincided with Blue Origin's flight, raising concerns.
• The wealth disparity in space tourism was a significant point of contention.
• Gail King's comments sparked backlash regarding the mission's purpose.
• Katy Perry's involvement drew mixed reactions about celebrity influence.
• The conversation emphasized the need for humility in celebrity culture.

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