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 when its ideas are shared, and that’s where the magic of storytelling begins.

In this episode, I’m sharing my fall reading wish list—from space history to slow productivity—and a few titles that are changing how I think and work. We’ll talk Walt Disney, Cal Newport, and the joy of reading as a lifelong companion.

So, what’s on your fall reading list? Let’s trade recommendations and keep turning the page—together.

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 triumphs, and the small, beautiful moments that reminded us why human stories belong wherever humans explore. From malfunctions and midnight laughter to sunbeams dancing like Poseidon’s trident, this mission was about more than survival. It was about connection.

You’ll hear about:  How we became aquanauts carrying your stories to the sea floor 🤝 The crew’s teamwork under pressure  My personal journey overcoming fear, setbacks, and the “cold, dark unknown”  What the ocean taught us about resilience, trust, and the sacredness of human stories

Where We’re Headed Next: The sea is just the beginning. From suborbital space flights to lunar adventures, our mission is clear — if humans go there, our stories should too.

Your story matters. Whether you’re under the sea, above the Earth, or chasing your dream from home — share it with us. Visit storiesofspace.com to learn how your voice could be part of our next adventure.

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 where you come in: The STORIES of Space team are carrying every story ever received on this mission — from space to sea — and would be honored to bring yours along, too.

Whether it’s a short note, a memory, a dream, a white paper, or a heartfelt message about space, the ocean, or what it means to be human — our mission is to carry it with us as we become aquanauts.

Don’t wait! Submit your story by July 8 at storiesofspace.comThis is the only underwater mission of the year — and a chance to be part of something that’s never been done before.

So let’s explore our Earth’s oceans and tell this story together! Because exploration begins with the stories we share.

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 gentle reminder that time isn’t something you earn — it’s already yours

Whether you’re a parent, a professional, or just someone trying to close 43 tabs in your brain, this episode is your permission slip to breathe, unplug, and maybe even plan that trip you keep putting off.

 Listen to learn why leaving your task list behind just might be the smartest thing you do all year- and the science behind why taking that break is SO good for your productivity.

Download this episode. Then listen & get outside. 

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 books, and why his family’s space-inspired creative projects continue to inspire new generations of stargazers.

Beth and John also explore the rapid evolution of space tech, investing in emerging space companies, and what celestial sights to look forward to this summer—including a can’t-miss list of stellar showstoppers for both casual observers and seasoned skywatchers.

About John A. Read: John is an award-winning astronomy author, YouTuber, and outreach educator whose books—including 50 Things to See with a Telescope—have helped thousands learn to stargaze. His company, Learn to Stargaze, creates accessible astronomy resources and experiences for all ages. John also leads Stargaze Nova Scotia and helps manage the historic Abbey Ridge Observatory, bringing the wonders of the cosmos to the public through tours, events, and online content.

John’s family is equally starry-eyed—his wife and daughter create space-themed art and poetry, including the first augmented-reality space poetry book inspired by a trip to orbit!

Mentioned in this episode: 🌌 Stargaze Nova Scotia—a new dark-sky observatory and public stargazing destination 🌌 The Abbey Ridge Observatory Association, bringing real-time views of the cosmos to visitors 📚 50 Things to See with a Telescope series, plus astronomy certification challenges from the Astronomical League and Royal Astronomical Society of Canada 📚 Chris Hadfield’s The Apollo Murders, the spark that launched John’s latest academic adventure 🚀 Upcoming commercial launches from Maritime Launch at Canso Spaceport 🔭 Affordable smart telescopes like the Celestron C-Star making astrophotography more accessible ⭐ Upcoming celestial highlights: Perseid meteor shower, Lagoon & Swan Nebulae, globular clusters, and more summer stargazing favorites

You can explore more of John’s work, books, and stargazing tips at: https://www.learntostargaze.com/ Learn to Stargaze on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/learntostargaze 50 Things to See with a Telescope on Amazon 

And if you’re near Nova Scotia, keep an eye out for Nova East Star Party and public nights at Stargaze Nova Scotia—because the stars are always better shared.

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 roots of the Artemis Accords, and what IGY can teach us about tackling today’s climate crisis. You'll hear how a Steely Dan song sparked Mark’s decades-long curiosity, how scientific rivalries shaped history, and yes—even how a penguin nap could put you in violation of an international agreement. It’s part history lesson, part love letter to science, and all kinds of fun.

You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at Mark’s next creative project: a comedy script about astronomers Johannes Kepler and Tycho Brahe—think Amadeus meets Knives Out, with a golden nose and planetary motion thrown in.

About Mark O’Connell Mark O’Connell is the author of The Year Science Changed Everything: 1957’s International Geophysical Year and the Future of Our Planet, published by Prometheus Books. He also wrote The Close Encounters Man, a biography of astronomer and UFO researcher J. Allen Hynek.

In addition to writing books, Mark is a seasoned screenwriter with credits on Star Trek: The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine, and he teaches screenwriting at DePaul University in Chicago.

🎧 Explore more of Mark’s work on his podcast Far-Fetched 🌌 Learn more at markoconnell.info

Want to learn more about how Beth connects with guests like Mark, and how her career in space began? Send Beth a note directly at [email protected] and follow the show on all the socials. 

Want more engaging stories about our future in space? Learn how you can send your own, original story to space right now- at storiesofspace.com

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,  ClearSky Events, 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 and a whole lot of imagination. I was lucky to watch Kevin fall in love with the night sky - Kevin was one of my very first friends growing up, when playing with friends meant playing outside. From climbing trees to looking at stars, Kevin has always had a spirit of exploration. I’ll never forget how excited he was to assemble & peer through his first telescope and share it with all of us kids in the neighborhood... 

Fast forward to today, and he’s transformed that passion into something extraordinary: bringing the awe of Saturn’s rings, the surface of the moon, and deep-sky galaxies to your backyard — no astronaut suit required.

We talk about:

• The hilariously humble beginnings of his telescope adventures from our backyards

• How ClearSky Events is making stargazing accessible, unforgettable, and portable

• Why curiosity is one of the best forces in the universe (and in life)

• What it’s like building a business rooted in joy, family, and sharing wonder with others

It’s rare to have a friend who shares your dreams as a kid and grows up to build something that lets others dream bigger. I couldn’t be more grateful for Kevin, for his heart, and for this full-circle conversation under the stars.

 If you’re planning an event, looking for the perfect way to wow your guests, or just need a little wonder in your week — discover ClearSky Events in this week’s episode. Contact Kevin and host your very-own, memory-making event TODAY! https://www.clearsky.events/

About Kevin: 

Founder Kevin Rehberg's fascination with the night sky began when he was 10 years old. Armed with a comically bad department store telescope and a budding lifelong curiosity, he would venture into shin deep snow to discover the dynamic visual wonders of Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus, the moon, and beyond. 

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He quickly realized that the most rewarding part of exploring the night sky was sharing it with friends. A couple equally horrible telescope purchases later, he gifted himself the college graduation present of a state of the art observatory-grade computerized telescope.

From day one with his new telescope, Kevin envisioned a time when future versions of it would be smart enough to make the night sky accessible to even the most casual stargazer. That day arrived with the very recent mainstreaming of smart telescopes. 

ClearSky Events is the progression of that eleven year old's passion for sharing the night sky with a jiggly plastic telescope to today's ability to connect the deepest sky wonders with new friends the world over. 

​

Kevin is married to Regina and together they have two wonderful daughters who share that same curiosity for everything big and small in our universe. A long time coming to arrive at ClearSky Events, but worth every minute of the wait. Share that same passion with the guests of your next event. 

https://www.clearsky.events/

Want to learn more about how Beth connects with guests like Kevin, and how her career in space began? Send Beth a note directly at [email protected] and follow the show on all the socials. 

Want more engaging stories about our future in space? Learn how you can send your own, original story to space right now- at storiesofspace.com

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 fearless entry into aviation during a time of extreme racial and gender barriers *Susan’s journey researching and writing American Fly Girl *The emotional impact of giving a voice to overlooked heroes, including her father’s own WWII legacy *Why stories like Hazel’s still matter — and what we can learn from them today

About Susan Tate Ankeny Susan Tate Ankeny is the author of American Fly Girl and The Girl and the Bombardier, powerful narratives that uncover the lives of unsung World War II heroes. The daughter of a bombardier who was shot down over France in 1944, Susan grew up immersed in stories of aviation, survival, and resilience. Her father’s passion for flight became her own, leading her to join several World War II aviation historical societies and dedicate herself to preserving these vital histories.

Through meticulous research, heartfelt storytelling, and a deep reverence for those who came before, Susan brings history to life—one remarkable story at a time.

You can learn more about Susan and her work at https://susantateankeny.com. Her books are available wherever stories take flight.

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to share, I’d love to hear it! 

Exploring space one story at a time just isn’t enough? Same here. That’s why I created Extra Space, a newsletter on LinkedIn with even more insights, behind-the-scenes moments, and human stories from the edge of exploration. Check it out here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7326279375165837312/

Send your story to space, or to the sea with MISSION 05 at https://www.storiesofspace.com/ 

Join us in-between our episodes of Casual Space on the socials, 

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And finally, if you know of a great guest, topic or event you would like to hear featured on an episode of Casual Space, send me an email at [email protected].

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 light the path for others.

Beth and Michelle unpack the realities of navigating NASA's culture, what safety really looks like behind the scenes, and how working in space changed Michelle’s approach to life on Earth. Oh, and don’t miss a fun connection Beth and Michelle laugh about:  a wax-molded space shuttle from Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry.

More About Michelle Lucas: Michelle is the founder of Higher Orbits, a nonprofit organization that uses spaceflight to excite and engage students in STEM, leadership, teamwork, and communication. Before launching Higher Orbits, Michelle served in multiple roles at NASA, including flight controller, instructor, and safety team member. She’s a lifelong space enthusiast who believes deeply in mentoring the next generation of explorers—and still proudly owns a cassette tape of her first astronaut shoutout from space.

If you’re in the Chicagoland area, you can meet Michelle at the Galactic Golf Outing on May 13—a fundraiser where you can literally tee off with astronauts to support Higher Orbits’ mission. (Bonus: It’s hosted at the Glenn Club, once home to Neil Armstrong’s naval station.)

Connect with Michelle and support student STEM dreams at higherorbits.org.

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to share, I’d love to hear it! 

We’re sending stories to space AND sea! Launching MISSION 05 this week, and you’ll want to make sure you have a place on board- www.storiesofspace.com 

Join me and our guests for all of our conversations and stories at:

• LinkedIn - @casualspacepodcast

• Facebook - @casualspacepodcast

• Instagram - @casualspacepodcast

• YouTube - @casualspacepodcast83

or email me at [email protected].

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 Johnson Space Center to co-founding her own company after a surprise layoff (while on maternity leave!). Together, Beth and Shawn reflect on NASA culture, building confidence in male-dominated fields, and why mentoring the next generation—especially girls in STEM—is the legacy that matters most.

 About Shawn Linam: Shawn Linam is the co-founder and CEO of Qwaltec, a space systems operations and training company. Before launching her own business, she served as a NASA trainer supporting the International Space Station and Shuttle programs. Today, she leads In Her Orbit, a podcast amplifying women’s voices in STEM and beyond. A mom, leader, and advocate for women in space-related careers, Shawn continues to mentor, speak, and support others as they launch their own bold missions.

🚀 Explore her podcast In Her Orbit wherever you listen to podcasts 🌍 Learn more about Shawn’s work at qwaltec.com

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or send me an email at [email protected]

Thanks for listening to Casual Space!