Your Business In Space Inter Astra

A brand-new inspirational space podcast featuring Astronauts from different generations comparing notes on everything from their moment of selection, training, mission, and legacy.
Listen to this exclusive trailer featuring conversations from the first two episodes:
1. Dr. Kathy Sullivan, a three-time NASA astronaut and the first American woman to walk in space speaks with Christina Koch, a serving NASA astronaut set to be the first woman to reach the moon.
2. General Charles F. Bolden, a four-time NASA astronaut, and the first black NASA administrator, speaks with Victor Glover, a serving NASA astronaut set to be the first black man to reach the moon.
🔎 Discover more podcasts on the Inter Astra Podcast Network at InterAstra.spaceCredits:
🚀 For The Charles F. Blend Group & Inter Astra
🎙️ Production by CxS Partners LTD 
🎙️ Executive Producer: Toby Goodman & Leo Hornak
🔈 Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner
🎨 Artwork: Ryan Field

AJ Crabill is an entrepreneur now serving as Director of Governance at the Council of the Great City Schools. He is a noted authority on education reform and governance.
Dedicated to transforming how we think about learning and education, particularly with space exploration and technology, AJ Crabill's approach focuses on creating sustainable change within schools and districts, fostering innovation, and emphasizing student achievement.
Listen in and you’ll hear how by incorporating elements of space exploration into education, we can inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and thinkers.
In this episode, you'll discover:
• AJ's vision for integrating space exploration themes into education to spark curiosity and interest.
• Strategies for improving school governance and the role of leadership in educational reform.
• The importance of encouraging diversity and inclusion in STEM-related fields, especially space-related industries.How technology and space exploration can provide new pathways for learning and development.
• Practical approaches to engage students and educators in a broader conversation about space and its impact on our future.

Quote:
"My sense is that two areas where the business of space are going to really cause revolutionary exploration and benefit for all of us. In the area of biological sciences and material sciences." - AJ CrabillEpisode Links:
Connect with AJ Crabill on LinkedIn
Learn more about the Council of the Great City Schools
Check out AJ’s website
Discover AJ’s books
Credits:
Production by CxS Partners LTD
Executive Producer: Toby Goodman
Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner
Artwork: Ryan Field
Join our journey into the world of education and space: https://interastra.space

Dr. Lynda Kennedy is the Vice President of Education and Evaluation. She leads educational initiatives in one of the most historically rich aerospace museums in the world… the Intrepid in New York City.
Lynda oversees a broad range of programs aimed at connecting diverse audiences with the technological marvels and historical significance of the Intrepid's collection, from K-12 field trips to veteran programs.
In this episode, Lynda shares her story into formal education and the complexities and rewards of her work. Not least, bringing space and science closer to people from all walks of life. You’ll hear about the educational strategies that make science accessible and engaging, and how the museum's unique exhibits, like the space shuttle Enterprise, serve as perfect backdrops for learning and inspiration.
In this episode, you'll discover:
·       How Lynda transitioned from an arts-focused education to leading museum educational programs.
·       The role of museums in bridging the gap between historical artifacts and modern science education.
·       The impact of hands-on, experiential learning in fostering a diverse new generation of scientists and engineers.
·       Strategies for inclusive education that accommodates learners of all ages and abilities.
·       The importance of interdisciplinary approaches that include arts in STEM education (STEAM).
Quote: 
"Every time I approach the ship and I realize I am going to my office on a 1943 aircraft carrier, it makes me smile. Sitting underneath the space shuttle, it's literally right above us. I can go up the steps and there it is. Who gets to say that?"
- Lynda Kennedy
Episode Links:
·       Connect with Lynda Kennedy on LinkedIn
·       Intrepid Museum, New York City
Credits:
Production by CxS Partners LTD
Executive Producer: Toby Goodman 
Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner
Recorded in NYC on location at the Intrepid on Nomono Sound Capsule
Artwork: Ryan Field
Join the #1 community creating equitable access to the business of space.
https://interastra.space/

This episode was recorded at the Inter Astra Retreat just outside Washington DC last November (2023) where I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lisa Marrocchino, the CEO of Proteus Ocean Group.  
Starting in the world of Wall Street, Lisa has a profound passion for advancing our understanding of the ocean through innovative technologies.  
Proteus, is being designed as the 'International Space Station of the Ocean,' aiming to revolutionize our approach to sustained underwater research. 
In this episode, Lisa shares the inspiring origins of Proteus, conceived by co-founder Fabien Cousteau, Grandson of Jacques Cousteau, and the ambitious goals they have for this pioneering project. Lisa details the technological and scientific advancements they hope to achieve and the broader implications for environmental research and space exploration analogs. 
In this episode, you'll discover: 
Challenges and triumphs in creating a state-of-the-art research facility beneath the sea. The role of Proteus in simulating space mission conditions and its implications for future space travel. Collaborative initiatives with global scientific communities aimed at fostering significant advancements in ocean research. Lisa’s aspirations for Proteus to leave a lasting impact by bridging the gap between oceanic exploration and space discovery. 
Quote:  
 
"Proteus isn't just about pushing the boundaries of ocean research; it's about creating a legacy that ties the mysteries of the ocean with the vastness of space."  
- Lisa Marrocchino 
Episode Links: 
Learn more about Proteus Ocean Group Connect with Lisa Marrocchino on LinkedIn Follow Inter Astra on LinkedIn Discover more about Inter Astra 
Credits:  
Production by CxS Partners LTD  
Executive Producer: Toby Goodman  
Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner  
Artwork: Ryan Field 
Main interview recorded on location with Nomono Sound Capsule 
Explore more episodes at Kathy Sullivan Explores... https://kathysullivaneexplores.com/ 
Find even more podcasts on the Inter Astra Podcast Network HERE 
 

Africa's Role in the Global Space Economy with Davis Cook
Meet Davis Cook, the CEO of RIIS (Research Institute For Innovation and Sustainability), the largest innovation advisory firm in Africa. With his extensive experience in strategy, innovation, and development, Davis has become a key figure in shaping Africa's burgeoning space economy.
Based in Kenya, he not only leads RIIS and its East Africa activities but also contributes significantly to the Anza group, including Anza Capital, a venture capital fund, and the South African Innovation Summit, a major startup event. His past roles as Chairperson for ZASpace and recognition as a Karman Fellow and an M&G 200 Young South African Leader underline his influential presence in the space sector.
In this episode, Davis Cook delves into Africa's dynamic role in the global space economy. He discusses the continent's strategic approach to space, moving beyond traditional roles to unlock new possibilities. Davis provides a comprehensive view of Africa’s efforts in building local space capabilities, the implications of these developments for global technology and how they tackle Earth-centric challenges. He shares insights from his diverse professional journey, spanning strategy consulting, public sector roles, startups, and corporate experiences across multiple continents, and how his work at RIIS is crucial in developing major innovation ecosystems in sectors like mining, energy, and space across Africa.
You'll discover:
Davis's journey from physics to leading in the space industry.The evolving space economy's potential for new opportunities.The impact of emerging space nations on the global stage.Opportunities beyond engineering: law, design, filmmaking in space.The importance of networking within the space community.
Quote:
"Space is no longer the final frontier but the next frontier. It’s an area ripe for exploration, not just geographically, but for professional and personal growth."
- Davis Cook
Episode Links:
Connect with Davis on LinkedIn
Research Institute For Innovation and Sustainability
Follow RIIS on LinkedIn
Follow Inter Astra on LinkedIn
Credits:
Production by CxS Partners LTD
Executive Producer: Toby Goodman
Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner
Artwork: Ryan Field
Join the #1 community creating equitable access to the business of space.
https://interastra.space/

Podcaster, journalist, and content creator with over 15 years of experience, Maria excels at telling stories that captivate and entertain. Her enthusiasm for space and cybersecurity shines through in her professional career and personal interests.
In this episode, Maria shares her journey from a child fascinated by the cosmos to a professional amplifying the stories of today's space industry.
Once a girl who kept her love of space to herself, Maria has channeled her passion into a successful career, blending her expertise in cybersecurity and journalism with the space sector.
As the host of a daily space podcast, she works to demystify the industry and keep it current, making the wonders of space more accessible to enthusiasts and industry experts alike.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Maria's childhood fascination with space and overcoming social barriers.The transition from cybersecurity to space communications.Insight into the interconnectivity of global space innovation.The growing accessibility of space industry careers beyond engineering.How private industry and data from space are shaping our future on Earth.
Quotes:
"I didn't have any friends who were interested in space like I was, and, I got made fun of a lot as a kid for being interested in this stuff. So I kind of learned to not share that part of me, and I kept my obsession for space pretty much within just my family."— Maria Varmazis"We are now living in an era where the space industry is bustling with opportunities for professionals from all backgrounds, not just those with aerospace credentials." - Maria VarmazisEpisode Links:
T-Minus official website: https://space.n2k.com
Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varmazis 
Maria’s Website: https://mvarmazis.com/
Credits:
Production by CxS Partners LTD
Executive Producer: Toby Goodman
Audio & Sound Design: Lee Turner
Artwork: Ryan Field

Join the #1 community creating equitable access to the business of space.
https://interastra.space