The Astro Ben Podcast

Ben Gamble
The Astro Ben Podcast

Whether you work in the Space industry or dreamed about becoming an astronaut as a kid, we all have some sort of a connection to Space. Space enthusiast, Ben Gamble, brings you a weekly podcast all about Space. Although Ben currently works in events and hospitality, he has always had an interest in the Space industry. As a preliminary jump into the Space world, Ben created this podcast to explore what goes on in the industry with the dream of launching his own Space tech company later in life. Ben hopes to connect people of all ages and encourage them to get involved in Space. AstroBen will be a podcast to empower Space enthusiasts, as well as discussing difficult topics. From rockstars to CEO's, astronomers to actors, expect to hear from diverse perspectives all with the shared obsession with the stars!

  1. Mark Sasson: Co-founder and CEO of Pinpoint Search Group (recruiting in the space industry)

    5D AGO

    Mark Sasson: Co-founder and CEO of Pinpoint Search Group (recruiting in the space industry)

    This week on The Astro Ben Podcast, Ben sits down with Mark Sasson, co-founder and CEO of Pinpoint Search Group, as he launches Operation Voyager to tackle the space sector’s talent gap in March 2025. From his roots in cybersecurity to his new frontier in space, Mark shares a compelling story of industry evolution, drawing parallels between these booming fields. We dive into proven strategies for attracting top talent, the unique hiring challenges facing space companies, and how to build effective recruiting processes in an industry still finding its footing. OUTLINE: Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode. 00:00 Intro to Mark Sasson 01:09 Pinpoint getting into the Space Sector 03:01 Segments 03:58 Growth industries 05:12 Pinpoint 08:00 How Pinpoint works 09:40 Operation Voyager 11:00 Startups attracting top talent 14:06 Graduates entering the space force 18:30 Is space industry still mainly technical? 20:53 Remote work vs in real life 22:38 Company culture 25:00 Trends in keeping staff engaged 27:45 Soft skills for space industry candidates 30:00 Most exciting parts about space industries future 32:00 Wrap Up and social Follow Mark/Pinpoint on Social: Website: https://pinpointsearchgroup.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pinpoint-search-group/ X: https://x.com/Pinpoint_Search Stay connected with us! Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us! Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast Website: www.astroben.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/ X: https://x.com/Gambleonit Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

    33 min
  2. Jonathan McDowell: Astronomer and owner of Jonathan's Space Report

    FEB 14

    Jonathan McDowell: Astronomer and owner of Jonathan's Space Report

    In this week's episode of The Astro Ben Podcast (sponsored by SkyFi), we dive into the cosmos with the legendary Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer known for his extensive work in cataloging space objects and his invaluable contributions to the space community. Ben and Jonathan discuss his journey, the importance of space tracking, and his monumental effort to transition his private space library to the UK, for which he's currently seeking support through a GoFundMe campaign (link below). Tune in to learn about the significance of his work, the future of space cataloging, and how you can contribute to preserving space history! This weeks episode is sponsored by Sky Fi. Check them out: https://skyfi.com/ OUTLINE: Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode. 00:00 Intro and thanks SkyFi! 00:52 Intro to Jonathan Mc Dowell and journey to Jonathan's Space Report 02:48 Educational foundation 04:57 Chandra X-ray Center (X-ray cousin of the Hubble!) 07:10 AI and effect on Astrophysics 08:45 Space tracking 10:58 UFO Misinterpretations 13:15 Most unusual item catalogued 15:16 Space Junk 17:09 Public Engagement 18:16 Favourite era of space history 22:14 Jonathans library 26:48 Moving the library! 27:47 Book recommendations 30:30 Space culture 33:10 Final thoughts 34:44 Wrap Up and Socials Follow Jonathan on Socials: Website: https://planet4589.org/ X: https://x.com/planet4589 Fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fund-jonathans-space-report-library-transition Stay connected with us! Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us! Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast Website: www.astroben.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/ X: https://x.com/Gambleonit Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

    36 min
  3. FEB 5

    Kate van Dam: Marine Corps attack helicopter pilot, now strategic leader in the space industry with SkyFi

    In this episode, sponsored by Sky Fi, Ben journeyed with Kate Van Dam from her days as a Marine Corps attack helicopter pilot to her current role leading strategy at SkyFi. They explore SkyFi's mission to democratise access to geospatial data, touching on the ethical implications, privacy concerns, and the revolutionary potential of this technology. Kate shared insights on how her military background shapes her strategic vision, how SkyFi navigates the evolving space industry landscape, and the role of AI and machine learning in transforming geospatial analysis. They also discussed upcoming SkyFi projects and the next frontier in commercial space technology. Kate also discusses “Austin 4 America” and tells people how to get free tickets! This weeks episode is sponsored by Sky Fi. Check them out: https://skyfi.com/ OUTLINE: Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode. 00:48 Introducing Kate Van Dam - frome Helicopter Pilot to SkyFi 06:48 A “Ariel view” of the world 09:40 The accessibility of pictures anywhere from space and mass use of technology 13:00 What is hyper spectral imaging and other uses of SkyFi 14:48 Increase in commercial activity and priorities for customer 18:40 Integrating AI and ML and security concerns 22:28 Upcoming projects for SkyFi (update mentioned here: https://skyfi.com/en/blog/planet-launches-single-order-tasking-powered-by-skyfi ) 24:42 Austin 4 America - free tickets here! https://www.austin4america.org/ 27:03 Kate’s personal thoughts about Space 29:03 Wrap Up & Socials Follow SkyFi: Website: https://www.skyfi.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skyfi.app X: https://x.com/SkyfiApp Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skyfi-imaging/posts/?feedView=all Austin 4 America: https://www.austin4america.org/ Stay connected with us! Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us! Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast Website: www.astroben.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/ X: https://x.com/Gambleonit Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

    30 min
  4. Astronaut John “ Danny ” Olivas: Astronaut, Mission Assurance Expert, Author and Forensic Engineer

    JAN 22

    Astronaut John “ Danny ” Olivas: Astronaut, Mission Assurance Expert, Author and Forensic Engineer

    In this episode of The Astro Ben Podcast, Ben speaks with astronaut and mission assurance expert Dr. John "Danny" Olivas from Intuitive Machines HQ. The conversation centers around the IM-2 Lunar Lander mission, set to land at the Moon’s south pole in early 2025. Danny shares exclusive insights into the technology on board, including NASA’s PRIME-1 drill, Nokia’s Lunar Surface Communications System, and Intuitive Machines’ Micro Nova Hopper. The discussion also explores the critical role of engineering in lunar infrastructure, the challenges of operating in the Moon’s extreme environment, and Danny’s experiences as a NASA astronaut, including his iconic spacewalks and space shuttle repair missions. This weeks episode is sponsored by Sky Fi. Check them out: https://skyfi.com/ OUTLINE: Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode. 00:00 Intro to Episode 00:22 This weeks episode is sponsored by Sky Fi 00:42 Introducing Astronaut Dr. John "Danny" Olivas 01:28 Ben tries streaming for the first time (successfully) 02:04 Intuitive Machines IM-2 04:22 Challenges of landing on the lunar South Pole? 06:41 Micro Nova Hopper 09:19 First cellular network on the moon 11:50 IM-2 fitting in with Artemis 15:08 Engineering Innovations of IM-2 17:47 Spacewalks and lunar exploration 21:28 IM-2 to IM-4 24:05 Humanities relationship with the Moon 27:30 Space experience effecting everyday life 32:35 Words of wisdom 34:55 Wrap Up and Socials Follow Dr John "Danny" Olivas: Website: https://uniphigood.com/portfolio_page/john-danny-olivas/ IM-2 Mission Details: https://www.nasa.gov/event/intuitive-machines-clps-flight-im-2/ Intuitive Machines: https://www.intuitivemachines.com/ Stay connected with us! Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us! Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast Website: www.astroben.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/ X: https://x.com/Gambleonit Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

    36 min
  5. Remco Timmermans: Space Events Marketing Specialist at Space Agenda, Independent Space Marketing and Communications Consultant

    JAN 10

    Remco Timmermans: Space Events Marketing Specialist at Space Agenda, Independent Space Marketing and Communications Consultant

    In this episode, Ben sits down with Remco Timmermans to explore the dynamic world of space industry marketing and events. They discuss Remco's journey into space, the emotional power of rocket launches, and how space is becoming a true people's industry. The conversation covers the space industry's outlook for 2025, the curation of industry events, the debate between live and virtual events, and the critical role of social media in engaging the public. Remco also shares his predictions for the sector's future. To celebrate the start of this dynamic year, we invite you to download Remco's exclusive FREE Space Agenda 2025 events poster!  This printable PDF highlights a selection of key events happening around the world—one for each week of the year! Download your FREE copy now: https://lnkd.in/e5yB5VeU This weeks episode is sponsored by Sky Fi. Check them out: https://skyfi.com/ OUTLINE: Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode. 00:16 Bens proposal - thanks to Sky Fi! See the pics of Bens proposal here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DEqMzU4xAV-/?img_index=1 01:10 Remco Timmermans 02:15 New Year 03:44 Remco’s interest in space 13:50 The Power of a Launch! 15:00 A true peoples industry 17:20 Space industry in 2025 19:50 Space Agenda https://www.spaceagenda.com/ 22:50 How to decide which events to include in “industry events calendar” 26:44 Live events vs virtual events 34:38 Social Media and Marketing in the space industry. 36:47 Predictions for Space Industry 2025 39:28 Wrap Up and Socials Follow Remco Timmermans: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/remcotimmermans/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelsinorbit/ X: https://x.com/timmermansr Stay connected with us! Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us! Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast Website: www.astroben.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/ X: https://x.com/Gambleonit Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

    41 min
  6. Emily Carney: Space Historian, Journalist, and Co-Author of new book Star Bound: A Beginner’s Guide to the American Space Program.

    12/20/2024

    Emily Carney: Space Historian, Journalist, and Co-Author of new book Star Bound: A Beginner’s Guide to the American Space Program.

    In this episode of the Astro Ben Podcast, we chat with Emily Carney, space historian, journalist, and co-author of the new book Star Bound: A Beginner’s Guide to the American Space Program. OUT JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS (LINK BELOW) Emily shares her insights on the cultural and societal impact of America’s space exploration journey and why understanding our space history is vital for the next generation. From her iconic Space Hipsters community to her thoughts on mining the Moon and asteroids, Emily brings her trademark wit and wisdom to the conversation. We also touch on the lessons the U.S. space program can teach us about innovation, reactionary progress, and global collaboration. This is a must-listen for space enthusiasts and newcomers alike! This weeks episode is sponsored by AIDAA. Check them out: https://www.aidaa.it/ OUTLINE: Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode. 01:05 Introducing Emily Carney 01:40 Co-authoring a book! 02:47 Inspiration 05:50 Writing pattern 10:11 Keeping the book culture 12:44 Politics in the US - is Space always a positive?! National Pride! 17:00 Artemis & Cultural Commitments 19:32 Emilys Military background 23:10 Space Hipsters Facebook Group 28:33 Space & Things Podcast 34:10 Dreams for the book! 36:22 Wrap Up and Socials Connect with Emily Carney: X: https://x.com/EmilyLCarney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilycarneyspace/ Space Hipsters: https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgroups%2Fspacehipsters%2F Pre-order Emilys Book: Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Bound-Goldilocks-Everything-Spaceflight/dp/1496241398 Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/star-bound-a-beginner-s-guide-to-the-american-space-program-from-goddard-s-rockets-to-goldilocks-planets-and-everything-in-betwe-bruce-mccandless/21091286?ean=9781496241399 Nebraska: https://www.nebraskapress.unl.edu/nebraska/9781496241399/star-bound/ Stay connected with us! Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us! Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast Website: www.astroben.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/ X: https://x.com/Gambleonit Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

    38 min
  7. Camille Wardrop Alleyne: Ed.D. Founder | CEO | Rocket Scientist | Speaker | Humanitarian

    11/14/2024

    Camille Wardrop Alleyne: Ed.D. Founder | CEO | Rocket Scientist | Speaker | Humanitarian

    In this episode, Ben explores the extraordinary journey of Dr. Camille Wardrop Alleyne, a trailblazer in the field of aerospace engineering. Camille reflects on her impactful career at NASA, where she led key human spaceflight programs and advanced groundbreaking science missions. She shares insights into her work at Arusha Space, promoting space-based solutions for global sustainability, and her passion for STEM education for young women through The Brightest Stars Foundation. They discuss her Trinidadian upbringing, her journey to becoming one of the few women of colour in senior leadership at NASA, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in space exploration. This episode is a testament to Camille’s belief in the transformative power of education, the boundless opportunities of space, and her enduring mission to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. This weeks episode is sponsored by AIDAA. Check them out: https://www.aidaa.it/ OUTLINE: Here’s approximate timestamps for the episode. 01:01 AIDAA 01:48 From Trinidad to NASA 05:45 Arriving at NASA for the first time 06:47 No social media 07:36 NASA career 13:26 Space industry is changing 15:24 Arusha Space 17:00 Picking “the dream team” 18:45 Private/Public Partnerships in the US and elsewhere 20:04 Current projects 21:12 Future of space exploration/what inspires Camille! 23:55 Why Space?! 25:41 The Brightest Stars Foundation 29:10 Advice to get into the industry (for non Math/Science students) 31:13 Engaging with non Space fairing nations 34:20 Wrap Up and Socials Connect with Dr. Camille Wardrop Alleyne: Arusha Space Website: https://arushaspace.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arusha.space/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arushaspace/ Brightest Stars Foundation Website: https://www.brighteststarsfoundation.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brighteststarsfoundation/ Stay connected with us! Use #Astroben across various social media platforms to engage with us! Youtube: www.youtube.com/@astrobenpodcast Website: www.astroben.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrobenpodcast/ X: https://x.com/Gambleonit Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@astrobenpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrobenpodcast/

    35 min
    5
    out of 5
    49 Ratings

    About

    Whether you work in the Space industry or dreamed about becoming an astronaut as a kid, we all have some sort of a connection to Space. Space enthusiast, Ben Gamble, brings you a weekly podcast all about Space. Although Ben currently works in events and hospitality, he has always had an interest in the Space industry. As a preliminary jump into the Space world, Ben created this podcast to explore what goes on in the industry with the dream of launching his own Space tech company later in life. Ben hopes to connect people of all ages and encourage them to get involved in Space. AstroBen will be a podcast to empower Space enthusiasts, as well as discussing difficult topics. From rockstars to CEO's, astronomers to actors, expect to hear from diverse perspectives all with the shared obsession with the stars!

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