This is the second of two special episodes of Spaceflight Mechanics to feature time travel. Having acquired near-immortality, Elaine and Mason discuss their experiences from their perspective in the year 2174 and reflect upon how space technology has changed since they launched the podcast 150 years ago.…

This special episode of Spaceflight Mechanics features time travel. In recognition of the sesquicentennial of mechanical engineering at Cornell, we go back 150 years to the origins of the University and speak to one of its Founders, Andrew Dickson White. We get his take on the origins of mechanical and aerospace engineering and ask him to speculate…

Mason and Elaine talk with Manan Arya, Assistant Professor at Stanford University. They discuss very smart structural strategies, why we want to fold and unfold things in space, and "other things we know how to do as a species."By Mason Peck and Elaine Petro

Elaine and Mason discuss plasmas, propulsion, and small spacecraft with Kristina Lemmer from Western Michigan University.By Mason Peck and Elaine Petro

Mason and Elaine talk with Professor Fabien Royer about new ways to build spacecraft, new concepts for space structures, grandparents, and mountainboarding.By Mason Peck and Elaine Petro

In this second episode about Varda Space Industries' in-space manufacturing technology, Mason and Elaine speak with Wendy Shimata, Varda's Vice President for Autonomy. It was only a few days ago, on February 21 2024, that Varda's W-1 capsule successfully landed in the Utah desert. Wendy served as the Mission Director for the deorbit and reentry shi…

This is the first of two episodes in which Mason and Elaine speak with the leadership of Varda Space Industries about technologies for manufacturing in space. In this episode, Will Bruey, Varda’s CEO, explains why and how their first technology-demonstration mission, Winnebago, will produce ritonavir with unprecedented purity.…

Sadaf Sobhani, assistant professor in mechanical and aerospace engineering, helps Mason and Elaine warm to the possibility that 3D printing may change how spacecraft keep cool.By Mason Peck and Elaine Petro

It's not wind, but photons that blow solar-sail spacecraft across vast distances. Mason and Elaine talk with Ryan Caverly, Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota, about his ideas regarding solar sails, tensegrity, and attitude control.By Mason Peck and Elaine Petro

Elaine and Mason talk to John Foster, Professor at The University of Michigan, about space nuclear propulsion and upcoming flight demonstrations.By Mason Peck and Elaine Petro

Greg Falco, Assistant Professor at Cornell University, talks with Mason about security in space: hacking, cyber crime, and stealing spacecraft.By Mason Peck and Elaine Petro

Elaine and Mason talk to Dmitry Savransky, Associate Professor at Cornell University, about space telescopes.By Mason Peck and Elaine Petro

Show Notes In this episode, we talk all about predators of North America! What’s the best way to manage predators in a world where humans encroach more and more into their territory? What’s the best way to deter them? Petros Chrysafis joins me to talk about this fascinating topic! (0:00:30) Central Valley and living in California. (0:01:38) Wildlif…

Show Notes Tania is a public servant who’s also a working artist. In this episode, we talk about what it’s like to be an artist with a job. We also deep dive into design strategy, including design thinking, user research, and service design. (0:02:28) Artists in the office: The challenges and value. (0:03:50) Receiving flak: The art world vs the co…

Show Notes**** In this episode, we talk about the realities, and challenges faced by today's University students, and professors. Are professors paid enough? Are there too many students today? How can education improve? Dr. Elaine Beaulieu joins me to explore these topics, and share her experience, and opinions, on the topic! (0:01:02) Beyond the T…

Show Notes In this episode, Alix Sideris joins me to talk about art as a service, how spirituality plays a role in her life, and how she’s responded to change with a global approach to art-sharing. (0:01:40) A massively hyphenated human: Acting, writing, directing, teaching, movement, intimacy direction and coordination. (0:02:42) A person of servi…

In this episode, we talk about how we know the climate is changing, as well as how and why we study past climates.We also explore things like mass extinction events, isotopes, and science communication. (0:01:06) So many specialities. (0:01:51) Turonian Global sea levels: Was there ice? (0:03:45) Geochemical proxies: Helping reconstruct climate. (0…

What role might the environment play on autoimmune diseases, like asthma? What could we learn about antibiotic use in pregnant women? Reproductive immunologist, and researcher, Dr. Melanie Conrad joins me to talk about these topics, and about the work she, and her team, are doing to uncover new information about how the immune system works! (0:00:4…

How did Tardigrades evolve? Where can we find them? Are there Tardigrades in Space? All this, and more, with Biologist Dr. Frank Smith! (0:00:55) Tardigrades in concrete. (0:01:35) Finding tardigrades: Moss, leaf litter and lichens. (0:02:50) Marine tardigrades: The contraption and process for collection. (0:05:54) Cryptobiosis and marine tardigrad…

Support Planet B612 on Patreon: https://patreon.com/juliesworldIn this episode, we’ll learn all about spiders, specifically jumping spiders, and wolf spiders, with Arachnologist, Trinity Walls! (0:01:09) Loving and studying spiders: The journey. (0:02:51) Wolf spiders and their shining eyes. (0:04:43) Spider hairs: How spiders sense prey and predat…

Dr. Gerold Baier joins me from the UK to discuss machine learning, and his research into algorithmic approaches in disease. He’s been researching rhythms and patterns in epilepsy with the hope that one day, we can predict seizures before they happen! (0:00:55) Biochemistry and decoding the rhythms of the human brain. (0:02:13) The MEG and the study…

In this episode, I talk with plant pathologist, and TikTok scicommer, Sara Stricker about plant fungus, science communication, and agriculture. (0:01:19) The Plant Doctor and the PhD defense. (0:02:20) The PhD process. (0:03:57) Nerves, anxiety and a new job. (0:05:42) Why TikTok? (0:09:01) Vulnerability and coping with personal disclosures. (0:10:…

In this episode, we’ll be exploring the world of parasitic copepods! We’ll also talk about Jimmy’s decision to be infected with 50 hookworms in the name of science! (0:00:49) Working at the Natural History Museum: Parasitic Copepods. (0:02:24) How do you tell if a copepod is parasitic? (0:04:28) What parasitic copepods live on. (0:05:34) Once a hos…

Ever wonder how, and why, we research microscopic life in our oceans? In this episode, I speak with plankton ecologist, and head of the Continuous Plankton Recorder Survey about marine life, research, and more! (0:00:26) Plymouth, England. (0:02:07) Publication and reputation over a PhD in the UK. (0:04:56) What are plankton? Phyto and Zoo. (0:06:2…

In this episode, designer and gemologist Kate Hubley joins me to help me understand the difference between various kinds of gold, which gemstones are more valuable, how they’re mined, and which gems are more rare than others. (0:00:52) Beginning a career in gemology and jewellery: So much to learn. (0:02:32) The certification process. (0:03:10) Gem…

Toronto-based artist Genevieve Langlois joins me to talk about her work as an actress and a painter. We also talk about voice acting and voice-over work, and we talk about imposter syndrome, aging and more! (0:01:37) An artistic family and education. (0:02:47) Moving to Toronto. (0:03:37) Montreal and Toronto: Family and freedom. (0:05:28) The comm…

PhD Student Olivier Belli joins me from Switzerland to talk about genetics and gene editing. We talk about the human genome, epigenetics, and CRISPR technology! (0:00:35) A little background. (0:01:32) What is Molecular Biology? (0:02:20) Gene editing and the academic path. (0:03:30) The Human Genome: Where we are. (0:04:33) The Human Genome: What …

In this episode, I speak with John Launius. He's written a book about the life and work of Charles Parsons. We speak about the reasons why John wrote this book, but he also gives us a bit of a history primer on why the civil war occurred, and what life was like at the time. In order to understand the future, we must understand the past, and this ep…

In this episode, I speak with the founder of Commie’s Cupcakes, Amber Comadira-Smith. Amber is a cake designer, and we talk about the best way to bake cakes, how to use fondant, and why she enjoys working with miniature designs! (0:00:40) Queensland, Australia: the sunshine state (0:02:00) Amber Comadira-Smith: the cake artist and designer (0:02:40…

** Support Planet B612 on Patreon: https://patreon.com/juliesworld**In this episode, I speak with Arch DevOps CTO, Michael Fritzius. We talk about software testing automation, the purpose of documentation, why tech companies use DevOps, and we also talk about the quirky work environments we’ve worked in in the tech industry! (0:00:45) Who is Fritz?…

In this episode, I interview Canadian musician and DJ, Rise Ashen. Based in Ottawa, Rise is a 3-time Juno award nominee who has studied music in NYC, Montreal, and who has explored the various sounds and influences of music around the world. We talk about the arts in Canada, the influence of American music, and why online promotion and streaming is…

In this episode, I’m speaking with early universe cosmologist Islam Khan. We talk about inflation theory, the multiverse, dark matter, and so much more! Is there such a thing as a parallel universe? Do we know why the universe has stretched? What does a cosmologist do for fun? (0:00:50) What does a Cosmologist do? (0:01:48) Islam Khan's journey int…

In this episode, I interview Canadian Blacksmith, Lynndon Novak. Lynndon lives and works out of Winnipeg, Manitoba. He’s a welder, and an artistic blacksmith. We discuss what it takes to be a blacksmith, how to create a cheap forge, how artisans are doing in Canada, and why permanence in art is a beautiful thing. (0:01:05) Canadian Blacksmiths and …

In this episode, I speak with Science Writer and Founder of the Joyful Microbe blog and podcast, Dr. Justine Dees! We walk about why she got into content marketing, how she learned how to do it, and we get to talk about microbial life, too! Who is Dr. Justine Dees? (0:01:05) Writing for life sciences companies AND the public! (0:07:28) Learning how…

In this episode, I speak with Ben K.D. Pearce, again! This time, we talk about the latest Mars mission, as well as the building blocks for life in meteorites, and whether or not there’s phosphene on Venus! Introduction (0:00:38) Ben’s research on the origin of bio-molecules (0:01:35) Building blocks of life on meteorites (0:03:42) How do scientists…

In this episode, I speak with PhD student Gavin Campbell. Gavin studies the aquatic and terrestrial creatures that inhabit temporary ponds. We also talk about education in Jamaica, research on Mars, and Gavin shares some quirky facts about mosquitoes! Gavin lives and works in Jamaica (0:00:30) Talking about Perseverance on Mars (0:02:12) Collaborat…

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Rachel Diner. She is researching the microbiome of oysters. Her research helps us learn how oyster microbiomes affect human health. We also talk about science communication, surfing, and other microbes that exist in coastal areas! Dr Diner’s career path (0:00:48) Why are we studying the microbiome of oysters? (0:02…

** Support Planet B612 on Patreon: https://patreon.com/juliesworld**In this episode, I speak with Jenn Blanchett. Jenn has worked as a Science Communicator with Science North, and now works as a teacher. We talk about science communication for the public by non-scientists, the important role that artists play in scicomm, and the joys of sharing kno…

** Support Planet B612 on Patreon: https://patreon.com/juliesworld**In this episode, I speak with Ira Seidenstein, PhD. He’s a teacher, author, and director currently living and working in Australia. We talk about the state of the arts today, teaching actors, as well as what it was like to work and tour with large productions like Cirque du Soleil.…

In this episode, I speak with Jennifer Demitor, an installation artist, and an architect! I’d never spoken to an architect before, so we discussed what an architect does, how Jennifer plans for new projects, how inspiration plays a role in her work, and in her art. She also gives us some good tips on creating interesting spaces! Introduction to Jen…

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Kel Pero, owner of KMP and Associates. Kel left academia to start her own business as an academic editor and copywriter. We discuss all sorts of topics relating to writing and editing, such as the importance of clarity, popular mistakes in writing, and how the command of language can play a big role in your success…

In this episode, I speak with Hannah Davis, a PhD student in Biology. We talk about her research with fruit flies, her previous research with termites, and we talk a bit about wasps, hover flies, and what it’s like to be expecting a child for the first time! Introduction (0:00:30) Why fruit flies are a model organism in science (0:01:33) Choosing t…

** Support Planet B612 on Patreon: https://patreon.com/juliesworld**In this episode, I speak with Dr. Elie Diner, a former scientist turned marketer. He specializes in content marketing, SEO, and science communication. We end up talking a lot about how “marketing” is perceived in the science community, why SEO matters, and why storytelling is a cru…

In this episode, I speak with Paleolimnologist, Dr. Jeffery Stone. Dr. Stone explores diatoms and diatom fossils, teaches at Indiana State University, and he’s also a Twitch streamer! We talk about all of these things, and more! Introduction (0:00:24) What is a ‘paleolimnologist’? (0:01:48) What is a ‘diatom’? (0:02:49) Diatom motility - how they m…

** Support Planet B612 on Patreon: https://patreon.com/juliesworld**In this episode, I speak with Kita Williams, a marine biologist in Australia! We talk about various sea creatures, like sponges, jellyfish, sharks, and sea slugs. We also talk about how to do rockpooling and how to find marine Tardigrades! Introduction and background (0:00:40) Perc…

In this episode, I speak with Jules Poulin, owner of From the Neck Up. Jules has developed a unique massage therapy practice that focuses on the head, neck, jaw and mouth of patients. Jules has also innovated a new way for patients and massage therapists to communicate using hand signals! Introduction and background (0:00:30) From the Neck Up - the…

In this episode, I speak with Sandrine Lafond. A trained dancer from France who worked with Marie Chouinard in Canada, danced for Celine Dion in Vegas, and then performed with Cirque du Soleil. Today, Sandrine is a co-owner and artist with Miyusaka, a kimono and japanese calligraphy business. Introduction and background (0:00:30) Sandrine’s beginni…

In this episode, I speak with Nathalie Claude, an actor and director from Montreal, Quebec. Nathalie has had a long career in the arts both in independent theatre, as a clown and a coach for Cirque du Soleil, and as a collaborator on many extraordinary shows and performances. Nathalie joins me to talk about what inspires her work, why she loves liv…

In this episode, I speak with urban moss researcher, Alison Haynes. We talk about where moss can be found in cities, how research about urban moss can help design new sustainable options, and we learn a bit more about Alison switch from journalist to scientist, to the research she did in Antarctica! Alison’s research interests in moss (0:00:54) Awa…

Is there life on Mars? How did life form on Earth? And, how do scientists learn all of this stuff? In this episode, I speak with astrobiologist and astrophysicist, Ben K. D. Pearce. Ben helps us understand how scientists get clues about the origins of life, what would happen if we found life on Mars, and how atmospheres form on planets! What is an …