In this episode, we’re joined by Kirsten Whittingham, President of MAX SPACE, the company developing expandable space habitats designed for greater livability, lower cost, and easier launches. With a background in aerospace engineering and leadership roles at Axiom Space and Pratt & Whitney, Kirsten brings a wealth of experience and a passion for o…

In this episode, we’re joined by Maraia Tanner, Chairwoman of the Board and CEO of STAR HARBOR, the company behind the world’s first publicly accessible spaceflight training facility. With a degree in astrophysics from UC Irvine, Maraia’s career spans the commercial and defense sectors, including engineering roles at TRW, Northrop Grumman, NASA, an…

In this episode, we’re joined by Lauren Fell, an Outreach and Marketing specialist at Lunar Outpost Oceania and a PhD candidate in Quantum Cognition. Lauren’s cutting-edge research explores how quantum concepts shape human intuition, particularly in trust-based decision-making. Lauren has contributed to projects like reforestation in the Galapagos …

In this episode, we’re joined by Michelle Lucas, a trailblazer in space and education. From working at NASA’s Johnson Space Center to becoming a technical instructor for astronauts and flight controllers, Michelle’s career has been driven by her passion for space. But her journey didn’t stop there. Michelle founded Higher Orbits, a nonprofit dedica…

In today's episode, we're joined by Diane Howard, Principal of sur l'espace PLLC and Visiting Professor at UT Austin School of Law/Strauss Center for International and Security Studies. Diane takes us through her unique career journey, from the fashion industry to space law, and ultimately to her former role as Director of Commercial Space Policy a…

In today's episode, we're joined by Meagan Crawford, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of SpaceFund, Co-Founder of the NewSpace Business Plan Competition, and Host of the Mission Eve Podcast. This week, Meagan dives into her journey of starting her own VC firm, how startups can find success through space business plan competitions, and the importance…

In today's episode, we're joined by Beth Mund, Owner of Stellar Communications, Executive Director and Founder of STORIES of Space, and Host and Creator of the Casual Space Podcast. In this week's conversation, Beth takes a seat at the other side of the podcast table where she shares her experience as a a former Public Affairs Officer at NASA'S Joh…

Today on In Her Orbit, we're joined by Marisa Achée, the Chief Business Development Officer at a.i. solutions. Join us in this week's conversation where we discuss the marriage between engineering and business development, fostering an employee-centric company culture in small businesses, and how to collaborate with your competitors, transforming t…

Today on In Her Orbit, we’re bringing together some of our favorite moments from our first year of podcasting. The conversation ranges from professional success and mentorship, to community and family, bringing a comprehensive picture to the female experience in the space industry. —- Guests featured: Dr. Tanya Harrison // Apple | Spotify Loretta H…

Today on In Her Orbit, we're joined by Sheila Lucas, A Strategic Growth Leader focusing on Strategy & Business Development and Space Ground Solutions at General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.. Join us in this week's conversation where we explore the multitude of pathways to the space industry, and the importance of fostering confidence in young wom…

In today's episode, we're welcoming Sandy Barker, Associate Director and Export Control Officer at The University of Texas at Austin. Join us as we discuss Sandy's experience at NASA JSC, The Texas Rocket Engineering Lab (TREL) at UT Austin, and how a strong support system is crucial to personal and professional success. --- Where to find Sandy: ht…

In today's anniversary episode, we are joined by Karsen Kitchen, the Founder and CEO of Orbitelle, Student at UNC-Chapel Hill, and Blue Origin Astronaut. While Karsen has been working towards her BA in Communications at UNC, she founded Orbitelle, a foundation dedicated to supporting young women in the space industry, and made history as the younge…

Today on In Her Orbit we’re joined by Irene Chan, a Flight Planning Engineer at Summit Technologies & Solutions, Inc. where she brings her passion for problem solving to life in support of the International Space Station. In this episode we discuss the importance of finding a supportive profesional community, turning your passions into a career, an…

In today's episode of In Her Orbit, we're joined by Dr. Timiebi Aganaba, a Senior Global Futures Scientist and Assistant Professor at Arizona State University's School for the Future of Innovation in Society. We're so excited to have her join us and share her trailblazing story of being at the forefront of space innovation across the world, inspiri…

This week we're joined by Caryn Schenewerk, the President and Founder of CS Consulting LLC, where her decades of experience in space law and public policy provide clients with unparalleled strategic guidance. Join us as we discuss Caryn's transition from government offices to commercial space, the growing space law and policy sector, and a glimpse …

In today's episode of In Her Orbit, we're joined by Amanda Golembieski, the Principal Systems Engineer at Qwaltec! Join us in our conversation about finding hands-on opportunities in college, what it's like working at Johnson Space Center, and how a supportive professional community is crucial to managing your personal and professional journeys. --…

This week's guest is Ariane Cornell, the Vice President of In-Space Systems at Blue Origin. In this episode, Ariane and Shawn discuss Ariane's highlights at Blue Origin, her childhood dreams of space, and how the family unit is crucial to success every step of the way. --- Where to find Ariane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arianecornell/ https://www…

This week's guest is Jessica Rousset, the Director of Arizona State University's Interplanetary Initiative! In this episode, Shawn and Jessica discuss how having a non-space background can provide unique perspective when looking to our space future, and how full-picture diversity is just the start to effective collaboration. --- Where to find Jessi…

This week we’re joined by Sharon Hagle, the Founder and CEO of SpaceKids Global, a foundation bringing space education opportunities to children nationwide. In this episode, Shawn and Sharon discuss inspiring children to build our space future, the importance of STEAM education, and Sharon’s experience of flying to space with Blue Origin! Where to …

In this episode of In Her Orbit, we’re joined by Coralie Adam, the Optical Navigation Lead at KinetX! Today we dive deep into what it takes to fly a spacecraft through the cosmos and what steps it takes to get there. - - - Where to find Coralie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coralieadam https://www.kinetx.com/ --- Hosted by Shawn Linam Produced by Si…

This week on In Her Orbit we are joined by Sadie Duffy, the founder and CEO of Astralis Technologies! Starting a new business is a daunting task, especially with imposter syndrome causing self-doubt. In this episode, Shawn and Sadie discuss how they moved through it to build successful, ethical, and holistic businesses. --- Where to find Sadie: htt…

In today's episode of In Her Orbit, we're joined by Celeste Ford, the Founder and Board Chair of Stellar Solutions, and Managing Director of Stellar Ventures! Join us as Shawn and Celeste unpack how her experience as one of the first female engineering students at The University of Notre Dame built the confidence she needed to start her own enginee…

This week, we are joined by Laura Crabtree, the Co-Founder and CEO of Epsilon3! In today's episode, we discuss Laura's experience training crew at SpaceX, the freedoms that come from starting your own business, and the transition from technical to front-end business roles. --- Where to Find Laura: www.twitter.com/epsilon3inc www.instagram.com/epsil…

It's a Mother's Day special! This week, our host Shawn Linam is interviewed by her two daughters, Camryn and Avery Garza. Join us as Shawn and her daughters discuss what it was like growing up with the business, the future of the industry for mothers, and family. --- Camryn Garza on LinkedIn Avery Garza on LinkedIn --- Hosted by Shawn Linam Produce…

Today's guest is Negar Feher, the CEO of Orbital Outpost X! This week, Negar and Shawn discuss family dynamics, transitioning to the front-end of business, and the growing community of female CEOs! --- Where to find Negar: https://www.orbitaloutpostx.com/ https://sustainablespaceconsulting.com/ --- Hosted by Shawn Linam Produced by Sicily Seitz Edi…

Today we are joined by Maria Varmazis, host of the N2K T-Minus Space Daily Podcast! In this episode, Shawn and Maria share their thoughts on the importance of communications and media in STEM, the secret behind public speaking, and the connections between the cybersecurity and space industries. --- Where to find Maria: https://www.mvarmazis.com/ ht…

In today's episode, we're joined by Rachel Lyons, a Leadership Coach and Board Member of Space for Humanity. This week we discuss how to implement the impacts of the overview effect into our daily lives, how our paths from education to professionals are not always straightforward, and bringing our authentic selves to our work. Ron Garan's video on …

Today's guest is Laura Forczyk, the Executive Director of Astralytical and Author of Rise of the Space-Age Millennials and Becoming Off-Worldly. In this episode, Shawn and Laura discuss what it's like to start a business while having young children, the intergenerational workplace, and where space and spirituality meet. --- Where to Find Laura: htt…

Today we are joined by Kellie Gerardi, Payload Specialist on Virgin Galactic's Galactic-05 Mission, Author, and Science Communicator. This week Shawn and Kellie discuss how to embrace our enthusiasm, gender inclusivity in human space flight, and how to encourage the next generation to embrace their multitudes! --- Where to find Kellie: https://www.…

Today's guest is Dr. Meenakshi Wadhwa, Director of the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University and Principal Scientist at the Mars Sample Return Program at Jet Propulsion Laboratory. In this episode, Shawn and Dr. Wadhwa discuss exploring the red planet, following your passions, and the growing community of women in planet…

This week's guest is Brittany Pitcel, the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility's Technical Integration Lead at KBR. In this episode we explore how to take advantage of opportunities, the importance of community, and how education plays a role in it all. --- Where to find Brittany: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-pitcel/ --- Hosted by Shawn Linam Prod…

This week we're welcoming Dr. Christyl Johnson, the Deputy Center Director for Technology and Research Investments at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. Join Shawn and Dr. Johnson this week as they unpack the importance of setting good habits early, working through imposter syndrome, and the value of diversity in innovation. Where to find Dr. John…

This week we're joined by Taryn Struck, Portfolio Manager at Arizona State University's Interplanetary Initiative. Today Shawn and Taryn discuss how any career can lead to a space career, the importance of a holistic technical and social collaboration within a team, and some new, exciting project at ASU Interplanetary! Where to find Taryn: https://…

This week we're joined by Christina Korp, founder and CEO of SPACE for a Better World. Today Shawn and Christina discuss the importance of bringing creativity to our work in STEM, parenting while maintaining a high-level career, and bringing out self-confidence from within. Where to find Christina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinakorp/ https:/…

This week on In Her Orbit we're joined by Adeena Mignogna, systems and software engineer, public speaker, and author of The Robot Galaxy Series! In this episode, Shawn and Adeena discuss fostering one's love for science fiction, time management, and inspiring future generations! Where to find Adeena: https://adeenamignogna.com/ The Robot Galaxy Ser…

This week's guest is Sandy Johnson, Co-Owner and CEO of Barrios Technology, a Woman-Owned Small Business and trusted provider of government and sector solutions. This week we discuss the importance of forging your own path, the joys (and challenges) of working with family, and standing up for yourself professionally. Where to find Sandy: https://ww…

This week's episode features Dr. Tanya Harrison, the Co-Founder and CEO of the Earth and Planetary Institute of Canada and Co-Founder of the Zed Factor Fellowship. Our episode this week discusses accessibility within our working environments, the importance of community, and the thrill of researching our neighboring red planet. Where to find Dr. Ha…

This week we are joined by Loretta Hidalgo Whitesides, the founder of SpaceKind, author of The New Right Stuff: Bringing Space to Bring out the Best in You, and Virgin Galactic Founding Astronaut. In this week's episode, Loretta and Shawn discuss how to marry enthusiasm and professionalism, the dangers of exploration, and how to find support from y…

This week we are joined by Dr. Elizabeth Newton, the Chief Operating Officer at BWXT Advanced Technologies. In This episode, Dr. Newton and Shawn discuss the importance of mentorship, cultivating the whole person, and the differences between industry and academia. Where to find Dr. Newton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-newton-34981746? http…

This week Shawn speaks with Georgie Brophy, the Vice President of Strategy and Growth at Qwaltec. In this episode, Shawn and Georgie take a deep dive into leadership, motherhood, and what it means to truly balance work and family. Where to find Georgie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgie-brophy/ https://www.qwaltec.com --- Hosted by Shawn Linam Pr…

This week we welcome Allison McIntyre, Chief of the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center. In this episode, Allison and Shawn discuss their time at NASA in the 90s, perseverance in the face of hardships, and the future of space exploration! Where to find Allison: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-mcintyre-6498165/ https://w…

Welcome to In Her Orbit! A new podcast hosted by Qwaltec Co-Founder and CEO, Shawn Linam, celebrating the successes of women in the space industry. Join us every week when we interview another interstellar woman. Premiers November 6, 2023! --- Hosted by Shawn Linam Produced by Sicily Seitz Edited by Jun Winters --- Music by Mr. Stee, www.mrsteemusi…